Chapter Text
Park Seonghwa possessed an undeniable magnetism for chaos.
It wasn't him seeking it out. It was as if chaos was something real and drawn to him. The irony was that Seonghwa had always been a creature of meticulous planning. At the age of thirteen, his life's trajectory was already plotted on an imaginary chart. Secondary school, a prestigious university, fame, the fabled 'meet-cute' with his soulmate, a picture-perfect wedding, the sound of tiny feet running down the hall. This was the life plan. It was the perfect dream, the life that society often presented as the ultimate achievement, and Seonghwa had wholeheartedly embraced it.
However, life had a wicked sense of humor, or perhaps a cosmic aversion to his neatly laid plans.
Instead of the smooth life he had hoped and strived for, Seonghwa's life unfolded like a series of unexpected detours. The carefully constructed outline began to blur, the sequence of events got scrambled, and he found himself navigating a life lived wildly out of sync from his original design. His life wasn't without joy or satisfaction, far from it. But it was definitely a mess.
“Bonhwa, if you don’t get dressed, I’m leaving you to walk to school by yourself.”
Hearing his son's muffled retort from behind a closed door, Seonghwa just sighed. He hastily packed the scattered papers from the kitchen table into his bag. The sound of eggs sizzling in a pan then drew his focus to the other person present in the kitchen.
Wooyoung was moving around his kitchen, cooking breakfast for the two. "He's beginning to show signs of rebellion."
“He doesn’t have the best role models for that, now does he?” Seonghwa said.
The eggs plopped onto the plate haphazardly, a greasy sheen spreading around them. Wooyoung sighed, "Honestly, my plating skills need serious improvement."
"Youngie, shouldn't you be practicing for your test? Instead of here making us breakfast? Bonhwa, breakfast!" Seonghwa called out in his small apartment. Hearing nothing, he was about to go get his son when the bedroom door opened. His six-year-old came out in a blue long-sleeved shirt and black shorts and Seonghwa smiled at the sight. His son's fluffy hair bounced as he sat down.
“Hey, Uncle Woo.”
“I came all this way to make you breakfast on your first day back to school and all I get is a ‘hey?’”
“He’s cool now, Youngie. All the girls fawn over him at lunch and he gets invited to play football all the time. He has no time for us,” Seonghwa said, reaching over and ruffling the curls, trying to make them look a little more tame. Bonhwa thrived during his first summer class, excelling both academically and socially. Seonghwa was overjoyed to see his son integrate so seamlessly with his peers, a concern that had often kept him awake. As a second-year teacher, Seonghwa witnessed firsthand the cruelty of children and their tendency to bully and torment. However, Bonhwa appeared to be well-liked by everyone, at least according to what Seonghwa observed and what Yunho, Bonhwa’s teacher, reported.
“Ah, a ladies man. Do you have a crush on anyone?”
Bonhwa shrugged his shoulders, “They’re fine, I guess. I’d rather play football than talk with them.”
“Good, girls suck anyway,” Wooyoung said, nodding his head as he placed the food on the table, telling the two to dig in.
“You just say that because you have two boyfriends,” Bonhwa says.
“Of course I am. Girls have cooties.”
“Girls do not have cooties,” Seonghwa said, giving Wooyoung a sharp look. “We don’t discriminate between genders. Everyone is equal and deserves respect, right, Bon?”
“Yep,” Bonhwa said, nodding his head with a mouth full of toast and egg.
Wooyoung looked at Bonhwa, nodding his head in agreement before giving an apologetic look to Seonghwa. Seonghwa wasn't mad, but he wanted to teach Bonhwa to be more accepting than he was allowed to be while growing up. It's a challenge to change old ways for the younger generation, but this is one of the reasons he became a teacher in the first place. Before they could say more, San, one of Wooyoung's boyfriends, walked in. His bag slung over one shoulder and a smile bright on his face.
“I just dropped Sangie off at work. Are we ready to head to school?” San asked.
"Alright, time to wash up and get your things," Seonghwa said, rising to place the rinsed dishes into the dishwasher. He then pressed a kiss to Wooyoung's head and picked up his bag filled with his lesson plans that he spent the last few nights working meticulously on. "Breakfast was delicious, thank you. Be sure to lock up on your way out, okay?"
“Okay, mom.”
“I will literally kick your ass.”
“No, you won’t.”
Seonghwa smiled, wiping his hands off on the pastel pink towel beside the sink. “You’re right, Youngie. Who else would feed us food all the time if you were gone?”
The gasp that left Wooyoung was loud and exaggerated, with his hand placed over his heart. “I’m offended.”
"I love you. Have a great day at class and good luck with your test." He felt Wooyoung's eye roll more than seeing it as he turned away, but also sensed the affection coming from him. Meanwhile, Seonghwa called for Bonhwa to get his bag quickly. San then approached Wooyoung, kissing the man softly before taking a bite of his bread and whispering, "Thank you. Love you," before heading to the front door. San called for Bonhwa when they didn't hear the boy coming, who moments later burst from his room, slamming the door shut, and raced down the hall to join them. He now had his backpack and a bright blue hat with an embroidered dolphin on the front.
"Hats aren't allowed in school," San said, closing the front door as they headed out.
"But the playground's different! Dad insists on sun protection, and I can't stand that goop he uses."
"You mean sunscreen? I'll be slathering you in it the second we get to school, so you don't get burned."
"But I have a hat on!"
"Your skin is too sensitive, Bon. You need sunscreen whenever you're outside. I wear it every day, even though I'm mostly inside," San explained.
Seonghwa let out a quiet sigh, barely audible over the chatter. He watched Bonhwa totally absorbed in talking to San. The kid’s eyes were shining, full of excitement as he hung onto San’s every word. It’s a scene Seonghwa’s seen a million times. Bonhwa’s been glued to San since he could crawl, like San’s got this irresistible charm and he just adored him.
Even as a toddler, barely able to form coherent sentences, Bonhwa always found his way to San's side. He toddled after him, his small hand reaching out to grasp San's leg. Seonghwa often chuckled to himself while observing this sweet, innocent display of affection. It’s a heartwarming sight, but it also spoke volumes about the deep bond between the two. San, for his part, always welcomed Bonhwa's attention, treating him with kindness and patience. He always explained things to the boy, answered his endless questions, and even indulged in games of make-believe, always with a gentle smile on his face.
As Bonhwa grew older, his admiration for San only seemed to intensify. Whatever San did, Bonhwa felt an urge to copy. If San expressed an interest in a particular hobby, Bonhwa suddenly developed the same interest. If San wore a certain style of clothing, Bonhwa insisted on having similar outfits. It is both endearing and slightly amusing to witness. Seonghwa quickly realized the potential of this dynamic. He discovered a secret weapon, a way to gently guide Bonhwa towards positive behaviors.
If Seonghwa wanted Bonhwa to eat his vegetables, he only has to mention that San enjoyed eating them too. If he wanted Bonhwa to sit down and do his homework, he casually remarked that San is a hard worker. And, much to Seonghwa's relief, if he needed Bonhwa to brush his teeth twice a day, a simple mention that San always did was enough for Bonhwa. It’s a pretty unconventional way to parent but it unfortunately worked for them. Seonghwa can't help but feel gratitude towards San, for not only supplying Seonghwa with a secret weapon, but for also being a great role model.
And that’s how he found himself in his classroom with San and Bonhwa both putting sunscreen all over their bodies before class started, San going over the importance of protecting themselves from the sun. They’re still giggling with each other when his door opened, a head of dirty blonde hair poking in. “Seonghwa, are you still okay with taking my after-school duties today?”
Yunho, another teacher in the same hallway as him and Bonhwa’s teacher, had a sheepish smile on his face as he asked the question.
Seonghwa just smiled back, continuing to lay out worksheets he had for his students at each desk. “Of course, Yunho. Have fun with your partner.”
“Thank you. I’ll take one of your days next week.”
“You don’t have to. I like working the extra hour. It’s nice to see the kids' parents and talk to them when I’m not sitting in my classroom with a list of things for their child to improve on.”
Yunho nodded before diverting his attention to San, “Are you coming to see Yeosang walk tonight as well? This will be his first time with Utopia, right?”
San nodded, capping the sunscreen and putting it back on the shelf before rubbing his arms a little more. “Yeah, I’ll be going. Only one of us can go, and Wooyoung wants to relax with Bonhwa and Seonghwa tonight since he had a big test.”
“Yeosang should just tell them that he has two partners. They’re very accepting and wouldn’t mind giving you both seats.”
“All three of us have decided that it’s just something we will have to work around. Yeosang has lost too many job opportunities by coming out too soon. So we’re playing it safe.” San gave a small smile before going into the hallway.
Seonghwa waved to San before he left toward the gym, where he’ll spend the next hour getting everything set up with fun activities for the day for all the kids so they stay active.
“You also like Utopia, right? I see you wearing one of their sweaters on a casual day,” Yunho asked, moving to the side once more when a child barreled through to their seat, saying hi to everyone, including Bonhwa.
Seonghwa truly adored the fashion brand Utopia, not just liked it. He admired how they challenged traditional norms, demonstrating that clothing is not limited by gender, and that men can wear dresses while women can wear suits. He frequented the daily wear section of their website weekly, with a particular fondness for their sweaters, drawn to their luxurious soft texture. Despite being considered high fashion, Utopia's pieces are relatively low-cost compared to other brands, though still expensive enough that Seonghwa can't purchase them often. He managed to save money from two of his birthdays to buy the single sweater Yunho mentioned earlier. It's his only item from Utopia by his favorite designer, something he cherished deeply. “Yes, that brand is a favorite of mine.”
“If I ask Mingi, I could potentially get you into a show sometime? Since they have them on a smaller scale more frequently. A thank you for always covering for me.”
"Yun, that’s very kind, but I wouldn’t want you to trouble yourself. I also have Bonhwa to think about, and finding a sitter could be tricky if both San and Wooyoung are unavailable. The offer is really appreciated, though."
“Just let me know if you change your mind. Bonhwa, are you ready to head to class?”
Bonhwa’s head snapped up, multiple kids from Seonghwa's classroom talking with him. He said goodbye to everyone before jumping to Yunho. “See you later, Dad!”
Seonghwa saw Bonhwa zoom out the door after Yunho. He propped his door open, letting a wave of students pour in, each one a different vibe, a mix of excitement and maybe a little first-day jitters. Seonghwa meticulously organized his desk, ensuring that his teaching materials are neatly arranged and the day’s schedule is readily available. He took a deep breath, a familiar sense of purpose settling over him as the bell rang, signaling the start of another day.
The hours flew by quickly. The atmosphere of the classroom was an excited hum as his students engaged and they connected and learned more about each other. Soon they wouldn’t be small strangers, but familiar faces that he got to see learn and grow. Seonghwa navigated his room, weaving in and out of tables as he interacted with each child on their own level. He’s gotten really good at gauging a child's individual needs, adapting his teaching methods to make sure that every student grasped the lesson. He offered encouragement and gentle corrections when needed.
His path to becoming a teacher hadn't been a straight one, nor had it been his first dream. Initially, Seonghwa had wanted a different life for himself, one filled with stages and applause. Armed with a performance degree with a minor in teaching, he had harbored dreams of becoming a star. Early in life, he'd received a steady stream of compliments about his features, people always calling him handsome, inadvertently steering him toward a career in the spotlight.
However, life had a way of surprising you with unexpected turns. When his girlfriend at the time, Minjeong, shared the news of her pregnancy, Seonghwa felt something shift. Responsibility took over ambition. Bonhwa was his first priority always and seeing how busy Minjeong was, already chasing her dreams of becoming a model, he knew that he wouldn’t be able to pursue a career in the spotlight to the fullest and be with his son.
Since his minor was in education, Seonghwa saw the solution that would allow him to provide and be more present for his unexpected family. He worked hard, determined to finish his education before Bonhwa’s arrival. He didn’t regret the change. He always loved kids and though teaching was never his end goal until way later in life, he found an unexpected satisfaction with his current job.
And as the day continued on, Seonghwa was just happy he got to make an impact. It’s not exactly what he envisioned for himself at first, but he thought this is something that works better for him.
As the school day came to a close, he waved goodbye to Bonhwa and Wooyoung who walked hand in hand down the sidewalk. Bonhwa used Wooyoung as leverage to jump over cracks in the sidewalk and Wooyoung giggled at him the entire time, a huge smile on his face as he watched the young boy. He also waved to Yunho, who was rushing out of the front door of the school, trying to avoid the kids running to parents and friends.
“Thank you, Hwa! I’ll repay you!”
Seonghwa shook his head and focused on the remaining parents arriving to collect their children. Soon, nearly all the students left for the day, save for those involved in after-school programs. He spotted San at the track, surrounded by a group, with footballs nearby. Since Wooyoung picked Bonhwa up for the day, he opted to stay a little longer and tidy his classroom and complete some tasks.
The walk home offered a rare moment of quiet for Seonghwa. Even though the streets were anything but, he was able to retreat in his own mind and ignore his responsibilities for a short period. He passed a playground that he took Bonhwa too often, kids screaming and giggling as they enacted pirates and soldiers.
There’s a slight breeze as the sun started to set and Seonghwa felt peaceful until he was met with the old metal stairs that led to his apartment. He tuned out the shouting from one of the units,a middle aged couple that would be better off separate than together. The building’s condition is far from pristine, peeling paint from the tan walls, patches of brick chipped away, metal bars bent. Thankfully, Seonghwa;s apartment was on the top floor, a newer addition built a few years before his divorce with Minjeong.
When he put the code to the door in, he found Wooyoung sitting on the couch scrolling on his phone while Bonhwa was at the kitchen table, scribbling on a piece of paper.
“Did he get more homework?” Seonghwa asked as he set his things down to take off his shoes.
“Yunho gave him a worksheet. He’s probably almost done. I let him play for a bit while I made dinner. Told him he could watch a movie if he got all the answers correct,” Wooyoung said, not looking up from his phone, which was uncommon when Seonghwa was around
“Sounds good. Thank you so much.”
“Dinner is simmering on the stove.”
Seonghwa offered Wooyoung a warm smile, expressing his gratitude for the food as he took a peek in the pot. The smell of the soup was delicious and he had full faith in Wooyoung’s culinary skills, knowing full well that this was packed with multiple veggies that Bonhwa wouldn’t be able to pick out or even taste. He carried a bowl over to the table to sit with Bonhwa, asking him how his day went and what he was working on. Bonhwa eagerly told him about everything, going into detail about his athletics class, San letting the kids play football almost the entire time. He also talked about the sheet with multiple math questions, wondering why one kid needed twelve watermelons in the first place.
As Bonhwa reached the end of the paper, he held it up triumphantly. “It’s all correct now, Uncle Woo! I know it for sure!”
Wooyoung immediately put down his phone and smiled at the child, taking the paper and looking at each answer carefully. “Good job, Bonhwa. Now what do you want to watch?”
“Despicable Me!” Bonhwa said as Seonghwa mouthed the answer from the kitchen, putting his dish in the sink and taking the soup off the stove so it can cool down before he put it in a container for Wooyoung to take back home, even though more than likely the man will ‘forget’ it on the counter and Seonghwa will eat it for lunch the next day.
As the movie started playing, Wooyoung pointed to Seonghwa and then to Seonghwa's bedroom. He curiously followed Wooyoung. The other man waited for the door to click shut before he shoved a pink piece of paper in front of Seonghwa's face. “What is this?”
Seonghwa's eyes grew wide as he snatched it away from Wooyoung. “Where did you get this?”
“It was left on your front door. A last warning eviction notice? Seonghwa, seriously?”
“You had no right to read this.”
“I have every right when my best friend and his kid may be out of their apartment in three months! What the fuck, Seonghwa? Why haven’t you asked for help? When did this even happen? You’ve never done this before.”
Seonghwa sat heavily on the edge of his bed, the thin mattress dipping under his weight. His shoulders deflated, the weight of months of stress and financial strain pressed down on him like a physical burden. The cheerful afternoon sunlight streaming through his window seemed to mock his gloom. He looked over at Wooyoung, his eyes holding a mixture of weariness and a desperate plea to understand. "Do you remember when Bonhwa and I went to visit my family in Jinju?"
Wooyoung nodded slowly, recalling the weekend trip. "Yes, you said you wanted to stay longer than just the weekend."
Seonghwa's smile was brief and tinged with bitterness. "We were in Jinju but Bonhwa suddenly developed a high fever, throwing up constantly, rapid heart beat. We had to rush him to the nearest hospital and it turned out to be pneumonia. What should have been a quick visit turned into a nightmare. We had to stay in the hospital for almost a week. A full seven days of constant worry and machines beeping. And the school's insurance? It’s absolutely worthless. A total joke. Barely covered anything. I ended up having to pay a ridiculous amount of it out of my own pocket and I’m still paying it. Just when I think I’m starting to get ahead, something like this comes along." Seonghwa rubbed his temples, the memory still raw and painful. "It’s always something, isn’t it?"
"Why didn’t you tell me about this?" Wooyoung asked, voice thick with concern and a hint of hurt.
"I was scared and overwhelmed," Seonghwa said, hesitant and laced with vulnerability. "My baby was so sick, and he needed me constantly. Every ounce of my energy went into caring for him. I knew I should have trusted you and the others, but the fear just held me back. I didn’t want you to worry, to feel like you would need to come to Jinju to help me when you were on vacation."
"You should’ve told me," Wooyoung reiterated, now softer, more understanding. "I would have been there for you. I would have helped with everything, no questions asked."
"But you three just went on vacation. You were just starting to feel like you could be yourself again with Yeosang and San. I couldn't bring myself to burden you with my own problems. And we somehow got through it. We managed."
Wooyoung paused, obviously trying to gather his thoughts on the entire situation before responding. "Seonghwa, you're important to me. More than you seem to realize. Why is it so hard for you to ask for help? Or even accept our help? We’re doing well financially, and I hate to think of you struggling alone when I could make things easier."
"I don’t need handouts!" Seonghwa retorted, a sudden flash of defensiveness in his voice. "I won’t take your money. I’m capable of handling my own responsibilities. I'll manage somehow."
“Seonghwa—”
“No. Please stop. I have three months. I can budget and figure it out. Bonhwa and I will be fine.”
Wooyoung sighs, running a hand through his already messy hair. "I wish you'd stop being so stubborn and just ask for help. You know we'd all do anything for you."
"I know," Seonghwa murmured, watching Wooyoung head to the door.
"If you're still short on rent two weeks before the eviction, we'll cover it. Please, don't lie to me again. Just this once, put your pride aside. I understand you're a single dad struggling with a co-parent who isn't pulling their weight, but you don't have to prove anything. How would Bonhwa feel if he had to move back to his mother's, where she's never home, all because you refused help from your friends, your family?"
Seonghwa remained silent as Wooyoung left, not missing the barely audible farewell Wooyoung directed to Bonhwa amidst the chaotic sounds of cartoon characters. He raised his chin, determined not to shed tears over a situation of his own making. His fists clenched at his sides as a surge of resolve washed over him. He doesn’t need help. He will accomplish this by his means.
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
Seonghwa's apartment was quiet, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting gentle shadows across the room. Bonhwa slept soundly, tucked under his dinosaur blanket. They got through two more chapters of “The Hobbit” before Bonhwa's rhythmic breathing told Seonghwa the boy was asleep. Now, the clock on his phone read 11:17 PM, and Seonghwa felt wide awake.
He opened his laptop, the screen illuminating his face as he typed in different terms in the search bar. Part time jobs, temp work, flexible hours. Each click led to new jobs, but each one had their own set of issues. Dog walking appealed to him, he would be able to interact with animals and get a lot of fresh air, but he would have to leave Bonhwa alone. He wasn’t going to disrupt his son's daily routine to get him up really early to go with him. Driving jobs would be viable, make his own hours, meaning he could work on the weekend that Bonhwa is at his mothers house but he didn’t have a car.
Babysitting would be another option, As long as the family would allow him to bring Bonhwa, it could work. Bonhwa is usually well-behaved, but what if the job required late hours? What if they wanted him to stay overnight? He couldn’t drag Bonhwa to a strange place to sleep on random nights. Bonhwa is like Seonghwa, he thrived on consistency and routine. Seonghwa won't compromise his son's well-being for extra cash. But if he doesn’t find something, he’ll lose him altogether.
With a sigh, Seonghwa leaned back, rubbing his eyes. The options were limited, each with an issue that Seonghwa couldn’t see past. As a joke he typed in how to sell feet pics to creeps. What he doesn't expect is a reddit post to pop up
How to make money fast with your body without sex.
There were a lot of random posts underneath the original. Many of it were things to do on Only Fans. Challenges and games to get the audience more engaged, therefore more tips rolling in. But Seonghwa didn’t need any of that. He needed something that wouldn’t ruin his reputation as a teacher.
Towards the end of the thread, he noticed a link to an app and a long explanation underneath.
I used this app all through college and a little after. I never used my body for sex, and I really only kept people company by texting and calling them. The app has a wide range of things that you can do for Daddies and Mommies. A lot of them just want companionship, someone to talk to. I had one Daddy who would send me twenty bucks just to text him throughout the day. To check up on him and make him laugh. I did go on a few events when I was comfortable with the client. The app is super safe, and I never felt like I was ever in danger. This is a great way to get quick cash, and I highly recommend it!! www.sugarlove.com.
Seonghwa hovered over the link for minutes before closing the laptop with a sigh. It’s too good to be true.
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
Seonghwa spent days wracking his brain for a solution. He needed something Bonhwa wouldn't discover, and something that wouldn't force him to leave his son for extended periods. His thoughts kept circling back to that app. Seonghwa was a natural conversationalist. The idea of getting paid to uplift and comfort people genuinely appealed to him. Maybe a short peek at the website wouldn’t hurt.
He typed the url in the browser, being brought to a pastel yellow and pink website. There was a lot going on with pictures of profiles auto scrolling, a bright SIGN UP HERE button that glowed when he hovered over it. He scrolled down more and found what he was looking for.
The "Learn About Us" section had a trove of micro-tabs and he read each one meticulously.
For the security and peace of mind of all participants, Sugar Love prioritizes the safety of its Sugar Babies, Mommies, and Daddies. Upon registration, all information will be entered into our system for evaluation and a comprehensive background check. Eligibility mandates a clean criminal record. We offer a range of tiers to accommodate varying comfort levels. Sugar Babies possess the autonomy to establish their own rates, which are final and not subject to negotiation by other parties.
Tier Baby relationship facilitates the exchange of contact between the parties. Physical meetings are not permitted at this level unless both parties mutually agree to upgrade the relationship tier. Communication within the application is compensated; however, sharing personal contact details outside the app is allowed at the Baby's discretion. Pricing is determined solely by the Baby and is not subject to negotiation.
Tier Love relationship facilitates in-person meetings between the Baby and the Mommy or Daddy for shared activities. This agreement permits dates and extended time spent together. Sexual activity is prohibited unless both parties explicitly agree to upgrade the tier. Upon the commencement and conclusion of each scheduled meeting, both individuals are obligated to register their location on the designated application as confirmation of their safety. Failure to register will result in the dispatch of law enforcement to the stated location. Pricing is determined solely by the Baby and is not subject to negotiation.
Tier Sugar relationship facilitates consensual sexual activity between both participating individuals. Such activities must occur at a hotel designated and approved by Sugar Love. The recording of any sexual activity is strictly prohibited. Both participants are required to verify their presence on the application at the commencement and conclusion of the scheduled meeting, confirming their safety and departure from the location. Should a participant fail to verify their presence on the application, law enforcement will be dispatched to the location. Pricing is determined solely by the Baby and is not subject to negotiation.
Seonghwa became more and more interested in the website's rules as he read through them. He wondered if they actually worked. Without really thinking about it, he scrolled back up and clicked on the Sign Up button. He took a deep breath before making his choice: Tier Baby.
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
It was a long, agonizing week. Each passing day felt like an eternity for Seonghwa. He sent the email to Sugar Love with a mixture of horror and hope. He checked his inbox, refreshed it more times than he can count, but nothing. Just the usual spam and the dull routine of everyday emails.
Then, precisely seven days later, just as he was ready to accept that he was not in the program, it happened. The subtle vibration of his phone against his thigh sent a jolt of electricity through him. It’s lunchtime and he had no lunch duties today. He is sitting next to Yunho with San, Yeosang, and Wooyoung on the other side of the picnic table. They were dissecting the latest episode of some outrageously trashy reality show that they all secretly loved. Their voices were loud and animated, punctuated by laughter and exaggerated gasps, sometimes getting louder than the screaming children on the playground.
He glanced down, his heart suddenly pounding frantically against his ribs. There it is, an email notification. The words seem to shimmer on the screen, almost too good to be true. A rush of heat flooded his face, and his breath hitched in his throat. A strange mix of excitement and nerves churned in his stomach. He quickly slipped the phone into his pocket. He doesn't want to share what he might be doing for money with his friends.
Though, nothing ever got by Wooyoung, who caught his reaction. He saw the flicker of surprise, the subtle intake of breath. Now, his eyebrow is arched, a silent question hanging in the air, his eyes boring into Seonghwa. He fixed Seonghwa with an unwavering stare that seemed to pierce through his carefully constructed facade. Seonghwa knew that stare. He'd seen it a thousand times before. It’s Wooyoung's way of saying, "I know you're hiding something, and I'm going to find out what it is." With a sheepish grin, Seonghwa simply shook his head, offering a small, dismissive gesture. He hoped it looked casual, but inside, his heart was pounding. He desperately tried to refocus his attention on the conversation, forcing himself to offer half-hearted comments about the reality show. But his mind was elsewhere, consumed by the email tucked away in his pocket, burning with anticipation and worry.
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
Seonghwa navigated the remainder of his day in a haze. The walk home alongside Bonhwa was a mere sequence of footsteps and muted conversation, his thoughts consumed by the phone in his pocket.When he finally stepped into his apartment, a familiar scene greeted him. The shoes near the entrance and the rich, aromatic scent of Wooyoung’s distinctive curry immediately signaled his friend's presence. Seonghwa decided not to even joke about how the code to his apartment should only be used in emergencies. Especially since this happened at least three times a week. But he was hoping that Wooyoung wouldn't come today, but Seonghwa couldn’t be that lucky.
"Go play in your room for a bit, Bon," Seonghwa said calmly, though Wooyoung probably can detect the familiar nervousness in his voice. "Dinner will be ready soon, and I'll come get you."
Bonhwa was already grabbing his tablet from the counter. He disappeared down the hall, the sounds of Minecraft soon followed.
The silence that descended after Bonhwa left feels heavy. Wooyoung, who had been stirring the pot, finally turned to Seonghwa, looking directly at him. "Are you seeing someone?" he asked, the question hanging in the air with more weight than he intended.
Seonghwa's eyes widen slightly in surprise. This isn’t the first question he thought Wooyoung would ask. "What? No, of course not," he answered a little too quickly, though truthfully.
"What about that text earlier?" Wooyoung pressed, "You practically snatch your phone and lock it away like it is top secret."
"Woo," Seonghwa began, his tone meant to soothe, "it was nothing, really—"
"You said no more lies, Seonghwa," Wooyoung interrupts gently, his voice full of concern. "Are you in trouble? Please tell me the truth. You didn't borrow from loan sharks, did you?"
Seonghwa's surprise turned to something like exasperation. "Jesus, Wooyoung! No, I did not borrow from loan sharks," he said firmly, almost angrily.
"Because you know I'd rather you borrow every last penny from us than go anywhere near those absolute pieces of shit. They basically ruined my uncle’s life—" Wooyoung's voice trailed off, the familiar anger at those predatory people rising within him.
Seonghwa sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. The internal conflict is clear on his face. Wooyoung kept complaining about how terrible a life of borrowing can be when Seonghwa couldn’t hold it back anymore. "I signed up for a sugar baby website."
Wooyoung's hand froze, the spoon clattering against the pot. He stared at Seonghwa, his mind struggling to comprehend the unexpected statement. "What?" he managed, the single word filled with disbelief.
"Well—" Seonghwa began, his eyes darting around the kitchen as if looking for an escape.
"There’s always horror stories with those apps. They’re never safe. And how are you supposed to keep your job as a teacher?”
"It's safer and—" Seonghwa tried to explain defensively.
"How? There’s no way this could work out." Wooyoung countered.
Seonghwa sighed, a frustration settling deep in his chest. Wooyoung stood with arms crossed tightly over his chest. “Wooyoung, please,” Seonghwa began again, his voice a touch softer this time, hoping to get through to him. “Just let me explain.”
Wooyoung remained unyielding, his posture like a wall. “Explain what, hyung? Explain how you think this is a good idea in the first place?”
Seonghwa ran a hand through his hair, a habit he’d never quite shaken. “I know it sounds… unconventional,” he admitted, choosing his words carefully. “But I did my research. Hours of it. I read everything on their website. The FAQs, the reviews, the safety protocols. It’s not some shady back alley operation, Wooyoung. It’s legitimate.”
Wooyoung scoffed. “Legitimate? It’s a Sugar Baby website, Seonghwa! What part of that sounds ‘legitimate’?”
“And I’m not… I’m not doing that,” Seonghwa insisted, his tone firm. “I specifically signed up for the communication only option. Texting and phone calls. That’s it. No meetups, no physical anything. It’s just… easy income. And honestly,” he added, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice, “I could really use it right now.”
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. “Besides, I don’t even know if I got accepted into the app. That email I received earlier is about the background check. They need to verify my identity and run a criminal history check.”
Wooyoung’s eyebrows shot up, his previous worry overshadowed by surprise. “A background check? For a Sugar website? Seriously?”
Seonghwa nodded. “That’s what I’m saying! It seems really safe and secure. They take precautions. I wouldn’t have signed up for just any random website. You know me better than that. I’m the cautious one.”
Wooyoung finally dropped his arms, the rigidness in his posture softening slightly. He took a deep breath, the tension slowly released from his shoulders. “I’m sorry, Hyung,” he mumbled, looking away for a moment. “I jumped down your throat. It’s just that the whole idea… it worries me. You’re my best friend and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
A small smile formed on Seonghwa’s lips. “I know you’re worried, Young-ah. And I appreciate it, I really do. How about this, after dinner, we can sit down together, and you can go through the entire website yourself. Read everything, see their security measures, everything. And then we can check to see if I even pass this mysterious background check.”
Wooyoung managed a weak smile in return. “Hwa, your record is probably the cleanest in the world. You’ve never even gotten a parking ticket.”
“And I plan on keeping it that way,” Seonghwa said with a wink. “Now, enough about my potential start into the world of sugar babies. Let me help with dinner.”
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
The tension that has hung over the two friends for the past week slowly melted away as they finished dinner with Bonhwa. Wooyoung stayed and helped Seonghwa with his son's nightly routine. They had to videocall San so Seonghwa could put lotion on him, San putting his own on while Wooyoung held up the phone in front of Bonhwa. And as Bonhwa asked Wooyoung to read the chapter of The Hobbit tonight, Seonghwa left them to clean up in the kitchen.
Seonghwa sometimes believed he’s not the friend that Wooyoung deserved
During moments like this, when Wooyoung was giving more and more than Seonghwa can replenish, it made him feel like an inadequate friend. A terrible friend who just takes and takes with nothing to bring to the table. In their secondary and University years, Seonghwa always took care of Wooyoung. They would walk to school together every day, even though Seonghwa had a bike. But he woke up thirty minutes early so that he could walk with Wooyoung. In university, Seonghwa didn’t have to think before he decided to room with Wooyoung in his second year and Wooyoung's first. Seonghwa was barely in his dorm during his first lonely year anyway, opting to take the long bus ride back to Wooyoung’s family home. And when Wooyoung entered University, they both wrote down each other's names on the dorm form without even discussing it. They both just knew.
But when Seonghwa’s life veered sharply after uncharacteristically saying yes to a party invitation. It was there that he met his future ex wife. What followed was something that he would never call a mistake. Before he could fully grasp the implications, he found himself cradling a newborn, a tiny, dependent life that he felt utterly unprepared for. His shared dorm with Wooyoung that was filled with love and laughter got replaced by a cold apartment inhabited by two people who tried desperately to love one another, but just couldn’t.
Wooyoung helped him through it all. The fighting, the sleepless nights, the crying. His marriage and Bonhwa shifted the dynamic between the two best friends, reshaping it in a way that Seonghwa still didn't quite understand.
And now side by side on his worn couch, the silence settled between them comfortably. Seonghwa carefully balanced his laptop on his right thigh and Wooyoung mirrored him, the cool metal placed on his best friend's left thigh. They shared the screen as Wooyoung read through the entire website meticulously checking all tabs and Seonghwa didn't look away from him, monitoring any subtle shift in his facial expressions. Occasionally, Wooyoung would pause, eyes darting over the same line multiple times before nodding and continuing on.
"This actually looks legitimate."
Seonghwa bumped his shoulder against Wooyoung, "And I was going to tell you if I got in."
"I am sorry for how I reacted,” Wooyoung said, relaxing further into the couch.
"I get why you reacted that way, it's fine. Honestly, I didn't think this would lead anywhere, so I didn't say anything."
"You've been glued to your phone, even more than usual. I thought you were seeing someone."
"Definitely not. I wouldn't do that."
Wooyoung stared at Seonghwa in disbelief. "But signing up for that website is normal for you?"
"I'm having a quarter-life crisis, can’t you just leave me alone?"
"Absolutely not. Open the email."
With the laptop now resting on Seonghwa's thighs, they both settled deeper into their cuddle. The email boldly announced Sugar Love Background Results at the very top. Without hesitation, Seonghwa opened it and began to read.
Dear Seonghwa,
My name is Seoyeon, and I am responsible for reviewing your application. Your background check yielded no discrepancies, which is a positive. A thorough review of your employment status and social media profiles has also been completed. Based on our comprehensive assessment, we are pleased to extend an invitation for you to join the Sugar Love family.
Your next step will involve creating an account and establishing your pricing structure. A document containing suggested pricing guidelines has been provided however, please be aware that these are merely recommendations, and you retain full discretion over your own rates. As indicated in your application, your preferred engagement methods include text-based communication and occasional in-person meetings, to be scheduled after an initial period of communication. Should you wish to add the third tier of engagement, please do not hesitate to contact me via this email address.
We appreciate your interest in joining Sugar Love! Welcome to the family.
Sincerely,
Seoyeon
"Huh," Seonghwa said, slamming his laptop shut. "That was a real person with a real reply. This website is too good to be true. I don’t trust it. That was fun. I’m glad I went through all of that. Nice to know I could get accepted."
"Wha- Seonghwa, this seems great!" Wooyoung exclaimed, getting up to follow Seonghwa.
"Most definitely. Thanks for all the support, please leave now and forget any of this happened." Seonghwa tried to push Wooyoung towards the door.
Wooyoung laughed, "Hyung, stop for a second. You don’t have to start immediately-"
"-or at all," Seonghwa finished.
"Can I help you sift through candidates? Is it like Tinder? Swipe left if you hate them and right if they’re not a creep?”
“When have you ever been on Tinder?”
“I haven’t, but I know how dating apps work.”
Seonghwa felt on the verge of hyperventilating as they both stood in the middle of his small living room. Why did he ever think this was a good idea? He shouldn't be on an app like this. He's no longer young, and people don't want someone close to their thirties. They pay for young people on their arms, not a twenty-eight-year-old.
“Hwa, hey. Let’s sit down for a second.”
“No, I need to delete this app—”
“Sit.”
Seonghwa opted for the coffee table, the scratchy couch fabric only adding to this feeling. Wooyoung sat across from him, taking his hands and demonstratively breathing, slowly Seonghwa's breathing turned to a more controlled pace.
“Better?”
“Better. Thank you.”
Wooyoung hummed, gently rubbing Seonghwa's thighs in comforting circles. "Have you seen a doctor?"
Seonghwa shook his head. "I can't afford it."
"Guess what could help?"
Seonghwa couldn’t help but laugh. "You were just against this idea!"
"And now I'm all for it! It seems incredibly safe. Plus, what if you meet another single parent on there? What if you make new friends? Get out of the house more? Maybe even meet a wealthy DILF and fall in love? This could be really good for you, Hyung. I truly believe it."
"I hate you. Go home."
"You love me, and I think I'll sleep on the couch. It's getting pretty late."
Seonghwa sighed, rising to his feet. He pulls Wooyoung along to his bedroom, to the drawer holding spare pajamas. From it, he retrieves the set he bought for Wooyoung, white, adorned with a black cat print.
"Can we cuddle in bed and look at the app?" Wooyoung asked as he took the clothing.
Seonghwa looked at him, knowing exactly what he was trying to do. "I thought you said you were sleeping on the couch?"
"But hyung," Wooyoung whined, pouting at the older man.
"You’re lucky you’re so cute."
They proceeded to get ready for bed, calling San and Yeosang first, letting them know that Wooyoung was staying over. Wooyoung doesn’t bring up Sugar Love to the other two, which he’s thankful for and they all talk about their days before hanging up for the night, agreeing to meet for lunch tomorrow after Seonghwa dropped Bonhwa off at Minjeong’s place.
"Alright, let's get this done," he said, handing it to Wooyoung. The Sugar Love app icon glowed on the screen. Wooyoung took the phone, a critical eye already assessing the new profile. His fingers flew across the screen as he started the painstaking process of creating Seonghwa's online persona. They spent the next thirty minutes sifting through Seonghwa's photo gallery, deleting blurry selfies, and debating various poses. Wooyoung insisted on a few candid shots, arguing that they would make Seonghwa seem more approachable. “I can’t believe you didn’t have anything picked out.”
“I wasn’t expecting to get this far.”
“Thank whatever god there is that you have me then.”
The bio proved to be even more challenging. Wooyoung rejected several of Seonghwa's initial attempts, deeming them too generic or, in one instance, "like a dating profile from 2005." He eventually just took control, typing a description that highlighted Seonghwa's charm and kind nature, while hinting at his desire for a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Once the profile is deemed perfect by Wooyoung, they move on to the most crucial, and perhaps most awkward part pricing Seonghwa's services. "You're pretty, hyung," Wooyoung stated, leaning back to get a better look at Seonghwa, who could feel a heat start creeping up his neck. "You should be more expensive." He hummed, looking at the recommended pricing. He knows this is a delicate balance, too high and Seonghwa might deter potential clients and too low, he’d be underselling himself.
"I have no experience with this. I can’t have someone paying seventy thousand won for an hour of my time if it’s going to be awkward because of my inexperience. I think twenty eight thousand will be fine for now. I can adjust my rate weekly. If I want to raise it, I will. And if I don’t connect with anyone or they make me uncomfortable, I can cut off communication and block them, right? So it’ll be okay." His voice was barely a whisper, the last sentence a plea for reassurance. He ran a hand through his hair. "What if they expect more than just talking? What if they ask for photos?"
Wooyoung bumped his shoulder into Seonghwa, a smirk playing on his features. "I’d pay two hundred thousand just for a picture of you in lingerie, let alone to talk to you." He winked, clearly trying to lighten the mood, but it only made the other man's cheeks flush a deeper shade of red.
"Wooyoung-ah, don’t exaggerate," he mumbled, trying to sound firm, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him.
"Hyung, you’re hot. Everyone knows it," Wooyoung insisted. "Seriously, you're charismatic and interesting. People will pay good money for you. This 'awkward because of inexperience' thing is just in your head. You're a natural. Don’t underpay yourself."
"Okay, let’s change the subject," he said quickly, waving a dismissive hand. He knew Wooyoung was trying to be supportive, but the compliments were making him uncomfortable. "Can we start looking at profiles? I just want to get this over with." He picked up his phone, eager to escape the uncomfortable discussion about his own looks.
He and Wooyoung quickly grasped how the app works, finding it quite similar to Tinder. They browse through profiles of both men and women, many showcasing their cars and other assets including houses, yachts, and random buildings. Seonghwa is overall confused by how any of this is supposed to be a turn on for him, but all he can feel is relief not to see any profiles for any other tier besides the first and second, meaning that the filtering of the app worked as intended.
Seonghwa started spacing out as he found something wrong with each profile. Too conceited, has a wife, too many cars. “Do you have an age limit at all?” Wooyoung asked as he swiped through photos on a profile. “I know we put same age or older on your profile, but is there like a limit to that? Cause this lady is seventy and wants to talk about current fashion trends and take people she vibes with to galas.” He punctuated the last word with a dramatic flourish of his hands.
“What?” Seonghwa's voice was a sharp burst of surprise as he snatched the phone from Wooyoung's hand, his brow furrowed in confusion. He stared at the screen, a profile photo of an elegant woman with a warm smile looking back at him. “People do this? Take random people to huge events like this? Galas? Like, actual galas?” His mind raced, picturing himself in a rented tux, trying to navigate a world of high society and whispered conversations he knew nothing about. The idea was both absurd and intriguing.
Wooyoung leaned over to rest most of his upper body on Seonghwa, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “I would say at least fifty percent of the people that go to those have a sugar baby on their arm. Things like this require eye candy. Everyone wants to one up the next person.” He gestured with his hands, as if illustrating the cutthroat social climb that surrounded those events.. “It's all about appearances, hyung. Having a younger, attractive companion on your arm is practically a status symbol.”
Seonghwa, however, was still scrolling through the woman's profile, his initial shock giving way to a different kind of curiosity. “It doesn’t seem like she wants that though,” he mused, his voice softening. He read her interests, her desire for conversation, her passion for the arts. “She seems like a genuinely nice person and wanting a connection, not just some arm candy.” Before Seonghwa could articulate his thoughts more fully, before he could even consider the implications of what he was about to do, Wooyoung with a mischievous grin, swiftly swiped to the right. A bright green checkmark lit up the screen. Seonghwa was officially in the running for a seventy year old woman who wanted to discuss fashion and attend galas.
Congrats on your first Love! If they swipe on you as well, their chat will appear in your inbox.
"This is so wild," Wooyoung exclaimed, "It's Tinder, but for sugar babies."
"Okay, I think that's enough for tonight."
Wooyoung whined, clutching Seonghwa's phone to his chest, "Hyung, we only matched you with one person! We should keep going-"
"Absolutely not. We will not be doom-scrolling on a sugar app. I refuse," Seonghwa declared, pulling his phone from Wooyoung's grasp. "Goodnight, Woo."
Seonghwa heard a huff before Wooyoung settled beside him, his cold feet instantly finding Seonghwa's calves. He made a mental note to get Wooyoung socks for the next sleepover. Unlike San, Seonghwa wasn't one to run hot, and Wooyoung's icy feet sent shivers down his spine.
"Cold, hyung?" Wooyoung said cheekily.
"Shut the fuck up. You're making breakfast in the morning."
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
Wooyoung did make breakfast in the morning. Fluffy blueberry pancakes with sausage and eggs on the side. Bonhwa doused his pancakes with too much syrup, Seonghwa didn’t notice until after the damage had been done and by the time Bonhwa’s plate was clean, his eyes wide and bright with a sugar high. Seonghwa usually tried to steer clear of such foods with his son, the sugar hitting him more than the average child. But when Wooyoung stayed the weekend, it was a battle Seonghwa rarely won. He made a mental note to apologize to Minjeong when he dropped Bonhwa off later, knowing she'd be the one dealing with the aftermath.
As the morning continued on, the dread that had begun to settle in Seonghwa's stomach intensified. The more time ticked, creeping closer and closer to when they needed to leave, the more sense of despair wrapped around him. He knew it was an extreme word, perhaps even silly, to describe the feeling of parting with his son, but it was accurate. He hated leaving his son with his mother, not because Minjeong was a terrible parent, far from it, she was a good mother overall, but because Seonghwa anticipated the heartache Bonhwa would inevitably experience.
It was a pattern he knew all too well. Minjeong would almost always cut their weekend short, requesting he pick Bonhwa up early on Sunday instead of doing school drop-off on Monday. It was something that always left Bonhwa disappointed and witnessing it tore at Seonghwa's own heart.
Seonghwa meticulously double-checked Bonhwa’s small overnight bag in the living room, ensuring every essential item was packed for the brief stay. It was a familiar thing for him to do, an attempt to have a small amount of control over a situation he felt powerless in. Just as he zipped up the last compartment, his phone vibrated, pulling him from his thoughts. A new notification glowed on the screen, a vibrant red heart, accompanied by the bold, undeniable text. It’s a Match!
“Oh fuck.”
Bonhwa stood on the couch excited. “Dad said a bad word! That means I get a thousand won!” Seonghwa continued staring at his phone as he pulled out his wallet, handing his son a bill without really looking. Bonhwa yelled and ran to his room, more than likely hiding his new money.
Vogue Vibes
Hello, your bio says you’re really into fashion? What's your favorite brand? Let’s chat for a bit?
+₩28,000
"Holy fuck, this is real," Seonghwa whispered, tapping Wooyoung repeatedly, each tap more forceful.
"Ow, what?"
Seonghwa shoved his phone in front of Wooyoung's face, whose eyes widened. "Holy shit."
Just as Wooyoung spoke, Bonhwa entered the living room again. "Uncle Woo said a bad word!"
"Yeah, yeah. Here," Wooyoung says, digging into his pocket for his wallet and shoving another bill towards Bonhwa. "What now? You just text?"
"I think so. As long as I accept it, it’ll charge their card once the time is up."
“Well, respond!”
“I can’t text right now though. I don’t want them to waste their money on me when I’ll be driving for half the hour we should be chatting.”
“I’ll drive.”
“Wooyoung, I would rather live.”
“My driving skills are perfectly fine and it’s my car.”
“No, they are not, and it’s Yeosang’s car,” Seonghwa said, turning away from the younger. “I’ll just respond and let them know it’ll be a bit.”
Starhwa
I would love to talk! My favorite brand is Utopia, but I unfortunately will not be able to talk more until later in the day. Let’s say around four tonight? If that’s okay?
The reply is instant
VogueVibes
Of course, Seonghwa. I will talk to you then.
“Ah, your first sugar mommy!” Wooyoung said, clapping his hands and then wiping a fake tear from his eye. “It feels like yesterday when I was giving you the rundown on mommy and daddies.”
“You taught me nothing.”
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
The drive to Minjeong’s place always felt remarkably short to Seonghwa, even though it’s across the city and takes upwards to forty five minutes when traffic is bad. He despised every step of this routine. The moment the car parked in the polished lot of the high-rise apartments, the forced composure as he approached the front desk, the ascent in the glass elevator, each floor a translucent reminder of the world he was almost a part of.
Seonghwa watched, a lump forming in his throat, as Bonhwa’s excitement built with each passing minute. In the elevator, Bonhwa’s small face pressed against the cool glass, his eyes wide with wonder as the city shrinks beneath them, his excitement radiating off of him.
The moment the elevator doors opened on Minjeong’s floor, Bonhwa was a blur of motion. He practically barreled to her door, his small fist raised to deliver a series of loud knocks, the boy bouncing on the balls of his feet. Minutes passed before the door finally swung inward. Standing there, framed in the doorway, was Minjeong. Her usual cascading, long hair has been cut into a chic bob, a striking change that Seonghwa would have never guessed that she would do. Before Seonghwa could even register the change, Bonhwa launched himself into her.
“Hi, my baby,” Minjeong said, softly wrapping her arms around their son. “How about you go to your room and unpack your bag while your dad and I talk for a sec?”
They watch their son run down the hall, smiles on both their faces. When Bonhwa turned the corner, Seonghwa’s smile dropped, the easygoing expression replaced by a familiar tension. “What’s up?” he asked, his voice steeled. He knew what was coming.
Minjeong took a moment longer to meet his eyes. “I have to fly out to Paris tomorrow at three for a photoshoot on Monday,” she stated, the words tumbling out quickly, as if to lessen their impact. “Can I drop him back off at your place around noon?”
Seonghwa’s jaw tightened. “Minjeong—” he began, his voice low.
“I know. I’m sorry,” she interjected, her own voice tinged with a weariness that reminded him of countless similar conversations. “But I can’t miss out on this opportunity. It’s huge.”
“But you can miss watching your son grow up?” he challenged, his words cutting through her explanation. The hurt in his voice was easy to detect.
“Hwa, you know what this all means to me—” she started, but Seonghwa has heard it time and time again.
“Yeah, more than your family,” he retorted, the sarcasm heavy in his tone. The resentment is a thick cloud between them, suffocating their past affection.
“Bonhwa means everything to me—” she insisted, her voice raising, desperate to defend her love for their son.
“No, he doesn’t—” Seonghwa said, his patience clearly at an end.
“Seonghwa—”
“Your job matters more, Minjeong,” he said, holding up his hand to stop the argument from escalating further, his gaze fixed on her with a cold finality. This conversation never proved to get them anywhere. Not then, and definitely not now. “Go ahead and take your opportunities, take the jobs. But if you’re going to break his heart, I wish you would just do it once and stop doing it on an almost weekly basis. Bring him home at noon. I’ll pick up the pieces you leave.” His voice was void of emotion now. The conversation never ended with a solution between them. It ended with Bonhwa missing his mother, and Seonghwa fearing that someday will be the breaking point.
Seonghwa didn’t take the chance of hearing her reply, making a beeline for the elevator. Their interactions always ended in an argument. They really have never seen eye to eye on most things, even when they forced themselves to marry and try for Bonhwa. He’s overall happy that he got a divorce. Things would have been way more toxic if they were together and Bonhwa wouldn’t have had an inkling of what love looked like. Even if he is single, Bonhwa sees him giving love to his friends, to his students, to Bonhwa. There’s more love in the world than just a spouse, and Seonghwa wanted to teach his son all the ways. He never wanted his son to be without love like he once was.
Once he got back down to his car, Wooyoung waved at him to hurry. “Look! You got four more matches since you went inside!”
“How the hell— Wooyoung!” Seonghwa said, snatching his phone from his friend's hand. “You matched with four people on my profile?”
“Well, I swiped right on a lot more than four, but four matched up just now! If you talk with all five for an hour, that’s over a hundred thousand won right there!”
Seonghwa rubbed his temples, a headache brewing right between his eyes. He does peek at his phone though, seeing a man with long blonde hair and no shirt on. “Wooyoung, I want to match with people who have the same interests as me. How am I supposed to carry on a conversation about,” he looks back down at the profile on his phone, “candle making? That is not what I had thought of when I saw his photo.”
“See? He’s interesting.”
“He also doesn’t want to just talk. Did you even look at the tier on his profile? He wants to eventually work up to tier three after tier one.”
“Oh,” Wooyoung said. “Maybe talk with him for an hour and then say nevermind?”
“No, you’re going to message him and tell him that I’m not interested in going above two and I apologize for misreading his profile while I drive us to lunch.”
“Hyung, he’s so hot though. Maybe what you really need is a really good lay—”
“Wooyoung, what I need is for you to message him exactly what I told you.”
Wooyoung sat back in his seat, pout firmly placed on his face. “I hate when you use your dad voice on me. I feel like I’m a child.”
“Well, you’re acting like one. Bonhwa listens better than you.”
“He does not.”
Seonghwa spent the next twenty minutes arguing with Wooyoung about how he needed to be less picky with the people he swiped right on.
“Is it not about the money? Swiping right on everyone will give you opportunities to make more.”
“I don’t want to try to carry out a conversation with someone I have nothing in common with. That wouldn’t be fun for either party. They lose time and money on someone who doesn’t care and I’m forced into a conversation I don’t enjoy.”
Wooyoung shifted in his seat, Seonghwa’s phone loosely held in his hand as they pulled into the restaurant parking lot. “Sorry, Hyung.”
Seonghwa took in the younger expression, the slight pout on his lips and sighed. “It’s fine. But if you’re going to go through swiping on people, make sure I actually want to talk to them. And let’s just hope that half the people you swiped on, don’t swipe on me.”
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
Seonghwa wasn't so lucky. He spent most of his night alone, closing random conversations after apologizing that he wasn't looking for more than chatting and potential dates. While this boosted his confidence, as more and more messages popped up, he cursed himself for leaving his phone with Wooyoung. He was constantly deleting dozens of conversations just to keep track of the four he decided to engage with. One of these was an older woman who had been renewing their hour-long chat since he got home around four p.m. It was now almost nine, and he was genuinely enjoying their conversation.
VogueVibes
Fashion is always hands on. There is something so fascinating of someone sketching an idea in their head and bringing it to life with different fabrics and textiles.
Starhwa
I’ve never been artistic enough to think about making my own clothing. I don’t think I would be very good at it, if I’m being honest. Choosing the right fabrics, figuring out how it would lay on a body. I’ve never been good at that. But I love seeing what others bring to life. Seeing their art come to life on a runway, in the streets. It’s very inspiring.
VogueVibes
Do you dress up often?
Seonghwa didn’t know how to tell his new friend, Yesoon, that he was too poor to even think about dressing up. All of his money went to bills and his son.
Starhwa
I’m a teacher so I don’t take the time to dress up. Slacks and a button up is all I wear nowadays.
VogueVibes
Clothes are something to express yourself, Seonghwa. Even on a day to day basis. Use this and go get yourself a new outfit.
+₩900,000
Seonghwa almost dropped his phone. The number in front of him was the monthly rent for his small two bedroom apartment.
Starhwa
Yesoon, I can’t accept this. I’ve done nothing to warrant this.
VogueVibes
Actually, I know in your profile you said that you would potentially work up to in person meetings, but I have a gala I must attend next weekend. I was hoping to bring you along, since you have such an eye for fashion. I have felt very comfortable talking to you tonight and would love to continue our conversation in person. As stated in my profile, I do not want anything sexual, just a friend, if you are willing.
Seonghwa stared at the message and the timer ticked down on their conversation in the right hand corner of the chat room. He would hate for Yesoon to pay for another hour because it took him so long to decide.
Starhwa
If I can find a babysitter for my son, I would gladly come with you. I’ll let you know by Wednesday at the latest.
VogueVibes
Thank you for indulging an old woman, Seonghwa. Use the money to buy yourself a new outfit. Whether you come to the gala or not. I have enjoyed your company immensely tonight and I hope we can chat more often. Goodnight.
Chat with VogueVibes has ended
Seonghwa sat and stared at his phone for a long time, looking at the blinking zeros indicating their chat time was over. Seonghwa decided then that he will refuse the large amount of money until he has a for sure answer for the older woman. He felt too guilty seeing the amount in his account on the app. He decided to move over the money from all the chats he had for the night, giving him a grand total of ₩280,000. Which he immediately used to send to his landlord, the amount on the app going down a small amount. He took a deep breath, some of the tension easing off of his shoulders as he calculated how much he would have to chat to catch up. He could do it. He could do this. Chatting with these people was easier than he expected, and taking money from them when he didn’t have a true connection with them was somehow easier.
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
Later in the week, Seonghwa learned that he wasn't the only person potentially going to this gala. He asked his friends if someone could watch Bonhwa Saturday night and Yunho responded that he had a charity gala to attend with his partner and unfortunately could not help. Yeosang responded with the same, saying that Utopia was hosting a gala and he and San were going. Which left Wooyoung, who said yes, but was pouting that his friends and partners would be at the same party without him.
“Do you want to come with me on Friday to find an outfit to make up for it?” Seonghwa asked, phone pressed to his ear as he meticulously plated Bonhwa's dinner, a colorful arrangement of steamed vegetables and bite-sized chicken.
A theatrical sigh echoed through the phone. "If that's all I can get out of this, then sure."
"I'm sorry you can't go, Woo. I really am," Seonghwa said, his voice softening. He understood Wooyoung's frustration of not being in a “normal” relationship in this world.
A heavy silence washed over them, thick with unspoken emotions. Seonghwa knew Wooyoung, knew he was battling tears. "It just sucks. That I can't love them both in the open," Wooyoung finally whispered, the raw vulnerability in his voice pulling at Seonghwa's heart.
"I know," Seonghwa said softly, his gaze drifting to a framed photo of their group on the counter. "Hopefully someday. Or maybe Yunho is being honest about Utopia being LGBTQ+ friendly."
Wooyoung snorted, the sound abruptly shattering the atmosphere. "Seonghwa, you have the biggest crush on the man who started it all. And that man is definitely gay.
Seonghwa’s brows furrowed in mock indignation. "I do not have a crush on him and you don't know that.”
“My gaydar is always correct."
"No, it's not," Seonghwa retorted, a playful edge creeping into his voice. "Remember Hanchae from Uni? You thought she was straight. She's dating another girl from your year and is trying to adopt a kid. Also, you thought I was straight."
"You were a jock growing up. How was I supposed to know you were bisexual?" Wooyoung defended.
Suddenly, Yeosang's voice cut in. "Everyone knew Seonghwa hyung was gay in some way. He was dating a girl when I met him and I could still tell. Weren’t you his best friend growing up?"
"Okay, smart ass, get off of me," Wooyoung grumbled, and Seonghwa heard a rustling sound, followed by a startled yelp.
“Okay im going now before I hear something I dont want to,” he said into the speaker not waiting for a reply.
After Bonhwa was finally tucked in for the night, Seonghwa found himself in a familiar routine. His phone became glued to his hand. He chatted with a few new matches from his lunch break, their questions blinking on the screen while he swapped between conversations alongside the familiar names of regulars who had returned multiple times throughout the week. The money was already trickling in.
He hadn't spoken to Yesoon since agreeing to attend the gala. He’d wanted to ask about a specific dress code or a color palette, something to guide his choices. But her response had been vague. "Just find an outfit that makes you feel." He wanted to pretend he understood, but the truth was, it had been years since he'd had the privilege of selecting attire for an event to this magnitude. Twenty-seven had been a brutal year, a relentless assault of financial strain and emotional baggage. But now, at twenty-eight, the horizon seemed to be brightening in a very odd way.
Of course, not in the most conventional way. If his parents knew how he was getting the money to pay for his rent and his son's needs, they wouldn't disown him perse, but he knew they would be disappointed. But he can't be more of a burden on them than he already has. The divorce had stripped him bare, leaving him with little more than the clothes on his back and the fierce, unwavering desire for Bonhwa's custody. He hadn't fought for anything else. So his parents helped him find a cheap apartment quickly, one that was within walking distance of his school so Seonghwa didn't have to worry about taking the bus with his small child. And he will forever be grateful for the parents that he has, even when they weren’t as accepting as they could be. But he knew their limits, and their divorced son selling his time and potentially body for money would be dangerously close to the breaking point.
He tried, desperately, to push away the unsettling thought of Bonhwa, years down the line, finding himself in a similar predicament. Driven to such lengths to stay afloat, to shield his loved ones from the relentless gnaw of financial anxiety. He imagined his own disappointment, his own pain, if Bonhwa were to suffer in silence, refusing to ask for help, for guidance. He was trying to raise Bonhwa differently, to shield him from the harsh realities of their financial struggles. Bonhwa was a child, innocent and deserving of a childhood free from the crushing weight of every last penny, of parents sacrificing everything just to pay the water bill. Seonghwa would not allow Bonhwa to experience that kind of pain. He would teach his son the importance of money, yes, but in a way that fostered understanding and responsibility, not fear and desperation.
Seonghwa couldn't help the sigh that escaped him as he wrapped up his last two conversations for the night, the money immediately getting sent to his landlord. The pink notice peaked out from his bedside drawer and he stuffed it back in as he clicked off the light, plunging the room into darkness, save for the soft glow of the alarm clock beside his bed. The numbers mocked him, confirming a full night's rest tonight would be a luxury he could not afford.