24H | SEVENTEEN

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The bell ringing had Mingyu cursing as he tiredly dragged his feet to the front door. "Who the hell is it?" he muttered, rubbing his temples. He'd barely tossed his gym bag aside when the ringing started again—persistent and sharp, like whoever was on the other side didn't care about being polite. He yanked the door open.

Rumi stood in front of him with a grin. Mingyu sighed rolling his eyes. "Is this going to be daily thing, now?" He asked raising his eyebrow. Rumi smiled, shrugging her shoulders. "Do you mind?" She asked, holding up the fired chicken and beer she had picked up on the way. Mingyu took the bag and walked in letting her through, "As long as you don't come empty handed."

"Where's-"

"In his room, probably playing games." Mingyu answered before she could complete her question. "Thanks." Rumi kicked off her shoes and followed Mingyu into the apartment, the familiar scent of fabric softener and takeout lingering in the air. Without needing an invitation, Rumi padded down the short hallway and stopped in front of Wonwoo's door. She knocked twice before pushing it open. As expected, he was hunched over his desk, headset on, eyes glued to the screen. "Headshot," Wonwoo muttered, unaware of her presence.

Rumi leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Impressive. But have you tried a real one?" Wonwoo jumped slightly at the sound of her voice, then turned with a startled expression that quickly melted into a familiar smile. "Noona..."

"I knocked." She said pointed her thumb at door before walking towards him. "Mianhae, I was in the zone." He apologized as Rumi spun his chair and leaned down. "Were you, now?" Wonwoo blinked, his eyes widening slightly as he gulped hard. Rumi leaned in just a little closer, close enough that Wonwoo could smell the faint trace of her perfume—something warm and familiar. His fingers twitched on the armrests, unsure whether to stay still or reach for her.

"You always sneak up on people like this?" he asked, voice lower now, softer. "Only the ones I like catching off guard," she murmured. Their eyes locked, a quiet beat passing between them. Wonwoo's heartbeat picked up, visible in the slight flush creeping up his neck. Rumi tilted her head, watching him with a small, amused smile. "You've got a tell, you know," she whispered. "I do?"

"Yeah. Your ears turn red when you're nervous." She reached up and brushed her thumb lightly against the curve of his ear, sending a shiver down his spine. Wonwoo caught her wrist gently, not pulling her away, just holding her there. "Then maybe you should stop doing things that make me nervous."

"Waeyo?" she asked, voice barely above a whisper. "I like this side of you." He let out a breath, gaze flicking to her lips for just a second too long. "Noona..." he started, unsure where to go next. But she was already closing the distance, her presence all-consuming in that quiet, dimly lit room. Her eyes softened, and for a moment, it felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of them—no past, no chaos, no ulterior motives. Just this moment.

Wonwoo's breath hitched when her forehead gently rested against his. Her hand, still warm from touching his cheek, slid up to cup the side of his neck. His hands moved on instinct as settled on her waist. "You are looking at me with those eyes." He whispered. "Hmm what eyes?" She asked her fingers tracing back of his neck. "Like you want to devour me." As soon as he said that a devilish smirk formed her lips.

Rumi's smirk widened as her fingers danced lazily at the nape of his neck. "And what if I do?" she whispered, her breath brushing his lips. "What if I want to ruin that innocent gamer focus of yours?" She asked climbing into his lap. Wonwoo's grip on her waist tightened slightly, his pulse racing under her touch. "Innocent?" he scoffed lightly, though his voice betrayed the way she was affecting him. "You're the one crawling into my lap like this." She tilted her head, brushing her lips just barely against his jaw. "Mm, didn't hear you complain."