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“Did you see Professor Na’s new car? It’s so sick!”
“It must have cost a fortune. There’s no way I could ever afford one of those.”
“Dude, there’s no way he makes that much as a college professor. He’s loaded for sure.”
The student’s gossiping soon ceased as their professor, the one and only Jaemin Na, walked into the lecture hall.
He was a relatively quiet man who kept to himself for the most part. Despite being quite mysterious, Jaemin was popular amongst the students as he was young and attractive. Not to mention, kind when helping out his students, being patient as he re-explained concepts already covered in previous classes. As he had learned from a certain someone.
He wanted his students to succeed, though he drew a clear line regarding the relationship between student and professor, keeping it strictly professional(unlike someone else he knew). He never let much of his private life slip to the ears of prying students.
Half of the students who sign up for his class only enroll to stare at his god-sculpted face. Some were even brave enough to confess their feelings to him, just to be rejected with the classic “I’m sorry. I’m a professor, and you’re a student. It is unethical and wrong for us to date.” Internally, he scoffed at those words. Jeno clearly thought otherwise years ago.
Professor Na was notorious for his cold rejections, students and colleagues alike. Poor Professor Osaki thought he had a chance with this ethereal being, only to be shut down harshly too.
As he set down his luxury tote bag that carried around all his materials, Professor Na cleared his throat. “Alright, students. Today we will be going over–”
“Tell us about your new car!”
The room went silent. Nobody knew who spoke, but it was evident that everyone was curious about the same thing.
Professor Na shuffled his papers, not even bothering to glance up to see who spoke. “That is unimportant to what we are learning in class.”
A collective whine sounded throughout.
“C’mon. Please tell us.”
“Yeah. We’re your beloved students.”
“Curiosity is killing me, Professor Na!”
“Please. Please. Please tell us.”
Of course, he couldn’t get mad at his students. They were too cute and were indeed his beloved students whom he cherished very much so. Platonically, of course. He sighed. He was going to curse Jeno Lee later after school for convincing him to take his new car to school today. “If you must know, it was a gift.”
“From who?”
“Wow! A car as a gift?!”
“Someone get me a car too!”
“Now, now, class. Settle down. It was a gift from,” Jaemin paused, “a family member.” He softly smiled to himself. Technically, Jeno was now considered a family member as they were wedded that past summer. Though, from which family member, the students didn’t need to know.
His response was met with collective “awhs” and “that’s so cute” before he cleared his throat and began to lecture.
The very next day, the school once again was buzzing about the newest gossip, which, surprise, surprise, had to do with Professor Na.
“Did you see the arrangement of flowers on his desk? It was humongous. I’m pretty sure I saw Professor Na struggling to bring it to his car.”
“I think I also saw him holding a Cartier bag too.”
“Do you think it’s an early Christmas gift? Maybe he has a secret admirer!”
“Do you think it has something to do with the car?”
“But didn’t he say it was a family member?”
“Oh, right. Nevermind.”
Before Professor Na’s class rolled around, the students were already flooded in the classroom, bouncing in their chairs out of curiosity.
When the clock struck 10 AM on the dot, all students watched the door intently. Their teacher was known to be punctual. As the minutes passed, the door failed to swing open to reveal their favorite professor who was bound to satiate their curiosity.
At last, the door swung open only to reveal a couple of students shuffling in late.
“Is Professor Na going to show up?”
“What if the rumors are true?”
“Does he really have a secret admirer?”
“What if he has a sugar mommy or daddy?”
“No way! I want to be a sugar baby too! This tuition won’t pay itself.”
Suddenly, a loud clang sounded throughout. The students all uniformly turned towards the direction of the noise.
“Please. Carry on with your conversation. I want to hear more about these rumors,” Professor Na spoke as he bent down to pick up his book from the ground. The students were stunned. Everyone began to talk over one another, apologizing to their professor, who had disguised himself as one of his students.
He was wearing a casual grey hoodie, ripped jeans, and had a designer backpack slinging off one of his shoulders. It was quite a contrast to his usual outfit with a white button-up, slacks, designer tie, and tote making it look like he was indeed a college student.
Casually, Jaemin made his way to the front of the classroom. “To answer your questions. No, I’m not a sugar baby. Get those crazy thoughts out of your head. Though, I refuse to answer any of your questions. If I hear one peep from any of you asking, there will be a pop quiz next class. Do you understand?”
His voice was stern and free of humor. The students have never seen their professor so riled up. Everyone nodded. They were indeed curious but held their tongue. A quiz before winter break was the last thing they wanted from the oh-so-kind Professor Na.
The class went on as usual. However, if you had to ask one of his students, his class was even better that day. Perhaps it was because of his outfit that made students stare and drool at how good-looking their professor was in ordinary clothes.
“Hey, babe.”
Jaemin opened the car door of the blue McLaren, sliding into the passenger seat and dropping his backpack by his foot.
“Don’t ‘hey, babe’ me, Jeno Lee.”
“Woah, the full legal name, I see.”
Jaemin just huffed.
At the dinner table yesterday night, Jaemin told Jeno all about his students questioning him about the new car. He whined about how he shouldn’t have given in to Jeno and his request to take the customized high-end car to school as it caused a big stir at the college.
Jeno couldn’t help but laugh at how cute his husband was when he whined, only to get a smack on the arm in return. He apologized profusely, saying that it was his fault, and he shouldn’t have coaxed Jaemin into taking his early Christmas gift for a spin.
Though it was apparent he hadn’t learned his lesson because that very morning, he sent a grand flower arrangement and a Cartier bracelet to Jaemin’s classroom with an apology note.
He wasn’t sorry at all, to say the least. Jeno quite liked how his husband came storming back home only thirty minutes after he left, yelling at him until his face was flushed, or even more flushed than when he came in through the door from either embarrassment or being awfully touched by Jeno’s big gesture. Jeno would like to believe it was the latter.
After calming Jaemin down with back rubs, head pats, and kisses, Jeno offered to take the professor back to campus. Despite being furious at Jeno, Jaemin accepted the change of clothes offered by Jeno since his shirt and pants were covered in flower pollen and petals. He only agreed to wear Jeno’s grey hoodie out of concern for some of his students who might have pollen allergies. It was definitely not because he wanted to wear it. And definitely not because it smelled like Jeno and fit snugly against his body like he was being engulfed by a warm hug from Jeno himself.
Jaemin was still fuming the entire car ride, even going as far as refusing to hold Jeno’s hand during the drive. He wasn’t as mad as he acted, but kind of annoyed that his students were going to question him again. Throughout the years of working at the college, Jaemin kept his private life closely under wraps. Yet, Jeno was about to expose it all. Albeit, it did calm him down now that he was wearing Jeno’s hoodie.
Once they reached the college, Jeno promised that they would talk later after Jaemin’s classes were over. With a kiss to the forehead sending him off, Jaemin stalked off.
Jeno knew he was still not off the hook when picking up his dear husband from school as his loving greeting was quickly shut down.
“I’m sorry, darling. I really am. Please don’t be mad anymore. I’ve learned my lesson. For real.” Jeno reached over to grab Jaemin’s hand, rubbing circles with his thumb, while still having one hand on the steering wheel.
Jaemin pouted, “Sorry isn’t going to cut it. The students thought I was a sugar baby, for God’s sake!”
Jeno had to stifle his laugh. “Then tell them it’s from your lover.”
“No way! They would question me to no end, and I can’t have that.”
“Right, I forgot. Mysterious Professor Na, who’s known to reject everyone.”
“Well, sorry, I have a husband.”
“A very sexy one, I might add.” Jeno brought Jaemin’s hand to his mouth, pressing a light kiss to the back of his hand. “That’s the last time I’ll do that, okay? Now don’t be mad. I love you.”
And Jaemin Na was a weak, weak man. There was no way he could stay mad at Jeno, not when he didn’t mean any harm. “Fine. I love you, too. You better keep your promise.”
Jeno just smiled and hummed in agreement. Anything to make his lover happy.
Little did Jaemin know, the school forum was in chaos once again because of Jeno. All over one grainy picture of Jaemin stepping into Jeno’s McLaren.
[ 294, - 4] professor na is loaded for sure~~ lowkey wish that was me
[ 199, - 10] what if that’s the same person who gave mr. na the flowers and cartier gift this morning?
[ 212, - 40] what if he’s a sugar baby? i mean, that would explain the new car and the gifts
[ 213, -3] guys, it’s Christmas what if it’s just an extremely grand gift?
[ 319, - 2] okay, but on a side note, that’s one nice sportscar i want one of those
[ 228, - 23] maybe professor na has a significant other? he did say the car is from a family member…
All while the forum was exploding with chaotic speculations revolving around Jaemin’s life, the happy couple was in the midst of making dinner.
“Jen, I really can’t cook if you won’t let go.”
Jeno made no attempt to release his husband as his hands were still firmly around Jaemin’s waist, with his head nestled into the crook of Jaemin’s neck.
“C’mon. Seriously, babe.”
Jaemin’s pleas were met with a shake of a head. “No, I’m not letting you go.” Jeno’s breath was warm on Jaemin’s neck, tingling and making the tips of Jaemin’s ears turn red. Possessive and clingy Jeno always made his heart do flips and butterflies erupt in his stomach.
Sighing, Jaemin reluctantly let Jeno continue to back hug him, having no energy to fight back. He could feel a smirk pressed to his neck, though Jeno’s victory was cut short when Jaemin’s phone began to ring. Jaemin swiftly slipped from Jeno’s grasp to reach his phone.
“Hello?”
“Have you seen the school’s forum yet?”
“Wow, no greeting? I see how it is, Haechan.”
“Sorry, sorry. Hi, Jaem. How was your day? Good? Ok. Now check the school forum.”
Jaemin slightly chuckled at his best friend’s antics. Haechan was someone he meant after he started dating Jeno back when he was in college. Having caught the former professor and student together, Haechan was someone who knew too much, and thus Jaemin kept close. But after a while, Jaemin got used to Haechan’s presence, and suspicion evolved into trust and friendship.
From across the kitchen, Jeno was sulking as his lover had slipped out of his embrace. Though, Jaemin paid him no mind.
Jaemin began scrolling through the comments, laughing to himself as he read some of the insanely absurd ones. “They really have nothing better to do, do they. Coming up with all these weird theories. Maybe I should give them more work,” he whispered to himself.
“They say you’re a sugar baby! And that you’re filthy rich. Well, they didn’t entirely miss the mark. I’d say Jeno’s really your sugar daddy,” Haechan snickered.
“Hey. No, he isn’t. They were just gifts. You know how Jen constantly spoils me–” Oh, it really did sound like he was a sugar baby now.
“JENO LEE! This is all your fault. Stop giving me gifts. I can buy these things myself.” Jeno came up right behind him, peering down at Jaemin’s phone.
“No one said you couldn’t buy those items yourself. I just like giving you gifts. Money has no meaning if I can’t spend it on you.”
Haechan’s fake gagging sounds from the phone, breaking up the moment the sweet couple had just shared. “I hate it here. Stop being so lovey-dovey. It makes me sick.”
His remark was met with a collective laugh and a half-hearted apology to their single friend. The call ended as Haechan still had papers to grade, and the couple still had to finish making dinner.
“I’m not your sugar baby.” Jaemin pouted, still stuck on the topic. His eyebrows were knitted, and a pout on his lips as he stirred the noodles in the pot.
Laughter filled the room. “I know you aren’t. I’m just used to spoiling you. Sorry, love,” Jeno comforted as he leaned on the kitchen counter, staring at Jaemin’s side profile.
“These students really have nothing better to do.”
“Well, I would be curious too if I were them. A hot, secretive college professor. Not to mention, thoughtful and caring.”
Heat rose to Jaemin’s cheeks. He blames the steam from the pot, clearly not blushing from Jeno’s words and intense stare. Even though they were married and had been dating for years, Jeno’s effect on him was still something he hasn’t become accustomed to. In response, Jaemin cleared his throat, wanting Jeno to take the hint and change the topic.
A satisfied smile graced Jeno’s face, clearly understanding that his husband was bashful. “I’m going to miss having you all to myself,’ he sighed while looking at Jaemin like he was the one who hung the stars in the night sky one by one.
Jaemin turned toward him with a soft smile. “I’ll always be yours.”
Now, it was Jeno’s turn to pout. Whoever would have thought the CEO of one of the biggest conglomerates in South Korea would be pursing their lips in an attempt to look cute in front of his lover.
Jeno came up behind Jaemin, hugging him once again as Jaemin set down the bowls on the dinner table. “Yeah, but soon the world will know you too,” mumbled Jeno.
Jaemin turned around, enveloping Jeno in his arms as well. “We might be going public, but that doesn’t mean that they’re going to take me away from you,” said Jaemin into Jeno’s chest before lifting his head and pecking Jeno on the lips. “Besides, this isn’t the first time we’re being exposed. At least we get to choose to reveal our relationship status now. Not like last time with Haechan.”
“Should we just not show up to the New Years gala?” Jeno thoughtfully asked.
“Yeah. Sure, let’s not go. Instead of the newspaper headlines saying ‘Jeno Lee’s Marriage Revealed,’ it’ll be ‘CEO Jeno Lee Fails to Show Up to His Own Party to Make a Much Awaited Announcement.’ We can’t have that now, can we?”
“I mean, we could. I don’t mind.”
Jaemin rolled his eyes in response. “We should eat before the food is cold.”
“Yes, Mr. Lee. Whatever you say,” Jeno replied with a cheeky grin.
The two had a romantic dinner filled with loving glances and touches. Perhaps it was because they were in their honeymoon phase or maybe because they were truly in love that the butterflies never seemed to go away.
Days passed, and the rumors began to die down. Classes went on as expected without any disturbances or gifts appearing on Professor Na’s desk, much to the student’s disappointment.
From Jeno:
hey i’ll come pick you up
To Jeno:
you better
how else do you think i’m going to get home
do you think i’m going to walk?
From Jeno:
haha very funny
see you soon, love
“Oh? And what do I see here? Mr. Jaemin Lee blushing while looking at his phone screen?” said the figure walking into the classroom. Jaemin jumped out of his seat, and his eyes widened, only for him to realize it was just Haechan walking into the room and plopping himself on top of Jaemin’s desk.
“Shhh. Don’t say that here. There might be eavesdropping students.”
Haechan tsked. “So you aren’t going to deny you were blushing Mr. Lee.”
The statement only caused Jaemin to blush even harder. “Stop calling me Mr. Lee.”
Haechan pretends to think it over for a second before refusing. “No, it’s alright. I think Professor Lee quite suits you. Plus, the news is going to get out soon.”
Jaemin groaned, “Don’t remind me. My life is going to end in the next two weeks. My quiet life is over. Done. Gone forever.”
A pointed look was directed at Jaemin. “Jeno won’t allow that. And that’s what you said like five years ago. You’re just being dramatic.” Jaemin knew he was indeed being dramatic, but his life was about to take another turn for better or worse, so he had every right to exaggerate.
The worst that could probably happen would be the school fires him for attracting too much attention and disrupting the learning environment. And if worse did come to worse, Jeno would know what to do. He always knew.
“C’mon now. Your loverboy is probably waiting at the front of the school by now. I bet some of the students are already gawking at his car, too,” Haechan said, breaking Jaemin out of his thoughts.
Jaemin rolled his eyes. “I’m not taking a bet I’m sure I’ll lose.”
“Well, you better hurry up before you attract even more attention.”
Haechan wished Jaemin good luck before leaving him to fend for himself to deal with the crowd that had gathered around Jeno’s sportscar.
Jaemin managed to squeeze through, and the two made it home in order to settle any last minute preparations for the upcoming grand event.
A whistle sounded throughout the bedroom of the couple. “Hey, darling. You look good.”
The warmth made its way up to Jaemin’s cheeks.
“Thanks,” Jaemin mumbled and looked up, “You–you look handsome, too.”
His voice caught in his throat. Handsome was an understatement. Jeno looked absolutely breath-taking with his bangs out of his face and white suit. If Jaemin could pinpoint a moment in which he fell in love with Jeno again, it would be right then and there.
As Jaemin stared, Jeno made his way across the room in long strides to where his husband was sitting across the vanity. “Here, let me help you fasten your pin.”
Still, in awe, Jaemin made no effort to move from his seat. He let Jeno take the pin from his hand and watched him crouch down to fasten it to his white suit jacket.
Breaking Jaemin out of his daze, Jeno stood up and cupped Jaemin’s face. “Ready to rock the world?”
Without breaking eye contact, Jaemin nodded and leaned into Jeno’s touch. “Happy New Years, Jen,” he whispered softly.
Leaning in closer, Jeno sealed their lips together for a passionate kiss. “Happy New Years to you too, my love.”
Together, they exitted the safety of their home, anxiously anticipating the events to come. Though, with Jeno by his side, Jaemin felt invincible. There was nothing to fear as long as they had one another. He knew Jeno would always be there for him if anything did happen, acting as his safety net.
Hand in hand, the couple walked towards the car. Hand in hand, they made it to the venue. Hand in hand, they shocked the world. And hand in hand would they walk together this year and the following years to come and in this life and the next.
Breaking News:
A Blessing for the New Year – At Last, Jeno Lee’s Marriage is Revealed
[ 506, - 0] the couple is so pretty omggg God clearly has favorites
[ 492, - 2] wow idk whether to be jealous of jeno’s husband for getting to marry jeno or jealous of jeno for marrying that pretty man
[ 602, - 46] i can’t believe jeno lee is officially off the market ㅠㅠ
[ 384, - 1] hey! that’s my economics professor wow suddenly everything makes so much sense o_O