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absentcaryatid · 2 years ago

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Kang and Yeosang

An ATEEZ fanfic by AbsentCaryatid

While fighting a crush on your coworker known only in writing, you finally meet and are attracted to the handsome man across the hall from your apartment.

4.7K words, Content note: teen and up, gender neutral reader, mention of giant mobile game breasts, unelaborated mention of insects, alcohol references, food

You stared at the latest exchange with your collaborator, a mysterious artist who went by the mononym Kang. Such an attractive man if his progressive worldviews were anything to go by. One day you hoped to meet him, hear his voice and see what he looked like, but that was not likely. His identity was a closely guarded secret, even from your publisher.

Surprised but thrilled was how you would describe the feeling when such a big-name illustrator had originally taken on your project. It was clear from the start that storylines with social justice themes would not ever be a runaway hit, but with his name attached to it, more people were willing to give it a try than otherwise would so you were very grateful for that much-needed boost.

Based on the hours Kang kept, odds were he lived on another side of the world, but still you mused from time to time about getting to know him better, perhaps through phone or video calls if he ever felt that comfortable. For now though, the friendship that had developed in writing over months of working together on the comic you wrote and he illustrated was enough to bring joy to your life. However tiring your day may have been, Kang was guaranteed to make you laugh. Still, you wondered if there could be more between you in the future.

Sighing heavily as you closed the laptop, it was time to get back to another aspect of your work, preparing for the latest convention. Your pet sitter had dropped out at the last minute so you were looking to find someone else in the building to feed your babies while you were away. After a few small updates to their care sheet, you thought about the upcoming trip and how good it would be to see your dear friend Seonghwa again as the printer zipped through the simple task. While you had been offered a room in the hotel where the comic con was being held, staying at the home of your childhood friend was preferable to have the most time together possible.

Freshly printed instruction list in hand, you stuck your head out of your apartment wondering which neighbor to ask first. In a lucky stroke of timing, the quiet man who lived across the hall was just unlocking his door. Despite months of living so closely, this was the first time you had actually seen him.

At your greeting he gave a small nod and a timidly voiced introduction that belied his words. “I'm Yeosang. A pleasure to meet you.” A hand shot out to shake, then was quickly withdrawn and he wiped it on his pants. “Sorry. I just took the trash out.”

Despite being flustered, Yeosang seemed kind of cute. At your own introduction, he finally made eye contact and you noticed a distinct carnation shaped birthmark by his eye. While you were not good with faces, you figured it would be easy to recognize your neighbor in the future.

Before you could ask him for the favor, he blurted out, “Oh! I have a piece of your mail, just came in today. Come inside and I will get it.”

As you followed Yeosang into his apartment, the idea struck you that maybe your good-looking neighbor could take your mind off the comics illustrator you could not shake from your thoughts. Your first impression was that Yeosang was not long-term dating material based on the hesitant personality shown so far, but he might be good for a little bit of fun from time to time, tiding you over until better prospects came along.

“Um, please excuse the mess, I am mid-project right now.”

He wasn't kidding, a whole factory's worth of supplies littered the living room. What appeared to your inexpert eye to be drone parts were scattered across the floor and you carefully picked your way around them. Despite your caution, you bumped the single pristine space of the computer desk. Three huge monitors sprung to life when the mouse jiggled from the impact, and they weren’t the only thing that was big.

The inoffensive screen saver with cutsey flower-headed comic characters had dissolved, revealing super busty art in progress on the center screen. Yeosang hastily moved to hide the drawing while you could not help but stare. It was not that the character was scantily clad so much as the skin-tight fantasy costume made it clear her massive, levitating breasts were supported by wishful thinking rather than an undergarment. In his ill-fated attempt to minimize the window, Yeosang instead activated the animation and now her chest undulated, breasts inexplicably bobbing slowly in opposite directions.

What a way to learn more about your neighbor. “I am sorry to have interrupted your, er, activity.”

Yeosang hid his face in his palms. Finally looking back up, but without making eye contact he offered, “Please believe me when I say I'm not into that. Someone with a chest like yours is far more attractive to me.” There was a visible cringe as he realized what had just tumbled from his mouth.

You let him squirm a little, listening to copious apologies before waving your hand to cut him off. “You are fine, I know what you meant. I find your chest more attractive than that too.”

The chuckle evoked by your own admission sounded like 'hehet.' Yeosang regained his composure then explained, “I work as a mobile game artist, among other things. This job is what pays the bills, but is not what brings meaning to my life.”

Sincerity shone through his tone, and you felt your heart soften for your neighbor. In any case, there was nothing wrong with being into beach ball sized breasts, it just was not something that worked on you. Feeling bad for Yeosang, you changed the topic to something less stressful. “I came over hoping for a neighborly favor. My pet sitter for this coming weekend fell through and I was wondering if you could fill the role.”

“Any other time I could do that for you, but I am traveling for work myself.” Your face fell, but Yeosang offered to be your first call next time. “The way I focus when drawing, I tend to keep to myself. I'm trying to be less reserved and could do with more neighbor interactions. Please do let me know another time if you need a check-in on whatever animal you have. I love mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds..., insects too. All good for drawing practice.” His enthusiasm was charming, and you could see yourself falling for your shy hallmate if given the chance.

“Two chinchillas, Cream Puff and Trogdor the Burninator.” At the raise of his eyebrows, you added, “Named by my nieces. Not much to draw but a circle, and you already seem to know how to draw those,” you teased with a glance to the monitors, “but you are welcome to come by any time to see my babies if you wanted to.”

Taking the joke well, Yeosang's grin answered your own, and you began to imagine maybe this could lead to something more in time. Of course that depended on knowing more about his stances on issues that were very important to you. It was early yet in what had not even developed into a friendship, and you intended to stay hopeful but realistic. At least, as much as you could in the presence of someone who so effortlessly looked ethereal as he passed over your mail and led you back out to the shared hallway.

Once in your own home you sank against the door and fanned yourself with what turned out to be junk mail. Though headed for the trash, it had given you the chance to get to know a little bit about your neighbor, despite the bumpy start, so you looked at it fondly. Your reverie was interrupted by a ping of the phone. Chattier than usual, it was a purely social message from Kang.

“Been meaning to ask you something. If we ever have the chance to meet in person, I'd like to take you out for a drink. What do you say?”

Giving in to the fantasy of his question, you replied positively. As long as you were daydreaming, what could it hurt? You did not even know if newly met Yeosang liked you back, so the attention from your co-worker made you feel good for the moment. “I could use a drink after the day I have had. Interesting but stressful, and I still don't have a pet sitter and time is running out since I leave for the work thing tomorrow.” Getting up off the floor, you headed to the refrigerator and rummaged around until unearthing a bottle of something alcoholic. Cider, beer, wine spritzer, whatever it was didn't particularly matter. You would fly more comfortably tomorrow if you made sure to relax this evening.

“My day is not off to a good start either.” An instant response. Again unlike Kang's more leisurely typed interactions. Caught up in conversation, you entertained each other for the next two hours. A lightweight when it came to drinking, you realized perhaps the alcohol had made you open up in a way you otherwise would not have done.

Thankfully your bags were already packed and you had no responsibilities other than getting the chinchillas sorted out. A quick text dashed off to your sibling got a yes that they would come pick them up for a little visit at their place in the care of the kids who had named them. That settled, you regretfully finished up your chat with Kang and showered before hitting bed.

Far too early, the clock radio sounded leading to a confused moment wondering why it had been set before dawn. Soon after, your phone started singing as the alarm titled 'Airport, Sleepyhead' showed on the screen. You were nothing if not predictable on these early mornings starting a day of travel. Thanking your alarm setting self for being so realistic about the support needed this morning, you dressed and wheeled the full suitcase out the door and into the waiting car provided by your publisher.

Once at the airport and through security you had time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. The company you worked for was generous, but not so much that your business class ticket came with a meal. It probably wouldn't have been as good as what you were savoring now anyway. The egg croissant gooey with cheese was a favorite routine of yours when traveling. You munched while revisiting the texts from last night and became alarmed how revealing you had been. At least you had not declared love for the man, but you had been rather free with your feelings, disclosing to Kang things you had only previously talked over with someone as close as Seonghwa.

The lengthy plane ride was uneventful, but tiring nonetheless. Meeting you at the gate, Seonghwa enveloped you in a massive hug. Even waiting for your luggage was a joy because you were together again. It had been far too long. Best friends for years, you held nothing back while walking to his car. “You look fantastic. How is your love life? Anybody I need to know about?”

He struck a dramatic pose, licked his lips and answered, “Same as always, people are too intimidated by my godlike features.”

As vain as Seonghwa sounded, you knew it was all bluster and it made you laugh. It felt so good to be seeing each other in person again. Frequent video chats could not convey the full pleasure of being in his presence. Sure he was attractive, but it was more an aura of warmth and care that you had been missing. The ride to his home passed pleasantly and in no time at all he was unloading your suitcase from the car's storage and easily hefting it into the entryway.

“How about you? Made any progress telling your artist you have a crush on him yet?”

Seonghwa's question made you flinch as you settled on the couch. “How can I? He is my coworker. Besides, last night we were both a little tipsy as we chatted and he said he has his eye on his neighbor. I confessed a fondness for mine too and we bonded over it.” You put your head in your hands and groaned. “I can't believe I told him that.”

“You are smiling though, there must be more,” Seonghwa encouraged.

“We talk every day, and even without a clue what he looks like, I do think I am a little bit in love. It is not like he is a stranger. We have even compared ages so I know he is not a senior citizen. Turns out we were born the same year.” You sighed. “Kang has to be on the other side of the world though if the hours he keeps are any clue. We will probably never meet which is for the best anyway. For all I know he is that friendly with lots of people and I’m not that special.”

Seonghwa’s hand reached for yours gently. “You are special to me, and Kang would be a fool to miss out on such a good thing if he got a chance with you.”

His kind words took the slump out of your shoulders. It was a pity you had never been interested in Seonghwa romantically because he had a lot of traits you valued, but as he had just demonstrated, they were equally desirable in a friend. You had it good, even if your love life was going nowhere at the moment. “I might as well look locally. I discovered a cute neighbor just last night, but he is a little rough around the edges and I am not looking for a fixer-upper project. When I asked Yeosang about pet sitting I interrupted his busty digital maiden art project.”

Your friend straightened and looked alert. He asked incredulously, “Yeosang, as in the Yeosang?” Seonghwa pulled you from the couch, dragging you into his bedroom.

More than a little surprised, you joked, “I’m not that desperate that I want you, my dear.”

He stuck out his tongue playfully. “No, no, no. Look at this.”

Standing by the bed, you kept your eyes low. “I am afraid to look. Tell me instead, Seonghwa.”

Lifting your chin with a finger, he directed your gaze to the life size poster on the wall causing you to scoff at an impossibly buxom character with buoyant breasts.

With a withering look he continued. “The art on his computer, was it in this style?”

“Yeah, that looks similar, I guess, though I suspect Yeosang is not the only one to draw chests this big.” Squinting at the signature, it did indeed have the same name as your neighbor. Art wasn't your thing, if you could call this art, and you could not pick out stylistic similarities if your life depended on it.

Seonghwa looked ecstatic. “I’ll date him if you don’t want him. Yeosang is a legend.”

Rolling your eyes as your punched your friend lovingly, you shook your head while returning to the living room. Thankfully there was a spare room that was yours for the night. While you got along great with Seonghwa, the few differences in your tastes were dramatic and platonically sharing a bed was out of the question with art like that looming over you.

Feeling no shame, Seonghwa left you to recuperate from the plane as he bustled in the kitchen. Having moved to a later time zone, you yawned through the delicious meal then tucked down before dark knowing you would have more time together after the conference.

Bright and early you were met with a bedside tray of breakfast courtesy your thoughtful host. The enticing aroma of quality coffee made the task of waking up far more tolerable. Seonghwa left you to prepare for the day and returned some time later to announce your ride was outside. With a last look in the mirror to satisfy yourself readers would be meeting someone approximating a respectable author, you kissed Seonghwa's cheek and headed out.

When guided to your table at the venue, you seated yourself and started setting out comics for sale. The publisher had already done the important work of setting up the table including a showy banner with your name. So engrossed in preparations, it took a moment to realize someone had called out your name in a questioning voice. When you looked up, it was quite a surprise who it was.

Unable to place the man at first, the birthmark at his temple finally jogged your memory. “Yeosang?” You could not figure out what your neighbor was doing so far from home. Of course he must be attending the comics convention, but to be at this one multiple time zones away seemed too large a coincidence. Confused, all you could do was mumble, “General admission doesn’t open up for another half-hour.”

Before he could respond, a publicist came to the neighboring table with a sign you could not see from the other side. Yeosang shrugged. “I'm looking for an author friend who has a table here today. Seeing my neighbor here is an unexpected bonus. Congratulations on being an author. I had no idea. You will have to tell me what you write about sometime.” While his words said all the right things, it was clear his attention was elsewhere. Only someone so preoccupied would have missed the titles spread out on your table.

Rather abruptly, Yeosang returned to scanning the room. It looked like your neighbor was not a catch after all. It was probably for the best you had not gotten too attached to him yet. Still, given his good looks, a fling might have been fun, but even for that you had standards.

Finally resuming conversation Yeosang announced without context, “My full name seemed good for picture book work, filling the role of a pseudonym to keep it separate from my other art.” Looking down to your banner as he stood before it he added, “I see you have one yourself, that is not the name from your mail.”

“Yes, I took my mother's family name for professional use.” Finally coming to understand your newly met neighbor was here as a fellow author, it took a while to catch on that Yeosang had gone silent.

After a moment apparently buffering, the way his eyes widened hinted that he recognized the name on your display, that of the comic writer. You felt defensive as he began to chuckle, again in his unique 'hehet' way. Being accustomed to laughter when people learned you wrote a social justice comic still did not mean you were comfortable with the reaction.

“There is something I need to tell you.” Leaning in across the table, the name he whispered left you reeling. “When I hoped to see you today, I never dreamed we had met before. I'm Kang. Your Kang.” Pulling back as you were left momentarily breathless, he turned his desk sign into view with a grin. 'Meet Hehetmon and Friends Author/Illustrator Kang Yeosang' it proudly announced beside the charming flower-topped doodle character familiar from the screensaver at his apartment. Your furtive neighbor Yeosang was the very same person you worked with as Kang, and he had an unexpected sideline in literature for preschoolers.

“It really is you, isn't it? Here I was going to surprise my friend and co-worker once I learned we would be at the same event, and I got quite a surprise too.” Rounding his table and sliding into the folding chair at your side, Yeosang continued to make it very clear he was present as a professional, just like yourself. Gone was the momentarily suave voice from the identity reveal, replaced by a more enthusiastic one you recognized in tone if not sound from his text conversations over the past months. That familiarity helped you accept it really was Kang before you.

Yeosang took in a breath and apologized for the way he had first ignored you in favor of searching for the person who turned out to be you. “Meeting my collaborator, well, you, was the only thing I could think about. I hope my poor behavior is something you can come to forgive in time. This was a bad first impression.”

Knowing him as long as you had made it easier to overlook the slight. You could not imagine how out of it you would have been to know in advance your crush Kang was going to be here today. It took only a moment of thought to accept his apology and remind him that he had made a good first impression long ago.

Looking very relieved, Yeosang then changed the subject to something less stressful mentioning, “I travel a lot for work. The school presentations are my favorite.”

“You do that for our comic?”

“Actually no, though we could start doing that together if you like. It is for my Hehetmon characters. I have one picture book out and the publisher has asked for a series which could lead to a television show. If all that comes through, I can quit the other job.”

You looked aghast. Reaching for his hand you asked, “What would I do without you? The success of our work comes more from you than me. Your art carries the stories.”

Pulling away from your touch far too soon he corrected, “No, not that job,” as he waved his hands wildly. “The video game character you stumbled upon. I could quit illustrating that awful mobile game. You know, the ladies and their...,” he trailed off as he mimed substantial curves on his chest while you snickered.

Beginning again on more solid conversational footing, he counseled, “Don't sell yourself short. When a friend of mine at the publisher mentioned your socially conscious project, I jumped at the chance to join in. It was all your words selling me on the comic.”

You beamed at the compliment from the man you respected. In no time at all, you were talking like old friends because you were, just in writing alone up to this point. Yeosang reiterated he had known his collaborator would be here today, just with no clue you would be the same person as his neighbor. “That is why I asked the other night if we could ever go out together should we meet. I didn't think I could be brave enough face to face without knowing your response in advance. My original thought was for a friendly drink, but seeing you now confirms a real date would be my preference if you are open to that.”

It left you in awe that this forward but very desired approach was coming from the same person who had seemed so awkward in his apartment. You were stunned to think that all this time the man of your dreams lived not a world apart, but simply across the hall. The two of you had been typing away, deep in meaningful conversation mere meters from each other and never aware of it.

Yeosang seemed to take your pause as a decline. “If you don't want to socialize with a coworker I understand. I hope I did not make things awkward now that we are about to greet readers.”

Flashing a genuine smile, you gave the answer that a date with your friend was a welcome offer.

That settled, Yeosang appeared to relax and he happily made light conversation until convention goers trickled by your tables. It felt good to be side by side all day. There were even lulls in visitors giving you breaks to chat. Frequently you caught knowing smiles from Yeosang whenever someone complimented the artist you worked with or appeared with one of his drawings for the series on a shirt.

A few of your sharp-eyed readers questioned the name Kang at your side making you nod and contemplate aloud the non-answer of how common the name was. Certainly the simple Hehetmon character looked nothing like Yeosang's comic book illustrations to actually link the two identities despite the same family name on the covers.

While making polite conversation with your fans, you also kept an ear on his activity noting Yeosang deflected the well-meant admiration of his looks, and studiously ignored those attempting to flirt. At this point you could not tell if your friend was dense, immaculately professional, or disinterested in their attention. It took all your will power to squash the hope he might already have someone in mind he'd prefer that attention from.

Having kept a low-profile until now, Yeosang learned the glamorous life of a creator at a con included a simple box lunch to be eaten while working.

“This one is pretty good, as these things go,” you informed him between bites as you recuperated from the morning of socializing with fans.

He nodded, accepting your expertise. “I have been wondering,” he began hesitantly, “is tonight too soon for our date?”

You did not mind letting him see your eagerness, but he was turned down nonetheless. “I would take you up on it if I didn’t know I had the chance to see you again back home. Also, I am staying with a friend and want to make the most of our time together.”

“Oh. Together? Are you 'together' together?”

“Seonghwa?” The thought had you laughing. “No, he’ll be just right for somebody someday, but not me.” You leaned in closer, “Too tidy for my tastes. Besides, I have a crush on my neighbor across the hall, as well you know from our chat the other night.”

Yeosang's eyes widened. Pointing to himself, he asked, “So that neighbor you are into?”

“And you too referenced liking a neighbor,” you proudly reminded him. “Wait, so that embarrassing situation you mentioned when we talked for hours was me discovering your mobile game art?”

He busied himself making a close study of the floor while talking. “The very friend I confided in about my bad day was you. If only I had revealed details we would have known our identities sooner.” Looking back up he added, “I'll never live your visit down.”

You patted his shoulder consolingly. “If we end up a couple then it makes a great story. I truly would love to go on a real date later on. For now though, Seonghwa’s a fan of yours. Why don't you come to dinner with us as a surprise guest, as long as you promise not to fall for him.”

“If he’s only interested in my game designs then I wouldn’t. Not when I already have fallen for someone with far more depth.”

The way Yeosang held your eyes left you swooning for what would be the first of many times for the rest of your lives. Getting back into the mindset of interacting with fans for the afternoon was one of the most difficult things you had ever accomplished, and you hoped you did not make too poor a showing.

Over the dinner that followed, Yeosang was the only one on your mind, despite your good intentions for spending the final evening with your host. Seonghwa didn't mind third wheeling since he got the chance to meet the artist he admired. You'd have to thank him with a busty commission for his birthday from your own favorite, and local to you, illustrator.

The next morning was filled with goodbye hugs and promises to visit Seonghwa again soon before you headed to join Yeosang at the airport. Once he had discovered your flight home was the same, it took a little work, but your neighbor was able to move his seat to your side. Enthusiastically taking up the chance to get to know each other with uninterrupted face to face conversation, the early hours were spent talking animatedly.

By the time lunch was over, your developing romantic relationship had progressed to napping on each other, cuddled closely with the armrest up. There was a lot to be said for enjoying the company of your friend online, but meeting in person certainly had advantages too.

Yeosang Masterlist

General Masterlist

#ATEEZ #ATEEZ Fanfic #Kpop Fanfic #ATEEZ Fluff #Kpop fluff #gender neutral reader #diverseinsertknet #Yeosang #Kang Yeosang #ATEEZ Yeosang #Hehetmon

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