Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Boss (of bad decisions):

It’s been 2 hours team. Updates?

Underpaid Assistant:

Must we keep doing this?

Boss (of bad decisions):

What?

Underpaid Assistant:

You know exactly what I am talking about

Sir.

Boss (of bad decisions):

Tacking it on the end doesn’t mean I didn’t notice the lack of respect you cretin.

Back to important things, @HR’s worst nightmare what is he up to right now?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

Feeding the cats behind the convenience store.

Underpaid Assistant:

I can’t believe you are actually out there stalking the man.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he accepted my increased rates ¯\(ツ)/¯

Boss (of bad decisions):

It’s called market research.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

ok your “market research” is having a latte and a muffin right now.

all that money and he can’t be bothered to buy a decent coffee from an actual cafe.

Boss (of bad decisions):

He looks like he is not eating enough. Should I get food delivered to his house?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

bro’s one step away from “hello, it’s UberEats I have your food, oh and also I love you”

Underpaid Assistant:

Please focus on designing the next games, not his calorie intake.

Boss (of bad decisions):

It’s called employee welfare. 

Underpaid Assistant:

He doesn’t even work here!

Boss (of bad decisions):

yet.

Underpaid Assistant:

I hate everything about this.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

Boss (of bad decisions):

Who do think he is calling so late in the night?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

fuck if I know.. maybe he has a new fuck buddy?

would explain the man who showed up earlier with a bag of food

Boss (of bad decisions):

WHAT?

I mean, who? Do you think that man can be a danger to our plans?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

the plan being you wanting to get in Seong Gihun’s pants? cause there is no “our” in that, only you

Boss (of bad decisions):

I don’t know what you are talking about.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

sure you don't. apparently I am out here sacrificing sleep for nothing

here's the pic btw

Underpaid Assistant:

It’s literally 3 a.m. There is no reason to be talking about this right now.

Boss (of bad decisions):

Find everything you can about him @Underpaid Assistant. 

His hair looks different. Maybe he cut it?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

hasn't been to the salon and looks too choppy in real life. probably cut it last night himself the fool.

Boss (of bad decisions):

Zoom in on his hands and see if he hurt himself. He might need a tetanus shot.

Underpaid Assistant:

I need to be shot. What the fuck am I reading?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

tell me about it dude’s in love and I am the one out here freezing my ass for it

Boss (of bad decisions):

I don’t even like him, he is just interesting.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

interesting = you wrote his name on the whiteboard twice.

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh the one he keeps in his bedroom?

I saw that too, all underlined and shit.

Boss (of bad decisions):

That was for emphasis, nothing to do with any emotions related to affection or love.

Underpaid Assistant:

Emphasis??? All it needed was some red hearts drawn around it and it would look like your Wedding Welcome Sign!

Boss (of bad decisions):

Keep this up and you will be fired.

Underpaid Assistant:

Might as well cause I don't get paid enough for this shit. Hell, even @HR’s worst nightmare gets paid better.

In what world is that fair?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

don't be a hater

Underpaid Assistant:

You have basically turned into a security camera. At this point I am the only one focusing on our actual job.

Boss (of bad decisions):

If you want more money then get out there and join him. I could always use more pics from different angles.

Underpaid Assistant:

Don’t even wanna know what you using them for

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

do I win something if I guess right? cause I know exactly what he uses them for (¬‿¬)

if you guys catch my drift

Underpaid Assistant:

I beg of you, shut the fuck up.

Good night.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

headed to subway

Boss (of bad decisions):

The restaurant or the transportation system?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

the sandwich place 😭

he got chicken again omg absolute trash taste

Underpaid Assistant:

How hasn’t he spotted you yet? The picture looks like it's taken from very close distance.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

what can I say? I do good work

he is getting his money’s worth.

Underpaid Assistant:

You both need supervision.

Boss (of bad decisions):

I said to follow him subtly !!

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

subtlety costs extra

Underpaid Assistant:

So does therapy, which both of you desperately need

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

man you are in for a treat @Boss (of bad decisions)

I deserve to be awarded for this

Underpaid Assistant:

What now?

Boss (of bad decisions):

What did you do.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

take a seat if you are standing and preferably be alone for this cause it’s not gonna be comfortable otherwise

Underpaid Assistant:

Holy fuck just say it already. I am loosing precious seconds of my life for this

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

Boss (of bad decisions):

…

Underpaid Assistant:

Finally ready to accept the truth after all this time?

Boss (of bad decisions):

What truth? There is nothing I am in denial about.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

well maybe this will change your mind

that's a hot twink if there ever was one

Boss (of bad decisions):

Back the fuck off.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

whoa there is nothing wrong in saying the truth

Underpaid Assistant:

Hold on, why are you right next to him?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

relax I paid a teen to ask him for a cigarette and to get a pic when he wasn’t looking

Underpaid Assistant:

You’re going to be arrested soon

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

like we haven't done worse

where did boss go? did he actually die from the shock?

Underpaid Assistant:

At least we would finally be free from this hell

Boss (of bad decisions):

@Underpaid Assistant handle the business for the rest of the day. I need the rest of the day off.

Underpaid Assistant:

The VIPs are expecting YOU!

.

.

.

I actually can’t believe this.

Boss (of bad decisions):

I can’t sleep. I keep thinking about him playing with cats.

Underpaid Assistant:

Have you tried not being insane?

Boss (of bad decisions):

Maybe I should get a cat…

Underpaid Assistant:

Yeah, cause having those two small goldfish worked out so great last time.

Boss (of bad decisions):

Whatever.

What if i “accidentally” run into him tomorrow?

Underpaid Assistant:

Define “accidentally”

Boss (of bad decisions):

I will just happen to be standing by the convenience store door and open it for him as I see him coming out.

Underpaid Assistant:

That’s called lurking. it's bad enough you are having him followed.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

someone call me?

Underpaid Assistant:

No you heathen, go back to sleep.

Boss (of bad decisions):

Do you think he has eaten dinner yet?

Underpaid Assistant:

It’s midnight. Why are you even thinking about his dinner?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

I know for a fact he hasn’t eaten anything beyond that one stale gimbap that has been in his fridge for idk how long

Boss (of bad decisions):

No wonder he keeps getting sick. He needs someone to remind him and feed him good, healthy food.

Underpaid Assistant:

Dear god he is turning into a nanny

Boss (of bad decisions):

i’m just… worried about his health. You know, making sure he stays healthy enough to fight me when he finally finds me.

Underpaid Assistant:

This isn't the time or the place to be talking about your sexual fantasies

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

headed to a vending machine outside his hotel

Boss (of bad decisions):

what is he buying?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

chocolate bar

Boss (of bad decisions):

He has a sweet tooth. Interesting.

Underpaid Assistant:

You are writing a thesis on someone who doesn’t know you exist

Boss (of bad decisions):

He knows I exist! Just not what I look like or my name or anything else about me. If he knew anything about me, he would have already hunted me down and held me at gun point.

Underpaid Assistant:

Good. Please let’s keep it that way

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

tragic romance of the year

Boss (of bad decisions):

Focus on your job. Report his status.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

report: your crush doesn’t know you, still.

Underpaid Assistant:

Groundbreaking update

Boss (of bad decisions):

I meant the detailed one.

Get it together before I start loosing my patience.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

geez is this what years of no sex does to a guy?

He wore grey today, looked sad

9/10 vibe

Boss (of bad decisions):

Sad?  Who hurt him?

Underpaid Assistant:

Uhhh??? probably people like you??

Boss (of bad decisions):

Right.

I shall apologize profusely when we meet.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

that’s if he lets you speak before emptying the entire gun into your head

Boss (of bad decisions):

He would look hot doing it.

Underpaid Assistant:

Dear god Oh Il-nam’s rolling in his grave

Boss (of bad decisions):

Serves him right, the bastard.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

well, at least he is no longer in denial

a win is a win

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

can i expense my stalking coffee and snacks?

Underpaid Assistant:

Don't wake the devil again I beg

It has been a nice two months of silence from this chat

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah well it was recruiting season and that nearly doesnt pay as well as stalking boss's malewife 

so i am back in business baby (￣З￣)

Boss (of bad decisions):

For the last time, it’s not stalking.

It’s field observation.

Underpaid Assistant:

So, not going to object to the malewife part huh?

Boss (of bad decisions):

That’s... irrelevant to the discussion.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

that’s a confirmation, methinks 👀

back to my question though...

Boss (of bad decisions):

Only if you stop calling it stalking.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

so… yes?

Boss (of bad decisions):

Fine.

Underpaid Assistant:

Thats taxpayer fraud.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i know your ass not talking abt fraud

Underpaid Assistant:

I don't know what you are talking about

Still stuck on the fact that you pay taxes

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i am an upstanding citizen of this country ofc i pay taxes

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Boss (of bad decisions):

@Underpaid Assistant 

Officer!!

@Underpaid Assistant come here right this instant!

Underpaid Assistant:

What.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

ooohh gangsta cool it before he starts chaining you to the tree outside the compound

Underpaid Assistant:

Dont even joke about that

I still shudder when I remember how he made me stand outside in the rain the entire night when I missed .. never mind

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

oh no please continue

missed what?

Underpaid Assistant:

…a “stakeout opportunity”

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

LMFAOO

not you getting waterboarded for love

Boss (of bad decisions):

It was discipline.

Underpaid Assistant:

Was there a point to us being here?

Boss (of bad decisions):

Yes.

If I get one more complain about you from a pink soldier, I am marching down to that underground business of yours and bombing it.

With you inside it.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

...

dare i ask?

Underpaid Assistant:

Why are you airing my business out like that?

Boss (of bad decisions):

I find public humiliation works best to get you in line.

Also, it's not your business if you are running it in my company's basement.

Underpaid Assistant:

You never cared before!

Boss (of bad decisions):

People change. 

Wrap the whole thing up. You have 3 days.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

hold on — underground business?

as in literally under the building??

Underpaid Assistant:

Its a very small operation, very temporary

A side hustle, if you will

It helps people, so its community welfare if we are being real 

Boss (of bad decisions):

community welfare?  You are selling organs out of my basement.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

wait organs??

why didnt i know about this? 

Underpaid Assistant:

Cause you are never on the island for long

Lets move on now

Boss (of bad decisions):

Remember, wrap it up in three days or I will personally supervise the packing.

Underpaid Assistant:

I am heading down there right now, calm down already.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

back to our regularly scheduled surveillance program

Underpaid Assistant:

Adding in big words and making it sound all official doesnt make it good thing

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

makes it sound cooler plus boss forbade me from calling it 'stalking' remember?

anyWAYS, field observation has been slow ever since we got banned from the cafe across from the store gihun visits regularly

Underpaid Assistant:

Uhh you got us banned bitch lets not overlook the details

I was just drinking my coffee.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

its called team effort

Boss (of bad decisions):

And this is what I am paying you for?

Underpaid Assistant:

You dont even pay me, I was just dragged along by that menace on my way back from a meeting

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

technically it was work related surveillance.

Underpaid Assistant:

You literally said “lets sit here so we can study his aura closely”

Boss (of bad decisions):

…that’s actually not a bad idea.

Underpaid Assistant:

Sir please dont encourage this again

That cafe manager was ready to call the cops on us

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

nah he’s in too deep already

next thing you know he is buying the whole cafe for “research purposes"

btw look what i just saw @Boss (of bad decisions)

Underpaid Assistant:

Delete that. Immediately.

Before he takes another day off to moon over these pics

Boss (of bad decisions):

He is literally kissing one of them??? He is so soft. 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

its disgusting 😭 a dog got a kiss before you

Boss (of bad decisions):

It's only a matter of time.

Where did you get that photo?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

outside the cafe

totally public, i just happened to be walking by with a camera 

Underpaid Assistant:

“happened to be” acting like you havent been camped there since 8am

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

its called being committed to the craft ┐(￣∀￣)┌

Boss (of bad decisions):

Send me more if you have them.

For research purposes, of course.

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh my god not this again

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

sending 

Underpaid Assistant:

And this is why we’re banned from the cafe.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

fucking hell WAKE UP @Underpaid Assistant

!!!! SOS

you dont wanna miss this @Underpaid Assistant this is pure gold holy shit

Underpaid Assistant:

I regret joining this company more and more

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

clutch ur balls cause nothing is going to prepare you for this

i present you, Mr. Freakatron Frontman, spotted just outside gihun's motel alley

Underpaid Assistant:

What. The. Actual. FUCK?!?!?

@Boss (of bad decisions) are you slowly going insane???

You are going to end up being caught and gutted like a fish

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah i hear that

apparently our beloved CEO is “just passing by” at 6 in the goddamn morning 

Underpaid Assistant:

Just passing by???

What is he the newspaper delivery guy??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

nah bro he was in a whole three piece suit

I bet my life he was thinking of getting down on one knee as soon gihun stepped out

Underpaid Assistant:

Dont even think about that shit

I can just imagine the tantrums he is gonna be throwing till the moment gihun says 'i do'

Boss (of bad decisions):

You think he will ever say yes?

Underpaid Assistant:

You are focusing on the wrong part of this conversation

WHY ARE YOU THERE?!

Boss (of bad decisions):

I was on my way to the gym and decided to take the scenic route. 

Underpaid Assistant:

You don’t even like scenery. Your windows at the office have been tinted for 6 years straight

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

you exercise in a suit?? 

Boss (of bad decisions):

Privacy is a luxury.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

privacy?? you are literally parked in front of his motel in a black SUV at sunrise like a crime documentary in progress.

Underpaid Assistant:

And who even takes the scenic route past their crush’s motel in a suit ?!!

Boss (of bad decisions):

I needed a change of scenery.

The motel just happens to be on the route to the gym.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

sure it was 💀

Underpaid Assistant:

The gym that opens at 9am?? The one you never go to? That same gym??

Boss (of bad decisions):

I like to arrive early.

You know, to mentally prepare.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

mentally prepare by staring down your crush’s alley like a victorian ghost??

Boss (of bad decisions):

You two talk too much.

I was just appreciating the architecture.

Underpaid Assistant:

Of that rat infested neighbourhood where even the walls look tired and it has its own ecosystem of roaches and regret?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

damn you really hate that place

Underpaid Assistant:

I had to get FIVE injections cause a rat bit me the last time you dragged me there

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

oh fuck yeah i remember IJBOL

i still have it on tape and look at it when i want a good laugh

Underpaid Assistant:

DELETE?!? the fuck

Boss (of bad decisions):

Send it to me.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

lmaooo right away!!

Underpaid Assistant:

Whatever 

With all due respect, you look like you are loitering

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah even the local kids headed to school were looking at you weird and talking about ur creepiness

Underpaid Assistant:

No way ??? What were they saying

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

one was on call with her parents saying "theres a suspicious man in suit at the alley entrance in a big black car and staring longingly at nothing”

i was actively SOBBING

Boss (of bad decisions):

Delete that message. Now.

Underpaid Assistant:

It wont matter.

It cant deleted from my brain anymore

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

you are one neighbourhood watch meeting away from being on a list 😭

Boss (of bad decisions):

I am reconsidering both your employment statuses.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

as long as I can keep reporting on your tragic love life, its worth it 

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

Come ye hither, gather around folks

Underpaid Assistant:

It always something or the other with you

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

good morning to you too my friend

its a sunny day outside go for a walk

Underpaid Assistant:

Not until i swallow a few painkillers and get rid of this hangover

Also, its raining on the island

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

ah yes the land of the depraved and all things unholy

im not surprised, yall got a shit ton of sins to wash away

Underpaid Assistant:

you were hired years before I was lets not forget that, smelly toes

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

unimportant details that do not matter (︶︹︺)

anywhos, back on the mainland its a good day and looking to be very bright

Underpaid Assistant:

For?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

observation purposes ofc

Underpaid Assistant:

Does the forecast also include boss sitting in his car outside gihun’s motel again?

Boss (of bad decisions):

You are being dramatic.

I simply had work in the vicinity of his home.

Underpaid Assistant:

The “vicinity” being in the same parking spot for three days straight 

Even the stray cat had started recognizing your car. Have some shame

Boss (of bad decisions):

That cat appreciates consistency.

It's also the same cat Gihun feeds on his way out.

Underpaid Assistant:

Dont tell me you think of that creature as your adopted lovechild

That would be a whole new level of low

Boss (of bad decisions):

Well then, stop asking questions you don't want answers to.

Also, he is named Ginho. Put some respect on his name.

Underpaid Assistant:

Omf 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he finally stopped coming when someone reported “a suspicious man staking out in a luxury vehicle” and the cops came over to check lmaooo

Underpaid Assistant:

You are laughing but that shit took me a week to get rid of

Boss (of bad decisions):

People in that area just not used to seeing someone dressed properly at 7 am.

I need to get Gihun out of there as soon as possible. 

Underpaid Assistant:

you were in a three piece suit to watch a man do absolutely nothing

Boss (of bad decisions):

One must be prepared for any occasion.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah like your arrest 💀

Boss (of bad decisions):

You two talk too much for people who still need your pay checks approved.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

and yet here we are, documenting your downfall one sunny morning at a time

Boss (of bad decisions):

You, of all people, shouldn't be complaining about those 3 days.

You got all those days off.

Underpaid Assistant:

THE FUCK?? 

he got time off while I was in the passenger seat taking notes on gihun’s eating patterns???

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

LMFAOOO you were his emotional support criminal

Underpaid Assistant:

He said it was “for behavioural analysis” whatever tf that means

Boss (of bad decisions):

It was. We gathered valuable data.

Underpaid Assistant:

I beg to differ

I cant even read the words “data collection” anymore without getting PTSD from that car’s air freshener

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

nah cause imagine explaining that on your resume: “assisted CEO in non-consensual observation of his future malewife”

Boss (of bad decisions):

You make it sound unprofessional.

Underpaid Assistant:

IT WAS UNPROFESSIONAL

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

your man seems to be improving, going out more and meeting friends

Underpaid Assistant:

Does he not own more than 2 pairs of clothes?

Boss (of bad decisions):

He looks good regardless of his wardrobe choices

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

you are more whipped than the foam on my latte jeez

Boss (of bad decisions):

Ew ugh.

This man is starting to get annoying.

Underpaid Assistant:

You dont even know anything about him

Boss (of bad decisions):

As a matter of fact, I do.

His name is Park Jungbae and he has been Gihun's best friend for a long time.

Was the reason he got into gambling his money away.

Constantly in his personal space, like a pest.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i bet you are wishing you were the one lighting that cig for him

Boss (of bad decisions):

...I am neither denying nor accepting anything.

Underpaid Assistant:

mhmm very telling

Boss (of bad decisions):

Where are they currently? 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

horse racing tracks

i just gotta start coming here next recruiting season

the place is like a gold mine

Boss (of bad decisions):

Stick to the subway stations.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

why, cause thats where you found your last obsession? (¬‿¬ )

Boss (of bad decisions):

Well, at least he is getting out more and not holed up in his motel all depressed.

That's something, I guess.

I just hope Gihun doesn't fall back into his old ways.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

nahhh he is not betting as far as i can see

you should really be thankful to his friend and your brother. 

they are definitely working overtime to get him out more and never leave him alone for too long

Underpaid Assistant:

Will you PLEASE stop fanning the flames?

The man's stewing in rage over here and I am going to be the one getting the brunt of it

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i cant help it 

Boss (of bad decisions):

I am not stewing.

Underpaid Assistant:

Your face is begging to say otherwise

Case in point

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah thats the classic “Im internally dying of jealousy but also plotting” look

you are cooked

well atleast boss can stop worrying about him in there gambling

just standing out here looking lost, like a stray hamster

Boss (of bad decisions):

Go find out what's troubling him, right this instant. 

Get him anything he needs.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

while im willing to do anything for this mission, dying at the hands of ur man is the one thing i draw the line at

Boss (of bad decisions):

You are already in disguise. Just approach him naturally.

Underpaid Assistant:

Yes cause nothing says natural like a random man in a trench coat yelling “are you okay, do you need anything” from across the street

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah cause that definitely doesn’t scream surveillance

Boss (of bad decisions):

You are both absolutely useless.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

useless? ME??!

might I remind you im the sole reason you have succeeded in knowing so much about him and have so much material to jerk off to??

Underpaid Assistant:

ALRIGHT stop right there

Boss (of bad decisions):

Focus. He is clearly unsettled.

Figure it out!

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

will you relax already? he is headed home

i think he is just going through an existential crisis

Boss (of bad decisions):

...yeah I don't even know where to begin or what to say. 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i gotchu gang

"look at that neck stretching up, looking all delicious. I bet he would look fantastic on his knees, looking up at me"

"and those thighs spreading. i wanna make a home between them and stay there forever"

Boss (of bad decisions):

Well, basically yes. Only I wouldn't say it out loud so explicitly.

Underpaid Assistant:

NO ONE would say it out loud except that unhinged psycho

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

why you slandering me just cause i am not afraid to say my thoughts out loud?

Underpaid Assistant:

“not afraid to say your thoughts out loud” = verbally assaulting everyone that has the misfortune of knowing you

Boss (of bad decisions):

You two are becoming more insufferable.

Underpaid Assistant:

WE are being insufferable??? Need I remind you who is the Satan that created this hell and is the reason we are here?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

mirror, mirror, on the wall

whose stalker game will be the reason of our downfall 💀

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Boss (of bad decisions):

His hair curls so prettily around his ear. I bet it's very soft.

I want a chance to tuck it behind his ear

I want to bury my hands in his fluffy hair and kiss his round cheeks.

He would blush so prettily.

Underpaid Assistant:

What. Is. Happening.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i bet my new rolex he is absolutely plastered right now

Underpaid Assistant:

Either that or he finally lost the last marble holding him together

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

this is beyond help

he is writing sonnets about his crush in the company gc 💀

Boss (of bad decisions):

I don't expect you two to understand. It’s called romance.

You wouldn't know because no one has ever loved either of you.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

*in a dramatic, exaggerated voice* well excuse YOU

Underpaid Assistant:

Bold words coming from a man who just confessed to wanting to sniff someones hair

Next you are going to start quoting poetry and call us uncultured for not swooning over him

Boss (of bad decisions):

He is very swoon-worthy, it should come naturally.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

you want us swooning over ur man? say no more

*clears throat, taps mic, takes a deep breath*

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh No. Dont do this

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

now that i think about it, he is kinda fine tho

like that jawline? those lips?? god was on his side on the day of his conception no lie

Underpaid Assistant:

Please for MY safety stop

Boss (of bad decisions):

I would advise you to choose your next words very carefully.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

nah cause im just saying if he smiled at me like this i would fold immediately

Boss (of bad decisions):

Say one more word and you will be reassigned to Antarctica.

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh my god I hear him stomping down the hallway

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

im not even on the island???

Underpaid Assistant:

No shit you little midget

He is gonna take his wrath out on ME!!

Boss (of bad decisions):

@Underpaid Assistant Come up. My office. Now.

Underpaid Assistant:

I WASNT EVEN A PART OF THIS CONVERSATION?!

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

worth it tbh

man's got the type of face that makes you believe in miracles yk??

Underpaid Assistant:

This is not fair. I was literally trying to stop him

Boss (of bad decisions):

You are his handler. You are supposed to keep him in check.

Underpaid Assistant:

HOW IS THAT MY JOB??

Im not his babysitter, Im your assistant!!

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

same thing really

Boss (of bad decisions):

Five minutes. Or I will double your paperwork for the week.

Underpaid Assistant:

I swear to god im quitting

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

no you are not

we both know you love the drama too much

Underpaid Assistant:

Im not getting paid enough to be the emotional punching bag of a man in love

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

💀💀💀

love has casualties and you are one of them

Boss (of bad decisions):

Hold on. Why do you have his pictures saved on your phone?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

its for research purposes and called ''appreciation archives''

Boss (of bad decisions):

Delete. It.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

now why would i rob myself of the visual reminder of god’s craftsmanship? be serious

Boss (of bad decisions):

I am on my way to mainland.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

bring gihun with you maybe?? you know kill two birds and all that

Underpaid Assistant:
SHUT. UP.

Boss (of bad decisions):

@Underpaid Assistant You have 2 minutes left.

Underpaid Assistant:

I didnt even do anything !!!

Boss (of bad decisions):

You hired this menace. You deal with the consequences.

Underpaid Assistant:

He was here before me

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

dont be a hater

look at all the joy i bring to ur life

Underpaid Assistant:

JOY?! If stares could kill I would be lying on a bed of knives on this office floor right now

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah well he should be thanking me

im the reason he gets to see so many pics of his man in the first place

Boss (of bad decisions):

My man? So you are admitting it.

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh no he is delusional again

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

you really should put him to bed while you are there

Underpaid Assistant:

Im trying but ur stinky ass keeps rage baiting him again and again

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

so worth it tho

Underpaid Assistant:

I really should start applying to new jobs

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

put “emotional support human shield” under skills lol

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

good afternoon to everyone except the emotionally repressed CEO currently trying to act all nonchalant in the middle of the street

Underpaid Assistant:

You guys are actually doing it??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

oh absolutely there is no stopping him today

LIVE: groomed man in motion 

Underpaid Assistant:

Jesus hell what are those clothes??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

wdym? i picked it out for him

he is looking downright spiffy

gihun is gonna fall head over heels mark my words

Underpaid Assistant:

A man pushing 50 shouldnt be in skinny jeans at his big age

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

it highlights all his best parts literally stfu

@Boss (of bad decisions) target approaching on ur right

Boss (of bad decisions):

Noted.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he is rehearsing his line lmaoo i can see him mouthing it

Underpaid Assistant:

You are a menace, stop live texting this

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

hmmmm (⌐■_■) looks like “hi nice weather”

Underpaid Assistant:

He is not built for this, pull him out 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

too late

hold your pearls he is walking over

OH MY GOD

HE TRIPPED ASHJXDEBWEDN he actually managed it bxcfuq

Underpaid Assistant:

NOOOOO

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he just straight up COLLIDED with gihun

coffee went flying im shaking 😭😭😭😭😭

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh my fucking god is gihun punching him yet??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

no tf??? he isnt

boss said and i quote: “well thats one way to sweep you off your feet i guess" im embarrassed for him 😭😭

Underpaid Assistant:

NO THATS SO BAD

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

its getting worse bc gihun LAUGHED out loud

Underpaid Assistant:

he laughed???

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah even im shocked it worked

he also helped him steady, touched his sleeve.

they are talking !! kinda feel proud ngl

Underpaid Assistant:

I need my brain bleached

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

and look

boss is standing there looking like he just got knighted and smiling all proud

Underpaid Assistant:

He is utterly hopeless

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

WAIT third wheel incoming

@Boss (of bad decisions) jungbae on your left. approaching fast!!

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh lord he is gonna pull his gun out

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

nahhh he left that in his car. still has his swiss knife tho so you never know

HOLD

.

.

he is small talking with him and trying to act calm 

can still FEEL the frustration of plan getting derailed even from this far away 

Underpaid Assistant:

how did this man get to be the CEO when he cant even handle a meticulously planned and perfectly staged meet cute??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

boss trying to act nonchalant and giggling abt something... aaaaand exchanging number methinks??? 

Underpaid Assistant:

You are lying

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i am really not

he is leaving now. walking away like a man who is gonna overanalyze that trash joke for 3 to 5 business days

well atleast he survived contact

Boss (of bad decisions):

Delete that.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

no

Underpaid Assistant:

The audacity to come in here acting all cool and calm. Give us the details!!

Boss (of bad decisions):

He laughed. It was beautiful and magical.

That's the most important and the only thing that matters to me. 

Underpaid Assistant:

He laughed out of second hand embarrassment

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

nah bro he giggled i saw cheek dimples

Boss (of bad decisions):

Exactly. Progress.

Underpaid Assistant:

You tripped, nearly killed him and made a shoe pun

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

and somehow still managed to get his number, im honestly appalled 

Boss (of bad decisions):

He laughed at my joke and said “you should get better shoes”

So I replied by saying “only if you text me recommendations”

Underpaid Assistant:

YOU DID NOT USE A PUN TO GET HIS NUMBER

Boss (of bad decisions):

It worked. He put his number in my phone himself.

Underpaid Assistant:

Why hasnt that ever worked for me

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

told you his outfit would make gihun fold

hit me up next time u want a date

Underpaid Assistant:

I doNOT trust you in the slightest

I quiver at the thought of you making me try on thigh high boots

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

uhhh excuse me bitch i am a regular winner on Dress to Impress 

i can send you my portfolio for reference

Underpaid Assistant:

Satan personally put u on earth to test my patience

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Boss (of bad decisions):

Report.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

ummmm define report

Boss (of bad decisions):

You know what I mean.

How’s he doing.

Underpaid Assistant:

We have officially entered “checking in on the crush like he is a quarterly performance metric” territory

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

if you must know ur mans alive and breathing, still criminally handsome

was out grocery shopping earlier

and he smiled at the cashier

Boss (of bad decisions):

Smiled??

Underpaid Assistant:

Fuck no here we go again

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah smiled wide, teeth and all

looked real happy too

Boss (of bad decisions):

What did the cashier look like?

Underpaid Assistant:

Calm tf down you sound like a jealous ex

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he also bought strawberries, chocolate milk and multiple packs of ramen

Boss (of bad decisions):

That is a concerning combination.

Underpaid Assistant:

Whats concerning is how you are ignoring that game designer's call to focus on this shit

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

lets not act like this is new

i have been risking my life in the aisles of lotte mart for this man for months

Boss (of bad decisions):

And you will continue to do so.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

sir have mercy

i have been banned from two cafes and now possibly a grocery store because of you

Underpaid Assistant:

“Possibly” ??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

ok yeah fine. definitely banned this time

apparently “taking photos of produce to study their texture” isnt a good enough excuse

( ╯°□°)╯ ┻━━┻

Boss (of bad decisions):

You are becoming incompetent.

Next time, wear a cap and be more careful.

Underpaid Assistant:

No way you, the most unsubtle person here, are giving disguise advice

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

istg if i get banned from one more place im demanding hazard pay

Boss (of bad decisions):

Fine. I will take it out of @Underpaid Assistant 's pay

Underpaid Assistant:

WHAT!??!!??!

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

ijbol im getting a new car (~˘▽˘)~ 

Gihun:

umm hello??

Young Il:

I have never heard someone sound confused on text.

Gihun:

I just wanted to make sure i had the right number

Dont make it a thing, Mr.Trips on Air

Young Il:

Still butt hurt over it, are you?

Gihun:

More like my butt still hurts where i fell on it, all thanks to you

Young Il:

Want me to put ointment on it and kiss it all better?

Gihun:

What?

Young Il:

I am obviously kidding.

Gihun:

Oh okay. 

Anyways, you probably dropped this on that day and I spotted it after you left

It looks very expensive so I thought I would just let you know

Young Il:

How do you know it's mine?

Gihun:

No one I know would own something so pretentious.

Young Il:

It’s called having taste.

Gihun:

Sounds fake. Looks like someone is overcompensating for lack of something.

Young Il:

I am very blessed in that area, thank you very much. 

I could send you a pic if you would like to compare?

Gihun:

Dont be disgusting.

Young Il:

You were the one who started talking about it.

Gihun:

You didnt seem so self involved that day, but then again you were busy introducing your face to the pavement

Young Il:

I like to leave an impression.

Gihun:

You made a scene out of us on a busy street!

Young Il:

Memorable, either way.

Gihun:

Just tell me where i can drop it off.

Young Il:

Or you could hand it to me in person.

Seems better.

Gihun:

Better for who?

Young Il:

Umm... For my pen, of course.

Gihun:

... has anyone told you how weird you are?

Young Il:

Yes. My Assistant.

Multiple times a day sometimes.

Gihun:

Figures

Young Il:

He also said “unapproachable” but look at me now.

Texting you, being all approachable.

Gihun:

If this is your idea of approachable, im terrified of what “intense” looks like

Young Il:

Probably me, in my office, holding my pen.

You could come over someday to get a good look at the scene.

Gihun:

You are really attached to that thing, huh?

Young Il:

It’s a limited edition. 

You know, I could pick it up personally.

Gihun:

Of course you could.

You would probably trip on the way, but sure.

Young Il:

I will have you know I have improved my balance significantly since our last encounter.

Gihun:

congrats on discovering on how to walk I guess

Young Il:

Thank you. It’s a lifelong skill.

Not everyone can do it gracefully.

Gihun:

Some of us just choose not to run people over in the process of learning this lifelong skill

Young Il:

That was a ONE time incident. 

So, what time is good for you tomorrow?

Gihun:

For what?

Young Il:

Retrieving my pen, obviously.

Unless you are planning on holding it hostage.

Gihun:

You really dont know when to give up, do you?

Young Il:

I will take that as a “see you tomorrow”

Gihun:

Only because you dont listen.

Young Il:

Exactly. 

Gihun named the chat [Walking Disasters]

Young Il:

Hmmm, cute.

See you tomorrow, Gihun. 

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Underpaid Assistant:

Has anyone seen my fountain pen?

Its black, with gold engravings and a gold tip

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

define seen

Underpaid Assistant:

As in located, and not stolen like everything else in this godforsaken office

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

then no

Underpaid Assistant:

@Boss (of bad decisions) sir?

Boss (of bad decisions):

No idea what you are talking about. 

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

good morning my underpaid comrade

guess who i just saw outside gihuns place

Underpaid Assistant:

If you say who i think you are about to say 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

mmhmmm dark haired shortie with broad shoulders

in a luxury car, with him doing a ten minute hair check in the rearview mirror

Underpaid Assistant:

Why is he out there staging a stake out again??

Maybe i should call in an anonymous tip to the police saying the creepy man is back in the neighbourhood

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

nah i dont think its a stake out. he is out of the car

adjusting his outfit and fluffing... his hair ???

Underpaid Assistant:

What is he even planning to say if gihun sees him?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

probably “hi i dropped my dignity back when i saw you lick ur way out of the dalgona game and now would like to see you do it in person”

Boss (of bad decisions):

Not that I wouldn't like that, but today I am here for a meeting, you insolent clowns.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

a meeting??

Boss (of bad decisions):

Yes. I dropped something last time so he texted me, asking where he can drop it off.

I was able to steer the conversation into meeting him at his place, and I now plan on asking him out for a coffee.

Underpaid Assistant:

Should we call his cop brother now or after he starts reciting poetry again?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

let him dig his own grave. its like live theater at this point

(five minutes later)

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

UPDATE: he is talking to him. gihun actually came out to meet him??

and they are…. walking to his car??

Underpaid Assistant:

No way it worked?? FOLLOW THEM!! 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

oh 100% im not letting them out of my sight

mans out here playing 5D chess while pretending to trip into his crush

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

they just pulled up to a cafe

wait HOLD ON

thats the same cafe he got banned from last month 

Underpaid Assistant:

Wait why did he get banned???

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

from what i was able to gather he started an argument with the barista because they “didnt spell gihuns name right on his cup”

Underpaid Assistant:

OMFG 💀

did he forget or is he testing fate again??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

if he gets kicked out in front of gihun, there will be NO recovering from that

Underpaid Assistant:

Record it. For documentation purposes, of course

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

absolutely. its necessary for the archives

looking hella nervously at the barista lmao 

Underpaid Assistant:

This the face of a man about to be embarrassed in front of his date before they even place an order

Boss (of bad decisions):

I am in the cafe and seated in front of him, you hateful ogre. 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

jeez look at those hearts. disgusting

Underpaid Assistant:

You are the least subtle person alive

(a few moments later)

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

holy shit boss is SMILING, like teeth showing smiling

Underpaid Assistant:

maybe there is a clone of him out there we didnt know about?? and he got replaced without us noticing???

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

god can you even imagine putting up with 2 of him? the universe cant be that cruel

he is nodding, laughing, doing that stupid lean in thing people in love do in romcoms

Underpaid Assistant:

Christ he is flirting. In broad daylight. In a PUBLIC place.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

his hand just brushed gihuns arm. I repeat, physical contact has been achieved

Underpaid Assistant:

Downright sickening

Can you hear what they are chatting about?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

not really, the equipment isnt good enough to hear through all these walls and glass windows

im kinda far away too

Underpaid Assistant:

Well go closer then?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

boss said if he so much as sees a strand of my hair today he is skinning me alive Ed Gein style

Underpaid Assistant:

Boooo you coward

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

kettle calling pot black u fiend. plus i have spent too much time and money to have this flawless skin only to have him make furniture out of it

Underpaid Assistant:

Flawless? Pray tell, who is this person feeding you all these lies?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

uhhh have a look in the mirror once in a while fartface before you come at me

a pic to show your future kids @Boss (of bad decisions)

to be framed and kept at your bedside table 

Underpaid Assistant:

No one should have to see their boss looking so whipped. im filing for emotional damages

Boss (of bad decisions):

You two are one message away from unemployment. Stop blowing up my phone.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

before you start handing out unemployment letters, at least give us a kiss 

Underpaid Assistant:

Please dont encourage him, he looks like he will actually do it

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

im just saying

if he pulls that “let me wipe that cream off your lip” move i will actually scream out loud

Underpaid Assistant:

To be honest same. I refuse to live in a world where our boss flirts like a cliche teen romance novel protagonist

Boss (of bad decisions):

If you both spent half this energy working, the company would be running itself by now and I would have more time to spend with Gihun. 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

ehhhh this is my job that you pay me for so technically i am working 

Underpaid Assistant:

EXCUSE ME?!

i am literally the only working our actual jobs and single handedly keeping this company functioning

Both of you are out there doing absolutely nothing worthwhile

Boss (of bad decisions):

Well, you are clearly not doing a good job because if you were, I wouldn't be cleaning up your messes all the damn time. 

Underpaid Assistant:

Not doing a good job? Are you serious?!

Let me remind you, it definitely wasnt me that accidentally deleted the players database cause i was busy daydreaming about the gihuns neck moles

Boss (of bad decisions):

I got it all back while you stood there like a moron, mumbling about killing yourself!

Which, in turn, reinforces my point: I am the one putting out fires at the end of the day. 

Underpaid Assistant:

Do you see me casually leaning on my car and practicing pick up lines in a suit??

NO, i do not

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he is totally losing it while boss has gone full romcom mode (ಡωಡ)

Boss (of bad decisions):

You are exaggerating. I was merely charming up the environment.

Underpaid Assistant:

You are publicly losing your dignity for a man who doesnt even know your real name!!

Boss (of bad decisions):

Fine, call it strategic relationship management. We will get there eventually.

It's a slow-but-steady process.

Underpaid Assistant:

You are insane and I demand hazard pay

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

check out gihun laughing at him (ignore the borderline evil smug smile on boss's face)

Underpaid Assistant:

Grinning like a lovesick puppy while getting laughed at by the object of his obsession, the jokes really do write themselves

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

looks so tragic and heroic at the same time

he is gonna be watching his lifes work crumble in front of him the day this blows up in his face but is still gonna be thinking “worth it”

Underpaid Assistant:

More like delusional and desperate

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

no no, its a romantic tragedy

think poetry but with a sprinkle of public embarrassment every now and them

Underpaid Assistant:

I would rather we all just pretend this isnt happening and preserve what little dignity he has left

Chapter Text

[Walking Disasters]

Young il:

You know, for someone who called me “weird” last time you didn’t seem too opposed to spending an hour with me.

Gihun:

Yeah well you insisted for 5 minutes and promised to pay for the coffee.

I have principles

Young il:

So you can be bribed with caffeine. Noted.

Gihun:

Dont make it sound like Im easy

Young il:

I would never say that. You seem like you make people work for your attention.

Gihun:

Glad you caught on (｡•̀ᴗ-) ☞

Young il:

Adorable.

Anyways, coffee was nice. We should do that again sometime.

Gihun:

Would that require you tripping me on a busy street once again? Cause idk if my butt can survive another fall at this age

Young il:

That was fate’s way of testing your reflexes.

Gihun:

Pretty sure fate was testing my patience that day

Young il:

Then it worked out perfectly. I got to buy you coffee as an apology.

Gihun:

You make it sound like you planned the whole thing

Young il:

Maybe I am just good at making accidents look intentional.

Gihun:

Or you are just bad at walking.

Young il:

Depends entirely on who I am walking into.

Gihun:

I should file for a restraining order

Young il:

I am a persistent man.

Give me time and I promise to grow on you.

Gihun:

Like mold?

Young il:

Preferably like a warm presence that you eventually can’t live without.

Gihun:

Still sounds a lot like mold

Young il:

You have a wicked tongue.

Most people don’t know how to use it

Gihun:

Thank you, i guess?

Young il:

Not a compliment I hand out often, so you are very welcome.

Gihun:

Whatever you are about to say, just stop.

Young il:

I meant for comebacks. 

Gihun:

Uh huh. And I am a professional figure skater.

Young il:

With that body and figure? You definitely could be. 

Gihun:

I have a friend in the police who is very protective of me, so i would be careful if i were you

Young il:

Alright, I will behave. Don't call that heathen

Gihun:

??? thats a lot of hostility towards someone you have never met. Or do you just hate cops?

Young il:

Sure, let's go with that.

But next time, you are buying coffee.

Gihun:

Next time? What makes you think theres even gonna be a next time?

Young il:

Because you smiled when I made that joke about your last name.

Don’t even think about denying, I saw it and can have my employee get a picture as evidence.

Gihun:

How could you possibly manage that? Do you have access to the cafe's cctv?

Young il:

Mhhmmm something like that

Gihun:

Well then, you freak, if you get that pic you can see that it was a grimace at best.

My soul left my body for a sec there, you should be embarrassed

Young il:

Still counts. My charm clearly left a mark.

Gihun:

Yeah on my patience

Young il:

You are being too harsh.

If I didn’t know better, I would think you were trying to play hard to get.

Gihun:

Even if i was, you would be doing a great job convincing me to play even harder.

Young il:

So that’s a challenge then?

Gihun:

Thats a “good night” before you embarrass yourself any further

Young il:

You don’t trust people easily, huh?

Gihun:

I have learned that trust isnt something you hand out, but rather something you earn

Young il:

Fair enough but I swear, I am not the type to betray you.

Gihun:

Funny how thats exactly what everyone says right before they do

Young il:

Hey, come on, all I want is to get to know you better, Gihun.

I am not like everyone.

Gihun:

Maybe.

Or maybe I have just gotten very good at spotting liars

Young il:

Ouch.

You make me sound like the villain in some deadly game.

Gihun:

Some of us have actually lived through those “games” and haunted by that villian every day

I also dont need people in my life who constantly remind me what other people are capable of

Young il:

Gihun, whatever it is that I said, I didn’t mean to offend you.

I clearly spoke without thinking.

Gihun:

Its getting late and im tired.

Good night Youngil.

Young il:

...Right.

Good night, Gihun. 

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Underpaid Assistant:

Uhhhh as much as I fear for my life and employment, can someone please explain what the hell is wrong with boss right now??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

define “wrong”

Underpaid Assistant:

Well he is sitting in his office like this

Head in hands, like a man who has lost all hope in life??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

man looks like he just got dumped

Underpaid Assistant:

maybe one of the VIPs finally caught him lacking and decided to snap at him??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

we would have heard about it already though

Underpaid Assistant:

Let me dream, maybe i can just speak it into existence

He has been staring at his phone for ten minutes straight, i dont even think he has taken a break to blink

He is minutes away from a breakdown, like full on silently screaming into his hands breakdown

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

dont just stand there like a bumbling buffoon, ASK HIM!!!

Underpaid Assistant:

You think i havent tried??? I spent the entire morning alternating between guiding him through his tasks and asking him what is wrong

All i got was mumblings that sounded like “he is never gonna text me again” and "what is wrong with me"

and tbh i have so many answers for that last que i just decided to shut up

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

wait “he” ???

Underpaid Assistant:

yeah “he”

Oh god OHMY god.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

WAIT ARE YOU SAYING WHAT I THINK YOU ARE SAYING

Underpaid Assistant:

Gihun!!!! its about Gihun

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

You are telling me he is THIS miserable over a text convo with him??

Underpaid Assistant:

Its bad. He is gripping his phone like its the last lifeline in the apocalypse

He possibly cant be that bad at flirting right???

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

jeez what did he even say??

@Boss (of bad decisions) cmon it cant be that bad. tell us already so we can help you out of this mess

Boss (of bad decisions):

Fine. But make one joke about this and I start shooting people. Am I understood?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i shall try my best

Underpaid Assistant:

What the hell, sure. whatever gets you out of this funk and back to a normal functioning human

Boss (of bad decisions) sent a screenshot

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

OH. MY. GOD. 

you had the audacity of bringing up deadly games to a man YOU traumatized forever by putting him in them ???

Underpaid Assistant:

He did. He absolutely did

What the actual fuck is wrong with you????? 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

why is he like this 😭😭😭

Underpaid Assistant:

Because he hasnt experienced consequences ever since he joined this company

The universe has finally decided to collect payment

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i would give away all my life savings to know what kind of apology he is drafting rn

Underpaid Assistant:

He has been typing on his phone for the past 15 minutes and still hasnt sent anything

At this point i think he is just rereading the messages and spiritually disintegrating

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

shouldnt we idk, help or comfort him or smthng?

fucking hell im really feeling out of my depth here

Underpaid Assistant:

Help him?? you, who hasnt touched a woman since you left ur mom and hasnt even an ounce of romance in him??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

hardy har har凸( ` ﾛ ´ )凸 like you are faring any better in that department

Underpaid Assistant:

And what exactly do you propose i do???? Go and whisper “use your words” in his ear like a kindergarten teacher???

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

idk man maybe he needs that rn

Underpaid Assistant:

At this point i think if he stares at his phone any longer he is going to die

Emotionally. in slow motion.

And lets be real he doesnt even have many emotions to begin with!!

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

okay okay this is getting hard to watch. lets try to be practical for once

what does one even say after traumatizing your crush???

Underpaid Assistant:

“hi sorry for accidentally referencing your life altering trauma mid flirt” hows that??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah that will definitely be received very warmly

FOR ONE FUCKING MINUTE BE SERIOUS ASSHOLE

Boss (of bad decisions):

I don't need your pathetic asses to help.

I have already decided to send a text saying “Hey I realized what I said was insensitive and I am really sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you”

I am just unsure if he would even like to hear from me

Underpaid Assistant:

Relax i think he just overreacted so im sure it will be fine

Maybe try adding “if you ever want to talk, i promise to listen”

WHOA WOW look at me, being the voice of emotional maturity for once

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

wowza, since when is ur emotional intelligence so high??

Underpaid Assistant:

Right?!?! im honestly so impressed with myself

I guess therapy memes and having a lot of repressed rage finally worked out in my favour 

Boss (of bad decisions):

…

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

oh look hes back!!

Boss (of bad decisions):

I just sent your apology message to him

Underpaid Assistant:

…you WHAT??! did you atleast edit out the quotes and extra words?

Boss (of bad decisions):

Of course I did! Who do you take me for?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

well looking at your past record....

Underpaid Assistant:

You do not want me to get started, trust me

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

wait so you technically just apologized AND offered emotional support in one go???

thats like hella romantically efficient of you ngl people find that attractive

Underpaid Assistant:

I take back everything i said about the universe collecting payment

Its clear universe decided to hand you divine help in form me instead

Boss (of bad decisions):

I have things to say to that, but you helped this once so I will look the other way this time.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

but did it even work?? he texted back yet?

Boss (of bad decisions):

He said “Thanks. i appreciate that. Lets talk soon ok?” and added a smiley face ' :) '

Underpaid Assistant:

Yea definitely forgave you. Those smileys are like post-war peace treaties.

Or so im told

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

by who???

Underpaid Assistant:

My ex. Right before she blocked me

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

way to make it sound credible I totally trust that emotional compass

Boss (of bad decisions):

So you are saying I shouldn’t relax yet?

Underpaid Assistant:

I think you are fine but have another small apology ready when u talk with him again. You know, just in case

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah for sure but he is still traumatized so we are gonna be in much more trouble soon

but atleast balance restored for now 

Boss (of bad decisions):

Don’t say “for now” and curse me again.

Underpaid Assistant:

You are cursed, alright. I mean you cant spend the rest of your life lying to him

Boss (of bad decisions):

I hate that you are both enjoying my misery

Underpaid Assistant:

I thrive on your misery. its practically my ONLY workplace perk

Boss (of bad decisions):

I swear one of these days I am firing you.

Underpaid Assistant:

Who will do your paperwork and run the company in your increasing number of absences then?

Boss (of bad decisions):

Whatever.

I am logging off. Don’t contact me unless the office is literally on fire.

Underpaid Assistant:

I am not even going to pretend to be surprised.

Hypothetically, if i were to just start the fire can i keep you here for another hour?

Boss (of bad decisions):

Try it, and you will be cremated before the flames go out.

Chapter Text

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

Hey about the other night, Im sorry for blowing you off. You clearly didnt deserve that

Also, thank you for reaching out and apologizing even though you didnt need to

Young il:

I am sure I have done things previously that made me deserve it.

Maybe I had it coming, because of all those "bad jokes" that you keep criticizing 

Gihun:

Look at you being all self aware. It looks good on you

Maybe keep it around for a while

Young il:

I will try my best, for you. Though I can’t promise I won’t ruin it with a joke or two.

I can't help myself sometimes, you see.

Gihun:

Theres been one too many already

Young il:

So what I am hearing is that you missed me.

Gihun:

Are you schizophrenic by chance? You are hearing things that require medical attention

Young il:

Can’t help it. I am a hopeful man.

Gihun:

More like a delusional one

Young il:

Fine line between the two. But in my defense, I still intend to make it up to you for that night.

Plus, you did like spending time with me, don't deny it.

Gihun:

It was just caffeine and small talk. You read too much into things

Young il:

Maybe. But if I remember correctly, you smiled.

Gihun:

Thats what usually happens when someone tells you a joke so bad you have to laugh out of pity

Young il:

Ah, is that an almost-compliment? I will take it.

Gihun:

You would take anything if it fed your ego.

Young il:

Can’t deny that.

But I was not kidding about wanting to make it up to you. Let me take you out for more than a coffee this time.

Gihun:

You really dont need to

Young il:

Don't be ridiculous. I want to do it for you.

How about soju? Would you like that?

This time I promise no disastrous jokes or emotional landmines.

Gihun:

You make it sound like grabbing a drink with me is a survival mission for you

Young il:

I have survived worse so I am up for this challenge

Gihun:

Uh huh i doubt it very much

Young il:

That’s still a “yes” disguised as sarcasm. I will take it.

Gihun:

How can you be so remarkably bad at reading people??

Young il:

Or maybe I am just persistent enough to keep trying until I get what I want.

Gihun:

Thats called being desperate

Young il:

Tomato, tomahto. Same thing, really.

Gihun:

Glad you are being honest about it at least

Young il:

I try my best.

So, how about saturday?

Gihun:

You are just going to assume I have no plans?? a bit presumptuous of you no?

Young il:

I am assuming you would rather spend your saturday drinking with me than alone pretending you don’t like me.

Gihun:

You are dangerously close to getting blocked

Young il:

I will take that as a “maybe” ?

Gihun:

Take it however helps you sleep at night, you sneaky snake

Young il:

Usually a bit of whiskey and thoughts of a certain someone's smile

Gihun:

Oh there is someone out there that can handle all of you and ur everything?

Young il:

I am hoping he can.

How about you? Do you have someone?

Maybe that friend of yours that was with you when we first met? Or that cop friend you keep mentioning?

Gihun:

Wouldnt you like to know 

You are not as sleek as you think you are

Young il:

It was just a simple question.

I already told you my answer. It's only fair you tell me yours. 

Gihun:

Good night youngil

Young il:

Good night, Gihun. I look forward to our soju date.

Gihun:

You were doing so well until those last couple of texts

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Boss (of bad decisions):

@HR’s Worst Nightmare you know places, right?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

what kinda “places” we talking about?

places to mock the poor? i have an entire binder that could rival Monica Geller

hiding dead bodies? i think @Underpaid Assistant would excel in this department

Underpaid Assistant:

I shut it down! let it GO for fucks sake

Boss (of bad decisions):

Food stalls or small restaurants.

Preferably somewhere quiet and not too crowded.

Decent lighting with small tables and closely placed chairs.

Underpaid Assistant:

Are you planning on poisoning and murdering someone there, or finally decided to just kill urself??

Boss (of bad decisions):

Don’t be ridiculous.

I just want to take Gihun somewhere nice.

Underpaid Assistant:

And a street food stall in a rat infested neighbourhood was all you could come up with?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

lets be real for a sec here, if u take him anywhere “quiet with decent lighting” he is gonna think u tryna harvest his kidneys 💀

Boss (of bad decisions):

I would much rather take him out at the highest rated restaurant in Seoul but we are not there yet.

So, recs? @HR’s Worst Nightmare are you familiar with which places he liked to visit most often?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

familiar?? sir i have a PHD in his eating spots and tried quite a few of them myself

i have mapped out every soju place he has stepped foot in since january

Underpaid Assistant:

You are saying that like its something to be proud of and not a felony

Boss (of bad decisions):

Excellent.

I need a recommendation for someplace casual, preferably a soju and tteokbokki stall.

Nothing too loud, something Gihun would enjoy.

Underpaid Assistant:

Now this is just disrespectful.

Last time I asked if we could order tteokbokki for lunch you told me to hang myself from a noose made out of my intestines

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

oh look at that character development

we are finally progressing from “admiring from afar” to “feeding the crush” part of this love story?

Underpaid Assistant:

More like a netflix crime docuseries 

Boss (of bad decisions):

Enough commentary. I just want something authentic.

He doesn’t like pretentious places or people.

Underpaid Assistant:

You got no chance with him then

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah no shit

look at the way he dresses and where he lives despite all that money, and then take a look at yourself

Boss (of bad decisions):

Don't dawdle.

I need a place that feels warm, casual and authentic.

Underpaid Assistant:

yeah cause “casual” totally screams a man in a three-piece with a fancy car waiting outside

Boss (of bad decisions):

I can dress casually.

Underpaid Assistant:

We both know thats not true

I have seen ur wardrobe and the closest thing to casual is that 5k cashmere sweater that looks like you murdered a sheep for it

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

and gihun will show up in his usual jacket over a tee outfit and ur gonna end up looking like his sugar daddy

Boss (of bad decisions):

…

That’s not entirely a bad thing.

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh my god he is beyond saving

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

right right okay so

based on my extensive research, he usually goes for late-night soju stalls 4 blocks down his street or places near his childhood home. 

he also prefers places with red tents, plastic stools and questionable hygiene standards

orders the tteokbokki spicy enough to make him cry but not die

Boss (of bad decisions):

This is useful. Send me the addresses of those places near his motel.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

ok but you cant be going there looking like a lost chaebol in ur expensive ass suit again 

u gotta dress down

Underpaid Assistant:

Yeah maybe dont show up in a car that costs more than the entire stalls yearly profit

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i can just imagine him sitting on a plastic stool with posture straighter than the chopsticks and a sexuality more bent than a pretzel

Boss (of bad decisions):

Wrap up for the day @Underpaid Assistant

We are heading out to shop for casual clothes, whatever those are.

Underpaid Assistant:

Why i gotta suffer for this?

Boss (of bad decisions):

You look like someone who resonates with the trash taste of the commoners, so you will be leading the way.

Underpaid Assistant:

Lets not pretend it isnt entirely UR fault. And you saying that like a compliment doesnt mean its not just classism with extra steps

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

lmaooo not the “resonates with the trash taste of the commoners” 💀💀💀

Boss (of bad decisions):

Say whatever you want, I am getting results today.

I need to look normal.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

take him to hongdae lol. let the man experience true chaos

maybe the youth will scare that pretentiousness out of him

Underpaid Assistant:

Are you forgetting im going with him? WHy would i do that myself?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he will either come back reborn or traumatized. win-win either way

Boss (of bad decisions):

I am surrounded by incompetence.

I should start looking at resumes and hire better people.

Underpaid Assistant:

You say that every week but someHOW im still broke and here

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

you cant function without us 

Boss (of bad decisions):

Whatever. We leave in ten. 

Underpaid Assistant:

okay, I will type it out here so you can read it again and again cause just yelling it to you doesnt seem to be working

rule no.1: if it costs more than my rent, its NOT casual. Put that shit back!!!

Boss (of bad decisions):

It’s a wool blend, not gold plated. Stop being so extra.

Underpaid Assistant:

That price tag is begging to differ

You are supposed to be blending in on this date, not declaring your net worth with every button

Boss (of bad decisions):

Let's move to a different store

Underpaid Assistant:

yeah this is gonna be a long day

(a few minutes later)

Underpaid Assistant:

Heres the face of a man who was told to try on a plain white tee shirt

Boss (of bad decisions):

I don't do tee shirts

Underpaid Assistant:

But thats literally what casual means!!!

Boss (of bad decisions):

That sounds fake and dishonest.

Underpaid Assistant:

So is your hairline but we make do with that dont we?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

and thats strike three for workplace respect 

Boss (of bad decisions):

You are walking home.

Underpaid Assistant:

Sry i just couldnt resist. It is proving to be a very stressful day.

Anyways: jeans that are basic with no rips, no shine DONE finally

now onto no “Italian hand woven limited edition nonsense” for the tops

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he is a top, alright (¬‿¬ )

Boss (of bad decisions):

They were tuxedo pants, they added character. 

Underpaid Assistant:

You are buying clothes for a tteokbokki date, not attending a gala

Boss (of bad decisions):

FINE! How about this hoodie?

It says “Live Laugh Love.” That casual enough for you?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

please god no. thats not casual, thats divorced aunt energy

Underpaid Assistant:

If you wear that, he is never speaking to you again

On second thoughts buy it so we never have to do this again

Boss (of bad decisions):

Which one, then?

Underpaid Assistant:

That beige sweatshirt. Its minimal, soft and approachable, like you are capable of basic empathy which we both know you are not

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

so male lead coded i approve

Boss (of bad decisions):

You are enjoying this far too much.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

you bet lol this is my SuperBowl

Underpaid Assistant:

Finally at checkout thank fuck

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

Update: they hve arrived

rickety stools, neon lights, PEAK romance

Underpaid Assistant:

What am i looking at?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i couldnt turn the camera all the way without looking too sus

theres way too many people here and had to rush away cause they were heading straight in my direction

Underpaid Assistant:

You are getting a bit too careless

Hows he doing anyways?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

looking like he is on a field trip to learn “How Normal People Live”

spent a full minute trying to figure out how to sit without touching the table

Underpaid Assistant:

Incredible. Years of power and he is defeated by a street stall

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he is pouring gihun a drink now

hand is full on shaking, this is painful to watch

Underpaid Assistant:

Did he spill it??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

almost but was saved when gihun grabbed the bottle to help him

I think boss actually blushed

Underpaid Assistant:

I cant believe this is the same man who once threatened to pull my fingernails out for breathing too loud

Boss (of bad decisions):

Do you think this is safe to eat?

Underpaid Assistant:

Acting like you got an option. Suck it up and start eating already, before you ruin this for yourself

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he is trying the tteokbokki....

and looking like it personally offended his taste buds lol

Underpaid Assistant:

Did he say something stupid yet? I feel like he is due

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

boss said “i drink soju all the time” and then immediately coughed on the first shot

Underpaid Assistant:

Ufff rookie mistake

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

gihun laughed so hard when the vendor had to offer him tissues

atleast we know he has impact with gihun

Underpaid Assistant:

Finally a win for the delusional!!! all hail the mighty satan!!

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

WAIT things are happening too fast !!!

physical contact!! shoulder graze!!

accidental or deliberate mhmmm?? jurys out

Underpaid Assistant:

Its only accidental if you are capable of shame

We both know he is not.

Boss (of bad decisions):

Only when it comes to him, let's not forget to draw that line. 

Underpaid Assistant:

That line has been long crossed you devil

Since the day this gc was made, if we are being honest

HR’s Worst Nightmare

oh my god they are actually talking comfortably??

huh ...who knew he was capable of it

Underpaid Assistant:

Plot twist of the century

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

i give it ten minutes before he says something weird and ruins it

Underpaid Assistant:

Five. I have seen his track record

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

wait

WAIT - 

Underpaid Assistant:

THERE it is! here comes the downfall

BRACE FOR IMPACT

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he said “you have sauce on your cheek” and then tried to wipe it off himself

gihun dodged like a champ and boss’s hand is now awkwardly hovering midair

he looks spiritually broken 😭😭

Underpaid Assistant:

I would pay money to see this in 4K

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

oh my god i think he just tried to make a joke 

i cant hear it too many overlapping noises around FUCKNUCVYRSUBX I HATE PEOPLE

but gihun blinked twice, nodded and went back to eating 💀

Underpaid Assistant:

Thats the universal sign of “please stop talking before i lose more brain cells”

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

Well gihun is refilling his soju glass??? willingly???

and asking "why tf is he overthinking so much?"

Underpaid Assistant:

No way! Is that forgiveness or pity?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

hard to say but boss is smiling like he just got proposed to

gihun's smiling back !!!

aaaannnnndddd why tf is boss leaning in?!?!?

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh no thats never a good sign.

Abort mission!! before he does something stupid and ruins the vibe

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

Uhhh i dont think its that bad he is just nodding seriously 

and... gesturing to the vendor for another bottle

Underpaid Assistant:

Every one night stand story begins with “another bottle”

@Boss (of bad decisions) KEEP IT IN UR PANTS!!

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

they are laughing and boss is looking hella relaxed. i have never seen him like this

its actually so... terrifying

Underpaid Assistant:

Well in all fairness he is a man rediscovering emotions after years in a cave

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

shut up i think its ending

gihun just checked his phone and said something like “i should get going”

boss froze like his entire system crashed

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh no, not another heartbreak

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

gihuns standing up, stumbling slightly

and boss... wow okay

boss caught him with both hands and they lowkey hugged

GOD he is down BAD

Underpaid Assistant:

Look at that hand on his waist ugghhhhh

@Boss (of bad decisions) Let him go before you embarrass yourself further

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

they are walking side by side now and boss looks like a lost puppy following his new owner

he is even carrying gihuns bag 😭😭😭

Underpaid Assistant:

So fucking pathetic

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

and…SCENE!

gihun waved goodbye. boss stood there for a full minute just staring after him like he was in a drama scene

now he is walking away in silence

Underpaid Assistant:

Welp mission “look normal and maybe get a smile” - 80% success rate kudos!

And mission “not fall deeper in love” - catastrophic failure

RIP to our productivity tomorrow, he is definitely gonna call in lovesick

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

Hey youngil.

I know its late but are you awake?

Young il:

Yes, of course. Is something wrong, Gihun?

Gihun:

No no nothings wrong. Im sorry if i woke you up

Young il:

Don't be ridiculous. I was already up.

Gihun:

Didnt think you would still be awake

Young il:

Didn’t think you would text first. Look at both of us breaking character.

Gihun:

Couldn’t sleep. Figured I should thank you for tonight. And for walking me back.

Young il:

That was me being a gentleman, not a stalker, like you love to claim so much.

Write that down in case anyone comes asking.

Gihun:

Why would anyone even ask me that??

Also, didnt think you had the gentleman mode unlocked, but I guess theres a first time for everything

Young il:

What I am hearing is the you liked it. A lot.

Gihun:

…no comment

Young il:

And yet here you are, texting me past midnight instead of blocking my number.

Told you I would grow on you. Progress, right?

Gihun:

Maybe I just felt bad for how nervous you looked earlier.

Young il:

Nervous? Me? I was perfectly composed. The hands shaking were just a result of the unsteady stools.

Gihun:

Ahhh yes of course. The legendary vibrations of food stalls

Young il:

Exactly, a very common phenomenon.

Only the finest scientists can explain it.

Gihun:

You really cant take a compliment like a normal person, huh?

Young il:

Oh, that was a compliment? I shall print it out and frame it, post haste.

Gihun:

Dont push it

Young il:

No promises.

So, did you have a good time?

Gihun:

Surprisingly, yes. It was nice. Simple.

You are not as bad as I thought

Young il:

I will take that as the highest praise.

Gihun:

Please dont you will just get cocky again.

Young il:

Too late. Already happening.

Gihun:

Then I should sleep before I regret this conversation

Young il:

Sweet dreams, Gihun. Try not to dream about me too much.

Gihun:

You wish.

Young il:

Every day.

Gihun:

…Good night youngil

Young il:

Good night, Gihun.

Incoming call from: @Young il 

(on call)

Gihun:

…Did you just call me?

Young il:

Texting didn’t feel enough. Wanted to make sure you were actually going to sleep.

Gihun:

You are unbelievable

Young il:

You answered though.

Gihun:

Only so I can have the great opportunity of hanging up on you

Young il:

Go ahead. I got to hear your voice for thirty seconds atleast so that's enough for now. 

Gihun:

You are very bad at pretending to be subtle

Young il:

Back at the stall you said I should stop overthinking. I am just following your orders.

Gihun:

Thats the first time you have ever followed one, I bet

Young il:

Touche. But you are the first person in a long while whose orders I would willingly follow

Gihun:

…

(Theres a quiet beat, with city sounds faint in the background)

Gihun:

You are incredibly difficult to deal with, you know that?

Young il:

So I have been told. But you haven’t hung up yet, so I must be doing something right.

Gihun:

Or maybe Im just too tired to reach for the end button

Young il:

Then I will take my chances.

(Silence stretches again, comfortable and soft)

Gihun:

You still there?

Young il:

Yeah. Just… listening.

You sound different when you are relaxed and not your usual bossy, sarcastic self

Gihun:

Dont get used to it

Young il:

Too late.

(A small, quiet chuckle slips out of Gihun before he sighs)

Gihun:

Its late we should hang up

Young il:

mmhhmmm you first

Gihun:

You are the one who called

*yawns*

Young il:

Fine. Good night, Gihun.

Gihun:

… *sleepily* Good night, youngil.

(Neither of them hang up. Inho listens to gihun sleeping for 10 more minutes before hanging up)

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

so i had to haul ass at the crack of dawn all the way to the island for this fuckass meeting, only to watch boss looking all dopey and keep getting distracted by his phone???

Underpaid Assistant:

Tell me about it.

The man's smiling into his coffee cup acting like we cant see it

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

confirming cause the corners of his mouth keep moving before he remembers where he is

looks like he is having a goddamn stroke

Underpaid Assistant:

The rest of the staff is noticing it too

@Boss (of bad decisions) Get it together for fucks sake

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

One date and he is already so gone

Underpaid Assistant:

Give it two hours, Im sure he will fuck up soon enough

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

wait he is typing on his phone right now mid-meeting

Underpaid Assistant:

Meanwhile my quarterly performance report had a note saying if i sneezed in a meeting ever again and distracted him, he was pulling my lungs straight out of my throat??? 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

ngl that made me almost chuckle out loud lol

wait !! do we think its HIM?

Underpaid Assistant:

Obviously its him

Its always Gihun

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

Happy morning

Hows it going for u??

Young il:

In a meeting right now.

Though I would rather be back at that questionable soju stall we were at than here.

Gihun:

Dont be so dramatic, you are alive and in a meeting already

Whats it abt anyways?

Young il:

Going through our yearly hiring process and the rest of the logistics.

You know, all boring and repetitive stuff.

Gihun:

Atleast you are busy doing something. Any chance you could hire me? 

Im multi-talented and can promise will do a good job at anything you give me

Young il:

While I don't doubt your talents and would love to have you working by my side, you don't meet any requirements for the positions we are currently hiring.

Gihun:

Ouch shot down that fast huh? You didnt even ask for my resume!

You are telling me theres absolutely nothing I could do there???

Young il:

Trust me, you wouldn’t like the kind of work we do.

We are busy finalizing and reviewing some investor reports. You know, the glamorous life of signing documents and pretending I read all the fine print.

Gihun:

So you are saving me from corporate suffering?? 

Young il:

Exactly.

I couldn't possibly put you through endless coffees, fake smiles and people calling you “sir” like it’s a threat.

Gihun:

You make it sound like a hostage situation

Young il:

It kind of is. Except I am the one who built the cage and then locked myself inside it.

Gihun:

At least you are self aware about it i guess

Most CEOs think they are changing the world

Young il:

Oh, I definitely am, just in ways no one should look too closely at.

Gihun:

That sounds way too suspicious for a normal company

Young il:

Good. Keeps things interesting.

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Underpaid Assistant:

Ok this is getting pathetic to watch. He just smiled at his phone

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

for a man who runs a big murder corporation he sure acts like a high schooler waiting for his crush to reply

Boss (of bad decisions):

You two are incredibly annoying.

Underpaid Assistant:

And yet here you are, instead of focusing on the papers in front of you

Boss (of bad decisions):

If I fire both of you, does that qualify as the “cleanup” you are always telling me to focus on?

Underpaid Assistant:

We BOTH know I was referring to that creepy shrine of gihun's pictures you keep in your private office when I said “get rid of your mess”

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

only if you replace us with people who clap every time gihun texts you back

Underpaid Assistant:

Good luck finding anyone with that much free time and emotional damage

Boss (of bad decisions):

...you are lucky I am in a good mood today.

Underpaid Assistant:

Translation: Gihun replied with more than two sentences

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

oh no there he goes smiling again

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

You still at office?

Young il:

Unfortunately.

Gihun:

Come get dinner.

I found a place where they serve soju in teacups.

Thought it will suit your refined sensibilities.

Young il:

You are mocking me.

Gihun:

Maybe ┐(︶▽︶)┌

You coming or not?

Youngil:

Fine. I will be there.

Should I pick you up?

Gihun:

You just cant resist finding new excuses to spend more time with me huh?

Young il:

Can you blame me? You make excellent company. 

Gihun:

You are unbelievably pathetic

Youngil:

And yet strangely effective on you, right?

Gihun:

Effective at what exactly?

Youngil:

Making you smile through your phone at midnight.

Gihun:

Dont flatter yourself. I was laughing at you, not with you

Youngil:

We both know the truth, let's stop pretending now.

Gihun:

You keep telling yourself that Romeo

Youngil:

If I promise to bring chocolate milk and pastries, can I come to pick you up?

Gihun:

That is definitely a tempting offer

Let me think about it

Youngil:

C'mon give me a chance, it won't be that bad.

Just sweet treats, good conversation and my undeniable charm.

Gihun:

One out of three isnt bad i guess

Youngil:

Ouch. You wound me, Gihun.

So, 6 p.m.?

Gihun:

Bring an ego sized leash while you are at it

Young il:

Only if you promise not to tie me to a lamp post and run off halfway through.

Gihun:

Depends on how early you start talking about yourself

Young il:

Then I guess I will have to make it impossible for you to leave.

See you in an hour.

Gihun:

...you are lucky I like desserts

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Underpaid Assistant:

Uhhh any reason why boss just clocked out early?? 

Everyone around looked so alarmed when he got in the elevator and started adjusting his hair in the mirror

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

because someone has a dessert date and suddenly had to rush to buy the best options on the market

Underpaid Assistant:

Wait you mean he actually scored a second date??

The prophecy foretold of no such miracle

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah i sneaked a look over his shoulder cause he was distracted by his phone nonstop

Underpaid Assistant:

I thought he was just glitching

I almost pulled my gun out when he asked me how my day was going during lunch with a smile 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

thats just symptoms of incurable infatuation my friend

they include delusions, bad decision making and torturing his staff

Underpaid Assistant:

At this rate, Im scheduling a group therapy session for all of us

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

add “grief counseling” too, for when this whole thing inevitably goes up in flames and gihun decides to put a stake through our hearts

Underpaid Assistant:

I give it two hours before we get a “never speak to me again” message

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

or worse another selfie of him asking if its appropriate to send to gihun

Underpaid Assistant:

God forbid the front camera can only take so much pain

[Walking Disasters]

Young il:

Hope you had fun today.

Gihun:

You won a hamster plush after trying like 20 times on the claw machine and didnt spit your drink out this time so it was progress 

Young il:

That was one time. You never let anything go.

Gihun:

You were so tense the chopsticks were shaking

Young il:

They were cheap chopsticks.

Gihun:

You looked like you were fighting ghosts.

Young il:

I am starting to think you love watching me suffer.

Gihun:

What can i say it was entertaining watching you get beat by a claw machine

You looked like you were contemplating murder

Young il:

I was. It turns out my pride couldn't take those losses.

Gihun:

May it rest in peace

Gone but not forgotten

Young il:

You are enjoying this too much.

Gihun:

OH please so were you!!

You were smiling so much I thought your face would cramp!

Young il:

That’s only because I was having a good time.

With you.

Gihun:

Careful. That almost sounded genuine.

Young il:

Almost? Guess I will have to try harder next time.

Gihun:

Next time? Confident, arent we?

Young il:

You just said 'we' so forgive me for being hopeful.

Gihun:

Hope is a dangerous thing

Young il:

Then it is perfect for me.

Gihun:

Okay Mr. Breaksdown-Cause-He-Couldnt-Win-Against-A-Machine

Thanks for giving your hard earned gift to me btw

Young il:

You remind me of a hamster every time I see you eat with your mouth full, so it seemed appropriate.

Treat it well, as I will come over regularly to check on it.

Gihun:

Its sitting on my nightstand completely at peace you creep

Young il:

Yep, I was right.

Exactly identical.

Gihun:

You are impossible

Young il:

And yet, you are still texting me.

Gihun:

Dont get used to it

Young il:

Too late, I already am.

Gihun:

Good BYE.

Young il:

Sweet dreams, Gihun. 

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Boss (of bad decisions):

@HR’s Worst Nightmare The pictures. Send them to me.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

whatever do you mean??

Boss (of bad decisions):

I know you were lingering about.

The pictures. Now.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

only bcoz u ask ever so nicely 🙄🙄

Underpaid Assistant:

So I take it the date went well then??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

theres something deeply unsettling about seeing our boss play claw machines like his life depends on it

Underpaid Assistant:

Did he actually win it or did he bribe the person in charge into changing the machine settings???

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

saw him sneak a few bills to the person behind the counter and distracted gihun until the man got it solved

Boss (of bad decisions):

It was a fair game.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

that you were losing pretty terribly tbh

Boss (of bad decisions):

No comment.

Underpaid Assistant:

Thats a yes

Booooooo you cheat !!

Chapter Text

Incoming call from: @Young il

The night air hums faintly in the background. Inho stands on a balcony high above the city, watching the traffic below him, as he dials his favourite number. He feels warms, and it has nothing to do with the whiskey he finished a few minutes ago. In another area of Seoul, Gihun was on his way out of his motel to smoke. As he puts on his shoes, he takes his ringing phone out of his pocket. A small, surprised smile makes an appearance on his face before he schools his expression. As he is making his way out the door, he picks up the call. When the call connects, unknown to the other, a giddy feeling arises in both of them.

(on call)

Gihun: (his tone carrying mock annoyance)

Well hello there stranger

An entire month of feeding me sweets and constant texts, only for you to disappear for 6 days with only a "im going out for a business trip, dont miss me too much" text huh??

Young il: (a quiet laugh)

If you missed me so much, you could have texted or tried calling me yourself.

Gihun:

Dont flatter yourself too much

(he takes a pause to light his cigarette)

I was just wondering if I should consider filing a missing report

Young il: (lightly-teasing voice, with a faint smile slipping on his face)

Mmhhmmm I believe you.

So, what have you been upto?

Gihun:

I have been trying to quit smoking since my daughter is coming to visit me next month

(he sighs, half-laughing at himself)

Failing spectacularly though 

Young il:

Some things aren’t meant to be quit.

Gihun: (mock gasping)

Having people like you in my life, who encourage bad habits, led to my downfall in the first place

Gihun can hear the wind through the phone and faint conversation in background, as if muffled by a door.

Gihun:

You still working?

Young il: (sighing)

Always.

Someone has to earn money in this relationship to sustain your sweet tooth. 

Gihun: (scoffs lightly)

Relationship, my foot.

You gotta learn to stop for a bit. Go outside and touch some grass

Young il: (faint confusion lacing his voice)

What does that mean? "Touch some grass"??

Gihun: (chuckling softly now)

My daughter taught me that phrase a few weeks ago.

Apparently it means that the person needs to go outside and reconnect with real world and people, gain some perspective and so on

Young il:

Ah yes, the language of the young people these days. Hard to keep up with.

Gihun:

Tell me about it. So many of the things she says these days have me questioning my age

Young-il let's out a soft laugh that is brief but warm. Gihun’s expression softens involuntarily when he hears it, feeling warm all over, even with the constant chilly wind blowing around him. 

Young il:

I am on the balcony. There is artificial grass on it, does that count?

Gihun: (snorts)

Thats not the same. You sound like a rich vampire.

Young il: (laughs quietly, voice low)

That is a new one.

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

😭😭😭 they are on call again

Underpaid Assistant:

He is making us stay up all night doing in the name of "doing work" while he stands out there being all lovesick?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

atleast we dont have to hear him bitch and moan abt missing gihun anymore

now HUSH!

i need silence to eavesdrop better

(on call)

Young il:

You still at that run-down motel?

Gihun: 

Yeah but you will be glad to hear i am looking at a new place to rent.

I cant have gayeong living here

I am almost done finalizing this one 2 bedroom apartment and will probably move in sometime next week

There is a small pause, as if Young-il is deliberating something in his mind. The sound of the wind rushes through the speaker again. Young-il's’s voice, when he speaks is calm, matter-of-fact and firm.

Young il:

I will help you move.

Gihun: (snorts, half amused)

??? Usually people ask before coming over instead of just commanding

He sounds more entertained than annoyed, but the edge of curiosity is there, as he waits for what Youngil will say next. 

Young il: (in that self-satisfied way that annoys Gihun to no end)

Guess I am not "everyone" then.

There is a low hum from Gihun, something between a laugh and a sigh.

Gihun:

I dont even need your help. I dont have that much stuff.

Young il:

Regardless, I will be there and help you set up.

Text me the details when you have decided the move in day.

Gihun: (softly, almost to himself)

You really dont take no for an answer, huh?

Young il: (smiling faintly)

Not when it comes to things that matter.

The words hang between them - unintentional, but heavier than either expected. Gihun clears his throat, suddenly sounding a little less sure, his tone forced back into casual ease.

Gihun:

Yeah, well...

you will regret it when you see how many stairs that building has

Young il:

I will take my chances.

The faintest sound of laughter threads through the line - soft, familiar and quietly fond.

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

sooooo he is helping gihun move now, thats... new

Underpaid Assistant:

Thats domestication in progress 

If he was a dog he would be scenting each object in gihuns apartment

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

remember when this man said “The company doesn't allow anyone to get personal with the players”? look at him now

Underpaid Assistant:

The good, old days. How I wish we could go back to that

Now he spends his days searching on google about what gifts he could give gihun

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

LMFAOO what?!!?

Underpaid Assistant:

Worst part is he does it on any available company computer so the algorithm is now sending Old Navy and Tiffany ads on every device he uses

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

theres a vast difference between those two brands wtf is he evening searching?

Underpaid Assistant:

I find it best to look the other way

You know, for my own sanity

(on call)

Gihun:

You really dont need to help, you know. I have moved before

Im practically a pro at carrying baggage, especially if they are full of regret.

He hears a soft laugh from the other end, smooth and unhurried. The kind of laugh that sounds like someone shaking their head with a small smile. Gihun wonders if Young-il's hair, that usually falls softly on his forehead and is styled perfectly, is blowing with the wind and all messy now. He is taken out of his musings as he hears Young-il's voice again. 

Young il:

You manage to make everything sound so charming.

Consider this my moral duty.

Gihun: (chuckles under his breath)

Moral duty, huh?

Pretty sure theres no clause in the 10 Commandments that says “thou shalt assist in relocating traumatized men”

Young il:

There should be. I would make a great disciple.

Gihun: (scoffing)

You would probably charge a membership fee first

Young il:

Only for everyone except you.

The corner of Gihun’s mouth lifts, the giddy feeling coming back full force. He leans against the wall outside the motel, the neon glow of sign painting his face in uneven light.

Gihun:

Fair warning, flattery wont get you out of heavy lifting

Young il: (smugly)

Then I guess I will just have to rely on my dazzling personality.

Gihun: (snorting amusedly)

Thats a heavy load in itself, so at least you will be warmed up before you lift the actual boxes

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he is like a roach

practically impossible to get rid of

Underpaid Assistant:

WHy does he thinks he is being charming??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

did he just call himself a “disciple”? bro thinks this is a romcom directed by god

Underpaid Assistant:

And gihun is just humouring him, bless his patient soul

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

patient? he is bullying boss

i hve never seen someone hand out Ls with so much grace

Underpaid Assistant:

Oh shit he is glaring again through the glass door. 

He knows we are shit-talking

If he throws his phone at me again, Im starting a union protest

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

no one among the pink soldiers likes you enough to join in on that lets be real

Underpaid Assistant:

Thats fine I will just protest solo

One man, one cause, one man army

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

make sure to wear a helmet this time

last time you ducked way too late

Boss (of bad decisions):

You two do realize I can read everything you type, right?

Underpaid Assistant:

Fascinating behavior from a man allegedly “too busy for our nonsense”

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah go back to ur call we need more of him bullying you!!

(on call)

Gihun:

You sound distracted. Long day?

Young il: (a soft sigh)

Not particularly.

My employees are just… making a ruckus in the living room instead of focusing on their work.

Gihun:

Ahhhh the struggles of leadership

Have you tried yelling? It usually works.

Young il:

I did. One of them just rolled his eyes at me and the other started recording a “worker’s rights documentary”

Gihun laughs, low and unrestrained, the sound flowing through the line. He makes his way back inside his motel and to his room. 

Gihun:

Sounds like a healthy work environment

Young il: (rolling his eyes)

They are lucky I haven’t fired them yet.

Gihun:

Life is more lively if you have caring and playful people around you. You would miss them admit it

Young il: (dryly)

I miss the silence more.

Gihun:

Because your idea of silence is sitting alone in a dark room with a glass of whiskey and contemplating bad life choices

There is a small chuckle from Young-il, quiet and fond. Gihun puts the phone on speaker, putting it on his bed as he gets ready to go to sleep. As he starts removing his outer clothes, he remembers the incident from a couple of weeks ago. 

Young il:

You make it sound like a crime.

Gihun: (muffled through his tee)

It is if you start texting me halfway through your existential crisis

Young il: (groans)

That was one time.

And I was simply asking if you believed in fate.

Gihun:

At 2 am, with a follow up text saying “we were destined to meet”

Young il:

Context is everything.

Gihun: (laying on his bed and stretching his muscles out)

Which was clearly missing.

Along with your self-control

Young il:

...You are never going to let that go, are you?

Gihun: (laughing loudly)

Absolutely not

There is a beat and the quiet stretches, filled only by the faint drizzle that has started tapping against the motel window.

Young il:

You should get some sleep.

Gihun:

You first.

Young il:

That's not how this works.

Gihun: (sniffing)

Then stay on the line till I do

Young il: (a quiet laugh)

I can stay up all night, you are not winning against me.

You will eventually get tired and will have to hang up.

Gihun:

Maybe, but not yet

The sound of rain starts to become more heavy, the tip-tap becoming rhythmic. As Gihun looks at the raindrops dripping down the window's glass, he is hit by a sudden longing. 

Gihun:

What are you upto tomorrow? Lets meet

lunch, dinner, whatever. My treat

Young il: (smugly)

If I knew before that all it would take you for you to miss me so desperately was going away, I would have done so ages ago.

Gihun: (deadpans)

On second thoughts I hope you choke on your own ego

Young il:

Careful what you wish for, Gihun. I have been told I have a very good gag reflex.

Gihun splutters, as his cheeks redden. He can't believe the audacity of this man sometimes. He can almost see the infuriating smirk on the bastard's face and wants nothing more than to wipe it off his face. He hears Young-il's laugh on the other hand and decides he doesn't deserve a response from Gihun. He sniffs and just turns on his side, putting the phone near his ear on the pillow.  

Young il: (tone softening)

Thank you for your offer, but I can't make it tomorrow. I apologize.

Gihun: (in an uncertain voice)

Oh...

You already have plans with someone else?

Young il: 

Not really.

Just need to check in with the office and wrap up some things. 

I am free after tomorrow though. How about we meet then?

Gihun: (sounding relaxed and closing his eyes)

Sure, sounds like a plan. See you soon

Young il:

Goodnight, Gihun.

Gihun: 

..night, youngil

Neither hangs up right away. The rain fills the silence, steady and rhythmic, both lingering a little too long and neither of them willing to be the first to let go.

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

so they are just sitting there??? listening to each other breathe??

is this actually what people in love do?

Underpaid Assistant:

I have been in love before but even then I didnt do anything this ridiculously sappy

I dont know if I want to bleach my eyes or push him off of the balcony and end this once and for all

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

both. definitely both

Chapter Text

[Gamblers Anonymous]

The Victim:

Jungbaeeeee 

The Enabler:

Gihun-ahhhhh

What are you upto?

The Victim:

Im at the mall, looking for gayeong's room decor

I already selected the bed but i am looking for a table with a mirror

She told me she was getting into makeup and sent me pic of her table back in US

Any idea where i can find one?

The Enabler:

In ALL our years of friendship, have I ever looked like someone who knows anything about interior design?

The Victim:

You are absolutely useless

The Enabler:

Just search for it online you fool

It will be easier than roaming all these stores

The Victim:

Ahhhhh why didnt i think of that?? I have been here for almost two hours now

The Enabler:

This is why you need me in your life gihun, no matter what you say

The Victim:

Shut up, let me focus!

I need to find a place to sit and look through the options

The Enabler:

Go to the food court!! Go to the food court!! 

The Victim:

??? literally why

The Enabler:

There is a taco place there. Go and buy me the surpreme beef combo please???

Drop by the bar after you are done there

The Victim:

Your wife didnt pack you food today??? What did you do to piss her off now?!!?

The Enabler:

Why are you just jumping straight to blaming me without even knowing the facts???

The Victim:

Because I know you

The Enabler:

I am so appalled right now

If you must know, she did pack me food but its not the usual amount

Sooooooo, the tacos??

The Victim:

This is the greed they talked about in the bible

The Enabler:

What??

The Victim:

Sorry, something gayeong said a few days ago that stuck with me

The Enabler:

Well, i wouldnt know either way cause im not really religious

The Victim:

Doesnt have anything to do with that anyways idiot

Now shut up. I think I found something gayeong would like

The Enabler:

Oh yeah? Send me a pic

The Victim:

Yes just a min

Wait noo stop- HALT

The Enabler:

What?

The Victim:

…You wont believe who I just saw

The Enabler:

What now? Did you find your long lost twin in a glass window again?

The Victim:

HAHAha funny absolutely hilarious

Im laughing like a madman

The Enabler:

To be fair you were laughing pretty hard that night when it happened

The Victim:

Only because we were drunk off our asses.

Anyways no. Its umm....

Its Youngil

The Enabler:

Ohhh? Your handsome suitor?

The Victim:

How many times do i have to tell you he is NOT my-

You know what, forget it

The Enabler:

Whats he doing there?

The Victim:

That is what Im trying to figure out

He said he would be in the office today

The Enabler:

Maybe he changed his plans?

The Victim:

He doesnt change plans

He makes others change their plans for him

The Enabler:

So just go up to him and say hello instead of being all weird

The Victim:

He is already with someone

The Enabler:

Ohhh the mystery deepens

The Victim:

And he is borderline laughing. Nothing is ever that fucking funny!!

They are both clearly very close and youngil is looking over at him so much?!

The Enabler:

And thats… bad?

The Victim:

No, I just- its weird. He doesnt even look that good

They are shopping

The Enabler:

So are you.

Maybe he is just a coworker and they are buying supplies for the company?

The Victim:

At a perfume store?? with that man constantly finding a reason to put his arm on youngil's shoulder or back??

The Enabler:

Yeah okay, thats doesnt sound like a professional visit

The Victim:

Exactly

The Enabler:

Or maybe they are on a date?

The Victim:

Excuse me???

The Enabler:

I am just saying!! its a possibility, you never know.

And the way you sound right now? You would think he cheated on you or something

The Victim:

I dont sound like that.

The Enabler:

You 100% sound like that

The Victim:

Shut up jungbae

The Enabler:

Are you hiding behind a plant right now?

The Victim:

…No?

The Enabler:

Thats a yes

GIHUN!! Stop being a mess, you are a grown ass man, just go upto him!!!

The Victim:

Im just keeping an eye out!

I already told him i dont like liars and he just got caught lying to me!!

The Enabler:

Or he could be having a normal human moment and you are being weird about it

The Victim:

Im not being weird

The Enabler:

You are literally typing into your phone from behind a ficus

The Victim:

Its not a ficus, its… whatever this leafy thing is

The Enabler:

You are in public, crouched behind decorative plants! Get it together for fucks sake

The Victim:

Im just observing

The Enabler:

Observing? Man, you sound like a jealous ex

The Victim:

I TOLD YOU IM NOT JEALOUS!

The Enabler:

Uh huh i can see that

Go say hi then

The Victim:

I will. Im just timing it

The Enabler:

You are timing your casual hello??

The Victim:

Yes because if I walk up now, it will look weird

The Enabler:

You are being weird

The Victim:

I just want to see what they are doing first

The Enabler:

They are buying a perfume, man

Not running a secret cult

The Victim:

Why would he need to buy one when he doesnt even like the scent he is currently holding?

The Enabler:

Oh my god

Gihun.

The Victim:

What.

The Enabler:

You are starting to sound like those jealous kdrama husbands my wife drools over

The Victim:

Shut. up.

The Enabler:

Whats next? “Why is there an unfamiliar hair on your jacket, hmm?”

The Victim:

Nevermind, bye

The Enabler:

No, dont!! wait

GIHUN COME BACK

dont forget my tacos!!!

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Underpaid Assistant:

So… consider the operation a success?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

oh yes definitely 

highly successful with immediate behavioural response. absolutely 0 delays

Boss (of bad decisions):

Operation?

Underpaid Assistant:

Just a little internal morale experiment

You know how it is

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

strategic emotional alignment initiative

no biggie

Boss (of bad decisions):

That didn’t answer anything. 

What did you two do?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

great question!

anyways, moving on - stellar performances from all sides!!

lets keep up the momentum

[Walking Disasters]

Young il:

Are you free tomorrow evening? Thought we could grab dinner like we discussed.

Gihun:

I dont know

Kinda busy

Young il:

Busy with what? I thought you said you wanted to meet up.

Gihun:

Theres always something coming up, isnt there?

Young il:

…That’s unusually cryptic for you.

Did something happen?

Gihun:

Nothing happened. I just dont feel like going out

Young il:

You are the one who said you were craving something spicy yesterday.

Gihun:

Changed my mind.

Young il:

That doesn't sound like you.

Gihun:

Well, maybe Im allowed to change and you have no control over that

Young il:

Of course you are, Gihun. I didn't mean it like that.

I am just trying to figure out if I did something wrong.

Gihun:

You didnt.

You are abso-fucking-lutely perfect. There, happy?

Young il:

Not really.

You are being defensive instead of honest.

Gihun:

Maybe I am just tired of people not being honest with me.

.

.

.

.

Incoming call from: @Young il

Declined

Young il:

Please pick up the call.

Incoming call from: @Young il

Declined

Young il:

Gihun.

Pick up the call.

Incoming call from: @Young il

Gihun stares at the caller ID for a second too long, jaw tight. He picks up only because he knows Young-il won't stop and might even show up at his doorstep. He doesn't plan on speaking to him though, so as soon as he picks up he stays silent. He doesn't care if he is being stupid or stubborn. 

On the other end, he can hear Young-il's deep breaths as he tries to collect himself.

(on call)

Young il:

…What was that supposed to mean?

Gihun scoffs loudly, rubbing his forehead with the knuckles of his hand. He leans against the kitchen counter, letting the silence stretch just long enough to be annoying.

Gihun: (in a clipped tone)

Nothing, forget it.

On the other end, Young-il inhales sharply - not angry, more… hurt? It irritates Gihun that he can hear that so clearly.

Young il: (desperately)

Gihun, please.

Talk to me.

The plea makes something twist in his chest. He hates how fast Young-il’s tone can disarm him, how easily it slips under his skin.

Gihun: (sighs tiredly)

Its late. I will talk to you later.

He moves to open the window and slips a cigarette from his pack and into his mouth, pretending the cold wind blowing in is why his fingers shake, and not the annoyance or disappointment sitting under his ribs.

Young il: 

You are mad at me.

Why?

Gihun rolls his eyes hard enough to feel it in his skull.

Gihun: (irritated now)

I said I am fine!

Young-il exhales - a frustrated, helpless kind of sound. Gihun closes his eyes briefly and turns his head up towards the ceiling, annoyed at how he feels the same.

Young il:

No, you are doing that thing with short sentences and a snippy tone.

That’s the universal “something is wrong but I won’t say it” voice.

A humorless laugh escapes Gihun before he can stop it. He takes another drag just to have something to do with his mouth, lest he actually snap out something hurtful at Young-il. 

Gihun:

Wow, you are analyzing me now? You must be bored

He tries to sound dismissive, but his irritation cracks through. Young-il doesn't miss it. He never misses anything.

He is, without any doubt, frustrated with his behaviour now, yet he doesn't raise his voice with Gihun.

Young il: 

I am concerned. There is a difference.

The word “concerned” hits harder than it should. Gihun looks away from the window, jaw tightening again.

Gihun:

You dont need to be

Im just… busy

Even he hears how badly the lie sits in his mouth. He flicks ash aggressively, like that will make it sound more convincing.

Young il: (voice sharpening)

Busy being angry at me for something you don’t want to admit?

Gihun freezes. His fingers curl around the phone, irritation and embarrassment colliding in his chest. Because Young-il is ultimately right, isn't he?

A long silence stretches between them - only the sound of Gihun dragging on his cigarette echoes through the line. He is frustrated by the entire conversation and his own behaviour. It seems Young-il isn't going to be speaking anytime soon either, so Gihun lights up another cigarette and takes a long puff before speaking. 

Gihun:

I saw you at the mall today

Like that should explain it all to him.

The words drop out sharper than he intends. He hates how petty he sounds, how small. 

Young il:

...Oh.

The pause that follows makes Gihun’s stomach twist - not with guilt, but with something uglier. An emotion he would rather not name or admit of ever feeling, especially for Young-il. 

Gihun:

Yes. “Oh.”

He leans back against the wall, staring at a crack in the concrete so he doesn’t think too hard about why the incident bothers him so much.

Young il:

You could have come up to me and said hi.

Gihun’s lip curls in distaste. He hates how casual Young-il sounds - like it wouldn’t have mattered either way to him. 

Gihun: (his contempt slipping into his voice)

Didnt want to interrupt your fun.

He spits the last word out like it’s bitter and has left an ugly taste in his mouth. 

He hears how jealous he sounds. It fuels his anger and pisses him off more. So, in a very Gihun-esque way, he keeps going. 

Young il:

Gihun-

Gihun:

No seriously, you looked like you were having a blast, all up and close in each other's personal space

Shopping, smiling and all that “boring office” stuff you apparently do with that hideous man  

Young il:

That wasn’t- 

Gihun:

You know what, forget it

clearly not my business

His chest is tight and he is breathing heavily. The words taste like a lie.

Young il: (in a matter-of-fact voice)

You are jealous.

Gihun’s whole body tenses and he nearly chokes on his smoke.

Gihun: (voice raising with each word)

Why does everyone keep SAYING that?!

Im not jealous

He definitely is and he hates himself for it. He would rather die than admit it though. 

Young il: (exasperated, sounding like he is having a hard time controlling his voice)

Then stop sounding like you are.

Gihun:

I am not!! I just dont like being lied to, which i already told you.

You said you were going to be in the office today.

He rubs the back of his neck irritatedly, pacing in the area between his living room and kitchen. Anger keeps him warm better than the jacket he forgot to wear on his way down.

Young il:

I was. We stopped by the mall to pick up something.

My assistant was with me because, well, he assists. That’s literally his job!

Gihun clicks his tongue, unconvinced.

Gihun:

Right. Sure I believe you

He really doesn’t. Or maybe he just doesn’t want to let Young-il off the hook so easily.

Young il:

Do you actually think I ditched work and, more importantly, lied to you to hang out at the mall?

Silence rings from both ends. Gihun doesn't know what he should say. He swallows, throat tight. He hates how uncertain he is feeling.

So, he continues his pacing and hopes this conversation ends soon. 

Young il: (voice softer now - careful, like he is approaching a wounded animal)

…Gihun?

Gihun:

I dont know what I think

His voice comes out smaller than intended. He flops down on the couch and closes his eyes immediately, frustrated with himself.

Young il:

Then maybe next time, just ask me.

Instead of assuming the worst.

The gentleness makes him feel stupid and exposed. He hates that feeling too. He decides he hates everything today.

Gihun: (softening his own voice a little now)

Yeah. Maybe.

It’s the closest to agreement he will ever give Young-il. His pride is a stubborn, ugly thing.

Young il:

So, dinner tomorrow? My treat for stressing you out. 

Gihun scoffs under his breath. The way Young-il slips around him like this - annoyingly smooth - makes his pulse tick up.

Gihun:

We will see

Young il:

I will take that as a yes.

Gihun rolls his eyes so hard it almost hurts.

Gihun: (petulantly)

You are annoyingly confident

Young il:

Only when it comes to you.

The line makes Gihun pause. He hates the warmth that spreads through him, stupid and unwanted.

There is faint city noises in the background from Young-il’s side, and the hum of a vending machine near Gihun’s motel window.

Young il:

You are smoking multiple cigarettes in one sitting, aren’t you?

Gihun puts the cigarette out on the ashtray, annoyed that he got caught. He starts stabbing the cigarette-butt repeatedly, until it practically disintegrates between his fingers.

Gihun: 

...Maybe

Young il:

You promised you would quit.

The disappointment in his voice hits harder than any anger could.

Gihun: (laughing lightly, but it’s hollow)

I also promised to stop picking fights. Guess Im just bad at promises

Young il:

No, you are just too stubborn.

Gihun: (snorts)

And you just love pointing it out every chance you get

Young il:

Only because I actually care.

Gihun’s breath stutters. He glares around his living rooms like everything in it personally offended him.

He thinks about everything that happened today and why he reacted to it the way he did. He doesn't want to dwell on it too much, but really can't seem to let it go without asking again. 

Gihun:

You really didnt ditch work today to spend time with him?

Young il:

No, Gihun. I didn’t.

I wouldn’t lie to you about something that small.

He hears the truth in it. Feels it in his heart. It only confuses him more.

Gihun:

You lie about big things then?

The question slips out before he can stop it - sharp and jagged.

A heavy, deadly quiet follows, that feels loaded with something that neither of them wants to acknowledge. 

Young il:

Not to you.

Gihun’s heartbeat misfires. He swallows hard, chest tightening painfully.

Gihun: (somewhat unsurely)

…Alright.

Young il:

"Alright"? That is all I get?

Gihun:

What do you want me to say?

“Sorry for sounding like a jealous mfker”?

He tries to sound mocking. It only comes out tired.

Young il: (a smile slipping into his voice)

Actually, yes.

That would be nice.

Gihun lets out a strangled laugh - a real one, surprised out of him.

Gihun:

Not happening

Young il:

Yeah didn’t think so.

Gihun hears it again- the smile. That quiet, knowing and smug smile that gets under his skin.

It makes his stomach flip in a way he absolutely hates. It's just not his day today.

Gihun:

You are smiling, arent you?

Young il:

Maybe.

Gihun groans and covers his face with one hand.

Gihun:

Wipe it off before I change my mind about dinner

Young il:

Ah, so we are having dinner then.

Gihun:

I didnt-

Young il:

You just said you would "change your mind", which implies you have already made one.

Gihun:

You twist words like its your profession

Young il:

You should know, you are the one who keeps signing up for it.

Silence hits them again - but warm this time, a fragile truce hovering between their breaths.

Gihun: (in a small voice)

…You want to have dinner with me that bad?

He tried to make it sound mocking, but it comes out almost… hopeful.

Young il:

Want? No.

I need to have dinner with you.

Otherwise, you will spend another day convincing yourself I am lying about something or the other.

Gihun:

You are insufferable

Young il:

And you are terrible at hiding how much you like it.

Gihun shuts his eyes and rests his head on the couch's headrest. He dislikes how true that is.

They continue talking about normal stuff, teasing and joking, but their voices are softer this time. Neither of them really wants to hang up, even when the conversation slows eventually.

Gihun:

Go to sleep, youngil. I will see you tomorrow

Young il:

Only if you promise not to overthink everything until then.

Gihun:

No promises

Young il:

At least don't get angry at me again for baseless reasons.

Please, Gihun.

Please.

The sudden desperation in his voice cuts straight through Gihun, raising his pulse. His breath stutters - the pleading is too much, too honest.

Gihun: (voice shaking slightly)

Only because you beg so nicely

Bye!!

He hangs up before his voice can betray anything else.

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

Boss (of bad decisions):

So, I just spoke with Gihun.

And funny thing - he thought I was flirting with @Underpaid Assistant today.

Underpaid Assistant:

…Interesting

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

fascinating

Boss (of bad decisions):

Cut the act.

I know you two staged that little scenario.

Underpaid Assistant:

Allegedly

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

unproven if i may add

Boss (of bad decisions):

This has your sneaky little gremlin brain-prints all over it.

Underpaid Assistant:

We prefer the term “behavioural encouragement”

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

scientifically guided for your benefit

Boss (of bad decisions):

You live to see another day, only because it worked out in the end.

Underpaid Assistant:

You got a confession out of him??? 

Boss (of bad decisions):

Not yet. But it was close enough.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he likes you back!!!!! that was basically a confirmation

go forth and claim ur man already

Boss (of bad decisions):

He is prize to be coveted, worked hard for and earned, not casually claimed like lost-and-found property.

Underpaid Assistant:

Kill yourself

Chapter Text

Inho hears the elevator hums as it makes it's way down to the ground floor, a soft mechanical whirr that somehow feels quieter than his thoughts. He hadn’t intended to arrive early, and yet here he was, with housewarming presents and a familiar tightness in his chest.

Fate, he thinks, is a stubborn thing - a string that keeps looping around him no matter how hard he tries to cut it. Almost a week of trying to keep distance, six days of pretending he could focus on his work and let Gihun live his life without getting tangled in it again. And here he is, hands full of paper bags, heading up to the new apartment, like Gihun is the pulling the other end of the string, and he has no choice but to comply. Kinda like a dog tied to a leash, he thinks and laughs silently to himself as he imagines it.

As he gets on the elevator and presses the button for the thirteenth floor, his own reflection in the paneling stares back at him: neat hair and a careful expression, a man who pretends he is built from steel rather than grief. He thinks about his wife - the ghost of her smile, the quiet warmth she carried, the weight her absence left - and the games that followed and the blood-soaked empire he now ran.

Everything he has done over the years to outpace the cruel twist of fate and yet he couldn't escape from its clutches. For years, he had been doing well. He had a routine and a set of morals and beliefs, that just got reinforced with every game. He had rules. Order. A moral system twisted but consistent. And then came Gihun - a glitch in the code he’d maintained for years. 

It was why he had been seething internally after Gihun's games. He had been furious at the foolish warmth Gihun carried, infuriated at the way he kept choosing kindness over his own survival. Furious because anomalies like him are unpredictable, and he made him feel things he wasn't ready to face. That man went against everything Inho believed in and he wanted to squash that anomaly with his bare hands. He couldn't, because that went against the rules, and so he tried to move on and not think about him.

It proved to be difficult but he managed that first year.

All it took for him to break was his Recruiter making an off-hand comment about Gihun’s ridiculous bright-red hair on one of the fishing trips he had been forcefully dragged to by his two employees. Inho had asked - too quickly - for a picture. “For records,” he had lied, while the Masked Officer narrowed his eyes with a knowing look that Inho had chosen to ignore. The picture arrived. He looked at it once. Then again. Then saved it. Then assigned the Recruiter to be on constant surveillance. And then fate - the bastard - took the wheel.

Two years later, no matter how he angles his life, the path curves toward Gihun like iron to a magnet. It’s ridiculous. Infuriating. Inevitable.

The elevator dings and he steps out. As he makes his way towards apartment 1302, he shakes the morbid thoughts out of his head and takes a deep breath. Too late to turn back now, and part of him knows he wouldn’t, even if he could.

He knocks on the door and listens to the fast footsteps that make their way towards the door. The sight that greets him, as Gihun opens the door, is so absurdly endearing that he can't help but smile. Before he can even open his mouth to speak, he is cut down by Gihun's words. 

“You’re early!” Gihun blurted, voice already climbing. “I’m trying to set up Gayoung’s room and everything is falling apart. Literally. The table collapsed. The mirror almost fell on me. I swear I am not qualified to be a father. I shouldn’t be allowed near furniture. Or children. Or anything fragile-”

Inho steps inside quietly, closing the door behind him with a soft click, watching the chaos in front of him like one might watch a small, flustered animal try to reorganize its nest. Gihun's curls are sticking up in every direction, the thin tee-shirt he is wearing is wrinkled and he has some kind of lamp tucked under one arm. And still, to Inho, he is stupidly, unfairly beautiful.

Meanwhile, Gihun hasn't stopped his tirade. "I swear that shelf is cursed, Young-il, and I think I’m ruining Gayeong’s childhood by just existing and-” 

Gihun’s free hand is moving dramatically in the air, his voice climbing, guilt spilling out of him in messy loops about being a bad dad and terrible at assembling furniture and possibly just a general disaster of a human being. 

Inho says nothing, just lets the whirlwind talk itself out as he slips off his shoes. He steps forward, sets a steady hand on Gihun’s elbow and gently steers him toward the couch.

“Breathe,” Inho says, placing the his bags down by the side of the couch. “Preferably before you pass out.”

“She is visiting next month Young-il, next month!!! And I am already screwing up. What kind of dad can’t even build a stupid vanity table? I swear she is gonna walk in, take one look, and think ‘yeah, he’s still a mess.’ And she’d be right!”

“Sit,” he says softly. Gihun blinks, startled and looks around, as if confused as to how he even got here. But he still obliges and sits. Or rather flops down dramatically, covering his face with both hands.

Inho perches on the edge of the coffee table in front of him, close enough that their knees almost touch. He waits until Gihun finally exhales - a shaky, frustrated breath - and his shoulders drop.

“You’re spiralling,” he notes.

“I am spiralling,” Gihun said through splayed fingers. “I spiral professionally. If spiralling was a job, I would be Employee of the Month. Every month.”

Inho huffed a quiet laugh, barely audible, but there. “Lucky for you, I can handle furniture without risking fatal injury.”

Gihun lowers his hands and glares at him, “You are here to mock me, aren’t you?”

“I’m here to help,” Inho corrects, smiling. “I also come bearing gifts.”

Only once he’s sure the man isn’t about to spiral again does Inho extends his hand to bring the two paper bags he brought from beside the couch. He sets them down between them.

“This one is for you.” He nudges the first bag forward.

Gihun peeks in. A small bouquet of tulips, some pale pink and others a dark red. A couple of his favourite sweets tucked beside it. He notes the small tiramisu at the bottom of the bag, the one Young-il had brought for him and he remembered devouring in less than five minutes. His mouth opens but nothing comes out. No joke, no ramble, not even a protest. Just a soft, surprised:

“…oh.”

Inho doesn’t smile, but something in him eases.

"Why tulips?" Gihun asks, looking up at him.

Inho scratches the back of his head a little, and he can feel his ears turning red. He takes a small breath before answering,"They symbolize happiness and good wishes, especially for someone celebrating new beginnings." He doesn't say that they also signify affection, eternal love and passion. The small explanation he gave is enough, for now. 

“The other’s for the place,” he adds quietly. “Housewarming presents.” Gihun also peaks inside that bag, and his breath catches when he spots the small perfume bottle he had seen Young-il shopping for, among candles, gift vouchers that he is sure are for Gayeong, a wine bottle and several kitchen supplies. 

The silence that settles between them isn’t awkward. It’s warm. A little charged. Something like a calm slow tide washing over the room after a long storm.

Gihun clears his throat, still staring at the tulips like they might vanish if he looks away. He pulls them out and runs his finger along the soft petals. “You… didn’t have to do all this.”

“I know,” Inho says, sincerely. “I wanted to.”

Gihun sighs, takes a deep breathe before starting softly, "I just… I want the room to look nice for her. And every time I try to do something normal, something dad-like, it all just backfires. I keep thinking she would be better off if I-"

"Don’t finish that sentence," Inho's voice is quiet, sharp but still gentle around the edges.

Gihun swallows, jaw tensing.

Inho gets up, extending a hand towards Gihun. The latter just looks at it, and then shifting his gaze up to meet his eyes, a questioning look on his face.

"C'mon, show me this shelf that is giving you so much trouble. We can deal with it together."

Gihun reluctantly puts his hand in the one extended in front of him, getting pulled up with such an ease that it makes his face feels warm. He can't quite meet Young-il's eyes, but he knows that the latter is looking at him. His hand is still firmly clasped and he thought Young-il would let go, once he starts walking towards the bedroom but he holds on, and Gihun lets him. He doesn't let go until they are in the bedroom and standing in front of the shelf. When Gihun sneaks a look at him, after finally getting his hand back, Young-il isn't looking at him but he has a smug, satisfied smirk on his face. 

The shelf lies half-assembled, screws scattered like confetti.

Gihun, feeling embarrassed, mumbles, "In my defense, the manual is written in some kind of ancient code."

"It’s literally numbered. You know this stuff, Gihun. You are just panicking too much to focus," he says, fondly rolling his eyes. He crouches, picks up a screw and holds it up as evidence. "This goes into this. Simple, see?"

Gihun groans dramatically, "Why are you so calm about everything?"

Young-il chuckles, "Because panicking won’t make the shelf stand on its own."

"You don’t know that," Gihun mumbles, pouting. There is a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he takes the tool he is handed.

"Hold this straight."

"I am holding it straight," comes the indignant response.

"If it were any more crooked, it would be a metaphor for your life," Young-il raises an eyebrow in his direction. 

Gihun laughs under his breath, "Wow. Emotional damage while assembling furniture. How lovely for me."

Young-il steps closer behind him, adjusting his grip without warning, both hands bracketing Gihun’s. "Hold it like this."

Gihun goes perfectly still, breath catching for just a second before he covers it with a shaky chuckle. "See? You could’ve just led with that instead of bullying me."

"Bullying builds character, don't you agree?"

"I have too much character already."

Young-il laughs close to his ear, before stepping away, "Yes. I have noticed."

They fall into a quiet rhythm after that - screws, soft jokes, gentle guidance, little moments where their fingers brush and neither comments on it. By the time the shelf stands upright, sturdy and straight, Gihun exhales like he hasn't breathed properly all day.

"Look at that. We did it!" He looks proudly over to at where Young-il stands beside him, practically bouncing on his feet.

"I did it. You were… present, I guess," Young-il remarks, teasingly.

Gihun doesn't let it bother him too much as he replies while still grinning, "You’re impossible."

"And yet you can't resist talking to me."

Gihun’s smile softens at the edges. "Whatever, you asshole." The room goes quiet again - that same slow, gentle quiet - where they just stand looking at each other, smiling.

Eventually, they finish setting up the rest of the stuff, including the desk and the lamp. It’s domestic, mundane and fragile, in all the ways that makes Inho's heart ache, reminding him of his life all those years ago. He thought he would never have it again and that he would be bad at handling it if he, by some miracle ever got to experience it again. Yet here he is, handling it anyway.

When Gihun’s stomach growls loud enough to echo, he just gives him a look and tilts his head toward the kitchen.

“I’ll cook,” he states simply.

Gihun follows him like a stray cat pretending not to be attached. “I can help.”

“You’ll make it worse.” He says it gently, not teasing, just honest. The kitchen feels too new, too clean, almost sterile compared to the chaos they left in the other room. Young-il scans the cabinets, opening doors with the same clinical precision he applies to everything. Gihun trails in behind him like a bewildered shadow, rubbing the back of his neck as if embarrassed by his own existence.

Gihun huffs, offended in a tiny, adorable way. “I am perfectly capable of cooking.”

“Instant noodles aren’t cooking, Gihun”

Gihun mutters something about “gourmet techniques” and starts rooting around the fridge anyway. He pulls out ingredients haphazardly, nearly knocks over a jar, gets flour on the counter in the first three minutes. Inho watches the chaos unfold and - God help him - feels something warm unfurl in his chest.

Because Gihun tries. That’s the thing. He always tries, even when he’s bad at it. And Inho loves him for it.

“Stand aside,” Gihun hears Youngil sigh, nudging him aside with a shoulder that lingers a moment too long against his. “Let me do it.”

“But I want to help,” Gihun practically whines in his ear.

“You are helping,” he says softly, focusing on the cutting board. “Just… stay.”

It’s stupid how quiet the room gets after that. Not uncomfortable - just a kind of careful silence, like they are both afraid to break something invisible between them. Gihun settles beside him, close enough that Inho can feel the warmth of him even without looking.

When Inho moves to get something, his elbow brushes Gihun’s arm and he jolts like he’s been caught doing something intimate.

“You okay?” he asks.

“Yeah,” Gihun replies too quickly. “Just didn’t expect the kitchen to suddenly get this small.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“You like that about me.”

Inho doesn’t respond to that. But the curve of his mouth softens, just barely.

The soft rhythm of onions, garlic and spices simmering fills the air. The smell grows warm and familiar quickly, spreading through the apartment like someone finally letting a window open after weeks of stale air. Gihun leans his hip against the counter, watching. His eyes follow every small movement - every flick of Young-il’s wrist, every turn of the pan - as if something in that steady rhythm is anchoring him.

He doesn’t talk for once. Not even to narrate his anxieties.

Young-il glances at him. “You’re quiet.”

He watches Young-il slice other vegetables with steady hands - hands that he doesn't know have done far uglier things - and something unspoken fills the space between them, like steam rising from the pan.

“I never thought I would…” Gihun starts, then trails off.

Young-il glances at him. “What?”

“Have someone in my kitchen again,” he finishes delicately. “Not like this.”

Inho's throat tightens, but he doesn’t let it show. He stirs the pan, keeps his voice low. “I didn’t think I would be here either.”

Gihun’s gaze lingers on him, unreadable, almost pained. And for a moment, the only sounds in the apartment are the simmering food, the quiet breathing and the weight of two men who’ve lost too much, learning how to exist gently in each other’s spaces.

A few minutes pass like that, as domesticity settles around them like dust in evening sunlight. Then, without warning, the quiet shifts - just enough to feel different.

Young-il turns off the stove. “Go sit. It’ll be done in a moment.”

Gihun nods but doesn't move. He just stands there, fingers tightening around his pants, knuckles pale. His breathing isn’t loud, but it’s wrong - uneven, like he’s swallowing something painful. Inho immediately hears the small shift and looks over questioningly.

“Young-il,” Gihun says quietly. “Do you ever-” His voice cracks. He stops. His eyes widening in surprise and his hand goes to cover his mouth. He sees Young-il put down the ladle immediately and step closer to him. 

“Gihun.” He doesn’t raise his voice, doesn’t step closer too fast. Just calls his name as if trying to ground him.

And that’s all it takes.

Something inside Gihun collapses - not loudly, not messily but in the heartbreaking way a man breaks when he’s been holding too much for too long. His shoulders hunch, his breath stutters, and he presses the heel of his hand against his eyes as if that could keep everything in.

“I'm sorry. It's just been a long, tiring day," he whispers.

"It's okay. You don't have to apologize, Gihun."

"I’m trying,” he says, voice hoarse. “I swear I’m trying. I got the apartment, I am getting the room ready, I have quit smoking, trying to… be someone she can look at without -” He chokes on the rest.

Young-il steps forward slowly, like approaching a wounded animal. He places a hand on the juncture between Gihun's neck and shoulder - steady, warm and grounding. His thumb rubs circles on his pulse point.

“You are someone she can look at,” Young-il says. “You always were.”

“That’s not true.”

“It is,” he says firmly. “And I’ll say it until you believe it. I wish you could see yourself the way I do.”

Gihun laughs wetly under his breath, not quite a sob but close. “You’re too kind to me,” he murmurs.

For a moment, Gihun leans into him - not fully, just enough that his head rests in Young-il's neck. Close enough that he is sure the shorter man can feel his breath, warm and shaky against his skin.

It isn’t a hug. It’s something quieter and needier than it.

“Why do you stay?” Gihun whispers. “Why… keep coming back?”

Inho inhales sharply. He could lie. He could deflect. But the truth rises anyway, bare and unguarded.

“Because,” he says slowly, “every time I try to pull away, something pulls me back to you.”

Gihun’s breath catches. He lifts his head from Young-il's shoulder and looks at him. He can still feel Young-il's hand rubbing circles in on his neck. 

They stand in that fragile space - close and touching, hearts hammering in the quiet room. No declarations. No dramatics. Just the kind of truth that feels like stepping into sunlight after years of choosing shadows.

Then Young-il pulls back first, gently.

“The food will get cold,” he says, voice too soft to be casual.

Gihun wipes under his eyes and nods, embarrassed but calmer now. “Right. Yeah. Let's eat.”

Young-il sets the plates and Gihun takes one of them, brushing their fingers together on purpose this time. And the silence between them is no longer heavy. It’s warm. Shared.

A beginning they don’t name yet.

Gihun eats slowly, almost reverently, as if he’s afraid to disturb the moment. “This is really good,” he murmurs, chewing thoughtfully. “You didn’t have to cook.”

Young-il shrugs lightly. “You weren’t going to feed yourself properly.”

“I can cook!”

“You opened a package of instant noodles last week and somehow burnt them.”

Gihun groans, “Okay, that was one time.”

“It was enough to tell me you should be supervised everytime you step in the kitchen.”

There’s a soft laugh from Gihun, his eyes lowering - shy in a way that would surprise anyone who knew him. He’s relaxed now, shoulders loose, the earlier panic dissolved into something gentler. Something that lets him look at Young-il longer without flinching.

“You know,” he says quietly, “I don’t… usually let people see me like that.”

Young-il’s chopsticks pause. “I know.”

“You didn’t leave.” It’s barely more than a whisper.

“No,” Young-il says, meeting his eyes. “I didn’t.”

Gihun swallows and decides to change the topic to something lighter. The conversation keep flowing for the rest of night. He notices the big, satisfied smile on Young-il's face when he helps himself to a second serving and smiles back in return, while rolling his eyes.

They clean up together, bumping elbows, brushing past each other in the narrow kitchen. Gihun hums a song under his breath, and every time their hands graze, it lingers - just a second longer than necessary.

Later, when the kitchen is finally tidy, it’s late - dark outside and quiet, the city humming low and distant beyond the windows. Inho prepares to leave, even though he doesn't want to. Gihun looked slightly dissatisfied when Inho talked about leaving and it warmed him more than it should have.

Gihun walks him to the door, leaning on the wall, arms folded, watching as he steps into his shoes. 

“You helped a lot today,” Gihun says softly. “Thank you.”

“It was nothing.”

“It wasn’t,” Gihun murmurs. “Not to me.”

The air thickens between them - warm, slow and lingering. Inho lifts his eyes, and something unspoken passes between them.

Gihun’s breath falters and Inho dares to step closer. The world narrows to the space of a heartbeat that exists between them.

There is no dramatic music, no sudden confession - just two of them standing too close at the edge of a doorway, something fragile pulling them in.

Gihun tilts forward first. Barely. Almost.

Young-il mirrors him - slowly, cautiously - as if one wrong movement from him might shatter the moment.

Their foreheads nearly touch and both can feel their breaths mixing.

A single inch is left between their mouths and Gihun is just about to take the final leap and close it before-

BANG. BANG. BANG.

A fist bangs agsinst the door from the hallway.

“Hyung! Open the door,” Junho’s voice floats through the door, loud and clear. Unmistakable.

Gihun jerks backward so hard that he bumps into the wall and raises his hand to the bumped area. “What the - ?”

Inho stiffens like someone just dropped a bucket of ice water down his spine. His eyes widen, panic flickering briefly on his face - real panic, not the controlled kind he usually has.

Jungbae’s voice follows, too loud as always, “Gihun-ah! Are you alive??!” 

Before Gihun can even blink and get his bearings, Inho is grabbing the door handle.

“Wait - ” Gihun protests.

But Young-il doesn't seem interested in waiting.

He cracks the door open just enough to slip through, keeping his face turned away from Junho on purpose. There is a tiny, startled “Hyung-?” of realization from the hallway - Junho’s voice going small and stunned - but Inho cuts it off with a tight, clipped, “Not now.” He doesn’t give Junho a chance to speak anything more. Thankfully, Jungbae is too distracted by Gihun's flustered state and doesn't notice the interaction, as he makes his way inside the apartment. 

Inho doesn’t look farther than that, as he swiftly makes his way to the elevators. 

He is practically fleeing down the hallway, the soles of his shoes clicking sharp and fast against the floor.

Junho takes a step as if to follow him, but Inho's voice - cold enough to freeze - stops him.

“I said not now.”

Then he disappears down the hallway corner and into the elevator.

The door closes, leaving Gihun standing there, blinking in confusion, heat still lingering on his lips from a kiss that almost happened.

Jungbae looks from the closed door to Gihun, baffled. “What the hell was that? Why did Young-il sprint off like someone he owed money to was here?”

Junho looks shaken, frozen in place, his mouth working like he wants to say something but can’t.

Gihun stares at the door, heart pounding, breath uneven.

He doesn’t understand what just happened. But he knows one thing with absolute clarity: Whatever that almost happened between him and Young-il, it wasn’t nothing.

He felt like it was dangerously close to being everything he wanted. 

Junho:

Hyung. 

We need to talk.

[Read at 11:38 pm]

I know this is your number. I sneaked it from Gihun hyung's phone. 

[Read at 11:45 pm]

Stop ignoring me. This isnt going away.

[Read at 11:47 pm]

Fine you wanna play it this way?

If you dont respond, I am calling Gihun hyung right now and telling him the truth about fuckass "Youngil"

Inho:

I won't hesitate to miss your heart this time around if you do that, Junho.

[sent a location]

Be there, tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Chapter Text

The café is the sort of place people come to discuss important things, with honey-warm lamps hanging low and booths tucked into shadowed corners where conversations disappear into the woodgrain. It was nearly empty at this hour, with the lunch rush dying out, and low jazz playing in the background, with the occasional soft clinking of cups behind the counter.

Inho had chosen a booth tucked against the back wall, the kind that absorbed sound. He sits alone for now, tapping his fingers against a sweating glass of iced Americano. On the table also sits a glass of a mint chocolate shake. As much as it disgusted him when he was ordering it, he thought it would be a nice gesture. A stupid one, probably. But some part of him clung to the hope that small things still mattered.

He had been sitting there for ten minutes now and been rehearsing what to say for longer than that. The same lines over and over, none of them sounding right once they left the safety of his thoughts.

He tells himself that he is calm.

He isn’t. His heartbeat keeps betraying him, tight in his throat, loud in his ears.

The cushion of the seat opposite to him shifts when someone slides in across from him. Inho doesn’t need to look up to know who it is, as the air changes immediately, the temperature drops a degree and the silence tightens in a way that can only be managed by Junho’s resentment. It rolls off him in waves, palpable and heavy, almost something he can taste in the back of his throat. A familiar bitterness, one that he very much deserves.

Inho sits straight and composed, the way he always does. The mask may be gone, but the habit remains.

“Junho,” he greets softly, voice almost too careful, as if any wrong tone might set the whole table on fire.

Junho lifts his eyebrow. “You came,” disbelief dripping from his voice. 

“I said I would.”

“You also said you wouldn’t ever hurt me,” Junho mutters and this time the bitterness is unmistakable.

A faint, humourless exhale escapes Inho, a flinch hidden behind stillness, “Did I?”

Junho scoffs and leans back, jaw tight. “Yeah. I remember.”

For a moment, they just watch each other. Outside the booth, the café hums with soft conversation, chairs sliding, cups clattering - life moving on, as it always does. But inside the booth, it feels like a sealed room, a vacuum where everything unsaid expands to fill the space between them.

Junho sits with his shoulders stiff, hands clasped in front of him, staring at the untouched mint chocolate shake. He scoffs, before pointing towards it with his eyes, "That for me?"

"No one else I know drinks something so repulsive," Inho’s was aiming for lightness but his tone lands somewhere closer to weary affection.

"At least it isn't bitter like the shit you are drinking," Junho retorts, taking a sip of his drink. He swallows, then adds, quieter but sharp, "But I guess I should be thankful you remembered."

"Of course I remember, Junho. You are my brother," The words leave Inho almost too quickly, too raw.

"I have no brother named Young-il," he shoots back immediately. "And what even is that name? Did you actually have the audacity to use your wife's name - Jiyoung- to come up with it?"

Inho's silence is answer enough for him, as he looks down at his cup, fingers tightening slightly around the glass as if it’s the only thing keeping him grounded. Junho takes the opportunity to study him, to really look.

Junho didn’t see Young-il. He saw Inho.

His brother.

And the sight punches something in his chest - anger twisted with relief, grief layered beneath disbelief. He can't believe that after years of searching and months of anger, he sits here, so calm and composed.

After getting a bullet wound. After falling off a cliff.

After a goodbye he never asked for.

And now- as if the universe hadn't already made enough cruel jokes out of his life - his brother walked back into his life, with an unfamiliar name and being friends with Gihun, of all people.

Inho sat silently opposite him. His expression was unreadable, the same polished stillness he probably wore behind the black mask of the Front Man. But Junho could see something beneath it now: fatigue and something like dread sitting in the corners of his eyes.

Neither of them speak for a long time. The silence is heavy with everything they aren’t ready to say, yet unable to walk away from.

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

@Boss (of bad decisions) where you at?

need ur opinions on some potential candidates for next years game

Underpaid Assistant:

He isnt in the office. He left around noon and looked distracted

Didnt say where he was going

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

OH??????

lemme check gihun's tracker asap maybe they went on a lunch date

Underpaid Assistant:

Considering the way boss was before he left the office? Not a chance

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

tf do u even mean??

Underpaid Assistant:

Take a look for yourself

He didnt even yell at me today, not even once

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yikes nvm

i dont want to face him when he is like this

Back at the café, Junho finally broke the silence first.

“You ran yesterday,” he said quietly. No anger. No accusation. Just a fact laid bare on the table between them.

Inho exhaled slowly, the breath coming out controlled, but Junho could see the tiny twitch in his fingers, the slight shift of his shoulders. “I didn’t run.”

“You practically vanished before I could even say your name,” Junho said, leaning back. “It’s impressive, really. After all these years, you’re still just as dramatic as back then.”

Inho’s jaw tightens, a microscopic clench, the kind that gives away more emotion than he’d ever admit. “I didn’t think you would want to talk.”

“You shot me,” Junho reminded him. “I think conversation was the bare minimum you could give me after that.”

A humourless smile pulled at Inho’s mouth, more like a crack in his composure than an actual expression of amusement. “You shot me too.”

“Family bonding ritual,” Junho deadpanned.

For a moment, Inho actually huffed out a soft breath - something almost like a laugh, but also a lot like grief.

His gaze drops briefly to Junho’s hands. “Your hands still shake when you are mad,” he observes quietly.

Junho tenses fast, as if the words hit a bruise. His fingers curl inward on instinct, hiding the tremor and the vulnerability. “I’m not mad.”

“You are,” Inho says, with irritating certainty. “But you’re trying not to show it.”

“And you’re still very good at pretending you know me,” Junho fires back, defensive after feeling so exposed, his words too sharp and spilling out before he can stop them - a reflex born from years of hurt.

That lands harder than he intended. Inho’s shoulders stiffen, and for once, he looks away first. His gaze shifts down to his drink, to the condensation collecting along the glass, as if that’s easier to face.

“I know enough,” Inho says quietly. “But not enough to stop things from happening the way they did.”

Junho’s throat feels tight at the honesty in his words. He hadn’t come here for apologies - he didn’t think Inho was capable of one. But something in the man’s voice is different. Smaller. Not quite remorse but close.

“Falling off that cliff hurt, you know,” Junho says, trying to lighten his voice and failing miserably. It comes out thin, strained, more of an accusation than a joke.

Inho’s lips twitch downward, his expression tightening in a way that looks almost painful, “I know.”

“You didn’t even check if I was alive.”

“I knew you were alive.” He pauses, before continuing. “Someone I trusted was watching you.”

“You mean, following your orders,” Junho counters back, bitter and wounded all at once.

Inho doesn’t deny it. “He saved your life.”

“Yeah. On your orders.” The bitterness sinks deeper and heavier, coating every word.

Silence again, but its not the earlier tense one. This one is heavier, thick with old wounds and unspoken explanations. Junho drags in a calming breath, though it does little to steady the mess of emotions inside him.

As if on cue, his phone buzzes in his pocket, breaking the tension just enough for him to blink and pull himself back from the edge. 

Gihunie hyung:

Are you okay?

You seemed distracted and unwell last night

Junho sees it flash on his screen and he hesitates before typing a response.

Junho:

Yes. Just busy with something

Don't worry

A typing bubble appears… then disappears… then reappears.

Gihunie hyung:

Busy with what…?

Junho locks the phone.

“You didn’t contact me,” he says suddenly. The words spill out fast, as they have been sitting behind his teeth for years. “Not once. All those years and not one word”

“You wouldn't have wanted me to.”

“You don't know that," he snaps. "I wanted…” His voice falters. He wanted so many things back then, too many to sort through now, but above all, he had wanted his hyung back. The one who left without explanation. The one who became a ghost. “I wanted answers.”

“You weren’t ready to hear them,” Inho says. “You still might not be.”

Junho laughs - short, sharp. “Try me.”

For the first time, Inho looks almost nervous. He folds his hands on the table, fingers interlacing tightly.

“I never wanted to kill you,” Inho says. “But on that island, I didn’t have choices. I only had consequences.”

Junho’s breath stalls. His voice cuts between them, low but shaking with barely contained fury. “Explain. Now.” His jaw clenches so hard the muscle jumps.

He sits in front of Inho - not 'Young-il', not the masked Front Man, but his brother. Inho meets his stare with a strange calmness, the sort that only infuriates Junho more, but still he doesn’t look away.

He takes a slow breath and begins, because he always knew this moment would come.

He tells Junho everything: the structure of the Games, the relentless system that grinds people down and breaks them beyond repair, the hierarchy built on rules designed to strip players of their humanity, the punishments, the constant surveillance, the absolute obedience required. He explains how the VIPs aren’t just spectators but the very fuel of the operation - demanding, powerful, untouchable men and women, who expect entertainment in form of bloodshed and outcomes tailored to their whims. Their money, their influence, their greed for more blood and viollence is what keeps the entire monstrous machine running.

Junho listens - tense, horrified, disgusted- but he doesn’t interrupt, not even when Inho admits how deeply he had to bury his former self to run the system. Junho’s fingers tighten around his own wrists beneath the table, grounding himself, fighting the urge to shout.

And then Inho’s voice shifts - still steady, but carrying something almost fragile. Something that sounds dangerously close to regret. He tells Junho that none of it was ever simple, that becoming the Front Man wasn’t his ambition but a survival choice made in a world where he had lost everything. He says he did it because he genuinely believed it was the only way he could keep living.

“It was the best thing I could do,” Inho says quietly, and there’s a finality in his tone, as if he’s repeating a truth he forced himself to accept long ago. “For you. For myself. For us.”

But Junho looks at him as if he’s staring at a stranger, because Inho's logic is fucked up beyond reason. Because to Junho, protection built on cruelty feels like betrayal and love twisted into violence is something he simply can’t comprehend. His chest tightens with disbelief, anger, grief - all of it tangled so tightly he can’t separate where one feeling ends and the next begins.

Yet still, Inho sits there, waiting for judgment, believing - possibly hoping - that Junho will understand why he did all those unforgivable things.

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

Uh hey

If you are free can we talk? maybe sometime later today??

Its nothing serious, just wanted to talk abt something

“So that’s it? You disappear for years, run a mass-murder circus and your takeaway is it was for my own good?” Junho’s voice cracks on the last words - not loudly, but enough that Inho’s eyes flicker. Junho feels the words burn as they leave him, too heavy and too raw.

Inho doesn’t rise to the bait. He just exhales slowly, as if he’s been waiting years for this conversation and can barely stand to have it now that they are finally having it.

“Junho… you don’t understand what the alternative was. They would have taken you too. I kept you out of it. That was the only thing I could control.”

Junho laughs, hollow and it sounds like disbelief carved into a sound. “You didn’t keep me out of anything. I ended up right in the middle of it. And you watched me fall.”

For a moment, Inho’s mask slips - the calculated calm cracks and it’s the closest Junho has seen him come to looking human again. “I didn’t want that. I never wanted any of this for you.” His voice drops. “But once you know the system, once you see it from the inside, leaving isn’t an option. Playing by their rules was the only way to survive.”

Junho leans back, trying to process everything at once. He’s furious but also blindsided by the quiet sincerity. “Protect me? You shot me.”

“That was the rule,” Inho answers, and it’s the simplicity and the almost resigned practicality, that twists the knife deeper. “The Frontman doesn’t get exceptions. If I had hesitated, they would’ve killed us both.”

Junho’s breath stutters. He clenches his teeth, because the worst part of all of this, the part that makes his stomach turn, is that he knows Inho is telling the truth. He hates that it makes sense. He hates even more that some part of him understands.

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

Are you busy?? Its fine if you are 

I just thought we could talk about… you know

yesterday and what happened

(no reply)

Gihun:

Ok now it seems like you are ignoring me on purpose

Junho rested his elbows on the table. His shoulders sag just slightly, as if the weight of everything between them is finally too much to keep upright. “I didn’t come here to fight,” he confesses, resignedly. 

“Then why did you come?” Inho asked, genuinely confused. Like he truly can’t fathom that Junho would willingly sit across from him again.

“To see if you’re still the same man, before you abandoned me.”

Inho’s breath stutters. It’s barely audible, but Junho sees the way his chest halts for a fraction of a second, sees the flicker of something raw in his eyes before Inho looks away. “I had no choice,” he murmurs. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“You think I don’t?” Junho leaned forward. “Do you know how many nights I spent trying to find you? How many bodies I saw? How close I felt to dying because you left without a word?”

Inho’s eyes dropped to the table, shadows flickering across his expression.

“I didn’t expect you to come after me,” he admits quietly.

Junho laughed once - sharp, small, painful. “You’re my brother. Of course I came, hyung.”

The word hyung hangs between them like an old photograph - faded around the edges, but still intact enough to hurt.

“Junho,” Inho starts slowly. “I don’t expect forgiveness. I don’t ask for it. But I’d like to know you don’t hate me.”

Junho swallows. His chest tightens in a way he hates, with hurt, love and loyalty tugging in opposite directions. He hates that he cares. He hates that he always will.

“I don’t hate you,” he says quietly. “I’m just tired.”

“That,” Inho says, “I understand.”

And he does - Junho can see it. There’s something in his expression that softens, that aches, that recognizes the exhaustion in both of them.

They share a small, reluctant smile between themselves, an echo of the easy laughter that once used to flow naturally. 

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

Scratch what i said earlier we need to talk right away, not later. Like, in the next few minutes

.

.

.

Ok now im actually worried. Did something happen?

You never take this long to text back

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

boss hasnt texted back in over an hour now

should we be concerned??

Underpaid Assistant:

He gets like this when he is brooding or in denial

He will be back soon dont worry

Roaches always find a way to come back

Boss (of bad decisions):

I’m not brooding. I’m working. Unlike some people.

Underpaid Assistant:

Funny how I am working but I dont see you around

Must be nice being on payroll for breathing

Boss (of bad decisions):

One more word from you, and watch me toss you, limbs fractured, into next year’s Games.

Am I clear?

Underpaid Assistant:

Crystal

He watches his brother closely. “So. You’re alive. Living. Pretending to be a man named Young-il.”

“I’m not pretending,” Inho said. “It's still me, just under a different name. Think of it as rebuilding my life back again.”

Junho scoffed. “Interesting choice of location to rebuild - right next to the man that almost got killed in your Games.”

Inho’s expression flickers with guilt. A quick shadow passing over his features, a tiny pause in his breathing, “I didn’t actively conspire to kill him.”

Junho shrugs, an aggressive, dismissive gesture meant to hide how much this all unsettles him. “Well you certainly didn’t try to avoid killing him.”

Inho’s fingers curl together on the table, slow and tense. “I didn’t expect to connect with him again. And certainly not for you two to become friends, as well.”

“You didn’t plan on becoming his suitor either, I’m guessing.”

Inho froze. His throat bobbed, as he swallowed loudly. “…You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, come on,” Junho said, leaning forward. “I have heard all about your little dates. He can't stop talking about you sometimes. Your flirting skills really haven't changed much, you know?”

Inho’s silence was telling. Junho watches him with a growing heaviness in his chest - frustration, fear for Gihun and maybe anger at how easily Inho complicates everything he touches.

He exhales through his nose, and starts again, slow and shaky, “Then tell me something real for once.”

Inho’s gaze sharpens. “I just did.”

“No,” Junho snaps, leaning forward, voice low but tight. “You told me about your guilt. I’m asking about your intentions.” His jaw works, grinding through unspoken worry. “What do you actually want from Gihun hyung?”

The question hangs there like a blade. Even the café noise outside their booth feels distant, muted.

Inho doesn’t answer right away. His fingers curl against the table again, knuckles white. Junho watches every twitch, every hesitation, because he had learned to read silence when it comes to his brother - it always means the truth is ugly.

Finally, Inho says, “I want a chance.” His voice is almost too soft. “To be close to someone like him. Without masks. Without any hinderances.”

Junho scoffs bitterly. “And yet here you are - with a fake identity.”

Inho clenches his jaw, the muscle jumping, “Young-il isn’t a lie. He is just the part of me that isn’t the FrontMan.”

“That part shouldn’t need a disguise,” Junho fires back immediately but beneath it is something protective, almost desperate. “How far are you planning to drag this? Until he finds out on his own and hates you for it? Or until you decide you are bored and suddenly vanish again?”

Inho flinches - barely, but Junho sees it just the same.

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

NOW im getting annoyed

Answer my text immediately, Oh Young-il.

“You don’t get to have normal things,” Junho says, quieter now, almost defeated. “Not with that mask on. Not with that world chained to your neck. So tell me, hyung - what’s the endgame?”

Inho’s eyes dim, like someone turned down the lights behind them.

“I don’t know,” he admits. “I just know I can’t stay away from him. And I know the moment I tell him the truth… I lose him.”

Junho lets out a short, humourless laugh. “So you’re choosing to build something on a lie. Classic.”

Inho tilts his head just slightly - not defensive or offended, just simply tired. “You asked how long I’ll keep this going.” A breath. “Until I have a reason to stop.”

“What's that even supposed to mean?” Junho is clearly exasperated. “Is he that reason?”

Inho doesn’t blink. “In a way,” he says, voice unbearably steady.

Junho sits back, stomach twisting. He hates this answer - hates how honest it is, how hopeless it feels.

“So you’re just… what?,” he asks flatly.

Inho’s gaze softens in a way that stings. “I’m trying, Junho. After all these years of having no faith in humanity, I saw hope in form Seong Gihun and I am trying to be a better person. Someone who deserves to be by his side.”

Junho’s throat tightens. His fingers curl into fists under the table.

“And what happens to Gihun,” he says quietly, “when your facade collapses and he has to face a heartbreak he never signed up for?”

Inho has no answer for that. Not one he’s willing to speak.

And Junho knows it.

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

You know what asshole? Forget it abt it all

I take back everything

We DID NOT almost do that

I hallucinated it. must be the nicotine withdrawal

“You really should check that,” Junho comments dryly, eyebrow lifting.

“I will,” Inho said, though his hands remain perfectly still on the table, fingers tense. He makes no move to reach for his phone.

Junho narrows his eyes, “Why aren’t you checking it?”

Inho swallows, throat tight, “Because I’m afraid he’ll be upset.” The admission comes out low, almost ashamed, like he hates how true it is.

Junho blinks, processing that. “Knowing him, he probably is. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.”

Inho’s jaw dips, the faintest grimace pulling at his mouth, “Yes. I know.” He sounds like a man bracing for impact, already picturing the messages, the overthinking, the disappointment.

“You’re an idiot,” Junho said, not very gently.

“I know.” Inho doesn’t even argue. His eyes flick away, like he can’t bear to look at himself reflected in his brother’s judgement.

“Text him back,” Junho insists. There’s irritation in his voice, but also something softer, like worry, maybe. Or pity.

Inho finally exhales and reaches for his phone, screen lighting up with over a dozen text notifications.

He stares and Junho immediately cranes over the table to peek. “Oh wow. He really is spiralling. What did you even do last night?”

“Don’t read that,” Inho mutters, swatting him away. He feels his cheeks warming and colour rises faintly to his cheeks.

Junho grins a big, toothy smile. “You like him so much, it’s pathetic. I can't believe I get to watch you being like this, all over again.”

Inho groans and drags both hands down his face, fingers pressing into his eyes like he could erase the entire situation if he just pushed hard enough. “I know.”

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

@Young il YOUNGIL!!!!

I swear to god Im coming over wherever tf you are and nailing you by your eyelids to the nearest wall myself

I WILL do it IM NOT JOKING

Inho’s ears go pink. Junho sees it immediately and narrows his eyes.

“Oh my god,” Junho whispers. “Don't tell me you actually liked what he is saying.” Inho doesn’t dignify it with a response. Just as he is about to take another jab at his older brother, he feels his own phone buzz again and picks it up to take a look.

Gihunie hyung:

Junhooooo

I know you are busy but remember i told you abt youngil??

Junho:

Yes hyung i remember it more than i ever wanted to

Gihunie hyung:

Yes well, ummmm

He and I almost kissed yesterday right before you guys came

Junho:

WHAT?!?

The word slips out loud too, at the same time. He looks up at Inho, who is already looking over at him with an eyebrow raised.

"You guys almost kissed?" Junho hissed at him. He watches in horror as his brother flushes brightly, all the way to the tip of his ears, and mumbles something about it being none of his business.

Gihunie hyung:

BUT we didnt!! Dont freak out

He hasnt texted me anything since last night and I tried reaching out but havent heard back either

Do you think he is avoiding me???

Junho:

Well shit hyung i dont know

"You are an absolute ass," he says it directly to Inho's face. 

Junho:

In my experience, people like him arent really worthy of you

time to move on and find a better man

He is almost giggling as he sends it and that is enough for Inho to lean over the table to take a look at his phone.

"Must you be so determined to get yourself murdered?"

This time, it's Inho's phone that buzzes and Junho grabs it before Inho can stop him.

“Junho.”

“Nope. You owe me this much at least," he says, as he holds it out of reach.

[Walking Disasters]

Gihun:

Actually I dont have a ride

BUT KNOW THAT I COULD COME OVER

IN SPIRIT

AND YELL

LOUDLY

Junho looks up, analyzing Inho from top to bottom, “He must really like you. Can't imagine why though,” he deadpans. 

Inho snatches the phone back, glaring. “Give me that.”

Junho just smirks as he finishes his shake. Inho hesitates, thumb hovering over the screen. Another message comes in before he can decide what to say.

Gihun:

Are we okay?

That one hits different, and it hurts Inho in a way he doesn’t expect. It lands right in the center of his chest, like a sharp, guilty twist because the moment he reads it, he can see it.

Gihun pacing. Overthinking. Checking his phone. Stressing. Because of him.

A faint tremor runs through Inho’s fingers before he hides his hands under the table.

Junho is watching him carefully now, head tilted just slightly, studying every crack in his facade. “You can’t keep dodging him forever, hyung.”

Inho puts the phone down on the table and closes his eyes for a moment - just long enough for the truth to sting. “I know.”

The phone buzzes again, loud in the quiet of the café - insistent, anxious, almost desperate, as if Gihun refuses to let him breathe long enough to run away again.

Gihun:

Please just tell me if you are mad or if I did something wrong

Or if I read the signs wrong. I thought we both wanted it

But I will stop bothering you if thats you want. Just tell me something

Junho sighs as he reads the notifications, eyebrows pinched together in something like secondhand worry. “He sounds scared.”

The words sink into Inho’s skin. He swallows, throat tight, fingers curling around the phone like it’s burning him - hot, accusing and impossible to hold without feeling the guilt radiating off it. His chest feels too full, like someone stuffed regret into every inch of him.

“I didn’t mean to make him wait,” he murmurs, voice small in a way Junho has rarely heard from him.

Junho leans forward, forearms on the table, studying him the way only a younger brother can - with irritation, concern and reluctant sympathy all tangled together, “Then why not text him back?”

"Because he deserves the truth. Like you said, he doesn't deserve to fall for a person who doesn't exist," Inho says, the words cracking around the edges.

Junho sighs, not understanding why his idiot of a brother makes everything so unnecessarily complicated, tugging on threads until they strangle him.

"For what it's worth, he really likes you. From the way he talks, you clearly treat him well and are not a complete monster. Maybe just a twisted human with fucked up morales."

Inho looks up at that, quick and startled. He looks like a wounded puppy and Junho is slightly uncomfortable seeing his brother, who he once thought could overcome anything and was the strongest person alive, like that.

He scratches the back of neck as he continues, "Gihun is a good man, hyung. I think, if you try to explain everything you went through to him and how you are willing to change, he will have it in his heart to forgive you."

"But will he have it in his heart to look at me the way he does now?"

Junho freezes, just for a second and the silence that follows is thick and heavy. He has no answer to that, and both of them know exactly why. Some wounds don’t heal cleanly. Some truths don’t go back into the box once laid out.

Inho drags in a slow breath, staring down at the phone again. The buzzing has stopped, but the weight of each unread message still presses into him like a hand around his ribs.

He takes a moment to think over his next steps, anxiety twisting quietly in his gut, before finally typing up his response.

Young il:

I will drop by your apartment in an hour, Gihun.

Forgive me for not texting you back. I was in an important meeting and my phone was on silent.

Gihun:

Oh

Sry for overreacting I guess

see you soon!

The heavy silence between the two brothers has finally thinned. Not fully gone, but no longer suffocating. It sits between them like a bruise instead of a open wound. Junho pushes his empty cup aside and exhales, long and slow, shoulders finally losing some of their tension.

“…So,” he says, voice gentler than before, “we’re not shooting each other today.”

A corner of Inho’s mouth twitches. It’s not a smile, but it’s close. “Not today.”

Junho leans back in the booth, studying him - the man he chased, fought, bled for, hated and still somehow loved beyond reason. “We’re not… fixed,” he says honestly. “But I think… I think we’re okay enough to try.”

Inho’s eyes soften at that, the first real softness Junho has seen in years. “I’d like that,” he admits quietly. “Having you around again.”

Junho nods, swallowing something thick in his chest. “Yeah. Me too.”

It’s clumsy. Imperfect. Awkward as hell. But real.

They both stand, stiff at first, like their bodies still aren’t used to sharing space without violence or fear. When they step out of the booth, Junho hesitates, then places a hand on Inho’s shoulder. It’s brief, barely a second, but grounding. A declaration stronger than any apology.

“Let’s not disappear on each other again,” he mutters.

Inho nods. “Agreed.”

There’s a small beat, and Junho adds more firmly, “And don’t worry, I’m not telling him. That’s your truth to handle. Not mine. But I won't wait long either, so you best figure it out soon, hyung.”

Inho blinks, taken aback. A slow breath leaves him, shaky, almost relieved.

“Thank you,” he murmurs. Junho doesn’t say anything more. He doesn’t need to.

They head towards the door, the late afternoon sun painting the café in a warm gold. Just as Inho reaches for the handle, Junho stops, squints at him, then smirks with the full confidence of a younger brother who has been waiting years to bully him again.

“So,” he says, “are you going to meet your boyfriend now?”

Inho freezes. “He’s not-”

Junho laughs, absolutely delighted. “Hyung, he sent you several messages. That man is loosing his shit over you.”

“Stop being so crass,” Inho snaps too fast.

Junho raises both brows. “I saw something about ‘his spirit yelling.’ That’s not normal behavior.”

“Mind your business.”

“Nope,” Junho replies cheerfully, patting Inho’s head like he’s five years old. “I’m invested now.”

“Junho,” Inho warns, elbowing him painfully in his chest.

“You almost kissed him!”

Inho nearly trips down the steps, his ears red again, betraying him instantly. “We did not- it wasn’t- that’s none of your damn business!”

Junho grins like he’s watching the best drama of his life. “Oh my god, look at you, all blushing. This is incredible. Hold on, let me snap a pic to send to Gihun.”

“If you send him anything,” Inho warns, voice low and dangerous, “I will shoot you again.”

Junho just shrugs. “Worth it.”

Inho glares, but Junho bumps their shoulders together, light, familiar and stupidly fond.

“Go on then, hyung,” he says softly, “Go see him.”

The words slide under Inho’s ribs and lodge there, warm and painful at once. For the first time in years, he breathes a bit easier. The possibility of starting over feels real. Terrifying, but real.

They walk out to the parking lot - two brothers, not healed, not whole, but trying just the same. Trying is more than either of them had yesterday.

As they reach Inho's car, his phone buzzes again.

Junho whispers, cackling, “Your boyfriend is gonna eat you alive.”

“Shut up and keep walking. I will see you around.” But Inho checks the message anyway.

And Junho sees the smile he tries - and fails - to hide, as he walks away.

The kind of smile Junho hasn’t seen on him in years - quiet, private and full of a longing he can’t quite hide. Aching with the shape of something he wants, something he’s daring himself to hope for.

And maybe, just maybe, he’s brave enough to try for it.

Chapter Text

[Gihun Cam Live 24/7]

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

well i finally figured out where boss is

Underpaid Assistant:

??? I thought you were stalking gihun 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

exactly i was stalking gihun 

and guess who i found in his apartment 

Underpaid Assistant:

No...??

It cant be

Boss (of bad decisions):

…

Where are you hiding?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

GOOD EVENING TO YOU TOO KING

i see the courtship is going very well

Underpaid Assistant:

So you spent the entire day hiding in his apartment??

Boss (of bad decisions):

I was not hiding.

I was handling things.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

damn gihun let you handle his things?? (¬‿¬ )

Underpaid Assistant:

Disgusting

Boss (of bad decisions):

If you continue typing I swear I will put both of you in the next year's games.

Underpaid Assistant:

Your love life has caused us more damage than the actual games ever can

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

anyWAYS I took pics (˶˘ ³˘)♡

should I send them?? 

Boss (of bad decisions):

No. That is an invasion of privacy.

Underpaid Assistant:

I know your short ass not talking about invading privacy

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

right?? that was a good one lol

they are good pics dw you are going to like them alot

Underpaid Assistant:

What were they cooking??

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

no idea but boss was busy undressing that man with his eyes thats for sure

Boss (of bad decisions):

I don't know what you are talking about. 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

au contraire mon ami

you know exactly what im talking abt

case in point

Underpaid Assistant:

You are unlocking levels embarrassment that have never been reached before

Boss (of bad decisions):

You want to talk about embarrassment? 

Let's see your opinion on these then.

Underpaid Assistant:

no no STOP

NOOOOOOO

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

wtf omfgabsiynwdD these are too good

SEND MORE SEND MORE

Boss (of bad decisions):

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

Best. Day. Ever.

what were you even thinking man?!

Underpaid Assistant:

Why do you have these????

Why are they so many?!!?!

WHY ARE THEY IN HD

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

bro you look like a disney sidekick who is secretly a furry 💀💀

Underpaid Assistant:

Delete. Them.

You were supposed to burn those fucking hell

Boss (of bad decisions):

I have more. Much more.

Would you like the ones where you are dramatically clutching your chest like a victorian widow?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

YES!! YES I WOULD

drop them like you drop ur employees morale everyday!

Underpaid Assistant:

I am begging I will do anything

I will alphabetize the archives BY HAND

Just stop have mercy 

Boss (of bad decisions):

Have you learned your lesson?

Underpaid Assistant:

Yes absolutely. I have learned every lesson ever taught in human history

Please stop, now!!

Boss (of bad decisions):

Say it properly.

“With my whole chest.”

Underpaid Assistant:

…

I have learned my lesson with my whole chest.

Please dont send more I have a reputation to maintain

Boss (of bad decisions):

You gave that up the moment you started working for me.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

he is right it died the moment you put on those ears voluntarily

Underpaid Assistant:

I didnt put them on voluntarily!!

He literally told me "to get that VIP kid to stop crying or you will be testing out the new glass bridge. No harnesses”

And then he said it was "good for our executive partnership bond" when clicking pictures

Boss (of bad decisions):

It was.

And look at us now.

So bonded.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

yeah look how much closer we all feel after witnessing your furry origin story

Underpaid Assistant:

I hate both of you

Im transferring to accounting

Boss (of bad decisions):

They have seen your performance reviews.

They won’t take you.

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

IJBOL

Underpaid Assistant:

Truly, i loathe you both from bottom of my heart

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

update: boss is gonna explode out of pure lust tonight

Underpaid Assistant:

Its been over an hour

Dont tell me you guys are still troubling gihun

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

im in the apartment in the opposite building and boss is exactly where he wants to be

gihun is slowly seducing him and i can see him loosing it in real time

Underpaid Assistant:

Sure, whatever that means

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

take a look for urself

Underpaid Assistant:

Is he..? Did he remove his shirt?!?

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

mhhmmm he was practically putting on a whole domestic thirst trap for boss

who was trying to act like all nonchalant but failing so horribly

damn i gotta give it to gihun, he knows exactly what he is doing

Underpaid Assistant:

What good deeds did he even do to deserve all of this?? 

HR’s Worst Nightmare:

they are eating dinner now and there is a candle in the middle for some reason??? 

boss keeps staring at those arms, its a miracle he hasnt walked into the wall yet

Underpaid Assistant:

I need to be over there