Chapter Text
Jaeyuns summer has been boring, it always is. He’s back on his family's farm for the summer. Back to the creaking wood floors and the mornings filled with chirping birds and clucking chickens. Back to waking up bored out of his mind being thousands of miles away from his friends.
He was forced back to the family farm, his parents said it’ll be a good way to destress after he complained about having the worst semester of his life (which may have been an over exaggeration). His original plan was far from this. But he can’t say he doesn’t enjoy it now after seeing what shiny new ranch hand got delivered to the Parks residence across the street.
The first time Jaeyun saw him, he had just come back from his morning run. The sight of a dusty blue truck with scuffed bumpers parked in front of the Parks residence caught his eye. He’s never seen it before and the Parks rarely have any visitors and it’s also not his business to be wondering who's at his neighbors house for god sake. But Jaeyun is nosy so he takes a peep into the truck but the windows are heavily tinted and that makes it all suspicious. Why does a person need their car to be that tinted? He could probably get killed in that truck and no one would even notice. Ok now that was an exaggeration too, his mind often wanders too far.
Jaeyun’s heart nearly skipped a beat as he saw the stranger reach into the truck, pulling out a deep brown cowboy hat. The stranger placed it on his head with a practiced ease, adjusting the brim with a subtle smirk that seemed to hint he’d noticed Jaeyun’s flustered reaction.
The hat suited him far too well, casting a bit of shade over his face and accentuating his strong jawline. Jaeyun felt a ridiculous urge to look anywhere but at him, so he fixed his gaze upward, pretending to examine a cloud with deep interest. He cursed himself internally—he hadn’t even managed a decent nod.
When he glanced back down, he found the stranger’s eyes still on him, a hint of amusement glinting in them. Jaeyun gulped, feeling his face heat up even more. He attempted a casual cough, trying to regain some semblance of composure.
With a slight tip of his hat, the stranger offered a half-smile and said, “Didn’t mean to make you stare”. His voice had a low, easy drawl that made Jaeyun’s heart stutter. The words were teasing, but there was a warmth in them too, a subtle invitation.
“Uh, yeah,” Jaeyun stumbled, finally managing to return the smile, though he was certain he looked more awkward than he wanted.
The stranger chuckled softly before heading toward the house, leaving Jaeyun standing there to wonder if he’ll ever see the handsome stranger again.
Jaeyuns morning runs become less grueling now that he has something to look forward to. Every morning he wakes up to go on his little run and returns with his chest heaving, drenched in sweat but oddly energized with his eyes scanning for the dusty blue truck parked outside the Parks house.
Sometimes he’s lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the stranger walking down the path to the front of the Parks house to greet the family before doing his daily duties. He’d see the stranger stroll out of the house, his cowboy hat tipped low over his brow, exchanging a few words with Mr. Park or nodding politely at Mrs. Park. He watched as the stranger’s tan arms flexed with each movement, his broad shoulders and loose stride somehow captivating in their ease.
Some days Jaeyun runs a little slower because he fucking hates running and misses out on seeing the man. Those days always left him feeling a strange sense of disappointment, like he’d lost a rare opportunity. He found himself making excuses to hang around near the fence line, glancing over his shoulder every few minutes. If he timed things just right, the stranger might come down to the fence, resting his arm casually on the top rail, sending Jaeyun that familiar smirk, as if he could read every thought crossing Jaeyun’s mind.
Jaeyun tried to keep his voice casual as he strolled into the kitchen, catching the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm toast. "Do you guys know about the new helper at the Parks'?"
His dad, seated at the kitchen table with the morning paper, looked up, raising an eyebrow. “Oh yeah, talked to him for a bit yesterday afternoon. He’s working hard, from what I can tell,” he said, taking a sip of coffee.
“He’s a nice boy,” his mom added, glancing over her shoulder as she flipped a batch of pancakes on the stove. “Very polite. Offered to help me carry in the groceries while he was outside”
Jaeyun tried not to seem too eager, but his curiosity got the better of him. “Did he, uh… mention where he’s from or his name maybe?” he asked.
His mom chuckled, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “Curious, are we? He’s from somewhere a town over, I think. He mentioned his family’s back there but didn’t give too many details. Said he’s just here to help out for the summer. And no I didn’t get a name.”
Jaeyun’s heart picked up speed. “Seems like a hard worker, then.”
“Oh, he is,” his dad agreed, setting down his cup. “Smart kid too. Knows his way around ranch work better than most. The Parks lucked out with him.”
Jaeyun nodded, chewing thoughtfully. He couldn’t get the image of the stranger out of his head— the casual confidence and that teasing smirk. If only he knew his name.
“Hey, I’m going to, uh, mow the lawn!” Jaeyun called out, barely giving his parents a chance to respond before he stepped out, letting the screen door slam shut behind him. The decision to mow the lawn had been impulsive, a split-second excuse the moment he’d spotted the guy working on the fences across the way. Jaeyun didn’t actually know how to mow the lawn—or even how to start the old, rusty mower—but that didn’t seem to matter right now.
He approached the shed, fiddling with the lawn mower’s handle, hoping muscle memory or sheer determination would somehow kick in. He cast a sideways glance toward the fence, where the guy was adjusting a post, the sleeves of his flannel shirt rolled up, revealing tanned forearms that flexed with every movement. Jaeyun swallowed, feeling his cheeks grow warm.
Jaeyun takes several awkward pulls on the starter cord but God was not on his side today because it was not starting at all. He glanced towards the stranger, who, he realized, had paused his work to watch.
With a faint smile, he tipped his hat, eyes glinting with a hint of amusement as he took in Jaeyun’s haphazard mowing attempt. Embarrassed but unable to stop now, Jaeyun grinned back, feeling his pulse race. He managed a casual nod, hoping it looked as effortless as the strangers. Just when he thought he might collapse from the combination of the heat and his own nervousness, the handsome stranger called out, “Need a hand there?”
Jaeyun’s heart did a little flip, and he shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Only if you’re an expert,” he replied, though his voice wavered slightly.
The stranger chuckled, leaning against the fence with that familiar smirk. “Lucky for you, I am.” He walked over, leaving his tools behind, and reached for the mower handle. As he stood beside him, Jaeyun realized just how close they were, the latters shoulder brushing against his as he expertly adjusted the mower settings.
"Here," he murmured, leaning in further, his arm stretching around Jaeyun to adjust the mower’s choke lever. Jaeyun dared a glance at him, catching the focused look in the latters eyes and the slight scrunch of his brow as he checked the settings. Up close, his face was somehow even more captivating—sun-touched and handsome, with a faint smattering of freckles across his nose that Jaeyun hadn’t noticed before.
The mower roared to life under the man's practiced guidance, and he gestured to the yard. “Now just keep it steady and go in rows. Don’t rush it, or you’ll end up with patches,” he said, grinning down at Jaeyun with that same teasing glint.
Jaeyun managed a nod, gripping the handle a little tighter than necessary, though he barely noticed his own awkwardness as he kept stealing glances at the latters relaxed, easy stance beside him. His heart was racing, though he hoped it wasn’t obvious.
The stranger took a step back, crossing his arms and watching Jaeyun’s progress, still smiling. “You’ve got it,” he called out encouragingly. But, half-distracted, Jaeyun stumbled slightly, sending the mower veering into a jagged line that butchered the careful row he’d been trying to make. The stranger chuckled, shaking his head in amusement.
Jaeyun’s face burned as he let go of the mower and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Guess I’m not exactly a natural at this,” he muttered, though he couldn’t help but laugh too.
The stranger chuckled, stepping closer again. “Hey, nothing wrong with a little extra practice,” he said, his voice a bit softer this time. His gaze lingered on Jaeyun’s for a beat longer than necessary, and Jaeyun felt his breath hitch. There was a warmth in the man's eyes that sent a flutter through his stomach.
He tipped his hat, that familiar smirk tugging at his lips. “Let me know if you need any more lessons,” he said, his tone playful. And with a final wink, he turned back toward the Parks’ property, leaving Jaeyun standing in the middle of his uneven, half-mowed lawn, grinning like an idiot.
As the stranger walked away, Jaeyun’s eyes followed him, taking in the way the sunlight caught the curve of his shoulders and the relaxed sway of his stride.
Then Jaeyun realizes it. Fuck he forgot to ask for his name.
Jaeyun was lounging on the couch, lazily licking a strawberry popsicle he’d found stashed in the back of the freezer. The summer heat was unbearable, and the thought of stepping outside was out of the question; he’d much rather stay indoors than risk sweating through his clothes. He clicked idly through the channels, not paying much attention to any show in particular, just content to relax and cool down.
The front door swung open, and his mom bustled in, arms loaded with grocery bags. Startled, Jaeyun jumped up, quickly abandoning the remote and half-eaten popsicle on the coffee table to help her. But just as he moved, his eyes landed on the figure walking in right behind her, carrying the rest of the bags.
“Oh, thank you, dear,” his mom said gratefully, reaching to relieve him of one of the bags.
“No problem, ma’am,” he replied, his voice warm and easy. “Always happy to help.”
Jaeyun froze, his hand halfway to reaching for a bag, as he stared at the man standing in his living room. The stranger was without his usual hat, and his messy, slightly damp hair stuck to his forehead. His skin had a healthy sheen to it, a layer of sweat from the summer heat making him look effortlessly rugged. Up close like this, in the cool shadows of Jaeyun’s house, he looked more approachable—almost casual in his faded shirt and jeans, but undeniably handsome.
The man caught Jaeyun’s eye and gave him a small smile, his lips pulling up just enough to reveal a flash of teeth, and Jaeyun felt his heart skip.
“Oh, Jaeyun,” his mom’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “This is Heeseung, the new ranch hand over at the Parks’ place. He helped me carry these from the car.”
Heeseung. Jaeyun finally had a name to match the face, and it sounded way too nice, rolling around in his head. He cleared his throat, struggling to regain his composure, and managed a friendly nod. “Thanks for helping out with the bags.”
“No worries,” Heeseung replied, his voice a smooth, easy drawl. He shifted his grip on the bags slightly, exposing the veins along his forearms, and Jaeyun looked away quickly, embarrassed by his own reaction.
Jaeyun’s mom glanced between them, blissfully unaware of his nerves. “Heeseung, feel free to grab a drink from the fridge before heading back out. It’s too hot to be working nonstop.”
Heeseung gave a polite nod, “I’ll take you up on that, thank you.” He set the grocery bags on the counter and moved toward the kitchen, walking right past Jaeyun. The faint scent of cedarwood and sweat hit him, making Jaeyun’s pulse race just a little faster.
As Heeseung opened the fridge, Jaeyun realized he was still holding his half-eaten popsicle. He tried to act casual, taking a slow lick, but then Heeseung glanced back, catching him mid-bite. There was a glimmer of amusement in Heeseung’s eyes as he watched him, his lips curving into a small smirk. “Hope I didn’t interrupt your afternoon,” Heeseung said, nodding to the TV.
Jaeyun shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Nah, it’s way too hot out to be doing much of anything,” he replied, though his voice felt a little off, and he was painfully aware of the popsicle in his hand.
Heeseung chuckled, grabbing a bottle of water and twisting off the cap. “Tell me about it. Still, looks like you’re handling it better than most,” he said with a wink, nodding toward the popsicle.
Jaeyun nearly choked on his next lick, hastily looking away as he felt the heat in his cheeks rivaling that of the summer sun. Heeseung only took a long drink of water, then thanked Jaeyun’s mom again before heading back toward the front door, pausing briefly to tip an imaginary hat Jaeyun’s way before stepping outside.
As soon as the door shut, Jaeyun let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, collapsing back onto the couch. His mom watched him with a smile, oblivious. “He’s such a nice boy, isn’t he?”
Jaeyun only nodded, his mind still spinning as he replayed every second of their interaction.
Jaeyun doesn’t know if he’s making it too obvious, but he can’t help himself. When a shiny red apple is right in front of you, how can you resist taking a bite? That’s exactly how he feels as he lounges on the front porch, sunglasses shielding his eyes and a book resting on his lap. To anyone passing by, he looks the picture of relaxation, soaking in the lazy afternoon and enjoying the calm of the countryside. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
His real focus is across the street, where Heeseung is perched on a ladder, fixing something on the Parks’ house. The late afternoon sun catches the sheen of sweat on Heeseung’s arms, his rolled-up sleeves revealing toned forearms that make Jaeyun’s stomach do an embarrassing little flip. The sunglasses are his saving grace, allowing him to stare unabashedly without fear of being caught.
The book in his hands is purely for show—one of his mom’s random paperbacks that he’d grabbed without a second thought on his way out. He hasn’t even cracked it open, not that he could concentrate if he tried. Every now and then, Heeseung shifts on the ladder, his shirt riding up just enough to reveal a glimpse of his lower back, and Jaeyun feels his heart stutter.
He tells himself he’s being ridiculous, that he should just look away and actually enjoy the scenery. But then Heeseung leans down to grab a tool, his biceps flexing as he moves, and Jaeyun knows he’s a goner. The porch, the book, the sunglasses—it’s all just a flimsy excuse to stay here and indulge in the sight of Heeseung.
Then Heeseung starts climbing down the ladder, and Jaeyun’s heart skips a beat as the old, rickety thing wobbles with every step. He watches in thinly veiled panic, gripping the book on his lap a little tighter as if that could somehow steady the ladder from across the street. Heeseung reaches the ground safely, brushing his hands on his jeans, and Jaeyun lets out a small, relieved breath.
But then Heeseung turns around. His gaze sweeps the area before landing directly on Jaeyun, and there’s a subtle tilt of his head, as if he’s questioning why Jaeyun’s just sitting there on the porch. Jaeyun freezes under the scrutiny, his fingers twitching nervously. For a second, he thinks about smiling or maybe even giggling like an idiot because Heeseung noticed him . But no, he can’t make it that obvious—he has to play it cool.
So Jaeyun does his best impression of someone who hasn’t been blatantly ogling for the past twenty minutes. He adjusts his sunglasses slightly and fixes his gaze on some random point in the distance, pretending to be completely absorbed in the nonexistent scenery. He flips a page in the book, though he doesn’t even register what’s on it.
But his attempt at nonchalance crumbles when he sees Heeseung move out of the corner of his eye. Heeseung isn’t just standing there anymore; he’s walking—no, striding—straight toward him.
Oh, no. Oh, fuck.
Jaeyun’s mind goes blank, a sudden rush of panic replacing any coherent thoughts. He can’t even process what to do, let alone why Heeseung is coming over. His heartbeat feels loud in his ears, and his hands tighten around the book as if it’s his lifeline. He knows he should look calm, act like he’s unbothered, but all he can think is, Heeseung’s coming over. Heeseung’s coming over.
Jaeyun pretends not to notice Heeseung standing right in front of him. His face is practically buried in the book, held so close that it probably makes him look ridiculous. The words on the page blur together—not that he was reading them anyway—and he prays Heeseung doesn’t see through his act.
It’s only when Heeseung clears his throat that Jaeyun finally lowers the book, feigning surprise like he hadn’t been caught red-handed. “Oh! Sorry, I didn’t realize you were there,” he stammers, trying to muster a casual smile.
Heeseung grins, the kind of grin that makes Jaeyun’s stomach flip. “Jaeyun, right?”
Jaeyun nods quickly, trying to tamp down the heat rising in his cheeks. “Yeah, that’s me.”
“Mind if I could get some help?”
“Help with what?” Jaeyun asks, his voice coming out a little too high-pitched for his liking.
“The ladder’s a little wobbly. I just need you to hold it steady while I finish up.”
“Oh, oh! Uh, sure!” Jaeyun scrambles to his feet, nearly dropping the book in the process. He places it haphazardly on the chair and follows Heeseung toward the ladder, his heart pounding in a chaotic rhythm.
As they walk, Jaeyun can’t help but steal a glance at Heeseung, who’s explaining something about the repair job he’s working on. Jaeyun doesn’t catch a word of it. His brain is far too occupied ogling the man in front of him.
Jaeyun holds the ladder as heeseung makes his way up there. It seems pretty stable to him, hes not really sure why heeseung called him over here. Heeseung finishes up quickly and starts to make his way down the ladder.
“You could’ve finished without me,” Jaeyun says, trying to play it cool, though the grip he has on the ladder is far tighter than necessary.
“Oh, I know,” Heeseung replies, his voice casual but tinged with amusement. He steps off the last rung and looks at Jaeyun with that infuriatingly smug grin of his. “Just thought you’d appreciate a closer view.”
Jaeyun chokes on air, his lungs apparently deciding that breathing was optional. He stumbles back a step, coughing as his face heats up so much it might as well be glowing. Heeseung chuckles softly, clearly entertained by Jaeyun’s reaction.
Panic rises in Jaeyun’s chest as the words sink in. He knows . He must know. Jaeyun curses himself internally—why, oh why, did he think sitting outside and staring like a creep was a good idea? Now he’s been caught red-handed, his poorly veiled sunglasses and fake book façade useless against Heeseung’s sharp instincts.
Jaeyun barely manages to recover from his spiraling embarrassment when Heeseung throws him another curveball.
“Do you have any more of those popsicles?” Heeseung asks casually, as if Jaeyun isn’t two seconds away from melting into the ground out of pure mortification.
The question catches Jaeyun so off guard that he stumbles over his words. “I—uh, I think so?”
Heeseung’s lips curl into an easy smile. “Mind if I have one? It’s a little hot out.”
“Oh… uh, sure,” Jaeyun blurts, his brain struggling to catch up. “Do you… want to come into my house?”
“Yup,” Heeseung says simply, already heading toward the porch steps like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Inside, the air is cool, a stark contrast to the summer heat outside. Jaeyun heads straight for the freezer, pulling it open to reveal a half-empty box of popsicles shoved behind a bag of frozen peas. Heeseung leans against the counter, watching him with a calm amusement that does nothing to ease Jaeyun’s frazzled nerves.
“Here,” Jaeyun said, thrusting a cherry popsicle toward him.
Heeseung peeled the wrapper back and took a deliberate bite, sighing softly in satisfaction as if the cold treat was a remedy for the summer heat. Jaeyun lingered by the fridge, aimlessly nibbling on his own popsicle, trying to make sense of how he’d ended up with Heeseung casually hanging out in his kitchen.
They settled into a conversatin, the kind of back-and-forth that felt more natural than Jaeyun had anticipated. Heeseung’s voice was steady as he spoke about growing up in a noisy house with siblings, contrasting sharply with Jaeyun’s quieter upbringing as an only child. The conversation shifted to the farm, college, and the paths they had taken—or avoided.
Heeseung’s words carried a quiet confidence, his explanations grounded in a simplicity Jaeyun found oddly compelling. Ranch work, Heeseung explained, wasn’t just what he knew—it was something honest and tangible. The way his eyes flicked toward the window, like he could see the endless expanse of land even from here, only added to the sentiment.
Jaeyun shared more than he expected, his own uncertainty about college spilling out in pieces. Then the room settled into a comfortable quiet, broken only by the faint hum of the refrigerator. And Jaeyun doesn’t even know how he went from getting caught red handed to having Heeseung in his kitchen talking about life. It's weird.
“I like your town, you grew up in a nice place”, Heeseung brings up after a few seconds of silence. “Especially with the cute little neighbor I get to see.”
Jaeyun froze, choking on his popsicle as his face burned. Heeseung’s laughter echoed softly in the kitchen, casual and unbothered, while Jaeyun was left scrambling to recover his composure.
Jaeyun finally regained his composure, laughing nervously as he wiped the popsicle juice from his chin. "Well, I’ll be sure to tell Mrs. Park you think she’s cute," he joked, trying to play it cool.
Heeseung chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving Jaeyun. "She’s sweet," he said, his voice lowered with a hint of something else, "but no, not her."
Before he could react, Heeseung closed the distance between them, his presence suddenly more intense. Jaeyun’s breath caught as Heeseung leaned in, his face so close now that Jaeyun could feel the warmth of his breath against his lips. Heeseung’s eyes flickered down to Jaeyun’s lips for a split second, then back up, as if silently asking for permission. Jaeyun’s heart pounded in his chest as he held eye contact, not sure where the sudden tension was coming from but unable to look away.
Heeseung’s lips brushed against Jaeyun’s, the touch so light, so tentative. Jaeyun’s body went still, but then Heeseung’s tongue flicked out, tasting the last remnants of strawberry popsicle on his lips. "Mmm... tastes good. I think you’re sweeter," Heeseung murmured against him, the words sending a shiver down Jaeyun’s spine.
Jaeyun froze, his mind racing.
"Strawberry’s definitely your flavor," Heeseung added with a quiet, teasing smile. Jaeyun froze, his pulse racing as Heeseung’s grin lingered just inches away. But before Jaeyun could respond, Heeseung leaned back, straightening up with a sigh. “Unfortunately,” he said, brushing an imaginary speck of dust off his shirt, “my break’s over. Gotta get back to work, or the Parks might have my head.”
Jaeyun swallowed, still dazed, watching as Heeseung gave him a small wink before heading toward the door. He felt the urge to say something, to stop him—anything to keep him there a little longer—but all he could do was stand there, his heart pounding as Heeseung disappeared out the front door with a casual wave over his shoulder.
After the awkward encounter with Heeseung, Jaeyun swore off sitting on the porch, at least for the time being. He couldn’t risk getting caught again, so he had to be more creative. He found himself making excuses to go outside whenever Heeseung was in the vicinity. He’d water the front yard at odd hours, or loudly complain to his parents about how pale he was and how he needed to get a good tan. It was ridiculous, he knew, but it was summer—and if there was ever a time to make dumb choices, it was now.
Today, he was committed to the tanning routine. No distractions. As he stepped outside, he didn’t immediately spot Heeseung, which was just as well. He was out here for himself, not to ogle his ridiculously hot neighbors ranch hand, no matter how much he wanted to. Jaeyun threw his blanket onto the grass, smoothing it out with exaggerated care, then fumbled with the sunscreen bottle. He managed to spread it on his back before finally settling onto his stomach.
The warmth of the sun washed over him, the rays soaking into his skin and making his eyelids grow heavy. His body relaxed into the earth beneath him, and just as he was about to drift off to sleep, he heard the sound of boots crunching on the grass, unmistakable and slow. Jaeyun’s heart skipped a beat before he turned his head, already knowing who it was.
Heeseung stood there, boots planted firmly in the grass, a casual stance that made Jaeyun’s breath hitch. He looked so damn good from this angle—tall and broad. Jaeyun couldn’t help but let his gaze linger a moment longer than necessary, taking in the way the sunlight caught in Heeseung’s tousled hair, the outline of his strong frame, the easy swagger of his movements.
The urge to have Heeseung close, too close, washed over him. Jaeyun found himself imagining Heeseung hovering over him, a different kind of weight pressing down, and he had to bite his lip to keep the thought from fully forming. But damn, did Heeseung ever look like he belonged there, standing above him like that.
Jaeyun quickly turned his face back into the blanket, trying to smother the blush creeping up his neck, hoping Heeseung couldn’t see it. But of course, Heeseung wasn’t one to let him off so easily.
“What are you doing?” Heeseung’s voice was low and curious, laced with amusement.
“Ever heard of tanning?” Jaeyun huffed, keeping his face pressed into the fabric, wishing he could bury himself entirely.
“Yeah, at the beach—not in the middle of farmland,” Heeseung replied, a smirk audible in his tone.
Jaeyun lifted his head slightly, turning just enough to squint up at Heeseung. “It’s the same sun. What’s the difference?”
Heeseung shrugged, his shadow falling over Jaeyun as he leaned forward slightly. “Beaches usually come with waves and ice cream. Here, you’ve got cows and... well, dirt.”
Jaeyun rolled his eyes, propping himself up on his forearms. “Thanks for the input, Captain Obvious. Now, unless you’re here to rub sunscreen on my back, maybe let me work on my tan in peace?”
Heeseung raised an eyebrow, clearly fighting back a laugh. “Rubbing sunscreen on your back, huh? Is that a request, or...?”
“I’ll take you up on the offer, though,” Heeseung said smoothly, a playful lilt in his tone that sent Jaeyun’s heart racing.
Jaeyun opened his mouth to protest, to tell him it wasn’t serious—but the words never came. Because, really, who was he to argue? If Heeseung wanted to rub him up, Jaeyun wasn’t going to be the idiot to stop him.
Heeseung grinned at the lack of resistance, reaching for the bottle of sunscreen lying on the blanket. “Guess it’s my turn to do some work.” He twisted the cap open, the subtle scent of coconut wafting through the air as he poured some into his palm.
Jaeyun felt his muscles tense as Heeseung’s hands came into contact with his back, spreading the cool sunscreen across his warm skin. His fingers worked with surprising gentleness, tracing over the planes of Jaeyun’s shoulders and down to his lower back.
Heeseung’s hands stilled for a brief moment on Jaeyun’s back, and when he spoke, his tone was casual but laced with unmistakable intent. “If you want to see me so badly, you might as well get my number,” he said, the words rolling off his tongue with an air of confidence.
Jaeyun lifted his head slightly, his brows furrowing as he shot a sideways glance at Heeseung. “I think you’re the one who wants to see me,” he countered, a spark of boldness creeping into his voice. “You’re the one who came up to me while I was obviously tanning.”
Heeseung laughed softly, leaning back on his heels as if amused by Jaeyun’s attempt to flip the situation. “Well, I won’t lie,” he admitted, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I did come over to your house to get your number. But then I saw you sprawled out on the ground like that.”
Jaeyun doesn’t respond at first—how could he when his brain is struggling to form coherent thoughts with Heeseung’s hands trailing over his back? The warmth of those fingers, the gentle pressure, and the way Heeseung’s touch lingers just a moment too long make his skin tingle.
Heeseung’s voice cuts through the haze. “So, number?” he prompts again, his tone light but expectant as he smooths in the last streak of sunscreen.
Without a word, Jaeyun reaches his hand out, palm up, silently demanding Heeseung’s phone. Heeseung chuckles softly but obliges, pulling it from his pocket and handing it over.
Jaeyun punches in his number quickly, refusing to meet Heeseung’s gaze as he does so. The blush heating his face is bad enough without letting Heeseung see just how flustered he is. Once done, he hands the phone back, finally daring to look up.
“Thanks, sugar,” Heeseung drawls, his grin teasing and slow, his eyes glinting with mischief. Jaeyun freezes at the nickname, his heart skipping a beat. “Don’t tan for too long the sun is gonna burn right through your skin”
And just like that, he’s off, sauntering back toward the Parks’ house, probably to get back to whatever ranch hand duties he’d abandoned to come over and tease Jaeyun senseless.
Jaeyun waits, lying perfectly still on his blanket, watching Heeseung’s retreating figure until it disappears. Only then does he let out the shaky breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.
After a few minutes of trying to calm his racing heart, he gathers up his blanket and heads back inside, mumbling something about the sun being too hot. He marches straight to the shower, needing to cool off—not just from the heat outside, but from the heat Heeseung had stirred in him.
Under the cold spray, Jaeyun tilts his head back and groans. It’s not enough, though, because thoughts of Heeseung linger: the way his hands had felt on his skin, the teasing grin, that damned nickname. Heeseung had imprinted himself onto Jaeyun’s mind, and there was no shaking him off.
Jaeyun gives in to the urge with a frustrated sigh, letting the cold water mix with the heat coursing through him. It’s summer, he reasons as his head tilts back against the tile. And summer is for dumb, impulsive choices—ones no one ever has to know about.
Jaeyun doesn’t receive a text from Heeseung until a few days later. And no, Jaeyun was definitely not waiting for it. Absolutely not.
The message comes late at night, long after the sun has set. Jaeyun is cozy under his sheets, half-focused on a conversation with Sunghoon over the phone. They’re catching up, and of course, Jaeyun has already spilled everything about Heeseung.
When his phone buzzes, Jaeyun glances at the screen out of habit—and immediately freezes.
“Oh my God,” he gasps, sitting up so fast that the bag of chips on his stomach tips over, spilling crumbs all over his bed. He doesn’t even care. His focus is locked on his phone screen, where a new notification stares back at him.
“What? What happened?” Sunghoon’s concerned voice comes through the line.
“It’s… nothing,” Jaeyun says quickly, though his voice betrays him.
“Nothing?” Sunghoon repeats skeptically.
Jaeyun doesn’t respond, his attention fixed on the message. It’s from an unknown number, but Jaeyun would bet his last dollar it’s from Heeseung. There’s something about the casual, slightly teasing tone of the words that feels unmistakably like him.
“So… are you going to open it?” Sunghoon asks, his curiosity practically dripping through the phone.
“I don’t know!” Jaeyun whisper-shouts, clutching his phone like it’s a precious artifact.
“Dude, come on,” Sunghoon groans. He’s not sure why he feels so nervous—maybe it’s the way his heart is racing, or the fact that it’s Heeseung on the other side of this message. “Just open it”.
With a deep breath and Sunghoon’s nagging in his ear, Jaeyun finally opens the message. His eyes scan the screen, and his breath catches.
It’s a picture along with the message: Hey sugar :)
Jaeyun would normally cringe at something like this if it were from anyone else—but it’s not. It’s Heeseung, of course.
He’s wearing a plain black tee that clings to his broad shoulders, his head tilted up slightly with a lopsided smile that makes Jaeyun’s heart skip. His usual hat is perched on his head, tilted just enough to cast a shadow over his eyes. The soft, warm glow of the evening light catches the sharp angles of his jawline, and Jaeyun swears he feels lightheaded.
Fuck my life.
“That good, huh?” Sunghoon’s voice cuts through Jaeyun’s daze.
Jaeyun groans, flopping back onto his bed with his phone clutched to his chest. “You don’t understand,” he mutters.
“Oh, I understand,” Sunghoon teases, his tone smug through the phone. “You’ve got it bad.”
And don’t even ask how Jaeyun responded—because he didn’t . He couldn’t.
He spent way too much time ogling the photo, zooming in on every little detail like a man possessed. The way the neckline of Heeseung’s black tee dipped slightly, revealing the faintest hint of his collarbones. The subtle scruff on his jawline that somehow made him look even more unfairly handsome. The shadow of his hat creating just enough mystery to make Jaeyun’s stomach flip.
Every single part of the image was like a personal attack, and Jaeyun could feel himself spiraling. What was he even supposed to say to something like this?
By the time he managed to pull himself out of his daze, it had already been too long. Way too long. Responding now would only make him look more pathetic, so with a heavy dose of self-loathing, Jaeyun left the message on read.
Jaeyun, unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), sees Heeseung the very next day.
It happens as Jaeyun leaves his house shortly after breakfast, armed with a list of errands his mom handed him. The list is folded neatly and tucked into the back pocket of his jeans, crinkling slightly as he moves. Car keys dangle from his hand, twirling lazily around his finger as he strides down the porch stairs. He’s mentally ticking off items he needs to grab from the market—milk, flour, something for tonight’s dinner—when movement across the street catches his eye.
It’s Heeseung.
Jaeyun freezes mid-step, his heart lurching in his chest.
Heeseung is standing by the fence at the edge of the Parks’ property, a bag of feed slung over one shoulder. His hair is a little messy, falling across his forehead in a way that shouldn’t look as good as it does. He’s wearing a plain gray shirt today, the fabric clinging to his broad shoulders, and his usual hat is tipped back, giving Jaeyun a clear view of his sharp jawline. He’s talking to someone—probably one of the ranch hands—but his attention shifts as if he senses Jaeyun’s gaze.
Their eyes meet, and Heeseung smiles—a warm, easy smile that makes Jaeyun’s stomach drop straight to his feet.
Fuck.
Heeseung doesn’t hesitate, slinging a bag of feed over his shoulder before strolling toward him with an unhurried confidence that only makes Jaeyun feel more flustered. Jaeyun grips his car keys a little tighter, resisting the urge to bolt back inside.
“Up early,” Heeseung comments, his tone light and teasing as he stops a few steps away.
Jaeyun forces a casual shrug. “Errands for my mom.”
Heeseung shifts the bag on his shoulder, his eyes crinkling slightly in amusement. “Headed into town?”
“Yup.”
“I can take you,” Heeseung offers, his grin widening. “I’m heading down that way too.”
Jaeyun hesitates for half a second, but who is he to refuse?. “Okay thanks”
Before he knows it, he’s sitting in Heeseung’s truck, the folded list of errands feeling heavy in his pocket. The truck’s cab smells faintly of hay and something warm, and Jaeyun sits stiffly in the passenger seat, hyper aware of how close they are in the confined space.
For a while, the ride is quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional crunch of gravel under the tires. Heeseung has one hand on the wheel, his other arm resting on the open window, and he looks perfectly at ease. Jaeyun tries not to fidget.
Then, Heeseung glances over, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Did you give me the wrong number?”
Jaeyun blinks, startled. “What?”
“I sent you a text last night,” Heeseung says, his tone light but with a hint of playful accusation. “Didn’t get a reply.”
Jaeyun’s face heats instantly. Shit. He remembers the photo—the stupidly attractive photo Heeseung had sent—and how he’d been too flustered to come up with a response. Now he’s regretting every life choice that led him to this moment.
“Oh, uh…” Jaeyun laughs awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, about that… uh, sorry. I saw it. Just got… distracted, I guess.”
Heeseung chuckles softly, shaking his head as he turns his attention back to the road. “Distracted, huh?”
The drive into town is quiet but comfortable, filled with the soft hum of the truck's engine and the occasional bump of a country road. Jaeyun finds himself sneaking glances at Heeseung, who has one hand on the wheel and the other draped lazily over the open window. The sunlight catches the edge of Heeseung’s jawline, making him look unfairly handsome, and Jaeyun curses himself for noticing.
When they reach the market, Heeseung hops out first, grabbing a cart near the entrance with an ease that feels so natural. “All right, lead the way,” he says with a grin, and Jaeyun tries not to get distracted by the way Heeseung’s arm flexes as he pushes the cart.
Inside, Jaeyun focuses on his list, navigating the familiar aisles and checking off items as he goes. Heeseung follows close behind, trailing with the cart like a shadow, but his presence is anything but quiet.
“Do you need this?” Heeseung asks, holding up a random jar of pickles he grabbed from a shelf.
Jaeyun raises a brow. “Nope.”
Heeseung shrugs, tossing it into the cart anyway. “For emergencies.”
Jaeyun huffs but doesn’t argue, secretly finding it a little cute how Heeseung keeps adding things to the cart. A bag of chips here, a box of cookies there—Heeseung seems to be making his own grocery list on the side.
When they finally reach the register, Jaeyun feels a rush of familiarity seeing the older woman behind the counter. She’s been a fixture in this small market for as long as he can remember, always smiling and ready for a chat.
“Good morning, Jaeyun,” she greets warmly, her eyes sparkling as they flick to Heeseung. “And who’s this fine gentleman with you today?”
Jaeyun stiffens, his brain scrambling for a response, but Heeseung beats him to it.
“Just helping Jaeyun with his errands,” Heeseung says smoothly, setting the items onto the counter with practiced ease. His voice is light, but there’s a playful edge to it, like he’s enjoying Jaeyun’s obvious fluster.
The cashier chuckles, clearly not fooled. “Well, isn’t that sweet? It’s not often we see Jaeyun here with company. Usually, it’s just him or his mom.”
Jaeyun feels his face burn. “Uh, yeah, just—just a friend,” he stammers, trying to play it cool while desperately wishing the conversation would move on.
“Friend, huh?” the cashier says, her smile widening knowingly.
Heeseung glances at Jaeyun, his smirk subtle but enough to make Jaeyun want to disappear on the spot.
“Anyway,” Jaeyun says quickly, handing over the money as the last item is bagged. He takes the bags before Heeseung can offer, clutching them like a lifeline as they head back to the truck.
Behind him, he can still hear the cashier’s soft laugh, and he knows she’ll have something to tease him about the next time he’s here.
The trip doesn’t end at the market. After loading the groceries into the back of Heeseung’s truck, he leans casually against the tailgate and asks, “Feel like a cold treat?”
Jaeyun blinks in surprise but nods. “Sure.”
Heeseung takes them to a quaint ice cream shop just down the street, the kind of place Jaeyun remembers from childhood, with pastel walls and a bell that jingles when they enter. They each pick their flavors—Jaeyun goes for something simple while Heeseung chooses a bright, over-the-top option that immediately earns him a raised eyebrow.
Sitting by the window, the two of them fall into easy conversation. It’s natural, unforced, like they’ve been doing this for years. Jaeyun finds himself grateful for the ease between them because, deep down, he knows—whatever is building between them feels inevitable. It’s not a matter of if , but when .
At college, Jaeyun is usually the one to carry conversations, to fill the quiet with his chatter. But now, sitting across from Heeseung, he doesn’t feel the need. He’d rather listen—to the smooth cadence of Heeseung’s voice, to the way it dips and softens as he speaks. He watches the way Heeseung’s eyes wander across his face, almost like they’re tracing a map, lingering here and there as if taking in every detail.
There’s something magnetic about the way Heeseung moves—his hands gesturing gently, his posture relaxed, the way his lips curve into a smile, unhurried and genuine. It’s a far cry from the cocky ranch boy act or the teasing smirks he throws Jaeyun’s way when they cross paths. There’s more to Heeseung than he lets on, layers Jaeyun can’t wait to uncover.
Jaeyun feels an ache of curiosity, a pull to know every side of him. What makes Heeseung laugh? What keeps him up at night? What dreams does he carry, buried beneath the quiet confidence he wears so effortlessly?
As Heeseung’s smile stretches into something softer, Jaeyun feels his chest tighten. He doesn’t know where this is going, but he’s certain of one thing—he wants to know everything about the man sitting across from him.
When Heeseung drops him back at his house just in time for lunch, he insists on helping Jaeyun bring everything inside. Jaeyun tries to protest, but Heeseung waves him off with a smile and grabs a few of the bags. Inside, Jaeyun’s parents greet Heeseung warmly, and to Jaeyun’s mild surprise, Heeseung talks to them effortlessly, as though he’s known them for years. His dad chuckles at one of Heeseung’s jokes, and his mom asks how things are at the Parks’ ranch. Heeseung answers with that easy charm of his, leaving Jaeyun watching quietly, half in admiration and half in awe of how effortlessly likable Heeseung is.
After a few minutes, Heeseung excuses himself, mentioning he’s got work waiting for him back at the ranch. Jaeyun trails behind as Heeseung steps out, his truck still parked in the driveway. Jaeyun tilts his head, a little confused when Heeseung doesn’t immediately get in. Instead, Heeseung nods for Jaeyun to follow him around to the back of the truck.
“What—” Jaeyun starts. But before he can finish, Heeseung steps closer, his movements deliberate, and suddenly Jaeyun’s breath catches in his throat.
Heeseung kisses him. His lips are warm and soft, molding perfectly against Jaeyun’s. His heart pounds in his chest, he steady thrum filling his ears as Heeseung tilts his head slightly, deepening the kiss.
Heeseung’s hand finds Jaeyun’s waist, his fingers curling gently but firmly, anchoring him in place. Jaeyun’s hands hover awkwardly for a moment before he finds himself gripping the front of Heeseung’s shirt. The kiss is consuming, a soft, unhurried intensity that leaves Jaeyun’s knees weak and his head spinning. When they finally part, Heeseung doesn’t pull away entirely
“Didn’t want to kiss you in front of your parents and have them think I’m trouble,” Heeseung says with a soft chuckle, brushing his thumb along Jaeyun’s jaw.
Jaeyun laughs. Then, as if to test his resolve, Heeseung leans in again, giving him a short peck, his lips brushing lightly against Jaeyun’s.
“I’ll save the rest for another time,” Heeseung says, stepping back just enough to give Jaeyun some air, though the teasing glint in his eyes says he’s well aware of the effect he’s having.
Jaeyun stays leaning against the truck, trying to collect himself as Heeseung moves to climb into the driver’s seat.
Before he shuts the door, Heeseung smirks and calls out, “Don’t ignore my message this time.”
Jaeyun doesn’t ignore Heeseung’s messages, not that he would’ve wanted to. It’s easier now—Heeseung isn’t sending photos of himself that leave Jaeyun’s brain short-circuiting, unsure how to respond.
Instead, Heeseung’s texts are casual, playful, and surprisingly thoughtful. He sends random updates about things he’s found on the ranch, like an oddly shaped carrot or an old coin he unearthed by accident. He sends pictures of the animals too: a calf dozing in the shade or a horse giving the camera an exaggerated yawn.
Jaeyun can’t help but smile at every notification. Heeseung’s messages are like tiny bursts of sunshine in his day, grounding him in the warmth of their growing connection.
Heeseung: Found this little guy hiding in the barn. Thought you’d like him. 🐱
Attached is a picture of a small, scruffy-looking cat curled up in a pile of hay. Its big, curious eyes seem to stare right at Jaeyun through the screen.
Jaeyun responds immediately, his fingers flying across his phone.
Jaeyun: Oh my god, he’s adorable. Does he have a name?
Heeseung: Not yet. You wanna name him?
Jaeyun stares at the message, warmth blooming in his chest. Heeseung thinks of him enough to ask that? He bites his lip, racking his brain for a good name.
Jaeyun: How about Biscuit? He looks like he’d sit in the kitchen and beg for food.
Heeseung: Biscuit, huh? Cute
Jaeyun doesn’t know how it came to this; it just did. One moment, he was stealing glances at the handsome ranch hand from across the fence, and the next, he was texting Heeseung goodnight with a string of emojis. He doesn’t know how he went from secretly admiring the way Heeseung handled the horses with ease, his tan skin glistening in the summer sun, to learning that Heeseung’s favorite thing to do on the weekend was to drive down to the lake.
Or getting to know his favorite snack to munch on or why he thinks cows are the cutest animals to roam earth. “It’s the way they just stare at you, like they’re judging you but also kinda confused,” he’d said, eyes lighting up with an almost childlike excitement. It’s things like this they talk about. Little details, shared over quiet moments leaning against fences or in late-night texts.
And Jaeyun doesn’t mind it all. He indulges in it. Each glance, each word spoken to each other, each smile feels like a gentle nudge, moving them towards something . He just doesn't know what.
Jaeyun reluctantly makes his way to the Parks’ house, the weight of the vegetable basket in his hands feeling heavier than it should. His mom had insisted, something about repaying a favor or being neighborly, but all Jaeyun could think about was a certain someone who might be around.
He scans the property as he approaches, and sure enough, there’s Heeseung. Jaeyun’s steps falter as his eyes lock on him. Heeseung is reaching up to adjust something on the side of the barn, his arms stretched high, the movement pulling his shirt up just enough to reveal a tantalizing sliver of honey-toned skin. The jeans he’s wearing hug his figure just right, and the sun catches the slight sheen of sweat on his neck.
Jaeyun swallows hard, trying to will away the heat rising to his face. Get a grip, Jaeyun. He sets the basket down by the side of the house and leans against the wall, crossing his arms as he waits for Heeseung to notice him.
“Jesus, Jaeyun,” Heeseung breathes out, clutching his chest for dramatic effect.
Jaeyun smirks, pushing himself off the wall. “Hey, stranger.”
“You miss me that much?” Heeseung teases, already closing the distance between them, his grin as smug as ever.
“No,” Jaeyun replies with a roll of his eyes, though the warmth creeping up his neck betrays him. “I’m here to drop off this basket my mom made for Mrs. Park.” He holds up the neatly packed basket of vegetables as evidence, as if it might shield him from Heeseung’s playful smirk.
“Yeah, but I’m not Mrs. Park,” Heeseung points out, crossing his arms and leaning slightly closer. “So what’s your real excuse?”
Jaeyun huffs, shoving the basket toward him. “Does there have to be one? Just take it and stop talking.”
But Heeseung doesn’t take the basket right away. Instead, he tilts his head, his gaze steady and full of amusement. “I think you’re just using Mrs. Park as an excuse to see me.”
Jaeyun would never admit to that. Heeseung would have a field day if he did. So, instead of entertaining the comment, he flips him off and heads toward the front door.
Mrs. Park answers the knock with a wide smile, immediately taking the basket from Jaeyun’s hands. “Such a sweet boy, always thinking of us,” she says, pinching his cheek and planting a kiss on it. “Tell your mom thank you for me.”
Jaeyun grins, feeling a bit awkward but always charmed by her kindness. “I will. Take care!”
After a quick exchange of pleasantries, he heads back toward the barn, where Heeseung is still leaning lazily against a stack of crates.
“Did you come back to get a kiss on the cheek from me too?” Heeseung teases, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Jaeyun rolls his eyes but can’t help the smile that pulls at his lips. “You wish.”
Truth be told, Jaeyun doesn’t really know why he came back, but he’s not going to analyze it too much. He enjoys Heeseung’s company more than he probably should, but he’s here now, and that’s enough.
Heeseung is still busy with work, so Jaeyun finds a comfortable spot on a pile of hay and watches him from a distance. He’s content to just observe—Heeseung moves with ease, his body effortlessly flowing from task to task. Jaeyun’s eyes can’t help but drift over him. There’s something about the way Heeseung handles himself with such casual confidence that’s hard to ignore.
Eventually, Heeseung finishes with his work and, after wiping a hand across his brow, comes over and settles next to Jaeyun. He sighs as if he’s been working all day, and Jaeyun instinctively moves a little to make room for him. But Heeseung doesn’t just sit; he shifts his body closer, pressing lightly against Jaeyun’s side. Their skin makes contact, and Jaeyun feels the warmth spread through his chest. There’s a citrusy, musky scent that wafts off of Heeseung—fresh, but with a hint of something deeper. Jaeyun tries not to focus on the proximity, but it’s hard not to. His thoughts start to spiral, distracted by the way Heeseung’s shoulder brushes his.
Then, Heeseung leans in closer, his body almost touching Jaeyun’s as he tries to peer at Jaeyun’s phone screen. Jaeyun can feel the heat radiating off of him, the way his chest nearly presses against Jaeyun’s side as he shifts forward.
Jaeyun swallows, trying to focus on the video playing on his phone, but the closeness is almost overwhelming. Heeseung’s presence is so consuming, so magnetic. Jaeyun’s pulse quickens, and he’s hyper-aware of every little movement—the way Heeseung’s arm hovers just above his, the subtle brush of his knee against Jaeyun’s.
Heeseung leans closer, his face hovering over Jaeyun’s phone as he tries to peek at the screen. Without warning, he covers the phone with his hand, gently nudging Jaeyun’s chin to tilt his face toward him. Jaeyun barely has time to process what’s happening before Heeseung’s lips are pressed against his.
It’s soft at first, just a gentle, warm pressure, like Heeseung is testing to see if Jaeyun will pull away. But Jaeyun doesn’t, and Heeseung’s lips part slightly, brushing over his as if inviting him closer. Heeseung’s kiss deepens, his lips moving against Jaeyun’s in a rhythm that’s familiar and easy. The softness of Heeseung’s mouth is almost intoxicating, and Jaeyun’s thoughts become fuzzy, the world around them fading away.
When Heeseung licks at Jaeyun’s lips, it’s like an unspoken invitation. Jaeyun opens his mouth, and Heeseung takes full advantage, his tongue sliding inside, tasting him with slow, deliberate movements. Heeseung’s tongue explores Jaeyun’s mouth with slow, deliberate movements, tasting and teasing as if savoring every moment.
Jaeyun shivers when Heeseung’s hands slide down his back, strong and eager, pulling him closer. The touch is warm, rough, and grounding, sending an electric tingle coursing through Jaeyun’s skin. Heeseung’s fingers slip under Jaeyun’s t-shirt, landing on his hips with a firm grip, thumbs brushing over the soft skin there. Jaeyun lets out a soft gasp at the contact, his body reacting instinctively, leaning into the touch.
It’s intoxicating, the way Heeseung holds him like he can’t get enough, like he wants to feel every inch of Jaeyun under his hands. Just as the air between them starts to grow heavier, the sound of the back door opening snaps them both out of their haze.
“Heeseung dear!” Mrs. Park’s voice calls out, cheerful but demanding. “Can you help me inside?”
Jaeyun freezes, his breath caught in his throat as reality crashes down around them. Heeseung’s hands drop from his hips instantly, but his lips linger near Jaeyun’s for a moment longer, a fleeting touch that sends shivers through him.
“Coming!” Heeseung calls out, his voice steady and composed despite the tension crackling between them. He pulls back, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips as his dark eyes meet Jaeyun’s, full of mischief and warmth.
“You’re a bad influence, sugar,” Heeseung teases, his tone light but dripping with amusement. “Distracting me on the job like this.” He leans in just slightly, his voice dropping a fraction. “Go back home before I end up getting fired for messing with the town’s sweetheart.”
Jaeyun rolls his eyes, brushing off Heeseung's teasing with a casual, “I’ll see you around.”
As he turns to leave, his gaze catches on Heeseung’s hat, sitting forgotten on one of the benches. Without a second thought, he grabs it and steps closer to Heeseung, reaching up to place it snugly back on his head.
Heeseung blinks, momentarily caught off guard by the gesture, before his lips stretch into a slow, crooked grin. “Thanks, sugar.”
Jaeyun doesn’t wait for another teasing remark. He spins on his heel and walks out of the barn, the weight of Heeseung’s gaze lingering on his back.