Another date night! This date is different from the last one but it's still groovy and stuff. Some webcomics were very inspiring for this chapter; I won't mention any names here, but they are romantic in nature hahha I also get inspired from reading fanfics in other fandoms. For some reason, I struggle to read YoI fanfic while writing it, regardless of pairing; it's kinda annoying but oh well XD Hope yous enjoy~
Last week, I wasn't prepared in a timely manner to go out and almost made myself late. This time, I'm not going to let that happen, especially since Seung Gil is picking me up. I've already narrowed my wardrobe down to two outfits to pick from while the rest of me is ready to go. Yuuri and Mila are analyzing both options through a video call, inching so close to the camera they're obstructing each other's view. "Can you hold it up closer? I can't tell if that's black or blue." Mila narrows her eyes at the hanger in my left hand, practically shoving Yuuri off her small sofa.
With an eye roll, I move it towards my phone on the dresser. "It's black! I already said that."
"I still like that one more." Yuuri nods.
Mila taps her chin with a small frown. "I don't know, Yuuri. I kinda like the other one." She refers to my deep v-neck shirt I've paired with a velvet blazer; its maroon tone seems like a Mila color, so I'm not surprised she favors it.
Yuuri shakes his head. "No, I'm going with the lace." The black top is a long sleeve mockneck; the solid fabric stops just above the chest, lace constructing the upper portion.
"Why? It looks itchy." Mila scrunches her nose in distaste.
"Phichit, is it itchy?"
"It is not itchy." I answer Yuuri's question with certainty. I've worn the black shirt before and neither the lace neck nor the lace sleeves bothered me in the slightest. He side-eyes Mila who rolls her bright blue eyes in response.
"But you can't go wrong with a blazer!"
"Mila, this date is not a tee and blazer kind of function." Yuuri adjusts his glasses on the bridge of his nose, smirking. "It's their second real date."
She doesn't look fully convinced, pouting at me through the phone. "Phichit."
"Yes?"
"Which one are you going with? We need to put an end to this wardrobe debate."
Before I called them, I wasn't leaning either direction. However, after Yuuri pointed out the location minutes ago, I started to favor one outfit over the other. At one point, I took Mila's comments into consideration: velvet is everything right now, and my collarbone isn't something I should hide. When I think of Seung Gil sitting across from me at a formal table, smirk showing and eyes shining, I know the image I want him to see in return: "I love you both, but…I'm going with the lace." I hang the other items back up as Yuuri grins and Mila sighs.
"You win, Yuuri." She elbows him without much force.
Yuuri nods once. "He wins 'cause he gets to look cute."
"Awww." I change offscreen, even though they've both seen me change before. "You're both the best!" My only issue with this shirt is the fastening: a column of buttons up the back of my neck are within reach, but blindly buttoning all three takes concentration. I think I had Yuuri help me with them the last time I wore this, but I manage on my own this time. In the mirror, my reflection radiates confidence: I stand by my choice!
"Okay, it does look really good on. I want it. Do you think it'd fit me?" Mila has the nerve to ask. She's apparently forgotten about the last thing she borrowed from my closet.
I touch up my hair again, brushing it to the side. "Um, have we forgotten about the polka dot hoodie that came back with lipstick on the collar and zipper?" Her laugh is enough of an answer; this bitch knows what she did. Before I can give her more hell, my phone alerts me of a text: Seung Gil must be here! I don't even bother checking the message, scrambling to stand and find my clutch. "That's him. I've gotta go." Where did I leave my shoes? Did I put them by the door with my coat? "Thank you both for your help!"
"No problem, boo." Mila winks.
"Of course. Have a good time and let me know how their reds are." Yuuri reminds me. I nod, saying my goodbyes again and leaving the apartment. Seung Gil said he's parked by the front, but that could mean anywhere. A quick scan of the parking lot leads me right to him: not too far from the door, which is wonderful because the maintenance guy doesn't salt the sidewalks very well. Seung Gil steps out of the car, holding a hand out for me to take. Maybe he noticed my determined walk, or maybe I was obviously struggling or he's simply being chivalrous; whatever the reason, I take his hand and stand toe to toe with him in the cold. He places a quick kiss on my cheek and squeezes my hand.
"Evening, Phichit." Seung Gil smiles. "I'm glad to see you."
How can I do anything but smile at that? "Glad to see you, too, Mr. Lee." We did see each other a few days ago; we went food shopping and shared a pizza after he clocked off and before I clocked on. Our schedules don't align perfectly, but I think we have a good thing going so far.
In the car, Seung Gil turns the heater up before leaving the lot. "Are you cold?"
"I'm alright." My coat is lightweight yet really warm. "Did you ever find out what was wrong with your thermostat?"
He told me that his apartment was frozen over this morning, the thermostat not communicating to the heater to turn on. "No." Seung Gil sighs. "I'll probably have to wait for Monday. Pray for me." His tone is so deadpan, I laugh louder than I mean to. "Are you hungry?"
"I am."
The lounge is nestled between expensive apartments that could eat my home for breakfast and a kitschy boutique that specializes in accessories and home goods. I didn't realize the middle building was a restaurant and lounge the first time I passed it; I was looking for a set of drawers to put on my dresser and walked right by to the boutique. It's not like I could've afforded to even get a drink there at the time, but I like to know what businesses are where for future reference. It wasn't until years later that I actually went inside. I'd finished my first year of supervised sessions when a group of people at work invited me to celebrate an occasion I no longer remember. Since they offered to pay, I jumped at the opportunity; I mean, debt is quite limiting in restaurant selections so of course I was glad to be invited. Walking in the door, this nagging feeling at the back of my mind kept reminding me that I was out of place; what business did I have tagging along in my synthetic tie and off-brand jacket? Don't get it twisted: I had fun, but I knew I never would've seen the place's interior had it not been for that invitation. My ex never took me places like this, either; we never really did anything formal, mostly clubbing or partying in large groups. I haven't really had a reason to come back.
Seung Gil loops his arm through mine, stepping over the threshold. I can't vouch for what his exact thoughts are, but he looks quite comfortable in this environment. He's been here at least twice, I know, but his confidence is reassuring. This all feels…right, like I honestly belong here with Seung Gil. He doesn't flinch at being out in public with me and even smiles when I squeeze his arm. Someone takes our coats and guides us to the lounge at the back, seating us at a round table off to the side. We're informed that the performance will start in fifteen minutes.
"Wait, what?"
"About what?" Seung Gil leans forward, arms folded on the table. I gesture at the stage, peeking at the wine list. "The stage?"
"Someone's going to sing for us?"
He smiles all the way up to his eyes. "Yes. It's a lounge with lounge singers. Didn't you say you've been here before?"
I nod, turning back to look at the stage. The house band is still setting up. "I was at the bar that time. I didn't even know this was a thing." Little white lights drip from the raised platform, twinkling every few seconds. The lighting is otherwise dim around us to promote an intimate vibe that doesn't escape my attention. Our orders are quickly taken along with some others in the room; all the tables are filled with what look to be solely couples. "Wow, it's full." I think aloud. Seung Gil nods but remains silent. His eyes are stuck to me like glue, wordlessly staring. It makes me laugh and, I'll admit, slightly blush. "What?"
"Sorry." He sits up straight, fiddling with his napkin. "You look amazing, that's all."
Those words aren't nothing: they take the breath right out of my lungs and hammer my heart against my chest. How can one compliment cause such a reaction? I'm not the flushing, flustered type, yet here we are. "Amazing?" I laugh nervously while he sits there in a fitted shirt with the top buttons undone, revealing smooth skin above his chest; his navy blue jacket shows off well-toned arms that make me wonder what he does in his free time. "Says the handsome man sewn into his clothes."
"It was tailored for a wedding." Seung Gil's face turns a pretty shade of pink as his mouth turns up in a small smile most people probably wouldn't notice. I love making him smile like that, almost like it's a secret between us. "You don't have to compliment me back, by the way."
I blink in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"Only say things you truly mean. Don't feel obligated."
Our wine arrives just in time; I need a moment. After a polite sip, I rest my chin in my hand and wait for Seung Gil's eyes to find mine. "I think you know me well enough to know I wouldn't waste my breath on embellishments. Lying and faking are two things I never do, not even to keep up appearances. If I tell you you look good, I mean just that."
He takes a second to taste his own wine, sipping in thought. "Have I offended you?"
"Only slightly." I smirk, again being honest. "Tell me: do you think you're good looking?"
If his silence wasn't answer enough, the weight of it surely is. He even shifts his eyes away from me and tightens his grip on his glass. "What difference does that make?"
"Seung Gil." Saying his name gets his attention; I silently dare him to look away. "I don't know who told you or made you feel like you're not a ten, but believe me when I say you're a total babe." I mean, I certainly think so. Even if I didn't know the smart, sweet man Seung Gil is, I'd still stop and take another look at him in passing. "You might want to get used to me saying you're handsome. I don't think I'll ever learn how to stop." It's the truth, but it makes him laugh, red in the face.
"I don't know what to say." And I appreciate the honesty. "I don't…I don't think anyone's ever said anything like that to me before."
"Can't imagine why, but you're stuck with me now, and I'll say it…" Um, did I just insert myself into his life in a committed sort of way? I think I might've gotten presumptuous and spoke for both of us without asking. I know my face is turning red, even if I try to play it cool. I clear my throat, sitting up straight. "I mean…if you want me to. Like, if you'd like to have me around." Am I making sense? My brain is no longer working as it should, and I wish it was the wine but it's my own nerves and insecurities getting the best of me. If only Seung Gil would say something and throw me a lifeline, I could remember how to breathe again. "Sorry, I don't—"
"Phichit, please." His voice is almost inaudible, making me work to find it. "Don't apologize. You haven't said anything wrong." Seung Gil sure knows how to stop my heart. I could lose myself in those eyes for days, searing through my unease. "We're together, and in each other's lives, right?"
I nod, tension slowly draining from me. "I'd like to think so."
"Then there's nothing wrong with thinking of me as yours." He shrugs, breaking out in a smile. "And vice versa."
Seung Gil managed to turn a lengthy conversation into a nonchalant affirmation without batting an eyelash. How the hell that happened is beyond me! Where are the feelings I had of possible rejection, of not being enough and of being too needy? Like magic, he's made them disappear; so simple but it leaves me staggering. This man is remarkable, and I don't think he even realizes it. I shake my head, exhaling through a smirk of my own. "You really are making this whole dating thing easy."
Again, Seung Gil shrugs before picking up his glass. "I'm just being normal. It's easy with you."
Is there higher praise than that? Up until I was an adult, I never had someone I could be my absolute self with, someone I could show the real me to, until I met Yuuri; people like that don't come around often, let alone feel the same towards you: Seung Gil is both. "Glad to hear it." I raise my glass in turn, tapping his at the midpoint of the table. "It's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels that way."
"Not by far." The smile on his face is the one I've been looking forward to seeing all week.
Our entertainment for the night is a curvy woman with dark curls, dark green sequins dripping from her dress in a pool around her feet; she calls herself Autumn. She sings standards in a smoky voice. Due to the location of the stage, I have to shift my chair closer to Seung Gil's, sitting more beside him than across from him. Before our food arrived, we held hands while listening to Autumn belt out love songs and ballads of unrequited passion. It's safe to say that I'm not in love with Seung Gil at this moment, but that doesn't mean I can't relate to feelings of romantic fondness for him. We sit apart again to eat, whispering to avoid being overly rude. "You were right: this red is perfect with everything on the plate." I tell him, referring to my wine. Since he's driving, he's not drinking as much but knowingly nods.
"It's delicious, isn't it?" Seung Gil whispers, close to my ear. Actually, he's sitting closer than he was a moment ago; I can't say I mind. I nod, offering him a forkful from my plate. I don't expect him to offer me anything in return. I also don't expect him to bite right off my fork, leaving the utensil in my grip. Seung Gil smiles after swallowing his bite. "Good. Thank you."
I'm momentarily speechless, surprised he was bold enough to have me feed him right here, near the stage at the front of the room. During my years with Celestino, we never once went out together. We were never really dating, but he didn't want people even seeing us acting like a couple; even at the station, nobody saw us interacting like a couple. This didn't bother me, though it did confuse me: I was suitable to drag in his office for a quick fuck, but not fit to be seen around him in public? Seung Gil doesn't seem to care about anything like that; not about being seen with another man, seen in a romantic setting, seen being fed by someone, seen with me. I place my hand on his thigh, under the table and out of sight. "You're very welcome."
Autumn continues to sing after a quick break, later into the night than I expected. She explains that this is her last song. "To close out the night, I want to perform a special song for all our couples out there. How many of you are on a date tonight?" She asks with a smirk, hands on her hips. I don't look around at the others, but of all the folks I can see, not a single one keeps their hand down; not even Seung Gil. Autumn laughs, tucking her hair behind her ear. "That's what I thought. So this song should hit you here, right where it beats." She places a hand on her heart with a gentle smile. "Since it's the last one, I'd like to make it extra special for you, but only if you want. Do you want something special?" We clap to encourage the direction she's taking this. Autumn nods, clearing her throat. "Okay, good! Then I'd like a volunteer." Nervous laughter rings out from various places in the room. Volunteer for what? "Don't be scared! I won't pick on you. This is normally a duet, but I'll sing with you." She tells us the name of the song, explaining to only volunteer if we're brave and we know the song.
"Should I do it?" I ask Seung Gil, turning to him and forcing my hand to not shoot up for Autumn to see. I don't want him to be embarrassed or uncomfortable, but it looks like fun to be up on stage! If he was my boss, he'd probably shake his head and insist we don't need the attention. If he was my ex, he'd probably volunteer himself so I wouldn't get all the attention.
But he's not either of them: he's Seung Gil. Seung Gil smiles, easy and encouraging. His dark eyes sparkle, meeting mine directly as he shrugs. "If you want."
I could kiss him; seriously, I could, but I want to make sure Autumn sees my hand before anybody else's. I wave, almost jumping out of my seat. Of course, the singer notices me and beckons me to the stage. Seung Gil gives my hand a quick squeeze before I'm off and standing next to Autumn. From up here, I can hardly see anything past my feet. I hear applause, though. Autumn asks what my name is, handing me a microphone. "Phichit. You're doing amazing tonight, by the way."
Autumn laughs, patting my shoulder. "Thank you! You're so sweet, Phichit. What brings you here tonight? Are you a singer?"
"I'm on a date." I smile, trying to find Seung Gil in the darkness. Ah, there he is! "Not professionally, but I do love singing." I admit. She tells the audience to sing along if they know it, and the band starts up behind us. The beat is familiar, and I'm pretty sure I know what part of the song she wants me to sing. Autumn starts to belt out the lyrics beside me, taking the first verse on her own. I think I can hear a few voices out in the crowd joining in, but I mostly hear her and the band. During the chorus, she nudges me, turning my direction. It's my turn already? I stifle a giggle and sing out, kind of relieved I'm not up here by myself; singing is more fun with someone else. I don't think too much about how I sound or if I'm off by a second. I think about how good it feels to stand here, mic in hand, and just have fun. When Autumn takes the next verse, I find Seung Gil again; our table seems so much closer to the stage now that I'm on it! His mouth is moving, forming the same words Autumn sings. He waves when he notices me staring, smile growing. No, I'm not in love with him; a voice in my head, surely originating from my heart, adds a single word to the end of that thought: 'yet.'
On the drive back to my apartment, I scroll through the selfies I took with the talented lounge singer. I can't decide which one to post, or if I should post several. I frown at my phone with a sigh. "Still can't pick one?" Seung Gil asks.
"I took too many. Plus, the lighting looks weird for me in this one while she looks good, but then in this one, the lighting worked for me and not her."
"Maybe you can decide later."
"What do you mean?"
He gestures out the window. "We're here."
We seem to have arrived at my place. What happens now? Do I send him on his way and discuss future plans later? Should I invite him up so I won't have to say goodbye yet? Do I delay getting out so I can post my selfie, (hashtag) singerbynight? I'm pouting and I know it, and I can't bring myself to give a damn. "I don't want to go up yet."
"Why not?"
"Then the night will be over."
Seung Gil reaches over, slipping my hand in his. "It has to end at some point."
Maybe…not? I squeeze his hand, emboldened. "Do you have to be anywhere in the morning?"
"No."
That's what I was hoping to hear! I lean over, close to his ear. "Let's both go, then." If that isn't invitation enough, I slide my lips to his mouth and taste; Seung Gil is addictive, sweet and indulgent on my tongue. For a minute, I forget what I even said, lost in our heated kiss. He nods the moment we come up for air, wiping the corner of his mouth with his thumb.
"Okay, yeah. Should be interesting."
Seung Gil follows me through my apartment, taking in the rushed words of where the rooms are and where he can leave his shoes and coat. I open the door to my bedroom, not even caring that it's a little messy. "You've seen this room before." I remind him. "Through the phone, I mean."
"It's different in person, though." Seung Gil whispers, glancing around.
"Yeah? How so?"
He wraps an arm around me, tugging me closer. "It smells like you. It's warm like you. It looks bigger in person." My hands grip his sleeves, pulling him towards my unmade bed. "How long would you like me to stay?"
"Until you have to go." I admit as I lean back, taking him to the mattress with me. Seung Gil isn't much taller than I am, but he seems much taller with his knees on either side of my legs, hovering too far above. From this angle, I can see down his shirt and it's too tempting to resist: my hands find their way to the buttons, making quick work of them. Why is he still wearing his jacket? It has no place here. "You're wearing too much." I mutter, tossing it aside. He laughs, raking his hair out of his eyes in a gesture that shouldn't be as sexy as it is.
"Am I?"
I roll my eyes, shoving him aside and rolling on top of him. "Yes, you are, but I'm taking care of it." I open his shirt, almost ripping the fabric in my fingers. His skin is flawless under the lamp light, begging to be touched. My hands roam down his sides, mouth busy finding its own way around Seung Gil's chest. To think his kiss drove me crazy: the taste of his skin is downright sinful. Every time my tongue passes over a sensitive spot, he lets out a shaky sigh that has me trembling on his lap. I kiss him again and blindly start to take off his pants. I only get them so far down his legs before I call it good and resume kissing his body.
"Phichit, wait." He groans before my mouth travels past his waist.
"For what?" I mean, he does want this, right? "Is it too much? Do you not want me to?"
"It's not that." His smirk, and the status of his body, quells my worries. "I just want to make sure this is what you want." Seung Gil is half naked on my bed while I sit between his legs; it couldn't be more obvious that this is what I want. Still, a softer side of me warms at his concern and consideration. Not everyone would stop to get verbal consent, and I do appreciate it.
I nod, resuming my task. "Oh yes, babe. This is what I want."
Every sound he makes is seriously music to my ears; I didn't know he could gasp or say my name so erotically. Still, I think he's wearing too much; I should've just finished the job earlier. Seung Gil untangles his hands from my hair to get his pants all the way off, sitting up and panting when he casts his shirt aside. "Why are you still dressed?"
"Um, because you didn't undress me?" I laugh, kissing him with more tongue than necessary.
"My mistake. I'll fix it." He reaches behind me, lips pressed to my cheek. With every button he undoes, breath ghosting near my temple, I lose more of my rational thinking; the iciness of his fingers against my hot skin makes me shiver. Seung Gil kisses his way to my ear, nibbling at my earlobe. "This shirt looks great on you." His tongue laps at my skin when he says the letter 'l.' I shiver at his fingers working down my back, adding to the sensation of his kisses down my neck. "But I think it'd look even better on the floor." As soon as the shirt is off, he sits back to get a look at me, smiling just enough for me to notice. "Beautiful."
It quickly becomes evident that he prefers all my clothes on the floor, scattered here and there. He also prefers to take his time under the sheets, slowly making me forget anything but how incredible it feels to have him touch and taste every part of me. "Seung Gil." My voice sounds shaky and desperate.
"Yeah?" He pauses to respond, using his hands to keep me senseless.
"I need more. I need you." I can't wait any longer. I'm actually shocked I've been able to go this long, but I simply need all of Seung Gil right now. He checks with me one more time before giving me what I want, making sure he has my permission. My body is too warm, too hot under his to turn back now. It doesn't take long for me to decide that I don't want this to end. It feels too good to ever want anything else. The way Seung Gil holds me, pulling our bodies together with a firm grip, makes me feel…safe, and secure. His hips aren't gentle, but they move without rushing, without any hurry. Something about feeling so at ease makes every touch and every movement more amazing, more pleasurable. I tell him how he's doing, how he's even better than I expected and hoped he'd be.
Seung Gil laughs, gripping me tighter. "You make it easy."
I brush his hair out of his eyes, suddenly desperate to see them. The intensity there, determined and wild, mixed with our steady pace makes me quiver. "Please don't stop." When I move my hand away, he places a kiss to my palm and manages to roll his hips with more energy. I moan just before he leans in for a kiss, swallowing every whimper and cry I let out when it all becomes too much. Seung Gil only moves his mouth from mine when he reaches his own limit, panting and calling out my name against my shoulder.
Heavy breathing and sighing: the only sounds in the room. "I'm exhausted." Seung Gil sighs, face buried in a pillow a moment later.
I laugh, wrapping my arms around him. "What do you expect? You're a beast."
It's not easy catching our breath while lip locked, but we manage. When we're no longer a mess and under the covers, Seung Gil asks: "So you want me to stay over?" I mean, we are naked and sharing the same blanket with the lights off; isn't that clear enough?
"You're in my bed: you are staying over."
"Okay, but let me warn you." Seung Gil's arms snake around me, chest pressed to my back. "I'm a shameless cuddler, and I might steal part, or all, of your pillow during the night."
His admission is hilarious, probably because I didn't peg him as a snuggly type of guy. I curl into his embrace, grateful for his warmth and presence. "That's okay. I like being held while I sleep; it's comfy." I melt at the little kiss he gives my back before he settles into the mattress.
"That's good." He exhales softly. "Are you a light sleeper?"
"No. I sleep like a rock, including my lack of movement."
"This will work, then." Seung Gil yawns. I think he means the sleeping arrangement for the night, but I'm too sleepy to contemplate further. All I know is that tonight has been the best I can remember in some time. "Goodnight, Phichit."
"Night, Seung Gil."
Not a bad chapter, eh? I was in a mood for romantic writing. If you haven't read my other fic, you might want to know that I don't write explicit scenes; I like leaving some stuff to the imagination hahha I usually try to keep each chapter to about 4300 words, but the last few have gotten away from me XD No regrets! Stay tuned, and I'll see you around~
