seeing him stand there in front of him with his application form being gently placed down the desk, hendery's surprised expression then turned to a stern one. his glare was darted on the person that appeared after days of not showing up. ❝are you fucking kidding me?❞

he didn't know where this confidence came from, but that smirk never left his face and his eyes were only fixed on the ceo. ❝did i stutter?❞

the mother, who was once smiling brightly, now flinched along with xiaojun after hearing a loud thud on the desk. it was hendery glaring really hard as if it pierced through their souls, having his hands slammed on his glass desk. as for the head of finance that still stood there, thinking of grabbing a popcorn, now had second thoughts of staying for long. an irrelevant disclaimer, he does like seeing this friend of him get mad, but not to the point that he would have thoughts of committing a crime. this ceo right here, his friend, looked exactly like those people who wanted to shove a knife in their stomach.

❝i g-guess i'll b-be leaving now—❞ and just when lucas had made a decision to leave, his attempt had to fail.

❝no, fucking stay.❞ his voice getting deeper and inserting a large bottle of dominance in it.

but seems like the woman couldn't get the gist as she was also threatened by how her own son looked. this is bad, she should have made another plan if this goes wrong. ❝i think i-it would be b-best if we give y-you two time to talk—❞

the mother shrieked internally when that gaze settled on her, then at the bodyguards who were as frightened as them. ❝i would like to request you to leave. don't wait for me do it myself.❞

the men in suits actually had their mouths open and say something, but the way how the ceo was staring at them and waiting for them to make the right choice to leave was enough warning not to mess with him. as they were slowly, one by one, walking out, along with the receptionist who was silently shaking at the ceo who had plans to murder, hendery's own mother tried to blend in with them, thinking that she could get away with it.

but backfired when she felt a harsh tug on her branded fur coat. ❝h-hey!❞

❝who said you're free to go?❞ the irritation in his voice never left. 

while she was being dragged back inside the office after having the doors being closed, the woman had only got to talk back when she was being placed right next to the head of finance who looked like a kid being scolded. ❝wong kunhang, you might have forgotten that i'm still your mother—❞

❝and did you ever think what your own son would feel when all this time, you have dejun with you?❞ he spat back, having her to shut her mouth. ❝i thought so.❞

seeing that the two had nothing more to say, hendery turned his head back to where he left the smaller male, but couldn't see his figure in that spot anymore. in panic, he snapped his head around the room and finally caught him making his way to the door, silently, plotting to escape the worst situation he is in.

xiaojun gulped as his whole body was quivering in fear. he knew that there's a possibility that the ceo would act this way, but he just placed it at the back of his thoughts, thinking that it woudn't most likely happen. after all, the mother did say that her son loved surprises so much.

but why wasn't he near to liking this? he then mentally scolded himself for going along the plan and getting himself dragged to see this demonic side of the ceo looking damn mad as hell.

❝do you think you can just get away like that after disappearing all of a sudden and not even hearing either of our explanation?❞

xiaojun let out a loud yelp when his shoulder was being gripped on tight. and in just a blink of an eye, he was now being slammed on the wall right next to the large door. to scare him more, the ceo lifted his hands up and trapped the shorter figure so that it would be impossible for him to escape.

to say that he was scared is just an understatement. but then, he could remember what that woman told him and how he should remain composed and collected so it wont be easy for the ceo to control him. but how on earth can he do that when this man right here is staring deep to his soul. he honestly felt like crying. ❝k-kunhang..❞

his shaky voice made the said male scoff. ❝so what happened to the "no stuttering" agenda, hm?❞

smile and wave, xiaojun, just do that and everything will go back to the way it was— ❝kunhang!❞ fuck, tears were already falling from his eyes. he was both crying from fear of getting shouted at by him, and also from missing him even if they didn't see each other for just days. ❝i-i'm sorry!❞

as xiaojun was about to spread his arms and throw his body to the male, his wrists were being gripped on tight and pinned it up above his head. the ceo leaned down just a slight bit to get near him and when he did, the guy burst out in crying. ❝does crying does the work? you should have at least thought of us, dejun.❞

❝i w-was, b-but i—❞ he whimpered when the man tightened his grip on his wrist, but not too much that would leave a bruise.

❝we were waiting, we were worried, and i was looking around for you!❞ hendery now had his voice raising, causing for the other male to sob.

by biting his bottom lip, xiaojun thought that it would do the trick into silencing himself. but to the ceo's eyes, that's nothing but an act of teasing him, as if he knows very well how he easily gets weak for him. ❝l-let me say some—❞

to say it was unexpected, both lucas and the mother had their jaw dropped at how they became audiences for the sight. while the woman had her eyes sparkling at the their lips touching, the head of finance looked away with a defeated expression, finding it shameless enough to just kiss his secretary in front of his mother.

wait, xiaojun resigned from the spot already.

still having their lips connecting, it may seem like it was done out of lust because of how hendery was distracted of the smaller biting his lips, but he really did pour out his heart in it. he kissed him like there's no tomorrow, and he held him like he didn't ever want to let go. and even xiaojun, he melted to the kiss, having his arms wrapped around his neck to deepen it. he missed this, he missed him, he missed them. 

recalling the student, xiaojun snapped back to his stance and at the same time, the man cut their sweet moment short by biting his bottom lip a little bit too hard that may have caused for the smaller to wince. ❝what was that for—❞

❝don't bite your lips in front of me ever again,❞ hendery said, going back to his old stern self. ❝because i should be the one doing that.❞

that statement gave a strong impact and made xiaojun get flustered because of it, covering his mouth and abused lips. being in that position, he quickly regained himself as he remembered his purpose of being there. ❝kunhang, i'm serious. i really am applying—❞

❝to be my boyfriend?❞ another another scoff was heard from him, moving away so he could fully see how determined the shorter looked. ❝seriously, dejun, after leaving us like that, after breaking yangyang's heart, and having us feel miserable for days, that's the first thing that came to your mind?❞

he knew he had done that, he, too, admits that he's guilty for it, but that wasn't what he planned to do. he wanted to stay at the landlord's for a while and go back home to talk to them. but then, this woman came up. ❝run away, cry over it, and go back home after a short while is what i was about to do!❞

❝then are you saying that showing up here just to have a great tagline of applying as my boyfriend is not your plan?❞ he said it all.

and xiaojun nodded his head like a kid proving his point. ❝exactly!❞

hendery raised a brow, folding his arms as he was finding it hard to believe. why not? this person seems like he can do anything if he puts his mind into it. after all, this is still the same person who pouted during interviews. ❝then whose was it?❞

with haws eyes, xiaojun didn't waste a second to put all the blame to the woman, not caring if she is the mother of the person he'll be dedicating his life with. it didn't take the ceo long to understand who the male is referring to and quickly marched his way towards his own mother that's hiding behind lucas' back.

with fire surrounding him, hendery walked over towards them, having the smaller male cling to him. ❝mom?❞

she couldn't believe that xiaojun would snitch on her like that. the tone of her son's voice was sweet as honey, but she knew that it meant war. ❝after learning about this from jaemin, i just want this confession to be as close to being a fanfiction! the way you asked yangyang out was so plain, i didn't want the same thing happening to xiaojun.❞

❝my love life shouldn't be your concern!❞ he then started to burst, making his own mother flinch from his voice.

peeking her head at on the man's arm, she puckered her lips while mumbling something. ❝admit it, the scene awhile ago made your heart skip a beat.❞

❝uh, no, i was annoyed!❞ hendery said with all his heart.

but the male beside him was tugging on his suit and making the ceo look at him to see his eyes glistening with tears. ❝did the confession really annoy y-you?❞

❝no, baby..❞ with a change of attitude, hendery faced him and cupped his face. ❝it surprised me, but it made me feel butterflies inside my stomach, nonetheless.❞

sniffling, xiaojun sure does know where to hit the man's soft parts. ❝r-really?❞

both the head of finance and the woman watched it unfold and never in her life, as a mother, seen that side of her son. ❝how did he suddenly change from being a dragon, to a soft-hearted donkey?❞

❝welcome to the club.❞ lucas said with a nervous chuckle, already used to seeing this side of the ceo because of a certain person right there. this man already has a lot of victims for it, and some would even bring xiaojun along just to keep the ceo in a good mood.

❝god, i can't believe you made us worry all for nothing.❞ hendery heaved out a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair and went back to his seat. of course, he didn't forget to give the woman a glare before doing that.

❝h-hey,❞ following him and standing right in front of his desk, xiaojun fumbled with his fingers as he mustered up the courage to ask. ❝how is yangyang?❞

❝blamed himself, got himself drunk, and he couldn't focus in all his classes.❞ he didn't even try to hide that fact. hendery didn't mean to make him feel guilty, he just wanted to the guy to know what damage he could do if he leaves just like that. ❝but don't worry, he's starting to feel alright today.❞

and now, xiaojun didn't have the guts to raise his head and look at him. ❝a-and how about eleven?❞

❝our boy is fine.❞ and hendery greatly appreciated how that kid never tried pushing too many question and just remained patient for the situation.

lucas then felt like he had to add something, butting in between their conversation. ❝he actually is going to school with my youngest son, so they'd be taken care of a nanny i hired while hendery goes to work and yangyang deals with his last year in college.❞

hearing that made xiaojun unintentionally nibble on to his bottom lip, pushing his sobs at the back of his throat. he then mouthed a small gratitude to the head of finance before turning to the ceo who's having a brow raised at him.

and since his thoughts were being scattered, because of how overwhelming everything is for him, he got to say something that could be misunderstood out of context. ❝daddy ryry..❞

and for that very moment, lucas and mother looked like they were having a stroke because of that name. it was the woman who still managed to say something even when hyperventilating. ❝never knew i would come to this day where i get to discover my son's hidden preferences.❞

them comes after lucas' comment. ❝he should have just left his kinks at home, in his bedroom especially.❞

hendery shot them a look and got to make then stand up straight and stare at the wall, not putting their nosy attention on them. it was also till then xiaojun immediately feel like explaining what he said. ❝i m-mean, you're handling things so well! that was supposed to be a compliment.❞

forgetting the glare he threw at his mother and at the head of finance, hendery let out a chuckle. despite of everything happening in just a short while, and even though he was still sulky at how he left, he couldn't deny the fact that he was relieved to see him fine an at one piece. ❝well, since you're here, you're going home with me tonight.❞

❝but we were supposed to surprise yangyang!❞ the mother then insisted, showing a pout in hopes that her son would also give in.

that didn't happen. ❝that's enough surprises. i'm bringing dejun home and explain to yangyang everything.❞

the woman then puckered her lips, ❝so much for having a garden confession.❞

❝a— what?! why do you have so many ideas?❞ looking stressed, hendery leaned back with a sigh he then darted his eyes at the smaller male who still stood there. ❝and you agreed to this?❞

❝i didn't have a choice.❞ scratching his nape, xiaojun gave him a sheepish smile. he was more like kidnapped to do all these. a small part of him, though, agreed willingly as he actually was a coward to ask the two out.

❝you even made him resign!❞ that blame was for his mother but his shout echoed inside his office.

fortunately for her, the excuse for this was valid. ❝i have a reason for that.❞

his mother's face looked serious about it, and hendery chose to trust her. anyways, the point is, they are treating as if running away is just a game for them. ❝and i will still bring dejun home with me.❞

❝but you still didn't answer me though.❞ xiaojun spoke, getting the man's attention.

taking his fuming eyes off his mother, he started at the smaller male with his gaze softening. the difference of his change of mood is indeed tremendous. ❝what is it?❞

❝w-when i asked to apply as your boyfriend,❞ with his confidence flying away just because the man's eyes are on him, xiaojun looked away with his face all flushed. ❝you didn't say anything about it.❞

remembering the application form on his desk, hendery took it and walked around the glass table. it made the shorter male back away until there was distance between him and the ceo that's now semi-sitting down the desk as he scanned through the form. ❝xiao dejun?❞

not knowing where this was going, the guy being called out answered nonetheless. ❝that's me.❞

❝i don't think that's how you address someone you'll be working for?❞ of course he didn't mean it, hendery just loved to play around.

xiaojun then felt a surge of fear as he was reminded of how pissed the ceo looked the first time they met. ❝yes, s-sir!❞

"he's having fun, isn't he?" lucas whispered to his side, not believing that this superior man is going with the flow.

the woman nodded in agreement, also whispering back as she was afraid to get scolded by her own son. "look at him, torturing the poor kid."

❝hm, let's see.❞ hendery eyed the male from top to bottom, humming with his eyes squinted. ❝what makes you think that you're qualified for this position?❞

xiaojun can't even answer that question even when he is applying in being a secretary. heck, he doesn't even have a clue on what this job is all about. but then, he managed to do well in the end. ❝i c-can—❞

❝what did i say about stuttering?❞ he then asked while putting the application form back down on the desk and now had his arms folded cross his ches.

the two bystanders then snickered at his warning. "he acts like he hates it."

it was lucas' turn to nod his head at what the woman said. "for all i know, he also has a stuttering kink."

closing his eyes, xiaojun felt like he was applying for the job all over again, but this time, it's proving as to why he should be his boyfriend. since when was asking someone out this nerve-racking and brain damaging? ❝i can cook fried eggs without forgetting the oil.❞

with a teasing smile, hendery gestured his hand for the shorter male to continue.

❝the pets love me, our boy is also fond of me.❞ and not to mention his surname being used. he then paused for a moment as he was loosing things to say about himself. ❝i can give love to both you and yangyang— why do i have to say all of these? it's so pressuring!❞

puckering his lips, hendery didn't look like he was satisfied from it. ❝is that all, mister xiao?❞

he wanted more? xiaojun can't even give himself even a slightest bit of compliment. yet, this man right here, is asking him to give out his admirable traits in being his boyfriend. looking away, the guy went back to thinking deeply as to what else he can say that can finally make this stubborn ceo give out his yes.

and this bold statement came in mind. ❝i can call you daddy in bed!❞

well, that was unexpected. hendery had his eyes widened, the head of finance had a loud gasp and he also had so act quick, catching the woman beside him who almost fainted from what the guy had said. the ceo soon then burst out laughing at how desperate and determined the shorter looked that he really had to say that, in front of his mother even.

❝alright, i get it.❞ he took the latter by surprise when he suddenly took his arm and pulled him close till their chests bumped. ❝do you really have to say that?❞

smacking his shoulder, xiaojun had to give him his most threatening glare. ❝because it looked like you weren't satisfied with my answer yet! i was afraid that maybe it wasn't enough reason to accept me.❞

❝then,❞ using a finger to lift the male's chin up, hendery stole a short kiss from him. ❝would it make you happy if i said yes?❞

xiaojun's lips then curved up to a smile and he was nodding his head in a hurried manner. ❝yes, yes, yes! it will, very.❞

❝okay,❞ it was strange to have the shorter male being the one to ask him out, but who is he to complain? ❝i'll be yours—❞

hendery didn't get to finish his sentence when xiaojun pounced at him even when they were already close. he had his arms thrown over his shoulder an even surprised him with a chaste kiss. 

pulling away, the ceo let out a chuckle as he put both his hands on the male's small waist. ❝looks like someone is excited.❞

❝because you're finally mine.❞ and again, he initiated the kiss. ❝and i'm also finally yours.❞

these two probably forgot about having other people inside the room. with the woman regaining consciousness again, the head of finance was about to approach them and let their presence be known, probably also ask permission to leave as the drama was over, but his attention went over to something that fell down from the desk along with couple of papers.

letting out a sigh, lucas went for it instead. while the two were basically making out, he did the honors of being the employee of the month and picked up the papers on the floor, stumbling upon a small velvet colored box. ❝hendery, what is this?❞

pulling away gently, hendery walked around the desk and helped the head of finance in picking up the things that fell. ❝oh, a ring.❞

hearing that loud and clear, the three seemed to be taken a back by it. ❝a ring!?❞

lightly hitting his friend's head, the ceo clicked his tongue. ❝why do you look so surprised by it? i told you about my plan in proposing to dejun.❞

the mention of his name made the said male point a finger at himself. ❝m-me?❞

❝yeah, but that was before knowing that my mother would accept our relationship and also my preferences.❞ hendery then started to explain, standing up. ❝i had the plan to marry you so either my parents would like it or not, they'd still be forced to accept you. but then, this happened. though, i'm not saying that i won't be marrying you soon in the future.❞

the last sentence made xiaojun's heart pound real fast, while the head of finance was giving the superior a scowl. ❝you seriously bought a ring after having a talk with me about that?❞

a nod what was got from him. ❝i mean, you see me holding it, don't you?❞

❝what are you going to do with it then?❞ lucas asked in pure curiosity.

❝nothing, because i plan to tell yangyang about what really happened and that it's nothing serious after all.❞ he casually answered while arranging the papers on the desk.

as being being revived, the mother came in view with that hopeful look. ❝i have an idea—❞

but the son immediately shut her off with it. ❝i am not going along with anything you say.❞

the woman was left pouting at what her son said. soon then, they turned their heads towards xiaojun as they saw raising a hand. ❝i know what you should do with the ring.❞

⚊ t b c ⚊