Chapter Text
The rays of the setting sun bathed the vestibule in shades of purple, orange and gold, yet Soobin's face looked colorless and cold under her veil.
A tad uncomfortable in his customized suit, Sangwoo stood anxious beside her. He frowned at Jeonghan, wordlessly asking him what was wrong but he only earned a shrug from his son.
As the wedding march began, Hana the coward stood in front of them beside the arch. She took one final deep breath and broke into the most rigid, fakest smile before stepping forward into the chapel.
Duri the demon moved forward next, counting until it was her turn, then blew a kiss to Soobin and smiled her plastic smile before also stepping into the chapel.
Jeonghan looked back at Soobin. "Soobinie, you know oppa will always support you, right? If you’re getting cold feet, I’ll get you out."
"Jeonghan!?" their father said, scandalized, and Soobin shook her head.
"You’re sure?” he said, but got no response. “Okay. Fine.”
Jeonghan counted for his turn to march, took a step, and was about to turn into the chapel when something caught his elbow, and he looked back to see Soobin's hand clutching him desperately.
"Soobin, honey!?" Sangwoo said, bewildered.
Jeonghan walked back into the vestibule and told his father, "Daddy, stay at the archway and smile at people so they know everything's alright in here."
Jeonghan pried Soobin's hand off his elbow and dragged her out onto the church steps. “Alright, talk.”
"Oppa…” Soobin's bouquet trembled in her hands. “Kiwoo had sex with my bridesmaid."
"What the f— Was it Hana?" Jeonghan said, disgusted but not surprised. “I knew that snake would do it sooner or later because they have history—”
"It’s Duri," Soobin said.
"Son of a bitch!?" Jeonghan said, sure that his jaw was on the floor.
Soobin nodded.
"Those fuckers!" Jeonghan said, his rage rising as he tried to think of anything else to say other than a curse.
"Okay, baby, breathe,” he put his arms around Soobin, giving her soothing pats on the back. "When did it happen? Please tell me it was before he proposed to you—”
"Last night. Just last night, oppa," Soobin whispered and Jeonghan closed his eyes, conjuring all the ways he could murder Kiwoo.
"Son of a fucking bitch," he seethed as Soobin shook in his arms and sniffed.
"That miserable skank! I’ll shave her head at the altar!” Jeonghan held Soobin tighter. “And daddy will finally mutilate Kiwoo! Oh, my God, he’s been dying to do that for months!”
Soobin sniffed again to hold back a sob.
"We'll take care of you, Soobinie," Jeonghan said. "You got me, mom and dad, Joshua and Wonwoo.”
"Oppa,” Soobin said shakily, tears burning her eyes. “I was watching you and Cheol oppa last night. And you two looked so perfect together. Every time you laughed and whispered…everything seemed so natural for the both of you. It was like you didn’t need to be anybody else with each other. Cheol oppa just loves you for being you.”
A tear escaped Soobin’s eye then. “And I wanted to be just like that with Kiwoo. So while you were asleep, I drove to his apartment to talk to him. Then…they were in his bedroom,” Soobin’s face crumpled. “And they weren’t even doing it on the bed!”
Jeonghan rubbed her back like he was comforting a child. "That snake even blew you a kiss like nothing happened!”
"But they still don't know that I know," Soobin said into her brother’s shoulder. "They didn’t hear me come in and back out.”
"That was very mature, Soobinie," Jeonghan said, “If I were you, I would’ve dismembered them on the spot.”
He sighed then resolutely said, “I'll stop the wedding now.”
"No," Soobin said, pulling back. Her corset was tightening as she panicked. “I’m ready to walk down the aisle.”
"Ha?" Jeonghan said, trying to sound calm. "Okay, I admire how you’ve handled things so far, but carrying on with the wedding is just too much.”
"I need to," Soobin said, eyes unfocused. "Everything’s set. There are guests and presents. And the cake! Wonwoo oppa put pearls on it!”
"I’ll eat all of it, I don’t care!” Jeonghan said. "I’ll return the gifts with apologies, okay? I’ll even kill the groom for you.”
"No, no, oppa," Soobin said. "I’m sure he didn’t mean it… It was just the wedding jitters! Men get that all the time, right? We’ll be fine!”
"Soobin, what the hell!?" Jeonghan took the deepest breath he could to stay calm. "When men get pre-wedding jitters, they panic at the bachelor party, they don’t fuck your best friend a night before the wedding.”
Soobin shook her head stubbornly. "No, no. He may not be like Cheol oppa but Kiwoo’s a good person. He probably just panicked last night,” she swallowed, “I’ll still get married. I just needed to get this off my chest.”
"Soobin…" Jeonghan pleaded, but the determination in Soobin’s eyes made him feel sick. "Fine. But if you change your mind in the middle of the ceremony—fuck, even in the middle of your honeymoon—I’ll be here to help you leave, okay? Say the word and we’ll run.”
“Thank you, oppa,” Soobin nodded. "I’ll be okay.”
"I won’t be, though," Jeonghan said, then Soobin walked past him into the vestibule, leaving him with nothing to do but to follow.
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Jeonghan smiled at his panicked father and stepped out into the chapel. As he walked down the aisle, he caught sight of Hyungjae and Juli suspiciously sitting together, while Wonwoo and Joshua sent him looks that screamed they would later ask questions about Soobin’s holdup.
Meanwhile, the bastard Kiwoo had the audacity to look annoyed at the delay. Die, you piece of scum, Jeonghan thought but then realized that it wasn’t enough insult, and so he began to think of other things as he marched, not realizing that he was scowling until he saw Cheol's eyebrow raise as Kiwoo took a step back.
Jeonghan schooled his expression, but not really. He suddenly thought that maybe he could say something later when the preacher says “Speak now or forever hold your peace.” He could take advantage of the silence, make it the escape clause.
But if he did speak, he'd ruin Soobin's perfect wedding. He also had a feeling that in spite of last night and Kiwoo’s overall apathy about their relationship, the ceremony was more important to his sister than the actual marriage. There was also the matter of respecting Soobin’s choice. Jeonghan was not going to be like his mother and run Soobin’s life.
And so, he took his place beside Duri the demon at the front of the church, and tried his best not to smack her face with his bouquet.
Duri gave Jeonghan a once over and shook her head. “The colors of the flower crown are a bit off, no?” she whispered.
Skanky whore! Jeonghan thought, and raised an intimidating eyebrow at her until she looked away.
The wedding march continued and Jeonghan watched Soobin walk down the aisle looking like an actual fairy, the last rays of sunset shining behind her.
Her face was lost, however, and Jeonghan wanted to cry for her.
He looked away, and saw Cheol worriedly looking at him while mouthing, "Why?” and Jeonghan shook his head, almost in tears.
Soobin reached the altar and the ceremony began, but after a while people began to be restless in their seats. It was obvious that something was wrong. Soobin looked miserable and the guests weren’t getting that solemn yet exhilarating rush people would get during weddings.
Eventually, the preacher said, "If anyone here knows any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace," and Jeonghan stepped closer to his sister.
Soobin met his eyes. "Do it," Jeonghan whispered too quietly.
After a pause, the minister nodded at the guests then began the vows.
Soobin extended her hand to clutch Jeonghan’s arm for strength.
"I object," she whispered and Jeonghan sighed in relief.
"What was that, child?" the preacher whispered back.
Jeonghan nodded at Soobin again. "Do it."
Soobin swallowed and spoke again. "I object, father," but her voice was still too faint that everyone, including Kiwoo and the preacher, had to lean in.
"She said stop the fucking wedding!” Jeonghan said loudly, his voice echoing in the chapel.
"What!?" Kiwoo exclaimed.
"She doesn’t wanna marry you, asshole!” Jeonghan said and heard the collective gasps of the elderly guests. He could almost hear his mother saying, “Not your loud voice, darling.” But then he looked at Kiwoo again and thought, Fuck yeah, my loud voice!
"I object!" Soobin suddenly yelled, too. She turned to face the guests and said, “I object because the groom was having sex with my bridesmaid last night! I object because the groom is a… he’s a…” her voice broke.
"Cheating, good-for-nothing, scum-sucking bitch!" Jeonghan supplied behind Soobin, totally in his loud voice.
"Yes!" Soobin said and ran down the steps, her bouquet quivering.
"Also, you look like a dildo with your dumbass haircut!” Jeonghan yelled at Kiwoo and tried to run after his sister.
But Kiwoo caught his arm and said, "Wait a fucking minute—"
Jeonghan turned back to violently smack him with his bouquet but Cheol was suddenly between them, shouldering Kiwoo aside. Then somebody tapped Kiwoo’s shoulder, and when he turned around, he met Sangwoo's fist.
Behind them Hana yanked Duri’s hair, screaming, “You skanky hoe! How dare you have sex with Kiwoo!?” and Duri went ass over elbow at the altar.
Cheol caught Kiwoo by the shoulders just as he hit the ground after the punch to his eye, only for Jangmi to lunge at the cheater.
"You're a horrible man! This wedding was expensive!" she screamed, and kicked Kiwoo in the ribs with her brand-new Louboutins.
"Mother!" Jeonghan yelled.
"Five million goddamn Won!" Jangmi said, punctuating each word with a kick until Jeonghan pulled her away.
That’s when Hana also lunged at Kiwoo, screaming, "You son of a bitch! You really played the three of us, huh!?”
Amid the chaos, Jeonghan told Cheol, "I have to go to Soobin. Step on Kiwoo’s head for me, please?”
"Go. I’ll meet you later," Cheol said and gave Jeonghan a peck on the cheek.
The last thing Jeonghan saw before he turned for the door was Cheol holding back Sangwoo while Hana bashed Kiwoo with her bouquet over and over.
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After the bedlam in the chapel, Cheol found Jeonghan at the reception, sitting in the mostly deserted hall with Joshua, Wonwoo and a suspiciously too happy Hana. Meanwhile, Jangmi comforted Soobin with the fact that all men are trash.
Why Soobin had insisted on staying at the reception to meet anyone who might still show up is beyond Cheol. Perhaps he could ask Jeonghan later.
"Hi," Jeonghan said and Cheol pulled him up and out into the hall with him.
"I’m sorry about earlier, I’m sure you got hit by mistake,” Jeonghan said to him.
"It’s fine,” Cheol said. “Although, some parts do hurt a bit…mind kissing the boo-boos?”
"You’re getting a little too obsessed with my kisses, Choi Seungcheol,” Jeonghan said but gave him a peck on the lips nonetheless.
Then Jeonghan sighed when he pulled away, then he peered back into the hall. "Jeez, I’m so tired, I’ve been in this dumb suit for an entire day! Look at Hana, though. Do you think she’s gone bonkers? She’s been way too happy after the debacle. Tss. To think that I ever felt sorry for her…Anyway, do you need anything else from me?”
"Yeah, actually…" Cheol said, leaning in and nosing the side of Jeonghan’s neck, just below his ear. "Especially now that you mentioned that dumb suit. Do you wanna take it off now?”
"Now? Definitely,” Jeonghan said. “Although, this vest is too tight and I can’t undo the knots at the back.”
Jeonghan took the suit jacket off and turned around to show Cheol the said knots at the back of his waistcoat. “God, it’s too tight. I’m dying.”
"Okay, wait.” Cheol said, and fished out his Swiss knife from his suit pocket.
He slipped the knife under one knot and sliced through the fabric, and Jeonghan took a deep breath as Cheol continued to do it to two other knots.
“Oh, that feels great,” Jeonghan sighed as the waistcoat completely loosened.
“Yeah?” Cheol said and, even though he knew better, he slipped his hands around Jeonghan’s waist then whispered “Wait till I rip the rest of your clothes off.”
Jeonghan once again felt the need for Cheol that had been brewing inside him for weeks. He knew that if he didn't have Cheol soon, he would lose his mind.
"Hey," Jeonghan said and put his hands over Cheol’s. “No cavorting, my dad’s just over there.”
"Not my fault that your tiny waist is huggable.”
Jeonghan laughed as he turned and captured Cheol’s lips, their mouths melting together in warm familiarity. His breath came faster as he felt Cheol’s hand slip down from his waist to his butt.
" Oh ," Jeonghan squeaked and Cheol kissed his way down the smooth curve of his neck. " Oh , wow, that feels wonderful. But I gotta get back in there…”
"I know," Cheol murmured, lightly squeezing the blond’s behind. "I shouldn't be doing this…" he said as he came back to Jeonghan’s lips, not wanting to let go.
"Yeah, we really shouldn’t be doing this…” Jeonghan said against his mouth. "Also, Soobin is—”
"Ah, I forgot," Cheol said, then pulled away as if suddenly remembering something. "I was supposed to tell you something. Kiwoo’s in his car right outside. Does Soobin wanna talk to him? Because I think he wants to apologize.”
"Nope!” Jeonghan said, frowning. "What the fuck is he supposed to say?”
"Okay, that’s really a no then,” Cheol said. “How is she?" and they both looked back into the reception hall to check on Soobin.
"I think she's relieved, for the most part," Jeonghan said, watching his sister. "Definitely not happy, but I think she’s now realizing that she only wanted the wedding and not Kiwoo.”
"Very sensible," Cheol said. "Who would want Kiwoo in the first place, anyway?”
Jeonghan turned back to Cheol and kissed him again. “I’m staying with her again tonight, alright?”
“Was the kiss supposed to be a bribe?” Cheol teased. “It’s gonna take more than that—”
He got cut off when Jeonghan kissed him deeper, then peppered his neck with kisses. “Please, Cheollie? I’m sorry,” he whined against his skin.
“Alright,” Cheol sighed, then pulled Jeonghan away from his neck. “Jesus, Hannie, if you don’t stop that I’ll pull you into a broom closet and take you.”
“Oooh, I like that very much,” Jeonghan said too enthusiastically.
Cheol shook his head. “This is bad, you already know how to get me.”
Jeonghan giggled and Cheol wrapped his arms around him again. “I want you so bad, Hannie.”
"I'm free tomorrow night," the blond said. "For now, you gotta throw Kiwoo outta here then come back to me quickly.”
"Be right back, then," Cheol said, and gave Jeonghan another peck before leaving.
Cheol suddenly felt surprised at how it was so easy for them to be acting in such a way with each other. Like it was only natural for them to be lovers. Like they were born exactly to be lovers.
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The warm glow suddenly dampened when, on his way back from telling Kiwoo to leave, Cheol ran into Hyungjae.
Great, Cheol thought, one asshole after another.
"The reception's over, Hyungjae," Cheol said, not trying to mask his boredom. "Go home.”
"I can't," Hyungjae said. "I need to tell you something.”
This fucker, really , Cheol thought. "Okay, what?"
"Our bet," Hyungjae started, "The one where you bet that you could get Jeonghan to have sex with you in a month."
"Ha?" Cheol looked at him, genuinely confused. "What bet? I didn't make that bet. It was only you who agreed to that because you were drunk—”
"Jeonghan knows," Hyungjae cut in, and Cheol felt a chill run down his spine. "He heard us making the bet. Why do you think he even agreed to go out with you that night, huh? He just wanted to get back at you while earning a date to this shit show!”
Hyungjae breathed in deep, enjoying the shock on Cheol’s face. “Joshua also knows… And Wonwoo and Soobin. In fact, he told everyone. I’m sure they’ve been laughing at us all this time.”
The gravel path seemed to be swaying under Cheol, and suddenly he felt like there was not enough air in his lungs.
"I had to tell you because if Jeonghan knew about the bet, then it’s waived. You were set to lose from the start.” Hyungjae made sure to emphasize each word of what he said next, “Jeonghan fucked you over. I’m sure he thinks you’re stupid .”
"Jeonghan wouldn't do that to me," Cheol said in spite of the tightness in his throat. Suddenly, the familiar feeling of shame and self-loathing clawed at his chest.
How stupid could I be? No! This is just Hyungjae trying to stir trouble. Hindi ako lolokohin ni Jeonghan. I know him. He’d never think I’m stupid—
"Face it," Hyungjae said, putting his hands in his pockets, confident that he was dealing the blows perfectly. “He made us look like an idiot—well, he made you especially look like an idiot since I wasn’t the one trying to fuck him in a month. If I were you, I’d feel pretty stupid , too.”
He knew. Jeonghan knew. He thinks I’m stupid. All this time he’s been thinking I’m stupid.
Cheol looked at Hyungjae with murder. "You’re a conniving piece of shit. This is all your fault.” Jeonghan knows and he thinks I’m stupid.
"Hey," Hyungjae held his hands up. "Don’t blame this all on me, I wasn’t the one who made you look dumb for a month.”
Stupid, stupid, idiot, dumb, stupid, stupid —
Cheol flinched and before Hyungjae could notice his hands shaking, he stormed back into the reception hall.
None of that is true. Jeonghan isn’t like that. He would never play me. But it also explains why he said some inexplicable things before…
He walked across the reception hall to where Jeonghan and Wonwoo were trying to stop Jangmi from drinking an entire bottle of champagne.
"Can we talk for a minute?” Cheol said.
Jeonghan wanted to tell him to wait but when he looked up and saw the look on Cheol’s face, he immediately let go of his mother. “Wons, look after mom.”
They walked out of the hall and down the front steps of the building until they hit the gravel path.
"Cheol? Did Kiwoo do something stupid—” Jeonghan started.
"Why did you agree to go out with me that first night?” Cheol said.
"Ha?" Jeonghan said, surprised.
"Tell me the truth, Jeonghan."
Jeonghan straightened. "I agreed because," he looked down and shook his head. Then, taking a deep breath, he straightened and said, "I agreed because you made a bet with Hyungjae that you could bed me in a month. And I needed a date for this wedding. But then when we had dinner, we were so incompatible and I was sure that wouldn;t be able to put up with you for three weeks. So I bid you goodbye and went to sleep. That was all.”
"Really? That’s the only reason why you still went out with me even when you knew about the bet in the first place?” Cheol said, his frustration and shame morphing into anger. “Was it fun, huh? Was it amusing to make me look like an idiot?”
"What? No!" Jeonghan said, sounding annoyed. "I tried running away from you so many times before. I turned you down a bunch of times, didn’t I!? Look, can we please discuss this later after my sister’s breakdown?”
"You turned me down all those times to make me look like an idiot, so you and Joshua and Wonwoo could sit around and laugh at me.”
"No! What the fuck!?" Jeonghan said, exasperated. "Sure, we thought you were sleazy at first, but it wasn’t funny at all!”
Cheol smirked sarcastically. "That explains why Joshua kept hitting me.”
"Yes, but I don’t care!” Jeonghan wanted to pull his own hair out. "None of that matters to me anymore, Cheol!”
"Yeah, you care! Stop lying to me!" Cheol said grimly. "You hate me so much that’s why you’ve been toying with me. You made me all crazy for you, only to make me realize how stupid I am.”
"Hey!" Jeonghan said, finally angered. "I have been nothing but honest with you!”
"Then why have you never asked me about the bet?”
"I did!" Jeonghan said, folding his arms defensively. "But you always avoided the topic!”
"No, you never asked me," Cheol said. "Because if you did, I would’ve told you in all honesty that I didn't make that bet. I wouldn’t hide it from you.”
"What do you mean you didn’t? I heard everything, I was standing right there!" Jeonghan said.
"Then you didn't listen well," Cheol said. "I didn’t agree to anything. I would never bet on sex, that’s disgusting.”
"But you said, ‘Easy. Basic’!” Jeonghan snapped. It was Cheol who said that, right? I heard everything crystal clear, right?
"Why the hell would I even say that? First of all, it’s too corny for me!” Cheol took a steadying breath. “Honestly, Jeonghan, how stupid do you think I am? How stupid does everybody think I am?"
Jeonghan froze. "Cheol, you’re not stupid. You’re never stupid. Please, what’s going on, really?”
Cheol shook his head, the feeling of betrayal draining him. "You all thought I made that bet like I’m sleazy like Hyungjae… Jeonghan, you told them I made that bet… They watched you play with my feelings, and like the idiot I am, I actually fell for your tricks.”
"But you did make the bet…" Jeonghan said, but even to his own ears, he sounded uncertain. "Look, I never thought you were stupid. Sure, at first I thought you were a scumbag, but then you proved to be a good person. Wait a minute, where is this all coming from anyway? Is it really that big of a deal? Shouldn’t I be the one who’s upset?”
“Which brings us back to why you didn’t ask me about the damn bet!”
“Because it didn’t matter to me anymore! Cheol, I know this is pushing all your trigger buttons, but please get a grip!? I love you! You know I love you, but right now my family needs me and I can’t babysit you!”
"Babysit me!?" Cheol clenched his jaw. He never felt more betrayed in his life but he still desperately wanted Jeonghan, yet it was as if his mouth moved on its own. "Well then you’ll never have to babysit me again."
"What!?" Jeonghan’s confusion slowly turned into anger as realization dawned on him. “Ah, I get it! Of fucking course you’re running! You got what you wanted, you made me love you so now’s the time for you to leave. That’s your modus operandi! I knew you'd do this! I fucking knew!”
"Oh, don’t make this about me," Cheol said, not meeting his eyes.
"Hell yeah I’m making this about you! 100 percent of your relationships end because you leave! This is you making the bet an excuse to leave me!”
"You two!!" Seokmin said and they both turned to see him standing at the entrance, looking livid. "I don’t know why you’re both screaming but fucking postpone that! We have a problem back there! Whatever the fuck your problem is, Soobin’s problem is bigger! So, please, fucking get your heads out your asses and get back in there! Especially you, Jeonghan!”
"Seokmin, tell Jeonghan I didn't make that fucking bet with Hyungjae to have sex with him," Cheol said.
Seokmin ran a hand down his face exasperatedly. He looked at Jeonghan and said, "He didn't make that fucking bet, Jeonghan.”
"I heard you," Jeonghan said. "Hyungjae bet Cheol to get me out of my gray-checked suit in a month. Then Cheol said, ‘Easy. Ba—” Jeonghan looked from Seokmin to Cheol then his eyes widened, " —sic’. Oh, shit ."
"I said ‘Easy. Basic.’ That was me,” Seokmin said tiredly. "You know what, whatever. I don’t care! I was wrong, fine, but fight about it later! Right now, get your asses back in there and help Soobin. Aunt Jangmi is chugging down champagne and crying that she doesn’t care about calories anymore! Then that bridesmaid is laughing on her own. It’s pure chaos!”
"Fine," Jeonghan told Seokmin, making his way back to the entrance. “But nobody’s talking later, because your friend has decided that it’s time to leave me.”
"Motherfucker!” Seokmin said, looking at them both with contempt. "Stop acting like kids and get a fucking grip! Both of you!!”
"Now, why am I being scolded, too!?" Jeonghan said.
"Fine. I’ll make this simple!” Seokmin pointed at Jeonghan, "You're a man-hating bitch!” then he pointed at Cheol “And you’re a commitment-fearing asshole!"
"Screw you both," Jeonghan said and went back to his sister as Cheol moved to strangle Seokmin.
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"Men are one and the same,” Jangmi was telling Soobin when Jeonghan got back to them. "You can't trust any of them." She brandished the champagne bottle in her hand, "They tell you they love you and then they leave."
Jeonghan grabbed the bottle and handed it to Soobin. "Finish that. In fact, we’re drinking all the bottles left here tonight.”
"Do you know how many calories—" Jangmi slurred.
"Mom, please?” Jeonghan said to her. "Go home and burn every stupid fashion magazine yo own, okay!?”
Jangmi glowered at him and nonsensically said, "Just because you’re scrawny and boring, doesn't mean Soobin has to be fat!"
"I’m not scrawny, mother!" Jeonghan said. "But, sure, while we're on the subject. Did starving yourself all these years make you any happier? Because you don’t seem particularly happy to me. Go home and go eat real food.”
“Let’s get you home, auntie,” Mingyu stepped in and took Jangmi’s hand, urging her to stand. “I’ll take you to your car, the driver’s already waiting.”
“Well, hello, stud. Are you going to take me home?” Jangmi slurred and fluttered her eyelashes at Mingyu.
“Oh, my God, mom!” Jeonghan cringed.
“Yeah, auntie,” Wonwoo placated Jangmi. “The hot guy’s gonna take you home. Isn’t that right, hot guy?” He shot his boyfriend a conspiratorial nod and Mingyu suddenly picked up Jangmi bridal style, making the woman giggle and her children close their eyes in embarrassment.
“Her driver’s waiting by the entrance,” Jeonghan told Mingyu, still cringing.
As Jangmi’s giggles echoed through the hall while Mingyu carried her away, Jeonghan looked around, trying to find something, “Now, where are those damn cake boxes!?”
"I'll get them," Wonwoo said then went as fast as he could.
Meanwhile, Hana drunkenly laughed as she watched the scene.
"You!" Jeonghan said. "Go home! Or find Kiwoo—I don’t care! You deserve each other! He’s selfish and you enjoy being taken advantage of.”
"That's not fair," Hana whined.
"Oh, fuck off!” Joshua said in a bored manner. "You've been laughing since you stopped hitting Duri. If you’re not gonna comfort Soobin and if you’re still hung up on that walking dildo, then have the decency to fucking leave.”
"Well, at least I’m not an old maid,” Hana said and stalked off.
"Did she just call me an old maid?” Joshua asked Soobin, then shouted after Hana, “You dumb bitch, I have a hot boyfriend!”
Jeonghan sat down next to Soobin then. "Alright, kiddo, here's what we're going to do. We're going to get those cake boxes and a case of champagne, then you’re staying over at my place.”
"Okay," Soobin said, then sobbed into her hands again.
“We’re going to eat and drink sooooo many calories," Jeonghan said. “Since you have the week off for your honeymoon, I’ll also file a leave, then we’ll go house hunting.”
Soobin looked up, mascara running down her pretty face. "House hunting?"
Jeonghan nodded. "We’re gonna buy a two-bedroom bungalow and you’re gonna move in with me.”
"I will?" Soobin said, her face crumpling.
"Of course! And we’re gonna adopt a puppy so Ddoljong can have a friend,” Jeonghan said, his face also crumpling as he looked toward the entryway where Cheol was glaring at Seokmin. “And we’ll only date ugly men."
Soobin was nodding at Jeonghan, sobbing. "And I'll be out of your way every Thursday night."
"Why?" Jeonghan said.
"So you guys can have your Thursday Tradition Dinner at home," she said, and Jeonghan realized that much worse than losing Kiwoo, Soobin grieved the loss of her friends.
"You can come, too," Wonwoo said just as he came back with a tray of cake boxes and the cake topper.
"Totally!" Joshua said and put his arm around Soobin’s shoulder, then he reached for the cake topper and broke the plastic bride and groom apart. "Now, we're going back to Jeonghan's and get drunk."
Soobin looked at Jeonghan through her tears. "Oppa, can I wear your bunny slippers later, please?"
"You can keep it if you want,” Jeonghan said, thinking of Cheol in furious misery.
He looked toward the entryway again and saw Cheol standing there, watching him while Seokmin was explaining himself exaggeratedly with his arms.
Then Jeonghan saw Juli approach from behind Cheol. The man turned when she tapped on his shoulder. They talked for a short moment and then Cheol left.
And Juli went with him.
Right. Of course. You wouldn't stay to help us because this whole chaos isn’t about you, is it? Jeonghan thought grudgingly before he shoved Cheol out of his mind. Putangina mo.
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"I'm a commitment-fearing asshole!?" Cheol seethed at Seokmin when Jeonghan stormed off, and Cheol was pleased to be fighting with somebody he could actually punch.
"Oh, yeah, definitely! Look at you running away from this one!" Seokmin said. "Shit, paps. You’re already 28. Shit, aren’t you tired?”
"You're getting close to 28, too," Cheol said grimly.
"Well, never in my life have I ever looked at a person the way you look at Jeonghan!” Seokmin said. "Until Joshua.”
“Wait. You’re together now?”
“Stop distracting me, I’m about to say something legendary!” Seokmin flailed his arms around exaggeratedly. “Anyway, even I’d be annoyed with Jeonghan’s ‘all men are pigs’ mindset, but I wouldn't walk away from him. What's wrong with you, Cheol!?"
"Why are you all making this about me!?” Cheol said.
"Get a grip!" Seokmin said. “Don’t let this one pass you by just because of a stupid misunderstanding that you can easily fix if you both let your stupid pride go! You’re smart, paps, so what the fuck are you doing!?”
Cheol looked past Seokmin and into the hall where Jeonghan had his arms around Soobin. Wonwoo was leaning close to them while Mingyu was patting Soobin on the back, and Joshua was smashing something with his foot.
“They’re all in there, paps,” Seokmin sadly said. “Why aren’t you?”
As Cheol was longing to be in the hall, also comforting Soobin, Jeonghan looked up and saw him and his pretty face instantly morphed into a look of murderous rage. And Cheol thought, To hell with you!
That’s when he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see Juli, looking lovelier than ever.
"Are you all right?" she said.
“Oh, great! Now the sea hag ust had to come in!” Seokmin groaned.
"No," Cheol said to Juli.
“Okay! Fine! Suit yourselves!” Seokmin said and turned back into the hall.
Juli fluttered her eyelashes at Cheol. "I know a place where we can drink."
"And where's that?" Cheol said.
"My place," Juli bit her lip.
"Let’s go," Cheol said and left, knowing that Jeonghan was watching him.
🍒🎰🍒🎰🍒
Monday saw Cheol fuming over how Jeonghan had supposedly played him, and Tuesday wasn’t any better.
It also didn’t help that Juli kept calling, pestering him about the drink he turned down when he dropped her off in front of her house on Sunday.
Seokmin and Mingyu had been looking at him like they’d murk him any minute, too. Seokmin even gave him the middle finger when he came in on Monday morning.
His mother also called his office landline to find out if he was dating Juli again, obviously very happy about it.
"No," he said into the phone. "I’m not getting back with Juli. Ever. So please, some pestering me about her.”
"Choi Seungcheol," Hejin said in a voice that would’ve sent Cheol cowering if it was an ordinary day.
"Ma, I’m gonna be real honest with you, alright?” he said, “I’ve been nothing but a disappointment to you and pops, right? And that’s why I'm never gonna see the both of you again, either."
"Seungcheol!" his mother yelled.
"Goodbye, mama," Cheol said and hung up, slamming the phone harshly.
He released a breath he didn’t know he was holding, then put his head in his hands.
Oh, he just missed Jeonghan so terribly, he wanted him so much that he wanted to throw up.
Seokmin marched over, unplugged the landline and grabbed Cheol’s phone on his desk. "Didn’t I tell you to get a fucking grip? You’ll only get your phone back when you decide to call Jeonghan. Until then, no talking to people!”
"I'm never calling him again!" Cheol glowered at him. "He’s been bitchy with me and I’m so done with him!”
"That's very mature, you dumbass," Seokmin said, sounding eerily just like Jeonghan.
Mingyu shook his head at him in disappointment.
“What? You, too!?” Cheol said to Mingyu.
“You’re so much better than this, paps,” Mingyu answered and went back to work.
Cheol ignored them both to viciously edit a seminar outline.
🍒🎰🍒🎰🍒
When he got home, he tiredly threw his suit jacket somewhere in his living room, beelined to his kitchen and poured himself some scotch. But as the glass touched his lips, Elvis Costello began to sing "She" next door.
"Son of a—" he said and slammed the glass down.
Moments later, he was pounding on Jihoon’s door and a strange man with silver hair welcomed him.
"You’re gonna tear down the wall, man,” the man said.
"Sorry," Cheol said. "Is Jihoon here?”
“Hmm. Depends. Who are you?”
Cheol tried not to roll his eyes. “A neighbor.”
The man smiled at him mischievously and yelled “Jihoon!”
Now, who’s this hamster-looking punk?
Cheol looked past the man’s shoulder and saw Jihoon coming out of his kitchen, holding two ruby goblets.
"Hey, Cheol!" he said, and only then did hamster-looking punk step aside to let Cheol in.
"That’s Soonyoung,” Jihoon said. “Soonyoung, this is my next-door neighbor, Cheol.”
Jihoon smiled wider and jerked his head toward the stereo. "First date music. Just like what you told me."
"Oh," Cheol said, suddenly flustered. “Am I interrupting something? I thought—”
"The song’s really good, right?” Soonyoung said. “I love Elvis Costello!”
"Yeah," Cheol said, softening. "This is great for you, Jihoon. But I’m not gonna interrupt you guys. I'll see you later."
“Stay for a drink!” Soonyoung said.
"Yeah, stay for a drink," Jihoon said behind Soonyoung but he widened his eyes at Cheol, silently telling him to get lost.
"Nah. Thanks, Soonyoung," Cheol said. "I, uh, have to do this thing…” he jerked his head toward his apartment, trying to come up with an excuse.
"Hold on, is Jeonghan there?" Jihoon said, putting the glasses down on his coffee table. "Tell him to come over—”
"Nope," Cheol said, his rage resurfacing. "He’s not at my place."
Jihoon stopped, reading his face. "Oh, shit. What did you do!?"
"Why me!?” Cheol said. “Why do people keep assuming it’s my fault—”
"I don't care!" Jihoon said, "Get him back!"
"No. We’re over," Cheol said.
"No, you’re not!" Jihoon said. "You’re not losing something wonderful.”
"This is not about me," Cheol said.
"Of course, it is," Jihoon said. "What happened, anyway!?”
Cheol shook his head. "Nothing interesting." Then he nodded at Soonyoung, "Nice to meet you."
He turned to go but Jihoon threateningly said, "I said sit the fuck down and tell me everything, Seungcheol.”
And like a scared puppy, Cheol sat down and talked.
Fifteen minutes later Jihoon said, "Well, I can’t tell who’s the bigger idiot between you two—Sorry, for the word.”
"Forgiven," Cheol said.
"So let me get this straight,” Jihoon said.
“They’re gay though,” Soonyoung piped up.
Jihoon rolled his eyes fondly then turned to Cheol. “You're desperately in love with each other but you’re just throwing that out the window just like that. You always berate me, yet you don’t realize how rare raging love is.”
"Thank God it’s rare!" Cheol said. "I can’t imagine if that shit was an epidemic!”
"Shut up, you want him back," Jihoon said.
“Why would I want him back?”
"Shut up!" Jihoon said. "You want him back. Stop being a child."
Cheol slid down on the couch, stared at the ceiling and allowed himself to truly think of Jeonghan again. He sighed, "Oh,God, I want him back. Maybe I really am stupid?”
"Quit it!” Jihoon said. “Call him and tell him you’re sorry!”
Cheol sat up. “Hey, I’m the injured party here!”
"That ‘s not gonna keep you warm at night, asshole,” Jihoon said. “Tell him you miss him and you’d like to meet tomorrow night. Work out this non-problem and live happily ever after, for God’s sake.”
"Why tomorrow night?" Cheol said. "If I’m gonna apologize then why not tonight. That is, if I have anything to apologize for.”
“I said, shut up!” Jihoon groaned. "Tomorrow night. Because that means you’re losing the bet on purpose.”
"I didn't make the bet!" Cheol said.
Soonyoung was surprised, almost spilling his drink on the couch.
"Stop yelling!" Jihoon said. "You hit him where it hurt, so apologize, regardless."
Jihoon continued, “Cheol, Jeonghan already thinks he’s scrawny and plain. He’s insecure that anyone who’d see the two of you together would question how he got you.”
"That's not true," Cheol said. "Hannie is pretty and wonderful and perfect.”
"Right," Jihoon said. "We see that, but he can’t see it. Plus, that ex-boyfriend from hell. Imagine the damage to Jeonghan’s confidence when you made that bet with that demon.”
"Ouch," Soonyoung supplied. “That probably hurts!”
"And then you came along, looking suave and talking charmingly. Then you convinced him that you loved him—”
"I said I really love him!” Cheol said.
"—only for everything to turn out to be a bet.”
"I did not make that bet!!"
“And then in the end, when everything got tense, you walked off with your sexy ex-girlfriend instead of comforting him and his sister.”
Soonyoung tutted at Cheol. “Bad move, boss. Real bad move.”
"Fuck,” Cheol groaned into his hands. "I can't believe this is happening to us. I can’t believe I allowed that son of a bitch Chae Hyungjae to do this to us.”
“Everything’s going to be okay, buddy,” Jihoon said. “Now, what you have to do is lose the bet. You’re loaded. What’s losing a few dollars to you, anyway?”
"Thirteen-million Won,” Cheol said.
"Holy shitt," Soonyoung choked on his drink. "Are we in a soap opera!?”
"You bet thirteen million!? You jackass!” Jihoon said.
Cheol looked at the ceiling, probably asking God for help. "Does anybody here ever listen to anything I say!?”
"He didn't make the bet," Soonyoung told Jihoon.
"Thank you!" Cheol said. Soonyoung smiled at him and gestured at him with his hand. “What are you doing?”
“This is a tiger’s claw!” Soonyoung said enthusiastically. “Rawr!”
“Ignore him,” Jihoon told Cheol. "Listen, everyone thinks you made the bet, right? So you just have to meet Jeonghan after…what time does the bet expire?”
"Tomorrow at nine? Nine-thirty? I don’t know!” Cheol said.
“Whatever! Just meet Jeonghan after the bet expires. Is he worth losing 13 million Won?”
"Of course, he is," Cheol said.
"Then do it!”
"Do it!" Soonyoung supplied. "It's romantic in a weird, twisted way!”
"Thanks?" Cheol said to him. He got up and left, ignoring Jihoon's "Cheol."
🍒🎰🍒🎰🍒
Back in his own apartment, Cheol poured another glass of scotch and convinced himself that Jihoon was wrong. He closed his eyes and thought of Jeonghan’s treachery again but all he could remember was the blond saying “I love you, Cheol.” And he knew it was true.
"I’m so stupid,” Cheol said and when the doorbell rang, he yanked it open, ready to slam it in Jihoon’s face if he ever started yapping about Jeonghan again.
But it was Juli who came, looking hot as hell in her red halter top and very, very short skirt. She tilted her head up at him and fluttered her eyelashes innocently. "I know you're still mad and I don't want you to be lonely."
“I’m okay, Juli.”
"You’re not. He did a number on you,” she held up a bottle of scotch and bit her lip enticingly. "Let’s talk about it inside. I’ll make you feel better.”
Juli’s willing to do anything I ask, Cheol thought, looking down into Juli’s eyes. In fact, there’s a sea of people who would do anything I ask. Why would I need Jeonghan, anyway?
Juli smiled brightly at him and flipped her shiny hair over her shoulder, effectively emphasizing her ample bosom. "Can I come in now?"
"Nope," Cheol said. “I need to call someone.”