The office lobby feels strangely different when they walk in again. Maybe it's because they've been away for a while. Maybe it's because everyone already knows. Or maybe it's because Kai can't stop touching Ren's hand, even when they're three steps away from the elevator.
Ren clears his throat softly. "You're being obvious."
Kai doesn't move his hand. "I'm your husband. I'm allowed."
Ren's face heats instantly, and he glances around. The receptionist tries—and fails—not to squeal behind her hand. A cluster of employees near the elevators whisper loudly enough that Ren hears:
"They're back!"
"Look at them—oh my god their matching rings—"
"I swear they're glowing."
The elevator doors open and a few people shuffle out, but the ones waiting to go up refuse to step inside. They just stand there staring with the widest, nosiest smiles.
Kai sighs in the way only a man used to attention does. "Please step in."
All four employees practically sprint inside as if they were blocking royalty. Ren follows behind, cheeks burning so badly they sting.
He tries to hide behind Kai, but that only makes it worse because someone gasps, "He's shy! He's being shy!"
Kai pulls Ren into the elevator by the waist, which does not help at all.
"Good morning," Kai says calmly, as if nothing is happening.
Ren keeps his eyes on the floor. "Hi."
One woman leans forward just a bit. "How was the honeymoon?"
Ren nearly chokes.
Kai answers smoothly, "Beautiful."
Another employee whispers, "You made him blush again!" and someone else elbows them in agreement.
When the elevator reaches their floor, they practically spill out in relief. Kai keeps Ren close as they walk toward their office area, but every single person they pass either:
• grins• waves too energetically• stares at their rings• or whispers "They're so cute" like they're narrating a nature documentary
Ren covers his face with his hand. "I am never taking vacation again."
Kai laughs. "They're just happy for us."
"I feel like I'm walking through a zoo enclosure."
"You're the one who's cute," Kai murmurs, leaning down slightly. "It's your fault."
Ren glares at him softly. "Stop flirting with me at work."
Kai's eyes sparkle. "No."
They both settle into their workspace. Ren finds a pile of tiny heart-shaped sticky notes scattered across his monitor, courtesy of some romantic menace who works in HR. One reads:
'Welcome back, newlyweds!'
Another says:
'Hope the honeymoon was spicy <3'
Ren shoves that one face-down immediately.
Kai, meanwhile, opens his office door to find a giant gift basket from the PR team filled with chocolates, tea, and a card that reads:
'Congrats to our favorite couple!''P.S. Kai, don't work on your honeymoon ever again.'
Ren pokes his head in, trying not to laugh. "You absolutely checked your email, didn't you?"
Kai clears his throat. "Only twice."
"Liar."
"Fine. Four times."
Ren walks up, grabs him by the tie, and pulls him close. "Don't make me confiscate your laptop."
Kai whispers against his lips, "You can confiscate anything you want."
Ren's hand drops the tie instantly. "Okay we're at work you need to stop––"
Kai laughs into his shoulder.
By lunch, things calm down. Ren relaxes enough to eat a sandwich at his desk without feeling stared at. Kai sits across from him, reviewing a document with his usual calm expression—until Ren catches him staring too long.
"What?" Ren asks.
Kai looks down at his food. "Nothing."
"What?"
"…You look happy." Kai says softly.
Ren rolls his eyes, smiling despite himself. "I am happy."
Kai reaches across the desk and squeezes his hand once, quick and gentle so no one sees. Ren squeezes back.
They eat quietly after that. Peacefully. Comfortably.
But then Kai clears his throat, hesitating in a way he almost never does.
"Ren."
"Yeah?"
"I was thinking." Kai sets his chopsticks down. "Since we're married now…"
Ren's heart stops.
Kai continues carefully. "We don't have to rush anything, but… moving in together. Whenever you feel ready."
Ren blinks at him.
Kai looks strangely nervous, eyes softer than usual, voice lower. "Only if you want to. If you're comfortable. I don't want you to feel pressured."
Ren opens his mouth. No words come out.
He tries again. "Kai…"
Kai straightens a little, bracing himself.
And Ren suddenly feels the warmth rush back—like it always does around Kai. Safe, familiar, gentle warmth.
"I want that," Ren says quietly. "I do. I… want to be with you more. But I don't want to rush and then mess something up."
Kai's shoulders relax instantly. Relief floods his expression. "We can take it slowly. Step by step. No pressure."
Ren fiddles with his ring. "Maybe we start by… looking at places? Or you show me some options? Or… you know… I could stay at your place a little more…?"
Kai's smile softens so much that Ren feels it in his spine. "Stay as much as you want. Every night if you want."
Ren blushes again. "Not every night. I need my stuff."
Kai smirks. "I'll buy extra."
"That's not the point."
Kai leans in. "Then tell me the point."
Ren leans back nervously. "The point is… I want us to take our time. But I also… want it to happen."
Kai gently takes Ren's hand across the desk. "Then we'll go at your pace."
Ren's chest loosens in the most comforting way. "Okay."
"Okay," Kai repeats softly.
Ren smiles. "But I want to pick the apartment."
Kai laughs. "I expected nothing less."
When the workday ends, the teasing looks return, but Ren doesn't mind them as much. His hand keeps brushing against Kai's at the elevator. Kai's shoulder keeps leaning into his.
And as they walk out of the building together under the warm evening sky, Ren feels lighter.
Married life isn't dramatic or fancy today.
Just teasing coworkers. Gentle conversations. Slow steps forward.
And the sweet possibility of their future home—a place for both of them, together.
"Dinner at your place?" Ren asks as they reach the curb.
Kai smiles. "Always."
And Ren follows him, heart warm, steps soft, already imagining what their shared life might look like.