The sunlight spilled through the thin curtains, filling the room in a soft golden glow. My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, I felt the warmth of last night lingering. I reached out a hand and placed it besides myself. Minjae was gone. Just like that. He vanished into the morning without a sound. When did he even leave?
I shifted, the sheets rustling under me, and when I looked around, I saw some little box on the bedside table. I got curious and reached for it. I discovered a tiny cupcake, sitting neatly inside the box, placed over a napkin. The frosting was simple, nothing fancy but there was a little note tucked beside it.
Woobin, I had to leave early. Work called, and I couldn't stay. I'm not leaving after last night without letting you know you weren't just used. Enjoy the cupcake. - Minjae
I held it in my hands for a moment, the words making me feel happy in an unexpected way. A small, soft smile tugged at my lips. Minjae was somehow leaving a reminder that he cared, even if it was only for a night.
The quietness of the hotel room suddenly felt too much. I set the note down, opened the cupcake box a little to peek inside, and finally let out a long breath. Last night had been… more than I could've expected. Fun, reckless, overwhelming in every way. And now, here I was, left alone in a luxurious room in Rome, with only a cupcake and a memory.
A knock on the door jumped me out from my thoughts. "Woobin? You up yet? We need to get moving!"
My best friend's voice was cheerful, oblivious to the private world I'd just left behind. "Yeah, yeah, give me a second!" I called back, trying to sound normal as if the universe hadn't conspired to leave me in a post-Minjae haze.
I grabbed the cupcake and the note, shoving them gently into my bag as evidence that last night had actually happened. My reflection in the mirror made me wince slightly. My messy hair, cheeks little flushed from sleep, remnants of last night's wine under my eyes. Whatever. Minjae had been worth it. I quickly pulled myself together. Took a quick shower, combed my hair into something resembling a human and not a puppy, and a few sprays of cologne, enough to feel human again.
By the time my best friend barged in with a suitcase, I was dressed, laced my sneakers, and already on autopilot, booking a cab to the airport. "Ready?" he asked, eyes scanning my room like a general inspecting troops.
"Born ready," I said, grabbing my bag and giving the cupcake one last glance. Minjae's signature on a napkin, meant for me.
The streets of Rome were alive with morning energy, people streaming into cafés for espresso, the smell of fresh bread from street-side bakeries curling into the cab. I watched the city pass by, the memories of last night mingling with the warm glow of the early sun.
I couldn't help it; I pulled out the note again and read it once more, almost like a secret. "You weren't just used." The words echoed in my head, strangely comforting. I knew, logically, it was just a one-night fling. But a one-night fling with Minjae felt different.
The cab driver hummed along the route, navigating the tight streets expertly.
A vacation fling in Rome, a hotel room, stolen kisses and whispered promises, and a tiny cupcake as a parting gift. Who even does that? Minjae. That's who.
Seokjun's sharp eyes didn't miss the corner of the folded note peeking out from my pocket. "Uh… Woobin?" His fingers snatched it up before I could react. "What's this?!"
I froze. "Uh… it's… nothing."
"Nothing?" He unfolded it and started reading, eyes widening almost immediately. "'You weren't just used.' Wait— What the fuck? Who is Minjae?"
I blinked, caught off guard by his excitement. "Uh… Minjae… he's… some guy I met last night." My response was vague, my cheeks heating up yet again.
"Some guy? That's all you're going to tell me? Woobin, come on!" Seokjun's grin stretched ear to ear. "A cupcake, a note, some mysterious Minjae… You've got to give me the full story. Every little detail!"
I groaned, hiding my face in my hands. "Seokjun, it's really nothing. Just… a one-night thing. That's it."
"Nothing?" He waved the note in the air, eyes sparkling with disbelief. "Man, a note saying you weren't just used doesn't exactly scream 'nothing.' Come on, Woobin. Height? Charming? Handsome? Smooth? Did he—ohhh, don't tell me—he had that effect on you?"
I could only laugh at his questionnaire, the embarrassment was now warming up my face. "Maybe a little," I admitted.
"A little? Come on, Woobin, you're glowing!" Seokjun leaned back in the cab seat, clearly thrilled. "And a cupcake? That's like… proof that he actually thought about you after leaving. Who even does that? This guy sounds… epic."
I groaned again, half-laughing. "He's… unforgettable. But it's just one night."
"One night, huh? Sure, sure. But I swear, Woobin… you look happy. You really look happy." Seokjun smirked, clearly enjoying himself. "Okay, I'm going to need details. And I mean all the juicy ones. Don't leave out a thing. I want to know who this Minjae is and what he did to make you act like this."
I shook my head, laughing softly, trying to hide the blush that was creeping up my neck. "Seokjun… you're relentless."
"Relentless? Please. I'm your best friend. It's my job to get the full story." He leaned back, holding the note like a trophy. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe… for now. I expect every embarrassing, flirty, ridiculous detail."
I sighed, secretly grateful he wasn't judging me, just teasing relentlessly.
Seokjun seemed incapable of keeping quiet. "I just… can't get over it! A cupcake and a note? He left you a cupcake, Woobin! And how does someone do that and make it look so casual? I need to know everything! Where did you meet him? What happened?"
I laughed again, shaking my head. "Seokjun… I already said it's just… a fling. We met at a bar, talked, and… well… it was last night. That's it."
"Ohhh, c'mon. That's it? Noooo way. You're trying to hide all the fun parts." He nudged me playfully. "I can tell. Your face says way more than you're letting on."
I could only groan, letting a small, secret smile slip. Minjae might be gone, but last night lingered, not just in my memory, but in the little cupcake, the note, and now Seokjun's teasing.
The airport approached ahead. I grabbed my bag from the cab and followed Seokjun inside. Boarding calls echoed, travelers hustled past us, announcements droned on.
Seokjun nudged me as we walked inside to the Security Check. "So… when exactly am I getting the full story?"
I rolled my eyes, hiding the smile threatening to bloom. "Soon… maybe. But for now, let me savor the memory."
Seokjun chuckled, shaking his head. "Memory, huh? You're hopeless."
We passed the security check, finally getting inside the plane. I slumped into my middle seat as the plane was boarding. Seokjun plopped into the window seat beside me, dragging his carry-on overhead.
"So," he started immediately, leaning over, "You're glowing. And I know why. What's that note in your pocket? Who's Minjae?"
I groaned, trying to hide my face. "Seokjun, it's nothing. Really. He's gone. Just… forget it."
He raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Nothing? Ohhh, come on. You're practically vibrating. Spill it. Who is this guy, and what happened last night?"
I looked at him, and looked away, and at him again. Funny yeah? No. I rolled my eyes. "Do you really want to know?"
"Absolutely. I want every juicy detail. Don't leave anything out. I'm talking height, hair, personality, the whole package."
I sighed, knowing I couldn't get away. "Fine. We met in the hotel's bar. I was just drinking, trying to enjoy the last night in Rome— You, of course, were already passed out in your room. I was all alone. And then Minjae showed up. He orderes some whiskey like you know- without mixing mixing. He was next to me and… yeah, so I noticed him."
Seokjun grinned like he was hearing a secret for the first time. "Uh-huh. Classic. And then?"
"I talked to him. He was on a business trip, barely saw Rome. I told him I was on vacation with you."
"Oh, smooth," Seokjun teased. "And flirting started immediately, right?"
"Not really but kinda," I admitted. "He talked for a while, like casual things and then he leaned close, touched my hand. I couldn't ignore it."
Seokjun practically squealed. "Hand on yours? Electric? No way. Come on, what happened next?"
I groaned. "He invited me somewhere private. Said the bar was too public. I hesitated, but I went with him. Elevator ride, hallway… it was all kind of… exciting."
"In the hotel?" Seokjun's eyes widened. "Dude. I can't even. And then what?"
I laughed nervously. "We kissed. At first soft, then… it got intense. His hands everywhere. I mean, really everywhere. Undressed each other. It was messy, passionate, urgent."
"Messy and passionate? Holy shit, Woobin!" Seokjun leaned forward. "You mean… you guys…?"
"Yes, Seokjun. We had sex. Multiple times. And it was… intense. He was confident, dominant, but careful. Making sure I wanted it. And I did. I wanted him."
Seokjun's jaw dropped. "Unbelievable. And he… thought of you after? That note? Cupcake?"
I nodded, a little shy. "Yeah. He left a note saying I wasn't just used, and a cupcake. It was thoughtful, I guess. Even if it was just a one-night thing."
Seokjun laughed, shaking his head. "Dude. You are glowing, like, seriously. And you're trying to say it's nothing?"
I groaned again. "Seokjun, it was amazing, but it's over now. He's gone."
"Gone? Sure, but dude, the memories! And the cupcake! And the note! This is wild. You're glowing, man. I can't stop staring at you."
I laughed nervously, staring out the window. "Yeah… okay, I admit it was amazing. But we only met last night. That's it."
Seokjun leaned closer, grinning. "Oh, come on. Was he teasing you? Did he make you blush? Did you… enjoy it?"
"Yes. Yes to all of that," I admitted, cheeks heating. "He teased me, I teased him back. It was amazing. I've never felt anything like it."
Seokjun clapped me on the shoulder. "Dude. I can't believe this. You, glowing, a note, a cupcake, and a mysterious Minjae. I want the full story, play-by-play. Bar, elevator, hotel room… every embarrassing detail."
I groaned again, hiding my face. "Seokjun… you're relentless. Fine. But it's embarrassing and explicit."
"Exactly! That's the fun part. Come on. I'm your best friend. You have to tell me. Like… step by step. Don't skip anything. I need to know exactly what happened."
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Seokjun, please. You don't need to know every detail."
"Oh, I need to. Come on, man, you can't just drop a name like Minjae and leave me hanging. How did it start? Did you kiss first? Did he… touch you?"
I peeked at him, cheeks burning. "We kissed first. That's… the beginning."
"Yeah, but like… how? Soft? Hard? Tongue?"
"Tongue. Soft at first, then… deeper. More intense."
Seokjun practically squealed. "Ohhh, intensity! I like it! Okay, and then what? Hands? Where?"
I groaned. "Hands… everywhere. Shoulders, back… lower."
Seokjun practically leaned over me. "Lower? Lower? Woobin, tell me exactly! Chest? Neck? Your… hips?"
"Yes! Chest, neck, hips… everywhere he could reach. He was… aggressive but careful. Making sure I was okay."
Seokjun laughed loudly. "Holy crap! And clothes? Who got undressed first?"
"I think… me? He kissed me and then slowly undid my shirt. Hands roaming everywhere. I was… I don't know, lost in it. Then he got undressed too."
"And then?" Seokjun pressed, leaning practically onto my lap. "Did he… you know… go inside? How? Slow? Fast?"
I swallowed, heat creeping up my neck. "Yes… inside. Slow at first. Careful. Then… faster. Needed me as much as I needed him."
Seokjun's eyes went wide. "Oh my god! Did you… move? Touch him back?"
"Yes, of course. Grabbed him, kissed him… everything. It was… intense. I've never… felt anything like it."
"And the sounds, Woobin! Did he… groan? Whisper? Did you?"
I groaned audibly. "Yes! He whispered things to me, I… I moaned like- Everything. I was… loud enough that I'm surprised nobody heard in the hallway."
Seokjun chuckled. "And the… climax? Did you finish? How many times?"
I flushed even harder. "Yes, both of us. Multiple times. I've never been so exhausted but… so good."
He leaned back, shaking his head, laughing. "Dude, that's insane! And the note and cupcake afterward? He didn't just leave you hanging?"
"No. He left the note and the cupcake. Said he wasn't just leaving me used. Then he had to go to work."
Seokjun grinned, practically bouncing. "Man, I can't believe this. Glowing, multiple orgasms, cupcakes, thoughtful notes… Woobin, you lucky bastard. I need to live vicariously through you. Step by step—kiss, undress, touches, positions… everything!"
I groaned, but finally gave in, recounting every movement, every kiss, every touch, every whisper, and moan. Seokjun listened in disbelief, awe, and nonstop teasing. "Woobin… dude. This is next-level. I don't know whether to be jealous or impressed!"
I just laughed, leaning back in my seat, cheeks still warm. Last night was unforgettable, and apparently, now, Seokjun's favorite topic of conversation. I took out my phone as we borh quieted down, just to pass time. I was scrolling aimlessly, doing everything in my power not to get bored. I looked up to see how many passengers were seated.
And then I saw him.
Minjae.
Just walking through the aisle, no backpack, no luggage, nothing— just him. Gray coat, pants, shirt. It fit him perfectly. Anyone could guess it was tailored for him. He was walking slowly and my brain short-circuited.
Don't look. Don't look. Act normal. Pretend you don't know him.
Seokjun, naturally, was completely unaware, fiddling with his headphones and humming some random tune. Thank god for small mercies.
I forced my eyes back to my phone, but my hands were trembling. My fingers hovered over the screen like I could make it a shield between us.
He passed a few rows, coming over. My stomach twisted. He glanced at me. Oh god, he sees me. I felt my pulse spike.
Then… he stopped in front of my row. Right there. Just letting his presence register. No words, no smiles, just that calm, devastating air that made my heart pound and my palms sweat.
I froze. Every rational thought fled like a butterfly. Act normal. Look at Seokjun. Pretend nothing is happening. Oh god he's still looking. Breathe. Don't sweat. Don't make eye contact.
But my brain? Gone. He just existed. And that was enough to make me lose it.
Seokjun shifted beside me, finally noticing my sudden stiffness. "Dude… you're freaking me out. You're twitching. What's going on?"
"Nothing!" I hissed, voice tight. "I'm fine."
Seokjun raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Totally fine. You're glowing, by the way. Really… radiant. Are you okay?"
I groaned silently, pressing my face into my hands. "Seokjun, stop. Just stop. Please."
Minjae slowly slid into the aisle seat next to mine. No words. No acknowledgment. Just sat. Calm. Composed. Completely aware of the chaos he was causing inside me, but not letting it show.
My chest felt like it had been hit with a hammer. My hands were sweaty. My legs twitched uncontrollably under the seat.
Seokjun, meanwhile, kept scrolling, blissfully unaware. "So… you're just… staring at the aisle, huh?" he said casually.
"No! I'm not—" I started, but stopped. Minjae was literally right there. I couldn't speak. Couldn't move. Couldn't breathe.
He leaned back slightly, relaxed, his presence calm, teasing. He knew I was panicking. That tiny smirk tugging at the corner of his lips confirmed it. He was letting me stew.
I tried to focus on my lap. Breathe. Don't look. Don't. Just don't.
Seokjun nudged me again. "Dude, you're pale. Seriously. Something's going on. You're shaking. Are you cold or… what?"
"No! I'm fine!" I hissed, trying to sound normal. My voice was shaky. Too late. My heart was racing like it wanted to jump out of my chest.
Minjae didn't move. Didn't say a word. Just existed beside me, calm, composed, like nothing had happened, yet every nerve in my body was screaming.
Oh god, oh god, oh god. He knows I know he knows. And I can't—don't look—don't look—
Seokjun, of course, was completely oblivious. "You're sweating, by the way. Hot flashes? Nervous? Excited? What's going on?"
I groaned internally. "Seokjun, for the love of god, stop talking!"
Minjae gave me the tiniest glance. Just one, subtle, calm, acknowledging. No smirk this time. Not teasing. Just… awareness. And that made me want to crawl under the seat.
I pressed my hands against my face. Tried to disappear. Tried to make myself invisible.
Seokjun hummed again, scrolling, muttering under his breath. "Man… you're acting weird. Something's up. I can tell. Maybe… someone sitting next to you? Huh?"
I froze. Yes. Someone. Someone I can't handle. Someone who ruins my ability to act casual ever again.
Minjae shifted slightly in his seat calmly. No teasing. Just his subtle presence, like he was letting me figure out my own panic.
I could feel my heart hammering. My stomach was in knots. My hands were shaking. I wanted to speak, to say something, anything, but I couldn't.
Seokjun leaned back finally, oblivious. "Alright, whatever. You're freaking out, that's fine. But you need to calm down, man. You're about to be on a plane for a few hours."
I groaned quietly, resting my face on my arm, still trembling slightly. Minjae, beside me, was the picture of calm. He hadn't said a word. Just let me panic silently while I tried, and failed to act normal.
And all the while… Minjae just sat there, letting me stew in my own chaos, completely aware but completely gentle.
Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
~ Min
[Words: 3040]