The Morning After

The soft glow of the morning sun began to filter through the blinds of the Visionary Corp executive floor, officially ending the overnight lockdown.

​At exactly 6:00 AM, a loud click echoed through the corridor as the automated security system disengaged.

​Su-ho blinked his eyes open, groggily shifting his head. It took him a few seconds to realize he wasn't tracking an art deadline—and he wasn't using a standard pillow. He was completely curled up against Ji-woon’s side, his head resting comfortably on the Chief's broad shoulder. Ji-woon’s arm was draped loosely around Su-ho's waist, holding him close even in sleep.

​Su-ho’s face instantly flushed a brilliant shade of crimson. He tried to slide away carefully without waking the beast, but his notorious clumsiness struck again. His foot caught the edge of a nearby recycling bin, sending a stray empty soda can clattering loudly across the linoleum floor.

​Ji-woon stirred, his eyes fluttering open. Instead of the usual sharp, intimidating glare, his expression was soft and slightly dazed from sleep. He looked down at a panicked Su-ho, a slow smirk spreading across his face.

​"Good morning," Ji-woon murmured, his voice raspy and deep. He didn't let go of Su-ho's waist just yet. "Are you trying to escape, or is the recycling bin attacking you again?"

​"I was trying to be stealthy!" Su-ho squeaked, his heart doing backflips at the sound of Ji-woon’s morning voice. "The system is unlocked. People are going to start arriving for the early shift in twenty minutes."

​Ji-woon finally let his arm drop, sitting up and stretching. He looked remarkably handsome for someone who had just slept on an office floor. "Let them come. We saved the launch project, didn't we?"

​"Yes, but if the design team sees us like this, I'll never hear the end of it," Su-ho said, scrambling to his feet and attempting to smooth down his wildly messy hair.

​The clock on the wall of the creative department felt like it was moving in slow motion.

​4:45 PM. Su-ho stared blankly at his monitor, clicking his mouse rapidly without actually doing any work. His team members were buzzing around him, discussing the final edits for the global launch, but Su-ho could only think about the deal he had made that morning.

​4:58 PM.

​He peeked over his partition wall toward the glass doors of the executive wing. There was no sign of the Chief. Su-ho tapped his foot anxiously, wondering if Ji-woon had forgotten, or worse, if a last-minute emergency meeting had pulled him away.

​5:00 PM.

​The digital clock shifted. Right on cue, the heavy glass doors opened, and Ji-woon walked out. He had his coat draped over his arm, his briefcase in hand, and his eyes were locked straight onto Su-ho’s desk. The entire department went dead quiet as the notoriously strict CMO approached the creative corner.

​"Mr. Lee," Ji-woon said, his voice carrying its usual professional weight.

​"Yes, Chief?" Su-ho stood up so fast his knee banged against the underside of his desk, making his pen holder rattle. He winced, immediately flushing.

​"The final review for the launch strategy requires an off-site evaluation," Ji-woon said smoothly, though the slight curve at the corner of his lips gave him away. "Pack your things. We're leaving now."

​"Right away!" Su-ho scrambled to grab his bag, missing the curious and knowing looks being exchanged by his co-workers behind his back.

​It wasn't until they were safely inside the privacy of the elevator that Ji-woon let out a soft chuckle. He reached over, taking Su-ho’s heavy laptop bag from his hand to carry it for him. "You looked like you were about to jump out of your skin, Su-ho."

​"You timed that way too perfectly," Su-ho complained, though a bright smile broke across his face. "Everyone was staring! They probably think I’m getting fired."

​"Let them think what they want," Ji-woon said as the elevator reached the lobby. He adjusted his grip on Su-ho's bag, his fingers brushing against Su-ho’s hand intentionally. "As long as you know you're exactly where you're supposed to be."

​Ji-woon stood up next to him, effortlessly fixing his own collar. He stepped closer to Su-ho, reaching out to gently fix a stray collar point on Su-ho's shirt that was turned inside out. The sudden proximity made Su-ho hold his breath.

​"Let's make a deal," Ji-woon said softly, his eyes locking onto Su-ho's with an undeniable warmth. "We behave like perfect professionals until 5:00 PM."

​"And after 5:00 PM?" Su-ho asked, a playful, hopeful smile breaking through his nervousness.

​Ji-woon leaned in just close enough for his breath to brush Su-ho's ear. "After 5:00 PM, I’m taking you out for a proper dinner. No office, no spies, and definitely no coffee spills...

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