Hanbin hears the loud chime of the doorbell, signaling the arrival of the visitor he's been expecting. His mom had begged him to come home, as her busy day at the café clashed with her scheduled meeting with Jihoon's new tutor. With his dad at work, Hanbin is the only other adult around to sign the contract. He agreed immediately—he'd do anything to help ease his mom's burden.
Afternoon light filters through the window blinds, dust particles swirling lazily in its golden reach. Hanbin lounges on the couch, idly swiping through profiles on his phone, searching for the next guy who might catch his eye. A lazy half-smile tugs at his lips as he scrolls through Tinder, pausing occasionally to assess potential matches with a quick glance. Hearing the doorbell, he stands up, slipping his phone into his pocket with a sigh. Hands tucked casually in his pockets, he strolls over to check the door camera, still wearing a faint, amused smirk.
Through the camera, he spots a tall man kicking stones impatiently. He can't quite see the man's face but guesses it's the new tutor, so he presses the button to let him in through the gate. Watching the tutor walk up, glancing around, Hanbin chuckles softly before the man's gentle knock on the door snaps him back. He realizes he should've gone out to meet him instead of just standing here.
"Hello—" Hanbin starts as he opens the door, but stops short at the sight of the man in front of him.
The tutor appears a year or two younger than him, red hair bouncing slightly, his eyes narrowing as he takes in Hanbin's face. Hanbin's gaze traces the man's features. He's breathtakingly pretty. Hanbin's eyes drift downward, noting the tutor's toned arms, long legs, and finally, his narrow waist. The baggy jeans hardly conceal how slim he is. Hanbin wonders just how tiny his waist might be.
"Hello?" The man frowns slightly, bringing him back in touch with reality. Right—he probably shouldn't be ogling a guest the moment they meet.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Hanbin says, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Come in."
He steps aside to let the tutor in, leading him into the living room. The pink sweater the man wears clings to his frame as he moves, and Hanbin can't help but smile a little at the sight.
"Please, have a seat," Hanbin gestures, making sure Haneul sits on the larger couch so he has a reason to sit close by.
Haneul shifts slightly, appearing momentarily surprised by Hanbin sitting next to him.
"Are you… Shen Haneul?" Hanbin asks, letting his voice dip with a practiced, cool tone he knows people often respond to. He scrambles for something, anything, to hold Haneul's attention.
Haneul looks up, and Hanbin catches the faintest blush dusting his cheeks—a surprisingly sweet touch on such a composed face. For a moment, Hanbin's breath catches, his thoughts derailing as he takes in Haneul's full lips, the curve of his jaw, and those steady eyes. Hanbin's gaze lingers, and he's already imagining what it would be like to break through that poised, courteous exterior. The thought alone sends a thrill through him. All he can think is how much he wants this beautiful, maddeningly calm tutor in his bed—and soon.
"Hanbin," he says, offering his hand. Haneul's small smile grows as he accepts the handshake. His grip is unexpectedly firm, and the warmth of his palm lingers as they pull apart.
"Yes," Haneul nods, his gaze thoughtful as he looks over Hanbin's face with distant politeness. "I'll be tutoring your brother for his exams."
"Mm. Well, good luck with that," Hanbin smirks, leaning a bit closer than necessary, voice playful. "He's a handful."
"Don't worry, Hanbin-ssi," Haneul replies, his lips curving slightly as he meets Hanbin's gaze with a spark of amusement. "I can handle him."
Just like that, Hanbin's usual spirited confidence wavers. He wants to say something clever, something disarming, but he finds himself momentarily struck by the way Haneul looks at him—chill, unruffled, effortlessly composed. Hanbin has met attractive people before, shared flirtations that often feel like rehearsed dances. But Haneul is different, on a level all his own.
Unable to resist, Hanbin tries his luck anyway. "Since I'll be seeing your pretty face around... maybe we could grab a drink sometime?"
Haneul's eyes flicker—just for a second—but it's enough to send a thrilling jolt through Hanbin's chest. He's used to winning people over quickly. But Haneul, with his calm and unaffected demeanor, doesn't falter.
"Thank you," Haneul says softly, deflecting with polite ease. "But I'm here for your brother, Hanbin-ssi."
Hanbin's smirk wavers, but he recovers quickly, shrugging with exaggerated nonchalance. "What, I don't get any special treatment for being Jihoon's brother?"
Haneul's smile is calm and unwavering. "You'll get the same treatment any family member would." With the barest hint of a teasing smile, he adds, "I'd prefer to keep things professional."
The gentle strength in Haneul's words catches Hanbin off-guard, and he feels a faint heat rise to his cheeks, a flustered feeling that's entirely unfamiliar.
"Can I at least get your number?" Hanbin hears himself say, realizing he sounds almost desperate.
Haneul's expression remains unreadable. "I don't think that will be necessary."
"What if Jihoon gives you trouble? You can text me, you know," Hanbin tries again, a sheepish smile spreading across his lips.
Haneul's gaze stays steady. "I have your mother's number. Besides, I've handled distracted students before, Hanbin-ssi. I'll do my best to keep him on track."
Hanbin studies Haneul, his curiosity deepening. He's used to people who falter under his attention, but Haneul's quiet, unwavering confidence is fascinating.
"Right," Hanbin says, folding his hands in front of him. "Well, I'm sure Jihoon will be in good hands." There's a pause, and Hanbin realizes that despite his teasing, Haneul's composed demeanor is actually reassuring.
"Thank you. I hope I can help him achieve his goals," Haneul replies, nodding.
Hanbin notices a faint floral scent coming from Haneul, warm and subtle. It's oddly comforting, and he files the detail away, feeling unexpectedly flustered.
Clearing his throat, Hanbin gestures toward a folder on the coffee table. "Right. So, the contract…"
Haneul picks up the folder and pulls out a few papers. His fingers brush briefly against Hanbin's, sending a surprising warmth up Hanbin's arm. He forces himself to stay focused, keeping his expression neutral.
Hanbin flips through the papers, signing at the marked spaces. "I guess I'll just… leave the rest to you both. You're set to start tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, tomorrow at 4 PM," Haneul confirms, taking the signed papers and adding his own signature.
"So, do you usually tutor, or is this your first time?" Hanbin asks, attempting small talk.
"No, I'm actually a certified teacher. I just do this part-time while in grad school," Haneul replies absentmindedly, sliding the folder back into his bag.
"Grad school?" Hanbin repeats, a little surprised. So Haneul's definitely older than him; Hanbin himself is only in his third year of university.
"Yes," Haneul answers simply.
"Then… how old are you, Haneul-ssi?" Hanbin blurts out before he can stop himself.
"I was born in 2000," Haneul says, glancing at his watch impatiently.
"Oh, so you're older. Can I call you hyung?" Hanbin asks eagerly.
"I'd rather you didn't, Hanbin-ssi. I really do have somewhere to be," Haneul replies, standing as he gets ready to leave. Hanbin quickly follows him to the door.
As they walk, Hanbin feels oddly reluctant to let the moment end so easily. "How long have you been tutoring? You seem... really dedicated," he says, tilting his head, his curiosity evident.
Haneul pauses and glances back with a small smile. "A few years now. I like being able to make a difference. Plus, it keeps me busy."
Hanbin nods, sensing there's more behind those simple words, but Haneul's composed expression makes it clear he's not going to elaborate.
With a brief nod, Haneul turns to leave. Hanbin watches him walk away, feeling a flicker of anticipation at the thought of seeing him again. As the door closes, he lets out a small sigh, a grin tugging at his lips. This wasn't quite what he'd expected from today—but it's a welcome surprise.