I almost cried writing the end of the last chapter, so this one had to be happy hahha I was slightly self-indulgent and I make no apologies for it; fluff is life. By the way, do y'all like playing pool? I first started playing in university: don't hit the eight-ball and try to only hit your designated balls, either solids or stripes. I bring this up for reasons XD You'll see! It's a little longer again, so there you go~

Yesterday could have been so awkward, but I'm grateful to all things holy that it wasn't. I know it's my own fault for putting myself in that position, but still. Yuuri and I were waiting for Mila and Yuri to finish their shift since we planned a lunch weeks ago; I know I can be a bit cranky when I'm sleepy, but I agreed to go at that hour anyway. I was telling Yuuri about my upcoming date in the breakroom, bragging about how sweet and smart Seung Gil is. When Yuuri asked about what Seung Gil looks like, referring to him as my boyfriend, I may have spoken about the matter too loudly: Celestino knocked on the doorframe with this look of confusion on his face. Yuuri scanned me for any signs on what he should do, slightly red from being caught in the middle. He excused himself, leaving me alone with our boss. I've been alone with the man many times, but it felt vastly different from before: there was a weird tension floating around, and it made me uneasy.

Celestino asked about my current boyfriend, slightly offended he hadn't been informed. Maybe offended isn't the right word; I guess he was a little irritated, or something. Seeing him there, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, reminded me that he's my boss above all else; emotions and impulses need to be set aside.

I explained that, technically, I didn't have a boyfriend yet. My pending date was mentioned, and my desire to move forward with Seung Gil was made crystal clear: "I'm hoping he'll become my boyfriend soon." Now, Celestino isn't a kid; he knows how relationships work and knows that flings sometimes can only be just that. I wasn't expecting him to whine and try to get me to change my mind, or anything, but telling your boss that you can't spend any more nights with him because of another man isn't a fun conversation. He laughed, nodding his head, and told me that he was happy for me and wished me the best.

"So, I take it we'll actually have to sit through office parties now instead of sneaking off."

Those were Celestino's words, spoken with amusement and chased with a laugh. I mean, it's hardly sneaking off when everyone at the station knew about our arrangement, but I laughed with him, nodding a confirmation. A few years ago, I knew hopping into bed with my boss wasn't necessarily the smartest life decision, especially using the attention as a means to move on from my ex. I also knew that it wasn't forever, and so did Ciao Ciao. I think that's why we never got attached and kept things to only sex and office flirting. I reminded him that I don't know what the future looks like; he reminded me that he'll always be a friend if I need anything. Ease washed over me then, glad Celestino didn't make things weird or difficult for either of us. Yuuri came back at that point, mentioning that Mila and Yuri were ready to go. Before leaving, I gave Ciao Ciao a kiss on the cheek and thanked him for being so kind to me: all he's done is treat me well, both as a boss and as a lover.

Since then, I've felt nothing but excitement: I have a date with an awesome person who is actually looking forward to seeing me. What could be better? My arrangement with Ciao Ciao was fun and all, but it wasn't exactly fulfilling; we didn't hang out much, and while we are friends, there was never any romance. The ex I used him to get over was absurdly romantic. Well, until he went back on the road for his modeling. We could never see eye to eye on what a committed relationship means, and sometimes it felt like he'd rather be anywhere but around me. With Seung Gil, my words feel heard, my presence valued. While I get ready to meet up with him, I have Yuuri on video chat; I think he can see my enthusiasm. "What're you going to wear? You said this wasn't a formal thing." He's sitting on the floor with a light pen in his free hand.

"I haven't decided yet." I laugh at his amused expression, setting my hairbrush down. "What the hell are you doing to that cat?"

Yuuri doesn't have the best luck with cats; I think they can sense that he's a dog lover, or something, but while he's hanging out at Yuri's house, he has to find a way to play nice. He turns his phone so I can see Yuri's precious cat hunting down the beam of light on the floor wherever it goes. Yuuri moves the light's point in a circle, making the cat do an odd dance and sending him into a fit of laughter. A familiar voice in the background shouts: "Are you torturing my fucking cat again?" Yuri is very protective of his pet, Potya.

"We're playing!" Yuuri defends with an eye roll, returning to the camera's view. "Anyway, don't stay out too late. You promised to be early to Victor's birthday lunch."

"Like I'd miss his party."

He shrugs, still smiling. "This guy seems pretty special to you, so I'd understand if something came up." My best friend is too selfless sometimes, I swear.

"Yuuri, no man will get in the way of our events." I contemplate what I should do with my face: makeup, or natural? Subtle, or dramatic? I ask Yuuri these questions, taking his advice on keeping things light and fun before I notice that time has passed faster than I realized. "Shit, I'm taking too long! I gotta go." I haven't even gotten dressed yet! Yuuri laughs at my expense, but I don't have time to scold him.

"Have a good time. Don't forget your coat."

"I won't. Thanks for helping out! I'll text you later." I manage to grab a patterned tee from off a hanger while ending the call and kicking my sweats to the floor at once. Cardigan? Flannel? Chambray? Seung Gil won't care, but there's no way I'm going on a first date looking like a scrub. The ticking clock lights a fire under my ass until I'm out the door, shouting a farewell to my hamsters on the way out. Winter has been treating us fairly well so far: a flurry or two, winds have settled down, no storms yet. Yesterday did leave us with a few inches, though, still fluffy on the ground. Clouds are threatening snow on my way to the edge of the city, but I don't mind. I don't even feel the low temperature hit me when I park and shut the car off, glancing around for my date. I think he may have left a message on my phone, but I'll check it after I get a few pictures; I'll decide which selfie I like the best later: (hashtag) datenight

Seung Gil's text reads: 'I'll wait out front.'

I don't know why he insists on subjecting himself to standing outside in freezing temperatures, but he seems to have his mind made up on the matter. Seung Gil must be around the other corner because I don't see him from in my car. With one last look at my reflection, I step out and search for him. As predicted, he's around the other side: one shoulder leaning against the brick building, one foot crossed in front of the other, eyes trailing the printed words in his book; it's a new one from the last time I saw him. I still have this weight on my chest from dragging him to the pet store, not knowing about his late dog. I want to apologize, but the words freeze on my tongue when I see him up close: his cheeks and the tip of his nose are tinted pink, broadcasting just how long he's been outside. He looks adorable under his knit cap! When he sees me, he marks his page and tucks the book in his bag. Without thought, I toss my arms over his shoulders in a hug. Seung Gil doesn't move, and it has just now occurred to me that he may not be a hugging type of person. Ugh, what was I thinking? I pull back enough to look him in the eye. "Sorry. Can I hug you?"

Seung Gil slightly smiles, arching an eyebrow. "I think you're already doing that."

I roll my eyes, not hearing a no. "I had to ask! You weren't hugging back." I resume my embrace, shocked at how warm he feels. What shocks me even more is how his arms wrap around me in turn, hands on my back calming me and disrupting my nerves at the same time.

"Just surprised."

When did I start holding my breath? I exhale into the hug, remembering why I felt the need to in the first place. "Look, I know I said sorry already and you said I didn't need to apologize, but if I'd known about your loss, I never would've made you come with me to the store." The words spill out before I can sort them properly. "I'm sorry to have put you through that, and send you to a bad place again." We haven't talked about it since Monday evening, but it's been nagging at me! Whether he likes it or not, I need to express my regret. I feel him sigh without a sound.

"Phichit, it's fine. You didn't know."

"Yeah, but I want you to know that if I had known, things would've gone differently."

Even though we've only known each other for, like, six weeks, I need him to know that I care about him and his feelings; it's important. We stay quiet only a moment longer before Seung Gil speaks again. "We're still hugging." His tone is soft, feather light near my ear.

"Should…should we stop?" I laugh.

"If we want to go inside."

Oh, right. I laugh again, pulling away with an eye roll. "Fine, fine. Let's head in." His hand fits so well in mine; he doesn't let go when I drag him behind me and into the building. "Have you been here before?" I ask over my shoulder, scanning the room for a clear path towards the bar at the back. This place isn't the typical bar, either: it's also an arcade. Various games line the walls from simple pinball machines to simulators and shooters. The few times that I dragged Yuuri out here, we tried to play every game and failed miserably; there's too much to do in one night! Luckily it's not too crowded tonight: a bonus of snowy weather.

"No, never." Seung Gil squeezes my hand when we get to the counter. "I didn't know this place existed."

He paid for food last time, so it's my turn this time. "There's a menu up there." I point at the chalkboard covered in pastel letters. "I'm buying, so get whatever you want." Somehow, he isn't convinced: one eyebrow is raised with skepticism. It makes me laugh. "I'm serious! You can get the next time." Because, yes, I'm hoping there will be more dates in the future. Maybe he does, too, since he's deciding what he wants to eat and drink. I flag down a bartender when we're ready, shouting what we want and where we'll be: "East Room!"

Again, Seung Gil is confused: "What room?"

My favorite place in the whole bar: the pool lounge. Beyond the swinging doors at the far right are rows of pool tables in a rainbow of colors. One wall is lined with cues and chalk, hung up in neat lines like brickwork. Against another wall is a sticky countertop accessible from all tables, old coasters and half eaten food strewn around. The music is quieter in here and the chatter isn't deafening, even when it's crowded. "This is the East Room!" I beeline to the equipment wall, Seung Gil in tow. We set our coats on the counter in a pile. "It's not so lively back here, but it's still fun." While we chalk, I remember the last time I played; the game ended when I knocked a ball off the table and it hit a stranger in the leg. I laugh nervously. "I'm actually not that good, but I have a good time."

"I'm sure you'll do fine." He shrugs. Yeah, I'm not bad. After a few minutes, however, it becomes wildly apparent that he's much better at this than I am. It's like he's a pro with ridiculous precision. During our second game, I end up hitting the eight-ball while simultaneously pocketing one of his: an automatic loss featuring insult upon injury. "You said you've played before?"

I make a face at his tone, laughing in spite of myself. "Yes, Mr. Lee, I have. I've just never been up against a professional."

Our food is waiting on the counter: perfect time for a break. Seung Gil tosses his hat with his jacket, ruffling his hair in that adorable, messy-on-purpose way. He smirks over his drink, dark eyes shining. "First time for everything." He smiles at my laugh; his smile is contagious: a small dimple forms in one cheek, the corners of his eyes slightly crinkle and it's impossible not to grin in return. Most people would probably miss it, but it's clear as day when you know what to look for. "It's just geometry and good aim, that's all."

"That's all?" I sigh. "Geometry sucks, and isn't what I'd call easy."

"Not for everyone, I guess."

"I'm better with words than numbers." It's not like I failed all my math classes in school, or anything. Okay, just one, but words have always come naturally to me; I guess for Seung Gil, numbers are his words. "Question: do you think you could do me a solid?"

"Do you want a bite?"

…that's not what I had in mind, but his food does look good. "I mean, yeah, kinda, but that's not what I—"

"No, not as the favor; I was just offering." Seung Gil explains, pushing his plate closer to me. "I'm sorry for interrupting. Continue." Knowing how possessive he can be at the table, I'm polite and keep my sampling to a minimum. He told me himself that he doesn't like to share food; it's a small honor that he offered, so I return the favor.

"Thank you." I pat his hand. He nods, too busy drinking to respond another way. "So, when we're done, do you think you could teach me how to play better?"

Seung Gil blinks at me for a second, nodding. "Y-yeah, of course. I'll help you."

Our pool table is the orange one this time, the purple one now occupied by a large group of newcomers intent on playing a very serious game with minimal noise. I try to keep their presence in mind, remembering to not be too obnoxious and keep my courtesy intact. Seung Gil lets me break. "Solids." I nod, acknowledging the style I knocked in a pocket.

"Stripes." Seung Gil steps up beside me, eyes on the scattered balls. "Which one do you want to try for?"

His cologne is distinct and undeniably delicious, but that's got nothing to do with what he said. It's hard to not notice when he's standing so close, his shoulder only inches away from mine. I fiddle with the hem on my sleeve; Seung Gil makes me nervous at the oddest moments, I swear. "Um, the six-ball."

He nods, walking over to the table to point at the cue ball. "Where are you thinking of making contact?"

I exhale when I remind myself he means with the ball and not with him. "I guess here." I point with my cue, giving more thought to hiding my blushing face than giving an answer.

"How hard do you want to go?"

Okay, I can't keep a straight face with that one; I can't! Seung Gil cracks a small, crooked smile while I laugh like a twelve-year-old who discovered a new dirty word. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" I straighten up, ignoring the glares the people at the purple table are sending my way. Seung Gil doesn't seem to notice them, thankfully.

"You good?" He asks when I remember my age. I nod, ready to resume our pool lesson. His smile is a breath of fresh air: no judgement and no embarrassment over my childish reaction. Does he have to be gracious and not harass me over acting dumb? Does he have to be generous and teach me to not be laughably bad at pool? No; no to both of those. Seung Gil is sweet, though, and I'm not used to that. My exes never treated me horribly, but they didn't walk around with this quiet kindness and offer it to me without question. Even after I screw up on one of his instructions, Seung Gil patiently suggests I try again and skips his turn. I'm not sure how the scrutinizing stares from over at the purple table go unnoticed by him every time we laugh too loud; I certainly don't miss them, but it's easy to ignore when I get a front row seat to Seung Gil's smile. When I struggle to get an angle just right, he steps behind me and adjusts my aim. "Like this." Seung Gil's hands on my arms are light and gentle; his chest barely presses against my back, but it's enough to feel his warmth. "See?" He explains the whole geometry thing again with angles and such. I nod, taking his words in. Each smile and word of encouragement fills me with little butterflies. How great was this date idea? I know I'm having fun and I'd be shocked if Seung Gil wasn't, going by his constant smirk.

"How are you doing?" I ask, rearranging the balls in the triangle.

For a second, I think maybe he doesn't hear me: he chalks his cue with such focus, off in his own world. Then his eyes level with mine for less than a second before darting away. "I'm, uh…I'm pretty good. I'm having a good night here, with you."

There isn't a better answer he could give, I don't think. I can't form a response aside from a goofy grin I don't try holding back. "I'm glad."

"You?"

"Hm?"

He takes a step closer. "How are you, Phichit?"

If I say I'm in the process of falling for him, he'll surely run away, so I won't say that. I repeat his question for the sake of stalling to come up with a real answer. "How am I?" Seung Gil nods and takes the liberty of breaking the triangle of balls. "On a scale of one to ten, ten being high on life and zero being all time low, I'd say I'm at a solid eight."

"Can we get to ten before the night is over?"

I don't know what's more surprising: Seung Gil's question or Seung Gil's expression. This man can go from bashful to sultry in a flash; with such wicked eyes and dangerous smile, he could make a man reckless and stupid and I am just that type of man. My face heats up with a light flush while the rest of me grasps for words. "I guess we'll find out." I laugh. What's more amusing is that I don't even think he knows he's being cute; I think he just acts like himself and that's probably the most attractive thing about his flirting: it's effortless, even accidental. The rest of our time at the pool table is spent in a closer match than the first, but I still lose.

"You did a lot better that time." Seung Gil chuckles.

"Then why are you laughing?"

He shakes his head, covered by his hat again. "Impressed, I guess." We rack our equipment back on the wall. "You're a fast learner."

I shrug, taking his hand. "Maybe you're a good teacher." Yes, I notice him threading his fingers with mine. No, I don't have self control and squeeze his hand with joy. Seung Gil scoffs and follows me out of the room.

"Hardly."

"What do you mean? You're super patient and explain things really well. You'd probably make a great teacher, or something."

He shakes his head. "It's easy with you. You're one person, and you're not stupid." Oh, how flattering. "With a group…I mean, that's multiple people. People can be dumb as shit, and I don't have time for that."

At first I laugh; his candor can be hilarious. When I give his comment more thought, though, it kind of makes me sad. "People can be dumb, but it's not on purpose."

"I know. They can also be annoying and rude and insensitive."

"You mean human."

Just so he knows I'm not trying to be confrontational, I give his hand an extra squeeze. He squeezes back with a silent sigh. "I could never be a teacher."

Well, that's fine; I'm not looking to change Seung Gil or his career, so I drop the subject. We find a few vacant games on our way out and try our hands at playing against each other; he's a good sport when he loses, and doesn't brag when he wins. He doesn't complain when I stop to take selfies, either, and I'm guilty of taking too many. When we find a game that's single player, we take turns cheering the other on. I'm worse at backseat gaming than he is, but he just says my name and I take the hint. At no point do I slip into a bad mood. If that's not a successful date, I don't want to know what is!

The frozen air hits me like a slap in the face when we get outside. In addition to the small snowflakes, the difference in temperature sucks the air from my lungs. "Ugh, winter, I forgot you were out here." I laugh, roaming off to the side of the building.

"Where are you going?"

I shrug. "Dunno. Just around."

"Wait for me." Seung Gil quickly resumes his stride next to me, making tracks in the snow. "Do you like wine?"

"I do. Do you?"

"Red." He asks if I've been to a specific lounge in town. "You probably have, but they have really good wine there."

It wasn't a place I could afford in school, but those days are long gone. "Yeah, they do. I'll have to try one of their reds next time." I crouch down, absently gathering snow in a little pile. The sting of the cold is almost too much, but I don't mind.

"Are you free tomorrow?"

"No, unfortunately." I pout, rounding out the pile into something like a ball. "I have a friend's party I can't miss. My best friend's husband, to be exact, but I promised I'd help set up and stuff." Did that sound like a rejection? Seung Gil is looking off towards the parking lot, not at me. "What about next Saturday? Are you free then?" Ah, now I have his attention! He nods, crouching near me, fingers making abstract patterns in the snow.

"Yeah. Can I take you there at eight?"

So formal; I already assumed I was going. "I'd like that." We share a smile, snow drifting over us.

His eyes land on my work in progress. "What're you doing?"

I roll a ball of snow and pack more on to get it the right size. "Making a snowman. Want to help?"

"Maybe." Seung Gil licks his lips, staring my creation down. "I've never made one before."

"Why not?"

He shrugs, copying my movements to make a ball of his own. "Never had the opportunity. I didn't play outside when I was little, and I've never had a yard or anything."

"Okay, well, it's easy. I'll show you." I help him even out the shape so he has a round ball that fits in both of his hands. Mine is bigger, placed on the pile I gathered earlier. "Put yours on top for its head." Seung Gil does as directed and makes damn sure that it's centered perfectly before standing to his feet. I take a few pictures, laughing at the small sculpture. "It's so cute! We should make a bigger one after it really snows." He helps me up, taking both of my hands in his.

"That sounds fun." Seung Gil nods, tugging me towards closer. His fingers are remarkably mobile considering we were just playing in the snow. A chilly breeze makes me shiver, his hands inching up to my shoulders. "Are you cold?"

One would think the falling flakes would be a giveaway, but Seung Gil is one of a kind. "Well, it is snowing."

"Here." There's no room to protest or insist that he's cold, too: he plucks the hat from his head and fits it on mine. He makes such a serious face while adjusting it, I can't help but laugh. "You need it more than I do, I think." Seung Gil mutters and returns to gripping my shoulders without force. He opens his mouth to speak, only to scan my face in silence. Last time I checked, I looked pretty good in hats but can feel myself turning red under his stare. I wish he'd say what he's thinking instead of driving me crazy.

"What is it?" I cover his hands with mine, finally getting him to look me in the eye.

The weather may be cold, but I know that sudden redness in Seung Gil's face has a different source. He casts his eyes towards our feet and I only now realize I'm holding my breath. "Sorry, I didn't mean to stare. You're just…" An oddly brash tenderness swirls in his eyes when he looks up again; it makes me gasp, taken back by the intensity. "You're just really beautiful. You're many things, but that one seems to stand out right now."

What a sweet thing to say! I know I must be grinning like a spoiled child, but nothing could make me hold it back in this moment. "Awww, thank you." My voice comes out softer than I mean it to, nearly a whisper.

Seung Gil is so close now, holding me in warm arms almost against him. "Can I kiss you?"

Be still, my trembling heart. "Yes."

His hand trails up my arm to my jaw, gaze fixed on my mouth. His thumb brushes my lower lip and sends my heart racing: I'm met with a ghost of a kiss that vanishes as quickly as it arrived. It's not enough contact, but it sure as hell leaves me wanting more; there's got to be more. When our lips meet again, I melt in Seung Gil's hands and lean into his touch wherever I can. It isn't all softness, either: there's undeniable intensity here. I can feel it in his steady grip, the firmness of his mouth on mine while the rest of me comes to terms with losing my mind over a simple kiss. Yeah, it's one fucking kiss and I'm set on fire and addicted. I think maybe it's because I've never been handled this way; no quick burst that burns out after a moment of pleasure. This is simmering, something wonderfully warm that promises to end in ashes if treated properly. My fingers tug at his coat collar, obliterating any remaining space between us. Seung Gil makes me forget that it's snowing until I shiver from head to toe. "Phichit." He finds room to get out one hushed word. My name sounds like lust.

"Hm?" There's no need to take my mouth from his; not when I've caught him with his lips parted.

"You're cold."

So what? I'd stand in any weather if it meant more of these kisses. I'd love to keep indulging like this, but Seung Gil's tone carries concern and I can't ignore that. "Yeah, but you're warm." Especially when his arms are wrapped around me: don't mind if I do! I hug him, much like when I first saw him today. "I'm okay."

Seung Gil squeezes me tighter, chest rising and falling on a lengthy exhale. "You should get out of the cold. We both should."

"But you're a good kisser."

"You have somewhere to be tomorrow."

Damn it to hell, he's right. Why does he have to be right at a time like this? "Of all the times to be right, did you have to pick now?" I groan, pressing my forehead into his shoulder. He laughs and rubs my back in little circles.

"Without twenty hours of sleep, you don't function well."

"I think you mean eight hours."

He ignores me: "It's getting late, and you have plans."

I ignore him in turn. "Maybe we can meet up in the middle of the week. Something casual between work." Any excuse to see him, really. Seung Gil doesn't push me away or protest; he hums in thought.

"Why?"

Hit pause: I'm lost. What does he mean? A little laugh escapes me, confused. "Why what? Why do I want to see you?" I ask. His nodding is only more baffling. "Because I like spending time with you. You're fun and interesting, and not bad on the eyes." Seung Gil turns slightly away, hiding his blush.

"I mean, we have a date next week, too."

"Seung Gil." I turn his face to look at me, still slightly confused but getting a feeling where this is going. "If you don't want to see me again until our date, I could probably work around that. I'd like you to know, though, that we don't have to only go on dates and we're still going to be friends even while dating. Instead of assuming anything, I'd like it if you could consider your wants and then ask about mine."

"Are you counseling me?"

Honestly, I wasn't trying to, but sometimes I can't help it. "Not on purpose."

"Can I tell you something?"

"Yes."

A response doesn't come right away: Seung Gil takes a deep breath first and places a hand over mine, still on his cheek. "I want to see you more than once a week. Being around you doesn't wear me out, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't need more of that." I'm not sure what to say to that. I'm flattered and relieved, but also a tiny bit sad. Do people really bother Seung Gil that much? He grips my hand, blinking. "Is that okay?"

Most of my concern fades as my smile grows; this man is simply too cute. "Yeah. I'll text you when I'm free tomorrow?"

"I'd like that."

Seung Gil Lee is not like anyone I've met before. He's himself and doesn't try to be anyone else; it feels like he understands where I'm coming from almost inherently; we can talk about anything and laugh over things other people roll their eyes at; he's brilliant without an ounce of pretension or arrogance. It's exciting to know that there's so much more about him I've yet to discover. He walks me to my car, hugging me once we get there. "I had a great night with you." I sneak in a quick kiss, direct and light. "It was a real ten."

He laughs at my joke, planting a kiss of his own. "Good to know. I had fun tonight, too. You make a good date."

"Why thank you, Mr. Lee." I don't want to let him go, but the promise of more to come makes it easier to let go. Well, after a lingering kiss, that is. "Next time, we should carpool. It sucks having to drive off separately."

He nods, not stepping back to leave. "That can be arranged. Will you let me know when you get home?"

"I will. You text me, too."

"This isn't a race, is it?"

I laugh, rolling my eyes. "Of course not. Be safe, okay?"

"You, too."

Again, he doesn't walk away. It's hard to leave something good behind, even if you know you'll come back again for more soon. One last kiss ends our date, sending us both on our way home while the snow continues to fall in sprinkles. I'm not sure how tonight will end: contentedly sleepy with good vibes thrumming through me or wired from excitement over what an amazing night I had. Either way, I know my thoughts will be occupied by Seung Gil and I'm completely cool with that.

I miss winter SO MUCH Orz I'm getting hella mileage on my folding fan, though hahha Hope everyone liked the update! It was fun to write :3 The next chapter is where the rating for this story comes into play, so get ready for that. There's a lot of dialogue, but also inner monologue, if that makes sense XD See you next week, and thanks again for reading!