#until the end and then a little more ( patrick & hyuk. )

[ofgentleresolve]

main verse hyurick: HAD THEIR FIRST KISS

black knight! hyurick: he called him a knob

[clemencetaught]

ferre makes aesthetics ( 4/??? ): verse one ( the sunset ➜ lee hyuk )

"he was like a sunset- warm, constant, and despite what he thought of himself, so very much ALIVE."

( photos & character does not belong to me. credit for the portrayal of lee hyuk goes to alex @jeoseungsaja! )

[ofgentleresolve-a]

@jeoseungsaja​ sent in:

"I have a question." He starts, looking a bit uneasy even if they're currently communicating through a screen. Fingers absentmindedly scratch his cheek and teeth vaguely bite his bottom lip. If anyone can tell how he's currently feeling, that's his best friend. He doesn't even have to say anything for Patrick to be aware of his slight agitation, does he? "Uh...the semester's almost over, right?" From what he can remember, these are the times where Patrick's workload gets heavier due to last tests and assignments, but it holds a reward: Holidays; much needed vacations. "I was wondering if..." He clears his throat. Why is he being so...bashful? He's usually the contrary. "If you'd like to..." Just let it out, Hyuk. It's already halfway there. The detective looks down, as if that could help with his string of words.

"If you'd like to come to Jeju Island with me." There it is. "I was planning to, uh...to go to Seogwipo this summer." It's one of the few things he allows himself to do once in a while when it comes to having some free time; a rare thing for the stubborn detective. "Maybe...Elise will like it...Hiro, too, if he'd like to come." He finally looks up to see the screen and address his dear friend, a little smile lifting a side of his lips. (u said unprompted asks aND HERE I AM WEIDHWIUEDH, might send more if you don't mind 👀!!! HOPE THIS ONE'S OKAY, THOUGH, PLS FEEL FREE TO IGNORE IF IT'S NOT FITTING OR SOMETHING, CARE YOU HEAPS FERRE!!!) || anything hyuk asks of him will always be a yes 🥺 || ( ft. unprompted )

So technically he should be grading right now. Most times when they get to this time of the year- the fifth month of the Roman calendar, their daily video calls get cut down to text messages as Patrick watches the level of the papers in his bins grow at the rate of bacteria reproduction.  It’s the bane of his existence, really, these three weeks of hell where the only way to crawl out is to wait it out, like watching the sand in the HOURGLASS run out.

If Patrick had it his way, there wouldn’t be any kind of evaluation at the end of the semester. Education isn’t meant to be a series of tests or grades and really, the evaluations, the GPA value only brings on unnecessary stress for both him and his students.

( Of course, he isn’t going to voice that, considering this has been the system for years. He wonders if Hyuk would though. )

But for today, he’s video chatting with his dear friend, even if there is a boatload of ESSAYS waiting for him at the end of the call. The professor ( and the responsible parent too ) in him says he should probably be getting off this call, work on whittling down that pile, at least to the point where the level of the pile matches the rim of the containers, and save the video call for when the last paper has been graded as a reward of his hard-earned labor.

But how can he do that with his best friend on the other end of the screen? His hair’s gotten even longer from the last time Patrick has seen him ( still through a screen ) and from the way Hyuk keeps having to brush a strand away from his eyes, Patrick knows to expect a fair bit of grumbling on Hyuk’s part. Perhaps a haircut would be useful in this case although Patrick refrains from suggesting it. Hyuk might not care much for his appearance, but Patrick likes to think long hair suits his dear friend, how it frames his face, smooth lines along with the scent of his shampoo and conditioner clinging to every strand, thanks to Hyuk’s bi-daily showers, in contrast with the sharp angles of his expressions. Although if it is that BURDENSOME to his dear friend, maybe the next time Patrick sees him in person, he can trim his dear friend’s bangs himself. He’s done it for Hiro before to save money that way.

( So Patrick is being SELFISH, for once there. But he can be so, right? Along with procrastinating his responsibilities like this; besides, Hyuk is so much more than a reward; he’s a necessity. One that Patrick is very much grateful for and one that Patrick is more than willing to ditch any grading for in a heartbeat...that doesn’t make him a very good professor, does it? )

“What is it?” He sets his coffee mug filled with, ironically tea ( and Red Bull too- mostly Red Bull actually but Hyuk doesn’t need to know that. Patrick dreads thinking about the papers he’ll have to see to after the call ends. ) to the side, leaning in a little closer to the screen. It feels a little silly, doing so, considering that it isn’t actually his dear friend he’s leaning into. But then again, it’s Hyuk and he must have noticed it by now, hasn’t he? How there’s something…different, new, even between the two of them. Something fragile that they’re both nurturing so very carefully.

But more importantly, Hyuk looks…unnerved. In a way, it’s ENDEARING- his dear friend isn’t one to resort to bashfulness usually although Patrick supposes Hyuk does a good job of hiding that most times. Patrick knows simply from years of observation: Hyuk bites his lower lip when he’s nervous; Patrick nods slowly; yes- in two weeks, the spring semester will be over, which means, since he’s not teaching any courses for the summer, Patrick will have at least a month’s straight worth of vacation. Still, Patrick can’t help but frown in concern as his finger twitches almost moving to tuck the loose strand hanging by his dear friend’s eye- only to realize yet again that there are at least a thousand, if not even more miles between them. Nevertheless, Hyuk knows should he ask Patrick something, he knows what Patrick’s answer would be:

Yes. Yes. Anything.

It’s been that way for years. And even more so now.

And the question finally comes out: If you’d like to come to Jeju Island. Seogwipo. Oh. Hyuk is asking him if he’d like to spend his VACATION with him. Granted, there is still some work Patrick will have to do, research-wise, but most of it is generally reading. And lesson planning for the new class he’ll be teaching in the fall. But the important part is that if he takes the offer, they’ll have free time to spare together. Free time to spend around one another. Just like the old times when they would go to the water.

Elise, he imagines would be more than happy to come along. After all, she’s known Hyuk for only a little less than she has Patrick, another reminder of the long years of friendship they’ve shared. That and there’s only so much she can explore in London as a privately tutored child.

As for Hiro, well, Patrick can’t tell for sure. He’s always been the surly one, a bit like Hyuk in a way. But if Hyuk is an open book, then Hiro is more of a mystery. Unpredictable- Patrick wants to think it’s because he’s still a teenager ( well…kind of ), but deep down, he knows it’s more than that. But regardless, Patrick can’t see why Hiro would say no. At the very least, he could come for a week or two before returning early for his summer internship.

But aside from his kids, there’s so much to start planning for then, like booking plane tickets to packing bags, enough clothing to last them at least two weeks, and not to mention he’ll have to go to the currency shop for enough won ( even if Hyuk insists on paying, that isn’t going to stop Patrick from at least covering for Hiro and Elise- ) and he’ll have to do all of this while exams are still in full swing and-

His dear friend grins. It’s a small, if not shy one, a rare sight, even for Patrick, who knows he is the main recipient of such expressions from his dear friend. And yet, it takes his breath away, his train of thought coming to halt. It makes his heart race ( a sensation he’s only recently become accustomed to, these days ) too, and all Patrick wants to do now is cup his dear friend’s cheek, if not bottle that smile and save it for a gloomy day. Cheeks warm, Patrick suddenly feels bashful as he looks his dear friend in the eye. His dear friend who becomes SOFTER by the water.

“When should I book flight tickets?”

[clemencetaught]

when there is no paper one must learn to adapt ( post-it note meme w/ @rippleofwords & @jeoseungsaja )

annnnnd to continue xia's ask, here's the hyurick edition of this one meme :D

verse one:

“I’ll be back in an hour and hopefully not longer- you know how Ratliff gets when he’s behind a podium…do you want fish and chips for dinner tonight, by the way? Elise and Hiro will both be out tonight; we should go out for dinner. My treat!

-Myungdae”

( Placed on dining table in Patrick's townhouse. )

verse two:

"10:47 PM, Daesung Technologies- they’ll be appearing there tonight. I’d stab you to make sure you won’t go, but I don’t think that would stop you, unfortunately. If you get caught by the police, that’s on you.

-♞"

( Left by Black Knight on Hyuk's office desk. )

verse three:

“Call off the gathering. Someone in your group spilled the beans; the head peacekeeper’s bringing in extra units for tonight. I can’t talk him out of it."

“Hyuk, please. For me.”

“You really think you’re that subtle?”

“Just…try not to let them see your face this time. You being a victor is not going to stop them from drawing the gun on you. I don’t know if I can mediate. Please, please be careful.”

( Stuck to Hyuk's fridge, one on top of the other. )

[clemencetaught]

hyuk-ah. ➜ Another birthday, another year in passing.

Similar to last year, this one he nearly forgets about too. It’s all too easy, isn’t it? With the semester in full swing, it becomes easier to measure the days not by a calendar but by deadlines. Or meetings. Patrick can’t decide which one is worse.

( On one hand, grading assignments can feel more than a bit like the guillotine blade glistening over his neck. Reading his students’ writing, watching the trajectory of their growth is a delight…but after reading the same kind of answer for the same question about sixteen times in a row, the delight becomes quite…stale to say the least.

On the other hand, however- Ratliff. And these meetings where most of what is discuss could have easily been an email. It’s in these moments Patrick wishes his dear friend could be in proximity. Sure Patrick shouldn’t engage in gossip, but Hyuk’s comments wouldn’t even be understood by anyone else. They certainly would help with passing the time in these cases. )

Which is why, it is, again, a pleasant surprise when he wakes to the smell of earl grey and clementines and pancakes. Elise mentions he must be feeling really old if he’s forgetting his own birthday. And Hiro scolds him because how could he forget his own birthday when he remembers everyone else’s?

Of course, he doesn’t get much time, this time around at work to dwell on the occasion. Between classes, there are meetings to attend and office hours to host. For some reason, there are more students trickling into his office although he only has himself to blame for that one. He’s the one who assigned the midterm paper for next week. Time management is never quite a skill uni students master, is it?

Either way, all that means is by the time he actually gets the chance to sit down, his formal work day is already over and when was the last time he ate again? Breakfast seems like a long time ago at this point.

That, and he hasn’t gotten the chance to look at his phone all day and see Hyuk’s text message that was sent ten minutes ago.

Which asks Patrick to meet him at the London Bridge in the next half hour. Patrick glances up at the clock before it occurs to him that he needs to reread that text. 

The London Bridge, which is a forty minute trip by the tube. The London Bridge which they both used to frequent as university students. The London Bridge, which means Hyuk is forty minutes away.

Not in Seoul.

Springing into action, Patrick pulls on his coat. Nevermind packing up for the day ( Elise and Hiro are oddly tonight too- did Hyuk plan this? ), if his dear friend is in the vicinity, then what else is Patrick supposed to do but go to him? As he makes his way to the nearest tube station, he texts his dear friend back to…scold him? Hyuk already made the trip over in the previous month, one that was planned beforehand- it makes no sense for him to return this month spontaneously. This, Patrick doesn’t necessarily say through text, but what he does say is something along the lines of ‘a phone call would have been more than enough’ or ‘how much did you spend on this flight, ah, I’ll have to pay you back’. But then again, Patrick probably should’ve seen this coming- Hyuk made an impromptu visit last year for Patrick’s birthday so why would it be any different this time around?

( Well, a lot has CHANGED over the course of this past year, hasn’t it? Especially between them. Patrick knows it. Hyuk knows it. They both know the other is aware of it too- you’d think they would’ve had a conversation about it at this point, especially considering…the events of last month. )

Either way, the sight of the London Bridge pulls up far too late for Patrick’s liking. As he reaches one end, he sets about finding his dear friend, who has asked him to meet him here. His dear friend, who knows better than anyone else, if not for him, Patrick most likely would have not done anything for his birthday because if there are people who need him, that’s where his time is going first. 

His dear friend, whom Patrick finds waiting at their spot on the bridge. 

“Hyuk-” Patrick doesn’t get the chance to finish that thought because one moment, his dear friend is hurrying over to him and in the next, he’s throwing his arms around Patrick and suddenly, there’s the smell of Hyuk’s shampoo in his nose, the strands of Hyuk’s hair brushing against his face, and a pair of chilled, but steady hands pressing against the back of his coat. Patrick stumbles back a step, confused. Did something happen? His dear friend, while possessing a temper as volatile as boiling water, is not one for emotional outbursts of the vulnerable kind. 

( He’s going to ignore the fact that he, too, however, has also pulled off a similar kind of hug, back when they took that vacation to Jeju Island. )

Nevertheless, he hugs his dear friend back, rubbing circles into Hyuk’s coat. He’s here. His heart skips a beat.  He’s really here.

Sheepishly though, Patrick chuckles. Ah, yes, what more could he have expected from Hyuk than brusque care disguised as nagging? He ignores the growl his stomach makes ( and hopefully one that Hyuk did not hear despite being in close proximity ) for smiling giddily back at his dear friend, who looks…softer. It must be because they’re by the water, he rationalizes.

“Nonsense, I had a few biscuits before coming here.” Or so he says rather half-heartedly, but still playful. It’s a half lie in that yes, he did have a biscuit…but not a few- just one. That’s still not nearly enough to go on for a full working day. Hyuk knows he’s lying though, but isn’t that part of just who they are? Patrick gives cryptic lines and half lies and Hyuk responds in clipped words.   

Although he’s not nearly as brisk this time around is he? For perhaps one of the few times in Patrick’s life, he’s witnessing his dear friend well…rambling, clumsily stringing word after word together. Corner of his eyes still crinkling, Patrick can’t help but tilt his head for better comprehension and a better look at his dear friend ( although make no mistake, Hyuk will always look…handsome from any angle )- only for him to realize exactly why Hyuk has asked him to meet here of all places.  

Deja vu settles over him like dust- heavens, when was the last time they’ve been here? It must have been ages- they couldn’t have been much older than Hiro, when they would pass the evening watching the water among the warm lights of the bridge. 

Does Hyuk remember those days? Back when Patrick would drag him to a ‘friend-of-a-friend’s’ house party in an attempt to ‘be more social’ only to ditch half-way through for one reason or another? And because it was too noisy back there, they would spend the rest of the evening by the water instead? Does Hyuk remember those conversations from back then? Of when they would talk about home and books and SHIN*ee and everything and more?

“Oh, you didn’t have to, Hyuk; you being here is already more than enough-” Not that that would’ve persuaded Hyuk otherwise. Had the situation been reversed, Patrick probably would have done the same- a birthday means a gift has to be given. And there’s nothing that is ‘too much’ when it comes to his dear friend because Hyuk is someone worth making the trip for. Someone worth buying a present for. Still, gloved fingers brushing over Hyuk’s own for a moment, Patrick takes the box and studies the wrapping. He raises a brow. 

“Fit me right?” He repeats, puzzled. “You didn’t get me a suit, now did you?” Nevertheless, meticulously, he unwraps the box, carefully not to rip the paper at the folds. Once the box is free of the wrapping, Patrick hands the box back to Hyuk to hold before wrapping the paper into a square to tuck into his pocket. And only then does Patrick lift the lid.

“Oh!”  Eyes glimmer under the warm lights of the bridge. They’re not just any set of cufflinks, Hyuk has gotten him- no these are Rubik Cube themed cuff links, even complete with a rotating mechanism should Patrick ever want to use them the way actual Rubik Cubes are used. He lifts them from the box as the corner of his eyes crinkles, the pupils themselves bright. “They’re beautiful, Hyuk-ah, where did you get these? Ah, they must have cost a fortune.”

Not that that would have persuaded Hyuk otherwise, Patrick would think. “Ah, there’s no need to right now, Hyuk-” Nevertheless, his breath stutters as Hyuk takes a hold of his wrist. This shouldn’t feel like anything new; Hyuk has helped Patrick with buttoning his cuffs many times before, even if it leaves the both of them incredibly flustered. And yet this time, Patrick can’t take his eyes off of Hyuk’s fingers brushing over his wrist as he fastens the cuff links in. He’s thinking of doing something, isn’t he? What is he planning? The anticipation leaves Patrick dizzy with both restlessness and anxiety before Hyuk leans in and-

Lips press against Patrick’s wrist. Oh. The line of thought suddenly vanishes and his heart beats louder. Oh.

A kiss on the wrist- an act perhaps in this day and age considered not nearly as explicit and passionate as one on say, the lips. But they’ve never been one for forthrightness in this realm, have they? Hyuk, at least, isn’t. 

Hyuk looks up again and says something, to which Patrick can only nod at in a daze. Yes, the cufflinks do fit well, but suddenly they’re the last thing on Patrick’s mind because now all he’s thinking about is the lingering warmth of smooth lips pressed against his skin and how wonderful it would be to feel those lips again, on his wrist and maybe even his own lips too.

And then, suddenly, Patrick’s other hand is held up before Hyuk kisses that one too and god, how Patrick would really like a repeat of that…and maybe of January’s happenings too. Alas, it would probably be useful too for Patrick to remember how to speak…especially if Hyuk is talking about giving one other gift-

( Patrick would argue Hyuk has already given him not one, but THREE unforgettable presents. How much more does he have in mind? )

Cheek hot as Hyuk’s hands climb from his wrist to his shoulders and Patrick, well, responds in kind and pulls his dear friend in a step closer so they’re flush against each other. The February chill doesn’t feel nearly as biting as before as he watches his dear friend, wanting to capture each and every moment in a bottle. From the warmth of his hands to that shy side smile Patrick has come to recognize and know so well.

Patrick mirrors him though, beaming at him with a shy smile of his own. Leaning into the hand cradling his cheek, he presses a kiss against his dear friend’s- no Hyuk’s something more at this point now- his beloved’s palm.

“Thank you Hyuk-ah. I think you’ve given me one of my favorite birthdays yet.”

A ball of fog expands into the air after a trembling breath takes place; long fingers of one hand latched onto tubes painted aquamarine. The other hand is busy fiddling with what rests in his breast pocket, making sure, for the nth time, that the small box is still there, ever so present to the point that it's left a temporal dent on the fabric of his shirt. Teeth bite on his bottom lip --- once, twice; enough to leave an edge of mouth with a small peel which represents nervousness.

He doesn't even remember the last time he was with these many knots in his stomach; a collection of butterflies and twists alike, finding a home in the ever so chaotic depths of the detective. Hyuk takes another deep breath; grabbing his cellphone and glancing at the last text message received from his dear friend ('I'll be there').

It hasn't even been that long since the last time they saw each other; his brain still replaying that last meeting at the beach, when the calendar marked his birthday and his best friend etched a new feeling into his heart. It was brief but undeniably dulcet (and unconsciously wanted, too, that he figured out with time) moment; where time sweetly froze and he was able to decipher, with surprise and warmth, how well the lines of Patrick's lips matched his.

Oh, boy. Just thinking about it sends spirals of temperature up his neck. He truly hasn't been the same ever since --- in a good way. Even his co-workers wonder why he's been more lenient than usual. And, well...whatever this might be, he likes it. Just as much as he likes him. Patrick.

Regardless of feelings bubbling up, this isn't much about putting those puzzle pieces together (they will fall into place with time, won't they?), but about a special occasion; a special day: His best friend's birthday; a mark Hyuk never misses, no matter where he might be or what he's doing. It's why he's decided to take, once again, a plane all the way to Europe --- because a videocall won't do, nor a text message with those exasperating emojis that the detective can't even use properly. Patrick deserves more than that, and he can argue all he wants; Hyuk will not be convinced otherwise.

And so he's here, asking Patrick to see him at the London Bridge, at the time where is dark enough for the towers and rails to lit up and reflect their lights upon the dancing waters. It's a way to reminisce the past, about those days where they'd escape social events just for them to walk all the way here; about those days where Patrick would talk about the stories written behind the bridge and Hyuk would listen intently; about those days where they'd laugh and chat whilst living their adventures of youth.

It's a way to reminisce the past. And connect the present. Much like the bridge links one point to the other.

He waits, patiently so, actually. Knows that Patrick barely gives time for himself even when being a special occasion; prefers to carry on with his endless duties as a responsible professor and doting father. That's Patrick Myungdae Grace for you: A gentleman who often puts loved ones first before even thinking about his own self.

After a few minutes, Hyuk hears hurried steps on the humid ground; such a sound making him turn at once. There he is; the tall man with the kind face and soft eyes, a few strands of hair being blown by the biting, Londoner wind. He looks beautiful as ever, especially when his eyes crinkle due to a smile pulling his lips.

The detective's heart is singing. Loudly. He almost feels his rib-cage is going to explode.

Before Patrick could possibly voice any kind of apology about being a few minutes late (Hyuk doesn't care --- he just cares that he made it in one piece), an impulse makes Hyuk throw his arms around his best friend to wrap him into a tight, affectionate hug; the type only Patrick gets (otherwise Hyuk is too emotionally stiff, as some say). When he pulls away, his fingers remain clasped onto his dear friend's forearms, thumbs unconsciously rubbing the space there as a grin stretches his mouth.

"You look tired. Have you eaten anything? Don't tell me you're only running on tea and the birthday breakfast Hiro and Elise made you--" He scowls, before his features slowly turn softer. "I...wanted us to meet here because I thought...maybe we could, walk a little and..uh...eat at that place we used to go to...when we were younger. The one with fish and chips? I checked and they close until late---"

Since when is he a rambler? He stops himself, awkwardly clearing his throat whilst hands slip away from Patrick's body. "Oh," he quickly goes to fetch the box he's been guarding all this time and hands it to his dear friend. It's small, long; dark green. "For you. I also...wanted to see if they fit you right, could you...open it to check?" Hyuk tries to not rush Patrick into opening the gift, his fuse very short in comparison to his dear friend's. Once it's open, a pair of Rubik's cube cuff links is found inside. The little cubes even twist some, in case Patrick needs a distraction while wearing them. Of course Hyuk had to get them for him.

"Let me," Hyuk grabs one of the cuff links and then takes a careful hold of Patrick's wrist; turning it so his palm is exposed. At first, the detective's focused on putting it on, eyes even narrowing as to look at the shirt's hole under the shadow of artificial lights. But then, he realizes how close he is, how Patrick's wrist is exposed to him even if the rest of his shirt hugs his arm effortlessly. Suddenly, he can feel his heart in his throat and there's the need to---

Just do it, Lee Hyuk. For once, follow that voice. And he does it. He gently kisses the center of Patrick's wrist.

Even if heat crawls all the way to his cheeks, he pretends that what he did is casual; fingers stumbling a little but finally managing to keep the cuff link on place. "There. It--It looks nice. Let's see the other---" And he does the same thing: grabs the cuff link from the box, and then his dear friend's wrist.

He kisses that one, too. The mark tender. A honeyed whisper of utter affection. I'm here. I'll always be here. For you. Just for you.

A clear of his throat; a little, bashful side-smile as the detective attempts to gain his usual composure and peeks to see Patrick. He doesn't apologize for what he did, nor does he try to quickly change the subject. There's no ounce of regret in that body of his and, besides...at this point, that wall where the awkwardness of sentiment was stored is slowly but surely crumbling down, isn't it?

Slow but steady steps.

"I--also got you another thing, but I'll...give it to you until we get to eat." A rainbow fountain pen, that's neatly wrapped in the oh so famous newspaper wrapper he uses. It's saved in the pocket of his trousers; awaiting for the right time to fall onto Patrick's hands.

Hyuk's hands, which rested right under Patrick's wrists, move so they can meet his dear friend's shoulders. He pats them, then pretends to accommodate the lapel of his shirt, when in reality he's getting his palms ready to climb up. And they do, rise and a little timidly; fingertips daring to reach his dear friend's face. The detective's fingers are calloused, but his touch tries to be soft; caring --- loving.

He gives him a smile. One that, he hopes, tells Patrick how proud he is. Of him, his best friend (and something more). Of who he is, who he's become. And how he still holds gentleness and mercy by his hand, despite it all.

"Happy birthday, Dae-yah."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MOST WONDROUS PROFESSOR @ofgentleresolve 🥺���

[ofgentleresolve]

@jeoseungsaja sent in: Word of advice for Patrick: Maybe you should ask your best friend Hyuk to help you with the buttons of your shirt cuffs more often, that way he can find more excuses to touch and kiss your hands, I mean, I'm just sayING

Well, that’s an unusual piece of advice to hear. But perhaps it matches this rather unorthodox situation to begin- at least it’s unorthodox for him ( and Hyuk too, he hopes ). After all, how many people fall for their best friend of at least half of their lives?

( There’s probably a handful, Patrick notes- but none of them are in his vicinity, are they? And if they are, he highly doubts they’ll be all that…helpful to say the least. )

Still, his shirt cuffs? In comparison to all the other things he can ( barely ) fantom his dear friend finding appealing, it’s a rather mundane thing to comment. Sure, a good number of Patrick’s shirts come with such a feature, but that’s his preference. Formalities to him are what armor to a knight is.

He frowns. “Buttoning my…shirt cuffs? Why would he want to help me with that?”

“That way he can find more excuses to touch and kiss your hands.”

Wait, what? Since when did his dear friend want to do- cheeks suddenly warm, he covers his mouth at the image. Hyuk knows, doesn’t he, how much Patrick adores the works of Jane Au*sten. Whereas nowadays gestures of affection such as kissing on the lips and even outright sexual intercourse ( not that Patrick has actively sought out these books…he wouldn’t be surprised if his students have, however ), the Regency was a tad more…RESTRAINED and thereby the authors of the romance genre needed to get creative with displaying romance and the tension that came with it.

The friends-to-lovers trope is one such method. Hand kisses are another.

But then again, they’ve always been more on the understated side too, haven’t they? Between the two of them, one might say by modern standards, they’re both quite the…turtles when it comes to acknowledging such emotions and acting on said emotions. After all, it’s Hyuk who is always so careful with who to trust and Patrick who is content to sit on the sidelines rather than face these…complicated thoughts head-on.

And besides, they’re friends first. Always BEST FRIENDS before anything else.

The stranger with said advice peters off though as Patrick keeps a steady eye on them. He scratches his cheek. If an outsider can see the signs between them, then it really must be obvious at this point, no? “I suppose I’ll…keep that in mind. Thank you.”

That and get cuffs with bigger button holes. For Hyuk’s convenience.

[ofgentleresolve]

The nice thing about being a professor is that, since the spring semester doesn’t usually start right after the end of New Year’s, he’s allowed to linger in vacation mode for a little while longer. And this case, it means his dear friend gets to stay with him in London for a little while longer.

At least long enough to celebrate a very special occasion.

“There you are.” He approaches his dear friend as the sea breeze brushes between them. Well, actually, it’s a moot point to say, considering that they’re the only two in their party for today. Hiro wanted to go out with his uni friends and Elise, with her own friends. Patrick hadn’t been sure about Elise.

“She’ll have her phone with her,” Hiro snapped after hearing Elise whine enough. “She’s not that young.”

Ah, they grow up so fast.

And so, with it just being Patrick and his dear friend this time around, Patrick suggested that they make an outing of their own. Relive the old days, where they would take the train out of London to the nearest beach. Henceforth, the sea breeze.

And one Lee Hyuk, very much at ease.

The corner of his eyes crinkles and Patrick sits next to his dear friend on the blanket. Setting the canteen down, he removes his socks and shoes and lets the sand slide between his toes. It’ll be nightfall soon, but the sun lingers over the horizon, dipping the ocean in shades of orange.

Opening the canteen, he pours out some hot chocolate into the lid and hands it to Hyuk. “Here you go- it should warm you up. I hope…you’re not too cold.” He chuckles nervously before scratching his cheek. “It’s my mix- I’ve never had it before so let me know what you think.” He’s quiet for a moment as he looks out at the SUNSET.

Gathering his thoughts, he turns towards Hyuk. “Thank you for spending the holidays with us. And your birthday. I hope it wasn’t too exhausting.” The hot chocolate in canteen steams between them. “I have your gift back at home.”

Which, when Hyuk does receive it, he’ll find a large mason jar of Patrick’s hot chocolate mix- dark chocolate shavings combined with instant coffee and a sprinkle of ginger- for him to take back to Seoul. It’s been wrapped with an orange ribbon too. That and a small desk calendar feature pictures of mandarin ducks ( he considered getting the pigeon one for a long moment though ). He tried to keep the objects small since Hyuk will have to carry them on his flight back.

Shooting a little closer to his dear friend, Patrick can’t help but lean against Hyuk’s arm, the warmth of Hyuk’s arm emanating into Patrick’s own.

“You got…hot chocolate on your mouth.” He points for a moment and then: “Here, let me get it for you-“

He reaches out In the back of his head, something screams déjà vu like that time in Seoul with Mrs. Nam and the bungeoppang-

But he’s ignoring that willfully.

Hyuk is not the only OBSTINATE one here.

Leaning in, he thumbs at the smudge before he realizes how close he’s gotten to his dear friend as a result, his fingers caressing Hyuk’s cheek as the thumb brushes over the corner of his lips. It’s still as soft as it was the last time- for a long moment, Patrick stares at Hyuk’s lips. This is where he should pull back now, right?

Don’t you remember what happened to her?

Except he looks Hyuk in the eye- is he going to have another chance like this? What if this all goes down the drain? What is he going to-

You know what, screw it.

Patrick leans in, his lips pressing against Hyuk’s.

Ah, they’re as soft as I thought.

And although his face feels like it’s been set on fire, Patrick doesn’t pull away. He chuckles nervously, a warm hand still pressed against Hyuk’s cheek.

“Happy Birthday, Hyuk-ah.”

happy birthday lee hyuk ( @jeoseungsaja​ )!! 😌☺️💕🎉

[ofgentleresolve]

@jeoseungsaja​​ sent in:

So this is...awkward.  Well, not exactly awkward but more so a situation that causes disquiet within Hyuk. This isn't how things were initially planned; Hyuk's prior outburst at the reception had demonstrated that, yet Patrick's presence showed up just in time to save the poor administrator from more fire brewing in the detective's mouth. Whether it was a mistake from Hyuk's faulty computer skills or an error from the hotel's system, there was no turning back. They were here now --- sharing the same room...and the same bed. Sure, sure, Patrick did say that he's fine with this option, that he doesn't mind, yet Hyuk can't help but feel a bit guilty about it. He wanted this little getaway to be as blissful as possible, not to...create bashful tension that somehow can be sensed in the air.

They've shared spaces before, of course they have, but not like this. Not while knowing there's something more swimming in seas that have acquired the languid color of realization; an...awakening of feelings that once rested dormant.

He takes a deep breath, the night cloaking skies. He's by himself right now; Patrick making sure his children are doing okay in the other room they'll be sharing. He sits on a corner of the bed, wondering what to do as pajama pants and a shirt wrap his body. Should he take off the shirt? It's how he's used to sleep; the garment feeling heavy on flesh when being under sheets, somehow -- a tight habit by now.

The detective bites his bottom lip; hair now moderately dry after his usual shower. Maybe...he could take the shirt off, dig himself under the covers and call it a night? Yeah, that could work, couldn't it? (Why is he suddenly shy about it? As if Patrick hadn't seen him like this before--)

One...two...

Rapidly, he starts taking his shirt off, but it seems he has awful timing, for by the time he has the garment over his head, he hears the door unlock and open, causing Hyuk to jump and slide off the mattress, falling on his bum on the floor.

"Aish--!" Only Patrick can unlock this absolutely graceless part of him, getting tangled in his shirt for a moment before he frustratingly tosses it to his side, hair a bit of a mess due to that. "I'm fine, I--did...uh...how did they...like their room?" He sits up, trying to sort of pretend nothing happened; clearing his throat as warmth escalates to his neck. "Also do you...want a side of the bed in particular, I can take any spot--"

(HELLO, DEAR FERRE! I AM HERE TO SEND UNPROMPTED ASKS WIEDHWIEUDH, PLS TAKE THIS CLUMSY HYUK, BUT ALSO, FEEL FREE TO IGNORE THIS IF YOU WISH ;W; HOPE YOU'RE HAVING A FANTASTIC DAY!!) || click for patrick’s interior atm ( unprompted. )

It does not occur to Patrick that this setup ( that he proposed ) will, in fact, have consequences.

Not that he thinks they would be necessarily bad consequences when he looks back on it, but in the moment he will probably think so, even if this should simply feel like a throwback to the old times. Back to his and Hyuk’s uni days, where it was normal for them to share a room. Well-intentioned, but nevertheless bad roommates will do that; make any university student desperate enough to pick a couch with questionable stains over a familiar bed if it means getting a few hours of peace and quiet- Patrick learned quickly to claim a single for the years following.

But even in the following years, sharing a room ( intentional or not ) with Hyuk, he never considered strange. Even if Hyuk did take his shirt off before going to sleep. Patrick’s known about that habit for years and how it correlates with Hyuk's dislike for waking up sweaty.

( Patrick would point out though that the temperature of the body actually decreases when unconscious, so in the winters, isn’t necessarily a great idea to sleep shirtless. What if Hyuk catches a cold? )

And still, somehow very inconveniently, Patrick did not take that fact into consideration. Not that his decision would have been any different in any other timeline. So there’s been a mix-up with the hotel booking- that certainly isn’t going to stop Patrick from enjoying his time with his dear friend, however much it is limited to these two weeks. This setup shouldn’t feel any DIFFERENT.

Until it is. It’s been like this for a while, hasn’t it? Everything being both familiar and new, two parallel lines suddenly intersecting until you can’t tell where one line starts and the other ends-

He’s not thinking too hard about what awaits in their shared room when he opens the door. Everything is going as well as it should- at the very least, both Elise and Hiro seem settled into their shared hotel room down the hall and last time he checked, they were invested in a drama, which Hiro insisted turning the subtitles off for, something about wanting to improve his Korean. He was also the one to shoo Patrick back to his own room:

“Go back to your room- we know you’d rather be with Mister Lee than us.”

Patrick scratches his cheek bashfully, his other hand resting on the doorknob. It’s not that obvious, him and Hyuk, is it? No, Patrick, that’s not a question to wrestle with right now.

Taking a deep breath, he turns the doorknob and tells himself to relax. It’s just Hyuk in the room. Just the two of them alone in a room just like how it had been many times in the past; it’s not like this time is going to be any different from the other times.

That is what he is assuming until he actually opens the door only to find his dear friend tangled in his shirt and then soon after slipping off the corner of the mattress onto the floor. It’s almost as if Hyuk was considering not sleeping shirtless this time around.

“Are you okay?” Patrick is immediate in helping his dear friend off the floor. He frowns, leaning in and reaching a hand up to help clear the hair from Hyuk’s face. His fingers get tangled in the soft, soft strands there as the pads of his fingertips brush against first Hyuk’s forehead and then his scalp. “That sounded painful- maybe we should go to the doctor to get that checked out…”

And then it happens; the moment when the consequences of this…arrangement sink in. With the shirt thrown to the side, Hyuk is very much…shirtless, revealing a toned chest that Patrick happens to be in very close proximity to, just like the last time he caught Hyuk shirtless. This is to be expected though, right? Detectives have to be in shape, ready to burst into action at any given moment on the field so of course Hyuk would be in shape, it comes with the job.

Patrick swallows, hand tucking the loose strands behind his dear friend’s ear before it brushes over his neck and onto his shoulder, where Patrick’s thumb grazes over Hyuk’s clavicle. Patrick’s eyes can help but wander too, from his dear friend’s chest to his abs. In a daze, Patrick traces them with his eyes ( although make no mistake his free hand twitches in an urge to follow his gaze ). And he realizes Hyuk’s abs are half hidden by a loose set of trousers and for a long moment there, Patrick wonders what the whole set looks like and-

The blood rushes to his face.

No. No. That’s not a thought he should be having about his best friend. And something more.

“They’ve a-acclimated, I think.” He stammers, words tumbling out as he hastily pulls his hands back, cradling his fingers before they do anything traitorous. “I-Is the room okay with you? I-I hope it won’t be too stuffy for you since it’s not exactly what you booked initially-“ Wait a minute did Hyuk just ask what side of the bed he wants? That would imply they would be sharing a bed, which means that Patrick will be sleeping next to…that for two weeks straight.

Plus, they’re at Jeju Island, which means swimming will be happening. A lot.

( It is at this very moment when the gravity of his choices completely and utterly sinks in and there is no way around it- how did he forget that Hyuk likes to sleep with his shirt off again? )

He swallows again, averting his gaze and squeezing his eyes shut as if that would be able to shroud and sheer embarrassment prickling over his back. No, that wouldn’t be effective, not with Hyuk of all people. Hyuk, who knows him better than anyone else, perhaps even himself.

“Y-You can choose. I don’t mind.” His heart picks up a notch. There’s no way Hyuk wouldn’t have noticed his face going completely warm. “ I’ll take whichever spot is left- I s-should ready for bed since we’re doing a lot tomorrow, bebackinamoment-“

Patrick makes a rather ungraceful escape into the bathroom and closes the door behind him before covering his mouth, cheeks ablaze.

Dear god.

His head keeps on spinning. His head keeps running in a million different directions. None of which will be useful to his...crisis.

How is he going to last this time?

[ofgentleresolve]

I believe I sent one of this a while ago BUT LEMME SEND IT AGAIN AFTER EVERYTHING WE'VE DEVELOPED WIUEHDIUDH: # for Hyurick in main verse uwu

@jeoseungsaja || texting aka the crux of rp ( cell phone headcanons prompt. )

send me “#” for cell phone headcanons about our muses

- what your muse’s name is in mine’s phone: 이혁 ( Hyuk-ah )

- what your muse’s picture is in mine’s phone:

- what your muse’s ringtone is in mine’s phone: until 2021, it was SHINee's View, but now it's SHINee's Days and Years :'D

- my muse’s last text to your muse: “Crosstown Donuts came out with a new flavor.“ “I’ll make sure to send you a picture.“ “Just so you can get an idea when you visit in a few months. 😊“

[ofgentleresolve]

( and then a little more. )

a/n: just a hyurick themed birthday present for the one and only alex ( @jeoseungsaja )! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!! i hope this year ( and the ones that come afterwards too )will be a wonderful one 🥰🥰🥰 this is just a little something i wanted to give you!!

( lyrics of ‘love letter from the sea to the shore’ belong to delaney bailey and lee hyuk belongs to alex!! )

I think I loved you in another life Where I was the sea And you were the shore

After everything, in a time where Patrick doesn’t bring his pocket watch everywhere, Hyuk asks him a question.

“Do you believe in soulmates?”

Moments from drifting to sleep, Patrick lifts his head from his pillow, bleary-eyed. A droplet drips onto the pillowcase much to his chagrin. Wet pillowcases. His pet peeve. But then again he should have figured that would happen, taking a shower just earlier.

Not that Patrick normally does. But Hyuk always showers at least twice a day and he needs to take his second shower at night. That and well, it’s not exactly a pleasant experience, falling asleep in one’s own sweat. And body fluids, no matter how pleasant the moments leading up to such a scenario might be.

Hyuk, Patrick’s dear friend- well, that’s bit of an understatement these days, considering that they’ve been dating for quite some time now…alas, old habits die hard- frowns. “Forget it, it was a dumb question-“

“No, no,” He turns to his side and scoots closer to Hyuk. Hyuk mirrors him, flipping from his back to this side- how strange it is, truly. How they parallel without even trying. “I  was just surprised. I didn’t know you were someone who believed in this kind of…occultery.”

“I’m don’t,” Hyuk says, insistent, as he closes the space between them, limbs brushing against one another. Loose strands fall over his eyes and Patrick brushes them over his ear. His fingers tangle themselves in the strands afterward and he feels Hyuk melt beneath the pads of his fingertips. “I was just wondering, you know- your project. They…soulmates are talked about there, right?“

“I suppose it would be in the same field.” Although Patrick knows for a fact the idea of reincarnation according to Korean mythology mentioned nothing of soulmates.

Hyuk looks up at him and gnaws on his lip. A move Patrick thinks Hyuk should stop unless he wants to go for round two. “…So do you? Believe in soulmates?”

***

Like the tourist comes back to the beach I come back to you for more and more and more

He doesn’t think about them. Soulmates.

No, that’s a lie.

Because although his entire time, there have been times where he’ll have queer…flashbacks of sorts. Flashback of times he doesn’t remember. Memories of a life he’s never lived. Glimpses of a face and voice he knows he’s known all his life. The most vivid of them came recently when Hyuk slid a chrysanthemum knot bracelet into his hands for Valentine’s Day.

The green thread- verdant like the leaves of the forest- shimmered brightly against the plush velvet of the box.

( “Hand up,” his king asks him ( Ahn Hak ). Commands him. It’s a familiar one, one that is both distant and familiar…it’s Hyuk’s voice, but not quite. No, the voice is the same, but the cadence is different. Whereas Lee Hyuk speaks roughly, one of a survivor, one who clings to what little gifts he is granted, this voice speaks like a king. One who knows his own importance and therefore, the weight of a kingdom that has been rested on his shoulders.

Fabric rustles amongst the cacophony of conversation, footsteps, horses, and bells before his king, Wang Yeo, drops a norigae into his palm. The green, verdant of the forest, again shimmers in his hand.

His king is smiling cheekily, like the boy Hak had grown up with his entire life. Hak promises to treasure it for the rest of his life.

He wants his king to smile like that too, for as long as he lives. )

***

'Cause you hold in my tide I would die a thousand times Just to see you in another life

Between the two of them, they have a lot of bad ideas. And they make a lot more bad decisions too.

( Kim Sun and General Kim Shin’s execution. The massacre of their entire clan. Several more choices made in the depths of despair and under the influence of advisor Park Joong-heon. )

Hak thinks he’s topped all of them this time.

Or at least this is what he assumes, as he lays dying in the court yard of the palace, where a queen once stood and was executed too. He coughs, bleed running from his mouth.

His king is yelling at him. Pleading for him to “keep your eyes open, why did you act so stupidly again-“

Ironic considering that Yeo was the one to send him to the gallows. But then again, Hak knows he would take the same steps all over again, from picking execution over an eternal banishment, to seeing the stray arrow, to stepping in between it before it could pierce his king’s heart.

Yeo. He asks. He’s being selfish, calling his king by his personal name outside of his king’s personal chambers. Are you okay?

His king, Yeo, is crying. Sobbing, even. But he nods. Yes, he is.

Hak sighs in relief. Good. His vision is getting blurrier and Yeo’s voice grows farther and farther away. He closes his eyes.

He can’t help but hope that in another life, maybe they’ll have another chance to get it right, this time.

( A green thread untangles itself from a knot and ties one end to his finger and he watches it go round and round and round, hoping it’ll reach the other side before it’s too late- )

***

I wish you'd come with me Move with thе swells, my love I love you too much to drift completely

Park Jisoo is born colorblind. A commonality found more among men than women, his optometrist tells him,  as a teenager, but it’s nothing to be too concerned over in his case. Jisoo just can’t see red or green.

Not that Jisoo thinks he’s missing out although he supposes he would like to know why people are so mesmerized with sunsets and sunrises. Or even leaves in general. But the closest he’ll get to knowing what the warmth of sunset looks like is probably when he’s around Yuri.

Yuri, his fiancée and later, his wife. A biologist to his librarian. In this life, there is a yearning, longing that Jisoo is never quite able to shake off. It’s been there for just about as long as Jisoo can remember, even longer than when he realized unlike the other kids in his class, he didn’t have parents, let alone any known living relatives. Those kids laugh at him, in this life, for not being able to differentiate between red and green, for not having parents, for bursting inexplicably into tears whenever they take a class trip to the beach, when of all the chrysanthemum knot bracelets he could have, he picks the green one. The one that he can’t even see.

Yuri, the pHD student he runs into more than once while he works as a librarian, for all the times her temper pops a lid, calms his heart, soothes that ache in a way that no one else can ( and somewhere deep down, he senses it- there’s another thread, a red one, being tied between them ).

And yet.

And yet, the yearning never quite leaves. He can’t help but think there’s someone missing. Someone very important…

( The feeling, even in death, remains. When it is time for him to go, the grim reaper- apparently they do exist, if not in a more bureaucratic structure- in charge of leading him to the afterlife, takes him to what looks like a teahouse. While Jisoo expects to be speaking with the same grim reaper, it is to his surprise when another grim reaper takes their place.

A tall man dressed in a suit prepares tea at the counter before setting a porcelain cup in front of Jisoo. The man’s eyes are sad, if not heavy with regret. One might say he walks as if he carries the weight of a fallen kingdom on his shoulders-

Why does Jisoo’s heart clench at that thought?

The man takes a seat across from Jisoo and tells him to drink. He’ll forget about the memories of this life when he moves on to the next one. Jisoo bites the inside of his tongue- should he ask if it erases emotions too?

But instead, Jisoo glances up at this grim reaper and asks: “I’ve always…felt like there was someone missing from my life. Would you happen to know something of this?”

A flicker of surprise, if only to be followed by a mixture of remorse and hope that passes through the Grim Reaper’s face. He apologizes. Tells Jisoo that he doesn’t and that he’s sorry.  That he’s wanted to apologize all this time too and that he hopes this life was a happy one for Jisoo.

Jisoo, who does not know how to react, let alone say, merely nods because even if he does not know why the Grim Reaper has wanted to apologize, it is important to the Grim Reaper that he does so.

Who is Jisoo to deny that? Or at least he thinks he doesn’t not understand why, until he glances at his wrist. The chrysanthemum knot bracelet, no longer worn as it had been in death, is tied around his wrist- he could never bring himself to take it off. For a moment, some flashes, a color he’s never seen before.

Verdant. Green.

Jisoo looks back up at the Grim Reaper. The man with a familiar face and haunting eyes smiles back at him. He tells Jisoo he should go now and urges him to drink the tea.

As Jisoo stands from the table, he studies the Grim Reaper for what might be the last time in a long time.

“Could I ask for your name?”

The Grim Reaper points to himself in surprise before he sobers.

“Wang Yeo. My name is Wang Yeo.”

Jisoo repeats the name to himself, burning the syllables onto his tongue. “That sounds like a name fit for a king, Wang Yeo.” He gather his coat and opens the door. “I hope we’ll be able to meet again soon, Wang Yeo.” )

***

Wait for me, I'll be back because

Anxiety, anxiety, anxiety. For as long as Patrick Grace could remember ( or at least as far back as Patrick can remember ), there’s always been a gnawing sense of unease, restlessness. His mother thinks it’s a result of chronic nightmares when he was younger. That they’ve only changed forms, but thankfully into something more manageable.

Patrick thinks it might be something a bit more than that.

For one thing, what his mother has defined as anxiety, it’s also a sense of…yearning? No, this is something a little more hopeful. Anticipation is the better word.

Anticipation for what is to come.

( And then in his first year of university, there is a seatmate who is rather…sour-faced. Like an unripe lemon, yet to reach maturity. Even if his English is clumsy, it doesn’t stop him from volunteering in class, even when the topic isn’t about the English language itself.

Patrick can’t stop watching him, even if he’s guarded and prefers to be alone than with their peers and perhaps in his most far-fetched dreams, maybe they could be friends-

Or at least he thinks it’s far-fetched until his seatmate, Lee Hyuk, hands him his lunch box ( bento box Patrick later learns it’s called ). An offering? A gesture of friendship.

His heart, the anxiety, spikes. And the anticipation quells. )

***

You hold in my tide I would die a thousand times

“…So do you? Believe in soulmates?”

Anchored back into the present, Patrick stares for a long moment at his dear friend. A dear, beloved face that somehow feels more familiar to him than the span of twenty years.

He slides his hands down to his dear friend’s cheeks, green threads mixing with warm skin- is this what a leaf feels like in the presence of the sunset? Verdant and alive?

Hyuk melts once again into his palms as Patrick feels his arms wrap around his back. Oh, how Patrick wants Hyuk to be this way around him forever and ever, even if fate says he can’t-

“For as long as you’ll have me. And then a little more.”

Just to see you in another life Ooh, in another life

.

.

.

fin.

[ofgentleresolve-a]

a dream that patrick has a lot regardless of the verse: falling asleep in between his sweetheart and his best friend while they’re at the beach. and then waking up to their voices and kind faces. it’s a dream he has a lot....he considers it a good dream ( and one that makes him melancholic too bc it’ll never happen in this lifetime ) 🥲

[ofgentleresolve-a]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (these are dedicated to Professor Patrick Myungdae Grace, from a certain sourfaced detective who's been behaving like a MESS lately when he's around him, who gets massive dokis as soon as he sees him, who gets lowkey giddy when remembering their latest moments of affection, who's been also (quietly) pining for the past years IHWEUHWEDHUEDH, I know you'll be answering these privately but I still wanted to send 'em in EVEN IF?? I MEAN WE...WE KIND OF KNOW THIS ONE lmao, BUT HELLO LOVELY FERRE, HOPE YOU'VE BEEN DOING WELL AND THAT YOU'VE BEEN HAVING A FANTASTIC WEEKEND ;W; )

@jeoseungsaja hyurick can take my money...and my heart too 🥰🥰🥰

send 🔥 if your muse has a crush on mine

listen i know i said i’d be answering these in private BUT I CAN’T HIDE THIS ONE....BC LOOK AT THEM...THE PINING!! THE LONGING!! THE SLOWBURN!! THE LINGERING TOUCHES HOW THEY CAN’T KEEP THEIR HANDS OFF OF EACH OTHER AND REALLY KEEP ON THINKING ABOUT WANTING TO KISS EACH OTHER!! THE FACT THAT THEY LITERALLY HAVE BEEN PINING FOR EACH OTHER!! FOR YEARS!! and think that they can’t have this bc there’s no way the other could return those feelings BUT THEY TOTALLY CAN 🥲

but like also?? i absolutely adore their friendship even without the romance bc they literally always have each other’s best interest in mind, they’re completely selfless when it comes to the other person even if it means they themselves might not benefit but it’s okay ‘as long as he’s happy, he’s okay, i’ll be too’ 🥺🥺🥺 they really are best friends ( with a little something extra this lifetime ), ride-or-dies, and PLATONIC SOULMATES....i never expected patrick to meet someone who would vibe SO WELL with him....but also not them MIRRORING EACH OTHER IN ALMOST EVERY SITUATION TOGETHER and just being so perceptive of what the other person is thinking and doing...they really are the definition of life-long friends-turned-lovers and help someone take the mic away from me before i go into a whole monologue about why i will go down with this ship and why hyurick absolutely lives rent-free in my head JFKLSDJFLSDJF

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HYURICK ALEX!! it’s been an absolute JOY writing them out with you and plotting for them BUT ALSO THAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT ALL OF OUR DYNAMICS AND JUST!! INTERACTING WITH YOU IS JUST A WONDERFUL TIME FOR ME THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FRIENDO pls have a wonderful day and care you lots  🥰🥰🥰

[ofgentleresolve-a]

now that i have internet connection, patrick when he sees hyuk ( @jeoseungsaja​ ) like this:

“..................”

*spills his tea, can’t stop staring, face goes completely red* “I-I’m okay. I just- you, um, uh- a shirt. L-Let me get you a shirt...r-right now...”

[ofgentleresolve-a]

@jeoseungsaja​ sent in:

He's busy rearranging his brushes, taking note of which ones need some cleaning and which ones can be saved in the case right away. Hyuk only lets his gaze break away from items when he hears his dear friend coming into the small corner of his art space, eyes lifting to watch Patrick add some last details to his outfit. He's supposed to go to some sort of academic event, isn't he? Hyuk remembers Patrick told him something about it.

These last details are nothing out of the ordinary, really. Just Patrick buttoning the cuffs of his button down. Nothing out of the ordinary...and yet, Hyuk's heart skips a beat; enough for his movements to freeze and for the brush between fingertips to fall on the floor.

He blinks, gulping and coming to his senses; leaning down to pick up the brush in a hurry --- wrong move, because when he tries to lift his head, he hits it against the table.

"Yah-aish---" A low hiss before fully standing up, waving his hand in dismissal and placing the brush atop wooden surface. "I'm alright, it didn't hurt---" It does hurt a little, but he's willing to swallow the ache than getting all embarrassed about it.

It's when he fully adjusts that he notices something's off. "Ah, wait, your--"

The detective gets closer to Patrick, takes note of shirt's collar. It's crooked; part of it still oddly tucked under his sweater vest. Instead of verbally telling him about it, Hyuk takes matters into his own hands; fingers reaching out and carefully rearranging the professor's shirt. He even leans in a little, focused on the task; unfolding and pressing collar where it should be.

"There, you had---" Looking up, he notices how dangerously close he is. He can see everything better from here. Patrick's pleasant eyes, the details of his nose, the prepossessing and inviting shape of his lips --- why did his gaze stop right there? Why is his heart doing somersaults? Why is his mind wondering things that perhaps it shouldn't?

Hyuk clears his throat and looks away, temperature climbing up his neck as both of his hands get pressed against Patrick's shoulders; patting them both and unconsciously letting his palms affectionately slide down his dear friend's chest before completely letting go. He hopes Patrick didn't take note of him staring.

"Your collar was crooked. Uh...what time are you going to that thing again?"

(Now here's Hyuk, getting flustered over Patrick's attractiveness---IUWHEDIUWEHUEHD I HOPE THIS IS OKAY, feel free to skip this oR ANY ASK if it's uncomfortable or anything of the sort!! Please have a wonderful day, Ferre!! :D) || they keep toeing the line 👀 ( ft. unprompted )

This is technically the reason he’s in Seoul right now, isn’t it? A conference that his university’s sister school is hosting and therefore, as a representative of the Literature Department, he’s supposed to be giving a speech. Perhaps this is why he initially let Dr. Towell volunteer first, despite the desire that welled up to see his dear friend at that moment. Of course, the research component of his work is important and the main reason he became a professor in the first place, but between interacting with his colleagues and his students, Patrick has found the latter to be much more…pleasant in these recent years.

Never mind the prestige that might come with being nominated faculty member of the year or even head of the department, Patrick is more than CONTENT with his place in the pecking order. It’s not like any of these awards change the quality of his research or even how he teaches anyways. The title is really just a formal means of assigning extra if not superfluous duties.

Such as public speaking. Oh, put the good professor in a classroom and he’s golden- his students are more often than not sharper than given credit for. If they say they learn so much from Professor Grace, then Patrick may say the same about them. But put him in front of a crowd and well-

“You really don’t have to go, Hyuk.” He reminds his dear friend as he wanders into Hyuk’s art space. Perhaps he is being BIASED, but this little corner of his dear friend’s apartment happens to be Patrick’s favorite spot. For one thing, there’s a tad more sunlight that makes its way into the room, more sunlight to douse Hyuk in while he paints.

( And in Patrick’s opinion, his dear friend looks the most beautiful best in the sunlight. Why else would Hyuk be a SUNSET then? )

“I won’t be saying anything special- I’ll just be reading off of notecards.” Which should be easy enough. Not to mention he already translated Dr. Towell’s speech. Save for a few pointers of his own, most of these words are not his own. Nevertheless, it doesn’t stop the dread that gnaws on his nerves. He’s never been one for public speaking, truly. He might be good at it, according to his colleagues, but that doesn’t mean Patrick necessarily enjoys it, especially not the preceding moments.

Perhaps this is why he’ll never rise higher than a tenured professor.

But then again, he also rather dislikes formal events, such as the one he’s attending. He’s just lucky academic events usually don’t mandate black-tie formal attire. “I’ll have to be there for the lectures, but I should be able to duck out once we get to the reception.” Hyuk would understand, right? The formal functions he gets invited to probably aren’t much better…no actually, they might be worse considering that those are almost always black-tie formal. Hyuk can’t get away with not wearing a tie.

But then again, Hyuk’s never been one to go to such events out of OBLIGATION, is he?

Sleeves folded at the elbows, Patrick sets about unfurling them to button them at the cuffs. He peers up at his dear friend, who is currently reorganizing his paintbrushes, in between buttoning.

It’s such an ordinary act, really, and yet Patrick can’t help but smile softly, pieces of warmth blooming out of nowhere. That’s strange- it’s not like he hasn’t seen Hyuk do it before, but then again, anything Hyuk does these days ( outside of getting injured of course- Patrick would prefer not to have a repeat of two days ago ), Patrick can’t help but look on in fondness. He’s been doing a lot of that this week it seems- watching Hyuk when he thinks his dear friend isn’t looking. A guilty pleasure, perhaps, considering that it’s not something he can do all that often, but it makes him feel warm in all the right spots.

( Perhaps Patrick should ask himself why this has been the case. Or maybe he should look a little harder to notice his dear friend has been guilty of the same exact activity. )

With one of the sleeves down, he lets out a puff of annoyance when his fingers fumble with the buttons there. This is why he prefers folding the sleeves once or even twice. “Perhaps we could get bungeoppang from Mrs. Nam on the way back? Didn’t you also mention wanting to drop by their studio- we could get food for them too-“

He’s just about to button the cuffs on his other sleeve when he hears something clatter on the floor. And then something heavier bang against the desk. Patrick looks up in alarm to find his dear friend, crouching and clutching his head with one hand. He must have hit his head against the desk.

“Are you okay? Do you want me to get you an ice pack?”

And of course, Hyuk brushes his concerns aside, but that isn’t going to stop Patrick from gingerly running his fingers over the spot Hyuk hit his head. Despite the loudness of the crash, it doesn’t seem like Hyuk hit his head too hard- at the very least there doesn’t seem to be any bruising or bleeding of any sort. Without thinking too hard about it, Patrick lets his fingers comb through his dear friend’s hair. It’s slightly damp, probably from the shower his dear friend took the hour before, but SMOOTH. Very smooth-

And then the next thing he realizes, his dear friend is leaning into him and Patrick freezes, hand hovering where Hyuk’s head used to be. It only drops when he realizes Hyuk’s hands are pressing delicately against his shirt.

Patrick swallows, heartbeat speeding up. Oh, that’s NEW ( but wait, is it though? For some reason he feels a sense of déjà vu…of more than a few moments in these past few months- ). It’s not like they haven’t been this close in proximity before, but then why is he only noticing the closeness now? Why is he only noticing how gentle his dear friend’s hands are, handling his shirt? Those hands that have weathered more than their fair share of ( unfair ) violence, those hands that strike a delicate balance between justice and mercy, those hands that are almost always closed off to everyone else, choose to be TENDER with Patrick of all people-

And then Hyuk pulls back, face still close to Patrick’s, and Patrick still feels his feet planted in the same spot as he watches his dear friend’s face. His cheeks feel warm suddenly but Patrick can’t bring himself to look away, even if that means following the path of Hyuk’s eyes to- no. No, it can’t be-

Patrick’s breath hitches as his fingers twitch. He’s been OVERTHINKING this, hasn’t he, assuming he was the only one, the only one thinking and wondering if they really are only friends, if there’s been something else on top of twenty years’ worth of friendship.

But he can’t focus on that right now. Not when there’s also suddenly an urge to cup his dear friend’s cheeks and lean in and press his lips against Hyuk’s enticing pair- but wait, would that be too forward-

And then the moment ends and Patrick lets out the breath he didn’t even realize he was holding when Hyuk clears his throat. A crooked collar, he said- but then Patrick drops that line of thought for the same warm, tender pair of hands that slide down his chest, and god Patrick really doesn’t want those hands to leave again-

Before Hyuk can let his hands drop to his side, Patrick catches one with his own. His fingers cradle around Hyuk’s own before Patrick freezes. Wait, what is he doing-

He doesn’t let go. Patrick swallows instead forcing himself for once to keep eye contact. Even if he feels like he’s been set on fire.

“I-In an hour or so.” He answers. He notices the cuff of his sleeve is still unbuttoned.  “Um…Could you help me with the other cuff?” He squeezes Hyuk’s fingers. They’re WARM; how Patrick wants to press his cheek against them, perhaps something like the other day when Hyuk kissed him on the cheek. “I’m...I’m having trouble with getting the BUTTONS in…”

[ofgentleresolve-a]

@jeoseungsaja sent in: "i think i might've broken something..." (here's dumb and injured Hyuk talking to Patrick, mY APOLOGIES IEWUDHWUDH) || what else is new ( ft. 400 random dialogue prompts meme )

"Let's not jump to conclusions." And yet it's said with an ashen face. Of course, Patrick knows his dear friend's job is fraught with danger. Injuries are inevitable as are wounds bad enough to make his friend bow over in pain. However, it's one thing for him to discover them via a blue screen as opposed to seeing them at their freshest. IN PERSON. Is this what happens to his dear friend every time he's on the job when Patrick's not here?

Most times when Patrick makes the flight over to Seoul, it's always planned. Hyuk always takes time off from work so Patrick ( and his daughter for that matter ) never actually see him working. This time, however, is different, with Patrick making an impromptu visit for work and Hyuk being in the middle of a big case. Taking time off isn't an option for either of them. It saddens Patrick.

But he'll take what he can get, these stolen moments in their tight schedules. Even if right now that involves Hyuk barely being able to stand on his own, thanks to what Patrick assumes to be an injury to his RIBS. He gets Hyuk to put his arm over Patrick's shoulders before gingerly leading him into his own apartment.

( How does his dear friend handle this usually, coming home injured to NO ONE? )

Sitting Hyuk in a chair, Patrick rummages through his cabinet, pulling out Hyuk's first aid kit ( a deluxe pack too- it's almost like Hyuk knew he'd need all of it sooner rather later... ) before wrapping an ice pack in a towel and then getting a bowl of warm water. He sets everything he thinks he might need on the table next to his dear friend.

Who, through gritted teeth, has managed to get his shirt off, revealing a nasty BRUISE on his side. It looks like it might bleed through too. There are other cuts and bruises to tend to as well. Patrick takes a sharp breath of air. Can he even treat this? Sure he's treated his children and even Hyuk over the years but it's never been this bad. Why didn't Hyuk go to a hospital instead? The thoughts mill around like a WHIRLWIND before he forces himself to breathe.

Panicking isn't going to fix things here.

He gets to work. A warm cloth wipes away the blood and dirt marks around the wounds. Alcohol wipes are also applied with sharp gasps of pain filling the spaces in between before Patrick can finally put the bandages on. The worst one, thankfully, looked a lot worse than it actually was, but he imagines it will still be tender for more than a few days. Hyuk might have some trouble walking around. It's not ideal, but...at the very least, nothing's BROKEN. Just bruised. Badly.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Patrick pulls a chair up in front of his dear friend. Hyuk, as usual in these circumstances, isn't looking him in the eye. He never does even when they're video chatting. Sighing, Patrick leans forward, alcohol wipe and bandages resting on his leg. Their knees brush against one another.

"Hyuk, look at me. Please?" With his fingertips, he coaxes his dear friend's chin up. The injuries on his face aren't nearly as bad as the one on his side, but they still do require medical attention. A hand cups Hyuk's cheek ( for balance purposes, of course ) as Patrick carefully wipes each wound with yet another alcohol wipe.

"I assume the other person looks just as bad," He's frowning, but as usual, Patrick skips the SCOLDING. Scolding Hyuk doesn't do much, truly since he'll inevitably, after the wounds heal, get injured again on another case. It's an occupational hazard and it's about as predictable as Patrick concealing his true thoughts when first prodded upon.

Bandages next. Hyuk only needs two though, even if there's also a bruise on his lip. One for his cheek and the other for the top of his forehead, where Patrick recalls having to apply one there a few days ago when he visited his dear friend at the precinct with his White Day present. Patrick presses a new one there and then leans back.

"ALL DONE. You should get some rest now; I'll clean up later." He murmurs. His heart calm again, he notices his dear friend's forehead is still creased. Hyuk is looking away, guilty, ashamed, apologetic. He doesn't mean to get injured and worry Patrick.

Patrick knows this, better than anyone else. He rests a hand on Hyuk's shoulder.

"Let me make you tea. It should help you relax." And without thinking, Patrick KISSES his dear friend's forehead, before walking into the kitchen. A few minutes later, there's a boiling tea kettle on the stove.

Patrick covers his mouth. His cheeks are ablaze.

Oh god. His head spins. How is he going to get through the rest of this week?

[ofgentleresolve-a]

The green chrysanthemum knot bracelet hangs around his wrist.

Eying the entrance of the Gangnam Police a short distance away, Patrick fiddles with one of the dangling ends, arm brushing against a white gift bag. Should he really be doing this? It’s not like he actually celebrates this holiday, and he doesn’t think Hyuk would remember the occasion either.  He peeks inside the bag again, only to look away, flustered.

Maybe he’s OVERDOING it. It’s not like…it’s not like they’re meant to be anything more than lifelong friends.

So technically, he shouldn’t be here, in Seoul. Hyuk might be able to fly to London at a moment’s notice, but Patrick doesn’t have that same luxury. For one thing, his job relies on him being there physically in the classroom, being readily available for his students when needed to be. For another thing, there’s his daughter and son to consider too- more than anything, they both need a stable presence in their lives.

Which is why when that invitation from his university’s sister school initially came around, he didn’t volunteer himself. However, when Dr. Towell called in sick last minute, he raised his hand without even thinking. And it only occurred to him a second later, he, in fact, just volunteered himself at last minute for a week long stay in Seoul.

For work purposes, of course.

( Definitely not because his first thought was in fact, his dear friend. His dear friend, whom he hasn’t been able to speak to for the past week or so due to a major case that came into the Gangnam Police Station. It happens, the frequency of phone calls decreasing temporarily due to their jobs demanding them to work overtime. Patrick knows that. He does the same whenever exam season comes around. It doesn’t change the fact that he misses his dear friend’s voice. And for some odd reason, even MORE SO these days. )

So he’s here now, without Hyuk’s knowledge. Sitting outside of the Gangnam Police Station with his messenger bag and a white gift bag holding a flask of hot chocolate ( that he made last minute using the faculty room’s kitchen ), a container of fried rice ( because Hyuk probably hasn’t had dinner yet ), and something important. He would’ve gotten the bungeo-ppang too from Mrs. Nam, but his meeting ran longer than he expected. Taking a deep breath, he steps into the building whose interior he’s more familiar with than its exterior.

“Excuse me,” he asks the receptionist at the front. “Is Detective Lee here at the moment? Might I be able to see him?”

Answers are given, not by the receptionist, but rather by one of Hyuk’s colleagues. Or at least that’s who Patrick assumes him to be. He can’t help but frown when said colleague refers to him as ‘Lee’s SPECIAL FRIEND’. Special friend...? What is that supposed to mean-

But that’s not important. The important part is that yes, Hyuk is here, working overtime at his desk as per usual and yes, Patrick can go in. Politely nodding to the other detectives, he passes in the hallway, he makes his way over, ends of a green bracelet dangling over a white gift bag.

What would happen if ORANGE got added to that mix though?

When he gets to the larger office, Patrick pauses a few feet away from Hyuk. Hyuk, who bent over at his desk, alone in the room. The lights of the precinct are bright, but Patrick’s dear friend is BRIGHTER. Vibrant even when he’s quiet, even when he’s alone. You could compare him to a flame, one that’ll burn you eventually.

But Patrick? He prefers to see his dear friend as something gentler. Warmth, like the onset of SUMMER. One forgets what the cold feels like in the summer heat.

His heart skips a beat. That’s been happening a lot lately when it comes to Hyuk. Cheeks warm, Patrick coughs into his hand.

“Hello Hyuk,” he starts and before his dear friend can stand up, Patrick closes the distance, setting the white gift bag on Hyuk’s desk. His messenger bag gets dropped at the foot of the desk. Patrick holds his hands out to pacify his friend. “I won’t be here for long, I know you’re working on a big case. And before you ask, I had…I had a meeting in the area. Dr. Towell got sick last minute so I stepped in for her-where did you get that?”

He points to the SCRAPE on the corner of Hyuk’s forehead. Patrick sighs: his dear friend must’ve gotten in another fight. That’s nothing new, but it’s never any less worrying to see. Hand reaching out, he thumbs at the corner of the scrape. Some blood threatening to ooze out. The rest of his fingers comb through his dear friend’s hair- long, soft, and so, so smooth. They scratch against Hyuk’s scalp as Patrick inspects the wound. And then: “Here let me take care of it.”

He grabs the water bottle on Hyuk’s desk and reaching into the gift bag, Patrick pulls out a WHITE HANDKERCHIEF embroidered with orange threads. Pouring some of the water into the cloth, Patrick then dabs it onto Hyuk’s scrape. When it seems properly cleaned, Patrick finishes his treatment by pressing a bandage over the scrape. A bandage from his pocket.

It’s a habit he picked up from years of FRIENDSHIP with Hyuk, always having bandages ready at a moment’s notice. And more often than not, they become necessary, if not for Hyuk who may recklessly throw himself into the line of fire, then for Hiro or Elise, who both spend their free time with machinery…a very hazardous occupation really.

It’s only when he’s satisfied with his handiwork as he brushes his thumb over the bandage again that he realizes he never finished his explanation. Or the fact he’s very much in Hyuk’s personal space. Patrick chuckles, nervously, letting his hand drop, handkerchief still in hand. He fidgets, fingers very much wishing for a Rubik’s Cube. “Ah, where did I leave off? I believe-“ He glances at the clock. It’s past midnight. Ah. There’s the path. “Today’s the 14th, correct? I didn’t know if you celebrated but I wanted…” He looks away, scratching his cheek in embarrassment. His cheeks might be warm.

Actually, they might be ABLAZE right now.

That’s…also been more frequent these days. These moments of warmth when it comes to Hyuk. Always the comforting ones, but also the burning hot ones too. As warm as sunlight through a window.

“I wanted to give you something. In return.” I wanted you to have something of me with you. Because Patrick can make hot chocolate any day, for anyone. But Hyuk? Hyuk is SPECIAL and therefore deserves something more. “I know you don’t like wearing accessories, so I got you this instead.”

He hands Hyuk the white handkerchief with Hyuk’s name embroidered in the corner with ORANGE THREAD. “I know it’s customary to give something white, but I thought you might…want more color.”

Because Hyuk is so much more than the white of a blank canvas. Or the black of a suit. They might call him the Grim Reaper of the Violent Crimes Unit, but the truth is Hyuk is a warmer color. A color like ORANGE, burnt orange like the SUNSETS he likes to watch at Jeju Island. One could see a sunset as a sign of an ending, but doesn’t everything come to an end eventually? Both the good and the bad do. Hyuk has always been there for Patrick during the good and the bad and if a sunset is supposed to mean something, then it is a reminder that nothing bad lasts forever. The warmth will always come back, one way or another.

Cheeks still hot, Patrick lifts his hand again, the GREEN bracelet Hyuk gave him on Valentine’s Day glinting in the light. Gingerly, Patrick cups his dear friend’s cheek. He smiles bashfully, the corners of his eyelids crinkling.

Hyuk is Patrick’s SUNSET.

“Happy White Day, Hyuk-ah.”

@jeoseungsaja happy white day to two mutually pining fools!