Seungcheol: We’re going somewhere fancy, so wear your good clothes.

Jihoon: Uh-oh. Now I’m worried.

Seungcheol: Don’t be. One look at your pretty face and you could be wearing flip-flops for all the waiter cares.

Jihoon: Don’t be silly.

Seungcheol: I’m not, you’re beautiful, cutie-pie.

Jihoon: You gotta stop with the pet names.

Seungcheol: why?

Jihoon: Because people think it’s weird.

Seungcheol: Your cousin doesn’t like me much, huh?

Jihoon: He thinks you’re spineless, for an alpha.

Seungcheol: Spineless?!

Jihoon: Yeah. Too ambiguous.

Seungcheol: Oh well. Can’t please everybody ; )

Jihoon: You’re a rascal. Six weeks, and you’re still a rascal.

Seungcheol: Admit it, you kinda like it.

Jihoon: …I kinda do.

Seungcheol: God, you’re a cutie. How did I ever get somebody like you to date somebody like me?

Jihoon: Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re very charismatic. You could probably have three or four boyfriends at the same time, and they’d still be okay with it.

Seungcheol: Don’t be silly.

Jihoon pursed his lips a little. It wasn’t like Seungcheol had denied having boyfriends.

Seungcheol: I’m coming to pick you up, okay?

Jihoon: I’ll wait downstairs.

Seungcheol rolled up in a red car, smirking over at his date. “Hey there, Woozi.”

“I didn’t know you had a car.” The interior of Seungcheol’s car smelled like mint and pine – a very nice kind of scent, if a little strange. “I didn’t know you could drive, either.”

“Ugh, come here.” Seungcheol gripped the small omega to him and kissed him deeply – the kind of kiss that went straight to Jihoon’s toes and made his heart thrum. Jihoon’s own, slender fingers simply slid into Seungcheol’s hair, lips fighting back just as passionately.

Seungcheol sighed in something resembling relief, grinning. “…I really did miss you.”

“…you too,” the barista gasped.

“Missed kissing you.”

“Yeah.”

Seungcheol smirked, leaning in for another kiss: the feeling was soft but so strong at the same time. It felt like Jihoon was going to be consumed; like he was burning up from the inside out, and all he could do was push himself up against the flames and wish for more.

“,” Seungcheol growled a moment before starting again: he held Jihoon’s face in his hands, simply kissing him over and over until neither of them could really breathe anymore.

“…wow.”

Seungcheol went a bit pink. “…sorry. I got carried away.”

“No, no… it was, uh… good. Nice.”

“We better get going.” Seungcheol moved back onto his own seat again. “Before I fill up on your kisses.”

Jihoon rolled his eyes a little, pretending not to be affected by how charming Seungcheol could be. “…okay, you idiot.”

They had dinner at an Italian restaurant – a first for both of them – and had pasta and wine before deciding to take a walk, in the middle of the night, through the park. Hand in hand.

And all Jihoon could think about was Wonwoo’s voice earlier that day.

“I’d get him to confirm some stuff, because he could have, like, five other boyfriends and string you along unknowingly. And you couldn’t even complain. Oh, by the way, you realize I have to stalk you guys to make sure he doesn’t knife you, right?”

“…Woozi.”

The barista started. “Uh, yes?”

“Don’t get so jumpy. It’s just me.” Seungcheol glanced down. “…you’ve been awfully quiet tonight.”

He shook his head a bit. “Just… Wonwoo said something to me that had me thinking a bit.”

“Want to share with the rest of the class?” Seungcheol grinned, swinging their arms together. “Promise I’ll be a good listener.”

Jihoon thought about it. “…I’m not sure if it’s something I can say so easily.”

“Here.” Seungcheol interrupted, pulling him suddenly. “Let’s go sit on the swings.”

Jihoon broke out into a small chuckle, following good-naturedly until they were sat on swings side-by-side, gently swaying in the darkness.

Seungcheol waited patiently.

“…it’s awkward. I don’t really want to pressure you or make you feel bad or accuse you, but… I’m not… I mean…” He sighed. “It’s difficult.”

“They say honesty is the best policy.”

Jihoon took a deep breath and sighed it all out before trying again. “…Wonwoo mentioned that we uh… well, you know, we never… um, I never asked… like… if I’m the only one?”

A long silence passed. Jihoon didn’t look at his date.

“…I have no idea what that means,” Seungcheol said helplessly.

“Like, you know. Are you married? Do you have a boyfriend? Or a girlfriend, even? I never asked.” His voice was very quiet in the night. “…but at the same time… I don’t really want to know the answer.”

Another silence grew between them. Jihoon began to blabber.

“I guess I can’t be upset if you are married. I mean, you’re a great guy. You’re young, and handsome, and charming, and smart. Who wouldn’t want to marry somebody like that? And it’s not like I ever asked, and I suppose you wouldn’t have to tell me anything, I have no rights or anything, ‘cause it’s not like we ever promised each other anything or labelled… whatever this is. I mean. You know