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The set of Weak Hero Class 1 buzzed with the controlled chaos of a high-stakes production. Cameras rolled, directors shouted cues, and actors delivered lines with a raw intensity that mirrored the webtoon's brutal world. Amid the fictional violence and heavy dialogue, a different kind of tension was simmering off-camera, a silent, electric charge between the leads, Park Jihoon and Choi Hyunwook.
Jihoon, with his sharp features and quiet intensity, had a way of looking at Hyunwook that went beyond simple camaraderie. Hyunwook, younger and more outwardly exuberant, found himself unconsciously seeking out Jihoon's presence, a warmth spreading through him whenever their eyes met.
They played friends on screen, close allies against the school bullies. Off screen, they were navigating a script neither of them had written. The chemistry the cameras captured wasn't entirely acting. It was real, awkward, and thrillingly uncertain.
"Good take, guys,"
the director called out.
The two separated from their on-screen confrontation, the energy between them lingering like static in the air. Jihoon smoothed his jacket, avoiding Hyunwook's gaze. Hyunwook chewed on his lip, wishing he could somehow bridge the gap that existed the moment the cameras stopped rolling.
They secretly admired each other, each feeling the pull but fearing the possibility that the other didn't feel the same. The South Korean entertainment industry was a minefield of rumors and speculation; a misplaced word could ruin a career. So they kept their feelings under wraps, communicating instead through shared glances, subtle touches, and the quiet comfort of just being in the same room.
Weeks passed, and the unspoken tension only intensified. The late nights, the early mornings, the shared exhaustion—all of it forged a bond that was becoming too strong to ignore.
One crisp morning, the cast was gathered for an outdoor shoot at a local park. The air was cool, and everyone was bundled in warm coats. Hyunwook stood alone by a coffee truck, sipping a hot Americano, trying to build up his courage. He was determined to break the ice, to turn their secret connection into something tangible.
He spotted Jihoon walking towards the trailer. Now or never.
Hyunwook rushed over. "Jihoon-hyung," he called out, his voice slightly higher than usual.
Jihoon stopped and turned, a hint of surprise in his expression.
"Hyunwookee."
"Hey," Hyunwook started, fumbling with his cup. "We've been working crazy hours. I was thinking... maybe we could grab breakfast sometime? Outside of this chaos?" He tried to make it sound casual, but his heart was pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs.
A pause stretched between them, weighted with possibility. Jihoon’s eyes searched Hyunwook’s, a flicker of hope blooming in his chest. A shy, genuine smile finally touched his lips.
"Yeah," Jihoon said, his voice soft. "I'd like that. How about tomorrow morning?"
Hyunwook's relief was palpable. "Tomorrow morning it is."
Breakfast was just the beginning. It opened a door they had both been too afraid to approach. Their "sometime" outings turned into a regular habit. Dinners, late-night walks, quiet movie nights at each other's apartments. The friendship they portrayed on screen was now a living, breathing reality in their private lives.
The transition from friends to something more was seamless, a gentle slide into a comfortable, intimate connection. They found solace in each other's presence, a safe harbor away from the demanding scrutiny of their careers.
Hyunwook, always drawn to Jihoon's mature, grounding presence, found himself cherishing their time together more and more. Their shared moments, whether it was discussing scenes, going out for a meal, or just relaxing at one of their apartments, became a precious escape from their busy schedules.
Jihoon, being the elder, naturally offered support and guidance. His reserved nature blossomed into genuine care and quiet affection for Hyunwook. He found himself looking forward to their time away from the set, the simple joy of their company becoming something he deeply valued.
Hyunwook felt the same. Their connection grew stronger with each shared experience. They didn't need grand gestures or public declarations. Their bond was a private understanding, built on mutual respect, admiration, and a growing closeness that went beyond their on-screen roles.
In their quiet world, the "weak heroes" of a high school drama had found a genuine and meaningful connection in each other.
Their quiet idyll couldn't last. The professional world they inhabited demanded a facade of control and careful image management. The public, especially the fans of Weak Hero Class 1, adored the visible friendship and chemistry between the two actors. Social media buzzed with shared photos, behind-the-scenes clips, and fan art celebrating the "Weak Hero duo."
But in the calculating eyes of talent agencies, unchecked publicity was a risk. Jihoon’s agency, a powerhouse in the industry, saw the situation as a potential liability. They valued a clean, uncontroversial image for their rising star. The intense fan focus on the pair was too close to romantic speculation for their comfort.
One afternoon, Jihoon was called into a meeting with his agency's CEO and his manager, Mr. Kim. The atmosphere was cold and professional.
"The fan response is great, Jihoon-ssi, but the nature of the attention is problematic,"
the CEO stated, his voice devoid of warmth.
"We need you to maintain a clear distance from Choi Hyunwook,"
Mr. Kim added, his expression tight with worry.
"It's a matter of managing perceptions. The industry is watching."
Jihoon’s heart sank. He tried to argue, mentioning how well-received their friendship was by fans, the crew, even Netflix, who saw it as positive promotion.
The CEO shook his head.
"Positive today, scandal tomorrow. Hyunwook is very young. You are three years older. The optics are... delicate. We are protecting both your futures. Just create some distance."
Jihoon was given a subtle but firm warning: his career, the projects lined up, all depended on his compliance.
He left the meeting feeling cold and trapped. The weight of the world seemed to settle on his shoulders. He didn't share the information with anyone. Not his other friends, not his family, and certainly not Hyunwook. Only Mr. Kim knew the full story. Jihoon felt a profound sadness. He loved Hyunwook—a silent, unconfessed love—and the last thing he wanted was to destroy his career prospects. Hyunwook was only twenty years old, at the start of a bright journey.
The distance began subtly at first. Jihoon started missing their calls. When Hyunwook texted, the replies were shorter, delayed by hours.
"Busy with new projects," Jihoon would say when Hyunwook inevitably called, a forced flatness in his voice that felt like acid in his throat.
Hyunwook, sensitive and observant, felt the shift immediately. The warmth he had grown accustomed to from Jihoon cooled to a polite indifference. It broke his heart. The apartment that had once been a refuge now felt lonely. He replayed conversations in his head, wondering what he had done wrong. He missed Jihoon's quiet presence, the comfortable silence they shared.
He didn't know the truth: that Jihoon was tearing himself apart inside, believing he was protecting the person he loved most by pushing him away. Every ignored call felt like a stab wound for both, a necessary pain in Jihoon's eyes, a confusing rejection in Hyunwook’ s. The story they had started to write was being rewritten by external forces, a cruel turn in a tragic act neither of them had consented to.
Hyunwook couldn't sleep. The cold distance Jihoon was forcing upon him felt wrong, a dissonance in the natural harmony they had built. This wasn't the Jihoon he knew. The Jihoon he knew was warm, kind, and beautiful—a near-perfect man whose quiet strength had become Hyunwook’ s anchor. He was everything to Hyunwook, and the younger man wasn't about to give up on him.
He replayed the past months in his mind, the stolen moments, the shared laughter, the silent understanding. Most of all, he remembered Jihoon’s eyes. They were like deep oceans, always filled with an undeniable affection whenever they landed on Hyunwook. Eyes didn't lie.
Hyunwook knew something external was interfering. He decided to find the truth, starting with the one person who seemed to know everything: Jihoon’s manager, Mr. Kim.
It took some doing, a few persistent calls and a stroke of luck in catching the busy man during a rare quiet hour. They met in a small, discreet coffee shop far from the agency's watchful eyes. Mr. Kim, seeing the genuine worry and determination in the young actor's eyes, and perhaps feeling a little guilty about the situation, eventually caved.
He told Hyunwook everything: the agency's fears, the CEO's demands, the pressure put on Jihoon to create distance, and Jihoon’s heartbreaking decision to sacrifice his own happiness to "protect" Hyunwook’ s nascent career.
Hyunwook listened, his heart aching with both pain and profound love. Jihoon was pushing him away out of a deep love, a misguided act of sacrifice.
That night, consumed by a fierce resolve, Hyunwook drove to Jihoon’s apartment. He didn’t call ahead, knowing Jihoon would simply ignore the call. He let himself in with the spare key Jihoon had given him months ago, when their world was simple.
He found Jihoon in the living room, staring out the window, a melancholy shadow in the moonlight. Jihoon turned, his eyes widening in shock and alarm.
"Hyunwookee, what are you doing here? I told you I'm busy—"
Before Jihoon could finish his practiced excuse, Hyunwook closed the distance. He pulled Jihoon firmly from the wrist, backing him against the wall. The surprise on Jihoon’s face quickly turned to pain as their eyes locked.
"I know," Hyunwook said, his voice low and intense. "I know everything, Hyung."
Jihoon froze, a flicker of fear and desperation crossing his face.
"Those eyes,"
Hyunwook whispered, his gaze unwavering.
"They are full of love, not business decisions. You are mine, Park Jihoon. And I am not going to leave you. Ever."
Tears welled up in Jihoon’s eyes, a dam breaking after weeks of silent struggle.
"I need you to give me three years, Hyung,"
Hyunwook continued, his hands finding Jihoon's shoulders, holding him close.
"Three years to work, to build my own name, to become someone worthy of receiving you without fear. I promise I will take care of you until the end. I am ready to lose anything for you, but I won't lose you."
The raw confession broke Jihoon’s reserve completely. A sob escaped his lips. The quiet, reserved man clung to the younger one, his manager’s warnings fading to background noise. In that moment, nothing mattered but the truth of their hearts.
Hyunwook pulled him closer, his lips finding Jihoon's. The kiss was desperate, tear-soaked, a confession of all the words they hadn't been allowed to say. It sealed their promise.
As they held each other, their tears mingling, Jihoon whispered against Hyunwook’ s ear,
"I will wait for you. Just... just don't ever leave me again."
"Never," Hyunwook promised, pulling his love into a tight embrace, securing their future in the quiet solace of the apartment, a future they would fight for together, three years at a time.
The confession hung in the air, a truth finally set free. The pain of the last few weeks, the love that had been silently growing, all converged in the space between them.
Jihoon, typically reserved and composed, shattered under the weight of Hyunwook’ s raw honesty. Tears streamed down his face, his carefully constructed walls crumbling into dust. Hyunwook’ s hands moved from Jihoon’s shoulders, tenderly cupping his face. Jihoon leaned into the touch, a silent plea for comfort, for absolution.
"I love you, Hyung,"
Hyunwook whispered against his skin, his thumb wiping away a tear.
"Don't ever hide from me again."
"I was just so scared,"
Jihoon choked out, his voice hoarse with emotion.
"I couldn't... I didn't want to ruin you."
"You could never ruin me,"
Hyunwook promised, leaning in, his gaze fixed on Jihoon's tear-filled eyes.
"You make me better."
Then, their lips met again.
It was not a cinematic, sweeping kiss. It was a kiss born of desperation, of pain, and of profound, unspoken love. It tasted of salt and regret, of hope and relief. Jihoon’s hands found their way around Hyunwook’ s neck, pulling him closer, desperate for the physical confirmation that this was real, that Hyunwook was here, and he knew everything, and he still wanted him.
They kissed with a hunger that spoke volumes of their time apart. It was a reclaiming; a promise solidified without words. The pain in Jihoon’s heart, a sharp ache of sacrifice, began to dull, replaced by the warmth of Hyunwook’ s presence, the softness of his lips, the solid reality of his embrace.
Hyunwook pulled back slightly, just enough to catch his breath and look into Jihoon’s deep, ocean eyes. They were still wet with tears, but the terror that had shadowed them for weeks was gone, replaced by a renewed light.
"Three years,"
Hyunwook vowed, resting his forehead against Jihoon's.
"I'll make it work. Just wait for me."
Jihoon nodded, a soft, genuine smile touching his lips for the first time in a long time.
"I'll wait for you. Forever."
In the quiet apartment, bathed in the soft glow of the city lights outside, they held each other. The world outside, with its agencies and careful planning, faded away. In that moment, there was only them, their shared pain, their shared love, and the silent promise of a future they would fight for, together.
From that night forward, a renewed fire burned within Choi Hyunwook. The knowledge that Jihoon was waiting for him, that their love was a shared secret and a shared future, fueled his ambition. He worked harder than ever before, throwing himself into projects, driven not just by a desire for success, but by the promise he had made to the man he loved. He became a name in the industry, his talent undeniable, his star rising rapidly.
The three years were a careful dance. They couldn't live together, maintaining separate residences to keep up appearances and respect the agencies' boundaries. They met when they could—stolen moments in quiet cafes, late-night drives, and sometimes, a few precious hours back at Jihoon's apartment, a place of shared history and quiet comfort. Those moments, though fleeting, were filled with a potent mix of shared love, longing, and hope. They were sustenance for the soul, keeping their relationship strong across the physical distance.
Jihoon held up his end of the bargain with quiet strength. The distance was painful, but bearable now that he knew the truth of Hyunwook’ s love. He found strength in Hyunwook’ s determination and worked on his own projects, his resolve hardening. He knew what he wanted.
As the three-year mark approached, Jihoon took a bold step. He informed his agency’s CEO that he would not be renewing his contract if they continued to interfere with his personal life. The agency, recognizing his value as an established star and seeing Hyunwook’ s rising power, surprisingly acquiesced. They had both grown in stature over the three years, making them a formidable power pair whose combined marketability was a boon, not a liability.
The breakthrough in their respective careers opened new doors. Both actors received offers from numerous agencies, with one major advantage: they had grown so close that the idea of them working under the same umbrella agency became a strategic goal for several companies. This made negotiations easier, and eventually, they found a new home that respected their privacy and saw the value in having both talented stars on their roster.
Hyunwook, always fiercely protective of Jihoon, had made a silent decision: if Jihoon ever faced professional hardship because of their relationship, he would leave the spotlight and find work as a solo artist or in another capacity. His love for Jihoon was more important than fame. But as the agencies consented to their privacy, that fear dissolved.
On Jihoon's birthday, three years to the day after Hyunwook had made his promise, Hyunwook proposed. It was a simple, heartfelt moment, just the two of them in their favourite park. Jihoon, tearful and overjoyed, accepted without hesitation.
The park was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Three years of patience, hard work, and unwavering love had led them to this precise moment. Hyunwook, impeccably dressed but vibrating with nervous energy, led Jihoon to their favourite spot beneath a sprawling oak tree.
Jihoon, whose heart had been on a roller coaster of emotions all day, looked at Hyunwook, his eyes filled with that familiar, deep affection.
"What is all this, Hyunwookee?"
he asked softly.
Hyunwook smiled, a smile that reached his eyes and erased the stress of three long years of waiting and working. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding a nervous rhythm. Then, deliberately and with infinite care, he knelt on one knee before Jihoon.
Jihoon's hands flew to his mouth, his eyes widening in surprise as Hyunwook reached into his pocket and produced a small, velvet box.
Hyunwook looked up at the man he loved more than life itself, his voice rich with emotion and shaking just slightly.
"My beautiful Jihoonie,"
he began, his gaze unwavering.
"Thanks for waiting for me. These last three years have been hard, but every single day was worth it, knowing you were there, waiting."
He opened the box, revealing a simple, elegant silver band that shimmered in the fading light.
"You are the best thing I've ever had," he continued, a tear welling in his own eye.
"The most beautiful person I have ever seen, inside and out. Your kindness, your strength, your quiet love... they are everything to me."
He reached out a hand, his touch feather-light on Jihoon's cheek.
"Please, be mine forever,"
He whispered, the sincerity of his words hanging in the air like a sacred vow.
"Marry me, Park Jihoon."
Jihoon’s tears flowed freely now, a mixture of joy, relief, and overwhelming love. The pain of their separation, the fears of the past, all melted away in the face of Hyunwook ‘s heartfelt promise. He didn't hesitate for a second.
He nodded vigorously, tears cutting clear paths down his face, a joyful, watery smile spreading across his lips.
"Yes,"
Jihoon choked out, his voice thick with emotion.
"Yes, I will."
Hyunwook rose, a wide grin spreading across his face as He carefully took Jihoon’s hand and slid the ring onto his finger. It fit perfectly. He then pulled Jihoon into a fierce, passionate embrace, their lips meeting in a kiss that sealed their future, a testament to a love that had weathered the storm and emerged stronger and more beautiful than ever before.
They planned their future: marriage, children, a life lived openly and honestly. The military service commitments loomed as a necessary pause in their careers, but even that now felt manageable. They decided they would live separately until their duties were completed, a small price to pay for a lifetime together.
As they sat there, planning their lives, the future looked brighter and more secure than ever before. They had navigated the complexities of their world, overcome the obstacles, and proven that their love was stronger than any agency contract or industry fear. They were ready for whatever came next, together.
The ring shimmered on Jihoon's finger as they made their way back to his apartment later that evening. The earlier emotions of joy and relief had settled into a comfortable, profound happiness. The tension of the last three years had finally been broken, leaving a space filled with easy affection and a simmering desire.
Once home, they moved through their routine with a comfortable familiarity. They bathed separately, the quiet domesticity of their actions a stark contrast to the emotional whirlwind of the proposal. Jihoon emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a soft towel, his skin smelling faintly of citrus. Hyunwook, already dressed in comfortable loungewear, smiled at him from the couch.
They settled down, choosing a random movie on a streaming service. Jihoon curled into Hyunwook's side, and Hyunwook wrapped a protective arm around him, their bodies falling into a familiar, comforting embrace. The movie played on the screen, but their attention soon began to wane, drawn more to each other than the plot unfolding before them.
After some time, Jihoon tilted his head up, his eyes meeting Hyunwook’s. The look in his "ocean eyes" was no longer just sweet affection; it held a deeper, more intense longing, mirrored perfectly in Hyunwook’ s gaze. The years of restraint, of stolen moments and forced distance, finally reached their breaking point.
Hyunwook’ s hand moved from Jihoon's shoulder to gently cup his jaw, his thumb tracing the curve of his cheek. The touch was gentle yet firm, a question asked and answered in a single motion. Jihoon leaned in, their lips meeting in a slow, tender kiss that quickly deepened with the weight of years of unfulfilled desire.
The movie was forgotten. The couch, a place of quiet comfort and shared movies, transformed into a space of intense intimacy. The passion between them, once a carefully guarded secret, now exploded into a full-on fire. They moved together, a tangle of limbs and whispered words, their every action dictated by a mix of deep love and unrestrained lust.
The night unfolded in a series of passionate encounters, fuelled by the certainty of their future and the sheer power of their connection. From the couch to the bedroom, the apartment became the silent witness to their unbridled affection. Their intimacy was a celebration of their union, a physical manifestation of the vow they had just made.
They were full on fire, a blaze that burned through the night, only fading as the first soft rays of morning light filtered through the curtains. Exhausted but utterly content, they lay entangled in the sheets, breathing the same air, their hearts beating in a synchronous rhythm. The painful distance was finally gone, replaced by a tangible closeness, a promise kept, and a future brighter than the morning sun.
In the quiet comfort of the morning after, with the promise of a future secured, the tenderness between them was palpable. They lay entangled in the soft sheets, bathed in the gentle morning light. Hyunwook had his arms wrapped securely around Jihoon, holding him close, his broad chest a warm sanctuary.
Jihoon's body, lean yet softly curved, fit perfectly against Hyunwook’ s strong frame. The lines of his waist and the gentle curve of his hips were a perfect, artistic contrast to the solid muscle of Hyunwook. Hyunwook found endless beauty in this contrast, in the unique physical elegance that was just "his Jihoon."
As he held him, Hyunwook ran a gentle hand along Jihoon's side, his touch full of reverence.
"You are so beautiful, Jihoonie,"
Hyunwook murmured, his voice a low, tender sound that vibrated against Jihoon's ear.
He leaned in, kissing the curve of Jihoon's shoulder.
"The most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. You feel so perfect right here, in my arms."
Jihoon blushed, nuzzling deeper into Hyunwook’ s embrace, the simple, heartfelt praise a balm to his soul.
"Everything about you is just right,"
Hyunwook continued, his gaze filled with affection as he brushed a strand of hair from Jihoon’s face.
"Your skin is so soft, Hyung. You are warm, and you are mine."
The words weren't filled with lust, but with deep, adoring love. In that safe space, surrounded by the embrace of the man who loved him enough to wait for three years, Jihoon felt cherished and beautiful.
Hyunwook’ s arms were wrapped around Jihoon, broad and strong. Jihoon gently placed his hand on Hyunwook ‘s solid bicep, feeling the firm muscle beneath his touch. The contrast between their bodies was a constant, beautiful fAscension for him.
He looked up at Hyunwook, a soft,
Adoring smile on his face.
"Hyunwookee,"
Jihoon whispered, his voice warm and quiet.
Hyunwook opened his eyes, a sleepy, content smile forming on his lips as he looked down at Jihoon.
"Hmm, Hyung?"
Jihoon shifted slightly, tucking his face in to Hyunwook’s chest.
"Thank you,"
he mumbled, his voice slightly muffled.
"For what, beautiful?"
Hyunwook’s arms tightened around him.
"For everything,"
Jihoon said, pulling back slightly to look up at him.
"For being here, for being you."
Hyunwook’s chest softened.
"That's easy when I have you."
Jihoon blushed, a light pink dusting his cheeks, and nuzzled closer into the comforting heat of Hyunwook’s chest. He felt completely safe and loved in that moment.
He tilted his chin up, meeting Hyunwook’s gaze, and then softly pressed his lips against Hyunwook’s. The kiss was gentle and lingering, a sweet acknowledgment of their shared affection.
“I love you”.
Jihoon murmured against his lips.
Hyunwook smiled, pulling him tighter.
"I love you too, Hyung."
They lay there for a while longer, simply enjoying each other's presence, the silence between them filled with a perfect, comfortable happiness.
"I love the way we fit together,"
Hyunwook added, tightening his embrace just slightly, a gesture of pure contentment.
"It’s like we were made for this. Made for each other."
Jihoon just smiled, squeezing Hyunwook back, the touch and the quiet praise more potent than any grand gesture. In that intimate hug, the promises of the previous night solidified into a calm, happy reality.
The End