Chapter 9
Jaeyel was so lost in thought that he barely noticed the car had stopped. It wasn’t until he unbuckled his seatbelt that he realized… this wasn’t the dorm.
His brows furrowed as he looked around, taking in the all-too-familiar surroundings.
Yang’s apartment.
“Huh?” Jaeyel let out a confused sound, turning to Yang.
Yang, completely unfazed, simply said, “You have a lot on your mind. This is the only time we have.”
Jaeyel opened his mouth, then closed it again.
He wanted to argue, but… was Yang wrong?
Not really. He did have things to say. Questions to ask. And when else would he get the chance?
With a small sigh, Jaeyel pushed the door open and got out of the car.
…
Inside the apartment, Jaeyel took a seat while Yang spoke on the phone.
It was a brief conversation with his secretary, and Jaeyel wasn’t really paying attention – until he heard Yang mention a restaurant.
Not just any restaurant. His favorite restaurant.
Jaeyel blinked.
How did Yang even know that?
Or… was it Yang’s favorite place, too? But that restaurant was for commoners’ food.
He couldn’t imagine someone like Yang sitting in a casual, everyday diner, eating like a normal person.
Did he hear that right?
Before he could question it, Yang ended the call and turned to him. “Eat first when the food arrives.”
Jaeyel shook his head. “It’s okay, I’m not hungry-”
“No,” Yang cut him off smoothly. “You haven’t eaten yet. You shouldn’t be drinking frappe on an empty stomach.”
Jaeyel shut his mouth, caught off guard.
Was he paying attention to Jaeyel’s eating habits now, too?
His stomach betrayed him with a low grumble.
Jaeyel groaned, leaning back into the couch. “You’re annoying.”
Yang just smirked.
Moments later.
The food arrived, and Jaeyel expected Yang to just sit there while he ate. But to his surprise, Yang was actually eating.
And not just picking at the food – he was eating like he genuinely enjoyed it.
Jaeyel casually took a bite, observing Yang from the corner of his eye.
So, he eats cheap food like this too?
He smirked to himself, feeling oddly victorious for discovering another side of him.
But then-
“Is there something going on between you and that Minseo?”
Jaeyel nearly choked.
He coughed, quickly reaching for his drink while shooting Yang a dumbfounded look.
“Eat slowly,” Yang said, handing him a napkin like he hadn’t just dropped that bomb out of nowhere.
Jaeyel cleared his throat, still recovering.
Unbelievable.
“How could you even think of something so ridiculous?” he said, voice slightly hoarse from the near-death experience.
He expected Yang to question him further, maybe make some smug remark, but instead, Yang just… went quiet.
His expression was unreadable for a moment before the corner of his lips curled slightly, like he was pleased with himself.
Jaeyel frowned. “What?”
Yang didn’t answer.
He simply sat there, eating as if Jaeyel’s reaction had already told him everything he needed to know.
Because in Yang’s mind, Jaeyel had already answered the question. The fact that Jaeyel found the idea of something going on between him and Minseo ridiculous meant there was never going to be anything between them.
That was enough.
Jaeyel sighed, annoyed. “Minseo and I are just groupmates and friends. That’s it. There’s nothing-”
Yang raised a hand, cutting him off. “I get it,” he said smoothly. “That’s enough.”
Jaeyel blinked.
That’s it? Then why bring it up in the first place?!
He scowled, stabbing his food a little harder than necessary.
So he gets to ask, but I don’t even get to explain?
Irritated, he stuffed a spoonful into his mouth aggressively, his frustration clear on his face.
Across the table, Yang watched him, lips twitching slightly in amusement.
He said nothing, but in his mind, Jaeyel was absolutely adorable when he was annoyed.
After eating, Jaeyel sat on the couch in the living room, not really sure what to do next.
He shifted in his seat, adjusting his posture for no reason other than to ease the awkwardness. He had been here plenty of times before, yet the tension never seemed to change.
A moment later, Yang walked in, carrying two mugs – one of coffee for himself and the other… Jaeyel frowned as he took it.
“Hot chocolate?” he muttered, eyeing the mug with mild dissatisfaction.
Yang sat down beside him, completely unfazed. “You won’t be able to sleep if you drink coffee at night.”
Jaeyel blinked at him.
Then why are you drinking coffee? He wondered if Yang still had more work to do.
“I can still sleep even if I drink coffee,” Jaeyel argued stubbornly, taking a sip of his hot chocolate.
“That’s because you drink instant coffee,” Yang replied smoothly. “Mine is different.”
Jaeyel opened his mouth to come up with a counter but quickly shut it.
Fair point.
He could only afford instant coffee, after all.
He let out a small huff before muttering, “I know right, Mr. CEO,” his tone slightly mocking and annoyed.
Yang smirked, clearly entertained.
Jaeyel was about to take another sip when he felt the sofa shift. His entire body tensed.
Yang had moved closer – too close.
The space between them barely existed now.
Jaeyel swallowed. Yeah… he was never going to get used to this.
And every time, he was reminded, this thing between them, whatever it was, went far beyond just an idol and a CEO.
But then, his mind drifted.
That actress – Choi Sera.
He remembered seeing her in the meeting room with Yang, casually chatting like they knew each other well. It didn’t seem like an official meeting.
What was she doing there with him?
Jaeyel frowned slightly.
If he and Yang were more than just an idol and a CEO… then what exactly were they outside of work?
He was so lost in thought that he almost didn’t notice it – Yang’s hand, effortlessly wrapping around his own.
Startled, Jaeyel looked up, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of Yang’s face so close.
The warmth of his touch sent a shiver up Jaeyel’s arm, and before he could even think-
“What are we?”
The words slipped out.
Yang blinked, his brows slightly knitting together at the sudden question. “Hm?”
Jaeyel’s stomach dropped.
His own voice echoed in his ears.
Shit.
Why did he say that out loud?
