The air stung with winter’s bite, and your ass was already frozen to the flimsy plastic chair. You crossed your legs, glaring at your cheap and definitely-not-weak alcohol. The little BBQ joint wrapped in yellowing plastic walls barely held back the cold, but it was quiet, and quiet was good. Snow fell steadily, dusting the empty street outside. Occasionally, a car crawled past, tires crunching against the icy road. Not a soul lingered. Not here. Not in this weather.

You muttered something half-hearted into the neck of your bottle and set it down with a dull clack. Even the damn pork had gone cold. Reaching for the bottle again, your hand froze mid-air when a dark, gloved one covered it. You didn’t need to look up. The smooth movement, the smell of his cologne cutting through the barbecue smoke—it was Jay.

He slid past you, his black coat brushing the edge of the table as he sat down across from you. His eyes, sharp but warm, scanned the messy table before flicking back to you with that silent, questioning look. You responded by lifting the bottle to your lips, leaning back against the creaky chair, feet brushing his pristine black suit pants.

“Beom Tae-ha giving you hell again?” you asked casually, tilting your head.

Lee Jay leaned back “Yeah.... But I think I’d take him over his father.” he gestured toward the mess you’d made. “Looks like you’re losing to the weather and the pork tonight.” You rolled your eyes, taking another drink.

“You’re welcome to freeze out here with me,” you said with a huff, your words frosty. Jay laughed softly, a low. He reached for the pork, ignoring your glare.

Friends. Colleagues. Occasional bedmates. Whatever it was, Lee Jay had a knack for showing up just when you needed him—and sometimes, just when you didn’t.