He Looks Up Grinning Like A Devil | Sunghoon X Jungwon

Said I'm Fine But It Wasn't True

[Jungwon]

They had agreed beforehand that Sunghoon will not participate in the actual mission. Of course the Crown Prince had expressed his distaste at the situation but Jungwon was firm in his judgement. He didn't even want the older to come with him, would've preferred for him to stay in the inn, but he could only win so much arguments with the former.

So here they are now, back to the tavern once again. Sunghoon has positioned himself to the wall near the entrance, leaning with his arms crossed, while Jungwon takes up the server's post in the bar. His client isn't expected until an hour or two hours, but it's good to get a head start and familiarize himself with the routine of serving food and drinks. The workers around him did not even blink twice at his sudden appearance.

He keeps glancing at the older and will always find his eyes on him already, even when people attempt to strike conversation with him. Now that Jungwon is in a much better headspace, he can't help but feel bad at the males and females alike vying for the older's attention. He also cringes at the sight of his own bite marks on proud display.

He knows that Sunghoon will corner him into an unwanted conversation once they're done in here and Jungwon is honestly not looking forward to that one. Twice now he has stepped out of line. Initiating a kiss and then the—ugh, seriously— hickeys. Bringing the Crown Prince along was a bad idea but Jungwon is not one for regret. Sunghoon has already established that he has no qualms invading Jungwon's space so it should be Jungwon drawing the line between them, not crossing it.

He shakes his head. He'll have that conversation with himself later on.

Time passes in quick motion as he sets up a routine. Serving ales, wiping down the wooden counter, taking orders to be delivered to the kitchen, and checking in with quick glances to the older. Sunghoon has moved to a table at a corner and has obnoxiously propped his legs to the opposite seat so no one could join him. Jungwon smirked to himself when one of the barkeepers approached the older, presumably to scold him about hoarding the table to himself when the tavern is slowly getting packed, and Sunghoon merely responded with a toss of a gold coin. His Crown Prince is learning.

Jungwon checks the clock right above the entrance door and counts less than half-an-hour before his target arrives. He takes the time to serve fresh ale to Sunghoon's table, abandoning his post with a quick excuse to his temporary co-worker.

The Crown Prince preens at the sight of him walking towards his table.

"Thought you're gonna ignore me for the rest of the night," Sunghoon greets when he's within earshot.

Jungwon eyes the dark bruises on the other's throat and lets out a soft exhale, placing the drink before him. The older immediately peers at it.

"He's going to be here in a few minutes. Listen," he frowns and then hesitates, unsure how to proceed. Sunghoon glances at him, picking up the jug.

"Listening," Sunghoon prompts when the younger still hasn't spoken.

Jungwon thinks about it for a second before moving closer and cupping the back of the older's neck. Sunghoon startles under his touch, his gaze turning questioning.

The younger does a quick sweep of their surroundings before continuing, "I'm going to have to get him alone."

Sunghoon's gaze hardens in understanding but Jungwon remains steadfast.

"I'm telling you now so you won't make a scene later."

The older averts his gaze and hides the frown on his mouth by taking a sip of his jug. A mask of indifference is slowly taking up his face and Jungwon squeezes the back of his neck in warning.