Chapter Two : A sudden reunion
Hyunjin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he stared at the thick stack of files Jeongin had just handed him.
"You need to review all of these by the end of the day and report to the manager," Jeongin said, his tone neutral and businesslike.
Hyunjin glanced down at the files, then back up at Jeongin. "All of them?"
Jeongin nodded. "All of them."
Hyunjin exhaled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Wow, alright then. Thanks, I guess—"
Before he could even finish his sentence, Jeongin had already pulled out his phone and walked off in a hurry, his focus entirely elsewhere.
Hyunjin tilted his head, watching Jeongin’s retreating figure with an amused yet puzzled expression. How is he always on his phone? He had barely seen Jeongin look up from it all morning. What was so important?
**─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───**
Meanwhile, Jeongin’s heart pounded as he read the message on his screen.
chan hyung<3:
Innie, come outside for a moment.*
Jeongin frowned, his fingers moving quickly over the keyboard.
Me:
Why?
chan hyung<3:
Because I’m here.
Jeongin froze. His breath hitched as he reread the message, his mind struggling to process it. he's here?
Without another thought, Jeongin bolted toward the entrance of the building. His footsteps echoed against the polished floors as he pushed open the doors and stepped outside, scanning the area.
And then he saw him.
Bang Chan stood a few feet away, leaning casually against a railing with his familiar, warm smile. His hair was slightly tousled, and he looked just like Jeongin remembered—except maybe even better.
"Hyung…?" Jeongin whispered, his voice barely audible.
Chan’s smile widened. "Hey, Innie."
That was all it took.
Jeongin didn’t think—he just ran. Within seconds, he was in Chan’s arms, wrapping himself around him in a tight hug. Chan chuckled softly, hugging him back just as tightly.
It had been two years. Two years since Chan had left for Australia. Two years since Jeongin had seen him in person. And now, he was here, warm and real, holding him like he never left.
After what felt like forever, they finally pulled back. Chan looked down at Jeongin, his eyes soft with fondness.
"Innie, how have you been doing so far?" he asked.
Jeongin glanced down for a moment, suddenly feeling shy under Chan’s gaze. He bit his lip before mumbling, "It’s been good."
Chan smiled knowingly. "Yeah?"
Jeongin nodded, still unable to fully believe that Chan was actually here.
Chan patted his head lightly. "I missed you, you know."
Jeongin swallowed, feeling his heart flutter. "I missed you too, hyung."
**─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───**
A sudden clap echoed through the office, making Hyunjin jolt in his seat. He looked up to see the manager standing at the front, a bright grin on his face.
"Alright, everyone, listen up!" the manager called out. "Since it’s Hyunjin’s first day with us, I want to treat all of you to some soju and beef tonight!"
The office erupted in cheers. A few employees high-fived each other, and someone even let out an excited "Let’s go!" Hyunjin couldn’t help but laugh at their enthusiasm.
More than anything, he was just relieved. He had been working for hours, drowning in files, and his stomach had been complaining for a while now. finally food.
As everyone started chatting excitedly about dinner plans, the manager glanced around the office. His brow furrowed. "Wait, where’s Jeongin?"
Hyunjin perked up at that. He hadn’t seen Jeongin since earlier when he rushed out. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I think something important came up. He looked like he was in a hurry when he left."
The manager hummed in thought, then nodded. "Alright, I’ll message him about it." With that, he pulled out his phone and started typing.
Hyunjin, on the other hand, was still puzzled. What had happened that made Jeongin rush out so suddenly? And why was he always on his phone?
He shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. it's none of my business, anyway
**─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───**
Meanwhile, at a cozy café a few blocks away, Jeongin sat across from Chan, his hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee.
"Hyung," Jeongin started, pouting slightly, "you could’ve told me sooner. I would’ve picked you up."
Chan chuckled, shaking his head. "Innie, it was a surprise. But you know I’m not good at surprises."
Jeongin let out a small laugh. "Still, it really did surprise me when I saw you standing outside today. I thought I was hallucinating for a second."
Chan smiled, resting his chin on his hand as he studied Jeongin. "I missed seeing that face in person."
Jeongin’s ears turned red, and he quickly looked down at his drink. "Hyung…"
Just then, his phone buzzed. He checked the screen and saw a message from his manager.
Manager
Manager:
Jeongin, we’re all going out for dinner to welcome Hyunjin. You should join us
Jeongin sighed, his fingers moving quickly over the keyboard.
Me:
sorry manager-nim
I won’t be able to come. Something important came up, so I’ll be busy
He put his phone down just as Chan leaned forward slightly. "Who was that?"
"Just work," Jeongin replied casually, brushing it off.
Chan raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t push further. Instead, he took a sip of his drink and smiled. "So, tell me, Innie. How’s life been treating you?"
Jeongin looked at Chan, feeling warmth spread through his chest. After two years apart, being able to sit and talk like this again felt unreal.
He smiled softly. "It’s been good, hyung. Really."
------
A/n:
nothing much is happening rn but how long will this peace last? 😝
