The morning sun filtered through the blinds of their modest apartment, casting warm golden streaks across the room. Hwang In-ho stirred slightly, his senses slowly waking before his mind did. The scent of something cooking—something sweet and rich—teased his nose. Pancakes? Coffee?
His dark eyes flickered open, and the first thing he saw was the empty space beside him. Seong Gi-hun was gone, which wasn’t unusual—his boyfriend was an early riser, and his footsteps had a way of slipping in and out of the apartment without waking him. But today felt different. There was a distinct warmth in the air, an unspoken anticipation that tugged at In-ho’s heart.
Just as he was about to sit up, the bedroom door creaked open. Gi-hun stepped in, balancing a tray in his hands with a proud, beaming smile.
“Happy birthday, detective,” Gi-hun announced, his voice warm with affection.
In-ho raised a brow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he sat up. “What’s all this?”
Gi-hun set the tray down carefully on the bed. “Breakfast in bed. Made with love.” He gestured grandly to the neatly stacked pancakes, golden brown and slightly uneven, topped with syrup and fresh fruit. Beside them sat a steaming mug of coffee—just the way In-ho liked it, strong with a hint of sugar.
“You cooked?” In-ho asked, skepticism creeping into his voice as he picked up a fork.
Gi-hun gasped dramatically. “What, you don’t trust my cooking skills?”
“I trust you,” In-ho said, a rare softness in his tone as he took a bite. The pancake was slightly dense, the edges a bit crispier than usual, but knowing Gi-hun had made it for him made it taste perfect. “Hmm… not bad.”
Gi-hun grinned. “Not bad? I slaved over a hot stove for this masterpiece.”
In-ho chuckled, shaking his head. “Thank you.” His fingers brushed over Gi-hun’s wrist, a silent but meaningful touch.
Gi-hun hesitated for a moment before reaching into the pocket of his pajama pants. “Actually… there’s something else.”
In-ho tilted his head curiously. “More surprises?”
Gi-hun took a deep breath before pulling out a small, neatly wrapped box. His hands fidgeted slightly as he placed it in In-ho’s lap. “I, uh… I saved up for this.”
In-ho glanced at him before carefully unwrapping the gift. Inside, nestled in a sleek black box, was a watch. The band was a dark, elegant leather, and the face was minimalist but refined—something simple yet classic, something that suited him perfectly.
For a moment, In-ho said nothing. His fingers traced over the watch’s surface, feeling the weight of it, the thought behind it. Then he looked up at Gi-hun, his expression unreadable. “You saved up for this?”
Gi-hun nodded, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “Yeah. I know you always wear that old one for work, and it’s been getting pretty beat up. So I thought… maybe this could replace it.”
A rare emotion flickered in In-ho’s eyes—something deep and unguarded. “Gi-hun…” He exhaled softly, turning the watch over in his hands. It wasn’t just about the gift itself—it was about what it meant. The effort, the care, the love.
Gi-hun shifted under his gaze. “Do you like it?”
Instead of answering, In-ho reached out, cupping Gi-hun’s face before leaning in to press a slow, lingering kiss against his lips. Gi-hun melted into it, the warmth of the morning, the scent of coffee, and the taste of syrup between them.
When they finally pulled away, In-ho rested his forehead against Gi-hun’s. “I love it. I love you.”
Gi-hun smiled, his fingers gently threading through In-ho’s dark hair. “Good. ‘Cause you’re stuck with me.”
In-ho smirked, his hand tightening around Gi-hun’s. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
They sat there for a moment, tangled in each other’s warmth, their fingers intertwined, the weight of the watch still pressed between them. Outside, the city carried on, sirens wailing in the distance, the world moving forward as it always did.
But here, in this small apartment, time stood still—just for them.
---
The morning light shifted as time slipped by unnoticed, golden hues spilling into the bedroom as the city hummed softly outside. In-ho turned the watch over in his hands, admiring the careful craftsmanship, but more than that, he admired what it represented—Gi-hun’s thoughtfulness, his love.
He had never been the kind of man to celebrate his own birthday. It had always been just another day, another passing of time in a life that demanded his focus elsewhere. But this—this small, intimate moment—felt like something he didn’t know he needed.
Gi-hun’s hand rested on his knee, warm and steady. “You really like it?”
In-ho smirked, slipping the watch onto his wrist and fastening the buckle. “I’m a detective, Gi-hun. I notice the details.” He turned his wrist, letting the leather settle against his skin before locking eyes with his boyfriend. “And this tells me you put a lot of thought into it.”
Gi-hun let out a breath of relief, leaning back against the headboard with a grin. “Well, yeah. I mean… you’re impossible to shop for. You’re the guy who acts like he doesn’t need anything.”
In-ho chuckled, brushing a hand through his tousled hair. “I don’t.”
Gi-hun rolled his eyes. “That’s a lie.” He nudged In-ho’s side playfully. “You need food, sleep, and me. In that order.”
In-ho shook his head, suppressing a laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And yet, you love me.”
In-ho hummed, leaning in slightly, his voice dropping to a murmur. “I do.”
Gi-hun softened at the rare sincerity in his tone. Moments like these, where In-ho let his guard down, where his words carried a depth beyond their usual teasing, made Gi-hun’s heart ache in the best way.
Before he could say anything, In-ho shifted, pushing the breakfast tray aside and pulling Gi-hun into his lap. Gi-hun yelped, but he didn’t resist, instead wrapping his arms around In-ho’s neck with a grin. “Oh? Feeling sentimental now?”
In-ho exhaled, pressing a kiss to Gi-hun’s jaw, his lips trailing slowly toward his ear. “Maybe.”
Gi-hun shivered at the husky tone, his fingers tightening slightly in In-ho’s hair. “If I knew all it took was a watch to make you affectionate, I would’ve gotten you one sooner.”
In-ho chuckled, the sound reverberating against Gi-hun’s skin. “It’s not the watch, idiot.” He pulled back just enough to meet Gi-hun’s gaze, his thumb brushing along his cheek. “It’s you.”
Gi-hun felt his heart stutter. Even after all this time, even after everything they had been through—through loss, through struggle, through the quiet, healing moments between them—In-ho still had the ability to catch him off guard with something as simple as a truth.
“…You’re really pulling out all the stops today, huh?” Gi-hun teased, though his voice was softer, more vulnerable.
In-ho smirked. “You started it.”
Gi-hun huffed, shaking his head before shifting off his lap, tugging In-ho down until they were lying side by side. “Alright, then. Since you’re in such a good mood, what do you want to do today?”
In-ho hesitated, glancing at the clock. Usually, he’d be halfway out the door by now, his mind already consumed with cases, reports, and the never-ending chaos of his work. But today, for once, he wanted something else.
“Stay here,” he murmured. “With you.”
Gi-hun blinked, surprised. “You sure? You’re not gonna start getting antsy in a few hours?”
In-ho smirked. “I think I’ll survive.”
Gi-hun’s eyes searched his, as if trying to make sure he really meant it. Then he grinned, pulling the blankets over both of them. “Alright, birthday boy. Whatever you want.”
In-ho exhaled, letting himself sink into the warmth of the bed, into Gi-hun’s embrace. For once, time could wait.
---
The peaceful quiet of their morning lingered, with Gi-hun resting comfortably against In-ho’s chest, their fingers lazily intertwined. In-ho let his eyes close for a moment, savoring the warmth of the moment—until Gi-hun shifted slightly, clearing his throat in a way that immediately made In-ho suspicious.
“…So,” Gi-hun started, drawing out the word like he was carefully picking his next move in a game.
In-ho cracked one eye open. “What?”
Gi-hun hesitated, then flashed a guilty smile. “You’re not gonna get mad, right?”
In-ho raised a brow. “That depends.”
Gi-hun sat up slightly, still holding onto In-ho’s hand as if to keep him from getting up and leaving. “So, uh… I might’ve invited some people over.”
Silence.
In-ho’s expression was unreadable. “…For what?”
Gi-hun blinked. “For your birthday? You know, that thing we’re celebrating?”
In-ho sighed, running a hand down his face. “Gi-hun…”
“Before you say anything,” Gi-hun interrupted, sitting up fully now and placing both hands on In-ho’s shoulders. “It’s just a small thing! Nothing crazy, I swear. Just some friends, some food, a few drinks—”
“Gi-hun.”
“—And maybe cake.”
In-ho narrowed his eyes. “How many people are coming?”
“…Uh. Not a lot?” Gi-hun gave him an innocent look, but In-ho knew him too well.
“…Who?”
Gi-hun hesitated before rattling off names. “Jeong-bae, Sae-byeok and Ji-yeong, Dae-ho and his sister Jun-hee, and… Jun-ho.”
At the mention of his younger brother, In-ho’s expression softened slightly, though he kept up the act of being mildly annoyed. “You really invited Jun-ho?”
Gi-hun nodded. “Yeah. And before you say anything, he wanted to come. We’ve been talking.”
In-ho sighed, running a hand through his hair. His relationship with Jun-ho had been a complicated one—years of distance, misunderstandings, and secrets had created walls between them. But over time, they had slowly started to break them down. It was still a work in progress, but things were… better.
Gi-hun nudged him lightly. “C’mon, don’t look so serious. He and Dae-ho are coming together, and you like Dae-ho, so it won’t be awkward.”
In-ho rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. He did like Dae-ho. The younger man had a good head on his shoulders and was good for Jun-ho—steady, reliable, patient. He was exactly what his brother needed.
“…What time are they coming?”
Gi-hun beamed, knowing he had already won. “A few hours. Just enough time for you to take a shower and pretend you’re not annoyed.”
In-ho shook his head with a quiet chuckle, rubbing at his temple. “You really can’t let me have one peaceful birthday, can you?”
“Not a chance,” Gi-hun said cheerfully. “Now, c’mon. Let’s get up and make this place look somewhat presentable before they get here.”
In-ho sighed dramatically but followed Gi-hun out of bed. Despite himself, he felt a small warmth settle in his chest. Maybe a quiet birthday wasn’t in the cards, but spending it with the people he cared about?
He supposed he could live with that.
---
As much as In-ho would never admit it out loud, a part of him was looking forward to seeing everyone. He had spent so much of his life pushing people away, distancing himself with work and responsibilities, that it still felt strange to be surrounded by people who actually cared. People who weren’t just colleagues or acquaintances, but friends.
Of course, it was Gi-hun who had made that happen. Over the past year, he had stubbornly dragged In-ho into his chaotic world, making sure he stayed connected to the people who mattered.
And now, because of him, their small apartment was about to be filled with them.
After a quick shower, In-ho threw on a simple black button-up and a pair of comfortable jeans. He didn’t bother dressing up too much—if these people were going to invade his home, they could take him as he was.
Gi-hun, on the other hand, was running around like a madman, cleaning up whatever mess he could find before their guests arrived.
“Why are you even bothering?” In-ho asked, watching from the doorway as Gi-hun frantically wiped down the coffee table. “They know we live like this.”
Gi-hun shot him a look. “That doesn’t mean I want them to see it.”
“You literally invited them here. If you wanted to keep up the illusion that we’re civilized people, maybe you should’ve met them at a restaurant instead.”
Gi-hun pointed a finger at him. “You’re not helping.”
“I wasn’t trying to.”
Before Gi-hun could throw a pillow at him, there was a knock at the door.
“Too late,” In-ho murmured, smirking as he walked past Gi-hun and opened the door.
The Birthday Gathering
The first to arrive were Jeong-bae, Sae-byeok, and Ji-yeong.
“Hey, old man,” Jeong-bae greeted, clapping In-ho on the shoulder as he stepped inside. “Still alive for another year?”
“Barely,” In-ho replied dryly.
“Happy birthday, In-ho,” Sae-byeok said with a rare smile, handing him a small gift bag. “Try not to look so miserable about it.”
Ji-yeong grinned, nudging Sae-byeok. “He always looks miserable. It’s part of his charm.”
In-ho sighed. “I hate that you two have been talking to Gi-hun. You’re starting to sound like him.”
Gi-hun, who was already setting out drinks, looked up with a smug grin. “That’s called influence.”
Before In-ho could respond, another knock at the door announced the arrival of Dae-ho and Jun-hee.
Dae-ho greeted them warmly, pulling Jun-ho along with him.
“Hey,” Jun-ho said, a little hesitant but clearly trying. His eyes flickered toward his older brother. “Happy birthday.”
In-ho nodded, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips. “Thanks for coming.”
Jun-ho shrugged. “I had to. Gi-hun wouldn’t stop texting me about it.”
Gi-hun laughed from the kitchen. “Damn right. I wasn’t gonna let you miss your own brother’s birthday.”
Dae-ho chuckled, wrapping an arm around Jun-ho’s waist. “I think he secretly wanted to come anyway.”
Jun-ho rolled his eyes, but there was no real annoyance there.
As everyone settled in, the atmosphere became warm and lively. Drinks were poured, laughter echoed through the apartment, and for once, In-ho let himself relax.
Jeong-bae and Gi-hun started telling exaggerated stories about In-ho’s past, much to his dismay.
Sae-byeok and Ji-yeong claimed a spot on the couch, enjoying their drinks and occasionally throwing in sarcastic remarks.
Jun-ho, despite his initial hesitation, seemed to relax as well. He and In-ho even managed to share a few quiet moments, exchanging small talk that didn’t feel forced. It wasn’t much, but it was progress.
Dae-ho, ever the supportive boyfriend, stayed close to Jun-ho but also engaged with everyone else, making sure Jun-ho didn’t feel overwhelmed.
And Jun-hee, Dae-ho’s younger sister, had quickly become the life of the party, effortlessly charming everyone with her sharp wit.
At some point, Gi-hun disappeared into the kitchen, only to return with a cake, candles already lit.
“Alright, everyone, shut up for a second,” he announced dramatically.
In-ho groaned. “Gi-hun, please—”
“Nope! It’s happening.”
Everyone gathered around, and despite his protests, In-ho found himself standing there as they sang Happy Birthday—off-key, chaotic, and entirely too loud.
Gi-hun was the worst offender, of course, singing with exaggerated enthusiasm and waving his arms like a conductor.
When it was finally over, Gi-hun grinned at him. “Alright, birthday boy. Make a wish.”
In-ho rolled his eyes but played along, blowing out the candles.
As the room erupted into cheers, Gi-hun leaned in and murmured just loud enough for him to hear:
“I hope you wished for more years with me, ‘cause you’re not getting rid of me anytime soon.”
In-ho smirked, wrapping an arm around Gi-hun’s waist and pulling him close. “I don’t need to waste a wish on that. I already know it’s true.”
Gi-hun blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the rare display of affection. Then he grinned. “Damn right.”
As the night went on, laughter filled the apartment, the warmth of friendship and love settling in like a second skin.
For once, In-ho wasn’t thinking about work, about responsibilities, about the weight of the past.
For once, he was just here.
With them.
And that, he realized, was the best birthday gift he could have ever asked for.
---
The party stretched into the night, the apartment filled with the sounds of conversation, clinking glasses, and occasional bursts of laughter. The small space had warmed considerably—not just from the bodies packed inside but from the atmosphere itself. It was comfortable, lively, good.
In-ho found himself seated on the couch, a drink in hand, watching the people around him. It wasn’t often he let himself just be, but tonight, with these people, it felt easier.
Across the room, Jeong-bae was engaged in an intense drinking contest with Dae-ho, their banter growing increasingly dramatic with each round.
“Face it, old man,” Dae-ho smirked, taking another shot with ease. “You’re slowing down.”
“Old man?” Jeong-bae scoffed, placing his glass down with a thud. “Kid, I was drinking long before you could even spell soju.”
Gi-hun, already a little tipsy, laughed as he leaned into In-ho’s side. “He’s got a point. I once saw Jeong-bae drink an entire bottle of whiskey and still win at darts.”
“Exactly!” Jeong-bae declared, pointing at Gi-hun. “A legend.”
Dae-ho smirked. “We’ll see about that.” He poured another round, determined to prove himself.
Meanwhile, Ji-yeong and Sae-byeok were curled up on the opposite end of the couch, half-watching the chaos unfold while sharing a quiet conversation.
“I don’t get it,” Ji-yeong mused, resting her head against Sae-byeok’s shoulder. “Why does every party always turn into a drinking contest?”
Sae-byeok smirked. “Because men are dumb.”
Ji-yeong laughed. “Fair.”
Nearby, Jun-ho and Jun-hee were deep in conversation, catching up like siblings who didn’t see each other nearly enough.
“You look good,” Jun-ho said, nudging his little sister. “Not that I expected anything less.”
Jun-hee grinned. “Of course. I have a reputation to uphold.”
Jun-ho chuckled, glancing at Dae-ho, who was still mid-competition. “And things with you two?”
“Still good,” Jun-hee confirmed. “Dae-ho’s a great brother.” Then she smirked. “And you? How’s dating my great brother?”
Jun-ho groaned. “Why did I walk into that?”
Jun-hee shrugged. “You should’ve known better.”
Across the room, Gi-hun finally pulled himself off the couch, stretching his arms before dramatically plopping himself into In-ho’s lap.
In-ho sighed, but he didn’t push him off. “Really?”
Gi-hun grinned, resting his head against In-ho’s shoulder. “I’m tired.”
“You’re drunk.”
“And tired.”
In-ho rolled his eyes but let Gi-hun stay where he was, his fingers absentmindedly brushing against his boyfriend’s back.
Jun-ho, having witnessed the whole thing, smirked. “Wow. You let someone sit on your lap? I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Shut up,” In-ho muttered, but there was no real annoyance behind it.
Jun-ho just shook his head with a chuckle. “I gotta admit, though… you seem happier.”
In-ho glanced at him. For a moment, neither of them spoke, but there was an understanding between them, one that didn’t need words.
Then, quietly, In-ho said, “I am.”
Jun-ho’s smirk softened into something more genuine. “Good.”
As the night went on, the energy in the room shifted from chaotic to warm, people settling into easy conversations, the kind that happened between friends who knew each other well.
Eventually, Jeong-bae, the self-proclaimed champion of drinking, admitted defeat, leaning back against the couch with a groan. “I’m too old for this.”
Dae-ho, still victorious, laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “Told you.”
Jun-hee stretched, standing up. “Alright, I think it’s about time we head out before you all pass out where you’re sitting.”
Jun-ho stood as well, offering a nod to his brother. “Happy birthday again, In-ho.”
In-ho met his gaze. “Thanks, Jun-ho.”
With that, one by one, their guests said their goodbyes, leaving the apartment quieter, but not empty.
Now, it was just the two of them.
Gi-hun sighed happily, sinking back onto the couch. “That went well.”
In-ho exhaled, rubbing his temples. “I can’t believe you did that.”
Gi-hun grinned. “And yet, you had fun.”
“…Maybe.”
Gi-hun smirked, leaning against him. “Admit it. You liked it.”
In-ho rolled his eyes, but instead of answering, he reached down and laced his fingers with Gi-hun’s.
Gi-hun looked up at him, slightly surprised. “Oh? We’re feeling affectionate again?”
In-ho smirked. “Don’t get used to it.”
Gi-hun chuckled. “Too late.”
The night was quiet now, the warmth of the gathering still lingering in the air.
And as they sat there, fingers intertwined, the world outside didn’t seem to matter.
For now, this was enough.
---
The apartment had settled into a comfortable quiet, the lingering warmth of laughter and conversation still present, even as their guests had long since gone. The faint scent of cake and soju remained in the air, mixing with the comforting weight of Gi-hun pressed against In-ho’s side on the couch.
The older man let out a slow exhale, his fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on the back of Gi-hun’s hand. He wasn’t the type to say things outright—at least, not things that left him vulnerable—but the way he sat there, still holding onto Gi-hun’s hand even though no one was around to see, spoke volumes.
Gi-hun, still mildly tipsy, hummed in contentment and nestled closer. “So…” He stretched the word out, clearly leading into something. “Are you gonna admit it?”
In-ho didn’t look at him. “Admit what?”
Gi-hun grinned. “That you actually liked your birthday party.”
In-ho scoffed, finally shifting to meet Gi-hun’s gaze. “I tolerated it.”
Gi-hun raised a brow. “Oh, come on. You’re holding my hand like some lovesick teenager. Just admit it.”
In-ho sighed, looking away again, as if debating whether or not to give Gi-hun what he wanted. After a long pause, he finally muttered, “…It wasn’t so bad.”
Gi-hun gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. “Holy shit. You actually admitted it.”
“Shut up,” In-ho grumbled, but there was no real bite in his words.
“No, no, I need to let this sink in,” Gi-hun continued, grinning like he’d just won the lottery. “Hwang In-ho, the grumpiest man alive, liked a party. My party.”
“I said it wasn’t bad,” In-ho corrected, though the small smirk tugging at his lips gave him away.
Gi-hun laughed, leaning forward until their foreheads were almost touching. “Close enough.”
They sat like that for a moment, the air between them warm and easy.
Then, softer now, Gi-hun murmured, “I just wanted you to have a good birthday.”
In-ho’s gaze softened. For all his dramatics, for all his playful teasing, Gi-hun had meant this. He had spent weeks planning, putting in effort, talking to Jun-ho, convincing their friends to show up—just to make sure In-ho didn’t spend his birthday alone.
It was stupid. It was unnecessary. It was…
Perfect.
“…You did,” In-ho admitted quietly. “It was good.”
Gi-hun’s eyes widened slightly, as if surprised by the genuine response, but then his expression melted into something impossibly soft. He reached up, brushing his fingers gently along In-ho’s jaw before leaning in to press a slow, lingering kiss against his lips.
It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t desperate. It was just them.
When they finally pulled apart, Gi-hun rested his forehead against In-ho’s. “You’re really getting soft on me, huh?”
In-ho smirked, his thumb brushing idly against Gi-hun’s knuckles. “Don’t push it.”
Gi-hun chuckled, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. “No promises.”
A comfortable silence settled over them again, the sounds of the city outside fading into the background.
For the first time in years, In-ho hadn’t spent his birthday alone.
For the first time in years, he didn’t want to.
And as he sat there, Gi-hun practically curled into him, his hand warm and steady in his own, In-ho thought to himself—maybe this was what happiness felt like.
---
The End