At XY Entertainment, where perfection reigns, Sung Hanbin's world of flawless professionalism is rocked when Zhang Hao, a late-arriving trainee with a rebellious streak and irresistible charm, ignites forbidden desires.
Hanbin struggles to hide his...
Recommended songs for this chapter: Birthday - Ten Jealousy Jealousy - Olivia Rodrigo Boyfriend - Dove cameron Older - Isabel Larosa Ride for me - Daniel di angelo Hell of a good time - Haiden henderson My oh my - Camila Cabello Tag, You're It - Melanie Martinez Infected - sickick
POV: Zhang Hao | WEDNESDAY MORNING
Waking up with Hanbin's arm wrapped around me felt really...comforting. Normally, I'd slip away for a cigarette by now, savoring the quiet ritual of starting my day alone. But today, I stayed. I made an exception for him—it was his birthday, after all.
Birthdays, though, were a foreign concept to me. Just another day, another year older. No need for candles, balloons, or any kind of fuss. I'd never celebrated my own, and I'd never been invited to celebrate anyone else's. Yet, for some reason, with Hanbin, it felt different. He seemed genuinely happy about today, so for once, I was willing to try, to make an effort to keep that joy alive for him.
I reached up, gently poking his cheek until his eyelids fluttered open. When he finally looked at me, a soft smile spread across his lips. I didn't even think—leaning in, I pressed my lips to his, a lingering, impulsive kiss. His birthday kiss.
"Happy birthday," I murmured against his mouth, barely pulling away. His smile widened, warm and lazy, and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me even closer.
"Stop being so cute," he said, his voice low and raspy with sleep. A rush of warmth hit me, and I buried my face against his chest, fighting off the shy smile tugging at my lips. Being close to him like this, even in the quietest moments, made my heart pound in a way I could barely understand.
I looked back up at him, unable to resist, and asked, "Can I dress you up today?" He raised an eyebrow, but nodded with a slight grin.
"Sure," he said.
I'd picked out a few things for him yesterday—stuff I thought he'd look incredible in, though he didn't need to know that.
As I was piecing together his outfit, he spoke, his voice more serious. "But Hao... some of my colleagues from the company will be here later. I'll introduce you to everyone as my friend, alright?"
I studied him for a moment, noticing the hint of worry in his eyes. I just nodded; it didn't bother me. Friend, boyfriend, label or not, I didn't mind. All I cared about was that I was here with him.
By late afternoon, we'd finished getting ready for the party. Hanbin looked effortlessly handsome in the outfit I'd chosen, a perfect match for him in a way that made my pulse quicken. Exactly my type. I found myself unable to look away.
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The doorbell rang, and we walked to the door together. The first guests were arriving, and soon enough, we were surrounded by his friends and colleagues from the company. A woman approached us first, introducing herself.
