Jung Tae-seok had brought him, of all places, to a movie theater. Apparently, it was because he believed first dates should follow tradition.
For Eun-jo—who hadn’t even remembered the day of his release, let alone planned a date course—there was nothing to do but go along with it.
The problem was that they were drawing far more attention than expected. Even with a hat and mask pulled low, Eun-jo’s natural proportions were impossible to ignore. And once Tae-seok disappeared to buy popcorn, the stares only grew bolder.
“Isn’t he a celebrity? Maybe he came to see his own movie.”
“No way.”
“If he’s famous, wouldn’t he sneak in after the lights go down?”
“Should we ask him?”
The murmuring around him grew louder. Eun-jo tugged his cap down further and stepped away toward a corner.
A bold woman walked up and lightly tapped his back with her fingertip.
“Excuse me. Are you really a celebrity?”
Eun-jo shook his head.
“Aw, c’mon. I swear he is.”
There was never anything good about having his identity revealed. That had been true even before today.
People would smile and say they were fans, ask for autographs, take pictures—and then turn around and post malicious comments. That he looked worse in real life. That he was rude. Weird, twisted stories always followed.
As Eun-jo lowered his head even further, a loud, familiar voice suddenly rang out.
“Baby!”
…Baby?
Startled, Eun-jo looked up and saw Jung Tae-seok heading toward him, holding two sodas and a tub of popcorn. The man practically rushed over.
“I got the couple’s set. Let’s go.”
With one arm, Tae-seok pulled Eun-jo close and steered him away from the woman. As they walked off toward the screening room, the stares and murmurs scattered.
“They’re gay.”
“Totally gay.”
“Damn it. All the good-looking ones are always gay…”
When Eun-jo glanced around, everyone was minding their own business again—like they couldn’t care less. Truly, not even a flicker of interest.
It felt strange. He’d never just blended in with a crowd like this before.
As he looked around, a large hand gently pulled him even closer by the shoulder.
“What’re you doing, ba—…”
Something caught in Tae-seok’s throat. He actually stammered.
“B-Baby.”
He exhaled like he’d just accomplished something monumental. Then he handed their tickets to the attendant and led the way inside.
The ear peeking out from under his cap was flushed bright red.
Oh man… this is dangerous.
They say there’s no cure for someone who’s cute. From that broad back of his came a bashfulness so strong it felt contagious.
He’s too damn cute.
Hurrying to catch up, Eun-jo walked beside him.
“Baby, don’t you think you’re walking a little fast?”
“Shut up.”
“Shouldn’t you be taking the lead in moments like this? You really blew it, huh?”
“I said shut it.”
His voice was gruff, almost annoyed, but his red ears told another story.
“Sorry. From now on, you’ll—”
“You wanna strip right here?”
Eun-jo immediately clamped his mouth shut. Tae-seok shot him a look of disbelief before stepping into the theater. Eun-jo followed quietly behind.
Their seats were tucked in a corner—box-style, clearly made for couples. Pink hearts were drawn all over the cushions, practically screaming lovers only.
There weren’t even armrests or cup holders between them. And with pink walls blocking either side, whatever happened inside stayed hidden. Whether it was a kiss… a makeout session… or something even more.
Judging by how much redder Tae-seok’s ears got, they were probably thinking the same thing. At this rate, he looked ready to stay standing until the movie started.
Eun-jo slid into the inner seat and motioned him over. Only then did Tae-seok awkwardly sit beside him with a creak.
“…I didn’t know it’d be like this.”
“Didn’t know what?”
“The couple’s seat.”
Staring straight ahead, Tae-seok muttered,
“I thought it was just a close seat.”
He clearly hadn’t expected it to be this intense. Avoiding eye contact with all the pink hearts, he placed the popcorn between them. Eun-jo casually reached for a handful and started munching—seemingly unbothered.
“We’re a couple. It’s only natural we sit here.”
While Tae-seok sat stiff as a board, the theater lights dimmed. Eun-jo nibbled on the popcorn like a hamster, fully focused on the screen.
Apparently, he was the only one able to concentrate. Tae-seok’s eyes kept drifting to the soft glow on Eun-jo’s face, his fingers tapping against his knee.
Thump, thump—his heartbeat pounded louder than the movie itself.
Every time Eun-jo leaned closer to grab popcorn, a sweet scent wafted over. Just inhaling it made Tae-seok’s mouth go dry, an aching thirst prickling his throat.
Ah, fuck…
He wasn’t some hormone-crazed teenager. And yet, just watching Eun-jo munch on popcorn made his cock throb.
Tae-seok forced himself to look away—only to feel a small hand press firmly down on his thigh.
“Mm…”
“Why’re you hoarding the popcorn?”
Eun-jo whispered as he slid his hand straight into the bucket, pulled out a piece, and took a loud, crunchy bite. Then, without warning, he pressed down on Tae-seok’s thigh again.
Tae-seok shifted in his seat, swallowing down a groan. But Eun-jo, blissfully unaware, leaned in even closer, letting his fingers roam along his leg.
“C’mon. Popcorn…”
The soft puff of breath against his skin made Tae-seok clench his fists. His cock strained against his pants, the bulge already obvious through the fabric. He grit his teeth, jaw tight with restraint. The urge to drag Eun-jo out of the theater and pin him down like an animal clawed at his chest.
It’s our first date, he reminded himself.
Exhaling hard, he reached down and took Eun-jo’s wandering hand, entwining their fingers and guiding it away from dangerous territory.
“Tae… Tae-seok…I’m right-handed…”
Eun-jo pouted, clearly annoyed that his popcorn hand had just been confiscated.
“If you wanna hold hands, can’t you wait a bit?”
“No. I’m holding it now.”
“But I’m trying to eat—”
Tae-seok didn’t answer. Instead, he picked up a piece of popcorn with his free hand and popped it into Eun-jo’s mouth.
Crunch. Crunch.
Eun-jo chewed like a hamster, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement.
Tae-seok’s face was bright red in the dark. It was a good thing the theater lights were dim—he looked like he might combust if anyone saw him.
God, he’s cute. Way too cute.
Eun-jo leaned in slightly and gently bit the tip of Tae-seok’s finger as it brushed past his lips.
“Ah—!”
Tae-seok stared at him, wide-eyed, like he’d just been bitten by something wild. The flickering light from the screen washed over his face, alternating between shadow and glow. Their eyes met—Eun-jo gave a quick peck to the same finger and pulled away.
“Thought it was popcorn.”
“……”
“I mean it. I really thought it was popcorn…”
Before he could say more, Tae-seok cupped his cheeks with both hands—and kissed him.
Hard.
There was nothing sweet or gentle about it. His lips crashed into Eun-jo’s, tongue pushing past his lips like he was claiming him. The warmth of it was dizzying, tinged with butter and sugar and soda.
“Nn…”
It was a hungry kiss, like he’d been holding himself back for far too long. His tongue swept through Eun-jo’s mouth, relentless, devouring every soft moan and shiver. Their tongues tangled, the friction sending lazy, electric jolts down his spine until his entire body turned to mush.
Hot, breathy gasps passed between them. Tae-seok bit down on Eun-jo’s lower lip, then kissed him deeper, licking into every corner of his mouth like he owned it. Eun-jo whimpered, brain going foggy as the kiss stole the air from his lungs.
“Ahh…”
His limbs went loose, body melting under the heat of it. Only when he sagged against him did Tae-seok finally pull back.
Then he wrapped his arms around him, firm and protective, holding him tight like he’d dare anyone to try and take him away.
“I thought it was popcorn too.”
The excuse came in a low, breathless murmur.
“I swear, I did.”
He must’ve known how ridiculous that sounded—he let out a helpless laugh. And that laugh was so disarmingly sweet that Eun-jo rested his head against Tae-seok’s chest with a soft sigh.
He opened his mouth, and Tae-seok fed him another piece of popcorn.
Eun-jo turned his eyes back to the screen, chewing slowly.
Turns out, dating in secret’s a hell of a lot more fun than I thought.
