Oneiric Tryst

17. Shark-infested Water

Hongjoong awoke giddy. He had fallen asleep to the memory of Seonghwa's sweet kiss, and it was the first thing that came to his mind when he woke up. He was falling for the man, rapidly so, but it was pleasant. Hongjoong knew how to spread his wings and fly.

The first thing Hongjoong did in the morning while he was still in bed was to check his social media. Seonghwa's schedule had changed to normal work and sleeping times, so Hongjoong would prepare to sleep in the afternoon instead. Thus, he got plenty of time today on the odd adjustment day to lounge around before he had to rise.

And what better for an idiot in love than to look at the handsome face of his dreams right after waking up?

Since he had a mission, Hongjoong ignored the private message he had received for now. Lightning fast, he typed in Seonghwa's online name into the search bar. It recommended the man to him after two letters.

Hongjoong was over the moon when he saw a new post of the man. He liked it before he had even looked at it clearly.

It was another one of his selfies. With a crooked grin that matched Hongjoong's pure giddiness, the man laid in his pillows with an arm behind his head. His dark hair was adorably ruffled, and his pretty hand hung over his head to partly cover bits of his face. His shy grin was still visible, however.

Hongjoong's heart did merry somersaults he could never execute in actual life. For far too long, he stared at the handsome man. His real features were even more attractive than dream-him.

The caption had Hongjoong bite his lip.

"Dreamt of kissing a cute boy, but woke up too soon. What's your favourite chapstick flavour?" He had added an emoji that rolled his eyes and a heart. Hongjoong giggled at it.

As before, he was too shy to reply publicly to Seonghwa's posts. He could only stare in wonder for a while longer. And chuckle at Wooyoung's reply that was just a lot of eyes.

Once Hongjoong had his fill, he switched over to his private messages. Just as his heart started to calm, it jumped to his throat once more. Seonghwa had sent him a direct message.

Hastily, Hongjoong wiped his sweaty fingers on his pillow. He opened the message with great delicacy.

Hey, good morning. I'm super sorry for disappearing on you like that yesterday.

Seonghwa even texted with lots of emojis. Hongjoong found it endearing. Quickly, he typed a reply.

I must be that good of a kisser. Let me add this to my book of instant remedies.

Since Seonghwa was at work currently, he likely wouldn't reply until his next break. Buoyantly, Hongjoong swung his legs onto the ground and stood up. With a hum, he changed into his lazing around clothes and left his room.

During breakfast, he checked the rest of his messages. Wooyoung had added him as a friend now, and he had sent Hongjoong a picture of Berry and San.

San had also written him a message. But it was just a bunch of nonsensical letters that Hongjoong countered with a single question mark. Not even two seconds later, his phone pinged with a reply.

Byeol!!!

Another question mark. Impatiently, Hongjoong stuffed his face with toast.

Wooyoung will adopt Byeol for me! She can live with him and I can come by whenever I want!

At that, Hongjoong could congratulate him properly. San was over the moon and sent a bunch of pictures of Byeol on his arm, Byeol on Wooyoung's arm, and the adoption papers. Chuckling, Hongjoong shared his enthusiasm.