Once the conversation with Matthias ends, Seong stares at his phone for maybe a little too long before deciding to just get up and put his phone in a different room. Surely he'll be less tempted to spend the next few hours texting with Matthias (or at him) if his phone isn't within reach. God, since when was he that kind of boyfriend? Normally, he can't wait for conversations with people to end and for him to be left to his own devices. Normally, he craves solitude. Interactions get in the way of that. Yet with Matthias, he craves attention. He craves contact (both the innocent and not so innocent kind). Probably the side effect of being in a relatively new relationship that he actually wants to be in. The intensity of his want to be near Matthias should fade in time. It should even out to something more normal in time.
Normal for other couples. Not Seong's normal. Seong's normal is not a place he ever wants to go with Matthias.
Seong spends the next few hours mostly staring at his laptop screen. Sometimes he types up a paragraph then deletes it. Sometimes he types a sentence and keeps it. Mostly he watches the cursor blink. Sometimes he looks toward his bedroom door and considers going to get his phone, sometimes he simply browses the internet, then goes about temporarily blocking some sites to keep himself from doing it again. Mostly, he reasons with the blinking cursor, explaining to it that he still has three days to finish writing this article. It'll be quick and easy to write once he can focus on it.
By the time Seong has decided he's spent enough time working (it's almost 8. The time that he decided he's going to head up to Matthias'), he's got roughly five sentences written. Five sentences he'll probably scrap once he sits back down at his laptop. He changes his clothes (baggy, oversized sweater and jeans from a different baggy, oversized sweater and gym shorts), grabs his phone from the other room, then heads upstairs to Matthias' place. It's exactly 8PM when he knocks on Matthias' door.
If Matthias saw Seong standing outside of his door for a few minutes waiting for the time to tick over to 8 o'clock, no he didn't.
Matthias hardly fits in the parameters of a 'normal' couple. Oh, he can fake it, but it bores him quickly. What's normal for humans doesn't apply to him. And honestly, he's not interested in it.
He's not surprised when there's a knock at the door precisely at eight. There's something about Seong that seems lonely, eager, and maybe a little desperate? Or it could just be that this is all still so new that Seong's enthusiasm is at its peak. Time will tell, and, well, Matthias just wants to have fun while it lasts. Seong is interesting, there's something about him that's different from other people Matthias' has been involved with. Maybe, there's some little hope that Seong won't grow boring quickly.
When he opens the door, he's dressed more casually than usual, sporting blue jeans, a white muscle shirt, and a drab blazer. He's fond of layers, even though he hardly needs them. The looks nice and enjoys looking nice, vain creature that he is.
But he's also effusive and he doesn't try to hide the way his eyes light up as they drift over Seong. A smile follows as he steps back to invite the young man inside his apartment, where the scent of garlic hangs heavy in the air.
"I found an Italian dish I could make for you," he chirps in excitement. "Spaghetti aglio e olio!"
A little less lonely now that he has Matthias in his life, but the rest of it is pretty accurate.
As soon as Matthias pulls open the door, Seong's face seems to light up and a smile tugs at the corners of his lips. Every time a door opens and Matthias is standing there, this elated feeling comes over Seong. It's like he's expecting it to be someone else and is always happy to learn that he's wrong. Like he's expecting to open the door and find out that he's not actually dating Matthias but instead someone who he's only with to stave off some of the loneliness. He's surprised every time to learn that his boyfriend is his boyfriend.
Seong's eyes move down and back up Matthias, taking in his full appearance. Even when he's more dressed down than Seong normally sees him, he looks amazing. His casual is still far better than Seong's dressed up. He looks down at himself with a soft sigh. Maybe he should start investing in some clothes that are more than just 'whatever's comfortable'. He's never been overly concerned about his appearance before but Matthias sort of makes him feel like he should be. How can he expect to keep such a good looking, well dressed boyfriend if he, himself, dresses like he didn't expect to leave the house?
Stepping inside, Seong reaches out to take one of Matthias' hands as he moves past him. He's trying to hold back a little less when it comes to his want (need) to be touching Matthias most of the time. All of the time. He's getting a little more comfortable being a part of this relationship. He's starting to feel a little better about his place in it. Even still, his grip on Matthias' hand is loose. Matthias can easily pull his hand away if he wants to.
"I don't think I've ever had Italian food before," he mumbles somewhat to himself as he lets his eyes wander around Matthias' apartment. It was always just so much easier to stay away from it entirely. "What is it?" He's never heard of it before and can't parse what it is based on the words. Look, he had a hard time learning English. He's done with other languages thank you.
Matthias doesn't consider himself a lonely person. He fills his days with company, even if some of it barely tolerated. He has his clients, a few other non-humans he might consider as friends. But nothing the really fulfills him. Not that he'd ever admit that, to anyone, especially not himself. Admit he needs someone else to feel something? But he doesn't have feelings!
Seong's need for physical contact doesn't bother him in the least. Matthias is also a tactile creature. His fingers easily thread between Seong's, savoring how cool they feel against his perpetually feverish skin. He likes that Seong's a little clingy. But he's not whiny about it. It simply is how he is. It's easy for Matthias to accept when he wants the young man's touch, too.
"Spaghetti with garlic and oil. I cooked up some onions and peppers for it but I kept them separate in case you don't like them. Mushrooms, too." Before he pulls Seong further into the apartment, he shifts to grab Seong by the back of his neck and pull him closer for thorough kiss.
Ah but considering yourself a lonely person and actually being one are two very different things. Though in Seong's case they may as well be one. He pulls off both activities with practised ease, even if sometimes he's not sure that he should really get to consider himself a lonely person when his solitude is mostly self imposed. He doesn't like his friends as much as he maybe should, considering they're friends. He'll hang out with them for a few hours over the course of a day or two, then he'll spend the next week ghosting them. They've just accepted that it's how he is. They assume it's because he's introverted and just needs the time to himself to recharge and it is true, but it's not the whole truth. The truth is that he doesn't feel as friendly toward them as one should with people they consider friends, but he's not good enough to make new friends. And he doesn't have the sort of personality that most people gravitate toward so he can't exactly count on people wanting to befriend him.
But who needs new friends anyway when he has Matthias now? Matthias ensures that at least for now, Seong won't be lonely.
Seong's gaze drifts downward, toward their linked hands and he lights squeezes Matthias' fingers between his own. The contrast between their body temperatures always feels really nice when they touch, Matthias' feverish skin complimenting Seong's perpetual cold. Made to make each other feel more comfortable. Made so Seong will always have the desire to wrap himself in his boyfriend.
"I don't like onions." He has no problem with peppers or mushrooms, though he never quite gets the chance to add that part. As soon as Matthias' lips touch his, he no longer remembers the rest of what he was going to say anyway. He squeezes Matthias' hand a little more as he melts into the kiss. He's been wanting this and waiting for it. It occupied a not insignificant part of his thoughts these last few hours when he was supposed to be getting some work done. It's a good thing, though, that the almost possessive way Matthias grabbed the back of his next and pulled him forward never sprung to mind. He would've gotten even less accomplished.
Their contrast is nice. Matthias doesn't feel hot or cold like human do, but it's a pleasant, soothing sensation to have Seong's cooler skin on his. It's like feeling relief from something he didn't realize he needed relieved of. There's a lot of that feeling with Seong. The young man takes the sharpest edges off of things Matthias doesn't think about until he's gone.
And that's something he savors right here and now, with Seong in his living space for the first time since they met. It seems more full with him there, less quiet even though they're not even talking. They have better things to do with their lips at the moment. You'd think they've been separated by long stretches of time and distance with the way Matthias folds himself against Seong, with the way his tongue maps out the curves and contours of the man's mouth, with the way he pulls back reluctantly when his lungs burn for air, and how he's slow to release his firm grip on the back of Seong's neck.
"They're all separate," he murmurs, a little breathless. Seong mentioned one food allergy, but to be on the safe side of any potential food sensitivities or dislikes, he prepared everything separately. His fingers linger at the back of Seong's neck before sliding away, hand coming to lay against his chest. "Do you like white wine?"
Anyone would be forgiven for thinking this is the first time they'd seen each other in months if they'd seen Matthias and Seong. Seong clutches at Matthias' hand like he fears what'll happen if he lets go and he kisses Matthias with a hunger he's never felt for anyone before. Like Seong is a man starved and Matthias is the first meal he's had in a long time. If Matthias' mouth was all he had to eat tonight, he'd go home more than satisfied.
Seong makes small sounds into Matthias' mouth, sounds of contentment and long, every ounce of desire he feels for this man. This perfect man. This man who fits against him perfectly and warms up his consistently cold skin to the perfect temperature. This man who makes him feel happy and like he's finally found someone to belong with. To belong to. Is it still too early for him to feel like he's found his person? The person who has shown to be perfect for him in every way. The person who makes his life so much better.
When Matthias pulls away, Seong looks up at him slightly dazed, eyes just a little unfocused. He's disappointed that the kiss came to an end, but the way he's panting says that it was necessary. He was rapidly running out of air. Yet he would've kept going. He would've continued until he was ready to pass out. Is that healthy? Probably not. Does he care? Probably not.
Seong's eyes drop to Matthias' mouth, staring at his lips as he speaks. He nods in understanding, even before the words manage to get through the slowly clearing fog. They're all separate. He cooked things separately. Mushrooms, peppers and onions all cooked separately from the spaghetti and from each other. That seems like a lot of trouble to go through for one meal. "You did that for me?" That seems like a lot of trouble to go through for one person. See? He's perfect.
Matthias isn't willing to admit the same yet. Seong makes his life fuller, not just more fun. It isn't just the excitement and thrills that keep Matthias around. Seong's easy-going and, honestly, he's easy to be with. He's not demanding in a way that irritates Matthias. He doesn't expect every encounter to be some big to-do. He likes spending quiet time together. He's just... easy to exist in the same place with and Matthias likes that.
"Mmmhm," he purrs with a nod. He did that for Seong. He'd say he'd do it for anyone, but that's not wholly true.
"I have a bottle of Greco Di Tufo. I read it goes well with this dish. C'mon." He gives Seong a tug by their joined hands. "Let me give you a quick tour before we eat." Since the layout of his flat is so open, it'll be a quick tour; mostly Matthias pointing out the obvious delineation of the space.
Though it's something that Seong feels very intensely (like, distressingly intense), he won't exactly be quick to admit it out loud. He's not taking any risks with this relationship. He's not taking any chances. He doesn't want to make it seem like he's over-invested or trying to rush things. Despite everything, he likes things how they are. He likes the relationship the way it is. Not only does he not want to risk pushing Matthias away, but he doesn't want to chance things changing too much, too quickly. He likes the place they're in and the place they seem to be going. And he likes the pace they're going on.
"Thank you," he says around long, deep breaths, clearly still trying to get his breathing under control (maybe being breathless is just a part of being around Matthias). He lifts himself up on his toes, then, just enough to press another kiss to Matthias' lips. This one is much softer and not as lengthy as the one that just ended. This one is just a little something to go along with his thank you. It's so show his appreciation to his thoughtful boyfriend.
Who would've thought that the man who wanted to commemorate the beginning of their relationship by fucking him in a public bathroom would end up being so kind and thoughtful?
"I don't think I've ever heard of that before. That probably means it'll be good, then." A soft laugh and a smile. Unless it's ever sat in the 10$ section of the liquor store, he's probably not had it. And even then, he doesn't much pay attention to the labels on the bottles. The price is all that matters.
Tearing his eyes away from Matthias, he nods absently, already back to looking around. Giving it more than his initial cursory glance before he was distracted by the beautiful man in front of him. "Your place is so much nicer than mine. And you get it all to yourself." He assumes. He's not exactly seeing any signs of a roommate. Good. He doesn't really like the idea of Matthias sharing this space with someone else. Someone getting to spend time with Matthias when he can't, being in his space day in and day out. Getting to see a side of Matthias that Seong will never see. Getting to experience a Matthias that Seong will never get to experience. Please don't correct him. Please don't say Seong is wrong in his assessment that Matthias lives here alone.
"I'd heard that this place was really nice. Nicer than the apartments on the lower floors. I love how open it is. And all the windows." Though he can imagine them being a bit nightmarish some mornings.
Intense is fine. Matthias likes intense. The problem is that things usually begin that way and then it all even out and becomes commonplace. Boring. Maybe not with Seong, though. He seems to vibrate at frequencies that could shatter glass but trying hard to keep it under wraps. If he can maintain that level of enthusiasm... Maybe Matthias can too.
Matthias hums softly against Seong's lips. It's tempting to press for more, but he really doesn't want Seong to think their relationship is solely about sex. There's plenty of time for that. Tonight, he wants to eat their dinner while it's still hot.
Tugging Seong toward the couch, Matthias vaguely points around the open space to indicate the kitchen, living area, bathroom's over there, and upstairs in the loft is the bedroom. He doesn't sleep, so the sun blazing in through the windows in the mornings is never an issue for him. But the view of the city around them at night is nice.
"I enjoy the natural light," he muses as he peers up at the windows. "I like this place, but sometimes it's dull since it's just me. You'll have to make sure to visit me often, okay~?"
When it comes to Matthias, he can hardly contain himself. It's hard to keep a lid on all of these feelings. Feelings that he's not really used to feeling because they're feelings he's only ever felt for Matthias. Vibrating at frequencies that could shatter glass almost seems like it's putting it lightly. Somehow. It feels like it'll never fade, that if anything, it'll only go up from here. An easy enough thing to say when the relationship is still as new as it is. But he feels it. Deep down.
This time, in this moment, the simple kiss is all Seong wants. Would he have objected to Matthias pushing for more? Absolutely not. But he wants to actually look around Matthias' beautiful apartment and he wants to eat the delicious smelling food while it's still hot and fresh. It's one thing to reheat some take out that they ordered, but it would be a shame to let a homecooked meal just sit.
Besides, there's more to a relationship than just sex. As much as he enjoys it, as much as he thinks about it, as much as he wants it at any given moment, it's been established that this is a relationship. They are a couple and they should do couple things, like having a meal together and just spending time together. Maybe get to know a little more about Matthias beyond what his dick feels like in and around various parts of his body.
Maybe wait until a little later in the evening before they start thinking about fucking each other. As though Seong isn't always thinking about it.
Seong looks around with the sort of awe befitting an apartment as nice as this. The kitchen and living area, the loft bedroom that Seong will go up and having a closer look at later (maybe Matthias will invite him to stay and he'll get to have a very close look at the bedroom), it's all so nice. He loves how open it is, though that's exactly what he would hate about it if he lived here while still in his current living situation. Unlike how he feels about most people, he actually really likes his roommate but he'd still need far more walls and doors. He needs that clearly defined separate space.
"I bet the light is really nice in the morning for a morning person." Which he assumes Matthias to be. In Seong's very limited experience waking up next to Matthias, he was awake before Seong and in kind of a chipper mood so he assumes morning person. Seong is very much not a morning person, however. Sometimes he can be coaxed into waking up in a half decent mood, but more often than not, he's difficult to wake up in the morning. He's growly and grumpy and doesn't like to be touched or spoken to or even perceived. So to him, natural light in the morning sounds like hell. The rest of the day it's probably really nice though.
"It's just you." Confirmation as though Matthias heard his anxiety ridden thoughts. It's just him here. No one else. No one lives with Matthias. He presses his lips together tightly to keep from smiling at the news. "I'll visit you often." As often as he can without being an overbearing nuisance.
Seong glances toward the kitchen area and then back to Matthias. "Do you need any help with anything?"
Matthias loves the space. It's good for being alone and also for hosting. The loft is just a more luxurious take on the efficiency apartment, in his mind. The all-in-on-room for people with money. And, well, he has a lot of money. Being comfortable is a thing he enjoys. Whether that manifests as a nice home or good food or high-quality clothes, he enjoys it.
Keeping Seong's hand in his, Matthias leads him toward the couch. They could eat at the breakfast bar, but Matthias wants them to be able to get cozy sooner. Besides, he often eats on the couch. It's not an unusual occurrence. Pausing once they get there, he turns to face Seong and leans in to bump their noses together with a small smile.
"I want to say get comfortable, but I should probably let you fix your own plate, m?"
Seong loves the space too. He's jealous and a little disappointed that it isn't his and it never will be. When he was still under his parents' roof and longing to be out on his own and fully independent, this is the sort of place he envisioned himself in. Something beautiful and spacious and just his. Instead he's got a bedroom in a smaller apartment and he can't survive without a roommate. It's just the illusion of independence. He just traded his parents for his roommate. He hates it. And he hates that he's jealous of his own boyfriend because he has what Seong doesn't. That's not right, right? He should be happy for what Matthias has. And yet.
Looking down at the couch, Seong's attention is then quickly pulled back to Matthias (as though Matthias doesn't always have some part of his attention). The cute way Matthias bumps their noses together draws a smile out of Seong. It's something that, not long ago, would have irritated him and now it makes him smile. Had anyone else tried it previously, Seong would've turned away but not from Matthias. Never from Matthias.
"Mm yeah. I'll get my own plate." Which means letting go of Matthias' hand instead of standing here, clutching it like a lifeline.
It's not unlikely that Seong will end up spending most of his time here in Matthias' place. Neither of them care to be apart (not that Matthias would admit that). And, frankly, Matthias thinks Seong already fits in well in this space. He can imagine him dozing on the couch, working on his laptop at the breakfast bar, sleeping (or not sleeping) in his bed.
"Alright. Let's go."
He's not letting go of Seong's hand just yet. Why should he when he can keep hold of it all the way to the kitchen. Right up until they have to pick up plates and fill them with food. That, unfortunately, is a two-handed task. As promised, the garlic spaghetti was in its own dish surrounded by separate bowls with the onions, peppers, and mushrooms.
That's exactly what Seong hopes for, that he'll get to spend more and more of his time here until it becomes most of his time. Practically live here without actually living here (unless...). He'll never have a place like this himself, but he'd like to spend enough time here that he can imagine it is. Because it also means that he'd be spending more time with Matthias, less time away from him. It means getting to be that couple that comfortably spends time together because their time isn't quite as limited. It's not that it's exactly limited now but there is always the knowledge that before too long he'll have to go back home (or that Matthias will have to go back home, should he be at Seong's instead). Comfortably existing in the same place. Here. With Matthias. Without constantly wondering if a roommate is going to come home early and interrupt. Just Seong and Matthias. No one else.
Following Matthias to the kitchen, Seong looks down at his and Matthias' hands before regretfully letting go. Unfortunately it's true. This is a two-handed task which means he can no longer stay attached to his boyfriend. The food looks and smells like the separation may end up being worth it though. He dishes up some spaghetti for himself first before spooning a meagre helping of peppers onto his plate, followed by a generous helping of mushrooms. It's not difficult to tell where his food preferences lie as far as the additives that Matthias has prepared go.
With his plate ready, Seong sets it down and holds his hands out for the wine bottle. "Here. Let me pour it for you."
The contact won’t be broken for long. Matthias already plans to sit as close as they can while still being able to eat. He savors that physical closeness to let be without for too long.
He doesn’t take long to fill his plate with pasta and a little bit of all the extras he made. But Seong catches him by surprise and Matthias blinks at him. The blank expression melts away into a fond smile. Setting his plate down, he passes the already opened bottle to Seong and holds out his glass.
“You’re so sweet. I could get used to this.” Seong’s spoiling him. They fit too well together and he make Matthias feel more than just comfortable. Once his glass is full, Matthias sets it by his plate and gestures for Seong to hand him the bottle so he can fill Seong’s glass in turn.
So Matthias and Seong have the same plan, then, though Matthias has the advantage of knowing where he intends for them to eat. Seong, however, just gets to hope that it's the couch, since it'll be easy to sit close to Matthias then. Keep his leg pressed up against his boyfriend's or something. Anywhere else might be a little more difficult, and he may just have to wait a little bit longer until he gets extended contact with his boyfriend again. But still as soon as possible.
Soon enough that Seong makes it a point to touch Matthias' hand when he takes the bottle of wine from him. There is no shyly looking away and pulling his hand back like on some drama, acting as though it was purely unintentional. No, none of that happens because he meant to do it. Every movement was planned out to put his hand right where it needed to be. And he owns that. Maybe it's having spent hours this evening counting down the minutes until he could come up and see Matthias that's making him feel especially bold in his attempts to initiate contact with his boyfriend. Or maybe it's that taking Matthias' hand was so well received when he first got here that's making him feel that way. Or - and this is the truly crazy one - maybe Matthias is his boyfriend and Seong should just feel comfortable trying to reach out to him.
So why is Seong blushing a little intensely and looking away as he takes the bottle? Well, because Matthias called him sweet. That's not exactly a word that Seong would ever use to describe himself. It's not something that most people would use to describe him and he's fine with that. It doesn't really matter all that much. But then someone he likes (and cares about) as much as Matthias called him sweet and now it matters. And it's making him blush.
In an attempt to wave off the nice words and get the heat in his cheeks under control, Seong mutters something about his culture. While it's not a lie (his parents were sure to teach him about Korean culture. He disliked it growing up. It felt like it further separated him from his American friends. Even though he spent quite a bit of time pushing back against it, it did stick), it's not the only reason. If anything, it's the lesser of the reasons. The biggest one is simply that he wants to do things for Matthias. He's not usually big on doing things for other people but he wants to do things for Matthias.
Seong hands the bottle to Matthias and picks up his glass, holding it out to be filled. "Thank you." Seong could get used to this too. Has been getting used to it.
Good, get used to it. Get spoiled so no one else will ever be good enough. That's what Matthias wants. That's what he's working toward. And Seong seems receptive so far. Maybe they really are on the same wavelength. It's endearing how Seong seems surprised by the little commonplace couple things that happen between them. It certainly says something about his past relationships.
Once he's filled Seong's glass, Matthias grabs his own meal and nods his head toward the couch. HE doesn't have to look back to know Seong's going to follow. He settles in the middle of the couch so Seong at least has some option as to which side he wants to sit on and how close he wants to be while they're eating. Wherever Seong does choose to sit, he can expect Matthias to wiggle close enough that their legs will be pressed together.
If that truly is the aim, then Matthias is well on his way to getting exactly what he wants. He's saying and doing all of the right things. He's making all of the right gestures. He's drawing Seong in with everything he does. Every time he texts or calls. Every time he suggests they see each other. Everything is making Seong feel like he's being spoiled in a way that only Matthias has ever really managed. Or maybe others have tried and Seong just hasn't been receptive to it. Who can say for sure? Seong is hardly the most reliable source when it comes to his relationships. Except for this one. This one, he is fixated on every detail. He wants to remember all of this until the day he dies. He never wants to forget how Matthias is making him feel.
Should they ever separate, this is already shaping up to be the relationship that all future relationships will be measured against. Feeling spoiled is just one of many knives in the back of his (hypothetical) future relationships.
Matthias is right to assume that Seong will follow along behind him. When he starts toward the couch, Seong is right on his heels, following along like a kitten after its chosen person. He toddles along behind, then waits patiently for Matthias to take a seat. The middle. So no matter where Seong sits, he'll be sitting at least relatively close to Matthias. No chance to sit awkwardly at either end of the couch like some kids at their first boy girl party or something. Good. Seong sits to Matthias' right and crosses his legs on the couch so he has a secure(-ish) place to set his plate. He's close but not too close. Just shy of invading Matthias' personal space. Then Matthias gets closer and none of it matters. Matthias sits close enough so his leg is pressed against Seong's and Seong decides to move his own leg a little closer to Matthias, letting his knee rest on top of his boyfriend's leg.
"Toast?" Seong makes sure his plate is a little more secure in his lap before he turns to face Matthias a little more, glass raised ever so slightly. "We should. But, what should we toast to?" Them? Their relationship? Is that lame?
Some of those more obedient habits seem ingrained in Seong. And Matthias isn't complaining! He enjoys knowing Seong will follow along like a good boy. Like he did the first day they officially met. Well, there really isn't anywhere he could escape to in the open layout of Matthias' apartment, so it was follow or eat separately. He doubted Seong wanted to do that. They could FaceTime from their own places and eat if that's what they wanted.
But it's the physical presence of Seong in his place, his personal space that makes Matthias giddy. He went out of his way to make Italian food that Seong could eat, to bring him into his little refuge. He wants Seong there. Even if they're doing other things. He wants Seong there, in his space, being present.
Weird.
Whatever.
Matthias isn't a sentimental sort, so he'll tell himself it's just being in the honeymoon phase of a new relationship. He's good at lying, after all.
"Well, I usually toast to the floor." Please ask him about that. Though his tone implies he'd rather toast to something more serious tonight.
They're definitely rather deeply ingrained in him, those obedient habits. He's almost always been inclined to do as he's told or follow when he thinks he's supposed to or what have you. He usually tries to push back against that inclination though. He tries to ignore that deeply ingrained need to obey someone else's words or gestures. Except when he's with Matthias. When wants to follow Matthias around and he wants to do whatever the other man tells him to. He wants to show Matthias how well he can listen.
Even if, in this case, following Matthias was the only real option. Seong doesn't want to sit somewhere else. He wants to sit with his boyfriend. He wants to sit together and eat a meal. He wants to sit together and talk. He's not normally a huge talker but he wants to talk with Matthias. He wants to sit together even while they otherwise ignore each other and do their own things. While climbing on each other is always fun, he's finding he's just as happy with occupying the space next to Matthias.
Seong merely blinks at Matthias a few times, head tipping to one side and brows pulling together with slight confusion. "I don't get it. What do you mean?"
Matthias is quite content to have a good boy following him around. A good boy who doesn't flinch when it's time to be filthy. Not a good boy. And obedient boy. A slightly (maybe more?) submissive boy. A boy who's a little bit needy. It's such a delicious combination of traits it practically leaves Matthias' mouth watering.
A little smirk pulls at his lips. He heard in a circle he had some decades ago. "To the floor," he repeats, pretending to hold a glass up. "It will hold you when no one else will." He drops his hand, a dull plop sounding as it lands in the empty space beside him. "It doesn't suit us since we have each other, hm?"
Seong has always wanted the kind of person who would call him a good boy when he's being good instead of only pointing out when he's not (except when it's no longer the time to be quite so good). He's always wanted someone who'd appreciate his obedience and maybe take some advantage of his submissive nature, but in a way that not just good for them but for Seong too. On top of all that, Seong's grateful to have someone who doesn't seem to mind that he's a little on the needy side sometimes. A neediness that Seong didn't even know was there, but one that Matthias brought out in him. Basically, Matthias is proving to be everything Seong wanted in a boyfriend. Is this all coming from the honeymoon phase of their relationship? It very well could be, and a part of Seong is sort of waiting to find out just what it is that's wrong with Matthias because there has to be something, right? There needs to be some inherent flaw that Seong's overlooking right now. There just has to be.
Listening intently to what Matthias says, Seong wiggles just a little closer to him, more of his leg coming to rest on top of his boyfriend's (ever conscious of his plate resting on his own lap. The last thing he wants is for his first visit to Matthias' ending with him spilling this delicious smelling plate of food on the floor). "Oh." That's the sort of toast that Seong could have really gotten behind once. But now, perhaps not so much. "You're right. We have each other now. So why don't we toast to us instead?"
There's so much wrong with Matthias! He's a demon, to start. But he's not to keen on revealing that to humans. He doesn't plan to reveal it to Seong, either. What's it have to do with anything anyway?
Matthias lifts his glass this time, holding it out for Seong to clink. "I'll drink to us. To you, me, and wherever we find ourselves wrapped up in each other."
In Seong's eyes, at this point in time, Matthias is perfect. He's everything that Seong has ever wanted and more. And that's without even getting into his physical appearance which is beyond anything Seong ever hoped he'd attract for himself. It's not that he thinks of himself as unattractive and unable to find himself a physically appealing partner, but rather that he thinks Matthias is just way the hell out of his league. This beautiful, well dressed man (should Seong start dressing better more often? He does have nicer clothes to wear for if he's going out, but mostly he dresses for comfort) with a wide array of very appealing attributes and he wants to be with Seong. Maybe that's the part that makes Seong think there has to be some flaw he's not seeing yet.
Otherwise, perfect.
Seong watches Matthias, eyes drifting from his face to the lifted glass and then back again. Pulling his plate off of his lap and laying in carefully on the empty space next to him, Seong leans toward Matthias to press a soft, somewhat chaste kiss to his lips. Sitting back again, he lightly taps his own glass against Matthias'. "To us."
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Once the conversation with Matthias ends, Seong stares at his phone for maybe a little too long before deciding to just get up and put his phone in a different room. Surely he'll be less tempted to spend the next few hours texting with Matthias (or at him) if his phone isn't within reach. God, since when was he that kind of boyfriend? Normally, he can't wait for conversations with people to end and for him to be left to his own devices. Normally, he craves solitude. Interactions get in the way of that. Yet with Matthias, he craves attention. He craves contact (both the innocent and not so innocent kind). Probably the side effect of being in a relatively new relationship that he actually wants to be in. The intensity of his want to be near Matthias should fade in time. It should even out to something more normal in time.
Normal for other couples. Not Seong's normal. Seong's normal is not a place he ever wants to go with Matthias.
Seong spends the next few hours mostly staring at his laptop screen. Sometimes he types up a paragraph then deletes it. Sometimes he types a sentence and keeps it. Mostly he watches the cursor blink. Sometimes he looks toward his bedroom door and considers going to get his phone, sometimes he simply browses the internet, then goes about temporarily blocking some sites to keep himself from doing it again. Mostly, he reasons with the blinking cursor, explaining to it that he still has three days to finish writing this article. It'll be quick and easy to write once he can focus on it.
By the time Seong has decided he's spent enough time working (it's almost 8. The time that he decided he's going to head up to Matthias'), he's got roughly five sentences written. Five sentences he'll probably scrap once he sits back down at his laptop. He changes his clothes (baggy, oversized sweater and jeans from a different baggy, oversized sweater and gym shorts), grabs his phone from the other room, then heads upstairs to Matthias' place. It's exactly 8PM when he knocks on Matthias' door.
If Matthias saw Seong standing outside of his door for a few minutes waiting for the time to tick over to 8 o'clock, no he didn't.
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He's not surprised when there's a knock at the door precisely at eight. There's something about Seong that seems lonely, eager, and maybe a little desperate? Or it could just be that this is all still so new that Seong's enthusiasm is at its peak. Time will tell, and, well, Matthias just wants to have fun while it lasts. Seong is interesting, there's something about him that's different from other people Matthias' has been involved with. Maybe, there's some little hope that Seong won't grow boring quickly.
When he opens the door, he's dressed more casually than usual, sporting blue jeans, a white muscle shirt, and a drab blazer. He's fond of layers, even though he hardly needs them. The looks nice and enjoys looking nice, vain creature that he is.
But he's also effusive and he doesn't try to hide the way his eyes light up as they drift over Seong. A smile follows as he steps back to invite the young man inside his apartment, where the scent of garlic hangs heavy in the air.
"I found an Italian dish I could make for you," he chirps in excitement. "Spaghetti aglio e olio!"
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As soon as Matthias pulls open the door, Seong's face seems to light up and a smile tugs at the corners of his lips. Every time a door opens and Matthias is standing there, this elated feeling comes over Seong. It's like he's expecting it to be someone else and is always happy to learn that he's wrong. Like he's expecting to open the door and find out that he's not actually dating Matthias but instead someone who he's only with to stave off some of the loneliness. He's surprised every time to learn that his boyfriend is his boyfriend.
Seong's eyes move down and back up Matthias, taking in his full appearance. Even when he's more dressed down than Seong normally sees him, he looks amazing. His casual is still far better than Seong's dressed up. He looks down at himself with a soft sigh. Maybe he should start investing in some clothes that are more than just 'whatever's comfortable'. He's never been overly concerned about his appearance before but Matthias sort of makes him feel like he should be. How can he expect to keep such a good looking, well dressed boyfriend if he, himself, dresses like he didn't expect to leave the house?
Stepping inside, Seong reaches out to take one of Matthias' hands as he moves past him. He's trying to hold back a little less when it comes to his want (need) to be touching Matthias most of the time. All of the time. He's getting a little more comfortable being a part of this relationship. He's starting to feel a little better about his place in it. Even still, his grip on Matthias' hand is loose. Matthias can easily pull his hand away if he wants to.
"I don't think I've ever had Italian food before," he mumbles somewhat to himself as he lets his eyes wander around Matthias' apartment. It was always just so much easier to stay away from it entirely. "What is it?" He's never heard of it before and can't parse what it is based on the words. Look, he had a hard time learning English. He's done with other languages thank you.
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Seong's need for physical contact doesn't bother him in the least. Matthias is also a tactile creature. His fingers easily thread between Seong's, savoring how cool they feel against his perpetually feverish skin. He likes that Seong's a little clingy. But he's not whiny about it. It simply is how he is. It's easy for Matthias to accept when he wants the young man's touch, too.
"Spaghetti with garlic and oil. I cooked up some onions and peppers for it but I kept them separate in case you don't like them. Mushrooms, too." Before he pulls Seong further into the apartment, he shifts to grab Seong by the back of his neck and pull him closer for thorough kiss.
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But who needs new friends anyway when he has Matthias now? Matthias ensures that at least for now, Seong won't be lonely.
Seong's gaze drifts downward, toward their linked hands and he lights squeezes Matthias' fingers between his own. The contrast between their body temperatures always feels really nice when they touch, Matthias' feverish skin complimenting Seong's perpetual cold. Made to make each other feel more comfortable. Made so Seong will always have the desire to wrap himself in his boyfriend.
"I don't like onions." He has no problem with peppers or mushrooms, though he never quite gets the chance to add that part. As soon as Matthias' lips touch his, he no longer remembers the rest of what he was going to say anyway. He squeezes Matthias' hand a little more as he melts into the kiss. He's been wanting this and waiting for it. It occupied a not insignificant part of his thoughts these last few hours when he was supposed to be getting some work done. It's a good thing, though, that the almost possessive way Matthias grabbed the back of his next and pulled him forward never sprung to mind. He would've gotten even less accomplished.
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And that's something he savors right here and now, with Seong in his living space for the first time since they met. It seems more full with him there, less quiet even though they're not even talking. They have better things to do with their lips at the moment. You'd think they've been separated by long stretches of time and distance with the way Matthias folds himself against Seong, with the way his tongue maps out the curves and contours of the man's mouth, with the way he pulls back reluctantly when his lungs burn for air, and how he's slow to release his firm grip on the back of Seong's neck.
"They're all separate," he murmurs, a little breathless. Seong mentioned one food allergy, but to be on the safe side of any potential food sensitivities or dislikes, he prepared everything separately. His fingers linger at the back of Seong's neck before sliding away, hand coming to lay against his chest. "Do you like white wine?"
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Seong makes small sounds into Matthias' mouth, sounds of contentment and long, every ounce of desire he feels for this man. This perfect man. This man who fits against him perfectly and warms up his consistently cold skin to the perfect temperature. This man who makes him feel happy and like he's finally found someone to belong with. To belong to. Is it still too early for him to feel like he's found his person? The person who has shown to be perfect for him in every way. The person who makes his life so much better.
When Matthias pulls away, Seong looks up at him slightly dazed, eyes just a little unfocused. He's disappointed that the kiss came to an end, but the way he's panting says that it was necessary. He was rapidly running out of air. Yet he would've kept going. He would've continued until he was ready to pass out. Is that healthy? Probably not. Does he care? Probably not.
Seong's eyes drop to Matthias' mouth, staring at his lips as he speaks. He nods in understanding, even before the words manage to get through the slowly clearing fog. They're all separate. He cooked things separately. Mushrooms, peppers and onions all cooked separately from the spaghetti and from each other. That seems like a lot of trouble to go through for one meal. "You did that for me?" That seems like a lot of trouble to go through for one person. See? He's perfect.
"Mhm yeah. I like white wine."
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"Mmmhm," he purrs with a nod. He did that for Seong. He'd say he'd do it for anyone, but that's not wholly true.
"I have a bottle of Greco Di Tufo. I read it goes well with this dish. C'mon." He gives Seong a tug by their joined hands. "Let me give you a quick tour before we eat." Since the layout of his flat is so open, it'll be a quick tour; mostly Matthias pointing out the obvious delineation of the space.
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"Thank you," he says around long, deep breaths, clearly still trying to get his breathing under control (maybe being breathless is just a part of being around Matthias). He lifts himself up on his toes, then, just enough to press another kiss to Matthias' lips. This one is much softer and not as lengthy as the one that just ended. This one is just a little something to go along with his thank you. It's so show his appreciation to his thoughtful boyfriend.
Who would've thought that the man who wanted to commemorate the beginning of their relationship by fucking him in a public bathroom would end up being so kind and thoughtful?
"I don't think I've ever heard of that before. That probably means it'll be good, then." A soft laugh and a smile. Unless it's ever sat in the 10$ section of the liquor store, he's probably not had it. And even then, he doesn't much pay attention to the labels on the bottles. The price is all that matters.
Tearing his eyes away from Matthias, he nods absently, already back to looking around. Giving it more than his initial cursory glance before he was distracted by the beautiful man in front of him. "Your place is so much nicer than mine. And you get it all to yourself." He assumes. He's not exactly seeing any signs of a roommate. Good. He doesn't really like the idea of Matthias sharing this space with someone else. Someone getting to spend time with Matthias when he can't, being in his space day in and day out. Getting to see a side of Matthias that Seong will never see. Getting to experience a Matthias that Seong will never get to experience. Please don't correct him. Please don't say Seong is wrong in his assessment that Matthias lives here alone.
"I'd heard that this place was really nice. Nicer than the apartments on the lower floors. I love how open it is. And all the windows." Though he can imagine them being a bit nightmarish some mornings.
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Matthias hums softly against Seong's lips. It's tempting to press for more, but he really doesn't want Seong to think their relationship is solely about sex. There's plenty of time for that. Tonight, he wants to eat their dinner while it's still hot.
Tugging Seong toward the couch, Matthias vaguely points around the open space to indicate the kitchen, living area, bathroom's over there, and upstairs in the loft is the bedroom. He doesn't sleep, so the sun blazing in through the windows in the mornings is never an issue for him. But the view of the city around them at night is nice.
"I enjoy the natural light," he muses as he peers up at the windows. "I like this place, but sometimes it's dull since it's just me. You'll have to make sure to visit me often, okay~?"
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This time, in this moment, the simple kiss is all Seong wants. Would he have objected to Matthias pushing for more? Absolutely not. But he wants to actually look around Matthias' beautiful apartment and he wants to eat the delicious smelling food while it's still hot and fresh. It's one thing to reheat some take out that they ordered, but it would be a shame to let a homecooked meal just sit.
Besides, there's more to a relationship than just sex. As much as he enjoys it, as much as he thinks about it, as much as he wants it at any given moment, it's been established that this is a relationship. They are a couple and they should do couple things, like having a meal together and just spending time together. Maybe get to know a little more about Matthias beyond what his dick feels like in and around various parts of his body.
Maybe wait until a little later in the evening before they start thinking about fucking each other. As though Seong isn't always thinking about it.
Seong looks around with the sort of awe befitting an apartment as nice as this. The kitchen and living area, the loft bedroom that Seong will go up and having a closer look at later (maybe Matthias will invite him to stay and he'll get to have a very close look at the bedroom), it's all so nice. He loves how open it is, though that's exactly what he would hate about it if he lived here while still in his current living situation. Unlike how he feels about most people, he actually really likes his roommate but he'd still need far more walls and doors. He needs that clearly defined separate space.
"I bet the light is really nice in the morning for a morning person." Which he assumes Matthias to be. In Seong's very limited experience waking up next to Matthias, he was awake before Seong and in kind of a chipper mood so he assumes morning person. Seong is very much not a morning person, however. Sometimes he can be coaxed into waking up in a half decent mood, but more often than not, he's difficult to wake up in the morning. He's growly and grumpy and doesn't like to be touched or spoken to or even perceived. So to him, natural light in the morning sounds like hell. The rest of the day it's probably really nice though.
"It's just you." Confirmation as though Matthias heard his anxiety ridden thoughts. It's just him here. No one else. No one lives with Matthias. He presses his lips together tightly to keep from smiling at the news. "I'll visit you often." As often as he can without being an overbearing nuisance.
Seong glances toward the kitchen area and then back to Matthias. "Do you need any help with anything?"
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Keeping Seong's hand in his, Matthias leads him toward the couch. They could eat at the breakfast bar, but Matthias wants them to be able to get cozy sooner. Besides, he often eats on the couch. It's not an unusual occurrence. Pausing once they get there, he turns to face Seong and leans in to bump their noses together with a small smile.
"I want to say get comfortable, but I should probably let you fix your own plate, m?"
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Looking down at the couch, Seong's attention is then quickly pulled back to Matthias (as though Matthias doesn't always have some part of his attention). The cute way Matthias bumps their noses together draws a smile out of Seong. It's something that, not long ago, would have irritated him and now it makes him smile. Had anyone else tried it previously, Seong would've turned away but not from Matthias. Never from Matthias.
"Mm yeah. I'll get my own plate." Which means letting go of Matthias' hand instead of standing here, clutching it like a lifeline.
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"Alright. Let's go."
He's not letting go of Seong's hand just yet. Why should he when he can keep hold of it all the way to the kitchen. Right up until they have to pick up plates and fill them with food. That, unfortunately, is a two-handed task. As promised, the garlic spaghetti was in its own dish surrounded by separate bowls with the onions, peppers, and mushrooms.
"Help yourself. I'll get the wine, too."
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Following Matthias to the kitchen, Seong looks down at his and Matthias' hands before regretfully letting go. Unfortunately it's true. This is a two-handed task which means he can no longer stay attached to his boyfriend. The food looks and smells like the separation may end up being worth it though. He dishes up some spaghetti for himself first before spooning a meagre helping of peppers onto his plate, followed by a generous helping of mushrooms. It's not difficult to tell where his food preferences lie as far as the additives that Matthias has prepared go.
With his plate ready, Seong sets it down and holds his hands out for the wine bottle. "Here. Let me pour it for you."
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He doesn’t take long to fill his plate with pasta and a little bit of all the extras he made. But Seong catches him by surprise and Matthias blinks at him. The blank expression melts away into a fond smile. Setting his plate down, he passes the already opened bottle to Seong and holds out his glass.
“You’re so sweet. I could get used to this.” Seong’s spoiling him. They fit too well together and he make Matthias feel more than just comfortable. Once his glass is full, Matthias sets it by his plate and gestures for Seong to hand him the bottle so he can fill Seong’s glass in turn.
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Soon enough that Seong makes it a point to touch Matthias' hand when he takes the bottle of wine from him. There is no shyly looking away and pulling his hand back like on some drama, acting as though it was purely unintentional. No, none of that happens because he meant to do it. Every movement was planned out to put his hand right where it needed to be. And he owns that. Maybe it's having spent hours this evening counting down the minutes until he could come up and see Matthias that's making him feel especially bold in his attempts to initiate contact with his boyfriend. Or maybe it's that taking Matthias' hand was so well received when he first got here that's making him feel that way. Or - and this is the truly crazy one - maybe Matthias is his boyfriend and Seong should just feel comfortable trying to reach out to him.
So why is Seong blushing a little intensely and looking away as he takes the bottle? Well, because Matthias called him sweet. That's not exactly a word that Seong would ever use to describe himself. It's not something that most people would use to describe him and he's fine with that. It doesn't really matter all that much. But then someone he likes (and cares about) as much as Matthias called him sweet and now it matters. And it's making him blush.
In an attempt to wave off the nice words and get the heat in his cheeks under control, Seong mutters something about his culture. While it's not a lie (his parents were sure to teach him about Korean culture. He disliked it growing up. It felt like it further separated him from his American friends. Even though he spent quite a bit of time pushing back against it, it did stick), it's not the only reason. If anything, it's the lesser of the reasons. The biggest one is simply that he wants to do things for Matthias. He's not usually big on doing things for other people but he wants to do things for Matthias.
Seong hands the bottle to Matthias and picks up his glass, holding it out to be filled. "Thank you." Seong could get used to this too. Has been getting used to it.
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Once he's filled Seong's glass, Matthias grabs his own meal and nods his head toward the couch. HE doesn't have to look back to know Seong's going to follow. He settles in the middle of the couch so Seong at least has some option as to which side he wants to sit on and how close he wants to be while they're eating. Wherever Seong does choose to sit, he can expect Matthias to wiggle close enough that their legs will be pressed together.
"Shall we toast?"
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Should they ever separate, this is already shaping up to be the relationship that all future relationships will be measured against. Feeling spoiled is just one of many knives in the back of his (hypothetical) future relationships.
Matthias is right to assume that Seong will follow along behind him. When he starts toward the couch, Seong is right on his heels, following along like a kitten after its chosen person. He toddles along behind, then waits patiently for Matthias to take a seat. The middle. So no matter where Seong sits, he'll be sitting at least relatively close to Matthias. No chance to sit awkwardly at either end of the couch like some kids at their first boy girl party or something. Good. Seong sits to Matthias' right and crosses his legs on the couch so he has a secure(-ish) place to set his plate. He's close but not too close. Just shy of invading Matthias' personal space. Then Matthias gets closer and none of it matters. Matthias sits close enough so his leg is pressed against Seong's and Seong decides to move his own leg a little closer to Matthias, letting his knee rest on top of his boyfriend's leg.
"Toast?" Seong makes sure his plate is a little more secure in his lap before he turns to face Matthias a little more, glass raised ever so slightly. "We should. But, what should we toast to?" Them? Their relationship? Is that lame?
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But it's the physical presence of Seong in his place, his personal space that makes Matthias giddy. He went out of his way to make Italian food that Seong could eat, to bring him into his little refuge. He wants Seong there. Even if they're doing other things. He wants Seong there, in his space, being present.
Weird.
Whatever.
Matthias isn't a sentimental sort, so he'll tell himself it's just being in the honeymoon phase of a new relationship. He's good at lying, after all.
"Well, I usually toast to the floor." Please ask him about that. Though his tone implies he'd rather toast to something more serious tonight.
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Even if, in this case, following Matthias was the only real option. Seong doesn't want to sit somewhere else. He wants to sit with his boyfriend. He wants to sit together and eat a meal. He wants to sit together and talk. He's not normally a huge talker but he wants to talk with Matthias. He wants to sit together even while they otherwise ignore each other and do their own things. While climbing on each other is always fun, he's finding he's just as happy with occupying the space next to Matthias.
Seong merely blinks at Matthias a few times, head tipping to one side and brows pulling together with slight confusion. "I don't get it. What do you mean?"
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A little smirk pulls at his lips. He heard in a circle he had some decades ago. "To the floor," he repeats, pretending to hold a glass up. "It will hold you when no one else will." He drops his hand, a dull plop sounding as it lands in the empty space beside him. "It doesn't suit us since we have each other, hm?"
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Listening intently to what Matthias says, Seong wiggles just a little closer to him, more of his leg coming to rest on top of his boyfriend's (ever conscious of his plate resting on his own lap. The last thing he wants is for his first visit to Matthias' ending with him spilling this delicious smelling plate of food on the floor). "Oh." That's the sort of toast that Seong could have really gotten behind once. But now, perhaps not so much. "You're right. We have each other now. So why don't we toast to us instead?"
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Matthias lifts his glass this time, holding it out for Seong to clink. "I'll drink to us. To you, me, and wherever we find ourselves wrapped up in each other."
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Otherwise, perfect.
Seong watches Matthias, eyes drifting from his face to the lifted glass and then back again. Pulling his plate off of his lap and laying in carefully on the empty space next to him, Seong leans toward Matthias to press a soft, somewhat chaste kiss to his lips. Sitting back again, he lightly taps his own glass against Matthias'. "To us."
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