XXX Buddy is a novel written by lash with three volumes which was released in 2018 and has been published by Ridibooks. An ongoing manhwa adaption written by lash with art by daki was released in 2020 which is published by Seoul Media and also in English by Tappytoon.
Synopsis[]
A fierce love collab at City Casual, the nations top men's magazine, between the bear-like leader of the planning team, Baek Youngchan, and the beautiful but prickly Design team lead, Seo Hyunsoo. After Seo Hyunsoo accidentally sees Baek Youngchan's naked body, he begins to question his sexual preference. What happens when Seo Hyunsoo gets involved with his office nemesis who he'd never dreamed of getting mixed up with?
Characters[]
Seo Hyunsoo[]
The Design Department's Team Lead, in a bar he is unresponsive to men's various attempts to strike up conversation with him. Slamming his drink down he tells one for them to go to a hotel. Meeting up with only the unfamiliar men he sees at bars is purely the result of his curiosity. Biting and squeezing to cause his partner to say 'ow', after when they are calm Seo starts ruffling the man's hair before he begins violently yanking it. Indifferent to his distress and not letting go Seo derives pleasure for himself. Asked if he is using him as an own personal vibrator as the man tries to make light of the situation, Seo continues to ignore his words then tears out a section of the unfortunate man's hair. Leaving him upset and not remotely responsive to the physical or emotional hurt he inflicted, Seo showers and coldly thinks how he is not satisfied at all. He thinks his preference changing and wanting to kill a different man he envisions are different. At work, with employees calling for the type of food they would like Seo considers they are a rather free-spirited department. Calculating in his thinking Seo completes his work to the best of his ability, this principle of his is simple and firm. All the while Seo further contemplates how the wind is gradually getting stronger, almost as if a typhoon is coming. Beside him at a work dinner Seo feels Baek's arm then remarks that he is in very good shape, and deduces that they are the same age. Commenting that he does not really exercise, Seo mentions he watches movies or reads books (he prefers Lord of the Rings) on the weekend, and inwardly doubts Baek's assertion that he likes to read too. Considering Baek he thinks how at first glance he may seem naive, but is indeed an editor of a fashion magazine. Glancing at him, and noticing a very out of character and distinct look on Baek's face Seo thinks what was that. It is not like he came to this company to make friends, and when Seo exits the lavatory to rambunctious laughter he immediately closes the door. Aware that Baek is pleasuring himself in a cubicle Seo bangs on the door and demands he have some common sense, he is in a public bathroom. Wondering if Baek is running towards him since he banged Seo thinks it is fine, bring it on, he did not do anything wrong. Considering himself realistic, because he is an adult, Seo just has a hard time tolerating anything out of the ordinary. Bumped again by Baek's chest Seo thinks of him as a 'Captain America-chested bastard'. While he finds it annoying Seo has to admit Baek writes a good proposal. Thinking he is not some scum who would out his coworker, Seo does think Baek is scum for having sex in a public bathroom (his assumption made at seeing someone else exit the bathroom, Baek was by himself masturbating). At first putting up with being asked to revise a project Seo's general irateness culminates in him throwing his coffee over Baek's face when his temper flares. Indifferent at the possible loss of his reputation, even when presented a canned drink by Baek he remains glowering and questions if he is not going home. Seo orders Baek to keep his chest out of his face. He is angered having the notion that Baek was testing him all this time. Having an issue with the coffee shop staff Seo tells Jungho he thinks there is a problem with the coffee itself. Not wanting a new brew, a different drink, or a dessert, Seo is adamant that the server taste it. With Yeonji he mentions how his temper was lost and he got into fights in his old department, in one case he slammed a file on someone's fingers while informing him he done as he asked. Declining Yeonji's offer to have coffee made Seo describes himself as not someone who would make a fuss for no reason. Considering work is work Seo assesses whether it is unreasonable or not, but does not like walking on eggshells and asking for favors at work. He ingests tablets where Baek comments whether he has a headache. With Jungho apologizing for mixing up the coffee beans Seo thinks even though he made a mistake he does not evade it, deceive or attack him and is different from previous colleagues. If it still bothers him Seo says Jungho could give a complimentary sandwich and the coffee of the day and is overall remarkably, and out of characteristically nice. He was previously with the marketing department before being transferred. Anticipating contact with members of the marketing team Seo comments he is not good at remembering faces.
Baek Youngchan[]
Introducing himself and saying he is from the Planning Department's Team Lead, later when Baek sees Seo he bounds towards him and playfully blocks his path while exclaiming that he cannot get past him. Being labeled as City Central's ace, the ace of Korea's largest men's fashion magazine, it is synonymous with being the country's ace. Some say his salary is 100 million Won while others comment he is the editor-in-chief's close relative and was given his current position. Catching Seo after he lost his balance from the wind and saying it is so nice to meet him, at the company dinner Baek energetically requests a draft beer and chocolate cake. Baek proclaims he is perfectly fine, and not at all drunk while holding his mug upside down. Hearing Seo order a draft beer Baek roars into action as he springs towards his suddenly appointed beer buddy. Introducing himself again Baek feels Seo's job title is very impressive. Confirming he works out, Baek likes being physically active and goes to the gym everyday then rock climbs too. Having started right when he got into college Baek thinks it has been over 13 years already. Calling themselves age twins Baek does not know how long it has been since he met someone his age. Asking if Seo likes to workout Baek questions if he wants to go indoor surfing on the weekend. On literature Baek comments that he really enjoyed reading Harry Potter. After Baek tells those at the table he is taking a call, in the lavatory he is instead pleasuring himself. Having spotted a potted tree about to fall on Seo he is strong enough to prevent that happening. Seeing that one of Seo's buttons have come off where he grabbed him, Baek raises how he saved him from the tree and from falling earlier, so asks how about Seo let it slide this once (which Seo interpreted as in reference to the toilet incident, as in do not tell anyone or else. Baek did not intentionally pull his button off as a threat, neither charged at him to be menacing, he was just helping Seo). Baek praises Seo for his work but sends back file amendments. With coffee thrown over him Baek answers he is fine, the coffee was cold. Presenting a canned drink to Seo he says it is a gift. With it refused Baek appears startled before drinking it himself. Praising Seo's work as perfect Baek speaks how everyone usually gives up or does a sloppy job by the third and fourth revision as he removes his shirt for no apparent reason. He knew manager Kim was not the kind of person to recklessly transfer Seo here just because they are friends. If Seo has not eaten yet Baek asks if he wants to go eat pork rib soup together. Early at work he is doing pushups in the corridor. For lunch he suggests to Seo that they eat at the brunch café he talked about last time. Baek's serious expression is glimpsed again after a realization he had when Seo is acting cordially with Jungho. Eager for the company retreat events Baek wonders when manager Kim is coming. Asking whether Seo got along with the marketing department Baek questions if he is okay out of concern for his wellbeing. With his coffee not ready yet but with Seo leaving with his that Baek paid for he asks to little avail for him to wait. Having ordered an ice cream sundae, outside Baek menaces the marketing department with his presence yet confirming who they are he joyfully speaks how he has heard so much about them from Seo. Squeezing Kwon's shoulder he hopes they will get along during the company retreat. With the validity of his claim that Seo told him so much about them raised Baek comments he was just saying it to be polite. Baek calls Kwon to state it does not seem there is anything he can do right now to help when he was offering to assist Yeonji and Seo. Not interested in Kwon's line of conversation concerning magazine sales, Baek is animated when the topic of sports is raised and shares that he loves to play basketball. Gathering the teams to him, informed there are many people on their team Baek answers 'whatever' and is largely interested only in playing where it is observed that he dotes on and covers Seo. He was not actually aware that it was Seo who slammed on the door when he was in the lavatory (so what was seen as threatening behaviour from him, and the act of increasing Seo's workload was not motivated by that and may have been imagined by Seo. Further he was masturbating when Seo thought he was having sex with another man).
Kim[]
The director requested from HR that Seo be transported to the department. Introducing him, Kim adds how tonight's dinner is on the company's dime. Cuisine recommendations will be accepted for the next ten seconds, yet regardless of the suggestions Kim announces they are hosting at the dining pub she had in mind. With the meeting over Kim concludes the matter by ordering them to get back to work. Afterwards Kim shares with Seo how he should not feel too burdened by what she said earlier. The department does not force people to go to any company dinners, it is just a quick way to familiarize oneself with the department over a meal. Continuing that there is no way to get to know everyone when a deadline is close, Kim suggests that Seo get a sense of all the staff members different styles beforehand and report back to her on the overall mood. Asked for her guidance going forward Kim remarks that Seo is the polar opposite of Baek Youngchan. Unable to believe they are going on a company retreat at Daejeon City, Seo-gu, with the marketing department of all people Kim travels there in Manager Kwon's personal car. Thinking how the vehicle is foreign with a personal driver no less Kim ponders it should be impossible on his salary. She reflects how they had a very hard time with Seo, he was totally clueless and has a very nasty temper. If it were not for president Park she would have already fired him.
Yeonji Kim[]
From the project team, Yeonji had snuck out of the company dinner to smoke a cigarette outside on the terrace. Knowing a rumor about Mr. Seo, Yeonji explains one day she will not be able to contain her curiosity and might end up asking him, so questions would it not be better for both of them to talk about it now. A little disappointed in Seo she thought he would be a nice person, especially considering what he did in his previous department. She laughs somewhat manically to herself when Seo throws coffee over Baek. Cheerfully she tells Seo he is such a rude customer then serves him her own coffee that she roasted and brewed. It is her new hobby and she got a barista certificate a little while ago. Wondering if Seo gave up, Yeonji shares how she still feels joy picturing Baek's confused face from the coffee incident. She appears unhappy when others mention how Seo and Baek must have reconciled. Accordingly Yeonji whispers why Seo is suddenly being so compliant with Baek again. Handing him her coffee Yeonji tells Seo to stop complaining about the cafe staff, even if he cannot do anything about his personality he can at least try and keep his dignity. She gets it, the situation in her view, that Seo is someone who kept bottling up his emotions for a good reason until he finally lost it. Yeonji deduces that Seo has a lot of pent up anger towards Baek but not because of his unreasonable revision requests. Coming across Baek's routine of blocking Seo and saying he shall not pass Yeonji happily greets him hello to get his attention. When Baek acts the same to her Yeonji has an altered stance where she has a flask of coffee ready and states unless Baek wants to get showered in it then get out of the way. Then addressing Seo in her warm manner Yeonji hands him the coffee while ignoring Baek's questions on where his is. With Baek happy discussing basketball with Kwon she leans over to Seo to whisper that he is so obnoxious.
Yoojeong Lee[]
Seeing Baek she comments he is brimming with energy today as well. Yoojeong used to work as support staff and speaks how she learned a lot from working there. Just thinking about the deadline hurts her stomach and when Seo tells her and Heo to go home, and that he will take care of the draft, Yoojeong is assured there is nothing for them to do. Often seen with Heo she feels quite strongly that Baek is also at fault for asking for many changes in the project as they discuss the coffee matter. At the company retreat Yoojeong is eager to grill some meat and bets it will be delicious. In her view eating together in a scenic place makes the meat taste twice as good. Informing Baek that manager Kim will be here in about two hours, Yoojeong thinks the executive meeting just finished. Guessing Seo must know the members in the marketing department it is commented she also helped there before. In a game of basketball turned somewhat dodgeball Yoojeong hurls the ball with a tremendous force.
Heo[]
In a meeting with Seo and Yoojeong she is tasked with making the layout out of a concept. Heo speaks for Yoojeong how they have never met a deadline easily. Voicing that it is uncomfortable to get off work when her boss is working overnight by himself, Heo tells Yoonjeong that today Seo totally deserved it. On how Seo threw coffee at someone's face in the office Heo equates it as the same as giving up on his social reputation. Notifying Yoojeong that Baek intentionally did a sloppy job on the report, Heo speculates it is why Seo was tasked with the revisions. Heo observes that Yoonjeong is probably the only one who is excited to be at the company retreat. Discretely speaking with Yoojeong she mentions whether it is best to not bring up the marketing department with Seo having noticed that he looked uncomfortable. With others admiring Baek, Heo comments how she is already used to him so he does not really do anything for her.
Joonbeom Park[]
Nervously he asks Seo whether he is done with the draft Baek asked for this morning. Joonbeom thinks how Heo has totally given up on dealing with Yoonjeong who is particularly enthusiastic about the company retreat. He informs everyone that Mr. Baek wants them to get changed and to come to the gym by 3 o'clock. He has been ordered to keep Seo and Baek confined to their room, a task he is alarmed at due to the former's irateness.
Jungho[]
A barista who picks up on Seo's general morose aura. Asked to check the inventory before leaving, Jungho is also told to write down what is needed to be ordered tomorrow morning. Having worked all morning and now covering a night shift Jungho thinks his so called friend has no conscience, and it is obvious he went on a date with his girlfriend. Thinking he should ask him to buy him beef in return Jungho considers in hindsight how it works for him since he was fed up with that rude customer (Seo) anyway. Remembering how Seo had a problem with the coffee Jungho feels people like that who take out their anger on easy targets are the issue. With Seo and Baek at the counter Jungho shouts to the former how he thought he would not come back. It transpires there was a mix up with the coffee beans. After roasting the Americano beans and letting them ripen Jungho mistook them for Guatemala beams. Apologizing he offers a full refund to Seo.
Choi[]
Remembered by Seo, he is asked to try walking while carrying an unspecified something.
Kwon Seongjin[]
The marketing Department's team leader. Spotting Seo he remarks it has been a while. Kwon finds it was true that Seo was transferred to the Editorial Department. Placing his arm around him Kwon thought Seo went to a better company a long time ago. He appears quite startled at finding Baek behind him and wonders if he is a gangster. Leaving with the excuse they need to unpack a lot of luggage, Kwon regards his gripped shoulder and thinks Baek was strong. Considering if he is really a paper shuffler Kwon speculates maybe Baek played sports but then quit. He tells Jeong it would not hurt to get along with Baek. Attempting as much, Kwon speaks favourably of how he had always wanted to meet him after hearing about his reputation. Questioning whether Baek knew that their magazine sales increased by 18% from last month thanks to his special feature, Kwon praises him as the best contributor to the company's sales. Wondering where he gets such original ideas, as the operations team leader Kwon would love to discuss them further with Baek. His suggestion they play basketball later together materializes in a game that he participates in.
Jeong Chaewon[]
Checking for information on Baek online Jeong knows he likes to exercise since it is in an interview he had with another magazine company. Without hesitation he hands Kwon his tie and jacket when he comments it looks nice. Directed to throw the ball from the perimeter Jeong asks where to throw it.
Park[]
The president who had some say in not having Kim fire Seo.
Jiyul[]
Coming in with the coverage team Jiyul has returned from an overseas business trip. She has heard all sorts of nasty stuff about Seo regarding his personality and some serious damage he done.
Story[]
Team leads Baek and Seo meeting
A life tailored down to the very last detail is one's ideal life. Seo Hyunsoo and Baek Youngchan introduce themselves. The sounds of the utopia can be heard fracturing. A watch reads around 08.55, Seo is at a bar and heads to a hotel with someone. After intercourse Seo acts affectionate before this changes drastically into pulling the man's hair where blood droplets are left from the violent attack on him. At work Seo is with a co-worker, Yoojeong Lee when Baek enthusiastically joins them. Seo thinks how he wants to kill Baek. A Red Garland Quintet CD is shown, with it 05.59 on the clock. At City Casual, where Korea's top men's fashion magazine is published, the editorial department's crème de la crème is introduced. As the design team's new leader is called, Seo is seen still in bed. Various people comment on his new position in the company and at the announcement ceremony it is also mentioned by manager Kim how they are hosting a company dinner. After Seo is spoken to by Kim privately he considers Baek who shows up. Outside the pub the strength of the wind is commented on. When Seo almost falls down the stairs due to a gust he is caught by Baek, as if he were a paper doll.[1]
Discussing exercise at a work dinner
Kim regards the boisterous staff members at the company dinner. As Seo and Baek discuss their interests the latter has to make a call. Seo is inside the lavatory where he recognizes Baek's voice within a cubicle.[2] Baek is pleasuring himself so Seo walks over and promptly slams on the door. Outside on the terrace Seo speaks with Kim Yeonji how there are not many decent humans in the world. He then makes eye contact with Baek who runs towards him. Stopping a potted tree from falling on him, on grabbing Seo to get him out the way, since it was helping him Baek asks if he could let it slide this once. Seo interprets the comment and act as a threat to not tell anyone about what he heard in the bathroom.[3]
At work Baek sends revisions for Seo to do
While a stable and designed life has always been Seo's ideal, when he returns to his home he finds his possessions strewn across his room from the intense wind outside. After acquiring coffee Seo is literally bumped into by Baek at work. In the project proposal room from around 6.56 on the clock to 11.58 Seo has been working with Heo and Yoojeong with Baek sending file revisions back. As Yeonji comments on Seo's disposition, whether he is putting up with Baek's unreasonable requests is also discussed. Greeting Seo good morning Baek has a section he would like him to revise. It is the fourth time where it is usually rare to be asked to make changes more than twice but Seo decides he will let it slide this once. With further revisions Seo in his anger throws coffee over Baek.[4]
Bringing a gift of canned coffee
With a Bakery Street store seen Yoojeong and Heo help themselves to croissants as they wonder whether he will be okay. With Baek having apologized first they consider he was worried about Seo's reputation in the office. In the office a gift of canned coffee from Baek is unceremoniously refused by Seo. Wondering if Baek was feeling sorry rather than domineering over him because he was scared Seo was going to tell someone what happened in the bathroom, Seo wonders whether he was wrong about him.[5] Seo takes issue with the coffee served at the cafe and pressures Jungho. Witnessing this Yeonji shares some of hers with him and recalls Baek's confused face that she elicits jubilation from. Baek is doing pushups and later asks Joonbeom to ask Seo if he is done with a draft. The project is due before lunch and Seo questions whether Baek trusts the design team to do it. Yeonji suspects that is more to the reason why Seo is angry at Baek. With it around 8.58 on the clock, with cafe GREENERY seen, Jungho is working a night shift. As he recalls Seo's rude behaviour he finds a note.[6]
Yeonji interferes with Baek and Seo
Outside the cafe GREENERY Seo remembers Yeonji's words that he is a rude customer. Jungho thinks they lost a regular customer as Seo walks past. After Seo receives coffee from Yeonji who interrupted Baek's you shall not pass routine, he is asked to the brunch café by Baek, the portions for set B are really big. While others have acquiring drinks in mind Seo considers the work Baek gave him. As Seo takes into account the schedule for next month's issue Baek joins him. At the café Jungho reveals the coffees were mixed up after discovering the sticky note with the beans' name and roasting date had fell off. Baek reacts to Seo's kind display towards Jungho. Kim inspects the details for a company retreat planned at Daejeon City, Seo-gu with the marketing team in addition to the Operations team, and the Coverage team from the editorial aspect of the company.[7]
Baek joins Kwon from the marketing department
The hectic deadline period at the beginning of the year is finally over, but the next war was about to begin. The barbeque area awaits at the company retreat for City Casual Editorial department's project team. Where the department has been going by itself for years, members wonder why marketing is joining them. In any case a large training centre has been reserved. The SWEET COFFEE SHOP is open and Seo and Baek await their orders. Outside Seo is seen by people familiar with him including Kwon Seongjin. While they lavish him with praise it comes across as insincere. They then find Baek join them and change their tone.[8] After they leave Kwon and Jeong Chaewon discuss Baek. A road sign reads 251 Daejeon where it will take thirty more minutes to arrive, yet manager Kim is confident they will be in time for the briefing. In an auditorium, before Kwon can tap Seo to speak with him he is called by Yeonji so Kwon joins him in intending to help. As Kwon strikes up a conversation with Baek instead which turns to basketball, Yeonji whispers to Sao how Baek is so obnoxious. Baek's liveliness is gone as he regards them whispering below.[9]
Images[]
References[]
Wiki Link[]
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