l i m a
OPERATION: LOVE
Running, especially while panicking, wasn’t Sana’s strong suit. Things were a lot harder without Yenny. The place is a mess. Even Youngjae couldn’t keep it together as well. Today, is also one of those “messy” days. A major car accident occurred at an intersection just couple of minutes from the hospital, and patients were being reeled in, however, there were not enough doctors.
“Someone, please contact Doctor Choi! I can’t get a hold of him!” Sana yelled.
“I’m here!” Youngjae ran over to his assistant nurse. “Info. Now.”
“Here,” Sana quickly handed the clipboard over to her doctor, “I don’t have time to read it out to you. Do it yourself, I got more injured people to tend.”
Youngjae nodded, “Do your best.”
“I always do,” Sana smiled tiredly. And with that she took off in the opposite direction.
Youngjae wasted no time and entered the dressing room. He changed into his usual forest green surgical scrubs. When he went to wash his hands, there were already a lot of nurses occupying the washing area. He flashed a smile as a greeting and “good luck” before drying his hands and putting on his mask and cap.
They all hoped the surgery wouldn’t take too long and goes extremely well.
*
*
*
Jackson bursted into Mark’s office, completely ignoring the fact that he has to knock. “Mark, we got a problem.”
Mark looked up from the document he was reading, his brows knitted together, expressing a frown. “Awesome. Just what I needed.”
“You won’t believe this,” Jackson took a seat in one of the big chairs available in front of the E.C.I. Captain’s desk, “A little birdie told me that there was a huge accident today at the intersection near S.K. United. Apparently, the situation was really bad. There are still couple more of police cars and ambulances rolling in as we speak.”
“Get to the point, Jackson.”
“I believe the spy we’re looking for is involved.”
The Captain stopped whatever he’s doing for a few seconds before leaning forward in his chair. He looked skeptically at his Vice. “You believe? Jackson, this isn’t the time to-“
“Just hear me out, okay? I know it sounds crazy, but I got my men tailing around the potential suspects-“
“Without me knowing?”
“-and everything was pretty smooth, until couple of days back, they suddenly lost all views on the suspects. And then bam, this happened, are you not seeing the obvious here?”
“No, because you’re leaving out a lot of informations that I’m supposed to know.”
“Okay, let me break this down,” Jackson exhaled loudly. “I had agents kept eyes on four people, who I drawn out to be the primary suspects, for quite a while now. Everything was recorded down -I’ll let you see them later- and none of them had lifted a finger. However, two days ago, all contact was lost. It’s like those four just vanished into thin air. I have to personally came down to the underground station to check the situation; that’s how bad it was. Still, no trace, nada. And then this morning I received news, so I decided to go to the site. Now I can confirm it. All four of them were involved in the accident, however, one got away. On top of that, a bus full of innocent civilians, two cars with family members inside, and seven other cars with individuals drivers were all tangled up in this mess. The media is currently playing this off as terrorism.”
“Not to shot down your efforts, but,” Mark spoke up after a minute in deep thoughts, “How are you so sure?”
Jackson rolled his eyes, “I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation. Mark, you’ve worked with me well enough to know that THE Wang Jackson is never wrong. Come on, bro, I’m the Captain of a very special unit in the C.I.A. for a goddamn reason! I’m awesome at my job!”
Mark sighed, “Okay, yeah, whatever. So you think you can tell me who’s the three suspects that’s involved are?”
“No.”
“Jackson. what-“
“I’ll show you,” Jackson took out his phone in one swift movement. Mark patiently waited as the E.C.I. Vice Captain swiped through the screen of his brand-new smartphone. Eventually, Jackson found what he was looking for, not after typing in what seemed like a thousand codes of secretive password, and placed his phone gently in front of Mark. The Captain picked up the phone while Jackson informed, “These are the four. The last one was the one who got away, and I already got people investigating on that. Those three are now probably in surgeries, obviously.”
“Is this a white Jaguar F-TYPE?” Mark asked, his headache increased in painful folds, his eyes strained on the picture of a white convertible that’s resembled nothing else besides a wreckage. Something ugly twisted in his guts.
“Yes,” Jackson’s usual loud tone dropped into a cautious whisper, “In fact, it’s the car of one of the suspects.”
A five minute period enveloped the huge office room. Mark’s jaw clenching tightly as the gears started turning inside his brain. A long thirty-minutes-session of Jinyoung’s strong hands massaging his scalp is definitely something Mark really needs right now. Looks like last night’s nine hours of sleep did not help at all. Not only that, Jinyoung has been upset since the moment they woke up. The reason was obvious: Mark avoided having Jinyoung topping him by falling into a deep sleep at an extremely too early hour for their usual bedtime, despite his promise of giving Jinyoung a chance. Well, Mark was fairly tired anyway. Jinyoung understands, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t at least bit disappointed.
A heavy sigh slipped between the Captain’s dried plump lips. Everything is escalating at such an eager pace and all Mark did was blinked his tired eyes.
“Should we inform Captain Im?” Jackson asked, literally could not take the silence any further. “I mean, he deserves to know what we’re operating behind his back-“
“This is a separate case for the E.C.I.” Mark said. “I haven’t penalize you for carrying out an investigation without my permission, yet, so don’t make me add it on to a more severe form of suspension.”
“So…”
“It means I’ll tell Jaebum when everything is certain and well thought-out; it also means that you should keep your mouth shut about this, Jackson. One word and I’ll be taking up your badge and gun for a couple of months as the consequence of defying orders two times. Are we on the same page?”
“Yes, sir.”
*
*
*
Hovering his thumb over the caller ID of “someone” named Jae-ah, the Captain of Unit G pondered if he should press it or not. Probably not. His doctor is most likely in surgery at the moment. Sighing, Jaebum puts his phone down. He’s acting so clingy, and it makes him oddly surprised at himself. Im Jaebum has changed so much. The agent is starting to do things that he usually doesn’t do or finds them disgustingly bothersome. But 'everything for Youngjae' is now Jaebum’s new life motto.
The corner of Jaebum’s lip tugged upward for no particular reason. Just feeling giddy by himself. A knock on the door of his office caused Jaebum to bit his lip and cleared his throat in an automatic manner.
“Come in,” Jaebum replied.
The last person that the Captain wanted to see entered the room in a smooth stride. Jaebum went back to boringly doing some lame paperworks. He needed something to distract himself from actually looking up.
“Sir,” the soft feminine voice carefully slipped out, “Here’s the reports from my trip.”
“Thank you,” Jaebum said, without sparing the person a glance. “You can put it there, Suzy. I’ll look at it later.”
“Yes, sir,” Suzy said as she placed the folder gently on the far corner of Jaebum’s desk. The Captain hates how beautifully graceful Suzy is. It makes his selfish self boiled with anger. Jaebum knows Suzy is a hard competitor; the fair lady is perfect.
“You may leave, now,” Jaebum signaled coldly.
Didn’t dare to question her boss’s drastic change of attitude, Suzy bowed lightly and her heels, ready to exit the room. Except something held her back. Throwing the thoughts of a low-class agent like herself away, Suzy spun around, ready to risk, possibly, her career. “Sir, I would like to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
“Um, what’s your relationship with Youngjae?”
Jaebum’s eyes stopped tracing the prints on paper. How should he answer… Should he say they’re just friends? Or should he say that they’re ‘dating’? But Youngjae probably won’t like it much if Jaebum would just announce their ‘relationship,’ besides it’s one-sided. So instead…
The Captain finally looked up at his best sniper, “What was your relationship with Choi Youngjae-ssi?"
Her face flushed embarrassingly. Jaebum hates that look on her; it makes him sick. He couldn’t help but feel like his own relationship with Youngjae was nothing but a thin string tying a rock and a torn-up kite together as the kite keeps trying to escape with the comfortable blowing of the wind.
“Well,” Suzy exhales, “It’s a bit complicated… We were in a relationship…”
“He’s your ex, you mean.”
“Yes.”
“How serious?” Jaebum couldn’t stop himself from curiously asking.
“Excuse me, sir?”
“How serious was your relationship with Doctor Choi,” Jaebum repeated, sounding more like a demand rather than a question.
“Very,” Suzy said, voice barely above a whisper, like she’s regretting something important. “We’ve been together since our freshmen year of high school and broke it up just couple of years ago.”
Jaebum felt a pang in his chest. , how am I supposed to compete with that?
“It was fun. We were each other’s firsts in everything,” Suzy smiled as old memories came flowing back through a calm river of crystal clear water. “I loved him, a lot.”
“That’s cute,” Jaebum commented, venom swarming in his bitter mouth. “You can leave, now.”
Confused by the sudden shift in their random conversation, Suzy softly cleared and bid a polite “goodbye” before exiting the strangely unusual cold room.
Jaebum waited until he heard the resonating click of the closed doors before throwing the file he was supposedly concentrated on down hard on the surface of his semi-messy desk. “ing hell.”
*
*
*
It became a routine for Chief-Commander Park to seat himself uncomfortably along the table of the meeting room within the presence of the Elders. Every single morning, since the last report of Agent Im, at eight, there’s always a mandatory meeting. The Chief-Commander has always been the first one to arrived, well, given the fact that he’s already in the building at six.
“Early as usual, Mister Park,” the scratchy voice of a middle-aged man made itself known.
“Gabsoo-ssi, good morning,” JYP greeted with a small fake smile. If there’s anyone he hates besides the eldest, it’ll be Gabsoo. “You’re earlier than usual. What’s the occasion?”
Gabsoo laughed dryly, “Nothing much. We just got special orders.”
JYP rolled his eyes, “Since when are the orders not special.”
“Oh, this is special, all right. It seems that your agent can’t properly carry out his mission. There’s talk that it’ll be handed over to my section. I’m sure we can do a much better job.”
“Where’d you hear that?” Of all mornings, this one isn’t exactly JYP’s favorite. He’s taking no today. “I mean, where’d you heard that your team could do a better job? Certainly not from the higher-ups. Let’s not forget the fact that y’all got your asses handed to y’all last time because no one knows how to correctly work a gun. Pity, but it was so embarrassing that even I secondhanded.”
The irritated twitch was visible on the creased corner of Gabsoo’s wide eye. The pulse on his neck pumped rapidly as his neck slowly turns red in controlled rage, “I don’t like your tone, Park-ssi. How about let’s not forget that you’re the youngest and should learn how to respect your seniors. Don’t think you’re young and mighty. We got more experiences on our hands than your whole damn sector put together!”
JYP knows he hit several nerves. He smirked playfully, obviously enjoying the elder’s unnecessary wrath. “Right, sunbaenim,” sarcasm was one of JYP’s strong point, “Of course you got more experiences. But then again, when was the last time your sector actually received any important missions? It’s always been mine. You know why? Because we’re good at what we do. You’re outdated. Stop trying to fight with the kids. It’s pathetic.”
“YOU-“
“Besides, the Authorities couldn’t kick me out anyway. It’s too risky. They don’t want to lose a perfectly structured sector. See, you, on the other hand, they could kick you out anytime, yeah? It’s time to face reality. Your time is over, you corrupted son-of-a-,” Chief-Commander Park glared daggers into the shocked old agent in front of him. “Wait until we rip that dirty mask off of your arrogant face.”
“PARK JINYOUNG! YOU! YOU-“
The doors opened, revealing the other nine members of the Head Command. Chief-Commander Jung Donghwan was the first to enter; he immediately noticed the intense atmosphere, however, he tried to play it off cool, “oh, good morning, Chief-Commander Kim and Chief-Commander Park. You’re here earlier than expected, Kim. Well, shall we begin then?”
Gabsoo exhaled deeply before subtly fixing his suit jacket and took a seat across from JYP, who’s scoffing softly. As the rest of the Chief-Commanders settled into their respective seats, JYP leaned forwards, and in a hushed voice meant for only those set of ears, he said, “Watch your back, Kim Gabsoo. I think I know what you’re up to.”
It would have been a lie to say that Chief-Commander Kim didn’t stiffen in his comfortable seat, looking like he’s about to throw up at any given minute.
*
*
*
Lunch has always been the time Mark looked forward to, except this time, the amount of paperworks is ridiculously awful. The E.C.I. Captain honestly expected to get more physical action than mental ones when he transferred back to South Korea. But all he’s been doing so far were paperworks upon paperworks. He felt bad for his team. They basically lie around chillin’ all day. All the other units are out in the field, yet, the E.C.I. just hung around inside the facility, bored off their goddamn minds.
“This is so ing stupid,” Mark cursed, in English, under his breath.
“Life is stupid, hon, deal with it,” another voice intruded the space, producing quite a decent accented English.
“Jinyoung,” Mark sighed softly. “Hey, baby.”
“You’re not going to lunch?” Jinyoung asked, switching back to his mother’s tongue.
“No. Stuck with these.”
Jinyoung glanced at the stacks of papers sprawling sporadically on top of Mark’s desk. “ to be you.”
“I know,” Mark said, throwing his head back against the back of his chair with his hands rubbing his face tiredly.
Jinyoung smiled sympathetically as he walked on over to his husband. Dropping a kiss on top of Mark’s head, Jinyoung massaged his husband’s shoulders. “Need help?”
“If only you could help,” Mark instantly leaned into Jinyoung’s soft touch.
“I mean,” Jinyoung smiled, a bit cunning and deceptive, “There are other things I could help with.”
Mark quirked an eyebrow, “I hope you’re not suggesting what I think you’re suggesting.”
“Yep, you’re right. I am suggesting what you think I’m suggesting since someone here, ehem, left me hanging last night after they had promised. You’re a liar,” the pout could not escape Jinyoung’s lips.
Mark chuckled lightly and craned his neck, placing a quick peck on Jinyoung’s cute lips. “I’m sorry. I was so tired. You know I tried to stay awake.”
Jinyoung sighed, he doesn’t have the heart to stay mad at Mark. Anyone but his Mark. “It’s fine. I had fun by myself anyway.”
Mark laughed, “I’m sure you did.”
They stayed in a comfortable silence for awhile, with Jinyoung seated on Mark’s lap and his hands expertly kneading into the bones of Mark’s shoulders and neck. His touches burn against the Captain’s exposed skin.
Looking up and admiring his beautiful husband, Mark smiled affectionately, “I seriously don’t know how you do it.”
“What? If you’re talking about how I do you, then it’s simple, it’s the same way you do me,” Jinyoung grinned.
“No, silly, jeez, you’re all types of frustration right now. Was not good enough for you?” Mark laughed and shook his head; so done with his husband’s .
“Never,” Jinyoung groaned, “Never good enough when I know that my husband is sleeping, without a shirt on, next door.” The heels of his palms dug harsher into Mark’s collarbones.
“Again, I’m sorry,” Mark gasped slightly at the sudden pain. “But let’s continue before I get too at what you’re doing right now and attack you right here on my desk.”
“I’ll see if you try, sweetheart,” Jinyoung bit his lower lip, voice mocking in a very seductive manner.
“Ugh, I’m the one who calls you that. Don’t use it against me,” Mark rolled his eyes, trying to distract himself from the warm feeling rising in his stomach. “Anyway, what I actually mean was that I don’t get how you’re able to manage between this job and Park Group. Baby, you’re the Chairman of the biggest company in the Republic of Korea and probably top five globally.”
“Well, Mark, we’ve been over this,” Jinyoung smiled. “And I said that I enjoy being Vice Captain. I like this job. As for Park Group, since the day my parents left me to deal with it, I’ve been getting help from a lot of trustworthy and loyal people. I will come for really important meetings sometimes to sign couple of papers and maybe attend dinners and boring parties, but other than that, my representatives take care of everything else. Obviously, they still report everything to me so I could keep track of what they’re doing. It’s not that hard. Not really. Not as hard as I was last night, remember? Wait, you don’t, BECAUSE your lazy was asleep.”
“Wow, and you somehow managed to bring it back to you and your self, again.”
“My speciality,” Jinyoung leaned down and kissed Mark’s forehead, “And you love it.”
“Yeah,” Mark agreed. “I do.”
“I do, too,” Jinyoung blushed all of a sudden. And Mark knows exactly why he was blushing. The coffee-haired male smiled sweetly before pulling his husband down for a warming hug. Jinyoung buried his face in the crook of Mark’s neck. “Stop it, it’s embarrassing,” he mumbled, still blushing.
“Can’t help it. You were frustrated and demanding to be spoiled just a couple of seconds ago, and now, you’re still blushing thinking about our wedding day. You’re so cute, my prince Jinyoungie~”
“I love you,” Jinyoung said.
“I love you, too,” Mark replied, knowing his husband too well; that whenever he saids it first, means he wants assurance in order to overcome his insecurities of Mark, possibly, not loving him back. Mark always love him, though. “But don’t push yourself so much, okay? I know you got many responsibilities, but your health and mentality are important, too, Jinyoung-ah.”
“Okay, I understand,” Jinyoung said softly, “I’ll do whatever you want. As long as you’re happy, then I’m happy, too.”
“Don’t say that,” Mark sighed. “You’re free to do whatever you want. Just take consideration into my loving advices and I’ll be fine.”
“All right. Just don’t leave me, again, okay?”
“You don’t have to worry. I’ll always be with you. Till death do us part.”
“Till death do us part,” Jinyoung repeated, smiling shyly against Mark’s neck.
“Now, since we’re on the topic of health,” Mark grinned, “Let’s go have lunch because screw these boring papers. I’d rather do you.”
Giggling happily, Jinyoung pulled himself up from Mark’s lap, “Okay! Youngjae’s busy anyway. But lunch first, then you can do whatever you want to me.”
“Awwwee~ But weren’t you the one who’s throwing mad shade at me for standing you up last night, though?”
“Yeah, standing me up so I can’t you, but you doing me is a different story, babe. Come on, let’s go~”
*
*
*
Youngjae finally stepped out of the operation room after hours on top of hours spending, sweating, in there. The operation was a success despite it dragged on from morning to evening. Another life saved. And that’s all it matters. With a bit of blotches of dried blood tainted on his scrubs, Youngjae plopped down the couch in his office. The doctor laid himself down, his breathing tired and his lips cracked painfully. He felt so filthy, but at the same time, sleep was what he needed.
“I’ll shower later,” Youngjae mumbled exhaustedly to himself before drifting into a deep slumber.
It wasn’t long until the doctor instinctively woke up. Youngjae whined softly and scrunched his face irritably, squirming to get in a better position. But after countless of toss-and-turns, Youngjae gave up and pulled his back off the couch. Eyes still closed, Youngjae yawned lightly, hand scratching his nape. When he was done, his shoulders slumped lazily. Youngjae sighed.
“I should shower,” opening his eyes, Youngjae said to himself, “All this blood is going to make me sick –OH MY ING GOD!”
On the opposite single sofa, seated a man clad in black jeans and a leather jacket, staring meaningfully at the doctor. Like a deer in headlights, Youngjae’s mouth dropped open, and his eyes were doubled in size.
“What the-how did-what-when,” stammering on his words, the shocked doctor couldn’t find the right questions to ask.
“Good morning, princess,” the man smiled sweetly, amused and satisfied with the reaction he got. “How was your sleep? Dreamt of me, I hope?”
“Jae-Jaebum,” Youngjae breathed out, “how the hell did you get in here? My office is always lock.. Besides, it isn’t morning…”
“Well, it wasn't locked this time,” Jaebum casually shrugged.
“How long were you, uh, um, sitting there?”
“Not long enough, but I get to hear your cute nonsense sleep-talking,” Jaebum smiled.
“Don’t you have work…?”
“Well, I got off work, went home, took a very long shower, put on something nice and here I am. Our usual dinner dates, remember?”
“Oh,” Youngjae bit his lower lip. Damn, how could he forget that? “I’m sorry. I was very tired… I mean, I was operating, literally, all day without a break…” Youngjae feels stupid for oversleeping. God knows what time right now. Probably midnight. Hell, who eats dinner at midnight?
“That’s fine,” Jaebum warmly said, “It’s understandable. And because of it, change of plans,” the agent winked.
“What do you mean? You still want to eat? It’s midnight, and as a doctor, I must advice you that eating during this hour is-“
“Jae-ah, why don’t you do me a huge favor and go shower, yeah?” Jaebum chuckled lightly. “And don’t go all doctorate on me. I deserves better.”
Youngjae was now very much wide awake. Who wouldn’t be when a hot guy just called them by something like that in such a smooth tone? The doctor couldn’t help the blush slowly creeping on his face.
Jaebum smirked knowingly, “You like it?”
“Wh-what?”
“When I call you that. Should I do it more often?”
Blinking unbelievably at Jaebum’s arrogance, yet very attractive tug of the lips and gaze of the eyes, Youngjae gave up on even trying to act tough. He’s too tired for that right now.
“Noted,” Jaebum smiled, nodding his head in satisfactory. “You’re a bit easy today, you know. It’s honestly concerning me. It’s something wrong, baby?” In one swift movement, Jaebum comfortably kneeled on one knee in front of Youngjae. “Are you that tired?” Reaching his hand up to caresses Youngjae’s mild flushing cheek, Jaebum’s eyes soften with worry.
Youngjae gulped. He froze in his spot, not daring to move. Bad choice, by the way. The fresh smell of Jaebum’s shampoo and conditioner and aftershave and cologne and just Jaebum in general was drowning him. Youngjae could hear the unsteady thumping of his heart. He hoped Jaebum didn’t hear it. But then again, with the agent this close to him, it’s very likely that Jaebum could perfectly hear it. Who knows. Clearing his throat in order to somewhat distract themselves, Youngjae sneered, “well, aren’t you a bit bold today?”
Jaebum’s thumb gently against Youngjae’s cheek, “You know you want to lean into my touch. Come on, it’s okay. I’m willing to be your comfort.” Jaebum whispered softly.
It took everything for Youngjae to not listen to the tempting words and took the offer. The doctor exhaled softly, restraining himself from comfortably and embarrassing leaning against Jaebum’s inviting embrace. “You told me to shower, so let me go,” Youngjae said, barely above a whisper, “Let me go shower, I mean.”
Reluctantly retracting his greedy hand, Jaebum flashed Youngjae a smile, “Have fun. Don’t take too long. We got plans.”
“Yeah, um, okay.”
*
*
*
Resting his head against the cold window of the car, Youngjae stared absentmindedly out at the speeding objects. “Where are we going, Jaebum? You’re not planning on kidnapping me, right?”
Jaebum laughed, “If I could, I would have done that a long time ago. I would just lock you up and make you love only me.” That last bit came off as a low whisper.
Youngjae still heard it, though. Something stirred inside his guts. He felt a bit giddy and shy… The doctor shook it off and controlled himself. None of this is right. But where’s the lie? If all of this is wrong, then why is Youngjae still letting Jaebum freely breaking his way in? And why does it seems like Youngjae’s guard has been dropping a lot around Jaebum lately? What is going on? He shouldn’t be feeling this way, right?
“I swear if you used any sorcery on me,” Youngjae mumbled under his breath.
“Did you say something?”
“Uh.. Um.. No."
Letting out a soft sigh, Jaebum nodded his head and continued focusing his attention on the road. Not for much longer, the pair arrived in front of a extravagant apartment complex. Then it clicked: it’s Jaebum’s apartment. They’re going to spend their ‘plans’ in Jaebum’s apartment.
“Should I be worry…? Or cautious…?” Youngjae stepped out of the car but didn’t move from the side of Jaebum’s expensive vehicle. For some very odd reason, Youngjae was slightly shaking with nervousness. Why are they here? What are they doing here? “I thought you lived in that villa?” When it comes to situation like these, Youngjae at steering topics. He gets too worked up easily. Any moment now and his smart- brain would overthink and starts jumping far too quickly into unspeakable conclusions.
“Oh, God,” Jaebum bursted out laughing. “You’re face is hilarious right now! Stop overthinking, Youngjae. I just thought it’ll be nice if I could cook for you. Believe me, I’m not planning anything else but that. Though, I’m pretty open to other ideas, I mean, we could make out a little, I guess. Or we could move to my bedroom and-“
“You talk too much! If you’re going to cook me midnight dinner, then hurry up! I’m starving!” Youngjae immediately interrupted with his loud voice before Jaebum could finish whatever was it that he was going to say. The younger male cupped his burning cheeks with his cold hands. “This is normal! I’m cold so my cheeks are red, that’s all!”
Biting back a ridiculous grin at how adorable Youngjae is acting, Jaebum calmly said, “Sorry, sunshine, I didn’t ask anything about why your cheeks were red. Can’t give you an excuse there.”
Youngjae stared at Jaebum, his eyes were screaming in embarrassment. Jaebum just smiled and held out his hands, “Come on, let’s get you inside.” Youngjae stared at Jaebum’s outstretched hand, unsure if he should take it. Jaebum sighed and wrapped his own hand around Youngjae’s cold ones, “Promise I won’t bite. I don’t want you to get cold. My hands are warmer. See?”
Nodding shyly, Youngjae lets Jaebum lead him into the building, up in the elevator, down the hall, and into Jaebum’s impressive apartment. Jaebum lets go of Youngjae’s hand, telling the doctor to make himself comfortable while he go and gets things ready. Youngjae obediently sat himself down on the fluffy couch, waiting for Jaebum.
After awhile, Youngjae got bored and decided to visit Jaebum in the kitchen. He was greeted by Jaebum’s broad shoulders and curved, but not too muscular, back. The bones on Jaebum’s shoulder blades looked like protruding wings whenever the male leaned down slightly to blow on the hot spoon of soup. Youngjae didn’t know he was just standing there, shamelessly admiring Jaebum’s back view appreciatively until his eyes came in contact with a very amused Im Jaebum.
“I didn’t know you have a thing for people’s back,” Jaebum ran his tongue over the his bottom lip. “You’re a doctor, surely, you’ve seen a lot of backs. So tell me, it’s mine the best one you’ve seen so far?” Teasing Youngjae has long became one of Jaebum’s favorite hobby.
“Yeah,” Youngjae simply answered, “Yours is very… Unique… It’s nice, especially when you’re cooking. Anyone could have fallen for that alone.”
Jaebum blinked. He stared at Youngjae for some couple seconds in pure silence, obviously did not expect Youngjae’s easygoing answer. But that didn’t stop the fluttering in Jaebum’s heart and sparkling of his eyes.
“What? You’re surprised?” Youngjae’s eyes bored into Jaebum’s.
“Yes,” Jaebum exhaled shakily, “I’m very surprised. Never would have thought you’ll just straight-out agree. I thought you’ll put up more a bit of a fight.”
“Well, it’s late, and I’m hungry,” Youngjae shrugged, avoiding Jaebum’s intense gaze, “Also, just wanted you to know because why not? I’m a doctor after all. You should feel grateful that I’m complimenting you; it means you’re healthy and in-shape, so… That’s good… Yeah…” Youngjae suddenly felt the need to dig a hole and crawl into it. Probably hide away forever. He just now realize what had left his stupid mouth, but it’s too late to take everything back. So Youngjae was trying to play it off. Apparently, that didn’t work too well. Because Jaebum’s eyes just shifted from playful to hunger, making Youngjae wants to sink even deeper underground.
“Don’t do that,” Jaebum said, dangerously clenching his jaw. “Don’t say you like a part of my body while having that look in your eyes, and then avoids me like you’ve made a horrible mistake in telling me how you really feel. Youngjae, you don’t know what you’re doing to me right now. You don’t know how much I’m holding back right now. So, be careful next time.”
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to…” Youngjae sneaked a glance at Jaebum. Did I made him mad?
Jaebum sighed, “No, just make my life a bit easier, please.”
“O-okay, I’ll just wait out there,” Youngjae quiet said before quickly shuffling his way out of the kitchen. Out of Jeabum’s view. As soon as he was back on the couch, Youngjae covered his face with his hands. His gears start turning again; he couldn’t help but think that Jaebum is probably really angry right now, and that he’d ed up their little night together. Jaebum was nice enough to voluntarily cook for Youngjae despite the late hours and how tired the agent probably is, yet all Youngjae did was running around and being a burden. God, he hates himself so much. He always managed to up. Always.
“Hey! Youngjae-ah, dinner’s done!” Jaebum’s enthusiastic voice rang through the emptiness of the apartment.
“Coming!” Youngjae resonded, still a bit emotional from the self-blame-session he had every time something goes wrong. He made his way to the dining table near the kitchen. Jaebum was already seated, patiently waiting for date to settle down. Youngjae took a seat and dragged his eyes all over the quick dishes that were made by the very talented Captain. “Wow, these look awesome!” Youngjae squeaked happily.
Jaebum smiled and winked, “I know.”
The comforting and playful atmosphere was back, and Youngjae couldn’t be more glad. They ate together, with Youngjae gasping out compliments and sometimes banters of the two males. Either way, Jaebum was smiling throughout the whole dinner, and Youngjae smiled, too, seeing the way Jaebum looked so joyful. Afterwards, they did the dishes together, with Youngjae washing and Jaebum drying. Sometimes Youngjae would thought it’ll be fun to flick bubbles towards Jaebum. And sometimes Jaebum thought it’s necessary to move Youngjae’s strayed hair out of his face and lets his fingers linger longingly against Youngjae’s soft brunette locks. During all of that, Youngjae continued to ignore that squeezing feeling that’s snaking its way up to his brain; that feeling of wanting to grab Jaebum and crash their lips together.
“So, how was it?” Jaebum joined Youngjae on the couch after he had finished cleaning the remains.
“It was nice,” Youngjae said, genuinely smiling, “Thank you.”
“Anytime,” Jaebum chuckled softly. “Think this as pay back for taking me home and dealing with my the other night when I was drunk off my .”
Youngjae stiffen. And Jaebum noticed. “Hey, Youngjae. Are you okay-“
“Have you remember yet?” Youngjae’s traitorous mouth blurted out before he could stop himself.
“Not clearly. Just bits here and there. Why?”
“Nothing. I was just asking.”
Jaebum nodded and their conversation turned into dead silence. They just sat there, next to each other, no one uttered another word. It’s awfully scary at how fast their comfortableness with each other escalated into gulping stillness. Sitting in perfectly cold silence was not part of Jaebum’s plan.
“I’m sorry if this is personal, but I think I kind of deserves to know,” Jaebum began. “You and Suzy.”
Jaebum watched carefully as the mere mention of the name caused Youngjae’s shoulders to tense up and face stiffens with tons of pressure. Jaebum continued, “Are you, you know, over her? I know you two been together for a hell of a long time, but you did broke up for a reason. It didn’t work out, didn’t it?”
Inhaling once and exhaling once, Youngjae gnawed on his lower lip, “I don’t know. I can’t answer that.”
And just like that, Jaebum knows. No further questions needed to be ask. Jaebum knows.
“Can I request something?” Youngjae timidly asked.
“What is it?”
Youngjae looked a bit hesitant, but after a soft “ it,” Youngjae scooted closer to Jaebum and wrapped his arms around the agent’s upper body. He laid his head on top of Jaebum’s chest. “You can breathe, you know. You’ll die if you hold your breath for too long.”
Jaebum let out a long breath that he didn’t know he was holding. “Youngjae-“
“Your heartbeat is fast,” the doctor said.
“Youngjae, what are you-“
“Does it always beat this fast whenever I’m around?”
After a moment, Jaebum sighed softly, “Yes.”
“You really love me then?”
“Yes.”
Humming softly, Youngjae snuggled a bit closer, enjoying the warmth that’s radiating off of Jaebum. “You’ve been a very good boyfriend, Jaebum. Although I’ve never had one, but you’re good.”
“Thank you. I tried.”
“No, you’re a natural. Everything about you is so natural.”
“What are you trying to say, Youngjae? Don’t play with me like this.”
“I don’t know if I’m a good enough boyfriend. I’ve only been once in my whole life, well, now, two times, but the point is, I don’t think I’m any good.”
“Don’t say that,” Jaebum bravely laced his fingers in Youngjae’s hair, it at a slow pace. “You’re more than perfect. You’re all, no, more than I could ever ask for. I love you.”
Youngjae’s eyes shuttered close, feeling the gentle traces of Jaebum’s fingers on his scalp. “Jaebum, I think…” He muttered, not sure if Jaebum could hear him, but why does it matter anyways? Youngjae didn’t know what he said after that because sleep vigorously took over, and the doctor fell asleep while cuddled up against the agent, warm and protected.
*
*
*
Jaebum froze. He doesn’t know if his ears were tricking him or it’s actually real. He doesn’t know if Youngjae meant whatever he just said. . He doesn’t know if Youngjae knew what he said. But whatever it was, Jaebum heart won’t stop pounding like crazy against his ribcage. God, help save him, please. He can’t take anymore of this. He’ll die.
Hugging Youngjae closer, Jaebum placed a soft kiss on top of his love’s head. “I did say I’ll wait. I could wait on you forever.”
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