ihwa | hyunchan

06, double trouble

"Seriously, Bang Chan? You had one job: to make sure the order arrives to the client on time. And what's the first thing I hear this morning? Complaints! Where is that damn shipment?"

"What can I do if the container hasn't arrived at security inspection yet? I'm not the courier—this is out of my control. You know it, too; you just enjoy picking on others."

Bang Chan's mornings aren't going smoothly either. It's either customers complaining to him or his supervisor, Mr. Shin. He can never win against his senior's words. Shin and his constant, hurtful comments are slowly driving Chan insane. He just wants to escape from this terrible office. He wants to go to his safe haven—the bar.

It's only morning, but he's already decided that he'll be visiting tonight. He wants to hear kind and gentle words that no one else tells him throughout his days. He wants to be treated well, unlike how his clients and supervisor treat him. He couldn't help but remember his last visit there when he spent time with the beautiful Hyunjin. Chan had chosen many boys in that bar before, even having a favorite, but none are as sweet and caring as Hyunjin. He's also exceptionally good-looking and truly good at entertaining. His charisma shines the moment he smiles. Chan couldn't wait to see him again.

The locker room of Ihwa was filled with the sound of happy laughter and chit-chatting. This was the lounging area for the boys before guests arrived. Hyunjin was the only one scrolling on his phone instead of joining the conversation. He would usually talk to his friends, but unfortunately, both Felix and Jisung were absent. Oh yeah, they aren't in need of money. Although Hyunjin was just on his phone, he could still hear snippets of the topics being discussed, such as how happy Beomgyu was yesterday for making commission on the most expensive champagne the bar offers—yet he drank most of it, not the customers. Or how Huening Kai is upset because his young, handsome guest hasn't visited him for a while. Hyunjin felt uneasy listening to all that; his discomfort toward those two only grew. He didn't like how the other boys had it so easy, just having fun as if they were the customers. He disliked them, thinking his coworkers were dumb for enjoying this job. They're so shallow and easy, he thought to himself. Hyunjin didn't even realize how judgmental he was, dismissing Kai, Beomgyu, and the others' struggles. After all, he didn't know anything about his team, as he always trie avoiding them. Secretly, he also wanted to be like this—not having to worry about making ends meet and just enjoying the free drinks while even getting paid. But Hyunjin would never admit his jealousy, not even to himself.

"Boys, everyone go to Room 1!" As the manager's voice echoed, everyone in the locker room stood up and headed in that direction. The manager led them in to be viewed by the guest, who was none other than Bang Chan. Hyunjin was surprised to see the man visiting without his friend. What is such a good-looking guy doing in a place like this all alone? Bang Chan noticed multiple familiar faces and became hesitant. He was torn between choosing his usual partner, who wasn't available last time, or sticking to his original plan to be with Hyunjin. Within seconds, he pointed at both Hyunjin's and his favorite partner Kai's direction.

The manager and the others left, leaving the three alone. The two took a seat on either side of Bang Chan, both feeling slightly awkward as they weren't exactly friends. Kai was flustered having to share his beloved, handsome customer, especially with his least favorite colleague. It was truly a shock, as Chan hadn't picked anyone else unless Kai was busy with other guests. Hyunjin also wasn't too amused about the situation, but at the same time, he was happy that someone who picked Kai would pick him too.

"Kai, you weren't here last time."

"Sorry, Channie, I was busy." The boy pouted his lips, making a sad expression while using a high-pitched voice to sound cute.

"Good to see you again, pretty." Hyunjin was surprised to hear that nickname again, making him smile.

"Why are you only calling Hyunjin pretty? Am I not pretty?" Kai whined, still using the high-pitched voice.

"Who said that, silly? But Hyunjin is really pretty; how could I not tell him?" Both boys were speechless at that comment. Kai was raging with jealousy, while Hyunjin was enjoying that he could finally annoy the younger boy.

The atmosphere quickly became awkward as no one knew what to say. Kai was still bothered by what Chan had said earlier, Hyunjin felt uncomfortable acting cutesy under Kai's watch, and Chan was realizing that choosing two boys at the same time might not be for him. The eldest felt the tension between his partners, so he chose to open the bottle of whiskey to lighten the mood. He poured a shot for each boy, then one for himself. A couple of drinks later, Hyunjin and Kai sang a few songs.

"Channie, come sing with us," said Kai.

"Nah, not in the mood."

"Chan, just once. Is there any song you like?" Hyunjin tried his best to show his puppy eyes. To his biggest surprise, it actually worked, as Chan gave an agreeing nod. He couldn't say no to Hyunjin's pleading expression. They picked a more relaxed song compared to the party songs the boys had sung earlier. Bang Chan searched for You, Clouds, Rain by Heize and started it. Hyunjin sang Heize's part, while Chan sang the lines of the featured male artist. Their voices had such a melodious harmony. Hyunjin's soft voice complemented Chan's more raspy, deep vocals. While the song was playing, Bang Chan could barely focus on the screen; he was entirely focused on the beautiful boy singing for him. He was mesmerized by everything about Hyunjin—his looks, his voice, his moves—everything. His heart nearly skipped a beat whenever the younger gave him a smile.

Bang Chan wasn't used to this feeling he was having around Hyunjin. The boy just made him feel so comfortable and relaxed, even though they had just recently met. Of course, he enjoyed the times he spent with Kai or others, but Hyunjin's behavior felt so genuine. All his words, looks, expressions, and laughs seemed real. As if Hyunjin wasn't just pretending for money but truly cared about his well-being. That's exactly what Chan needs—caring—as he has been deprived of such feelings for far too long.