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The late afternoon sun filtered through the canopy of a dense forest, casting dappled patches of light on the uneven ground. Han Maru walked a few steps behind Seonwoo, glancing around at the nearby poles planted at intervals along the trail. Each pole had a faintly glowing indicator and a small alarm box attached, blinking steadily as if to warn the world of impending danger.

“Seriously, these things are so old-school,” Maru muttered, jamming his hands into his pockets. “Why can’t we get, I don’t know, wristbands or something? Something less...

clunky

.”

“You’d break it within a day,” Seonwoo replied coldly, not bothering to look back.

Maru rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to kick a pebble down the trail. He’d spent enough time with Seonwoo to know the man didn’t talk much unless it was to deliver a cutting remark. Maru usually ignored it, but Seonwoo’s holier-than-thou attitude grated on him like nails on a chalkboard.

“Look, I’m just saying,

poles

?” Maru continued, gesturing vaguely. “We’re chasing rakshashas in the 21st century, and our tech looks like it belongs in the 80s.”

Seonwoo’s tone didn’t change, sharp and clipped. “If you spent more time paying attention and less time complaining, you’d realize the poles are synced to the HQ central system. They’re calibrated for rakshasha energy, not your convenience.”

Maru opened his mouth to argue, but then something shifted. The air around them grew unnervingly still, and the steady chirping of birds disappeared. A chill crept over the forest, and Maru’s hand twitched involuntarily at his side.

“You feel that?” Maru asked, his voice quieter now.

Seonwoo slowed, his gaze scanning the surrounding forest with a sharp focus. “It’s close,” he said, his tone dropping to something almost inaudible.

Maru swallowed, trying to shake off the sudden tension. “Creepy silence and ominous vibes? Yeah, I feel it. I feel it a lot.”

A low growl reverberated through the air, freezing them both in place. Then, without warning, a rakshasha burst out from the underbrush, its twisted limbs moving unnaturally fast as yellow dust billowed around it like a noxious cloud.

“Well, there it is,” Maru said, his voice tight. “That’s our guy. Or, uh, thing.”

Seonwoo didn’t waste any time. He darted forward with fluid precision, twisting his wrist sharply. The sickening crack of his finger breaking echoed in the still air, and the rakshasha’s right arm snapped at the same angle. The creature howled, stumbling back.

“Could you maybe

warn

me when you’re about to do that?” Maru shouted, ducking just as the rakshasha lashed out with its other claw.

Seonwoo didn’t answer. He was already stepping into the creature’s space, his movements calculated and unrelenting. Maru groaned, throwing himself into the fray with less finesse. His fist as he landed a solid punch to the rakshasha’s torso.

“Try not to screw this up,” Seonwoo snapped, dodging another wild swing.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Maru shot back. “I’ll let

you

handle all the screwing up.”

The fight was chaotic but efficient. Seonwoo’s precision strikes left the rakshasha reeling, each bone-breaking snap of his fingers systematically dismantling its limbs. Maru’s raw strength and gluttony-enhanced punches made up for his lack of grace, keeping the creature on the defensive.

But then the rakshasha let out a deafening roar, and the yellow dust surrounding it exploded outward. Maru staggered, coughing as the dust filled his lungs. When the haze cleared, the rakshasha was gone.

Maru waved a hand in front of his face, still coughing. “What the hell was that? It just—vanished?”

Seonwoo frowned but didn’t say anything. He turned and started walking back toward the trail without a word, his steps brisk and precise as always.

Maru groaned, trailing after him. “No ‘good job, Maru’? No ‘thanks for not dying’? Come on, Seonwoo, throw me a bone here.”

But Seonwoo didn’t respond, and Maru soon fell silent, too tired to keep up the banter. They trudged back toward the nearest pole, the faint blinking light ahead marking their way. Maru slowed as they approached, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Man, I can’t wait to get back,” he muttered, glancing at the pole’s blinking indicator. “This has been the longest day.”

Seonwoo didn’t stop walking. “Hurry up.”

Maru rolled his eyes but stayed put for a moment longer. When he finally took a step forward, Seonwoo suddenly staggered, clutching his chest as though something had hit him.

Maru froze, panic flaring. “Seonwoo? What the—”

Seonwoo recovered quickly, his glare sharp enough to cut steel. “What are you doing?”

Maru blinked, confused. “What am

I

doing? What are

you

doing?”

Seonwoo didn’t answer immediately. He stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and the pained look on his face eased. A realization flickered in his eyes.

“Take another step back,” he ordered.

Maru frowned. “What? Why?”

“Just do it.”

Reluctantly, Maru took a cautious step backward. The moment he did, a searing pain shot through his chest, and his legs gave out beneath him.

“Ah, crap!” Maru gasped, clutching at his ribs. The pain disappeared as soon as Seonwoo stepped closer.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Maru muttered, looking up at Seonwoo, who glared down at him with frustration and disbelief.

“It’s the rakshasha,” Seonwoo said coldly. “It cursed us. We can’t move more than two meters apart.”

Maru’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious? This is some kind of twisted joke, right?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Seonwoo snapped.

Maru scrambled to his feet, glaring right back. “Oh, this is just

fantastic

! I’m stuck with

you

? Around two meters? For how long?”

Seonwoo’s voice was ice. “Until we figure out how to break it.”

Maru let out a humorless laugh, throwing his hands in the air. “Great! Just great! Of all the people in the world, it had to be

you

!”

Seonwoo’s glare could have frozen fire. “Trust me, the feeling is mutual.”

###

The Ganghwa Island team's office buzzed with its usual post-mission rhythm as officers typed reports and exchanged chatter. Han Maru shuffled in, side-eyeing Seonwoo as they walked—too close for comfort, thanks to the cursed proximity tethering them together.

Nobody seemed to notice anything strange at first. Kang Chana was leaning back in her chair, casually inspecting her nails, while Jiwon Yun and Ibak Kim were caught in a heated debate about whose turn it was to restock the coffee supply. Yoseok Nam, always unbothered, sat at his desk, earbuds in, humming to himself.

Maru glanced around nervously. He hoped they could slip past unnoticed, at least until the others left. The last thing he needed was to be the subject of office gossip, especially when the gossip involved him being cursed to stay within two meters of Seonwoo Eden.

“Maru, your report,” Go Deokman called out from his desk without looking up. The captain’s deep voice carried authority but lacked the sharpness of someone expecting immediate compliance.

Seonwoo nudged Maru with his elbow. “He’s waiting.”

Maru shot him a glare. “Don’t rush me. I’m thinking.”

“Thinking isn’t your strong suit,” Seonwoo deadpanned.

“Wow, thanks,” Maru muttered. Begrudgingly, he stepped forward, only to feel the sharp tug of pain the moment he moved a hair too far. He stumbled back, hissing through clenched teeth.

Kang Chana’s chair squeaked as she swiveled toward them, an eyebrow arched. “You okay, Maru? You look like you just got punched in the gut.”

“Uh, no, I’m fine!” Maru lied, straightening up. He shot a desperate look at Seonwoo, who merely sighed and stepped forward to cover the gap, easing the pain.

Kang Chana didn’t seem convinced but shrugged it off. “Whatever you say.”

The clock ticked on, and one by one, the others began to leave. Jiwon Yun grumbled something about long shifts, Ibak Kim yawned as he packed up his things, and Yoseok Nam waved a lazy goodbye on his way out the door.

When the office was finally empty, save for Captain Go Deokman, Maru nudged Seonwoo again. “Now or never.”

Deokman looked up from his paperwork, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “You two still here? What is it?”

Maru fidgeted, scratching the back of his head. “Uh, Captain, we… ran into a bit of a situation on the last mission.”

Seonwoo stepped forward, his voice steady and matter-of-fact. “The rakshasha cursed us. We can’t be more than two meters apart.”

Deokman blinked, his face unreadable. He slowly leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Explain.”

Maru quickly filled him in on the details—the fight, the yellow dust, and the painful effect they experienced when trying to move apart.

By the time he finished, Deokman was pinching the bridge of his nose. “So, let me get this straight. You’re stuck together?”

“Temporarily,” Seonwoo corrected.

“I hope so,” Maru added, clearly less confident.

For a long moment, the captain didn’t say anything. Then, to Maru’s horror, Deokman chuckled. It was a low, gravelly sound, almost like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Well, this is a first,” Deokman said, shaking his head. “I’ll notify HQ and see if they’ve dealt with this kind of thing before. In the meantime…”His lips twitched, the beginnings of a smirk threatening to break through his usually stoic demeanor. “Try not to kill each other.”

Maru groaned, slumping into a nearby chair. “Too late.”

Seonwoo shot him a side-eye but didn’t respond.

###

The sun had long set by the time Seonwoo and Maru found themselves standing side by side in the dimly lit parking lot, facing Seonwoo’s sleek black sedan. The cool night air carried an awkward silence between them as they avoided looking at each other.

“So…” Maru broke the silence first, scratching the back of his neck. “Where are we crashing tonight? Because if you’re thinking of heading back to my place, I gotta warn you—it’s, uh… cozy.”

“Define ‘cozy,’” Seonwoo said flatly, unlocking the car with a sharp beep.

“Single bed, no couch, and about enough floor space to turn around without bumping into the walls,” Maru admitted, holding up his hands defensively. “But hey, it’s got

character

! You’d love it.”

Seonwoo didn’t even dignify that with a response. He opened the driver’s side door and leaned against it, his piercing gaze cutting through Maru like he was assessing just how much of a nuisance this night was going to be.

“You’re suggesting we cram into your shoebox apartment,” Seonwoo finally said, “when I have a fully furnished, spacious home with more than one bedroom?”

Maru crossed his arms, smirking. “Yeah, but you’d hate my place less. Think about it—if we go to your fancy setup, you’re just gonna spend all night glaring at me for ruining your pristine vibe. At my place, your expectations are already rock bottom. It’s a win-win.”

Seonwoo’s expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. “I’m not staying at your apartment.”

“Suit yourself,” Maru said with a shrug. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you when your five-star lifestyle takes a nosedive into three-star territory because of me.”

Seonwoo closed his eyes, took a slow breath, and pinched the bridge of his nose. “We’re going to my place,” he said through gritted teeth.

Maru grinned, victory was written all over his face. “I knew you’d come around.”

“But,” Seonwoo added sharply, “we’re stopping by your apartment first. You’re not bringing whatever you’re wearing now into my home for the night.”

Maru looked down at himself, feigning offense. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? This is peak functionality.”

Seonwoo opened the passenger door and gestured inside. “Just get in the car.”

“Alright, alright,” Maru said, sliding into the passenger seat. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you when my closet of essentials turns out to be your new favorite thing. You might even learn something about practical living.”

Seonwoo muttered something under his breath that Maru couldn’t quite catch, but it sounded suspiciously like

‘doubtful.’

As they pulled out of the lot, Maru leaned back, grinning to himself.

###

The drive to Maru’s apartment was filled with a tense, semi-comfortable silence, punctuated only by the occasional sarcastic comment from Maru and Seonwoo’s stoic refusal to engage. The moment they arrived, Seonwoo parked the car with the precision of a man trying to make a point.

Maru stepped out and gestured toward his building. “Welcome to Han Maru's humble place. Prepare yourself for an experience in minimalist living.”

Seonwoo didn’t bother with a reply, opting to lean against the car while Maru headed up to his place.

It wasn’t long before Maru returned, carrying a stuffed duffel bag slung over his shoulder. “Okay, I’ve got the essentials: clothes, a toothbrush, my favorite ramen, and my lucky mug.”

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow. “You’re bringing a

mug

?”

“Yeah,” Maru said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “It’s lucky. It’s gotten me through a lot, okay?”

Seonwoo stared at him for a long moment, then turned back toward the car. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And you’re surprisingly okay with letting me invade your personal space for the foreseeable future,” Maru shot back, tossing his bag into the backseat. “I think we’re both breaking new ground here.”

They climbed into the car and resumed their journey to Seonwoo’s place.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Seonwoo’s apartment was exactly what Maru had imagined: sleek, modern, and painfully clean. The kind of place that felt more like a showroom than a home. Maru couldn’t resist whistling as they walked in.“Wow. I didn’t think places like this existed outside of movies. Do you even live here, or is this just for show?”Seonwoo closed the door behind them and dropped his keys onto the pristine kitchen counter. “Unlike you, I don’t treat my home like a storage unit for junk.”Maru grinned, already toeing off his shoes and dropping his duffel onto the immaculate floor. “Don’t worry, I’ll bring some life into this place. First thing tomorrow, I’ll find a corner to clutter up—give it some personality.” ### Seonwoo’s glare was icy. “If you so much as leave a sock on the floor, I’ll throw you out the window.”“Noted,” Maru said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “But, uh… where am I sleeping?”Seonwoo crossed his arms, gesturing toward the living room. “The couch.”Maru glanced at the plush, ridiculously comfortable-looking sectional and gave an approving nod. “Not bad. I’ve slept on worse.”Seonwoo sighed, clearly regretting every life choice that had led to this moment. He turned and walked toward his bedroom, his steps clipped with frustration.The moment he stepped inside his room, the curse struck. A sharp, searing pain shot through both their chests and Seonwoo doubled over with a strangled groan.Maru, who had been midway through fluffing a cushion, yelped and clutched at his ribs. “What the hell?!”Realizing what had happened, Seonwoo stumbled back out into the living room, his face twisted with rage and discomfort. “ You. Stay. Here.”“Like I had a choice?!” Maru snapped, straightening up and wincing. “This stupid curse doesn’t care about your personal space!”Seonwoo pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering a string of curses under his breath. He paced a few steps away, testing the distance, but stopped the moment the pain threatened to return. He glared at Maru like it was his fault.“Well, looks like your couch idea is not gonna work out,” Maru said with a smug grin. “Guess I’ll just have to bunk with you.”“Absolutely not,” Seonwoo hissed.“What’s your plan then? Build me a nest on the floor?” Maru gestured around the pristine apartment. “Oh wait, you don’t even own a blanket that isn’t perfectly folded away in a drawer, do you?”Seonwoo stared at him, his jaw working like he was suppressing the urge to scream. “Fine. Fine. But if you so much as snore, I’ll make you regret it.”Maru clapped his hands together. “Aw, sharing a bed already? You’re moving so fast, Seonwoo. I’m flattered.”“Shut up,” Seonwoo growled, stomping back toward his bedroom. This time, Maru dutifully followed, staying within their cursed radius.As they entered the room, Maru looked around with exaggerated admiration. “Wow, your bed looks more expensive than my entire apartment.” He poked at the immaculately made bedding. “And probably twice as comfortable.”“You touch one pillow the wrong way, and I’ll throw you out the window,” Seonwoo warned, already climbing into his side of the bed.Maru grinned and flopped onto the other side, sprawling out like he owned the place. “Don’t worry. I’m a very considerate bedmate. No kicking, no stealing blankets. Well, maybe a little blanket-stealing if it gets cold.”Seonwoo turned off the bedside lamp with a sharp click, plunging the room into darkness. “If you so much as breathe loudly, I’m throwing you out of this apartment .”Maru’s soft laughter filled the silence. “This is gonna be fun, I can feel it.”From the other side of the bed came a long, suffering sigh.###The apartment was quiet, save for the faint hum of the city outside and the soft breathing of its two unwilling occupants. Han Maru lay sprawled on the edge of Seonwoo’s pristine bed, bundled in a corner of the comforter. Despite his earlier bravado, the warmth of the luxury mattress had quickly lulled him into an unusually deep sleep.Hours passed uneventfully until, in the early hours of dawn, Maru’s breathing hitched. His body tensed, his fingers clutching at the sheets as his chest tightened. The once-comforting darkness around him twisted into something suffocating.Then he saw it.The black shadow loomed at the foot of the bed, its form formless yet menacing, a spectral mockery of the rakshasha that had once nearly killed him. Its eyes gleamed with malice, staring straight into his soul.Maru jolted upright, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Sweat drenched his body, plastering his messy black hair to his forehead. He clutched his chest, trying to fight off the familiar sensation of a boulder pressing against his ribs.He felt trapped. Caged. The black figure moved closer, tendrils of shadow curling around the edge of the bed.“No,” Maru choked out, his voice a whisper. “You’re not real. You’re not—”“What the hell?” Seonwoo’s voice cut through the haze like a blade.Maru blinked, the shadows dissolving as light spilled into the room. Seonwoo had flicked on the bedside lamp and was now sitting up, his hair slightly mussed from sleep, his sharp eyes narrowing in confusion and concern.“What’s going on?” Seonwoo asked, his tone colder than the worry reflected in his gaze.Maru tried to steady his breathing, pressing a shaking hand to his forehead. “Nothing. It’s fine. Go back to sleep.”Seonwoo didn’t move, his gaze fixed on Maru. “That’s not ‘nothing.’ You look like you’ve run a marathon. Are you having a heart attack?”“No.” Maru hesitated, swallowing hard. “It’s just... a panic attack. It’ll pass.”Seonwoo stared at him for a moment before sighing. “What triggered it?”Maru looked away, the lingering image of the shadow still fresh in his mind. “Just... nightmares. It’s stupid.”“Is this why you were digging through your bag earlier? For meds?”Maru winced. “I forgot to take them before bed. It’s not a big deal.”“Clearly, it is.” Seonwoo got up, his movements brisk and purposeful. He walked out of the room, returning moments later with a glass of water.Maru blinked at the unexpected gesture as Seonwoo shoved the glass into his hands.“Drink,” Seonwoo ordered, settling back down on his side of the bed. “And don’t bother lying down until you’ve calmed down. I’m not dealing with you hyperventilating in your sleep.”Maru let out a weak chuckle, though it was more of a croak. “Wow, so caring. Is this how you treat all your cursed roommates?”“Don’t flatter yourself,” Seonwoo replied, crossing his arms. “If you collapse, it’ll probably drag me down with you. I’m just protecting my own health.”Despite his words, there was a faint softness in Seonwoo’s voice that wasn’t lost on Maru. He took a few careful sips of the water, the tremor in his hands gradually subsiding. The oppressive weight in his chest lightened, though the lingering embarrassment gnawed at him.“Thanks,” Maru muttered after a moment.Seonwoo didn’t respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the far wall. “Just take your meds next time.”“I will,” Maru promised.The silence stretched between them, not quite comfortable but not as tense as before. Eventually, Maru lay back down, this time careful to avoid the edge of the bed. He still felt the weight of the nightmare, but Seonwoo’s steady presence anchored him in reality. And, for a fleeting moment, Maru didn’t feel quite so alone.###The sunlight filtering through the curtains was the first thing Han Maru registered, followed by the faint aroma of coffee brewing somewhere in the apartment. He blinked groggily, his body achy and sprawled precariously on the very edge of Seonwoo Eden’s large, meticulously made bed.For a moment, he forgot about the cursed proximity until a sharp tug in his chest jolted him fully awake.“ Ow, ” he groaned, instinctively clutching his chest. He turned his head just enough to see Seonwoo on the other side of the bed, sitting up against the headboard and reading something on his phone.“You’re awake,” Seonwoo said flatly, not bothering to look up.Maru scowled. “Did you pull me on purpose?”“No,” Seonwoo replied, setting his phone down on the nightstand. “You almost rolled off the bed. I moved. It’s not my fault you’re too clumsy to stay still.”Maru sat up and glared at him, his hair sticking out in messy tufts. “You could’ve just woken me up like a normal person instead of using the curse as an alarm clock.”Seonwoo’s tone remained as frosty as ever. “I don’t wake up normal people. I’m certainly not starting with you.”Maru groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Great. I’m rooming with a human icicle.”Seonwoo didn’t dignify that with a response, instead getting up and heading toward the kitchen. Maru watched him go, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. The tugging sensation from the curse disappeared as soon as Seonwoo stopped moving, but it lingered in Maru’s memory like a dull ache.With a resigned sigh, Maru swung his legs off the bed and shuffled after him.The smell of coffee greeted him as he reached the kitchen. Seonwoo was already sipping from a pristine white mug, his dark blue hair perfectly in place despite just waking up. Maru, by contrast, looked like he’d just crawled out of a fight with a particularly vengeful pillow.“So,” Maru said, leaning against the counter, “what’s for breakfast?”“Whatever you make for yourself,” Seonwoo replied without looking up.Maru raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? You’re not even going to make toast or anything? You made coffee, for crying out loud.”“That’s because coffee is for me,” Seonwoo said coolly.Maru groaned. “Fine. But don’t blame me if I burn your fancy stove while I’m at it.”Seonwoo finally looked at him, his gaze sharp. “You’d better not.”Smirking, Maru began rummaging through the fridge, eventually pulling out bread and eggs. He started frying them with exaggerated care, throwing a glance at Seonwoo every so often just to see him twitch at every misstep.“Relax, I’m not going to set your kitchen on fire,” Maru teased, cracking an egg a little too hard so that some of it splattered onto the counter.Seonwoo’s eye twitched. “You’re insufferable.”“Part of my charm,” Maru quipped, flipping the egg with an unnecessary flourish.They managed to finish breakfast without any major disasters—or arguments that couldn’t be resolved with thinly veiled insults. But when the time came to shower, the curse reminded them just how difficult their situation was.“You go first,” Maru said, crossing his arms.“No,” Seonwoo replied without hesitation, grabbing a towel.Maru sighed. “Okay, but what’s your plan here? Are you just going to stand two meters away glaring at me the entire time?”“I’ll wait by the door. You have five minutes,” Seonwoo said.“Generous,” Maru muttered, rolling his eyes as he grabbed his own towel.Sharing a bed was one thing, but the two-meter limit made showering way more awkward than Maru had anticipated. He shut the bathroom door as much as he could with Seonwoo standing just outside it, leaning against the frame with an air of barely concealed irritation.“This is the worst,” Maru muttered as he rinsed shampoo from his hair.“You’ve said that four times already,” Seonwoo replied dryly.“Because it keeps being true! ” ### When they arrived at the Ganghwa Island Special Civil Service office, the atmosphere was the usual blend of chaos and begrudging routine. Officers moved about, some typing furiously on computers, others sorting through paperwork or gearing up for their next missions.Maru trudged in with Seonwoo a step behind, the invisible tether between them pulling taut every time one of them veered slightly off course.“Morning!” Kang Chana greeted brightly, waving from her desk near the entrance. “You two look... close today.”Maru shot her a deadpan look. “You have no idea.”Before Kang Chana could ask any follow-up questions, Deokman Go appeared, his towering frame and authoritative air parting the sea of bustling officers. “You’re late.” His voice was stern, though not without a hint of dry humor.“Blame the cursed proximity issue,” Maru said, gesturing vaguely between himself and Seonwoo.Go raised an eyebrow. “Still not resolved?”“Not yet,” Seonwoo replied curtly, brushing past Maru to take his usual spot at the team’s shared table.Deokman’s gaze flicked between the two of them before letting out a resigned sigh. “Well, you’d better make it work. There’s a lot on our plate today.”As the team settled in, Maru and Seonwoo awkwardly navigated their way to the meeting area, still bound by the curse. Seonwoo took the seat closest to the window, forcing Maru to sit right beside him.Yun Jiwon  and Kim Ibak  were already there, Jiwon tapping away on her tablet while Ibak lounged back, balancing a pen on his finger. Nam Yoseok , the public civil service officer, entered last, juggling a stack of papers and his ever-present cup of tea.“So,” Yoseok began, a sly grin spreading across his face as he looked at Maru and Seonwoo, “how’s life in each other’s pocket? Getting cozy yet?”Maru glared at him. “If by ‘cozy,’ you mean constantly being on the verge of strangling each other, then sure.”“Don’t encourage him,” Seonwoo said, shooting Yoseok a withering look.“Come on,” Yoseok teased, leaning forward. “There’s got to be some perks. You’re both, uh… single, right? Maybe this is fate!”Maru sputtered. “Fate? Are you kidding me? This is the universe playing a cruel joke, not some rom-com setup!”“Definitely not a rom-com,” Seonwoo added, his tone ice-cold.“Could’ve fooled me,” Chana chimed in, smirking as she plopped into her seat. “You two bicker like an old married couple.”Han Maru buried his face in his hands. “Why do I even show up here?”“Because it’s your job,” Jiwon said without looking up from her tablet, her tone matter-of-fact.“Exactly,” Go Deokman interjected, silencing the chatter with a pointed look. “And speaking of your job, we’ve got reports of another rakshasha sighting near the east ridge. A smaller one this time, but we’re not taking any chances. Chana and Ibak, you’re handling the site survey. Maru and Seonwoo…”Maru groaned preemptively.“You’re on containment duty if it shows up. No exceptions.”Maru leaned back in his chair, sighing dramatically. “Great. More quality time with my favorite person.”Seonwoo ignored him, already reviewing the  details on the tablet Deokman had handed over.“Try not to let the curse mess up the operation,” Go added dryly, his sharp gaze softening just slightly. “We need everyone in sync out there.”Maru gave a mock salute. “Yes, sir. Syncing like pros.”Chana snickered, and even Jiwon allowed a faint smirk to cross her face.The team dispersed to prepare for the day’s tasks, leaving Maru and Seonwoo standing awkwardly near the equipment lockers.“So,” Maru began, shoving his hands into his pockets, “another day, another rakshasha. Think we’ll survive without killing each other this time?”Seonwoo shot him a look that was somewhere between exasperation and mild amusement. “If you don’t talk too much, maybe.”Maru grinned. “No promises.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The midday sun was high as Han Maru and Seonwoo trudged through the undergrowth near the east ridge. The trees around them were sparse compared to the denser forest they’d fought in before, but the air carried a tense stillness, the kind that always preceded a rakshasha’s appearance.Maru kicked a loose rock with the toe of his boot, watching it skitter across the dry dirt path. “You know, I never thought I’d be spending my day tied to you while hunting monsters. Real dream job, huh?”“Stop complaining,” Seonwoo snapped, scanning their surroundings with sharp, calculating eyes. “You’re the one who wanted this job so badly.”“Yeah, well, I didn’t sign up for the part where I have to share a bed and bathroom with you,” Maru retorted.“Neither did I.”Their argument was cut short by a faint, guttural growl echoing through the air. Both of them froze, immediately falling into a cautious stance.“You hear that?” Maru whispered, his voice barely audible.Seonwoo nodded, his hand hovering near his side as if preparing to break a bone. “It’s close. Stay focused.”Maru rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. He knew better than to take these moments lightly, even if Seonwoo’s constant seriousness annoyed him.The growling grew louder, accompanied by the sound of snapping branches. A shadow darted between the trees ahead, and then the rakshasha emerged—a smaller one than the one they’d fought before but no less menacing. Its body was hunched and sinewy, its claws glinting like polished obsidian. Yellow dust swirled around it in a lazy, malevolent haze.“Perfect,” Maru muttered. The rakshasha lunged without warning, its claw slicing through the air. Seonwoo sidestepped smoothly, twisting his wrist. With a sickening crack, his index finger snapped backward, and the rakshasha’s right arm bent unnaturally, eliciting a guttural shriek.Maru darted forward. His fist connected with the creature’s midsection, the impact sending it staggering back.“Teamwork, huh?” Maru said, flashing a grin. “We’re like a well-oiled machine.”Seonwoo didn’t bother responding, his focus entirely on the rakshasha.The creature recovered quickly, its remaining arm lashing out in a wide arc. Maru ducked, barely avoiding the blow, and countered with a kick aimed at its legs. The rakshasha stumbled but didn’t fall, its yellow dust thickening as it snarled and lashed out again.“Keep it distracted,” Seonwoo ordered, his voice sharp.“What do you think I’m doing?” Maru shot back, narrowly dodging another swipe.Seonwoo didn’t reply, instead snapping another finger. The rakshasha’s leg twisted grotesquely, and this time, the creature collapsed to the ground, howling in pain.Maru didn’t waste the opportunity. He charged forward, channeling every ounce of his strength into a final punch aimed at the creature’s head. The impact was enough to silence the rakshasha, its body crumpling lifelessly as the yellow dust around it dissipated into the air.Panting, Maru straightened and wiped the sweat from his brow. “And that’s how it’s done.”Seonwoo crossed his arms, his expression unimpressed. “You’re too slow. If it had been faster, you’d be dead.”“Wow, thanks for the motivational speech, Coach,” Maru said, rolling his eyes. “Maybe next time you can let me fight it alone and see how fast I am then.”“Don’t tempt me.”Before their bickering could escalate, a faint beeping sound emanated from Maru’s pocket. He pulled out his phone and frowned at the display.“It’s Captain,” he said, pressing the call button. “Hey, Captain. We got the rakshasha.”“Good,” Deokman’s voice crackled through the line. “The site survey team found some unusual activity nearby. I need you two to check it out before coming back.”Maru groaned, slumping against a tree. “You’ve got to be kidding me. We just finished fighting—”“Maru,” Go interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Now.”“Fine, fine,” Maru grumbled, ending the call. He glanced at Seonwoo, who was already scanning their surroundings again. “Looks like we’re not done yet.”“Then stop wasting time,” Seonwoo said, already moving in the direction Go had indicated.Maru sighed and followed, the invisible tether between them pulling taut once more.###By the time they returned to the office that evening, both Han Maru and Seonwoo were bone-tired. The additional site survey had yielded nothing but faint traces of rakshasha activity—just enough to make them more paranoid without offering any real answers.Maru collapsed into his desk chair, kicking off his boots with a dramatic groan. “I swear, if one more person tells me to ‘check it out,’ I’m going to lose it.”“Stop whining,” Seonwoo said, hanging his jacket on the back of his chair with the same precision he applied to everything else. “We have a job to do.”Maru tilted his head, shooting him a glare. “Yeah, yeah, Mr. Perfect. Some of us weren’t built to be high-functioning robots.”Seonwoo ignored him, instead pulling up the mission report on his computer. Maru watched him out of the corner of his eye, studying the sharp lines of his face and the way his hands moved fluidly over the keyboard.“Do you ever, like, relax?” Maru asked suddenly, leaning back in his chair. “Or is this your whole personality?”Seonwoo didn’t look up. “You’re distracting me.”“That’s not a no,” Maru said, smirking.Before Seonwoo could retort, the office door swung open, and Kang Chana strolled in, followed closely by Kim Ibak  and Yun Jiwon .“Hey, lovebirds,” Kang Chana said with a grin, tossing a file onto Maru’s desk. “Heard you two had another run-in with a rakshasha today. Fun times?”Maru groaned, leaning forward to bury his face in his arms. “It was something. ”“You mean it was everything, ” Seonwoo corrected, his tone flat.Kang Chana raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. “You know, for people cursed to be stuck together, you’re handling it pretty well. I’d have murdered him by now,” she added, jerking her thumb at Maru.“Hey!” Maru protested, sitting up. “I’m a delight!”“Sure you are,” Kang Chana said, rolling her eyes.Jiwon chuckled, perching on the edge of Seonwoo’s desk. “So, what’s the plan? You two just… live like this forever?”Maru sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. “Apparently. Unless someone figures out how to break this curse, I guess we’re roommates for life.”The group exchanged amused looks, but Seonwoo’s sharp glare shut down any teasing comments before they could start.“Focus on your own tasks,” Seonwoo said coldly. “We don’t have time for idle chatter.”“Man, you’re no fun,” Ibak muttered, shaking his head.As the others dispersed to their own desks, Maru leaned closer to Seonwoo, lowering his voice. “You know, you could try not being such a killjoy for five seconds.”“I don’t care about their opinions,” Seonwoo replied, not even glancing at him.“Yeah, but you care about mine, right?” Maru said, his tone turning teasing.Seonwoo’s fingers paused on the keyboard, just for a second. It was barely noticeable, but Maru caught it. A small victory.Before he could push his luck further, Captain Go Deokman entered the room, his presence commanding immediate attention.“Team,” Go said, addressing them all, “the HQ wants a detailed analysis of today’s rakshasha activity. Seonwoo, Maru, you’ll handle the report.”Maru groaned again, slumping in his chair. “Why us? We already did all the hard work!”“Because you were there,” Go replied simply, then added with a faint smirk, “And because I like seeing you suffer.”The office erupted in laughter, even Seonwoo’s lips twitching slightly at the captain’s jab.Maru scowled, muttering under his breath as he turned to his computer. “Great. Just what I needed—homework.”Seonwoo glanced at him, his expression softening ever so slightly. “Stop complaining. I’ll handle the bulk of it.”Maru blinked, caught off guard. “Wait… seriously?”“Just try not to mess up your part,” Seonwoo said, his tone still sharp but lacking its usual bite.Maru grinned, leaning closer with mock sincerity. “Aw, Seonwoo. Are you going soft on me?”Seonwoo didn’t reply, but Maru swore he saw the faintest hint of a blush on his ears.###The weekend rolled around, bringing with it a rare day off for the Ganghwa Island team. Maru had been lounging on the couch, flipping through channels and enjoying the lazy morning, when his phone buzzed loudly on the coffee table. He groaned, picking it up.“Who calls this early on a weekend?” he muttered, squinting at the screen. When he saw the caller ID— Mom —he sat up straighter.“Hello?” Maru answered, bracing himself.“Maru-ah!” his mother’s warm, booming voice came through the line. “I haven’t seen you in ages! Are you planning to rot away on that island without visiting your old mom?”Maru winced. “I’ve been busy, Mom. You know, office work and all that.”“Excuses! You’re not too busy to eat, are you? Come over this weekend. I’m making bulgogi.”At the mention of bulgogi, Maru’s resolve crumbled. He glanced at Seonwoo, who was at the kitchen counter making coffee, perfectly oblivious to the conversation.“Fine, fine. I’ll come,” Maru relented. Maru sighed, putting the phone down.“What’s that look for?” Seonwoo asked, setting his mug on the counter.Maru hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. “We’ve got plans for today.”Seonwoo frowned. “ We ? What plans?”“Visiting my mom.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

A couple of hours later, they stood outside a modest but well-kept house on the outskirts of the city. It had a cozy, lived-in feel, with flower boxes under the windows and wind chimes hanging from the porch.

Maru didn’t seem particularly fazed, but Seonwoo was on high alert. Meeting family wasn’t something he did often—or ever—and he wasn’t sure how to handle it.

“Relax,” Maru said, noticing Seonwoo’s tense posture. “She’s not going to bite.”

“I’m not tense,” Seonwoo replied, though his rigid shoulders said otherwise.

The door swung open before Maru could ring the bell, revealing a woman who could only be described as

formidable.

She was tall and broad-shouldered, with biceps that strained against the sleeves of her T-shirt. Her short, practical haircut and sharp eyes gave her an air of authority, but the wide smile on her face softened her entire demeanor.

“Maru-ah!” she exclaimed, pulling him into a bone-crushing hug.

“Mom,” Maru wheezed, tapping her arm. “Air.”

She released him with a laugh before turning her attention to Seonwoo, who was staring at her, wide-eyed.

“And who’s this?” she asked, her hands on her hips.

“This is Seonwoo,” Maru said, gesturing toward him. “My coworker. We’re sort of… stuck together right now.”

“Stuck together?” she echoed, raising an eyebrow.

“Long story,” Maru mumbled.

Seonwoo, meanwhile, straightened his posture and bowed politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

Maru’s mom laughed, clapping him on the shoulder—hard enough to make him stumble slightly. “No need to be so formal! Call me Auntie. Come in, come in.”

She ushered them inside, and Seonwoo stepped into a warm, welcoming space. The walls were adorned with family photos, and the air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of marinated beef cooking on the stove.

“Shoes off, boys,” she called as she headed to the kitchen. “Maru, set the table. Seonwoo, make yourself at home!”

Maru kicked off his sneakers and nudged Seonwoo, who was still standing awkwardly by the door.

“See?” Maru said with a grin. “Told you she’s harmless.”

Seonwoo glanced at the living room, where a set of heavy dumbbells sat next to the coffee table, and raised an eyebrow. “Harmless isn’t the word I’d use.”

***

Over lunch, the atmosphere was surprisingly light. Maru and his mom bantered like old friends, their dynamic filled with equal parts teasing and affection.

“So, Seonwoo,” she said, piling more bulgogi onto his plate despite his protests. “What’s it like working with my son? He’s a handful, isn’t he?”

“Mom!” Maru groaned, slumping in his seat.

Seonwoo hesitated, glancing at Maru, who shot him a warning look. “He’s… enthusiastic,” he said diplomatically, earning a snort from Maru’s mom.

“That’s one way to put it,” she said with a laugh. “I’m glad he has someone to keep him in line. Heaven knows he needs it.”

Maru muttered something under his breath, but his mom ignored him, turning her attention back to Seonwoo.

“You’re too skinny,” she declared, eyeing him critically. “You need more meat on your bones. Eat up.”

Seonwoo blinked, unsure how to respond. “I… will.”

By the end of the meal, Seonwoo felt strangely at ease. Maru’s mom was unlike anyone he’d ever met—blunt but kind, intimidating yet warm. He could see where Maru got his stubbornness and sense of humor.

As they prepared to leave, she pulled Maru into another crushing hug and patted Seonwoo’s arm affectionately.

“Take care of each other, okay?” she said, her tone more serious.

“We will,” Maru promised, and for once, there was no trace of sarcasm in his voice.

***

Back in the car, Seonwoo was uncharacteristically quiet.

“Don’t tell me you’re still intimidated,” Maru teased as he started the engine.

Seonwoo glanced at him, his expression unreadable. “Your mother is… impressive.”

Maru grinned. “Yeah, she is.”

Seonwoo looked out the window, his tone softening just a fraction. “You’re lucky to have her.”

Maru paused, caught off guard by the sincerity in Seonwoo’s voice. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “I know.”

They drove in comfortable silence, the weight of the visit lingering between them—not unpleasant, but thoughtful.
 
***
 
Later that afternoon, Maru slumped against the kitchen counter, staring into the near-empty fridge. A half-empty carton of eggs, a lone bottle of water, and some sad-looking vegetables greeted him. The pantry wasn’t any better—no ramen, no chips, not even the emergency stash of chocolate.

He sighed dramatically, loud enough for Seonwoo, who was reading on the couch, to look up.

“What’s with the theatrics?” Seonwoo asked, raising an eyebrow.

“We’re out of snacks,” Maru declared, shutting the fridge with a flourish. “And beer. How am I supposed to survive the weekend like this?”

Seonwoo rolled his eyes. “You could, I don’t know, eat actual food?”

Maru ignored him, grabbing his jacket. “Come on. We’re going grocery shopping.”

Seonwoo blinked. “We?”

“Yes, we,” Maru said, already heading for the door. Then, with a pointed glance over his shoulder, he added, “Unless you want to starve, of course.”

Without missing a beat, he deliberately stepped beyond the two-meter limit, a sly grin tugging at his lips. The curse activated immediately, and Seonwoo staggered forward, yanked by the invisible force.

“Maru,” Seonwoo hissed, his tone icy as he caught himself.

Maru turned, feigning innocence. “What? Just testing if you’re paying attention.”

Seonwoo’s glare could’ve pierced steel. “Do that again, and you’ll regret it.”

Maru chuckled, unabashed. “Relax. Think of it as motivation to stick close. Now, come on, I’m starving.”

***

The pair found themselves at the nearest supermarket, walking side by side through the aisles. It was a surreal scene—Seonwoo’s imposing, stoic presence beside Maru’s slightly disheveled, more casual demeanor. They drew a few curious glances from shoppers, but Maru was oblivious, too engrossed in tossing random snacks into the cart.

“Do you really need all of that?” Seonwoo asked, frowning as Maru added a family-sized bag of chips to the growing pile.

“Yes,” Maru said firmly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. He glanced at Seonwoo’s unimpressed expression and grinned. “What’s the point of having a place stocked with boring, healthy food? Live a little.”

Seonwoo picked up a packet of tofu and placed it in the cart, ignoring Maru’s groan of disapproval. “Unlike you, I don’t need instant noodles and processed sugar to survive.”

“Hey,” Maru retorted, “instant noodles are a lifeline.” He paused, grabbing a six-pack of beer and adding it to the cart. “And these are for tonight. You’ve earned the privilege of sharing a drink with me.”

“I’ll pass,” Seonwoo replied flatly, but Maru noticed he didn’t take the beer out of the cart.

By the time they reached the checkout, the cart was a chaotic mix of Seonwoo’s neatly selected items and Maru’s eclectic collection of snacks and convenience foods. Seonwoo swiped his card at the counter, ignoring Maru’s half-hearted protests about splitting the bill.

Back at Seonwoo’s apartment, Maru helped unpack the groceries, whistling tunelessly as he placed items in their respective cabinets. Seonwoo glanced at him, slightly annoyed by the off-key whistling but too tired to comment.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the two sat at the kitchen counter, beers in hand. Maru took a long sip, sighing in contentment. “You know,” he began, “I’ve been wondering about something.”

Seonwoo gave him a sidelong glance. “What now?”

“Well,” Maru said, leaning back in his chair, “you’re a good-looking guy, tall, fit, broody in a way that women probably find irresistible. And yet…” He tilted his head, studying Seonwoo. “You don’t call anyone. You’re not glued to your phone. No late-night dates sneaking out after work. So, what’s the deal? Are you single?”

Seonwoo stiffened slightly but didn’t look away. “Why do you care?”

Maru shrugged, grinning. “Just making conversation. I mean, look at me. I’m a total loser—awkward, broke, single. You, on the other hand, should have women lining up for you. What gives?”

Seonwoo didn’t respond immediately, his gaze shifting to the condensation dripping down the side of his beer bottle. When he finally spoke, his tone was measured. “You shouldn’t assume people have it all together just because of how they look.”

The unexpected seriousness in Seonwoo’s voice caught Maru off guard. He blinked, taken aback, before quickly laughing it off. “Well, you’re right about that. Just look at me—I’m a mess inside

and

out.”

Seonwoo rolled his eyes but couldn’t entirely hide the faint, amused twitch of his lips. “If you’re done with your self-deprecating monologue, maybe we can actually finish these beers without more unnecessary commentary.”

Maru raised his bottle in mock salute. “Fine, fine. To no commentary. And to my terrible taste in snacks.”

Seonwoo shook his head, taking a sip from his bottle. Despite himself, he didn’t entirely mind the conversation—or the company.

***

Later into the evening, after a few beers, Maru started to feel the pleasant haze of alcohol settling in. He leaned back against the couch, legs stretched out in front of him, holding his bottle loosely in one hand. Seonwoo, as composed as ever, sat on the opposite side of the couch, his posture still annoyingly perfect despite the relaxed atmosphere.

“You know,” Maru said, his voice slower and softer now, “sometimes I wonder what it’s like to be someone like you.”

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, setting his bottle on the coffee table. “Someone like me?”

Maru gestured vaguely in his direction. “You’ve got everything together. You’re capable, good-looking, probably the kind of guy people look up to. Meanwhile, I’m just…” He trailed off, staring at the faint scratches on the coffee table.

“You’re just what?” Seonwoo prompted, his voice unusually gentle.

Maru let out a short laugh. “I’m just… me. Han Maru. The guy who barely scrapes by, who stumbles into situations without a clue what he’s doing, who relies on others to save his ass half the time.”

The room fell quiet for a moment, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen.

“Do you really think so little of yourself?” Seonwoo asked, his tone neutral but his gaze steady.

Maru blinked, caught off guard. He hadn’t expected Seonwoo to actually engage with his drunken rambling. “I mean, it’s not like I hate myself or anything,” he said quickly. “It’s just… facts, you know? I’m not exactly the kind of guy anyone would put on a pedestal.”

“You’re not giving yourself enough credit,” Seonwoo said simply, leaning back against the couch. “You have a way of adapting to things. No matter how ridiculous the situation, you manage to handle it in your own way.”

Maru snorted. “Yeah, by sheer luck most of the time.”

“Luck or not, you get through it,” Seonwoo pointed out. He picked up his bottle again, taking a small sip before adding, “And for what it’s worth, I think you underestimate the effect you have on people.”

Maru turned his head to look at Seonwoo, his expression caught somewhere between surprise and skepticism. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Seonwoo didn’t answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the dark liquid in his bottle. “You have this… energy. It’s irritating at times,” he admitted, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, “but it’s also hard to ignore. You make people notice you, even if you don’t realize it.”

Maru stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words. “Are you…” He leaned forward, squinting playfully. “Are you complimenting me, Seonwoo? Should I be recording this moment for posterity?”

“Don’t push your luck,” Seonwoo said dryly, but there was no real bite in his tone.

Maru laughed, the sound bright and genuine, and Seonwoo found himself relaxing a little more. The tension that had hung between them since they were cursed seemed to ease, just for a moment, replaced by something quieter, something almost comfortable.

As the laughter faded, Maru raised his bottle in an impromptu toast. “To us. The most dysfunctional duo forced together by supernatural nonsense.”

Seonwoo rolled his eyes but clinked his bottle against Maru’s. “To us,” he echoed, the faintest trace of amusement in his voice.

For the first time in weeks, the two of them shared a moment that felt almost normal.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The sunlight poured through the curtains, casting an unforgiving glare on the two figures sprawled on Seonwoo’s plush sofa. Seonwoo blinked awake, his temples pounding faintly, a clear reminder of the beers from the previous night. His first instinct was to sit up, but something—or rather, someone—was holding him down.He tilted his head and immediately froze.Han Maru was draped over him, face buried against his chest, one leg tangled with his, and—was that drool on his shirt?Seonwoo’s first thought was logical: How did I get into this situation? His second thought was less logical: How is he so warm? Maru mumbled something incoherent, his breath tickling Seonwoo’s collarbone. That was the breaking point. Seonwoo shoved at Maru’s shoulder, trying to dislodge him without sending him flying off the sofa.“Han Maru,” Seonwoo hissed, his voice low but insistent.Maru stirred slightly, groaning in protest. “Five more minutes…”“Get off me,” Seonwoo demanded, his tone sharper now.Maru cracked one eye open, blinking blearily up at him. It took a moment for realization to dawn, but when it did, he scrambled back so fast he nearly fell off the sofa.“Oh my God,” Maru exclaimed, looking between Seonwoo and the awkward tangle they’d been in moments ago. “I—uh—this isn’t what it looks like.”Seonwoo sat up, smoothing down his wrinkled shirt with as much dignity as he could muster. “It looks like you decided to use me as a body pillow.”Maru’s face turned red. “I was drunk! It wasn’t intentional!”“Your drool says otherwise.”Maru quickly wiped at his mouth, mortified. “I don’t drool!”Seonwoo raised an eyebrow and pointed to the damp patch on his shirt.Maru buried his face in his hands. “Okay, can we just pretend this didn’t happen?”“Agreed,” Seonwoo said, standing and brushing himself off. “But for the record, you’re banned from drinking on my couch ever again.”Maru mumbled something unintelligible, stumbling off to the bathroom to compose himself.***The awkwardness of the morning lingered well into the day. At breakfast, Maru tried to make eggs but ended up breaking half the yolks, prompting Seonwoo to take over.“You’re hopeless,” Seonwoo muttered, expertly flipping an omelet.“I’m just not used to cooking on such fancy equipment,” Maru shot back, gesturing to the sleek stovetop. “It’s like trying to fly a spaceship.”Seonwoo gave him a withering look. “It’s a stove, not rocket science.”Maru grinned, snagging a slice of bread and popping it into his mouth. “Well, Mr. Perfect, not all of us are domestic gods like you.”Seonwoo didn’t dignify that with a response, but the faint twitch of his lips didn’t go unnoticed.***Later, they ventured out to run errands, mostly because Maru insisted on restocking the snacks he’d decimated the night before.In the convenience store, they had an argument over chips.“These are objectively better,” Seonwoo said, holding up a bag of sea salt crisps.Maru shook his head vehemently. “No way. Spicy barbecue is the only valid choice.”“You have the palate of a child.”“And you have the personality of a brick wall, but I’m not judging your taste in snacks.”The cashier watched their back-and-forth with thinly veiled amusement as Seonwoo eventually tossed both bags into the cart without comment.***That evening, Seonwoo begrudgingly agreed to watch a movie with Maru after relentless badgering.“You’ll love this one,” Maru said as he queued up a rom-com.Seonwoo gave him a flat look. “You expect me to enjoy something so predictable?”“That’s the point! It’s fun because it’s predictable,” Maru said, plopping onto the couch.Halfway through the movie, Seonwoo caught himself actually laughing at one of the jokes. He glanced at Maru, who was already grinning triumphantly.“See? I knew you’d like it.”Seonwoo shook his head, leaning back against the couch. “Don’t get used to it.”***As the day wound down, they found themselves back on the couch, this time with more space between them.“You know,” Maru said, stretching his arms above his head, “this whole curse thing isn’t so bad sometimes.”Seonwoo gave him a sidelong glance. “Really? Enlighten me.”Maru smirked. “It’s like having a built-in roommate. One who makes a great omelet and secretly likes rom-coms.”Seonwoo rolled his eyes but didn’t bother denying it. “You’re impossible.”“And you’re stuck with me,” Maru shot back, his grin widening.Seonwoo didn’t respond, but as he stared at the flickering TV screen, a small, reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.***After two weeks of being tethered by the curse, life had fallen into a peculiar rhythm for Seonwoo and Maru. The initial awkwardness of being constantly within two meters of each other had given way to begrudging acceptance—and, dare they admit it, a strange sort of company?They had learned to navigate the inconveniences of shared space: brushing their teeth side by side, timing showers like a synchronized dance routine, and even developing a system for walking through doorways without colliding.That morning, Seonwoo stood in the kitchen, meticulously chopping vegetables for breakfast. Maru, seated at the counter, was scrolling through his phone, his expression half-focused.“You know,” Maru said, not looking up, “this curse is kind of ruining my life.”Seonwoo didn’t pause in his chopping. “How shocking. Please, enlighten me with your profound insight.”“I mean it!” Maru leaned back in his chair. “I can’t go anywhere without you. People at work are starting to call us a package deal. Yesterday, Jiwon joked about putting both our names on my ID card.”Seonwoo smirked faintly. “If the shoe fits.”Maru groaned, dropping his head onto the counter dramatically. “It’s humiliating. My reputation is in shambles.”“You had a reputation?”Maru snapped his head up, glaring. “I’ll have you know, people think I’m cool.”“People?” Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, sliding the chopped vegetables into a sizzling pan. “Or just your mom?”Maru gasped, clutching his chest theatrically. “Low blow, Seonwoo. Low blow.”Seonwoo’s lips twitched as he turned back to the stove, stirring the pan with practiced ease.***Later that day, they found themselves in a clothing store. Maru had insisted they go shopping after he look into his bank account with the amount of the salary he got, saying it as self reward for the hard work.“Just pick something and let’s go,” Seonwoo said, arms crossed as he leaned against a rack of neatly folded T-shirts.Maru held up a bright yellow hoodie with cartoon characters plastered across it. “What do you think?”Seonwoo stared at it for a long moment. “I think it’s hideous.”Maru shrugged. “Perfect. I’ll take it.”“Why do you even ask my opinion if you’re going to ignore it?”Maru grinned, tossing the hoodie over his shoulder. “Because it’s fun watching you suffer.”***That evening, the two of them sat on Seonwoo’s couch, surrounded by bags from their shopping trip.“You really didn’t need to buy six different snack brands,” Seonwoo said, eyeing the bags warily.“Snacks are essential for survival,” Maru replied, tearing open a bag of chips.“Your survival instincts are questionable.”“And yet here I am, thriving.” Maru popped a chip into his mouth, leaning back with a satisfied grin.Seonwoo shook his head, the corner of his mouth twitching in reluctant amusement.***By the time night fell, the two had settled into their usual spots: Maru sprawled on the couch, Seonwoo seated at the desk with his laptop.Maru yawned, stretching his arms over his head. “You know, for all its annoyances, this curse isn’t completely terrible.”Seonwoo glanced over at him. “How so?”Maru shrugged. “I mean, I get free breakfast every morning, someone to carry heavy stuff, and I don’t have to walk home alone after work.”Seonwoo gave him a flat look. “You’re remarkably good at framing your freeloading as a benefit.”“Hey, I call it teamwork.”“Teamwork implies equal effort.”Maru smirked, reaching for a nearby pillow and tossing it at Seonwoo. “Don’t act like you don’t secretly enjoy my company.”Seonwoo caught the pillow with ease, setting it aside. “You’re delusional.”“Am I, though?”Seonwoo didn’t answer, turning back to his laptop. But the faintest flicker of a smile lingered on his face, unnoticed by Maru.*** The late afternoon sun filtered into Seonwoo’s apartment, casting warm golden streaks across the hardwood floor. Maru sat cross-legged on the couch, sorting through a small, battered pouch he’d fished out of his bag. He frowned as he tilted the pouch, the soft clinking of pill bottles making his stomach churn with unease.Seonwoo, seated at the dining table with his laptop, glanced up from his screen. “What’s with the face? You look like you just lost a bet.”Maru didn’t respond immediately, his fingers rifling through the pouch with increasing urgency. “I think I’m running low,” he muttered, half to himself.“Running low on what?”“My meds,” Maru said, louder this time, holding up the nearly empty bottle of pills.Seonwoo frowned and closed his laptop, standing up. “You’re almost out? How long will that last you?”“Maybe a day or two, if I stretch it,” Maru admitted, scratching the back of his neck. He avoided Seonwoo’s gaze, embarrassed at the oversight. “I usually keep better track, but… well, you know. Things have been a little crazy lately.”Seonwoo crossed his arms, leaning against the table. “And by ‘things,’ you mean me?”Maru managed a weak chuckle. “You’re not the only thing throwing my life into chaos, but sure, let’s go with that.”The humor didn’t land. Seonwoo’s expression stayed serious. “Where do you get your prescription? Do you need to call someone?”Maru sighed, leaning back into the couch. “It’s not that simple. I usually go to my regular clinic near my place, but I haven’t exactly been able to swing by, what with the whole ‘we-can’t-be-apart’ curse thing.”Seonwoo’s brow furrowed. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”“I don’t know. I didn’t think it’d be a big deal until now,” Maru said, shrugging. “Besides, it’s not your responsibility.”Seonwoo narrowed his eyes. “That’s a stupid excuse. If this is something you need, it’s important.”Maru blinked at the sharpness of Seonwoo’s tone. “Geez, okay, I get it. Don’t bite my head off.”Seonwoo shook his head, already grabbing his car keys from the counter. “Let’s go.”“Go where?”“To your clinic,” Seonwoo said, as if it were obvious.Maru stared at him, bewildered. “Right now?”“Yes, right now. Unless you’d rather wait until you’re completely out and start panicking in the middle of the night.”Maru hesitated, the memory of his last episode fresh in his mind. He’d never admit it out loud, but the thought of running out of meds entirely made his chest tighten in quiet dread.“Fine,” he muttered, standing up and grabbing his jacket. “But don’t act all smug about this.”“I don’t need to act,” Seonwoo replied, opening the door.Maru rolled his eyes but followed him out, clutching the nearly empty bottle in his hand.***The clinic was a modest building tucked into a quiet street. By the time they arrived, Maru felt like a kid being dragged to the principal’s office, thanks to Seonwoo’s no-nonsense attitude.The receptionist gave them an odd look when they entered together, likely because Seonwoo hovered close, well within the two-meter bubble. Maru waved awkwardly. “Hi, uh, just here for a refill on my prescription.”As Maru handled the paperwork, Seonwoo stayed silent, watching the exchange carefully.When Maru returned to his side, new meds in hand, Seonwoo glanced at him. “You good now?”Maru nodded, slipping the bottle into his pocket. “Yeah. Thanks, I guess.”“You don’t have to thank me,” Seonwoo said, heading toward the exit. “Just don’t let it get that bad again.”Maru trailed behind him, smiling faintly. Despite Seonwoo’s gruffness, there was something comforting about knowing he had someone looking out for him—even if that someone was the least subtle person in the world.***That evening, Maru sat on the couch with his pill bottle resting on the coffee table in front of him. Seonwoo was at the kitchen counter, stirring something in a pot, his back turned.Maru cleared his throat. “Hey… about earlier. Thanks for, you know, not making a big deal out of it.”Seonwoo glanced over his shoulder, one eyebrow raised. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”Maru snorted. “Sure you don’t.”Seonwoo didn’t reply, but the corner of his mouth twitched—just enough for Maru to notice.***A few days later, Maru leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Seonwoo chop vegetables with meticulous precision. His eyes wandered, unfocused, as his thoughts drifted to an odd pattern he’d begun to notice.Since moving in with Seonwoo—forced or not—something had changed. He still carried his bottle of meds around, still kept it in arm’s reach, but… he hadn’t really needed it as much.Maru frowned, resting his chin on his hand. Back when he’d lived alone, the tightness in his chest had been a familiar companion. Small things would trigger it—his phone ringing unexpectedly, the drip of the leaky tap he hadn’t fixed, the sound of footsteps in the hallway outside his door.But here, in Seonwoo’s apartment, it was… different.“Something on your mind?” Seonwoo asked without looking up, his voice pulling Maru out of his thoughts.Maru blinked, startled. “Huh?”“You’re staring. It’s weird.”“I’m not staring,” Maru muttered, straightening up. “I’m just… thinking.”“Thinking about what?” Seonwoo placed the knife down and turned to face him, leaning one hand on the counter.Maru hesitated, unsure how to phrase it without sounding like he was reading too much into things. “I don’t know. Just… stuff.”“Very descriptive.”Maru rolled his eyes. “Okay, fine. It’s just… since we’ve been stuck together, I haven’t been feeling as…” He trailed off, gesturing vaguely at his chest. “You know, like before.”Seonwoo raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”“Like… panicked,” Maru admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, I’ve had my moments, but it’s not as bad as it used to be. It’s weird.”Seonwoo’s gaze softened slightly. He crossed his arms, leaning against the counter. “Maybe it’s because you’re not alone anymore.”Maru opened his mouth to argue, then stopped. He hadn’t thought about it that way.“I mean, think about it,” Seonwoo continued. “You’re not holed up in some tiny apartment with nothing but your thoughts. You’ve got me.”Maru snorted. “Oh, great. The cure for anxiety is constant nagging. Who knew?”Seonwoo smirked, unfazed. “You’re welcome.”Despite his sarcasm, Maru couldn’t help but smile. As much as Seonwoo annoyed him, there was a truth to what he’d said. The constant presence of another person—someone who, for all his faults, was dependable—made the dark corners of his mind feel a little less suffocating.“Don’t let it go to your head,” Maru muttered, grabbing a glass of water“Too late,” Seonwoo shot back, returning to his chopping.Maru chuckled quietly to himself. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t feel like he was drowning.***They sat in the living room after dinner, the TV playing some mindless comedy in the background. Maru stretched out on the couch, his legs taking up more space than necessary.“You’re hogging all the room,” Seonwoo grumbled, nudging Maru’s feet with his elbow as he sat down.“Deal with it,” Maru said, grinning.Seonwoo shook his head but didn’t push him off. Instead, he let out a sigh and leaned back, his shoulder brushing against Maru’s.Maru glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. “You know, you’re not as terrible as I thought you’d be.”“High praise,” Seonwoo deadpanned.“I’m serious,” Maru said, his tone light but genuine. “You’re… alright.”Seonwoo gave him a sideways glance. “Don’t get sappy on me now.”“Too late,” Maru teased, closing his eyes as he let himself relax. The warmth of the room, the faint hum of the TV, and the quiet presence of someone nearby—it all felt oddly… safe.For the first time in a long time, Maru thought that maybe being stuck with someone wasn’t the worst thing in the world.***Later that night, after Maru had sprawled out on the couch and promptly dozed off mid-laugh at a bad TV joke, Seonwoo found himself leaning on the couch, his thoughts heavier than usual.He glanced at Maru, who was snoring lightly, his face relaxed in a way Seonwoo rarely saw during their daytime banter. Normally, Maru was all sharp comments and awkward movements, as though the weight of the world was balanced precariously on his shoulders.But like this—soft breaths, the faint rise and fall of his chest—Maru seemed lighter.Seonwoo didn’t know why he noticed that. He didn’t like noticing things about other people, especially not things like this. Noticing led to thinking, and thinking too much about someone else? That was a slippery slope he wasn’t ready to slide down.Still, he couldn’t help but remember their conversation earlier. The way Maru had mentioned, almost offhandedly, that being around someone seemed to lessen his anxiety.That someone being… him.Seonwoo frowned and leaned back against the couch, letting his head rest against the edge of the cushion.Since the curse had stuck them together, he’d expected annoyance. Irritation. An endless stream of Maru’s bad jokes and clumsy habits driving him up the wall. And yeah, Maru could be insufferable—like the way he left empty soda cans on the counter or how he played music way too loud in the mornings.But there was something else, too.Something quieter.Maru wasn’t like most people Seonwoo had been around. He didn’t try to pry into Seonwoo’s personal life. He didn’t ask questions about things Seonwoo didn’t want to talk about. He didn’t try to impress him or step around him like some untouchable idol.Instead, Maru just… existed. Loudly, awkwardly, but somehow comfortably.Seonwoo’s eyes drifted back to the sleeping figure beside him.It had been years since he’d shared his space with someone else. It wasn’t something he ever planned to do again, not after how messy things had gotten last time. Yet here Maru was, sprawled out on his couch like he belonged there.And the strangest part?It didn’t bother Seonwoo as much as he thought it would.With a sigh, Seonwoo reached over to grab the throw blanket from the back of the couch. He draped it over Maru carefully, mindful not to wake him.“Idiot,” he muttered under his breath, though the word lacked its usual bite.As he sat back, Seonwoo caught his own reflection in the darkened TV screen. His lips twitched into something resembling a smile before he quickly wiped it away, scowling at himself.No. He wasn’t going to start thinking about this too much. Maru was just someone he was stuck with, nothing more.At least, that’s what he told himself as he turned off the TV and settled into the silence.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was nearing the one-month mark since the curse had tied them together, and Seonwoo was about ready to throw something—preferably Maru—out of sheer frustration.

Not that Maru had been especially terrible, but being within two meters of someone for weeks on end was a level of intimacy Seonwoo never wanted or asked for. Every little quirk of Maru’s had been amplified tenfold: the constant humming, the terrible taste in TV shows, the way he somehow left socks in the most improbable places.

And yet, when the call from HQ finally came, there was a strange pang in Seonwoo’s chest—an odd mixture of relief and something else he didn’t want to acknowledge.

The notification came through Maru’s phone. They were sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast—or, in Maru’s case, inhaling it—when the ringtone cut through the quiet.

Maru scrambled to grab his phone, nearly knocking his cereal bowl over in the process. “It’s HQ!” he said, voice muffled by a mouthful of food.

Seonwoo shot him a sharp look. “Could you not answer the call like a caveman?”

Maru swallowed, grinning sheepishly before tapping the screen.

“Hello? Yeah, it’s Han Maru.”

Seonwoo leaned closer, his chair scraping against the floor. The speakerphone was on, but Maru’s phone was so old the audio quality was borderline offensive.

A crisp voice came through the line, one they recognized as belonging to one of the field coordinators.

“Agents Han Maru and Seonwoo Eden, we’ve reviewed your reports on the curse situation and consulted with our specialists.”

Maru immediately perked up. “Does that mean you’ve got a solution? Like, a spell or a ritual or something cool?”

Seonwoo pinched the bridge of his nose. “Focus.”

The voice continued, ignoring the interruption. “The rakshasha’s curse you’re dealing with is a rare variant, designed to force dependency and close proximity. Unfortunately, breaking it is… complicated.”

“Complicated how?” Seonwoo asked, his tone tight.

“We’ve determined that it will require an exorcism ritual conducted at the site of the original encounter. However, there’s a caveat: the ritual can only be performed under a specific alignment of celestial conditions. That alignment won’t occur for another three months.”

The room fell silent.

“Three months?” Maru’s voice broke the stillness, tinged with disbelief.

“Yes,” the coordinator said, their voice matter-of-fact. “Until then, the curse will remain active. We recommend you continue adapting to the proximity requirement and report any changes in its effects.”

Maru slumped back in his chair, running a hand through his messy hair. “Three months. Stuck together.”

Seonwoo’s jaw tightened. He didn’t trust himself to say anything without snapping.

“We’ll manage,” he said after a beat, his voice cold and clipped.

The call ended shortly after, leaving the two of them staring at each other across the table.

“Well,” Maru said finally, forcing a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes, “looks like you’re stuck with me a little longer, buddy.”

Seonwoo’s response was a wordless glare, though it lacked the venom it might have carried weeks ago.

***

Seonwoo woke up to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through his curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. His mind, still hazy from sleep, took a moment to catch up to his surroundings. The past month had been a whirlwind of curses, shared spaces, and… Maru. Always Maru.

Speaking of which.

He turned his head slightly and immediately regretted it.

There was Han Maru, sprawled on his back, one arm thrown over his face to shield his eyes from the sun. His messy black hair stuck out in every direction, the usual chaos of it made even worse by sleep. But what truly caught Seonwoo's attention—

what he shouldn’t have seen

—was the unmistakable tent in the blanket covering Maru’s lower half.

Seonwoo froze. His mind went blank, and for the first time in what felt like forever, his usually composed demeanor cracked.

Oh, for the love of—

He quickly looked away, cursing the two-meter curse that kept him tethered to this idiot. Seonwoo sat up stiffly, running a hand through his disheveled hair as if that could somehow wipe the image from his memory.

“Why am I always the victim?” he muttered under his breath.

Unfortunately for him, Maru stirred. His arm slid off his face as he stretched with a loud yawn, completely oblivious to the awkward atmosphere hanging in the room.

“Morning,” Maru mumbled, his voice rough with sleep. He blinked at Seonwoo, his dark eyes still half-closed. “What time is it?”

“Too early,” Seonwoo replied curtly, refusing to look directly at him. He busied himself adjusting the hem of his shirt, as if that was the most important task in the world.

Maru didn’t seem to notice anything out of the ordinary. He groaned and flopped back onto the bed, letting the blanket shift dangerously close to revealing more than it should.

Seonwoo snapped. “For god’s sake, can you be any less indecent?”

Maru blinked again, slower this time, confusion etched across his face. “What are you talking about?”

Seonwoo pointedly gestured toward the blanket, and comprehension dawned on Maru’s face. His eyes widened, and a blush crept up his neck.

“Oh. Oh.” Maru scrambled to sit up, pulling the blanket up to his chest as if that would erase what had already been seen. “It’s—it’s a normal thing! Happens to everyone! Don’t make it weird!”

Seonwoo gave him a withering glare. “I didn’t make it weird.

You

made it weird by existing.”

“Hey, I can’t control my biology!” Maru shot back, his face now a deep shade of red. “Besides, it’s not like I planned for you to see anything!”

“Well, now it’s burned into my memory, so thanks for that,” Seonwoo deadpanned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Maru muttered something unintelligible, tugging the blanket higher as he slid out of bed, careful to keep the cursed two-meter proximity intact. “I’m gonna shower. Maybe next time, don’t

stare

at me first thing in the morning.”

Seonwoo’s jaw dropped. “I wasn’t staring! You were in my line of sight, unfortunately.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Maru retorted, disappearing into the bathroom with a smug grin that was far too cocky for someone who had just been caught in such a compromising position.

Seonwoo sat there for a moment, wondering what cosmic entity he had offended to deserve this. He let out a long, exasperated sigh before muttering, “I should’ve let the rakshasha take me.”

***

The clatter of pots and pans filled the kitchen as Seonwoo methodically prepared lunch. His movements were precise, almost mechanical, his mind clearly preoccupied with anything but the task at hand. Across the counter, Maru leaned on his elbows, watching him. Well, mostly watching him. He was also fidgeting with a loose thread on his sleeve, the awkward energy in the room palpable.

“So…” Maru began, drawing the word out.

Seonwoo didn’t even look up. “No.”

Maru frowned. “I didn’t even say anything yet.”

“You didn’t have to,” Seonwoo replied, chopping vegetables with unnecessary force. “I know it’s going to be something stupid.”

Maru ignored the insult, instead straightening up and clearing his throat. “About this morning…”

The knife paused mid-air. For a second, Seonwoo didn’t move, didn’t breathe, as if he could will the conversation away through sheer force of will.

“Maru,” he warned, his tone low.

Maru pressed on, undeterred. “Look, I’ve been thinking—”

“That’s your first mistake.”

“—that maybe our… current situation,” he gestured vaguely between them, “is, uh… contributing to certain… frustrations?”

Seonwoo turned slowly to face him, knife still in hand. “Are you seriously bringing this up while I’m holding a weapon?”

Maru held up his hands defensively, his cheeks already tinged pink. “I’m just saying! It’s been almost a month, and, you know… with the curse and all… maybe we’re more stressed than we think.”

“I’m not stressed,” Seonwoo said flatly, though the way he gripped the knife suggested otherwise.

“Well,

I

am,” Maru blurted out. “I mean, come on, Seonwoo. We’re in each other’s space 24/7, no privacy, no time to… you know. It’s bound to mess with our heads.”

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Maru looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole. He scratched the back of his neck, avoiding Seonwoo’s piercing gaze. “I’m just saying… maybe we’re, uh… suppressing some stuff. And maybe it wouldn’t hurt to, I don’t know… release some tension?”

Seonwoo stared at him, utterly incredulous. “Release some tension,” he repeated slowly, as if testing the words.

Maru nodded, though his confidence was clearly faltering. “Yeah. You know, like… for our mental health?”

There was a beat of silence, during which Seonwoo set the knife down with deliberate care. He folded his arms across his chest, pinning Maru with a look so cold it could’ve frozen the stove.

“Are you seriously suggesting that we—”

“No!” Maru yelped, his face now a brilliant shade of red. “Not together! I mean, separately! Like, you in your room, me in mine—oh, wait, we can’t, because of the stupid curse.” He groaned, burying his face in his hands. “This is coming out all wrong.”

Seonwoo’s lips twitched, the beginnings of a smirk threatening to break through. “So, what you’re saying is, you’re frustrated because you can’t take care of your ‘pent-up desires.’”

Maru groaned louder, sliding down onto his stool in defeat. “Can you not say it like that?”

“I’m just clarifying,” Seonwoo said, his tone dangerously close to amused.

“Forget I said anything,” Maru muttered, still hiding his face. “This was a mistake.”

Seonwoo chuckled softly, shaking his head as he returned to chopping vegetables. “You’re unbelievable.”

“So I’ve been told,” Maru mumbled from behind his hands.

For a while, the kitchen was silent except for the rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board. Just as Maru thought the conversation was over, Seonwoo spoke up again.

“For the record,” he said, not looking up, “there are healthier ways to deal with stress.”

Maru peeked through his fingers. “Oh, yeah? Like what?”

Seonwoo glanced at him, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Exercise. Meditation. Maybe try talking to someone who isn’t me.”

Maru rolled his eyes. “Yeah, because you’re such a great conversationalist.”

“Better than you, apparently.”

Maru huffed but didn’t argue. Instead, he grabbed a knife and started chopping alongside Seonwoo, the tension slowly dissipating into something lighter, more manageable.

By the time lunch was ready, the awkwardness had been replaced with a comfortable silence, punctuated by the occasional bickering over who seasoned the food better.

And though neither of them would admit it, the conversation had left them both with plenty to think about.

***

As they sat down to eat, Maru poked at his food, clearly still mulling over their earlier conversation. The silence between them was unusually charged, though Seonwoo didn’t seem bothered in the slightest as he ate with his usual composure. Maru, however, couldn’t let it go.

“Hey,” Maru said suddenly, breaking the quiet.

Seonwoo didn’t look up. “What now?”

“You’re not frustrated?” Maru blurted out, his tone more accusing than he intended.

Seonwoo paused mid-bite, his chopsticks hovering in the air. “About what?”

“You know…” Maru gestured vaguely, his face already heating up. “That. The whole… no privacy thing. Isn’t it driving you insane?”

Seonwoo set his chopsticks down with deliberate care, his expression unreadable. “Are you seriously still thinking about this?”

“Yes!” Maru exclaimed, throwing his hands up. “I mean, come on, Seonwoo. You’re a guy. You’ve got needs, right? Or are you some kind of robot?”

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, his tone cool and measured. “Are you asking about my libido, Maru?”

Maru choked on his rice, his face instantly turning scarlet. “No! I mean—yes! I mean…” His ears, now a matching shade of red, twitched slightly as he groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Forget I said anything.”

“No, no,” Seonwoo said, leaning back in his chair with an infuriatingly calm demeanor. “Let’s hear it. You’re curious about my libido. Go on.”

Maru peeked through his fingers, glaring at him, though it lacked any real malice. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“A little,” Seonwoo admitted with a smirk.

Maru sighed, dropping his hands to the table. His cheeks were still burning, and he swore he could feel the heat creeping down his neck. “Look, I’m just saying… you don’t seem affected at all. Like, how are you so calm about this? We’ve been stuck together for weeks, and you haven’t even flinched. It’s unnatural.”

Seonwoo tilted his head, considering him. “And you think I should be… what? Complaining? Whining about how hard it is?”

“Well, yeah! I mean, that’s normal, right?” Maru said, flustered. “It’s not like we can just—” He stopped himself, his face going scarlet again. He waved his hands as if to physically dismiss his words. “You know.”

Seonwoo leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp and probing. “Are you asking if I’m frustrated because you are?”

“What? No!” Maru said quickly, though his face betrayed him, his blush deepening impossibly further. “I mean… maybe a little? Look, it’s not the point! The point is, you’re acting like this doesn’t bother you at all, and that’s weird.”

Seonwoo held his gaze for a long moment before sighing. “Fine. If it’ll make you feel better, yes, it’s frustrating. But unlike you, I don’t feel the need to announce it to the world.”

Maru frowned, his lips parting to say something, but he seemed too flustered to find the words. “So you are frustrated,” he finally managed, his voice quieter now.

“I didn’t say that,” Seonwoo replied smoothly.

“You just said it.”

“No, I said it’s frustrating. Not the same thing.”

Maru groaned, slapping his forehead, his ears still betraying him with their redness. “Why do you always have to be so difficult?”

Seonwoo smirked. “Why do you always have to overshare?”

Maru opened his mouth to retort but stopped himself, narrowing his eyes instead. “You’re deflecting.”

“And you’re projecting,” Seonwoo shot back.

They stared at each other, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Then, to Maru’s surprise, Seonwoo’s expression softened—just a little.

“Look,” Seonwoo said, his tone quieter now. “It’s not like I don’t feel anything. But I’m not about to let something like this control me. We’ve got bigger problems to deal with.”

Maru blinked, caught off guard by the honesty. His ears, still red, twitched slightly as he nodded. “Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh.” Seonwoo picked up his chopsticks again, effectively ending the conversation. “Now eat your food before it gets cold.”

Maru hesitated, still processing Seonwoo’s words, before finally digging into his meal.

***

Seonwoo watched Maru struggle with his words, the man’s face steadily turning as red as a ripe tomato. His ears, too, were crimson, twitching slightly with every stammered attempt to salvage his dignity.

At first, Seonwoo couldn’t believe the conversation had even started. Of all the things Maru could bring up over lunch, he had decided to dive headfirst into a topic like

this

.

Unbelievable.

What’s with this guy? Seonwoo thought, leaning back slightly as he watched Maru’s ears turn an impressive shade of red. It wasn’t the first time Maru had flustered himself into a verbal train wreck, but somehow, every time it happened, it was still as endearing as the last.
The awkward way Maru tried to justify his words, the way he waved his hands like that would somehow erase what he’d just said—it was almost ridiculous.

How does he survive like this?

Seonwoo had dealt with all kinds of people in his life—serious professionals, manipulative schemers, the kind who always seemed to have an agenda. But Maru? Maru was painfully straightforward, almost to a fault. It was oddly refreshing, albeit a little frustrating.

He wears his heart on his sleeve, doesn’t he?

Seonwoo mused, resting his chin on one hand as he listened to Maru ramble. He could practically see every thought flash across Maru’s face—embarrassment, frustration, indignation—all laid out for him to read like an open book.

The conversation was ridiculous, really. Talking about frustrations, pent-up desires—things they definitely shouldn’t be discussing while eating lunch. And yet, Seonwoo found himself unable to look away from Maru.

Maru was still talking, his voice getting quieter now as he stumbled over his words. His hands were clutching the edge of the table, his knuckles white from how tightly he gripped it, as if grounding himself. His cheeks were redder than ever, his ears twitching like some skittish animal’s, and the slight crease between his brows only added to the effect.

And suddenly, without meaning to, Seonwoo’s thoughts wandered to an entirely different track.

How cute.

The realization hit him harder than he liked to admit, and for a moment, he stiffened, his expression betraying nothing. He was used to keeping his emotions under control, to brushing off fleeting thoughts like these. But this one lingered, unwelcome and persistent.

Seonwoo exhaled quietly through his nose, forcing himself to focus on the conversation—or what was left of it. Maru had stopped talking now, his shoulders slumped as he glared half-heartedly at his plate, clearly regretting ever bringing up the topic.

“Why do you always have to overshare?” Seonwoo said finally, his tone teasing but light enough to ease the tension.

Maru groaned, burying his face in his hands again. “Why do you always have to be so annoying?”

Seonwoo smirked, picking up his chopsticks. “Because it’s easy when you’re like this.”

Maru peeked at him through his fingers, his eyes narrowing. “Like what?”

Seonwoo didn’t answer right away, instead taking a deliberate bite of his food. When he finally spoke, his voice was casual, almost dismissive. “Never mind.”

Maru frowned, looking like he was about to press further, but Seonwoo gave him a look that clearly said,
Drop it.

As the silence stretched between them, Seonwoo’s thoughts drifted back to that fleeting observation. It wasn’t something he’d say out loud—definitely not something he’d ever admit—but there it was, lodged firmly in his mind: Maru, flustered and stumbling over his words, was… kind of cute.

Focus, Seonwoo,
he told himself, shaking his head slightly. But the thought lingered anyway, an irritating itch he couldn’t quite shake.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It had been an ordinary patrol day—at least as ordinary as it could get when dealing with supernatural beings. Seonwoo and Maru were tasked with tracking down a rogue rakshasha, this time sighted near the mountain outskirts.The dense forest surrounding the mountain was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the crunch of dry twigs beneath their boots. Sunlight filtered weakly through the thick canopy above, casting mottled shadows across the uneven terrain.“This one’s different,” Seonwoo muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the area. “Reports said it’s been using some kind of chemical mist. Stay behind me when we find it.”Maru frowned, sticking close despite the instruction. “I’m not just here to spectate, you know. I can hold my own.”Seonwoo threw him a side glance, unimpressed. “Holding your own doesn’t include getting yourself killed. Just don’t do anything reckless.”Maru rolled his eyes but didn’t argue further. They continued up the mountain trail until the air grew thicker, a faint metallic tang prickling their senses.“It’s close,” Seonwoo said, his voice low.Almost as if in answer, a guttural screech echoed through the forest. The rakshasha emerged from behind a cluster of boulders, its grotesque body twisting unnaturally as it slithered forward on sinewy limbs. Its skin gleamed with a slick, oily substance, and its predatory eyes gleamed with malice.“Careful,” Seonwoo warned, stepping in front of Maru.The creature let out another shriek, its body shuddering as it expelled a shimmering mist into the air.“Get back!” Seonwoo ordered, his voice sharp.But Maru, ever the impulsive one, darted forward before Seonwoo could stop him. Without hesitation, he placed himself between Seonwoo and the oncoming spray, using his enhanced reflexes to shield his partner.“Maru, you idiot!” Seonwoo snapped, his tone laced with frustration.“I’ll be fine!” Maru called back, coughing slightly as the mist enveloped him. He stumbled back, his arms raised in a futile attempt to clear the air. “My body heals fast. This’ll wear off in no time.”Seonwoo’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You’re unbelievable.”Before Maru could respond, the rakshasha lunged at them, its claws extended and its shriek deafening. Seonwoo reacted in an instant, cracking his fingers with a chilling nonchalance as he met the creature's attack head-on. With a swift, brutal motion, he twisted its neck, the sound of the creature's bones snapping echoing through the forest like a grim punctuation.The rakshasha went limp , its lifeless body crumpling to the ground.“You’re welcome,” Seonwoo muttered, brushing his hands off as he turned to Maru.Maru was still standing, but only barely. His face was flushed, and he was tugging at the collar of his shirt as if the air around him had grown unbearably hot.“You idiot,” Seonwoo said, exasperation and concern mixing in his tone. “That thing sprayed you with an aphrodisiac.”Maru groaned, sliding down the tree until he was sitting on the ground. His head tilted back, and he stared up at the night sky with a dazed expression. “I thought… I thought I could handle it.”“Clearly, you can’t.” Seonwoo crouched down in front of him, his face impassive despite the awkwardness of the situation. “You’re lucky it didn’t spray both of us.”Maru laughed weakly, though it came out more like a whimper. “What… what do I do now?”Seonwoo sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You need to flush it out of your system. Fast.”“And how do you suggest I do that?” Maru asked, his voice cracking slightly as the heat radiating through his body became almost unbearable.Seonwoo didn’t answer immediately. His sharp eyes took in Maru’s flushed face, the way his chest heaved as he struggled to regulate his breathing. Despite the seriousness of the situation, there was something disarmingly vulnerable about him in this state—something Seonwoo didn’t quite know how to handle.“Don’t move,” Seonwoo said finally, his tone more commanding than usual.“Not like I can go anywhere,” Maru muttered, his voice heavy with frustration.Seonwoo straightened, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call HQ. They might have something to neutralize it.”*** Seonwoo paced a few steps away, dialing HQ with practiced precision. The phone rang endlessly, each beep grating on his nerves. After the fourth try, Seonwoo’s usually calm exterior cracked, and he let out a sharp, frustrated breath. “No one’s picking up. Typical.”“Great,” Maru muttered from the ground, his voice shaky. “Just… fantastic.”Seonwoo stared at his phone, debating his next move before reluctantly scrolling to Go Deokman’s number. “This better not be a mistake,” he muttered to himself before hitting the call button.“Seonwoo! What’s up?” Go’s voice boomed cheerfully on the other end, as if he hadn’t a care in the world.“Don’t get comfortable. I need advice,” Seonwoo said curtly.“Wow, rare moment. What’s the emergency?”Seonwoo hesitated, glancing back at Maru, who was now gripping his knees and muttering something incoherent under his breath. He looked like a man on the verge of losing a battle with himself.“We were dealing with a rakshasha near the mountains. It sprayed Maru with something—an aphrodisiac.”There was silence for a beat, and then Go Deokman burst out laughing. “An aphrodisiac ? Are you serious? That’s priceless.”Seonwoo’s grip on his phone tightened. “This isn’t funny.”“Oh, come on. Just tell him to, you know… handle it himself,” Go said between chuckles.Seonwoo’s expression darkened. “That’s your advice? That’s all you’ve got?”“What do you want me to say? It’s not like we keep anti-aphrodisiac sprays stocked in HQ,” Go said, still clearly amused. “Just… make sure he doesn’t suffer too much. Good luck!”Seonwoo didn’t bother replying; he hung up abruptly, shoving his phone into his pocket.“Well?” Maru croaked from the ground, his voice trembling as he struggled to keep himself composed.Seonwoo pinched the bridge of his nose. “He was useless, as expected.”“Figures,” Maru mumbled, slumping further. “So now what?”“We’re leaving,” Seonwoo said firmly, striding over and pulling Maru to his feet. Maru swayed dangerously, and Seonwoo tightened his grip around his waist to keep him upright.“I’m fine,” Maru muttered weakly, though the way he leaned heavily into Seonwoo’s side said otherwise.“Sure you are,” Seonwoo replied dryly, half-dragging Maru toward his car.***The drive back to Seonwoo’s place was tense, Maru’s condition worsening with every passing minute. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the heat radiating from his body leaving him in a constant state of restlessness.“I’m gonna—” Maru started, only to cut himself off with a groan as he pressed his forehead against the cool glass of the window.“Don’t talk. Just focus on staying calm,” Seonwoo said, his eyes glued to the road.“That’s easy for you to say,” Maru muttered, his voice strained. “I feel like I’m on fire.”Seonwoo tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his jaw clenching. He didn’t respond, knowing that anything he said would do little to alleviate Maru’s suffering. Instead, he pressed harder on the gas, determined to get them home as quickly as possible.By the time they reached Seonwoo’s apartment, Maru was barely coherent, his breaths coming in shallow pants. Seonwoo guided him inside with a sense of urgency, practically hauling him to the bedroom.Maru collapsed onto the bed, curling up on his side as he clawed at the fabric of his shirt. “I—can’t—this is—”“Maru.” Seonwoo’s voice cut through the haze, sharp and commanding. He crouched by the bed, his eyes locked onto Maru’s flushed face. “Look at me.”Maru’s gaze fluttered to him, desperate and unfocused.“You’re not going to spiral,” Seonwoo said firmly. “You’re stronger than that. Breathe.”Maru let out a shuddering laugh. “You make it sound so easy…”Seonwoo hesitated for a moment, his usual composed demeanor faltering. His mind raced for a solution, but all he could think about was the weight of Maru’s vulnerability, the way he looked so utterly undone.“Stay here,” Seonwoo said, his voice softer now. “I’ll figure something out.”***Seonwoo returned to the bedroom with a bucket of lukewarm water, a clean towel slung over his shoulder,. Maru was sprawled out on the bed, his face flushed and his breaths uneven. The sight made Seonwoo hesitate for a fraction of a second before his practical instincts kicked in.“You need to get out of those clothes,” Seonwoo said flatly, placing the bucket on the bedside table.Maru blinked up at him, his gaze hazy. “I—what?”“They’re soaked with whatever that rakshasha sprayed on you. If we leave them, it’s just going to get worse.”Maru groaned, covering his face with his hands. “You’re kidding me…”“I’m not. Now sit up,” Seonwoo ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.Grumbling under his breath, Maru pushed himself into a seated position, though it was clear every movement was an effort. Seonwoo leaned in, grabbing the hem of Maru’s shirt.“Wait—what are you—” Maru began, his voice breaking into a startled yelp as Seonwoo tugged the shirt up and over his head.“You’re in no condition to do this yourself,” Seonwoo said bluntly, avoiding looking directly at Maru’s chest as he tossed the damp shirt aside.Maru’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, the flush spreading down his neck. “This is humiliating…”Ignoring the comment, Seonwoo dipped the towel into the bucket, wringing it out before pressing it against Maru’s skin. He started at his shoulders, wiping away the sheen of sweat and whatever remnants of the aphrodisiac clung to him.“Hold still,” Seonwoo muttered, his hand moving with brisk efficiency.The room was quiet save for the sound of the wet towel against Maru’s skin and the occasional hitch in Maru’s breath. Seonwoo worked his way down Maru’s arms, his touch firm but careful—until he reached Maru’s chest.As the towel brushed over one of Maru’s nipples, the reaction was immediate. Maru jerked, a strangled gasp escaping him.Seonwoo froze, his hand hovering mid-air. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”“N-no,” Maru stammered, his voice high-pitched. His arms instinctively crossed over his chest, though it did little to hide his rapidly reddening face. “Just—just keep going!”Seonwoo raised an eyebrow but said nothing, resuming his task. He tried to be more mindful, but when the towel grazed Maru’s nipple again, the reaction was impossible to ignore.A shiver ran through Maru’s body, and he bit down on his lip, his eyes squeezing shut. “C-could you maybe… be more careful there?”Seonwoo’s lips pressed into a thin line, the awkwardness of the situation finally catching up to him. “Right. Sorry.”He worked his way lower, the towel sweeping across Maru’s abdomen. It wasn’t until Seonwoo reached Maru’s hips that he noticed something he couldn’t ignore—a wet patch spreading across the front of Maru’s underwear, the fabric stretched taut over a noticeable bulge.Seonwoo’s brain stalled. For a moment, he simply stared, his usually sharp mind utterly failing to come up with a response.“D-don’t look!” Maru blurted, his hands flying to cover himself as best he could. His voice cracked with a mixture of embarrassment and frustration.Seonwoo’s jaw tightened as he willed himself to look away, focusing instead on the towel in his hand. “I wasn’t,” he lied, his voice a little too clipped.Maru groaned, throwing his head back against the pillows. “This is the worst day of my life…”Seonwoo muttered something under his breath that Maru didn’t catch. He dipped the towel back into the bucket, wringing it out with a little more force than necessary.“Let’s just get this over with,” Seonwoo said, his voice lacking its usual calmness.Despite his words, Seonwoo’s movements were slower, more hesitant as he continued wiping Maru down. His hand brushed against Maru’s hipbone, and he swore he felt Maru’s muscles tense under his touch.“You’re really not making this easy,” Seonwoo muttered, his frustration evident.“I’m not trying to!” Maru shot back, his face still beet red.The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and charged glances. Seonwoo forced himself to focus on the task at hand, but his thoughts betrayed him.
How did I end up in this situation?
When he finally finished, Seonwoo tossed the towel aside and stood abruptly, his back to Maru as he gathered his composure. “You’re clean. Change into fresh clothes, and I’ll deal with the sheets.”Maru didn’t respond immediately, too busy burying his face in his hands to process what had just happened.Seonwoo turned slightly, his gaze softening as he caught sight of Maru’s disheveled state. Despite everything, there was something endearing about how flustered he looked—a thought that slipped through Seonwoo’s mind before he could stop it.
So cute.
The realization made Seonwoo stiffen, his expression hardening as he turned away completely. “I’ll be in the living room. Don’t take too long.”Without waiting for a response, Seonwoo left to the bathroom, leaving Maru alone to collect himself.***Maru tried to gather what little composure he had left, knowing he couldn’t stay like this. His duffel bag with a change of clothes was just beside the bed—barely an arm’s reach away. He shifted, intending to slide off the bed to grab it, but as soon as his feet touched the floor, his legs gave out.With a muffled curse, he collapsed onto the carpet in an awkward heap, his arms catching him before he faceplanted. His body felt too warm, too heavy, as if the heat coursing through his veins had sapped him of all strength.Maru leaned back against the side of the bed, the soft bedding pressing into his overheated skin. A frustrated groan escaped him as he tilted his head back, beads of sweat trickling down his temples. His chest heaved with every labored breath, and he could feel the way his body betrayed him—desire pooling in his stomach and radiating outward.“Dammit…” he muttered, his voice hoarse. He clenched his fists against the carpet, trying to will away the sensation, but it was useless. His body was on fire, his nerves alight with an unbearable need he couldn’t ignore.From the bathroom, Seonwoo heard the sound of something hitting the floor and froze mid-step. A frown creased his brow, and he immediately turned on his heel.He pushed the door open to find Maru slumped against the bed, his flushed face turned toward the ceiling. The sight made Seonwoo stop in his tracks, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in the scene.“What the hell are you doing on the floor?” Seonwoo demanded, though his voice lacked its usual bite.Maru opened one eye to glance at him, his lips pulling into a weak smile. “Tried… to get my clothes,” he admitted, gesturing vaguely toward the duffel bag beside him. “Didn’t quite make it.”Seonwoo exhaled sharply through his nose, running a hand through his hair. He crossed the room in a few quick strides, crouching down beside Maru.“You’re unbelievable,” Seonwoo muttered, grabbing the duffel bag and unzipping it. “Why didn’t you just call for me?”“Didn’t want… to bother you,” Maru replied, his voice trailing off into a low groan as his head lolled to the side.Seonwoo stilled, his eyes flicking over Maru’s flushed skin, the beads of sweat glistening on his collarbone, and the way his chest rose and fell unevenly. His gaze trailed lower, and he instantly regretted it.Maru’s sweat-soaked underwear clung to him, the fabric damp and translucent enough to leave very little to the imagination. The wet patch near the apex of his thighs had grown larger, and the outline beneath it was painfully obvious.Seonwoo clenched his jaw, his grip tightening on the bag’s strap. He quickly averted his gaze, focusing instead on pulling out a fresh pair of clothes for Maru.“Lift your arms,” Seonwoo ordered, his tone sharper than intended as he held up a clean shirt.Maru blinked at him, his lips parting as if to argue, but the words never came. He complied, weakly raising his arms as Seonwoo slipped the shirt over his head. The touch was impersonal, methodical, but Seonwoo’s fingers brushed against Maru’s skin more than once, leaving trails of heat in their wake.When it came to Maru’s lower half, however, Seonwoo hesitated. He held the pair of clean boxers in his hand, his jaw working as he debated his next move.“You need to change,” Seonwoo said finally, his voice quieter now.Maru’s head lolled to the side again, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips. “You offering to help me with that, too?”Seonwoo froze, his ears tinging red. “Don’t push your luck.”Maru’s laugh was breathy, teasing, though it ended in a soft moan as another wave of heat rolled through him. He slumped further against the bed, his legs spreading slightly as he shifted to get comfortable—entirely unaware of how compromising the position was.Seonwoo’s hand twitched, his self-control hanging by a thread. He set the clean clothes down beside Maru, rising to his feet abruptly.“Figure it out yourself,” Seonwoo muttered, turning away. “I’ll get you some water.”As Seonwoo left the room, he closed the door behind him with a little more force than necessary. He leaned against the doorframe, closing his eyes and taking a deep, steadying breath.
What the hell is wrong with me?
Images of Maru—flushed, vulnerable, and utterly shameless—flashed through Seonwoo’s mind, making it impossible to shake the heat pooling in his own chest. He pushed off the doorframe, determined to put some distance between them before his resolve crumbled entirely.Inside the room, Maru sighed, his smirk fading as he glanced toward the clean clothes Seonwoo had left for him. He groaned softly, his head falling back against the bed.“Why does this have to be so damn complicated?” he muttered to himself, the heat in his body refusing to subside.***Seonwoo stood in the kitchen, gulping down a glass of water in an attempt to cool the lingering flush on his face. The image of Maru leaning against the bed, dazed and disheveled, refused to leave his mind, no matter how hard he tried to shove it aside. Get a grip, Seonwoo scolded himself, setting the glass down with more force than necessary.He paced around the kitchen, needing to do something—anything—to distract himself. His focus drifted to his phone on the counter. Maybe he should call HQ again. They’d ignored him before, but the situation was getting out of hand.Without thinking, Seonwoo stepped toward the living room, his mind occupied with thoughts of what to say to HQ. It wasn’t until a sharp, sudden pain bloomed in his chest that he stopped in his tracks, sucking in a breath.“Shit,” he hissed, clutching his chest as the familiar sensation of the curse clawed at his ribs.Then he heard it—a yelp from the bedroom.“Maru?” he called, panic rising in his throat.The sound came again—a muffled, pitiful whimper that made Seonwoo’s stomach drop. Ignoring the lingering ache in his chest, he turned on his heel and dashed toward the bedroom, realizing belatedly that he’d crossed the two-meter limit without thinking.When Seonwoo opened the door, he was greeted by a sight that made his heart skip a beat.Maru was sprawled on the floor where he’d left him, his body trembling. His flushed cheeks had deepened to an alarming shade of red, and his hazy eyes blinked up at Seonwoo with a mix of desperation and frustration. His lips were parted, panting softly, and his hands clutched weakly at the carpet as if grounding himself.The real kicker, though, was the low, needy sound that escaped him when his gaze met Seonwoo’s.“What… the hell are you doing?” Seonwoo asked, his voice strained as he approached cautiously.Maru’s head lolled to the side, his messy hair sticking to his damp forehead. “You—” he croaked, his voice hoarse. “You left the range.”Seonwoo frowned, guilt flickering through him. The residual pain in his chest reminded him of his mistake. “I didn’t mean to,” he muttered, crouching beside Maru. “Are you—”“No, I’m not okay!” Maru snapped, though the sharpness in his tone was undercut by the trembling in his voice. “The… the heat—it’s worse now.”Seonwoo hesitated, his eyes scanning Maru’s trembling frame. He didn’t know where to look—the sight of Maru like this, flushed and wrecked, was affecting him more than he cared to admit.“I’ll… I’ll help you to the bed,” Seonwoo said finally, moving to slide an arm under Maru’s shoulders.As soon as Seonwoo’s hand brushed against Maru’s damp skin, Maru’s body arched involuntarily, a soft moan escaping his lips. Seonwoo froze, his grip tightening as his jaw clenched.“Stop making those sounds,” Seonwoo muttered, his voice low and strained.Maru gave him a weak glare, though it was far from intimidating. “You think I… want this?” he rasped, his head lolling back against Seonwoo’s shoulder.Seonwoo ignored the heat creeping up his neck and hoisted Maru to his feet. Maru’s legs wobbled beneath him, and it took all of Seonwoo’s strength to keep them both upright.When they reached the bed, Seonwoo lowered Maru onto the mattress as carefully as he could. Maru immediately rolled onto his side, curling in on himself as if that would stave off the unbearable heat coursing through his veins.“I can’t… I can’t take this,” Maru muttered, his voice breaking. “It’s—Seonwoo, it’s too much.”Seonwoo sat on the edge of the bed, his hands gripping his knees as he tried to think of a solution. The logical side of him was screaming for a professional remedy, but the primal part of him—the part that couldn’t stop noticing how soft Maru’s lips looked, how his flushed skin glistened in the low light—was dangerously close to taking over.He exhaled slowly, turning to face Maru. “Do you trust me?”Maru blinked up at him, his hazy eyes wide and glassy. “What?”“If you trust me,” Seonwoo said, his tone steady despite the turmoil in his chest, “I might be able to help. But you have to tell me if you want me to stop.”Maru’s breath hitched, his gaze locked on Seonwoo’s. After a long, agonizing pause, he nodded weakly.“Do something,” Maru whispered, his voice trembling. “Anything—just… help me.”Seonwoo’s pulse raced, but he kept his expression neutral as he leaned closer, his hand brushing against Maru’s damp cheek.“This better work,” Seonwoo muttered under his breath.***Seonwoo sat stiffly on the bed, leaning against the headboard as he tried to collect his thoughts. His face was on fire, and no amount of rationalization could cool the blush spreading from his cheeks to the tips of his ears. He rubbed his palms against his thighs, cursing the situation—and himself—for letting it get this far.Maru lay curled up at his side, shivering despite the heat radiating off him. His uneven breaths filled the room, each hitch and sigh tugging at Seonwoo's fraying composure.“Maru,” Seonwoo said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.Maru blinked up at him, his eyes glassy and unfocused. “Hm?”Seonwoo swallowed, the weight of the next step making his chest tighten. “Come here,” he said, his tone gentle but firm.He reached out hesitantly, his fingers brushing against Maru’s damp shoulder before carefully guiding him upward. Maru moved sluggishly, his body pliant as Seonwoo maneuvered him to sit between his legs, leaning back against his chest.Seonwoo froze as Maru settled against him, the closeness sending a jolt of awareness through his entire body. Maru’s soft hair tickled his jaw, and the warmth of his skin seeped through Seonwoo’s clothes. He could feel every tremor in Maru’s frame, every uneven breath that escaped his lips.“This is ridiculous,” Seonwoo muttered under his breath, his blush deepening.“You’re telling me,” Maru rasped, his voice thick with frustration and exhaustion.Seonwoo huffed, trying to ignore the way Maru’s head rested against his shoulder, the curve of his neck so close that Seonwoo could feel the heat emanating from it.“Listen,” Seonwoo said, his tone low and serious, “I’m going to ask you this one more time. Are you sure you want me to help you?”Maru’s breath hitched, and for a moment, Seonwoo thought he might refuse. But then Maru nodded, his voice barely audible as he whispered, “Please.”Seonwoo let out a shaky breath, his heart pounding in his chest. “Okay,” he said softly, his hands hovering awkwardly for a moment before he reached for Maru’s trembling hand.He hesitated again, his fingers brushing against Maru’s as he gently took his hand in his own. “I’ll guide you,” Seonwoo murmured, his voice so quiet it was almost a whisper.Maru’s entire body stiffened at the contact, his breathing quickening. Seonwoo could feel the tension in him, the way his fingers twitched against his palm. Slowly, deliberately, Seonwoo brought Maru’s hand downward, his larger hand covering Maru’s like a protective shield.“You’re burning up,” Seonwoo muttered, his voice tight as he tried to focus on helping Maru instead of the way his own heart felt like it might leap out of his chest.Maru let out a shaky laugh that turned into a soft groan. “You think?”Seonwoo’s lips twitched in what might have been a smile if the situation weren’t so utterly mortifying. “Just… focus,” he said, his voice steadying despite the heat pooling in his own stomach.As Maru’s fingers curled under Seonwoo’s guidance, a soft gasp escaped his lips, his head falling back against Seonwoo’s shoulder.“Good,” Seonwoo murmured, his voice low and soothing. “You’ve got this.”He kept his hand over Maru’s, guiding him with firm but gentle movements, all the while trying to ignore the way Maru’s soft, breathy noises were doing things to his composure that he’d rather not admit.Maru’s free hand clutched at Seonwoo’s thigh, his grip tightening as the tension in his body began to ebb away. His breathing grew heavier, his gasps mingling with soft whimpers that made Seonwoo’s pulse race.“Seonwoo,” Maru whispered, his voice breaking, “I—”“I know,” Seonwoo cut him off gently, his own voice trembling. “Just let go.”Maru's body trembled violently as the tension finally broke, his release spilling over, staining both their hands. His breaths came in heavy, ragged gasps, but the relief was fleeting. The unbearable heat still lingered, clawing at him from the inside out.Seonwoo sat frozen, his hand still loosely covering Maru’s, their fingers sticky and trembling. He glanced down at the mess, the stain spreading across their skin, and his ears burned red-hot.“Maru,” Seonwoo started, his voice unsteady. “Are you—”Maru interrupted him with a strained whimper, shifting restlessly in his arms. His head lolled back against Seonwoo’s shoulder, and his hazy, half-lidded eyes turned to meet Seonwoo’s gaze. “Still… too much,” he mumbled, his voice low and hoarse.“What do you mean?” Seonwoo asked, swallowing hard as his grip on Maru’s waist tightened instinctively.Maru shuddered, his cheeks flushing even deeper as he leaned into Seonwoo’s touch. “You’re cold,” he murmured, his words slurring slightly. “Comfortable… Need you to touch me more.”Seonwoo stiffened, his heart pounding in his chest like a war drum. “Maru,” he said carefully, his voice strained. “You don’t know what you’re saying right now. The aphrodisiac—”“I know,” Maru cut him off, his voice desperate and pleading. His hands fisted weakly in Seonwoo’s shirt as he pressed closer, seeking the cool comfort of Seonwoo’s body. “But you’re the only thing that feels good right now.”Seonwoo’s breath hitched as Maru’s words hit him like a freight train. He wanted to push him away, to maintain some semblance of control in this rapidly spiraling situation, but the way Maru clung to him—so needy, so vulnerable—made him falter.“You don’t mean that,” Seonwoo said, though his voice lacked conviction. His hands hovered uncertainly over Maru’s sides, the weight of the moment pressing down on him.Maru shook his head weakly, his lips brushing against Seonwoo’s collarbone as he murmured, “Please… Just—just touch me.”Seonwoo let out a low curse, his composure crumbling under the weight of Maru’s plea. With a deep breath, he slid his hands up Maru’s trembling arms, his touch firm yet hesitant. “You’re going to regret this when you come to your senses,” he muttered, though his own heart was betraying him, pounding uncontrollably.Maru only moaned softly in response, melting into Seonwoo’s touch as if it was the only thing keeping him grounded.***Seonwoo let out a shaky breath as he pulled tissues from the box on the nightstand, quickly wiping his hand clean before turning his attention to Maru. With careful precision, he cleaned Maru’s trembling hand as well, though his movements were jerky, betraying his nerves. The stained tissues were discarded quickly into the trash, and Seonwoo sat back against the headboard, unsure of what to do next.Maru, however, wasn’t nearly as composed.His body still burned, the flush on his cheeks spreading down his neck, and his hazy eyes darted toward Seonwoo. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence was thick, the air heavy, broken only by the sound of Maru’s ragged breathing. Seonwoo was about to say something—anything—when Maru’s gaze dropped lower, locking onto the unmistakable bulge in Seonwoo’s sweatpants.Seonwoo froze, his entire body tensing like a coiled spring. “Maru,” he said firmly, though the warning in his voice wavered.But Maru wasn’t listening. Slowly, unsteadily, he shifted, crawling toward Seonwoo until he was kneeling between his legs, his head bowed slightly. His fingers reached for the waistband of Seonwoo’s pants, trembling but determined.“Maru—what are you doing?” Seonwoo’s voice cracked as he grabbed Maru’s wrists, halting him.Maru blinked up at him, his face flushed, lips parted as he panted softly. “I’m returning the favor,” he whispered, his voice low and slurred. “You—You helped me, so…” He trailed off, his hands pulling weakly against Seonwoo’s grip. “I want this, too.”Seonwoo’s breath hitched. He stared down at Maru, his dark eyes conflicted, torn between exasperation and something much deeper—something he couldn’t bring himself to name. “You don’t know what you’re saying,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.Maru shook his head stubbornly, his gaze glassy but intent. “I do,” he murmured, leaning closer, his fingers curling around Seonwoo’s wrists. “I feel like I’m going to lose my mind. You’re the only one who feels good—who makes this better.”“Maru.” Seonwoo’s grip tightened, though his resolve was slipping. He could feel the heat radiating off Maru’s body, the tremor in his hands. His own self-control was hanging by a thread, frayed by the way Maru was looking at him—so needy, so desperate.Maru’s lips quirked into a faint, pleading smile, his voice trembling as he whispered, “Please, Seonwoo. I need this. I need you.”Seonwoo cursed under his breath, closing his eyes for a moment as if trying to steady himself. When he opened them again, they were sharp and focused, pinning Maru in place. “You’re going to regret this when you’re back to normal,” he said, his voice low and tight.“I won’t,” Maru insisted, his hands tugging at Seonwoo’s wrists again, this time more insistently. “Just… let me.”Seonwoo’s heart slammed against his ribs, his pulse roaring in his ears as he looked down at Maru, who was already leaning forward, his warm breath ghosting over Seonwoo’s abdomen. His body betrayed him then, a shiver running up his spine as his grip faltered, just enough for Maru to slip free.Maru wasted no time. With shaky hands, he hooked his fingers into Seonwoo’s waistband and began to tug the fabric down, his movements clumsy but deliberate.“Maru…” Seonwoo’s voice was strained, a final note of hesitation before it was swallowed by the tension in the air. His head fell back against the headboard as he exhaled sharply, his chest rising and falling with uneven breaths.Maru’s flushed face tilted up, his eyes locking onto Seonwoo’s. “Let me take care of you,” he whispered.Seonwoo couldn’t bring himself to argue anymore.***Seonwoo winced, his entire body tensing as Maru’s teeth grazed him ever so slightly—unintentional, but enough to send a jolt of sensitivity up his spine. He sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth, his hand flying instinctively to Maru’s hair.“Careful,” Seonwoo gritted out, his voice low and strained.Maru froze for half a second before pulling back just slightly, his flushed face contorted in embarrassment and determination. “S-Showwy—” he tried to mumble, but the words came out muffled, his lips still wrapped around Seonwoo.That was Seonwoo’s undoing.A fractured groan tore from his throat as heat surged through him like wildfire. His fingers curled unconsciously into Maru’s hair as he tipped his head back against the headboard, his jaw clenching tightly. He barely registered the sudden tension in his own body, the shuddering exhale that followed, or the way he came apart so abruptly it left him gasping for air. Seonwoo froze, his body still trembling from the aftermath as Maru pulled back, blinking in confusion. His lips were parted, and there was an unmistakable glisten as he coughed softly, brow furrowed.“Did you…?” Maru’s voice was hoarse as he realized what had just happened, the liquid still warm and coating the inside of his mouth.Maru blinked again, his lips quirking into a dazed, teasing smile. “You—”Seonwoo’s stomach dropped when he caught sight of it. “Spit it out!” he ordered sharply, snapping into motion as his hand fumbled for the tissues nearby.Maru blinked in surprise, swallowing instinctively before realizing what Seonwoo meant. “Ah—wait—”“ Don’t swallow it! ” Seonwoo barked, holding out a wad of tissues toward him.Maru coughed again, turning his head to spit into the tissue hurriedly, his face a blotchy mix of red and pale. “I—I think I swallowed a little,” he admitted sheepishly, his voice faint.Seonwoo pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly torn between frustration and mortification. “Why are you such a disaster?” he muttered under his breath, though his hand lingered near Maru’s mouth, as if checking to ensure he wasn’t choking.Maru wiped at his lips with the tissue, his face burning red as he avoided Seonwoo’s gaze. “It’s not like I meant to!”“You shouldn’t have been doing that in the first place!” Seonwoo shot back, flustered beyond belief as he sat back against the headboard, dragging a hand down his face. His chest still felt tight, and not just from the curse.Maru groaned, collapsing into a slouched heap, his back against the bed. “This is the worst day of my life,” he muttered, voice muffled. “I can’t believe you made me swallow—”“ Don’t say it! ” Seonwoo barked again, his voice pitching higher as his ears burned bright red.Maru peeked up at him from the floor, a weak smile twitching at the corner of his lips despite himself. “You’re blushing,” he teased faintly, though his exhaustion made it come out softer than usual.“I said shut up, ” Seonwoo snapped, though there was no real bite in his voice. His cheeks were bright red now, creeping all the way to his ears, and his hand flew up to run through his hair in sheer mortification.The room fell into a tense, awkward silence as Seonwoo struggled to regain composure, his breathing gradually slowing. Meanwhile, Maru tilted his head, clearly amused despite his own disheveled state.“I didn’t think I’d be that good,” Maru murmured cheekily, though his voice still carried the faint husk of his own lingering heat.Seonwoo shot him a sharp glare, his face somehow managing to deepen in color. “Don’t push your luck,” he growled, though the words lacked their usual venom.Maru just laughed weakly, collapsing to laying down on the bed with a huff. His body still felt unbearably warm, but the sight of Seonwoo—flustered and desperately avoiding eye contact—gave him a strange sort of satisfaction.“Guess we’re even now,” Maru said after a moment, grinning tiredly.Seonwoo’s eyes darted toward him, then away again, his expression torn between exasperation and disbelief. “You’re impossible,” he muttered under his breath.Maru chuckled, though it came out closer to a breathy sigh. “Yeah… but you like me anyway, don’t you?”Seonwoo froze, his gaze snapping back to Maru, but before he could say anything, Maru slumped further against the bed, his exhaustion finally catching up with him.Seonwoo didn’t respond immediately, his sharp eyes lingering on Maru’s flushed face and dazed expression. After a moment, he shook his head and muttered, “Idiot.”Reaching for the blanket, Seonwoo draped it over Maru’s shoulders, sighing softly. “Just rest. I’ll clean up.”Maru’s eyelids drooped as the lingering tension in his body finally began to ease, the heat slowly dulling into a bearable hum. “…Thanks,” he murmured faintly, his voice barely above a whisper.Seonwoo sat back against the headboard once more, exhaling deeply as he ran a hand through his hair. His mind was an absolute mess—embarrassment, frustration, and a very dangerous warmth coiling low in his stomach.He glanced down at Maru, who was now dozing off against the side of the bed, the faint rise and fall of his chest steadying. He’s impossible, Seonwoo thought again, though this time, there was an undeniable warmth in the corners of his mind. And, as much as he hated to admit it, Maru might have been right.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. Seonwoo stirred awake, blinking blearily at the ceiling as the familiar weight draped over him registered in his brain.

It was Han Maru. Again.

Maru was curled up against him like an overgrown house cat, one arm slung tightly around Seonwoo’s waist while his face was buried in Seonwoo’s shoulder. His breathing was slow and peaceful, as though the chaos of the night before had been completely wiped from his memory.

Seonwoo’s face immediately stiffened, heat creeping up his neck.

Why does this keep happening?

He shifted slightly, testing the waters, only for Maru to unconsciously tighten his hold around Seonwoo’s torso. Seonwoo froze, his entire body going rigid.

This can’t be happening.

“Maru,” Seonwoo said flatly, his voice a little strained.

Maru groaned softly but didn’t wake up.

“Maru,” Seonwoo repeated, louder this time, poking his shoulder.

“Mmh, five more minutes…” Maru mumbled sleepily, nuzzling deeper into Seonwoo’s shoulder.

Seonwoo’s eye twitched. “

Han Maru.

Wake up before I throw you off this bed.”

At that, Maru’s eyes fluttered open slowly. His blurry gaze met Seonwoo’s chest before his brain seemed to catch up with the situation. He stiffened, blinked once, and then twice more for good measure.

His face turned beet red.

“Oh no,” Maru whispered under his breath, his voice cracking like glass. He quickly sat up—or at least, tried to, because his arm was still tangled around Seonwoo. “Oh no. Oh no no no.”

Seonwoo sat there like a statue, perfectly still as if shutting down his entire nervous system would erase the moment. “Are you done?” he said coolly, though his ears were pink.

Maru shot back like he’d been burned, his hand flying to the back of his neck as he avoided looking Seonwoo in the eye. “I—I was asleep! I didn’t mean to—I wasn’t—!”

Seonwoo stood up abruptly, moving like a robot with pre-programmed steps. He grabbed his shirt off the back of the chair and pulled it on with precise, mechanical movements.

Maru’s face, already red, somehow managed to deepen another shade. “Wait. Are you seriously just… ignoring this?”

Seonwoo turned his head slowly to look at him, his face a perfect mask of indifference. “Yes.”

“But—!”

“It didn’t happen,” Seonwoo interrupted firmly, smoothing down his shirt.

Maru’s jaw dropped. “You—! I

remember

what happened last night, Seonwoo!”

Seonwoo visibly stiffened at that but refused to meet Maru’s frantic gaze. “Eat breakfast,” he said, his voice clipped and mechanical. “You’ll need the energy.”

“That’s not—” Maru sputtered, only to trail off as his face somehow turned redder still. The events of the previous night flashed vividly in his mind, from the unbearable heat to Seonwoo’s careful hands…

He groaned loudly, collapsing back onto the bed as he covered his face with a pillow. “Oh my god, I’m never going to recover from this.”

“Correct,” Seonwoo said dryly, glancing at him from the corner of his eye. He looked away quickly, though, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Now get up.”

Maru peeked out from behind the pillow, his eyes narrowing. “You’re acting way too calm for someone who had their

hands on me

last night.”

Seonwoo turned his head sharply, his face blank but his ears traitorously red. “I told you. It didn’t happen.”

Maru threw the pillow at him, though it missed by a wide margin. “It

did

happen!”

Seonwoo turned toward the door. “I’ll make coffee.”

“You’re deflecting!”

“And yet,” Seonwoo muttered, already halfway out of the room.

Maru groaned into the mattress again, smothering his face as his brain replayed everything in excruciating detail.

Meanwhile, Seonwoo stood alone in the kitchen, gripping the edge of the counter as he waited for the coffee to brew. His face, despite his outwardly calm demeanor, was still flushed, and his fingers tapped anxiously against the countertop.

I need to file for psychological compensation,

he thought grimly, though even he couldn’t deny the slight uptick of his heart when he recalled Maru’s flustered expression.

With a sigh, he muttered under his breath, “

This

is why I work alone.”

***

Maru shuffled into the kitchen a few minutes later, his hair a tangled mess and his expression still flustered. His footsteps were hesitant, but the promise of coffee—or at least some form of distraction—was enough to drag him out of the bedroom.

Seonwoo stood at the counter, back to him, holding a steaming mug of coffee. He was facing the window, staring out with an unreadable expression, and for a moment, Maru wondered if he was

still

trying to process everything from last night.

“You’re awake,” Seonwoo said flatly without turning around, as though he had eyes in the back of his head.

Maru rolled his eyes, already feeling the awkwardness creep up his neck again. “Yeah, because someone decided to abandon me in bed and act like nothing happened.”

Seonwoo stilled mid-stir, his back still turned to Maru, before muttering stiffly, “It’s not like we did the deed for real.”

The words hung awkwardly in the air. Maru choked on his next breath, nearly spilling coffee on himself as his face turned bright red. “W-Wha—what does that even mean?!”

Seonwoo finally turned to glance at him, his usual deadpan expression faltering at the sight of Maru’s flustered face. Unfortunately for Seonwoo, his own blush betrayed him, creeping from his neck to his ears. “...You know what I mean. It wasn’t—” He cut himself off with an annoyed click of his tongue and turned back to the counter, trying—and failing—to look nonchalant.

Maru muttered something incomprehensible under his breath before finally taking a sip, though he was still pouting slightly. The tension from earlier had softened, leaving behind a weird mix of embarrassment and domesticity that made his chest feel uncomfortably warm.

Seonwoo sighed and turned back to his own cup, clearly trying to get himself under control. “And for the record,” he added quietly, “I didn’t abandon you. You were fine.”

Maru snorted into his coffee, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “Sure, sure. I’ll remember that next time you run away like a blushing schoolgirl.”

Seonwoo froze for half a second before shooting him a glare. “I don’t blush.”

“Your ears say otherwise,” Maru teased, grinning now, all earlier awkwardness momentarily forgotten.

“Drink your coffee,” Seonwoo grumbled, turning away again, but Maru swore he caught the tiniest hint of a smile.

Maru sputtered incoherently, hands clinging to the coffee mug in front of him for stability. It took him a second to

register

the mug itself.

“Wait…” he said, blinking as realization dawned on him. “Is this… my lucky mug?”

Seonwoo didn’t answer, but the slight tensing of his shoulders gave him away.

Maru’s heart stuttered as he stared at the cartoon tiger printed on the side of the mug, its little grin almost winking at him. “You—” he swallowed, suddenly unreasonably warm, “—you made me coffee in my lucky mug?”

“It’s just a mug,” Seonwoo muttered, though the faint defensiveness in his voice was impossible to miss.

Maru looked down at the mug in his hands, a small, almost unnoticeable smile tugging at his lips. There it was—the tiger’s little face staring up at him from the coffee’s surface, like an old friend. It was stupid, maybe. Just a piece of ceramic. But to Maru, the mug had always been more than that.

To be loved is to be seen,

or so he’d heard somewhere once.

And Seonwoo, for all his bluntness and stoicism, had

noticed.

He wrapped his hands a little tighter around the mug, the warmth seeping into his palms like a quiet comfort.

“You’re full of surprises, Seonwoo,” Maru muttered, more to himself than to Seonwoo.

Seonwoo gave him a sidelong glance, brow furrowed slightly like he wasn’t sure if Maru was mocking him or not. “I just grabbed whatever was closest.”

“Sure you did,” Maru said softly, though his tone held none of his usual sarcasm.

Seonwoo turned away again, clearly brushing it off, but Maru caught the faint flush lingering on the back of his neck.

“Thanks,” Maru added after a pause, his voice quieter now. “For the coffee.”

Seonwoo didn’t look back as he muttered, “Just drink it.”

Maru hid his grin behind the rim of the mug as he took a sip. It was still too hot, the coffee burning the tip of his tongue—but somehow, it didn’t bother him at all.

And right now, with his lucky mug in his hands and Seonwoo pretending to be oblivious, Maru felt seen.

Four days off with this guy,

he thought, his chest inexplicably warm again.

This is going to be a nightmare.

Or, he supposed, it might just be the exact opposite.
 
***
 
By late morning, the awkwardness in the apartment had settled into something

almost

tolerable. Maru had showered, the steam clearing away the last of his dazed stupor, and now he lounged lazily on Seonwoo’s sofa, scrolling aimlessly on his phone.

Seonwoo stood near the window, arms crossed as he stared outside with his usual unreadable expression. For a long moment, neither of them spoke, and Maru half-expected Seonwoo to simply disappear into his room like a ghost.

Instead, Seonwoo turned toward him. “What do you want to do for lunch?”

Maru blinked, startled. “Huh?”

“Lunch,” Seonwoo repeated, voice as flat as ever. “We need to decide now.”

Maru stretched lazily, a grin forming on his lips. “Are you asking me

what I want

? Since when do I get a say?”

Seonwoo ignored the teasing. “Groceries or eating out?”

Maru hummed in thought. “You usually cook, right? Why not stick with that? You’re the culinary genius here.”

Seonwoo frowned slightly. “And you’re going to sit around doing nothing?”

“Not this time!” Maru declared, pushing himself up from the couch. “I’ll help you. Like your trusty sous-chef.”

Seonwoo looked at him skeptically, as if Maru had just volunteered to dismantle a bomb. “You’ll help?”

“Yeah!” Maru grinned. “I can chop stuff. Stir things. Taste-test, obviously.”

“That’s not helping,” Seonwoo said flatly, but Maru’s enthusiasm was hard to dismiss. After a moment, Seonwoo sighed in resignation. “Fine. We’ll get groceries, and you can

try

to help.”

Maru punched the air in victory. “Yes! You won’t regret this.”

Seonwoo muttered something that sounded suspiciously like,

I already do,

but he was already heading for the door.

***

The grocery trip was surprisingly efficient, though Maru’s presence made it far from quiet.

Seonwoo pushed the cart with precision, quickly grabbing everything they needed. Maru followed closely, flitting between shelves like an excitable shadow.

“Do we need snacks?” Maru called out, holding up a bag of chips.

“No,” Seonwoo replied immediately.

Maru pouted but trailed after him anyway. “You’re such a health nut.”

Seonwoo ignored him, focused on his list. Meanwhile, Maru picked out random vegetables and held them up for approval. “Carrots? Potatoes? Oh, wait—onions. Onions are important, right?”

Seonwoo paused long enough to shoot him a look. “We’re not cooking for an army, Maru.”

“Hey, I’m just being thorough,” Maru retorted, dumping a couple of onions into the cart anyway.

***

Back at the apartment, Maru rolled up his sleeves dramatically as Seonwoo started unpacking the groceries. “Alright, Chef Seonwoo, what’s the plan? What culinary masterpiece are we whipping up today?”

Seonwoo opened the fridge, quietly sorting ingredients. “Meat stew.”

“Ooh, fancy.” Maru nodded approvingly. “I’ll do the chopping. Where’s the cutting board?”

Seonwoo handed it to him, along with a knife and a bunch of potatoes and carrots. “Try not to hurt yourself.”

“Ha, ha,” Maru replied sarcastically, setting to work.

For the next few minutes, the kitchen was filled with the sounds of chopping and the occasional clatter of pans. Maru focused hard on his task, brow furrowed as he carefully sliced the potatoes.

“You’re slow,” Seonwoo commented, glancing over his shoulder.

“Perfection takes time,” Maru shot back, though his face was already turning pink from the concentration.

Seonwoo snorted softly, shaking his head as he prepared the broth. Maru kept at it, mumbling under his breath as he chopped with exaggerated care. By the time he was done, Seonwoo had already started cooking.

Maru watched as Seonwoo worked, effortlessly adding ingredients with practiced precision. The kitchen filled with the warm, spicy aroma of the stew, and Maru couldn’t help but grin.

“You really are good at this,” Maru said, leaning against the counter.

Seonwoo didn’t look up, but his ears turned the faintest shade of pink. “I’ve had practice.”

Maru grinned wider. “I’m glad I decided to help. This feels… nice, you know?”

Seonwoo’s hands paused briefly before he continued stirring. “Don’t get used to it,” he muttered.

Maru laughed, though there was something soft in the way he looked at Seonwoo—something he didn’t bother hiding.

***

The stew turned out

perfect,

and Maru made sure to remind Seonwoo of that fact at least five times during lunch.

“See? Teamwork makes the dream work,” Maru said proudly, scooping another helping into his bowl.

Seonwoo shook his head, but there was no real annoyance in his expression. If anything, his gaze lingered on Maru for a beat too long, as if quietly observing him.

Maru caught it, of course, and wiggled his eyebrows. “You staring at me because you’re impressed?”

“Eat your food,” Seonwoo replied, but there was the faintest quirk of his lips—a smile so small it barely existed.

***
 
That night, after dinner and a quiet evening of their own routines, Maru reappeared in the living room carrying a bag of snacks and two steaming mugs. Seonwoo, who was seated on the sofa scrolling through his phone, glanced up when Maru plopped down beside him with a smug grin.

“Snacks are here,” Maru announced, dropping the bag on the coffee table like a prized trophy.

Seonwoo raised a brow, unimpressed. “You’re like a kid bringing home treasure.”

Maru ignored him, instead handing over a mug. “Here. I even made you coffee.”

Seonwoo blinked, glancing down at the familiar dark liquid before sniffing it cautiously. “You made this?”

“Of course. I can

make coffee

, Seonwoo. I’m not a total disaster.” Maru took a sip from his own mug—chocolate milk, judging by the faint cocoa scent in the air—and smirked. “No need to thank me.”

Seonwoo shook his head slightly, but he didn’t push the mug away. Instead, he took a tentative sip, finding it surprisingly… good.

“Not bad,” he muttered.

Maru beamed like he’d just won a medal. “Not bad? I’ll take it.”

Seonwoo ignored him and reached for the snacks. “So, you’re eating chocolate milk and chips for dinner now?”

“It’s not dinner—it’s a

snack

,” Maru replied defensively, popping open a bag of chips. “Besides, this is the good life. Snacks, drinks, and quality company.”

Seonwoo gave him a sidelong glance, lips twitching ever so slightly. “Quality company?”

“Yeah, me.” Maru grinned cheekily before turning his focus to the snacks. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

They fell into a comfortable silence after that. The only sounds were the faint rustling of chip bags and the occasional clink of mugs against the table. Maru stretched out on the sofa, legs casually crossed in front of him, while Seonwoo sat more reservedly, leaning back but still looking oddly composed.

Maru glanced over at him after a while, absentmindedly munching on a chip. “You know, you’re pretty good at this whole ‘hanging out’ thing.”

Seonwoo shot him a skeptical look. “What does that mean?”

“It means you’re not as boring as I thought,” Maru teased, earning himself a small glare.

“You’re the one who’s loud enough for the both of us,” Seonwoo muttered, though there was no real bite to his words.

Maru laughed softly, taking another sip of his chocolate milk. “Hey, balance is important, right? Yin and yang. That’s us.”

Seonwoo didn’t respond, but there was a flicker of something in his gaze as he turned to look at Maru—a quiet sort of fondness he wasn’t ready to put into words.

Maru didn’t notice. He was too busy rummaging through the snack bag, humming to himself as if nothing could bother him.

“You’re not taking any chips?” Maru asked after a beat, shoving the open bag toward Seonwoo. “Here, eat. You need the energy to deal with me for four days.”

Seonwoo gave him a deadpan stare. “I need more than energy for that.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just eat,” Maru said, shoving a chip into his own mouth. “You’ll miss me when I’m gone, admit it.”

Seonwoo didn’t answer, but he did take the chip.

And for the rest of the night, they sat in the quiet hum of the living room, lit only by the soft glow of the overhead light. Snacks scattered across the table, mugs half-empty, and the space between them felt less like a curse and more like something that neither of them wanted to escape.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Maru leaned back against the sofa, cradling his empty mug as his eyes flickered lazily toward Seonwoo, who was still nursing the coffee he'd made for him. Silence hung comfortably between them—at least, for Seonwoo it did. For Maru, it felt like the perfect moment to ask a question that had been gnawing at him all day.

“Hey,” Maru started, glancing at Seonwoo with a curious tilt of his head. “Are you a virgin?”

Seonwoo froze mid-sip, the mug pausing halfway to his mouth. He turned his head slowly, eyes narrowing as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “…What?”

Maru snickered at the reaction, though his cheeks flushed faintly. “You heard me.”

Seonwoo set the mug down with a quiet clink. “What kind of question is that?”

“A curious one,” Maru replied matter-of-factly, his voice light but his gaze oddly serious. “I mean, I’ve been thinking… about, you know, the

jerking thing

.” He cleared his throat awkwardly, his face now visibly red. “Did you… ever do that to anyone before me?”

Seonwoo stared at him as if he’d grown a second head. “…Why the hell are you thinking about that?”

“Hey! It’s not like I want to think about it,” Maru said defensively, waving his hand. “But the thought just popped up, and now it won’t go away. You didn’t answer my question, by the way.”

Seonwoo let out a long, tired sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as if to steel himself for this very unwanted conversation. “No, Maru. I have not… ‘jerked off’ anyone before.”

Maru’s expression twisted into something indecipherable—part surprise, part curiosity, and a little bit of smug satisfaction. “Huh. So I was your first.”

Seonwoo shot him a glare, his voice as flat as ever. “That’s not something to be proud of.”

“Oh, come on,” Maru teased, grinning despite the heat crawling up his neck. “It’s kind of cute, don’t you think? You’re all stoic and cool, but deep down, you’re—”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” Seonwoo cut in sharply, though his ears betrayed him by turning red. “And I wasn’t exactly

volunteering

for that role, if you remember.”

Maru snorted, completely ignoring his warning. “Fine, fine.” He paused for a beat, then muttered under his breath, “So… you’ve never done anything with anyone before?”

Seonwoo shot him a sidelong glance, not sure whether he wanted to dignify that with an answer. “Why are you so invested in my private life all of a sudden?”

Maru shrugged, though his voice was quieter this time. “I don’t know. I guess I’m just curious.” He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, gaze flickering toward Seonwoo cautiously. “Are you, uh… gay or anything?”

Seonwoo blinked at him, completely thrown off by the abrupt question. For the first time in their conversation, he didn’t seem to have an immediate comeback. “Why would you ask that?”

“Well…” Maru scratched his cheek, looking sheepish. “You don’t seem interested in women. Like, at all. I mean, I’ve never seen you on your phone texting anyone, or even looking at girls when we’re out. And let’s face it—you’re not exactly lacking in the looks department.”

Seonwoo felt his brow twitch. “That’s hardly a reason to assume—”

“Plus, you’re always serious and kind of aloof,” Maru added, cutting him off as he jabbed a finger in his direction. “It’s like you’re hiding something. So I just wondered.”

Seonwoo stared at him for a long moment, utterly speechless. “Do you ever stop to think about what goes on in that head of yours before you speak?”

Maru grinned sheepishly. “Not really.”

Seonwoo shook his head, leaning back into the sofa as if this entire conversation had drained him of energy. “I’m not gay,” he said finally, his voice calm but firm. “And for the record, I don’t spend my time ‘looking at girls’ or anyone else because I’m too busy dealing with people like you.”

Maru blinked, taken aback for a second before he started laughing. “Hey! That’s not fair.”

Seonwoo shot him a look. “It’s entirely fair.”

Maru let out a long sigh, the laughter tapering off into something softer as he looked at Seonwoo out of the corner of his eye. “Still. You’re a weird guy, you know that? Most people would’ve freaked out over everything we’ve been through this past month. But you just roll with it like it’s nothing.”

Seonwoo didn’t respond immediately, instead reaching for his mug and taking another sip of his now-cold coffee. “I could say the same about you,” he muttered.

Maru blinked, caught off guard by the comment. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Seonwoo didn’t answer, though there was the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

Maru groaned, flopping back against the sofa dramatically. “Ugh, you’re impossible.”

“Good,” Seonwoo replied dryly. “Maybe now you’ll stop asking me about my personal life.”

“Fat chance,” Maru muttered under his breath, though he was smiling as he did so.

For a moment, the awkwardness from earlier melted away, leaving behind a familiar, comfortable rhythm between them—the kind that neither of them had expected but somehow couldn’t do without.

***
 
Maru had been quiet for a beat too long—so long that it caught Seonwoo's attention. He turned his head to find Maru staring at him with a look that was somewhere between hesitation and something more mischievous.

“What?” Seonwoo asked cautiously, narrowing his eyes.

Maru bit his lip, clearly debating with himself, before his mouth opened and, much to his own horror, the words spilled out: “Do you wanna… do that thing we did yesterday? Like… experiment a little?”

Seonwoo froze. It was like time itself had stopped for a brief, horrifying moment. “What.”

Maru flushed immediately, as if only now realizing what he’d said. His face turned a violent shade of red, and he waved his hands in front of him frantically, sputtering. “I-I mean! I don’t—what I meant was—oh my god, ignore me!”

“Too late,” Seonwoo deadpanned, though his ears were suspiciously red as well. He blinked at Maru in disbelief. “Did you seriously just ask me to

experiment

?”

Maru buried his face in his hands, his voice muffled and defeated. “I wasn’t supposed to say that out loud. I swear, it was just a stupid thought. Intrusive. You know, the kind you’re not supposed to actually

say

.”

Seonwoo ran a hand through his hair, trying to process what had just come out of Maru’s mouth. He was at a loss for words, his mind scrambling between shock, disbelief, and something else he didn’t dare name.

“Explain,” Seonwoo said finally, his voice low and almost dangerous. “Experiment how, exactly?”

Maru groaned, dragging his hands down his face as he peeked at Seonwoo through his fingers. “I don’t know, man. You know what I mean—

that

thing. Like, maybe… we try something new? I just thought… since you’ve never done anything before… and we’re… I don’t know, stuck together.” The last part came out in a mumble, barely audible.

Seonwoo stared at him, completely at a loss. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again, unsure where to even begin. “Maru,” he said slowly, as if trying to rein in his own sanity, “you want me to—what? Help you ‘experiment’ because you’re bored?”

“I

didn’t

say I was bored!” Maru shot back quickly, finally looking at Seonwoo properly. His face was still flushed to his ears, but there was a flicker of stubborn determination in his eyes. “It’s just… I don’t know. You’re the only one I feel comfortable enough to ask this with, okay?”

Seonwoo blinked, caught off guard by the honesty. His jaw tightened as he tried to think of a response, but his mind was suddenly blank, replaying Maru’s words on a loop. “You’re unbelievable.”

Maru winced, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “Look, I know it’s weird. Forget I said anything. It’s just—you’re so stoic all the time, and it feels like I’m the only one with my head in the gutter. You’re acting all calm about everything, like you’re made of stone or something.”

Seonwoo frowned, his gaze sharpening. “I’m not made of stone.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Maru muttered, crossing his arms. Then, almost shyly, he added, “So… you’re not completely against the idea?”

Seonwoo let out a long breath, his expression unreadable. He looked at Maru—really looked at him—and for once, there was no annoyance in his gaze, just something thoughtful and conflicted. “You’re insane,” he said finally, though there wasn’t much bite in his tone.

Maru cracked a sheepish smile. “Yeah, but you already knew that.”

Seonwoo ran a hand down his face, muttering something under his breath that Maru couldn’t catch. Finally, he leaned back into the sofa, his face still faintly red, and gave Maru a long, searching look. “…We’re not talking about this sober.”

Maru blinked, surprised, before a wide grin spread across his face. “Is that a yes?”

“That’s a ‘stop talking before I regret everything,’” Seonwoo replied sharply, though the tips of his ears were bright red now.

Maru couldn’t help but laugh, the awkward tension breaking just a little. “Noted.”

Seonwoo sighed again, looking like he was already regretting his life choices. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you’re too nice for your own good,” Maru teased back, though his gaze softened just a little as he watched Seonwoo—stoic, steady, and somehow the only person who didn’t completely shut him out. He didn’t push further, not yet, but the thought lingered between them like a spark waiting to catch fire.

***

Maru waited—somewhat patiently—as Seonwoo finished his coffee, fiddling with the hem of his sweatpants to distract himself. Every second that passed only made the tension build in his chest, and when Seonwoo finally set the empty mug down on the table, Maru moved without thinking.

He reached forward, grabbing Seonwoo’s wrist with more confidence than he felt. “Come on.”

Seonwoo blinked, surprised by the sudden touch. “What?”

Maru didn’t answer, simply tugging Seonwoo toward the bedroom. His steps were hurried, but his face were already glowing red. It wasn’t until they were both standing in the small bedroom, the air now thick with an unspoken charge, that Seonwoo finally freed his hand.

“Maru,” Seonwoo said, his voice cautious. “What are you—”

Maru turned away, swallowing hard as he awkwardly opened the drawer of the bedside table. His movements were stiff and fumbling as he reached in, pulling out a small, bottle of lube and—he hesitated—a small box of condoms that he quickly placed on the edge of the bed.

Seonwoo stared.

Maru couldn’t meet his gaze. He felt like his entire body was one big blush as he scratched the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at Seonwoo. “I-I… I just thought… you know. In case. Uh.”

Seonwoo remained speechless, eyes flicking from the lube to the condoms and then back to Maru’s flustered expression. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, as if words were failing him for the first time in his life. “Maru… is

this

why you wanted to stop by the drugstore ?”

Maru froze. His face—which was already red—somehow managed to turn an even deeper shade of crimson. “W-what?! No! I mean—yes! I mean… ugh!” He groaned, burying his face in his hands like he wanted the earth to swallow him whole. “It wasn’t

just

for that! I didn’t plan this, okay?! I just—look, I was being prepared!”

Seonwoo pressed his palm against his forehead, as if trying to ward off the headache he could feel coming. “Being

prepared

? For what, exactly?” His voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the flustered edge to it now.

Maru peeked out from behind his fingers, looking completely helpless. “I don’t know! I’m a guy, you’re… you. I’ve been dealing with a lot of pent-up stuff lately, and I just—” He cut himself off, groaning again. “This is so embarrassing.”

Seonwoo exhaled a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Pent-up stuff,” he repeated dryly, though there was no real judgment in his tone. “You’re unbelievable.”

Maru peeked at him again, his eyes shy but determined. “You’re not mad… right?”

Seonwoo looked at him, taking in the way Maru’s shoulders were hunched slightly, the way his face and ears were glowing red like a blushing mess. And as much as he wanted to scold him, to say something exasperated and witty—he couldn’t. Not when Maru looked like

that.

Instead, Seonwoo let out a slow sigh, leaning back a little against the wall. “No,” he said finally. “I’m not mad.”

Maru blinked, visibly surprised. “You’re… not?”

“No.” Seonwoo paused, the corners of his lips twitching as if he were holding back a smirk. “But I am wondering what exactly goes on in that head of yours.”

Maru groaned again, flopping dramatically onto the bed as he muttered into the sheets. “Stop making fun of me. I already regret this.”

Seonwoo’s gaze softened, just a little, as he looked down at Maru—a flustered, blushing mess, hiding his face as if that could somehow undo everything. And yet, for all of Maru’s awkwardness, there was something almost endearing about it—something that made Seonwoo’s chest tighten in a way he didn’t want to think about too much.

“You’re the one who dragged me in here,” Seonwoo pointed out, his tone quieter now.

Maru didn’t answer, still face-down on the bed.

For a moment, the room was silent, save for the faint hum of the heater in the background. Seonwoo glanced back at the items Maru had pulled out—

prepared,

as Maru had so awkwardly put it—and his expression turned thoughtful.

“…Maru.”

Maru peeked up from the bed, his face still bright red. “Yeah?”

“Sit up.”

Maru blinked, surprised by the shift in Seonwoo’s tone, but he pushed himself upright anyway, sitting on the edge of the bed as he looked at Seonwoo warily. “What?”

Seonwoo held his gaze, his face impassive save for the faintest hint of color on his cheeks. “If you’re serious about this,” he said slowly, his voice steady, “then you need to stop acting like it’s a joke.”

Maru’s eyes widened slightly, his heart skipping a beat at the weight of Seonwoo’s words. “…I’m not joking,” he said softly, his voice almost hesitant.

Seonwoo studied him for a moment longer before sighing and stepping closer. “Then stop blushing like an idiot.”

“I can’t help it!” Maru shot back, though there was no heat in his voice—just an almost bashful frustration.

Seonwoo’s lips twitched again, this time betraying the faintest hint of a smirk. “You’re impossible.”

Maru opened his mouth to retort, but whatever he was about to say died in his throat as Seonwoo leaned down just slightly—so close that Maru could feel the warmth of his breath against his skin.

For once, Maru was speechless.

“Still want to… experiment?” Seonwoo asked quietly, his voice low and even.

Maru swallowed hard, his cheeks burning. He stared up at Seonwoo, his heart hammering in his chest, and for a moment, all he could do was nod.

“Okay,” Seonwoo said simply, straightening up again as he stepped back. “Then quit staring and do something about it.”

Maru gawked at him, completely flustered, as Seonwoo crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “What happened to all that confidence from before?” Seonwoo teased, though the faint redness in his own face betrayed him. “You’re not backing out now, are you?”

Maru scowled, though his face was still glowing. “I

hate

you,” he muttered, though his voice trembled slightly with nervous excitement.

“No, you don’t,” Seonwoo replied smoothly.

Maru glared at him. “…Shut up.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Maru’s heart felt like it was going to beat right out of his chest as he fiddled with the edge of his sweatpants, unable to meet Seonwoo’s gaze. His face was bright red, and he could feel the heat creeping all the way down his neck. “I—I already prepared.”

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, still standing near the bed with his arms crossed. “Prepared?” His tone was laced with confusion. “Prepared for what?”

Maru groaned, squeezing his eyes shut like he was actively willing the embarrassment to kill him on the spot. “I cleaned up, okay?”

Seonwoo blinked, his brow furrowing slightly. “Cleaned what?”

Maru’s brain short-circuited. His entire body felt like it was overheating. He buried his face in his hands, mumbling something incomprehensible under his breath.

“What?” Seonwoo prompted, stepping closer. “Maru, I can’t hear you.”

Maru peeked through his fingers, eyes glassy with humiliation. “I said—I cleaned… myself. You know.

Inside.

”

Silence.

Seonwoo stared at him like he’d just spoken a foreign language. “…Inside?”

Maru groaned again, tugging at his hair like he was on the verge of throwing himself out the window. “Oh my god.

Yes,

Seonwoo.

Inside.

Do I have to spell it out for you?!”

Seonwoo’s brain took a full three seconds to catch up. And when it did, he froze, stiff as a board, his face draining of all emotion before suddenly—

alarm bells.

Gay panic exploded in his chest like fireworks.

“Wait. You’re saying—” Seonwoo swallowed thickly, his voice noticeably tighter. “You…

cleaned

because you wanted to—”

“

Be the bottom!

” Maru burst out, his voice an octave higher than usual. He clapped both hands over his mouth immediately after, eyes wide like he couldn’t believe he’d actually said it out loud.

Seonwoo’s mouth opened, then closed, then opened again. He looked completely thrown off his axis—like someone had drop-kicked him into an alternate dimension. “You… want to…” He trailed off, his words failing him entirely as he looked down at Maru sitting on the bed, still radiating embarrassment like a furnace.

Maru groaned again, his voice muffled against his palms. “I hate this. I hate myself. I don’t know why I’m saying this.”

Seonwoo, meanwhile, could feel his own brain doing somersaults. The logical part of him screamed to process this situation rationally, but instead, all he could focus on was the sheer ridiculousness—and unbearable

cuteness

—of Maru right now. His face was flushed down to the collar of his shirt, his hair was slightly messy from all his fidgeting, and his ears were practically glowing.

How is he so embarrassing and adorable at the same time?

Seonwoo thought, trying to force his expression back to neutrality and failing miserably. His own cheeks were burning now, his pulse pounding somewhere in his throat.

“You…” Seonwoo started, his voice hoarse. He cleared his throat and tried again. “So you’re telling me you… prepared for this? And thought about—”

Maru, still hiding behind his hands, cut him off in a small, mortified voice. “It’s not like I

planned

it. I just… wanted to be ready. In case. You know. Just shut up, Seonwoo.”

Seonwoo stared at him, struggling not to let the stupid smile tugging at the corners of his mouth show itself. He couldn’t help it. The situation—Maru’s flustered confession, his hands shaking slightly where they clutched at his lap, his voice cracking from sheer embarrassment—was too much.

He took a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose like he was trying to reset his brain. “You… seriously want to try this?” His voice softened, though the faintest edge of incredulity remained.

Maru finally peeked up at him, his eyes shy and unsure but—somehow—determined. “Yeah,” he mumbled. “I mean… I don’t know. I just thought…” He looked away again, his voice trailing off. “I want to try.”

Seonwoo exhaled sharply, his gaze flicking down to Maru’s flushed face, his trembling hands, the way he was squirming slightly on the bed like he couldn’t quite sit still. And despite the absolute

gay panic

threatening to send him into cardiac arrest, Seonwoo couldn’t deny that there was something almost—

endearing

—about it.

He reached out before he could stop himself, his hand brushing against the top of Maru’s head. The simple touch made Maru jerk in surprise, his eyes snapping back to Seonwoo.

“…You’re ridiculous,” Seonwoo muttered, though his voice was softer now—almost fond, despite the exasperation in it.

Maru blinked up at him, his blush deepening. “H-huh?”

“You’re a blushing mess, rambling nonsense, and making me question all my life decisions,” Seonwoo continued, running a hand through his hair as he turned away slightly to hide his own flustered expression. “And yet, for some reason… I don’t hate it.”

Maru stared at him, momentarily stunned into silence. Then, slowly, his lips curled into a small, bashful smile. “You don’t?”

“No,” Seonwoo said quietly, though his voice had an edge of forced gruffness to it. “But I also don’t know what’s wrong with me for going along with this.”

Maru grinned at that, his nerves visibly melting away—just a little. “Well, maybe you’re just into me.”

Seonwoo shot him a dry look, though his face was still flushed. “Don’t push your luck.”

Maru chuckled, his laughter soft and breathless. “Too late.”

Seonwoo stared at Maru’s smug little grin, his heart thudding harder than it should. That smile—that

face

—was unfair. Maru looked too pleased with himself for someone who’d just stammered through the most embarrassing confession of the century.

Without really thinking, without giving himself time to rationalize or panic, Seonwoo reached out and gripped Maru’s wrist.

Maru blinked, startled. “Seon—”

Before he could finish, Seonwoo tugged him forward, closing the distance in one smooth motion. Their lips met—a soft, fleeting press that made Maru freeze entirely. It was barely more than a peck, but Seonwoo lingered for just a second longer, his lips warm against Maru’s.

When he pulled back, Maru’s eyes were wide, his brain clearly still buffering. “Y-you—”

Seonwoo swallowed, his own face a little pink now. “You’re annoying,” he muttered, his voice quieter than usual. “And you’re going to be the death of me.”

Before Maru could process anything, Seonwoo leaned in again, this time slower—

deliberate

. The second kiss was deeper, his lips moving gently against Maru’s as though testing the waters. Maru gasped softly into it, his body stiffening before gradually melting under the touch.

Seonwoo’s hand slid to the back of Maru’s neck, steadying him, tilting his head just enough to kiss him more firmly. Maru’s fingers clutched instinctively at the fabric of Seonwoo’s shirt, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened.

The sound of their breath mingling, the faint

smack

of lips parting and pressing together again—it was dizzying. The kiss turned messy, Seonwoo’s control unraveling slightly as Maru responded to him, chasing the touch, opening his mouth just enough to let their tongues brush.

Maru whimpered softly when Seonwoo pulled back for air, his face flushed and lips slightly swollen. Seonwoo stared at him, his own breathing uneven.

“…Are you still under the influence of the aphrodisiac?” Seonwoo asked suddenly, his voice low but steady.

Maru blinked, startled out of his haze. “What? No—I mean… I don’t think so?”

Seonwoo exhaled sharply, almost like he was scolding himself internally. “You’ll be the death of me, Han Maru,” he muttered again, his thumb brushing lightly over Maru’s kiss-bruised lower lip.

Maru let out a shaky breath, trying to ignore the shiver that ran down his spine. “Seonwoo…”

Seonwoo’s eyes softened—though his expression was still serious, his gaze pinning Maru in place. “Should we just… start dating or something?”

Maru stared at him, his brain short-circuiting for the umpteenth time. “

What?

”

“You heard me.” Seonwoo tilted his head slightly, his face flushed but composed as he added, “Because if you say no, then we’re not doing this. I’m not… going to just mess around with you.”

Maru felt his heart stutter in his chest, something warm spreading in his chest—equal parts surprise and

something else

. He swallowed, his voice cracking slightly. “You’re serious?”

Seonwoo shrugged one shoulder, his thumb still idly grazing Maru’s jaw. “I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t.”

Maru blinked a few times, his lips twitching before breaking into an embarrassed, giddy smile. “…Well, I didn’t say no, did I?”

Seonwoo sighed like he was already regretting all his life choices, but the small, almost shy smile on his lips betrayed him. “I’m really going to regret this, aren’t I?”

Maru grinned wider, tugging Seonwoo back in until their foreheads were touching. “You might. But I think you’re already in too deep, Seonwoo.”

Seonwoo groaned softly, but instead of arguing, he kissed Maru again—just as deep, just as dizzying, and this time, without holding back.

Something snapped, or perhaps it was only the inevitable—Seonwoo pulled Maru closer, and this time the kiss carried none of the earlier hesitation. It was messy and urgent, teeth and tongues clashing as they stumbled, half-conscious of where they were going.

The backs of Maru’s knees hit the edge of the bed, and Seonwoo guided him down without pause, following after him. Clothes tugged and shifted, breathless laughter and hurried whispers filling the quiet room. Seonwoo paused only briefly, his forehead pressed against Maru’s. “You’re sure about this?”

Maru nodded, cheeks flushed and gaze steady. “I told you. I’m prepared.”

Prepared. The word echoed, turning over in Seonwoo’s mind, accompanied by the unbearable sight of Maru lying beneath him—a blushing mess yet entirely sincere. His next thought was jumbled, incoherent, and utterly helpless.

I’m doomed.

Whatever reservations remained evaporated as Seonwoo leaned in, their lips meeting again, softer this time—patient, exploring, and infinitely more dangerous. The rest was a blur of movements and murmured reassurances. Touches grew bolder, barriers fell away, and somewhere in the haze of tangled limbs and quiet gasps, Maru’s pent-up heat began to ebb, replaced by something far gentler.

***

Seonwoo leaned over Maru, his gaze heavy with intent, the playful banter from earlier replaced by something that made Maru’s stomach flip. Clothes had already been tugged off in the midst of their heated kisses, and now they were here—

here

—without the crutch of teasing words to distract them.

Maru swallowed thickly, eyes trailing downward, and froze.

“...Hold on,” he blurted out, his voice several octaves higher than usual. “Wait. Wait a minute.”

Seonwoo frowned, halfway between concern and exasperation. “What now?”

Maru, very carefully, averted his eyes, ears going crimson as he pointed vaguely at Seonwoo’s exposed lower half. “That. You. I—never mind.”

The realization hit Seonwoo like a bucket of cold water, and his eyes narrowed dangerously. “Maru.”

“I just… I need a minute to prepare myself mentally,” Maru muttered, shrinking under Seonwoo’s glare. “That’s a whole situation, okay?”

Seonwoo let out a long, suffering sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose like he was reconsidering every life choice that led him here. “Are you serious right now?”

Maru pouted, flopping back against the bed dramatically. “It’s your fault for being—well,

you

. Don’t glare at me like that! I didn’t know I signed up for

this

.”

For a brief moment, silence hung between them—until Seonwoo’s glare softened, and the faintest, most infuriating smirk curled at the edges of his mouth. “You’ll live.”

“No promises,” Maru grumbled, turning his face away like a sulking child. “Let me… just—wait.”

Maru pushed himself up slightly, avoiding eye contact like it might actually kill him, before reaching out with hesitant fingers. “I’ll just… start with this, okay?” He glanced up through his lashes, clearly embarrassed. “Compromise.”

Seonwoo arched a brow, clearly holding back a comment, but whatever he was about to say evaporated the second Maru touched him.

For a moment, Seonwoo’s breath hitched, his sharp exterior faltering just enough for Maru to see it. Maru couldn’t help himself—he smirked, confidence returning like a shot of caffeine. “Not so tough now, huh?”

Seonwoo shot him a look that could have leveled a small building, though the faint dusting of red on his cheeks betrayed him. “Focus.”

Maru snickered, though his movements grew steadier, more intentional. “Yeah, yeah. I’m focusing.”

Why does he have to look so good being annoyed?

Maru thought with growing exasperation, biting his lip as his earlier nerves slowly faded, replaced by something else entirely.

It wasn’t perfect, and he was

definitely

still feeling out of his depth, but the sight of Seonwoo’s furrowed brows and the faint tremor in his exhale was enough to keep him going.

“Still scary?” Seonwoo murmured, voice rough around the edges.

Maru glared at him weakly, though his flushed face ruined the effect. “Shut up.”

Maru’s hand faltered mid-motion, his nerves creeping back in as the weight of the situation fully settled on him. He bit his lip, glancing up at Seonwoo with a sheepish, almost comically awkward smile. “Uh… can you, like… say something?”

Seonwoo blinked. “What?”

“You know,

something

,” Maru mumbled, his gaze darting anywhere but at Seonwoo. His voice dropped to a mortified whisper. “Like… dirty talk or whatever. This is weirdly quiet, and I don’t know what to do with that.”

Seonwoo stared at him, utterly deadpan, for several long seconds. “…You want me to dirty talk?”

Maru winced. “Don’t say it like that! Just—yeah. I don’t know. Distract me or something.”

For a moment, Seonwoo said nothing, his piercing gaze locked onto Maru like he was trying to figure out if he was serious. Then, slowly, the corner of his mouth quirked upward, and Maru immediately regretted every choice that led to this moment.

“Fine,” Seonwoo said, his tone maddeningly casual. “You want a distraction? How about this?”

He leaned closer, his lips brushing against Maru’s ear as he spoke, his voice low and smooth, like silk laced with heat. “Do you have any idea how good you look right now? All flushed and shy, touching me like you’re scared of breaking something.”

Maru froze, his hand tightening reflexively. “Wh—what?”

Seonwoo’s smirk widened, his confidence downright infuriating. “You think I haven’t noticed how much you’ve been staring? Like you’ve been curious about this for a while now. Don’t pretend this is just the aphrodisiac talking.”

Maru’s face went nuclear, the redness spreading to his ears and down his neck. “I—I wasn’t staring!”

“Really?” Seonwoo’s tone was the embodiment of smug. “So when you asked if I’ve done this with anyone else, that wasn’t you being jealous? Or curious about how you measure up?”

“I—!” Maru spluttered, his grip faltering again as he covered his face with his free hand. “Shut up! Who even talks like that?”

“You asked for dirty talk,” Seonwoo reminded him, his voice dripping with amusement. “Don’t tell me you can’t handle it now.”

Maru peeked at him from between his fingers, equal parts flustered and incredulous. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Maybe,” Seonwoo admitted with a shrug. He leaned back slightly, watching Maru with a lazy sort of intensity. “But I’m also dead serious. You’re doing fine, by the way.”

Maru huffed, his hand resuming its earlier motions despite his embarrassment. “I hate you so much right now.”

“No, you don’t,” Seonwoo countered, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “But keep telling yourself that if it helps.”

Maru groaned, both at Seonwoo’s insufferable attitude and the increasingly warm atmosphere between them. “I’m never asking you to talk again.”

“We’ll see,” Seonwoo teased, his voice dipping lower as he added, “but if you need more motivation, I’ve got plenty to say.”

***

Seonwoo’s breath hitched slightly, his patience running thin. Maru’s hesitant touches, while endearing, weren’t enough to quell the growing ache inside him. Without thinking too hard about it, Seonwoo reached out, his large hand gently but firmly wrapping around Maru’s wrist.

“Come here,” Seonwoo murmured, his voice deep and coaxing.

Maru blinked at him, his wide eyes still glazed with uncertainty, but he allowed Seonwoo to pull him closer until their bodies were almost flush. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure Seonwoo could hear it.

Seonwoo’s sharp gaze softened ever so slightly as he brushed his thumb over Maru’s wrist in a grounding gesture. “Take this off,” he said, nodding toward Maru’s remaining clothing.

Maru hesitated for half a second before nodding. His fingers fumbled with his waistband, his nervousness almost palpable, but Seonwoo waited patiently, his eyes never straying from Maru’s face. When Maru was finally bare, he felt the cool air against his skin and instinctively tried to cover himself, but Seonwoo stopped him with a gentle touch.

“You’re fine,” Seonwoo said softly, his tone uncharacteristically reassuring. “Just… trust me, okay?”

Maru swallowed hard, nodding again as Seonwoo shifted their positions. With deliberate movements, Seonwoo aligned their bodies, their members pressing against each other. The sudden sensation made Maru gasp, his hands instinctively gripping the sheets beneath him.

Seonwoo took one of Maru’s hands, guiding it to wrap around both of them, their warmth and friction drawing soft sounds from both of their lips. Seonwoo’s hand covered Maru’s, his grip firm but measured, and together they began a slow, deliberate rhythm.

Maru’s breathing grew ragged almost immediately, his chest heaving with every movement. The heat building between them was overwhelming, but it wasn’t just the physical sensation—it was the way Seonwoo’s hand guided his, the way their bodies fit together, and the way Seonwoo’s steady presence anchored him in the moment.

“Seonwoo,” Maru whispered, his voice trembling as his hand picked up speed, driven by instinct and the intoxicating closeness between them.

Seonwoo’s jaw tightened, his own breaths growing uneven as the pace quickened. “You’re doing good,” he murmured, his tone low and strained. “Just like that.”

Maru’s eyes fluttered shut, his head tipping back as he lost himself in the rhythm, in the warmth of Seonwoo’s body against his. The slick glide of their movements, the soft gasps and moans that filled the air—it was almost too much, yet not nearly enough.

Seonwoo’s grip on Maru’s hand tightened slightly, his own breathing turning more shallow as they moved together, faster now. The tension coiled tighter and tighter, their shared heat driving them both closer to the edge.

“Maru,” Seonwoo rasped, his voice barely above a whisper, laced with a need that sent a shiver down Maru’s spine.

Maru could only manage a soft whimper in response, his body trembling as the overwhelming sensation consumed him completely.

***

The moment was still, their bodies pressed together as they caught their breaths. Maru’s hand was still trembling slightly, and his face was flushed, a mix of exhaustion and lingering heat written across his features.

Seonwoo looked down at him, his own breathing ragged but more controlled. He started to shift, intending to pull away, when Maru’s quiet voice broke through the haze.

“I already…” Maru hesitated, his face turning a deeper shade of red as he fumbled for words. “I already stretched and… prepared earlier.”

Seonwoo froze, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he processed the words. The weight of Maru’s admission hit him like a tidal wave, and something in him snapped.

“You really are going to be the death of me,” Seonwoo muttered under his breath, his voice low and rough.

Without wasting another second, he reached for the bedside drawer, his movements quick and decisive as he pulled out the small box of condoms. He tore open a packet with practiced ease, the faint sound making Maru’s heart race.

Maru bit his lip, watching as Seonwoo rolled the condom on, the sight both nerve-wracking and oddly exhilarating.

Seonwoo positioned himself, aligning carefully with Maru’s entrance. His gaze softened as he looked at Maru, searching his face for any sign of hesitation. “If it hurts, you tell me,” Seonwoo said firmly, his voice carrying both authority and concern.

Maru nodded, his hands gripping the sheets tightly as Seonwoo began to press in. The initial stretch was startling, and Maru’s breath hitched as the sensation sent a jolt through his body. Seonwoo moved slowly, just the tip at first, his brows furrowed in concentration as he allowed Maru time to adjust.

The considerate gesture only made Maru more impatient. A frustrated groan escaped his lips as he glared up at Seonwoo. “Stop holding back,” he muttered, his voice breathless but firm.

Seonwoo raised a brow, his lips twitching in what might’ve been the ghost of a smirk. But before he could reply, Maru hooked his legs around Seonwoo’s waist, pulling him closer. The sudden movement made Seonwoo’s restraint crumble.

“Impatient, aren’t you?” Seonwoo growled softly, his voice laced with both amusement and desire.

Maru didn’t answer, his face turning an even deeper shade of red as Seonwoo leaned down, his body pressing closer to Maru’s. Slowly, Seonwoo began to push in further, inch by inch, the heat and tightness overwhelming them both.

Maru gasped, his hands flying to Seonwoo’s shoulders, his nails digging in slightly as he adjusted to the stretch. The intensity of it all made his head spin, but he refused to back down.

Seonwoo kept his movements measured, his eyes locked on Maru’s face, watching every flicker of emotion that crossed his features. When he was fully seated, he paused, giving Maru a moment to breathe.

“Tell me when you’re ready,” Seonwoo said, his voice barely above a whisper, though it carried the weight of his self-control.

Maru exhaled shakily, his legs tightening around Seonwoo’s waist. “I’m… I’m fine. Just—move already,” he said, his voice breaking slightly.

Seonwoo’s lips quirked upward in a faint, knowing smile. “Alright,” he murmured. And with that, he began to move, slowly at first, the rhythm building as they both lost themselves in the moment.

The world around them faded into the background as Seonwoo moved, his hands braced on either side of Maru, his focus entirely on the man beneath him. Each motion sent waves of heat and sensation through them, and Maru clung to Seonwoo like his life depended on it.

Maru’s arms looped around Seonwoo’s shoulders, his fingers gripping the fabric of Seonwoo’s shirt as though letting go wasn’t an option. His breaths came in short, uneven gasps, and his flushed face pressed against Seonwoo’s neck.

“Seonwoo…” Maru’s voice was barely above a whisper, a mix of vulnerability and something rawer, needier.

Seonwoo stilled for a moment, his breath hitching as he felt Maru’s grip tighten. He glanced down, seeing the way Maru’s eyes were hazy but locked on him, desperate and pleading.

“Don’t stop,” Maru murmured, his voice trembling. “Don’t… let go.”

Something in Seonwoo softened at that. He shifted slightly, pressing closer, their bodies almost entirely flush against each other. His hand came up to cradle the back of Maru’s head, fingers tangling in his hair.

“I’m not letting go,” Seonwoo said quietly, his tone steady and reassuring despite the fire in his veins.

Maru’s legs tightened around Seonwoo’s waist, pulling him closer, as though the contact wasn’t enough. His breath hitched again, and he buried his face further into Seonwoo’s shoulder, his muffled voice barely audible. “Stay close. Please.”

“I’m right here,” Seonwoo replied, his voice softer now, almost tender.

He adjusted his movements, slower and deeper, giving Maru exactly what he needed—connection, closeness, and reassurance. Each shift of their bodies was deliberate, as though Seonwoo was determined to make sure Maru felt every moment of it.

Maru’s hands wandered, running along Seonwoo’s back, feeling the tension in his muscles. He pulled him closer still, if such a thing were even possible. “Seonwoo…”

“I’m here,” Seonwoo repeated, leaning down to press his forehead against Maru’s. His breath mingled with Maru’s, their gazes locking for a moment.

It wasn’t just about the physical anymore—it was something deeper, something that neither of them could quite put into words.

The rhythm between them grew more frantic, more urgent. Maru’s legs trembled where they were wrapped around Seonwoo’s waist, his hands gripping Seonwoo’s shoulders tightly as his breathing turned ragged. His body tensed with each motion, the heat between them building to an unbearable peak.

Seonwoo could feel Maru tightening around him, the sign that he was close. The way Maru’s head tilted back, exposing the curve of his neck, and the soft, gasping noises spilling from his lips—it was almost too much.

“Maru,” Seonwoo murmured, his voice low and rough, as he leaned down to capture Maru’s lips. The kiss was messy, a clash of heat and desperation, their breaths mingling as Seonwoo poured every ounce of restraint into not losing control too soon.

His free hand trailed down between them, wrapping around Maru’s length. The sudden touch made Maru gasp into the kiss, his entire body arching against Seonwoo.

“Seonwoo—” Maru’s voice broke as the pleasure surged through him, his fingers digging into Seonwoo’s shoulders.

“Let go,” Seonwoo whispered against his lips, his strokes matching the frantic pace of their movements.

Maru’s body shuddered violently as he tipped over the edge, his release spilling between them as his cries echoed in the room. His inner walls clenched harder around Seonwoo, and the sensation pushed Seonwoo past the brink.

With a deep groan, Seonwoo buried himself as deeply as he could, his body trembling as he followed Maru into release. For a moment, the world felt suspended, the only sounds their shared, uneven breaths and the lingering echoes of their pleasure.

Seonwoo leaned his forehead against Maru’s, their damp skin sticking together as they tried to catch their breaths. His hand still cradled Maru’s head, his thumb brushing softly against his temple.

Maru’s eyes fluttered open, hazy and unfocused, but he managed a small, breathless laugh. “That was…”

“Yeah,” Seonwoo replied, equally breathless, a rare flicker of a smile tugging at his lips.

They stayed like that for a moment longer.

Seonwoo moved slowly, his movements gentle as he pulled out. His eyes flicked downward, and he froze, muttering a low curse under his breath.

Maru, still catching his breath, frowned in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“The condom,” Seonwoo said, holding up the torn remains. “It broke.”

Maru blinked at it, his hazy mind taking a second to process. Then, he sighed and waved a hand dismissively. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. I’ll survive.”

But Seonwoo didn’t look convinced. “No, I’ll clean you up,” he insisted, already reaching for the tissues nearby.

Before he could move, Maru’s hand shot out, grabbing Seonwoo’s wrist. His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes—still clouded with desire—bore into Seonwoo’s. “Don’t,” he said, his voice soft but firm.

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow. “Don’t what?”

Maru’s fingers tightened slightly around Seonwoo’s wrist. “Don’t bother cleaning up. Because I want—” He hesitated, his embarrassment clear as his words trailed off. But then he took a deep breath, determination flickering in his gaze. “I want another round.”

Seonwoo stared at him, caught off guard. His eyes swept over Maru’s disheveled appearance, the way his body was still trembling slightly, and the faint pout on his lips.

“You’re insatiable,” Seonwoo muttered, though his tone was far from disapproving. His free hand moved to brush a strand of damp hair from Maru’s forehead, his fingers lingering against his warm skin.

“Then don’t keep me waiting,” Maru shot back, his voice tinged with both teasing and urgency.

A sharp exhale escaped Seonwoo’s lips, and he leaned down, capturing Maru’s mouth in a deep, heated kiss.

“You’ll be the death of me,” Seonwoo murmured against his lips before grabbing a fresh condom and preparing himself again.

This time, there was no hesitation, no slow build. It was raw and fervent, the kind of connection that spoke of a growing hunger neither of them could deny.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Maru shifted slightly, the fullness still present inside him, and froze when he realized it wasn’t just the soreness or last night’s aftermath—it was

Seonwoo

. His half-hard length stirred against the motion, sending a shiver down Maru’s spine.

“Oh, for the love of—” Maru bit his lip, his face burning as he glanced up at Seonwoo, who seemed far too relaxed for someone in this situation.

“Seonwoo,” Maru hissed, poking his side.

Seonwoo’s eyes cracked open lazily, a smirk already forming as though he knew exactly what was happening. “Good morning,” he said again, his tone low and teasing.

Maru groaned, pulling the sheets higher over his head in embarrassment. “You’re impossible.”

“You’re the one who—” Seonwoo started but cut himself off as Maru clenched involuntarily around him in his irritation. A sharp exhale escaped Seonwoo, his smirk faltering as his brows furrowed.

Maru peeked out from under the covers, noticing the subtle change in Seonwoo’s expression. A wicked thought crossed his mind, but he buried it quickly, opting for a more practical approach. Or so he told himself.

“Since you’re already, uh…” Maru hesitated, gesturing vaguely toward their connected bodies, “…ready, let’s just, you know… a quick one.”

Seonwoo blinked at him, caught off guard. “Are you serious right now?”

“Do I

look

like I’m joking?” Maru shot back, though his blush betrayed his bravado. “It’s… efficient.”

Seonwoo stared at him for a moment before letting out a low chuckle. “Efficient, huh?” His hands slid down to Maru’s waist, gripping him firmly as he shifted to a more comfortable position. “You really are something else.”

Maru huffed, though the way his body tensed betrayed his anticipation. “Just… be quick, okay?”

Seonwoo smirked but didn’t respond. Instead, he tilted his hips slightly, testing the angle, and Maru’s breath hitched. What was meant to be a quick, functional solution quickly spiraled into something else entirely as Seonwoo’s steady movements became more deliberate.

By the time the first round ended, Maru was clutching the sheets, his breathing ragged as he tried to glare at Seonwoo, who looked far too composed. “That was

not

quick,” Maru accused, his voice trembling slightly.

Seonwoo, still inside him, chuckled. “You didn’t seem to mind.”

“Don’t start—” Maru’s words faltered as Seonwoo shifted again, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Since we’re already here…” Seonwoo murmured, leaning in close to press a kiss to Maru’s flushed neck.

Maru groaned, both exasperated and eager, as Seonwoo began again, this time slower but no less intense.

***

After what felt like an eternity, they finally stopped, both of them lying tangled in the sheets, sweaty and utterly spent. Maru groaned as he stretched, his body aching but in a way that left him oddly satisfied.

“You’re insatiable,” he muttered, side-eyeing Seonwoo, who simply smirked back at him.

“And yet, you didn’t say no,” Seonwoo replied, his tone far too smug for Maru’s liking.

Maru rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, he heaved himself off the bed, wincing slightly as his feet touched the floor. “I’m going to brush my teeth,” he announced, grabbing his towel on the way.

“Wait,” Seonwoo said, sitting up and running a hand through his messy hair. “I’ll join you.”

In the bathroom, the two of them stood side by side in front of the mirror, toothbrushes in hand. Maru’s gaze flicked to their reflections, and he almost choked on toothpaste at the sight of himself.

Dark love marks dotted his neck, collarbones, and even his shoulders. He squinted, realizing some of them were faintly visible near Seonwoo’s collar, too.

“We look like we were attacked by a pack of wild animals,” Maru commented through a mouthful of foam.

Seonwoo snorted, rinsing his mouth. “Speak for yourself. I went easy on you.”

“

Easy?

” Maru shot him a look but quickly turned back to the mirror, his face reddening. “You’re joking.”

“Yet, here you are,” Seonwoo teased, leaning slightly into Maru’s side as he grabbed a hand towel.

They showered together next, though it was far less steamy than their earlier escapades. Maru yelped when Seonwoo dumped a generous amount of shampoo on his head, and Seonwoo retaliated by splashing him with water.

“Stop moving!” Seonwoo barked, his usual stern tone somehow endearing as he gently worked the suds into Maru’s hair.

“You’re the one being rough,” Maru grumbled but tilted his head obediently.

As they dried off and got dressed, the smell of coffee brewing and hot chocolate filled the apartment. Seonwoo, now wearing a loose T-shirt and sweatpants, moved about the kitchen with practiced ease. Maru watched from the table, a slight smile tugging at his lips as he observed Seonwoo’s uncharacteristically soft expression while cooking.

“Need any help?” Maru finally asked, getting up.

“You can set the table,” Seonwoo replied, nodding toward the cupboard.

Maru complied, placing plates and utensils down with a little more flourish than necessary. “Do you always eat this well on a day off?”

Seonwoo smirked, flipping the eggs in the pan effortlessly. “Not really. But we worked out so hard last night—gotta refuel, you know?”

Maru, who had just set down the last fork, froze mid-motion. He turned to Seonwoo with a scandalized expression. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” Seonwoo replied, his tone entirely too nonchalant as he plated the food. “You’re the one who said we should experiment and then didn’t let me stop until you passed out. You’ve only got yourself to blame.”

Maru’s face went bright red, and he groaned, covering it with both hands. “Can you not say stuff like that so casually? What if the neighbors hear you?”

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow as he placed the plates on the table. “Through these walls? Highly unlikely. Unless you were that loud, in which case…”

“Seonwoo!” Maru cut him off, voice cracking with embarrassment. He plopped into his chair, glaring at his smug partner across the table. “You’re impossible.”

Seonwoo chuckled softly as he poured himself a cup of coffee. “And yet, you’re still here.”

Maru grumbled something unintelligible under his breath but reached for his chocolate milk, opting to drown his mortification with the sweet drink.

Halfway through breakfast, Maru finally worked up the courage to speak again. “...You’re surprisingly good at this, you know. All this time I’m here, everything you cooked are delicious.”

Seonwoo tilted his head, feigning confusion. “What did you think I’d be good at? Only fighting rakshasas and annoying you?”

“Well, yeah,” Maru muttered before taking a bite of his toast. “The cooking thing’s just unexpected.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Seonwoo said, sipping his coffee. “But don’t expect me to do all the work. Next time, you’re helping.”

Maru smirked, the corners of his lips twitching mischievously. “You just want me to chop onions so you don’t cry.”

“Keep talking like that, and I’ll make you cook the whole meal next time,” Seonwoo shot back, though he didn’t mean it.

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the morning sunlight casting long shadows across the room. As Maru glanced up, he caught Seonwoo’s gaze lingering on him.

“What?” Maru asked, feeling a little self-conscious.

“Nothing,” Seonwoo said, looking away with an almost imperceptible flush on his cheeks. “Just… you look more relaxed today.”

Maru blinked, momentarily taken aback. Then, a small, genuine smile tugged at his lips. “Guess I finally had a good night’s sleep.”

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment further, instead reaching over to refill Maru’s glass of chocolate milk.

***

As they finished their breakfast, Seonwoo leaned back in his chair, nursing the last of his coffee. He glanced at Maru, who was happily munching on the last piece of toast, and his lips curled into a sly smirk.

“Hey, Maru,” Seonwoo began, his tone deceptively casual.

Maru froze mid-chew, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. “What?”

Seonwoo tilted his head, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Are you really that pent up? Or…” He paused for dramatic effect, watching as Maru’s expression morphed into a mixture of confusion and dread. “...have you been crushing on me all this time?”

Maru choked on his toast, coughing as his face flushed crimson. He grabbed his glass of chocolate milk and took a hasty gulp to recover. “What the—Seonwoo!” he spluttered, his voice higher than usual. “Where did that even come from?”

Seonwoo shrugged, feigning innocence. “Just wondering. You were

very

enthusiastic last night, and this morning too.” His eyes flicked toward Maru’s hands, which were gripping his glass like it was a lifeline.

Maru groaned, burying his face in his hands. “You’re delusional,” he muttered, his voice muffled. “I’m not answering that.”

Seonwoo chuckled, resting his chin on his hand as he watched Maru squirm. “So, no denial, huh? Interesting.”

“That’s not—ugh!” Maru lowered his hands, glaring at Seonwoo with a mix of embarrassment and exasperation. “I was just… Look, it’s not like that, okay? I just—”

“Just?” Seonwoo prompted, his smirk widening.

Maru hesitated, his mouth opening and closing like he was trying to find the right words. Finally, he sighed, slumping back in his chair. “Fine. Maybe I’ve… thought about it. Once or twice. But that doesn’t mean I’ve been crushing on you!”

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Once or twice, huh? Is that what we’re calling it?”

Maru groaned again, his cheeks burning. “Can we not do this right now? I can’t take you seriously when you’re smirking like that.”

Seonwoo leaned forward, his expression softening just a fraction. “Relax, I’m just teasing you. But for what it’s worth…” He trailed off, his gaze meeting Maru’s. “I don’t mind being the one you’re pent up over.”

Maru’s jaw dropped, and he stared at Seonwoo like he’d just grown a second head. “You—what—ugh! Forget it!” He shot up from his chair, grabbing the empty plates and stomping off to the sink.

Behind him, Seonwoo chuckled quietly, sipping his coffee like he hadn’t just turned Maru’s brain into a scrambled mess.

***

After finishing the dishes, Maru lingered in the kitchen for a while, gathering his courage. Eventually, he returned to the dining table, standing beside Seonwoo’s chair with an uncharacteristically hesitant expression.

Seonwoo looked up from his phone, noticing Maru’s hand gripping the back of his chair, effectively trapping him in place. His brow arched in mild curiosity. “What’s with the brooding stance?”

Maru’s face was flushed, and he avoided Seonwoo’s gaze, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “I… I have a question.”

Seonwoo set his phone down, turning slightly to face Maru. “Go on, then. Ask away.”

Maru took a deep breath, his fingers tightening on the chair. “Are we… really boyfriends now? Or…” His voice trailed off, and he finally dared to meet Seonwoo’s gaze, his embarrassment written all over his face.

For a moment, Seonwoo simply stared at him, the corners of his lips twitching. Then, he let out an exaggerated sigh, his expression morphing into one of faux sadness. He slumped back in his chair dramatically, resting a hand over his chest like he was wounded. “Oh, I see how it is. You’re just going to use me as a one-night stand and then toss me aside?”

Maru blinked, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to process the sudden shift in tone. “What—?”

Seonwoo pressed on, his voice dripping with mock pity. “I should’ve known. You seduced me, got what you wanted, and now you’re ready to move on, aren’t you? Just a fleeting moment of passion—”

“Seonwoo!” Maru’s shout was both exasperated and flustered.

Seonwoo looked up at him, his lips twitching like he was holding back laughter. “What? Isn’t that what you’re implying, asking me if we’re really boyfriends? If you’re not serious, I might as well embrace my tragic, pitiful fate.”

Maru groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I hate you. I actually hate you.”

Seonwoo finally broke into a quiet chuckle, his hand reaching out to tug at Maru’s wrist gently. “Come on, I’m kidding. Don’t take it so seriously.”

Maru lowered his hands just enough to glare at him, his cheeks still red. “Then answer the question, idiot.”

Seonwoo tilted his head, his teasing expression softening into something more genuine. “Yeah, we’re boyfriends now. If you want to be.”

Maru’s glare faltered, and for a moment, he looked like he didn’t know what to do with the sudden sincerity. Then, he muttered under his breath, “You could’ve just said that from the start.”

Seonwoo smirked, leaning back in his chair with an air of satisfaction. “But where’s the fun in that?”

Maru huffed but didn’t move away from the chair, his hand still gripping it tightly. He glanced at Seonwoo, his lips twitching as if he wanted to say something else but couldn’t quite find the words.

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow. “What now? Don’t tell me you’re going to declare your undying love for me.”

Maru scowled, his blush deepening. “Shut up before I take it back.”

Seonwoo laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine, and reached up to ruffle Maru’s hair. “Relax. I’m not going anywhere.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

After breakfast, Maru sprawled out on the couch, his legs hanging over the armrest as he scrolled mindlessly through his phone. Every so often, he’d sigh dramatically, as if the weight of the world was pressing down on him, though it was more likely the weight of boredom.Seonwoo, seated in an armchair nearby, glanced up from his phone. He had been catching up on news and the latest team updates but was now distracted by Maru’s excessive fidgeting.“You look like a sloth pretending to be depressed,” Seonwoo remarked dryly, one brow raised.Maru rolled his head to the side to glare at him. “I’m bored.”Seonwoo let out a short laugh. “That much is obvious. We’ve still got two more days off. You really plan on spending them whining on the couch?”Maru groaned, throwing an arm over his face. “What else am I supposed to do? Not everyone can entertain themselves with a phone like you.”Seonwoo hummed thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair and tapping his phone against his palm. “Alright, how about we go out? Maybe walk around or grab some snacks.”Maru peeked out from under his arm, his interest piqued but his expression skeptical. “Go out? Where?”“I don’t know. A park, a bookstore, a café? You pick,” Seonwoo said, shrugging. “Anything to get you off this couch before you start growing moss.”Maru let out a small laugh despite himself. “You really can’t handle just relaxing, can you?”“I can relax just fine,” Seonwoo shot back, smirking. “You’re the one sulking like a restless kid.”Maru swung his legs off the couch and sat up, stretching his arms above his head. “Fine. Let’s go out. But if we’re doing this, I want snacks. Lots of them.”Seonwoo chuckled, already standing up and grabbing his keys from the coffee table. “Deal. Get dressed, and let’s go before you change your mind.”Maru rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips as he shuffled off to the room to change.*** Maru stood in front of his mirror, holding up a shirt he hadn’t worn in a while. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but the color and style bore an uncanny resemblance to the one Seonwoo had been wearing earlier—a dark, casual button-up with rolled sleeves. He bit his lip, feeling a wave of embarrassment creep over him.“Am I seriously doing this?” he thought, his cheeks flushing pink.It felt juvenile—like something a lovestruck teenager might do. But the thought of looking somewhat coordinated with Seonwoo made his heart race. Ignoring the little voice of self-criticism in his head, he pulled the shirt on and gave himself a once-over. It looked good. Satisfied, he stepped out of his room, pretending to act casual.Seonwoo, who had been standing by the door waiting, glanced up when Maru walked out. His sharp eyes did a quick once-over, noting the striking similarity between their outfits. Maru, already self-conscious, shifted under his gaze.Seonwoo’s eyes lingered on the faint hickeys peeking out from Maru’s collar. He frowned slightly, then without a word, grabbed Maru’s wrist and dragged him back into the bedroom.“Hey! What’s the—” Maru’s protest was cut off as Seonwoo swung the wardrobe open and pulled out a black turtleneck.“You’re not going out like that,” Seonwoo said firmly, holding the turtleneck out to Maru.Maru blinked, flustered. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”Seonwoo gave him a pointed look, gesturing toward his neck. “You really want people staring at those?”Maru instinctively raised a hand to his neck, his face going beet red when he realized what Seonwoo meant. “I—I didn’t even notice!”Seonwoo let out an exasperated sigh, tossing the turtleneck at him. “Put this on. And hurry up.”As Maru fumbled with the shirt, Seonwoo reached into the wardrobe and grabbed another turtleneck for himself—this one with a different cut and fit. He quickly changed, giving Maru a moment to pull himself together.When Maru finally looked up, he froze. Now they were both wearing turtlenecks, and while the styles weren’t identical, they were definitely matching enough to draw attention.Seonwoo caught Maru’s wide-eyed stare and smirked. “What? You don’t like it? You’re the one who started this with that shirt of yours.”Maru sputtered, “I didn’t—! I wasn’t—! You’re the one who dragged me back here!”“Right. To save you from embarrassment. You’re welcome,” Seonwoo said coolly, heading toward the door.Maru groaned, burying his face in his hands for a moment before following. “Why does he always have to act like he’s one step ahead?”Despite his grumbling, he couldn’t help but smile faintly as he caught up with Seonwoo.***Maru leaned back in the passenger seat, fiddling absentmindedly with the hem of the turtleneck. It felt soft against his fingers, and he couldn’t help but notice the faint scent clinging to it—a mix of laundry detergent and something distinctly Seonwoo.Instinctively, he brought the fabric closer to his nose, inhaling quietly. The familiar scent was oddly comforting, though it also made his chest tighten with an embarrassing warmth.Of course it smells like him, Maru thought, rolling his eyes at himself. It is his shirt, after all.He let out a soft sigh, shifting his gaze toward Seonwoo, who was focused on the road. The way the sunlight caught on Seonwoo’s sharp jawline and the steady grip of his hands on the steering wheel made Maru’s thoughts wander.“Where are we going?” Maru asked, partly to distract himself.Seonwoo glanced at him briefly before returning his attention to the road. “To the mall,” he replied simply.Maru raised an eyebrow. “The mall? Why?”Seonwoo shrugged one shoulder, his tone casual. “Window shopping. Or actual shopping. Your choice.”Maru blinked. “Do you even like shopping?”“Not particularly,” Seonwoo admitted, his lips twitching into a small smirk. “But you seem like the type to enjoy browsing for hours and overthinking every purchase.”Maru scoffed, crossing his arms. “I do not.”Seonwoo glanced at him again, this time with a knowing look. “You spent ten minutes choosing a shirt this morning.”Maru’s face heated. “That was different!”“Sure it was.”Maru huffed, slumping further into his seat. “I don’t even know why I bother arguing with you.”Seonwoo chuckled softly, his voice low and teasing. “Because you can’t help yourself.”Maru turned to the window, trying to hide the faint smile tugging at his lips. “Why is he so annoyingly right all the time?”As they drove into the city, Maru couldn’t help but steal glances at Seonwoo every now and then. Despite the teasing, there was something oddly domestic and comfortable about the moment—two people heading to the mall together on a day off.***The mall bustled with activity, but Seonwoo and Maru moved at their own pace, weaving through racks and displays. They started in the clothing section, with Seonwoo scanning each rack meticulously.Maru, on the other hand, trailed behind him, only half-interested. He watched as Seonwoo picked up a shirt, inspected the stitching, and then put it back with a slight frown.“You’ve been staring at that rack for five minutes,” Maru said, leaning against a nearby pillar. “Just pick one already.”Seonwoo didn’t even glance back. “They’re all lacking something.”Maru rolled his eyes. “What, a golden thread?”Seonwoo finally turned, holding up a sleek black button-up shirt. “This is decent.”“ Decent? ” Maru repeated, incredulous. “You’re the only person I know who calls a perfectly fine shirt ‘decent.’”Seonwoo ignored the jab and walked toward the fitting rooms, pausing when he saw Maru still lounging nearby. “Don’t just stand there. Try this on.”He tossed another shirt at Maru—a soft beige sweater with a subtle texture.Maru caught it, confused. “Why am I trying this on?”“You need new clothes,” Seonwoo said bluntly.“I didn’t ask for—”“Your taste is questionable,” Seonwoo cut in, smirking as he walked into the fitting room.Maru stared at the sweater in his hands, flustered. “My taste is fine,” he muttered to himself, but he still shuffled toward an empty fitting room anyway.***Half an hour later, they found themselves in the pants section. Seonwoo was crouched down, examining the stitching on a pair of dark slacks.“You’re so picky,” Maru said, leaning on a display stand. “You’ve been holding up those pants for ten minutes.”“They’re well-made,” Seonwoo replied simply, standing and holding the slacks against himself to check the length. “It’s hard to find the right cut.”Maru shook his head, stifling a laugh. “I didn’t think you’d be the type to care this much about clothes.”Seonwoo raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”“You’re just so… practical. I thought you’d grab the first thing you saw and call it a day.”Seonwoo smirked, walking past Maru to grab a pair of pants from another rack. “Practicality and good taste aren’t mutually exclusive.”Maru couldn’t help but smile as he followed Seonwoo around the store. He found it oddly endearing how focused Seonwoo was, even if it was over something as simple as pants.When Seonwoo handed him a pair of dark jeans to try on, Maru raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with the jeans I’m wearing now?”“They’re a little outdated.”Maru gasped in mock offense. “You’re unbelievable.”“Just try them,” Seonwoo said with a small grin.***As they moved into the accessories section, Seonwoo’s sharp eye for detail only intensified. He held up belts, watches, and even sunglasses, weighing each option carefully before deciding whether or not it was worth considering.Maru wandered over to a rack of scarves, draping one around his neck and striking a pose. “What do you think?”Seonwoo glanced over, and for a moment, his serious expression softened. “Not bad,” he said, though his voice carried a hint of teasing. “But you look better without it.”Maru flushed, quickly pulling the scarf off and shoving it back onto the rack. “Stop saying weird things in public.”Seonwoo chuckled, moving to stand beside him. “We’ve barely started. You sure you’re not tired already?”“I’m fine,” Maru grumbled, though his feet were starting to ache.“Good,” Seonwoo said, picking up a sleek leather belt. “Because we’re not leaving until we find something that suits both of us.”Maru sighed dramatically, but he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. As exhausting as Seonwoo’s perfectionism was, he found himself enjoying the time they spent together—just the two of them, navigating the mundane chaos of shopping.***As they waited for their orders in a cozy restaurant, Maru fiddled idly with his straw, swirling it in his glass of iced chocolate. Across from him, Seonwoo scrolled on his phone, looking as unbothered as ever.The quiet was interrupted when a group of women approached their table.“Excuse me,” one of them said, her voice slightly hesitant but laced with curiosity.Maru glanced up, confused. Seonwoo barely raised his head, offering them a polite but distant smile.“Yes?” Seonwoo said.The woman smiled brightly. “We couldn’t help but notice you from across the restaurant. You’re really handsome. Are you… by any chance, single?”Maru’s hand tightened slightly around his glass, but he kept his gaze fixed on the melting ice. He tried to act indifferent, as though the question wasn’t currently clawing at his nerves.Seonwoo, on the other hand, didn’t miss a beat. He glanced at Maru, a sly smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.“Actually,” Seonwoo said, his voice calm and clear, “I have a boyfriend.”The group froze, their eyes widening in surprise. “Oh,” one of them stammered, clearly caught off guard. “We didn’t realize… um, sorry to bother you.”“It’s fine,” Seonwoo replied smoothly, his tone courteous but final.The women exchanged awkward glances before murmuring polite apologies and retreating back to their table.Maru, who had been staring at the condensation on his glass, finally looked up. “...Boyfriend?” he said, his voice quieter than usual.Seonwoo leaned back in his chair, setting his phone down. “Yes,” he replied simply, meeting Maru’s gaze with an unreadable expression.Maru’s face turned bright red. “You can’t just— What if they think I’m your boyfriend?”“They’d be right.”Maru choked on his drink. “Seonwoo!”“What?” Seonwoo said innocently, though the teasing glint in his eyes gave him away. “Did I say something wrong?”“You can’t just go around telling strangers that kind of thing!” Maru hissed, his voice low but frantic.Seonwoo tilted his head, feigning confusion. “Why not? It’s the truth.”Maru buried his face in his hands, groaning. “I hate you.”Seonwoo just chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. Maru peeked at him through his fingers, his face still burning. “You can’t do that.”“Oh? Tell me why then, ” Seonwoo replied, taking a sip of his iced Americano with a satisfied smirk.Maru slumped in his seat, glaring half-heartedly at Seonwoo. He hated how easily the man could fluster him—and how much he secretly liked it.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

As they left the restaurant, Maru felt a warm sense of satisfaction—not just from the meal but from how casually Seonwoo had declared their relationship. Walking beside Seonwoo through the bustling mall, he couldn’t help but glance at him. The easy way Seonwoo carried himself, the sharp lines of his turtleneck blending perfectly with his tailored pants, and the confident smirk on his face made Maru’s heart skip a beat.“You’re staring,” Seonwoo said without looking at him.“Am not,” Maru denied immediately, turning his head away.Seonwoo chuckled softly, slipping his hands into his pockets. “So, where to next? Or are you ready to head back?”Maru shrugged, pretending to be indifferent. “You decide. You’re the one dragging me around.”“Dragging you?” Seonwoo echoed with mock offense. “You’re the one who’s been clinging to me like we’re on a honeymoon.” Maru flushed, tugging at the hem of his borrowed turtleneck. “I have not!”“Sure,” Seonwoo teased, his smirk widening. “But since you’re so attached, let’s check out the bookstore. I could use a few new reads.”Maru perked up at the suggestion, quickly masking his excitement. “Fine. Not like I have anything better to do.”The two of them made their way to the bookstore, the scent of paper and ink immediately enveloping them as they stepped inside. Seonwoo gravitated toward the mystery and thriller section, while Maru wandered toward the comics and graphic novels.As they browsed, Maru couldn’t help but sneak glances at Seonwoo, who looked ridiculously focused as he flipped through a thick paperback. A sudden thought struck Maru, and before he could stop himself, he called out, “Seonwoo.”Seonwoo turned his head, raising an eyebrow. “What?”Maru hesitated for a moment before blurting, “Do you think… we’re doing this relationship thing right?”Seonwoo blinked, clearly taken aback. Then, his expression softened, and he closed the book he was holding. “There’s no right or wrong way, Maru. We just do what works for us.”Maru bit his lip, his gaze dropping to the floor. “It’s just… I’ve never done this before. Not seriously, I mean.”Seonwoo set the book down and walked over to him, gently ruffling Maru’s hair. “You’re overthinking it. We’re fine.”Maru swatted his hand away, grumbling, “Stop treating me like a kid.”Seonwoo’s smirk returned. “Then stop acting like one.”They both laughed, the tension easing as they returned to browsing. It wasn’t perfect, but in that quiet moment among the shelves, Maru felt like they were figuring things out—together.Maru peeked over Seonwoo's shoulder, squinting at the title of the book in his hands. “A mystery novel? Really?”Seonwoo turned slightly, giving him a questioning look. “What about it?”“I just thought you’d be the type to read those super boring non-fiction books. You know, the kind with titles like Maximizing Efficiency in a Bureaucratic World or something equally sleep-inducing,” Maru said, barely holding back a grin. Seonwoo sighed, flipping the book closed. “And you think I’d willingly waste my free time reading something like that?”“You look the type,” Maru teased, crossing his arms. “Serious, no-nonsense, allergic to fun. It fits.”“Do you think I’m a robot or something?” Seonwoo asked, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.Maru pretended to think for a moment before snapping his fingers. “Exactly. A super-efficient, workaholic robot. That’s why I was shocked to see you pick up something as normal as a mystery novel. Maybe there’s hope for you yet.”Seonwoo stared at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he leaned in slightly, his voice low. “Careful, Maru. Keep teasing me, and I might start acting out of character just to prove you wrong.”Maru’s teasing smile faltered, and he stepped back, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay, no need to go all thriller protagonist on me. I’ll stop.”Seonwoo chuckled softly, his smirk widening as he turned back to the shelf. “That’s what I thought. Now, are you actually going to buy anything, or are you just here to annoy me?”Maru huffed, picking up a random comic. “For your information, I’m a paying customer. Unlike you, I don’t spend hours deliberating over every book I pick.”“I’m being thorough,” Seonwoo shot back without missing a beat.“Uh-huh. Sure,” Maru said, rolling his eyes but feeling oddly warm at how natural this back-and-forth had become.Maru trailed behind Seonwoo as they moved through the bookstore, hands tucked into his pockets. He wasn’t particularly interested in buying anything; the joy, it seemed, was in watching Seonwoo debate internally over every book he picked up.“You’re seriously going to buy that many?” Maru asked, eyeing the growing stack of books in Seonwoo’s arms.“Not all of them,” Seonwoo replied, briefly glancing at the covers. “I’m narrowing it down.”Maru snorted. “By carrying the whole store first?”Seonwoo ignored him, placing one book back on the shelf and picking up another. “At least I’m decisive enough to buy something. What about you? Still pretending to browse?” “I’m not pretending,” Maru protested weakly, though he knew it wasn’t convincing. “I just didn’t see anything that caught my eye.”“Or you’re too indecisive to commit,” Seonwoo teased, smirking as he added another book to his pile.Maru narrowed his eyes. “Big talk coming from the guy who’s spent twenty minutes in this aisle alone.”“It’s called being discerning,” Seonwoo countered, completely unfazed.Maru sighed dramatically and leaned against a nearby shelf, watching as Seonwoo scanned the spines with unnerving focus. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”“I like books,” Seonwoo replied simply, glancing over his shoulder. “Unlike someone who’s only here for moral support.”“Hey, moral support is important,” Maru said, feigning offense. “Besides, it’s entertaining watching you try to make life-or-death decisions over paperbacks.”“Then I’m glad I could provide you with free entertainment,” Seonwoo replied dryly, finally making his way to the cashier.Maru followed, hands still in his pockets. He couldn’t help but smile as Seonwoo placed his carefully selected books on the counter. For all his teasing, there was something oddly endearing about Seonwoo’s meticulousness.As they left the store, Seonwoo glanced at Maru. “Sure you don’t want to go back and pick something? I don’t mind waiting.”Maru shook his head, grinning. “Nah. Watching you agonize over book choices was the highlight of my day. I don’t think anything else can top it.”Seonwoo rolled his eyes but didn’t argue, leading the way out of the mall. *** As they made their way toward the parking lot, Maru suddenly stopped, glancing around as if searching for something. Before Seonwoo could ask what he was doing, Maru grabbed his wrist, tugging him back into the mall. “Where are we going now?” Seonwoo asked, slightly bemused as Maru led him through the crowd.“Ice cream,” Maru said simply, not looking back.Seonwoo raised a brow, glancing at their joined hands. “You’re dragging me for ice cream?”“Yes,” Maru replied, his tone brooking no argument. “We need dessert after that meal. And it’s hot.”“It’s air-conditioned in here,” Seonwoo pointed out, but he allowed himself to be pulled along regardless.When they reached the small ice cream stand, Maru finally let go of Seonwoo’s wrist, stepping up to the counter with a determined expression. He scanned the flavors with a slight furrow in his brow, as if choosing ice cream was a critical mission.Seonwoo crossed his arms, leaning slightly to the side. “You’re taking this way too seriously.”“It’s not ‘too seriously,’” Maru retorted. “Ice cream is important. You don’t just pick any random flavor.”“I didn’t realize ice cream was this sacred,” Seonwoo said dryly.Maru ignored him, finally settling on a double scoop of cookies and cream and strawberry. He turned to Seonwoo, raising a brow. “What about you?”Seonwoo sighed, glancing at the menu. “I’ll take chocolate.”Maru scoffed. “Of course, you would pick something boring.”“It’s not boring; it’s classic,” Seonwoo countered as he paid for their order.Maru grabbed his cone, licking it with a satisfied hum. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”Seonwoo shook his head, taking his own cone and leading them to a nearby bench. As they sat down, he glanced at Maru, who was happily devouring his ice cream.“You know,” Seonwoo said casually, “you didn’t have to hold my wrist like that earlier. You could’ve just asked me to come with you.”Maru paused mid-lick, his cheeks flushing. “I wasn’t thinking about it. I just… acted.”Seonwoo smirked, taking a bite of his cone. “Subconscious habits, huh?”“Shut up,” Maru muttered, avoiding Seonwoo’s amused gaze. He focused on his ice cream, but the warmth spreading across his face had nothing to do with the dessert. ***As they sat on the bench, Maru focused intently on his ice cream, enjoying the cold, sweet treat. Seonwoo glanced at him, smirking as he noticed a bit of strawberry ice cream smeared at the corner of Maru’s lips.“You’re such a mess,” Seonwoo muttered, leaning in slightly. Without thinking, he wiped the smear away with his thumb, his touch light but firm.Maru froze, staring at Seonwoo with wide eyes, his cheeks instantly turning pink. “I—I could’ve done that myself!”“You’re welcome,” Seonwoo replied smugly, licking his own cone like nothing happened.Maru huffed, pretending to focus on his ice cream, though his heart was beating way too fast.As he was about to take another bite, Maru’s eyes caught a familiar figure entering a nearby store. His body tensed. “Oh no.”Seonwoo raised a brow. “What now?”“It’s Go Deokman!” Maru hissed, pointing discreetly toward their team captain. “We can’t let him see us!”Seonwoo followed Maru’s gaze and sighed. “You’re being dramatic. He’s not even looking our way.”Maru grabbed Seonwoo’s arm, tugging him off the bench. “Doesn’t matter! If he sees us, he’ll never let me live this down!”“What are you so afraid of?” Seonwoo asked, even as Maru hurriedly pulled him toward a nearby column to hide.Maru peeked out cautiously, his voice low. “He’ll start teasing us about being here together and ask if we’re on a date.”Seonwoo snorted. “We are on a date.”Maru glared at him. “Not the point!”“Fine, fine,” Seonwoo said, leaning casually against the column. “Let me know when it’s safe, Romeo.” Maru shot him a look before turning back to monitor Go Deokman’s movements. Seonwoo, meanwhile, took the opportunity to savor his ice cream with an amused smirk, thoroughly enjoying Maru’s over-the-top reaction.***Maru’s eyes darted back and forth, tracking Go Deokman like a spy in a bad action movie. “Okay, he’s moving toward the bookstore… No, wait, he stopped by the fountain. What’s he even doing?”“Probably shopping, like everyone else here,” Seonwoo said dryly, licking his ice cream leisurely.“Shush,” Maru whispered, still focused on their captain’s movements. “This is serious!”Seonwoo rolled his eyes, but before he could comment, he noticed Maru’s cone dripping onto his hand. “You’re such a disaster.”“Huh?” Maru glanced at him briefly, confused.Before Maru could react, Seonwoo grabbed his wrist and brought his hand closer, licking the melted ice cream off his fingers.“W-what are you doing?!” Maru yelped, his face instantly turning a deep shade of red.Seonwoo smirked, his voice low and teasing. “What? Can’t let good ice cream go to waste.”Maru pulled his hand back, glaring at him but clearly flustered. “Stop that!”“Make me,” Seonwoo quipped, licking his lips just to drive the point home.Maru turned away, covering his face with his free hand. “I hate you so much right now.”“Sure you do,” Seonwoo replied, utterly unbothered. He leaned back against the column, watching Maru try to compose himself, cheeks glowing like a ripe tomato. *** After wandering around the mall for a while longer, Maru and Seonwoo finally decided to head back. The drive home was quiet, save for the occasional hum of the radio and the faint sound of the wind rushing past the car windows. Maru leaned his head against the window, watching the scenery blur by. He let out a soft sigh, the exhaustion from walking around and his earlier flustered state catching up with him.Seonwoo glanced over briefly, his hand steady on the wheel. “Tired already?”“A little,” Maru admitted, stifling a yawn. “You know, following you around while you scrutinize every piece of clothing in the store is hard work.”Seonwoo smirked. “I was being thorough. You should appreciate my dedication.”Maru rolled his eyes but didn’t respond, letting the comfortable silence settle over them again.When they arrived home, Maru dragged himself inside and immediately flopped onto the couch. “I’m done for the day. I’m not moving until tomorrow.”Seonwoo set the bags down by the door and raised an eyebrow. “You act like you carried everything. I did all the heavy lifting.”“Mentally exhausting, okay?” Maru retorted, burying his face in the cushions.Seonwoo shook his head, amused. “I’m making tea. Want some?”Maru grumbled something incoherent but waved a hand in agreement.As Seonwoo moved to the kitchen, Maru peeked over the couch, watching him. A small smile tugged at his lips. Despite his teasing, he couldn’t deny how much he enjoyed spending time with Seonwoo.When Seonwoo returned with two mugs, he handed one to Maru and settled beside him. They sat there, sipping their tea in companionable silence. The soft warmth of the drink and the presence of each other made the evening feel all the more intimate.“Hey,” Maru began, breaking the silence. “Thanks… for today. It was fun.”Seonwoo glanced at him, a rare, genuine smile gracing his lips. “Anytime.”Maru felt his chest tighten at the sight of that smile but he quickly looked away, taking another sip to hide the blush creeping up his face.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Monday morning arrived, and Maru found himself dragging his feet to work. Despite the few days of rest, he felt more nervous than refreshed. The weekend replayed in his mind on an endless loop, and every little detail made him flush with embarrassment.

Seonwoo, on the other hand, seemed unbothered, walking ahead of Maru with his usual calm demeanor. He held the office door open without a word, and Maru shuffled past him, doing his best to act normal.

“Morning,” Go Deokman greeted from his desk, his tone casual but his sharp eyes flickering between Maru and Seonwoo.

“Morning,” Maru mumbled, keeping his head down as he made a beeline for his desk.

Seonwoo nodded in acknowledgment, settling into his own seat without hesitation.

Deokman leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, and a smirk tugging at his lips. “So, how was the mall this weekend?”

Maru froze mid-reach for his keyboard. His eyes darted to Deokman, who was now looking at him with a knowing expression.

“W-What mall?” Maru stammered, trying and failing to sound nonchalant.

Deokman shrugged, clearly enjoying himself. “You know, the one where I might have seen a certain pair of coworkers together. Looked cozy.”

Seonwoo didn’t even flinch, his gaze fixed on his monitor as he typed away. “You must’ve been mistaken,” he said coolly, not missing a beat.

“Oh, really?” Deokman raised an eyebrow, looking unconvinced. “Because I swear I saw a certain someone flustered and holding ice cream.”

Maru’s ears burned, and he glanced desperately at Seonwoo, who remained calm and unbothered. “It’s just… a coincidence!” Maru blurted. “Maybe you saw someone else.”

Deokman chuckled, clearly entertained by Maru’s panicked attempts at deflection. “Right, right. I must’ve imagined it.” He smirked before turning back to his work, leaving Maru to stew in his awkwardness.

As soon as Deokman was distracted, Maru hissed at Seonwoo under his breath. “Could you at least try to help me out here?”
 
Seonwoo finally looked over, his expression unreadable. “I did. I said he was mistaken.”

Maru groaned, sinking into his chair. This was going to be a long day.

Not long after Maru had managed to calm his nerves from Deokman’s teasing, Kang Chana walked into the room, her sharp eyes scanning over her teammates. Her gaze stopped on both Maru and Seonwoo, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“Why are both of you wearing turtlenecks? Did I miss a memo or something?” she asked, tilting her head.

Maru immediately stiffened, his hand instinctively pulling at the high collar of his shirt. His face turned a shade of pink as he desperately searched for an excuse.

Seonwoo, as always, remained cool and composed. Without even looking up from his screen, he replied smoothly, “Maru ran out of shirts.”

The room went silent for a moment, and Maru whipped his head toward Seonwoo, his jaw dropping. “What?! That’s not—”

“Oh, so you lent him yours?” Chana interrupted, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Seonwoo finally glanced up, his expression calm as he met her gaze. “It’s only practical. I’m not letting him come to work shirtless.”

Chana stared at him for a long moment before turning to Maru, who was practically burying his face in his hands. “You owe him one, Maru. At least buy him coffee or something.”

Maru let out a strangled noise that could’ve been agreement or sheer embarrassment, and Chana shook her head, walking away with a bemused expression.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Maru turned to Seonwoo, his voice a furious whisper. “Why would you say that?! Now they think I’m some freeloader!”

Seonwoo smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Better that than letting her notice the actual reason for the turtlenecks.”

Maru glared at him, his ears burning. “You’re kidding me. I have a mini heart attack there”

“I'll give you CPR,” Seonwoo replied, his smirk widening.
 
***
 
A few days later, the Ganghwa Island team gathered in the briefing room at HQ. The air was tense, a stark contrast to their usual banter. Go Deokman stood at the front of the room, his arms crossed and his expression serious.

“Alright, listen up,” Deokman started, his voice cutting through the quiet. “After reviewing the situation, we’ve confirmed something crucial about the curse.”

Maru, seated beside Seonwoo, instinctively straightened, a knot of anxiety forming in his stomach.

“If the curse is still active,” Deokman continued, “it means the rakshasha we faced isn’t dead. We only injured it enough to retreat. Which means…”

“We have to kill it,” Seonwoo finished, his tone calm but laced with irritation.

Deokman nodded. “Exactly. The curse won’t lift until it’s gone. The research team believes the rakshasha is regenerating and may already be back at full strength. We need to track it down and finish the job before it gets any smarter or stronger.”

Maru felt a chill run down his spine. He glanced at Seonwoo, who was already leaning back in his chair, completely unbothered. Typical.

“Do we have a lead on its location?” Kang Chana asked, her fingers drumming lightly on the table.

Deokman gestured to the screen behind him, which lit up with a map of the surrounding area. “We believe it’s hiding somewhere in these mountains. A team will accompany you to block its escape, but the core takedown will still rely on the Ganghwa Island team. That means you five.”

Maru groaned inwardly. “Why us? There should be overtime pay.”

Deokman gave him a dry look. “You’re cursed, Maru. Who else is going to do it? The rakshasha is tied to you two.”

The reminder of the curse made Maru wince. He glanced at Seonwoo, who looked completely unfazed.

“When do we head out?” Seonwoo asked.

“Tomorrow morning,” Deokman replied. “Get ready and rest up. You’ll need it.”

As the meeting ended and the team filed out, Maru couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, “Of course it’s tomorrow. No rest for the cursed, huh?”

Seonwoo, walking beside him, glanced down with a faint smirk. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you alive.”

Maru rolled his eyes. “Gee, thanks. I feel so reassured.”

Seonwoo grinned at his reaction. “You should.”
 
 ***
 
The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple as the rakshasha lay lifeless at their feet, its body slowly disintegrating into ash. A heavy silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the team’s labored breathing.

Maru collapsed onto the nearest rock, his legs finally giving out after the relentless fight. He wiped sweat off his brow, his hands still trembling from the adrenaline. “Is it... finally over?”

Seonwoo stood a few steps away, he watched the creature’s remains dissolve completely before turning to Maru. “Yeah. It’s dead.”

Deokman approached, his usual stern demeanor softening ever so slightly. “The curse should be lifted now. Check the distance.”

Maru hesitated for a moment, glancing at Seonwoo. Slowly, he took a cautious step back. Then another. And another. When nothing happened—no sudden chest pain, no invisible pull dragging him back—he let out a laugh, half in disbelief and half in relief.

“It’s gone,” Maru said, standing a good five meters away from Seonwoo now. “It’s really gone!”

Chana grinned as she leaned on her sword. “Finally, some good news. I was getting tired of you two glued together like that.”

Seonwoo brushed his hair, his expression unreadable as usual. He glanced briefly at Maru, who was now pacing in circles, giddy with freedom.

“I’m not sure if I should feel relieved or insulted,” Seonwoo remarked dryly.

Maru stopped mid-step, shooting him a glare. “Oh, don’t act like you weren’t just as annoyed by this curse!”

“Was I?” Seonwoo replied, arching a brow.

“Don’t start,” Maru groaned, flopping back onto his rock.

Deokman clapped his hands to get their attention. “Alright, enough. Let’s wrap this up and head back. You’ll all need to write your reports on this.”
 
Maru groaned again. “Reports? Come on, can’t we just—”

“No,” Deokman interrupted flatly. “Now get moving.”

As the team began packing up and preparing to leave, Maru lingered a moment, watching Seonwoo from a distance. The realization that they were finally free from the curse brought a bittersweet feeling.

Free. And yet, the past few weeks had left a mark on him—on both of them. Maru wasn’t sure what came next, but as Seonwoo glanced back at him, a faint smirk playing on his lips, Maru felt something warm settle in his chest.

Maybe being free didn’t mean being apart.
 
***
 
The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the bedside lamp casting warm shadows across the walls. Seonwoo sat against the headboard, scrolling through his phone with a look of casual indifference, while Maru lay on his stomach, propped up on his elbows. He had been stealing glances at Seonwoo for a while now, his fingers absently tracing patterns on the bedsheet.

Finally, Maru cleared his throat. “I... I was thinking,” he started, his voice hesitant. “I’ll probably head back to my place tomorrow. After I pack up my stuff.”

Seonwoo didn’t look up immediately, but Maru noticed the slight pause in his scrolling. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, Seonwoo set his phone down on the nightstand and turned his gaze to Maru.

“You don’t have to,” Seonwoo said simply, his tone calm and even.

Maru blinked, caught off guard by the straightforwardness. “What?”

Seonwoo adjusted his position, leaning back more comfortably. “I said you don’t have to. Stay.”

Maru’s lips parted slightly, as if to say something, but Seonwoo continued before he could.

“Unless you don’t want to, of course,” Seonwoo added, his gaze steady. “But we’re

boyfriends

now, aren’t we? Or do you need to make it official by moving out?”

Maru felt his face heat up instantly, the words striking like a direct hit. “Wha— I wasn’t saying I don’t want to! I just thought... I mean, I didn’t want to impose or anything!”
 
“You’ve been imposing since the curse,” Seonwoo said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Maru scowled, flopping onto his back with an exaggerated groan. “Why do you always have to say things like that?”

“Because it’s fun watching you get worked up,” Seonwoo replied, his voice light with amusement.

Maru covered his face with his hands, mumbling something incoherent. Seonwoo leaned over, gently tugging Maru’s hands away from his face.

“Hey,” Seonwoo said softly, his expression unusually earnest. “I mean it. Stay. If you want to.”

Maru looked up at him, caught in the sincerity of his tone and the warmth in his eyes. His heart thudded loudly in his chest, and for a moment, he couldn’t find the words to respond.

“...Okay,” Maru finally muttered, his voice small. “I’ll stay.”

Seonwoo’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. “Good.”.

Maru stole another glance at him, feeling a strange mix of annoyance and affection. He couldn’t believe this was his life now—sharing a bed, a space, and a relationship with someone as frustratingly perfect as Seonwoo.

But as he settled down beside him, the thought of staying didn’t feel so bad after all.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Seonwoo had just picked up his phone again, but it didn’t take long for him to notice Maru’s gaze. The weight of the stare was impossible to ignore. Slowly, he turned his head toward Maru, who immediately looked away, pretending to be fascinated by the pattern on the bedsheet.Seonwoo smirked, setting his phone down deliberately. “You’ve been staring at me for a while now,” he said, his voice carrying a teasing lilt. “Eyeing me so greedily—do you want something, Maru?”Maru’s face turned crimson in an instant. “I wasn’t—! I mean, I wasn’t staring like that!” he stammered, sitting up in protest.Seonwoo chuckled, his smirk deepening. He crooked a finger at Maru, beckoning him closer. “Come here.”Maru hesitated, eyeing him suspiciously. “Why?”“Just come here,” Seonwoo said, his tone soft but insistent.Grumbling under his breath, Maru shifted closer until he was within arm’s reach. Without warning, Seonwoo grabbed him by the waist and tugged him into his lap, wrapping his arms securely around him.“W-What are you doing?!” Maru spluttered, squirming slightly, but Seonwoo held him firmly in place.“You looked like you needed some attention,” Seonwoo said nonchalantly, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Maru’s cheek.Maru froze, his entire body going stiff as his brain short-circuited. “H-Hey! Don’t just—”Another kiss landed on the other cheek, cutting off Maru’s flustered protest. Seonwoo pulled back just enough to smirk at him, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting.“You’re so easy to mess with,” Seonwoo murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair out of Maru’s face.Maru finally found his voice, albeit a shaky one. “You’re unbelievable.”“And you’re adorable,” Seonwoo countered, tightening his hold slightly as he rested his chin on Maru’s shoulder. “You’re also really bad at hiding how much you like me.”Maru huffed, crossing his arms in an attempt to look annoyed, but the warmth spreading through his chest betrayed him. “Stop saying stuff like that.”“Why?” Seonwoo asked, feigning innocence. “It’s true.”Maru buried his face in his hands, wishing he could disappear. But despite his embarrassment, he made no move to leave Seonwoo’s arms. In fact, he found himself leaning into the warmth, a small, shy smile creeping onto his face.Seonwoo pressed another kiss to his temple, letting the silence settle between them. This—being close, teasing, and holding Maru—felt right in a way that he hadn’t anticipated.Maru peeked up at him through his fingers. “You’re really not going to let me live this down, are you?”“Not a chance,” Seonwoo replied with a chuckle, giving him a light squeeze. Maru grumbled under his breath, trying to gather his courage. “Fine. If you’re going to keep teasing me…” He shifted slightly in Seonwoo’s arms, leaning forward before pressing a quick, soft kiss to Seonwoo’s cheek. Seonwoo froze. Completely .His usual confident smirk faltered, and his eyes widened slightly as he processed what just happened. For a moment, he was utterly speechless. The only giveaway of his reaction was the faint flush creeping up his neck and settling on his ears, which turned traitorously red.Maru noticed, and his lips curled into a smug grin. “What’s wrong, Mr. Cool and Collected? You look a little flustered.”Seonwoo cleared his throat, trying to recover, but his voice came out quieter than intended. “I’m not flustered.”“Really?” Maru tilted his head, his grin growing wider. “Because your ears tell a different story.”Seonwoo instinctively raised a hand to his ear, realizing too late that he was only confirming Maru’s observation. He let out an exasperated sigh, trying to glare at Maru, but the effect was ruined by the faint smile tugging at his lips.Seonwoo shook his head, unable to stop himself from chuckling. “You’re going to regret that,” he warned, tightening his grip on Maru and leaning in until their faces were only inches apart.Maru’s smugness faltered as his heart began to race. “W-What are you—”Before he could finish, Seonwoo closed the gap, brushing his lips against Maru’s in a kiss that was both gentle and teasing, leaving no room for retaliation.Maru blinked, his thoughts scattering. By the time Seonwoo pulled back, the smugness was gone, replaced by a flustered expression that matched Seonwoo’s from earlier.“Payback,” Seonwoo said simply, his smirk returning as he took in Maru’s stunned face.“That's cheating,” Maru muttered, burying his face in Seonwoo’s shoulder to hide his blush.Seonwoo just laughed softly, his arms tightening around Maru in a way that felt both protective and affectionate. “You liked it."Maru shifted out of Seonwoo’s hold, slipping from his embrace with a surprising amount of ease. Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, curious about what Maru was up to.“Come here,” Maru said softly, tugging at Seonwoo’s arm. Seonwoo allowed himself to be pulled down until he was lying on the bed, his head resting on the pillow.Maru propped himself up on an elbow, his gaze scanning Seonwoo’s neck and collarbone. His fingers followed shortly after, tracing the faint marks he’d left during their more heated moments in the past few days. “They’re fading,” Maru murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.Seonwoo tilted his head slightly to look at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. “What? Not satisfied with your work?”Maru rolled his eyes but didn’t stop tracing the marks. His fingertips ghosted over Seonwoo’s skin, lingering on the faint bruises. “I don’t know. It just feels like… proof. That all of this happened. That it wasn’t some weird fever dream.”Seonwoo’s smile softened as he reached up, placing a hand on Maru’s wrist to still his movements. “It’s not a fever dream, you idiot.”Maru glanced up at him, his expression a mixture of fondness and shyness. “Yeah, I know. Still...”Seonwoo’s grip on his wrist tightened slightly as he tugged Maru closer, his voice dipping lower. “If you want to leave new ones, you just have to say so.”Maru’s eyes widened, his cheeks turning a familiar shade of pink. He groaned, burying his face against Seonwoo’s chest to hide his embarrassment. Seonwoo chuckled, his hand moving to rest on Maru’s back, holding him close.“You’re such a tease,” Maru mumbled, his voice muffled against Seonwoo’s shirt.“And you’re adorable when you’re flustered,” Seonwoo shot back, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Maru’s head. *** Maru’s grumbling slowly faded into silence, his breaths evening out as he rested against Seonwoo’s chest. Seonwoo, still smirking at his earlier quip, gently ran a hand down Maru’s back, only to notice that the man in his arms had gone completely still.“Maru?” Seonwoo called softly, tilting his head to glance down. No response.He shifted slightly, trying to get a better look at Maru’s face, only to see his eyes closed and his lips slightly parted, his chest rising and falling in steady rhythm. “Are you serious?” Seonwoo muttered under his breath, though his tone lacked any real annoyance.He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he leaned back against the headboard. Maru’s weight on him was comforting, if a little unexpected.“I thought you were awake, you idiot,” Seonwoo whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair away from Maru’s face. His hand lingered for a moment before he let it drop to his side.Seonwoo considered moving Maru off him and tucking him in properly but decided against it. The sight of Maru curled up against him, peaceful and completely at ease, made him hesitate.Instead, Seonwoo reached for the bedside lamp, switching it off and plunging the room into a soft darkness. He let out a quiet sigh, glancing at the blanket bunched up near their feet. With Maru draped over him, it was a little tricky, but he managed to grab the edge of the blanket and pull it over both of them.The fabric settled softly around them, and Seonwoo adjusted it to make sure Maru was fully covered. He glanced down at the sleeping man, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he brushed his fingers lightly over Maru’s hair.“There. Now you won’t wake up whining about being cold,” Seonwoo muttered under his breath, though his tone was warm.He shifted once more to settle comfortably against the pillows, his arm securely around Maru as the room fell into quiet stillness.“Guess I’ll deal with this tomorrow,” Seonwoo murmured to himself, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he closed his eyes. *** The next morning, Seonwoo and Maru arrived at the office earlier than usual, their plan to avoid any awkward questions from coworkers still intact. They brought their breakfast, with Seonwoo carrying a coffee and Maru holding a carton of chocolate milk.They sat at their desks, quietly eating. Maru, as usual, was engrossed in his food, a little too focused to notice when a bit of chocolate milk clung to his lips.Seonwoo, who had been scrolling through his phone, glanced over and immediately noticed. Without thinking, he reached out and wiped the spot with his thumb. “You’re such a mess,” he murmured, his tone both teasing and fond.From across the room, Yun Jiwon blinked at the interaction, her sharp eyes catching the subtle exchange. She leaned toward Kang Chana, who was skimming through some files. “Hey,” she whispered. “Did you see that?”Kang Chana looked up, raising an eyebrow. “See what?”“Seonwoo just wiped something off Maru’s lips. Like, really gently,” Jiwon whispered back, her tone conspiratorial. “I think there’s something going on between them.”Kang Chana’s eyes narrowed in curiosity, and she glanced over at the pair. “Huh. That’s... suspicious,” she mused. “Seonwoo doesn’t usually act like that with anyone.”Jiwon smirked. “Right? I knew something was weird when they started showing up together even after the curse. And don’t even get me started on those matching turtlenecks last week.”Kang Chana chuckled softly. “Let’s keep an eye on them. This might get interesting.”As the two continued their quiet gossip, Seonwoo gave Maru a knowing look, noticing how oblivious he was to their surroundings. Maru took another sip of his chocolate milk, completely unaware of the quiet murmurs they were drawing from their teammates.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It had been nearly a month since Seonwoo and Maru started dating, and despite how smoothly things had been going, there was one thing Seonwoo found increasingly hard to ignore:

Han Maru’s waist.

No matter how much he tried to distract himself with work, casual conversations, or even their missions, his thoughts somehow circled back to

Maru’s annoyingly snatchable waist

. The way it

curved just right

, the way it seemed to

fit perfectly in his hands

when they had been tangled up together—Seonwoo couldn’t unsee it.

It didn’t help that Maru was completely oblivious to the effect he had. Whether he was walking around in his too-casual clothes or stretching just enough for his shirt to ride up slightly, it was like his

waist was taunting Seonwoo

, daring him to grab it.

During one of their quieter evenings at home, Seonwoo found himself seated on the couch, scrolling through his phone while Maru stood in the kitchen, reaching up to grab something from the top shelf. His shirt lifted just enough to reveal the faintest hint of skin, and Seonwoo’s fingers twitched against his phone.

“Is there a reason you keep staring at me?” Maru called out, not even turning around but somehow perfectly aware of the attention.

Seonwoo cleared his throat, forcing himself to look back at his screen. “Just wondering how someone as clumsy as you hasn’t fallen off a chair yet,” he said casually, though his gaze betrayed him and flicked back to Maru.

Maru turned around, holding a packet of snacks. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “You’ve been weird lately. What’s up with you?”

Seonwoo set his phone down and leaned back against the couch, his lips twitching in faint amusement. “Nothing,” he said, though his mind betrayed him again.

Nothing except how your waist looks like it was made for my hands.

“Uh-huh,” Maru said, unconvinced. He walked over, plopping down beside Seonwoo and tossing a snack packet his way. “Whatever it is, stop being creepy about it.”

Seonwoo chuckled, his hand itching to just reach out and—no, he had to

behave. For now.

That was what Seonwoo told himself—that he could

keep it together, hold back, and act like a reasonable adult

. 
 
But that resolve crumbled later that night.
 
It started innocently enough. They were in bed, as usual, with Seonwoo leaning against the headboard, scrolling on his phone, and Maru lying on his stomach beside him, flipping through a comic book. It should’ve been a peaceful evening, but Maru just had to

fidget

,

adjusting his position and stretching

, his shirt riding up slightly to reveal the sliver of skin Seonwoo had been trying desperately not to think about.

Then came the comment that broke him.

“I’m glad tomorrow’s the weekend,” Maru mumbled lazily, not even looking up from his book.

Seonwoo didn’t immediately respond. He was too busy gripping his phone tighter, trying to pretend that his thoughts weren’t spiraling.

The weekend. No work. No interruptions. All day all night…

It hit him then: there was nothing stopping him. No excuses, no schedules. Just the two of them and all the time in the world. And that thought… triggered something.

He didn’t even realize he had stopped scrolling or that his focus had completely shifted from his phone. Maru, blissfully unaware, kept flipping pages, his legs swinging idly behind him.

Seonwoo’s gaze dropped to Maru’s waist again, and his hand twitched.

No one would know. It’s just us. And I’ve been patient for so long…

Before he could stop himself, Seonwoo reached out and grabbed Maru’s waist, his hands wrapping around it firmly, possessively.

Maru jolted, his comic book falling to the bed. “What the—?” He turned his head, eyes wide in confusion. “Seonwoo?”

Seonwoo didn’t answer right away. Instead, he leaned down, pressing his forehead against Maru’s shoulder, inhaling deeply. “You don’t get it, do you?” he murmured, his voice low and a little rough.

Maru blinked, his confusion deepening. “Get what?”

Seonwoo lifted his head, his gaze locking onto Maru’s. There was an intensity there that made Maru’s breath hitch. “

Your waist

,” Seonwoo said bluntly, his hands tightening their hold. “It’s been

driving me

insane

.

”

Maru’s face turned a deep shade of red. “W-What are you even saying?”

Seonwoo smirked slightly, his thumbs brushing against Maru’s sides. “I’ve been thinking about

holding

it.

Touching

it. And now that I have the chance…” He trailed off, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “I don’t think I can let go.”

Maru gaped at him, his ears burning. “Y-You’re crazy.”

“Maybe,” Seonwoo admitted, leaning in closer. “But it’s your fault.”

Maru couldn’t even argue, his mind blank as Seonwoo’s hands slid along his sides, gentle yet firm, sending shivers down his spine. “I—You—”

“Tomorrow’s the weekend,” Seonwoo whispered, his lips brushing against Maru’s ear. “No rush. No distractions.
Just us
.”

Maru swallowed hard, his hands clutching the sheets as he felt Seonwoo’s lips trail down to his neck. “I… I hate you,” he muttered weakly, though the way his body leaned into Seonwoo’s touch said otherwise.

Seonwoo chuckled, his grip on Maru’s waist tightening just slightly. “Sure you do.”

Seonwoo's smirk deepened as he shifted his focus, his hands steadying Maru by the waist. Slowly, he leaned down, his lips brushing against Maru's collarbone, trailing warm, deliberate kisses that made Maru squirm beneath him.

Maru's breath hitched as Seonwoo's mouth moved lower, his hands unconsciously gripping the sheets tighter. "S-Seonwoo, wait—"

“Wait for what?” Seonwoo murmured, his voice low and teasing. His lips grazed the edge of Maru’s shirt before his fingers slipped under the fabric, pulling it up slightly. “I thought you hated me. Shouldn’t you be pushing me away?”

Maru opened his mouth to retort, but the words died on his lips as Seonwoo’s mouth found its new target. His warm breath fanned over one of Maru’s rosy buds before he took it between his lips, gently nibbling and tugging in a way that made Maru gasp audibly.

“Ah—Seonwoo!” Maru’s face flushed a deep red, his hands instinctively flying to Seonwoo’s hair, trying to pull him away but only managing to tug weakly.

Seonwoo hummed against him, the vibrations sending a jolt through Maru’s body. “Sensitive, aren’t you?” he teased, his voice muffled as he alternated between soft licks and light nips.

“Shut up,” Maru muttered, his voice shaky and barely above a whisper. His body betrayed him, arching slightly into Seonwoo’s touch despite his embarrassment.

Seonwoo chuckled, his free hand sliding up to trace idle circles along Maru’s side. His thumb grazed over the other bud, rolling it gently between his fingers. “You’re cute when you’re like this,” he said, his tone warm yet mischievous.

Maru glared at him, though the effect was ruined by the way his breath kept catching. “I—I’m not—ah—cute,” he stammered, biting his lip to suppress the sounds threatening to escape.

“Sure you’re not,” Seonwoo replied mockingly, leaning back to admire Maru’s flushed face and heaving chest. His hands stayed firmly on Maru’s waist, holding him steady. “You’re irresistible, though. That’s worse for me.”

Maru groaned, covering his face with his hands. “I hate you,” he muttered again, though his voice lacked any conviction.

“Say it all you want,” Seonwoo murmured, pressing a kiss to the center of Maru’s chest. “You’re not fooling anyone.”

Maru, flushed and desperate to regain some semblance of control, decided to fight back. Leaning up, he caught Seonwoo off guard, lightly nipping at the side of his neck.

Seonwoo stilled for a moment, his breath hitching at the unexpected move. “Maru,” he said, his voice low with a mix of surprise and warning.

“What? Don’t like it?” Maru retorted, though his voice was shaky. He bit down again, this time a little harder, earning a sharp inhale from Seonwoo.

But in his effort to assert dominance, Maru shifted his hips—

just slightly

—and accidentally brushed against

something firm

. The realization hit him a second too late, his wide eyes locking with Seonwoo’s.

Seonwoo’s reaction was immediate. His grip on Maru’s waist tightened, his jaw clenching as he let out a breath. “Maru,” he said again, this time slower, more deliberate, his tone dripping with barely restrained tension.

Maru’s face burned as he realized what he’d just done. “It—it was an accident!” he stammered, his hands coming up as if to defend himself. “Don’t—don’t look at me like that!”

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a sly smirk. “An accident, huh?” He leaned in closer, their noses nearly touching. “You sure about that?”

“Yes!” Maru practically yelped, his hands instinctively pushing against Seonwoo’s chest.

But Seonwoo wasn’t about to let him off the hook that easily. “If it was an accident, then why are you this red?” he teased, his fingers gently trailing along Maru’s flushed cheek.

Maru groaned in frustration, burying his face in his hands. “I hate you so much right now.”

“Keep saying that,” Seonwoo murmured, his voice low and dangerous, “and we’ll see how long it takes for you to admit the opposite.”

Before Maru could muster a comeback, Seonwoo’s hands slid down to his hips, holding him steady. “But since you started this,” Seonwoo continued, his smirk widening, “you’d better be ready to finish it.”

Maru huffed, his hands coming up to push Seonwoo's chest slightly. "Don’t act like it’s all on me! You’re the one who suddenly grabbed my waist like—like it was some kind of handle!"

Seonwoo’s grin didn’t waver. If anything, it deepened. "Can you blame me? You were practically asking for it with the way you keep flaunting it around," he said, his voice dripping with mock innocence.

Maru’s jaw dropped at the audacity, and his face turned an even deeper shade of red. "I was

not

! You—" He cut himself off, exhaling sharply as he shifted to get off Seonwoo's lap, determined to escape the intensity of his gaze.

He stood up quickly, brushing off his shirt as if that would erase the whole situation. “That’s it. I’m not sitting on your lap anymore,” he declared, crossing his arms.

Seonwoo leaned back, watching him with amusement. "You’re really going to stand there and pretend you don’t miss it already?"

Maru scowled, avoiding eye contact. "I’d rather sit on the floor than deal with your smug face right now."

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, then stood up, stepping closer until they were face to face. "Then why can’t you even look at me?" he teased, tilting his head to catch Maru’s averted gaze.

Maru’s eyes finally darted to Seonwoo’s, his frustration bubbling over. "Because you’re so infuriating!"

Seonwoo smirked, his hands casually sliding into his pockets as he leaned in just slightly, their noses nearly brushing. "Almost like you want me to do something about it."

Maru’s breath hitched, his resolve wavering under Seonwoo's intense stare. "Don’t get any ideas," he warned weakly, though his voice lacked conviction.

Seonwoo chuckled lowly, the sound sending a shiver down Maru’s spine. "Too late."

As Seonwoo's grip tightened around Maru's waist, Maru's heart raced, a confusing mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through him. He swallowed hard, staring at Seonwoo’s intense expression. “Is this you losing control?” he teased, his voice shaking slightly despite his attempt to sound confident.

“You really want to test my patience, don’t you?”

Maru’s lips curled into a defiant smirk. “Maybe I do,” he replied, his voice quieter now, as if daring himself to keep pushing.

Before he could think twice, Seonwoo shifted his hold, pulling Maru flush against him. Maru’s breath hitched, the proximity overwhelming. “Careful, Maru,” Seonwoo warned, his tone low and dripping with restrained intensity. “You might not be ready for what happens next.”

Maru laughed nervously, his fingers twitching against Seonwoo’s chest. “You wouldn’t,” he challenged, though his voice betrayed him.

“Try me.”

Seonwoo’s gaze locked onto Maru’s, unwavering and suffocating in its intensity. “Oh?” Seonwoo’s voice was deceptively calm, yet it sent a shiver down Maru’s spine. “Still feeling brave?”

Maru swallowed hard but refused to back down. His fingers pressed into Seonwoo’s chest as he shifted slightly closer. “What if I am?” His tone was meant to be cheeky, but the way Seonwoo’s eyes flicked downward, catching the subtle movement, made him second-guess his bravado.

Seonwoo chuckled darkly, his lips brushing against Maru’s ear as he spoke, “You’re playing a dangerous game, Maru.”

Maru’s breath hitched, but he still managed a shaky laugh. “You’re all bark, Seonwoo,” he quipped, though his pulse thundered in his ears.

Seonwoo’s smirk widened as his hands slid lower, resting firmly on Maru’s hips. “Is that so?” He shifted his grip, eliciting a surprised gasp from Maru. “Tell me, what part of this feels like barking?”

Maru froze, heat blooming in his cheeks. “Y-you wouldn’t actually…”

Seonwoo leaned in, their noses almost brushing. “Wouldn’t I?”

Maru tried to step back, but Seonwoo held him firmly in place. The way Seonwoo’s fingers curled into his hips, the heat of his breath ghosting over Maru’s lips—it was all too much. “Fine! You’re terrifying, okay?” Maru admitted, his voice cracking slightly.

Seonwoo tilted his head, clearly amused. “Oh no, you don’t get to backpedal now.” His thumb traced small circles against Maru’s waist, sending tingles up his spine. "You wanted to test my limits, didn’t you?"

Maru’s hands flew up defensively, his face flushing. “It was a joke! Just a harmless joke!”

Seonwoo’s grin turned wolfish. “Good,” he murmured, pressing his forehead against Maru’s. “Then let’s see how far your jokes go, shall we?”

“Woof woof,” Seonwoo added with a smirk, leaning back just enough to watch Maru’s expression twist into one of mortified disbelief.

Before Maru could retort, Seonwoo pushed him back, his legs hitting the edge of the bed. Maru toppled onto the mattress with a startled yelp, his hands gripping the sheets as Seonwoo loomed over him. The sudden shift left Maru breathless, his heart pounding in his chest.

Maru struggled to keep his composure, but when Seonwoo casually tugged his shirt over his head, revealing the sculpted lines of his toned torso, Maru’s mind went blank. The sight was almost too much to handle. The lean muscle, the faint sheen of skin catching the light—Maru felt like he might faint on the spot.

“Oh my god,” Maru muttered under his breath, his face burning with embarrassment. He pressed his palms against the mattress to steady himself, his heart racing as if it were about to burst out of his chest. “This isn’t fair,” he mumbled, more to himself than to Seonwoo.

Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “What’s not fair? You were the one testing limits.”

Before Maru could stammer out a reply, Seonwoo leaned down, his hands finding the hem of Maru’s shirt. “Your turn,” he said, his voice low and commanding. He tugged gently but insistently, leaving Maru no choice but to lift his arms and let the fabric slide off.

Now bare-chested, Maru crossed his arms instinctively, but Seonwoo caught his wrists, pulling them aside. “Don’t hide,” Seonwoo murmured, his gaze roaming over Maru appreciatively. “I like what I see.”

Maru’s brain short-circuited. He looked away, biting his lip, unable to face the intensity in Seonwoo’s eyes.

Seonwoo’s gaze darkened with something unreadable as he leaned closer. His hands moved with an unhurried precision, tracing along Maru’s waist before guiding his hips to stay still. Maru’s heart raced wildly, a mix of panic and excitement coursing through him.

When Seonwoo’s lips finally made contact with his skin, Maru gasped. Seonwoo worked his way downward, trailing soft kisses that sent sparks through every nerve in Maru’s body. His hands, still firmly holding Maru’s waist, tightened their grip as Seonwoo’s lips pressed against his lower abdomen. The sensation was maddening, and Maru instinctively tried to shift away, but Seonwoo’s strength kept him in place.

“Seonwoo—” Maru’s voice was breathless, a mixture of plea and protest.

“Relax,” Seonwoo said softly, his voice sending a shiver down Maru’s spine. “You’re too tense.”

Maru squeezed his eyes shut, his hands clutching at the sheets as Seonwoo’s mouth moved lower. The heat of his breath against sensitive skin made Maru’s thoughts scatter. “I’m going to lose my mind,” he muttered, barely coherent.

Seonwoo chuckled against his skin, the vibration making Maru shiver. “Good,” Seonwoo murmured, glancing up with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Because I’m not holding back.”

Seonwoo’s words hung in the air, heavy and electrifying. Maru’s breath hitched, his pulse racing as Seonwoo’s lips brushed against his skin with deliberate slowness. Every kiss left a trail of fire, and Maru could hardly keep up with the sensations coursing through him.

Seonwoo’s grip on Maru’s waist remained firm but not forceful, as though he was grounding Maru even while unraveling him. His hands slid upward briefly, tracing the curve of Maru’s sides before returning to their original hold. Maru’s fingers twisted in the sheets, his knuckles white as he struggled to keep his composure.

“Seonwoo, I swear…” Maru’s voice cracked, the heat rising in his chest betraying his attempt at bravado.

Seonwoo smirked, looking up just enough to catch Maru’s flushed face and half-lidded gaze. “Swear what?” he teased, his voice low and tinged with amusement. “You’re not exactly convincing me to stop.”

Maru’s face burned even hotter, his lips parting to retort, but Seonwoo chose that moment to press a kiss just below his navel, effectively stealing Maru’s breath away. A soft, involuntary sound escaped him, and he quickly bit his lip, mortified.

Seonwoo’s smirk widened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “That’s what I thought,” he murmured, his voice sending a shiver down Maru’s spine. He leaned back slightly, just enough to admire the flushed, disheveled state Maru was in. His thumb brushed along Maru’s waist as if savoring the moment.

“You’re enjoying this too much,” Maru grumbled, his voice shaky.

“Maybe,” Seonwoo admitted, his hands moving to gently lift Maru’s hips. “But so are you.”

Maru tried to glare at him, but the intensity in Seonwoo’s gaze made it impossible. Instead, he looked away, his face burning as Seonwoo settled between his legs, his movements careful yet undeniably deliberate. The weight of Seonwoo’s presence pressed down on him, grounding him even as his thoughts spiraled.

“Still tense,” Seonwoo murmured, leaning down again to trail his lips along the sensitive skin of Maru’s inner thigh. The gentle, almost reverent touch made Maru’s breath catch in his throat.

“I’m trying,” Maru managed to mumble, his hands clutching the sheets even tighter.

Seonwoo chuckled softly, his lips curling into a smirk against Maru’s skin. “Don’t try. Just let go.” His voice was like a command, firm yet comforting, and Maru couldn’t help but obey.

Seonwoo’s hands never left Maru’s waist, his grip firm yet grounding as if he were anchoring them both in the moment. Their breaths intermingled, the air thick with heat and the unspoken intensity that surged between them. Maru’s fingers curled into the sheets, his body trembling beneath Seonwoo’s touch.

Seonwoo’s gaze remained locked onto Maru’s face, drinking in every flicker of expression—every gasp, every tremble, every desperate plea etched into his features. The way Maru’s lips parted, his brows knitting together in pleasure, was a sight Seonwoo found both maddening and utterly addictive.

“Look at me,” Seonwoo murmured, his voice hoarse but steady. Maru’s eyes fluttered open, meeting Seonwoo’s dark, hungry gaze. It was almost too much—Seonwoo’s intensity threatened to consume him, yet he couldn’t look away.

The way Seonwoo moved, unrelenting but with an undercurrent of tenderness, sent waves of sensation coursing through Maru. His voice broke into soft, breathless sounds, his mind a haze as he teetered on the edge. Seonwoo’s fingers pressed into his waist, grounding him yet driving him higher, and Maru thought he might shatter under the weight of it all.

When Maru finally reached his climax, his body tensed, his back arching off the bed as his breath hitched. His head tipped back, a raw, unfiltered sound escaping his lips. Seonwoo’s name tumbled from him like a prayer, reverent and desperate, and Seonwoo’s grip tightened, as though he never wanted to let go.

The sight of Maru undone beneath him seemed to push Seonwoo over the edge. His movements grew erratic, his breathing shallow and uneven. Maru, still trembling, managed to glance at Seonwoo, his gaze drawn to the telltale redness of his ears and the wild look in his eyes. Seonwoo’s face was a mix of concentration and surrender, his lips parted as soft whimpers escaped him.

The sound—so vulnerable yet intoxicating—made Maru’s heart race anew. He felt a wave of heat rush through him as Seonwoo’s hands clutched at his waist, pulling him closer. Maru thought he might combust right then and there, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the moment.

When Seonwoo finally reached his peak, a low, guttural sound tore from his throat, his body trembling as he buried his face in the crook of Maru’s neck. His arms wrapped tightly around Maru’s waist, holding him close as he rode out the waves of pleasure. Maru could feel Seonwoo’s rapid breaths against his skin, the slight tremble in his shoulders as he collapsed into him.

The room fell into a stillness that felt almost sacred, save for their labored breathing. Maru’s chest heaved as he tried to steady himself, his heart still racing from the intensity of it all. He dared to glance down at Seonwoo, whose ears were still burning red. The sight of him—disheveled, flushed, and utterly spent—made Maru’s stomach flip.

“Seonwoo,” Maru murmured softly, his voice shaky but laced with a teasing edge. “Your ears…”

Seonwoo groaned, burying his face deeper into Maru’s neck. “Don’t,” he warned, his voice muffled but tinged with embarrassment.

Maru couldn’t help but smile despite himself, his fingers finding their way to Seonwoo’s hair, running through the dark blue strands.

As the haze of their climax began to settle, Maru’s breathing evened out, and he shifted slightly, still caught in Seonwoo’s embrace. The lingering warmth between them made his skin flush, but something sparked in Maru's mind—a boldness he couldn’t suppress. He sat up, his hands steadying himself on Seonwoo’s chest.

“I think it’s my turn,” Maru said, his voice soft yet carrying an undercurrent of determination. He locked eyes with Seonwoo, who arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not resisting.

“Oh?” Seonwoo’s lips curled into a teasing smirk. “You think you can handle being in charge?”

Maru’s cheeks burned, but he didn’t back down. “You’ll see,” he retorted, sliding his hands down Seonwoo’s sides. He nudged Seonwoo gently, signaling for him to switch positions.

Seonwoo complied, settling back against the pillows with a look of amusement, his hands resting behind his head. “Impress me,” he challenged, though his voice betrayed a faint tremor of anticipation.

As Maru shifted to straddle him, his movements deliberate, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt. His eyes widened as he glanced down, catching sight of the telltale fluid slowly trickling down his thighs. His mind blanked for a moment, but before he could react, Seonwoo’s sharp inhale drew his attention.

Seonwoo’s gaze was locked on the trail, his eyes darkening further as his breath hitched. But then, his face twitched slightly, and Maru noticed something alarming—blood trickling from Seonwoo’s nose.

“Seonwoo!” Maru exclaimed, quickly reaching for the tissue box on the nightstand. He pressed a wad of tissues against Seonwoo’s nose, his panic evident. “Are you okay? Do you need a break? Should we stop?”

Seonwoo, however, shook his head vehemently, his voice muffled by the tissues. “I’m fine,” he said, though his ears betrayed his embarrassment, glowing crimson. “Keep going.”

“Are you sure?” Maru asked, skeptical as he held the tissues in place. “Because I don’t want you passing out on me.”

Seonwoo grabbed Maru’s wrist, his grip firm but not forceful, and moved the tissues aside. “I said I’m fine,” he repeated, his tone firmer this time. His eyes, though slightly hazy from both exertion and the nosebleed, held an unmistakable determination. “Don’t stop.”

Maru hesitated for a moment longer before nodding. He discarded the tissues and placed his hands on Seonwoo’s chest, steadying himself. “Okay, but if you start bleeding again, I’m stopping whether you like it or not,” he muttered, his cheeks still flushed.

Seonwoo’s smirk returned, his hands finding Maru’s waist to guide him. “Noted,” he said, his voice low and teasing. “Now, show me what you’ve got.”

Maru swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Seonwoo’s gaze, but he steadied himself and began to move, reclaiming his resolve. The way Seonwoo’s hands gripped his waist and the low sounds he made with every movement only fueled Maru’s determination.

Despite the earlier scare, the mood quickly reignited, their focus entirely on each other. Maru found himself emboldened, each shift and motion driving Seonwoo to lose the last of his composure. For all his teasing, Seonwoo was utterly at Maru’s mercy now, and the sight sent a thrill through Maru’s chest.

Seonwoo’s praises came in breathless murmurs, his voice roughened with desire. “You’re… mine,” he managed between pants, his fingers tightening their grip on Maru’s waist. “So damn hot…”

Maru couldn’t help the flush that spread down his neck. “Stop saying stuff like that,” he muttered, his voice flustered but secretly pleased.

“Why?” Seonwoo teased, his lips quirking into a smirk. “You don’t believe me?”

Maru rolled his eyes, though the corners of his mouth twitched upward. “You’re just trying to distract me.”

Seonwoo’s grin widened, but his eyes softened as they locked onto Maru’s. “Maybe. But it’s all true.”

Maru opened his mouth to retort, but then his gaze flicked down to Seonwoo’s nose. A sudden memory struck him, and he couldn’t help the smirk that formed. “By the way,” he said, leaning in slightly, “you’re one to talk about being hot. Who gets a nosebleed during this?”

Seonwoo’s ears turned traitorously red, and he groaned, covering his face with one hand. “Don’t bring that up.”

Maru chuckled, his confidence returning in full force. “I mean, it’s kind of flattering,” he continued, clearly enjoying Seonwoo’s embarrassment. “You lost it so badly, you couldn’t even handle it.”

Seonwoo dropped his hand, his gaze narrowing. “Careful, ” he warned, though his voice carried no real heat. “You’re asking for trouble.”

Maru’s grin widened, leaning closer until their noses nearly touched. “Bring it on,” he whispered, his voice low and teasing.

Seonwoo laughed softly, his hands finding Maru’s waist again. “You’re going to regret saying that,” he murmured, his voice rich with promise. And just like that, their playful banter melted back into something far more intense.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The next morning, sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the rumpled bed. Seonwoo stirred first, groaning as he stretched his sore muscles. He glanced down and felt his breath catch in his throat.Maru was lying on his stomach, his hair a tousled mess, his back rising and falling with each steady breath. His skin was peppered with love marks, faint red and purple blossoms painting a map of last night’s fervor. His waist bore the faint impression of Seonwoo’s grip, a shadowy bruise that made Seonwoo’s chest tighten with a mix of guilt and pride.Seonwoo reached out to brush a strand of hair away from Maru’s face, noticing the slight puffiness around his eyes—a lingering sign of the cries and moans from the night before. Despite it all, Maru looked peaceful, his lips slightly parted as he dozed.When Maru stirred and rolled onto his back, his gaze met Seonwoo’s. Sleepy and half-lidded, Maru blinked slowly before his eyes traveled over Seonwoo’s bare chest. His brows furrowed as he noticed the scratches on Seonwoo’s back, the faint indents of teeth on his neck, and the deep bruises scattered along his collarbone.They stared at each other for a moment before Maru broke the silence with a groan, covering his face with his hands. “We look like we survived a natural disaster.”Seonwoo smirked, propping himself up on one elbow. “You should see yourself.” He gestured toward Maru’s waist and chest. “Love marks everywhere. Your waist looks like it’s been through a war.”Maru peeked through his fingers, narrowing his eyes. “And you look like you wrestled a bear. Don’t even start.”Seonwoo chuckled, leaning closer. “I didn’t hear any complaints last night. Quite the opposite, actually.”Maru’s face flushed a deep crimson as he tried to swat at Seonwoo. “Don’t remind me!”Seonwoo caught his hand easily, pressing a kiss to Maru’s knuckles. “What? I’m just admiring my handiwork.” His voice softened as his thumb traced one of the marks on Maru’s collarbone. “You’re stunning, you know that?”Maru’s heart did an annoying flip at the sincerity in Seonwoo’s tone. He sighed, exasperated but secretly pleased. “You’re impossible.”“Not as impossible as you,” Seonwoo teased, leaning down to kiss Maru’s forehead.Maru groaned, wincing slightly as he shifted under the covers. “We’re not moving all day. I’m not kidding.”Seonwoo laughed, though he winced as well when his back protested against the movement. “Fine by me. I could stay like this forever.”The two of them stayed tangled together in the sheets, sore but content, the quiet warmth of the morning enveloping them both.Seonwoo leaned back against the headboard, fingers absently tracing circles along Maru’s shoulder as fragments of the previous night replayed in his mind. Maru’s flushed expressions, the hitch in his voice when he whispered Seonwoo’s name, the way they moved together—it all lingered vividly in his thoughts.But then a small frown crept across Seonwoo’s face. Something he’d read online popped into his mind, about how… leaving certain fluids inside wasn’t exactly the best idea. His eyes shifted to Maru, who was sprawled on his stomach, dead to the world.“Maru,” Seonwoo called softly, nudging his shoulder.“Mm,” Maru mumbled, pulling a pillow over his head.“Wake up,” Seonwoo pressed, more insistently this time.“No. I’m staying here forever,” Maru groaned, his voice muffled. “Bed’s warm. Leave me alone.”Seonwoo sighed, shaking his head. “You’ll regret this.” Without further warning, he slipped his arms under Maru and lifted him effortlessly into a bridal carry.“Wait, what the—!” Maru yelped, his eyes flying open as he clung to Seonwoo’s neck. “Seonwoo! Put me down!”“Nope,” Seonwoo replied, entirely unfazed by the protest. “You wouldn’t get up on your own, so I’m helping.”“You’re insane!” Maru grumbled, burying his face against Seonwoo’s shoulder. “This is undignified.”“But,” Seonwoo teased, “you’re not fighting me that hard.”Maru opened his mouth to argue but quickly closed it, cheeks heating. “Just—get it over with,” he muttered, clearly defeated.Once they reached the bathroom, Seonwoo carefully set Maru into the empty tub. Maru huffed, crossing his arms. “I feel like a toddler.”Ignoring him, Seonwoo turned on the tap, adjusting the water to a comfortably warm temperature. The sound of the water filling the tub was soothing, but Maru’s sulking expression remained firmly in place.“Seriously?” Maru asked, glaring up at Seonwoo.“Seriously,” Seonwoo replied, stepping into the tub himself. He sat down behind Maru, pulling him back until his head rested against Seonwoo’s shoulder.“This is so stupid, two grown-ass men crammed into a bathtub like this,” Maru muttered, though he made no move to leave.Seonwoo smirked, his arms wrapping securely around Maru’s waist. “Maybe we should get a bigger tub.”Maru raised an eyebrow. “You think?”“Or not.” Seonwoo’s voice dropped an octave, his lips brushing against Maru’s ear. “Because then we wouldn’t be able to do this.”Maru’s cheeks turned a soft pink as he rolled his eyes. “You’re such a sap. Who knew the great Seonwoo Eden had a cheesy side?”Seonwoo chuckled, the sound rumbling against Maru’s back. “Only for you.”Maru groaned, lifting a hand to rub at his temple. “I’m starting to think last night was a mistake.”“Liar,” Seonwoo said, his hands sliding up to Maru’s shoulders to gently massage them. “You didn’t seem to think so at the time.”Maru’s protest died on his lips as Seonwoo’s fingers worked at the tension in his muscles. He sighed, leaning further into Seonwoo’s touch. “Fine. You win.”“Always do,” Seonwoo replied smugly, pressing a kiss to the back of Maru’s neck.They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the warm water and Seonwoo’s steady presence easing the remnants of soreness from the night before. Seonwoo reached for a loofah, lathering it with soap before running it gently along Maru’s skin.“You don’t have to do that,” Maru said, though his voice was soft, almost embarrassed.“I want to,” Seonwoo replied simply, his movements careful and deliberate.Maru bit his lip, his heart doing an annoyingly fond flip. “You’re too much sometimes, you know that?”“Only because you deserve it,” Seonwoo said, a small smile tugging at his lips as he continued his ministrations.Maru turned his head slightly, catching Seonwoo’s gaze. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the air between them filled with something tender and unspoken.“That's cheating,” Maru finally muttered, though there was no heat in his words.“I want to, so let me hm?” Seonwoo replied, his voice laced with affection.Maru rolled his eyes, but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed him. He leaned back fully against Seonwoo, allowing himself to relax completely in his arms.*** After their bath, Seonwoo sat Maru down on the edge of the bed, a towel draped around Maru’s shoulders. Seonwoo picked up the hairdryer, plugged it in, and began running his fingers through Maru’s damp hair to detangle it.“Stay still,” Seonwoo said, his tone somewhere between a command and a plea.“I’m not a kid,” Maru grumbled, though he sat obediently as the warm air began to blow through his hair.“You sure act like one sometimes,” Seonwoo teased, carefully drying the strands.Maru’s lips twitched, but he refused to rise to the bait. Instead, he closed his eyes and let out a small hum, enjoying the warm sensation. Seonwoo’s fingers worked skillfully, parting sections of his hair as he ensured it dried evenly.“You’re surprisingly good at this,” Maru admitted after a while, opening one eye to glance at Seonwoo.“I’ve had practice,” Seonwoo replied nonchalantly. “Unlike you, who probably just shakes his head like a dog after a shower.”Maru narrowed his eyes. “You’re asking for it, Seonwoo.”Seonwoo smirked, unbothered. “I’m just speaking the truth.”When Seonwoo finished, he clicked off the hairdryer and set it aside. “Done. Your turn.”Maru grabbed the hairdryer with a mischievous glint in his eye. “My turn, huh?”Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, sensing trouble. “Don’t even think about it.”Maru ignored him, standing up to ruffle Seonwoo’s hair before he began drying it with exaggerated enthusiasm. “You’ve got nice hair,” Maru commented, grinning as he mussed it even more.“Maru,” Seonwoo warned, his voice low.“Relax,” Maru said, biting back a laugh. “I’m just making sure it’s dry.”“You’re enjoying this too much,” Seonwoo grumbled, though he didn’t pull away.Maru leaned closer, his grin widening. “What’s the matter? Can’t handle a little teasing?”Seonwoo shot him a look, but Maru only laughed, using his fingers to fluff Seonwoo’s hair until it was sticking out in all directions. “There. Perfect.”“I look ridiculous,” Seonwoo said flatly, glaring at his reflection in the mirror.Maru snorted, doubling over with laughter. “You look like a rooster.”Seonwoo sighed, grabbing the hairdryer from Maru and setting it aside. “Why do I even bother?,”“Because you can’t help yourself,” Maru said between chuckles.Seonwoo rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”Maru straightened, his laughter subsiding as he gave Seonwoo a smug look. “I know.”Seonwoo shook his head, running a hand through his now-dry, slightly messy hair. “You’re hopeless.”“Hopelessly charming,” Maru quipped, flashing a grin.Seonwoo groaned but didn’t argue, instead pulling Maru close and ruffling his hair in retaliation. “If I look like a rooster, then so do you.”“Hey!” Maru protested, squirming in Seonwoo’s grip.*** The smell of freshly brewed coffee and scrambled eggs filled the kitchen as Maru and Seonwoo sat across from each other, the remnants of their playful morning still lingering in the air. Seonwoo was busy buttering a slice of toast when Maru’s phone buzzed on the table.Maru picked it up, glancing at the screen. “It’s my mom,” he said, pausing before answering.Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, chewing on his toast. “Wonder what she wants this early.”Maru pressed the answer button and held the phone to his ear. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”His mother’s warm voice greeted him,  immediately dived into the purpose of her call. “Maru-ya, are you free for lunch today? I’ve made a big pot of stew.”Maru hesitated, his eyes darting to Seonwoo, who was quietly sipping his coffee. “Uh, yeah, I think I’m free,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. Then, after a moment’s thought, he added, “Actually… can I bring someone?”There was a brief pause on the other end. “Oh? Who?”Maru’s cheeks flushed slightly, and he avoided Seonwoo’s curious gaze. “Just… a friend,” he said quickly, though the word felt insufficient.Seonwoo’s eyebrows lifted in silent amusement, clearly catching on to the conversation.His mom’s tone turned to tease. “A friend, huh? Well, of course, dear. Bring them along. I’ll set an extra place at the table.”Maru let out a breath of relief. “Thanks, Mom. We’ll be there around noon.”“Alright. Drive safe, and don’t be late,” she replied before hanging up.Maru set his phone down and looked across the table at Seonwoo, who was now leaning back in his chair with a smug grin.“So,” Seonwoo drawled, “you’re introducing me to your mother?”Maru sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Don’t make it weird. She just invited me, and it felt rude not to ask if you could come along.”“Hmm,” Seonwoo said, his grin widening. “Just a friend, huh?”Maru groaned, slumping forward onto the table. “Can we not do this right now?”Seonwoo chuckled, reaching over to ruffle Maru’s hair. “Relax. I’m just messing with you.”Maru sat up, shooting him a glare. “You better behave. My mom is a sharp woman. She’ll figure you out in a heartbeat.”“Oh, I’m counting on it,” Seonwoo replied with a wink, popping a piece of toast into his mouth.Maru sighed, already dreading how the lunch would go. Still, as he watched Seonwoo finish his breakfast with an air of confidence, he couldn’t help but feel a small twinge of warmth in his chest.“Let’s just get through this without any incidents,” Maru muttered, more to himself than to Seonwoo.Seonwoo grinned, raising his coffee mug in a mock toast. “Challenge accepted.” ***The dining table was set with a spread of hearty dishes, the savory aroma of stew wafting through the cozy kitchen. Maru and Seonwoo entered, both donning turtlenecks that covered them to the chin. Maru’s mother, a tall woman with impressive, toned arms, raised an eyebrow as she set down a bowl of steaming rice.“Both of you in turtlenecks? ” she asked, hands on her hips. “It’s not even cold today.”Maru cleared his throat, sitting down quickly. “Bugs,” he said with practiced nonchalance. “Loads of them. Nasty little things.”“Bugs?” his mother repeated, eyeing him suspiciously.“Yup,” Maru replied, stuffing a spoonful of rice into his mouth to avoid further questions.Seonwoo, trying his best to keep a straight face, bit back a laugh. His eyes kept drifting to Maru’s mother’s arms, which flexed effortlessly as she moved the dishes around. The second time visiting Maru’s home, he was still impressed by her presence—her height, her sharp gaze, and the kind but commanding aura she exuded.“Seonwoo-ya,” Maru’s mother said, drawing his attention.“Yes, ma’am?” he replied, sitting up straighter.“You’re staring again,” she said with a teasing smirk.“Sorry,” Seonwoo said sheepishly. “I was just... admiring your, uh, strength. It’s impressive.”Maru groaned. “Don’t encourage her, Seonwoo. She’ll start flexing.”“Don’t be rude, Maru-ya,” his mother scolded lightly, but her tone was playful as she reached over to pinch his cheek.Seonwoo chuckled, enjoying the dynamic between them. As they began eating, the atmosphere was warm and lighthearted. The stew was rich and flavorful, the side dishes perfectly balanced, and Seonwoo found himself helping to refill Maru’s plate as they chatted about everything from the weather to Maru’s childhood antics.At one point, Maru excused himself to use the restroom, leaving Seonwoo alone with Maru’s mother. The playful air shifted subtly, her expression growing more serious as she placed her chopsticks down and leaned forward slightly.“Seonwoo,” she began, her sharp eyes locking onto his.“Yes, ma’am?” Seonwoo replied, his palms growing slightly clammy.“Are you and my son dating?” she asked directly, her tone neutral but piercing.Seonwoo froze, his mind racing. He glanced at the hallway where Maru had disappeared, then back at her. For a moment, he considered deflecting, but he knew Maru’s mother wasn’t someone to fool around with. Taking a deep breath, he nodded. “Yes, we are.”A beat of silence passed before her expression softened into a warm smile. “Thank you.”Seonwoo blinked, caught off guard. “For… what?”“For taking care of my son,” she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. “He’s always been a little too stubborn and independent for his own good. It’s good to see him with someone who cares about him.”Seonwoo relaxed slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Thank you for trusting me with him. He’s… someone very special to me.”Maru’s mother chuckled, her sharp gaze softening. “Good. But just so you know,” she added, leaning in slightly, “if you ever hurt him, I’ll make you regret it.”Seonwoo swallowed nervously but managed to nod. “Understood, ma’am.”Just then, Maru returned, raising an eyebrow at the sight of his mother and Seonwoo sitting so stiffly. “What’s going on?”“Nothing,” his mother said breezily, returning to her food. “Eat your rice before it gets cold.”Seonwoo shot Maru a quick, reassuring smile, his heart still pounding slightly from the unexpected interrogation. Maru gave him a suspicious look but shrugged it off, digging back into his food.The rest of the meal passed with light chatter, but Seonwoo couldn’t help stealing glances at Maru. ***As they left the house, Maru’s mother handed them a large bag filled with neatly packed side dishes, her farewell smile warm and genuine. “Take these with you. You two are too skinny,” she said, giving Maru a pointed look.“Mom, we’re not—” Maru began, but she waved him off.“Eat well, both of you. And come back soon,” she said, patting Maru’s cheek fondly before turning to Seonwoo. “Drive safe.”Seonwoo bowed slightly. “Thank you, ma’am. We will.”The drive back was peaceful, the late afternoon sun casting golden hues across the road. Maru slouched in the passenger seat, scrolling idly through his phone, while Seonwoo glanced at him every now and then, a small smile playing on his lips.“You okay?” Seonwoo asked suddenly, his eyes still on the road.Maru glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “What’s with the random concern? I’m fine.”Seonwoo’s lips quirked into a faint smirk. “You were quiet. Thought maybe your mom grilled you about something while I wasn’t around.”Maru rolled his eyes. “She’s not as terrifying as you think, you know.”“She asked if we were dating,” Seonwoo said flatly, his smirk deepening when Maru choked on nothing.“What?!” Maru straightened in his seat, his voice incredulous.“I told her yes,” Seonwoo added nonchalantly.Maru groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Great. Just great. Now she’s probably planning a whole future for us or something.”“Not my fault,” Seonwoo said, his tone entirely too smug. “She seemed happy about it. Thanked me, actually.”Maru shot him a glare, his cheeks faintly red. “Stop enjoying this so much.”“Can’t help it,” Seonwoo replied, a rare softness in his voice that Maru chose to ignore.Silence returned for a few moments before Seonwoo spoke again. “So, what do you want to do now? Head home, or go somewhere?”Maru frowned, caught off guard by the question. “What do you mean?”“You always complain about being bored at home,” Seonwoo said matter-of-factly. “Figured you’d want to do something instead of staring at your phone all day.”Maru crossed his arms, leaning back in his seat. “And what, exactly, do you think I want to do?”Seonwoo shrugged. “I don’t know. You mentioned an arcade the other day. Thought maybe you’d want to go there.”Maru blinked, taken aback. “You actually listened to me when I said that?”Seonwoo glanced at him, his expression deadpan. “You think I don’t pay attention to you?”Maru’s lips twitched into a smirk. “Sometimes. You’re usually too busy glaring at people to notice anything else.”“Fair,” Seonwoo said, unbothered. “But I remembered this. So, arcade?”Maru tapped his fingers against the armrest, pretending to think it over. “Fine. But if I destroy you in every game, don’t cry about it.”Seonwoo let out a dry laugh. “You? Destroy me? Sure, Maru. Keep dreaming.”“You’re on,” Maru said with a grin, already feeling a spark of anticipation.As they headed toward the arcade, Maru couldn’t help but glance at Seonwoo out of the corner of his eye. Despite his stoic demeanor, Seonwoo had gone out of his way to suggest something he knew Maru would enjoy. It was subtle, but it was just so... him .Maru leaned his head against the window, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t hold back just because I’m better than you,” he teased.“Don’t worry,” Seonwoo replied smoothly. “I wasn’t planning to.”***The arcade was alive with flashing lights and the chaotic symphony of electronic sounds. Kids and adults alike were scattered across the machines, some locked in fierce competition, others laughing as they fumbled through games.Seonwoo scanned the room, his sharp eyes quickly taking in the layout. “What do you want to start with?” he asked, hands in his pockets as he turned to Maru.Maru grinned, he went over to the shooting arcade machine “Shooting games. I need to assert my dominance.”Seonwoo raised an eyebrow. “Dominance? Over what? A plastic gun?”Maru rolled his eyes. “Just follow me, you smug bastard.”The two made their way to a two-player shooting game, the screen displaying zombies swarming through a post-apocalyptic city. Maru grabbed one of the plastic guns, testing its weight in his hand.“You ready to get wrecked?” he asked, grinning.Seonwoo picked up the other gun, his expression unreadable. “You talk too much. Let’s see if you can back it up.”The game started, and Maru immediately dove into the action, firing at anything that moved on the screen. He whooped every time he landed a headshot, his competitive streak shining through.Seonwoo, on the other hand, was eerily calm and precise. His shots were deliberate, taking out targets with surgical accuracy. It didn’t take long for him to pull ahead in the score.Maru gawked at the numbers. “Are you serious? How are you this good?”“Focus,” Seonwoo said simply, not even sparing Maru a glance.Maru groaned, redoubling his efforts, but the damage was done. By the end of the round, Seonwoo’s score towered over his.“Unbelievable,” Maru muttered, putting the gun down with a huff. “You’re supposed to let me win, you know.”Seonwoo smirked, leaning closer. “Where’s the fun in that?”Maru shoved him lightly, his pout deepening. “Whatever. Next game.”They moved from game to game, the competition only intensifying. Racing games, basketball toss, even a claw machine—Maru tried everything to even the score, but Seonwoo’s calm efficiency kept him in the lead.At one point, they stopped by a rhythm game, and Maru finally saw his chance. “You have zero sense of rhythm,” he teased. “This is where I’ll destroy you.”Seonwoo narrowed his eyes, stepping up to the machine. “We’ll see.”As the game started, Maru threw himself into the beat, his movements exaggerated as he hit the notes with flair. Seonwoo, true to Maru’s prediction, was slightly offbeat, missing several cues.By the end of the round, Maru was victorious, pumping his fists in the air. “Finally! Bow before your king!”Seonwoo crossed his arms, unimpressed. “Enjoy it while it lasts.”Maru grinned, leaning closer. “Oh, I will.”As they wrapped up their arcade spree, Seonwoo handed Maru a stuffed animal he’d won from the claw machine earlier. “Here. A consolation prize for losing so much.”Maru accepted it with mock indignation. “First of all, I didn’t lose that much. Second, this is bribery, and I’m not above taking it.”“It’s a tiger!” Maru quipped, hugging the stuffed animal to his chest. ***After messing around at the arcade for hours, Maru and Seonwoo decided it was time to grab dinner. As they walked down the street, the neon lights of various restaurants flickered invitingly.“What do you feel like eating?” Seonwoo asked, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets.Maru thought for a moment, his nose scrunching slightly. “Something western,” he finally said. “Like chicken chop. Or lamb chop. Something with gravy and fries.”“Fancy,” Seonwoo teased, raising an eyebrow. “You’re in the mood for meat, huh?”Maru nudged him with his shoulder. “Don’t act like you wouldn’t wolf it down too. I just know you’ll end up eating half of my plate.”Seonwoo smirked. “Not if I get my own steak.”They settled on a quaint little restaurant tucked away in a quieter part of the city. The place had a warm, cozy ambiance, with soft lights strung above the patio and gentle music playing in the background. The two settled into a corner booth, menus in hand.Maru scanned the options with deliberate care. “Chicken chop with mushroom sauce,” he announced after a minute.“Lamb chop for me,” Seonwoo said, closing his menu.The waiter raised an eyebrow. “Anything else?”“An extra plate of fries,” Maru added quickly.“Just in case he wants to steal mine,” Seonwoo said, gesturing toward Maru with a playful smirk.When the food arrived, Maru’s eyes lit up. “Finally,” he muttered, digging into his meal with enthusiasm.Seonwoo chuckled as he cut into his lamb. “Slow down. It’s not going anywhere.”Maru shot him a look, his cheeks puffed slightly with food. “You’d eat it if I didn’t.”“Fair,” Seonwoo admitted, stealing one of Maru’s fries.“Hey!” Maru pointed his fork at him accusingly. “I knew you’d do that.”“You literally ordered an extra plate,” Seonwoo said, shrugging as he popped the fry into his mouth.The rest of the meal was filled with light banter and the occasional shared bite. By the time they left, the night air had cooled, making the walk back to the car feel crisp and refreshing.As they strolled, the streets were dotted with couples enjoying the evening—holding hands, linking arms, feeding each other ice cream from nearby stalls. Maru noticed all of it, and a small ache settled in his chest.He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, his gaze on the ground. It wasn’t like he didn’t want to hold Seonwoo’s hand, but… they weren’t like those couples. Two guys holding hands in public wasn’t—Before he could spiral further, he felt Seonwoo’s hand slip into his, lacing their fingers together like it was the most natural thing in the world.Seonwoo didn’t say anything, but he noticed the way Maru’s steps grew slower, his expression distant. Without a word, he reached out and grabbed Maru’s hand, threading their fingers together.Maru’s head snapped up, his eyes wide as he looked at their joined hands. “What are you doing?” he whispered, his voice tinged with panic.“Walking,” Seonwoo said simply, his tone calm but firm.Maru’s heart raced. “But people will—”“I don’t care what they think,” Seonwoo cut him off, giving Maru’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Do you?”Maru’s mouth opened, then closed. His mind scrambled for a reason to protest, but he couldn’t find one that mattered more than the warmth of Seonwoo’s hand in his.“No,” Maru finally said, his voice quiet. “I guess I don’t.”“Good,” Seonwoo replied, his lips curling into a small, satisfied smile.They walked in silence for a few moments, the city’s quiet hum surrounding them. Maru’s initial nervousness faded, replaced by a tentative sense of ease.“Y’know,” Maru said, glancing at Seonwoo. “You’re pretty bold tonight.”Seonwoo looked at him with a smirk. “And you’re pretty cute when you’re flustered.”Maru rolled his eyes, though his cheeks turned pink. “Stop that.”“No,” Seonwoo said, pulling Maru a little closer as they walked, “My boyfriend is cute.”Maru huffed but didn’t pull away. As they passed another couple sharing an ice cream cone, he glanced at Seonwoo. “If you ever try to feed me ice cream in public, I’m dumping you.”“Noted,” Seonwoo replied with a soft laugh.They continued their walk, hand in hand, as the night stretched on. By the time they got back to the car, Maru couldn’t help but feel a little lighter, his earlier worries forgotten.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Half a year into their relationship, things had shifted noticeably between Han Maru and Seonwoo Eden—at least, to the observant eyes of Yun Jiwon and Kang Chana.Jiwon leaned against the edge of Kang Chana's desk, arms crossed as he spoke in a hushed tone. “I’m telling you, there’s something going on between those two.”Chana didn’t look up from her paperwork but smirked knowingly. “You’re late to the party, Jiwon. Everyone’s already noticed.”Jiwon’s jaw dropped. “Wait, really? Even Team Leader ?”Chana rolled her eyes. “He’s not blind. Seonwoo hasn’t glared daggers at Maru in months. That alone is suspicious.”“Right?” Jiwon leaned in conspiratorially. “And they show up together almost every morning now. You’d think they’d try to be subtle.”Chana finally set down her pen, giving him a look. “You know Maru, right? Subtlety isn’t exactly his strong suit.”Jiwon laughed. “Fair point. But Seonwoo—he’s always been so serious. It’s weird seeing him like this. Remember last week when Maru dropped that entire stack of case files, and Seonwoo just helped him pick them up without saying a word?”Chana raised an eyebrow. “Right? Normally, he’d have scolded Maru for an hour.”Jiwon shook his head in disbelief. “And did you see them during lunch yesterday? Maru stole a bite of Seonwoo’s food, and Seonwoo didn’t even flinch. He just—let him.”“That’s love,” Chana said with a teasing grin.Jiwon groaned. “Gross.”“Jealous,” Chana countered, smirking.Jiwon was about to retort when Seonwoo walked into the room, his usual calm expression firmly in place. Maru trailed behind him, chatting animatedly about something as they both headed toward their desks.Jiwon nudged Chana. “Speak of the devil.”Chana stifled a laugh as she watched Maru dramatically reenact a scene from one of their recent cases while Seonwoo listened in silence. Well, not complete silence—there was a faint smirk on Seonwoo’s face, one that only someone watching closely would notice.“Yup,” Chana said quietly. “Definitely something going on.”Maru, oblivious to the quiet gossip, plopped into his chair and stretched. “What are you two whispering about over there?” he asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.“Nothing important,” Chana replied smoothly.“Uh-huh.” Maru didn’t look convinced but didn’t press further.Seonwoo, meanwhile, didn’t seem to care in the slightest. He simply sat down at his desk, pulling up his files as though nothing was out of the ordinary.Jiwon leaned closer to Chana, whispering, “How long do you think it’ll take for Maru to figure out everyone already knows?”Chana grinned. “At this rate? Another half a year, minimum.”Jiwon snorted, trying to stifle his laughterMaru turned back to them, raising an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”“Nothing,” they both chimed in unison, their faces innocent.Maru squinted at them, clearly suspicious, but Seonwoo’s voice cut through the moment.“Han Maru.”Maru snapped his attention to Seonwoo, who was holding up a file. “Focus. We have work to do.”“Yes, sir,” Maru said with mock seriousness before turning back to his desk.As he did, Jiwon leaned toward Chana one last time. “I’ll give it a month before Maru slips up and makes it even more obvious.”Chana chuckled, whispering back, “Two weeks, tops.”*** It didn’t even take two weeks.Kang Chana’s prediction came true just four days later.The office buzzed with its usual mid-morning energy. Papers shuffled, keyboards clicked, and the faint hum of conversation filled the room. Han Maru sat at his desk, frowning at a particularly confusing report. Across the room, Seonwoo Eden was focused on his own work, his expression as stoic as ever.Maru let out a dramatic sigh, leaning back in his chair. He turned to look at Seonwoo, who was deeply engrossed in whatever he was reading. Without thinking, Maru called out to him in a tone that was unmistakably… cutesy.“Seonwoo-ya~”The entire office fell silent.Maru didn’t notice—yet. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he continued, “Can you help me with this? It’s so confusing.”Only when he heard the deafening lack of noise did Maru realize something was wrong. He blinked, looking around to see every single person in the room staring at him. Kang Chana had her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with barely contained glee. Yun Jiwon looked like he was about to burst into laughter but was valiantly holding it in. Even Captain Deokman, who was eating snacks, stopped and raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.“What?” Maru asked, his voice defensive as his ears began to burn.Jiwon couldn’t hold back any longer and burst out laughing, nearly doubling over. “Did you just—did you just call him ‘Seonwoo-ya’?”Maru’s brain short-circuited.“Wait, no! I didn’t mean—” He turned to Seonwoo, his eyes wide in panic. “Seonwoo, I didn’t—”Seonwoo, to everyone’s shock, didn’t seem fazed at all. He looked up from his report, his expression calm. “What do you need help with?”That only made it worse.Chana let out a wheezing laugh, slapping her desk. “Oh my god, they’re not even denying it anymore!”Maru groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Kill me now,” he muttered.“Why?” Jiwon teased, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. “You were just so cute, Maru-ya~”“Shut up!” Maru snapped, his face now bright red.Seonwoo, ever the composed one, stood up and walked over to Maru’s desk, completely ignoring the chaos around them. He leaned over Maru’s shoulder, looking at the report in question.“This section is incorrect,” he said, pointing to a line on the page. “You need to cross-reference it with this data.”Maru stared at him, mortified. “Are you seriously pretending that didn’t just happen?”“Why not?” Seonwoo replied simply. “It’s not like it’s a secret.”The room erupted again, this time with whoops and cheers.Maru groaned, slumping forward onto his desk. “I hate all of you.”Seonwoo smirked, patting Maru’s head lightly. “Focus on your work, Maru-ya.”Chana gasped, her laughter hitting a new peak. “He said it back!”“Seonwoo, stop enabling them!” Maru hissed, glaring up at him.But Seonwoo just shrugged, his smirk turning into a small, amused smile. “Too late for that.”The aftermath of Maru’s slip-up was chaos, plain and simple.Deokman, leaned back in his chair, a  smirk tugging at his lips. “Well, this is a first. I didn’t think I’d live to see Seonwoo Eden whipped.”Seonwoo glanced at him, completely unbothered. “I wouldn’t say ‘whipped.’”“Oh?” Deokman raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing. “Because it sure looks like you came running the second Han Maru called you.”Maru, still slumped over his desk, groaned loudly. “Team leader, can we not?”Nam Yoseok, who had been quietly sipping his tea in the corner, decided to join in. “I don’t know, Maru. It’s kind of impressive. You’ve managed to tame that.” He gestured at Seonwoo with his mug.Seonwoo gave Yoseok a flat look. “I’m not a wild animal.”“Sure,” Yoseok said, taking another sip. “Whatever you say.”Kang Chana was practically in tears at this point. “Maru, you’ve been holding out on us! How long has this been going on? And how did you manage to—” She paused dramatically, pointing at Seonwoo. “—make him look at you like that?”Maru shot up from his desk, his face red as a tomato. “He does not look at me like anything!”Seonwoo tilted his head slightly, his expression was as neutral as ever. “I look at you like my boyfriend. Is that a problem?”“Seonwoo!” Maru yelped, his voice cracking.The room exploded with laughter, Chana wheezing as she leaned against Jiwon for support. “Oh, my god, I can’t breathe. Seonwoo, you’re killing me!”Deokman shook his head, his smirk still firmly in place. “I have to admit, this is the most entertaining thing I’ve seen in years.”“Agreed,” Yoseok said, raising his mug in a mock toast. “Here’s to workplace romance.”Maru sank back into his chair, his hands covering his face. “I’m never living this down, am I?”“Nope,” Jiwon said cheerfully, nudging him with his elbow. “But hey, at least now we know why you two are always leaving together. Or why Seonwoo doesn’t glare at you like he does everyone else.”Seonwoo crossed his arms, looking around the room. “If everyone’s done gossiping, we have work to do.”“Oh, don’t try to act all professional now,” Chana teased, waving a hand. “You’re not fooling anyone, Seonwoo.”Maru peeked out from between his fingers, glaring at Seonwoo. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”“I am,” Seonwoo said calmly. “But they’re not entirely wrong.”Maru groaned again, slumping forward. “I hate all of you.”“Aw, don’t be like that, Maru-ya~,” Jiwon cooed, earning a chorus of laughter from the rest of the team. Maru groaned, finally peeking out from between his fingers, only to find everyone still grinning at him. His gaze shifted to Seonwoo, hoping to find an anchor of composure to pull him out of this mess. But when his eyes landed on Seonwoo, Maru blinked.Seonwoo’s usual stoic demeanor wasn’t entirely intact. His ears were tinged with the faintest hint of red, and his movements, though still measured, had a stiffness to them that Maru recognized.“Wait,” Maru said slowly, squinting at him. “Are you embarrassed?”Seonwoo turned his head slightly, his voice even as ever. “No.”“You are!” Maru accused, sitting up straighter, his own embarrassment momentarily forgotten. He pointed at Seonwoo’s ears. “Your ears are red! You’re totally embarrassed!”The rest of the team, who had been recovering from their laughter, perked up at this new revelation.“No way,” Kang Chana said, leaning forward to get a better look. “Seonwoo Eden? Embarrassed? This is gold!”Deokman raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Looks like someone hit a nerve.”Seonwoo rolled his shoulders, his face remaining calm even as his ears betrayed him further. “I’m not embarrassed. I’m just—”“—adorably flustered,” Yoseok finished for him, smirking.Maru couldn’t stop the grin that spread across his face. “Oh, this is great. You’re always so cool and unshakable, but look at you now!”Seonwoo finally glanced at Maru, his gaze steady despite the red creeping along his ears. “If I recall, you’re the one who called me in that tone.”Maru froze, his grin faltering. “W-Well, yeah, but—”“You started it,” Seonwoo added, his voice calm but his lips quirking upward ever so slightly.The team erupted into laughter again, Chana practically wheezing. “Oh my god, you two are the best thing that’s ever happened to this office.”Maru groaned, burying his face in his hands again. “I take it back. I hate you the most, Seonwoo.”Seonwoo tilted his head slightly, his expression returning to its usual impassiveness—save for the lingering redness in his ears. “Noted.”*** It was a rare sunny weekend, and the mall was bustling with activity. Maru and Seonwoo strolled side by side, casually browsing through shops. Seonwoo, carried the few bags they’d picked up along the way, while Maru’s eyes wandered to the various displays.They passed by a brightly lit store with a “Baby Sale!” sign plastered across the windows. Inside, pastel-colored baby clothes, tiny shoes, and cribs were neatly arranged. Maru’s steps faltered as his gaze lingered on a family near the entrance—a young couple laughing softly as they picked out items. The woman’s round belly hinted at new beginnings, and a toddler clung to the man’s leg, giggling as he tried to squirm away.Maru’s chest tightened.He didn’t notice Seonwoo glancing at him, a small frown tugging at his lips.Maru turned his head away quickly, pretending to inspect a nearby advertisement. But his mind spiraled. That could’ve been Seonwoo someday, he thought bitterly. He could’ve had a pretty girlfriend who’d become his wife. They’d have kids, and he’d be the perfect father—patient, protective, and probably spoiling the hell out of them. Maru’s fingers curled into fists at his sides. What do I even bring to the table? I can’t give him that. No marriage , no kids, no traditional family. Just me. A mess of a person with baggage and a relationship that’s probably harder than he deserves. The thought clawed at him, each image of an imagined future he couldn’t provide sharpening the edges of his doubt. He glanced at Seonwoo out of the corner of his eye. The man seemed perfectly at ease, his usual stoic expression softened by the ambient light of the mall.
Does he ever regret this?
Maru swallowed hard, guilt gnawing at him. I’m shackling him, aren’t I? He could’ve had more. He should’ve had more. “Maru-ya.”Seonwoo’s voice broke through his storm of thoughts. He blinked, startled, and looked up to find Seonwoo’s sharp gaze fixed on him.“You okay?” Seonwoo asked, his tone calm but edged with concern.“Yeah,” Maru said too quickly, forcing a smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?”Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. He stepped closer, his free hand brushing against Maru’s elbow in a subtle but grounding gesture. “You’ve been quiet. What’s on your mind?”Maru hesitated, his throat tightening. I can’t tell him this. He doesn’t need to hear me being insecure. “Nothing,” he lied, his voice lighter than he felt. “Just... tired, I guess.”Seonwoo studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Alright. Tell me if you want to head back early.”Maru nodded, forcing another smile. But as they continued walking, his thoughts refused to quiet.*** As they walked through the mall, Maru couldn’t stop the stream of thoughts swirling in his mind. The cheerful laughter of children in the play area echoed faintly, tugging at the edges of his consciousness. Everywhere he looked, it seemed, were glimpses of lives he couldn’t offer—families sitting down for lunch, parents holding hands while their kids trailed behind, and the radiant glow of expectant mothers.His chest felt heavier with each step.Maru’s gaze dropped to his hands, clenching and unclenching as they hung limply by his sides. I can’t give him this, he thought bitterly. I can’t be the person who fits neatly into the life he deserves. I’m just... me. He thought of Seonwoo—steady, dependable Seonwoo. The man who had carried him through rough days, who tolerated his quirks, and who somehow always made Maru feel like he mattered. But what did Maru give in return? A relationship that would always be under scrutiny, a love that might not fit the mold of what Seonwoo could’ve had.A pang of guilt stabbed through him. Maybe I’m being selfish, keeping him tied to me. They passed another family—a man carrying his baby daughter on his shoulders, her giggles bright and innocent. The woman beside them had an arm looped through his. Maru felt his stomach churn.He could imagine Seonwoo in that man’s place, strong arms holding up a child, his rare, gentle smile lighting up his face as the little one babbled nonsense. It wasn’t hard to picture him there, looking perfectly at ease, perfectly... happy.
And here I am, holding him back from all of it.
Maru’s steps slowed unconsciously.“Maru-ya.”Seonwoo’s voice brought him back, a steadying anchor amidst the chaos in his mind. Maru looked up, startled, and found Seonwoo watching him intently, concern evident in the furrow of his brows.“You sure you’re okay?” Seonwoo asked, his tone firm yet soft, as though he were trying not to push too hard.Maru forced a laugh that felt brittle even to his own ears. “Yeah, just zoned out.”Seonwoo didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. “Okay. Let me know if you want to take a break.”Maru nodded quickly, eager to end the conversation before his resolve crumbled. But as they continued walking, the weight in his chest didn’t lighten. They eventually sat down on a bench overlooking a fountain in the center of the mall. Seonwoo had gone to get them drinks, leaving Maru alone with his thoughts.He stared at the families passing by, at the parents juggling strollers and shopping bags, at the kids clutching ice cream cones. It was a simple, ordinary kind of happiness. One that felt miles away from anything he could offer.His hands tightened on his knees. Seonwoo deserves that kind of happiness. Not... this. Not me. Maru bit his lip hard enough to sting, trying to ground himself. But I can’t let go either, can I? When Seonwoo returned, handing him a cold drink, Maru forced another smile. But the guilt lingered, a shadow he couldn’t quite shake.*** A week passed, and though Maru tried to mask his inner turmoil with forced smiles and half-hearted jokes, Seonwoo wasn’t fooled. He noticed the way Maru’s laughter didn’t quite reach his eyes, the subtle hesitations in his movements, and the quiet sighs he thought no one could hear.Maru, who usually buzzed with a restless energy, now seemed subdued. Even his teasing had lost its edge, replaced with a distracted air that made Seonwoo’s chest tighten.But Seonwoo didn’t push. He waited, watching from the sidelines as Maru struggled with something he wasn’t ready to voice. It wasn’t like him to stay quiet for this long, and that only made Seonwoo more certain that whatever was bothering him ran deep.The moment came one evening, a week after their mall outing. Maru sat on the couch, staring blankly at the TV screen. A variety show played, the hosts’ exaggerated antics filling the room with bursts of laughter. But Maru didn’t react, his drink untouched on the coffee table, his chin resting on his hand.Seonwoo had been in the kitchen, but he stopped when he saw Maru like that, his heart twisting.“Maru-ya,” he called, stepping into the living room.Maru didn’t respond, lost in his thoughts.Seonwoo frowned, crossing the room to sit beside him. He reached out, placing a hand on Maru’s knee. “Maru-ya,” he said again, his tone firmer this time.Maru startled, blinking as if he’d just realized Seonwoo was there. “Huh? Oh, sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” He tried to smile, but it fell flat.Seonwoo studied him for a moment before speaking. “You’ve been off lately. What’s going on?”Maru hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. “Nothing. I’m fine.”“Maru-ya.” Seonwoo’s voice softened, and he squeezed his knee gently. “You’re not fine. I know you. Talk to me.”Maru swallowed hard, his throat tight. He wanted to brush it off, to change the subject, but the weight in his chest felt unbearable.“It’s stupid,” he muttered.“Try me.”Maru took a shaky breath, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. “It’s just... I’ve been thinking a lot. About us.”Seonwoo’s brows furrowed. “What about us?”Maru’s voice wavered as he continued, his words tumbling out in a rush. “About how I’m holding you back. You could’ve had someone else—someone normal. Someone who could give you a family, kids, all those things I can’t. And I... I feel like I’m being selfish, keeping you tied to me when you could have so much more.”The room was silent for a moment, Maru’s words hanging heavily in the air.Seonwoo stared at him, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he reached out and cupped Maru’s face, tilting his head up to meet his gaze.“Maru,” he said quietly, his voice steady but tinged with something raw. “Do you really think I’d be here if I wanted any of that?”Maru’s eyes widened. “But—”“No,” Seonwoo interrupted gently, his thumbs brushing against Maru’s cheeks. “Listen to me. I don’t care about any of that. Kids, a ‘normal’ relationship—none of it matters to me. What I want is you. Just you.”Maru’s throat tightened, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. “But what if you regret it one day?”“I won’t.” Seonwoo’s voice was firm, his gaze unwavering. “I’ve never been surer about anything in my life.”Maru’s resolve cracked, and he let out a shaky breath, leaning into Seonwoo’s touch. “You’re so damn sure of yourself.”Seonwoo smirked, the faintest hint of amusement breaking through the seriousness of the moment. “Someone has to be. You overthink enough for the both of us.”Maru laughed weakly, the sound wet with unshed tears. “You’re such an idiot.”“Your idiot and you’re here,” Seonwoo teased gently, echoing Maru’s previous words.Maru sighed, his lips quirking into a small, genuine smile. “Yeah, I am.”Seonwoo pulled him into a tight hug, his arms wrapping securely around him. “Good. Because I’m not letting you go, no matter what your overthinking brain tells you.”Maru buried his face in Seonwoo’s shoulder, the weight in his chest finally easing as he let himself believe the words.***After a long moment, Maru pulled back, wiping at his eyes with the heel of his palm. “Great. Now I’ve turned into a weepy mess.”Seonwoo raised an eyebrow, smirking. “It’s not like I haven’t seen worse. Remember that time you cried during that cheesy drama because the dog got sick?”Maru groaned, swatting Seonwoo’s chest. “You’re never letting me off, are you?”“Not a chance,” Seonwoo said, leaning back against the couch with a satisfied grin.Maru narrowed his eyes, his lips twitching as he fought back a smile. “Fine. If we’re going to play that game, let’s talk about the time you screamed because a pigeon flew too close to your face.”Seonwoo’s smirk vanished, and he frowned. “That pigeon was feral. It had murder in its eyes.”Maru snorted, his laughter breaking free. “Sure it did. Big, bad Seonwoo, scared of a little bird.”Seonwoo leaned forward, pinching Maru’s cheek lightly. “Keep it up, and I’ll make you regret it.”“Ooh, I’m terrified,” Maru teased, sticking his tongue out.Seonwoo shook his head, but his lips twitched, betraying his amusement. “You better be.”“Sure I am, big bad Seonwoo,” Maru quipped. Seonwoo chuckled, tugging Maru closer by the waist. “Yeah, I am here.”They sat there for a while, the tension from earlier dissolving into a warm, easy silence.“Hey,” Maru said suddenly, breaking the quiet. “Want to order in and watch that new action movie? The one with the explosions and the guy with the weird haircut?”Seonwoo raised an eyebrow. “The one you said looked too ridiculous to watch?”“Yeah, but now I’m curious,” Maru admitted, grinning sheepishly.Seonwoo shook his head, pulling out his phone to order dinner. “Fine, but if it’s terrible, I’m blaming you.”Maru laughed, leaning his head against Seonwoo’s shoulder. “Deal.”As Seonwoo tapped away at his phone, Maru felt a lightness he hadn’t in days. His worries still lingered, but with Seonwoo by his side, they didn’t feel so overwhelming.For now, all that mattered was this moment—just the two of them, the quiet hum of the TV in the background, and the promise of a ridiculous movie to laugh at together. ***The night was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the rustle of the bedsheets as Maru stirred. His brow was furrowed, his breaths uneven, and his hands clutched at the blanket tightly.In his dream, shadows loomed, faceless figures murmuring accusations he couldn't quite make out, but their weight pressed on his chest like a stone. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe, as dozens of glances bore down on him—sharp, judging, suffocating.Maru jerked awake, gasping for air, his eyes wide and unfocused as he sat up abruptly. His chest heaved, and his hands trembled as he pressed them against his knees, trying to ground himself.“Maru-ya.”The voice was soft, familiar. A lifeline.Maru blinked, trying to orient himself, his gaze darting around the room until it landed on Seonwoo. Sitting up beside him, his dark eyes filled with concern, Seonwoo reached out but stopped short, giving Maru space to respond.“Maru, you’re safe,” Seonwoo said gently, his voice steady and soothing. “It’s just me. You’re here with me.”Maru’s breathing hitched, his hands clenching into fists as he tried to shake off the lingering weight of the dream.Seonwoo scooted closer, his movements deliberate and slow, as though approaching a skittish animal. He placed a hand over Maru’s trembling one, his warmth bleeding through Maru’s clammy skin.“Hey,” Seonwoo murmured, his voice low. “Look at me.”Maru hesitated, his gaze flickering to Seonwoo’s face before darting away again.“Listen to my voice,” Seonwoo continued, shifting to sit directly in front of Maru. “Focus on me. Can you do that?”Maru nodded shakily, though his chest still felt tight, his breathing shallow.Seonwoo took Maru’s hand in his own and pressed it against his chest. “Feel that?”Maru blinked, his fingers splayed over Seonwoo’s heartbeat, steady and strong beneath his palm.“Focus on this,” Seonwoo said softly. “Not the voices. Not the dream. Just this.”Maru’s breathing started to slow, the chaotic rhythm of his heart beginning to match Seonwoo’s steady pulse.Seonwoo gently guided Maru’s other hand to rest against his own. “Feel my hands. Warm, solid. Nothing else matters right now, okay? Not the eyes, not the shadows. Just this.”Maru closed his eyes, his shoulders sagging as the tension ebbed away. He leaned forward, his forehead pressing against Seonwoo’s chest, and let out a shaky exhale.“I’m here,” Seonwoo whispered, wrapping his arms around Maru’s back and holding him close. “I’ve got you.”Maru clung to Seonwoo’s shirt, his breaths evening out as the nightmare’s grip finally loosened.After a while, Maru mumbled, his voice muffled against Seonwoo’s chest, “Sorry.”Seonwoo frowned, pulling back just enough to look at him. “Don’t apologize.”Maru opened his mouth to protest, but Seonwoo shook his head, cutting him off. “You don’t have to be fine all the time, Maru. It’s okay to lean on me.”Maru’s throat tightened, and he nodded silently.Seonwoo pressed a soft kiss to Maru’s hair. “Now, let’s lie back down. You’re safe, and you’re not alone. Not anymore.”Maru let Seonwoo guide him back to bed, their fingers entwined as they settled beneath the covers. The steady rhythm of Seonwoo’s breathing beside him, the warmth of his hand in Maru’s, was enough to lull him back into a restless but comforting sleep.Seonwoo stayed awake a little longer, his thumb brushing soothing circles over Maru’s knuckles. He didn’t say anything—he didn’t need to. His presence spoke louder than words, grounding Maru in the here and now, where no shadows could reach.***The morning light seeped through the curtains, painting the room in soft golden hues. Seonwoo stirred, blinking slowly as his senses came alive. It didn’t take long to notice the extra weight on him—Maru was draped over him like a koala, his arms around Seonwoo’s waist, his legs tangled with Seonwoo’s.Seonwoo’s first instinct was to move, but he froze, glancing down at Maru. His features were soft in sleep, his lips slightly parted, and his face relaxed in a way Seonwoo didn’t see often. There was a vulnerability to Maru in these quiet moments that tugged at something deep in Seonwoo’s chest.He chuckled softly under his breath. Clingy even in his sleep, huh? Careful not to wake him, Seonwoo lifted a hand, brushing away a stray strand of hair that had fallen across Maru’s forehead. His fingertips lingered for a moment, as though committing the texture of Maru’s skin to memory.His gaze traced the curve of Maru’s cheekbones, the slope of his nose, and the faint pout of his lips. A smile tugged at Seonwoo’s mouth as he let his thumb ghost over Maru’s temple, marveling at how soft and warm he felt under his touch. How is he so beautiful? Seonwoo wondered, his heart doing a traitorous little flip in his chest. This man… this ridiculous, stubborn, endearing man… He leaned back against the pillows, his hand resting lightly on Maru’s back, drawing slow circles over his shirt. His thoughts were a mess of affection and devotion, swirling together into something overwhelming yet comforting at the same time. I love you so much it’s embarrassing, Seonwoo thought, suppressing a groan at how pathetically downbad he felt. You make me feel things I didn’t even think I was capable of. His fingers traced idle patterns against Maru’s spine, his gaze never leaving his face.
You’ve been through so much, and yet you still smile like that. You still try, even when it’s hard. You’re a pain in the ass sometimes, but you’re my pain in the ass. I’d do anything for you. And I’ll make sure you know that every single day.
Maru shifted slightly in his sleep, nuzzling closer against Seonwoo’s chest, and Seonwoo felt like his heart might explode.“Seriously, you’re going to kill me one day,” Seonwoo murmured under his breath, his voice laced with fond exasperation.He brushed his lips against Maru’s hairline, the gesture featherlight.
I’ll treat you better, Maru. Better than anyone ever could. You deserve the world, and I’ll do everything I can to give it to you.
For now, though, he stayed still, content to let Maru cling to him as the morning stretched on. There was nowhere else he’d rather be, and nothing else he’d rather do than be here with him, soaking in the quiet intimacy of the moment.When Maru stirred awake, mumbling incoherently as he buried his face deeper into Seonwoo’s chest, Seonwoo’s heart stuttered all over again.“Good morning,” Seonwoo whispered, a smile tugging at his lips.Maru groaned in response, his voice muffled. “Too early…”Seonwoo chuckled, pressing another kiss to Maru’s hair. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”