It never occurred to Jinki that he will come face to face with him again, especially during a boardroom meeting at work. He can’t help himself. He’s staring and it is quite obvious and it may garner the attention of his other co-workers but he cannot help himself, he never could whenever it came to him.

“So gentlemen.” Siwon, the chairman of Hwayeon Enterprises continues. “Kim Kibum, our newest addition, will be one of our main artists for this year and hopefully for many, many years to come.”

Kibum bows and expresses his gratitude towards his new business family, who applauds and welcomes him with warm smiles and friendly hugs.

Sure enough, Jinki doesn’t hesitate to approach the new artist while the others mingle.

“Jinki!” Kibum beams. So they both have recognized each other. “It’s been quite a while, Lee.” Kibum laughs that laugh that is full of mirth and glee which reminds Jinki of their high school past.

“It has been.” And Jinki’s face is flushed red on a cool day. He extends his hand for a handshake. Kibum looks him straight in the eyes then shifts his gaze to Jinki’s hand and then back to Jinki’s eyes. There is a slight moment where Jinki wonders ‘Too soon?’ and begins to retract his arm but just then Kibum pulls him in for a hug and it is definitely a fact that the feelings have returned. They have resurfaced, but they had never been buried to begin with.

His heart feels as if it is hammering against his rib cage and that his oxygen intake has been rationed and that his heart may burst from the amount of feelings and thoughts racing through his brain.

“You know,” Kibum begins breathlessly. “It feels good to be within your arms again.” And Jinki swears that the world has stopped rotating.

“Kibum...” Jinki starts but stops himself. There is an immense feeling of sudden despair when he’s brought back to reality.

“I’m...married.” He nuzzles Kibum’s neck before parting. Kibum looks him directly in the eyes, never missing a single heartbeat.

“I know.” He says after what seems like an eternity. “Word travels fast around here.” He looks around his new work place then back at the man before him. “Congratulations.” He doesn’t mean it by the way his nose flares. “Guess I was too late, huh?” He laughs bitterly.

“Kibum.” Jinki reverts to his no –nonsense business tone

“I think i should be making acquaintances now, don’t you think?” He smirks and Jinki remains silent.

“I’ll see you around.” Kibum says his last words and stalks off in search of creating new friendships but not before running a hand up and down the length of Jinki’s left arm. An action, only a person considered more than a friend would do.