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honeyhae-svt · 23 days ago

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🎮02 | Quit🎭

Part-Time Lover | JxW - masterlist

⚠️ WARNINGS ⚠️: strong language (profanity), petty arguments, mention of alcohol consumption, reader getting drunk, depictions of stress/anxiety related to online and work life, light suggestive jokes/humor. (thats about it in this chapt) smut warnings: n/a (yet) wc: 6895 (longer than the usual? ikr)

Jeonghan stared at his monitor, blinking twice. It has been two days since he last played with you as WINN3R. His Discord notifications were a chaotic blur of pings and unread messages. He’d finally caved and clicked into the app, his mouse hovering over the muted server where his circle of gamer friends resided. The icon sat there, blinking at him like a neglected child waiting for attention.

It had been ages since he’d last opened this. Back in the day, the server was his second home. Back when life wasn’t about board meetings, product launches, and meticulous schedules. Back when all he had to care about was climbing leaderboards and outplaying opponents.

The familiar server name, "GG Hyungsquad", brought a wave of nostalgia. The banner—a badly photoshopped image of all their gamer tags—looked just as ridiculous as he remembered. It had been years, but the memories came flooding back. Late nights at arcades, skateboards abandoned on sidewalks, and tournaments that had them glued to their screens until sunrise. That was their world. They weren’t just friends; they were brothers bonded by joysticks and caffeine.

But now?

Jeonghan sighed. He’d grown so distant, hadn’t he? He muted the server ages ago, choosing to prioritize his company and responsibilities over late-night gaming sessions. His friends got it. They’d teased him about it, calling him CEO-nim and joking about how he’d abandoned them for a “suit-and-tie life,” but they never pushed.

Click.

He opened the server, scrolling through the channels.

[#general-chat] pledis_boos: Bro why is Mingyu’s face in every ad lately?? Do they just like buff guys who are bad at games now? min9yu: HEY WTF I CARRY YOU ALL THE TIME!!! vernon_98: "Carry"? In which world? This one? Nah. Try again. ho5hi_kwon: Let’s all agree Mingyu’s just here for the visuals. min9yu: CAN YOU NOT

Jeonghan chuckled under his breath. They hadn’t changed a bit.

But then, his scrolling halted.

[#gaming-vc] kitsunya: you guys are so bad at league. please uninstall. ho5hi_kwon: YOU'RE CHEATING I SWEAR. min9yu: Literally HOW are you this good. You’ve got to be hacking. pledis_boos: Guys. GUYS. Let’s stop embarrassing ourselves. Kitsunya’s just built different. kitsunya: built different my ass y'all are just too weak :p

Jeonghan froze.

@/kitsunya.

His eyes darted back to the username, reading it over and over again. It wasn’t a coincidence, was it? There was no way. No freaking way.

You were here.

His heart skipped a beat, and he let out a breathless laugh. Of course you were. Of course his ridiculous friends would somehow rope you into their chaos. How had he not seen this coming?

Curiosity got the better of him. Jeonghan navigated to the gaming-vc channel, his mouse hovering over the join button. For a split second, he hesitated. He hadn’t gamed with them in years, and now you were part of the mix? What if you recognized him? What if he blew his cover as W1NN3R?

But then again, the thought of hearing your voice in the midst of their usual banter was too tempting to resist.

Click.

The moment he joined, chaos greeted him. “OH MY GOD, IT’S JEONGHAN!” Hoshi yelled, his voice piercing through Jeonghan’s headset.

“Hyung! You’re alive!” Seungkwan added dramatically. “We thought you forgot how to use Discord.”

“CEO-nim, gracing us with his presence,” Vernon teased, his tone as monotone as ever.

Jeonghan rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the grin forming on his face. “Yeah, yeah, keep it coming,” he said lazily, leaning back in his chair.

“Jeonghan?”

Your voice.

He stiffened for half a second before regaining his composure. “Who’s this?” he asked, feigning ignorance, even though he already knew.

“This is Kitsunya, obviously!” Seungkwan chimed in, like you were some sort of celebrity. “She’s the one who’s been carrying these idiots in League. Don’t let her innocent voice fool you; she’ll destroy you in-game.”

You scoffed. “They’re exaggerating. These guys just tilt too easily.”

Jeonghan smirked. “I’ll take your word for it,” he said smoothly. “Nice to meet you, Kitsunya.”

“Likewise,” you replied, your tone polite but distant.

The next few hours passed in a blur of chaos and laughter. They queued up for a few matches, and though Jeonghan mostly stayed quiet, he observed.

You were exactly as he’d seen on stream—sharp, witty, and completely in control. Every time one of the guys fumbled, you were there to pick up the slack, your voice calm as you directed them in-game.

But what fascinated Jeonghan most wasn’t your skill. It was the way you seamlessly fit into his circle. You weren’t intimidated by their larger-than-life personalities or their endless teasing. If anything, you gave as good as you got, throwing jabs that left even Seungkwan speechless.

And when the game finally ended—another victory, thanks to you—Jeonghan couldn’t help but feel… intrigued.

“Well, I think I’m done for the night,” you said, your voice cutting through the post-game chatter.

“Already?” Mingyu whined. “One more match!”

“I’ve got work tomorrow,” you replied, and Jeonghan swore he could hear the faintest hint of exhaustion in your tone.

“Boring,” Hoshi teased.

“Some of us have responsibilities, unlike you,” you shot back, earning a chorus of laughter.

As you left the call, Jeonghan sat there, staring at the now-empty slot in the voice chat where your username had been.

“Kitsunya, huh?” he murmured to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips.

This was going to get interesting.

You turned your computer off, your reflection flickering on the darkened monitor.

Shit. Jeonghan plays?

The thought looped in your head as you sat frozen in your chair. What the actual fuck? Jeonghan—your boss, the ridiculously polished, too-handsome-for-his-own-good CEO—played video games? The idea felt so far-fetched it almost made you laugh.

The same Jeonghan who demanded flawless work, who breezed through meetings with his effortless charm, and who somehow looked better at 3:37 a.m. than you did on your best day? That Jeonghan? Playing games? On Discord?

Your heart pounded as questions began to swirl.

Had he always been in that server, lurking silently? How long had he known? Was it a coincidence? Or—your chest tightened—did he already know you were both kitsunya, the streamer, and his secretary-slash-makeup-artist?

No way.

Right?

You swallowed hard, shaking your head in disbelief. There was no fucking way.

You paced the room, your thoughts racing. Jeonghan had always seemed... perceptive. The kind of person who noticed things others didn’t. His eyes always carried a glint of something��like he knew more than he let on. But that was just his CEO persona, wasn’t it? You didn’t remember any moment where he’d given even the faintest hint of recognition toward your streaming life.

Still, the timing was… suspicious. You’d been added to the server just a month ago, introduced as one of Seungkwan’s friends. And now, for the first time in what felt like forever, Jeonghan reappears?

No, stop overthinking.

You sighed, slumping onto your bed and burying your face in your hands. So what if he played? So what if he knew? You weren’t breaking any rules by streaming, and your private life was just that—private. There was nothing to worry about.

Right?

But the thought lingered. Jeonghan’s smooth, composed voice echoed in your mind from earlier in the call.

“Nice to meet you, Kitsunya.”

There had been something in the way he said it. Too polite. Too deliberate.

You shook your head violently. “Nope. Not doing this,” you muttered. “I’m too fucking tired for conspiracy theories.”

You grabbed your phone to mute Discord for the night, but just before you switched it off, you noticed the server icon glowing faintly. A new ping in #general-chat. Against your better judgment, you tapped it.

[#general-chat] pledis_boos: Bro how is Jeonghan still good at League after disappearing for years?? ho5hi_kwon: Right?? He carried that game like it was 2016 again. vernon_98: Maybe he was secretly practicing in his office lmao. min9yu: CEO by day, gamer by night. What a life. ho5hi_kwon: Watch out Kitsunya, he might replace you as our new carry.

You threw your phone onto the bed, facepalming.

“Replace me? Over my dead body.”

But as you lay there, staring at the ceiling, another thought crept into your mind. What if this was intentional? What if Jeonghan wanted you to know he was there?

The very idea made your stomach flip.

It was ridiculous. He’s your boss. Why would he care about your gaming life? Why would he even join a match with you? It had to be coincidence.

And yet, as your eyelids grew heavy and exhaustion began to pull you under, you couldn’t shake the memory of his voice in the call. His tone, his timing—it all felt too… deliberate.

But tomorrow was another day. You decided to let it go. For now.

Jeonghan, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips as he stared at the Discord chat. His friends had flooded the server with their usual nonsense, but he wasn’t paying attention. He was thinking about you. "So, Kitsunya," he murmured to himself, spinning a pen between his fingers. Seeing your reaction in-game earlier had been entertaining. The way your voice tightened just slightly whenever he coordinated with the team. The way you muttered curses under your breath when things didn’t go as planned. You were sharp, competitive, and painfully good at masking your emotions. But Jeonghan had always prided himself on seeing past facades. It had been a long time since he’d felt this intrigued by someone. Not that he’d admit it, of course. For now, he’d keep playing the role of the unsuspecting CEO. After all, the game was just beginning.

Wonwoo leaned back in his chair, headphones snug over his ears as he prepared for another late-night stream. His week had been nothing short of chaotic, bouncing between sponsorship obligations and his part-time jobs. Sure, he didn’t need the extra work—his regular streams and tournaments brought in more than enough cash—but the latest gaming setup had caught his eye, and he was dead set on getting it. He cracked his knuckles and logged into Discord, quickly skimming through his notifications. His brow quirked when he noticed a familiar username in the #general-chat server. @/jeonghaniyoo_n. "Jeonghan’s back, huh?" he muttered to himself, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Jeonghan’s hiatus had been the talk of their friend group for months. The guy had seemingly dropped off the face of the gaming scene, only to reappear out of nowhere. Wonwoo didn’t dwell on it, though; there were games to be played. Switching tabs, he opened the #gaming-updates server and typed a quick announcement.

everyone_woo: Streaming 10:23 pm min9yu: He’s suddenly back without notice.

He switched to his streaming platform and hit "Start Broadcast." His fans immediately flooded the chat, spamming greetings and hyping up the night. --- First Game: Valorant Wonwoo loaded into Valorant, selecting his main, Sova, a sharpshooter with incredible recon abilities. He adjusted his sensitivity settings and warmed up in the range while chatting with his viewers. "Alright, chat. Tonight’s gonna be smooth. No raging, no distractions. Just pro gameplay," he said, smirking as the donations and comments rolled in. The match began. Wonwoo was placed as a Duelist in his team of five, their goal clear: attack and plant the Spike, or defend and defuse it. His coordination was impeccable. First round in, he landed a clean triple kill while defending A-site, his precise aim and fast reflexes earning cheers from his viewers. "Easy, easy," he muttered into his mic as the enemy team tried to regroup. By the second round, his team was up 2-0, with Wonwoo leading in kills. MVP vibes, his chat spammed.

Midway through his second match, an unexpected notification popped up.

ho5hi_kwon has joined the game. jeonghaniyoo_n has joined the game.

Wonwoo froze for a split second, his eyes narrowing. "Oh? The retired CEO and the circus tiger decided to show up, huh?" he said into his mic, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm. Hoshi: "Shut up, nerd. Ready to lose?" Jeonghan: "I won’t even have to try." The lobby dissolved into chaos as their fans started spamming messages in both Wonwoo’s and Jeonghan’s chats. It wasn’t every day that you saw some of the top players in Korea casually trash-talking before a match.

Game On: Team Deathmatch Mode The match started with Jeonghan and Hoshi on the opposing team. Wonwoo’s competitive streak kicked in as the game loaded. "Alright, boys, no holding back. Let’s make these two regret logging in," he said, coordinating with his teammates. The first few minutes were a whirlwind. Wonwoo and his team pushed aggressively, taking control of the map. Wonwoo, using Sova, expertly tracked Jeonghan’s movements with his recon bolts. "Got you, CEO," Wonwoo muttered as he landed a perfectly timed headshot on Jeonghan, who had been lurking in a corner with Jett. Jeonghan’s voice came through the game chat, calm and smooth as ever. "Lucky shot." Hoshi was no easier to deal with. His Phoenix was an absolute menace, using flashbangs and firewalls to corner Wonwoo’s team. But Wonwoo’s aim remained impeccable. "Hoshi, sit down," he said, landing a kill streak on the tiger-like player. The match reached its climax in the final moments. Jeonghan’s team had pulled ahead slightly, but Wonwoo wasn’t about to let them win without a fight. It came down to the last kill. Jeonghan versus Wonwoo, Sova versus Jett. The tension was palpable. Wonwoo fired his ultimate ability, Hunter’s Fury, a series of devastating energy blasts, but Jeonghan dodged them with Jett’s agility, gliding across the map like a ghost. The two clashed in an intense 1v1, their every move scrutinized by their teams and fans.

Victory: Wonwoo's Team Wonwoo landed the final blow with a well-placed knife throw, sealing the win. "GG," Wonwoo said coolly, his voice betraying no emotion. Jeongahan groaned, leaning back in his chair. "Nice game. Been a while, you didn't hold back down there," Jeonghan chuckled. Hoshi laughed. "Welcome back, Jeonghan. Looks like you never left." As the match ended, Jeonghan leaned back in his own chair, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Watching Wonwoo win was likely. The man was literally an addict to games since then. But what really piqued his interest was seeing if you would join the chaos again. After all, it wasn’t a game night without Kitsunya.

The next night, you logged into Discord out of habit, still half-asleep and sipping on your coffee. Your day at work had been another whirlwind—Jeonghan’s last-minute meetings, a pile of emails that somehow became your problem, and a near-meltdown from one of the junior staff over a lipstick launch. You rubbed your temple, your mind buzzing from the caffeine, and clicked open the #gaming-updates channel. It had been quiet for a few days, but as you scrolled, you froze.

jeonghaniyoo_n: Streaming tonight? 10 PM? ho5hi_kwon: Jeonghan asking to stream? who are you and what did you do with him? everyone_woo: More like he’s bored because he’s bad at work. min9yu: Shut up, both of you. he carried last match.

Your jaw clenched as you read the messages. Jeonghan? Streaming? Since when?!? No. Fucking. Way. You reread the username for the third time, just to be sure. That wasn’t a fake account—it was him. But you hadn’t ever seen him active in the group before, even though you knew he was technically part of the same gaming circle. You hesitated, your fingers hovering over your keyboard, but the chat kept moving.

jeonghaniyoo_n: Wonwoo and Hoshi, get in my squad. @min9yu, you're on standby. ho5hi_kwon: Sure thing, bossman. everyone_woo: @/min9yu's already benched lmao.

You sighed, not wanting to get involved, but something about the group’s energy tonight made you linger. You didn’t play with them often, but when you did, it was always chaos—and you were too tired to overthink. 10:15 PM You loaded into Valorant, headphones on, your usual confidence returning the moment you saw the familiar splash screen. The adrenaline of gaming was your escape—a space where your tired, overworked secretary persona could dissolve into the sharp, skillful player your fans knew as @kitsunya. But this time? The lobby felt different. Lobby: Match Start As soon as you joined the custom game, the chat lit up.

ho5hi_kwon: Oh shit, the kitsunya's here! everyone_woo: Great, now i can lose twice as fast. min9yu: As if you weren’t already carrying the Ls, wonwoo. jeonghaniyoo_n: Queue already

You paused at Jeonghan’s comment, your fingers stiff over the keyboard. His tone—or at least what you imagined of it—felt deliberate, like he was testing you. kitsunya: "and here I thought you were all serious players. what’s this clown show?" The chat exploded into laughter, and for a moment, the tension lifted. Match Setup You were placed on a team with Wonwoo and Hoshi, while Jeonghan and Mingyu were on the opposing side. Your character pick? Jett, of course—agile, sharp, and deadly. The first round started, and your team took control early. Wonwoo's pinpoint accuracy with Sova complemented Hoshi's aggressive pushes as Phoenix. You fell into your rhythm effortlessly, clearing angles and securing headshots like second nature.

Round 3: Midway Through

"Top mid, two," Wonwoo called out over voice chat. You responded immediately, using Jett’s dash ability to reposition, cutting off an enemy push. "Got one," you muttered, your voice calm as you landed a clean headshot on Mingyu. "You’re insane," Hoshi said, laughing. But Jeonghan wasn’t giving up. He played Chamber, a sentinel with precision abilities, and you had to admit—he was good.

Final Moments of the Match

The tension in the game was palpable, the chat exploding with messages as the final moments of the 1v1 showdown between Jeonghan and Wonwoo unfolded. You watched intently, your character long eliminated from the round, leaving you no choice but to spectate Wonwoo's gameplay from the sidelines.

The map was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that set your nerves on edge. Every footstep, every shift of the operator's aim, could make or break the game. Wonwoo moved with precision, crouching around corners, holding angles like his life depended on it.

You muttered under your breath, leaning closer to the screen. “Come on, you bastard... just peek already,” you hissed, watching Jeonghan’s Chamber disappear into a teleport at the last second.

“Nice try,” Jeonghan’s smug voice rang out through the comms, and you rolled your eyes. That was his signature move—baiting his enemies into overthinking, and then striking like a snake.

Wonwoo didn’t bite. Instead, he repositioned with surgical precision, heading toward the high ground. You could practically feel the weight of the entire round resting on him. Jeonghan had the operator, but you’d seen Wonwoo clutch in worse situations before.

“Five gifted if you miss,” you teased through comms, hoping to crack Wonwoo’s concentration.

“Mute yourself, kitsunya,” Wonwoo replied sharply, but there was no malice in his voice, only the hyper-focus of a man who was determined to win.

Your camera panned as Jeonghan peeked a corner, operator at the ready. Wonwoo was waiting. The crosshairs aligned. A burst of gunfire.

Headshot.

The kill notification flashed on the screen.

VICTORY

The screen lit up in your team’s colors, the victory music playing. The chat went wild:

- “NO WAY WONWOO CLUTCHED THAT!” - “Jeonghan WHIFFED LMAO.” - “WONWOO KING ENERGY.”

You threw your head back with a laugh, groaning dramatically. “Unreal. Of all people, Wonwoo clutched that?”

Wonwoo’s voice was steady, laced with the smallest smirk. “Maybe if you stopped dying in the first two minutes, you wouldn’t have to depend on me so much.”

“Ooh, burn,” Seungkwan cackled in the background, his voice nearly drowning out the victory screen.

Jeonghan’s sigh came through comms, followed by his usual mocking tone. “Well, congratulations, team carry. But don’t get used to it.”

"Better luck next time, sweetheart," Wonwoo added, just to get under Jeonghan's skin—and probably yours.

You groaned louder this time, fighting the heat rising to your cheeks. If the chat noticed the shift in tone, they didn’t let it show, flooding with emojis and more banter.

But as you muted your mic, you couldn’t help but smile, the adrenaline of the match still coursing through you.

It had been two months since you started working for Jeonghan and exactly five weeks since he discovered your double life as Kitsunya. So why the fuck was he still pretending he didn’t know? Every time your paths crossed at work, he acted like the composed, mildly sarcastic boss you’d gotten used to. Not a single comment about late-night matches or the fact that his so-called “secretary” could carry an entire Valorant team.

Weirdo, you thought for the millionth time.

When the invite to the Streamer-Fanmeet Gaming Expo arrived, you couldn’t say no. The event was an exclusive, high-paying opportunity for streamers to connect with fans and other creators. And when you saw the paycheck? Yeah, it was impossible to pass up. Thankfully, the organizers had chosen a date that didn’t clash with work—or so you thought. Because there, standing by one of the gaming stalls, was Jeonghan. You shouldn’t have been surprised; he was part of the same circle of streamers as you, after all. But seeing him in this setting, looking every bit the gamer he once was, sent your brain into a tailspin. He wore a black bomber jacket over a graphic tee, paired with ripped jeans and an air of effortless cool. If it weren’t for the fact that you worked with him almost daily, you might’ve gotten flustered by the sight. Nope. Not happening, you told yourself as you adjusted your glasses (part of your outfit) and made your way inside. The venue was buzzing with activity. Booths lined the walls, showcasing merch, gaming setups, and meet-and-greet areas. Streamers and fans mingled, and the excitement in the air was palpable. You spotted Seungkwan waving at you from across the room. Thank God for him—navigating this event alone would’ve been overwhelming. “You look... different tonight,” Seungkwan said with a smirk, his eyes scanning your outfit. You glanced down at yourself: white long-sleeve polo, black necktie, and a high-waist pencil skirt that hugged your curves perfectly. It was your typical office attire, but with a twist—your signature red kitsune ear headband sat atop your head. “It’s called branding,” you deadpanned, adjusting your tie. “Branding? More like slaying,” Seungkwan teased before leading you toward the rest of the group. The first person you saw by the stalls was Seungcheol, casually leaning against a counter while talking with Jeonghan, Dino, and Joshua. Seungcheol was exactly as you remembered him from your rare interactions: charismatic, loud, and the unofficial leader of their circle. Beside him, Joshua was calm and composed, his smile disarming as he nodded along to whatever Dino was excitedly explaining. Your gaze lingered on Jeonghan for a second longer than you intended. He didn’t notice—or maybe he pretended not to—but the slight smirk on his face as he listened to Dino’s story made your stomach flip. He’s too pretty to exist. It’s a problem. Further down, you saw Jun and Minghao—the Chinese duo who dominated every League of Legends match they touched. Jun was animated, gesturing wildly as he explained something to a fan, while Minghao stood coolly beside him, offering occasional commentary. You groaned internally at the memory of losing countless matches to them. Hoshi, Mingyu, Vernon, and Wonwoo were grouped together, laughing at something on Mingyu’s phone. Typical. You were willing to bet they were already planning a prank or some ridiculous challenge for later. On the other side of the room, Woozi and Dokyeom were deep in conversation, likely discussing music or some new project Woozi was working on. You made a mental note to swing by and say hi to them later. Did I miss anyone? Probably. This group was massive, and keeping track of them all was a feat in itself.

Seungkwan nudged your shoulder, snapping you out of your thoughts. “Come on, let’s introduce you properly. Everyone’s been dying to see Kitsunya in person,” he teased. You rolled your eyes but followed him anyway. As you approached, Seungcheol was the first to notice you. His eyes lit up in recognition, and he grinned. “Ah, the legendary Kitsunya,” he said, holding out a hand. “Finally gracing us with your presence.” Joshua gave you a warm smile, and Dino waved enthusiastically. But Jeonghan? He glanced at you, his expression unreadable, before returning to his conversation like nothing had happened. Seriously?

You forced a polite smile, exchanging pleasantries with the group, all while Jeonghan’s aloofness gnawed at you. Did he think ignoring you here would keep up the illusion that he didn’t know your secret? Or was this his way of messing with you? Whatever it was, you weren’t about to let him get under your skin.

The night carried on with a blur of photo ops, fan interactions, and casual games. But every time you glanced in Jeonghan’s direction, he was already looking at you—or worse, pretending not to. By the end of the event, you were exhausted. But as you made your way to the exit, Seungkwan caught up to you, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You know, Jeonghan’s been talking about you nonstop since you joined the office,” he said casually. You stopped in your tracks, turning to him. “What?” “Oh, nothing,” Seungkwan said, grinning. “Just thought you should know.” Before you could respond, he disappeared back into the crowd, leaving you standing there, equal parts confused and intrigued. Jeonghan. Talking about you? You didn’t know whether to be flattered or annoyed. Probably both. You scoffed at the ridiculousness. Game on, Jeonghan.

The event was winding down, and you were starting to relax. Most of the fan interactions were over, and the night had shifted into a more casual hangout vibe among the streamers. You decided to wander the venue, looking for a spot to decompress before the inevitable socializing would pull you back in. That’s when you spotted him. Wonwoo was perched at one of the quieter tables near a VR booth, casually scrolling through his phone. His ever-present headphones hung around his neck, and he wore a black hoodie paired with his signature expression—a mix of calm indifference and quiet observation. You couldn't deny that his face-card would never decline. Seriously, is this group recruiting visuals? You considered walking past him, but then his sharp gaze flicked up and met yours. For a split second, you thought he’d ignore you like he usually did during group interactions. Instead, he tilted his head, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Kitsunya,” he said, his voice as low and steady as always. “Wonwoo,” you replied, raising a brow as you adjusted your glasses. “Fancy seeing you here,” he remarked, leaning back in his chair. “It’s a paid event. Why wouldn’t I be here?” you shot back, crossing your arms. “Fair point,” he admitted, glancing back down at his phone. You stood there, unsure if the conversation was already over. Classic Wonwoo—conversations with him were always a guessing game. But just as you were about to leave, he spoke again. “So... white-collar kitsune, huh?” he teased, nodding toward your outfit. You rolled your eyes, though you couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped. “What can I say? Gotta keep the brand alive.” He hummed in amusement, finally setting his phone aside. “Well, the fans love it. The chat’s been blowing up since you walked in.” “Is that so?” You quirked a brow. “And what about you? Don’t tell me you’re one of them.” His smirk widened just enough to be noticeable. “I wouldn’t go that far. But I’ll admit, the tie is a nice touch.” You scoffed, shaking your head. “Flattery doesn’t suit you, Wonwoo.” “Who said I was trying to flatter you?” he countered, leaning forward slightly. Okay, that caught you off guard. Before you could think of a comeback, he gestured to the seat across from him. “Sit. Unless you’ve got somewhere better to be,” he said casually, but the faint challenge in his tone made it impossible to refuse.

The conversation started slow—typical of Wonwoo—but it didn’t take long for the familiar banter from your previous streams to resurface. Despite his reserved demeanor, Wonwoo had a knack for throwing sly comments your way, and tonight was no different. “You know, you still owe me for that Valorant match,” he said, leaning back with an air of nonchalance. You blinked. “What match?” “The one where you rage-quit after I sniped you three times in a row,” he reminded you, a rare glint of mischief in his eyes. “That wasn’t rage-quitting,” you argued, narrowing your eyes. “That was a tactical retreat.” “Sure,” he drawled, clearly unconvinced. “Let’s call it that.” “Do you always have to be this smug?” “It’s part of my charm,” he replied smoothly, earning an exasperated groan from you.

Just as the teasing reached its peak, Jeonghan’s voice cut through the air, calling your name from across the room. You turned to see him approaching, his expression as unreadable as ever. “There you are,” Jeonghan said, glancing briefly at Wonwoo before focusing on you. “Seungkwan’s looking for you. Something about a group photo.” “Right, of course,” you replied, standing up quickly. But before you left, you turned back to Wonwoo. “This isn’t over,” you said, pointing at him. Wonwoo chuckled, the sound low and surprisingly warm. “Looking forward to it.”

As you walked away with Jeonghan, you couldn’t help but feel a little unsettled. Wonwoo had always been an enigma—cold but oddly approachable when he wanted to be. And tonight? Tonight, he’d been... different. “Enjoying yourself?” Jeonghan asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp as they flicked toward you. “More than I expected,” you replied honestly. He hummed, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “Good. Wouldn’t want you regretting showing up in that outfit.” “Is that supposed to be a compliment, Jeonghan?” you shot back, raising a brow. “Take it however you want,” he said smoothly, his smirk widening. As the night continued, you couldn’t shake the strange feeling brewing in your chest. Between Wonwoo’s teasing, Jeonghan’s cryptic comments, and the sheer chaos of the event, one thing was clear: this gaming circle was going to keep you on your toes. The buzz from the event hadn’t died down yet when the announcement came: an exclusive afterparty for Korea’s top streamers was being held at a high-end lounge in Gangnam. You almost declined the invitation—between the long day of fan interactions and the emotional whiplash from your conversations with Jeonghan and Wonwoo, you were drained. But the promise of networking opportunities (and free drinks) was too good to pass up. Plus, Seungkwan had practically begged you to come. The venue was sleek and modern, its dim lighting accentuated by neon highlights and a panoramic view of the city skyline. Inside, the air buzzed with excitement as streamers, sponsors, and a few VIP fans mingled over cocktails and canapés. You arrived fashionably late, your outfit now swapped for something more relaxed yet chic—a fitted black blazer, skinny jeans, and ankle boots, paired with a minimalist silver necklace that caught the light just right. “Finally!” Seungkwan exclaimed, waving you over from a corner booth. He was already halfway through a fruity-looking cocktail. Beside him sat Hoshi, gesturing animatedly about some game strategy while Mingyu shook his head in mock disbelief. “You look amazing, as usual,” Seungkwan said, his eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. “Thanks,” you replied with a small smile, sliding into the booth. “Is everyone here?” “Most of us,” Mingyu answered, glancing around the room. “Jeonghan’s over by the bar, of course.” You followed his gaze and spotted Jeonghan effortlessly charming a small group of sponsors. He looked impossibly polished, his tailored suit and perfectly styled hair making him stand out even among the crowd of well-dressed attendees. “And Wonwoo?” you asked, trying to sound casual. “Somewhere being all mysterious as usual,” Hoshi teased, wiggling his fingers dramatically. As if summoned, Wonwoo appeared a moment later, holding a whiskey neat. He looked unbothered as ever, his black hoodie replaced by a sharp button-up shirt and dark slacks. He caught your eye briefly and gave a small nod before heading to the pool table at the back of the lounge. “You’re popular tonight,” Seungkwan teased, nudging you. “Oh, shut up,” you muttered, taking a sip of the cocktail Hoshi slid your way.

The night wore on, and you found yourself bouncing between conversations. Seungkwan introduced you to some up-and-coming streamers, while Mingyu pulled you into a heated discussion about a recent game patch. All the while, you couldn’t help but notice Jeonghan and Wonwoo in your peripheral vision. Jeonghan, ever the social butterfly, was making rounds with the sponsors, but every now and then, you felt his gaze on you. It wasn’t intrusive, but it was enough to make you hyper-aware of his presence. Wonwoo, on the other hand, seemed content observing from the sidelines, occasionally chatting with his close circle. At one point, he caught your eye again, and this time, he raised his glass in a silent toast.

Later in the evening, Jeonghan finally approached you. “Enjoying yourself?” he asked, his tone as smooth as the whiskey he held. “It’s... interesting,” you replied, glancing around. “Different from the usual gaming vibe.” He chuckled. “Well, it’s not every day streamers get treated like celebrities.” “Speak for yourself,” you shot back, smirking. He tilted his head, studying you for a moment. “You’ve been making quite the impression tonight. Even Wonwoo couldn’t keep his eyes off you earlier.” Your cheeks burned at his comment, but you masked it with a scoff. “Don’t start, Jeonghan.” “Relax,” he said, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “I’m just glad you came. These things can be overwhelming.” Before you could respond, Hoshi popped up beside you, grinning. “Group photo time!”

The group gathered near the panoramic window for the photo. You ended up sandwiched between Seungkwan and Wonwoo. As the camera clicked, you felt Wonwoo lean slightly closer, his voice low enough that only you could hear. “Smile. You wouldn’t want your fans thinking you’re tired,” he teased. You turned your head to glare at him, only to find a faint smirk playing on his lips. “You’re insufferable,” you muttered, but you couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped. “Glad you’re catching on,” he replied smoothly, straightening up just as the photographer signaled the end of the shoot.

The party continued into the early hours, but as the night wound down, you found yourself outside on the lounge’s balcony, enjoying the cool breeze and the glittering city lights. “You’re hard to keep track of tonight,” a familiar voice said, breaking the silence. You turned to find Wonwoo leaning against the railing beside you, his hands in his pockets. “Shouldn’t you be inside, brooding or something?” you teased, earning a quiet laugh from him. “I could say the same about you,” he countered. “Avoiding someone?” “Not at all,” you replied, crossing your arms. “Just needed a breather.” He nodded, his gaze shifting to the city below. After a moment, he added, “You’re good at this, you know.” “At what?” “Balancing both worlds. The office, the streams. Tonight.” You blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. “Thanks, I guess.” “Don’t let it go to your head,” he added, the teasing edge returning to his voice. And just like that, the moment passed, leaving you both standing there in comfortable silence, the city stretching out before you.

The night was unraveling faster than you had anticipated, and alcohol had become your uninvited best friend. You didn’t plan to get drunk—who ever really does?—but between Hoshi’s relentless toasts, Seungkwan’s loud encouragements, and the general festive atmosphere, the drinks kept coming. One glass turned into two, then three, and before you knew it, you were giggling at your own reflection in the polished surface of the lounge's counter. “Another!” you declared, raising your empty glass to a passing server. “Are you sure about that?” Seungcheol asked, raising a brow as he caught your hand mid-air. “Seungcheol, my dear leader,” you slurred, patting his arm with an exaggerated seriousness, “I am more than capable of handling my alcohol.” He exchanged a knowing glance with Woozi, who shook his head and muttered, “Yeah, no. This is not going to end well.” Meanwhile, Hoshi was in no state to help, singing—screaming, really—what sounded like a very off-key version of a karaoke classic, supported by a grinning Vernon. Mingyu had mysteriously vanished, probably off charming someone, leaving the rest of the group to deal with... well, you. --- Things took a turn when you decided it was a great idea to hop onto one of the lounge’s high tables and declare yourself the “ace of the gaming world.” “All hail Kitsunya!” you shouted, arms raised dramatically. The room erupted into laughter and cheers, though some people exchanged amused yet concerned looks. --Okay, that was cring and embarrassing, but your drunk-self cannot be stopped Seungcheol immediately sprang into action. “Okay, nope. That’s enough. Get down before you—” Too late. You lost your balance and toppled forward, only to be caught at the last second by Woozi, who let out an exasperated groan as he steadied you. “This is why I don’t drink,” Woozi muttered, shaking his head. “Why did we even let her?” “I can handle myself!” you protested, though your slurred words and swaying body said otherwise. “Sure you can,” Seungcheol deadpanned, trying to lead you toward a chair.

The night continued in a blur of ridiculous antics, from you trying to "arm wrestle" a very confused server to challenging Joshua to a dance-off—which you lost, miserably. Finally, the group reached a consensus: someone needed to take you home before you caused any more chaos. “I’ll take her,” Joshua offered, ever the composed and reliable one. “Are you sure?” Seungcheol asked, clearly skeptical. “She’s... a handful right now.” “I’ve got it,” Joshua said, already reaching for your coat. Before he could help you up, Jeonghan appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. He looked as calm and composed as ever, his sharp gaze taking in the situation. “Actually,” Jeonghan interjected, “I’ll take her.” Joshua frowned. “You don’t have to—” “I insist,” Jeonghan said, his tone leaving no room for argument. His eyes met yours, and he sighed softly. “She works for me. It’s my responsibility.” Joshua hesitated, but eventually relented, handing over your coat. “Alright. But call if you need anything.” Jeonghan nodded, draping your coat over your shoulders with practiced ease. “Come on,” he said softly, guiding you toward the exit.

The ride home was... interesting, to say the least. “Jeonghan,” you mumbled, your head resting against the car window as he drove. “You’re so... so pretty. Like, stupidly pretty. How is that even fair?” He glanced at you, amused. “Thank you, I guess?” “No, no,” you insisted, turning to face him, your words tumbling out in a drunken ramble. “You don’t get it. You’re like... one of those NPCs in games that are so pretty they distract you from the main quest.” Jeonghan laughed softly, shaking his head. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” You sighed dramatically, slumping back against the seat. “I’m so embarrassed. Why did I drink so much?” “You’ll regret it in the morning,” he said with a smirk. “But for now, just try to relax.”

When he finally got you home, Jeonghan helped you to your door, his hands firm yet steady around your waist, guiding your slightly unbalanced steps as you fumbled with your keys. His touch was grounding, even amidst the alcohol-induced haze that clouded your mind. “Thank you,” you muttered, your voice barely audible but laden with sincerity. “Just get some rest,” he replied, his tone unexpectedly gentle, his eyes softer than you’d ever seen them. As you opened the door and stepped inside, something tugged at you—a mixture of drunken boldness and lingering vulnerability. You turned to face him, your expression uncharacteristically open, raw in a way you never allowed yourself to be. “You won’t... tell anyone about tonight, will you?” His lips quirked upward in a small, knowing smile, one that somehow both reassured and unsettled you. “Your secret’s safe with me.” You hesitated, the alcohol blurring your sense of restraint. Words tumbled out before you could stop them. “Then... why don’t we just...” And then it happened. Without warning, you leaned forward, pressing your lips against his in an impulsive, alcohol-fueled kiss. The contact was firm but still, your lips meeting his in an almost chaste but charged moment. You registered how soft and warm his lips were, the faint scent of his cologne mingling with the dizzying hum in your head. Jeonghan, however, froze. The kiss caught him so off guard that for a split second, he didn’t react at all. His mind was a whirlwind—of shock, of the faint allure of how you smelled even beneath the alcohol, and of a nagging voice reminding him that this wasn’t right. And then he pulled back. His hands gripped your shoulders gently but firmly as he pushed you a step away from him. “What the hell are you doing?” His voice was low, steady, but with an edge of disbelief. The haze of the moment shattered, and you stared at him, wide-eyed, your heart pounding for reasons far beyond the alcohol in your veins. You tried to say something, anything, but the words caught in your throat. Jeonghan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “You’re drunk,” he stated flatly, almost to himself. “You don’t even know what you’re doing right now.” The truth of his words stung. Of course, you were drunk—that’s the only explanation for why you’d done something so reckless, something so completely you. You blinked rapidly, your head spinning for more reasons than one. “Thanks again, Jeonghan,” you mumbled as you stumbled into your apartment, tripping over your own feet. Jeonghan didn’t move to help this time. He just stood there, watching you with an expression you couldn’t quite place—disapproval? Amusement? Maybe something else entirely. His gaze was a sobering force, and you felt a wave of heat creep up your face. Your pride, even in your drunken state, surged up like a shield. You straightened yourself awkwardly, brushing off invisible dust as if the act could somehow salvage what little dignity you had left. “Fuck... Fuck myself,” you muttered under your breath as you straightened and closed the door behind you. On the other side of the door, Jeonghan stood motionless for a moment, exhaling deeply as he ran a hand through his hair again. “What a night,” he murmured to himself, before turning and walking away. Inside, you leaned back against the door, sliding down to sit on the floor. Reality hit you like a freight train, and with it, came regret. Why the hell did I do that? Your hands covered your face as you groaned into your palms. Tomorrow was going to be a disaster. How were you supposed to face Jeonghan after this?

a/n: made this one a little longer just in case i dont post the update tommorow.

i have a taglist so if you want to be updated, reblog / comment on this post / teaser / part-time lover masterlist and you'll automatically be tagged on every chapter ! im a (wo)man of my word LOL

taglist:

@asyre @choppedballoondetective @kpoppiesofinternet @syluslittlecrow @minhui896

@october-saturn @kpop-will-kill-me (thankyou for reblogging !)

get back to the masterlist?

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