Work Text:
Park Chanyeol was a man who thrived on confidence and charisma. As one of the city’s top corporate lawyers, he had built a reputation for being unflappable in the courtroom and effortlessly charming outside of it. Tonight, at the annual charity gala held in a luxurious downtown hotel, Chanyeol’s presence was no different. His tailored black suit fit him like a second skin, and his silver tie caught the light every time he moved through the room, exchanging witty remarks and polite handshakes with ease.
But even as he smiled at the compliments tossed his way, Chanyeol’s mind began to wander. These galas were always the same—polished, predictable, and dreadfully boring. He sighed, eyeing the drink table in the corner. A champagne flute would at least make the night go down smoother.
Across the room, Byun Baekhyun nursed his own glass of champagne, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. As the CEO of a high-end fashion brand, Baekhyun had no love for these pretentious events. His presence here was purely strategic—networking, press coverage, and a chance to remind the world why his brand dominated the luxury market. Baekhyun’s sharp tongue often scared off potential sycophants, but he had found a certain satisfaction in watching them squirm. Tonight, though, he was in no mood for theatrics.
He turned toward the drink table, his thoughts focused on nothing in particular when—
*Crash!*
Baekhyun’s champagne flute tilted precariously, the golden liquid splashing forward and soaking into the shirt and tie of the tall man who had just collided with him.
“Oh no—sorry!” Baekhyun gasped, immediately grabbing a napkin from the table. He reached out to dab at the damage, only to be met with the surprised—and slightly amused—gaze of the man towering over him.
Chanyeol blinked, looking down at the glistening wet stain on his once-pristine silver tie. His perfect night had taken a very sudden and very wet detour. But instead of anger, a grin tugged at the corner of his lips.
“Well,” he said, his deep voice laced with amusement. “That’s one way to leave a lasting impression.”
Baekhyun straightened, his embarrassment quickly morphing into indignation. “If it helps, I didn’t *plan* to drench you in champagne.” His eyes flicked over Chanyeol’s expensive suit with something between apology and mild exasperation.
Chanyeol chuckled, brushing at his tie as though that would help. “You’re lucky it’s just the tie. My shirt is salvageable. For now.” His gaze lingered on Baekhyun—sharp features, a perfectly tailored suit, and an air of authority that seemed to command the room even though he wasn’t trying.
Baekhyun’s eyebrow quirked under the scrutiny. “Do you always analyze the people who spill drinks on you, or am I just special?”
“Special, clearly,” Chanyeol teased, the grin on his face growing wider. “But you owe me, you know.”
“Owe you?” Baekhyun echoed, incredulous. “*You* were the one walking without looking.”
“And you were the one holding a very full glass of champagne,” Chanyeol countered smoothly. He tilted his head, his smile turning playful. “I’ll call it even if you agree to a penalty.”
Baekhyun crossed his arms, his sharp gaze narrowing. “A penalty? What, are you fining me for your dry-cleaning bill?”
“Dinner,” Chanyeol declared, his tone teasing but firm. “Five-star restaurant. My treat. It’s only fair since you’ve already ruined my tie.”
Baekhyun snorted, unimpressed. “Dinner? Is that the best you can come up with? Do all lawyers flirt this badly?”
Chanyeol laughed, clearly enjoying the verbal sparring. “What, you don’t think I deserve a little compensation for my tie’s untimely demise?”
Baekhyun’s smirk turned mischievous, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “I’ll make you a deal,” he said, leaning closer, his voice low enough that Chanyeol had to dip his head slightly to hear him. “Win a case for my company, and I might consider your little dinner proposal.”
Chanyeol blinked, taken aback but not displeased. “You want me to… win a case for you? That’s a bit extreme for spilled champagne, don’t you think?”
“You’re a lawyer, aren’t you?” Baekhyun quipped. “Surely a challenge like this isn’t too difficult for someone as ‘charming’ as you.”
Chanyeol tilted his head, intrigued. He extended a hand, his grin wide. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
Baekhyun shook his hand firmly, his own smirk never wavering. “Good luck, lawyer boy. You’re going to need it.”
---
The days that followed were a whirlwind for Chanyeol. Baekhyun’s company had indeed found itself in a tricky legal dispute with a rival brand over licensing rights. As he delved deeper into the case, Chanyeol quickly realized two things: one, the case was a lot more complicated than he’d initially thought, and two, Baekhyun was as demanding a client as he was captivating.
Their interactions were filled with quick wit and subtle flirtation, the tension between them building with every meeting.
“Why are you late?” Baekhyun asked one morning, crossing his arms as Chanyeol strolled into his office.
“Traffic,” Chanyeol replied, his grin teasing. “Or maybe I just wanted to see how cute you’d look glaring at me.”
Baekhyun scoffed, but the corners of his mouth twitched. “Flattery isn’t going to win this case for you.”
“No,” Chanyeol said, leaning casually against the desk, “but it might win me that dinner.”
Baekhyun rolled his eyes but didn’t respond, his silence speaking volumes.
---
Late one night, after hours of work, they found themselves in Baekhyun’s office once again. Baekhyun leaned back in his chair, watching as Chanyeol went over the final details of their strategy.
“You’re good,” Baekhyun admitted softly. “Better than I thought you’d be.”
Chanyeol looked up, his eyes meeting Baekhyun’s. “I told you, I’m full of surprises.”
“Indeed,” Baekhyun murmured, standing and closing the distance between them.
Their faces were close now, the air between them charged.
“Dinner,” Baekhyun said, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I’ll consider it now.”
Chanyeol’s heart raced, but his grin never faltered. “Consider it? I think I’ve earned it.”
“We’ll see,” Baekhyun replied, his smirk softening into something more genuine.
And as Chanyeol realized in that moment, the case wasn’t the only thing worth fighting for.
---
When the day of the trial arrived, Chanyeol walked into the courtroom radiating his usual confidence. But this time, there was an added weight to his steps—a desire to win, not just for the professional satisfaction, but for the man sitting behind him, watching every move.
Baekhyun was a vision of composed authority, dressed impeccably in a dark suit that contrasted with his pale complexion. While his face remained neutral, his fingers lightly drummed against the armrest of his chair, betraying his nervous energy.
Chanyeol’s opening argument was razor-sharp, cutting through the rival brand’s claims with precision. He was calm, articulate, and devastatingly persuasive. Every objection he raised was sustained. Every point he made hit home. Baekhyun couldn’t help but be impressed.
By the time the ruling came down in their favor, Chanyeol had not only dismantled the opposing counsel’s argument but also ensured Baekhyun’s company retained its licensing rights, along with a hefty settlement.
As the judge’s gavel fell, Chanyeol turned to glance at Baekhyun, who allowed a rare, triumphant smile to break across his face. He stood, clapping slowly and deliberately as Chanyeol approached him.
“Well,” Baekhyun said, his voice smooth and teasing, “I suppose I underestimated you.”
Chanyeol smirked, his voice low as he leaned in. “Is that your way of saying I’ve earned that dinner?”
Baekhyun tilted his head, pretending to think. “Hmm, I suppose it’s only fair. After all, you did manage to impress me.”
Chanyeol chuckled, his grin widening. “That’s a dangerous compliment coming from you.”
Baekhyun rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it. “Pick a good restaurant, lawyer boy. I don’t settle for anything less than the best.”
---
Their first dinner was at a rooftop restaurant that overlooked the glittering city skyline. Baekhyun arrived precisely on time, dressed in a sleek black suit that made Chanyeol momentarily forget how to speak.
“You clean up well,” Baekhyun remarked, sliding into his seat across from Chanyeol.
“I could say the same about you,” Chanyeol replied, his eyes lingering just a little too long before catching himself.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, a mix of teasing jabs and genuine moments of connection. Chanyeol learned that Baekhyun’s sharp tongue wasn’t just for show—it was a defense mechanism that hid a softer side. Baekhyun discovered that behind Chanyeol’s confidence was a man who genuinely cared about the people he worked with, even if he liked to mask it with humor.
At one point, the waiter brought over a bottle of wine, and Chanyeol poured them both a glass.
“To unexpected meetings,” Chanyeol said, raising his glass.
Baekhyun clinked his glass against his, his smirk softening into a smile. “And to lawyers who can actually deliver.”
They laughed, the sound warm and unguarded, and for the first time in a long while, Baekhyun felt himself relaxing in someone else’s company.
---
As the weeks turned into months, their relationship blossomed. Chanyeol found himself looking forward to Baekhyun’s biting sarcasm and subtle smiles, while Baekhyun grew to appreciate Chanyeol’s unwavering determination and goofy charm.
They began spending time together outside of work—Baekhyun dragging Chanyeol to fashion shows (“You’re tall enough to model. Ever considered a career change?”), and Chanyeol introducing Baekhyun to his favorite jazz clubs (“You seem like the type who’d enjoy live music, even if you’ll never admit it.”).
There were plenty of moments where their differences clashed—Baekhyun’s meticulous attention to detail against Chanyeol’s more laid-back approach—but it only made their bond stronger.
One evening, as they walked along the Han River after dinner, Baekhyun glanced sideways at Chanyeol.
“You know,” he began, his tone light but sincere, “you’re not what I expected.”
Chanyeol raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a teasing smile. “Good or bad?”
Baekhyun looked ahead, the faintest hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Good. Definitely good.”
Chanyeol’s heart swelled, and he reached out, brushing his fingers against Baekhyun’s. “I could say the same about you.”
Baekhyun turned to him, his eyes sparkling under the moonlight. “Well, lawyer boy, I suppose I’ll have to keep you around a little longer.”
Chanyeol laughed, taking Baekhyun’s hand in his. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
And as they walked hand in hand, the city lights twinkling around them, both men realized that sometimes, the best things in life start with a little chaos—and a spilled glass of champagne.