Chapter Text
Jeongin can't believe this is happening on a very important day.
He woke up to his alarm clock blaring inside his apartment. He groaned in pain as he stretched his body; his neck and back were sore. He blinked and yawned multiple times, trying to get a grip. He noticed he fell asleep on his desk, his books and notes scattered everywhere, his mug of coffee cold and untouched.
He stood up and walked to the kitchen to see dirty dishes piled up in the sink. He grimaced; Jeongin wasn't usually this sloppy but ever since exam period started, he barely had time for himself. He even relied on instant cup noodles, canned sodas and coffee for nourishment.
Speaking of exams…
Fuck.
Jeongin runs as fast as he can, barely getting any moment to catch his breath. He only has 20 minutes to get to university and if he misses the bus, he'd be late for sure.
A few steps left until he reaches the bus stop, Jeongin stops on his track, suddenly feeling light-headed.
He shakes his head. 'No, I have to… the bus..'.
The last thing he remembers before he blacks out is a pair of warm hands holding him still.
….
"Changbin, what's my schedule for today?"
"Mr. Bang, you have a meeting with the CEO of Son Enterprises at 10AM at the The Bistro. He has already booked a room for the two of you".
Mr. Bang, or Chan, hums at his assistant's response over the speaker.
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you in the office?"
"Yes, I'm good".
"Okay, please call me right away if something comes up. See you in a while".
Chan ends the call and checks himself out for the last time in the car mirror. He starts the car and cautiously drives out of the parking area.
His car passes through the busy streets of Seoul. As it is still 8:07 AM, he thinks it would be nice to grab a coffee before heading to the company. As he turns to the corner something catches his eyes.
He pulls over and observes a figure outside his car: a guy slowing down and struggling to catch his breath. Chan watches him with concern and looks around, hoping any bystanders will take notice and aid the young man.
A few minutes have passed but no one came and the guy seems close to fainting.
Chan gets out of his car, and approached the guy.
"Hey-"
The guy falls down. Thanks to Chan's quick reflex, he is able to take a hold of him before his head touches the ground.
"Hey kid," Chan calls. He gently pats the guy's cheek, anticipating a response. But the stranger is unconscious and most importantly, he's burning.
He carries him, brings him to the car and drives to the nearest hospital.
….
The unconscious stranger is brought to the emergency room for further examination. While waiting for the doctor, Chan decides to phone his assistant .
"Mr. Bang?"
"Changbin," Chan says as he stares at the closed door.
"I don't think I can make it to the meeting. Will you please go in my stead?"
"Hyung, are you okay? Did something happen?" Worry and panic lacing his assistant's voice.
"I'm fine. There's just an incident. I brought someone to the hospital and I can't just leave him alone". He explains calmly.
"I see. I will see the client instead. Please call me right away if you need help".
"Thanks a lot Changbin".
A few seconds after the phone call ends, the doctor steps out of the room and approaches him.
"Are you the companion of the patient?"
He nods. "Is he okay?"
"He's okay. His fever has gone down. We just wait for him to wake up".
Chan feels relieved at the good news. "Thank you, Doc".
He enters the private room and sits on the chair across the lying figure. He stares at the guy in front of him: he's thinner and slimmer compared to Chan's muscular body. Dark circles form under his eyes and his cheekbones are sunken, probably from exhaustion. However that does not stop him from admiring the stranger. He looks cute when asleep, like a tamed fox.
Chan breaks out from his trance when he hears a groan coming from the stranger. And if Chan thinks the guy is cute when asleep, it's incomparable to what he looks like when awake.
He's beautiful.
…
Jeongin groans.
When he opens his eyes, the first thing he sees is the blurry image of a man sitting across him inside a white room. He closes his eyes and listens to the soft beep of the machine and smells the faint scent of alcohol.
After he gets a hold of himself, he glanced at the man in front of him.
"Why am I in the hospital? Did you bring me here? What happened?"
"Hey, one question at a time". The guy replies. His voice sounds so soothing, and warm.
Jeongin sits properly, taking a proper look of the stranger.
His hair is dark, with a side swept undercut. The dark eyeshadow and eyeliner on his eyelids give off an overall dangerous and hot vibe on the man. If not for his obviously expensive formal attire and gold watch, he could be mistaken as a celebrity.
"-are you with me?"
Jeongin feels his cheeks heat up from embarrassment. He's obviously ogling at him and gladly the stranger is too kind to point it out.
"Sorry I still feel kind of dizzy. Can you please fill me in?"
"I saw you running on the street then you collapsed. I got worried so I brought you here".
Jeongin realizing he fails to take the exam, burst into tears surprising the stranger in front of him. He rushed to him and gently caressed his back.
"Why are you crying?"
"I missed an important exam because I overslept. This is the first time it happened to me".
Jeongin doesn't care if he looks like a stupid child bawling nor he cares if snot is coming out of his nose. He just feels tired and frustrated, and he needs to let everything out.
"What university do you go to?"
"SNU".
He hums as he continuously comforting Jeongin.
"What college do you belong?"
"Business".
"I see. You know I have a few acquaintances there. I can talk to them if you want".
Jeongin rubs his eyes and leans away from the stranger. "I appreciate the offer but I don't think you are familiar with Mr. Kim Woojin".
….
Kim Woojin.
Chan wants to reassure the younger he can help but he remains quiet. He observes the younger. He knows the younger is checking him out earlier but as much as he wants to see him blush once more, it seems inappropriate given the situation.
I'd give Woojin a call later.
"I want to go to school". The college kid pouts. Chan guesses it's no use to argue with him since he definitely looks stubborn.
"Okay, but I'll drive you there".
The ride to the university is quiet.
Chan doesn't force anything out of the younger except basic information like name and age. (His name is Yang Jeongin, he goes to SNU, in his second year, and he's 20).
When they reach the gate of university, Jeongin stretches out his personal phone to Chan. His head is bowed down, hiding his expression.
"Ahjussi, please type your number so I can text you and pay you back the hospital expenses".
Chan is baffled.
Ah.. ahjussi? Did he just call me ahjussi?
"Hey kid, I know I'm older than you but I don't look that old" he says calmly, trying to mask his irritation.
Jeongin giggles and for the first time that day, Chan finds him smiling. His smile is too beautiful he can't help but caress the younger's hair, throwing the irritation he felt out of the window.
Jeongin freezes and his breathe halts but Chan doesn't apologize. Instead, he gets the phone out of Jeongin's grip and types his number.
"Here. But you don't need to pay me back".
Jeongin just nods and steps out of the car. He waves at Chan for the last time.
When the younger is nowhere of sight, Chan dials a number.
"Hey, Woojin-hyung…"
….
Jeongin arrives during lunch time. Since no one is in the faculty office, he decides to find his friends in the cafeteria first and then Professor Kim after lunch.
Luckily his friends are easy to spot, thanks to Felix's blonde hair.
He drops his bag on the table startling his three friends, and takes a seat beside Jisung.
"Jeongin! Where have you been?" Seungmin, who he knows since both of them were in diapers. He's a certified prankster with Jeongin as the most common target. Despite that Jeongin knows his friend cares for him too much.
"Innie baby, what happened?" Jisung, is a year older than them. Jeongin met him in the music org the younger signed up to in his first year. At first he found the older intimidating to talk to but after spending time with him, they became close. Jisung is usually the one who hangs out with him the most and helps him in his homework. The older always says Jeongin looks like his younger brother. Thus the pet name.
Jeongin sighs and places his chin at the edge of the table. "I overslept. And I ran to catch the bus but I collapsed in the middle of the road".
"WHAT?!" They shout too loud, it rings Jeongin's ears.
"Hey I'm fine now! A man helped me and brought me to the hospital".
Felix stands up and hugs Jeongin. "Thank God you're fine now".
Jeongin squeezes his friend's arms. "Yeah". He glances at Jisung's way and his hyung is frowning.
Once the bell rings, the four of them pack up, ready to leave. Seungmin and Felix go ahead first for their next class while Jisung walks Jeongin to the faculty room. His hyung is unusually quiet, it bothers him so much.
"Jisung-hyung? Are you mad at me?"
Jisung gives him a longing look and sighs. He embraces Jeongin, surprising the younger. This is the first time Jisung hugs him.
"Hyung?"
"Jeongin the next time something like this happens, I want you to contact me first, understood?"
The younger nods, earning a soft smile from the older. He pinched Jeongin's cheeks and bids goodbye.
….
He nervously knocks on Professor Kim's office. He doesn't have an idea what kind of face the older's going to make once he sees him but he's hoping he listens to him and gives him another chance to make up the missed exam.
"Oh Jeongin, how are you feeling right now?"
What?
"Uhm, better than this morning. But how did you know, Professor Kim?"
The older chuckles and invites Jeongin to sit down.
"Yes, Chan is my friend so he gave me a call to explain the situation".
Jeongin frowns. He's confused.
"Chan, who?"
Professor Kim seems startled at Jeongin's reaction and laughs at his bewildered student. "The guy who brought you to the hospital? His name is Chan".
Jeongin has never been this embarrassed in his whole life.
How could you forget to ask the good Samaritan's name, stupid!
…
That night before he goes to bed, Jeongin finally gains courage to send Chan a message.
Jeongin: Chan-ssi, this is Yang Jeongin. Thank you for today. Professor Kim let me take the exam. Also I promise to pay you back.
Chan: You don't need to.
Also, yes, I didn't have the chance to introduce myself.
I'm Chan.
Jeongin: Professor told me.
Sorry for being rude and for calling you ahjussi.
And also please accept the money.
Accept it or else I'll call you ahjussi. (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)
Chan: Please I'm just 28. But if you insist.
How are you feeling?
Please rest and don't stress yourself out Jeongin.
Jeongin: I will. Thank you Chan-ssi.
Chan: It's Chan-hyung for you.
Good night sunshine.
If Jeongin squeals and blushes at that nickname, Chan never knows.
….
It's been three weeks since that incident but Jeongin and Chan constantly communicate. As much as Jeongin wants to meet him again, he has no guts to ask the older out. Truthfully speaking, he has grown a liking to the older guy. He's smart, mature, straightforward, and freaking handsome and hot.
The only friend who knows this massive crush to Chan is Felix after he caught Jeongin grinning on his phone like an idiot in love. His friend snatched the phone away from him and that was how he found out about Chan.
At first he tried to deny it but Felix was intuitive. Later on he gave in and admitted he liked the older guy.
"Jeongin, stop crushing on him".
"What?! It's just a crush! And besides I'm just a college kid. I bet he just sees me as the college kid he saved"
His heart was dejected. He really, really wanted Chan to like him but how? He's young, broke, ugly while Chan is professional, successful, rich and handsome.
Felix rubbed his arm and comforted him.
"There's someone out there who likes you too. You just need to open your eyes".
But no matter how much Jeongin tries to get Chan off his mind, it never works out.
….
Jeongin hates how he and Chan always meet at the most unfortunate circumstances.
The younger comes home from a group study at school. Since it is late, there are no more buses roaming around the area. In the end, he has to walk thirty minutes to get home.
There are less people in the street as the night passes by and Jeongin would be lying if he isn't terrified for a bit. He holds on to his backpack tightly and his eyes lurk everywhere, watching out for possible threats. If someone approaches him, he will just run as fast as he can.
But Jeongin isn't ready when two drunk men blocks his path. He tries to dodge and ignore the two, pretend he's in a hurry. But luck's not on his side as one man takes a hold of his bag and pulls him harshly, making him fall backwards.
"Hey, you got some money over there kid?"
Jeongin scrambles and tries to stand but his legs are too shaky. "I'm so-sorry I'm just a college kid please".
The lanky man, the one who pulled him, kicks Jeongin and steps on his chest, making the younger helps in pain.
"Check his bag buddy". His other companion pulls the bag off Jeongin and starts searching for his wallet. When he opens it and finds nothing but 10 000 won, he gets angry and throws the bag at him.
Jeongin, shivering in fear, begs the two men to let him go. But since they're drunk, they aren't in the right state of mind to be merciful to the younger.
Jeongin dodges and tries his best to fight back. He kicks one of them in the balls as hard as he can. When the man loses his balance, it is his cue to run. One tries to pull Jeongin's leg but only gets to pull his shoes.
Jeongin leaves, not minding if he runs barefooted as long as he goes somewhere safe.
He dashes too fast it's too late for him to notice he bumps into someone. Jeongin, still in shock, tries to unlatch himself from the stranger's hold.
"Jeongin?"
The younger meets the familiar eyes he has seen a few weeks ago.
He embraces him tightly and cries.
….
Chan leads him to the nearest store. He buys him a warm drink and asks Jeongin. After he tells the story, the younger notices that Chan is seething in anger. He has no idea what to say to calm the older down. So instead he does what he thinks is the best thing to do.
He pulls Chan into a hug and rests his head on his warm chest.
"Hey hyung. I'm okay now. Please calm down".
Jeongin feels Chan returning the hug without saying a word. And it's enough.
…
Chan drops Jeongin in front of his apartment.
Jeongin doesn't want to go but he has too. He needs to.
"Chan-hyung, thank you".
Chan meets his eyes and gently touches the younger's face.
"Hey if ever you need a ride, just send me a message. I'll be there in a heart beat".
Jeongin's heart is pounding loud. The thought of Chan caring for him is consuming his mind and heart. And he knows he should decline. Because he can't hope for the attention of someone as perfect as Chan.
But he knows what he wants. Who he wants.
Jeongin pulls Chan towards him abruptly as their lips meet.
Not wanting to see the reaction on the older's face, he goes out of the car, and run, leaving a shocked Chan behind.
After a few minutes, Chan gains his composure and tightens his grip on the wheel.
Fuck, fuck.
Jeongin just finished washing his face when he receives a call from Chan, much to his surprise.
He nervously answers the phone call.
"Chan-hyung, what's up?"
"I can't stop thinking about you".
Jeongin's heart is thumping so loud, it's deafening.
"Sunshine?"
"Y-yes hyung?"
"I want to see you".
Jeongin clenches his fist. He can't breathe properly.
"Where are you?"
"Outside".
"You came back?"
"I never left".
Jeongin grabs his hoodie and hurriedly goes outside.
He sees Chan, leaning against the hoodie of his car, biting his lips as he waits for the younger. Jeongin doesn't move as he silently relish at the fine man in front of him.
When Chan finally notices him, he moves forward, and grabs Jeongin by the waist.
He leans towards Jeongin and whispers, "You can't just kiss me like that then run away".
"I'm sorry, h-hyung".
Jeongin's body jolts as Chan nips at his ear.
"But it-ts your fault".
"Hmm? How is it my fault?"
"You're being too handsome and too sweet, I, I can't help but fall for you", he answers, the last words said in a whisper.
Chan leans away from Jeongin to look at him eye-to-eye. He cups the younger's face until his eyes land on his lips. He feels it with his thumb.
"I want to kiss you, Jeongin. Can I?"
"Yes, you can".
Jeongin closes his eyes and feels soft lips on his own. This kiss isn't abrupt; it's reassuring and consensual.
Chan kisses forehead and buries Jeongin's face to his shoulder.
"Jeongin, can I be your boyfriend?".
"Yes Chan-hyung. Yes".