Archive of Our Own ^beta

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"Jay, hey. Got a sec? The intern screwed up again."

Jay sighed, adjusting the volume of the call on his car monitor while driving. "What now?"

"Remember that Insa-dong project? Turns out they sent an email a few days ago about changes. The kid missed it completely."

"Fantastic," Jay muttered, hitting the brakes as traffic slowed. "What kind of changes are we talking about?"

Jake sounded just as worn out as he was. "They want to redo the entire living room layout. Apparently, they watched some feng shui video on TikTok and now they're convinced the energy flow is all wrong."

"Jesus." Jay gently headbutted his steering wheel. It was past 11pm. He should've been at home right now, hell, he should've been asleep. "We have finalized those plans last week."

Jay had been married to this job since his senior year design school as an intern, eventually securing a full-time position post-graduation. He loved his job, truly. Although he wished the job description had come with a bit of a disclaimer: May cause excessive overtime, a psychological urge to bang your head against the wall, and frequent sudden turn to faith.

"Yeah, well, look, I know it's late, but I figured you'd want to come up with a few alternative feng shui friendly ideas before the meeting."

"Alright, thanks. Any idea what specifically they want changed?"

"Not really. Something about the couch facing the wrong direction and the TV being in a negative space. Whatever that means."

The stoplight seemed to drag on forever before turning green. 

"Okay, I'll review the original plans tonight and see what we can do. But Jake, we need to have a serious talk with this intern."

"I know, I'll deal with the kid. You focus on keeping them happy without completely scrapping our design." Jake let out a hollow chuckle. "I'm gonna go now. My TV dinner's getting cold. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see—" Jay was cut off as another car whipped around the corner, barely missing his own. His hand slammed on the horn. "What the hell, man?!" He rolled down his window, sticking his head out. "Fucking idiot!" Then back to his phone. "Thanks for the heads up. I'll catch you tomorrow."

"Crazy idea, maybe don't get yourself killed until this project ends? I'd hate to have to train another you."

"No promises."

As Jay hung up, he noticed a moving truck partially blocking his building's entrance. "Perfect," he muttered, maneuvering around it. "Who the fuck moves in at night? Vampires?"

He'd never considered himself superstitious but something about nighttime moves felt... off. Uncanny, even. Jay shook his head, dispelling the strange feeling. Maybe it was time to cut back on those true crime documentaries.

Grabbing his bag, Jay made his way to the building entrance. The movers were just finishing up, loading the last of their equipment into the truck. He nodded politely as he passed them, suppressing a yawn.

When he reached his floor, Jay found himself tiptoeing around boxes cluttering the hallway. These daily trivial annoyances were starting to get the best of him.

The unit next door had been empty for a while so these inconsiderately placed boxes most likely belonged to that new neighbor.

Jay paused at the door, debating whether he still had the energy to knock and politely ask them to bring their boxes inside because the hallway was a communal space and, well, get some common sense? 

After a moment's hesitation, he rapped gently on the door. Silence. He tried again, a little louder this time. Still nothing.

Jay gave up and punched in his own passcode, making a mental note to write a note on their door if the boxes were still there in the morning. 

ᨐฅ

They were still there.

With his leather messenger bag slung across his shoulders and a travel mug of home brewed coffee in the other, Jay stared at the boxes, unmoved from the last time he saw them.

"Seriously…"

Jay squeezed his eyes shut, inhaled deeply, and counted. One.. two.. three. When he opened them again, the boxes were still there. 

He set down his coffee and rummaged in his bag for a notepad and pen. He'd hoped it wouldn't come to this, but if he didn't deal with it now, those boxes would breed bigger problems. Work was exhausting enough, the last thing he needed was a potential neighbor from hell. 

Jay slipped the note through the gap under the door. He grabbed his coffee, sidestepped the boxes, and headed for the elevator.

ᨐฅ

By the time he dragged himself home, the sky was already dark. 

He just had to put up with this until this Insa-dong project was over. Then, hopefully, he could get a quick break before starting the next one. A few days to remember what sunlight felt like, maybe.

Jay trudged down the hallway. He blinked in surprise. The boxes: gone. The hallway: blessedly clear. Miracles did happen.

He spotted a paper bag dangling on the door handle. Jay furrowed his brow, brushing his hair out of his eyes as he approached cautiously, like the bag was explosive. It could be. We couldn't be too careful these days.

He cautiously plucked the bag off the handle and peeked inside. A jar of cookies. On the lid, in bold red marker: Peace offering.

Jay was not superstitious but wasn't writing in red supposed to be bad luck or something?

Reaching into the bag, he extracted a folded note. His eyes widened comically, then narrowed again as he read.

He crumpled the note in his fist, feeling his annoyance bubbling up. But then he paused, took a deep breath, and slowly released it. One.. two.. three. He couldn't succumb to anger. He unclenched his fist, tossing the crumpled note back inside the paper bag.

"Not worth it," he muttered to himself, opening his door. "Just... not worth it."

He tossed the bag onto the kitchen counter, the cookie jar clinking inside, and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. As he took a long and cold swig, a loud knock rattled his door, causing him to flinch, water dribbling down his chin. He wiped it off, already dreading whoever it was on the other side of the door.

"Thank goodness you're home!" Riki burst through the door the moment Jay cracked it open.

Jay sighed and begrudgingly stepped aside. "What is it this time?"

"My internet's down, and I've got a huge assignment due tomorrow. Can I please please use yours?"

Jay threw his hands up. "Do whatever you want."

"My lifesaver!" Riki planted a loud, sloppy kiss on Jay's forehead. "I knew I could count on my favorite octogenarian!"

"Stop learning random Korean words just to piss me off." Jay swatted at him, missing as Riki danced away. "And for the record, I'm only three years older than you, little shit."

Riki grinned. "Yeah, but you feel older."

He tossed his bag and jacket onto the couch, making himself at home. Jay rolled his eyes and headed back to his desk, trying to focus. "There's a jar of cookies on the counter. Knock yourself out."

He heard Riki's footsteps padded to the kitchen, followed by the crinkle of the paper bag. "What's this?" Riki asked, mouth half-full of cookie. "You beefing with the neighbors again?"

Jay sighed. "It wasn't exactly beef, Riki. I'm setting some ground rules. That's what neighbors do."

"Uh-huh." Riki flopped back onto the couch, one eyebrow raised. "Sure looks like beef to me."

Jay stretched in his chair, glancing between the paint swatches on his desk and the floor plan draft on his screen. "Hey, when's the last time you called your mom?"

"Dunno, last week?"

Jay wagged his index finger. "If I can stop my work to pick up your mom's calls and reassure her that her son is still alive, you can spare five minutes between classes."

Riki groaned, a cookie dangling from his lips as he typed. "I know, I know. You don't need to keep nagging me about it."

"I wouldn't have to nag if you actually did it," Jay retorted.

Jay knew Riki was a good kid. The too-cool-for-everything act was just that—an act. Riki always did what Jay asked, as long as he thought no one was watching. What Jay couldn't wrap his head around was why acting indifferent had suddenly become the new definition of cool. Talking to your mom should always be cool.

Jay barely noticed an hour slip by, nose buried in a living room design plan.

That was, until a loud crash from next door made his hand jerk mid-drawing.

Then came more noise—thumping, muffled laughter, and what could only be described as a drunk person attempting to play the piano with their elbows. Jay tilted his head, trying to ignore it, but the noises persisted.

"Isn't that driving you crazy?" Jay asked, glancing over Riki.

Riki didn't even flinch. He was sprawled across the couch, phone in hand, earbuds in, chuckling between mouthfuls of snacks. His laptop sat nearby, closed—his assignment either finished or more likely forgotten.

Jay frowned. 

With a sigh, Jay grabbed an umbrella from the stand and banged it against the wall, hoping to send a message. The noise stopped immediately. He almost smiled, thinking he'd won.

And then, the piano returned. Like a vengeance.

Jay's eye twitched. He looked from the wall to Riki, then back to the wall, contemplating his next move. 

A loud scream from next door interrupted his thoughts, perfectly timed with Riki bursting into laughter at whatever nonsense he was watching. Jay ripped off his glasses, rubbing his temples. 

He crossed his arms tightly against his chest, suppressing the growing urge to hurl Riki across the room or something.

Riki, still snickering, squinted at his phone and suddenly sat up straight, pulling out one earbud to listen in. "Holy shit," he whispered, eyes wide.

"Riki, can you please go next door and ask them to keep it down? I can't deal with them right now."

Riki wasn't listening. Instead, he stumbled over, thrusting his phone into Jay's face. "Hyung, look at this. Isn't that your building?"

Jay squinted at the screen. Some figure in an oversized brown hoodie was doing some Spongebob jellyfish dance routine. It was grotesque and that was putting it kindly.

The hoodie hid most of his face, but the background definitely looked like a unit in his building. "Yeah, could be. What about it?"

"Fuck, hyung."

"Language."

"Not sorry. Fuck, what the fuck!" Riki clamped his mouth once then laughed in awe, smacking Jay's shoulder repeatedly. "I think this is your new neighbor, this is fucking amazing. You're living next to BabyCat!"

Jay stared at him blankly. "Who the hell is BabyCat?"

Riki stared at him like he'd been living under a rock. "A popular streamer?" 

Jay blew out a breath. "Fascinating. Truly. Now can you tell this Baby- whatever I'm not even gonna try, to shut it down so I can finish my work before I lose my mind?"

Riki flopped down in Jay's chair, spinning around. "Maybe?" He flashed his palm, the universal Riki sign for 'pay up'.

"Riki, I am not paying you just to tell him to shut up," Jay said flatly.

"Not me." Riki rolled his eyes. "BabyCat's chat is like, chaotic. Unless you throw him a donation, there's no way he'll see your message."

"Who is this guy? He's not even a celebrity."

"Oh, you'd be surprised. He actually gets paid to do whatever people ask him on live streams. Talk about a dream job."

Jay blinked. "That sounds… I don't even know where to start with how wrong and possibly illegal that sounds."

"Welcome to the modern world. This is the new normal, hyung. And we do not shame other people's hustle."

Jay pinched the bridge of his nose, this was starting to feel like an episode of an offbeat sitcom. He glared at the mountain of unfinished work on his desk, then at the wall separating him from his apparently internet famous neighbor.

"Fine," he said finally. "Show me how this works. But if this doesn't work, you're personally going over there to tell him to shut up."

Jay leaned against his desk, arms crossed, as Riki launched into a long explanation about streamer donations. Something about subscriptions and gifted subs. He didn't bother to pretend he was interested.

"...and then you can add a message with your donation," Riki was saying.

Jay nodded absently, his mind wandering. Why getting paid by strangers to do anything on livestream a career now? He felt ancient. What happened to getting real jobs?

"Are you even listening, hyung?" 

"Yeah," Jay hummed as he fumbled with his phone, transferring money to Riki. "Here, just do whatever you need to make him shut up."

Riki's eyes widened in shock when he saw the notification. 

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hyung, this is way more than—"

Jay waved him off. "It's fine. This project would cost me more if I don't finish it on time. Pocket change, really."

He spun around to double-check the transaction. Then, as the screen loaded, his soul momentarily left his body.

He had accidentally added an extra zero to ₩100,000.

No wonder Riki was bugging out.

But after that bold 'pocket change' flex, there was no going back. Not with Riki. His pride wouldn't survive that.

Riki had already turned back to his phone, tapping away excitedly. Jay dropped his head on the wall, his eyes were blank.

BabyCat, flailing through Kelly Clarkson's 'Stronger' on Just Dance 2024, froze mid choreo and squinted at the chat that was moving even faster than before. Wobbling closer to the camera, his catlike eyes sparkled. "Chat, we've got a situation. Someone's hyung thinks I'm being too loud. What's the verdict?"

The chat exploded.

lespocketz: IJBOL why u watching babycat if u want quiet
jdstarcollector: tone it down??? ok DAD
akeru_ryou: LOLLLLLLL the fun police found you 
jaywonitis: babycat it's my birthday NOTICE ME
starsforjayy: aww poor neighbor but also lol get some earplugs????
nyctophiliaeri:
elopewme_mylove: thoughts on climate change???
dotorikatsu: LOUDERRRRRR
mintchoctea: say hi to BRAZILLLLLL 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
arxsepxtals: THIS IS WAR

BabyCat cupped a hand to his ear, feigning confusion. "What's that? Too loud or not loud enough?" He cranked up the volume to the max. Flashing double middle fingers at the camera, he shouted, "This banger's for you. Enjoy Kelly Clarkson!"

Standing in front of the wall, Jay could practically feel Kelly Clarkson singing "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" into his skull. While this didn't kill him (yet), it did kill his last remaining brain cell.

He turned to Riki, throwing his hands up in frustration. "Riki, why is this getting worse?"

BabyCat, still grinning, leaned back from the screen with a gasp in realization. He dramatically pointed at the camera, nearly poking the lens. "Wait a sec. This neighbor hyung, are you the one who left that passive-aggressive sticky note on my door?" A snort. "Hope you enjoyed the cookies."

Jay heard it. His head snapped toward Riki. "That was a well-deserved note, you bastard!" he yelled defensively, pointing an accusatory finger at Riki's phone. 

"Hyung, chill. He can't even see you."

Jay grabbed the umbrella again and marched toward the wall. With a deep breath, he raised it and gave it three sharp knocks. 

From the stream, BabyCat paused mid-stomp, glancing dramatically around his room as if searching for the source of the noise. He pressed his ear against the wall, then bellowed at the top of his lungs, "Hey, neighbor! Knocking on my wall won't make me shut up!"

heejakeluvs: IGNORE THEM BABYCAT!!!
jaywonitis: babycat say happy birthday to me pls
2sun_station: brazil hereeeeee
sunmoon___888: LMAO HYUNG IS STRUGGLINGG
sunspearl: my brother in christ is fighting demons and kelly clarkson
mintchoctea: 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
wontamine: if he's mad, we're doing it right
wonbaozi: babycat marry me please be my wife
formadiii: TURN IT UP
nochublast: help is that a morse code

Jay's left eye twitched. "Riki, this guy is an actual menace with a maturity of a five year old on sugar."

On Riki's phone screen, BabyCat was happily dancing the macarena. His hips swayed left and right, narrowly missing knocking over a lamp.

"Hyung, you're gonna give yourself a rage-induced aneurysm at this rate. Just let it go."

Jay's grip on the umbrella tightened. "What, after I paid him one million? No way. I'm going over there."

BabyCat suddenly brightened. He slammed his table twice and beckoned his hands toward the camera. "Bring it on, I'm not scared."

Jay straightened his shoulders and marched towards the door. 

"Wait, wait, wait—you're going for real?" Riki shot his hands out to block him. 

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

"Hyung, please, you don't wanna be the guy who fights a streamer live on camera."

Jay stared at him, wide-eyed. Realization clouding his face. "Oh they will turn me into an internet joke, won't they?"

"Probably, yeah." He gave Jay a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Now do that counting thing your therapist told you to do. The one for when you feel the urge to Hulk out."

Jay groaned, leaning against the wall for support. "I can't believe this is my life," he muttered, starting to count backward in his head. His eyes flickered to Riki, pleading. "Can you at least file a refund? That's a lot of money…"

Riki shrugged, hands up in defeat. "Sorry, no can do. Once it's donated, it's gone."

"Wait just a goddamn minute," Jay paused in realization. "This whole thing was YOUR idea, you little shit!"

Riki's eyes widened in alarm and he quickly ran for his life.

That night Jay lost a piece of his sanity.

And also ₩1,000,000.

ᨐฅ

"Hague blue makes a statement, Sunghoon. It's bold, but it's also sophisticated." Jay said, sleeves rolled to his elbows as he tapped the paint swatch with his stylus. "It pairs beautifully with warm woods."

Sunghoon's eyes narrowed, his fingers drumming an impatient rhythm on the table. "Bold? It's an eyesore."

"But your 'greige' is sophisticated?" Jay's air quoted.

Sunghoon's lips twitched. Jay knew that twitch; it was Sunghoon's tell when he was trying not to laugh.

Then he turned dead serious. "It's timeless." 

Jay ran a hand through his hair, mussing it. "Timeless, sure. You know what the internet calls it? Millennial. And not in a good way. Why don't we just throw in a 'live, laugh, love' sign while we're at it?"

"Well, at least it's low maintenance compared to hague blue."

Six years of friendship, and Sunghoon was still as stubborn as the day they'd met in Introduction to Interior Design.

"Maybe if you'd actually attended a client meeting, you'd know what they really want."

Sunghoon recoiled, but quickly recovered. "Oh, excuse me for having a life outside this office. Not everyone has their weekend open for work-related meetings."

Jay's eyes screwed shut, lips chewed offensively. He didn't even know where to start.

The studio door creaked open, neither noticing as Sunoo padded in, a steaming mug of coffee clutched in his hands. He watched them like a bored viewer of a drama.

"Wow," Sunoo remarked with sass. "Someone here desperately needs to get laid."

Two heads snapped toward him in perfect unison.

Sunoo shrugged, unapologetic. He lazily tilted his mug towards the messy table of swatches. "All I'm saying is, there's clearly some… negative… pent-up energy here that has nothing to do with paint colors and more to do with…" His eyes narrowed on Jay. "...blowing off some steam."

"Ex..cuse me?" Jay spluttered.

"Yuuuup. I'm talking about you. Take a break, hyung. Go to a club. Get wasted. Get fucked—figuratively and literally." Sunoo strolled over to the table, picked up a random swatch, and waved it casually. "Sage green. Boom. Problem solved. Now, move on."

Jay slumped into his chair, eyeing the mountain of work still ahead of them. His job was slowly consuming him.

Did he even have hobbies anymore? Was this how it started… your midlife crisis creeping up at 24?

While Sunghoon and Sunoo went out to get lunch, Jay quietly unpacked his sad lunchbox at his desk. Healthier, sure. But it was kind of lonely. He could've tagged along, but that meant subjecting himself to the nauseating world of Sunghoon and Sunoo's constant, shameless PDA. No thanks.

Was Sunoo right? Was his pent-up stress really because he needed to, as Sunoo so eloquently put it, get laid?

He scrolled through his phone aimlessly while eating before pausing. Then he remembered something—his neighbor. He might as well check it out and see what it was about, since people apparently were making money out of it. Also, if he wanted Riki to stop calling him old people slurs, he had to learn a thing or two.

Jay switched to his desktop, opened the browser, and click clack. Search: livestream websites.

He wasn't prepared for the sheer number of results that flooded his screen. He just clicked on the first site with the word 'cam' in it. It made sense—they're streaming with cameras, right?

The first few streams seemed harmless. Just people sitting in front of their cameras, chatting away, laughing about god knows what. Exactly what BabyCat did last night.

He nodded along, feeling like he was starting to get the appeal. People would really do anything for money. Capitalism had ruined us.

"Okay, this makes sense, they're just hanging out online—kind of like… talk shows, but, like… not." 

Until they started getting weird requests and flashing their bare asses to the camera. 

Jay collapsed in his chair in utter horror, frantically clicking back. He glanced around the office, noticing it was completely empty with everyone out at lunch. Jay exhaled a huge sigh of relief.

What was his neighbor's internet name again? BabyKitty? BabyCat? He tried searching both... and the first thing he saw was absolutely not safe for work.

Jay turned off his desktop for good. Enough internet for today.

Is this what his neighbor was doing?

It couldn't be.

ᨐฅ

Jay trudged up to his apartment, tired and stressed as usual. He punched in his door code, the beeps were pathetically the most comforting sound he heard today. Home was a safe place after all. 

Or so he thought.

Something faint caught his ears from next door. It was muffled at first, but unmistakable.

Moaning.

Jay froze. The door clicked open. He stepped inside, setting his bag down as the moaning grew... clearer, louder. There was no mistaking it now.

He pressed his ear against the wall, hoping, praying that he was wrong. But the deep, sultry moaning continued. Jay thought he was imagining it, but he swore it sounded almost… wet. 

Jay promptly backed away from the wall.

He never heard a man moan like that. It was obscene, needy, and breathy—like he was also gasping for air at the same time. 

It wasn't really a choice to ignore it because his body was the first thing that betrayed him. He was rock solid under his jeans and it was painful. He hastily covered his crotch.

How had he reached the point where the sound of his rabidly horny neighbor's high-pitched moans could turn him on? Was he truly that sexually starved?

He didn't even want to start imagining what could be happening next door after everything he saw on that website earlier today. He didn't want to plant those thoughts in his head.

He tried counting down but he guessed it only worked with his anger. Popping a boner for the most inappropriate reason however, would be a unique case that he would rather not bring up at his therapy session.

So Jay took a really long, cold, self-reflective shower.

ᨐฅ

Jay was driving to a client's residence for an in-house consultation. The buzz of his phone interrupted his music. Jake's name flashed on the screen and Jay hit the speaker button.

"Hey, change of plans, Sunghoon will go to the house in Hannam instead."

Jay's brow furrowed. "Why? What happened?"

"The client saw his portfolio and specifically requested Sunghoon last minute."

Jay felt a twinge of disappointment. "So they don't like mine? "

Jake's laughter echoed in the car. "It's not personal, Jay. They hadn't even seen your work yet. It's just... Sunghoon's portfolios are currently hanging in the Louvre. Okay, not really, but you get the point."

"Right," Jay tried to keep the frustration out of his voice. "Okay, I'll head back to the office then."

"Actually," Jake interjected, "you can go home now. I've got another project that might suit you better."

"It's fine, I can return to the office."

"No, I mean, I really have another project for you, like, right now. And I think it's perfect because the client lives in your apartment complex. I'll text you the details."

"That's... convenient," Jay admitted, already considering the time he'd save. "Alright, I'll check it out."

"Also, don't be too surprised when you see him."

"Why?"

"What should I say... He's totally your type."

"I am professional."

Jake's laughter rang through the phone. "Just don't forget to breathe when you see him, okay?"

Jay pulled into his apartment's parking garage and glanced at the text from Jake as he got out. His stomach dropped.

"You've gotta be kidding me."

ᨐฅ

Jay took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself. This wasn't ideal, but it was still a client. He had to stay professional. He could handle this. Maybe he could finally give his neighbor a piece of his mind and have a civil conversation about respecting neighbors.

He hadn't realized how hard it could be until the door opened, revealing a face that made Jay's brain short-circuit.

He didn't get a glimpse BabyCat's face a couple days ago because he hadn't really focused on the face. But this BabyCat—Yang Jungwon as Jake wrote on the text message—was truly… 

"Pretty…"

"Uh, what?"

Fuck. He said that outloud.

Panic mode engaged. 

"The view of the apartment, it's pretty," Jay blurted, gesturing vaguely at anything but Jungwon's face.

He didn't use the word 'pretty' loosely, in fact, it was a bit underwhelming in his standard. Jungwon might be divine—

Jungwon turned to look. "You mean the view of… a brick wall?"

Jay grimaced internally. Great save, genius. Really nailed it. "Sorry. I am Jay, from EN Studio. I'm here for the in-house consultation?" he managed, barely holding it together.

"Oh, that's today? I totally forgot, sorry," Jungwon said, looking genuinely apologetic. "Come on in!"

The layout was exactly like his own apartment as expected. Except this one was straight out of r/MaleLivingSpace. There was just a single sofa, a TV, a digital piano, and a very out of place extravagant PC setup.

It reminded him of Heeseung's place. At least Jungwon had called in an interior designer to make some difference. Unlike Heeseung who decided the bachelor-pad purgatory was his permanent state of living for the next 30 years.

"This is my house. My name is Jungwon, anyway."

"Nice setup," Jay said, nodding toward the glowing PC in the corner.

Jungwon gave a sheepish shrug. "Yeah, it's the only thing I've really invested in so far. Hence why you're here." He glanced around the room, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just moved out of my parents' house, so… you can imagine I don't have much yet. But I've got some extra money saved up, so I figured I'd hire a professional to make this place more like… home?"

Jungwon had a pretty set of eyes. They were both strong and soft, feline-like. No wonder he called himself BabyCat online. Those eyes could probably get him out of a speeding ticket. His skin looked soft and bright, Jay wondered how it'd feel to touch it. 

Jay didn't even know that it was possible for human's eyes to naturally sparkle like that. 

"Do you want anything to drink?" Jungwon offered.

"Just water is fine."

Jungwon went to grab water from the kitchen and Jay's gaze trailing after Jungwon's rather pocket sized figure. Not literally, as Jungwon seemed to be around Jay's height but something about his proportions and appearance and the way he'd walk was very… tiny, in an oddly endearing way. He almost cooed. But that wasn't professional, he shouldn't eye his client like that. He shouldn't even think about what he accidentally saw on internet or what happened last night, he shouldn't—

But now that it came to mind, Jay couldn't get rid of those thoughts.

What Jungwon was wearing left a lot to the imagination. He was dressed in baggy sweatpants and a zipped up hoodie but it didn't look like he was wearing anything underneath that. The loose fit of his hoodie almost slipped off one shoulder, exposing a smooth collarbone and a hint of his chest.

Look at that chair. Very chair-like. Oh, and a TV. Fascinating. Don't look at his collarbones anyway.

DON'T LOOK AT HIS COLLARBONES.

He probably looked dumb right now.

Jungwon returned with the water, and Jay accepted it with a strained smile. "Thanks," he said, proud of how steady his voice sounded. 

See? Professional. Totally professional. 

Now just keep it together for the rest of the consultation. How long could that be? An hour? Two? 

...Oh god.

"So, where do we start? This is my first time hiring an interior designer."

"Let's see… What are you envisioning for this space? Any particular style you want?" Jay asked, pulling out his tablet. 

Please say a sound-proof room. Please say a sound-proof room.

"Hmmm, I want it to feel more open, you know? It's weird, but even with barely any furniture it still feels cramped. I don't want anything too fancy. I don't really understand interior styles, so I wouldn't even know what to ask for. But I do know I want neutral colors and lots of plants."

"What about your lifestyle and habits around the house?"

Jungwon tipped his head back, thinking. "Well, I'm mostly home, so it needs to be comfortable. I rarely cook—mostly just order in or make instant stuff—so the kitchen doesn't need to be super functional, just... look nice. And I don't really have people over. I prefer going out to meet my friends, so I want my apartment to feel like a sanctuary when I'm home."

Jay realized he'd been staring blankly at Jungwon for a good ten seconds. He cleared his throat. "That makes sense. We could start by knocking down that wall to really open up the space. I think the previous tenant added that separator."

"How did you know about the wall?"

Jay panicked for a split second. He couldn't exactly say, 'Oh, I know because I kind of live NEXT DOOR' Instead, he flashed a confident smile. "Designer instincts. Comes with the job."

Jungwon grinned, giving him two enthusiastic thumbs up. "I knew it! The professional knows his stuff."

Jay mentally wiped the sweat from his forehead.

They spent the next hour discussing design details, budgets, and preferences while Jay showed Jungwon reference photos on his tablet. Surprisingly, it went pretty well. Jay managed to keep his cool—sort of.

But then came the real crisis.

When he left, should he pretend to go to the elevator? But what if they bumped into each other again later? Should he go back to the office? It was rare enough for him to be home while the sun was still up, why would he waste this chance to be home early?

Don't think, just move.

After they wrapped up, Jay practically bolted toward his own unit next door. Crisis averted—until Jungwon's door swung open again.

"Hey, you left your—"

Jay froze mid-step, just as he was about to enter his passcode. Jungwon's eyes widened, catching sight of him right in front of his own door.

"—phone…"

"I live... here," Jay muttered weakly, playing it off like this wasn't the most awkward moment of his life.

Jungwon, now standing with Jay's forgotten phone in hand, smirked. His face shifted completely, there was something mischievous in his eye that hadn't been there before. 

He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe. "Talk about a coincidence, hyung."

Jay's stomach dropped. 

Jungwon's smirk grew wider. "You came over, after all."

Jay snatched his phone back with a barely audible, "Thanks."

Jungwon smiled at him one last time before he disappeared back into his apartment, leaving Jay standing there, phone in hand, staring at his own door.

As soon as he was alone, Jay repeatedly knocked his forehead against his phone, groaning internally.

Great. Just great.

ᨐฅ

Jay opened his balcony door, inhaling deeply as if he'd just discovered oxygen. 

"Hey, neighbor."

Jay nearly jumped out of his skin, a very undignified yelp slipping from his lips.

He turned to see Jungwon on the adjacent balcony, wearing an outfit that seemed designed specifically to mess with Jay's head. A fitted knitted tank top and baggy sweatpants that hung low on his hips, revealing a bit of his V line and accentuating his small waist. 

It really didn't help that Jungwon was also sucking a popsicle of all things.

Jay probably should stop staring.

"Uh, hey."

Jungwon leaned on the railing, casually licking the icy treat. "This is nice," he said with a grin, though Jay didn't miss the sarcasm. "I've got a neighbor who hates my guts." 

Jay looked away, suddenly finding the night view of the brick wall opposite fascinatingly architectural. His hands in his pockets. "Do you, uh… want a different designer then? Save us both this awkwardness?"

"I thought you'd be a little cooler about this."

"Cool about what?"

Jungwon gave a lazy shrug, twirling his tongue around the base of the popsicle. "Well, I didn't think you'd be the type to avoid me. You've been very aggressive with me before you even saw me. Now you seem… I don't know, tense? Am I making you nervous?"

Jay almost choked. "Nervous? No. I'm not…" His arm flailed wildly before it landed on his head, scratching it. "...tense."

"Really?" Jungwon cocked an eyebrow, popping the popsicle back into his mouth, letting it linger there for a beat too long. "You're kind of tense."

"I'm not tense," he replied—a little too quickly, a little too defensive.

Jungwon tilted his head. "Is it the popsicle? You're staring pretty hard. Do you want it? Should I give you one?"

"I'm not staring at anything."

Jungwon grinned around the popsicle, thoroughly enjoying himself. "Sure, hyung, whatever you say."

"Why do you call me hyung? I don't think we're that close."

Jungwon perched himself on the railing, giving Jay a minor heart attack. "Why? You can't be my hyung too?" 

Jay felt like he was seeing a cunning cat who'd found a particularly amusing toy to play with. He wasn't sure what would come next, but he was certain he wouldn't like it.

"Hey, that's probably dangerous—"

Jungwon blithely ignored him. "Well, now that we've established that I make you nervous—"

"You don't make me nervous."

Jungwon laughed. "Right, right. Anyway, I think we'll get along very well! I'll make sure of it." His voice dropped playfully, "I can find a different designer if I want. But I'm not sure they'll be as fun as you, hyung."

Jay exhaled wearily. "Do you have any actual design questions or are you just going to stand there and mess with me?"

Jungwon's smirk widened. "Both?"

Why is this happening to me?

"Besides," Jungwon continued, pointing to himself. "This bastard want to spend that hard-earned money you gave me too. So... do a good job with my place, will you?" He chewed his bottom lip, nearly causing Jay to swallow his tongue. "Or watch my livestream again and donate some more so I can give you a tip."

A tip…

WHAT TIP…

Jay's mouth opened, but nothing came out except a strangled noise that wasn't human.

Jay was not stupid. Of course he meant tip as in money tip but if he said that while sucking a popsicle, Jay's wandering thoughts were not to blame.

"Well, that's just how the economy works," he quipped dryly. Why am I still talking?

Jungwon was all smiles. "I like you."

Jay recoiled like Jungwon just said something outrageous. He wasn't sure whether to take it seriously or not because the situation came off like a prank. He knew he was a catch, he saw himself in the mirror everyday. But the timing and the situation threw him off completely.

"You'll…" Jay hesitated, grimacing. "You'll get over it."

Jay retreated into his apartment, sliding the balcony door shut with perhaps a bit more force than necessary. He leaned against it, exhaling deeply.

Ironically, on this rare evening of early freedom, the only thing that could distract him from his weird neighbor situation was the very thing he usually tried to escape: work.

So, that, he did.

Jay threw himself into Jungwon's project, partly out of professionality and partly out of a desperate need to get it over with as quickly as possible. 

Hours passed in silence, he didn't notice the sun had gone down.

He randomly heard a faint whirring sound that shattered his concentration. He paused, angling his head sideways like a confused cat.

Frowning, Jay got up and made his way to the kitchen, pressing his ear against various appliances. The refrigerator hummed innocently. The microwave sat in stoic silence. Even the usually bitchy espresso maker seemed to be behaving itself.

A high-pitched moan came next. Jay finally realized where it was coming from. He pressed his ear against the wall, then moved closer to his balcony. He stepped out and saw that the door to Jungwon's balcony was also open. 

Which was a problem.

Not only did it make the sound even clearer, Jay also accidentally glimpsed Jungwon on the sofa—on his knees facing away from Jay, his back was arching beautifully. He was pleasuring himself with a toy, the whirs and hums and whines resonating out. Jungwon was a loud moaner, Jay realized a bit too late. He moaned like no one was listening. Or perhaps, he moaned for everyone to listen.

The curtains offered just enough cover to prevent Jay from seeing everything. But still, Jay couldn't pretend like he hadn't just seen something he wasn't supposed to see. 

He returned inside and quietly closed the door to his balcony. The image of Jungwon on his knees with his ass in the air and his hand between his legs kept replaying in Jay's mind. The incessant moans and the whirring sounds of what he knew to be a vibrating dildo shooting straight to Jay's groin. 

Now that he could put a face to those lewd noises, it only made it worse. Jay imagined Jungwon's pretty face features contorted in pleasure, his eyes rolled back as he fucked himself with the dildo. Jay thought about how blissed out he must looked, how pretty. These thoughts felt inappropriate. He shouldn't be entertaining such graphic fantasies about someone who was practically living next door. This was sinful and straight out of low budget porn.

He looked down on the tent on his pants, he had a full-on erection.

Shower. He needed a shower.

He briskly got under the shower but he started thinking about what he had overheard and accidentally seen. He fixated on his pulsating erection under the stream of water, his hand instinctively reached towards it, but he quickly shook his head. 

"This isn't right."

It was his worst moment of weakness yet. He gave in, yes, he gave in, furiously stroking himself. The images of Jungwon's body danced in his mind, teasing and taunting him with every stroke.

"Fuck, I must be crazy," he muttered through gritted teeth, his hand moving faster and harder.

Next door, Jungwon was likely still ramming that dildo into his ass. He began to imagine it was him instead. Gripping Jungwon's hips firmly and thrusting the throbbing length into him relentlessly while Jungwon gasped and choked on each deep penetration.

"This is so fucking wrong."

He trapped his bottom lip with his teeth and threw his head back. Perhaps his sexual frustration had reached a boiling point. 

It was official. Jay had become a pervert.

"God. I'm losing my mind. This is not okay."

With one final stroke, he came. He stared at the cum on his hand, mixed with the drizzle of water streaming from above. The post-nut clarity was hitting him like a truck. 

He shamefully finished his shower and came out.

ᨐฅ

Jay laid out the bowls and cutleries for dinner. Riki, as usual, came over to get his free meal. Jay started to think that he might be running a charity for one broke international student.

Riki sat in his usual seat, eyes glued to his phone, earphones in place. Jay didn't think Riki even realized the dinner was ready.

"Riki, are you watching that streamer again? Here? When I am right in front of you?"

"You sound like my mom."

Jay frowned. "Riki, stop watching that. Did you spend money on it?"

Riki scrunched his face annoyedly. "What if I do?"

"Why are you wasting your money on something like that? You know that it rots your brain, right?" Jay knew how bad porn addiction could affect the youth, he wouldn't let Riki fall victim to it. "Your parents trusted me with you when you first came to Korea—"

"Relax," Riki interrupted. "I wasn't the one who spent one million won to tell him to shut up."

"It's because—" Jay swallowed hard. "You know what, whatever."

Aside from the strange noises and questionable career choice, Jungwon was also, without a doubt, the weirdest neighbor Jay had ever had. The guy was out there.

One day, Jay caught him rollerblading down the hallway, nearly taking out a delivery guy. The next, Jungwon was in the emergency stairwell, belting out opera for the "optimal acoustics" as he claimed. And now, some of the elderly tenants were convinced the building was haunted.

Monday through Friday had become a fever dream for Jay.

Every single morning, without fail. There was Jungwon, lurking in the hallway with his bright and annoying "Good morning!" 

The elevator had become Jay's personal hell of small talk. Jay started taking the stairs, only to find himself wheezing on the 4th floor contemplating his fitness and lifestyle.

The recycling area was apparently the hottest social spot in the building now. Jay couldn't sort his plastics from his papers without Jungwon appearing out of nowhere like a genie out of a plastic bottle, minus the wishes and plus a lot of unsolicited conversation.

But the parking lot… oh, the parking lot. That's where Jay's eye started to twitch. Jungwon's electric scooter, a black Segway Ninebot F25E, kept appearing in Jay's spot. That tiny little thing in a whole car space.

And every single time. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Jungwon would pop up with his infuriatingly cheerful "Hey neighbor! Wanna hang out?"

By Friday, Jay was a twitchy, paranoid mess. He found himself checking around corners before turning them, half-expecting Jungwon to burst out of a potted plant or descend from the ceiling on a rope. At this point anything was possible. 

("I know you like me, but could you maybe stop popping up out of nowhere all the time?"

"Why can't I? I like seeing you! So, hang out?")

He'd also developed a Pavlovian response to the word 'neighbor' that involved involuntary eye twitch.

On the upside of things, Jay had been jacking off… a lot. 

Like a teenager-going-through-a-puberty a lot.

Did he mention something about Jungwon being loud? Or the fact that Jungwon did it almost every night? 

Then came Saturday—laundry day. Jay left his apartment, hauling an overstuffed canvas laundry bag over his shoulder. It was one of those mornings where everything felt heavy, and he just wanted to get his chores done in peace. But, as soon as he shut his door, there was Jungwon, lounging against the railing, staring at the courtyard, looking comfortably snuggly in his oversized hoodie and baggy sweatpants.

Why did Jungwon like to drown himself in fabric? Not that Jay cared about what had been hiding underneath those baggy clothes. 

"Good morning neighbor," Jungwon's voice was way too chipper for 7am. He spun around, propping himself on one elbow, almost like he was posing for a picture. He inhaled deeply. "Nothing like fresh morning air, right?

Jay's eye twitched. He forced a polite smile. "Morning."

Jungwon tilted his head, his eyes trailing down and back up Jay, like he was sizing him up. Jay's brain immediately went into overdrive. 

Why is he looking at me like that? 

Did I spill coffee on myself? 

Is my fly open?

He glanced down.

—oh, thank god it's not.

Jungwon was still looking at him. Jay shifted awkwardly under the gaze, feeling self-conscious in his white t-shirt and green jeans. It was a normal outfit—nothing crazy—but Jungwon's eyes were making him feel like he'd done something wrong.

"Can I help you with something?" Jay asked, still aiming for politely disinterested.

Jungwon's eyes twinkled. "Doing your laundry?"

Jay gestured to the massive canvas bag he was lugging. "Apparently, yes."

"Wait right there! Let's go together!" 

Before Jay could even think to protest, Jungwon darted back into his apartment.

Jay blinked, considering a quick escape while he had the chance. But before he could, Jungwon was back, this time holding the world's tiniest laundry basket. Inside were what? Like, two shirts, a hoodie, and a couple of socks?

"If I were you, I'd wait another week to do laundry. You're gonna waste money and ruin your clothes." Honestly, Jay partly cared, partly needed an excuse to get himself out of this situation.

Jungwon beamed, not bothered in the slightest. "That's why I'm coming with you! We can combine our loads!"

Combine… loads?

Jay cleared his throat, refusing to let his mind go there. "If you add your stuff to mine, the machine's gonna overflow."

"We'll use two machines, silly. Don't worry, I'll pay for us!" Jungwon assured. "You can load yours into mine to fill it up."

Load what into what to fill what now.

"I'm sure it will fit," Jungwon added, grinning.

Get your mind out of the fucking gutter. NOW.

"I'm... going now," Jay mumbled, speed-walking towards the elevator, face burning.

"Wait up!" Jungwon called, trotting after him like a kitten. "Laundry buddy!"

ᨐฅ

Jay leaned against the dryer in front of the washing machines, his eyes fixed on the hypnotic tumbling of clothes. Jungwon perched atop a washing machine, legs crossed and eyes boring into Jay.

Jay chanted a mantra in his head to keep himself from looking while also asking himself why was he making this awkward? He wasn't the one who had been a nuisance all week.

"Don't you have something to say to me?"

"Do I?" He tapped his chin thoughtfully, then brightened. "Oh! I've been meaning to ask about great restaurants around here. Preferably those that do delivery. I'm new to the area, you know."

"No, I mean, you should apologize to me."

"Apologize? What did I do wrong?" He looked genuinely confused that for a moment, Jay almost believed him.

"The boxes, the noises? My parking spot?" Jay shifted his weight to another leg, crossing his arms. "Also did you know that you're recycling wrong? I had to dig the trash to fix it because you kept talking to me instead of paying attention to where your plastic went and it's not organic."

Jungwon's lips twitched, fighting a smile. He hopped down from the washing machine. "I had no idea. How can I make it up to you?" He stepped closer, looking up at Jay through his lashes. "Maybe I could treat you to dinner at one of those restaurants you are going to recommend?"

"I... you... that's not..." Jay sputtered, feeling his face burning. Jungwon was only getting closer. He inched back, but the only choice was hiking on that dryer behind him and Jay was halfway through that.

Jungwon grinned, clearly enjoying it. "Tell you what, I promise to park my scooter in its proper spot, and in return, you can teach me the ways of proper recycling. Over dinner, of course."

Jay felt Jungwon's index finger running up his arm and he shivered. Jay swore he could also feel their crotches grazing each other. 

Fuck, his dick was picking up signals, he could feel it.

Jay stared at Jungwon. The washing machines beeped and Jay realized he was in serious trouble. And it had nothing to do with the laundry.

Jay waved his arms in meant to be a dignified rejection but looked more like a man swatting at invisible bees. He stumbled backwards, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste to reach the dryer.

Jay yanked his clothes out of the dryer. He vaguely remembered some of Jungwon's clothes mixed in with his own, but he would deal with that later.

"Choi's Happy Plate is a good restaurant," he blurted out, immediately wishing he could stuff the words back in his mouth along with the socks he was clutching.

Jungwon perked up. "Should we go together today?" 

"No," Jay replied with the speed. He spun around so fast, fleeing the laundromat.

ᨐฅ

Alas, Jay still had a job to do. So he found himself once again in Jungwon's apartment on Monday with a legitimate, professional reason. Funny how he'd spent a week avoiding Jungwon like the plague, and now here he was.

"Your laundry… I folded them," Jay said, putting the folded clothes on the counter.

"I thought you decided to steal my underwear."

"I'm not—"

"Thanks!"

They perched on the kitchen counter, the only possible seating option in Jungwon's empty apartment. Jay had politely declined Jungwon's offer to share the small sofa. Not when his mind was still giving him the flashbacks of... stuff that had taken place there.

Jungwon scrolled through the design plans on Jay's tablet, his face scrunched in concentration. "This is really good. I'm impressed!"

"If you approve, I'll move on to the floor plans and 3D renderings. Then we can select flooring, paint, furniture, everything."

Jungwon's eyes lit up. "Oh, we get to go shopping together? Fun!"

"Well," Jay hedged, "we could. Or I could handle it if you're busy. Phone consultations work too."

"No way!" Jungwon protested, grinning. "I definitely want to go with you. Ooh, and dinner after?"

Jay's smile was bland. "Just the shopping."

Jungwon poked Jay's side playfully. "Aw, come on. Don't you want to spend quality time with your neighbor?"

"You know," Jay said dryly, "in our culture, we typically respect our neighbors' privacy."

Jungwon wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Ever heard of breaking the norm?"

"Ever considered a soundproof wall?"

Jungwon's lips quirked. "Here we go again. But where would I get my income if my neighbor stopped paying me to shut up?"

"In my defense, that only happened once."

"Uh-huh," Jungwon nodded sagely. "Well, yeah, I can get really loud. It's my job." He looked away like he was thinking. "I've always wanted to do it, you know. BJ. It's amazing that I can make a living out of it now. Look, I can even afford EN Studio's design!"

BJ? As in… B for blow J for job, Blow Job? 

Jay tried to think. He blinked rapidly, trying to process the information with his unprepared mind.

Wait, he makes a living out of.. blow jobs? So it's not just live stream stuff?

Jay guessed YouTubers collaborate all the time, so maybe it was the same in the live stream... adult entertainment industry? 

Jay respected the grind regardless, he learned it best from Riki. But was it okay to talk about it openly like this? Was he too old to understand this? What's wrong with the new generation? When did oversharing become the new small talk?

"I had a hard time explaining it to my parents," Jungwon continued. He sounded like he was seriously opening up, oblivious to Jay's inner meltdown. "But after I showed them my checks, they started to understand."

Jay choked on air. "Your... parents?" he squeaked.

"Yeah. You know how Korean parents are. They're only concerned about numbers."

Even in this modern age, aren't they a bit TOO open-minded? Is money really all there is?

"Your parents are very… open-minded," Jay managed, his voice strained.

"Yes, they are! They're very supportive too. Well, of course, they don't watch my streams because they wouldn't understand it."

Jay felt slightly hysterical.

Well, thank goodness. If it were my kid, I wouldn't want to watch either, no matter how supportive I was. That's just weird.

"I don't think you should show them either, "Jay said.

"Agreed, but I don't mind if they see it."

Would you mind if we talk about SHAME? "You don't feel… weird about it?"

Jungwon seemed a bit offended. "No? I am proud of what I do. "

Jay's mind spun. It felt like he was going into this conversation blindfolded, each word more risky than the last.

Okay, Jay, you got this. Just... be supportive. Be cool. You're a modern, open-minded guy, right? Right?

"Jungwon," he began carefully and mindfully, "I don't know your full story, but if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. It might seem unsolicited, but I just... care." Care? CARE? Since when? "And I know some people are okay with it, some people want it or maybe don't have a choice. But I think you should explore your options again. You're still young, you're bright, and we are the future of this nation—" What the fuck am I even saying? 

"Sorry?" Jungwon interrupted, looking thoroughly confused. "What do you think I do?"

Jay grimaced. "I—do I have to say it out loud?"

"Why, yes. Say it."

"You do… that thing, streaming."

"What do you think I stream?" Jungwon now asked seriously. "You've seen my live stream, right?"

"Well, not really? But I get the gist of it." Jay nodded, feeling anything but sure. "People gift you money and tell you what to do."

"Okay. What kind of thing?"

"A lot of things."

"Like what?"

Jay scratched his temple, breathing out. He shouldn't have brought up the soundproof thing. He was regretting it. "Dance.. then the music and singing thing.. and playing games… watching stuff and other things."

"What other things? Why are you being so weird about it?"

"I don't want to say it. I want to respect your privacy, I heard you before and I am sorry I didn't mean to. It's just that the wall is thin and—"

"What did you hear? Me screaming? The music?"

Jay was short circuiting. "Ah you're killing me here. Do you really want me to say it?"

"Yes, say it."

"Are you sure?"

Jungwon almost laughed. "Why the fuck not?"

"I heard you moan," Jay blurted out.

"What?"

"I also heard that sound of whatever it was you were using. Fuck, I didn't mean to say it out loud because it made me sound like I was eavesdropping but I wasn't—"

"Wait, hold up—"

"It was an accident. I respect what you do, really. I won't judge you. I respect your hustle—"

Something finally clicked inside Jungwon's head.

"You think I did that on livestream?"

"Yes?" Jay squeaked in high pitch. "I searched you up too and I saw it. But don't worry I only watched like 5 seconds of it and I didn't look it up anymore because you're my neighbor and I don't want this to be weird. Although that's why I suggest that you get your room soundproofed—"

"Which website did you watch me on?"

"Camboysxxxdotcom?" Jay slurred everything together like he was confessing to a crime.

Jungwon face-palmed. "What. The. Fuck."

"What? It's okay! I mean, modern world, right—"

"But I told you about the BJ gig," Jungwon said, tilting his head. "What did you think a BJ was?"

"Blow job?" Jay whispered.

"What?" 

"What?"

"WHAT?"

"I don't pay attention to what Riki's doing, sorry," Jay mumbled.

"Okay," Jungwon took a deep breath, and released it in a loud laugh. The situation seemed amusing to him and Jay didn't understand why because he could feel himself sweating through his shirt. "First of all, it's not blow job. It's broadcast jockey."

"What… is that?"

"Basically just a livestreamer. There are people who do explicit stuff, but I don't." Jungwon explained. "And I don't stream on camboysxxx dot com."

Silence. It felt like he'd just run a mental marathon while simultaneously being hit by a bus. Jay was processing all that information but his brain was having a power shortage after cycling through confusion, realization, and horror. His face started to malfunction.

Meanwhile, Jungwon's chirpy laughter echoed in the room. "Okay, you look like you have a lot to process right now."

Jay needed more than processing. He needed a time machine or a memory wipe. Or maybe just a really strong drink. Jay remained rooted to the spot, feeling like he'd aged ten years in the span of ten minutes.

"Come to think of it," Jungwon mused, his voice low and teasing, "It's interesting that you told me you heard me."

"I don't think you listen to yourself but you're really loud," Jay said weakly. "I'm sure I wasn't the only one who heard it."

"Did you enjoy it?"

Jay heaved an incredulous chuckle, but he was sweating. "What? Of course not, I am not that kind of person."

"Mhmm," Jungwon hummed, clearly unconvinced. "I think your talk about respecting me, or this good guy facade you're doing is bullshit. You're putting on an act, aren't you?"

"What act?"

"Admit it. You're just like me."

"Like you?" Jay's brain was doing mental gymnastics. Meanwhile, Jungwon was flirting with him, though Jay wasn't entirely sure. Jungwon was leaning too close, Jay could count his eyelashes. "Let's just forget this happened? I'm sure it will be better for both of us."

"Forget? Now why would I want to do that? This is the most fun I've had in ages."

Jay croaked out, "You have a weird definition of fun."

"Maybe," Jungwon agreed, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of Jay's hand that was gripping the edge of the counter. "But admit it, you're having fun too."

Jay was sure he had no clue what the hell Jungwon was talking about but Jungwon looked so sure, so confident. 

This setup was familiar. He had seen a porn that started like this before.

Jay did the next stupid thing he had ever done, he played along. "Yes, it was an act."

What Jay felt next was something warm and wet on his neck. 

Jungwon's mouth.

Jay braced his body with both arms to support himself. He shuddered and angled his head to the side, willing himself not to squirm too much. He wasn't usually the jittery type, Jay'd lived by the words, "We suffer more often in imagination than in reality" all his life. 

So why, in Seneca's name, did a pretty guy like Jungwon make him feel like he was about to crumble? 

This was crazy. This whole situation was insane. Strangely, Jay didn't want it to stop. He was incredibly horny and turned on. His heart was pumping blood like crazy, he was sure he could pop a vein.

"Don't you want to touch me? To hear me again? Closer this time?" he murmured against Jay's skin, pulling his collar down, mouthing down every bit of exposed skin he could find. 

"Yes…yes… please."

When Jungwon pulled away, Jay tried to kiss him. But Jungwon dodged it.

"No kissing."

Jungwon guided Jay's hand along his body, starting from his chest and moving downwards to his lower abdomen and waist. The thick and oversized hoodie that Jungwon was wearing made it difficult for Jay to feel much, leaving a lot to the imagination. But he could still faintly make out the curves of Jungwon's body. Jungwon pressed their joined hands against his chest, Jay could feel the nub of his nipple hardened with each graze. 

"Can… can I touch you under there?" Jay asked carefully.

"You'll only get what I'll give you, hyung."

Jay's dick throbbed at the words.

Eventually, his hand reached its final stop, Jungwon's groin. He blinked multiple times, feeling Jungwon getting hard in real time. Jungwon pressed Jay's hand against his groin, using it to pleasure himself. 

"Your mouth," Jungwon said, it sounded like a demand. Jay snapped up ridiculously fast, expectantly. Jungwon snickered and grabbed the back of Jay's head to push it into Jungwon's chest. "Lick it."

"But your hoodie—should I help you undress first—"

"No, you can lick through it."

Jay was lost, he wondered if it could get any weirder than this. But he did anyway. Jungwon kept stroking himself using Jay's hand through his sweatpants, while Jay gently kissed Jungwon's chest.

"That's all you can do? Bite me," Jungwon demanded. Jay's head suddenly spun. What is going on? "Suck harder." 

Jay complied, taking Jungwon's nipple between his teeth and sucking vigorously until a wet spot formed on the fabric.

Everything was wicked and hot. Wickedly hot. 

Jungwon was softly breathing, it was barely a moan. It wasn't quite like what he had grown accustomed to in his pastime eavesdropping Jungwon next door. It made Jay desperate a little bit.

"Jungwon… can I make you feel good?" Jay finally asked. "I could barely feel you like this. Can I touch you more?"

Jungwon cocked an eyebrow. "You're confident you can make me feel good?"

"If you tell me how, I will."

Jungwon's lips curled into a sneer, not buying a word he said. "Sure."

He straddled Jay's lap, causing Jay to let out a surprised gasp that nearly turned into a choking fit. He started to leave little pecks and kisses up and down Jay's neck, occasionally dotting across his shoulders and collarbone.

"Jungwon, what are you—what are you doing?"

Jungwon grinded their clothed erections together, slow and tantalizing. 

"I'm just trying to feel good, hyung. Can't you feel how hard I'm getting for you?" Jungwon murmured as he continued to rock his hips. "What's going through your mind right now?"

Jungwon tugged his hoodie up and held it between his teeth. The way Jungwon rolled his hips and rubbed their bulges together now on full display. Jay marveled at Jungwon's bare torso like a virgin. How was it anatomically possible for a man to have that small of a waist?

"I—" Jay was struggling, he didn't know what to do with mouth or his hands at this point so they were just uselessly holding Jungwon's hips. "I—I'm… I'm.."

Sweet moans and desperate gasps escaped him as Jungwon sucked marks into his neck.

Jay groaned, his eyes half lidded. It took everything in him to not do something even more stupid—like bucking his hips up against Jungwon, for example. Or worse, cum in his pants.

He was stiff down below and it was unbearable at this point. If he wasn't wearing anything that was constraining him right now, his erection would have nestled perfectly between Jungwon's ass cheeks.

There was this hungry look in Jungwon's eyes until Jungwon just.. stopped and went back to where he had been sitting before.

"What's wrong?" Jay was out of his mind, hair mussed and his eyes out of focus.

"If you don't mind, I have a livestream scheduled right now, so you can..." He made a shooing motion with his hands. "You know."

Wait, that's it? But we haven't gotten to the good part yet—

Jay quickly slid off the counter, nearly toppling over in the process. "Why—"

"Hyung, why don't we go pick out the furniture together this weekend?"

"Oh, I still have to finish the design plan first and I also—"

Jungwon reclined on the counter, propping himself up with his elbows. He lazily lifted his foot to Jay's shoulder, sliding it down to his stomach. When it came to rest on the bulge in his pants, Jay's throat made a deflating balloon sound.

Jungwon applied a gentle pressure on it. "You can finish it before Friday, right?"

No way. Friday was only 4 days away. It was impossible to finish it in such a short period of time unless he'd compromise his precious sleeping hours and Jay was pretty serious about his REM cycle.

"Actually…"

"I don't like waiting too long…" Jungwon trailed off, frowning a little too innocently.

Jay gulped. "I can make it happen."

Jungwon broke into his usual cheery grin, hopping down the counter. 

Did Jay just get blue-balled?

"Great! It was fun! We should do this again sometime," Jungwon chriped and pecked his cheek. Jay's brain officially went offline. "Oh, shoot! Two minutes!"

Jay collected his stuff from the counter and left Jungwon's apartment. He watched the water trickle from the water fountain in the courtyard. He reflected on what just happened.

"What the fuck."

ᨐฅ

Jay should've expected this. With Jungwon, 'normal' had never been in the mix. He'd pictured a cute IKEA date—the kind where they'd giggle while trying out beds that were definitely too small for two, or playing make-believe in those picture-perfect kitchen displays. Or at least, something a bit more professional where Jay went on endless tangents about interior designs.

But no, that would be far too predictable for someone like Jungwon.

Jay found himself instead hiding away in a secluded corner of IKEA. His pants were unbuttoned and his dick was out. 

Jungwon was giving him what could arguably be called the best blowjob of the 21st century.

"Jungwon, Jungwon, there are people out there. We could get caught and get banned from this place forever—" Jay gasped, struggling to maintain composure "Fuck, fuck, fuck, this is not okay!"

Jungwon knelt on the floor, hiding in a corner while Jay stood before him, questioning his life choices.

Jungwon spat on the tip before slow-sucking him, his pink lips doing all the work whilst his hands holding onto Jay's belt for support.

Jay's knees nearly gave out. He felt a bit faint.

"Jungwon, what if someone comes in? I still have to—ah…" Jay bit back a moan. "...come back here every other week, I have a job to keep and the second nearest IKEA is literally in a different city—o-oh god… oh god… your mouth feels too good right now, how do you do that? This is not good."

Jungwon looked up with his rounded eyes as he dragged his tongue across Jay's shaft and sucked his tip as he watched himself pulling in and out. His cheeks were hollowed out around Jay's thick length, creating strong suction with his mouth. Jungwon's throat relaxed around him, taking him deeper.

Jay was at a loss for words, only able to moan and groan. Jungwon was literally sucking out his sanity and ability to speak from his dick. 

Jungwon was pulling too much on his belt and Jay almost toppled forward so he grabbed Jungwon's wrists and pinned them on the cabinet behind him to steady them both.

Jungwon moaned around him and it was not good, because his whole body reacted to it. When Jungwon pulled away for a second, Jay came on Jungwon's face. That, Jay didn't see it coming either.

Jungwon squeezed his eyes closed. "Your cum—in my eyes."

"What?" 

Jay freaked out.

Jungwon tried to wipe it away with his hand. He hissed, "Why didn't you warn me?"

"I didn't know I was going to come, it came out of nowhere." Jay was too panicked to think, so he took off his jacket and used it to clean Jungwon's face. "Maybe don't be too good at giving people blow jobs?"

"How is it my FAULT that I give mindblowing blow jobs?"

"Well, now that I think about it, my co-worker mentioned I seemed sexually frustrated. Maybe it contributes to my quick reactions?" Jay tried to pull Jungwon up, but Jungwon banged his head against a shelf in the process.

"Fuck, my head!" Jungwon held his head as he crawled out. "Why would I know?! And why are you telling me this?"

"I'm sorry, I overshare when I am having a breakdown, okay!"

Jay clumsily pulled up his pants and he couldn't remember if he did the button or not, there was a more dire situation in hand right now. He tossed his jacket over Jungwon's head and steered him towards the men's bathroom.

Once inside, Jungwon bolted for the sink faster and ran water on his face, flushing his eyes.

Jay, meanwhile, hovered nearby, radiating worry and desperate for something to do. He occupied the adjacent sink and began scrubbing his jacket with fervor.

Jungwon glanced over. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Well I have it all over my jacket so…" Jay helplessly shrugged. "It's also called stress cleaning I believe."

Jungwon yanked one too many toilet paper from the dispenser and wiped his face. Finally finding humor in the situation at the sight of Jay washing off his cum from his Prada jacket inside the IKEA's bathroom.

"Think about it, I had your children swimming in my eyes for a second." A grin was spreading across Jungwon's face. "I think I saw your future."

Jay cracked up.

"Also your fly is open."

"Shit."

ᨐฅ

Jay sat zoned out on his desk. Papers lay scattered across his table, untouched for the past two hours.

Jake, passing by, spotted Jay through the glass wall. He knocked on the already opened door, before inviting himself in.

"Jay, hello," Jake called out, waving a hand in front of Jay's face. "Got that update on the Sinsa-dong café?"

Jay blinked slowly. "Oh... right," he mumbled, clearly somewhere else mentally.

Jake stopped right in front of Jay's desk, scanning the cluttered desk. "Uh, didn't you say you'd email it this morning? I don't see anything in my inbox?"

"Oh, crap," Jay jolted, sitting up straight. He quickly sent it. "Sorry, sorry. Just... give me a sec... and... sent."

Jake wagged his rolled-up papers at Jay. "Okay, spill. What's up with you?"

Sunoo strolled in to sit on his own desk next to Jay's. Fingers immediately draped over the mouse looking over his work. "He's been like that since this morning."

Jay, still looking lost, finally blurted out, "Hey, how long into a... thing... do you typically ask the whole 'what are we' question?"

Jake's eyes went wide, mostly in amusement and a little bit concerned. "Oh no… are you getting clingy with a one night stand again?" 

"That was a misunderstanding," Jay protested. "And for the record, I walked away from that situation with my dignity intact… mostly."

"Well, depends," Jake mused. "What's the deal here? Are you two seeing each other regularly? Any talks about exclusivity, or is it still in the 'we're just having fun' area?"

"Well, that's the thing. I probably should ask if he's seeing another person.. Just that… we have a no kissing policy. But…"

"But you're overthinking it and driving yourself crazy?" Jake finished.

"Am I that predictable?" Jay groaned. "We never really talked about it. It's just been…" His hand started making awkward pumping motions. "This."

Jake made a face. "Ugh, we don't need the visuals."

"Should I not ask at all?" Jay looked utterly helpless. "What if it's all just been a big misunderstanding and we're not actually a 'thing' at all?"

Sunoo chimed in, "Why are you even in another one of these situationships? Aren't you supposed to be the relationship type?"

Jay dramatically dropped his head onto his desk. "That's the thing," he mumbled into his keyboard. "I'm kind of... ridiculously attracted to him. I'd honestly say yes to anything he'd say."

Sunghoon walked in, catching the tail end of the conversation. "Wow, that's pathetic, even for you."

Jay rolled his eyes and retreated behind his computer screen. He made exaggerated gagging noises when Sunghoon and Sunoo shared a quick peck.

"You know," Jay mumbled from behind his monitor, "I think I preferred it when you two were just silently pining for each other. This is worse."

"Aww, jealous much?" Sunoo teased.

Jay let out another exasperated sigh and started rapidly shoving his belongings into his bag. "That's it. I'm taking this work home. I can't concentrate here." He huffed, swinging his bag over his shoulder. He glared at the pair, then turned to Jake. "Email me the Sinsa-dong plan?"

Jake gave a two-finger salute. "Sure thing."

Jay stepped out of the EN Studio building and immediately spotted a familiar figure leaning casually against the stairs, books in one hand, phone in the other.

"Jungwon?" Jay called out, confused. Jungwon looked up, a grin spreading across his face.

"Hello, neighbor!" Jungwon said, slipping his phone into his pocket. "Didn't know what time you got off, so I figured I'd take my chances here," 

Jay raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here? If this is about the design, no need to come all the way out here."

Jungwon chuckled, adjusting the strap of his backpack. "I was actually hoping we could walk home together."

"Walk… home? Together?" 

Jungwon's grin grew even wider. "Yeah!" 

Jay blinked, feeling a little flustered. "Uh... sure. I'd love that."

They set off, Jay leading the way to his parking spot. After a moment of watching Jungwon struggle, he offered, "Want me to help with those?"

"Oh, thank god!" Jungwon gingerly dumped the entire stack of books and his backpack into Jay's arms. Jay staggered under the sudden weight, catching a glimpse of 'Principles of Criminal Law' staring back at him.

"Hold up," Jay frowned, "You're in law school?"

Jungwon shrugged casually. "Uh, yeah? Like it's hard?"

Jay blinked in an attempt to process this new information. Law school? Jungwon was secretly in law school? That was… mind-blowing. Jay just learned what being "accountant" meant from Riki, was "law school" another code word for something? 

"I didn't know that..." Jay said, slightly winded from the unexpected load. "Hold on. Jungwon. Can we, like, sit down somewhere first and talk? Maybe grab a coffee? My treat."

ᨐฅ

The staff set their coffee orders on the table. Jungwon looked as relaxed as ever, while Jay felt like his brain was practicing the biggest presentation of his life. And that being his love life.

Jay took a deep breath, steeling himself. "So, I've been thinking about something... between us."

"Oh, me too!" Jungwon perked up.

Jay blinked, caught off guard. Wait, what? "Really?"

Jungwon leaned forward, arms folded on the table, nodding as he sipped his coffee. "Yeah, I think we can, like, try something out. I think it'd work."

"Wait, are you serious?"

"I didn't think you were into it, but I'm getting signs that we might be... compatible."

Wow. They were actually on the same page. "I also think so!" 

Jungwon continued, "It's really hard to find someone like you, you know. People just want the quick stuff, just getting into it. And I enjoy it, but it's not fun, I want something more. And what happened so far kind of sealed the deal for me."

Jay's mind raced back to the IKEA incident. Who knew his clumsiness could be so endearing? He remembered frantically draping his jacket over Jungwon's head, his own pants still undone. Nothing says boyfriend material quite like prioritizing your partner over your own dignity.

"Me too, me too," Jay agreed breathlessly.

They walked home and Jay's heart nearly stopped when Jungwon pecked his cheek and whispered, "Wait in your apartment, I'll come over in 30 minutes. I have something hot ready for you."

"Something hot?" Oh, like soup? It was good weather for soup indeed. "Okay. But I'm gonna take a shower first so just come in. Wait for me inside."

Jungwon bit his bottom lip, shoulder slightly swaying, smiling. "Okay."

Jay entered his own apartment and quickly debated which bowls to use. The good china? Was it too soon for the good china? 

Jay hopped into the shower, his mind racing. Should he put on cologne? No, that would be an overkill for a simple dinner. He got out of the shower, threw on his comfiest pajamas, and came out to the living room.

There was Jungwon, already sitting in the living room, in a silk robe.

Jay's brain short-circuited. That's... 

"Oh, you're here. I've prepared the bowls—"

Jay shut himself up when Jungwon got up and shrugged the silk robe off his shoulders.

Jay was stunned. He suddenly didn't know what to do.

Jungwon… was only wearing a lace garter belt holding up thigh high white stockings and a cute pink collar. And wait, is that a tail?

Jay's cheeks flush as Jungwon bent over to rummage through his bag, revealing his perfect, bare ass adorned with a cat tail butt plug. He dared to linger, to stare longer but his manner made him avert his eyes away.

"Do you prefer to do the tying or be tied up?"

Jay's brain ultimately screeched to a halt. "I'm sorry, what now?"

"Bondage," Jungwon explained casually. "You know, ropes, handcuffs, that sort of thing. Unless you prefer something else? I'm open to suggestions."

Jay's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. 

Oh sweet baby Jesus, they were NOT on the same page.

"I... uh... I thought we were talking about... you know... dating? Like, holding hands and having dinner together?" 

Jungwon's eyes widened animatedly. "Oh! OH. Wow, okay. This is... not where I thought this was going. You were pinning my wrists when I sucked you off last time so I thought you were into it. "

They stared at each other for a long moment before Jungwon burst into laughter. Not Jay though, he didn't find this funny at all he was literally having his second break down this week.

"So," Jungwon said, wiping tears from his eyes, "do you still want to try?"

Jay had never been adventurous when it came to sex. The thought of trying anything beyond the norm was too intimidating for him. He had heard that Sunoo enjoyed being choked by Sunghoon, but then again that was Sunoo and Sunoo was more than happy airing his sex life with Sunghoon to anyone with a pair of ears.

Jay eagerly nodded. "Yes, yes."

"I will teach you light stuff, I don't want to freak you out too much. But we need to agree on a safe word just to be safe."

"Safe word?" Jay racked his brain. "Safeword."

"You're funny." Jungwon ran his hands along Jay's chest and looked at him with a little smile. If anything, that face was the cute one. Not Jay. "What are you doing with your hands?"

Jay realized both his hands were glued on his sides like he was standing at attention. He sheepishly chuckled a little. "I don't know where to put it, I don't want to do something that's non consensual or violate you in any way—"

"I am basically naked and touching you right now."

"I don't want to read between the lines—"

"Do you always need to have someone to tell you what to do?"

Jay's thoughts were thrown off track. "Uh… I don't know."

Jungwon sat down on the couch and turned to look at him. "Come here, on your knees in front of me."

Jay sank to his knees and Jungwon slowly spread his legs. Jay swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down at the sight. It was the hottest thing he had ever seen. Jay almost got one of those anime nosebleeds. 

"Closer," Jungwon said.

He shifted step closer. Jungwon looked down, head tilted sideways.

"You know how to give blowjobs, right?" came the question.

"I…. suppose?"

"Do it."

Jay was unsure of how to proceed. He had given his fair share of blowjobs before. Although usually, it was in a more comfortable and romantic setting after dinner and wine. This situation was far from proper. 

Part of him wanted to stand up, apologize, and ask Jungwon to start over. But he didn't think he was in position to do that with the possibility of turning Jungwon off and sabotaging probably the hottest sex he could get in his life, so he pushed through with it.

He pulled at the delicate lace material, freeing Jungwon's erect member. The cat tail peeking out from behind was an added bonus.

He took his time to admire it first. It was just as lovely as he had imagined. It was cleanly shaven, not too big or too small, almost the perfect size, it suited Jungwon, pretty and perfect. His occupational disease whispered to him #cc8f8f… #9c5f5f… New York Pink? 

Focus now.

He familiarized himself with it by stroking it. He began kissing the tip, using his mouth while continuing to pump the shaft. Jungwon didn't seem to react much at first.

"You give a sloppy blowjob, hyung," Jungwon said playfully, like he knew what it would take to edge him.

"I'm sorry," Jay mumbled against the base of Jungwon's cock.

Jay's mouth eagerly took in Jungwon, slobbering all over it. His hand slid up, seeking out his nipple and teasing it with pinches and pulls.

It sort of made him proud when he heard Jungwon whine.

"Keep your eyes on me while you suck, hyung."

Jay looked up, their eyes finally met. Jungwon was doing those sexy, hooded eyes he didn't think was possible in real life.

"Look at you trying, hyung. I wish you could see yourself."

Jay focused on the tip, using his tongue in circular motions and pressing it between the slit. He heard Jungwon let out a low moan, and he knew he was doing something right. Jungwon's hands were pulling on his hair, Jay was bobbing his head up and down, taking more of him into his mouth with each movement.

Jungwon then yanked Jay's head away from his cock.

"What's wrong?" Jay asked, saliva was leaking down his bottom lip and chin. His hair was blowjob messy.

Jungwon reached behind his neck and unfastened his collar, then placed it around Jay's neck, clasping it shut.

"What's this for?" Jay asked once more.

Jungwon pulled on the collar, causing Jay to stumble closer. They were now only inches apart. "Shall we play, hyung?"

ᨐฅ

Jay felt like he had been visited by a pretty sex demon.

Jungwon had his wrists tied together with his favorite necktie to wear to work. A navy blue Charvet necktie, now tied around his wrists on top of his head. He was lying in his bed while Jungwon was crawling on top of him, literally like a pretty pretty cat. Jungwon unbuttoned all Jay's pajama top buttons with his mouth while removing Jay's pants. God knows what else that mouth could do. It should be a record for Jay to be able to keep it up the whole time.

"Wait…" Jay's eyes traveled up and down Jungwon's body, and a smile slowly spread across his face. "You're beautiful."

"Don't flatter me yet, hyung. Pay attention," he whispered. "This is how I want you to touch me next time."

Well, that's good. Jay had always been a visual learner.

Jungwon playfully licked Jay's chest with gentle kitten licks, occasionally adding in soft sucks and bites that left kisses and small bruises all over Jay's skin. He could feel Jay tense up and grit his teeth in response. But Jungwon only smiled mischievously as he rubbed a finger over Jay's nipple.

Jungwon grabbed the bottle of lube and poured it onto Jay's throbbing dick. Jay blew out a shaky breath at the cold sensations.

Before he could even react, Jungwon already straddled him, riding the slicked dick between his ass. 

The soft fur continued to tease and brush against his thighs and his hands were still bound, it was driving him wild. Jay's hands ached to touch every inch of Jungwon's smooth skin, to remove the cat tail plug and replace it with his own.

Meanwhile, Jungwon writhed on top of him, moaning uncontrollably. His hips undulated against Jay's, his hands pinning Jay's wrists in place.

Fuck being a visual learner. This was a torture.

"O-oh, Jungwon. Jungwon," Jay plead, "Will you let me fuck you? Please… please. I think I will lose it if I am not inside of you right now."

Jungwon smirked, reaching out to tug on Jay's collar. "You want to fuck me so bad it makes you look stupid, hyung."

"Please, I will do anything—"

Jungwon straightened up on his knees, leaving Jay wondering what he was up to. But then Jungwon reached behind him and pulled out the cat tail.

It was happening. It was finally happening. His dick was going right in—

Jungwon straddled Jay's hips once again, but this time he positioned himself facing away from Jay. From this angle, Jay could see Jungwon's exposed opening clenching tightly around nothing, begging for something to fill it.

He gulped.

Jungwon let out a loud moan as he slowly sank on Jay's rock solid shaft, inch by inch, gripping onto the sheets tightly as Jay stretched him open more than the butt plug ever did. 

Until their bodies met completely.

Jungwon lifted his hips up until only Jay's tip stayed and sank back down in one slam.

Jay couldn't believe how good it felt. He thought his heart just jumped out of his chest from the shock.

"Fuck. Jungwon. Tight—you're so tight, I'm so— I'm so—"

"Talk properly, hyung."

"My office is throwing a party next week and I was wondering if you… want to come?"

"Not that talk. Can you wait until I am done?" Jungwon muttered annoyedly. "You're killing the mood here."

"I can't! I'm trying not to cum early so my mind is all over the place, so will you come or not? There will be food and drinks, lots of them."

Jungwon whimpered at each thrust, barely able to pay attention to him as Jungwon continuously bounced on top of him. 

At the same time, Jay managed to wriggle his hands free from the ties around his wrists. Acting on pure instinct, he pushed Jungwon's face down onto the mattress and he picked up the pace, thrusting vigorously into him.

"Hyung—spank, spank me."

Jay immediately zoned out, while his dick was still fucking Jungwon on autopilot. He glanced down at his hand before lightly slapping Jungwon's ass, it was more of a poke than a slap, really.

But Jungwon demanded it more, and he wanted it louder. So Jay took a deep breath and prepared himself to deliver a proper spank.

"More, hyung," Jungwon whined. "Mo—"

Jay gained the confidence to spank him.

Jungwon was crossed eyed, his whole body trembled.

"Jungwon, am I doing it right—"

"Yesss… yes… yes!"

Jungwon came.

Jay also came when he saw Jungwon leaving a mess all over his sheets like a sprinkler. 

ᨐฅ

Jay eyed the meticulously arranged dessert spread, courtesy of their self-proclaimed sweets expert, Sunoo. The dance floor was packed with his colleagues, even Riki and Heeseung showed up. Riki mostly for the free stuff and Heeseung was most likely dragged here by Jake. 

Jake grabbed Jay's hands, raising them. "Ay, Jay! Come on, shake those money maker hands!" his enthusiastic shimmy nearly sent Jay stumbling.

Jay laughed, balancing himself. But he was left terrorized when he saw Jake's glowing LED teeth. "Hey, have you seen Jungwon around?"

Jake paused mid-shimmy. "Jungwon? Our new client? He's here?"

"I invited him," Jay shouted over the thumping bass. "Thought it'd be... you know, nice."

Jake's eyebrows shot up along with a knowing grin. It was blinding Jay. "Oh! 'Nice,' huh? Good, good. Well, I heard his apartment's all set up. You can pay a visit to his place and check if there's any adjustment." He winked. "Now, enough work talk! It's party time!"

Jake shoved him towards the dance floor and he stumbled, accidentally crashing into Sunghoon and Sunoo's slow dance.

"Whoa, watch where you're going," Sunoo quipped. "I know we're hot together, but no need to throw yourself at us."

"My bad," Jay chuckled without any humor, straightening up. 

Sunoo dramatically rolled his eyes before nestling back into Sunghoon's embrace.

Sunghoon caught Jay's distracted glance towards the door. "So, how's that situation of yours going?"

"It's... complicated," Jay sighed. "And definitely not your business, nosy."

"Ooh, complicated?" Sunoo narrowed his eyes conspiratorially. "That's another word for 'I'm too chicken to make a move,' isn't it?"

Jay pointed a warning finger. "Once again, not your business. And for your information, I did ask. But we had a misunderstanding so—yeah, whatever."

"Okay, then ask again? What's the problem?" Sunghoon glanced at Sunoo, his eyes softening. "Like us. We talk and talk until it's just our bodies doing the talking."

Jay found himself sandwiched between their lovey-dovey gazes. His face contorted into both disgust and terror. "Uh, guys? Still here, you know. Not invisible."

"Don't hate us because you ain't us," Sunoo sing-songed.

Jay forced a grin that ended up more like a grimace. "Thanks for the, uh, nice chat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to drown myself in more drinks and dessert."

Jay stumbled back to the snack table, Sunoo's voice could be heard over the music, "The mimosa cupcakes are soooo good they'd give you an orgasm!"

He eyed the alcohol-soaked treats warily. Sunoo's liver must be made of steel.

A few boozy cupcakes later, Jay was sprawled on the sofa. It was just the perfect amount of tipsy and the room spun pleasantly around him. Through the haze, he spotted Jungwon walking in, looking adorably lost.

Jay's face split into a goofy grin, but before he could call out, Jake showed up out of nowhere again, dragging him into a (mostly drunk) work conversation.

"So, about that new project. You know that mahogany is good right, it's durable—"

Jay nodded enthusiastically, an automated reaction. "Yes, absolutely, I love working!"

"That's my star designer!" Jake beamed, patting Jay's shoulder before shimmying back to the dance floor.

Once Jake disappeared into the crowd again, Jungwon made his way over, settling beside Jay on the sofa.

Jay leaned in. "I hate working." He paused, then added, "But I love... cupcakes. And you. I mean, not you you, but like, designing for you and you being here. At the party. With cupcakes."

Jungwon raised an eyebrow, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Wow, how many of those cupcakes have you had?"

Jay attempted to count on his fingers, gave up, and shrugged. "Enough to make Jake's glowing teeth thing bearable to see. Want one? They're revolutionary."

Jungwon smiled. Then his eyes drifted down to the necktie Jay was wearing with his white shirt and leather bomber jacket. "You're wearing it."

Jay was suddenly hot, he loosened the necktie and looked away. "You made me choose my favorite necktie. Of course I would wear it."

"I did," Jungwon gently grabbed Jay's chin to face him and whispered, "So you'll remember me whenever you wear it."

"You…" Jay almost stuttered, he faked a cough. "Ah, you're driving me crazy."

Jungwon pat Jay's cheek and rose from the couch.

Jay gently pulled him back. "I just saw you, why are you leaving already?" 

"I am not leaving, hyung. I just want to get a drink."

"Oh, right," Jay nodded, reluctantly letting Jungwon go. 

Before Jungwon could take two steps, Jake swooped back in to steal him. "Jungwon! Hello, hello. Come meet everyone, they're dying to meet you!"

Jay watched from the couch as his co-workers swarmed around Jungwon. Jake and Heeseung looked like they were already adopting him. Riki's whole body was practically vibrating with excitement to see his favorite livestreamer in real life. 

Sunghoon caught Jay's eye with a knowing smirk. Beside him, Sunoo was less subtle, pumping his fist and pressing his tongue against the inside of his cheek.

Jay squinted, his bottom lip jutting out slightly. He observed as Jungwon charmed the pants off everyone. Jungwon was many things, and one of them was that he sure knew how to steal attention. He was also funny. People love funny people.

Well, but Jay invited him, that's Jay's Jungwon. 

After what felt like an eternity of watching Jungwon laugh at Riki's terrible jokes, the group migrated to the couch area. 

Jungwon looked around for a seat, Jay's arm shot out, pulling Jungwon onto his lap like an oversized teddy bear. "I saved you a seat."

"There was still an empty spot for me to sit, you know," he teased, but made no move to leave.

"Yeah, but my lap was also empty," Jay quipped, wrapping his arms loosely around Jungwon's waist.

Jungwon laughed into his neck. "You know, if you wanted to get me this close, all you had to do was ask, hyung."

Call it liquid courage by how Jay smirked, leaning in just enough for his lips to graze Jungwon's ear. If you'd ask Jay tomorrow when he was sober, Jay would die out of embarrassment. 

"Why ask when I can just take what's mine?"

Jungwon bit back a laugh, but before he could say anything, Sunghoon beat him to it, "Who are you and what have you done to our friend?"

"Right?" Sunoo chimed in, leaning against Sunghoon's shoulder. "Isn't this the same guy who threatened to call HR on us?"

Jay flipped them off lazily, not bothering to move from his spot. "That was different. You guys are gross."

"Oh, and this isn't?" Riki snorted, wadding up a napkin and chucking it at Jay's head. "Since when you're this clingy?"

Jay ducked it, rolling his eyes. "Since mind your own business, that's when."

Jungwon elbowed him lightly. "You hear that? You're being clingy," he teased, resting his hands gently on Jay's arms. "Do I need to give you some space?"

Jay, surprisingly unfazed by the teasing, grinned lazily, his arms tightening just a little around Jungwon's waist. "Nooooo. You're staying right here." He dropped his voice slightly, so only Jungwon could hear. "I like it when they see."

Jake burst in with an armful. "Make room, losers! I come bearing gifts!" He plonked the tequila and shot glasses on the table, wedging himself between Riki and Heeseung.

Heeseung raised an eyebrow. "Tequila? Are you trying to get us all to make terrible life choices tonight?"

"Don't be a baby," Jake laughed, already pouring.

One round in, and the atmosphere was getting looser, but nothing could've prepared Jay for what came next.

"Hey, hyung." Jungwon's voice rang out especially loud in his ear, "Wanna try body shot?"

Jay's head shot up, his face flushed. "From you?" His voice cracked slightly, betraying him.

Jungwon, ever the tease, tilted his head to the side, exposing the smooth line of his neck, where he sprinkled salt in one slow, deliberate motion. His eyes flickered up to meet Jay's, a grin tugging at his lips. "Unless you're scared?"

The room went quiet, every eye now glued to them, but Jay wasn't even aware of it. Too busy listening to his own heart beat.

"I'm not… scared." He leaned in slightly, his breath brushing against Jungwon's skin. "You're really pretty, Jungwon. I bet you hear that often."

Jungwon's fingers found Jay's chin, tilting his face upward. "Say that again?"

"Pretty." Jay's voice was barely above a whisper as he started pressing soft, open-mouthed kisses behind Jungwon's ear, tracing his lips down to lick a line of salt from his neck. Whatever warmth the alcohol had caused before was nothing compared to the heat rushing through him now. Jungwon's grip tightened on Jay's shoulder, his other hand holding the shot glass.

"Open your mouth for me," Jungwon instructed, Jay obediently parted his lips as Jungwon tipped the shot into his mouth.

Jay swallowed, expecting to reach for the lemon slice, but stopped short when he saw Jungwon holding it between his pink lips. Jay couldn't help the dazed grin that spread across his face.

"I thought we had a no kissing policy?" Jay mumbled, laughing nervously, but Jungwon only smiled, beckoning him closer with a subtle nod.

Jay leaned in, careful not to touch Jungwon's lips as he snagged the lemon with his teeth. 

Their audience gasped and rioted. Heeseung and Jake lunged forward to cover Riki's eyes while Sunghoon and Sunoo sat with their jaws dropped offensively.

"Won't somebody think about the children?"

Riki shoved their hands away, rolling his eyes. "I've literally seen worse, you idiots."

ᨐฅ

"I saw your office a bit earlier. Jake took me on a tour. You really know how to decorate well."

A soft chuckle escaped Jay's lips. "I'd hope so. It's kinda my job."

They shared the backseat of a taxi home, Jay's head found a comfortable spot on Jungwon's shoulder. The street was quiet outside, casting the city lights glow on their faces every now and then.

Jay grinned, then furrowed his brows. "I still can't believe you go to law school. How come you're always home? You're not messing with me right? You mess with me a lot."

"I swear," Jungwon insisted, laughing. "I just started, I'll get busy next month."

"I thought you're already making a lot with the livestream stuff."

Jungwon snorted. "I still need a back up plan."

"Law school is your back up plan?" Jay shook his head in disbelief.

"I need something secure for my back up plan. What's your backup plan?"

Jay grimaced shamefully. "I don't have any. I am not really a planner."

The taxi driver glanced in the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of them comfortable in each other's presence. The radio remained off, the only sound was the rush of wind as Jungwon cranked down the window. The cool night air tousled their hair and brought with it the scent of the city at night.

"I was wrong about many things about you." Jay expressed genuinely. "You turned out to be.. pretty cool. No, you're amazing actually. Law school is kind of… sexy."

Jungwon gently nudged Jay's head away with his finger while Jay clung to his arm. "What about you? How'd you end up in interior design?"

"It's gonna sound cheesy, but I love the idea of creating spaces where people feel at home. Like, actual homes, not just houses."

"That's not cheesy at all. It's sweet, actually." Jungwon pressed his lips together. "Do you think what you have right now is a home?"

"I'd like to think so."

Their eyes met for a moment before both quickly looked away, small smiles playing on their lips.

It was Jay's turn to ask, "What's your hobby?" 

"I love taking a walk… eating good food, if you consider that a hobby at all. You?"

Jay thought for a moment. "I like to cook. I play guitar too but I haven't really had the time for it."

Jungwon nodded, then hesitated before asking, "Wanna hang out with me? We could do something together sometime?"

Jay's heart did a little flip. "Choi's Happy Plate?"

They both chuckled, the sound mingling with the hums of passing cars. Neither mentioned how their hands had found each other, fingers intertwined as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

The taxi rolled on, carrying them to home, or maybe, without them realizing it, they were already there.

ᨐฅ

Jay stood at the stove in Jungwon's kitchen. Sunlight streamed through the open windows. Jay hummed softly to himself, flipping pancakes.

Jungwon stumbled out of his bedroom, hair mussed and eyes still heavy with sleep. Jungwon blinked owlishly, as if not quite believing what he saw.

"Hyung?" There was a hint of a smile in it. "What are you doing here?"

"Good morning."

Jungwon hoisted himself up onto the kitchen island. "Thought I'd feel shitty because I drank a lot last night but this..." he waved his hand, encompassing the room, "...this helps."

"The food?" Jay asked, sliding a plate of pancakes across the counter.

Jungwon's eyes fixed on Jay. "Just this. You—here."

Something in Jungwon's tone made Jay turn. Jungwon was looking at him.

"Come here," Jungwon said softly.

Jay found himself moving without conscious thought, drawn into Jungwon like gravity. He stopped just short, close enough to feel the warmth of Jungwon's body.

"You know," Jungwon murmured, his fingers playing with the hem of Jay's shirt, "This place finally feels like home. Thank you."

"Because I designed it?"

"No, silly." Jungwon giggled. 

Jay felt like giggling too. "Okay, then why?"

"Seeing you standing there in my kitchen first thing in the morning just feels... right."

Before Jay could even finish smiling, Jungwon tugged him by his shirt and leaned in, pressing their lips together.

Jungwon kissed him.

Jay melted into the kiss. It was soft and slow, tasting of sleep and possibility. Jay's hands found Jungwon's waist, steadying himself as much as pulling him closer, and closer. Jungwon's arms looped around his neck, body started rolling against him, legs caging him. Tongues, drool, heavy breathing, hands rubbing and gripping on each other's body. 

Jungwon's eyes were hooded when he pulled away, breathless.

Jay could only stare in wonder. "Wait—did you just?"

"I did."

"You kissed me."

"What does this make me now?"

"Mine."

Jay let out a shaky laugh, resting his forehead against Jungwon's. "Wow."

"Is that okay?

"Okay? That is... yeah. More than okay."

ᨐฅ

Jungwon hunched over his computer, shoulders tense, looking more gargoyle than human. The office was already dark, everyone had gone home but not Jay. It was only Jay and his stale coffee against the night.

"Hyung?"

Jay jolted, knees banging against his desk. Papers fluttered to the floor as he whirled around, heart racing. His expression softened instantly at the sight of Jungwon in the doorway.

"Jungwon," Jay exhaled, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "You scared the crap out of me."

Jungwon stepped in, eyeing the chaos of Jay's desk. "Working overtime?"

Jay grimaced, gesturing vaguely at his computer. "Jake dumped this last-minute project on me. I'm so sorry about dinner, I—"

"Hey," Jungwon cut him off gently. "It's just food. We can grab something another time."

"How do you feel about eating Choi's Happy Plate here at my office? I know I said it's better to eat it there, but—"

"Yes, yes. We'll get takeout instead. No big deal." Jungwon shrugged, perching on the edge of Jay's desk. 

Jay leaned back, rubbing his eyes. Strained from looking at tiny lines for too long. It had been a long day, his back was also killing him.

Jungwon's laugh was soft, fond. "If there's anything that you want to get off your chest, I'm here. Don't keep it in." He opened his arms. "Come in, I will give you a hug."

One look at Jungwon and Jay was smiling again. Jungwon chuckled and sat on Jay's lap and pulled him into a bear hug. Jay let himself be enveloped in Jungwon's embrace with Jungwon's fingers working small circles on his back.

"Better?" Jungwon murmured into Jay's hair.

Jay hummed, pressing a kiss to the curve of Jungwon's neck. "You have no idea."

Jungwon pulled back slightly mischievously. "You know, there's something I want to get off your chest."

Jay groaned, but he was grinning. "Please don't say my shirt."

"Your shirt." 

Jungwon was already reaching for Jay's buttons and Jay's laughter echoed through the empty office, drowning out the soft thud of fabric hitting the floor.

He didn't need to ask why Jungwon was bringing lube and condoms everywhere he went. 

After all, Jungwon was Jay's slutty little pervert.

They started on Jay's desk, his papers now cluttering the floor. With Jungwon watching, Jay kissed and caressed his leg. Jay adored him. Every inch of skin that touched his lips was cherished.

Jay lifted up Jungwon's legs and held them by the thighs as he buried his face between Jungwon's firm ass cheeks. He licked and sucked on the rim, occasionally poking his tongue inside. 

Jungwon threw his head back blissfully, gripping onto the back of Jay's head as he was being eaten out. "Like that, hyung. More, more of that."

Jay rose to his feet and prodded his fingers into Jungwon, slicking up the tight hole while simultaneously stroking Jungwon. Jungwon let out a string of breathy curses and moans until Jay devoured his lips passionately and bruisingly. Desperate tangle of tongues. Tugs and nibbles. They couldn't get enough of each other.

With one leg lifted up, Jay thrust into him from the side for a deep penetration, causing both of them to cry out in pleasure.

They moved towards the windows, pressing Jungwon against the glass as their bodies slid against each other. Jungwon's swollen cock left a trail of precum on the clean surface. If anyone saw them right now, it would be a huge problem.

Jungwon seemed like he couldn't care less, too enraptured with Jay's cock buried deep inside him. His moans and whimpers filled the air as a dazed grin spread across his face.

"Aah—Jungwon, I— I can't—"

Jay was utterly consumed as well, unable to think about anything else but the intoxicating sight before him. He focused on the curve of Jungwon's waist as he rammed into him, relishing in the sight of him sliding in and out of Jungwon's tight ass clenching around him, in how Jungwon's ass jiggled with each thrust.

"Too good? Wish you could fuck me like this everyday, hyung?"

"Jungwon, Jungwon, Jungwon—" Jay chanted his name like a prayer, he was breathless—almost needy. He moaned, his hips bucking uncontrollably. "I'm— I-I'm… gonna cum—"

Jay released with a loud grunt and slowly pulled out. But before he could catch his breath, Jungwon turned around and grabbed his chin possessively.

"You think we're done?" Jungwon said sweetly, when he pulled away, hand moving down to wrap around Jay's neck. "We're not, hyung."

His hand continued to trail downwards until it reached Jay's half-hard member, which he began to stroke again.

"Jungwon, I already came—" Jay protested weakly.

"I said I'm not done. What's so difficult to understand?"

"I don't think it's possible it's barely a minute since—"

"You look hot when you're working" Jungwon breathed against his ear, not listening to his protests. "But you look even hotter when you're gasping after coming, only to see you getting hard again. You look dumb, hyung."

It got up.

ᨐฅ

[ BabyCat is *LIVE* ]

"Hello, I apologize for starting the livestream without any notice today. The concept is a bit different this time around. As you can see, I have a special guest joining me!" 

The camera was already rolling and viewers were fast to tune in. Jungwon sat on Jay's lap while Jay stiffened under him.

"Joining me today is my neighbor today and we'll do whatever you'd ask us to do!" Jungwon announced excitedly, draping his arm around Jay's shoulders. 

Jay avoided making contact with the camera, feeling too awkward with it. Especially when he couldn't move without feeling the shifting pressure of Jungwon's ass on his crotch.

"What do you think hyung?" Jungwon grabbed his face and pushed his thumb into his mouth. "Say hi to our viewers?"

hailhoonie : y'all hearing this?? 
kungyuhz: omggg are they forgetting to turn off the live
ddunoo_03: WTFFFFFFFFFF
iemoniimejuice: WHOS MOANING 
sunspearl: these crazy bastards lolllll
mintchoctea: omg gays 
mintchoctea: SAY HI TO BRAZIL 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
heejakeluvs: they're having sex for real???
val100_598: HOLY SHITTTTT
absolute__not: he's so gonna get banned for this lmao

Jungwon dragged his tongue along Jay's neck then lightly nibbled his ear, making him shudder. "Hyung, who do you belong to?"

"You."

[ BabyCat's Livestream Ended ]

ᨐฅ

Jay groaned and slowly opened his eyes, feeling disoriented. He could have sworn he heard Jungwon come in, but he was still too sleepy to fully process it.

"Jungwon, how did you get inside?" Jay asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"You gave me the passcode a week ago," Jungwon's voice came through muffled. "Have you heard? They say couples have to have sex on every new piece of furniture they buy."

"There's no such thing like that. You're making it up—Wait, where are—" Jay blinked and looked around. He didn't see Jungwon anywhere. He lifted the covers and saw Jungwon holding his dick against his cheek, his tongue darting out cheekily.

"Good morning, hyung!"

"Oh, god."

ᨐฅ