When Sparks Fly

Accidental Intimacy

The cooking challenge test run had sparked something between Jeonghan and Seungcheol. They didn't acknowledge it outright, but their interactions became subtly charged. The playful bickering continued, but every now and then, a lingering glance or an accidental touch left them both momentarily off-balance.

The tension came to a head one late evening when the two found themselves working overtime in the office. They had been finalizing the logistics for the retreat, and Jeonghan had insisted on ordering takeout to "boost morale."

"Pizza again?" Seungcheol asked, raising an eyebrow as Jeonghan set the box on the table.

"It's the ultimate food," Jeonghan replied, grabbing a slice. "Versatile, delicious, and best of all—no cleanup."

Seungcheol shook his head but grabbed a slice anyway. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you're still here," Jeonghan teased, his lips curving into a smirk.

Seungcheol didn't reply, but the faintest blush crept up his neck as he focused on his slice.

As the night wore on, their usual banter softened into something more comfortable. Jeonghan had kicked off his shoes and was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone. Seungcheol was seated at the table, reviewing the retreat schedule, his brows furrowed in concentration.

"You're always so serious," Jeonghan commented, looking up.

"Someone has to be," Seungcheol replied without missing a beat.

Jeonghan grinned. "You're cute when you're focused, you know that?"

Seungcheol froze, his pen hovering above the paper. "What?"

"You heard me," Jeonghan said, his tone light but his gaze steady.

Seungcheol cleared his throat, clearly flustered. "Are you drunk on pizza grease, or is this just another one of your jokes?"

Jeonghan chuckled. "Maybe a little of both."

Later, as they wrapped up their work, Jeonghan stood and stretched dramatically. "I'm beat. You about ready to call it a night?"

"Almost," Seungcheol replied, glancing at his watch. "Just need to finish this one thing."

Jeonghan wandered over to him, leaning against the table to peer at the schedule. "You know, for someone who's so good at delegating, you sure take on a lot yourself."

"It's called responsibility," Seungcheol replied, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Jeonghan reached out, plucking the pen from Seungcheol's hand. "And it's called overworking. Come on, take a break for once."

Seungcheol sighed but leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're relentless, you know that?"

"Relentless and charming," Jeonghan quipped, flashing a grin.

Seungcheol shook his head, but the corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly.

As they gathered their things to leave, Jeonghan tripped over the strap of his bag and stumbled directly into Seungcheol.

"Whoa!" Seungcheol caught him instinctively, his hands gripping Jeonghan's waist.

Jeonghan froze, his hands resting on Seungcheol's chest. Their faces were inches apart, and for a moment, neither of them moved.

"Well, this is cozy," Jeonghan said softly, his voice teasing but his eyes searching Seungcheol's.

Seungcheol swallowed hard, his grip on Jeonghan tightening for a fraction of a second before he stepped back. "You're hopeless," he muttered, his ears tinged red.