Andrew buzzed with excitement as he meticulously prepared for dinner. The hours slipped away, and he made his way to the hotel lobby well ahead of time, anticipation buzzing in his chest like a live wire. Sitting on the plush couch, he kept himself occupied by scrolling through his phone, but his eyes flickered up often, scanning the entrance, his heart racing with every movement he saw.
Finally, a familiar voice called from the doorway, snapping Andrew's attention away from his phone. He immediately stood up, his heart skipping a beat as he spotted Ji-Won approaching, his presence lighting up the room.
"Andrew," Ji-Won greeted, a warm smile spreading across his face, his eyes sparkling with sincerity. "Did you wait too long for me?"
Andrew's face illuminated with joy, his shoulders relaxing as he waved off the concern. "No, not at all. I'm all good—just a little excited, that's all." His voice was light, yet a genuine eagerness laced his tone, a soft laugh escaping as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear.
Ji-Won's smile turned shy but remained warm. "So, where do you want to go for dinner?" He shifted slightly on his feet, a hint of nervousness surfacing.
Andrew shrugged, a slightly nervous laugh escaping him as he scratched the back of his head, a gesture that betrayed his uncertainty. "I didn't really have a place in mind," he admitted, glancing down for a moment as he thought. "I thought maybe the hotel restaurant, but…" He hesitated, his gaze flickering back to Ji-Won, hoping for a suggestion. "If you have any ideas, anything you like, anywhere's fine with me."
Ji-Won felt a moment of confusion swirl within him, unsure if Andrew would enjoy the kind of place he envisioned. Then, a thought struck him—a spot where Andrew could truly experience an authentic evening, surrounded by good Korean food and a lively atmosphere.
They ended up at a pojangmacha, a vibrant street food stall near the market that overlooked the sea, the gentle glow of a lighthouse flickering in the distance. The area buzzed with energy—locals and tourists mingling, their laughter mingling with the enticing aroma of grilled meats and savory spices that wafted through the air.
"Andrew, I hope you're okay eating in a place like this," Ji-Won asked, his voice tinged with concern as they navigated through the stalls, glancing at the colorful array of food.
Andrew met his gaze with a reassuring smile, shaking his head lightly. "No worries at all." His relaxed demeanor helped ease Ji-Won's apprehension.
As they wove through the bustling market, sampling various foods and drinks, the initial tension between them began to dissolve. Their steps felt lighter, and soon, laughter bubbled between them—Ji-Won introducing Andrew to dishes that surprised him with their bold flavors, Andrew responding with delighted gasps and playful grins, occasionally startled by the unfamiliar tastes.
The atmosphere around them grew warmer, a sense of ease replacing the earlier uncertainty. As the night wore on, they found themselves resting near the lighthouse, the cold wind from the sea teasing through their hair. Andrew noticed Ji-Won shiver slightly, his frame trembling against the chill.
Without a second thought, Andrew removed his jacket and gently draped it over Ji-Won's shoulders, a protective gesture that contrasted with the brisk wind. "Here, you're cold," he said softly, his voice sincere, warmth radiating from the fabric.
Ji-Won looked up, his eyes widening in surprise, taken aback by Andrew's kindness. "You didn't have to…" His voice trailed off, gratitude evident in his gaze.
Sensing the tension lingering between them, Ji-Won decided to lighten the mood. "By the way, how old are you? If you don't mind me asking," he inquired, offering a small smile, his curiosity piqued.
Andrew, casual yet earnest, replied, "Twenty." He paused, then flashed Ji-Won a playful smile. "I just turned twenty this year."
Ji-Won froze for a moment, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What?! I'm way older!" Laughter burst from him, but it held a slight edge, as if trying to mask the sudden shift in dynamic. "Hahaha…"
Intrigued, Andrew leaned in slightly, his face coming much closer to Ji-Won's than either of them had anticipated. "So how old are you?" he asked, his voice low and teasing, the proximity causing Ji-Won's heart to skip a beat.
Ji-Won's breath hitched, startled by how close Andrew was. To cover the awkwardness creeping in, he quickly joked, "Secret! But from now on, you have to call me Hyung."
"Hyung?" Andrew repeated, confusion flickering across his face. His lips parted, as if to say more, but the word felt foreign to him.
"Yes," Ji-Won nodded, managing a playful grin, "That's what you're supposed to call an older brother."
Andrew paused for a moment, the significance of the word sinking in. Then, with a playful smirk, he gently patted Ji-Won's head, testing out the role with a lightheartedness that sent a thrill through Ji-Won. "Alright... Hyung."
As the night grew colder and the surroundings quieter, Ji-Won glanced at his watch. "Alright, it's getting late. Shall I walk you back to the hotel?" he asked kindly, his voice soft yet warm, the cool breeze from the sea brushing against their cheeks.
They started walking side by side when suddenly, Andrew stopped in his tracks. "Hyung," he called out, his voice almost hesitant, making Ji-Won turn around with a curious hum, "Hmm?"
Andrew hesitated for a moment, stepping closer, his eyes searching Ji-Won's face for something unspoken. "Are you free again tomorrow?" he asked, his tone layered with uncertainty and a flicker of hope.
Ji-Won blinked, slightly caught off guard by the question, his mind racing with possibilities. He wondered what Andrew was thinking, why he was asking about his plans. As Andrew closed the gap between them, the air thickened with tension. "Hyung, are you free tomorrow?" Andrew repeated, his voice clearer, almost pleading.
Ji-Won looked up, their eyes locking in a moment that felt electric. He scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit awkward. "Actually, I've got work at the tangerine farm tomorrow morning," he admitted, his tone apologetic, hoping to temper any disappointment.
Andrew's expression didn't waver; determination radiated from him. He leaned in slightly, his resolve palpable. "Then... can I join you?"
"What?" Ji-Won blinked again, surprised, the sudden suggestion catching him off guard. "That's too troublesome for you," he replied, genuine concern coloring his voice. The thought of Andrew spending a day at the farm seemed daunting—he wasn't sure if Andrew was prepared for that kind of work.
But Andrew's eyes remained unwavering. "I'll be okay, I promise," he reassured, his voice steady and sincere. The way he looked at Ji-Won, so earnest and filled with a quiet intensity, tugged at Ji-Won's heart, leaving him momentarily speechless.
****
At the farm, Uncle Baek was already busy adjusting the equipment, his brows furrowed in concentration as he scanned the area. Without looking up, he called out, "Where's Won-won?"
Byeong-Ho, who was setting up nearby, shrugged casually, his hands full with a basket of tools. "He said he'd be going somewhere quick, then heading straight here," he replied, glancing around. His eyes lit up when he spotted Ji-Won approaching, with a tall figure beside him. "Oh, Hyung's here, Uncle," he added, waving them over.
Uncle Baek turned his head, his curiosity evident as he squinted at the pair. His eyes widened, a teasing smile spreading across his face when he saw the tall man beside Ji-Won. "And who is this fine man you've brought along, Won-won?" he asked, his voice warm with a hint of playful mischief.
Ji-Won chuckled, feeling a bit self-conscious as he gave a slight nod towards Andrew, who lingered a step behind. "Uncle, this is Andrew," he said softly, gesturing to him with an encouraging smile.
Uncle Baek's eyebrows shot up as he processed the name. "Oh, Andrew? You mean the gentleman who bought all our fish yesterday?" His voice was filled with surprise and appreciation.
Ji-Won nodded, his expression relaxing. "Yes, Uncle. That's him."
With a broad grin, Uncle Baek stepped forward, extending both hands to Andrew, shaking his with a firm, welcoming grip. "Ah, hello! I've been wanting to meet you," he said warmly. "Thank you for buying all that fish—you really made our day yesterday."
Andrew returned the smile, a touch of bashfulness in his eyes. "It was my pleasure, Sir," he replied humbly. "I hope I'm not imposing by being here."
Uncle Baek laughed heartily, shaking his head as he waved off Andrew's concern. "Not at all, not at all," he assured him. Then, glancing around the bustling farm, he raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're comfortable here? It's not exactly a fancy hotel."
Andrew let out a small laugh, glancing back at Ji-Won. "I think I'll manage just fine," he replied confidently.
"Alright, if you say so," Uncle Baek said, giving Andrew a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Make yourself comfortable."
As Uncle Baek turned back to his work, Andrew's eyes met Ji-Won's, a playful glint in his gaze. Ji-Won's heart gave a small flutter, feeling the unspoken warmth between them. Just as Ji-Won was about to respond, Byeong-Ho approached, breaking the quiet moment. He handed Andrew an apron with a friendly smile. "Here, you'll need this," he said.
Andrew accepted the apron and carefully tied it around his waist, glancing over at Ji-Won with a lighthearted smile. They moved toward the tangerine trees together, the warm sun beaming overhead and the fresh citrus scent filling the air. Ji-Won watched as Andrew fumbled slightly, his hands clumsy around the branches at first, but soon he adapted, determination visible in every movement. Each time Andrew struggled with a particularly stubborn branch, Ji-Won instinctively reached over, their hands brushing as he helped guide him.
As the work continued, they found a rhythm, an easy camaraderie building with each small interaction. At one point, Ji-Won reached for a large crate filled with tangerines, but before he could lift it, Andrew stepped forward, taking it from his hands with a firm but gentle grip. "I got this," Andrew said, his voice steady and soft.
Ji-Won paused, caught off guard by Andrew's quiet assertiveness. "You don't have to—" he began, but Andrew interrupted with a smile.
"Hyung, let me help," Andrew said, the word "Hyung" rolling off his tongue with a playful emphasis, as though he was enjoying his newfound title.
Ji-Won chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, alright," he relented, feeling a faint blush creeping up. The day wore on, the sun casting long shadows as they finished their work. Uncle Baek appeared, clapping his hands with satisfaction. "Good job today, everyone," he said, his tone cheerful. Then, looking at Andrew, he added "You should wash off that sweat. Ji-Won, lend him some clothes when we get to the house."
Andrew glanced over, a bit hesitant. "But… I'm afraid Hyung's clothes won't fit me," he replied, casting a sheepish look at Ji-Won, a shy smile pulling at his lips.
"Oh, don't worry about that!" Uncle Baek waved his hand dismissively. "Ji-Won has plenty of big clothes. Besides, you both look like you'd fill them out well," he added with a wink Before heading back toward the house, leaving the two standing alone in the warm afternoon light, they soon followed behind Uncle and Byeong-Ho in the same direction.
As soon as they arrived at the house, only a short distance from the farm, they paused outside for a moment. Andrew sighed, feeling the day's work in his muscles. Without much thought, he reached down and pulled off his t-shirt, using it to wipe the sweat from his chest and neck. Ji-Won froze, eyes widening as he tried—and failed—not to stare. The sudden sight of Andrew's bare torso sent a rush of heat to his face, his mind scrambling for composure as he looked away, rubbing the back of his neck in a futile attempt to mask his reaction.
Andrew, oblivious to Ji-Won's flustered state, glanced over with a casual smile. "That was a tough day, huh?" he said, his voice relaxed.
Ji-Won's heart skipped, his voice stumbling over his words. "Y-Yeah… really tough," he muttered, letting out a nervous laugh and rubbing his neck, still refusing to meet Andrew's gaze.
They stood in silence for a moment, the air thick with a quiet tension that neither seemed ready to break. Finally, Andrew glanced at the house, giving Ji-Won a small, understanding nod. "Shall we go in?" he asked, his tone gentle.
The story doesn't end here...