💳 needless extravagance 💳
by airauralintensity
a super junior fanfic about leeteuk's glamorous androgyny, that's it
characters: leeteuk, siwon, henry, jessi in a supporting role
ship: siteuk, henry/jessi
genre: romance, humour
themes: outsider pov, mistaken identities, accidental gender reveal, married!siteuk, ceo!siwon, kardashian!leeteuk, gratuitous business talk, sorry lol i have an ms in management and work in operations i can't help it 😅
rating: T
A/N (12.24.2021): Happy holidays to TelviND#0015 on discord! They said their biases are Leeteuk and Siwon; lucky for them I had a siteuk fic planned after their instagram exchange for Leeteuk's birthday (twitter user heebunim post: 1410268115368177664). Finally bringing it to light just for you! Hopefully you like it; and if you don't… well, that's what the fanart is for, haha.
Title from Boom Boom by Super Junior, as translated by Kymee on the website mylittlesuperdongbang. If you recognise it, it doesn't belong to me. (BUT that does mean Where To? does 👀 If you're gonna steal my IP, please give me stock in the company, for realsies.) PSA: If numbers in this fic seem high to you, please recall the dollar is worth three orders of magnitude more than the won.
I didn't know how to write this fic, so there are two versions! Chapter 1 is from Henry's POV; Chapter 2 is from a mix of third-party/Siwon's POV.
Happy reading!
His boss exits the elevator a cool seven minutes after he himself arrived, and he smoothly falls into step alongside him.
"Good morning, Choi-sajangnim!" Henry cheers as he passes over Siwon's coffee: a medium latte with extra foam and two extra shots of sugar, just like he likes it. The heat from the cup manages to fog up Siwon's silver wire-rimmed glasses, still cold from outside. "Two things: your 8 o'clock is waiting for you in the conference room, and Customer Service discovered multiple user reports within the last six hours of inconsistent interface displays when switching from the watch to the phone app or back."
"Yikes. Thanks, Henry. Sounds like I'll really need this today." Siwon takes a moment to savour a sip of his drink. "Did you put them on my schedule?"
"Yes. I'm having them spend the morning working with Frontend to assemble all the information they can on the issue, and you'll be able to watch their presentation en route to the commercial shoot at ten. I can continue monitoring while you're busy, and we can refocus on it once we're back in the office."
Siwon shakes his head regretfully. "I'm gonna have to reschedule lunch with that investor again, aren't I?"
Henry bites his lip as he nods, hesitating for only a moment before bringing up the idea he had as soon as he learned of the issue. "I was thinking… why don't we schedule an office tour in lieu of lunch? That way if another thing pops up that needs your attention, you can handle it immediately, and the investor gets to see you in action. What better way to prove you're worth the money, right?"
Siwon stops his purposeful stride to look at Henry. "That's a fantastic idea. Let's do that." Henry successfully tempers the proud smile that wanted to break out, but he can do nothing about the pep in his step as he follows after Siwon who has resumed walking again.
Outside the conference room, they trade Siwon's coffee for a printed meeting portfolio.
"Keep that warm for me, will you? I'm not done with it," Siwon asks.
"You got it!"
Siwon gives a salute in farewell before stepping inside the conference room, and Henry enters Siwon's office to drop off the latte in the ensuite kitchen.
Just outside Siwon's office is Henry's, a sleek receptionist's counter that gives him plenty of privacy and plenty of space. He settles in to review email correspondence and double-check everything is on track for Where To?'s gala tonight.
Being the administrative assistant to the CEO of the most popular social fitness app in South Korea wasn't what Henry had in mind when he left Canada for new opportunities. The hours are wild, he never truly knows what his day is gonna look like even though he's the one who manages Siwon's calendar, and people never stop making fun of him for working at a tech startup—but less than a year in, and he still loves this job.
Although, he'll be the first to admit that if his boss were anyone other than Choi Siwon, he might consider leaving. The two of them aren't especially close or anything, but Siwon respects him and values his contributions. According to his friends, that's rare and he should cherish it; so he does.
"Hey, Henry. Here are the notes I took from the Genie meeting. Can you turn it into a memo and send it out to Backend before EOD tomorrow?" Siwon greets as he approaches Henry's desk an hour later.
Henry takes the papers from Siwon and sets it at the top of his inbox pile. "Consider it done."
He expects Siwon to head into his office then, but the CEO stays at Henry's desk, fingers drumming on the counter and wedding ring glinting in the office lighting.
Henry doesn't have to wait long. "Sorry again that you couldn't join me; you know how partnership meetings make brand reps antsy," Siwon explains regretfully.
Henry lets himself show his appreciation through his smile this time, touched by Siwon's comment. He never treats Henry like he's expendable. "Not a problem, sir. It's just a shame we couldn't get Kakao."
Siwon tsks. "I know, right? That really could have launched us into Korean Air-level of influence."
Henry winces. "Do we want Korean Air-level of influence?"
"Aish, don't talk like that around here," Siwon admonishes, but there is an amused grin on his face, so Henry knows he didn't mess up too badly. "By the way, could you reach out to PR for me? I want a roll-up on the current state of all the event planning considerations for the gala, especially if anything is outstanding. Whatever I have going on after lunch, cancel it. We're talking about this instead."
"Good thing this is exactly what we're talking about after lunch," Henry lies as he moves a meeting with Analytics to later in the week.
Siwon knocks on Henry's desk twice in a final way. "Great, great. Alright, see you in a bit when we head out to the filming site."
"Sure thing. And your coffee's in the kitchen!" Henry calls out to Siwon's retreating form. Siwon waves his hand in acknowledgement, and Henry checks the clock on his monitor. It's only 9:17 in the morning, and the day is already long.
Where To? started three years ago during one of Siwon's bike rides along the Han River with a friend. Mild sidewalk repair led to a bottleneck at the three kilometre mark, and Siwon wished there were some sort of app where urban outdoor enthusiasts could warn each other about things like this. Fast forward a few weeks later to when he joined his family for dinner with a venture capitalist family friend, and Where To? was born.
What began as an augmented reality maps app turned into a culture marker under Siwon's leadership and innovation. Three short years introduced a social media platform, a stylish wearables collection (Wear Too™), and—if this partnership with Genie goes through—a seamless and simultaneous group music listening experience during workouts as well. Through Where To?, Siwon completely elevated and upturned people's expectations of what it means to be social and to be fit.
Henry is very familiar with the story by now. He didn't think he could still be surprised by how Siwon's mind works… but he still is.
Ever since Where To? attained a consistent 2% market share—which means two percent of consumers either have the app or would choose to download it over a competitor's if desiring the service— everyone had been waiting with rapt attention for an announcement of their first major public event. Speculation had included everything from a Day to Play campaign for children to a 42km marathon through Seoul.
Instead, Siwon announced a gala.
The Two-Percent Event promised an evening of sustainable opulence and new-age elegance. Hosted at Paradise City Chroma, ticket-buyers will enjoy the food, music, atmosphere, and visuals; at the same time, Siwon hoped to use the opportunity to raise more money.
Not for Where To?, though, which is what most people expected upon hearing the term gala: that it would be an investors-and-partners-only event to thank them for their patronage and encourage them to continue or bolster their partnerships. No, it's called the Two-Percent Event because Where To? will only keep 2% of the proceeds. Everything else will go towards, wait for it, supporting the children of multicultural families in South Korea.
What?
Literally nothing about this event is something that anyone could have anticipated, which is driving interest, which is driving support, which is driving proceeds. It's working so well that Henry genuinely can't be sure this wasn't Siwon's intent the whole time.
"… And for the final metrics: RSVPs excluding Where To? staff are totalled at about 150 right now. It's roughly an 80-20 split between our user base and investors, but there is a small percentage of attendees who don't even use the app. Ticket sales and booster packages alone have raised upwards of 135 million won, even after our cut," the no-nonsense PR department lead concludes succinctly.
Henry gasps, and Siwon reaches over to give her an enthusiastic high-five. "That's great news! Everything is going so well!"
"Yes, sir," she agrees uncomfortably, unused to Siwon's displays of passion. "Since nothing is urgently outstanding that would require your intervention…"
"Of course, of course. Consider this meeting concluded. See you tonight! Are you bringing anyone?"
She clears her throat. "Yes, sir. My partner is accompanying me."
"I look forward to meeting them, then," Siwon says with a warm smile, and the department lead hesitantly returns it before bowing and leaving the conference room.
Siwon and Henry follow soon after and head to Siwon's office. "Before the day closes, I just had a few final things for you," Henry says. "During this meeting, I sent out the memo giving employees a short day today in honour of the gala; your suit is in your office and waiting for you to change into; and all that's left for you to personally do is pick up your wife."
Siwon comes up just short of his desk. "My wife?!"
Henry looks at him like a deer caught in a car's headlights. "Yeah? You asked me to remind you to 'pick up Jungsoo' forty-five minutes before the red carpet. That's her, isn't it?"
Henry points to the picture frame on Siwon's desk. It is a silver, ornate double-oval style such that each oval holds the picture of one person. Siwon's coiffed and suave portrait is in the left oval, and the right one features a face with a cutting jawline, thin lips spread in a Mona Lisa smile, and light brown shoulder-length hair pinned back behind the ears. A few bangs slip out to evenly frame the face.
Siwon looks at the photo, and his smile tells Henry all he needs to know. "You're a lucky guy, Choi-sajangnim."
Siwon looks up and directs his smile at Henry. The affection on his face turns into something more percipient, like he knows something Henry doesn't… which Henry supposes is true. Siwon wouldn't be the CEO if it were otherwise.
"That I am, Henry." Even that sounds like there's a joke Henry isn't clued in on. He doesn't know if he has the right to ask. Before he could make up his mind on the matter, Siwon turns the focus onto him. "Are you bringing anyone tonight?"
Henry's cheeks tint pink. "Um, yes I am. It's, uh, it's actually our first date."
Siwon's eyebrows lift in interest. "A first date at Paradise City Chroma is a high bar to set," he teases.
"I really need to impress her," Henry confesses.
"I normally don't advocate for abuse of power, but…" Siwon leans in conspiratorially, and Henry can't help but do the same. "If you need a little edge, feel free to do it in my name. A nicer bottle of champagne, song requests for the DJ, whatever."
Siwon is the best boss. "Thank you so much, Choi-sajangnim," Henry says, wide-eyed and reverent.
Henry pulls up in front of Paradise City Chroma, hands the valet the keys to his recently-washed Kia Optima, and waves off the attendant so that he can open the passenger door himself.
His date steps out of the car like a scene from a movie. He is so glad she said yes.
"Wow, Henry, this is really fancy," Jessi tells him in English as she eyes the illustrious reflective facade of the building.
"You like it? It was actually my idea to host it here," Henry brags cheekily.
"So full of good ideas, are you?" she teases him even as she takes his proffered hand and follows him through the hollow entrance.
They pose for some selfies outside the building before heading inside, but they don't make it in far before they're stopped completely.
The interior looks even better than the concept photos which Henry helped approve had led him to imagine.
The main club area being used as a dining hall is just dark enough for the laser lighting to have an effect, but he could still easily make out the PR department head from earlier and who he presumes is her partner from across the room. The interior design is an evocative mix of dark blue velvet, shiny black graphite, and silver metallic accents. The gigantic LED screen behind the DJ displays how much money has been raised so far. He and Jessi arrived a little after the cocktail hour started, but there are already lines at the bars and people on the dance floor.
Jessi whistles, and the room-friendly dance pop that's playing isn't so loud that it gets lost in the sound. "Are all galas like this, or is yours just exceptionally cool?"
"My boss's first name is 'Siwon,' so do with that what you will," Henry retorts with a smirk. "You wanna find us our seats while I get us drinks?"
Jessi nods. "Amaretto sour for me, please," and she wanders off. Henry heads to the bar that seemed to have the shortest line, hoping he'll run into someone he knows on the way, then light cheering resounds within the club. He looks around in confusion, trying to understand what happened, then his eyes catch sight of the won count behind the DJ.
The number went up by a million won.
Henry's eyebrows raise in shock even as a pleased smile crosses his face. He can't help but feel proud that his company's event is succeeding at its intention so well.
He rejoins Jessi bearing their drinks, and they spend some time making small talk with the other people at their table. Just when the waiters come around to serve their food, another cheer spreads through the club, louder now that there are more people. The monitor reveals an additional donation of about 1.5 million won.
"Cocktail hour barely ended, and you guys already raised two million more won," Jessi comments with surprise. "How far are you from your goal?"
"I know, right? We didn't have a goal so that we wouldn't be stressed out about meeting some arbitrary standard; but at the rate this night is going, we probably would have met that goal several times over!"
The evening proceeds like that, with Jessi and Henry enjoying the festivities and the donation count rising by measurable amounts with increasing regularity, thereby contributing to the gala's celebratory atmosphere.
After dancing for a few songs, Henry opts to take a breather while Jessi continues enjoying herself. On his way back to his seat, Henry gets stopped by one of the prettiest people he's ever seen. Their bobbed hair is dyed a dusky rose. Their flowy white shirt is adorned with a large ruffled black bow in the center and tucked into a pair of fitted high-waisted slacks. The two of them are about the same height, yet the way the other carries themselves makes them appear taller, regal even.
"Hello," a honeyed voice greets him. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight?"
"I am," Henry enthuses. "This night is going even better than I thought it would, honestly."
"I'm so glad to hear that," the person says warmly, and Henry feels happier for having made them happy. "It's always nice when we can have a good time and do a good thing at the same time, don't you agree?"
"Absolutely. It makes doing a good thing easier."
"I feel the same way." The two of them share a laugh, and Henry feels so seen. The newcomer continues, "It's why I'm thinking of making another donation tonight myself. Sure, my ticket was already my contribution, but seeing how well the night is going is putting me in such a giving mood."
Henry can't believe what he's hearing. "That's a great idea! You totally should! How much are you thinking?"
The person deliberates, finger tapping lightly on their chin. "Not much. Just twenty five, maybe fifty thousand won? Like the price of a really good dinner."
Henry considers for a second. "That's not bad. Maybe I'll donate a little more myself."
The other's entire face lights up. "You don't say? Why don't we go together, then? Do you know where it is?"
"Oh, yeah. I actually helped plan tonight's event," Henry reveals with pride.
Suddenly, his conversation partner's enticing aura and mild mannerisms freeze into something more distant, even if their face and posture don't change at all. Henry almost gets a headache from the sudden influx of music and pure sensation that comes rushing back to his awareness at the same moment.
"That's so impressive. It's really a fantastic event; you should be proud. Say, would you mind finding me later? I must excuse myself unfortunately. It was lovely speaking with you tonight…"
"Henry."
"It was lovely speaking with you tonight, Henry," they repeat before bowing almost 90 degrees, straightening upright, and walking away with long, purposeful strides.
Henry can't help but stare after the person, confused at the interaction and the sense that he felt like he should know who that was.
"I see you've met Jungsoo."
Henry's head whirls to find Siwon, one hand in his pocket, the other holding two fingers of whiskey, and eyes staring fondly into the crowds.
"That was your wife?!" Henry exclaims, turning around again to try to find where the other had gone. No way.
Siwon snorts, undoubtedly the most inelegant thing Henry has witnessed him do, but he's smiling nevertheless. "Actually, I think it's more accurate to say I'm merely his husband."
Henry gapes at Siwon as horrified realisation sets in. "Choi-sajangnim. Sir. I am so sorry. I meant no offense; I really didn't know—"
Siwon cuts him off with a raised hand. "No harm, no foul, Henry," he assures, but he doesn't say any more.
Despite standing in a sea of noise and activity, the pair of them are silent and still. They both manage to find Jungsoo in the crowd again. He's talking to another party-goer, polite and alluring and firmly in control.
From this vantage point, and having firsthand experience with Jungsoo in action, he can understand why Siwon said what he did.
As if sensing Henry's enlightenment, Siwon wordlessly tips his whiskey glass in Henry's direction in farewell. Henry watches as he seamlessly joins his husband's conversation, the pair of them looking every bit of the new-age elegance the Two-Percent Event promised.
"Ya, Henry!" Jessi yells from behind him. "Aren't we supposed to be on a date or something? Why'd you ditch me?"
Henry is seriously batting 0 tonight. "Sorry! Sorry, Jessi. I didn't mean to. I was just…" Siwon's advice from earlier in his office suddenly comes to mind. "That was my boss just now. He wanted to talk to me a little bit about some stuff for the event, and we got sidetracked."
Jessi peers around his shoulder in interest, accepting the explanation easily and completely forgetting her ire. "Your boss is, like, stereotypically handsome, and I mean that in the best way possible."
Henry barks out a laugh. "Some of the other Where To? guys joke that his face is included in the valuation of the company's net worth."
She eyes Siwon one more time—"I can see why."—then switches gears. "Are you ready to dance again?" she asks eagerly.
"Totally, but mind if we stop somewhere first?" Jessi nods, and he takes her hand and leads her through the crowd.
"Where are we going?" she asks as they join a short line in front of a cashier.
"Making a donation," Henry explains with a grin over his shoulder as he fishes his wallet out of his pocket.
"Didn't you help set up this whole event? You basically donated your time already," Jessi reasons. They step forward after the guest ahead of them finished, and it's Henry's turn. He shrugs distractedly, busy finishing up his transaction. "Maybe, but I'm not gonna donate a lot. Just fifty thousand won or something, like the price of a really good dinner."
Jessi frowns and raises an eyebrow in that way people do to mean huh-that's-not-so-bad. "Well, if I'm here, I guess I'll donate a little myself."
He beams over at Jessi, and she gives him a smile in return, a genuine one, not tinged with teasing or platonic distance for a change.
They walk back to the main dance floor hand in hand, and the club erupts in cheers.