Chapter Text
Sehun has a degree, believe it or not.
It's in choreography, which when he tells most people they turn up their nose and feel their respect for him slip, but he studied at university for four years and put his blood, sweat, tears (and many fractured bones) into it. Regardless of what people think, he's proud of himself. He's never been an academic person, so to sustain the grades to get accepted into university on a scholarship was miracle enough. Looking back, he supposes he shouldn't have believed his luck would never run out.
The thing is, is that there isn't a huge demand for choreographers. You're either an established choreographer who works for the stars or you're no one. Unfortunately, Sehun happens to fall into the latter category.
He had a job, if only for a few months. He led a dancing class at the local youth centre which he loved, and he was heartbroken when the manager of the centre told him they were making cutbacks so they would have to cancel his classes. Sehun did his upmost best to protest, hell he even offered to work for free which is very unlike him, but the decision among the board was unanimous: he had to go.
That was about a year ago. Since then he has had a string of unsuccessful jobs; a clothing attendant at H&M, a waiter (which he particularly despised) a sales assistant at a jewellery store and his most recent employment was in the coffee shop on the high street. As soon as he put the apron on, Sehun knew he wasn't cut out to be a barista but he gritted his teeth and persevered- he had bills and student loans to pay off- but it wasn't meant to be. His short stint at Bean & Brew ended with him tossing his balled up apron at his co-worker Becky (who he really despised) calling her a bitch and then storming out of the door whilst flipping the bird.
When he told his mother he was between jobs on their weekly FaceTime calls, the pinched expression Sehun has become so familiar with crossed her face, she sighed in resignation and told him to start looking for another occupation.
He knew what she was really thinking, because he was thinking it too: you should've been an accountant.
***
Kyungsoo is round again.
Despite whatever misgivings Sehun may have had about him in the beginning, he likes the guy. They've only known each other for a year, but he thinks that's long enough to decide your opinion on someone. Kyungsoo is okay, as far as people go.
He is also Sehun's roommate and best friend Jongin's boyfriend.
Sehun has never inquired as to how they met, he's never really cared enough. All he remembers is laying on the couch one night and Jongin coming in with his arms around the shorter boy's shoulders. Sehun's first- and usually trustworthy- first impression was: he's a dick. Kyungoo was stony-faced, stiffly shook his hand, barely spoke two words to him and fixed him with a glare that made the hair on the back of Sehun's neck stand up. It took the younger boy a while to realise that Kyungsoo wasn't, in fact, stuck up- just cripplingly shy.
Which is weird, considering Kyungsoo is a fucking movie star, of all things.
To this day, Sehun wonders what he saw in his best friend that he didn't see in the countless stars in the industry. Then he remembers why he still harbours a slither of hatred for the boy, because Sehun used to be in love with Jongin in high school when they first met and has kind of never gotten over it.
Festering feelings and unrequited love aside, the guy is fine.
It's always awkward when Kyungsoo comes round because Jongin desperately tries to vie his time between the two of them so neither one feels left out. The grown-up, mature side of Sehun knows this is ridiculous because how can he begrudge his best friend quality time with his boyfriend who he rarely gets to see outside of his busy schedule? Whereas the bratty side of Sehun sometimes enjoys muscling in on their time together.
Sehun doesn't understand why he always crashes at their shitty apartment when he owns a fucking townhouse in the rich part of the city.
Tonight, Kyungsoo cooked dinner instead of ordering takeout like he always does. He told them he's been really invested in cooking lately, between demanding hours on set and balancing his private life. Although he doesn't say it, it's actually the best meal Sehun has ever tasted. Of course he can't let Kyungsoo have this satisfaction.
Afterwards, they sit in the lounge and Jongin puts a movie on. He and Kyungsoo sit at one end of the sofa with a blanket, meanwhile Sehun sits alone at the other end. Once Jongin asked if he wanted to cuddle with them which was enough to make both Sehun and Kyungsoo retch and shake their heads violently. Jongin would never outwardly vocalise it, but Sehun knows he pities him for not having a boyfriend. Hell, Sehun pities himself.
It's not like it's for a lack of trying. Sehun has been on plenty of dates, they just never seem to develop past the first date stage. He's had Tinder on his phone for a while, occasionally swiping through it when he's bored, but it's lost the excitement from when he first downloaded it and realised he had an endless supply of booty calls at his fingertips.
He's been there, done that. Whenever he looks over at the couple, he feels a tug of longing in his chest. He wants what they have; completion, adoration. Sehun finds himself wondering what it must feel like to look at someone and know they are the other half of your soul.
His other best friend, Baekhyun, has tried to set him up with countless guys before, because Baekhyun is the kind of person who knows everyone. After his latest failed date last week, his best friend had thrown his hands up in despair and said, "Well maybe you're just unloveable."
While Sehun brushed it off with a scoff and an eye roll, the thought terrified him. He knows he plays up on his cold demeanour and snarky attitude, but he possesses a heart underneath it all. He's fiercely loyal to those he loves and has always dreamed about one day sharing the same sentiment with another half.
He really tries not to stare at his roommate and his boyfriend, who have now begun whispering and gently caressing each other. Sehun turns his head away, burning with shame.
A while later, Jongin goes into the kitchen to make them all tea. This is something he does every night before bed. Usually Sehun doesn't drink it, unless Jongin specifically offers to make him some. Of course he would never turn down anything Jongin offered him.
In his absence, an awkward silence settles over Sehun and Kyungsoo. They have only had a few conversations on their own before, and apart from knowing Jongin, they have little in common. Sehun doesn't know if Kyungsoo has guessed the true extent of his feelings for his roommate, even if he had the older boy would never utter a word. Although, when he feels like it he can be utterly unbearable to the extent Sehun wants to rip his head from his shoulders, Kyungsoo would never humiliate him like that. He knows it would only ruin Jongin and Sehun's friendship, which for the sake of his boyfriend, he would never do.
"How's your job hunt going?" The older boy asks, picking his nails and looking utterly disinterested. Sehun wishes he hadn't bothered saying anything. Conversing with him takes up far too much energy.
He lifts one shoulder up in a shrug. "It's going."
Kyungsoo's lips tug into a smirk. "You're still leeching off your parents, then?"
"Fuck off."
Kyungsoo chuckles. He takes Sehun's rudeness in his stride a lot better than most people, which is actually a blessing. Jongin would only be torn choosing between the two of them if they didn't get along.
On cue, Jongin returns to the lounge carrying a tray laden down with tea and snacks he lovingly prepared for them. Kyungsoo leans up to kiss him on the cheek and Sehun averts his gaze, feeling like he is intruding on a private moment. Already he has overstayed his welcome. Perhaps if he focuses on drinking his tea it will ease his awkwardness.
"I was just asking Sehun about whether he's gotten any further looking for a job," remarks Kyungsoo, glancing over at the Sehun. Annoyingly, he has a mischievous glint in his eye. The younger boy stiffens, wondering what the hell is going to come next.
Jongin's face softens in sympathy. "It's been really tough for him."
Kyungsoo smirks, and it takes all of Sehun's self-government not to reach across the sofa and beat him around the head. The older boy is obviously plotting something. As to what, however, Sehun remains completely oblivious.
"You know, I was talking to one of my friends and he mentioned something that I think would interest Sehun."
The younger boy's head snaps up involuntarily as he narrows his eyes in suspicion.
"He knows someone who is in need of a personal assistant. Like, desperately. They're not even putting advertisements out, it's a first come first served thing."
Sehun scoffs. "Nice try. I'm not being anyone's servant."
"No, hang on, Sehun," frowns Jongin, looking attentive. Sehun rolls his eyes and throws his head back in exasperation. "Who needs a personal assistant? Some guy in an office?"
Kyungsoo's eyes light up and Sehun just knows the prick has been waiting to drop whatever bomb is coming next.
"Not exactly..." he says, cryptically. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you, but it's Kim Junmyeon."
Jongin gasps, smacking his boyfriend's shoulder. "You're shitting me?"
Sehun stares blankly at them, drawing a blank. "Who the hell is Kim Junmyeon?"
At this, Jongin looks affronted, like Sehun has just insulted mortally offended his mother or something. Completely overdramatic, which is just so him.
"He's a really famous actor! He's been in musicals and loads of dramas."
"You know I don't watch that crap."
"Yeah, but... still!" Jongin waves his hands for emphasis. "You should've at least heard of him. Are you sure he needs a personal assistant, Soo?"
"Yeah. He's getting desperate because he's due to start in this new musical soon."
Sehun heaves a sigh and begins to stand up. He knows this is the perfect time to take his leave. "Well, I wish the guy the best of luck, but unfortunately I'm not prepared to spend my days fetching him coffee and massaging his feet- or whatever the hell personal assistants do."
Jongin lunges across the sofa, grabbing his arm and pulling him back down with surprising strength. "Think about it, Sehun, you need this job! The opportunity has just been handed to you- it's perfect! I won't let you turn this down, it's a one in a million opportunity."
If it were anyone else, Sehun would yank himself free and tell them that nobody tells him what to do, and shove his concern up their ass. But, because it's Jongin, Sehun knows he has to listen to him. Partly because he wants to please him, but also because he has an annoying habit of always being right.
"Fine!" Sehun throws his hands up in defeat. "Whatever. I guess I'll give it a try. What's his number?"
Kyungsoo snorts. "Do you think I'm allowed to give out that kind of information? I can give you his manager's number, though."
"Fine, fine. Whatever."
Sehun holds his hand out impatiently while Kyungsoo finds a pen and paper and scribbles down his mysterious friend's phone number. He slaps it on Sehun's palm with a smirk that Jongin somehow manages to miss. He's too busy scrolling through Netflix trying to find one of Kim Junmyeon's dramas to watch. Sehun leaves before he can get roped into this torture. If he's going to be working for the guy, he doesn't want to suffer through watching him on TV too.
As he gets ready for bed, he tries to rationalise it. If he does in fact ring the guy Kyungsoo told him about, it's unlikely he'd get the job anyway, no matter how desperate Kim Junmyeon is. They wouldn't partner Sehun, with no experience in this field, with a seasoned celebrity. He'd only fuck up and end up getting fired on the first day. Perhaps if Sehun leaves it a couple of days someone else will apply for the job, so he can tell Jongin that at least he tried but someone got there before him.
This is exactly what he will do. And then no more will ever be mentioned about it.
***
Over the weekend, Sehun mulls over when the best time to ring this number will be. He slobs around the apartment all Saturday and then goes clubbing with Baekhyun and Chanyeol. On Sunday, he's in bed all day nursing a hangover and doesn't get in the shower until nine pm. That leaves Monday. Sehun feels like he has sufficiently let it fester for long enough. So when he waves Jongin off to work on Monday morning, he heads into his bedroom and psychs himself up to actually dial the number.
It rings for so long that Sehun feels relieved that nobody is going to answer. Just as his thumb is hovering over the red disconnect button, an unfamiliar voice crackles through the speaker.
"This is Kim Jongdae. May I ask who's calling?"
Gulp.
Part of Sehun wonders whether it's wise to abruptly hang up and pretend he was a random cold call. Then, Jongin's words ring in his mind. Squeezing his eyes shut, he forces the words out.
"Hello, I'm calling about the position to be Kim Junmyeon's personal assistant."
"Who is this?" The man's suspicion is palpable even through the phone.
"Oh Sehun. I was told by Do Kyungsoo about the job."
There's a brief pause. "Kyungsoo, huh? And what exactly did he say?"
"That Kim Junmyeon desperately needed an assistant because he was due to start a musical soon."
"Hm... All right," Jongdae still sounds skeptical, which pisses Sehun off. "I'll text you my email address and you can send your application. I'll reply to you as soon as I can. You may be required to send proof of identification, though I assume you can stretch to that, yes?"
"Um... yes."
"Excellent. I look forward to hearing from you Oh Sehun."
Just like that, Jongdae hangs up, leaving Sehun feeling wrong-footed. He has to stare at his phone for a few moments to ensure that, no, he didn't just dream that conversation. He thought it would be a lot more arduous process than a brief phone call. However, Jongdae gave him his instructions so Sehun switches on his laptop and gets to work at digging out his CV from the hundreds of unnamed folders on his device.
By the time Jongin gets back from work, Sehun has just about finished drafting it. He asks his friend to give it the once over, and he reassures him it's perfect while clapping him excitedly on the shoulders. He tells Sehun he can't believe he's going to work for the Kim Junmyeon, to which Sehun replies with an eye roll and tells him he hasn't even sent his application off yet and to not get so excited.
Though, in the back of their minds, they know that Kyungsoo's name carries a lot of weight in the industry, so there is a high possibility Sehun will get the job despite his bitter protests.
He sends his application off at seven pm, not hearing back from Jongdae until the next morning. Apparently, he's very impressed (as to why, Sehun can't fathom. Probably more so that he's acquainted with Kyungsoo, not by his actual application) and asks if Sehun can come in for an interview on Friday. After sending Jongdae proof of his passport and drivers license, Sehun says he can make it.
Jongin is so ecstatic when Sehun tells him that he calls Kyungsoo up straight away and thanks him. For an awful moment, Sehun thinks Jongin is going to force him to thank Kyungsoo himself but luckily he doesn't. He knows Kyungsoo didn't do this because his heart was in the right place, he did it to get at Sehun. He's not entirely sure why, considering he always thought they got along perfectly well. The older boy is particularly hard to read, so perhaps Sehun got his wires completely crossed. It wouldn't be the first time.
The next two days are agonisingly slow, but eventually Friday rolls around and Sehun, surprisingly, feels ready. He's tired of waiting now, he just wants it to be over so he can know whether he needs to start hunting for yet another job.
He's awake at dawn. He tells himself this isn't because of nerves but deep down he's painfully aware he's lying. He lays in bed for a few hours, alternating between staring at the ceiling and his phone. When he hears Jongin stirring in his bedroom getting ready for work, this is when he gets up too.
Jongin offers to make him breakfast but Sehun politely declines, heading straight to the coffee percolator to make himself some black coffee. He needs all the caffeine he can get. Something tells him it's going to be a long day.
The interview is at nine, which gives him an hour and fifteen minutes to kill. Sehun showers and shaves (even though he doesn't really need to, he's never so much as grown one follicle of stubble before but the motion helps him feel more manly, more in control) dresses in his smartest shirt and trousers with a matching blazer, sprays himself with cologne and slicks his hair back into a side parting with gel. Looking at his sharp, cold features and the suit pressed to perfection- Sehun certainly looks the part. He looks expensive. Professional. Like he should be the one conducting the job interview.
Staring at his reflection causes his confidence to skyrocket. He's got this in the bag. And if for some reason he doesn't get the job, he will simply refuse to leave until Jongdae offers it to him.
Seeing as Sehun despises the subway- hates the awkwardness of being crammed elbow to elbow with strangers who more often than not smell- he takes his car instead. Technically, he couldn't afford his car, but he was so sick of standing on the train and feeling faint from the smell of B.O. that he emptied what was left of his savings to buy it. It's a simple Kia, and it pales in comparison to the Audi RS7 he has had his eye on for an eternity- but Sehun has learnt the hard way that beggars can't be choosers.
He makes it to the office building with over ten minutes to spare. As he takes in the immense glass skyscraper in front of him, he idly wonders whether he will meet Kim Junmyeon today or at a later date.
Because he's going to get that job, even if it kills him.
In Jongdae's emails, he told Sehun to take the elevator up to the tenth floor and sit in the waiting room until he was summoned. Confidently, Sehun rolls his shoulders back as he pushes open the glass doors leading to the lobby. Instead of introducing himself to the receptionist, who watches him in confusion, he heads straight over to the elevator and mashes the button with the number 10 on it, ignoring the people who are hurrying to try and join him. Thankfully, the metal doors slide shut just in time. That's a relief. One of Sehun's biggest fears is being trapped in an elevator full of strangers. Especially disgruntled office workers.
Sehun is aware of how cocky he looks to onlookers, striding through the building like he owns the place, his earbuds firmly in his ears as he listens to music, looking thoroughly bored with the whole idea- but that's the whole point. Sehun has found throughout life that if you pretend to be emotionless, then your true emotions will slowly ebb away too.
A therapist would probably say it's one of Sehun's defence mechanisms, a safety net he has held onto as a result of being hurt in the past. Sehun would probably say that's bullshit.
He introduces himself to the woman behind the desk on the tenth floor, informing her he's here to meet Kim Jongdae. After tapping on her computer for a few seconds, she motions for him to take a seat. Giving her a small nod, he takes himself over to the furthest chair in the corner, narrowing his eyes and focusing his gaze out of the glass wall in front of him.
From this height, Sehun can practically see the whole expanse of city. He's never seen it from this angle before, and the place he has grown to hate over the past few years suddenly looks more beautiful than he could ever have imagined it. It's a strange revelation, one that sits uneasily in his stomach.
"Oh Sehun?"
Sehun snaps his head up to see a smartly-dressed man towering above him. Judging by the aura he exudes- full of his own self-importance- Sehun guesses this must be the infamous Kim Jongdae. He pulls himself out of his chair and holds his hand out to shake with his maybe future employer, but Jongdae ignores it, beckoning him to follow with a crooked finger.
He's lead into a spacious but minimalistic office, all beige walls and leather upholstery. The crowning feature of the room is the floor-to-ceiling wall that has a breathtaking view of the city. Sehun tries his hardest to not let himself be distracted by it.
"It's good to finally meet you, Mr Oh," Jongdae eases himself into a high-back leather chair. It creaks and sounds like a fart. Sehun chokes back a laugh, passing it off as a cough.
"Likewise, Mr Kim," Sehun nods, trying to blink the tears out of his eyes.
"I must say, I was impressed that you know Kyungsoo. I didn't know he associated himself with... your type of circle." Jongdae's lip curls up, and it's not entirely nicely.
Sehun prickles at this statement, but is intuitive enough to know when to keep his mouth shut.
I wonder if you know Kyungsoo is boning my nobody post-graduate roommate. I wonder if you know what it's like to be woken up by Kyungsoo moaning at three am, and passing him the next morning and seeing he still has cum on his chest. I wonder, Mr Kim Jongdae...
Sehun flashes a false smile he doesn't even try to rectify to look genuine.
"I called him straightaway, you understand, just to vouch for you; and I must say, I've never heard him speak so highly of someone before."
At this, Sehun is genuinely perplexed. "He did?"
"Yes. I was confused at first, but then I looked at your résumé and found myself impressed too. You have experience in all fields, it seems."
"Yeah, I guess you could say that."
Why doesn't this feel like a proper job interview? It feels like the beginnings of a cheesy porno. In a minute Jongdae will tell him he has to work for the position and bend him over the desk... Oh no, now Sehun can't get the joke out of his mind. He presses his lips together so no stray giggles can come out, but it's a real task. He's trying to imagine someone as stuffy as Jongdae even having sex. Oh God, that's made the image even worse. Ew, ew, ew, get out.
"Sehun?"
"Sorry," the younger man jumps slightly, not realising he was so spaced out. "What did you say, Mr Kim?"
"I asked you to tell me why you think you deserve this position." Jongdae arches an eyebrow.
Sehun's got this. He's been practising for these questions with Jongin all week.
"Well, I'm professional, conscientious and a highly-organised person who has a passion for my work. So, I take the responsibilities of my role seriously. So, I very much enjoy being the person who has the responsibility of organising and planning things for my employer."
Jongdae leans forward and looks at Sehun's lap, causing him to shy away.
"Sorry. Just checking whether you were reading off of a cue card."
"Did my answer impress you that much, Mr Kim?"
Jongdae can't help himself, he laughs. "I commend your memory retention. How else are you going to sell yourself to me?"
"I am a positive person who will not crumble under pressure and am able to plan, multi-task and organise my work in accordance with strict timescales."
The interviewer leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers in consideration. He surveys Sehun with narrowed eyes, to which the younger boy coolly meets his gaze. If he's trying to unnerve him, it's not going to work. Sehun was hit by an old white lady's handbag when he worked in H&M and was subsequently fired for allegedly disrespecting her. This is child's play.
"You know what, Sehun, I don't know why, but I like you. I think Junmyeon will too. Screw it; you're hired."
Sehun didn't realise how tense he was until his whole body deflates in relief. He had no idea the interview meant so much to him.
He stands up, and finally, Jongdae accepts his handshake.
"Thank you, Mr Kim. I can't promise I won't let you down because I'll probably mix up his coffee orders on day one or something, but I'm grateful for the opportunity."
Jongdae chuckles. "Maybe it's because he's my friend and I want to see him sweat a bit, but he's certainly going to have his hands full with you. Be here on Sunday at eight am."
"Are you a man of the Lord, Mr Kim? Are you aware that's the day of rest?"
"For mega-stars like Junmyeon, there is no day of rest," Jongdae tells him wryly. "Nor for personal assistants. It could be worse, I could make you sit through the whole seven am meeting. Or maybe you'd prefer that?"
Sehun blanches. "I'll be here at eight am on the dot, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Should I bring anything to make a good impression? Coffee? Donuts? Roses to scatter adoringly at his feet?"
"Get out of here, Mr Oh, before I call security." But Jongdae is laughing. Actually laughing! What a result! "I will forewarn Junmyeon about your smart tongue. But go easy on him, he's quite an easy target."
Whatever the hell that means.
***
Before Jongin is even properly through the door, he trips over his shoes which he is hurriedly kicking off and explodes into the lounge, with the force of a small hurricane.
"I ran all the way from the subway station," he pants, leaning against the wall to catch his breath. Sehun raises his eyebrows at him from the sofa. "How did it go? Did you get the job?"
Sehun turns his head, fixing his gaze onto the ground. "I... No. Apparently I didn't have enough experience. Kyungsoo put a good word in for me, though."
Jongin's face crumples. He catapults himself over the back of the sofa, practically landing in Sehun's lap. Not that the younger boy is complaining. Especially not when Jongin engulfs him in such a tight hug he can feel his heartbeat on his cheek.
Jongin smoothes his hair and starts a spiel about how maybe it didn't work out this time, but it surely will next time. He tells him he didn't think the job was practical anyway, deep down he reckoned Sehun wouldn't get it because of his lack of experience.
Sehun pulls away, feeling guilty at being held by Jongin for too long.
"I'm joking by the way. Of course I got the job."
Jongin freezes momentarily, realisation dawning on his countenance. In a flash, he's picked up one of the throw cushions and begins beating his best friend with it. Sehun submits and curls into a ball, laughing loudly and carefree. It's been so long since him and Jongin have acted like this that he allows himself a few moments to bask in it, his heart soaring.
"You're so cruel, Sehun!" Exclaims Jongin, collapsing back onto the sofa in a sweaty heap. Sehun resists the urge to straddle him.
"I'm sorry!" Sehun gasps, out of breath from their tussle. "I'll make you ramen?"
Jongin agrees enthusiastically. After all, he's a very forgiving person.