Daehyun’s eyes crept opened, the grogginess from last night still stuck to him like cheap perfume. Daehyun quickly sniffed himself. Nope, no cheap perfume so he didn’t sleep with anyone. Any girl at least. He lifted the soft yellow fluffy blanket and saw that he still had his clothes...well his pants and an ugly sweater. A small smile couldn’t help but creep on his face, knowing where the ugly sweater came from. Daehyun didn’t think much of Youngjae at first. An ugly chipmunk that he could poke fun of every now and then. But Youngjae was actually a stand up guy, someone that Daehyun could consider a friend because honestly the chipmunk could have left him on the street, seeing as he didn’t like Daehyun very much. 

Daehyun sat himself up, taking a look at his surroundings. Plain tan walls surrounded the cramp bedroom. No pictures of family. Something that Daehyun could relate to. The floor was made of cheap wood and the petite (he was being generous with the word petite) bed was facing a closet. Daehyun leaned over and grabbed the book that rested on the small bedside counter. Wuthering Heights. A twisted love story to say the least. Daehyun let out an amused snort, not expecting the boy genius to read such novels. He gently removed himself from the bed, still infected by the curiosity bug. He peeked into the closet, wanting to take a sneaky look at it’s contents. With the way Youngjae dressed, Daehyun just had to know what was lying in the cavern of doom. He pried the door open, making sure to keep the noise at a minimum so that the owner would not be aware. 

Daehyun’s bright, anticipating eyes dulled at the sight at the garments. It was...anticlimactic. The clothes were actually normal, stylish even. Daehyun scratched his head confused as hell as to why Youngjae did not wear these clothes instead. In the small corner of the closet he found a bag of ratty looking clothes, something that Daehyun would rather burn on sight. A small, just a trifle thought, ran through Daehyun’s mind. Daehyun eyed the gray knit sweater hanging in the closet and thought how well it would look on Youngjae. How it would gently hang off the young man’s frame, but not eat him up like the other sweaters he wore. Daehyun shook his head, mentally scolding himself. He wasn’t the chipmunk’s stylist, why should he care what looked good on Youngjae or not?

In the midst of his mental scolding, his stomach let out a small whine, wanting to be fed. Daehyun opened the bedroom door, expecting a k-dramaesque breakfast. Isn’t that how these situations usually turn out? Beautiful woman or man dressed only in y pajamas, the smell of coffee in the air and fresh pancakes, a little hum escaping his or her lips as they flash him a playful flirty smile. He would wrap his arms around their waist and pull them into a tight hug, peppering their neck with kisses until he can elicit giggles. Yeah...he got none of that. Instead he got a wild chipmunk in a hideous bathrobe and green striped pajama pants. 

“I told you I didn’t feel well so I went home early.” Youngjae grumbled as he attempted to balance his cellphone on his shoulder whilst making breakfast. Breakfast being cereal.

“You should have called! Do you know how worried I was!? I nearly destroyed the club looking for your !” Himchan’s voice shrieked through the small device, causing Youngjae to cringe at the pitch. It was too damn early for that tone of voice. 

“Sorry, Mom,” Youngjae couldn’t help but let a small smile spread across his lips when he could hear Himchan grumble on the other line. “I didn’t want to ruin Mommy Himchan and Daddy Bang’s romantic time~” Youngjae cooed teasingly. 

“I f**kin hate you…” Himchan let out a sigh. Youngjae could practically see the grown man rubbing his temples. 

“No, I’m pretty sure you love me. Momma bears don’t leave their cubs.” Himchan scoffed on the other line. 

“I love you like a rash,” Himchan chuckled. “Anyways I’m glad you’re-”

“Wow, Channie, I didn’t think you were so motherly,” Daehyun snickered as Youngjae stared at him wide-eyed. Daehyun had snatched the phone from Youngjae’s hand, a playful smirk on his lips. “I wish you took care of me like that.”

“D-Daehyun!? What the hell are you doing at Youngjae’s place!?” Himchan’s shrieking began again. “YOUNGJAE! WHY IS DAEHYUN AT YOUR PLACE!!!??” Youngjae covered his ears. Damn Himchan and his megaphone voice. Youngjae swiftly grabbed the phone from Daehyun and hung up immediately despite Himchan’s screeching. 

“Are you trying to get me killed?” Youngjae glared at Daehyun as he put his phone on silent, knowing that Himchan would bombard his phone with phone calls and texts.

“Why? Does Himchan has some sort of vendetta against me being with you?” Daehyun cocked a brow, confused at Himchan’s outburst. Well, more amused than confused.

“Bingo. He wants me to have nothing to do with you,” Youngjae sighed, finishing up making breakfast. “Says you’re dangerous.”

“Well look at that then,” Daehyun chuckled, leaning back on the kitchen counter. “You’re not a very good listener than,” He smirked playfully. “But he’s right, I am the dangerous big bad wolf,” Daehyun leaned in so that he was face to face with Youngjae. Youngjae’s hair was a haggard mess, his thick glasses covering his face, and from what Daehyun could see there were huge dark bags under his eyes (probably from sleeping on the couch). Despite all of that, Daehyun noticed the little button nose, his smooth skin, the chapped sausage lips. Daehyun mentally shook the thought away. He would admit that Youngjae had some decent features, it was unfortunate that it was buried with all of...that. “But I’m not hungry for any chipmunks or ugly ducklings.” Daehyun slightly chuckled at Youngjae’s scrunched up face.

“Well then take this and deal with your appetite.” Youngjae sneered, shoving the bowl of cereal in Daehyun’s grasp.

“This is breakfast?” Daehyun looked down at the soggy cereal in disgust. “Seriously?” Daehyun looked up at Youngjae, his face contorted with a mixture of disgust and offense. 

“Do I look like Gordon Ramsey to you?” Youngjae deadpanned, shoving a spoonful of mushy cheerios in his mouth. 

“Well if you dyed your hair blonde…” He chuckled again at Youngjae’s obvious annoyance.

“And if you shaved your head you’d look like Bruce Willis.” Youngjae rolled his eyes, munching his cereal. Why did he save his again? Oh yeah cause he has a soul...a half a soul…. Okay, okay, a quarter. Youngjae still couldn’t believe that the hurt, emotionally distraught Daehyun he met last night was now back to normal. Whatever pick me up he took in the middle of his drunken stupor, Youngjae wanted it. 

“Still be good looking though.” Daehyun scoffed, placing the cereal on the counter, refusing to eat it. Daehyun wasn’t a picky eater. Not at all, he would literally eat everything. But that didn’t mean he had to force himself to eat soggy cereal when he could obviously eat something else. 

“Take away all that and what are you?” Youngjae scoffed, cocking his brow. A snarky smirk painted on his lips.

“A billionaire, playboy, philanthropist,” Daehyun casually shrugged. Youngjae let out a snort. Of course Daehyun would quote Iron man, he was practically Tony Stark minus the iron suit. “And my first act of philanthropy is to do this.” Daehyun snatched Youngjae’s bowl of cereal, immediately throwing it in the sink.

“Hey! I didn’t finish that!” Youngjae attempted to reach out for the bowl when Daehyun immediately wrapped his strong muscular arm around his stomach to pull him back to his tiny kitchen table. Youngjae suppressed the the mini blush that threatened to creep on his plush cheeks. He had always wondered what it felt like to be held in Daehyun’s arms. Damn it felt good. Now he wondered how it felt to be held with both arms. Youngjae pinched himself, removing the thoughts from his mind. He really needed to watch or something because he needed to stop being thirsty for his good-looking of a boss. 

“Just trust me, I’m doing this for your stomach and mine.” Daehyun sat Youngjae down on the Ikea wooden chair and shot him and over the shoulder warning glare to not to get out of his seat as he headed back towards the kitchen. 

Youngjae let out a sigh, deciding that it was probably best at the moment not to argue with Daehyun, and rested his chin his hand. Youngjae stared at the wealthy CEO in his kitchen, praying that Daehyun wouldn’t set his apartment a blaze. Daehyun didn’t set the kitchen a blaze, but he did set Youngjae’s hormones. The fire starter casually removed the ugly sweater covering his frame, not wishing to adorn the hideous fabric any longer. His muscular back revealed for all to see. Youngjae couldn’t help but gawk in awe. Every muscle toned. His skin glistening under the morning sun. It was a feast for the eyes. A hunk of man buffet for Youngjae and Daehyun knew. Knew the stares he was feeling were from the chipmunk. And Youngjae knew he was aware by the smug smirk he had plastered on his face.

The sound of a sizzling pan filled the silent air as some sort of batter Daehyun concocted entered the well oiled pan. Youngjae watched with curiosity as the supposed spoiled CEO was making breakfast. And a yummy one by the smell of it. If Youngjae was being honest, he thought that Daehyun had no homey skills (not like he could talk). But Youngjae learned that Daehyun was full of surprises. Like an unknown chemical just needing the right reactants to get to the final product. He couldn’t believe that in just a few days he learned more about Daehyun than he had with some of his friends. And a part of him wanted to learn more, taking on the challenge of the undiscovered. Another part of him knew that being close to Daehyun wasn’t a good idea. Him and Youngjae were like diethyl ether and dihydrogen monoxide. They wouldn’t mix. While Daehyun didn’t mind playing around and having fun in both meanings of the word. Youngjae liked to live life simply. Taken on the soul of a bitter old woman with a pimped out scooter. Daehyun was like the noisy kid he wanted off his lawn. 

“Here you go,” The steaming plate of pancakes with fresh made jam and some maple syrup pulled Youngjae out of his thoughts. He couldn’t help but feel his mouth water at the sight of delicious food. When was the last time he had a homemade breakfast? Far too long. “I made you pancakes with jam, not your drool.” Daehyun snickered.

“I still can’t believe you made this.” Youngjae immediately dug into the fluffy cakes, shoving the deliciousness into his mouth. 

“I’m definitely more than meets the eye,” Daehyun chuckles, just watching Youngjae shovel pancakes in his mouth as he put some pancakes in his own mouth. If only Daehyun had a camera or photographic memory because the image of Youngjae’s puffed out of cheeks full of pancakes made him really look like a chipmunk. “Plus I basically had two choice, learn to cook or live off Jongup’s daily meal of hamburgers and Nesquik.” Daehyun snorted. The both of them began laughing, enjoying the amicable atmosphere. Youngjae wanted to ask why Daehyun would need to cook for himself when he was filthy rich, but a part of him knew the answer. Some tension within the Jung family that Youngjae had no right to pry in. 

“Do we have such a luxury to be eating this so leisurely?” Youngjae raised a brow, a smile still painted on his face as he plopped in another pancake in his mouth.

“As your boss, I’m giving both you and me the day off,” Daehyun chuckled, leaning back into the chair a bit. Dear God, did Youngjae have to bite his tongue to hold back the ‘eep’ that dared to escape at the sight of Daehyun’s stretched pecs and abs. “Take it as thank you for dealing with my drunk y .”

Youngjae rolled his eyes, but the playful grin never left his face. “You know Daehyun, I kinda, not really, cyber stalked you while you were sleeping…”

Daehyun cocked an amused brow, a smirk growing on his face. “If you wanted half pictures and/or pictures of me you could have asked, after all you did nursed me to health.” A cheshire grin spreading on his face.

Youngjae stared at him blank face. “I have pictures of Chris Pine already, thanks~” Youngjae rolled his eyes. “I’ve read up some articles on you,” Daehyun stopped his munching to look at Youngjae curiously. Youngjae kept nonchalantly talking while eating, not paying head to Daehyun’s sudden silence. “Successfully developed the medical branch of your company at age 20, closed multi-million dollar foreign trade deals by age 23, increased the company’s stock values by age 25, and is now one of the world’s most successful CEO,” Youngjae looked up to look Daehyun straight in the eyes. “I don’t know what your father thinks of you, but from what I’ve read I’d say you are more than successful. You’re basically a bonafide genius and you’ve probably worked your off to get to where you are now. If you’re father doesn’t see that, then he needs to get his eyes checked.” Youngjae shrugged and returned to eating his meal.

Daehyun’s eyes soften at the disheveled chipmunk. A sincere and genuine smile spread across his face. He was internally giddy and he could feel his heart swell at Youngjae’s words. Though the silence returned between the two, it wasn’t unbearable. It was comfortable. A pleasant silence as the two continued to eat their pancakes in each other company.

”Youngjae, what did I tell you about setting the lab on fire…” Himchan sighed as he sauntered into lab from a meeting, only to find Youngjae with a fire extinguisher in his hand, his hair slightly singed, and the fume hood full of white fluff.

“Technically I only set the flask on fire so…” Youngjae chuckled but only got a pinch on the cheek in return.

“No technically anything.” Himchan glared, releasing the younger’s cheek as he sat at his desk grumbling.

“Himchan, are you still grumpy cause I didn’t tell you about Daehyun? That was weeks ago!” Youngjae teased coming up besides his hyung, squatting down in front of him.

“Hmph!” Himchan pouted turning away to face another direction. Youngjae removed his goggles and stared up at Himchan with largest puppy eyes and pout he could conjure. 
“Pfft, hyung, you look like a inverted racoon with all that black powder on your face!” Zelo chuckled from his desk, tossing Youngjae a clean towel to wipe his face. Himchan couldn’t help, but take a glance as well and began bursting out into laughter. It wasn’t much later till all three of them were busting a gut like hyenas. 

“Fiiiine, I forgive, but next time you’ve got to tell me these things! You’re lucky I had a meeting right after I called you that time or I swear I would have stomped over to your house with a baseball bat to kick Daehyun’s .” Himchan crossed his arms, still a bit pouty. 

“Awww thanks Umma!” Youngjae teased, throwing his arms around Himchan and attempting to give him kisses. Himchan was not having his beautiful glowing face marred by whatever chemical Youngjae had pasted on his face. 

“Eek get off of me demon child!” Himchan gently pushed Youngjae off him. “I just hope you know what you’re doing. I don’t want you to get hurt like last time....” Youngjae’s eyes soften knowing that Himchan really had his best interest at heart.

“What happened last time?” Zelo chimed in. 

“Just some broke my heart, rolled it over with a steam roller, and then sacrificed it to king kong.” Youngjae shrugged, not wanting to dwell on the memory too much.

“Okay, where is this ? Cause no one can mess with Youngjae except me and Himchan.” Zelo stood up, playfully hitting his fist into his palm as if he was going to pick a fight. 

“Awww Zelo~” Youngjae then pulled the giant into a hug despite his squirming. “Honestly, you guys are the best family I could ever ask for,” Youngjae released Zelo, smiling at his friends. Though Youngjae loved to tease both Zelo and Himchan, sassing them every now and then too, he truly loved them more than his own family. What was he thinking. They were his family. “But I promise you I will be fine. Daehyun and I are work friends, maybe just maybe friends outside of work. But nothing more. Remember? You made me wear these clothes to prevent that.” 

“Fine I trust you…” Himchan rubbed his temples, conceding to his friend. “But what the actual hell happened that day to make you two so buddy-buddy these past few weeks? Cause as soon as the meeting was over I drove to your dinky apartment and no one was home.” Himchan eyed Youngjae suspiciously. 

“Ooooo storytime!” Zelo chuckled pushing his rolling chair so that he was closer to listen. Himchan snorted, pinching the younger’s cheek at how cute he was, which the younger retaliated by trying to reenact ‘Charlie bit my finger.’

”Pffft!” Youngjae fell back into the couch, clutching his stomach with laughter. “Oh my Jesus, you .” 

“It’s my first time playing. What did you expect?” Daehyun sneered, placing the controller aside. 

“You can’t be serious. This is your first time playing Super Smash Bros?” Youngjae stared at Richie Rich in disbelief. 

“I didn’t have the privilege to play video games when I was younger. Daddy dearest didn’t think it was profitable for me to be playing video games.” Daehyun rolled his eyes only to see Youngjae look him with pitiful eyes.

“Oh, you poor deprived child.” Youngjae patted Daehyun’s head since the elder was sitting on the floor while he opted for the couch. 

Daehyun scoffed, removing the younger’s hand from his soft fluffy bed head, which Youngjae had to admit made him hella attractive. “What about you boy genius? I bet your mom and dad were giddy with joy for you.”

“Hah! That’s funny,” Youngjae ran his fingers through his hair. “They were till the moment they found out I prefered over s. Automatic disownment card, go straight to jail, don’t pass Go.” Youngjae sneered. It would be light to say he had some animosity toward his family. 

Years he had to hide who he was, act like he was someone else. Had to eat up all the homophobic slander his family would spout out in ‘good fun.’ Feel like he did something wrong that he was a mistake. He had thought that maybe if his parents knew about him, maybe they would change their tune. That being gay didn’t make you crazy or some sickness. Oh how wrong he was. It was his older brother that ratted him out when he happened to see Youngjae kiss his high school crush during graduation. Let’s just say there was a lot of screaming, punching, and packed bags when he got back home. Words like ‘disgusting,’ ‘shameful,’ ‘selfish,’ and ‘abomination’ were all thrown his way without a second thought. If Youngjae hadn’t had Himchan at the time, he honestly did not know what would happen to him.

“F**kin their loss then,” Daehyun shrugged, grabbing the controller. “You are a boy genius with a decent personality. You could have been a damn drug dealer if you wanted to. And if they disown you just because you like guys then they need to get a damn reality check. You’ll still be the same horribly dressed chipmunk whether or not you prefer or s.”

Youngjae could feel a sweet smile grow on his face at Daehyun’s words. Though his words were crass, they were sweet. Comforting. Youngjae was right that Daehyun was full of surprises and Youngjae was beginning to enjoy discovering every single one of them. 

“Thanks,” Youngjae mumbled not really being used to such kindness. “Now as a thank you for the pep talk let me teach you how to play properly. You and me will tag team.” He grinned, slinking down from the couch to sit beside Daehyun.

After several rounds of button mashing and fits of laughter, the two were beginning to grow bored with the game. Well the two being just Daehyun. Daehyun groaned leaning back against the couch, his head swung back. Though he admitted that spending a chill day like this was quite enjoyable and relaxing, something that he definitely needed. The hyper active rabbit in Daehyun begged to go out and get some sunshine instead of being hold up in the rabbit hole. 

“Let’s go out and do something.” Daehyun whined, causing Youngjae to snort. To see a grown man (besides Himchan), let alone Daehyun, whine was a sight to see.

“Why? I’m perfectly satisfied with having a lazy day. You, however, can go out and do whatever you want. I’m not your babysitter.” Youngjae snickered, playfully rolling his eyes. 

“It’s sad and lonely to go out by myself,” Daehyun pouted. “Plus I haven’t had in 3 days. If I don’t go out and get rid of this pent up energy some way, I will purchase pay per view on your TV and e on your couch.” Daehyun looked at Youngjae dead in the eye to show how serious he was. Wouldn’t that be a sight to see. Youngjae had to bite his tongue to prevent him from saying that. 

“Hardiddy Har, ya ert,” Youngjae contorted his face in disgust. “Fine, just so that I won’t have to burn my couch. Let’s get some fresh air.” Youngjae rolled his eyes.

“Do you have to wear that? I know you have some decent clothes so why are you dressed like a bruised potato.” Daehyun sneered at Youngjae’s as per usual horrible ensemble.

“It’s comfortable.” Youngjae lied through his teeth. Of course, he would want to wear nice clothes. Daehyun rolled his eyes, not understanding the choice of comfort over decent appearance. 

“Your hideous appearance just gave me an idea on what we should do,” Daehyun grinned, shoving his hand in the pocket of Youngjae’s sweater that he borrowed. “Let’s go shopping.”

“Hah?” Youngjae looked at Daehyun confused as the two of them walked down the busy shopping street. “If you haven’t noticed from my ratty apartment, I’m manure poor. Not even dirt. Manure.”

“One, ew. And two, I’ll pay so upgrade your clothes game peasant.” Daehyun chuckled.

“Why thank you, your benevolent highness.” Youngjae scoffed and rolled his eyes.

“Ya know, if you lose the sass you’d be cuter.” Daehyun shook his head in dismay.

“And if you thought with your less, you’d be more handsome.” Youngjae shot Daehyun a smug smirk.

“Touche, chipmunk. Touche.” Daehyun chuckled as he dragged Youngjae to one of the high end shops.

”I told you I would buy you anything to upgrade your closet and the only thing you bought was a damn sweatshirt?” Daehyun let out an exasperated sigh as Youngjae admired his new sweatshirt in awe.

“What? It’s cute,” Youngjae grinned at the wine red sweatshirt with a porcupene, porcupane, and porcupyne on it. The inner Chem nerd of his was very happy. “Plus I don’t need a sugar daddy for clothes. If I’m gonna have a sugar daddy he’s paying off my college debt.” Youngjae chuckled as he put the sweatshirt back into the bag. 

“God bless his soul then for dealing with this mess,” Daehyun gestured to Youngjae’s appearance. “And your sass,” Daehyun chuckled. 

Youngjae rolled his eyes and lightly punched the elder man in the arm. Despite Daehyun’s jabs at Youngjae’s appearance, Youngjae never felt any animosity in them. Plus Youngjae was purposely making himself look bad so Daehyun’s constant criticism just proved his mission to be a success. What caught Youngjae’s attention, however, was that Daehyun stuck with Youngjae despite his current horrid appearance. Youngjae could feel the obvious stares of confusion at the odd dynamic duo. Murmurs on how someone so good looking could hang around someone that looked at him. He was sure Daehyun could feel and hear them too. The most admiring part was that Daehyun did not give a damn. He kept talking to Youngjae casually, not caring about what others were saying or thinking of him. It was something that Youngjae admired about the man.

 “Anyways where do you want to go next?” Daehyun had managed to slip away from Youngjae and buy a small ice cream while Youngjae was in deep thought. He extended his hand with a scoop of green tea for Youngjae as well.

“Hmmmm I have an idea.” Youngjae thanked Daehyun as he munched on the ice cream.

”We went to playing videogames at your apartment to going to an arcade. I think you have a problem, chipmunk, and you need to go see Dr. Phil for it.” Daehyun sighed as the two entered the brightly lit, noisy building.

“You know you and moan a lot for a grown man.” Youngjae crossed his arms.

“That’s what happens when I don’t get laid in 3 days. I don’t know how you do it.” Daehyun let out a dramatic sigh.

“It’s called self control. You should try it sometime.” Youngjae rolled his eyes, walking down the aisles to his intended target. Daehyun following beside him.

“Nah, seems to dull.” Daehyun flashed him a pearly white cheeky grin.

“Well maybe you can put that whining energy to good use,” Youngjae presented Daehyun a claw machine full of cute plushies ranging from Line characters to Pokemon. “Come on Mr. Richie Rabbit, don’t tell me you’ve never seen a claw machine before.”

“I’m rich, not stupid. Weren’t you the one that said I was a bonafide genius.” A smug grin plastered itself in his lips. Youngjae should have known better than inflate the man’s ego. 

“Okay bonafide genius, let’s see how good you are then. I’m warning you though, I’m an ace at these games.” Youngjae smirked inserting a dollar into the machine to start.

”You’re an ace at what again?” Daehyun snickered, his arms full of soft plushies. 

“I hate you…” Youngjae grimaced. Daehyun was unknowingly a genius at the claw game, grabbing almost every stuff animal he wanted. And the ace of the game? Youngjae hadn’t even got one yet. “Okay, last time! I will get this!” Youngjae pumped his fist in determination.

Daehyun chuckled as he watched Youngjae stare at the claw in such serious determination one would have thought that this was a life or death situation. He couldn’t help but look at the boy with endearing eyes as Youngjae hovered around the machine, his mouth slightly agape. The small cute little noises he would make as he moved the claw just a few centimeters made Daehyun’s smile grow wide. The moment Youngjae managed to wrap the claw around the one stuff animal he wanted, both Daehyun and Youngjae shouted for joy. Jumping around like children. It was so odd for Daehyun to be so excited over such a trivial thing. But he was. And he didn’t mind it. 

“Nice! You did it, chipmunk!!” Daehyun cheered the two boys hyped on Youngjae’s first one. Unbeknownst to Daehyun that he was so excited that he let his accent slip.

“You have a satoori accent?” Youngjae chuckled at the cute discovery about the man.

“Uh y-yeah...I lived in Busan when I was younger…” Daehyun’s high faltering as he realized he let out his embarrassing quirk.

Youngjae cocked a brow in amusement. Did Daehyun just stutter? “It’s cute.” 

Daehyun scoffed. “I’m always cute, y, handsome, good-”

“Okay I take back what I said.” Youngjae put his hand over Daehyun’s mouth. 

“Ouch, and to think I was going to give you all of these plushies,” Daehyun playfully sighed, but still handed over the pile of fluff to Youngjae. He notices how the younger was eyeing the cute plushies, particularly the duck one. “Buuuut since you amused me today. I’ll be a benevolent rabbit and hand these over to you.” 

“Thanks~” Youngjae rolled his eyes, stuffing a majority of them in the bag. Though the sass rolled off his tongue, he was internally giddy about all the plushies. He always had a penchant for soft fluffy things. He held onto one plush, however, a long haired gray and white rabbit with a little black bow tie. It looked like a cross between a rabbit and a wolf. Youngjae smiled playing with it’s little button nose before putting it in the bag. “And this is for paying for my sweater and amusing me today.” Youngjae handed over the stuff animal he won.

Daehyun raised a curious brow at the plush, a bemused smirk on his face. It was a cute chipmunk plush with a pair of nerd glasses and a bright red polka dot bowtie. The tuft of fur at the top sticking out in all sorts of places. How befitting. Daehyun chuckled, pinching its puffy cheeks until he was satisfied. 

”Do you need a ride back?” Youngjae inquired as he popped in another piece of tteokbokki in his mouth.

“Nah, I got Jongup to come pick me up.” Daehyun also popping a piece of tteokbokki in his mouth. 

The two of them were sitting in front a local food stall, munching away at street food. The plushie chipmunk sitting comfortably on Daehyun’s lap as the two men shared their snack. The starry night sky providing a cool breeze and nice scenery. Everything seemed to be so picturesque that Youngjae had to pinch himself to remind himself that this wasn’t a weird dream.

“This,” Daehyun smiled at Youngjae, resting his cheek in his hand. “This was fun.”

“Yeah...I can’t really remember the last time I’ve gone out and just relaxed.” Youngjae leaning back so that he could get a better view of the sky. 

“We’re both very busy people,” Daehyun let out a small sad chuckle, knowing the hell he will have to deal with since Woojin will be part of the company. “But this was nice. You’re a pretty cool person to hang around with.” Daehyun lightly punched the other in the arm.

“And you’re not too bad yourself.” Youngjae lightly punched back. The two men smiling at each other under the night sky till the time for them to part came.

”See that’s it. Just two friends hanging out.” Youngjae shrugged.

“Sounds more like you two went on a date.” Zelo snickered, causing Youngjae to glare. 

Himchan on the other hand was sniffling with a tissue in his grasp. “My little baby Jae is growing up and somehow managed to tame a wild Daebutt.”

“You guys are being ridiculous.” Youngjae grumbled, his cheeks turning slightly red. 

“Awww, Youngjae hyung don’t be all pouty. You guys sound cute together.” Zelo teased.

“One more word out of you and you’ll be cleaning the cold room.” Youngjae growled. Zelo immediately shut his mouth, shivering at the thought of cleaning that oversize freezer. 

“My baby Jae is leaving the nest!” More crocodile tears were leaving Himchan’s eyes. Youngjae snorted getting up from the floor and heading towards the door.

“I’m going to leave for lunch before I decide to spray you dorks with the fire extinguisher.” 

Daehyun took a long drag of his cigarette, glaring at nothing. It was the fourth time this week where he went to have a meeting with a client only to have Woojin swoop in and present his ideas. Lucky for Daehyun that those clients were loyal and politely declined Woojin’s proposal for Daehyun’s. The bastard was walking in some dangerous territory. He knew what Woojin and his -mom were planning. Usurping him from his rightful place as CEO of Jung Enterprises. He had to figure out something...something to remove them from the company.

“I knew I would find you here…” Jongup sighed, coming beside Daehyun on the ledge of the outdoor patio of the company. “I thought you quit?” Jongup gestured towards the cigarette.

“See, Jongup, not only is Woojin bad for the company, but also my health.” Daehyun tossed the lung cancer on a stick in the nearby ashtray. 

“Sorry, but I don’t know any doctors that can be rid of humans….legally anyways.” The two boys chuckled. 

“I’ve been thinking, Jongup.”

“Uh-oh, that’s dangerous.” Jongup smirked.

“Yah! You punk,” Daehyun punched Jongup in the arm. “I’m serious. The longer Woojin and she- are in the company the more they’ll try to overthrow me, and daddy dearest won’t give a flying .”
 
“So what are you thinking?” Jongup cocked a curious brow. Daehyun may be an , a horndog, an arrogant rabbit, but when it came to business his words were basically gold.

“I’m planning to take everything away from them. My father, his , and his bastard,” A devilish grin appeared on Daehyun’s face. His conniving mind working it's gears. “At the moment I have enough stock power to call for a meeting to nominate a new chairman of the board. Problem is I don’t have enough supporters on the board. Too many of them under my father’s thumb.”

“So if you buy their stocks or put them on your side, you’ll have enough power to become chairman of the board.” Daehyun wrapped his shoulder around Jongup’s shoulder, overjoyed that his friend figured out his devious plan.

“Bingo! I need you to do some digging for me Jongup, anything that could either give me an advantage over the board members or to see what there opinions of my father and brother are,” Daehyun grin grew wider, looking forward to see the fruits of his devilish labor. His cunning planning was then cut when he noticed a tuft of unruly hair exiting the building. “Yah! Chipmunk!” Youngjae looked up to see Daehyun and Jongup on the balcony ledge. Jongup offered him a small smile and wave, while Daehyun opted to flash a playful smirk. Youngjae casually waved at the both of them. “Where are you going?”

“Lunch.” Youngjae raised a brow at Daehyun’s sudden interest.

“Wait right there!” Daehyun shouted, removing his arm from Jongup’s shoulder. “Hey Guppie, I’m going to head out for lunch. I’ll see you in a few,” He patted Jongup on the back. “Also do me a favor and keep an eye out if Woojin starts causing trouble while I’m gone.” Jongup nodded with affirmation causing Daehyun to smile brightly as he left the patio to head downstairs to meet up with Youngjae.

 
“Uhg those damn grumpy old men,” Himchan grumbled, stomping down the hallway after finishing a horrid meeting with some senior researchers who obviously had a vendetta against him. It wasn’t his fault he was good looking and smart. It’s their fault for being uglier and less smart. “‘You don’t have enough reproducible results, Himchan. You’re data is faulty, Himchan,’” Himchan mocked in a whiney voice as he rolled his eyes. His bitter grumbling was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. Whoever was calling had terrible timing because he was not in the mood. “You’ve reached the phone of the almighty Himchan. What the f**k do you want cause I am not in the mood.” Himchan growled into his phone. 

“Having a bad day?” Himchan immediately froze at the sound of the familiar chuckle on the other line of the phone. 

“C-CEO Bang!” Himchan squeaked. Of course, to add the cherry to his horrible day he had to curse at Yongguk. Life never went his way.

“I told you to call me Yongguk remember?” Yongguk chuckled, amused at Himchan’s complete 180 from diva to squeaking mouse. 

“R-right! Y-Yongguk, uh, what’s up?” Himchan shook his head in dismay and anger. He was f**ckin stuttering. Over a guy for God’s sake! Himchan needed to find his dignity and pride because he seemed to have lost it. 

“I just wanted to know if you were free this weekend.” Himchan could feel his heart skip a beat. Was Bang Yongguk. The Bang Yongguk going to ask him on a date?

“Yes I am!” Himchan said to enthusiastically for his own liking. “Uh I mean, yeah. I think I’m free that day.” 

“Good,” Himchan could practically see the gummy smile of the other male. “I wanted to take you to this art festival down near the beach this weekend. If that’s okay with you of course.”

“It’s definitely okay with me.” Himchan had to force every single fiber of his being to be still or else he would be literally just jump and down from joy. “Should I ask Youngjae to come too?”

“Haha I like the kid, but I was thinking it could be just the two of us.” Himchan could feel his heart fall into his stomach. This was an official date. 

“That’s fine by me.” Himchan bit his tongue to halt any stuttering. 

“Great! I’ll see you Saturday then. I’ll pick you up around 10 am?” Himchan was pinching himself making sure it wasn’t a dream.

“Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll see you Saturday,” The two men said their goodbyes and the moment the call ended Himchan was jumping with glee. The past frustration melting away. “I’m going on a date with Bang Yongguk! An actual date!” The reality hit Himchan like a pack of frozen butter. “I’m going on a date with Bang Yongguk….to an art festival….I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ART!!!” Himchan’s glee soon morphed into panic as he began to ascertain every possible situation that could ruin his date with Yongguk. What if Yongguk thought he was an idiot for not knowing anything about art? What if he thought he wasn’t cultured enough? So many thoughts and insecurities ran through his mind. God how he hated how Yongguk made him such a piece of mush. It was a new experience for him to be dragged on a whim by a man. It was usually him doing the dragging. “What am I gonna dooooooo?” Himchan groaned dramatically, trudging himself into the lab. 

“How in the Holy Mary’s name are you able to eat that much food?” Youngjae stared at Daehyun in disbelief as said man was eating his third sandwich. 

“I’m a growing boy.” Daehyun shrugged, still eating. 

“You’re 27 years old.” Youngjae deadpanned. Not buying the bull Daehyun was selling. 

“And you’re point being?” Daehyun smirked.

“You know what, I’m not gonna even argue with your black hole of a stomach.” Youngjae chuckled before sipping on his green tea. 

“So how’s your research doing?” Daehyun patted his lips with his napkin.

“I didn’t set the fume hood on fire so that’s a bonus.” Youngjae sighed, puffing out his cheeks in disappointment that his experiment didn’t work. 

“That’s good cause that s expensive.” Daehyun chuckled, poking at the younger’s cheek. Youngjae scoffed, swatting Daehyun’s away, but also kindly grabbed his napkin and wiped the remnants of sandwich off the corner of Daehyun’s lips. This had become routine with the two. They didn’t understand how they grew to be so comfortable with each other, but they had. Both being glad to make such a close friend so quickly. Daehyun had someone he could talk freely to that wasn’t Jongup. And Youngjae had someone he could open up to beside Himchan and Zelo. 

“How about you? Your brother causing trouble.” Youngjae quirked a brow as Daehyun leaned back exasperated. 

“More like hell. Him and the are trying to gain as many supporters as they can so they can overthrow me,” Daehyun scoffed. “Like I’m that easy to get rid of.” 

“Yeah, you kinda stick around like a bad rash.” Youngjae chuckled.

“You brat, I thought we were friends!” Daehyun jokingly put Youngjae in a headlock and gave the chipmunk a noogie. 

“Ouch! Okay! Okay! I give!” Youngjae chuckled. Daehyun returned to his seat across from Youngjae with a triumphant huff.

“And I order this nice mango cheesecake for you and this is how you treat me.” Daehyun waved the delicious slice of cheesecake in front of Youngjae. 

“I was wrong oh mighty Daehyun. Please forgive this dumb peasant’s words.” Youngjae pouted, his hands together in a pleading gesture for the cake.

“That’s more like it,” Daehyun chuckled and handed Youngjae the plate and fork. “Don’t worry too much about the medicine. You’ll figure out how to synthesize the pieces you need with that big noggin and all.” 

“And you’ll figure out how to deal with your f**ked up family with that devious mind of yours.” Youngjae grinned, offering Daehyun a piece of cake, which Daehyun obviously took. 

“Zelo,” Zelo jumped at the sound of a familiar and all too heart pounding voice. “Do you know if Youngjae came back from his lunch break?”

Zelo took a deep breath, not wanting to be a blubbering mess in front of Jongup (like how Himchan was in front of Yongguk). “No, I don’t think he’s come back yet.” 

“Oh…” Jongup’s brow furrowed in deep contemplation. The file he had in his hand clutched tightly. If Youngjae wasn’t back then Daehyun wasn’t back.

“Did you need Youngjae for something?” Zelo tilted his head slightly so he could get a better look at Jongup’s face. Jongup’s expression softened at the sight of Zelo, gently rubbing the younger’s head.

“Nope, I just needed to talk to Daehyun. They went to go get lunch together.” Jongup chuckled a bit as Zelo pouted trying to fix his hair that Jongup messed up. 

“Those two have been close lately.” Zelo could feel his heart beating out of his chest. Jongup’s laughs were always the best. So angelic, so rare. The stoic, straight-faced man rarely let out bouts of laughter. He always seemed to be in some sort of deep contemplation…..that or spacing out. Either way, Zelo found that face to be very cute. 

“Yeah, I’m glad Daehyun is able to make another friend,” Jongup grinned. “Makes my life easier.”

“Now if only CEO Bang could get Himchan off my back.” Zelo chuckled.  

“When in doubt you can hide in my office. I’ll tell Himchan you got kidnapped by masked rabbits.” Jongup shrugged. 

“And whenever CEO Jung bothers you I’ll just throw Youngjae at him. Great self defense mechanism.” The two of them bursted into laughter at their own ridiculousness. 

“Well, I should get going then since Daehyun isn’t back yet. I need to put these files back in my office.” Jongup nodded slightly and began to walk away when Zelo quickly grabbed onto his wrist. 

“Um...uh..since CEO Jung and Youngjae are still at lunch do you want- I mean, do you mind having lunch with me?” Zelo could feel his face heat up like a tomato. Jongup had to stifle the goofy grin that wanted to spread across his face. Zelo looked like a literal strawberry. A strawberry dipped in hot sauce and rolled around in red pop rocks. A nasty combination, but got the point across. 

“Why would I mind? Do you have some sort of disease or something?” Jongup teased.

“N-No! I mean I don’t think so! I went to the doctor’s last week and he didn’t say anything.” Zelo blabbered. Flustered at Jongup’s words.

“Oh no, Zelo. What if you had some unknown incurable disease and are actually a ghost right now?” Jongup continued this weird conversation that the two of them conjured.

“Gasp! Then you’ll be eating with a zombie, hyung!” Zelo chuckled, beginning to relax into the conversation.

“Oh no, I’m gonna have to get rid of you before you bite me.” Jongup playfully put himself in fighting stance. 

“Nah, I’m a Nesquik zombie. So I only drink Nesquik.” Zelo chuckled and made a pretend zombie face.

“Even worse. How could you steal the supply of nesquik!” Jongup chuckled. “I’m gonna have to go save our cafeteria’s supply!” Jongup sprinted to the cafeteria.

“Not on my watch!” Zelo giggled like a school girls at their ridiculousness and sprinted down the hall after Jongup. 

“I’m begging you, Youngjae!” Himchan clung to Youngjae’s pant leg as he attempted to get to his work bench. Youngjae literally just came back to lunch to have a koala Himchan attack his leg.

“What the hell Himchan!? Where is your pride and dignity!?” Youngjae jostled his leg attempting to be free. 

“I sold them to the damn devil so I can get this date with Yongguk, so please!” Himchan puppy dog pout. 

“Himchan, he asked you on a date. Not you plus me.” Youngjae sighed, giving up any attempts to move with a grown man attached to his leg.

“You won’t be on a date with us! You’ll just be nearby, talking to me through this hidden earpiece that I snatched from the technology development team,” Youngjae stared at him with a stony expression. Himchan was whipped as Ready Whip. Not only was he begging, but now basically stealing for Yongguk. “I know nothing about art, Youngjae. Why would I need to read about it when I’m a living piece of art? I can’t let Yongguk think I’m an ignorant buffoon who only cares about fashion and his looks!”

“But you-”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” Himchan growled. “Pleaaaaaasssseeee, I know you’re into this artsy stuff and took some art history classes back in college. I’m begging you!” Youngjae sighed. He really needed to learn how to say no to Himchan. 

“Fine….but I’m kidnapping the boy too!” Youngjae pointed at Zelo who walked into the lab giddy as a bee. 

“What??” Zelo stared at the scene confused. If anyone didn’t know better it looked like a scorned wife begging for his husband’s forgiveness not to leave his mistress…..yeah, Zelo had to stop watching K-dramas with his mother. 

“Us children here are gonna help Momma Channie and Daddy Yongguk get laid.” Youngjae smirked, amused as Zelo’s face contorted into disgust. 

“Uh no thanks. I really do not need not need to be a part of anything involving Mommy Channie and Daddy Yongguk banging uglies.” Zelo faked puked at the mere thought.

“If you don’t then you deal with a mopey Himchan.” Youngjae glared, pointing down at a clingy Himchan who somehow managed to clutch to Zelo’s leg in a tight boa constrictor lock.

“I raised you children so you’re going to help me get laid or so help me!” Himchan glared at the both of them.

“Okay, okay we get it…” They both said in unison, causing Himchan to jump up with joy, placing a kiss on both of their cheeks.

“I love you guys soooo much!” Himchan spun around in his chair in glee. Zelo and Youngjae looked at each other and chuckled, genuinely happy to see Himchan so happy. He was their boss, their best friend, and their mother wrapped up in a slightly psycho, but lovable diva package. 

“We know.” They both shrugged and went over to Himchan so that they could devise their plan.

“The f**k is this .” Daehyun slammed the stacks of photographs on his desk, running his fingers through his hair. 

“I received these files from an employee of your father while you were at work.” Jongup sighed, flipping through the files nonchalantly.

“Of course you did.” Daehyun snarled, staring down at the pack of marriage candidates his father chose for him. All wealthy rich girls that would benefit the company in some way or another. Basically a pawn to his father. A pawn to keep Daehyun under control. 

“I was able to decline some of them…” Jongup boredly picked through the ones he managed to scare off. “Told them that you had some weird disease that was highly contagious.”

“That disease being?” Daehyun stared at Jongup slightly curious and slightly frightened as to what Jongup would conjure. 

“Whale mumps. Told them you had bumps on your body that were whale-shaped.” He chuckled remembering how some of the girls actually shrieked upon hearing the supposed sickness. 

“And they believed you? Dear God, he wanted me to marry one of those girls? No brain, but full on pedigree.” Daehyun grimaced, imagining him actually meeting one of those bimbos in person. He didn’t mind rich self-important bimbos that never worked a day in their life for , but actually having a proper conversation with one. He would rather watch paint dry or grass grow. 

“So how are you going to scare off the other ones?” Jongup looked through the remaining papers. Daughters of pharmaceutical companies, entertainment agencies, tech moguls, people that they should tread lightly with. 

Daehyun smirked, that devilish grin returning again. “With my best attributes, my charm, good-looks, and my acting skills that could put a k-drama actor to shame,” Daehyun looked at Jongup with mischief. Jongup’s natural instincts told him that this wasn’t going to be good….for him at least. “So which do name do you prefer, Jongsukkie or Upsukkie?” 
 

Thanks for reading! Comments, critiques and questions are happily welcomed!!

Yay chapter 5!!! Oh my gosh this chapter was sooo long, but the cute daejae date but not a date was totally worth it! And the banghim and jonglo! Too cuuuuutttteee!

So I was just doing small snippets like that for Banghim and Jonglo and they'll appear only when it pushes the Daejae story along :D Now can everyone can have a bite of Banghim and Jonglo while enjoying Daejae heehee