~1 year ago
Loud hoots and hollers fill the restaurant as he chugs the full glass of soju. Some of the neighboring tables join in on the cheers while others continue to look annoyed at the raucous group.
"OOOoo shiiiit," Yunjae yells.
Hyunse raises the empty glass, smirking proudly. "You owe me," he whispers as he sat back down. She had lost the drinking game, but given Bada's low tolerance he offered himself as white knight.
"Yeah? What do I owe you?"
Hyunse eyes her flirtatiously. "I'll think of something." His knee knocks against hers under the table. Neither pull away.
They met months ago on a dance collaboration for Kai. Given they danced well together, she asked him to be in her latest video project: a racy duet to "Pussy Fairy". She wanted to challenge herself to showcase a 180 from her usual strong, tomboyish style.
The first time they rehearsed the intimate choreography, they took to skinship easily. While there was a palpable tension between them, both remained professional. However, they just wrapped the video shoot so for the first time since they met, they weren't active work colleagues.
"All right, I gotta go. My girlfriend's already pissed," Yongtaek huffs, zipping up his jacket. He points at Hyunse. "You. Enjoy the single life, you bastard." Hyunse winks back.
As the rest of the party got up from the table, he turns to Bada. "Hey, want to grab a night cap?"
"Yeah, why not?"
They linger as everyone say their goodbyes outside the sul-jip. Yongtaek whispers something to Hyunse, clapping him on the back, both laughing. Hyunse waves him off and turns back to her.
"Where do you want to go?" she asks.
He nods to a popular wine bar ahead, and they start walking up.
"Actually," he says, slowing down. "Want to drink for free? I've plenty of beer and wine at my house and am just a few blocks away." While he feigns a tone of spontaneity, she can tell he already had this in mind.
"Sure, I'm down."
*******
She grimaces at the strong tannic aftertaste, putting down her glass.
He smirks at her reaction. "Sorry, cheap wine."
She shrugs, smiling shyly. "It's fine." They stare at each other for a beat before looking away awkwardly. She starts to twirl the stem of her wine glass.
"So...you want to watch something?" He motions over to the living room.
"Sure."
"Here, you pick." He passes the remote to her, and she settles on his couch. It is black faux leather and cool on her back where her crop top ended. He brings over two glasses of water, setting them down on the coffee table before settling next to her. Close.
"Mmmmm...." she mutters, scrolling aimlessly. "How about Money Heist: Economic Area?"
"Nah, I've already seen the original version."
"Okay...how about The Crown?"
"Too slow for me."
"The Silent Sea?"
"Mmm..."
She laughs, holding out the remote. "You want to pick?"
He stares at her intensely, a sly grin crossing his face. "We also don't have to watch anything."
YOU ARE READING
Bada x Howl: Standing Next to You
FanfictionA series of vignettes to glimpse into the Bada & Howl's relationship, alternating between their POVs. Will start with a slow-burn courtship, milestones in their relationship & eventually catch up to present-day events. Will also include some explici...
