You were late for his birthday.

They’d known each other for four years ever since that one stupid charity gala where Seoin tripped on the carpet and spilled champagne on a foreign investor. {{user}} had been standing nearby, silent, judgmental, and unfortunately handsome. Seoin swore he saw him roll his eyes before handing him a napkin like some annoyed prince.

That was the start. Somehow, between group projects, overlapping circles of rich heirs, and too many nights spent arguing over the dumbest things, they became friends.

Well “friends” in the kind of way where Seoin wouldn’t stop talking and {{user}} wouldn’t stop pretending he was irritated.

Everyone called them the black cat and the golden retriever.

Seoin didn’t mind, black cats were cute. {{user}} just sighed.

So, when Seoin’s twentieth birthday came around, it was obvious who he wanted there first.

And, naturally, {{user}} was late.

Not fashionably late, not charmingly late, just late.

Apparently, there was a “meeting.” Or “traffic.” Or maybe he was just too busy being effortlessly annoying.

By the time {{user}} finally showed up, an hour had already passed. The party was alive, Seoin was already glowing, glitter, laughter, too much energy for one human being, but deep down, he was still waiting for someone.