NAMJOON'S EYES NARROWED as he peeked at kore from behind the wall. his lips curled up at the way she grinned at her phone, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.

focusing on not slipping or bumping into anything, he tiptoed into the kitchen stealthily. she tucked her short blonde hair behind her ear, giggling cutely, soft voice mumbling incoherently.

she had yet to notice him creeping up on her, which was a first. usually, she caught on early, turning around and defeating his whole element of surprise with a smug look on her face and a wiggle of her brows.

his arms went around her middle, pulling her flush against his chest. "hey," he murmured, voice low and gritty, rumbling from his chest to her back.

she jumped in his arms in surprise, letting a gasp leave her parted lips. her thumb moved to turn off her phone, turning it on its face as she placed it on the counter.

one of his brows lifted at the action, finding it a bit odd but he made no comments about it. moving his gaze away from the phone to her, he smiled as she twisted around in his arms to face him, her expression bright.

"hey," she echoed seductively, arms going around him as well. "you smell really good." she sniffed with a satisfied smile. "how was work?"

he took in a deep breath, pulling her closer to him. "good. except for one thing." he watched the way her smile morphed into a concerned pout. "why? what happened?" she questioned. "i missed you." he answered, pressing his lips in a cute smile that made his dimples more prominent.

a breathy chuckle left her lips as relief played across her features. "i thought your boss was pressuring you again. i was ready to flip a bitch."

"the only things you know how to flip are pancakes, what are you talking about?" he quipped teasingly. "fuck you, joon." her brows pulled together in a frown, arms falling away from him. "i know you'd love to." he smirked.

"ugh!" she groaned loud, slapping at his chest. he chuckled, leaning back and away from her hits. "i was just playing." he let out between laughter.

"i hate you." she grumbled, scrunching her nose cutely at him. "no, you don't." he leaned in, eyes intense on hers, confidence oozing from him. a begrudging smile tugged at her lips. "cocky little shit."

he sighed contently, grip firm around her, pulling her impossibly closer. he leaned in closer and his lips pressed against hers in a soft kiss. she reacted naturally to him, kissing him back daintily. he pulled away and regarded her. "not cocky, i just know you."