#annnd I think I need to stop for tonight because my head genuinely feels like it's gonna start melting any minute now | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

krystalkoya · 4 years

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Ad Hoc | 04

Summary: Landing your dream job as an advertising exec at Kim Entertainment straight out of college was nothing like you imagined. Mostly due to the fact that your college rival, Jung Hoseok, sits ten feet away from you and never misses an opportunity to make your life a living hell. When a position opens up at the firm to be chief of advertising, you jump at the opportunity, but not without having to go up against Hoseok who is also vying for the position. In a dirty game of deception and betrayal, the last thing you expect to come out of it is love.

…

pairing: coworker!hoseok x reader

genre: enemies to lovers, future angst, smut, humour

rating: nc17

word count: 10k

chapter warnings: none!

…

Chapter Summary: You cut Hoseok off for a reason. What happens when you run into an old friend that tells you more about the past than you thought you needed to know?

Series Masterpost

…

________

Jesus, Hoseok was going to have a killer hangover in the morning if he didn't slow down.

Not one to waste alcohol, he threw back the last shot in his hand and wiped the liquid that hadn't made it into his mouth off his chin. Now that he was sufficiently buzzed enough to enjoy this party, he’d allow himself to cool off before he accepted any more drinks tonight.

He had to have been here for about half an hour by now but he still hasn't had the chance to speak to Wonho yet. Their mutual head nod of acknowledgement when he’d first arrived didn’t count.

Hoseok swiveled his head around the room, looking for any signs of the host in the sea of people here tonight. Wonho really wasn’t kidding when he said any and everyone was invited. Well, the man did keep to his word, he’ll give him that. A few months back he said he’d throw a celebratory party if he managed to pass that damn macroeconomics class. Hoseok was grateful he didn’t have to hear about how ‘the professor had it out for him’ anymore. Hoseok glanced around the crowded room in search of Wonho and luckily, he didn’t have to search long when he spotted the man chatting with a group of guys outside. The fresh air would be a welcome escape from the muggy humidity of the living room. But as he was making his way through the crowd of wasted college students, a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Hoseok! Where have you been? I haven't seen you all night!"

It was Taehyung. One of Hoseok's good friends for ages now. They met back in high school, Taehyung had been someone who knew him both before and after his little self-destructing episode. A loyal guy, no friend, who’d been there for both his highs and his lows. Being a couple years older than him, Hoseok had always felt like he should set a good example for the younger man, especially after he finally came his senses. But really, Hoseok new he needn't worry. Sure, Tae was a typical college kid, he liked to have fun just like him but he was nowhere near as bad as Hoseok was in his rebellious teen years. Hoseok would never allow him to.

"Taehyung I see you everyday. Isn't that enough for you?"

"I didn't see you at all today though. Had a final, remember? I haven't been home since my 8 am this morning. Come here, man. It's good to see you again." Taehyung engulfs Hoseok in a drunkenly awkward hug, sloshing whatever was in his plastic red cup on Hoseok's sleeve and the floor. Hoseok grimaces because now he was going to reek of cheap beer for the rest of the night.

"Taehyung, we're roommates, we see each other all the time."

Taehyung nuzzles in deeper, ignoring Hoseok completely. "Where's ___?"

"Not here. She’s studying."

Taehyung pulls back. Thank god because Hoseok felt like he was going to suffocate in that grip of his. Had he been working out lately? Why the hell was he so strong?

Taehyung shoots him a sympathetic look but Hoseok brushes him off.

"Put the sympathy-eyes away Tae. It's not that serious." he says bitterly.

Taehyung drops his hands exasperatedly and whines, "When are you just going to tell her already? In all the time I've known you I swear you've never acted like this much of a pussy bef-"

Hoseok slaps a hand over his companion's mouth. He was not going to have this conversation with Taehyung, halfway drunk off cheap liquor, in the middle of a college party. Or ever, if he could avoid it.

"Annnd I'm gonna stop you right there. We've been over this, remember? It might take you a while in your state but it'll come to you. We’ll talk later, okay? I’m gonna go catch up with Wonho." Hoseok starts in the direction of the sliding glass door that leads out to the patio but someone stops him yet again.

It's not Taehyung this time.

"Hoseok! I didn’t know you were here!."

It's Jiyeon. She looks good. Boy does she look good. Long hair cascading around her face, makeup done up just right to highlight all her best features. She was hot, and totally the type Hoseok would consider going for if he wasn't so hung up on… someone else.

"Oh, hey Jiyeon."

Taehyung grumbles in the background, which draws Hoseok to the fact that he was still here.

"Well that’s comforting. I’m not the only one Hoseok’s been avoiding tonight, there’re others."

Hoseok doesn't even begin to acknowledge that passive-aggressive comment in favor of addressing the girl before him.

"Sorry, I didn't know you were here. I would've said hi sooner."

"Well, now that you are, you have to dance with me at least once tonight? Please? I've been bored out of my mind- everyone else is no fun."

Hoseok scratches the back of his neck awkwardly. He didn't really have any pressing concerns to attend to at the moment. He assumed catching up with Wonho could wait. So with a decision in mind (a poor one, he’d come to find out) he said,

"Sure, why not?"

…

Hoseok was sweaty and hot but he was genuinely enjoying himself. He chatted with Jiyeon and Taehyung for a while, which gave him ample time to get a few more drinks in his system. But once Jiyeon's patience wore thin, she got antsy, pulling him out to the makeshift dance floor of the fraternity's living room.

Which is why he was currently pressed up between the hot sweaty bodies of several twenty-something year olds as he danced with Jiyeon to the loud music blaring overhead from Wonho's top of the line sound system.

He was going to need that patio break soon, he realized as the third song was coming to an end. He could literally feel the trail of sweat sliding down his spine at this point.

But just as he was about to mention to Jiyeon that maybe they should take a break, she was leaning in closer to ask him something herself.

"It's getting kinda crowded. Maybe we should cool off a bit, talk someplace a little more private."

Hoseok stilled at her words, unsure how to respond. He wasn't an idiot. He knew when girls said they wanted to 'talk in private' it was code for hookup. And like he said earlier, he would've totally been up for it about 6 months ago, but now...?

Hoseok opened his mouth to try and let her down the easy, but Jiyeon was already turning away from him, taking his hand and dragging him off somewhere in her wake.

Before he knew it he was being pulled inside an empty bedroom. Jiyeon plopped herself on the edge of the bed, staring at him expectantly.

She patted the space beside her and smiled up at him, "Come sit."

Hoseok stood there reluctantly, feet glued to the ground for a few moments because how the hell did you tell a girl that you didn't want her? Jesus, it already sounded shitty in his head, just imagine if he'd said that out loud. And the douchebag award of the year goes to... the idiot who rejects a hot girl (who clearly wants him) all because he can't tell his best friend he likes her. How pathetic.

Despite himself, Hoseok sits himself at the edge of the bed, leaving a good amount of space between the two of them. He figured it was best to deliver this news sitting down, jesus the alcohol was really clouding his judgement tonight cause that plan all goes to shit when Jiyeon takes this opportunity to pounce on him.

Hoseok is forced onto his back with the weight of Jiyeon’s body. She wasted no time as she clambered into his lap and eagerly attached her mouth to his.

Hoseok was shocked by her boldness for the first two seconds, eyes wide open and body frozen in place with the force of Jiyeon's enthusiasm, but he quickly snapped out of it. He pulled away, placing his hands on her arms to pull her off of him.

She pulls back, her expression flooded with questions.

"Hoseok, what's wrong?"

He grimaced because this was the moment of truth. Hopefully she would understand.

"Jiyeon, I don't think we should do this. You're drunk and..."

"I'm not drunk!" She says in protest.

"Okay, not drunk. But under-the-influence nonetheless. Either way, we should stop-"

"Is this because of someone else?"

Hoseok paused because boy was she spot on. How did she know?

"Yes. No. It doesn't matter. Look, how about we go back out and enjoy the party. Listen, they’re finally playing some better songs, we can-“

"It is, isn't it?" she asks dejectedly.

And something about her tone makes him think he shouldn't evade the question a second time. It wouldn’t be right.

So with a sigh he nods, staring at the floor because he can’t meet her eyes. "Yes."

There’s silence as she tries to process his words and she’s still perched on his lap but Hoseok is the perfect gentleman. After all, he knows from experience how hard it can be to have unrequited feelings.

But then Jiyeon is speaking again, although tentatively. "I mean, we can just fool around a little bit. I don't mind if you don’t..." She reaches out to stroke his cheek tenderly.

Hoseok reels back from her touch, but cringes yet again when he realizes how rude that may have come across.

Nevertheless, Jiyeon gets the message, her arm freezing in place as her jaw drops open in shock at the sign of true rejection.

"Jiyeon- I, I promise, it's nothing against you. You're great, really! It's just… me." He says defeatedly.

Jiyeon hums in response, her posture more reserved and drawn into herself than before.

Hoseok puts distance between them again, and this time Jiyeon separates herself from him as well, climbing off his lap to sit at the opposite side of the bed.

Hoseok, not knowing what else to do, shoots her a tight smile as he says,

"I-I’m gonna go back out there. Come find me later?"

Jiyeon nods in his direction, her eyes trained to the floor.

"Yeah, um… sure. I’ll be out in a minute."

There’s silence in the room again as Hoseok stares at Jiyeon’s expression which is currently trained on the floor. After a few more moments of this, Hoseok figures it’s time for him to go, not wanting to upset her any longer. He rises from the bed and shuts the door behind him, shooting her one last sympathetic look before he goes.

…

Jiyeon’s P.O.V

Jiyeon heard the click of the door shut when Hoseok left, yet she remained rooted to her spot at the edge of the bed.

Jiyeon knew exactly what was keeping Hoseok from hooking up with her. Or rather who was. She didn’t think they were together but who knows, they could’ve been. That would explain why she and him were always together all the time. But no, she remembers hearing from others, in addition to the source itself, that they were just friends. Had always been and will always be just friends. Bullshit, anyone could see the way Hoseok’s eyes lit up whenever her name was merely mentioned. He was a goner and any and everyone knew it except for the girl in question.

Either way, Jiyeon was hurt. She could have any man she wanted except for him. She was sure she had him tonight but she was wrong yet again. ___ was obviously still a factor, and nothing she did could change that.

As she sat there at the end of the bed, her hands picking at a stray thread on her blouse absentmindedly she realized she was hurt yes, but she was also angry. Angry that she couldn’t have him. Angry that he was smitten with someone else who probably didn’t even care enough to bat an eyelash at his feelings.

So when a phone that wasn’t hers buzzed on the bed beside her, Jiyeon found herself doing something that she wouldn’t do under normal circumstances.

She picked it up to see that a message had come in. And speak of the devil, it was from ___. Which meant that this must’ve been Hoseok’s phone.

It must have fallen out of his hoodie at some point during their oh-so-brief tumble in the sheets (if you could call it that).

Jiyeon felt inclined to pry, curious as to what Hoseok and you talked about at this hour of the night.

You: Hey, spilled coffee all over my laptop and now it won't come on. Mind telling me the hw for ad class? [11:35]

As Jiyeon read the message she was almost overcome with a sudden sense of boredom because obviously nothing interesting was going to come out of this conversation. She was almost compelled to go find Hoseok and return his phone to him so he could respond to you. Again, almost is the keyword here.

Instead, Jiyeon’s initial boredom was twisted into something much more sinister, because although she was hurt, she was also angry. And when she was angry, she was far more inclined to seek revenge. Her siblings had never appreciated this quality about her growing up. Always said she was far too petty for her own good.

And so she found herself replying to ___’s message, feeding her wrong information under the guise of being her trusted friend, ‘Hoseok’.

It takes her a mere couple minutes to come up with something believable. Thankfully, she took this course last semester, otherwise she’d have no proper basis for her lie. The truth was, the final assignment for Smith’s class was always an essay, and you were truly toeing the line if you expected to start this late and get a good grade on it. Decent at best, but only if you really knew you’re stuff. But Jiyeon destroyed any hope of that happening when she lied.

You: A skit? [11:42]

You repeated her words, Hoseok’s words as far as you knew, as if asking for confirmation.

Jiyeon surprised herself with how good she was at this, coming up with details on the spot that sounded legitimate enough to be true.

Hoseok: Yeah, like an ad. Can be on anything really. Just incorporate some of the terms and techniques we learned throughout the semester and it should be fine [11:43]

You: Ok, thanks, you're a lifesaver. Are we presenting in class? [11:45]

Sure, why not? Hoseok: Yup [11:45]

You: Alright, thanks again, really. [11:46]

You: Don't stay out too late. you could barely function in class last time that happened [11:47]

Jiyeon is just about to type out one last reply when a sudden knock on the door makes her jump out of her seat. The door swings open just as Hoseok’s phone clatters to the floor.

“Everything alright in here? Hoseok didn’t shoot one off and leave you high and dry, did he?”

Taehyung shoots Jiyeon a quizzical look when Hoseok’s phone clatters to the floor a few feet ahead of him.

“Hey, you okay? Why do you have Hoseok’s phone?”

Internally, Jiyeon is panicking, her heart racing at the prospect of being caught. Not only did she snoop through someone else’s phone, she’s also pretty sure she costs someone else their grade in class.

Externally, Jiyeon does her best to keep her cool. She rises from the bed and picks the phone up off the floor. Instead of standing up immediately, she remains hovered over it on the floor, feigning inspecting the phone for damage when really she attempts to delete the message thread between you and ‘Hoseok’.

It is only when any traces of the conversation are deleted that she rises from the ground.

“Nothing, nothing. Hoseok left his phone in here though. Could you do me a favor and give it back to him?”

Taehyung looks from her to her outstretched hand skeptically for a moment but then he drops it, taking the phone from her hand acceptingly.

Jiyeon mentally sighs out in relief, thankful that Taehyung did not feel the need to push the issue any further. She bids him goodnight, saying she’s tired and going to turn in early for the night.

Taehyung bids her goodnight, saying he’ll tell Hoseok she left already.

Jiyeon’s lips quirk up at the corners, thinking that after tonight, Hoseok might just be hers after all. /tonight wasn’t so bad after all/at least one good thing came out of coming here tonight.

This past week at work has been... weird. You were starting to think Hoseok’s favorite pastime was purposefully seeking you out to try out his new ‘insult of the day’ but he’s gone out of his way to avoid these last few days. Perfectly fine by you because it means you can finally get some work done without any interruptions.

Hoseok’s absence was a welcome presence in your life. It seems like the man, who’s made it is life’s mission to make your work life a living hell, has done a complete one-eighty.

Now, when you pass him in the halls on your way back to your desk, he looks straight ahead, averting his eyes to avoid looking at you head on.

When you stumble upon him in the breakroom, he regards you with complete silence, busying himself with reheating his lunch in the communal microwave instead.

So, strange considering that this is Hoseok we’re talking about, but not unwanted. You guess he took your advice. This is exactly what you wanted right?- a peaceful work environment, no drama, minimal arguments? Right?

You shake your heard as if to snap yourself out of some stupor. Of course, this is exactly what you’ve wanted ever since Hoseok started here.

You should’ve known not to be foolish enough to believe that this sudden change in behavior would go unnoticed by other prying eyes and ears in the office. You were even more of a fool to believe this one-eighty wouldn’t alert gossip-king himself.

“ Hey, I know I told you I'd lay off a little, but I've gotta know. What's up with him? He lobs his head in the direction of Hoseok's cubicle in place of saying his name.

“He’s been quiet all day. You two didn't even have your routine quarrel in the breakroom this morning.”

You shrug. “Don’t know, don't care. Let’s just enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts, shall we?”

Jimin shrugs, glancing behind him where Hoseok is busy typing away at his desk.

“I don’t know. Whatever happened, it looks pretty serious.” You pause for a moment, but resist the urge to glance over at the eerily quiet man. Thankfully, before you are pulled any deeper into analyzing what happened the last time you talked to him, Jimin decides to drop the subject.

“Sorry I shouldn’t have asked. I’m too curious for my own good sometimes. But you’re right though, the quiet is nice for a change.”

You’re lips quirk up at the corners and you spin around in your chair to face your companion fully. “Glad you agree. Now, let me run something by you for my project. I have this idea but I’m not sure how to execute it…” ===================================================

Hmm, milk chocolate with hazelnuts or dark chocolate coffee crunch? Ah, one of you favorite pastimes, choosing which assortment of chocolates you should take home as your guilty pleasure snack this week. Truthfully, you should be avoiding sweets like the plague unless you wanted to start looking like the version of yourself from ages 14-18 again, hills and valleys all over your face and all. But when aunt flo came to visit it was sure convenient to have those chocolates around when those cravings hit. And they always hit. Even after aunt flo had long since took her leave.

Mind made up you reached for the raspberry delights instead, deeming that the fact that it had fruit in it made it slightly healthier. The slight resistance confuses you until you realize another hand is tugging on the same bar of chocolate as yours is. Despite there being plenty of other bars for you to grab, you were most definitely there first and your head shoots up to let the person know that they best grab another one when realize that you know this person.

“Taehyung?” your eyes crease at the corners, brows furrowed in recollection as if it will help you decipher if this man is someone you know or not. It’d be extremely embarrassing if this man didn’t happen to be who you think it is. You’d have to file this memory in the place in your brain that randomly comes back to haunt you at the most innocuous of times. But he definitely is, you’d remember a face like that anywhere.

Though the more you look at him, the more you can see how he’s grown. His face has filled out a little more since you’ve last seen him, jawline much sharper and more defined. You got a glimpse of his resting face before his own broke out into recognition at the sight of you and, well let’s just say it’s alarmingly intimidating. You most definitely would have let go of the chocolate and let him have it despite how bold you were 10 seconds ago.

“___? Is that really you?” A smile breaks out onto his face like he can’t believe it’s you.

“In the flesh.” Before you can even get the words out he’s pulling you into a strong hug, limbs fully encasing your own in a deathtrap you wouldn’t be able to escape even if you tried.

“I haven’t seen you in forever! How’ve you been?”

What is going on? Is there a college reunion happening that you don’t know about because you have been running into way too many people from the past lately. First Jiyeon and now Taehyung? Who’s next? You really hope it isn’t your roommate freshman year. She always hated you.

“Doing great! I’m over at Jin’s dad’s company now and it’s the best company I’ve worked for so far. How about you?”

Taehyung’s eyes light up as if remembering something. “Oh, that’s right. Hoseok did tell me you worked there now. That’s funny.” He shakes his head in thought. You don’t know why you’re surprised to hear Hoseok’s name come out of his mouth. Taehyung had always been his best friend throughout college and even before that, you think. They went way back. You had always been cordial with Taehyung, even after your fallout, but it’s clear where his loyalty lies. So no, it’s not surprising that he and Hoseok still talk, though it is surprising to hear that they’ve talked about you with each other. But, of course, why wouldn’t Hoseok take the opportunity to bitch about his worst enemy to his best friend. It’s what you do, so can you really blame him?

Nevertheless, you ask him what he finds so amusing.

“Hmm? Oh, it’s just the fact that you and Hoseok were always so close back then, and now when you two are actually given a chance to work with each other, you hate each other’s guts.”

When you think about it like that he’s actually right. How ironic.

Your lips tilt up at the corners in agreement with him. “I guess it is kind of funny. But the universe is weird like that. Things never sync up when you want them to.”

Tae nods his head solemnly in response to your comment, the jovial air inspired by your reunion with an old friend being quickly clouded by the somber note bad memories usually bring.

In an effort to steer the conversation in a positive direction, you try to lighten up the mood.

“But I swear, the universe must be trying to tell me something. I’ve been running into all sorts of people from college, first Jiyeon, now you…Is there a reunion coming up that I don’t know about?”

“You ran into Jiyeon?!” He chuckles. “Last time I saw her, she was still chasing Hoseok.”

You shoot him a look and that tells him all he needs to know.

He looks at you incredulous, mouth ajar. “Still?! Geez, poor girl. She’s got to learn when to quit.”

You join in laughing lightly along with him, because that’s exactly what you said just some days ago.

Tae clears his throat but the small smile that appeared on his face remained as he says, “You know, there was one night where I thought she was this close to actually bagging him.”

You ears perk up at that. If you were a cartoon character, you’re pretty sure your 2D animated ears would be extending out of the side of your head to hear him better at the prospect of juicy gossip. Look at you, Jimin was rubbing off on you after all.

Interest peaked, you can’t help but ask him what happened.

“Well, nothing surprisingly. It was that night at Wonho’s party and I saw the two of them go into a room together so I thought, you know…” He waggles his eyebrows suggestively, thrusting a finger in and out of the ring he made with his thumb and forefinger of the other hand.

You make sure he clearly sees the look of disgust you’re directing at him before waving your hand in a gesture to move this along.

“But, yeah. Nothing happened. Hoseok told me they never hooked up or anything. He was kind of…” he scratches the back of his neck awkwardly, averting his gaze “…kinda smitten with someone else at the time.”

Your eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Damn, I never knew.”

Tae nods in understanding, “Mhm. I kind of feel bad for her in a way. Unrequited love is tough.

Tell me about it. You will that part of your brain to shut up because this was not the time to reminisce on old feelings (that may or may not have even been there in the first place).

Despite your internal torment, Tae continues blabbering on, “And when I went to check on her she was all alone in the room. She looked really frazzled, like she was in a rush.” He scratches his head as if trying to figure something out in his head. It’s been so long he must be struggling to remember clearly. “I mean, who wouldn’t be all squirrely after they just got rejected? I’d be. Shit, when I was hung up on that hot senior sophomore year I was a mess when she rejected me. And for Todd of all people? What did she even see in him? The guy had a plaid shirt for everyday of the week-“

“Tae, my ice cream is melting.”

“Right, anyways, where was I? Oh she asked me if I could return Hoseok’s phone and then she left. Poor girl, couldn’t even hand it to him herself, she must’ve been so embarrassed. But no hookup. I’d thought she moved on after all these year but clearly that’s not the case.”

“Wow,” you say. That’s all you can say. You didn’t know all of that went down back then. Hoseok for sure would have told you something as eventful as that, despite how many times you told him you didn’t want to hear about his hookups, or lack thereof. He must’ve finally taken the hint.

Come to think of it, you also hadn't known Hoseok had a crush at the time. He never mentioned anything about pursuing anyone besides the occasional hookup. You would’ve known, cause like you said Hoseok told you everything. You physically could not put a filter on his mouth no matter how hard you tried. But apparently he knew how to keep some things quiet. You wonder who it was. Must have been serious if he didn't tell you right away. A pang resonates in your chest. You make a mental note to see the doctor about this heartburn you’ve been having lately.

“Yeah, sad I know. But that’s on her if she wants to put herself through more heartache after what happened all those years ago. But enough about the past. How’s the job going? I heard about that new position that opened up.” He pauses a beat. “And Jin, how’s he? I haven’t seen him in a while.”

Something about his hesitance makes a your lips quirk up at the corners. “It’s… it’s going.” You pause and add, “But if Hoseok asks tell him I’m halfway through with my project and nothing he could even dream up is better than what I came up with. And Jin’s good too. A pain in my ass, but what’s new? He’s in culinary school now, and I’m so glad he made the switch. I was getting tired of his bitching and whining.” Tae’s brows quirk up in surprise. “And his dad’s… okay with that…?”

“Absolutely not.” You reply. “Well, he hasn’t told him yet but I’m pretty sure when he does he’s not going to be too happy about it.”

“Oh. Well I’m happy for him either way. I know he’s never wanted to end up taking over for his dad. He always complained about it even back then.”

You fall into a comfortable conversation with your old friend as you finish picking up the last few items on your grocery list. You had only stopped by to pick up a couple of things, but once you bumped into Tae, you ended up spending far too much time in there than intended.

Taehyung was Hoseok’s friend, sure, but he had always been nice to you, even now. He was a good conversationalist and a great friend so when the time came for you to part ways and he made you promise to keep in touch, you agreed with little to no resistance.

When you leave the supermarket for home you expect no more surprises that night. It was stupid of you not to, with the people you keep company because when you finally push the stubborn door of your apartment open (you should really ask your landlord if you can change the locks) you see that all the lights in the kitchen are on and Seokjin is standing in the kitchen hovered over the stove.

His back is to you so he can’t see you staring at him in confusion? Anger? You’re not sure at this point.

“The fuck are you doing in my apartment?”

He tosses a head over his shoulder only to turn back to whatever he’s stirring in the pot.

“Oh hey. How was work?”

“Hey. The fuck are you doing in my apartment?”

He stirs the pot a few more times before he turns down the heat and pops a lid on it. Wiping his hands on the kitchen towel, he turns to you.

“Hi Jin, how are you, thank you so much for cooking me dinner tonight.” The high-pitched voice he uses to imitate you sounds nothing like you, you’d like to add.

You drop your bags at your feet, shrugging off your coat to hang in the hallway.

Once you face him again you’re brows shoot up in disbelief.

“Trying out a new recipe again?”

A shrug of his shoulders as he turns his back to you again. “You barely have any of the necessary essentials in your apartment to make a decent meal but you’ve got a gas stove and a convection oven. It’s a shame they don’t get much use unless I’m here. I brought some things over, I figured you wouldn’t mind.”

You peer over at the concoction of stuff he’s got simmering on low heat in that pan of his and you scoff.

“That’s because everytime I do stock up you just end up using up half the ingredients in my fridge every time you cook! Warn me next time, I was at the grocery store today, I could have picked up more than just coffee beans.”

“Shush woman, you’re getting dinner out of this, I’d be grateful. And did you pick up the flavored kind? The classic one you like tastes like shit.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------

“How’s my risotto? You should try the risotto. Is it good?”

You swallow around a mouthful of food you already had in your mouth and say, “I tried it Jin, it’s as good as always.”

“Just good?”

Noting the apprehension in his voice, you decide to ease his worries. “It’s wonderful. Absolutely delicious. The best risotto I’ve ever had.”

He points his fork at you, expression turned serious, “You’re pushing it. I’m good, but not that good.”

“I ran into Taehyung today.”

He chokes a little, and you look at him in confusion. “Taehyung? The same Taehyung from college?”

You nod.

“Is there a reunion happening or something? What’s with you running into everyone all of a sudden?”

“Right? That’s what I said. But no, no reunion. Just a coincidence.”

“What’d he say?”

“Nothing. We caught up a little. I told him about my run-in with Jiyeon the other night. He seemed to be just as amused as I was when he realized she was still pursuing that man after all these years.”

There’s a comfortable silence after that, the two of you just enjoying your meals, but then you perk up, remembering something else.

“Did you know she already made a move on him once and he rejected her?”

Seokjin gasps and you get an eyeful of brown mush that was once a perfectly sliced cube of pork. “No, really?”

“Yeah. Tae told me all about it.” You fill him in on all the details you heard at the market not too long ago.

“He turned her down apparently. Something about having a liking someone else instead.” You see the look in his eyes at that and shut him down immediately.

“Don’t you dare say it. I swear to god not a word. If you do I can’t assure you that you won’t lose a limb tonight.”

The ever present look of mischief in his eyes tells you he’s not derailed by your threats. So you change tactics.

“Alright. I wasn’t going to say anything, but how about we talk about your not-so-subtle crush on Taehyung. I see that’s still very much alive and well.”

Bingo. His face falls immediately at that, not expecting you to be so clever.

However, he pulls himself together impressively quickly. Seokjin, face calm as ever, even when he realizes you’ve backed him into a corner, replies coolly. “Please, if you really think I have a crush on a child like him, you must really be insane.” He focuses on cutting another piece of meat instead of the piercing stare you are pinning him with from across the table.

“He’s only three years younger than you! And he likes you. He always has. You know he asked about you right?”

“He did?” A brief hopeful look in his eyes flashes across his face but it’s gone all too quickly. No matter, that one unconscious act was enough evidence to prove your point.

“Puppy love is what it is. It’s hard not to fall in love with me at first sight but he’ll grow out of it. I’m sure.”

“You need to stop denying yourself the right to be happy. I’m serious. It took you this long to realize what you really wanted to do and it’s not taking over your father’s company. I won’t let you deny yourself the right to a healthy relationship too.”

There’s silence for several moments as you allow your words to sink in. Jin takes his time, chewing, swallowing before he opens his mouth to reply.

But of course, he chooses to deflect instead.

“I could say the same for you.”

You sigh, resigning yourself to eating the meal Seokjin so graciously prepared for you this evening.

The atmosphere is quiet, which to you means the conversation is over, the only chatter coming from the television anchor relaying the news in the background.

Just as you think the conversation is over, Seokjin surprises you again when he says,

“There’s one thing I don’t understand though.”

“What’s that?”

“Why was Jiyeon on Hoseok’s phone? Especially when he wasn’t there…”

You shrug, not really thinking much of it. “I don’t know, maybe he gave it to her to use.”

Jin shoots you a look. “___, no college guy just lets a girl use his phone without him being there.”

You stare at him for a moment, not fully understanding his meaning but knowing it isn’t a pleasant one. Your lip curls in disgust. “Eww… do I even want to know?”

Seokjin shakes his head rapidly, implying there are much greater issues to attend to. “That’s besides the point, but no. Listen, you said this was at a party right? Was it that party that happened just a day before the ‘incident’?”

“Don’t call it that.” You frown at his choice of words but now that you think about it… yeah. Hoseok was at Wonho’s end-of-year bash that fateful night before class.

“Ok, sure what if it was? I don’t see what this has to do wi-“

“And didn’t you say Hoseok texted you to tell you your assignment that night?”

You nod slowly now, not seeing his point. Or rather, refusing to acknowledge it. “Okay and? Can you hurry up and get to the point, cause you’re still not making any sense.”

“The point is, at some point during the night Jiyeon had Hoseok’s phone. And she was alone. Unsupervised…”

Jin looks at you expectantly, brows lowered when it as he waits for it to click.

Your jaw drops in disbelief.

“You don’t think…?” But Jin is already nodding along, because yes, he does think.

You shake your head in disbelief. “No. It can’t be. I mean, Jiyeon wasn't necessarily 'nice' but she wasn't that much of a bitch. I mean why would she-“

He pins you with a look, effectively shutting you up.

“___ think about it. What better way to screw over the girl her crush had a crush on than to do something that would cause said people to never speak to each other again?”

So many thoughts going through your mind right now. If what Seokjin is implying is true then… you can’t even think of the implications of that thought right now.

“Wait, wait, wait. So you're saying that Jiyeon messaged me from Hoseok's phone, created a whole entire fake assignment, just to cause Hoseok and I to have a falling out just because she was jealous?”

Seokjin drops his knife and fork to his plate, leans back in his chair to cross his arms over his chest as he responds with a firm. “Yes, that’s exactly what I'm saying. I never trusted that girl.”

You consider for a moment before you shut him down again.

"But that doesn't even make sense because Hoseok-"

“Didn't have a crush on you. Yeah, we get it. But consider, just for a moment, if he did and that Jiyeon knew about it. I mean, this story makes perfect sense! And if Jiyeon is still pursuing this guy after all these years I think it's fair to say she's serious about him. Serious enough to sabotage a good friendship and to tarnish your GPA.”

Before you even have a chance to reply Seokjin is already beating you to it, bulldozing over whatever excuse you had come up with to dispute this time.

“I mean, if we’re being honest here, it’s a farfetched plan. If Jiyeon really did do it girlie really put it all on the line, assuming that she would a) never get caught and b) you guys would become the literal definition of sworn enemies.”

“You didn't even give Hoseok a chance to explain himself all those years ago. It's like you were waiting for him to fuck up and once he did, or it 'looked' like he did, that was it. You know how many times that man tried to use me to get through to you? But like a good friend, I told him to fuck off, because you were so insistent on not speaking to him again, ever. You need to stop pushing away the good guys ___. Now if Hoseok did do this, he’s trash and me and Jimin will beat his ass for what he did to you. But speak to him, if only for the closure.”

He lets that sink in for a minute and the silence helps you to organize your wildly rampant thoughts. Deep, deep down you did have the slightest inkling that Hoseok could have been innocent in all this. After all, you told him time and time again how important it was for you to keep up your grades. Your scholarship was riding on the fact that you had a high GPA. You didn’t have the pleasure of being able to go to college without it. You were blessed with a lovely set of parents who did want to see you pursuing a higher education but simply didn’t have the money to do so. They tried not to show it but secretly they were relieved when they’d found out you received a full ride. But after taking too many hits to your GPA the previous semester you were in danger of falling too low. Your last hope was scoring high marks in your ad class to keep you afloat. Hoseok knew this, could even relate to it as you spent many heartfelt nights talking to him about your fears of disappointing your parents and most importantly, yourself. Could someone who you’ve confided in be so malicious as to sabotage you like that? Now you weren’t so sure.

In an effort to hide your inner turmoil partly because you weren’t ready to accept that Jin had a point but mostly because you weren’t ready to open up a whole new bag of emotions you say, “Yeah, well, look who’s talking.”

He sighs recognizing that you are shutting down emotionally. Picking his silverware up again, he replies “Yeah, well. Take it from me. Don’t fuck this up. More than you already have. Talk to him. I know you like to deny it but I can tell you miss him.”

After Seokjin's long spiel you really had nothing else to say. It was a lot to take in. For one, he completely uprooted your entire beliefs for the last five years with his elaborate theories. But eventually he had to leave, saying he had laundry and other neglected chores to attend to. You suspect he would have stayed over longer had your conversation not went down the path it did. He must think he’s doing you a favor by letting you stew in all that transpired while he was here.

He wasn’t. You were perfectly content with locking those memories up in a file in your brain and never opening them again. At least you thought you were. You didn't want what he was saying to make any sense but it did. Any sane person would think you’d be ecstatic to find out Hoseok was innocent after all. But all you could think about was how you threw away a good friendship over something Hoseok didn’t even do. If this was true, it would throw your whole world on its axis. You would be the person in the wrong this time. In your eyes, Hoseok was guilty before he even had a chance to prove his innocence. Whatever the case, you wouldn't rest until you found out the truth. And that started with speaking to the source itself.

The next morning you stalked into the office determined to find the answers to all the questions Seokjin had planted in your mind the night before. You were doing that a lot lately. Stalking in on a mission. Boss behavior or signs of a stressed out, emotionally overworked colleague? You preferred to think it was the former.

You headed straight for the break room because it was 9:30 and Hoseok always made his morning cup of coffee around this time. Like clockwork, there he was, stirring the same serving of two sugars and two creamers into his mug as he’s done every day since he’s been here.

You stopped beside him.

"I need to talk to you."

He keeps his eyes trained on the red stirrer swirling in his mug when he replies,

“You need to talk to me, I don’t want to talk to you. I see a potential issue here.”

"Hey, I’m being serious.” You place a hand on his bicep to turn him towards you. “Did you have your phone with you that night at Wonho's party? The night before the last day of class?"

"What are you talking about? How am I supposed to remem-"

"Hoseok," you huff out at him. You needed answers and you weren't going to get them if he kept being difficult. "I really need you to think about this, okay? That night you went out, was there any point in time where you didn't have your phone on you?" 

Hoseok's expression changes, probably shocked by the seriousness in your tone as you ask him to try to remember a miniscule detail on a night years ago when his mind was fuddled with the influence of alcohol.

But he can clearly remember one detail.

"No, I misplaced it at one point during the night. Taehyung found it and returned it to me the next morning."

Shock courses through your veins at his confession. Because Seokjin's far-fetched theory wasn't so far-fetched anymore.

You nod slowly. "Okay." You clear your throat, a hand on his elbow to guide him. "Okay, come with me."

You pulled Hoseok into an empty conference room, glad Minho likes to spend majority of his mornings cooped up in his office working so you two can talk.

This time, you give Hoseok the floor, finally allowing him to tell you his side of the story, something you should have let him do way back when.

"So you're saying you never saw my texts to you that night? After you got to the party? The ones where I asked you what Smith's assignment was?"

"Not even one." Hoseok replies instantly.

You clench your teeth cause dammit, Seokjin was right.

“What’s this all about anyway?”

You snap out of your haze and turn your attention back to Hoseok. He deserves to be filled in on all of this, especially after all you’ve put him through.

“Listen, it could be nothing, probably is nothing, but Seokjin had this theory that, well Jiyeon found your phone and apparently she was using it that night. Taehyung found her snooping around on it before she gave it to him. And you never saw my texts so..." you trail off, conveniently omitting the part of Jin's theory that implied Jiyeon did this because the girl Hoseok had a crush on was you.

If you could take a guess, you would imagine Hoseok’s face is a mirror image of the one you were sporting when Jin first relayed this not-so preposterous idea to you.

He shakes his head as if trying to make sense of it all. “So what you're insinuating is that Jiyeon texted you from my phone and lied just so that you would fail?” 

You nod hesitantly.

Unsurprisingly, his excuses are much like yours as well. But you need him to be absolutely sure that there was not even a sliver of a chance that Jiyeon could have done this. Assuming he wasn’t lying to you, this was the only plausible explanation you had at the moment.

“Come on ___, sure Jiyeon had her flaws but she wouldn’t do something like that. I mean, I thought you two were friends." 

You snort. "Hoseok, you were the one who was friends with everybody not me. Jiyeon and I were closer to acquaintances but like, only when you were around."

He receives this as if it is new information to him, and it most definitely is considering Hoseok’s track record of being oblivious. Exhibit A was not knowing about the current suspect’s attraction to him for so long. For god’s sake the girl was practically vibrating with energy every time she stepped near him in college. It was truly a spectacle to behold.

“Hoseok I really need you to think. Do you think for any reason that Jiyeon would've done this? Out of spite maybe? Revenge?”

He laughs incredulously at what you are implying. This was ludicrous. “Revenge, why would she need to get revenge-“

All of a sudden he stops talking, a thought springing to his mind. After Jiyeon came onto him that night he did his best to let her down easy. He remembers telling her he had feelings for someone else. Was there someway Jiyeon had connected the dots and discovered that this 'someone' was you? If so, he's starting to think this crazy theory of yours is closer to reality than he initially thought.

He must be taking too long to respond because your rambling again.

“Otherwise, how else could this have happened? You said you didn't see my texts and as far as we know, no one else had your phone besides Taehyung. You think he did this?”

“God no, Taehyung would never do something like that. He’s pulled his fair share of pranks, but this is going too far. It’s just,” he scratches the back of his neck, “…that's a lot to accuse someone of.”

You nod in understanding, lips pressed together in a thin line. “I know. This is why I'm trying to gather all the facts, before I accuse another innocent person. I already did it to you and I'm so soo sorry. I didn't even give you a chance to explain yourself.”

He smiles sheepishly, his attention not directed at you but at the ground as he says, “Not gonna lie, it hurt a little. A lot actually. You were one of my closest friends and then… poof you weren't. And when I tried to get through to you I was met with either the silent treatment or petty insults. I started hating you simply because you hated me.”

Gosh you are an idiot. What the hell is wrong with you? You can’t stand the thought that you caused him pain simply because you were too afraid to get hurt yourself. You should have known something like this was not Hoseok’s doing. It just wasn’t in his nature. But all you can do now is apologize and hopefully, he’ll give you the chance to make up for lost time.

“I really am sorry. Can I make it up to you somehow? I'll do anything.”

Hoseok quirks a brow which prompts you to rephrase. “Anything…within reason.” You pin him with a narrowed stare.

Hoseok laughs and your reminded of how much you miss hearing that laugh, bouncy and airy and full of joy.

“Relax, just lay off on the insults maybe? And, start being my friend again? I missed you.”

Your surprised by how much hearing those words come out of his mouth affected you but you do your best to keep your expression neutral.

“I-I can do that.” You choke out.

“Great.” A smile spreads across his face, transforming his lips into a heart-shape you also missed seeing regularly. He leans in to encompass you in a hug and you freeze at first, unused to the contact but after a few moments pass you melt into the embrace, enjoying the scent of clean linen and sandalwood that radiates off of him. Your pleased to see that he still smells the same as you remember,

The two of you pull back, facing each other again.

“I’m surprised you forgave me so quickly after the way I treated you.”

“Yeah well, I’m just glad this was all due to a misunderstanding and not because of anything that I actually did. For the first few months I was racking my brain trying to figure out how I offended you.”

You chuckle sheepishly, “God, I am an idiot. I know this probably won’t make up for how I treated you but like I said, I’m really really sorry.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He brushes you off. “You have plenty of time to make it up to me. The important thing is we’re friends again. I hope nothing changes when I get that promotion though, I’d hate to see a good thing come to an end so quickly.”

“Yah! Tell yourself that cause I’m the only one getting a promotion around here.”

“Righhht, uh huh. So how do we go about figuring out what happened? I feel like this is a witch hunt and since I’m no longer on trial I’m game to see where this goes.”

“First off you never even had a trial. In my naïve eyes you were guilty, case closed. And secondly I’m not sure I even want to dredge this all up again. Whatever happened, happened. It was so long ago and I ended getting to keep my scholarship in the long run. What’s the sense in starting unnecessary drama?”

Hoseok nods, understanding perfectly. “I get that but don’t you want to figure out who did it? I mean all accounts point to Jiyeon.” “Well if it was, then her plan backfired. I ended up barely passing and still got to keep my scholarship in the long run so…” You shrug pointedly.

Hoseok doesn’t comment on the fact that he doesn’t think that was Jiyeon’s goal in all of this (if it was in fact her, which common, he’s pretty sure it was at this point).

Needless to say, the two of you decide to drop the topic for the day, content to spend it trying to amend for lost time. And the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after that…

As days continue to pass, the more you and Hoseok work on building your relationship back up, little by little. You won’t lie, it is a bit of an adjustment at first. These last few years you have physically trained yourself to automatically scowl at Hoseok every time you pass him in the halls on the way back to your desk. He’s even become accustomed to arguing every point you bring up during staff meetings, just for the heck of it. You now have to unlearn these habits, and curb those feelings of blind rage that has been coursing through your veins for so long. But it’s relieving, the daily menace you have come to dread at work is slowly transforming back into one of your good friends again, albeit slowly. Things have been going so well in fact, that the whole office starts to notice this change in behavior. It has been no secret around the office that you and Hoseok have had a strong distaste for each other so when your coworkers find you smiling and dare they say, laughing with Hoseok on your breaks it is quite shocking, to say the least.

The pair of you are so shocking that a small crowd has developed outside of the conference room you have chosen for today, the translucent glass making it visible when you let out a good-humored laugh, arm hanging off Hoseok’s shoulder as you double over in mirth.

“Are you… are you guys seeing this?” Jihyo doesn’t take his eyes off the two of you as he asks his question.

“You’re seeing it too? I thought I was the only one.” Comes Jungkook, sounding relieved to find out he hasn’t been hallucinating for the past five minutes.

“Oh yeah, we’re definitely all seeing this, I just… I can’t believe it. Just a few days ago ____ was threatening to claw Hoseok’s eyes out with a plastic spoon for not consulting with her first before he chose the font size for an ad. The font size.” He stresses.

“I never thought I’d see the day but we’ve finally surpassed the Dark Ages. It’s been a long dark road but it’s a brand new day and- oh shit, scram, they’re looking.”

Jungkook mutters before bolting along with Jihyo. Jimin’s a bit too slow to react, too caught up in looking at the way Hoseok retrieves an eyelash from your face and holds his finger out in front of you to make a wish. What alternate reality is this??

But all too soon Hoseok is looking up and when he spots the three stooges peaking through the glass he’s alerting you to their presence too. But when you turn around all you see is Jimin who can do nothing else but awkwardly wave back at the pair of you. You narrow your eyes at him. He shivers, that look doesn’t look good. He takes that as his cue to leave.

In the conference room…

“Guess the whole office is curious as to why we’re so buddy buddy all of a sudden.” You say.

“Oh, is that why half the office has been staring at us like we’re the damn circus this whole week? Are we that entertaining? Good to know.” Hoseok jokes back.

“Apparently. I should at least tell Jimin though. I know he’s dying to find out why the sudden change.”

Hoseok shuffles the papers on his desk, arranging them into a neat pile as he says, “Oh I could tell. Poor guy looks like his head was gonna explode if he doesn’t know what’s up by at least tomorrow. Get back to me once you finish the text, placement and sizing yeah?”

“Yeah, no problem. Alright I’ll see ya.”

You separate as you leave the conference room, Hoseok headed for his desk and you headed straight for Jimin’s cubicle.

When you arrive you’re 100% sure he feels your presence hovering over him but he does his best to pretend like he doesn’t see you, head straight and typing away at his computer.

“Jim-“

“Yes, I was spying okay! But Jungkook and Jihyo were there too, they just got away faster. In my defense, I tried to mind my business, I really did. But you’ve gotta give me something. I’ve been pinching myself trying to figure out if I was dreaming this entire week. Look!” He points at a spot on his forearm, red from how frequently he’s picked at the flesh between his two fingers.

“Jesus Jimin, no you’re not dreaming. Hoseok and I… we made up.”

It looks like his eyes are going to pop out of his head with how far they are bulging out of his head.

“Made up - what? Since when?! Explain, now.” He demands and you let out an exasperated sigh at his antics.

“Long, long story. I’ll fill you in on all the details tonight. But trust me when I say that we’re cool. I was wrong, turns out Hoseok isn’t as big of a dick as I thought.”

“What’s this about me having a big dick?” Speak of the devil, Hoseok pops head around the side of Jimin’s cubicle. He seems to have a knack for popping up unexpectedly.

“Not what I said in the slightest.” You turn to him, “Did you need something?”

He shakes his head, “No, just forgot to ask you if we’re still on for lunch today?”

The expression on Jimin’s face lets you know that he is still very much getting used to this new dynamic between Hoseok and you.

“Oh yeah, for sure. Jimin you’re welcome to join if you want to but I’m afraid it won’t be much fun. We still have plenty of work to do.” Hoseok’s brows furrow at that, “Um, I don’t know what she’s on about but I’m going to eat, nothing else. I work my ass off at this company and deserve at least one hour to fuck around on my own time.”

Rolling your eyes you push past your coworkers, dare you say friends.

“I’m taking my lunch at 1. Hoseok, don’t be late or I’m leaving without you. I’ll catch you later Jimin!”

Jimin watches as Hoseok hurriedly speeds up to catch up to you on your trot back to your desk. He’s slightly offended that you blew him off to have lunch with Hoseok but a smile tugs at the corner of his lips nonetheless. Looks like he’d be making a phone call to Seokjin today. And who knows? Maybe this was his chance to finally get the cute guy from graphic design to agree to have lunch with him.

#hoseok x reader #jhope x reader #hoseok x y/n #enemies to friends to #technically friends to enemies to friends to lovers #bts jhope #coworker!hoseok #workplace au #btswriterscollective #bangtanhq

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