Hello, Neighbor

Chapter Three.

Jeongin runs through the halls of his work, sweat dribbling down his forehead. Unfortunately, his alarm hadn't woken him up, and he slept for an extra two hours.

He pants as He shoves the door open, nearly dropping his coffee onto the grey carpet.

Chris is seated in a chair beside his station, staring at him from his spot.

"Jeongin!" He waves, "How are you?"

Jeongin solely blinks, assessing the situation.

Fuck, I didn't think He'd actually end up working here.

"I'm," The ravenette stumbles forward, almost tripping on a wire, and takes a seat beside him, turning his computer on, "Doing just dandy." He nods, "You?"

Chris smiles tenderly, showing his teeth, "I'm great - first day here."

"I can tell." Jeongin averts his eyes from the man, signing into the computer. He can feel his eyes boring into him, so he turns, pursing his lips. "Do you need help?"

"You're snooty for someone so young," Chris's eye twitches, his lips slowly falling before He forces them back up, "I believe I should tell Mr. Seo to move you."

The ravenette's lips fall agape, "You have got to be kidding me-" He gulps, "Are you trying to pick a fight with me? I have been here for a year, I am not moving."

Chris pokes at his side, chuckling, "I'm kidding, don't be so tense," He licks over his chapped lips, "You're sweet."

"I'm not," Jeongin puffs, clicking his mouse nervously.

"I know that I should not be claiming this without a taste," The blond hums, "But I'm sure you are."

The boy closes his eyes, his blood running cold, "I'm sorry, Chris - I am uncomfortable with how you are talking to me." He fidgets, "This is a professional workspace."

"Oh, you act as if Minho isn't swooning over his desk buddy over there," Chris points at Minho, who has imaginary hearts in his eyes while He talks to the male beside him. The man sighs, "But, I'll stop- at least here I will."

"You're quite..." Jeongin whispers, "The character."

The blond nods, "To each their own, Jeongin."

Jeongin redirects his gaze to his computer screen, setting his hand on his mouse. He can still feel Chris's eyes on him; though, he chooses to ignore it. 

Changbin strolls out from his office, letting out a soft gasp, "Mr. Bang! How has your first day been?" He asks, scampering closer, "Has Jeongin guided you at all?"

Chris whirls around, smiling up at the short man, "I haven't needed help- I had a job like this before."

"Ah," The male nods slowly, "Jeongin." He turns to look at the boy, setting his hand on the back of his chair, "I noticed you were here late," He sighs, "Are things getting tough again, Hun? If they are I could set up appointments with my therapist and you again-"

Changbin is terribly fatherly toward Jeongin, and He has always been there for the boy; Even though He did cut his hours.

Jeongin shakes his head, "No, no," He runs his fingers through his hair, "I'm sorry, Mr. Seo. I missed my alarm this morning and ran here as quickly as I could."

"Oh," Changbin slaps the back of the chair, humming, "Thank god. I'm glad you're doing well." 

The ravenette chuckles, shrugging, "I'm good, Mr. Seo." He smiles, "Thank you for caring."