Seoulstruck (Stray Kids, 18+)

Chapter 42: Fireworks

Hongjoong's eyes fluttered open in the dim morning light, the invigoratingly fresh scent of Chan's bedroom enough to wake him almost instantly. He felt the idol-to-be's warmth, their bodies pressed together beneath the covers, Hongjoong playing the role of the little spoon. He wondered if he should still be there, his question being answered as Chan shifted, pulling him in closer, the muscular man's breath hot on his neck. Hongjoong smiled, lacing their fingers and clutching them to his chest. Chan sweetly moaned in his ear as he stirred awake, still not letting him go.

Hongjoong flipped over, his eyes meeting Chan's as they opened. "Good morning," he said, the pair smiling as Chan placed a protective hand on the small of his back. "Good morning," the Aussie replied, weakly. "Have you been awake long?" Hongjoong shook his head, unable to restrain his widening grin, Chan's growing in response. "Good," he said, pulling Hongjoong in even closer. The new producer felt his heart race, Chan's touch simultaneously reassuring and possessive. It felt exciting. He could feel Chan's thumb run up and down his back, the man caressing him as if he were something precious. "Do you eat breakfast? I could make pancakes."

Hongjoong chuckled. "I don't think you have the ingredients for that," he replied, remembering the empty refrigerator. Chan winced, squeezing his eyes shut and sighing. "Aish, I haven't had a free moment to go shopping... and the cafeteria doesn't open for at least another hour..." He pursed his lips, looking at the other man apathetically. "Well... coffee?"

Chan brought two hot mugs of coffee to the table, handing one to Hongjoong before sitting across from him. The other man thanked him, bringing the mug up to his nose, inhaling the scent of sweet vanilla and caramel. He smiled as he took a sip. "So..." he began, "how long have you been with the company?" Chan thought over his answer. "Since I was 13," he answered, "so... a while ago." Hongjoong's eyebrows rose behind his mug. "And you're just now getting your chance to debut?" Chan nodded, awkwardly. "Yeah, it's... been a slow process for me, but... in fairness, I've had a consistent job as a producer in all that time. I make a decent amount from all the royalties and the fact I'm housed here helps, so..." He kept nodding, looking off to the side. "Plus, I mean, Hyunjin and I work really well together, so... there's that."

Hongjoong looked down, arms crossed, hiding his face behind the mug. He sighed inaudibly, wondering if he should ask. "So... you guys worked together a lot?" Chan nodded, sighing loudly. "Yeah," he replied, "but... now I'm not so sure that'll be the case... what with me debuting and... our recent history and all." Hongjoong nodded, a pit forming in his stomach. He shut his eyes and swallowed hard. It might as well be said now, he thought, opening his eyes.

"Uhm... look," the new producer said, "I don't... know your exact history with all those guys from last night... a-and I won't pry, but... I just wanted to say, I understand if... if last night was just a one-time thing. I don't want to cause you any pain or confusion, so... just know it didn't have to mean anything... We can still just be coworkers. We can just... pretend it never happened, if that will make things easier." Chan looked as taken aback as he felt, reaching behind to scratch the back of his neck as he thought, eventually meeting Hongjoong's eyes.

"No."

Hongjoong's eyebrows softened, his face inquisitive as Chan shook his head, reaching out across the table for the other man's hand. "I'm... tired... of being too scared to ruin what I have to ever get to have what I want. First... Hyunjin gets stolen away from me, then Felix... and all because I can't just... SAY what I want... what I truly... WANT." Chan's gaze was piercing, as if he was speaking directly to Hongjoong's soul, the very core of his being feeling exposed. Chan held his hand tighter, yet gingerly, the man passionate yet gentle, Hongjoong's heart softening as the man continued. "I don't know... if you want this, but... I like you, Kim Hongjoong... ever since you walked through the door of that conference room... I could picture me and you together... and last night, it wasn't out of convenience or sorrow or loneliness, I... I wanted you, so... I want to take this chance... if you'll have me... to ask you... will you--"

Chan's lips were stopped in their tracks, Hongjoong's pressed warmly against them, the willowy man holding the back of his neck in a tender kiss. Chan had never felt so wanted before, so accepted by someone he felt the same towards. Hongjoong's kisses felt like fireworks, sweet bursts of light and excitement. Chan reached out to hold the man's small face, running his thumb over the shell of his ear. As they pulled away, they stood to move in closer, embracing each other, exchanging more passionate kisses. Chan held Hongjoong's tiny waist in his arms, his hands running up the man's shirt and pulling him in. Hongjoong whimpered in the larger man's grasp, feeling small and fragile, yet safer than ever. Their tongues entwined, Chan lifting Hongjoong off the ground, playfully, pulling away as he placed him back down. Hongjoong smiled, his cheeks burning as he looked into Chan's eyes.

"I want you, too."