09:00PM - The Pit Gym Roofttop
Seo Min-joon locked up the Pit after his rigorous nigeht training, he made his way up to the roof, lit a cigarette, and inhaled the chilly night air, taking in the city lights twinkling below. The smoke curled lazily from his lips as he exhaled, carrying with it some of the tension from his workout. His mind wandered to the strangest place. Adrian, or more specifically the completive debate project they needed to work on.
The folder was tucked deep into his bag as he pulled it out, putting his cigarette out, he saw the date was a month away. Why the hell now? Why would he give this to him now knowing how fare away it was? Adrian always played games, always kept things unpredictable. It was one of the many reasons he infuriated Seo... yet made him impossible to ignore.
A flicker of unease stirred in his gut. He'd pushed him away earlier, told him to stay away, and threatened him, yet the Frenchman just smirked with that knowing look in his eyes.
Seo finally finished his eighth cigarette when he decided to head home.
All he wanted was to get some sleep. Training hard and pushing his limits everyday was exhausting, both physically and mentally.
10:00PM - Velvet Lounge, Downtown City District
In the city, Adrian sat amongst his 'friends' (more like circle of admirers and hanger-ons) in a upscale late-night city lounge, the atmosphere was electric yet cozy—jazz spilled out the invisible speakers, and the warm lights above reflected onto Adrian's sharp features as he leaned into the green velvet as he sipped his champagne.
Adrian entertained the camaraderie, he allowed them to chatter on with their empty conversations of art galleries, new exclusive clubs, the latest elite gossip, fleeting relationships. A friend leaned in, asking about his plans for the weekend. Adrian smiled, his expression enigmatic, never too inviting, though he always seemed to fail when trying to be distant.
"Oh, nothing much, I have a project to work on." though his mind was somewhere else entirely.
Adrian thought of Seo. To him, he was fascinating—someone who resisted his charm and status. If he could get Seo to warm up to him, anyone would. He toyed with his dainty gold chain, smirking faintly. Seo thought he could keep his imposing walls up forever? He'd see. Adrian felt a desire to understand Seo, to break down his walls towards him.
As the conversations went on, Adrian excused himself, grabbing his coat with casual grace and offering a warm, closed-mouth smile. He left the money for the bill on the table and slipped out.
11:30PM - Seo's Apartment, Small Off-Campus Studio
Seo stumbled into his small apartment, barley registering the dimly lit hallway or the bed in his room. All he could focus on was getting some rest. Upon collapsing onto his mattress, he peeled the layers of winter clothing off, tossing them aside, and slipped into his sheets. He expected sleep to claim him but for a moment, he just lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling.
The events of the day swirled in his mind like a storm, the grueling training session, the shared assignment with Adrian, and the work he to finish. He groaned softly, rubbing a hand over his face. His mind kept slipping back to that damned Adrian, his maddening smirk, those piercing green eyes. What made him get under his skin so easily? Seo wasn't the type to get so outwardly threatening.
After what felt like eternity, Seo allowed sleep to hit him like a cool and comforting wave.
Adrian was the last thing on his mind.
12:15PM - Outside the Velvet Lounge, Downtown City District
Outside, Adrian walked along the rain-slicked streets, his designer shoes clicking against the pavement. The air was cool and fresh, a welcomed respite from the huskiness of the lounge. He soon made it to the sleek black car idling alongside the curb, the driver dressed in a sharp tailored suit, greeted Adrian as he opened the door. Adrian slid inside the soft leather interior, his thoughts still wandering to Seo.
06:00AM - Seo's Apartment Bedroom
Seo had just drifted to sleep when the ping of his phone alerted him up, he groggily reached over to the nightstand to silence it, his eyes adjusting to the morning light piercing through the blinds, he had only one more hour to sleep before his warehouse shift. A message from Adrian flashed onto the screen:
How the hell did he get this number?!
Obviously annoyed but curious, Seo opened the message:
"Hey Seo! 😊 Meet me at Brewed Awakening Cafe, I want to discuss the project. 😌"
Wtf is with the emojis? And Brewed Awakening of all places? The common lunch spot for the rich kids?
Seo, unhesitant to hit the block button, instead decided to respond curtly...
"I'm busy. Figure it out yourself."
... it took all of 10 seconds for Adrian to respond.
"I know you would like to get this assignment over with. "
Seo let out a frustrated sigh before throwing his phone across the bed. Of course Adrian wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. He gave him the impression of the relentless, pushy type. Well, he wasn't going to let him get under his skin. Tossing off his sheets off and stood, stretching his hands overhead.
Sleep could wait; he needed to get moving if he wanted to make it to his shift on time. A hot shower cleared the fog from his mind, and by the time he dressed in a black bomber jacket, dark wash jeans, and a hoodie, he was more alert. Grabbing his bag and headphones, Seo headed out the door, not bothering to check his phone again.
Whatever Adrian wanted, It could wait.