Chapter 34: A Lot In Common

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Chan led Hongjoong to his favorite barbecue restaurant around the corner from the production building. "I love it here," he said as they took their seats. "Order whatever you want, it's on me." Hongjoong smiled, bowing his head in thanks. They placed their orders, sitting awkwardly across from each other. Chan did his best not to stare at the beautiful producer, but he couldn't help himself. Another beautiful man with feminine features, he thought, but Chan knew better than to hope for anything to come of it.

"So... who was that... back there?" Hongjoong's voice was soft and light, meek with curiosity. Chan's eyebrows raised, perking up. "Hm?" he asked, thinking a moment. "Oh, Felix?" Hongjoong nodded, smiling mildly. "Is he a trainee?" he asked. Chan shook his head, looking down. "No, no, I know he's handsome, but he's... he's a friend. He knows a lot of us at the company. You'll likely see him around." Hongjoong nodded, understandingly. "You seemed... close," he said, stifling a laugh. Chan did his best not to wince. "We're... friends," he said. "We're both from Australia, actually, which is why we were speaking English. But we actually just recently met, here." Hongjoong's eyebrows raised, impressed. "I bet you have a lot in common, then?" Chan shrugged his shoulders. "I'm busy so we don't get to talk all that much," he admitted. "Ah," Hongjoong nodded."

Chan did his best not to keep the focus on himself. "So... how did you get picked up by the company?" Hongjoong thought for a moment. "Well, initially, I was going to debut as an idol, myself, at a different company." Chan's eyebrows rose, shocked though not at all surprised to hear it. The new producer looked the part of an idol, his visuals and aura giving off that of an artist. "What happened?" he asked. Hongjoong pursed his lips. "I wound up stuck in their dungeon, so to speak," he replied. "They wanted to keep me to themselves, but postponed my debut multiple times. I was getting fed up, so when I heard your company was looking for someone like me, I asked for my contract to be desolved. Chan smiled, sorrowfully, understanding all too well. "I've been there," he said, nodding. "It's hard." Hongjoong nodded, looking up and smiling at the Aussie. "Well, you're debuting, now," he said, cheerfully. "You're going to do really well. I know it." Chan's heart fluttered as the other producer smiled at him. The meat cuts arrived before he could respond.

The pair discussed ideas and past struggles as they prepared their food over the flame in the center of the table, Chan's cheeks beginning to ache from smiling so much. He hadn't felt so understood and connected to someone since Felix had fallen into his life, both of them bantering about aspects of their work no one else seemed to grasp. Hongjoong seemed so shy and reserved, yet so sincere and shared a lot of the same experiences in the industry. The more they spoke, the more personal the questions became.

"So... I know the contract says we can't, but... does anyone date at this company?" Chan practically choked on a bite of spicy pork. "Yes," he said, taking a sip of water. "Yes, they do. Pretty much everyone I know there dates." Hongjoong looked surprised. "That's... a lot," he said, Chan nodding. "Well... but what about you? Anyone special?" Chan smiled awkwardly, looking around the table. "Uhm..." He couldn't hold back a laugh or two. "No, I'm, uh... currently single." Hongjoong's eyebrows rose. "Really?" he asked. "Forgive my prejudice, I just assumed..." He shook his head, Chan cocking his own. "Assumed?" Hongjoong laughed at himself, nervously. "I assumed you'd have at least one girlfriend, if I'm honest." Chan laughed, shaking his head. "No, I... I am far too busy to date... or sleep, really." Hongjoong nodded, understanding. "A professional. I apologize." Chan shook his head. "I appreciate the assumption. It's a compliment, right?" Hongjoong nodded, taking a long sip of water. Chan cocked an eyebrow. "What about you?"

"Me?" Hongjoong looked surprised the man would return the question. He looked out the window as he shook his head. "No, I... let's just say, I haven't quite met my type, yet," he replied. Chan nodded, incapable of turning his gaze from the other man's beauty. "Well, you're handsome," Chan remarked, "so maybe you'll meet someone you like, here." Hongjoong chuckled, looking down at his plate. "Thanks," he said. "I appreciate your confidence in me."

"Anytime," Chan replied, Hongjoong looking up into his eyes. There was an innocence the Aussie couldn't help but feel pulled towards. So cute, he thought. "Well, either way," he continued, "you'll definitely make friends. I promise."

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