KARMA

by Noexplanation

Summary:

The young CEO of KARMA Sports, Lee Felix, gets blindsided one evening by the company’s latest recruit. Giving in to his desires, his mind at war with the feelings he is quickly becoming aware of, he attempts to write off the night as a one time thing. However, he may not be entirely successful…

(If you want pwp, stick to the first two chapters. If you want plot, keep going)

Notes:

I had to write this. It was a compulsion….

Chapter 1

Everything came too easily.

The wins.

The champions.

The domination.

“We have a new one for you,” his assistant said, eyes bigger than he’d ever seen them.

Sure.

New?

Unlikely.

Sitting behind his desk, Felix adjusted his suit, nonchalance dripping from every pore. “Send them in.” He rolled the metal orbs around in his hand as he waited, not looking forward to being underwhelmed for the hundredth time this month.

His door opened but silence reigned and he refused to look up. Let the possible new recruit to KARMA Sports have their dramatic moment. But then, like a ripple in the air, something shifted, the oxygen in the room crackling like heat lightning.

Felix’s breath caught and he slowly looked to the side, the ends of his pale pink hair brushing his collar.

The man stood in the center of his office, still and beautiful like a statue sculpted by Michalengelo himself. Short green hair a statement, along with his black and white racing leathers. But it was his face, his perfect fucking face, that stalled Felix’s thoughts.

Clenching his jaw, he looked away as heat he’d long forgotten about crawled up his neck. “What’s your name?”

His normally low voice came out gritty and the beautiful man flinched.

Good.

Make him squirm.

His typical confidence building back up he smirked. “Cat got your tongue?”

“Hyunjin.”

Locking their gaze, Felix stood and casually walked around his desk. Fuck. The guy was taller than him, but he wasn’t about to let him revel in that for long.

“Hyunjin?”

“Yeah.” The green haired man tilted his head, chiseled jaw catching the waning light from the floor to ceiling windows. “And you’re Felix.”

First name basis, huh? Alright. He could play with that.

Muscles tensing involuntarily, he leaned against the edge of the desk and scanned the man - Hyunjin - from head to toe. “You think you have what it takes?”

The dark eyes glittered. “I know I do.”

Felix huffed out a laugh, gaze flicking to stare at the top of the skyscrapers that graced his view. “You’ve obviously proven yourself to this point, but… what about the final test?”

Hs blood thrummed in his veins. He had never done this, although he had definitely had the opportunity. But he NEEDED it this time. Needed HIM.

Hyunjin’s eyebrows knit together. “Final test?” His plush lips frowned. “I was told that I was done with that part of recruitment.”

Not answering, Felix walked over to the bar and poured two glasses, making a show of it. “Our most exceptional candidates have one other test to pass.” Turning around, he tongued the inside of his cheek as he held out the crystal glass. “It’ll put you above all of them.”

Hyunjin took a step forward, expression guarded, cautious. “Above all of them?”

“Yes.” Felix allowed the corner of his mouth to curl up. “I would bet money, which I have a lot of, that you are already above them - but this will… guarantee it.” Shamelessly, he raked his eyes down the other’s body - assuring that his intentions were known. When he brought his gaze back up, there was a slight flush on Hyunjin’s cheeks.

Taking the glass, the taller man gazed into the amber liquid for a moment as if looking for the right answer. “Can I have it in writing?”

Huh. Okay. He hadn’t expected that.

Smart ass.

“What exactly do you want in writing?” Taking a sip, he stepped a little too close to Hyunjin. Just enough that a normal person would feel uncomfortable, but… no. The other man held his ground.

Felix needed to know they were on the same page.

Then, shockingly, Hyunjin tilted his head and downed the entire glass in one go, throat bobbing. Licking his lips, he pulled the lower one in between his teeth for a split second before making direct eye contact. “I want to know exactly how it will put me above them.” He blinked. “How much more… top.”

FUCK.

Hell yeah.

He grinned.

“Not top yet,” Felix purred, downing his own glass and moving closer. “Enjoy the ride first. At this time you’re still at the…bottom. There’s some climbing to do.”

Placing his glass on the large desk, Hyunjin turned to scan the surface before his lips tugged into a small smile. Picking up a memo, he lazily grabbed Felix’s pen. “Write it down and sign it,” he stated, holding them out, eyes conveying how all in he actually was. Oh, this was going to be fun.

Taking the offered items, Felix moved right next to the unreal looking human, shoving all his nerves into a box. When did that happen?
Not for years. “What do you want it to say?”

The pen hovered over the paper.

The green haired man let out a slow breath. “Write this: No matter what happens between Hyunjin and Felix, neither Hyunjin or Felix’s career will be negatively affected.”

Oh.

Something hot coiled in his stomach.

“Date it and sign it.” Hyunjin continued, voice a little tight.

Pausing, Felix glanced at the other. “You sign it too.”

The beautiful man’s jaw ticked but then he stepped froward and as he took the pen from Felix’s hand, their fingers brushed and HOLY FUCK. He had to tense in order to not recoil from the literal spark.

Wasn’t that just fantasy dreck? Like some kind of Kdrama bullshit?

He’d unpack that later.

Fighting a smile, he watched as Hyunjin took a photo of the ‘contract.’ As if it would save him. It was hilarious but something deep inside him clenched. He wanted to make sure the contract was honored.

WHY?

He had the insane impulse to slap himself across the face. This was already getting out of hand.

“Now that we’ve taken care of that, want another drink?” He asked, walking backwards towards the bar as he slid his jacked off and tossed it… somewhere. He had so many like it, what did it matter?

He kept his eyes trained on the other.

Hyunjin visibly swallowed, hand clenching at his side. Was the athlete nervous? He didn’t act like he was? But… even the best actors could be seen through by the right person.

Pouring one for himself, Felix left the glass and closed the distance again. “Don’t be nervous now, Hyunjin,” he said, allowing his voice to fill the space. “It’s too late for that. You have your paper of protection after all.”

Running his long fingers through his buzz cut, Hyunjin glanced to the side before looking at his face. “I’m not nervous.”

They were close now.

“No?” Felix asked playfully, lifting his chin. “Not even a little?” He whispered, reaching up to curl a hand around the front of the gorgeous neck. He grinned as Hyunjin’s pupils instantly dilated.

“I…” Hyunjin swallowed and he could feel it against his hand. “I just… do I have to?”

It was like a bucket of ice water was dumped over his head.

Releasing his hand he put at least three feet of space between them.

DAMMIT.

“No,” he said as clearly as possible. “Contracts that mean nothing beside the point.”

The silence was thick so Felix turned his back and lifted his glass.

“It didn’t really mean anything?”

Huh?

“The paper we signed?” For the first time Hyunjin sounded innocent and it tore up something inside Felix.

Sighing, he faced the taller man and made eye contact. “My lawyers would burn through a random piece of paper like that in half a second.”

Hyunjin, who was now leaning against the desk, reached out and picked up his empty glass, turning it in his hands. “So, you were going to let me believe I had protected myself and then just ruin me?”

He was so tense.

“No.” Oh, he was telling the truth now?

“No?” The green haired man actually looked taken aback.

Shit. What was happening to him? He felt almost… off kilter.

“No,” he repeated, before picking up the decanter and taking the few steps to offer another pour. Hyunjin blinked and then held out his glass. Well, that was a kind of consent wasn't it? Like the kind that meant he’d be okay listening for a few more minutes? Obviously not for anything more - even though that was what Felix WANTED. “I’m not an asshole.”

“I was told you were.” Hyunjin took a small sip and then unzipped his jacket in one fluid motion. OH. He was not a strong soldier.

Underneath was a black, sheer shirt, which was… oh wait… right by the sculpted hips were…

FUCK.

It was a FUCKING bodysuit.

He stared at the crescent of bare skin, the hand by his side clenching involuntarily. He wanted - needed - to touch. His mouth went dry.

God DAMMIT.

He needed to have a word with his assistant. Send photos first, because he obviously had no self control. He needed time to prepare himself.

“You seemed… interested.” He heard himself say, turning away to put the decanter back down. “I guess there is a chance I’m an asshole, but I would never take advantage of someone. I always ask for permission.”

A hand, large and warm, descended on his shoulder and he froze.

The fuck?

Then the hand smoothed over his collar and up the side of his neck and he involuntarily tilted his head, providing more room. Shit. Why did that feel so good?

“Hyunjin” he managed to say, but it came out as a strangled whisper. THAT was embarrassing, but he had no time to focus on it when breath, hot and close, spoke right by his ear.

“I give you permission.”

He…

Felix’s skin prickled.

Twisting around, he gripped the leather jacket. “You… I have your permission?” He gazed into the other’s eyes. Then, slowly, Hyunjin nodded.

“Yes.”

They were mere inches apart, so he just leaned in.

Their lips clashed at first, as if they were both warring for dominance but then, as Felix started actually feeling and relaxing, he began to melt into it. Hyunjin tasted like a flavor he’d been unknowingly searching for.

There was a shift in the other man as well, which was especially obvious when strong arms wrapped around Felix’s waist tightly, pressing their bodies together.

Holt shit.

The kiss deepened and suddenly he was almost lightheaded. Ah, no. He needed to be in control.

Pulling away, he disengaged the arms and breathed deeply for a second, but then he glanced up. Hyunjin looked surprised and perhaps a little dejected.

Oh. No. He was far from done and that look made him feel… NO.

“Take your clothes off.” Felix smirked, although it felt disingenuous, as he began popping buttons on his dress shirt. His heart thudded oddly.

Dropping the garment to the floor, he undid his belt as he watched Hyunjin toss his leather jacket onto a chair, the body suit on full display. “Leave that on for now,” he gritted out, gesturing at the sheer fabric. “But take off everything else.”

Obviously listening, Hyunjin was soon only wearing the body suit, while Felix was still half dressed. He… he could barely look at the green haired man. He thought it was Michalengelo who had created him, but maybe it was the gods?

“Sit on the couch,’ he hissed, clenching his hands by his sides. He was about to combust.

Dropping to his knees, Felix gripped the muscled, bare thighs and parted them easily, maintaining eye contact. “Can… I ask you to stop, if I want you to?”

God DAMMIT.

He dropped his hands to his lap and closed his eyes. What was this? Three steps forward, three steps back? Jesus.

Okay. He needed to make it clear didn’t he?

Suddenly, he stood and grabbed his phone. Opening the camera, he turned on the camera and flipped the video. Looking into the screen, he angled it so he didn’t appear shirtless. “I, Lee Felix, CEO of KARMA Sports, gives Hyunjin…” wait. “Whats your full name?” He asked, looking towards the green haired man whose eyes were wide.

“Uh, Hwang. Hwang Hyunjin.”

Alright.

Turning back to the camera he continued. “I give Hwang Hyunjin permission to decide if he will let me suck him off and then let me fuck him. It’s up to him and it won’t affect his career.” Lowering the phone, he held it out to the stunned man on the couch. “Now, put in your number and send this to yourself. THAT is what will protect you. Not a random piece of paper. Although," he sighed, dropping to his knees once again. “AI might make it tricky pretty soon.”

After a moment, Hyunjin handed his phone back and Felix dropped it to the side so he could slide his hands right up to the edge of the body suit. The other man was wearing small, black underpants beneath the mesh and Felix could barely handle it.

Grazing his nails along the upper thighs and underneath the sheer fabric, he gripped the delicate undergarment and pulled it lower, allowing it to outline and put pressure on the very erect cock.

He wasn’t crazy after all.

The newest recruit was turned on.

Drifting a hand downward and in between he tapped on the snaps and Hyunjin jolted, head pressing back, perfect lips parted. Moving forward, Felix gave in and licked along the enticing inner thigh, reveling in the sharp gasp. Oh… He was going to destroy Hwang Hyunjin.

Chapter 2

Notes:

…

Fuck the body suit. Just.. WHY? But also, yes. Yes, please.

Lifting his head to make eye contact, he shuffled closer until his muscled abdomen pressed against Hyunjin’s cock and was rewarded as the taller man let out a shaky breath, hands fisted by his sides. Grinning, Felix bent to lick across a pink nipple just visible through the dark fabric.

He loved how it instantly pebbled under his tongue. Not wanting to neglect the other, he grazed his nails across it, before pinching and twisting hard enough to elicit a tiny whimper from the athlete who arched into his touch.

Fuck. What other noises could he draw out of the man underneath him?

Biting down gently, he moved his other hand up to the column of Hyunjin’s neck, applying the smallest amount of pressure, and he looked up in time to see the other’s eyes flutter closed and the sinful lips part, just the tip of a pink tongue peeking out.

God, he wanted to taste those lips again but right now he had another mission in mind. With slow, deliberate movements, Felix reached down between the parted legs and popped the snaps open one at a time, the small noises sharp as the only other sound was Hyunjin’s breathing that was getting harsher by the second.

When he was finished he paused, tilting his head. “Has a man ever done this to you before?” He asked.

Hyunjin’s blown out eyes opened and he visibly swallowed. “Yeah,” he answered a touch breathless. “I’m not really into girls.”

”Good.” As fun as it was to be someone’s sexual awakening, he didn’t have the time for the potential mental breakdown. It also meant he didn’t have to be quite so… careful.

Pushing the body suit up past Hyunjin’s belly button, revealing the lower half of the taut and lightly muscled torso, he scraped his teeth across the warm skin, before nipping it playfully by the cut v-line.

Delicious.

Hooking his fingers into the small, black undergarment that was doing nothing to disguise what was underneath it, Felix looked up one last time for confirmation. “Okay?”

Hyunjin nodded.

“Words baby,” he purred. “I need words.”

“Yes,” the green haired man breathed out. “Go ahead.”

Licking his lips, Felix pulled the fabric down the toned legs, tossing it away. Secretly he hoped that Hyunjin would forget them. There was something about the idea of keeping the underpants like a trophy that pleased him on a fundamental level.

The taller man’s cock was already red tipped and leaking pre-cum against his honey colored skin. Jesus. It was big, but not intimidatingly so, more like he wished he’d reversed their roles for the evening. Maybe this could be more than a one time thing…? No. Nope. He couldn’t afford to think that way. This was just for fun - wasn’t it?

Internally shaking himself, he attempted to focus on his task. Leaning down, he slowly licked a wet stripe from the base to the head before sucking the tip into his mouth, making an obscene slurping sound. He almost grinned when he felt Hyunjin shudder.

Taking his time, he swirled his tongue before pushing lightly into the slit, gathering some of the pre-cum before making a show of savoring it and swallowing audibly. “You taste good,” he growled, wrapping a hand around the heated length and stroking a few times.

“C-can I touch you?” Hyunjin asked, and that’s when Felix noticed that the other’s hands were still fisted, but now the knuckles were practically white. Well, that was considerate but unnecessary.

“Touch all you want,” he answered, continuing to move his hand in almost lazy motions. “Just don’t distract me too much. I love this part.” And he dove back in, pulling out a wanton moan as he took Hyunjin’s cock to the back of his throat and swallowed around it.

As he set a rhythm that was comfortable and sustainable, but still caused the taller man to twitch and whimper, he felt it… Tentative at first, the long fingers just brushed his hair back, but then, when Felix hummed as deeply as he could, they threaded into his pale pink locks and tightened in a way that he was sure was involuntary.

Fuck. The slight sting on his scalp only made him go harder, becoming almost merciless. He sucked and licked until he noticed the tremors in Hyunjin’s thighs turning into full on trembling. He was close and Felix felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Why? He wasn’t sure, but now was not the time to think about it.

“Oh god!” Hyunjin groaned, body tensing. He tugged at Felix’s hair as if trying to remove him. Ha. That was never the plan, so he reached up and grabbed the other’s wrist, pulling until the hand released. However, he didn’t let go, choosing to pin the larger wrist to the couch cushion instead.

Then, with one final bob of Felix’s head, the athlete came undone, muscles spasming. The CEO swallowed every drop, working him until the taller man flinched away from the overstimulation. Coming off with a small pop, he gazed at the aftermath - the flushed wreckage his mouth had created.

Hyunjin was fucking perfect and it sent a thrill up his spine.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed himself to his feet and wandered back to the bar. Lifting his half empty glass, he licked his lips before taking a sip. Gaze firmly on the naked Hyunjin still sprawled on his couch, eyes half lidded but staring.

Putting the glass back down, Felix pushed his slacks down to fall at his feet and picked up the decanter. Stepping out of the pools of fabric, he made his way back over and kneeled on the couch next to the spent body.

“Drink?” He asked, eyes narrowing slightly, tauntingly.

“Yeah,” Hyunjin murmured, opening his mouth wider as he tilted his head back.

OH… let’s play.

Forcing his smile into a predatory grin, Felix braced an arm on the back of the couch and leaned over, pouring a small amount of alcohol into the waiting mouth. He watched intently as the other swallowed, a small dribble dripping from the corner of the kissable mouth.

“So messy,” he whispered huskily before licking up the sharp jaw to the corner of the plush lips. Putting the decanter down, he hummed, pressing their foreheads together. “Are you ready for the next part?”

“Next part?” Hyunjin answered, again sounding too innocent for this world.

 

His jaw ticked. Just…why?

 

“I promised to fuck you. Remember?” He expected to sound confident but his words came out softer than he expected. Almost… gentle.

 

“You… did.”

 

He frowned. Hyunjin was obviously anxious when only seconds before he’d been a writhing mess. What was with this guy?

 

Moving forward, he straddled the bare lap and cradled the gorgeous face in his hands. It happened so fast that Hyunjin froze, Felix could feel the tense muscles under his hands.

 

Leaning down he dragged his nose along the other's cheek before pressing kisses across the strong brow. “Only if you want me to,” he murmured.

 

WHAT THE FUCK WAS WRONG WITH HIM?

 

Why was he acting like this?

 

He tensed, knowing he’d overstepped. Gotten too intimate. But then large hands slid up his thighs and gripped his hips. “I…” Hyunjin pressed his own face right back until they were trading air. “I think I want you to.”

 

“You think you do?” They were eye to eye. Lips practically brushing as they spoke.

 

“No.” Hyunjin slid a hand up his side until it gripped the back of his neck. “I know I do.”

 

“You…” For the first time in his life Felix didn’t know what to say. He gazed down into the trusting eyes and something cracked in his chest.

 

Fuck.

 

Fuck…

 

“Are you sure?” He closed his eyes and nuzzled his face to the side, right into the defined cheek that was smooth as silk. Just… how?

 

The hands on his hip and neck tightened possessively, not uncomfortably. “It’s been a while,” Hyunjin said right into his ear. “But… I’m not sure why… but I want this. If you do.”

 

OH.

 

He did.

 

“I do,” he murmured, sucking a hickey underneath the other’s bejeweled ear. Resisting the bizarre urge to bite the earrings, he tore himself away.

 

Was he shaking?

 

God dammit!

 

It’s a one night stand! Not even that! It’s basically transactional!

 

But… Why were his palms sweaty?

 

Removing his boxer briefs he walked to the desk and leaned down to open the bottom drawer. Reaching behind the random hanging folders he grabbed the lube and condoms he kept there - just in case. Yes, Hyunjin had come in his mouth but that was his own choice. The recruit had a right to at least be protected.

Standing there, staring at the items in his hand, something inside clenched uncomfortably. He…

STOP.

Cracking his neck he walked back towards the couch and the man waiting for him. Smirking, he dropped the items onto the rug and picked up the velvety throw blanket draped on the arm of the couch and spread it on the carpet. “C’mon then,” he growled. “I don’t have all night.” But he did. He was beginning to think he had every night.

SHUT UP.

Hyunjin’s eyes were looking at him like he wanted to eat him and Felix felt a sudden flush on his chest and neck. Whose idea was this anyway?

“Face down, ass up,” he rumbled, lifting his chin before jerking it towards the blanket.

Holding eye contact, Hyunjin stood, muscles rippling and Felix could barely breathe. “Make sure you position me the way you want, Mr. Lee,” he said before dropping to his knees and leaning down into a presenting pose.

God FUCKING damn it.

He was about to lose it, but he couldn’t show it.

Kneeling down himself, he cradled the other's jaw, tilting his head to look at him. “That’s right. I’m not Felix. I’m Mr. Lee. The man that holds your career - your life - in his hands.” Hyunjin’s eyes instantly lost the lust and went wide, but he winked. “For the moment, anyway.”

The little flutter of eyelashes and the instantaneous release of tense muscles told him that the athlete understood.

It was a game.

At least that’s what Felix told himself.

Lubing up a few fingers, he held the bottle up and let the cold, viscous liquid dribble over the tight hole. Hyunjin jerked before settling and he heard a quite, “fuck.”

That’s right.

Unable to resist, he kissed the soft skin as he teased the entrance with just the tip of his finger. Eventually, he heard a heavy sigh and that was the relaxation he was looking for - he pushed in all the way to the knuckle.

Hyunjin clenched around him, but then he pressed backwards.

Hell yeah.

Slowly fucking the talller man with one finger he leaned over and began pressing kisses to every knob on the other’s spine, starting between the shoudler blades. “Can I add another?” He whispered against the heated skin.

“Yes,” Hyunjin moaned. “I need more.”

Not wanting to disappoint, Felix (more carefully than he’d ever done before) slid in a second finger - reveling in the hitch of breath and shimmy of the other’s hips. “That’s it,” he murmured. “You’re doing so well.”

Since when had he complimented a sexual partner? Not recently. That was for sure.

Rubbing circles on the other’s hip, Felix scissored his fingers carefully, just a little at a time until the breathy gasps were too much and he decided to explore. Where was it…?

Angling in a few different ways he finally felt IT under his fingers and was rewarded by a full body jerk and a little, ragged cry. “There?” He grinned, not waiting for an answer before he began rubbing relentless circles on the spot.

Pressing his chest to the slightly sweaty, twitching back, he kissed the sharp lines of the other’s shoulder. Unable to stop himself, he licked and the flavor of Hyunjin’s skin burst on his tongue, sharp and powerful.

Addicting.

”Fuck!” The green haired man practically yelled. “Just… I’m ready. Please?”

Felix frowned. Only two fingers? He HAD been working him open pretty well. Who was he to dismiss a request?

“Okay, beautiful.” He said huskily. “Condom?”

There was a pause. “I… yeah? This time?”

THIS TIME?

Felix experienced a head to toe shiver. What was he DOING?

Keeping a hand flat in the center of Hyunjin’s back, he ripped open the foil wrapper with his teeth and rolled on the condom with one hand.

“Ready?”

“Yeah.”

And he pushed in.

HOLY FUCK.

Freezing about halfway in, Felix gripped Hyunjin’s hips. “Are you… are you okay?” Since when had he ever cared? “Do you need me to go slower?”

“No?” The athlete’s voice was trembling the smallest bit, so he pulled back about an inch.

“We can go slow,” he found himself whispering, one hand trailing down the other’s back, tracing the muscles. “Just let me know when you’re ready.”

As if his words removed fear from the other, Hyunjin shifted backwards and within a minute, Felix was completely sheathed in tight, suffocating heat. “You can move,” the green haired man said, sounding a little blissed out.

Alright.

Pulling out almost all the way, Felix gripped the others hips before slamming back in. Oh. Yeah. Make those noises.

“Let me hear it!” He gritted out, setting a punishing pace.

He was NOT disappointed. Hyunjin’s moans flooded his brain. It made him feel practically euphoric.

It was incredible but he knew what he wanted.

Pulling out, he smacked the gorgeous ass. “Turn over.”

A little unstable, Hyunjin managed to flip onto his back and FUCK. Felix had to take a moment to stare at the flushed skin, rippling muscles, stupid perfect face. Stupid, stupid face.

Lining himself up again, he leaned over and gripped the side of the enticing neck. Sinking back in, he gave in and sucked the pillow of a lower lip into his mouth. Biting gently, he ate every single one of Hyunjin’s gasps as he thrust into the pliant body.

Why did he taste so good?

Unable to control himself he kept kissing, fingers sliding through the buzz cut. What would it feel like longer? Oh… he wanted to find out. He wanted to pull on pigtails.

That's when he noticed that Hyunjin’s thighs were locked around his waist, one hand gripping his ass, the other tangled in his hair as he licked into his mouth.

GOD.

Why was this… so…

Rolling his hips he felt it begin. Oh. He wasn't about to come alone.

“Get on top,” he gasped, gripping the other’s hips and forcing a rolling motion. Thankfully, Hyunjin understood and in seconds he was riding Felix like he was born to do it.

SHiiiiit.

Close, Felix began stroking Hyunjin in time with his drops and it took only seconds before the tension broke.

”Ahhh FUCK,” he roared, as his body spasmed. Pleasure hot and unrelenting took over and for a second his vision completely whited out.

Panting, he came back to reality, hands gripping Hyunjin like he was afraid he’d disappear.

Notes:

Maybe a three shot? Is that a thing? This is a nice break from my other fic…

Chapter 3

Notes:

Hi!

This is my attempt to take my crazy, smutty, ramblings into a real story. So, I hope you enjoy it - there is a perspective switch at the end. It’s *** and HH for Hyunjin’s pov

The green haired man had collapsed onto his chest and Felix realized after a second that his hand, which was sandwiched between them, was sticky with cum.

His brain had apparently blurred out anything and everything except his own pleasure, so he’d been completely unaware of what Hyunjin was experiencing as he rode out his own orgasm. He sighed in relief - again, why did he care?

Hot breath panted in his ear as he carefully extricated his arm causing their chests to fully collide, bodily fluids practically gluing them together. Felix honestly didn’t feel like moving, but it was inevitable, as was his least favorite part of these types of interactions.

The awkward end.

“Hey,” he murmured, sliding his clean hand up Hyunjin’s smoothly muscled side. “We should clean you up, hm?”

“Yeah,” came the breathless reply, still close enough to cause his skin to prickle with goosebumps. “I…” He felt the athlete shiver from cold or aftershocks, Felix wasn’t sure. “Can we stay like this for just a minute?”

Oh fuck.

Hyunjin’s voice was soft, almost vulnerable.

“Okay,” he found himself answering, tightening his grip on the lithe torso.

What… what was he doing? What was going on in his head? He… should push Hyunjin away. Remind him that this was just carnal, nothing more, but he couldn’t. He didn’t even know the man! He’d kissed him before he had learned his surname, and that was practically all they knew about one another besides their career choices.

Hyunjin breathed out softly, the hand that was curled around the back of Felix’s head (when had that gotten there?) slid lower to his neck and he felt his eyelids flutter unbidden. Shit. It was like that first touch. The first one of intention. There was something…

“Hyunjin,” he growled warningly, but even he could tell there was no force behind it as his head tilted subconsciously.

“You like when I touch you there, huh?”

He really did.

God dammit.

Felix needed to put a stop to this right now.

Steeling himself, he pushed on the sculpted shoulder. “Get off me, you giant.”

They locked eyes as Hyunjin jerked back in surprise, but then his eyes sparkled. “Giant?” He giggled. Actually giggled. FUCK. “I’m nowhere near as tall as most of the recruits. Maybe you’re just… short.”

Oh.

Oh no he HAD not just said that.

“Alright, that’s enough!” Why was he fighting not to smile?

Gently he shoved the larger body away while carefully pulling out - thankfully the (cuddle?!) time had sufficiently softened his cock, so it basically slipped out without an issue. Luckily, the condom had also done its job and he removed it before getting to his feet as gracefully as he could given the situation.

Tossing the contraceptive into the trash he wondered for a second what the cleaners would think of that before he turned back around and froze.

Hyunjin had rolled onto his back, one arm bent to act as a pillow under his head, lanky, muscled body stretched out and on full display. He looked like sin and art wrapped up into one gorgeous being that broke the confines of reality.

Felix’s jaw clenched.

Round two… three? No. NO. He needed to make space.

Leaning down, he snatched up his pinstriped slacks and pulled them on without anything underneath. It would do for now. Unbuckled belt clacking against the zipper, he went to the small, glass front refrigerator and grabbed two bottles of water. Opening one, he downed half before walking over to the Adonis on the floor and held out the water.

“Thanks,” Hyunjin said, accepting the bottle with way too much eye contact. Felix’s chest felt oddly tight and he looked away.

“Stay there,” he grumbled.

Not expecting a response, he went into his private bathroom. Flicking on the light, he caught sight of himself in the mirror and instantly stilled. He was… flushed, which was expected, but it was his expression, or his eyes? Or his stance? What the fuck was it? What was different?! Stepping closer to the reflective surface, he leaned on the sink and stared. “Something’s off,” he whispered, blinking a few times and tilting his head as if that would reveal what was wrong. “Get it the fuck together,” he eventually hissed at himself.

Snatching a small towel, he wetted it (making sure it was warm) and left the bathroom to see that Hyunjin had, in fact, stayed there. The green haired man’s eyes were closed and, despite his vulnerability, looked like he might be asleep.

How had he gotten himself into this situation?

Because you are stupid! His brain screamed at him. A beautiful man enters your office and you lose your MIND.

He found himself nodding. It was fair that his internal voice was yelling. Ooh, okay, let’s keep the level of unhinged to a minimum shall we?

Letting out a slow breath to calm the insanity, he kneeled next to Hyunjin and cleared his throat. “I brought you this.”

Hyunjin’s eyes cracked open and flicked from his face to the cloth and back. “Can you do it?” Excuse me? “I can barely move.”

Tonguing the inside of his cheek, Felix fought that unbidden fucking smile once again. “Only this one time.” What?! Why hadn’t he just tossed the towel at the athlete and called it a day? Or simply said no??

But he hadn’t.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he ran the cloth over the unblemished skin, wiping away the vestiges of their shared experience. Yet, every time the towel slipped, and his bare skin came in contact with the other’s, it felt like fire.

“There,” he said, doing his best to sound normal, maybe even a little detached.

Standing back up, he tossed the cloth into the trash, effectively covering the used condom. There was no point in keeping it because it could be washed or anything.

Shrugging on his shirt he buttoned it before tucking it in and buckling his belt. Shoes were next, and soon he felt somewhat put together enough to seen, but… He still had a naked man on his floor. But not just any naked man. THE naked man. The kind that made people slack jawed and babbling in half a second.

“Hyunjin,” he said, the name feeling too good on his tongue. “As much as you make the perfect art piece for my office, we should actually get down to business.”

“I thought we already did that,” the brunette said, the corner of his plush lips tilting up, but he rapidly got to his feet and began gathering his garments. For a moment he glanced around, searching, but then shrugged and put on his clothes without his underwear. Felix contained his smile.

Just what he’d wanted…

Get it together!

Sitting down behind his desk, he gestured for Hyunjin to sit.

“I usually try to get to know my athletes a bit better - not ever THIS well though.” Felix found himself clarifying, tilting his head towards the rumpled blanket, skin prickling uncomfortably. Why did he need Hyunjin to know thi was not normal? Who cared? “I… want to find out what makes you tick, what makes you fight harder than anyone else, because we don’t lose. At KARMA, we are elite. I assume you understand?”

The green haired man nodded and Felix noticed a shadow on his neck. Well, he’d definitely staked his claim. Jesus Christ.

“Do you have a speciality?”

“I prefer the Fastbreak Circuit,” Hyunjin said, adjusting his clothes. “You know, Trackball?”

Trackball was the colloquial term and it was endearing that the other man felt the need to use it. As if Felix didn’t know.

Adorable.

Or… condescending?

He narrowed his eyes, but one appraising look told him all he needed to know about Hyunjin’s intention. The man looked honest, uncertain, maybe even a little… comfortable? Oh god. Maybe this had been a mistake.

“I know what the Circuit is,” he responded, unnecessarily checking his phone to hide the twitch of his lips.

“Of course you do! Ahh!” Hyunjin reacted, pressing a dramatic hand to his mouth. “I’ve gotten so used to explaining it that I - ”

“It’s fine.”

And, oddly enough, it WAS fine. Felix honestly understood and the piece of him that would typically be offended or irritated was just… not there.

Weird.

“My assistant sent over some of your last few game highlights before you were recruited,” he said, clicking the attachment. “Shall we watch them and I can give you my thoughts?”

Hyunjin nodded, getting up to walk around the desk, but then frowned. “Did YOU play Trackball?”

Shaking his head, Felix slid to the side to accommodate the taller man’s ability to see comfortably. “I used to be part of the Vortex League, but then I got into Cyber Pong. However,” he sighed, cuing up the video, “It was too easy, too quickly. I’ve always liked a challenge.” Glancing at Hyunjin he noticed a flush dusting the other’s cheeks.

“The Vortex League? You’ve got to be kidding. How old are you? You must have been, what, fifteen?”

“Fourteen,” Felix corrected. “But yeah, I was, and still am, their youngest recruit in history.

“Why did you stop?” He could see the confusion and awe on the gorgeous face and hated - wait, really? - that he was about to pop the bubble.

“A friend of mine died.”

The words tasted bitter in his mouth. He’d said it a million times - to recruits, in interviews, and to his only real friend, but this time… in many years… he FELT it again for the first time.

Jaw ticking, he turned away.

Fuck.

Control yourself.

“What happened?” Hyunjin sounded curious and sympathetic.

Nope.

“None of your concern,” he snapped, pressing play.

He could feel the other withdraw as the highlight reel played. The warmth that had been lingering cooling down to nothing. As it should be, he told himself. Yet… a small ache twinged in his chest. It was nothing until it was something, and he forced himself to ignore it as he gave tips and feedback that the athlete accepted with now automated grace.

NO, he couldn’t take it.

Suddenly turning, he startled Hyunjin who had been sitting on the edge of his desk, shoulders slumped, and eyes a little vacant.

“His name was Min-jun and he played skibase for the Velocity Diamonds.”

The other’s eyes widened. “Like, Min-jun the world’s youngest snowbat player?!”

Felix nodded, feeling unusually vulnerable. WHO he had lost was always a blurry area, something for someone to fill in the blanks with what they wished. He’d never just come out and said it.

And WHO Min-jun had been to him…well, that was another story entirely.

Blinking, he came back to reality only to notice the time: 11:34 p.m.

It was time to wrap up.

“When are you scheduled to play next?” He asked, standing, which made the green haired man straighten.

“Three weeks from now,” Hyunjin answered without hesitation. I’m going to be number 8 if you ever come watch.”

Biting his lip, Felix walked to the door knowing the gorgeous man was mere steps behind him. “I might consider it,” he said, making his voice into a velvety purr. “You aren’t bad to look at. It may just be… satisfying.”

Was he switching from real to seductive in seconds? Yes. Did he care? No…

Especially when the taller man looked like he was about to die from embarrassment. But then, like a lightning strike, Hyunjin grabbed him and kissed him.

It took a moment for Felix’s mind to realize what was happening but then the taste and feel of the other’s lips flooded his senses and all he could do was kiss back. Sucking and licking he wound his arms around the taller man’s neck, flushing their bodies together deliciously.

It felt… Righ -

NO. No it didn’t.

Gently pulling away as he attempted to sound in control and not at all breathless, Felix ushered Hyunjin to the door.

“Goodnight, Hwang Hyunjin.” He said formally, nodding his head. “It was a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to watching you perform and win for KARMA. I can already tell you are an asset.”

Swallowing visibly, Hyunjin bowed. “Goodnight, CEO Lee Felix. It was a pleasure to meet you as well. I’m thrilled to be an… ASSet.”

Then he just left.

The door closed softly behind him.

Well…

OKAY then.

***HH***

He practically stumbled down the elegant hallway.

“ASSet”???

He needed to rethink everything he was doing. His mind was in utter turmoil.

“Hey!”

He kept walking. Better to get out of here.

“Hey! Hyun!”

Clenching his fists, he forced himself to stop. He knew that voice, even id he hated it. Where he stopped happened to be by the grand elevator where a floor to ceiling window showed him just how high up he was. High enough to jump? Absolutely.

“Thank god you heard me. Shit, you’re fast.” His manager, Choi Hwan said, resting his hands on his knees like he’d run a marathon and not thirty feet. “Did you get the button? No? I’ve got it.” The older man pressed the down button and leaned against the wall, gazing at him like prey.

The elevator dinged.

They stepped in.

“So…” Choi said, a grin playing across his lips. “Did you do it?”

Hyunjin clenched his jaw and stared down at his feet. He had to make a decision and… he knew which one he had to make.

Slipping his hand into his pocket, he palmed his phone before looking up, unoffending and guileless. “I… couldn’t.”

Choi’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What do you mean, you ‘couldn’t?’”

“CEO Lee, well, he wasn’t interested.”

He braced for impact.

“Wasn’t interested?!” Choi exploded. “You’re exactly his type! I did the research! But,” he sneered, stepping closer. “It was you, wasn’t it? Not your looks, YOU, that he couldn’t stand.” He huffed out a sarcastic laugh. “Figures.”

The stillness was worse than the noise. Hyunjin watched as the numbers dropped. 10… 9… 8…

Please, let him be done.

Suddenly an elbow was to his neck, his back to the polished wall.

Choi’s breath as he spoke smelled like fish.

“I will give you another chance. There are the games in three weeks. You WON’T disappoint me then. You will get me my blackmail, you hear me?!”

Heart pounding, Hyunjin turned his head to the side and pulled his phone from his pocket. He let it fall, wincing at the sound of it hitting the carpet floor. But then he stepped to the side and relaxed when he heard the crunch.

It would be Ji’s problem now, and, well, Han Jisung was on HIS side.

”Oh!” He said theatrically, blinking downwards at his shattered phone. “What have I done?”

Notes:

PLEASE let me know if I should continue this!

Chapter 4

Notes:

Hi lovely people! This is very… plotful haha - had to make up for the beginning. If anything doesn’t make complete sense, I promise it will later on.

Thank you for reading!

“You’re quiet,” Changbin said with feigned lightness, contentedly cutting into the steak in front of him.

Felix just nodded. He hadn’t been up for talking since… well, since…

Since an ache had begun growing inside of his chest.

Since he’d allowed Hyunjin to kiss him like…that.

Since he’d been unable to stop himself from thinking about the moments Hyunjin was in his office - frame by frame - for two weeks every minute his mind wasn’t occupied by anything else…

He knew, deeply, that if he said anything, allowed it into existence, everything would implode like a dying star. Something that was beautiful, aflame, yet, it would burn until the infantesimal fuel ran out.

“I’m not quiet,” he said softly. “Just thinking.”

“About what?” His best friend asked, chewing on his bite of steak while he eyed the full plate across from him.

Felix sighed heavily. “Everything.” He poked at his chicken, realizing it looked completely unappetizing. Perhaps he’d just eat the potatoes. “Do you ever want to just disappear? Not like, poof, gone, but just go and don’t look back?”

Although he kept his eyes trained on the stylized food, he could feel Changbin’s brow furrow. He knew he was unusually dour. It was easy for everyone to see that the sunshine and fire CEO was not himself. Even his assistant had tried to perk him up with a smoothie earlier that very day.

“No, I have too much to live for, too many people that rely on me.” He paused and Felix forced himself to look up. Yup, the other’s brow was furrowed. “You do too, I might add.”

“I’ll always provide for my daughter, Bin.”

And it was true. Despite the questionable legality of everything that had landed him in the situation of being a father to a two year old, it didn’t change that Aera was biologically his.

His little chick.

God, he loved her so much.

It had been three hundred and fifty eight (and a half) hours since he had seen her last, but her mother was stingy with visitation. He’d been too naive at the time of agreements to know he needed to fight for more involvement. It had all been so… transactional, clinical, that it hadn’t felt real until he’d actually held Area in his arms. It had been the most overwhelming and unreal ten minutes of his life. She’d been so small, so perfect, so undeniable REAL. He could still recall how warm she had felt through the soft, pink blanket, how she’d made little sounds that had simultaneously broken his heart and healed it.

How she had gripped his finger with her small, but mighty, fist.

The next time he’d seen her, she was three months old and the pain of missing so much had crashed down on him like a toppling skyscraper, leaving him hollow and depressed. When he saw her at five months old, and she sat up for the first time right in front of him, he’d almost lost it, but had managed to contain his debilitating sadness and rage until he could take it out in the ring with Changbin hours later.

Knuckles bloody, body trembling from exertion, he had vowed never to miss another milestone again, yet, the world was cruel and inevitably… he had. But (he reminded himself) his lawyers were working on that, working on giving him the parental rights he deserved.

“She could never want to see me again, Binnie, but she has a trust fund in her name, bank accounts all over the world, stocks - not to mention more stashed points that are being added to daily whenever I, or KARMA, gets brought up by the media… She won’t ever have to lift a finger her entire life, or her children, and still be absolutely financially stable. That's all I can do, you know?” For now, he finished in his head. He’d been keeping the legal proceedings somewhat of a secret, afraid that having it out in the open would only bring more issues to the forefront.

“I forgot that we are getting closer to the first of the month when you get to see her,” Changbin said softly, refilling Felix’s glass of Pinot Noir. “You always get weird. I don’t know how you manage."

Cracking a smile that was half pain, Felix answered. “I don’t.” And then he chuckled humorlessly, choosing to drink his wine over touching his food. It’s not like he needed to be in prime condition anymore.

“Do you ever wish you hadn’t been selected by Elite?” The question hung heavily in the air between them.

Felix’s chest ached. “Yes? No? Sometimes?” It was as honest an answer as he could come up with. “But the idea of my daughter not existing? No. That’s an impossibility, but I can’t help but wish things were different.”

“I only had the opportunity to sign that contract when I made it big in BXR,” Changbin said contemplatively. “You were what? Sixteen when Elite decided you met their standards?”

Nodding, Felix finally took a bite. Back then, he’d had even less control than he did now. He had been a pawn, an asset, basically property. His signing had not been a choice. The memories soured his mood even more and it was obvious that his friend noticed.

“The beginning of the 5 Star Cup is soon, right?” Changbin suddenly said, tone a bit too sunny for the situation.

He… disliked the feigned jubilance, but he understood. “Yes, the first three days we will have the Fastbreak Circuit, BXR - of course - Skycourt, HyperStrike, and, for the fans, the Volt Line. ”

“It’ll be amazing.”

“You’ll be amazing,” he countered, allowing himself to grin at his friend. “The BXR ring has never been the same since you - ”

“Don’t,” Changbin interrupted quickly, expression an odd mix of pride and regret. “I was only trying to save myself.”

“Sorry,” Felix whispered, his own guilt and sadness once again filling his chest cavity like a leaking tap. Could he do anything right? “You WERE amazing though.” He knew what had happened in that ring was a touchy subject, but he had hoped that after the last year and a half Changbin would at least feel some professional pride in his achievements.

“I was in survival mode. It was ‘amazing’ because that was what people wanted - or didn’t know that they wanted - to see,” his friend said, signaling the waitress. “I think…” He paused, lips pressing together. “I think YOU are actually exceptional, but the world won’t let you be the bright star you could be.”

FUCK. They’d had this conversation. Many times. He wasn’t bright. He was… a black hole.

And it all led back to Hyunjin - at least right now. His eyes, his smile, his fucking laugh. It had lifted him, taken him away in a way he’d never encountered before.

And then there was his stupid face. So perfect. So kissable. That little mole…

STOP.

JUST STOP.

“ - if I hadn’t, I would have died. Announcers get crushed all the time in BXR.”

The bitterness in his friend’s tone snapped him back.

“Binnie,” he breathed out, reaching across the table to grip Changbin’s wrist. “It was YOU who changed it. You who showed them that it could be part of the sport and not just an outlying role.” He squeezed affectionately. “You are the most sought after announcer in the world. You know that, right? You are more famous than me.”

“I’m not,” Changbin said with a small smile. “But, if YOU think so? Then that’s the truth.” His smile grew into a huge grin. “Suck it CEO Lee, I’m more famous than you,” he sing-songed while putting a bite of chicken into Felix’s open mouth. “You need to take care of yourself, Lix.” His friend ended softly.

Didn’t he know it.

~

Felix wanted to scream.

The stylists had tweaked his outfit seventeen times and enough was enough. All he had to do was say a few words to open the games and then walk to his private box, but apparently he was actually going to be walking the runway considering all the attention to detail. Although, he would admit the all black ensemble and simple silver jewelry was, in fact, stunning.

However, he was also on edge for other reasons.

Number eight was engraved into his brain and he knew that the second he found Hyunjin on the Circuit he was going to be unable to look away. Unable to be anything but obsessive and stunned and captivated. But he was going to have to figure out how to keep his insanity under the radar and that was what was going to be the real challenge.

Just as he was about to exit, a man he didn’t recognize, approached but was instantly stalled by his body guards. Felix observed as they had a quick conversation and then the man came closer. Apparently he had the correct credentials.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Lee,” the man started, bowing slightly. “My name is Choi Hwan and I am Hwang Hyunjin’s manager.”

Hyunjin. His jaw involuntarily ticked as his heart did a weird flip inside his chest.

Felix tilted his head assessing the other. Did this man look like someone who treated his assets well? He’d better be.

“Mr. Choi,” he greeted. “You must be thrilled to be the manager of such a talented athlete."

A flicker of confusion passed over the older man’s face. “I am… surprised to hear you say that, Mr. Lee. I was informed by my recruit that he had… disappointed you when the two of you met a few weeks ago.”

Disappointed him? He blinked. Not even… Oh. OH.

Felix schooled his features into something neutral.

Hyunjin had probably downplayed their interaction to the extreme out of fear for his reputation and career. It only made sense. There was a need to tread carefully.

“No, I doubt that Mr. Hwang could disappoint anyone.” Felix smiled, but didn’t allow it to reach his eyes. He was about to lay it on thick and use that as a distraction. “He is the exact type that KARMA Sports is always searching for. We are lucky to have recruited him and I assume that you, Mr. Choi, had something to do with that. So, thank you for your dedication and hard work. I will have to keep you in mind for future endeavors and recruitment.”

He held out his hand to shake and the other fell over himself to reciprocate but, when their eyes briefly met, Felix saw something cold and angry flash within them.

Alright.

Okay.

A prickle shot up the back of his neck as if non-existent hackles were rising to intimidate an enemy. Felix filed that reaction away for later.

He turned to his personal assistant, who was always no more than ten feet away during public outings. “Innie?”

There was a long pause (too long really, but he adored his PA, so he let it slide) and then…

“Yes, Mr. Lee? I mean, Felix?” The slightly younger man flashed a quick, embarrassed smile that highlighted his dimples adorably as he hurried over. “I was looking up at the elevated Skycourt where Heightbreaker is going to play against Summit! I’ve always wanted to see them battle it out, you know? I…” He trailed off, glancing at Mr. Choi, who was still lingering, and his tone changed from breathless wonderment to businesslike in half a second. “I apologize… what can I do for you, sir?”

Felix caught his employee’s eyes and held them, enjoying the excited sparkle that lingered. ”After he plays, I would like number eight of the Fastbreak Circuit, Hwang Hyunjin, to be escorted to my box to watch the rest of the games. It eeems as if I need to clear up a misunderstanding.” He smiled at Jeongin’s surprised expression. “I assume you can make that happen?”

“Absolutely!” His assistant replied, nodding almost violently, while taking a few notes.

“And,” Felix continued, smile widening. “Disappear for a bit so you can go watch Skycourt, okay? I want a play by play, so you’d better be paying attention.”

“Really?” Jeongin looked like he was going to combust from joy.

“Really.”

Felix slowly turned just enough to watch Choi out of his periphery and frowned. The manager looked… Pleased? Satisfied? But in a slimy way that did not sit right. No.

Something was wrong, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

~

Hyunjin wasn’t real.

That’s all that Felix could possibly believe as the trackball game ended with the results clear that team Trifecta had dominated over all the others. It left him feeling thrilled and buzzing, and only too late did he realize he was basically pressed against the glass to view his personal interactive drone feed. That look - that fucking look - the one Hyunjin had given his drone when the green haired man had taken the ball from his racers?

The damn smirk.

Did Hyunjin know?

Probably.

Although the drones were everywhere, like swarms of bees, the elite ones were obvious and able to get closer. The more money and clout? The tighter the air space. And his drone? It was the nearest of all.

Fuck.

That smirk was for him.

He just knew it.

Stepping back, he settled onto the couch in front of the floor to ceiling windows that were both translucent and not, as they depicted the games unfolding all around.

“Innie?”

“Yeah?”

“I know I invited Hwang up here, but will you make sure that his team is taken care of as well? They are all winners after all.” He pulled out a handful of barely there, incandescent points from his personal air pocket. “Give them these,” and he dropped them into Jeongin’s hand. “I think it’s Kim Seungmin and Lee Minho? Just make sure they are going to be shown a good time before you head to the court, alright?”

“Of course, sir - Felix.” The CEO stifled a smile. Ever since he had insisted his assistant call him by his given name, the younger man had consistently messed it up. “I’ll go now, then?”

“Go ahead.”

Felix watched with satisfaction as Jeongin left, the younger man practically vibrating with excitement. Spoiling his PA made him happy in ways that were unexplainable even to him.

Leaning his head back, he briefly closed his eyes. He wasn’t sure what he was going to say to Hyunjin, but he wasn’t about to give up the opportunity to see the other man, even if it held a certain amount of risk and unknown.

He let his mind wander to Aera. How big was she going to look in three days? Had she gotten his latest gift?

There was a small chime and he opened his eyes to see one of his security team poking her head through the half open door. “Mr. Lee? There is a Hwang Hyunjin here to see you?”

Nodding, he waved his hand, trying to ignore the slight tremble to his fingers. “Send him in.” And, in seconds, Hyunjin was stepping into Felix’s private box, the door softly clicking shut behind him. And, predictably, just like the last time, the very molecular structure of the air seemed to instantly alter as their eyes locked.

Felix didn’t know how long they stared - the connection undeniable.

“You… asked for me, Mr. Lee?” There was something underlying in the smooth voice and after a moment, Felix recognized that it was nervousness. Of course. Hyunjin had no idea what to expect in a situation where he was at the mercy of someone who basically held his career in the palm of his hand. Not to mention the only other time they’d seen one another…

“I did,” Felix answered warmly, standing up. “Congratulations on your first win for KARMA. You were incredible out there. It was… hard to watch anyone else.” He took a step closer to the athlete, pleased to see the pink flush creeping up the column of the graceful neck.

Hyunjin ducked his head, eyes flicking around the space curiously. He appeared freshly showered and was no longer wearing his leathers, but was now dressed in light wash jeans, and a soft, cream colored sweater that made him look surprisingly vulnerable. “Thank you.” Eventually, he once again met Felix’s gaze. “It was thrilling to play on such an advanced level. The equipment, the track, the, uh, attention. I think… I think I may have seen your personal drone amongst all the others?” The corner of his plush lips twitched upwards.

Oh, Felix had been right.

Anticipation - of what? He wasn’t sure yet - tingled up his spine. “I noticed,” he said, voice low and velvety. “Was that smirk for me, or do you flirt with all the cameras?”

Instantly, Hyunjin’s expression that had begun to relax into something almost playful, became wary. Felix frowned. What had he said?

“Are there… cameras in here too?” The athlete looked around anxiously.

“There are,” Felix answered slowly, eyes narrowing slightly. “But, I have them turned off. I don’t particularly like being watched.”

Nodding, Hyunjin took a few steps towards the screens. “Who can turn them on?”

Was all this caution really about reputation?

“Me, my security team, my personal assistant, but that’s it, and I have to be informed beforehand. Unless, of course, it's an emergency.” Felix observed the way Hyunjin’s shoulders lowered imperceptably. The green haired man had truly been worried. “Come on,” he said as lightly as possible. “Sit with me and watch Heightbreaker destroy Summit. I have champagne and snacks and I would really enjoy the company.”

Hyunjin turned, one eyebrow raised. “Heightbreaker destroy Summit? You’re joking right?”

Felix grinned. “Absolutely not, I’m CEO of KARMA Sports, I think I'd know which player is going to win.”

“Maybe you’ve been behind a desk too long, Mr. CEO,” the athlete responded with a cheeky grin of his own. “Summit won the 5 Star Cup last year, while Heightbreaker has yet to prove himself.” He dropped his long, lithe body down next to Felix in such a practiced, graceful motion it took the blonde’s breath away. It appeared Hyunjin had decided to make himself comfortable.

Felix bit back a sigh of relief. He irrationally needed the taller man to be relaxed around him.

“Yet to prove himself?!” Felix pretended to look personally offended. “Heightbreaker has a spotless record. Just because he’s new, just like you I might add, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a chance to win. If anything he will probably try even harder.”

Popping a strawberry into his mouth, Hyunjin chewed thoughtfully, as if really thinking about what Felix had said. “Maybe,” he responded with a small shrug. “I guess we’ll just have to find out.” He accepted the glass of champagne that Felix held out to him, expression suddenly mischievous as he leaned in. “Care to… bet on it?”

For a few seconds, the CEO couldn’t speak as his mind went completely blank. All that existed were sparkling, dark eyes, perfect skin, and that stupid, stupid face. He blinked, coming halfway back to himself.

“What?” He breathed out, eyes tracking down the almost regal nose to the mouth he had been dreaming about tasting again.

The mouth smiled. “I said, let’s bet on it.”

Oh.

Bet on it.

Sure.

Wait, on what?

“You’re not paying attention to anything I’m saying,” Hyunjin said softly, calling him out, and Felix flushed. Biting his lip, he turned away, focusing on taking a sip from his glass before setting it down carefully.

“Your face distracted me,” he said honestly. “It’s unfair that you look like that.”

“That’s rich coming from you,” Hyunjin countered in practically a whisper.

Oh god.

Felix looked back only to freeze when the athlete reached up to tweak the ends of his shoulder length hair. “No more pink?”

“No,” he said just as quietly as the other. He could feel the tension like something tangible in the air around them. “It was just a semi-permanent gloss I tried because I was bored.”

“Shame,” Hyunjin murmured, fingers threading through the strands to brush against the side of Felix’s neck, causing his breath to hitch. “I liked it, but this is good too.”

Fuck. How was he supposed to maintain control? He’d honestly hoped to simply get to know the athlete better, but… maybe it would be okay to indulge a little bit…

Closing the distance, Felix hovered a few inches away, on hand cupping the strong jaw. “Tell me to stop and I will. But, if you want this even half as much as I do, then please give in, because… I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.”

“I…” Hyunjin started, fingers sliding deeper into Felix’s hair. “I want to,” he paused, wetting his lips with the tip of his tongue, and the blonde followed the action as if mesmerized.

“Good,” Felix whispered, before pressing their lips together firmly.

Shit. It was just how he’d remembered. Soft, warm, and intoxicating.

Within only a few pounding heartbeats, he felt Hyunjin’s tongue glide across his lower lip and he willingly opened his mouth to provide the other access. Tilting his head, he allowed the kiss to deepen while he wrapped his free arm around the athlete’s broad back, drawing him in tightly. The desire to have no space between them was like a compulsion.

When Felix felt the hand in his hair curl around the base of his skull and the other large, warm hand slide up his thigh to grip his hip, he gasped. Fuck. Why did this feel so good? They were still basically strangers, but their chemistry was something indisputable and almost terrifying in its intensity. He began to feel lightheaded, from the lack of oxygen or the realization that whatever this was had never been casual, and he pulled away about a millimeter to take a moment to breathe against the other’s flushed cheek.

“Fuck,” he panted. “Why… Why does…” Felix was at a loss for words, but Hyunjin seemed to understand anyway.

“I don’t know,” he answered, equally breathless. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

Felix’s eyelids fluttered as he pressed himself even more tightly against the athlete. “I… want to get to know you better, Hyunjin.” He pressed a kiss to the sensitive skin just under the other’s ear, pleased by the little shiver it caused. “I want to take you out. Spend time with you. Can I?” He leaned back to look into Hyunjin’s eyes but, instead of seeing what he had hoped - excitement, desire, a willingness to explore whatever it seemed they might have - he saw hesitancy and something almost akin to… fear?

Oh fuck. Had he really misinterpreted the situation that badly? A rush of disappointment and embarrassment flooded his system and he pulled away only to feel the hands on him grip harder, effectively halting his retreat.

“No, don’t, I…” the green haired man started, gaze imploring. “Trust me when I say that I want that. I WANT all of it.” He blinked a few times. “But I… I need to tell you something first.”

Huh…okay. Felix frowned, still battling to calibrate to the sudden change of atmosphere.

“I,” Hyunjin looked to the side, chewing on his lower lip nervously. “I should have told you back in your office but…” He looked guilt ridden and Felix instantly hated it.

“Hey,” he said gently, shifting his head to force the athlete to look at him. “First, stop tearing your lips apart, I prefer them intact. And second, you can tell me. Are you in trouble or something?”

Hyunjin swallowed before slowly removing his hands from Felix’s body to rest them in his lap. The blonde didn’t particularly like the sudden loss of contact, but he also didn’t know what he was about to hear. A spike of nervousness caused his skin to prickle uncomfortably.

“Or something,” Hyunjin said quietly, gaze fixed on his intertwined fingers, the knuckles white. “I guess… I guess I should start from the beginning?”

“Usually a good idea,” Felix answered, hoping he didn’t sound condescending, he just had no idea what else to say.

“Um, so, I’ve been playing trackball since I was twelve and all my friends always thought I would go pro, you know, play for a company like yours, before I was even eighteen, but… The stars didn’t align and, um, well I kind of gave up?” Hyunjin finally glanced to the side, so Felix nodded encouragingly at a loss of where this could be going. “I love the sport though, so I kept playing anyway, but more for fun than anything else.” The athlete sighed heavily, dropping his head back to stare at the ceiling, but Felix could tell the other was seeing something that wasn’t there. “Then one day, this man approached me. He said he was a recruiter for KARMA Sports.” Hyunjin let out a mirthless chuckle. “I didn’t believe him at first. It made no sense, but it was true and it felt like all my dreams were finally about to come true, you know?” He rolled his head to the side to look at Felix.

“I understand so far,” the blonde said softly. “With your level of talent, I’m honestly shocked you weren’t recruited years ago.”

“You and everybody else,” Hyunjin said bitterly, returning his gaze to the ceiling. “But, anyway, it seemed as if things were finally falling into place, until, well, until I was set up with…” he paused, shifting uncomfortably as he obviously fought an internal battle.

“Tell me.” Felix knew he sounded commanding, but not only did whatever this was affect Hyunjin, it involved his company. He needed to know.

“Uh, my manager?” The athlete said in barely a whisper. “He is trying to…use me to…get to you.”

What?

There was static in his ears.

‘Use me to get to you.’

Felix stood up slowly as he forced himself to take slow, even breaths. Yet, he couldn’t control the storm of thoughts in his head. Their first encounter when they had slept together, that had been a set up? Was Hyunjin playing a game? Wait… no. He told him, why would he tell him if he was complicit? Something didn’t add up.

Slowly, he made himself sit back down, hands gripping his knees. “Keep talking.”

Hyunjin let out a shaky breath. “He… He wanted me to get you to sleep with me and be able to provide proof. If I didn’t,” Hyunjin’s words were coming faster now. “If I didn’t, he said he would ruin my career. He said that he had the power to get me black listed and banned from ever playing trackball again and I thought - I don’t know - I thought that that would be worse than anything, but that was before I met you!” His tone had taken on a desperate edge and Felix felt something inside of him start to crack. “I only needed to be around you for a few minutes to realize I didn’t want to mess things up for you. I didn’t even know WHY I was doing it! I just thought if I had to I would do it to save my career but… but I didn’t expect to… to…” There was a strangled sob and the crack inside of Felix grew and he finally turned to look at Hyunjin, heart thundering in his chest.

The taller man had curled into himself somewhat, elbows on his knees, face buried in his hands.

Fuck.

FUCK.

Squeezing his hands into tight fists, Felix felt momentarily paralyzed. But the other’s shaking shoulders brought him back to reality. The reality that he hugely disliked.

Clearing his throat, Felix spoke, voice unexpectedly even. “Your manager’s name is Choi Hwan, right?”

“What?” Hyunjin lifted his head to look at him with red rimmed eyes. Confusion flickering across his face.

“Choi Hwan is your manager?”

“Yes,” came the hesitant reply.

”And you say you have no idea what he’s trying to accomplish by having you sleep with me?”

Hyunjin mutely shook his head, looking so vulnerable that Felix had to physically stop himself from reaching out. Not yet, he told himself firmly.

“He doesn’t know about… last time, does he?”

Hyunjin’s eyes widened. “No, but, how did you know that?”

Sighing, Felix made himself relax a bit. He could already feel his muscles locking up due the tension and stress. “I met him before the game and he seemed surprised when I sang your praises. Said that you had told him I was ‘disappointed’ with you.”

“I… yeah, I didn’t tell him. I even, um, ‘accidentally’ broke my phone to get rid of the video you recorded.” The little bit of hope in Hyunjin’s voice caused Felix’s stomach to clench oddly. It was clear that the athlete was surprised by the CEO’s reaction.

“Why did you sleep with me then?”

He had to understand.

Hyunjin blinked a few times, mouth open like he didn’t have the words. But then… “Becauase I’d never wanted anything more in my entire life. More than trackball. More than fame. I… I wanted - needed - you and I made a decision, probably about thirty seconds in, that I would never tell anyone. To hell with it, you know?”

The athlete’s desperate and sincere gaze was almost too much for Felix, so he squeezed his eyes shut. He needed to know what this was all about. But, what was clear was that Hyunjin was not to blame.

Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes and stared at the screens just in time to see Summit get the final shot, winning against Heightbreaker. “You won the bet,” he said softly, reaching out blindly to tangle their fingers together. Hyunjin’s were clammy and trembling, but Felix only held them tighter. “And what you win is that I’m going to get to the bottom of this, okay?” He turned and looked directly into the dark eyes that were full of anxiety and fear. “I will protect you, do you understand?”

Hyunjin nodded, his free hand twisting the bottom of his sweater.

“And the first thing I’m going to do, is not let you leave my sight. So, say hello to your new manager, Hwang Hyunjin. You get the best one of all. Me.”

Notes:

As always, let me know what you think!

(Also, the court proceedings in this story were part of it before I was aware of Felix’s real court case… just want that to be clear)

Chapter 5

Notes:

The beginning is all Hyunjin’s pov and it is a few moments leading up to the end of the last chapter. I wanted you to see his relationship with Han and how he was feeling about the office situation.

When you see ***LF*** its back to Felix’s pov.

Shoving the shattered phone across the kitchen island of their shared apartment, Hyunjin let out a huge sigh, belying his sense of relief due to being alone with his friend. “Cho asked me to give this to you. He admitted he put an audio recording device into it, Ji. He wants you to ‘recover’ it.”

Jisung, using one finger, poked at the destroyed phone with feigned intention before shaking his head. “Yeah, no, I tried. It’s a goner.”

Hyunjin snorted before leaning his elbows on the gray, marble countertop. “I’ll tell him you tried,” he muttered, staring at a particularly sparkly vein in the stone.

He was so screwed.

Images of the CEO wouldn’t stop flashing behind his closed eyelids. Felix in a suit, Felix naked, Felix in between his legs, Felix hovering over him, Felix, Felix, Felix -

“Hey, what happened?” Jisung’s question was gentle, but with just enough raw curiosity that Hyunjin felt compelled to tell the truth. “I mean, like, did you do it? Why did your phone get destroyed? Why don’t you want me to fix it?”

Hyunjin felt at odds. On one hand the HyperStrike player was his closest friend in his current situation, but he also didn’t want to compromise what the other athlete had going for him.

He hadn’t trusted Han at first. He seemed… close to Choi, but after Hyunjin’s first meeting with his manager about his ‘true purpose,’ Han had cornered him by the vending machines. Startled, Hyunjin had barely been aware of the piece of paper (surprisingly old school) that had been shoved into his hand. “You’re new here,” Han had said, tone hard, almost accusatory. “Don’t think I don’t see you, scarecrow.” But it was the concerned look that flashed across his face that had made Hyunjin text the number scrawled in blue ink.

They had eventually met up in a park, with food brought by the younger man, and after some fumbling had actually talked, both admitting that their situations weren’t exactly ideal.

Jisung had explained that he had never been a great athlete - not even a good one - but it had been his dream. His parents had been wealthy enough to send him to the best programs and secure him the most accomplished coaches, yet, nothing had made any real difference. He kicked off his shoes more than he was able to kick the ball.

But then, his parents’ empire fell and, left with nothing, he and his family struggled until one day, while working in an IT department, he was approached by a recruiter for DoubleX Sports. The woman said that more than half of the recipe for an all star champion was unbreakable passion and dedication, but the other percentage could be manufactured.

With nothing left to lose, and more money thrown at him than he knew what to do with, Jisung had agreed to go to a facility where they gave him… something (“drugs, Ji,” Hyunjin had said. “They were performance enhancing drugs.”) and had him train in various sports. But, over time the drugs were no longer needed. They had changed Han Jisung on a molecular level.

He became a star and quickly, dizzingly, was soon highly sought after.

It was only when he had made the winning goal for his team seventeen games in a row, that he’d been approached by Choi.

“He knew, Hyunie, you know?” Jisung had said, shaking his head regretfully. The younger man had paled and Hyunjin didn’t know how to comfort him. “He knew all about it. He told me that he worked for KARMA and thought I would be a better fit there, but he wouldn’t say anything to anyone about my past if I could help him out from time to time and not ask questions.” Han then shoved a bite of food in his mouth so large that Hyunjin feared he would choke.

Realizing the other wasn’t about to talk anytime soon, Hyunjin tilted his head, brow furrowed. “Is that why my phone has a quokka sticker on it? You were the one that calibrated it for him?” Pulling out the device that his manager had provided, the taller man pointed out the offending decoration.

Swallowing incredibly fast, Jisung nodded, blinking a few times. “Yeah. Choi didn’t explain much but even then I felt bad for you. I thought something cute and cuddly might cheer you up.”

Now the sticker looked like it had been through the apocalypse.

Perhaps it had.

“You promise there are no recording devices in here?” Hyunjin knew he sounded pathetic, and he could just NOT talk about it, but he was desperate to unload on someone about the man he couldn’t stop thinking about.

Smiling knowingly, Jisung lifted his hand, wiggling the fingers back and forth. “You know there aren’t, but look at this.”

What?

“I don’t get what you’re doing, Ji,” Hyunjin said after a moment, feeling confused and a little annoyed. He was about to burst and didn’t have time for games.

Tossing his head back dramatically, Jisung rolled his eyes. “Oh my god, man. Do you not SEE my ring?”

The trackball player blinked. Yup. There was a ring on his friend’s hand. What did that have to -

“It’s basically a cloaking device, okay?” The younger man grinned. “I made it. If I tap it - bam - we turn into shimmering nothingness to cameras or other devices. It actually looks like we walked off and left the frame.” Hyunjin opened his mouth to speak but was cut off. “And no one can hear us either. Jesus! You are paranoid. Okay, I get why you’re paranoid. But c’mon. Trust me a little!”

“I trust YOU!” Hyunjin said with playful anger. “It’s everything and everyone else I don’t!”

“Touche,” Jisung responded, before leaning back and tilting his head. “Now, tell me what happened.”

It all came tumbling out.

“WAIT.” Jisung’s eyes had gotten wider and wider as Hyunjin had talked, but at this point they were basically popping out of his head. “You KISSED him before you left?”

“And here I was all worried about the ‘ASSet’ comment,” Hyunjin muttered, sliding his practically untouched beer back and forth across the marble. It was satisfying how it slid so easily on the damp surface. It distracted him from his crimson cheeks and pounding heart.

“Don’t get me started on THAT, but, seriously, you kissed him like it was something? Like, not a crazy one and done?”

Had he?

He had just suddenly needed to taste those lips again because it would be the last time and his heart was aching - No, it wasn’t. It wasn’t doing any such thing.

“I thought…” he scrambled for an excuse. “I thought it would be like asserting dominance or something.”

Jisung raised an eyebrow slowly. “Asserting dominance? Look, you can lie to me all you want but I’ll always know when not to believe you.” A knowing expression flickered across his friend's face. “I think you like him.”

“I do not!” Hyunjin hissed, his glare - that had been initially so strong - drifting back to the counter. “I really don’t. He… He’s an asshole.”

“Methink’s the lady doth protest too much,” Jisung said in a weirdly high voice, and all the older man could do was not say anything else.

~

“Are you nervous about the game?” Jisung asked, already dressed in his black and white uniform for the match he’d be playing right after BXR. He looked effortlessly cool.

Already wearing the black and white racing leathers that were required of him, Hyunjin shifted uneasily. “No.” But who was he kidding? “Yes.” The waiting area’s walls were already closing in. In a few minutes he was about to meet his team members officially. Before this, it had only been a few video calls for familiarization.

He was desperate not to disappoint.

“Nervous to play or nervous because you know the CEO is watching?” His friend smirked playfully, but Hyunjin’s system only flooded with even more anxiety.

“What if someone hears you?” He hissed, eyes flicking to the door - as if a door could protect their secrets.

Gesturing to his ring, Jisung genuinely smiled, leaning forward slightly. “Relax, Hyunie. I’ve got us covered. Speaking of which, I made you something.” Walking over to this bag, his friend reached into a side pocket and pulled out an item clenched in his fist. “You can’t wear it now, but I wanted it to match your… usual aesthetic. I’ll give it to you officially when we are home tonight, okay?”

Nodding slowly, Hyunjin held out his hand and Jisung dropped a silver chain into his palm. Lifting it gently, he saw that it was long with an open circle as a pendant. “It’s pretty,” he said softly. “But, what does it do?”

“It’s a necklace,” Jisung said, straight faced. “What do you mean? It makes your ridiculously good looking self more good looking.”

Huh?

“Oh my God! Why are you so hot and dumb at the same time?” His friend smacked his shoulder affectionately. “It’s like my ring, okay? If you connect your fingers through the loop it’ll have the same effect. Nothing will be able to track you until you undo it. I figured it needed to be more involved than just tapping it and I was right. You might just do that accidentally when you fidget.”

Hyunjin stared at the necklace. Was he free? Was this his ticket?

“Thank you,” he whispered, finally glancing up.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Jisung said gently, removing the necklace from his hand. “But you can when it’s officially yours.”

It took everything in him not to close his fist and tell his friend he needed it NOW.

Taking a deep breath, he clenched his fingers at his sides so as to not reach out involuntarily. “Can you… Can you tell me what to expect about the games? At least just a little?”

Frowning, Jisung absently checked his nails. “It should be your manager talking to you about this, but I suppose, given the circumstances…I could step in.” Hyunjin glared. “Alright, alright!” The younger man continued with a smile, hands up disarmingly. “It’s wild out there, but it’s the drones that will catch you off guard. There will be thousands of them in the air, each no bigger than a wasp. Every streamer with any clout has one, along with news, and - of course - your boss.”

“My boss?” Which boss?

“Oh yeah, baby, Mr. CEO Felix Lee himself has a drone and trust me when I tell you it’ll be ALL up in your business.”

Hyunjin felt a rush of heat and he instinctively rolled his shoulders, his body begging for movement. “Explain more?” He knew he sounded uncertain and desperate, but fuck it. It was the truth, wasn’t it?

“CEO Lee owns KARMA - basically - so he basically owns you.” Jisung grinned at the flush that crept, unbidden, up Hyunjin’s neck. “That also means he owns the space around you when you play. Streamers and reporters pay millions to get close to players, especially brand new ones that look like you, but,” Jisung’s grin only widened. “If you see one right in your face? Almost close enough to touch? That's none other than Mr. Lee Felix’s personal feed. All KARMA players have a six feet rule.”

Okay…

Okay.

“What about DoubleX? Did… they have a rule?”

Jisung’s mouth drew into a thin line. “No.” Hyunjin instantly wished he’d never asked. “The reason KARMA is sought after is because their athletes’ are protected and cared for. Your CEO might have a reputation for being an asshole but it’s only been perpetuated because he won’t stand for anything more than the best - And I’m not talking about for himself.”

The other athlete looked at him meaningfully.

“Do you… think there could be a connection - like something real - between you two?”

Hyunjin flinched. The idea had crossed his mind over and over again during the last three weeks. The way Felix’s lips had molded to his as if they had once been one. Or the way their heartbeats had synchronized in seconds. Or the way that the scent of the CEO’s skin had made his eyelids instinctively flutter… The way that his freckles… Oh… the freckles…

“Earth to Hyunjin!” His friend’s voice broke his reverie in half a second, but he still blinked in confusion as if coming out of a fever dream. “You were thinking about him, weren’t you?”

“No? I mean, yes? But you brought him up.”

Jisung shook his head with a long suffering sigh. “I think you should tell him.”

No…

“Tell him what, Ji?” Was his pulse pounding in his ears?

“Tell him the truth,” the HyperStrike player answered calmly with a little shrug. “If Mr. Lee is half as badass as he is made out to be and even a quarter as hung up on you as YOU make him out to be, it’ll be in your best interest.”

Hyunjin could barely suppress a shudder. Come clean? Absolutely not.

He looked up to see Jisung gazing at him knowingly. “Fine. I’ll make you a deal. IF the CEO kisses you - and I mean, first to lean in, kiss you - I will give you the necklace along with one for him too, but you have to tell him the truth.”

Fuck.

He knew he didn’t have to agree, but a piece of him was desperate to not hide anything from Felix. It was like a compulsion. And the idea of always being able to be hidden? YES. Absolutely YES. And he might not know the CEO well, but he knew Felix would like that idea too.

“Okay, it's a deal.”

~

“And the first thing I’m going to do is not let you leave my sight. So, say hello to your new manager, Hwang Hyunjin. You get the best one of all. Me.”

His heart pounded so hard it felt like it was threatening escape. Coming off of his first win in the big leagues to this was more than overwhelming.

“You… can’t do that, can you?”

Fuck, why did he sound so small?

Felix, who was still holding his hand in a vice grip, eyes locked on his own, smiled. “I’m the CEO, Jinnie, I can do whatever I want.”

Jinnie.

Cute.

But, why did he like it so much?

Then the lovely, delicate brows furrowed. “Did you really mean what you said?” Emotions flickered behind the dark, beautiful eyes and Hyunjin’s mind stuttered trying to think about what the other meant.

Oh.

Oh shit.

He’d said he’d never wanted anything more in his entire life. He’d wanted it (being with Felix) more than the sport he’d fought to play since he was twelve. And it had only taken minutes and it was only supposed to be sex, but it wasn’t.

What the fuck was wrong with him?

Wrenching his gaze away, Hyunjin stared at the table covered in light but opulent food that the duo had barely touched. This wasn’t his life… or could it be?

Why was this all so confusing?!

Taking a slow, calculated breath, he attempted to focus. Staring at a strawberry, he appreciated its redness and bright green leaves, and for some reason it made him recognize that he just needed to talk.

After all - after everything he’d already confessed - what was the worst that could happen?

“I did. I did mean it, but…” his next intake of breath shook audibly, so he clenched his teeth for a second. “I feel all mixed up in my head and…my heart.” The strawberry was still there, real and perfect. So was Felix’s hand in his. Okay, maybe he could do this. “I wanted this. To be an athlete, to be a star, since I was so young and then… Then I… I wanted you so fast - out of nowhere - and it - ” He pressed his lips together. The words were choppy, weird, too honest. He wasn’t quite ready to be fully naked under a spotlight even if the switch had already been turned on.

“You’re feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed,” Felix said softly. “The people that were supposed to help, support, and protect you didn’t fulfill their roles and your expectations. Including me.”

What?

Slowly, Hyunjin turned his gaze to the blonde. The other’s delicate, yet striking, features were drawn with concern and guilt. “I took advantage of you,” the velvety, deep voice continued, cracking slightly. “I used my role as one of the most powerful people in your life to sleep with you. I - ” Felix’s lower lip trembled and the vulnerability caused a protective surge throughout Hyunjin’s body, but before he could act, the CEO was disengaging their fingers. “I don’t deserve any of this. I don’t deserve you.”

Wait.

No. NO!

“Don’t say that.” The words were out before he had even realized he was speaking.

Felix frowned, tone pained. “Don’t say what?”

“Don’t say you don’t deserve me.” His heart thundered in his chest. Why did this feel like a pivotal moment?!

“You don’t understand!” The CEO’s attempt at a composed demeanor was slipping further by the second. “I shouldn’t have done what I did! I made a mistake! It’s haunting me! But the least I can do is make everything better for you. Give you everything you need and want, right? You don’t have to see me again except professionally. I’ll do the job until I can find you a manager that is amazing. The best one.” Felix looked wrecked as the last few sentences left his mouth, eyes glossy with unshed tears and a shredded veil of determination born of years of hiding emotions.

“Felix!” Hyunjin was desperate. Grabbing the smaller man he pulled him close despite the stiffness in the other’s body. “We have something!” Was he crying? Fuck. He was. There was an unaccustomed dampness on his cheeks. “I feel it! You feel it! Tell me you don’t? Just tell me that this feels like nothing.”

And he kissed him. Kissed Felix with his entire being, everything he was, everything he had, everything THEY could be. He poured it into the slide of their lips, the press of their tongues, and the sharp edges of their teeth. If this was his last stand, then he would go down fighting.

The smaller body shuddered against him and then, after a tense moment, simply melted.

And FUCK. Did it feel like heaven.

 

***LF***

 

Gently, after probably a bit too long, Felix pulled away. The few inches of space allowed him to observe Hyunjin’s kiss swollen lips - which were practically obscene - flushed cheeks, and half lidded eyes, lashes still damp and stuck together in little, adorable triangles.

“It’s actually insane that you look like this,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the little beauty mark on Hyunjin’s cheek. “Because, trust me, I’ve seen beauty - ”

“Like every time you look in the mirror?” The green haired man breathed against his heated skin before biting his lip to unsuccessfully control a giggle.

“Oh,” Felix murmured, warmth spreading undeniably in his chest. “You are - ” but he was cut off by another kiss, softer this time, eventually turning almost reverent. Like their bodies were trying to tell them something their minds had yet to recognize fully, whether by choice or circumstance.

It felt almost… divine.

Eventually, however, breathing was necessary.

“Do you remember when you said you wanted to take me out?” Hyunjin asked, gazing at him while the tips of their noses brushed.

“I do.”

Why did trading air with someone feel so right?

“I want that. Can we do that?”

His heart thudded irregularly.

“We can do that,” Felix answered, forcing himself to calm down just a little bit. “But, um, my closest friend is about to play and I need to watch… Do you mind if we do that together?”

Pulling away a bit, Hyunjin grinned excitedly, eyes sparkling. “What’s the sport? It must be BXR, right? That’s what’s next? Who’s your friend? I follow all of them!”

The mood switch almost caused whiplash, but it was so adorable and heartfelt that Felix felt himself smile more widely than he had in years. But when he glanced up at Hyunjin it was only to see a stunned look on the other’s face.

“Is that…” The athlete swallowed. “Is that your real smile?”

Huh?

“It... is?” Was it awful? What was going on? He felt the unusual ease of the smile he’d long forgotten begin to fade away.

Hyunjin let out a small, “oh,” his eyes still wide. “It… It’s beautiful.”

“Um.” The tips of his ears burned, but he powered through. “Thank you?”

The athlete ducked his head in obvious embarrassment, but then he glanced at Felix out of the corner of his eye. “When you smile - like that - you kind of look… like an angel.”

Oh.

For fucks sake.

But there it was again, shifting his face without him having even a modicum of control. Shyness, which felt almost foreign, flooded his system and he ducked his own head this time in an attempt to hide.

“Oh my god.” Hyunjin’s whispered words were half groan. “You can’t just LOOK like that.”

Felix almost responded with: look like what? But then the screen in front of them lit up and the image of the empty BXR ring flickered to life in high definition. In the center was Changbin, dressed in a glittering, eye-catching, suit. Looking up, he winked directly into the drone feed before simply walking off. There were still about ten minutes before the match and Bin loved to make the spectators wait.

“No…” Hyunjin breathed out next to him, seemingly stunned. “You’re closest friend isn’t The Ringleader, is it?” The athlete’s eyes were fixed on the feed, wide and shining with awe.

Reaching for his glass, Felix gave himself a few seconds to once again manage himself in the sudden change of atmosphere. Was this normal? The constant back and forth? “Yes, that’s Seo Changbin, The Ringleader.”

He could feel Hyunjin shifting next to him, so he took a sip and sighed. “Go ahead and ask.”

“What happened? Like, really, what happened?”

Nodding slowly, Felix moved to refill his glass. It wasn’t his story to tell, but it also was technically public knowledge. He could explain carefully, especially if he wanted more with the gorgeous Adonis next to him. It was the time to be candid and, perhaps, a little bit trusting. Hyunjin had trusted him after all.

”So, you know how BXR is a hybrid sport?” He glanced at the green haired man who nodded, face expectant. God, he was adorable. Hot and adorable.

Fuck.

“So, you know how the first two rounds are antiquated, traditional boxing, but then the announcer enters the ring and starts calling the wrestlers that match to every botched hit or kick? So every mistake leads to more distraction and intrusion?”

“Yeah,” Hyunjin said, a bit breathless. “It’s fucking chaos.”

Biting his lip, Felix fought his smirk at hearing the other curse. “Yeah, it is,” he admitted easily. “Announcers were injured all the time, until Binnie. He… He had always dreamed of being one of the boxers, not the clowns in stupid outfits with chairs and chains, but one that was there for the grittiness of the fight, not peacocking for the show. However, as it always seems to be for those who deserve it, it didn’t work out for him, so he chose the next best thing.” Was he being too transparent? Sharing too much? No, Hyunjin was looking at him with absolute fascination. He felt an odd shivery thrill in his chest. “But then, a fight got too wild and he was trapped, doomed to be hurt or worse, but he fought back. Took everyone down. Unlike many other matches that have devolved into pandemonium like that, no one died and no one was grievously injured. It was a turning point for the sport and now only the best of the best can be announcers, although none of them hold a candle to Binnie.”

“He’s a legend,” Hyunjin responded, eyes trained on the screen as the two boxers squared up. “It’s funny though. I started watching his matches about a year ago and right away I thought he was probably a really nice guy, you know?”

Felix couldn’t help but grin. “Yeah, he is.”

~

The champagne was gone and so were most of the snacks. Both throw pillows were on the floor and Hyunjin’s sweater had been removed to reveal nothing more than a skin tight, white tank top that was causing all parts of Felix’s brain and body to short circuit.

“You saw my friend!?” The athlete said again with a wide smile. “Ji is so good.”

“He’s better than good,” Felix answered honestly, briefly allowing his gaze to fixate on the tiny strip of exposed skin above the waist of Hyunjin’s pants. “I’m surprised he worked for DoubleX before us. Someone with his talents is usually tracked from childhood.”

“Mmm, yeah.” Hyunjin suddenly sounded weird. Fuck, was he being too obvious by staring like that? To forward? No, they’d agreed to go out, like on a date. He could look? Right? Just in case, Felix quickly locked his gaze on the screen, only to hear the sound of the drums echoing through speakers as well as naturally through the space. “Wait.” The object of his affections suddenly leaned forward on his knees. “Is this… the Volt Line?”

“Fuck yeah, it is,” and Felix grinned. Throwing caution to the wind - did he really have to be cautious now, he really wasn’t sure - and gripped Hyunjin’s knee. “Have you seen him before?”

“Not like this,” Hyunjin admitted. “Can we… get closer?”

Hating that he couldn’t give the other what he wanted at that exact moment, Felix gently shook his head. “Not here, but if you want to meet him, I can arrange that.”

Nodding vehemently, the green haired man grinned. “Please,” but then his smile faltered. “You… you’re actually incredible, aren’t you? Like, you know all these people and you have all this power and…” he trailed off, brow furrowing, eyes full of uncertainty. “Why… why me?”

Swallowing, all Felix could do was answer honestly since he really wasn’t sure himself. “I…” He took the larger hands in his as the rhythmic drums intensified. “I can’t say for sure why, but there’s something about you, something that I think - no, that I know - I need to keep around because…” He clenched his teeth. This… this confessional bullshit was not his thing, not anymore. “Because I… missed you and I don’t even know you.” Hyunjin blinked at him as his words were probably not anything close to what the green haired man was expecting. “I mean, if I can deeply miss something I never really had, how can that not mean something, right?”

Was he making ANY sense?

“Hip HIP!”

The crowds, on screen and off, roared “hurray!”

But all Felix could do was stare at Hyunjin. “Yeah,” the taller man said softly. “But, next time? Can we do heartfelt confessions when I’m not watching my favorite performer?”

Closing the distance, Felix pressed a chaste kiss to the sinful lips. “You started it,” he whispered against the soft, pink skin.

“I did.”

And they melted into each other as the crowds cheered.

Notes:

I hope you liked it! And I hope you all know who Hyunjin’s favorite performer is… damn that Volt Line - hip HIP!