Work Text:
"Tang Zhan said it's pretty empty here and they have good Hong Kong ice cream stands!" Soso says proudly, leading the way.
They decided to spend their rare day off from Cheong Myeong at the beach, relaxing, sunbathing, and giving their arms, tired from holding the sword, a rest. Soso put on the cutest swimsuit she had, considering Iseol would be there too. She grabbed sunscreen, some snacks, drinks, dry wipes, wet wipes...
"They look familiar," Jo Geol points toward the nearest drink stand. "Yoon Jong, why do you think that is?"
He just shrugs, not looking up from his phone, where he was trying to study a map of the area.
"Isn't that Tang Bo?" Baek Cheon remarks, squinting. "Or one of the Tangs. But who's with him?"
They all freeze, looking at the two men more closely. Even Yoon Jong looks up—as they knew, Tang Bo only interacted with family members and Cheong Myeong. Did this lunatic really have anyone else who tolerated him?
Stranger's loose top reveals one shoulder, showing the string of the green bikini. Long black hair is pulled back into a high ponytail, and the hips are hidden by a scarf tied around their waist. Well-developed muscles contrast with the thin, translucent fabric, and a suspiciously familiar green ribbon is tucked into their hair.
Wait.
A green ribbon?
Yoon Jong rubs his eyes and looks back at the man next to Tang Bo.
What the hell.
"Come on, hyung, it's nice when our outfits match!"
A painfully familiar voice snorts:
"Better this than those cringy T-shirts."
Jo Geol stumbles and falls. Baek Cheon trips over him, and Yoon Jong manages to grab Soso, but she, too, lost in the sight of their teachers, also loses her balance, falling into the pile. Only the imperturbable Iseol remains standing, sipping an ice-cold soda.
"Since when does that monster dress like that?!" Baek Cheon protests.
"But admit it suits him," Soso counters.
"Get off me already! You crush me!"
Unfortunately, their screams attracted the attention of these two disasters. Tang Bo prudently squeezes Cheong Myeong's hand, preventing him from lashing out at his students for interrupting their rare day off.
Yoon Jong would rather be beaten than meet them.
* * *
Cheong Myeong hears the sound of a key turning in the lock. Barely audible over the din of the movie they're watching, the third in the trilogy, but distinct enough to fill his chest with a familiar warmth.
Tang Bo is home.
Putting the bowl of popcorn down from his lap, Cheong Myeong stands up, silently heading to meet his boyfriend. The kids can continue watching—the carnage should begin soon, and the main monster will appear.
Only Iseol turns to look at him.
"You're early," Cheong Myeong says quietly.
Tang Bo smiles, already kicking off his shoes and stepping forward. They're not visible from the room, so with a heavy heart, he accepts a greeting kiss.
"I couldn't wait to get back to you," Tang Bo whispers tenderly, hugging him around the neck before pressing his lips to his own.
It tastes like black coffee without sugar—he must have grabbed on the way to stay awake.
"Tired?"
Tang Bo nods, leaning into his shoulder. They don't have much time before the performance starts, so Cheong Myeong lets his boyfriend gather his thoughts and rest, taking his time putting on his friendly facade again.
"There's salted caramel popcorn," Cheong Myeong whispers, stroking the other's back, the tight muscles there palpable even through his clothes.
"I love you," Tan Bo breathes, kissing his cheek and pulling away. "Filming today was hellish, more like light gymnastics, but you had to stand still, not move. And then you had to move. If I hadn't nailed that damn choreography on the third try, I definitely would have killed someone."
A quiet, 'Where did Cheong Myeong go?' echoes through the hall. Well, time's up, all that's left is to return to the public and take their roles.
"Behave yourself," Cheong Myeong reminds Tang Bo, leading him by the hand into the living room.
His sullen, pouting face instantly gives way to a light, charismatic smile, his shoulders straighten, and his fingers intertwine with his own.
"I know, I know, hyung!" the leech drawls.
* * *
Jo Geol stares blankly at the man who enters. Tall, well-dressed, with professionally styled hair, and definitely familiar. Not because Cheong Myeong showed them a photo—that dog kept everything personal under lock and key—but because it's the face from a damn ad.
Yes, it's only appeared there a couple of times, and usually the Dark Saint posed for fashion magazines, but...
"I'm Tang Bo, Cheong Myeong's boyfriend," stranger smiles, clearly lying.
Baek Cheon opens his mouth, but closes it without saying anything. It's easy to understand—it's more likely that Hell would freeze over than Cheong Myeong actually getting into a relationship with someone so far above his league. And yet, here it is—proof to the contrary.
Intertwined fingers. Cheong Myeong's flushed cheeks. Words.
Yoon Jong is the first to open his mouth, introducing himself, and the others follow suit. Only Soso merely exchanges a nod with the man who entered.
Jo Geol rubs his eyes, wondering if he's just imagining it. That it's someone with a similar appearance. How could they even meet? How can someone like that even tolerate their rabid dog?
"Ah... Cheong Myeong isn't blackmailing you? We can help," Baek Cheon says politely, finally finding his words.
And immediately regretting it, Cheong Myeong rushes toward him with a "TIRED OF LIFE?!", held back only by Tang Bo's hand, who pulls him closer and embraces him. His dimples deepen with a captivating smile, his eyes narrow, emphasizing the rare shape of his eyes. Damn, he's so damn handsome—no wonder he's so popular in the modeling business.
"Hyung is my outlet, my happiness, my safe haven. He'll have to blackmail me into leaving him alone, not being with him!"
Cheong Myeong stops struggling, his embarrassment growing even more intense, if that's what you can call his squinting eyes and gritting teeth.
"Bo-ya," he warns, causing Tang Bo to release him, sighing dramatically.