"Waking Up With You
The door opened, and the view of the room was so breathtaking that Smart almost froze, his lips slightly parted as his eyes slowly took everything in.
A low bed with black motifs stood at the center of the room, while the wall behind the headboard was covered in dark smoked mirrors, reflecting the light in a soft, mysterious way.
Above, the glass ceiling revealed a sky filled with stars, and beyond the glass walls, tall trees stretched into the distance, creating the quiet illusion of being surrounded by a calm, hidden forest.
In one corner of the room was the bath area, with dark frosted glass giving privacy while keeping the modern look.
There was a matte black bathtub and a ceiling shower that, when running, felt fresh and luxurious.
LED lights around the room slowly shifted colors, giving the space a sensual, modern, and high-end vibe.
Smart moved freely around the room, taking in every corner, while Jin watched every move of his with admiration.
"Do you like the place?" Jin asked immediately.
"Yep—just like my dream house," he smiled.
Jin smiled back and took his hand, gently stroking it. Now that dream was becoming real.
Smart lowered his eyes, feeling a bit shy at those words, but Jin quickly lifted his chin, meeting his gaze.
"You don't need to be shy or embarrassed with me. I'm your boyfriend, and I'm the one who's going to take care of you."
"If a house like this was a dream for you, then I'm here to make it come true."
"Jin, what matters to me is our health and being together. I can live anywhere, as long as I'm with you."
"So that means you'll stay wherever I am… right?" Jin asked immediately, with a certain purpose.
"Hmm… yeah—wherever you are, bubu."
"So… you're not going back to live in your hometown, right?"
Smart honestly hadn't expected that question. It had completely slipped his mind, and hearing it now felt a bit sudden.
He didn't speak for a few moments, just looking into Jin's eyes… but just as he was about to reply, Jin interrupted immediately.
"Can we bring your parents here? To live with us—all together?"
Smart looked into his eyes and realized that with every passing moment, he was falling madly in love with Jin.
The fact that Jin was even thinking about his family, about how to make him happy, was such a big step—and a huge gesture—for Smart.
"Just say 'yes,' and I'll make it real! I want you to be happy in every way. I don't want you to leave me—not even for a single moment."
"Just thinking about Albania being so far away… almost on the other side of the world… it honestly hurts my heart. Even if you go away for just a few days, the fact that it's so far… I really can't handle the distance!" Jin continued, pouring out everything he was feeling in that moment.
Smart smiled and gently stroked his face.
"Thank you for thinking of me and caring so much! We still have time to figure this part out together—it's too early for that," he said and then he pulled Jin onto the bed, and they lay down together, hands intertwined, eyes fixed on the stars beyond the glass ceiling.
"Jin… I'm sorry if I made you feel a little bad earlier. I promise, soon I'll introduce you to Zoi. I was just waiting for the right moment."
A soft smile appeared on Jin's lips, and he immediately ran his fingers through Smart's hair.
"When you're ready… take your time."
Smart caressed his hand while keeping his gaze on the stars, completely focused.
"Jin, did you know that in our whole family, we have this thing about watching the stars?"
"I remember when we were kids, all four of us lying in the garden, looking at the sky. Mom would tell us that no matter where we are, just look at the stars, and we're right there with you."
"Hmm… so… does that mean I'm part of this too? Can you feel that I'm near you every time you look at the stars?"
"Bubu… you're not planning to go far from me, leaving me needing to look at the stars just to feel you close?" he asked, his voice heavy with worry.
Jin gently stroked his hair.
"I mean when I go on work trips and we won't see each other for a few days," Jin explained softly.
"Hmm… maybe I won't miss you that much for just a few days," Smart replied immediately, teasing him.
Jin smiled and hugged him.
"Still got the energy to play, huh?"Do you want me to press you up against this glass now?" he asked, his voice firm, heavy, and impossible to ignore.
Smart raised his hand—not to hit, but just to place it on Jin's face—and gripped him firmly.
"You naughty mind… get up and go take a shower," he said, his voice sharp but playful.
"Wanna join me?" Jin asked, winking.
"Want to sleep alone?" Smart teased back.
Jin shook his head with a smile, knowing he had no other choice.
He got up and headed toward the shower, thinking about how much he wanted to stay in that tub with Smart right there beside him.
After finishing his shower, Jin called for Smart to get ready, but as he approached, he saw that Smart had fallen asleep.
He just lay there, admiring that beautiful face with his eyes closed. Jin moved closer, sitting beside him, and whispered softly,
"Babe… get up, go take a shower."
Smart rolled over gently in bed and mumbled in his sleep,
"Let me sleep… I don't want to get up."
Jin felt bad waking him—Smart had really had a long, tiring day—so he decided to let him rest.
He went to the closet and grabbed a pair of pajamas.
"Now it's time for you to change your clothes," he whispered
He moved closer to him and gently lifted him just enough so he could take off the hoodie.
Smart rested his head on Jin's shoulder and didn't even open his eyes.
Jin removed the hoodie, and just as he was about to put on the pajamas, he noticed a tattoo on Smart's shoulder through the dark smoked mirrors above the headboard.
He leaned closer to get a better look at the tattoo.
A smile spread across his face as he saw a cluster of tiny, minimalist stars on Smart's shoulder. At first, it just looked like a pretty little detail.
But when he looked closer, he noticed that the stars were connected by invisible lines, forming the elegant silhouette of a dancer caught mid-move.
"My babe… you really love the stars, and you're truly in love with dancing," he whispered softly while helping him into the pajamas.
"When are you going to love me so much that I'll be like a tattoo in your heart?" he thought.
He reached to pull off Smart's sweatpants, but his hand brushed against him.
"Don't even think about it," Smart murmured, eyes half-closed.
Jin looked at him, a little surprised, when Smart suddenly drifted back to sleep.
Damn… why does he have to be this damn cute?
Jin changed quickly and then lay down behind him, holding him close against his chest.
He couldn't get enough of that sweet, sleepy face in front of him.
Only a few moments passed before his phone vibrated.
A message appeared on the screen.
He read it but didn't reply. Instead, he stayed there for a few more seconds, quietly watching Smart's face.
Then, very carefully, he slipped out of Smart's arms so he wouldn't wake him—even though it was difficult, since Smart was sleeping so deeply, almost like he was completely knocked out.
He quickly put something on and headed downstairs right away.
**********
At the bar counter, Ren sat with a cigarette between his fingers, taking drag after drag, a glass of alcohol in his other hand.
His whole demeanor looked extremely tense, as if he were filled with anger and pent-up frustration.
"What the hell are you doing with that glass of alcohol at this hour? Or are you trying to drown your stress?" Jin asked calmly as he walked down the stairs.
"What am I doing, you ask?
What else does a person do when they're holding a glass of alcohol?"
"They drink it… don't they?" Ren's voice came out even harsher.
If he were in the jungle, he would have been its king.
Even a lion would have been forced to step back in front of the fierce aura he carried.
Jin stepped closer and immediately took the glass from his hand.
"If I had known you'd react like this, I wouldn't have told you anything."
Ren looked him straight in the eyes.
"It's easy for you to talk… but if you were in my place right now… you—"
Jin understood exactly what he was about to say and cut him off instantly.
"Don't ask me. You can't even imagine what I would've done."
"Then don't tell me how to act, because I can't right now. My anger… my rage is so strong that I don't even know what to do with it."
Jin lit a cigarette and sat down on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other.
"I understand you very well. But with this behavior, you're not fixing anything. Can you turn back time? Can you change the past? No.
So the only thing left is to move forward.
Watch your behavior and act normal. Leo can't suspect anything."
Silence… just the sound of breathing.
"How much does Leo know about me?" Ren finally broke the silence.
"Not much," Jin replied immediately.
"What do you mean, 'not much'?" Ren asked, surprised.
"He only know that you work as a bartender at 'Light'. That's it," Jin said, his voice calm.
"Are you sure he only knows that? You're not lying, are you?" Ren asked, his eyes sharp.
"Hmm… yes. The one who knows more than that… is me," Jin said, exhaling a stream of cigarette smoke, sitting calmly in his seat.
Ren looked him in the eyes and chewed on his words. He couldn't get a single word out.
How much information could he have gathered? Was it really necessary for him to know all the details?
Ren thought, staring deeply into Jin's eyes, trying to figure out more—but Jin's gaze was impossible to read.
Maybe only Smart could penetrate through them—but no one else could.
"Since you're staying silent… then I'll speak," Jin said, wasting no time being direct.
"Besides Han, do your friends know that you're the son of one of the richest men in the country?" Jin asked immediately.
Ren understood clearly that there was no need to lie to Jin anymore. By now, he had gathered all the information.
"No," he said loudly.
"I don't want them to find out."
Jin inhaled from his cigarette, then slowly turned his head toward Ren.
Why?
"It's clear that you haven't just gathered information… you've gotten all the details.
Since you know everything, then let's talk openly.
No lies work here, right? Or am I wrong?"
Jin put out his cigarette, took a deep breath, and then said,
"Okay… go ahead. I'm listening."
"You're right. I'm the son of one of the most powerful men in this country.
People know my family — our name, our influence, our wealth.
They just don't really know me. I've always tried to stay away from all of that. To me, it never really mattered.
I wasn't always the person you see now.
I wasn't confident. I wasn't authoritative. I wasn't this stubborn man who gets whatever he wants.
I used to be quiet. Obedient. Living under my family's rules without ever questioning them.
Around them, I was never truly free.
I couldn't follow my own path.
I couldn't choose the life I wanted."
Their discipline made me feel like I was suffocating.
Every small friendship I ever had was based only on interest and nothing else.
Not a single real or sincere friendship.
At the age of 18, I began to realize that my preferences were toward boys, and I truly wanted to experience that feeling.
Little by little, I started to change, and after a long period of keeping everything to myself, I couldn't endure it anymore and told my family that I am gay and that I want to be free.
After many arguments, my father told me that he no longer had a son
and that I was a disgrace to him.
I had no other choice but to leave that place and discover myself, to do the things that made me feel good, and to become the person I am today.
When I was getting ready to leave everything behind, my mom felt really sad, but I promised her I would call and see her often.
I also told her that I needed to leave that shell, or I would lose myself.
She understood me better than anyone and supported me in everything I did.
I left only on her terms, because I didn't want her to get sick or worry about me.
"What were her terms?" Jin asked, curious.
Hmm… to accept her sending me money every month, since that would make her feel more at ease… and to take Han with me and live with him in one of our family's buildings.
Han is the child of one of your family's staff, right?
Hmm, yes. I was very close to him and cared for him like my little brother.
Then why aren't you living together now?
Hmmm… since we both needed our own space and privacy— you know what I mean? —Ren said, giving him a sly look.
So, I got Han an apartment in my building.
Jin smiled lightly, clearly understanding why he meant it.
He shook his head and asked again,
Why are you working as a bartender when you really don't need to, with all the money you have?
After Han and I moved out together, I wanted to try different experiences!
We did a bunch of different jobs until I found myself working as a bartender, experimenting with drinks.
It was something I really enjoyed doing.
Han loved being a DJ, but he wouldn't accept my help to get there!
He started, then stopped halfway, telling me he didn't like it anymore—but I knew he was lying.
He just wanted to work, make money, and then keep going.
Jin was listening, feeling good as he learned more details from what he had found out.
Later, when I met Nela, Smart, and Zoi, I told Han that I didn't want them to find out who I really was.
I was scared they might be friends with me just because of my name and family wealth.
But I discovered they were some of the simplest, most positive, and kind-hearted people in the world.
Nela might seem tough—her look could make you think that—but she's an amazing person.
As for Smart and Zoi, they're on another level.
Their kindness has no limits.
He took a deep breath.
"You know? I'm really happy I met them.
The most genuine friends I've ever had in my life."
Jin stayed silent, just listening to every word, trying to step into Ren's world—a world that had truly been hard for him since he was a kid.
He looked Ren in the eyes and asked,
"I suppose you were afraid to tell Leo the same thing too?
You thought he might get close to you because of your name… so you chose to play the role of someone from a middle-class background?"
"At first, that's what I thought.
But later I realized Leo isn't that kind of person.
And more than that, he doesn't even need something like that — he's already fulfilled in every way."
"Then why haven't you told him, when everything seems fine?"
"Do you want the truth… or should I lie to you?" Ren said, giving him a sly wink.
"Speak now .
Don't test my patience."
"I haven't hidden anything from him.
I just told him that I would reveal everything about my life when…"
He paused for a second.
"Hmm… I told him exactly like this —
'Leo, when you become mine, I'll tell you everything about me… not before.'
That's all I said," Ren finished with a devilish smile.
At that moment, a strong punch shot toward him, but his reflexes kicked in instantly and he raised his hands, blocking it.
"Jin, what are you doing?!"
Jin stared straight into his eyes.
"You damn jerk… you were trying to pull him into your hands as fast as possible and put that kind of pressure on him —"
"I didn't do it with that intention.
I just wasn't ready to talk about my personal matters, especially the story with my father. I don't want him to feel sad for me… that's all.
And I also didn't want him to find out that I work at Light, because I had given Smart my word that I wouldn't say anything. That's it.
And that last part… is no longer a secret now."
"It may not be a secret anymore, but you'll keep acting like it is," Jin said, slowly lowering his fist.
"You've got good reflexes. I guess you've been in a lot of fights?"
"I told you — after I left that house, my life was full of different thrills and reckless moments… but let's not talk about that."
Ren paused for a moment, then asked Jin,
"How did you know I wasn't dangerous for Leo?"
"Hmm, getting info even from all your exes who still spoke of you with love…
And fucking hell, there were so many…
Damn… you'd just broken free from your family chains, starting a wild, insatiable life."
Ren smiled.
"I guess I can't compare to the number of people you might've had…"
Jin gave him a sharp look and stayed silent. He didn't speak, just lit another cigarette, thinking that this was about to turn into a long conversation between them.
"Before we even start this discussion," Jin said in a serious tone,
"I want Smart to stop working at Light.
I can't stand seeing him work there…
You'll take care of it, or I'll handle it myself…
Ren looked him in the eyes, trying to dig up even more information.
"Tell me… how long have you known that we work there?
Why hasn't Leo told me anything?"
"Because I asked him not to," Jin said calmly.
"So… Leo only knows that I work at Light, not about my past?"
Jin had expected Ren would try to find out more, and he had thought through every possibility.
"Because I think it's better for Leo to learn about your past from you!
I didn't want to tell him this part since it's sensitive,
but I saw it as a family matter, not something dangerous to share with him."
"And you want to learn about Smart's past from my mouth?" That's what you're saying?" Ren asked, a bit suspiciously.
At that moment, a scene flashed through Ren's mind — the first time he had met Leo, and it had been exactly at Light.
Maybe Leo had known from the beginning… or maybe even before we met… where I worked? Fuck, if he did, why would he keep it from me? We've been together for months and he hasn't told me anything. What the hell is going on here? Ren thought, not feeling well or at ease.
"Jin, tell me — did Leo find out from you where I work, or did he figure it out on his own?" Ren was already starting to have some small doubts, and he wouldn't feel calm until he found out.
Jin looked him in the eyes.
"Why are you asking me again? I told you he found out from me," he said with a confident tone, but Ren's thoughts still wouldn't let him relax.
"Uh… I hope so," Ren said in a half-voice.
"Now you heard it clearly"
Smart is not going to work there — and that's final," Jin's authoritative voice echoed through the room.
I understand very well that you don't want to see him working as a waiter, but let him make that choice himself!
And you don't have to worry while I'm there — I won't let anything happen to him.
"Why is Smart keeping it from me?" Jin asked again.
"Hmm… at first, he thought it wasn't the right time to tell you everything, but now he thinks that if you find out, you'll get upset with him and stop him from doing that job," Ren said. "He's very proud and wants to achieve everything on his own, without anyone's help."
"Without anyone's help? Ren, what are you saying? I'm his boyfriend , and he should accept my support without a second thought," Jin said immediately.
"I know there's nothing wrong with it. I think the same as you, but we're dealing with Smart!
He has a very different Albanian mindset. They are extremely proud.
I think it will take you some time to change the way he thinks."
What the hell is this now? Do I have to deal with his pride too, on top of his stubbornness? Jin thought, standing up and heading toward the bar.
"What are you doing?
You told me not to drink, and now you're drinking for yourself?"
"I'm trying to burn off some of the anger I have inside," Jin replied.
"Why don't you just talk to Smart about this? It's simple!"
Jin took a sip of alcohol.
"It's not the right moment.
Maybe when he loves me insanely… then, yes!
Right now, I don't want to take the risk."
"Hm… you think too much," Ren cut him off sharply.
"Why didn't he tell me he was the one driving that day up on the hill?
What exactly was he trying to hide?"
"Hm…" Ren looked at him carefully.
"Do you ever look at yourself and see how fierce you can be?" he asked directly.
Jin shot him an irritated glare.
"Don't look at me like that. Some things happen because of your wild temper.
He couldn't tell you — your voice that day was furious, and he heard it.
After that, he thought he didn't want you to worry, so he simply didn't tell you.
I don't think it's such a big deal… is it?"
"Maybe it doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but to me it is.
Ever since I went through Leo's accident, I've been very sensitive about speed.
Not for myself… but for the people around me.
I can't allow Smart to risk his life."
The moment Leo's accident was mentioned, Ren's face turned pale, and fear flickered in his eyes as well.
"Jin," he said, "you're absolutely right about this.
He loves speed — cars, motorcycles — but he's focused and doesn't take reckless risks."
"That cute face of his… it's such a trick, isn't it?" Jin asked, teasingly, trying to get Ren to agree.
A cute face with a million shades… it's almost unreal!
It's the first time I've met a character with so many sides… and I swear, every side of him pulls me in, intrigues me, gives me an insane rush, and makes me want him even more.
Ren looked at him with some surprise, realizing that it wasn't just Smart's cute side that attracted Jin — every other side of him was driving Jin even crazier.
Damn, he thought — Smart tries to act cute to charm him even more, but this guy is losing his mind over every single side of him!
Hmm… Smart is just utterly adorable in every way.
He can win anyone over with his positivity and that irresistible smile.
But—don't forget—he's insanely sensitive and feels everything deeply, even if he doesn't show it.
If you disappoint him… honestly, I have no idea how he might react.
Which side of him will show up—his kindness or his strength?
Ren said this seriously, knowing that Smart was hard to read in moments like these.
"Ren, tell me the truth… how did you meet Smart?"
"Han told me it was a tough time in his life…"
"What moment was that?" Jin asked directly, locking eyes with Ren so he wouldn't make a single move.
Ren inhaled from his cigarette, exhaling slowly along with his heavy breath.
"Jin… listen… Smart…"
Just then, a voice cut through the room.
"What are you two doing here?"
Ren immediately stubbed out his cigarette as soon as he heard Leo's voice, thinking it was the perfect moment for Leo to appear and save him from Jin's question.
He knew Jin wouldn't let it slide forever, but at least he could buy a few days…
"Damn… now you show up," Jin thought to himself, and whispered to Ren in a low voice,
"We'll talk another day… the conversation isn't over yet."
"Baby… you're awake," Ren said, walking over to him.
"When I opened my eyes and didn't see you beside me, I got worried…
But I guess I worried for nothing, huh?" Leo said, still looking at him.
"Did you smoke?
"Just one, but come on… let's lie down, it's late," Ren replied.
Leo glanced at Jin with suspicion.
"What are you two planning?" he asked immediately.
Ren grabbed him by the hand and pulled him toward the stairs.
"Nothing! I just couldn't sleep and came downstairs.
I found Jin here and we exchanged a few words. That's it… don't overthink it.
Come on, let's lie down."
Jin stood in silence for a few moments, smoking.
His mind couldn't think of anything else but his Smart.
After he stubbed out the cigarette, he climbed the stairs toward his room.
He opened the door, and there, lying before his eyes, was Smart—like a tiny, cute little bunny.
Jin slid into the bed and immediately kissed him softly on the lips.
Half-asleep, Smart moved closer, resting his hand on Jin's chest, then wrapped himself around him.
Jin held him tightly, inhaling his scent, and then switched off the light.
*****
Sunlight streamed through the windows, flooding the room with warmth and light.
Jin slowly opened his eyes, turning his head toward Smart, who was lying in his arms.
He kissed him on the head and just stared, admiring him quietly.
Suddenly, Smart's phone lit up, signaling a new message.
Jin picked it up, and from the screen, he could make out the sender's name:
Den…
The moment he saw that name, all calm, logic, and peace that had filled him vanished.
He needed—had to—read that damn message in full.
Jin grabbed the phone and immediately tried to enter a passcode.
It didn't work. He tried another, still nothing.
Then it hit him—maybe there was a different code. He entered it,
Bubu—and the phone unlocked instantly.
"My little boy," he whispered, kissing him on the head.
The first thing he saw was the message:
✉️ Den
Smart, how are you?
The audition is coming up.
Don't forget to join.
The guys—and me too—are waiting for you!
"The guys are waiting for you"—that line had Jin completely losing it.
His vision went dark, and there was no way to calm down.
He quickly cleared the message and put the phone away.
"I swear… I'm going to destroy every single one of them," he whispered, holding Smart tightly in his arms.
A few minutes passed, and Smart slowly opened his eyes.
When he met Jin's gaze, he smiled softly.
"Bubu—you're awake," he murmured, leaning in for a gentle kiss.
Jin kissed him softly on the lips, looking straight into his eyes.
Smart lifted his eyes, and when he looked up at the ceiling, the beautiful leaves shimmered in his gaze.
He grabbed his phone immediately and started snapping a few photos.
Then he took some selfies with Jin in different, cute poses. As he scrolled through the pictures on his phone, he opened his eyes wide.
He pulled the blanket up and looked at himself.
"Jin… did you change me?" he asked, astonished.
"Hmm… you were really tired and went to sleep without showering.
I changed you so you could rest comfortably."
Smart instinctively placed a hand behind his shoulder and smiled a little awkwardly, hoping Jin hadn't noticed his tattoo.
Jin saw the gesture and understood, but he wouldn't let on that he had noticed.
He'd wait until Smart showed him himself.
Is my baby shy now? Jin asked, gently caressing his face.
"Hmm, nope," Smart said with a smile, getting ready to get out of bed—but Jin pulled him back close. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Hmm…"I'm not running away! I'm just going to take a shower…"
"Don't even think about running away from me! Otherwise, I'll just take you and keep you locked in this room— Now come here, stay close, and let's hug a little longer. You can take a shower later."
Smart nodded and snuggled closer, melting into Jin's embrace. I don't want this hug to end, he thought—and soon, sleep claimed him again.
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