Seoulstruck (Stray Kids, 18+)

Chapter 22: Free

The next morning, Hyunjin awoke laying on his side, Jeongin spooning him under the covers, both of his legs now tied to the same bed post. His wrists were sore, the rope having dug into them, all night. The fox wasn't kidding around, and Hyunjin was just enough of a brat he couldn't be trusted. He struggled once more to free his arms, waking the warm, handsome man beside him. Jeongin sat up, watching Hyunjin try to escape.

"Are you going to let me out?"

"Did you learn your lesson?"

Hyunjin sighed, closing his eyes and nodding. "You want me to stay after we make love. I understand. I'm sorry." Jeongin leaned over, prying open the knot binding the idol's delicate wrists, the rope falling away, exposing fresh, pink lines burned into his flesh. Hyunjin ran his fingers over the marks, tracing them as he watched the younger man release his ankles. He looked beautifully damaged, an idea sparking in the idol's head for the music video he'd be shooting soon.

Jeongin helped Hyunjin stand up, taking him by the hand to the bathroom, running a shower for both of them. He lathered a fresh cloth with a lavender scented soap, running it over Hyunjin's pale skin, admiring every muscle, every mole, the rope marks, everything about him. Hyunjin quivered in the model's arms, enjoying the aftercare, pushing the model against the shower wall to kiss him, deeply. Jeongin felt the hot water run over their skin, holding the beautiful man close and secure. Hyunjin always seemed so confident, feeling his vulnerability felt extra special, as if it was exclusively for Jeongin to experience.

The couple took turns cleansing each other, feeling calm and refreshed as they dried off. Jeongin handed Hyunjin a fresh change of clothes. "This should fit you. You can wear it until you get home, tonight." Hyunjin smiled, accepting the outfit. Jeongin had impeccable taste in fashion, everything he owned being a sleek designer piece, including the basics. He dried and combed his hair, pulling it back before trying the clothes on, snapping a few selfies in the mirror. He walked to the kitchen to see Jeongin starting coffee. "Can I make you breakfast?" the fox-faced man asked. Hyunjin shook his head. "I can do one cup, but then I have to leave." Jeongin was satisfied with this, nodding understandingly. Forcing Hyunjin to sleep next to him didn't change the fact he was the busiest man in the company. They enjoyed a single cup together, Jeongin tucking a rose from the bouquet Hyunjin gave him behind the man's ear as he kissed the idol goodbye. Hyunjin smiled, feeling beautiful. "Let's always have dinner together," he said, Jeongin smiling widely, nodding in response. Hyunjin kissed the model's hand as he left, the fox locking the door behind him, standing there for a moment, an idea forming in his mind.

Felix yawned for the tenth time, that morning, leaning against the broom handle he'd been sweeping. He'd spent the entire night staring at Changbin's phone number, too elated to sleep. He wanted to text him so badly, but he wasn't sure he should do it so immediately, not wanting to scare the man off. "You should probably sit in the back for a while," Jisung proposed. "Make yourself a coffee and work on some folding." Felix yawned once more, nodding as he finished sweeping, emptying the dust pan and tossing the disposable gloves he'd put on. Jisung smiled, looking the freckled man over. "So," he began, "did you get any rest last night?" Felix looked over, the dark circles under his eyes evident, holding up his phone to show Jisung the rapper's number. "How soon is too soon?" he asked, Jisung thinking it over. "I'd say it's safe to text him later today. Maybe noon?" Felix glanced at the time, pouting. It was still a few hours from then, his energy running on low. He finished making his coffee, moving to the back, Jisung's pocket buzzing. It was a picture message from a number he'd never seen, before. His finger hovered over the message, nervously, opening to a selfie of Minho in sunglasses walking on the sidewalk. "Hey, Quokka," it read, Jisung's smile uncontainable. The choreographer looked handsome as ever, his selfie game on another level. Jisung caught himself blushing, trying to decide to reply with a photo or not.

"Do I look ok, today?" Felix looked up to the inquiring shy man standing in the doorway. He looked Jisung up and down, nodding. "You always look nice," he replied, Jisung smiling humbly. He opened up his camera, taking a picture with Felix in the background, holding up a piece sign. He swallowed hard before sending it off, unable to think of anything but the kiss they'd shared for 2 days straight. He wondered if it meant anything to the cat-faced man, anxiously awaiting a response. Hyunjin wouldn't have lied, he assumed. He'd never had a crush on a man, before, but what else could this feeling be, he wondered, uncertain of himself. He pushed his phone deep into his pocket, doing his best to push his thoughts away, but as soon as he felt the buzzing, again, he couldn't help himself. He opened it to a simple line of text.

"What time are you free?"