(no) Strings Attached

Almost There

San followed seconds later, unable to hold back when he felt Wooyoung close around him, dragging him down into his own release with a low, broken moan.

They collapsed into each other, breathless, hearts pounding, chests slick with sweat. Neither spoke for a long moment. There was only the sound of their breathing, the occasional aftershock of a shiver, and the feel of skin on skin, grounding them both.

Finally, Wooyoung sighed. "You better not disappear on me again."

San smiled, barely able to lift his head from where it rested on Wooyoung's shoulder. "Not a chance," he whispered. "I'm yours."

Wooyoung's lips stretched into a content smile, eyes closed as he tried to calm his breath.

San pulled out slowly, enjoying the exaggerated whine Wooyoung let out. "Look at you unloading." San mumbled, almost to himself, lip prisoned between his own sharp teeth.

Wooyoung's cheeks flushed, already twitching toward a sleepy laugh as he smacked San's chest weakly. "Don't talk like that when I'm still floating."

San grinned down at him, smug but soft, brushing a thumb over the side of Wooyoung's flushed face. "You look wrecked." He dipped to kiss him—slow, indulgent, lingering on the taste of him. "You're beautiful like this."

Wooyoung cracked one eye open, still catching his breath. "Flattery won't clean me up."

"Oh no?" San nuzzled his nose against Wooyoung's, teasing. "Guess I'll have to carry you then."

And without warning, he did—lifting Wooyoung from the couch with ease, ignoring the little yelp that burst out of him.

"You're such a menace," Wooyoung groaned, clinging to his shoulders as San began walking toward the bathroom.

"You didn't complain five minutes ago," San said, utterly pleased with himself. "Besides, after that much—" he nudged his nose against Wooyoung's temple—"you deserve a hot bath. And a lot of water."

Wooyoung hummed, letting himself be cradled like something cherished. "You're being disgustingly romantic."

San pressed a kiss to his temple. "Get used to it."

The bath ran warm, steam curling into the air. San settled behind him in the tub, arms loosely around Wooyoung's middle, both of them sinking into the silence. There was no rush. No weight of expectation. Just comfort and warmth and the soft, rhythmic drip of water from the faucet.

After a long stretch of silence, Wooyoung spoke, voice nearly a whisper. "You meant it, right?"

San didn't pretend not to know. He just tightened his arms a little. "I did. I do."

Wooyoung's hold on his forearms tightened, as if announcing his conviction; his relief. The smile adorning his tired face was worth everything San has tried in his power that lead to this moment.

"Rest, baby. I'll wake you when the water gets colder." The older mumbled, turning his head to leave yet another kiss on the shorter's temple.

And with that, Wooyoung let his eyes close, back pressing against San's chest like he was finally—finally—safe.

The warmth of the bath, the rhythm of San's heartbeat behind him, and the weight of a love finally spoken aloud—Wooyoung let it all lull him into peace. His breathing slowed, lashes fluttering once before settling closed, his fingers still faintly wrapped around San's.

San didn't move. Didn't dare disturb the way Wooyoung melted so trustingly into him.

He just stared ahead, jaw tight for a moment—like the gravity of everything had finally sunk in.

Not lust.

Not guilt.

Not a desperate echo of what they used to be.

This was now. This was real. And he was going to protect it with everything he had left.

San let his chin rest against Wooyoung's shoulder, watching the way the water shimmered around them. "I'm home," he whispered, more to himself than anything.

Because for the first time in too long, he wasn't chasing. He wasn't apologizing.

He was holding what mattered—and this time, he wasn't letting go.

A/N

Hellooooo
Guess who got floor seats for ateez's July concert 🥳🥳

I hope you liked this chapter I tried making it the least dirty despite the things happening 😹

See you next chapter ❤️🐸