Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

If he can, he would scream all his lungs out. Why would the professor even make them work together for the end of the semester project that has the most credit to pass the course Hyunjin’s currently trying to pass? Why out of all of the students in the class? Why does he have to be paired with his current rival to be at the first position on the end of the semester's ranking? Han Jisung is actually an okay person, out of all of Hyunjin’s experiences when associating with him, the squirrel like guy is actually really polite and good person, he just has a bit of temper whenever something didn’t go as his plan and not to mention he has a really fluffy hair and cute puffy cheeks even though his jawlines, ugh, meticulously sharp and defined. 

Hyunjin admits that he probably has this little crush on Jisung, his academic rival, which is why it’s going to give him a hard time when he has to work together with him to have the biggest mark yet in their project. Him for starters, doesn’t want that little crush to be known by anyone let alone by Jisung. 

To make matters worse, the tiny guy seems to be oblivious to Hyunjin’s frustration. He kept rambling about his plan and outline for their shared presentation even as far as invading Hyunjin’s personal space. He’s been leaning way too close to hit his already weakened state of heart for the past 30 minutes while they're talking on one of the benches under the biggest tree in the campus courtyard. Hyunjin can almost see the pores on the other man’s face and how sometimes his mouth turns into a lopsided grin here and there when he thinks he grants the universe with yet another one of his brilliant ideas.

“Are you even listening to me, Hwang Hyunjin?” Hyunjin’s musing was cut short by the sudden determination in Jisung’s voice who directed them to Hyunjin himself.

“Uh-huh. I- I don’t think so.” came somehow a sheepish response out of Hyunjin’s mouth, the one that even rendered him speechless. 

Jisung knit his eyebrows while glancing up at him. It’s highly unlikely for Hyunjin to lose a snarky remark, usually the guy won’t pass up the chance to be a brat. Today for some reason, he’s been looking at the pattern of the table’s wood quite intensely ever since they came here to discuss their strategy to get the biggest mark for their upcoming little project. Hyunjin’s unusual behavior somehow piqued Jisung’s curiosity.

Jisung rested his head on his elbow at the table looking at him curiously when Hyunjin looked up. He chooses to nudge whatever it is bothering Hyunjin out.

“You can tell me if something’s bothering you, you know? As you publicly stated before, yes we are rivals but to be honest at this point I think we’ve established some kind of friendship, don't you think? I mean it’s been two years.” Jisung smiled at him, albeit a little too tender to Hyunjin’s liking. 

Damn his weak resolve. Damn this stupid heart doing a cartwheel out of his ribcage. Damn Han Jisung and his pretty smile.

Sensing that Jisung won’t drop the subject anytime sooner, and also because he thinks they already waste some valuable time to strategize, Hyunjin tried to swallow his nervousness and put on a reassuring smile on his face towards Jisung.

“I’m just a little bit tired from the all-nighter I pulled last night with my roommate.” Hyunjin finally looked at Jisung’s eyes for the first time that afternoon. It's true tho, he was pulling an all-nighter with his new roommate, Kim Seungmin, a psychology major student about that one Sociology course they were sharing. Jisung however only eyed him a little longer, disbelief written all over his face but Hyunjin isn't one to falter, he held Jisung's stare until the other relent with a long sigh.

"Was the class giving you a hard time?" Jisung finally asked.

"A little, there's a test coming up. I kinda have to cram considering all the training I've been pulling the past week." Also, truth. That seems to distract Jisung out of his current inspection, he smacked Hyunjin with his forgotten notebook a couple of times.

"Yah! You should at least be more mindful Hyunjin-ah. Who would be my rival if you got sick, dude?" Jisung now stared at him with annoyance and exasperation that somehow made Hyunjin laugh out loud. Jisung who found no humor with the situation just whack Hyunjin's arm again.

"Okay-okay, I'm sorry, jeez. I might start to think that you like me or something with all this attention I've been getting lately." Hyunjin held up his arms in a surrender gesture. Jisung threw him a glare before settling his notebook back down and huffed a long sigh. 

He's been sighing a lot today, isn't he?

Not that he's complaining but lately, Jisung has been giving him a lot of attention. He joins Hyunjin on lunch a lot, they always sit beside each other in classes they share together, Jisung lending him his note when Hyunjin was too tired to pay attention to a class one day despite being infamous as a person who never share his note with anyone and he frequently texts him casual domestic texts asking about his day or to talk about class. They never really declared being friends or anything despite the obvious shift in their relationship, nor Jisung's ever addresses them but Hyunjin can't help but to admit he's liking them. A bit wary but he wishes he can always be at the receiving end of it, and because this is the first time Jisung addresses them being friends, Hyunjin can’t help but wanting to reassure the other boy.

"I'm sorry, Jisung. I will try to be more careful and I promise my recklessness won't jeopardize our final project. So, you were saying?" In a moment of bravery, Hyunjin poke Jisung's cheek when the guy was still sulking and refusing to look at him. The brief touch somehow made him relax and he turned to look at Hyunjin with a small smile.

If you ask Hyunjin whether his heart can beat way faster than it already has upon seeing that simple smile, he won't ever admit it. 

…

After discussing their project's time table, matching up each other's schedules and the general theme they want to work on, it's already time for lunch. The two of them agreed to meet up again later tonight at the student center after their last class. Hyunjin went to collect Seungmin from the psychology building, because they agreed to meet up for lunch. 

Despite the fact that they've only known each other for half of the semester, Hyunjin can feel like he knew Seungmin all his life. It’s funny, his dry humor, the way he always absentmindedly respond in conversations, their shared love of Ice Americano, and the way he carries himself calmly but with a collected confidence, Seungmin is calm and soft but also a little bit unhinged here and there, like he got some screw loose somewhere on his brain. Hyunjin just adores him just the way he is. Seungmin makes him comfortable and he can be a really reliable study partner.

Hyunjin was scrolling mindlessly on his Instagram explore page when an excited pitter patter of students’ feet was heard, he looked up from his phone just in time to catch his roommate smiling wide, displaying his shiny teeth braces. He smiled back at him then threw his arm around the smiling boy when he reached him. 

“So, I was thinking, maybe we can just catch lunch in the cafeteria instead of the initial sandwich place?” Hyunjin said to a still smiling Seungmin while they started to walk. His friend just shrugged then started to slung his arm over Hyunjin’s shoulder.

“Yeah, I’m too tired to get out of the campus’ ground to get lunch. I heard they’re serving that delicious dakgalbi today. Come on, before the rush hour starts to kick in.” Seungmin then dragged the both of them towards the cafeteria with a briskier walk making Hyunjin almost stumble more than once.

True to his suspicion, the queue is already long, Seungmin sighed but then started to jog to get a place at the queue, dragging an amused Hyunjin behind him. They managed to secure a full portion of said dakgalbi, three fried sausages, some scoop of rice, some stir fry vegetables and a bottle of water. Also a table on one of the corners of the cafeteria. Not long after they situated themselves, the queue got a little too long and the room instantly filled with a sea of students’ chatter. Seungmin made a little victory dance at the sight and Hyunjin can’t help but to laugh at his antics. 

They were on half of their meal when two people were asking if they could join their table of 4. Hyunjin recognized them as some of Jisung’s friends so he gestured wildly to the both of them to take a seat since his mouth was full with rice. They smiled gratefully at him then took their seat beside the roommates. The majority of Jisung’s friends are upperclassmen, these two Hyunjin recognized as the couple, Bang Chan and Lee Minho. He’s actually in the same dance club with Minho so they pretty much know each other already. Meanwhile Bang Chan, the infamous Bang Chan who most of the people at the campus known as the midnight host of campus’ radio station, Hyunjin only knows about him from Jisung because the little guy has a really soft spot for his friend here he always talks about him and also Minho and how much he root for his friends’ relationship.

A moment or two passed with all of the parties just minding their own meals, with the occasional conversation between Bang Chan and Minho until Minho broke the silence bubble.

“So, how’s your day so far Hyunjin?” he asked Hyunjin, who didn’t expect the question at all. Sure, he and Minho might share the same club and converse from time to time but they’re always brief and to the point, the older seems quite unapproachable so he never dares to overstep the civil relationship between them. Jisung also never actually introduced any of his friends to him. Only a guy named Felix because they’re the same year and Hyunjin also share the same dance club with the guy

“Uh, pretty neat actually. I’m partnering with Jisung for a Creative Writing class end year project apparently.” Hyunjin replied after his initial shock wore off. His reply somehow made Minho light up with some unknown gleam in his eyes.

“Really, now? That little brat didn’t tell me anything about that.” Minho then chuckled to himself. Hyunjin just chuckled along with him even though he found Minho’s reply a little bit weird. After a while, Minho finally stops his laughter then goes back to scooping his lunch to his mouth.  

“What about you, hyung?” Hyunjin asked him finally for the sake of conversation.

“Hmm a little chaotic but that’s expected from someone in their last year like me. I mean I need to revise a lot of my research findings this morning and this dude here,” he gestures to his boyfriend beside in front of him “he’s been making me anxious about his graduation project. He’s so perfectionist I want to strangle him sometimes.” Minho is now full on glaring at his boyfriend who appears bored but amused at the same time. Hyunjin however didn’t expect an elaborate reply from Minho, so he politely chuckled as a response.

“Thank you for spreading your distaste for me to your friend, Min-ah.” Bang Chan then suddenly spoke, making Seungmin jump a little. He then offered the both of them a dimpled smile before introducing himself.

“I’m Bang Chan, his perfectionist and perfect boyfriend.” Bang Chan jerked his chin towards Minho who bristled silently. 

They are… interesting, Hyunjin thought. The way they converse easily with people they barely know and not making it awkward with the way they overshare, Hyunjin can’t help but wonder if that’s why Jisung oftenly speaks highly of them.   

Hyunjin smiled at the introduction and his dance club senior.

“I’m Hyunjin, Hwang Hyunjin. Minho’s dance club friend and Jisung’s classmate. Well more like an academic rival, as you probably already know.” he chuckled then pointing at Seungmin.

“This is my roommate and friend, Kim Seungmin.” Hyunjin then finished. Seungmin brandished his smile towards both Minho and Chan. The latter looked endeared by the full brace smile as he shook his hand meanwhile Minho seemed puzzled.

"To be honest, this is the first time we've officially been introduced to one another, Hyunjin. Jisung tells me so much about you." Hearing them from Chan somehow made Hyunjin's heartbeat a little too fast. Jisung talked about him to his friends? Huh. Actually he’s just a really chatty guy, the possibility of Hyunjin got mentioned a lot of times in his stories to his close friends seems possible.

“Haha really? Well, it’s nice to finally meet you too Chan-ssi.” replied Hyunjin while smiling a little. 

“Ah, call me Chan or hyung or Chan hyung. I don’t mind. All of Jisung and Minho’s friends are also mine. It goes for you to Seungmin.” With that, Chan went back to finishing his meal and conversing lightly with his boyfriend. Hyunjin and Seungmin just smiled at him and went back to their respective meals. The atmosphere is light on their table, despite half of the student bodies still fighting their way to get the infamous dakgalbi from today’s menu. 

Minho seems to talk with pout most of the time and Chan was trying his best not to squish his boyfriend's cheeks right there and then. They seem to talk about something with a serious undertone in it, with the way Minho was pouting and poke Chan’s forearm with his finger frustratedly a lot of the time. Seungmin seems to be oblivious to the lover’s squabble because he kept on asking Hyunjin about his plan with Jisung regarding the end of the semester's project they're trying to finish and complaining about finding a mandatory date to his sister’s engagement party. The roommates finished their meal first and decided to go their separate way to their next schedule of the day, Hyunjin with his last class of the day and Seungmin with helping one of his professors for a project, with a promise of extra credit of course. As they said their goodbyes to Chan and Minho, the couple sent them away with a promise of hanging out together someday, something about several get-togethers before they graduate. 

Chapter Text

“I’m telling you, they look quite cute together. One of them is buffy but soft and the other just looks downright murderous but also soft in his own way.” Seungmin was babbling away about their encounter with the campus’ sweetheart a few nights later to Jeongin, a freshman they befriended from the library. The kid was so lost in front of a huge array of books in the Biology section when the roommates’ stumbled upon him, for some reason he asked both of them for help getting a book about Ecology he was trying to find for his own roommate when he noticed them staring at silently watching him. 

Jeongin got the cutest dimples and his eyes made him look a lot like a fox, and the way they sparkle, safe to say the Sophomore duo fell in love with him right on the spot. They find out that Jeongin is taking a Fashion Degree and he was from the countryside. He chose to go to school in Seoul also partly because the majority of his dad’s work takes place in the city so sometimes he travels back home with his dad when he can. They became fast friends because Jeongin always managed to bump into the Sophomores at the library and it became a natural thing since the first moment they found out the three of them clicked instantly.  

Hyunjin, Seungmin and Jeongin were hanging out at the oldest two shared dorms on Friday night. A week after THE lunch with Bang Chan and Lee Minho. The two of them somehow always ended up in the same lunch time with Hyunjin and Seungmin ever since that one afternoon. They shared a lot of easy and fun conversations between the munching and lunch rush hour. Funny thing is, there are never any of their other friends joining them at lunch, not even Jisung. That little detail however never bothers Hyunjin, no it’s not, at least he’s convinced he’s not because they alway meet in classes they shared or to talk about their project. 

Since tomorrow is the weekend and all three of them are free, such a rare occasion, Hyunjin decided to drag the youngest to his and Seungmin’s dorm for a movie night. Despite his protest for being dragged away from the comfort of his own bed, Jeongin still trudged on to Hyunjin’s dorm. Now, the fox looking freshman is intensely immersed on Seungmin’s story about their newest acquaintances.

“I’ve seen them around campus a lot and I always thought I have a huge crush on the Minho guy,” Jeongin started when Seungmin finally stopped his rambling “he seems…” for a moment he seems to think of something witty to say, the visible small smirk on his lips almost making Hyunjin rolled his eyes.

“Hot? Sculptured like? Unbelievably graceful and classy?” Hyunjin finished for the younger while munching on caramel popcorn Seungmin oh so head over heels in love with. Jeongin just nodded his head several times before also taking a handful of the snack from the bowl on Seungmin’s lap who was sitting in between him and Hyunjin.

“I mean, yeah sure he’s all that but the way his confidence surged into another level when he was with Bang Chan, it’s just… ughh.” said Jeongin gesturing the air vaguely with his hands. The sentence however made Seungmin and Hyunjin laugh out loud. They never thought the cutest fox like Jeongin, their favorite younger friend could have all that kind of passion in him. Soon after, Jeongin also joined their laughter, the movie momentarily forgotten.

They spent the entire night watching Doctor Strange confuse the shit out of Dormamu, binge eating on too many carbs and basically talking about their life of being college students until Jeongin’s dad picked him up to get home with him. It’s somehow a routine that the three of them are already familiar with now after a few months of knowing each other. Jeongin is living with his dad who works as a prosecutor in Seoul. He said it’s an efficient way to save money for other things he has to buy for his studies even though he came from a well-off family but Jeongin has this admirable take on life and money. Among those reasons, he admits one day that his decision to live together with his Dad is one of the ways he can spend his day with him from time to time when the man isn’t too busy at the court. 

“What are you boys doing tomorrow?” asked Jeongin’s Dad to both Hyunjin and Seungmin when he picked Jeongin from the dorm. The boy was already drowsy from sleep when he was telling his older friends that his Dad is going to pick him up, so they needed to carry him all the way to the gate of the dorm.

“We’re going to stay in tomorrow sir.” answered Hyunjin after he tucked Jeongin to the passenger seat while Seungmin was still fumbling with the youngest’s seatbelt.

Jeongin’s Dad looked like he was contemplating it for a while before his face lit up and his eyes turned into a crescent moon then said “Let me take you guys to lunch tomorrow with Jeongin. We’re going to spend some time tomorrow in town, you guys are welcome to join us.”

Seungmin craned his neck to look back at Hyunjin, he can clearly see that the guy’s already tempted with the prospect of free normal food. Rather than their usual Ramen or cafeteria’s foods. 

“We’ll be delighted, sir. Thank you so much for inviting us.” Hyunjin bowed and smiled his best boy smile version reserved for parents.

Jeongin’s Dad pleasantly smiled then waved him off “It’s the least I can do to say thank you for taking care of this brat here.” he then affectionately pat Jeongin’s head who snuggled even deeper to his seat. 

After thanking him and all of them exchanging pleasantries and details for tomorrow, Hyunjin and Seungmin trudged back upstairs to their dorm room. When they were about to reach the door, a voice called out Hyunjin’s name excitedly. Hyunjin froze for a moment because he knew who the voice belonged to. That miniscule moment however didn’t escape Seungmin’s attention, as he narrowed his eyes slightly at Hyunjin.

Hyunjin turned around to face Jisung who was looking at both of them curiously. He was wearing a fluffy lilac sweater and blue jeans carrying his phone on his left hand. His eyes narrowed slightly when he was lookin at Seungmin but a big smile was on his face. 

“Uh, hi Jisung! You look lovely tonight.” said Hyunjin before he could stop himself. His compliments somehow made Jisung’s cheeks slightly red and he won’t lie that he’s liking it on the smaller boy. 

Jisung however slapped him on the arm and let out a nervous chuckle, “Thanks idiot. You can’t help yourself but to fluster me all the time, can you?” said the boy with a teasing tone, making Hyunjin grinned at him.

“Oh, this is Seungmin, my roommate.” Hyunjin stepped sideways a bit to make Seungmin visible, his roommate waved his hand and smiled at Jisung who smiled back, all tense energy slipped away visibly from his shoulder which is very amusing to Seungmin. 

“I’m Jisung. I’m the same major as Hyunjin. Nice to meet you Seungmin, I have heard a lot about you since the beginning of the semester from this guy here.” Jisung jerked his chin up towards Hyunjin.

“Well, likewise, Hyunjin’s rival slash friend from the same major.” Seungmin said with a grin and Jisung laughed at that.

Hyunjin was about to ask why Jisung’s dressed like that when it’s already 11 pm but Seungmin beat him to it. 

“Are you going somewhere?” asked his roommate without missing a beat when Jisung finished laughing. 

“Um, a party at my friend’s who live off campus. My friends are dragging me there, I was about to meet them downstairs but stopped to say hi when I see Hyunjin’s out in the hallway.” replied Jisung who was eyeing the floor the whole time. Hyunjin was feeling slightly suspicious at his behavior but decided not to pry. 

“Well, a bit odd going to a party at this hour but hey, you do you.” Seungmin said airily then turned to his dorm’s door. “I’ll see you around Jisung! Have fun at the party.” With that, he went inside leaving Hyunjin with Jisung in the hallway. 

  Hyunjin can’t help but to notice Jisung’s appearances, the pink tint of his cheeks already gone but there’s still an alive twinkle on his eyes. Ones that he always adored. The lilac sweater made him so cuddly he wished he could just pull him into a hug. Jisung who was still slightly thrown off guard by Seungmin’s behavior was staring at Hyunjin’s door dumbly. Hyunjin can’t help but to clear his throat to attract the other’s attention.

“I can’t apologize for him, he’s a little bit weird, yeah. Although I can agree with him though. Going to a party at this hour is kind of odd.” he tried to chuckle to lighten up the atmosphere around them, and to make him look like he’s being casual about Jisung’s going to a party. He’s convincing himself that he’s not jealous, only worried. 

  Jisung shook off his head then blinked for a few times before turning his attention full on Hyunjin. 

“Ah, well I just got back from the studio, the production with my Hyungs is a little bit late today.” Jisung scratched the back of his neck, “so my friends decided to go with me now. I tend to lose my way quite a lot so they’re making sure I’m safe and sound by going with me.”

“Ah, I see.” Hyunjin smiled at him before there was a silence between them. Jisung only stared at Hyunjin who blinked curiously at him but didn’t say a word.

“Well, have fun! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” Hyunjin decided to break the silence then patted Jisung on the shoulder before making his way to the door. He can’t stand it if Jisung’s keep staring at him like that.

Jisung’s expression faltered a bit when he realized Hyunjin was going to leave him which went unnoticed by the taller one. He’s expecting him to say something more than that, but then Jisung slapped himself mentally, Hyunjin is just a friend, why would he say something more than that?

“Okay, good night. I’ll text you when something funny happens.” he waved at Hyunjin who already went inside his dorm. Hyunjin gave him a light chuckle then a soft good night before promptly closing his door. Jisung huffed at the door before finally stomping his way downstairs where Chan, Minho and Changbin were waiting for him.

He was actually going to ask Hyunjin to lunch tomorrow but the way the conversation went, his courage faltered and he left feeling dejected. Way to go Jisung.

Chapter Text

Saturday morning came quickly, Jeongin already barged into Hyunjin’s dorm as early as 9 a.m in the morning. He strutted inside the dorm wearing a shit eating grin startling both of the room’s residents awake. Both were in their respective bed, sleepily groaning when they could finally open their eyes and saw the commotion was in the shape of Yang Jeongin, the certified freshman brat from fashion major whom they chose to befriend. 

“Arrrghhh.” Hyunjin threw one of his pillows at the general direction of Jeongin who chuckled maniacally and went to open their curtain bathed the room in a sudden flood of lights. He plopped back into the bed and hid his head inside the blanket, blocking the offending sunlight and silently cursing his faith. Also the little gremlin in the shape of dimply, eyes full of wonder and sparkles, Yang Bloody Jeongin.

Seungmin skipped across the room to whack the youngest with his own pillow straight on his face with a very visible scowl. This however only fuels the youngest mirth as he cackles more and more uncontrollably.

“I blame you for adopting this kid. He’s a psychopath in disguise. I told you, Hyunjin.”  Seungmin ripped the blanket away from Hyunjin’s and dropped his weights square on the poor boy who gasped and opened his eyes wide, all sleep gone from his brain. He automatically pushed Seungmin away until he could hear a satisfying thud. Seungmin simply got up from the floor and went to kick Jeongin who was still laughing in the shin when he passed by him, took his toiletries and towel then slammed the door shut.

“Aren’t we having lunch with your Dad at one? What is this? It’s still 10 in the morning Jeongin!” Hyunjin who finally sat up glared at Jeongin who was sprawling in the middle of the room wiping tears from his eyes. 

Jeongin was still trying to catch his breath and paid no mind to the obvious glare from his older friend who was still groggy from sleep. He got up from the floor then dragged himself to sit on Hyunjin’s spinning chair in front of his bed.

“Oh, Dad is suddenly went to the office at 8, some documents about murder gone misplaced or something, he told me to go to fetch you guys and we’ll meet him uptown at 12.” Jeongin shrugged then spinned the chair several times, making Hyunjin’s sleep-addled brain dizzy just by looking at it. 

“Uptown means?” Hyunjin halted the youngest’s movement with this leg until the chair suddenly stopped, almost making Jeongin lose his balance and fall over. He glared at his hyung before finally huffing.

“His office. The law firm he’s working at.” Jeongin said seriously, looking at Hyunjin as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. Hyunjin sighed in defeat before nodding his head several times while making a dismissive hand gesture at the statement.

Hyunjin then shuffled to his closet, opened them and fished out a small basket full of his toiletries and a towel. He proceeded to whack the younger in the head before bolting out of the room to join Seungmin at the dorm public showers. It doesn’t take long for Hyunjin to freshen up as he already washed his hair yesterday after a long day of dance practice so he can’t be bothered to wash them again this morning. 

When he goes back to his room, Seungmin is already dressed in a plain blue shirt and black wide jeans humming to the song softly heard from Hyunjin’s speaker while styling his brown hair, meanwhile Jeongin is the one who was manning his laptop, scrolling to Hyunjin’s many collections of playlist. He went to his closet and rummaged through it when a piece of clothing stood out from the rest of his clothes. It was a sheer black shirt Felix, his friend in a dance club from a performative arts major, lent him for a last semester of their dancing club evaluation. He forgot to return it to the boy.

“Was that the shirt Felix lent you last semester?” Hyunjin heard Seungmin take notice of the shirt he was holding for inspection.  

“Yeah…” Hyunjin turned his head to grinned sheepishly at him “I might have forgotten to turn it back to its owner.” he then chuckled lightly. 

“That’s an interesting piece of clothing there.” Jeongin quipped from beside him, still sitting on his rolling chair. There was some glint on his eyes that Hyunjin couldn't quite pinpoint.

“Yeah it is. I would never have imagined myself wearing any of these except for my dance shows or evaluations tho.” Hyunjin then put the shirt back to continue his quest on finding something to wear to lunch with his two best friends and well Jeongin’s Dad.

However he was surprised when he heard Jeongin wasn’t finished with his inquiries “Was it Lee Felix from Performative Arts who lent you the shirt? A small but pretty guy with a small face and adorable freckles all over it?” he said that in a curious and a tad smaller voice than his usual loud and cheery demeanor.

Hyunjin was staring at him, hands still gripping some of the hangers on his closet before finally clearing his throat to answer a definitive yes to Jeongin who nodded curtly then back to Hyunjin’s laptop. 

Slightly baffled by the youngest, Hyunjin tried to find Seungmin’s eyes who shrugged his shoulders when their eyes met. Hyunjin takes a mental note of asking Felix about whether he personally knows Jeongin or not, because if he prodded Jeongin with further questions, he’s completely sure the younger wouldn’t give him anything useful. 

The three of them then took a bus uptown after Seungmin and Hyunjin finished getting ready. Hyunjin opted to settle for his favorite simple beige sweater and brown slacks. Jeongin was already dressed very casually with an oversized gray shirt, a pair of dark gray cargo pants, and sunglasses complete the look. The boy really lived true through his name as a Fashion student, even though he looks casual, he still oozes this artistic and model aura in him. 

The commute uptown took around 45 minutes, the three of them were sitting at the back of the bus chatting animatedly among them until they had to walk through a quiet business district that usually bustles with people walking in fast hurried steps. There weren't a lot of people at the moment, some of the restaurants in the area just started to open their business as it is quite slow in the morning there on the weekends, the three of them managed to get through Jeongin’s Dad's office intact.

When all three of them were standing at the entrance of his office looking like obedient brothers with very much different aesthetics but still looking very mischievous, he laughed out loud at the sight of them nervously waiting for him, a full belly laugh which made Jeongin grinned despite his embarrassment.

“They’re looking really cute, sir.” one of Jeongin’s Dad employees quipped from one of many empty tables at the small but growing law firm. Jeongin’s Dad excitedly voiced his agreement while nodding repeatedly making the three friends also grinned boyishly at them. 

“Well, the problem is already sorted out, right? We need to make an appointment soon with them. I’m going to have lunch with my son and his friends. I’m taking the rest of the day off, see you all tomorrow.” Jeongin’s Dad hurriedly took his coat and briefcase before ushering the youths to exit. They bowed to some remaining lawyers left at the office before finally letting themselves be guided by Jeongin’s Dad. 

Jeongin’s Dad seems to be in a good mood despite looking weary, he took the three of them to lunch in a small cafe he said to have an amazing selection of menu. The cafe is somewhere around Yeonnam, with a lot of people and mostly couples are flooding the street, Jeongin’s Dad seems to find a cafe which kind of secluded and has a really calming atmosphere. He ordered for all of them, judging from the hesitant look Hyunjin and Seungmin were throwing at each other. He assured them that it’s the least he can do to pay his gratitude for taking Jeongin under their wings. He’s rarely at home and felt like feeding them some takeouts would do no justice for the way they’ve been taking care of Jeongin, and he genuinely talked to them. He engages in conversations about their studies and interests, attentively listening and making the boys feel welcome and kind of miss their own parents. 

“Two of my sons are in Seoul and I only see this one,” he pointed his chin at Jeongin “often. His older brother has been working all the time ever since he got the job as a personal assistant two years ago. I didn’t even know PA got paid well until my son was one.” he finished then took a bite of the shrimp on his dish. 

“Hyung rarely visits me and Dad these days as he has his own place near his work.” Jeongin added, taking a big bite of his aglio olio.

“Well, he still takes you to some nights out though. He doesn’t call me that much anymore. What can this poor old man do so that his sons want to hang out with him again?” Jeongin’s Dad wailed dramatically, garnering a snicker from some of the other customers in the cafe. He threw them a sheepish grin before conversing with the boys again.

Jeongin put his face on his hands before groaning at his Dad’s antics.

“I swear to god Dad, you’re just as bad as Hyunjin hyung sometimes.” Jeongin said with a flushed face. His statement gained an uncommitted yell of protest from Hyunjin who were happily munching on his food and a chuckle from Seungmin. 

“So, I’ve been meaning to ask. Do any of you know a chap named Felix?” Jeongin’s Dad spoke again this time in a hushed tone. Hyunjin and Seungmin exchanged a look, realization dawning on their faces,  before they bursted into laughter. Jeongin’s ears and entire face turned red and his Dad grinned victoriously. 

“I’m gonna tell you on, Mom.” Jeongin mumbled to his Dad who only winked at him.

Both Hyunjin and Seungmin took an instant liking to their friend’s Dad. Even though he’s much much older, he can converse and connect with them well without being cringey. He has the same mission in life with the two of them, to tease the life out of Jeongin’s.

After all their laughter died down, Hyunjin went on to describe Felix, showing that he knew Felix really well. Seungmin occasionally throws his share of telling and throughout all that, Jeongin’s Dad never stops to give them the attention. He seemed to take it all before finally sitting back at his chair with a faraway look on his face, making a show to stroke his nonexistent beard.

“Well, let me tell you. Jeongin’s been talking about him a lot these days. My boy’s all grown up, harboring a romantic feeling for an amazing person.”He made a move to wipe on an invisible tear, causing Jeongin to whimper in embarrassment. 

After the lunch, they took a walk in the nearby park to help digest the food for a while before Jeongin’s Dad took the roommates back to their dorm. It’s already half past three when they both plopped down into their bed. 

The afternoon sunlight through the window is making the room a little bit warmer, but none of them have the will to close the window. Hyunjin was in and out of his consciousness, enjoying the warmth and a cool breeze from the window. He’s happy he doesn’t have to turn on the fan and living in pure bliss until his phone vibrates loudly from where he put them earlier on his desk. He groaned but made no move to take his phone, although it stopped, the vibration kept on carrying over and over until Seungmin chided him that he reluctantly got up and took it.  

Hyunjin saw his twin sister's contact name on his screen and a slight cold sensation washes over him. He accepted the call before hesitantly saying “Um, Yeji. What’s wrong?.” Then he heard an annoyed huff from the other end, he promptly released a nervous breath he was holding.

“Seriously Oppa, take your calls.” Yeji, his twin sister, scolded.

“I was almost asleep, I’m sorry. What’s wrong?” Hyunjin took a seat on his chair and stifled a coming yawn.

“I’m having a date later tonight, but no one can pick me up after so can you do it? If you don’t have anything important going on, that is.” 

“Uh, yeah sure. What time?” Hyunjin was staring at the tree outside of his window, he almost didn’t catch what his sister was saying. 

“I dunno, I don’t have a good feeling about this date tho. One of the unnies at my major keeps on bugging me to join her on a blind date. So yeah, I kinda got trapped in this situation. Maybe around 8? Or you can bail me out at 7…” Yeji trailed off distantly, Hyunjin felt a growing confusion inside him before promptly sighing. 

“I’ll pick you up at 7. Buy me dinner.” Hyunjin said, Yeji mumbled an uncommitted fine before she hung up. He was staring at his phone’s screen before finally sighed in defeat and walked to Seungmin’s bed who momentarily looked up from his position on his stomach.

“What’s wrong with your sister?” he asked Hyunjin who went to lay beside him on his back. 

“Cold feet about a date. Told me to pick her up at 7 ish.” Hyunjin answered half consciously, his eyes getting droopy. Seungmin only chuckled at that and the last he remembered was Seungmin patting him on his head before sleep finally consumed his consciousness. 

Chapter Text

Hyunjin was walking towards a cafe down in Hongdae after rudely woken up by Seungmin who viciously shook his shoulders 30 minutes before. He went to freshen up a bit quickly before bolting out of his dorm with a tint of sleepiness lingering on the back of his eyes. It’s not like he’s afraid of getting yelled at by Yeji if he’s late, it’s just that sometimes he just doesn't want anything unpleasant to happen to his sister. Ever since Yeji broke down in his room after her girlfriend at the time left her before they graduated, he became a little more protective with his sister. She was so broken-hearted she even refused to go to college at that time even though being accepted for early admission in a Fashion Major, because apparently Yeji made a promise with her ex to go to the same university and planned a good portion of her life with her ex together. Her ex went away to study in the United States, leaving Yeji devastated about the prospect of going on her own to the place they envisioned to spend together for 4 years. Hyunjin and their parents did their best to give her all the space she needed and being present when she was at her lowest, their parents even respected her decision of not going to school despite being a little sad about it.

It all changed on the day Hyunjin's admission result came through, he had to take the College Admission Test normally unlike his brilliant sister. He applied to the same university Yeji was accepted to, so when the whole family and friends knew he got accepted, Yeji started to think about going to college little by little. At first she was being timid about delivering her intention to the family but as Hyunjin gently coaxed her over and over about the pursuit of dreams and a bunch of motivational speech later, Yeji finally relent and warmed up to the idea. She’s been very serious about her study ever since, being wary about people pursuing her romantically or even sexually. She made Hyunjin as her anchor for the first year of their study, applied to the same Dance club and actually loved it, took her Fashion Major seriously, spent her lunches with him and tried out a lot of volunteering activities. Hyunjin was glad that his sister is growing more and more lively and he’s glad he can be some form of emotional support for her. 

He smiled fondly at the memory of the past year while looking at the clear night sky. Seoul was a little bit beautiful tonight. He checked the time on his phone, it’s 5 minutes past 7 and he’s standing already across the cafe but he can’t see his sister anywhere. Out of habit, he checked again the address Yeji texted him before he took off and there’s nothing wrong, the place matches the details she sent. Borahae’s Cafe. He was about to text her when a familiar mop of blond hair and round head entering the cafe caught his eyes. 

It was Jisung. He was walking inside with a black haired girl, both were dressed like they’re there for a special occasion. There’s a pang in his heart, as much as he tried to ignore it. Both of them were laughing at something the girl said when they stood at the queue line, Jisung mouth turned heart-shaped and his eyes almost disappeared into a one thin line when he laughed and he couldn't help but to stare at them. Happiness really does suit him, but he wishes to be the one who causes it instead. 

He mentally slapped himself before deciding to focus on finding his sister. He decided to call her instead, after two failed attempts, Hyunjin started to worry and decided to swallow his pride and entered the establishment. Upon the first glance he still can’t find Yeji or the group she said she was with, and he’s definitely trying to ignore the voices at the back of his mind of someone else, making him curse lightly several times to tune out the thoughts. 

He maneuvered himself to one of the waitresses who were wiping one of the tables, an average height guy with lean physique and silver hair. He looks like he belongs on a stage somewhere or on a runway.

“Hello, excuse me. I’m looking for my sister. A girl who looks a lot like me but with long golden hair and prettier, she said she was here with 3 other people. I was supposed to pick her up 15 minutes ago but I can’t see her anywhere here.” Hyunjin said to the waitress with a name tag read as Jimin, in one breath.

The waitress smiled at him even though he's staring at him with a slight worry. He was inspecting Hyunjin’s face thoroughly before answering. 

“Hi, I can’t seem to remember, I’m sorry, but I can help you check the second floor.” Jimin put away his cleaning supplies behind the counter before ushering Hyunjin to the second floor. Despite the cool temperature of the cafe, Hyunjin was sweating when he climbed up the stairs. His clammy hands annoyed him so much when he was gripping at the railing. 

Jimin allowed Hyunjin to scan the people in the room when they arrived at the second floor. There were a lot of people there but Hyunjin immediately noticed people in the group of four but he couldn't seem to find Yeji. He’s starting to pick on the hem of his sweater’s sleeve and he feels like he’s sweating a lot. He regretted wearing the sweater. Instead of Yeji, he locked eyes with Jisung who was sitting beside one of the group of four in the room. He looked shocked momentarily before saying something to his date(?) and went to approach Hyunjin.

Jisung eyed Jimin a bit as he approached before finally giving the waitress a smile who returned them politely. He then tried to touch Hyunjin’s shoulder before finally asking, “Hey Hyunjin, what’s the matter?”

Hyunjin seemed to calm down a bit at Jisung’s touch despite his own mind still reeling with his sister's well-being and the fact that Jisung is on a date with someone. Jisung, who was paying attention to the slight drop of Hyunjin’s shoulder then squeezed it instead to urge the other.

“I- I’m here looking for Yeji, my sister. She told me to pick her up in this cafe but I can’t find her anywhere.” Hyunjin answered after he tried to control his breathing, focusing on Jisung’s presence.

“Jimin?” an unfamiliar voice interrupted before Jisung could answer. It was coming from another employee who was coming up the stairs. He was a very tall guy with dragon shaped eyes, glasses and looking very buff. 

“Yes, Joon?” Jimin responded to the person with a very polite and soft tone while the other was trying to take in the situation before him.

“There’s a girl who was crying in the toilet downstairs, she has long golden hair and looks like this gentleman here,” he paused for a bit before adding, “maybe, I guess. Jihyo found her and she's been with her and Jin hyung in the breakroom ever since.”

Jimin was addressing Hyunjin this time, “Do you want to check?” he asked, still in a very gentle voice to which Hyunjin timidly nodded. 

Hyunjin squeezed Jisung’s hand on his shoulder, gave him a smile, a thanks then told him to go back to his company and also not to worry. Jisung looked like he was about to say something else but thought against it, he squeezed Hyunjin’s hand back before asking him to promise to call afterwards.

Hyunjin went with Jimin and the taller guy to the staff’s breakroom, hoping to find Yeji and take her home as soon as he can. When he arrived, there were two staff members rubbing a soothing circle on a hunching figure, a girl with golden locks and an oversized jacket draped over their shoulders. Upon hearing the entrance of new people in the room, all three of them looked up. Hyunjin was relieved to see Yeji’s face albeit all red and full of streaks of tears, it’s still his sister. His relief didn’t stay for longer however when his sister’s appearance finally registered on his brain. There was a rip on her white button up, a hole on the knee of her jeans and there seems to be a growing bruise on her neck. He was petrified before finally boiling with an anger that almost hurt his head.

In two big strides he’s kneeling on the ground and checking his sister. The bruise on her neck doesn’t look like a handprint but it still made him angry, there are dirts on her shirt as if she fell hard on a grassed ground. Whoever did this to her is going to hell on earth. 

“O-oppa.” she whimpered before throwing herself on Hyunjin, the force almost made him stumble to the ground, but luckily he caught her at the right time. 

Yeji was sobbing silently but judging by the wetness of Hyunjin’s sweater, he couldn't help but to hug her tighter. The other 4 in the room were throwing glances at each other, as if hesitating whether to leave the siblings alone or stay in the room until Yeji calmed down. Hyunjin kept rubbing on her hair until her sobs lessened and she detached her grip on Hyunjin’s neck.

“I wet your favorite sweater…” she said meekly, making Hyunjin laugh at her fondly. 

“It’s okay, I can just include it in your laundry next Saturday tho.” he threw her a teasing look which got him a playful but strong punch in return from his sister. 

 Yeji was looking at him with an apologetic look before addressing everyone in the room with her gaze, “I’m sorry I made all of you worry,” she said with a sad smile,”and thank you for taking care of me until my brother comes.” Yeji said the last to Jihyo and the other male staff with Seokjin written almost in scribble on his name tag.

“It’s nothing, Yeji-ssi. It’s not a problem,” answered Seokjin with the most dazzling and kindest smile on his face, “but, are you sure you don’t need medical treatment?” He said the last one was a little somber and serious.

Yeji shook her head no but still managed to thank him for his offer. Hyunjin frowned but decided not to say anything further because he’s sure Yeji knows it better than anyone else. As if reading his mind, she took his hand on hers before sighing and looking at him with determination.

“So, I was with the group I originally went here with, it ended well actually half an hour before you supposed to pick me and they decided to move to another place, I’m the only one who declined,” she fiddled with one of Hyunjin’s many rings on his right hand, “ they insisted on walking me home but when I told them you’re picking me up, they reluctantly left me waiting on my own at the park behind this building.” Yeji looked up, staring at Hyunjin’s eyes as if waiting for him to take it all in. Hyunjin nodded at her, squeezing her hands to encourage her to go on.

“I was planning on texting you where I am by 7 but then someone suddenly strikes up a conversation with me out of nowhere. I can't really remember what he looked like because he was wearing a mask and glasses. He was asking for my phone number to which I declined politely.” she took a deep breath and her eyes suddenly went glassy with unshed tears. Hyunjin and Jihyo quickly picked up on it because there were two pairs of arms trying to console her but she patted them convincing them she wanted to finish the story.  

Yeji let out a big exhale before continuing, “I was about to leave him and run here but then he stopped me by my wrist. I was too shocked with the sudden action I stumbled backward into a seesaw. I bumped my neck really hard on one of the handles. He was too shocked with what just happened I guess as he also fell on top of me.” Hyunjin squeezed her hands tighter, his mind was reeling with so many things but he tried to keep it at bay for his sister’s sake. 

“I was kicking and screaming trying to get him off me before I finally ran here. I just went straight to the toilet to hide, after some time I just cried. I was afraid he’s going to follow me so I kinda ignored everything around me. You probably called, right?” Yeji now addressed Hyunjin fully with her attention. Hyunjin nodded. 

“I’m sorry, Hyunjin-ah. I was in shock.” Yeji finished. Only then Hyunjin can let out a big exhale through his mouth, the others also visibly relaxed at that. 

“Thank you for telling us that, Yeji-ssi.” Jihyo smiled at her, “Is there anything we can help now?” she inquired further with a kind smile.

“It’s okay.” Yeji shook her head no, “Thank you for gently getting me out of your toilet.” she chuckled sheepishly. Jihyo and Seokjin only laughed at that.

Jimin suddenly went into the room with a glass of water then he went to offer it to Yeji to which she accepted with a small thank you. She downed the entire glass in several big gulps then returned the empty glass to his waiting hand.

“Do you want to go home now?” Hyunjin asked her and she nodded with a smile. 

Hyunjin then addressed all of the employees in the room with a slight bow, “Thank you everyone for helping us. Please tell us what we can do to repay it.”

Seokjin then waved his hands dismissively, “Oh you don’t have to do that, please. Just come and visit us whenever you can. We’ll be happy with just that. It’s our pleasure.” The other staff also nodded their heads and smiled sincerely.

“It’s the least we can do.” Jihyo added, squeezing Yeji’s shoulder who tried to get up slightly. 

Hyunjin smiled at them then took Yeji’s hand in his. Yeji tried to take off the jacket on her shoulder before getting stopped by Seokjin’s hand. 

“You can keep it for now. Return them when the two of you visit here again.” he patted her gently, Hyunjin threw him a grateful smile.

The twins are then escorted by Jimin until they leave the cafe. He bid them a polite and sincere goodbye, telling them to walk safely then waved them goodbye. That night, Hyunjin walked Yeji into the entrance of her dorm building before she was fetched by her roommate Chaeryoung. Hyunjin had to tell her a little bit of what happened before she nodded and promised him that she’ll take care of Yeji and will update him if something happened. 

Hyunjin walked into his dorm with a heavy step. He's tired mentally and can’t help but to feel a little bit useless because he can’t really take complete care of his sister. When he arrived at his dorm, Seungmin was nowhere to be found. When he checked his phone, there were several messages. One from Seungmin telling him that he’s out to find food and whether Hyunjin wants anything or not to which Hyunjin replied no. The other was from Jisung, asking him about Yeji and whether she’s okay or not, he only replied telling him that she’s okay and will update him later when they meet. Others just messages from groups he joined. 

After doing his nightly routine and safely tucked on the comfort of his bed, he checked on Yeji who reassured him that she’s okay and will immediately rest, he was about to wait for Seungmin to come back but exhaustion and sleepiness took him away completely.   

Chapter Text

The next 4 days after that, Yeji was holed up in her dorm only going out for classes and meals. She always has someone with her, either one of her friends or Hyunjin who sometimes takes her to and between classes. Even if she told them not to worry and she’s fine on her own but deep down she does appreciate them more than any words can explain. Hyunjin is currently with her at the cafeteria munching happily on extra sausages she got from the Canteen Ahjumma.

“Happy?” she stared at him amusedly as he shoved another sausage into his mouth. Hyunjin just hummed happily at her and Yeji can’t help but to laugh at that. Hyunjin is an annoying and sometimes overly dramatic twin brother, but he always took his time to care for her and both of their parents. It’s what she wouldn’t trade for the world. 

Hyunjin’s demeanor suddenly lit up and he was making a motion gesture at someone behind Yeji. In a moment, Kim Seungmin is standing beside Yeji holding a tray of lunch nervously. Yeji knows of him and his relationship with her brother, but they have never properly introduced themselves, so looking at him beside her right now, Yeji can’t help but to throw a calculating gaze to which for some people looks quite intimidating. 

Until Hyunjin cleared his throat, “This is Seungmin, my new roommate that I always tell you about.” he told Yeji and instantly she smiled at him brightly. 

“Hi, Seungmin. Heard so much about you, you’re Psychology major right?”she offered him a smile then jerked her chin towards the empty spots on the bench beside her, Seungmin glanced towards Hyunjin inquisitively but then the next moment he shrugged, taking a seat beside a beaming Yeji.

“Yeah, the one and only Kim Seungmin from Psychology. I heard so much about you from Hyunjin as well, Yeji. You look better than him though, even though you guys are twins.” Seungmin gave her a conspiratory look and a smirk. Yeji laughed out loud at that while Hyunjin made a scowl. 

“Yah! I just introduced you two, don’t go conspiring on me already!” Hyunjin made a poking threatening gesture at Seungmin with his chopstick to which only fueled Yeji’s laughter. She was laughing all the way from her belly, guffawing and sometimes snorting combined together. Hyunjin gazed softly at the sight of his sister laughing freely after 4 days of being quiet, keeping to herself and not really smiling. He threw Hyunjin an appreciative glance and he gave him a blinding smile that proudly shows his braces. Kim Seungmin and his subtle kindness, Hyunjin swears he won’t ask for more from his friend.

“I appreciate it when someone laughs at my joke.” Seungmin grinned at Yeji now, the latter's laugh has died down a bit and is currently controlling her breath. Yeji smiled in return, turning her eyes into the shape of slight crescent moons. If you ask Seungmin if he swooned a bit for that smile, he will poke both of your eyes with his fingers.

They converse between the three of them after a little bit of proper introduction conducted by Hyunjin and Seungmin himself. Yeji found it fascinating that Hyunjin finally has a roommate who share his hobby for being a hustle student, meanwhile Seungmin find it difficult to believe Hyunjin got his heart broken by a girl by the age of 12 and that Yeji used to be the one who drive away bullies when Hyunjin got teased a lot for his feminime look when both of them were younger. They almost missed their next class because they were getting too engrossed in stories about each other’s childhood. Yeji gave Seungmin a follow on his insta page before taking off in a hurry because she was needed for a group project. Hyunjin teased his friend a bit about it, Seungmin only threw him an unamused glance before leaving him laughing at the table to go to his own class.

Hyunjin doesn’t have any class until 2 but he had to meet Jisung to discuss their ongoing project for the Creative Writing class they share. His phone vibrated when he was in the middle of walking out of the cafeteria, so he took them out of his bag. Jisung was calling him.

“Hey, Sungie. I just walked out of the cafeteria, on my way to the library. What’s it?”

“Oh, okay. I thought you forgot.” Jisung chuckled.

“Oh no no no, you will never catch me slacking off.” 

“Damn it!” upon hearing that, both Hyunjin and Jisung laugh. Hyunjin could instantly picture the younger’s laugh. His most favorite features on Jisung seem to highlight every time he laughs. His heart shaped mouth, the way his eyes crinkle and especially when his silent laughs accelerated into big guffaws.

“Don’t start without me, Jisung!” Hyunjin screamed to the phone before hanging up and finally taking off running despite what he kept on telling to himself. It took almost half a kilometer walk from the student common area to the library and sometimes it took a 10 minute walk but Hyunjin probably almost made a record with how fast he was running. As he arrived at the entrance of the building, Hyunjin stopped and took his appearance on the glassdoor.  His sweater and slacks are okay but his hair is almost in a complete disarray. He tried to flatten them and style it into a more presentable state before finally calmly walking to where Jisung was sitting. Jisung texted him before, saying he managed to score one of the infamous study rooms at their university library. These rooms have the privacy all students need to focus on their study, they also have great cushioned chairs. These rooms are always packed even on regular days, and when it’s exam season, sometimes there is uncoordinated chaos just to take one of the rooms.

He found Jisung in one of the small study rooms near the literature section, engrossed already in his notebook, there were scattered papers all over the desk and his headphones thrown haphazardly on the other end of it where Hyunjin was supposed to sit. Despite the mess that almost made him cringe, Hyunjin smiled to himself at the expression Jisung was making in all his focus trance. His forehead wrinkled in deep concentration and his tongue peeking out a little bit from the corner of his mouth. 

When he thinks he’s staring enough from behind the closed doors where there’s a tiny window to peek inside, he checked his appearance on more time on the reflection of said window then knocks on the door, Jisung lets out a non committed hum before Hyunjin lets himself in and goes straight into his seat to which Jisung lights up instantly.

“Sung ah, didn’t I say not to start without me?” Hyunjin put on his best scolding face, Jisung managed to look guilty, rubbing the back of his neck but grinning at him. Not long after, Jisung gave him his most puppy looking eyes with both of his cheeks puffed up adorably.

“Uh, fine. Stop looking at me with those eyes. I might fall in love with you.” Hyunjin rolled his eyes and shoved Jisung’s face aside even though deep inside he kept on screaming “I already did! Ha!” .    

 “Hmmm… didn’t you already?” Jisung winked at him “Who can resist this cool but innocent cute charm of mine, honestly?” he giggled before blowing Hyunjin an obnoxious kiss. Hyunjin never gripped on the end of his chair this strong before, his knuckles almost numb and his accelerated heartbeat don’t really help him trying to appear casual and unaffected. 

“Idiot.” Hyunjin managed weakly.

“So…” Jisung started hesitantly, really contrasting to how he appeared all confident just a moment ago “I think we can start to discuss the theme? And just the general idea about the lyrics we’re going to do…” he passed Hyunjin his notebook with an already opened page. 

There’s a scribble of two complete lyrics with scratches on various parts, Hyunjin read them and instantly flooded with an immense respect towards the other person. He knows how great Jisung with writing back at their first year, he’s the witness of how most of the times they always neck to neck at the most of their subjects end of semester evaluation. 

“Well, that’s the only lyrics I can think of at the moment. Both of them talk about the same thing basically but we can always change it to something both of us can agree on.” Jisung rambled on because Hyunjin didn’t say anything for a while. 

“No, no Jisung, I'm not mad or anything. I just…” Hyunjin looked up from Jisung’s notebook to look at the writer “they’re so beautiful, I’m about to cry dammit...” he finished quietly. Jisung panickingly took his hand in his.

“What… No Hyunjin!” Jisung squeezed his hands trying to get Hyunjin to look at him, his eyes bulged out panickingly but the older male only found him cute. He chuckled then pat Jisung reassuringly. 

“I’m okay. You worry too much about me, Sungie.” Upon hearing that, Jisung relaxed and chuckled with his eyes crinkled prettily and his lips turned into an amused grin. Hyunjin smiled at him then took his attention back to Jisung’s notebook and the lyrics on them. 

“We agreed on making and performing an original song right? I think I’m intrigued with the general ideas of your lyrics. Let's save them for further discussion,” Hyunjin went to open his bag to take out his own notebook to a page where he already jotted down his own take on their project “umm, what about the composition? I don’t really have that much knowledge on composing a song but I can help you a bit with them.” Hyunjin looked up to see Jisung’s thinking face. 

“We can ask Chan hyung to help with the mixing and mastering process. I’m not very good at that yet so let’s leave them to the pro, yeah? We can do the rest together.” 

“Okay, okay I think that makes sense. How are we gonna pay Chan hyung tho?”

“I think he mentioned in passing about needing extra credit for his final music composition grading or something. I’ll try to persuade him.” Jisung makes a dismissing wave at Hyunjin’s worried face. 

Hyunjin only smiled at him even though he’s a little bit contemplating the whole idea, after that they discussed the lyrics and the theme they’re trying to convey onto their song. Both spent quite a while in the study room until it’s time for Jisung’s late afternoon class. Hyunjin walked him into his class with a promise of texting each other about the details of what they have discussed so far. 

Yeji found him smiling from ear to ear and humming to himself when he picked her up from the dancing studio she was in for the day for an early dinner together. When she inquired why he smiled like a fool in love after he told her that he needed to be in the library for a project discussion, he only put her in a playful headlock before saunteering off towards the studio’s exit. He might not answer it outrightly but Yeji has a distinct suspicion it has to do with his project partner, because you won’t be smiling from ear to ear after being holed up in a library for 4 hours.

Unbeknownst to her, Minho on the side of the room was smirking to himself. He was tidying up his dancing gear and stopped to take a sip of water only to be stopped by the sight of Hyunjin and Yeji's not so discreet inquiry toward her brother. Oh, he's gonna interrogate Jisung later.

Chapter Text

“Say Jisung… did you happen to bump into Hyunjin yesterday?” Minho asked Jisung who was sprawling on his couch, attention zeroed on his phone. It’s almost 8 and Jisung’s classes already ended an hour ago. Instead of going to his own dorm room, he declared he’s going to make Minho and Chan’s couch a home for the night. The guy didn’t even bother to take his earlier clothes for the day and just plopped down on it despite Minho’s loud protest and very verbal threat. 

“Sung.” Chan, who was in the kitchen and paying attention to the exchange, let out his warning tone to the boy on the couch who finally groaned loudly. Minho almost put Jisung in a deadly headlock knowing that the little shit was actually listening but one warning stare from his boyfriend stopped him halfway.

“Nooo…? Not exactly bumped into him. I’m scared of what’s going to happen to me if I answer your question, hyung.” Jisung finally relent and closes his eyes, fearing for what comes next from Minho’s cursed mouth. 

“Ah. Okay then.” Minho replied instead, making Jisung peered one eye at him suspiciously. Nonchalant Minho is scary, especially after he tried so hard to get a response out of Jisung a few minutes ago.

But Minho only smirked and continued talking to his boyfriend who finally joined them at the living room, “he looked really smiley yesterday picking up his sister up from the dance studio tho. He didn’t even realize I was there. So I thought he met Jisung or something.” 

Jisung continued his earlier suspicious stare at his so-called best friend. What makes Minho assume Hyunjin is all smiley because he met Jisung yesterday? The guy could have any other different reasons to be all smiley about. Besides, Jisung’s the one who secretly has a crush on Hyunjin not the other way around. Unless… No, it’s not possible. 

Unknown to Jisung who were currently having an internal battle with himself, Chan and Minho looked at each other meaningfully. They’re trying so hard not to laugh at their oblivious youngest friend. The thing with both Jisung and Hyunjin is, they’re both brilliant people but sometimes they could be so oblivious with other people’s blatant bold move to pursue them either romantically or sexually. It’s no surprise that their own obvious pining towards each other went unnoticed. 

Sighing, Chan finally took mercy on Jisung who seemed to be lost deep with his battle. Swatting Minho in the arm who hissed weakly before clearing his throat to coax Jisung back to reality. 

“I told you we were meeting yesterday to discuss the project, right? He seemed to look cheerful when he left though. I thought it’s because he’s happy Yeji is doing okay after the awful incident last weekend…” Jisung started, he seemed to reach a conclusion in that brief internal battle.

“Of course Sungie. He really cares about his sister right?” Chan smiled at Jisung and gave Minho, his menace of a boyfriend, a side warning glare to which he only received an eye roll back.

“Yeji also confused though…” mumbled Minho who instantly jumped to the kitchen to rummage around the fridge once he saw Chan’s tired expression.

“You gremlins want dinner?” he asked a moment later, the two boys left at the sofa immediately yelled out their affirmative. Jisung was still slightly confused by Minho's offhand comment but he chose to put it at the back of his mind for the time being. 

There’s no way Hwang Hyunjin will like him the way he likes the boy. 

There’s just no way.

***

Hyunjin was walking from his last class towards one of the small bistros near the campus to meet Seungmin and Jeongin for dinner. He was about to take Yeji with him but stopped by her roommate Chaeryeong instead, claiming that Hyunjin has been hogging her best friend all week. After both of the girls reassured him that they’ll be alright and he promised to get them some slices of simple dessert, he relented and went to meet his own best friends instead.

“Where’s Yeji?” inquired Seungmin when Hyunjin arrived and sat in front of them, he passed Hyunjin the menu book.

“Decided to have dinner with her roommate.” answered him simply, Seungmin only hummed but Jeongin who was sitting beside him could clearly see a moment of disappointment on his face. Briefly. But Jeongin swears he saw it. Seriously, his two older friends are pathetic in their love life aspect. Nothing’s new there but Jeongin can’t help but to roll his eyes. Seungmin interested in his roommate’s sister? That’s interesting.

After a moment Hyunjin decided to settle for a simple Arrabiata, two slices of chocolate cake and a slice of sweet potato cake to go for the girls. The three then placed their order and decided to snack on the complimentary bread rolls which had been served the moment Seungmin and Jeongin sat down. 

“I’m going to eat at the dining hall from tomorrow until my next paycheck. This is the last night I could afford fancy food.” Hyunjin said absentmindedly munching on the bread roll, Seungmin only hummed his approval and Jeongin didn’t even bat an eye. The perks of still living with a parent really got to his head sometimes. The other two could only wish. They could just take a subway or two buses to come home but it’s never handy if you need to do that every meal.

“Writing gigs are really scarce these days. I might have to take a part time job at that Borahae cafe. They look lively and a little bit understaffed sometimes…” Hyunjin continued, mouth still full of bread. 

“What do you mean understaffed? They have those 5 grown men running about the place man.” interject Jeongin, a loyal and frequent customer of said cafe, “not to mention Jihyo noona and two other girls the name I could never remember.” 

“Aish, you brat. But you’re probably right though.” Hyunjin sighs dejectedly. 

The conversation died immediately after that even when their food finally arrived the three just munching silently, seemingly lost in their own thoughts. That is until their peaceful silent bubble interrupted by a sudden delightful laugh from a few tables down. Hyunjin craned his neck to look at the source of voice out of instinct and instantly graced by the beauty of someone’s eye smile. A few moments after he got back to his dinner it finally dawned on him that the person with a delightful laugh and pretty eye smile was Jimin from the Borahae Cafe.

“It’s Jimin hyung!” Jeongin’s voice cut through his musing, Hyunjin can’t help but to smile at that. Seungmin was looking at the two baffled as to why they have a serene expression on their face so he turned around to see for himself and instantly understand why his friends suddenly looked like they’ve been grazed by the presence of an angel.

“He’s really pretty.” Seungmin said.

“He is.” agreed Jeongin.

“And really kind.” add Hyunjin. 

Seungmin now openly stared at the two who were still in a trance. He really can’t get them sometimes so he chose to get back to his dinner quietly. The two finally snapped out of their daze when Jimin’s laughter stopped. Seungmin’s amused stare didn’t go unnoticed by those who went beet red at the attention. 

They finished their dinner fairly quickly after that, a light conversation about job and classes exchanged a little bit before they decided to get back to their own respective dorm, or house in Jeongin’s case. As they were walking to the cashier to pay and Hyunjin to take his earlier desserts to go, Jimin and his company bumped into them. A pleasantries were exchanged between all of them before they went into their own respective ways with a promise to not be a stranger if they met each other in passing. Seungmin seemed to be in his own dazed trance while discreetly stared at Jimin, that made Jeongin and Hyunjin snicker to themselves. Talking about eating your own medicine…

  After Hyunjin and Seungmin dropped the youngest at the bus stop and bid their goodbyes, the two were walking back to their dorm in a slow, relaxed pace. The wind was biting a little bit on their skin but the warmth of late spring days was still present. It was nice for a walk after a big meal.  

“So how’s the meeting with Jisung yesterday?” Seungmin suddenly asked Hyunjin. They were walking towards the girls’ dorm. Seungmin insisted on accompanying him even though Hyunjin told him to go on first. 

“It went really well. We decided on the theme and I think we’re going to turn in two original songs since both of us are just really lazy to make other kinds.”

“Hmmm, would they have connected stories or would each have their own… I don’t know, separate story? “

“Connected I guess. We’re still on our first draft. So yeah, it's still a little bit long before I can have a definite answer.” Hyunjin smiled at his roommate who gave him a thumbs up.

“Jisung sounds like a brilliant kid. I’m glad it went well with him.” Seungmin mused, it made Hyunjin giggled a little. A year ago, he always had this hostile encounter with Jisung whenever they’re in each other’s orbit but it was just out of petty rivalry, it never escalated into something more explosive. Hyunjin never imagined the other guy would suddenly drop all the hostility the moment he caught Hyunjin dancing with Minho at one particular practice day. He clapped, cheered and whistled, they made Hyunjin blushed a terrible red tomato before acknowledging Jisung and his compliments.  

“Yeah…” Hyunjin silently agrees.

“Planning on confessing soon?” Hyunjin stopped at his track. What? Where did that come from? Seungmin never really asked Hyunjin about this before. Even though sometimes Hyunjin almost tears his ears off by the way he’s talking about Jisung.

Seungmin laughed before yanking Hyunjin to walk beside him again, “I’m just curious, relax. I’m not going to push you to do something you don’t want to do.” 

“Don’t ever do that in the middle of campus like that ever again Kim Seungmin!” Hyunjin dramatically wails before he stops entirely at the front gate of the girls’ dorm to call his sister. A few minutes after Yeji appeared, she was dressed in one of Hyunjin’s hoodies, a pajama pants, hair thrown into a messy bun and an oversized glasses perch on her nose. Seungmin almost stopped breathing with how casual and pretty the girl looked but he tried as hard as he could to remain poker face. 

At least that’s what he’s good at.

Yeji looked a little bit shocked when her eyes fell on Seungmin who quietly stood beside her twin brother. She thought Hyunjin came on his own like usual, she didn’t expect Seungmin who was still dressed in casual navy button up and a beige trousers, backpack slung over one of his shoulders to be there. 

 “Hi, sis! Delivery arrived as promised!” Hyunjin shoved two boxes of takeaway dessert onto Yeji’s hands. She grinned and hummed her approval after a round of sniffing the boxes.

“Thanks, Hyuniie!” Yeji stood on her tippy toes to smack a loud kiss on Hyunjin’s cheek who seemed to be satisfied. 

“I’ll treat you next weekend.” she added afterwards, Hyunjin only laughed and patted her shoulders.

“Thanks for not letting my brother walk on his own, Seungmin.” startled at his name suddenly being addressed, Seungmin instantly bowed only to realize how awkward that’ll look like to the siblings.

He nervously chuckled,  rubbing at the back of his neck, “Er… okay yeah. No problem. Don’t wanna risk his dramatic ass getting lost somewhere.” he settled for that instead. Thankfully Yeji giggled cutely and waved at him a little before walking back to her dorm building ignoring Hyunjin’s weak attempt at complaining. Seungmin immediately tried to hide his smile and a slight dread in his stomach.

Hyunjin eyed his best friend curiously and tried to suppress his own protective big brother instinct. 

“Ah! You look really good with that button up, Seungmin! The color really suits you.” Yeji yelled one last time before completely disappearing inside. 

Looking at Seungmin who was suddenly choking on air and sporting a flushed neck and face, Hyunjin growled. Startled at the sudden noise and expression coming from his friend, Seungmin immediately fled towards the direction of their dorm, he was running full speed ignoring Hyunjin’s constant angry yells which definitely will wake up the whole silent faculty.

As he was running, Seungmin thought he’s screwed. Hyunjin is one of those extra protective big brothers and he’s about to be at the mercy of his wrath. He can only hope Jeongin will give him a proper burial. But then again, he can’t have that much faith in that little brat. 

Yeah, goodbye world. He doesn’t even know why he was reacting like that when Yeji complimented him. It was just a compliment, for God’s sake!

Now he’s being hunted by an angry older brother. Great.   

Chapter Text

Jisung was lounging on his bed, his dorm roommate still snoring despite it being already past 11 am. He was thinking about what Minho said Friday night, it's almost been 2 days since that but his mind can't stop thinking about the possibility of Hyunjin liking him more than just a friend. But he didn't know. He can't be sure about himself. Jisung dated a few people in high school, his last girlfriend broke up with him because Jisung was too preoccupied with preparing for college, his first boyfriend only dated him for 6 months before he finally went away to study in another school. 

Hyunjin is the third guy he had a crush on and he seemed to always be plaguing Jisung's mind more often than not. The guy is passionate about what he does, he's brilliant and a hard worker. He also loves to take a little bit of time and space for himself when things get a little bit too overwhelming. He knows what to do when emotionally drained, something Jisung that still lacks.

The first time Jisung met Hyunjin was on the orientation day, he couldn't help but to always have his eyes trained on whatever the guy does, during the whole first semester however he found out that Hyunjin is a brilliant individual and he match Jisung on their first paper on Modern English Literature both of them having to received same highest score. It occurred to Jisung how it was a perfect opportunity to be friends and bond but Hyunjin was an extremely reserved person so he almost never went into Jisung’s orbit. Meanwhile Jisung was too afraid to approach Hyunjin with his romantic intent considering how popular he is among other students. So when the moment arises for them to be able to interact, the only thing on Jisung's mind was to stress out the fact that they both have high scores but Hyunjin only brushed it off and even challenged him for the next paper of the same subject. 

“I don’t know if I can maintain that score but I guess let’s have fun, yeah? I’m Hyunjin.” it was the only thing the guy said to Jisung when he approached him at the library, the former having been reading a book from the mandatory literature they need to write the review on. That only flared up Jisung’s spirit. 

They had the same highest mark for the next paper, from that moment Hyunjin started to enter Jisung’s orbit. The guy not only managed to level Jisung at that one subject, but their entire first semester syllabus even on some exams. But Hyunjin never really addressed Jisung directly, he only approached Jisung to ask for his score, once they match them, Hyunjin only hummed then was on his way waving cooly to a dumbstruck Jisung. Every single time. 

One day, when it’s a particularly long day for Jisung, he snapped at Hyunjin who sauntered to his desk at the lecture they attended at the same time to match another score with Jisung. He still didn’t know why he snapped, probably out of frustration of not being able to pursue Hyunjin more than their weird rival/friend dynamic or just because that day took a great toll on him, either way he still regretted that because the moment it happened, he can clearly see Hyunjin pleasant expression change into shock and something sour. 

Hyunjin slowly floated away from Jisung’s orbit, only giving him haughty stares whenever they got their score sheet. He never went to sit down with Jisung again, opting to sit at the very front of the class. Sometimes he can see Hyunjin staring at him from his peripheral vision only to be blessed by the back of the other’s head when he looks up. It goes on until the end of their first year. Jisung never dared to explain himself because partly he was embarrassed and his ego wouldn’t let him. 

Until Jisung found him at the dance club studio when he was going to pick Minho up to get dinner together. He was in awe with Hyunjin’s movement when he danced to a rather sensual but sad song, his expression showed no sign of that shy guy he usually sees in class. When the song was over, Jisung didn’t really know what came over him, he clapped and holler at Hyunjin making the guy almost fall over.

“You’re good. I don’t know you dance! You should’ve told me. That was… amazing.” Jisung, still in a daze, smiled at Hyunjin who instantly went red as a tomato, only to recover quickly. 

He was almost the one who fell over because suddenly, Hyunjin glowered, took three long strides towards Jisung then punched his arm. 

“You asshole. You snapped at me, never apologized or talked to me ever since then and suddenly became like… this?” Hyunjin sniffed “What is your deal, Jisung?” he was staring at Jisung expectantly while breathing heavily.

Jisung ducked his head only to find out Minho kicked his legs then glared at him.

“Remember what I said? Talk, Jisung. You better talk. Hyung will wait outside.” Minho gathered his belongings and bag before silently walking out of the room. 

When Jisung looked up, Hyunjin was still looking at him, his eyes glowing with fierce expectancy, his whole face glistening with sweat and there’s an understanding smile on his face. Jisung talked to him that night. All the animosity between them gradually seeped away.

Jisung startled awake from his daydream when Soobin, his roommate, woke up coughing from his own dreamland. He jumped up from his bed to give an unscrewed bottle of water to his suffering roommate who gave him a thumbs up afterwards.

“What time is it?” he managed to croak out to a still worried Jisung. Jisung's eyes went to the clock wall by Soobin’s desk.

“11.30 dude. It’s better for you to wake up. I’m kinda hungry.” he plopped down on top of Soobin who was gasping for air but suddenly enveloping him in a cuddle. Being 185 cm tall made it easy for him to handle a squirming Jisung.

“Errrrghhh, giant.” moaned Jisung annoyedly, Soobin only purred.

“Were you daydreaming again before I woke up?” Soobin asked him, still in a sleep addled voice, “Hmmmm perhaps about a certain brown haired guy with a crescent eye smile you can’t take your mind off?” Jisung went rigid and about to squirm his way out, but Soobin gave him a tight grip “Or about an alien invasion on earth?” his roommate continued and Jisung couldn't help but to chuckle.

“I’m not telling until you wake up, Soobin! I am hungry! My shift is about to start in 2 hours pleaaasee wakee up!” Soobin put one of his hands to Jisung mouth to shut him up.

“I will. Kick me again in 5 minutes, then we’ll get some pancakes and coffee from Yeonjun hyung’s place.” That seems to make Jisung stop squirming and relaxing in Soobin’s embrace.

When he can hear Soobin relax and even breath, Jisung went back to his daydream, only to find out Hyunjin and his hesitant but smiling face on the day Jisung apologized. He went back home with a sore arm and Hyunjin’s flustered face on his mind that day. Minho almost needed to drag him by his ear whenever he almost bumped his face into something solid when they were walking back to Minho’s place after his little chat with Hyunjin. 

“Why don't I have the guts to confess to him after a year and a half…” Jisung wondered out loud and huffed out a frustrated sigh.

“It’s okay, Jisung. Whenever you’re ready I’ll help.” Soobin softly replied, Jisung was a little bit startled but he went back deeper into the other’s hug and just enjoyed the moment with his friend.  

Chapter Text

Jeongin was only a freshman in fashion major but he already met a lot of stinking deadlines and the majority of his lectures need to get postponed or changed into online courses due to the fact that most of his professors are busy designers with a schedule as packed as people in Pop Music Festivals. That’s why he can commute easily from campus to his dad’s apartment a lot of times. A lot of his classes don’t really need him to be present at campus as often but he still enrolled himself in a dorm on the very first day he received his acceptance letter on his parents’ insistence.

He is usually at his dad’s when it's a slow weekend, but today is already the first day of the week again, unfortunately, and last night he forgot to set his alarm for his morning classes and project errands. Running full speed after saying, more like yelling, goodbye to his dad while carrying a backpack and a case full of his coloring tool, Jeongin cursed his tardiness and his luck. When he checked his watch, it seemed like he’s going to get an earful from this particular professor since he’s half an hour late. Jeongin just prays his sleep-addled brain will numb the pain receptors so whatever scolding he’ll have won’t sour his mood for the rest of the day. 

When he got in front of the class, he saw three people crowding and whispering panickingly among themselves. Jeongin went into a halt then peered around curiously at the small group. Two girls who suspiciously looked like his friends, Ryujin and Chaeryeong, and a guy he can barely remember the name of.

“You guys not coming in?” Jeongin whispered from behind Ryujin’s shoulder who in her flight and fight response elbowed him, hard, in the nose. Jeongin went backwards clutching at his nose with a repressed painful groan in his throat. The other three immediately scrambled onto Jeongin’s sides looking alarmed and worried.

 “Oh, fuck! Jeongin you idiot! Why did you sneak up on me?” Ryujin, the first one who recovered from the shock, was trying to pry Jeongin’s hand from its position, clutching on his throbbing nose. 

“What the actual fuck?! Your fight response is nice but why did you have to aim so high?! Fuck it hurts...” Jeongin whimpered. He actually whimpered and fell down on his bums. The front of his face stung and he felt like the back of his head also got elbowed.

“What is this? Why don’t the three of you come in?” he suddenly got a chill run up his spine upon hearing the additional voice he’s so disliked ever since he took the cursed course. The professor was wearing a ruby pantsuit, stood with glasses down to her nose and a ruler on her hand suspiciously looked like a weapon. Jeongin winced at the daring color that somehow invaded his vision and made his head spin.

“Err… we were actually going to come in but I accidentally elbowed my friend’s nose and he’s currently in pain.” Jeongin can see Ryujin braving herself but looking down at the ground at the same time. 

Jeongin can hear the professor sigh in exasperation, there was a big pause as if she was assessing the situation and the faith of all the 4 students standing anxiously in the hallway. Jeongin can see her walking up to him and crouched down to study his face before letting out another sigh, this time they sound really tired.

“Keeho, take him to the campus infirmary. Make sure his nose is okay.” she addressed the other boy who was silent the whole time, “the two of you get inside.” She pointed the ruler towards both Ryujin and Chaeryeong who scrambled to get inside the class as soon the sentence left her mouth.

“As for the two of you,” this time she was addressing him and Keeho with her eyes “meet me when the class is over to turn your drawing in.” She finished and Jeongin could only nod weakly before getting dragged by a pair of arms on his armpit willingly. 

He’s now sitting at one of the benches in the dining hall, catching on a late lunch and staring at his sketchbook with a scowl on his usually cheerful face. After the Keeho guy took him to the infirmary and he got ice on his throbbing nose, Jeongin sat in silence with him for a while before both of them burst out laughing. After introducing themselves to each other, the conversation flowed easily and they can’t even be annoyed with being late and having to face the professor later. It was another story when the nurse discharged Jeongin and both were standing at the face of said professor. She criticized the hell out of their sketches and even some of Jeongin’s colored sketches were tossed aside with just one look. 

When she proceeded to give them an additional sketching assignment because of tardiness, Jeongin’s mood turned bad in an instant. Not only because his nose still hurts, he just got criticized from back to back, he got additional assignments, and he’s super hungry, he had to rush into his next class and group project meeting. So here he is now, alone, shoveling food down his throat and suffering a creative block at the same time.

His day is usually not as messy as Beomgyu, his roommate, but well, it’s life, what can he do, really. He’s just still pissed about not getting food when he’s supposed to get them. The lack of glucose increased his temper quite significantly.

“You look pissed.” a deep voice startled Jeongin out of his scowling activity. When he looked up from his sketchbook, Lee Felix from Performative Arts was standing in front of his table carrying his tray of lunch. Jeongin almost sputtered and choked on his saliva but amazingly he just managed a weak grimace towards the guy who instantly sat down on the bench in front of him.

The first time Jeongin saw Felix was when he was lost in the Art Faculty building on his first day to class. He accidentally went to the Performative Arts section when he was supposed to go to the Design. Felix back then was blond, he had a pixy like face with countless freckles adorning all over it. He was shorter and ganglier than Jeongin but they only made him more in awe with the guy. He was just passing by but when he saw Jeongin looking lost and with a sketchbook in hand, Felix helped him find his class. When Jeongin kept on bowing to him as a gratitude Felix only chuckled and brushed it off, waving a goodbye with a breezy See you around!    

“What happened to your face, Innie?” Felix went forward to cradle Jeongin’s face on one of his hands. The touch suddenly brought Jeongin to reality and he suddenly felt a heat crept up to his neck and cheek no matter how hard he was trying to suppress it. 

“My friend accidentally elbowed me hahaha. I’m okay now, it’s only swollen a little.” Jeongin put Felix’s hand away from his face which made the other guy frown slightly. 

Felix only looked at Jeongin worriedly before sighing and started to spoon some of the soup to his lips. Jeongin smiled at him, urging Felix to have his lunch before they got cold. They fell into a comfortable silence afterwards, both only focusing on their respective meals.

The silence broke by Felix suddenly laughing to himself, the deep voiced laugh made Jeongin look up curiously at him but before he popped the question on the sudden laugh Felix beat him to it.

“I remember when you tripped on your senior shoes and almost broke your neck falling hard to the ground while carrying so many different fabrics into my dance studio last semester.” Felix is covering his face in embarrassment as if he’s the one who made a fool of himself in front of a whole class.  

You see, Jeongin is clumsy. He can’t help it. Seungmin was usually the one who scolded him for spilling all bottled or glassed liquid within his vicinity. Hyunjin was always the one who stopped him from walking straight into a wall or hard surfaces when he walked while looking down at his phone. Beomgyu even baby-proofed every sharp corner in their dorm because Jeongin always bumped into them. His dad won’t allow him near the steering wheel on any car because he almost wrecked a car in a driving school.

Last semester, a senior in his major asked some freshmen to help him with a project on making a whole wardrobe for the 2nd year dance major's graded performance. Jeongin volunteers himself because the professor promised them an extra credit that can be useful when they’re in their 2nd year themselves. He actually helped the senior with some sketches and fabric selection. On fitting day, the fashion design major went to visit the dance major instead and they needed to transport a handful of tools and fabrics. Jeongin was supposed to carry some half finished costume designs with a friend but out of nowhere he tripped on a shoe by the door of the dance studio and almost fell flat on his face because he was trying to prevent the costumes from getting squashed by him. 

It was Felix who saved him from almost breaking his neck. His fast reflex cushion Jeongin’s fall, made him lay flat on top of Felix’s back instead of the hard floor. That day, Felix just brushed it off again but Jeongin felt really bad and promised the older one a coffee as an apology. 

They exchanged numbers.

“Hyuuung, nooo!” Jeongin wailed then went to hide his face behind his resting arms on the table. 

“I was so embarrassed you have no idea how freaked out I was when you were the one who lay face down instead!” Jeongin grumbled but that only fueled Felix laughter who doubled up laughing, clutching his stomach. 

Jeongin can’t help but to smile looking at Felix bathing in so much glee. His now balck hair made his freckles a little more visible and his eyes crinkled prettily. Not long after he joined Felix’s laughter and both were red in the face when they finished.

“I didn’t regret sliding down back then. I got your number and a coffee, right?” Felix nudged Jeongin’s shoes under the table with a smile on his face. The comment instantly made Jeongin’s face warm, and he was fortunate that his face was still red from laughing.

“Hyung, you ordered a boba tea.” Jeongin weakly argued.

“Same thing, darling. Same thing.” 

The thing is no matter how much he’s hearing Felix address him with various kinds of pet names he doesn't think he can get used to them. He loves hearing them but at the same time it’s making his heart clenched with sadness. He understands he could just tell Felix his feelings and there are a lot of times when he thinks the older feels the same about him, but he doesn’t know how to do that. With his clumsy nature, he doubts anything will go smoothly if he tries to do something for the confession but just telling him about it seems to be… bland. So Jeongin doesn’t know what to do.

“You have class again after this?” Felix asked him after some time, his lunch already half finished. When Jeongin glanced at his own tray, everything’s almost gone already and he didn't realize he was eating.

“Uh not until 6, I’m going to pop out to my dorm to get some sleep instead after this. I think Gyu has been wrecking the place since I wasn’t there this whole weekend.” Jeongin chucked the last piece of chicken into his mouth and munched on it before swallowing.

Felix laughed before humming his assent. 

“What time do you finish work, hyung?”

“At nine. You want to grab dinner together?” 

“That was what I’m about to ask you. Let’s go get something from the Kimbap place I went with Hyunjin and Seungmin hyung last time?”

“Sure!” Felix beamed at Jeongin. 

Jeongin tidied up his belongings and put them on his backpack before wiping up the table with his napkin. Both of them went to put their tray away before walking out of the dining hall together. Felix linked his arms with Jeongin before dragging the half asleep boy towards the first year dorm building. Jeongin sputtered when he realized what Felix was doing.

“Hyung, just go to practice! I can go on my own.” he tried to break free from the older but Felix won’t budge.

“Hush, Innie. I don’t want to risk you falling somewhere half asleep like that.” Felix tightened his grip and Jeongin relented. It’s for the best right? He’s clumsy and half asleep, that’s a combo for trouble if went unsupervised if you ask him. It’s not because of Felix's warm presence he relented, no, it’s because of Jeongin clumsiness.

If he leaned a little bit on Felix the whole time they were walking to his dorm, that’s because he’s really sleepy. 

They arrived at Jeongin’s dorm with Beomgyu half out of the door. He’s carrying several thick books, his glasses slightly fogged and his backpack swung carelessly on his left shoulder. He was shocked momentarily when he saw Felix half dragging Jeongin who is taller than him towards their dorm. 

“Good afternoon, Felix seonbaenim.” Beomgyu slightly bowed only to be brushed off by Felix.

“Hyung, Gyu-ah. Just call me hyung.” Felix said. Beomgyu grinned hesitantly before nodding. He bowed again before finally taking off.

Felix beamed and waved at him before opening the room's door wider and tapping Jeongin’s cheek to awake him.

“Delivery for Yang-Choi residence.” Felix joked when Jeongin finally realized his surroundings, he was still blinking awake when Felix went to his tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

 “I’ll see you tonight, big baby.” he said before leaving Jeongin on his own. 

Face beet red. He groaned before closing the door and put his face first on the bed.

Great. He’s so gay.

Jeongin didn’t know that his face wasn’t the only one who looked as red as boiled crabs that afternoon. Lee Felix cursed himself internally for randomly giving cheek kisses to Jeongin while he was walking towards the studios he was supposed to practice on. Hwang Hyunjin from the English Department and his twin sister Hwang Yeji from Fashion Design were looking at him curiously when he arrived. 

“I’m so gay.” he mumbled as he was dragging his feet in the other end of the room to stretch.

“We know.” came a soft unison reply from the other two who were silently watching him walking in with a flustered face.

***

When Felix left him at the front of his door with a kiss to his cheek, Jeongin was confused and beyond flustered. During their friendship for almost a year now, he knows Felix is a very affectionate person, he saw it happen first hand on Jisung and his other friends, but when it comes to Jeongin, Felix is always a little bit reserved with his affectionate touches. So it kinda shocked him a little when he got a kiss delivered to his cheek by the other guy. 

He was pretty sure he even dreamed of that kiss on that one hour nap.

Jeongin was still in his 6 pm class when his phone vibrated with a message from Felix telling him to go ahead for dinner because instead of the usual half shift he had on Mondays, Felix has to foresee the cafe until closing hours which is 10 pm. His usual shift partner is a TA and he needed to help the professor to grade some papers for that night. Jeongin sighed and replied instantly, he told Felix not to worry and he’s still going to pick Felix up and they will have dinner together as planned. 

His thoughts became astray the moment the lecture started to get really boring. He was thinking back to the kiss this afternoon. Jeongin was a little scared to confess now because he still thought it hadn't been that long the both of them got to know each other and became fast friends. He was scared that it would also end quickly if he progressed their friendship into something more romantic. And he hasn’t been very honest with Hyunjin and Seungmin about his feelings towards Felix since Hyunjin is sort of the other’s friend. 

He jolted awake from his musing when someone poke the back of his head with a pen. He looked back and saw Ryujin smiling at him apologetically and she gave him a folded piece of paper. Jeongin received it and let out a snicker at what she wrote there.

Your nose looks swollen… Does it still hurt? :(

Part of him wanted to mess with the poor girl, but she’s a friend and Jeongin can see how sorry Ryunjin that morning when she kept on eyeing Jeongin’s nose before the professor shooed her to get inside the class. So he just reassured her that there were no hard feelings, Jeongin just pissed when it was happening but after that, he barely remembered the incident happened because of her.

Just a dull ache now, it’s okay I’m not mad anymore ;)

He passed the reach behind him to put the paper on Ryujin’s table. When he didn’t feel the end of her pen on his head anymore, Jeongin turned his attention back to the lecture. The professor now was explaining elaborately on the computer based math applied to fashion designing. He’s already bad at Math when he was still in high school, the math in Fashion is even more complex than what he had a year ago, Jeongin didn’t know what possessed him to choose Fashion Design.

 His phone vibrated on the table, lit up with a new message he got from Ryujin. He rolled his eyes before reading them.

Ryujin F.D

I feel really bad even though you scared me

I’ll buy you a morning latte or americano?

Pleaseee, I’m really sorry. It LOOKS painful

:(((((((

Me

-_-

Quit it. I’m fine. It is painful but not anymore. Chill gurl

Ryujin F.D

Nooooo!! I insist, Jeongin

Man, ik you’re loaded rich but u sure passing on free borahae cafe morning latte?

Jimin oppa specials…

Jeongin swears he’s not easy to sway but there’s nothing wrong accepting something free from someone who attacked you, accidentally. Besides’she’s the one who consistently offered. Jimin, his favorite barista at his favorite Cafe, always makes this amazing latte on Wednesday mornings. Jeongin fell in love with the exact menu since Ryujin introduced him to it a few months ago when they were discussing a group presentation there. Morning group discussions? Yeah, it was quite a mess but everyone behaved since Ryujin told them to order the lattes. His whole group for that presentation instantly became a regular there, including Jeongin. 

Me

Gah you’re persistent girl -_-

Fine. I expect one of it on my hand this Wednesday morning

Ryujin F.D

You bet ;)

Ryujin flicked his head with her pen afterwards, he only rolled his eyes at her who silently chuckled.

The class continued in the same boring manner, Jeongin tried his best to keep up with all of the important unknown bits he thought he’ll have to look up after the class. Who knows how crazy the exams are gonna be for this wretched subject? He kept his focus on the class until it ended at 7.35. When he was putting his notebook on his bag, Ryujin was standing at the stair beside him, determinedly waiting for him to finish.

“You need something?” Jeongin regarded her with a stare.

She shrugged, “Just wondering if you wanna grab dinner with me and Chaeryeong. She’s bringing her boyfriend along.” Ryunjin huffed in annoyance. 

Third wheeling. Yikes. 

“As much as I pity you right now, I already promised my friend. But thanks for the invite,  tho.” Jeongin stood up then slung his backpack over his shoulder. He’s walking down the stairs when Ryujin follows along beside him. She’s silently humming while also fidgeting, as if she wants to ask something again from him. 

“Spit it out.” Jeongin said when they reached the exit of the class where Chaeryeong was standing waiting for Ryujin. 

“Who is this friend?” Ryujin asked him. Jeongin raised one of his eyebrows at that.

“Well, I’m just curious cause umm, I know most of your friends are our seniors but like…” Ryujin rambled on but stopped mid sentence as if she’s afraid Jeongin’s going to snap at her, but before he does that, Chaereyeong interjects.

“She saw you at the dining hall with Lee Felix from dance major. She’s at the dance club, he’s mentoring there sometimes. So yeah, she’s being nosy.” The two girls now sandwiched him as they walked through the building’s corridor.

Jeongin sighed, “I’m having dinner with him, yes. He’s at his part time job for the closing shift today, so I really can’t lessen your misery for being a third wheel, Ryujin-ah.” he said to Ryujin who beamed at him instead. But before he asks why she looks like someone just gave her an early birthday present, something dawns on him on why Felix suddenly became their conversation’s topic.

“Were you eavesdropping on us this afternoon?” he asked her who suddenly turned her face away and walked faster. Jeongin only sighed defeatedly before reaching out his hand to tug on Ryujin’s totebag’s straps. Ryujin stopped walking and her shoulder became visibly tense. They can hear Chaeryeong laugh before Jeongin pulls Ryujin’s tote bag completely off her shoulder to slung them over his left one instead. Confused by the turn of events, Ryujin was staring at him questionably. 

“Cmon I’ll walk you instead. I’m going to tell you about him, cause I need some advice anyway. Girls are good at giving advice about the matter of hearts, right?” he tugged on Ryujin’s windbreaker sleeves to make her walk again. Ryujin instantly latched herself on Jeongin’s arm and Chaeryeong suddenly speed walked while yelling at them to wait for her.

“Jeongin you gay I’m your girlfriend too, brat!”

He ended up telling both Ryujin, Chaeryeong and her boyfriend who is apparently Changbin hyung, a friend of Felix, his predicament. The plan was to drop the girls at the Kimbap restaurant he and Felix were actually going to go and be on his way to wait for Felix in one of the design rooms to finish some homework. But as soon as they arrived, Changbin, who was already there, stopped Jeongin from leaving and demanded that he continue telling his sad love story to him and the girls. The moment he found out it was Felix, Changbin would not let him leave. He even paid for Jeongin and Felix’s dinner to go. 

They advised Jeongin to tell Felix his feelings and if Felix feels the same way or giving Jeongin a green light about wanting to try out, they told him to discuss everything together rather than assuming. Changbin giving him a vote of confidence, he told Jeongin about his suspicion that Felix probably likes him too despite never knowing it directly from Felix he said he has a strong feelings about them being together. 

“He never stopped talking about you ever since you helped your seniors who were collaborating with his dance recital performance last semester.” Jeongin’s heart soars when he hears that from Changbin.

“Bring those Kimbap and eat them together at the park by the boy’s dorm. Confess tonight at least. Or try…” Chaeryeong suggested with a wink. The said park is famous for having a pretty set of lighting, the twinkling lights giving a sentimental background sometimes make confessions happen there at night. Jeongin deeply considers it.

“I know it’s been plaguing your mind since he kissed your cheek this afternoon.” quipped Ryujin cheekily. When Jeongin was about to claw at her, she shoved her piece of Kimbap towards Jeongin who took them begrudgingly. 

So here he goes after a long conversation with the other three who after dinner  dragged Jeongin to a nearby convenience store to accompany him and digging more on his love life, walking towards the cafe where Felix’s work. It’s a smaller cafe than Borahae but students still went there usually for cheaper beverage options. He was carrying a plastic bag containing two rolls of Kimbap, a small container of pickled radish, a medium container of spicy fried chicken and two cold water bottles he grabbed from the convenience store earlier.  

He’s carrying their dinner with his heart beating loudly on his chest.

When he arrived, Felix was already standing at the front of the closed cafe with Jisung who leaned on a nearby lamp post. The lamp post weirdly reminded him of Hyunjin. Jisung was the one who noticed him first, he beamed and waved lazily while still leaning his whole weight on the poor lamp post. Jeongin could see the image of Hyunjin being Jisung’s lamp post.

“Hey, Jeongins.” Jisung lightly punched Jeongin’s arm when he stood after the two. Felix’s face instantly lit up with a smile.

“Hey, Innie.” he said with a tired voice. His voice sounds a little bit deeper when he’s tired and Jeongin likes it. He smiled back before letting Felix drop his head on his shoulder. Jisung’s eyes went soft from the sight. 

“Hey, Felix hyung. Hey Jisung hyung.” Jeongin pat Felix’s head, making the older purred contentedly. 

“I thought Jisung hyung’s shift is tomorrow.” Jeongin tilted his head, staring at Jisung,  “Did you come here for an unhealthy amount of Americano again?”

Jisung scoffed, then waved his notebook at Jeongin, “I was just writing and keeping Felix’s company. He told me he got left on his own for closing, I feel bad so yeah I came.”

“Ah, I thought you’ll be somewhere bothering Hyunjin hyung.”

“He was bothered by me, so I ran away from his wrath.”

“Were you poking him relentlessly with your pen when he’s trying to finish some reading again?” Jeongin raised his eyebrow at that.

“No, he was drawing something and I tried to bond with Seungmin, your other hyung.” Jisung shrugged while Jeongin was still looking at him suspiciously.

“They were just generally being loud so Hyunjin kicked both of them out.” Felix interjects and giggles while Jisung grinned lazily as a response.

Jeongin sighed before rolling his eyes, “I can’t believe Minnie hyung finally found someone to be loud with.” he shook his head in disbelief.

Jisung peeled his body off the lamp post then put his head on Jeongin’s other shoulder briefly before pulling Felix to his side instead. Jeongin felt a little bit sad at the loss of contact.

“Let’s go back. I’ll walk you cuties to eat your dinner somewhere.” He tugged on Jeongin’s sleeves urging him to walk, “any ideas, gentlemen?”

“I was thinking of eating them at one of the gazebos at the park near the boys dorm… it’s warm tonight.” Jeongin replied. He was trying to not shy away from the ideas now that it’s out in the open. 

“Hmmm, I like it. Romantic.” Jisung hummed then turned towards a tired Felix, “You up for that, Juliet?” he bumped his shoulder to Felix’s who chuckled.

“Sure, wherever Innie’s like.” 

Jeongin swore the other two could hear how loud the beating of his heart was right now.

The walk back to campus only took 15 minutes, they goofed around a little with Felix being more and more awake when Jisung threw him jokes here and there. Jeogin can’t help but laugh along because despite his annoyingly loud voice and his tendency to give Jeongin unwanted kisses, Jisung is a funny guy. He managed to swoop Hyunjin out of his feet, so there’s no surprise really. When they arrived at the park, Jisung bid them goodbye while bowing theatherically before literally skipping his way towards the entrance of the dorm building, his mop of hair bouncing lightly. 

The park was still filled with students enjoying the night’s air, there was still quiet buzzing and Jeongin couldn't help but to enjoy a little of the calmness. Jeongin and Felix found an empty gazebo where they quickly laid their dinner open at the table. Jeongin chuckled amusedly when Felix just went straight to his dinner when he told him to. They spend some comfortable silence for a while both being immersed in their own little bubble and food until all the dishes are all clean, inhaled by the unusually hungry Felix.

When they were eating, they were sitting facing each other but when all the food had been consumed, Felix, like a tired little magnet, went to sit beside Jeongin. He was leaning his weight on Jeongin’s side trying not to fall asleep after a big meal.

“That was a satisfying meal.” he mused, Jeongin nodded and hummed his approval. He was trying to control his wildly beating heart and not to hypervilanting over the fact Felix is making him his personal lamp post. 

“I’m glad you like them.” he said, wiping his clammy hands on his jeans. He didn’t even realize his hands were clammy with sweat. Jeongin usually have well balanced moisturized hands. 

“What’s the matter, Innie? Do you need to tell me something?” Felix raised his head to look at Jeongin’s face. The moment he saw Jeongin’s nervous expression, Felix sat up straight and taking his Jeongin’s hands on his, almost flinching from the cold. 

Jeongin is staring at Felix’s hands on his, significantly smaller hands on his larger one. He quite liked the sight, but it made him become more and more nervous being in such close proximity with Felix. When he’s looking at Felix’s encouraging eyes, he gets a little bit relaxed even though he feels like he can hear his blood rushing to his ears. 

Jeongin takes a deep breath then counts from 1 to 5 before exhaling. 

“Hyung, do you think that people who just know each other for like half a year can have a romantic relationship with each other? Or do you think it’s too fast?” 

Felix tilted his head to the side, “Why not? It’s not too fast when both of them are ready and have an open willingness to get to know each other more.” he answered, holding Jeongin’s hands tighter. 

“Do you like someone, Innie?” Felix asked Jeongin who went silent, then his face changed as if he just realized something. Jeongin cringed internally.

Feliz gasped, “Is it Ryujin? She’s one of your closest friends right? Oh my god, why didn’t you tell me anything before?” Felix lightly smacked Jeongin’s arm who suddenly feels horrified at his thought.

“No! Oh, no no, no hyung. Ryujin is just a friend. She’s too terrifying for me.” Jeongin laughed out loud at that. Hearing that, Felix felt relieved so he laughed too but he was still anxious about Jeongin’s vague question. How can’t he notice if Jeongin is currently liking someone? 

When Jeongin’s laughter died down, he’s fidgeting again and looking at Felix nervously who also had his anxiety intensifies. 

“Look, hyung. I, you don’t have to answer right away or anything to what I’m about to ask you,” Jeongin paused and Felix nodded his head slowly, “so, um, do you, do we… arghh.” Jeongin buried his face in his hands, trying to rub the heat away. Felix looked at him curiously, a little bit frowning at Jeongin’s frustrated state. 

Jeongin suddenly put his hands away from his face and turned towards Felix with determined eyes, his face all red.

“Hyung, I like you.” Jeongin breathed out.

Felix was staring at Jeongin blankly for a long while, he was blinking robotically every two seconds making Jeongin worried, before something dawned on his face.

Oh.

Oh!

“Look hyung. You don’t have to be pressured to answer now or anything. I mean we haven’t really known each other for so long, but I consulted my friend and they, you know, advised me to just come clean to you.” Jeongin chuckled nervously.

“Innie-ah, hyung-”

“If you don’t feel the same way, it’s okay. I understand. But I hope we can still be friends and you know have lunch together,”

“Innie, I-”

“I still want to walk you after your night shift if you let me. The thing is, I would like to date you but also get to know you more first before I do-”

“Jeongin, stop.” he instantly stops his rambling because Felix never calls him by his first name like that. Not since the first time they learnt each other’s name.

Felix smiled at him softly, he’s taking Jeongin’s hands and caressing them lightly.

“Would you let me talk now?” asked Felix, when Jeongin nodded he smiled again at the red faced boy.

“So… I think I like you too.” Jeongin’s breath hitched, “I started to think about the possibility of me liking you since we went on that coffee date. I mean I think I always know I have a general attraction towards you since the first day I found you lost at my department.” Felix chuckled at the fond memory of wide eyed confused Jeongin.

“I would really like to date you as well. In fact if you ask me to be your boyfriend now, I will say yes. But if you think it’s too fast for us to officially become a couple, we can always date first. See where our compatibility is. But yeah, we’re taking the wheels together.” he finishes almost laughing to a still bewildered Jeongin. 

 Finally when it seemed like forever, Jeongin gulped and took Felix’s hands on his.

“You would do that with me? I mean date.” he asked Felix who finally laughed fondly at him.

“Yeah.” he breathed out, “but my maximum date quote until you ask me to be your official couple is only 6 dates.” he replied sternly, making Jeongin grin widely.

“Okay.” Jeongin brings Felix’s hand to kiss the back of one of them.

 Felix blushed at the gesture, “Okay.” he rested his forehead against Jeongin’s both having a matching set of grin.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin was staring at his youngest friend’s face suspiciously, Jeongin was actually joining him, Seungmin and Yeji at their table in the dining hall today even though he’s alternating between scooping the rice into his mouth and staring at his tablet for some unfinished design drawing. He looked somehow brighter than usual today, being in the middle of the week, students usually sport a sour look on their faces, he is usually included in said demography but today, today something’s different and Hyunjin can’t put his fingers on what makes the change.

Yeji, who was sitting beside Jeongin facing diagonally from Hyunjin, caught his calculating stare at the oblivious younger boy but she chose to remain silent and eat her salad. When her brother caught her inquiring gaze, Hyunjin gestured wildly with his eyes towards Jeongin who was trying to shove a big bite of his stir fry beef to his mouth. Yeji cringed at the sight before putting her hand towards Jeongin’s mouth to cover the offending sight. 

“Use your words, Hyunjin.” she rolled her eyes at him, Hyunjin gaped at her and Seungmin was trying so hard to hold his snickers the whole time. He’s still trying to get on Hyunjin’s good side after last Friday almost died out of his headlock.

Jeongin finally looked up from his tablet, assessing the situation at the table. The first thing he realized was Yeji’s hand hovering in front of his mouth that made him quickly swallow then apologetically grinned at her. 

“Sorry, nuna. Force of habit.” he said to Yeji who finally lowered her hand then patted his hair softly. Jeongin is already familiar with Yeji ever since he met Hyunjin, the girl has become an older sister figure and the one who seems to be able to control the wildebeest Ryunjin and ever so mischievous Chaereyeong, his usual study buddies. Sometimes he respects her more than Hyunjin. 

“What is it, hyung?” Jeongin turned towards Hyunjin this time. Hyunjin's pouting demeanor changed into a more serious one, he’s frowning and nose scrunched up, his usual thinking expression.

“Did something happen yesterday when you went to the arcade with your girl friends?” Hyunjin finally asked Jeongin. The whole table seemed to hold their breath, keen on the interaction. 

Jeongin tilted his head up, eyes went upward before he finally shook his head no.

“Other than the usual Ryujin trying to win both of us those blue ducks plushies from the dart game, Chaeryeong spilled her milkshake all over her newest blouse screeching like a banshee, nothing else special happened.” Jeongin answered, still a little bit confused with Hyunjin's sudden curiosity.

“Why do you ask?” Jeongin added hurriedly.

Instead of answering, Hyunjin only shrugged and kept staring at Jeongin as if he was trying to find an answer written somewhere there. Seungmin, who finally got tired because he’s about to rush into the psychology lab in 10 minutes but also curious at the sudden visible change on Jeongin’s eyes and whole demeanor on Thursday, his busiest day all week. 

Seungmin smacked Hyunjin in the back of his head, “Stop it. It’s really strange.” he told Hyunjin who instantly narrowed his eyes. Deciding he had enough of Hyunjin’s little threats, Seungmin only rolled his eyes at him. He also decided to take matters into his own hands regarding Jeongin.

“Did you get laid or did someone confess their love to you?” he finally asked Jeongin who got wide eyed briefly before he went back to the remnant of his lunch. 

“Seungmin!” Yeji kicked him lightly on his shin. Seungmin only flinched but his attention never wavering away from Jeongin. Hyunjin then however realized something, his eyes went wide and he turned to Seungmin, shaking his poor friend.

“He’s been ditching us on lunch this whole week with Felix!” Hyunjin whisper-yelled, making Jeongin’s breath hitch. 

Seungmin only looked at Hyunjin quizzically but Yeji who saw the slight change on Jeongin’s face started to put two and two together. It’s true that she rarely joins Hyunjin’s circle at lunch but ever since Hyunjin became protective of her two weeks ago, she usually finds herself with Hyunjin, Seungmin and Jeongin when their lunch breaks sync up. But the last three days, she only sat with the roommates, getting in their dynamic of bickering non stop. Yeji thought the cause of Jeongin’s absences were because of his packed schedule, she heard from Chaer and Ryujin about the first year fashion design students are about to have big assessment day so it usually packed but then he saw Felix at the start of the week coming in the dance studio with flustered face after he came back from his lunch on Monday…

Yeji has never been that close with Felix but sometimes the guy is too friendly and will brain dump on her on occasions, sometimes it’s about his friends’ antics, his never ending showcase and recitals, his anxieties about his grade, sometimes his family back in Australia and sometimes about a First Year Design student he recently had a crush on.

Yeji didn’t even know Felix knew Jeongin.

“You’re the freshman from design he always talks about…” Yeji breathed out softly, staring at Jeongin who went rigid on his seat, his chopstick hovered near his open mouth. 

It’s comical of how their table went silent as realization dawned on everyone’s faces.

Hyunjin gaping like a fish out of the water, still clutching on Seungmin’s collared shirt while Seungmin’s whole face went blank.

“It’s Fashion Design!” Yeji screeched in disbelief, startling the boys at her table. All this time he poured his heart out because he thought Yeji would know who he’s talking about. To think it’s also someone close to her, someone she regards as a younger brother…

“Your dad told us about your little crush on Felix!” Hyunjin finally said, matching his sister’s tone while pointing his fingers accusingly at Jeongin who was still keeping his mouth in a tight line. Seungmin gasped an amused oh my god after Hyunjin’s exclamation.

Someone’s phone suddenly ring with some kind of alarm sound startling all of them out of their stupor, a soft fuck was heard from Seungmin who slumped defeatedly and turning his phone off. 

“I have to go, people at the lab will kill me if I am late.” he scrambled to tidy up all of his belongings before slinging his backpack over his shoulder, the other three only followed his movement with their eyes. Yeji seems to be the only one who looks down when he tells them he needs to rush but Seungmin only brushes it off.

“Dig it from the brat, you two.” Seungmin gestured at Hyunjin and Yeji sternly, while he stood up and took his lunch tray with him, “if he didn’t say anything, I’ll do it myself later instead at the choir meeting.” Seungmin smirked at Jeongin who only rolled his eyes but one look from Seungmin made him silently contemplate an escape plan.

 Seungmin practically ran after that, muttering a string of curses of being late. Yeji waved at him when he stopped at the dining hall exit to look back at their table, when he caught Yeji’s eyes and her little wave, he left. Hyunjin, who clearly saw what happened, cleared his throat. Yeji turned her head down embarrassedly. 

“So, you were saying Yang Jeongin ssi?” Hyunjin turns his head back towards the youngest who is hiding his face behind his hands, praying to God that someone will take him away from the twins.

Hyunjin is really happy for his friend. 

He really does.

Even though he’s only recently found out about Jeongin’s little crush on Felix, who is apparently their mutual friend, he’s really happy that the little brat has so much bravery in him. He’s not that close with Felix apart from the fact he helped Hyunjin and Yeji with their performance for the dance club showcase last year but Felix is really sweet. Sometimes Hyunjin thinks of him as an angel personified, he got along with everybody at the dance club and everyone likes him back. His voice somehow is the only contrast in his whole personality and appearance. He can go really low with his voice, especially when he’s tired or when he’s just fed up with everyone being rowdy and all over the place on some practice sessions. He likes Felix and even though they’re not that close, both of them are still friends and they even went out with Jisung on some outings. Jisung is actually the one who introduced Felix last term when Hyunjin went to visit the cafe the two work at.  

Out of the two of them, Yeji sure has the most welcoming presence so he’s not shocked when she told him and Jeongin the fact that sometimes Felix confided in her about some of his life issues and little crush on a friend after club practices. Hyunjin chuckled fondly at the expression Jeongin made when he heard that from Yeji. He smiled his usual bright and wide smile, eyes went into a small slit but twinkling under the light, and his cheeks tinted with a slight pink. It made Yeji instantly pinched his cheeks, even going as far squishing them under her hands. A gesture he usually did to Jeongin whenever the younger one was all cute or when Hyunjin just couldn't contain his fondness for the cute brat who grew up too quickly.

Jeongin told them that he was the one who confessed first after he got three little pushes from his friends and one of Felix’s friends who happened to be Chaeryeong's boyfriend. He wasn’t actually going to confesses the night he just told his friends about his worry but the time and situation really went to Jeongin’s favor that night and he’d be a fool if he didn’t take the chance. At least maybe tried to talk about it with Felix but, through some miracle from the universe, Felix confessed that he actually has been feeling the same way about him. He’s really understanding with Jeongin’s anxiety, agreed to take things slow and try to go on dates first.

Hyunjin and Yeji practically melted right at the spot when they were listening to the youngest breaking down about his love adventure with someone as sweet as Felix. Jokingly, Yeji complained about her lack of love life which somehow prompted Jeongin to  tease Hyunjin’s. At that, Yeji confronted him again about his lack of spine and demanded Hyunjin to confess as soon as possible before Jisung got swept away by someone else.  

After that long lunch, the three reluctantly went their separate ways except Jeongin who actually skipped away from the twins. Right now, Hyunjin is currently sitting at the library trying to finish the last bits of his review paper on The Scarlet Letter, this week's mandatory book. He still doesn’t understand why the book always seems to be on his syllabus since last year, but he still types away his review since it’s for a different course.

When he’s finally done and even turns the assignment online, it’s already almost 3. Hyunjin has a class in another hour so he gathered all of his belongings ready to get back to the dorm or park his bum somewhere on the campus’ park and maybe sketch something a little. When he’s about to walk away from the table he spent the last 2 hours on his phone vibrating notifying him for an incoming call. Seungmin’s name appeared on his screen and he silently chuckled, ready to delve into a detail of the previous tale of Yang Jeongin’s love life.

“Hi, Minnie. I’m still at the library.” Hyunjin whispered while walking away towards the exit of the library waving to Hana, a part-timer he befriended since last term, she gave a smile and waving back at him, “I’m walking to the exit now hold on a bit.” he can hear Seungmin little okay at the other line before speed walking more. 

“Okay, I’m outside. You finished at the lab?” asked Hyunjin in a normal voice as soon as he stepped out of the library. He’s thinking of going back to the dorm but it’s going to be bothersome to commute back and forth by foot from the student communal area towards his faculty building. So he’s walking towards the park near his faculty building hoping it’s not too crowded.

“Yeps, I’m going back to the dorm. I got another professor to help at 6, I really need some sleep before I need to go back there.” Hyunjin can hear Seungmin was stifling a yawn.

“Ah, I was thinking of going back to the dorm but I still have class at 4.” Hyunjin huffed and Seungmin only gave back a dry chuckle. 

“So? Did Innie confess first or was it Felix?” Come Seungmin reply a beat later. 

Hyunjin tutted, “Straight the point I see.”

Seungmin still has the decency to apologize albeit half-heartedly.

“Innie did.” Hyunjin replied after a while, “Happened on Monday, and apparently he wasn’t planning on confessing that night but got tempted after his friends told him to.” Hyunjin chuckled and he can hear Seungmin also let out his tired laugh. 

“Wow, those girls influence him a lot.” Seungmin mused, “Last term, he’s still a really timid freshman with sparkling but clueless eyes. Now, he’s confessing to his crush. His senior, even!” Seungmin dramatically wailed, making Hyunjin laugh out loud.

Hyunjin finally reached the park. There are many students scattered around but it’s not too crowded. He spotted a vacant bench under a tree and went straight to sit on it. He slumped down and sighed contentedly. The air is still a little bit warm in the afternoon but it’s another case later at night where the wind will blow a little bit harshly. But Hyunjin is planning to enjoy the warmth while it lasts, he has his jacket with him anyway.

“I know, right? Who would even think?” said Hyunjin after he settled on the bench.

“He got it in him though. I just didn’t expect this quick.” Seungmin laughed again.

“Right, me too. Haha…” 

“So, they’re official now? Do you think Innie will introduce us to Felix soon?” ask Seungmin after a pause where he panted as if he’s just climbing the stairs towards their dorm.

Hyunjin hummed no, “They haven’t been official but the two agreed to take each other on dates first so maybe it will take a while before we welcome him to our small circle.” The two then chuckled amusedly at that only for Seungmin to suddenly stop.

“Hey, Jinnie.” Seungmin started hesitantly.

“Yeah, Min?” Hyunjin who caught the slight change on Seungmin’s tone sat upright on the bench he was slumping on earlier.

“Jisung’s in front of our door, did you forget to meet him or something?”

“Huh? No…” Hyunjin frowned and tried to run over his schedule on his mental note but nothing about meeting Jisung today came up. He was about to tell Seungmin he’s going to run towards the dorm out of worry but his angel of a roommate stopped him before he did and told him he’ll ask Jisung instead. Hyunjin can only hum his agreement.

“Hey, Jisung. What’s up?” come Seungmin’s muffled voice from the other end.

There was a squeak probably from Jisung then followed by quite a long pause making Hyunjin’s anxiety intensifies. 

“I actually have Hyunjin on the phone right now… if you need to meet him that is.” another muffled voice from Seungmin who was apparently at loss when Jisung didn’t say anything for some time.

Before Seungmin speaks again, comes a relieved chuckle from Jisung finally. 

“I’m so slow today, I’m sorry you guys.” Jisung said in a clear volume as if he’s nearing Seungmin now, “Yeah I thought Hyunjin’s at the dorm by now. Here.” there’s a rustle of plastic from Seungmin end before a twinkling of small bells can be heard.

“I got both of you a keychain.” Jisung chuckled sheepishly, “yesterday, my brother was visiting so I went out with him to an amusement park and saw these really cute keychains. I reminded both of you, so I got them.” he finished within a breath. 

Seungmin laughed his open mouthed laughs which he rarely does, so Hyunjin can’t help but to chuckle after he listened to them. He let out a breath he was holding the whole time. 

“Which one is mine, which is Hyunjin’s?” Seungmin asked Jisung when he finally stopped his laughter.

“You’re the puppy one, obviously, and Jinnie’s the ferret.”    

“A ferret?” came an incredulous response from Seungmin. Hyunjin can’t help but also share the same sentiment with his roommate.

“Yeah, cause he’s tall, long and flexible.” Jisung only laughed after that, “Bye Jinnie, I’m off working! Have fun at Mr. Gong’s 2 hours lecture you goon!” with that his voice completely disappeared before Hyunjin could even utter a single word.

“You really have a weird taste.” Seungmin said that in an accusing tone to Hyunjin who was still lost for words before the line went completely dead. 

 After the phone call with Seungmin, Hyunjin couldn’t stop laughing at Jisung’s randomness and his roommates’ disbelief over that. He’s currently at Mr. Gong’s class, having the time of his life trying to understand the philosophical approach the man was trying to convey to the whole class about some contemporary English literature. Their similarities and differences with Korean literature. But after an hour in, he got bored and almost dissociated when the professor got sidetracked into his usual monologue about his all over the place fishing trip on the weekend. He and his wife are one of those adventurous couples where they usually make time with each other on weekends and explore the wilderness. Last week apparently, they went on a fishing trip out on the Busan coast.

Sometimes the class love his little adventure monologue, giving them some sort of calm break to just listen to nice married life stories, giving them hope that maybe one day they’ll find one to share all those adventures and domesticity with someone. 

Hope. Fickle little thing. 

Monologue turned into another lecture, some last bits that made everyone somehow remember more of what all the material earlier in the lecture is about. When the class was finally done at around 6, Hyunjin went straight to see whether one of the dining halls was still serving food or not but when he got there and found a long queue and the end of it actually had a sign that said “Closed”, he defeatedly checked his savings account. With a little calculation it was clear that he can’t really afford another full meal until his next paycheck in a week or wait for his parents to send his allowance money in another 3 days. As he was contemplating what’s the cheapest meal he can get, someone bumped his shoulder hard. 

When he was about to curse the living out of the person who did that, but he was graced by the mere beauty of his sister, not that he’ll say that out loud, who was grinning cheekily at him. 

“You were about to curse me, right?” she asked, poking his shoulder repeatedly. Hyunjin scowled at her and Yeji just laughed out loud.

“Cmon, dinner’s on your sugar mama tonight.” she held up her arms to him who took it with a roll on his eyes. He wondered how she even found him in the first place because he didn’t tell her about his schedule past the last class he had just now.

“Do you want some BBQ? I was thinking of taking you there.” Hyunjin jumped a little when he was addressed. To be honest, even though they have this routine of alternating paying each other’s dinner, Hyunjin still feels bad sometimes when Yeji has to pay. But Yeji loves to pay for herself and Hyunjin, telling him it’s the last she can do to pay Hyunjin after taking care of her since they’re babies. But he’s really hungry right now, he can always make it up to her when he can and seeing Yeji practically bouncing in her steps, Hyunjin just lets her take him.

“Take me to your favorite meat grilling place, let’s go!” he answered then Yeji tugged him to walk faster, smiling. 

They ended up at a BBQ restaurant near the campus, chattering away happily while having their dinner together. They talked mainly about each other's academic life, interesting school gossip, and Hyunjin's lack of spine to confess. 

“You keep complaining to me about Jisung this, Jisung that but what’s stopping you from confessing? Really tell me, Hyunnie!” Yeji pointed at Hyunjin wildly with her tongs. 

Hyunjin amost cringed away in fear from that offending object but he kept on grilling the batch of meat they just ordered.

“I don’t want to lose his friendship if he doesn’t feel the same way about me when I confess, Yeji! He’s such a good friend to me even though he’s super weird sometimes…” he answered half wailing half wishing her sister would just drop the subject already.

Yeji giggled for a moment before giving him her serious expression again, “From what you told me all this time, I think he’s not that kind of person Hyun,” she paused, “not the kind who will cut off friendship the moment there’s romance. But yeah he’s really random sometimes.” 

Hyunjin regards with a cocked of his eyebrow before he goes back to grill some more meat and puts the previous batch to Yeji’s plate who throws some of them in his plate instead.

“Their seasoned beef is really good, oh my god!” Yeji moaned after eating them with a spoonful of rice, Hyunjin nodded and smiled at her before he also started eating the beef after he finished grilling. 

“So, how's your job sis? Are you going to keep it?” Hyunjin asked Yeji after his bowl of rice was half finished and the cooked meat on their plate had gone.

 “I think so. They have a really flexible schedule for the photoshoots so it doesn’t really interfere with my study that much. But fashion design really is a pain in the ass sometimes with their deadlines,” Yeji pouted with an angry frown, “I think I’m not going to be frequent at the club after this showcase, Hyun. I need money more than dancing.” she shrugged.

“At least until you land a dancing gig or teaching job.” Hyunjin finished for her, who clink her glass with him cheerily.

“Damn right!” 

After they finished dinner, the twins decided to give Jisung a visit at their workplace. It’s actually on Yeji’s insistence that they go there. It’s a small quiet cafe near the campus gate, only 15 minutes away walking distance, Jaem Cafe. Usually packed with students from the Social and Politics Faculty or even the university staff.

Jisung was minding the cashier when the twins walked in, his face lighted up upon seeing Hyunjin shyly waved at him. He waved back then gestured to them to wait in line, he was still taking someone else’s order, a tall buffy guy with a way smaller girl beside him who somehow looked really familiar for Hyunjin. When it’s their turn to order, Hyunjin saw that the girl was actually his friend, Hana, the library part timer.

Out of pure reflex he grabbed her arm, “Nuna!” the girl grinned the moment she saw it was Hyunjin. She moved to give him a hug which Hyunjin accepted gladly. 

“Hey, Hyunjin! Fancy seeing you here. I’ve been meaning to catch you at the library these past two weeks.” Hana gave his arm a squeeze.

“Ah, sorry.” Hyunjin grinned sheepishly, “I have been really busy. I really miss giving you company on your lunch breaks, nuna.” he pouted, making Hana laugh and fondly pat his cheek. 

“It’s okay. It’s inevitable. But I’m going to graduate so my contract with the library will end soon. We should catch up sometimes before I’m really gone.” she’s the one who pouted in turn, Hyunjin nodded sadly. 

Someone cleared their throat making Hyunjin startled a bit, he looked around and saw Jisung, Yeji and Hana’s company were looking at their interaction curiously. An annoyed look flashed Jisung’s face before it was replaced by his friendly customer service smile. 

“Right, I should order something first.” Hyunjin chuckled nervously, “Wait here, nuna.” he said before turning back to Jisung and Yeji. 

“So, what can I get you, Jinnie?” Jisung sweetly asked him with his voice slightly louder. Yeji looked at him weirdly but Hyunjin seemed to be oblivious to that, only giving Jisung a sweet smile in return.

“Hey, Sung. Can I get an iced caramel macchiato and a hot mochaccino?” he turned to Yeji for a moment, “You want mocha right?” When Yeji nodded he repeated his order to Jisung who quickly ringed them up. Yeji pushed him away slightly to pay before Hyunjin could take his wallet out. He sighed then ruffled her hair making Yeji slapped his hand away annoyedly.

“Oh, this is my twin sister Yeji.” Hyunjin told Jisung, who was eyeing Yeji a little bit too intensely, “You remember my sister that I always talked about right, Sung?” he asked Jisung who finally broke into a grin.

“Yeah, hey Yeji! I’m Jisung.” Jisung handed her card back then they shook their hands. Yeji only smiled sweetly at him, “Nice to meet you Jisung.” she said finally. 

Hyunjin then addressed Hana who was still waiting for her order with her company standing near them. 

“Oh, Nuna! This is my sister Hwang Yeji,” Hyunjin motioned to his sister who waved, “this is one of my closest friends, Han Jisung.” he pointed to Jisung at the counter who was sporting a rather forceful smile waving at Hana who bowed at the two.

“Hello everyone. I’m Kang Hana, nice to meet you all.” she smiled really sweetly before pointing at her company who kept silent to himself the whole time, “This is Jeon Jeongguk. My best friend.” Jeongguk bowed and waved to all of the three, smiling the whole time.

Jeongguk was wearing a black sweater with the same matching color cargo pants, Hyunjin reminded him of Bang Chan who always wears all back attire. His hands were covered in tattoos, some letters and symbols that fascinated Hyunjin. It’s impossible if he’s still in school with that. He must have graduated already. He was about to ask about them only to be interrupted by a deep booming voice who unmistakably sounds a lot like Felix’s, shouted Jeongguk’s name before the guy scrambled to get his coffee by Felix’s station. 

“Well, that’s us. I’m afraid I have to run, Hyunjin.” Hana then went to give Hyunjin a goodbye hug and the two said their goodbyes before she went to join her friend. 

“Chan hyung and Minho hyung are sitting by the window over there,” Jisung pointed to the sitting area at the far back at the cafe where there’s a big wide window, “they’re with your beloved dongsaeng, Jeongin. Interrogating him since half an hour ago about Lixie.” Jisung chuckled then shooed the twin away from the cashier as another customer came in.

Hyunjin was looking at Yeji silently asking if she wanted to join the others or not, Yeji only shrugged then walked away towards where his friends were sitting. When they arrived at the table, their earlier company, Hana and Jeongguk were already animatedly conversing with Chan and Minho. From what Hyunjin heard a little bit before Chan acknowledge the twins’ presence, the four of them are in the same year and are friends who rarely see each other since each of them are busy with their final projects or undergraduate thesis.

“The 4 of us really should get together again before graduating, seriously. Jeongguk, I haven’t seen you on campus for a while man, where have you been?” Chan now trapped Jeongguk in a really manly hug despite him being a little shorter than the latter. Jeongguk answered in an incoherent sentences which only seems to be understood by Chan who laughed loudly at him.

Minho and Hana were conversing silently between themselves, amused by the sight of Jeongguk being manhandled by a slightly smaller but buffy Chan. 

“Babe c'mon let him go. Seokjin hyung will kill you with his soup ladle if he knows you hurt his brother.” Minho tapped on Chan’s arm who instantly released the suffering guy from his grip, Hana instantly went to give soothing rubs on Jeongguk’s back.

“Oh, how’s your boyfriend doing Hana? Is he still won’t come back to the production scene?” Chan now averted his attention to Hana.

“Ah, he’s still in his element at the Borahae’s kitchen. Do you know he’s applying to be an elementary school music teacher instead these days?” Hana rolled her eyes, Chan and Minho only laughed. It seems like Hana’s boyfriend likes to switch jobs but Hyunjin didn’t know that she already has a boyfriend, so he automatically asks that.

“You have a boyfriend, Nuna? Why didn’t I know about this? We’ve been friends since last term…” 

Hana sheepishly grinned at him, “Well, you never ask me and we never really talk about our relationship status when you come to me with a stack of books on my lunch breaks. So, yeah it never came up.” answered Hana, only to make Hyunjin pout harder.

“They’ve been together for two years, Jinnie. He was Chan’s senior on Music major many years ago. He’s currently working at Borahae Cafe if you’re really that curious. Now, please let your sister sit for goodness’ sake.” Minho interjects to lightly chidded Hyunjin who went red then stepped out of the way to let Yeji take a seat beside Jeongin who waved at her excitedly. 

“Yeah, what Minho said. His name is Yoongi, a head cook there. I’ll take you there sometimes.” Hana promised then checked on her watch.

“Let’s go, Hannie-ah! We don’t want to be late.” Jeongguk offered his arm to Hana who took it easily. The two finally said their goodbyes and walked out of the cafe for real this time, Hyunjin can see from where he was still standing that the two actually really look like him and Yeji sometimes when they’re not bickering. They look like siblings who got along really well.

Hyunjin finally takes his seat beside Yeji across Chan and Minho who animatedly talk about their friends and how much they missed seeing them after sometime. Hyunjin wonders if this is how he’s going to be when he’s in his senior year. Rarely seeing his friends because of life and adulting make them focus on each of their dreams. Looking at the two he realized he also wanted to have at least someone to rely on when things got a little too hectic and hard. He has Yeji, and he’s sure his sister would not mind being his anchor later when their academics got too much for them but he can’t help but to wonder how is it feels like to have someone like the Minho to your Chan. 

His gaze flickered towards his small friend at the cashier, Jisung. Would Jisung feel the same way about him if he confessed? He’s really scared of the unknown, he wants Jisung to always be by his side as friends but Hyunjin wants more. He can’t even think about the possibility of having to stay beside Jisung as a friend when Jisung has someone else. It made his heart clench uncomfortably in his chest. Jisung's smile, his random thoughts and action, his tendency to always make Hyunjin laugh... 

He wants more.

He has to confess. 

But how does one confess their love towards their friend?

Chapter Text

"So, Jeongin-ssi. As I was saying before our friends joined us," Minho gestured to the twins absentmindedly as he's attention is zeroed on poor Jeongin who looked like he's about to bolt out of the cafe as soon there's a chance, "you might be the youngest in your friend group but Felix is the youngest in his. He's practically my child. So, I expect you to treat him really well." He finished while sipping his iced tea.

Jeongin, who was usually very cheeky and would talk back to Hyunjin and Seungmin everytime he was presented with the chance, was actually nodding along to every word Minho said. Hyunjin knew about Minho's sadistic tendency, he knew that from experience on how sometimes he'll drill choreo into him and Yeji and their team at the club. One time he almost shoved balled up tissue down Hyunjin's throat just because Hyunjin cheekily talked back when they were bickering about an anime character.

He knew Minho can be a sadist from a first hand experience but looking at Jeongin who is currently curled up to himself at the corner after Minho's declaration, Hyunjin can picture how relentless the interrogation was  before they joined.

"What my boyfriend is saying is, Jeongin-ssi, take care of each other well okay? Minho just loves Felix so much." Chan gave Jeongin a fond smile, releasing some tension in the latter hunched up shoulder.

"Same warning goes to Felix then. Innie is my baby." said Yeji suddenly. The whole table went quiet as if they’re waiting in bated breath for what's about to go down. 

Minho only stared at Yeji then he shrugged, going back sipping on his tea. 

“Sure,” he said, “I’ll pass the message to Felix.”

Hyunjin let out a big exhale. He always suspected Minho would let Yeji go easily like that, because at the studio, even though they always butted heads but they’re quick to patch things up. Sometimes Minho would just dump some packs of chocolate ice cream on her lap or leave her favorite peach soda near her bag after practice, then they would talk, laughing in the next minute or two.

To have a special soft spot in Lee Minho’s heart… What a privilege.

Hyunjin saw Jeongin giving Yeji his sparkling foxy eyes in gratitude and his sister only winked at him. He can’t help the fond smile that came out after witnessing that brief interaction, his sister bonding so well with Jeongin is something he always wants to see. 

“So, Hyunjin,” Chan started, “I noticed you and Hana know each other well.” he finished then went to take some cake from Minho’s plate.

“Yeah, I knew her from the library. She was on her round placing book back to their designated place when I was crying my eyes out over a subject I can’t seem to get around,” Hyunjin chuckled, recalling the memory when he was hunched over at his desk trying to hide his red crying face at a secluded part of one of the study halls in the library, “I guess Nuna saw me and discreetly gave me a small travel pack tissue and I just cried even harder it made her stopped her current round.” 

“She crouched down beside me giving my back soothing rubs until I stopped crying.” Hyunjin thought back then the subject was really hard but apparently when he looked back again, he was mentally drained that week, the subject just happened to be in front of him. 

“She's just sort of there. Not asking questions, just giving me company while I’m trying to sort out my thoughts. In the end she asked me if I felt a little better. It led to conversation about our majors and just general trivia about our life, actually it was mostly mine.”  he laughed feeling silly, “then she offered me company on her lunch breaks if I needed one. I took up her offer and then being the little shit I am, I bothered her with a lot of books and literature questions since then.”

Minho and Chan shared a knowing and sort of soft look between them before Chan laughed softly.

“Yeah, she is an amazing person. She does that all the time ever since she took a part time job at the library 3 years ago. Making someone’s day a little easier when they just hit a rock bottom and needed comfort. People in our year even called her the library angel at some point.” Chan's gaze softened as if he’s remembering a really nice memory.

“She was my girlfriend.” Minho quipped, making all of his younger friends look at him and Chan back and forth. But he and Chan could also see their curiosity very evident in their eyes.

“Yeah, she was Minho’s senior in high school,” Chan helped, a little bit amused with the others’ expression, “they dated since highschool until Minho was a freshman.”

Minho was smiling widely with his eyes crinkled adorably, Hyunjin almost gasped. In the course of time Hyunjin knows Minho, it is a rare occurrence to see a smile on his face. He sometimes saw it whenever Minho talks about Jisung or Chan but it was really brief. This smile however stayed at his face for a long time.

“I think always knew I’m gay,” Minho chuckled, “but back then I was in denial and tightly in the closet for a long time. When we were still in school, I was attracted to Nuna generally, I mean she has a really great personality and is super cute. She was my best friend and I somehow fell in love with her. She’s my eternal girl crush” Minho laughed to himself.

“I took her to like so many dates before she realized I was pursuing her, somehow she  agreed to be my girlfriend. That girl is really hard to romance, I swear… How Yoongi hyung managed to sweep her off her feet with only a song and 3 dates is still beyond me.” This time Chan joined in on Minho’s laughter. The youngster is still confused as to why Chan didn’t look like he’s jealous when his boyfriend tells them about his ex. He even looks amused and also fond.    

“Nuna was the one who confronted me about my identity. I guess she was fed up with the way I exchanged glances with Chan hyung whenever we hung out together.” Chan looked down a little sheepishly, “she introduced me to hyung at one of their mutual friend’s photo exhibits, Jeongguk hyung. Our relationship went downwards ever since I realized I developed a feeling for Chan hyung but I loved her too much to break up with her.” Minho looked pained a little bit but then Chan held one of his hands rested on the table. 

“One day I came clean to her about everything when she confronted me. We cried so long that night,” Minho sniffed but he was quick to compose himself and chuckled dryly, “for our relationship, for me, for her and mainly for how sad our life was. She kept on reassuring me it’s okay, it’s okay for me to be honest with myself while she was also hurting! That girl is just crazy and amazing.”

There was a sniff coming from beside Hyunjin, when he looked to his side, Yeji had tears streaming down her face and Jeongin already red in the face, tears pooling down at the corner of his eyes as he sniffled noisily. Hyunjin realized he was also crying for the two of them. His cheeks are wet with tear trails. He thought about the bitter fact of how sometimes you love someone so much but they won’t or can’t stay in your life the way you want them to be. He can still clearly see how Minho still cares about her, when they were conversing silently there was a matching smile on both of their faces. He can’t help but to sympathize with what Hana and Minho must’ve gone through.  

“She broke it off with me the next morning, because I think she knew I wouldn't have the heart to do it for us. Two months later, she went to the UK as an exchange student. She took a whole academic year there before coming back on her third year here. She’s graduating with me in February because she took a semester internship in a publishing company with Jeongguk hyung last year.”

“She gave me an earful about being a coward, practically cursing the living daylights out of me before she went off to the UK. Warmly told me that she broke up with Minho, that I should start to be honest with myself.” Chan laughed out loud at that. Making the whole table slowly followed him. 

Their tears gradually turned into boisterous laughter when Felix took Hyunjin and Yeji’s coffee to their table. The newest youngest couple finally got teased by their whole friends. Minho who started first, teasing Jeongin who had the tips of his ears red and refusing to look at Felix and Felix got stopped in the middle of going back to his station by Hyunjin’s long arm to stay a little bit at their table. But they eventually let Felix go when Jisung lighty reprimanded them for bothering his own twins. 

“So, before you were in a disgustingly stable relationship with Chan seonbae, you had a really beautiful girlfriend whose heart you broke? Wow, what a player.” Yeji jokingly prodded at Minho who scowled at her instead.

“One of these days Yeji, that sassy mouth will be rendered speechless by someone. Mark my words.” Minho showed her a wide saccharine smile that made even Hyunjin shudder, but his sister only stuck out her tongue and nursed her cup of mocha back, conversing lightly with Jeongin about some of the fashion design professors.

 Chan then engaged Hyunjin in a conversation about his upcoming project with Jisung, who apparently had told him about them planning to ask Chan’s favor. Chan easily agreed on helping them, refusing when Hyunjin tried to pay him with something claiming that the both of them already felt like his own siblings. He then proceeded to help Hyunjin run through some song making process and lyrics writing. So far, Hyunjin and Jisung have already finished with half of the first song lyrics before they run into a creative block and decided to sit on them for a week before going back again. Chan smiled sympathetically when Hyunjin told him that, he then offered to help them if they wanted.

“You can ask Jisung about it first. But I think some outside opinion will clear that annoying block.” he reassured Hyunjin who gratefully smiled in return. 

All five of them stayed until it’s almost closing time, Jisung and Felix waved at a few of their coworkers before joining their friends' table. The moment the little group made it out of the little cafe, they were shocked with the gust of wind around them. Jeongin and Felix instantly went into each other’s sides. Hyunjin even swears he can see Felix pinky twitching to take Jeongin’s but he kept his hand to his side. Both sporting pink cheeks trying to make themselves warm and not obvious in front of their shared friends. 

Him, Jisung and Yeji are at the back of their little crowd trying to huddle together blocking the biting cold of the passing wind. Hyunjin’s arms are each around Jisung and Yeji while their arms are nesting either on his sides or his shoulder. Chan and Minho were walking hand in hand, their shoulders occasionally bumping towards each other. 

“Do any of you want to visit mine and Chan’s apartment for a hot beverage? Or are we separating?” Minho’s voice was a little bit shaking, he tried so hard not to knock his teeth together. 

“Thanks hyung but I have to take Yeji back now before she calls our parents accusing me of mistreatment because I let her in the wind too long when she didn’t even bring her own jacket. I would love to visit next time though.'' Yeji clawed at Hyunjin's sides making him wriggling away but Jisung who was sharing the body warmth with them held him in place with a strength that almost made Hyunjin’s knees weak.   

“We’re going back too, hyung.” Felix answered.

“We can visit on the weekend if none of you’re too busy?” Jeongin offered, shivering to himself a little bit. Felix almost reached out to hug the boy but he dropped his hand at the last second. The three at the back shared a look but remained silent.

“Sounds like a plan.” Chan gave up his thumbs up before waving to his younger friends walking in the different direction towards his own accommodation with his boyfriend. 

The 5 of them continued their ways towards the campus and on to their dorms, Hyunjin told the others to go on first because he insisted he’s going to walk his sister back but they others told him they don’t mind trailing along. Jeongin even lent Yeji one of his outer layer clothes before joining the huddles with Felix closely. 

Jisung’s windbreaker flapped about wildly because he didn’t close them before and with his arms around Hyunjin he’s too reluctant to let go and zip his jacket up. Felix however saw that and took pity on Jisung because he got slapped way too many times by his zipper. When they finally reached campus, Felix steered them to the student union building yelling at them to take a minute before continuing because it needed another 15 minutes walking to the dorms.

Felix was instantly beside Jisung and closed his zipper up, Jisung looking at him bewilderedly.

“You’re fucking welcome you weirdo.” Felix then slapped Jisung’s arm lightly before he went back to Jeongin’s side, rubbing his palms together and putting them on the younger’s cheeks who reddened at the gesture. 

“We really should go back now, Lix.” Jisung was looking at the way the trees are dancing almost terrifyingly with each other, some of the branches actually knocking with each other making the leaves rustle noisily. It kinda terrifies him. 

The others voiced their concern as well, so they continued to walk towards their dorm even though some of them almost got blown away several times. Walking arms in arms the five then realized some other students were also walking in huddles like them trying to get to safety. Yeji ran towards her dorm building the moment the boys dropped her off yelling to Jeongin she’ll get his jacket back tomorrow. It doesn’t take long for the boys to get inside the safety of their own building afterwards, panting but also shivering at the same time. All of their faces are covered in red angry marks from the winds.

They sophomores left Jeongin on his floor to get to their own on the second and third floor. Felix said his goodbye on the second floor while Jisung and Hyunjin continued climbing up the stairs towards the third floor where their rooms are located. 

Neither Jisung nor Hyunjin realized they were still attached to the hip when they arrived  at their floor until they saw Seungmin pacing back and forth in front of his and Hyunjin’s room. Soobin stood restlessly in front of him with his foot tapping on the floor, phone clutched in his hand. Hyunjin was the first one who realized he still got his arms around Jisung’s waist so he quickly let go of Jisung and muttered an apology, Jisung almost grabbed his arm back at the loss of contact. 

“Hwang Hyunjin!” Seungmin’s voice bellowed in the quiet hallway, the sound of strong winds outside almost swallowed by the urgency in his voice. Hyunjin approached him with a half grimace and hands in front of him in surrender. 

Seungmin’s eyes momentarily widened when he saw Jisung following meekly behind Hyunjin before he schooled his expression back to annoyance and worry.

“I’ve been calling you since an hour ago, you idiot! Where have you been? You said you were having dinner with Yeji and going to visit Jisung a little bit.” he slapped Hyunjin’s left arm, making him wince in pain. 

“I was! When we came to visit Jisung’s work, we got carried away a little bit,” Hyunjin rubbed his arm back and forth, “we didn’t realize the wind was this strong. I’m sorry I make you worry.” he finished in a small voice. Seungmin sighed before giving him a side hug. 

“I was just worried. The weather forecast said that a possible strong wind is coming and you don’t even take your calls, thank god both of you got here before there’s a downpour.” Seungmin moved to give Jisung a pat on his shoulder instead. He still feels awkward with Jisung sometimes, knowing the guy just barely. Jisung smiled in return for his gesture. 

“Hey, Sung. You okay?” Soobin finally came to stand beside Seungmin, eyeing Jisung up and down before his big hands sandwiched Jisung’s face moving his head from left to right as if he’s checking some hidden damage. Jisung only groaned and let his roommate do his weird checking. 

“ I’m fine!” came a muffled response from Jisung who got his cheeks squeezed then Soobin finally released him with a satisfied nod. 

“Dumbass.” Soobin said fondly, “I almost sent a search party when Seungmin-ssi here frantically knocked on my door asking if Hyunjin-ssi is with you or not.”  

“Right, thanks Soobin-ssi.” Seungmin rolled his eyes when Hyunjin’s face lighted up, a teasing gleam quite visible on his eyes. 

“Frantic you say, Soobin-ssi?” Hyunjin laughed, throwing his head back. He proceeded to poke Seungmin’s cheek until his hand got swatted away by his roommate. 

“Did you take your sister back safely?” Seungmin grumbled hesitantly, stopping Hyunjin’s poking entirely. He eyed Seungmin’s face, searching for something only to be met with a stoic expression. His eyes only showed an annoyance towards Hyunjin’s earlier action. Hyunjin can clearly see that Seungmin somehow showed a slight interest in Yeji the moment the two introduced, or maybe before that, because Seungmin sometimes looked like he swallowed something that went into the wrong pipe whenever Yeji addressed him at lunch or just generally complimented him on conversations. That was also the reason Hyunjin chased him all the way to their dorms to give him a head lock after he was caught red handed getting flustered when Yeji complimented his outfit. 

Hyunjin trusts Seungmin if there’s something ever bloomed between him and his sister but it’s still fun to tease them about it. Acting like he’s a really protective brother, not that he already is, but he still trusts Seungmin and Yeji. Both of them are adults. He can only watch from the side should the two ever get together. 

“I did!” Hyunjin finally decided to be dramatic about it, “what do you take me for? A bad brother? I've been an amazing brother to her since birth, excuse you.” he punched Seungmin’s arm lightly before dragging him towards their dorm. The tension in Seungmin’s shoulder visibly relaxed but his face still showed annoyance to Hyunjin.

“Bye, Sungie! See you tomorrow!” Hyunjin waved to Jisung who waved back excitedly.

“Oh! Thanks for keeping my roommate company when he was frantic , Soobin-ssi.” Hyunjin added after a pause, earning him another slap on the arm from Seungmin.

“You got it, Hyunjin-ssi! Don’t forget to be up at least until around midnight or a few hours after, Seungmin-ssi!” Soobin called out to them, he was also walking in the direction of his and Jisung’s room, “We have to be alert since the RA came and told us to.” The last bit was heard a little bit faintly as if he was talking to Jisung rather than to Seungmin, “It’s the storm Jisung, oh for crying out loud.”

Hyunjin and Seungmin heard the exasperated sigh before they went inside their rooms, the roommates laughed silently at Jisung’s casual cluelessness.   

Chapter Text

The storm on Thursday lasted until 3 in the morning, some residents on Hyunjin’s floor even let their door open, including his and Seungmin’s. It’s not like it’s hard for students to stay up until the early hours but it was usually in the comfort and quiet of their own rooms, the storm on Thursday however elevates their anxiety so a lot of them were restless but also very alert. The RAs even made a round telling everyone to pack emergency bags and to be ready in case something happened. 

At some point, Soobin dragged Jisung to join Hyunjin and Seungmin in their room both carrying their own emergency bags. They stayed up together huddled on Seungmin’s fluffy carpet in the middle of the room. Hyunjin moved his laptop, things and assignments away from his desk by the window as the window was rattling so bad it scared him.

“Jisung was really anxious.” was the only explanation Soobin provided the other two who instantly let them in. However Jisung kept being anxious, wondering about Felix’s and Jeongin’s whereabouts until he gave Felix a call and Hyunjin can’t help but to check on his youngest friend who grumbled sleepily at him about his roommate being restless. Being on the first floor making his roommate anxious about how strong the wind was, slapping water into their window.

At around 1 in the morning, Jeongin appeared with his roommate, a spectacled tall red headed, there was a visible scowl on Jeongin’s face but he still introduced the said roommates to the others. Not long after, Felix showed up sleepily under Jisung’s insistence, hugging a pink body pillow with someone’s face on it as he claimed to be left by his roommate who sought refuge in his own friend’s room. The face on Felix’s pillow Hyunjin later learned was the face of Felix and Jisung’s friend, Changbin. Jisung said he got it for Felix’s birthday as a joke, but Felix grew to love the pillow as it was really comfy.

When the storm finally ceased, all the other visitors claimed to be too tired to go back to their own rooms so they settled with an impromptu pajama party in Hyunjin’s room. Hyunjin and Seungmin were grateful because their room is a little bit bigger than the usual room in the building. 

“It’s because of your carpet, Min.” Hyunjin told his roommate who eyed the pile of limbs in the middle of the room warily. Felix and Jeongin somehow found their ways toward each other as they’re almost cuddling. Soobin has his arm draped protectively over Jisung who even in his sleep has a frown on his face while Jeongin’s roommate, Beomgyu, fell asleep on his back behind Soobin sandwiched between the others with glasses still on his face. Hyunjin took it off for him and placed it somewhere on Seungmin’s desk as it was closer to him in case the boy frantically looked for it when he woke up.

Hyunjin and Seungmin were tempted to join the cuddle pile, but it was too crowded so they opted to sleep on their own beds.

When the first alarm bled through all of their ears at 7, one by one trudged back to their own rooms barely saying goodbye to the original occupants. Only Jisung remained in Hyunjin and Seungmin’s room, taking the carpet to himself. Seungmin’s alarm ringed an hour later, he get Jisung to get up and steered the half-asleep guy towards Hyunjin’s bed who was still practically dead to the world as his day will start in another hour and after inquiring Jisung when does his classes start who only mumbled 11, Seungmin let him cling to Hyunjin’s back. 

Satisfied with his work and the possibility of the two will freak out the moment they woke up, Seungmin skipped towards the public shower to start his day. When he got back to his room, Hyunjin was laying on his back with his hand around Jisung’s middle, Seungmin quickly took a photo on his phone then quietly got all of his stuff before closing the door. He can’t wait for Hyunjin’s screech when they’ll meet up later for lunch.

Hyunjin realized his alarm is blaring, judging by the hot glare of the sun from his window which curtain he forgot to draw last night after the storm, it’s already the designated hour he set on his alarm, but the added weight on his arm making him felt like he’s not in his room. Panic set in his stomach but as soon as he opened his eyes and peeked down to his numb arm, he was graced by the face of none other than Han Jisung, a boy he has been crushing for the past year. 

Hyunjin bit back a panicking scream but he was almost burning on the inside. Jisung’s hands circling his waist made his heart flutter and his mind can’t help but to wander around to different scenarios. Trying to control his poor flight and fight response, also his horny mind, he took a glance at Seungmin’s bed which was expectedly vacant. He even made his bed neatly, his big worn out puppy plushie positioned in the middle of the bed towards Hyunjin’s bed as if it represented Seungmin’s smug face. He instantly cursed the said roommate in his mind before defeatedly plopping down back to his pillow. His alarm was still blaring and amazingly Jisung slept through all of that. 

His phone was on his desk, he always put them there out of his reach so he’ll have no reason to not get up in the morning but with Jisung’s deadly koala grip make it impossible for Hyunjin to get up without waking the boy. 

“Oh for fuck’s sake, Kim Seungmin…” Hyunjin sighed with his other arm draped on his eyes, trying to block the offending glare of the sun. His alarm is still shooting out the most annoying repetitive beep and he can’t help but to just give up and wait until Jisung stirred awake. Hyunjin tried his best not to stare at Jisung’s sleeping face but the moment he glanced down and saw one of his cheeks were squished adorably into his chest, his lips pouting and mouth slightly agape, Hyunjin giggled amusedly to himself. This is probably the only way he can experience Jisung cuddling him, sleeping on his chest. Well at least until he can work his courage to confess to the sleeping boy. But it also doesn’t guarantee Hyunjin will have Jisung like this again.   

Hyunjin exhaled sharply only for a moment after that, Jisung stirred awake.

“Soobin aaaaah, kill your damned alarm please…” he mumbled groggily. Hyunjin had to stifle his laugh and held his breath because Jisung still thinks he’s cuddling his roommate. He’s so cute, fuck Hyunjin thought to himself.

When Jisung felt like there’s no movement from his cuddle partner, he looked up sharply. The moment he met eyes with Hyunjin, Jisung only blinked. 

One… 

Two…

Three blinks and he still freezed. Hyunjin got worried so he moved his hand, which was finally freed from Jisung’s weight, to wave slowly in front of Jisung’s eyes. The movement seemed to jerk Jisung awake from his stupor. He quickly sat up and scanned Hyunjin’s face who reddened at the intense scrutiny.

“Jinnie?” Jisung asked in a small voice, head tilted to the side. 

“Hey…” answered Hyunjin who went to rub his face, “I don’t know how did you ended up on my bed but I swear I didn’t move you this morning.” come a muffled voice from behind Hyunjin’s hands. He was just trying to find an excuse to hide his face from Jisung who is still dumbly staring at him and the bed back and forth. 

Hyunjin gently moved his legs away from being tangled up with Jisung who suddenly looked down and muttered a string of apology, he then sat up for a moment smiling gently at Jisung before dragging himself  towards his phone to turn the offending alarm off. The time on his phone read 9.10 and he had to get ready for class in less than an hour.

“Urgh, Kim Seungmin.” Jisung growled sleepily and plopped back down face first into the bed. Hyunjin nervously chuckled before he went to get his towel and toiletries from the closet. 

“Jisung ah.” Hyunjin called to Jisung who hummed and looked up with two of his doe eyes, face slightly red and puffy, his hair just a mess of bird nest making Hyunjin’s breath hitched at the sight. Why does he have to be this cute? “I’m gonna go down to get ready. Uh, you’re welcome to stay if you’re still sleepy.” He bolted out right after from his room, clutching his basket of toiletries, hands clammy.

Hyunjin tried to calm his racing heart in the shower, he usually would just start the day with basic hygienes and skincare routine before he go to his classes and would take a shower when he finished them but this morning however his body felt like burning all over so he went straight under the shower head to try getting rid of his increasing body temperature. Hyunjin feels like he could thank Kim Seungmin a million times but at the same time he wants to strangle the guy. It’s not like Hyunjin has trouble accepting physical affection from his friends and family but being cuddled by Jisung like that is just… different. 

He knew Jisung loves to cuddle his friends and he never minded when Jisung does that in front of him, it’s his friends. He was never once embarrassed about them and even went as far as being clingy with them in public but when he woke up earlier and realized he’s been cuddling Hyunjin, not his roommate, he got really flustered and even freezed. Hyunjin can’t help but to hope that the reason Jisung got embarrassed was also the same with Hyunjin’s. 

Or does he read too much into it?

When Hyunjin got back to his room, Jisung was nowhere to be seen. His bed is already made. Hyunjin swallowed a disappointed huff and just went about his morning as usual a little bit dejectedly. He was about to pay for some triangle Kimbap and canned coffee to go for breakfast when he received a message from Jisung.

Evil Quokka

I felt like overstaying my welcome so I went back

Sorry, I didn’t wait for u :’)

I’ll pick u up later after your practice, yeah?

Have a good day, hyuunie u.u

Me

S’okay sung

Yeah, see u later

Have a good day too sung ;)

It’s not much, he admits, but at least it made him a little bit relieved. At least Jisung wasn’t angry at him or anything. He was smiling to himself when he put his phone back, he noticed the store clerk looking at him weirdly but he didn’t pay them any mind and paid for his things.

Seungmin was leaning against the wall beside the dining hall door where he usually has his lunch with Hyunjin and Jeongin, these days sometimes Yeji also become a nice addition to their circle. The three agreed that despite their busy academic and social life, they will always try to clear up some time to have a sync up lunch break. Unless it can’t be avoided they will always have lunch together. Jeongin usually has to skip whenever he gets held back by his professors or group project discussions, Hyunjin only skips when he’s too immersed in perfecting choreographies or completing urgent readings, and Seungmin skips when his assisting job at the research lab demands it. They have their own little schedule and Seungmin is always looking forward to it.  

This time however, none of the two showed up for their agreed time. Seungmin has been standing there for 15 minutes and his stomach is practically growling. He flooded their group chat but no one replied. He was about to call them when Hyunjin suddenly called his phone, telling him to go ahead first as he’s still held back by his professor about an early internship offer but he promised he’ll join him later. So he went and called Jeongin who picked it up after three rings, wailing dramatically.

“Minniee hyuung! I have to finish up some group project pieces at the workshop, I’ll have to get a late lunch again today!” he can hear Jeongin sniffing miserably from the other end. 

“Okay, okay please don’t cry on me, Jeongin.” Seungmin rolled his eyes, “want me to grab something for you? I’ll drop it off on my way to the lab.”

Jeongin sniffed more, “Can you get me the boxed yakiniku from the convenience store? And bottled water… My bottle is empty. I hate it.” Seungmin laughed and told him not to worry, he’ll get it as soon as possible. Jeongin mumbled thanks before the line went dead.

Seungmin chuckled to himself before sighing. He was about to enter the dining hall when he spotted Yeji running up to him. She was carrying a pastel pink duffle bag in her shoulder and a big clear plastic folder in her hand. She was wearing a cream blouse, khaki straight pants and black short heeled shoes. Her hair was done in a messy but classy bun. Seungmin went to a halt until Yeji caught up to him, smiling.

“Where’s the others?” she asked panting, there were sweat beads running down her temples. Seungmin was transfixed and he was really itching to dry it with his jacket sleeves.

“Hyunjin’s running late but he’ll join later. Jeongin’s skipping today, working on something at the workshop.” Yeji oofed at the last one but laughed before she gestured to the dining hall.

“Shall we then?” she asked, a little bit hesitantly. 

Seungmin smiled, “Sure.” he then let Yeji walk first. 

He was eyeing the big folder on her hands, wondering how she was going to manage to carry her lunch tray without difficulty with that in the way. He was about to offer to carry the folder but it occurred to him then that the difficulty would be transferred to him instead. He can’t exactly carry a big folder and a lunch tray at the same time…

“Do you want to put the folder in my bag?” he jerked his head towards the folder in Yeji’s hands. Yeji was a little bit confused about being suddenly addressed by Seungmin who is usually quiet. She was staring at him until he pointed his thumbs to his backpack then she finally understood what he meant.

“Uh, sure. That would be a big help.” Yeji finally managed to say, “Thanks, Min.” she added before she can stop herself. Seungmin seemed to halt for a second before shrugging off his backpack, opening the zipper up. He took Yeji’s folder wordlessly before putting them neatly in between his own folders. 

“All done,” he said smiling, “I don’t mind the nickname.” Yeji nodded shyly before walking back again towards the buffet. They managed to get some meals from the selection offered for the day before paying with their student card. It was a bit difficult to find a vacant table with 4 seats as it was still in the middle of lunch hour even though they are later than usual that day. They managed to find one at the far back of the hall after much difficulty. Yeji almost spilled her lunch when a guy who was pushed by his friends bumped into her on the way. Judging by the obnoxious gigiles, they were trying to set the friend to go talk to Yeji but instead they’re fooling around disrupting people at the same time.

Yeji was about to give them a piece of her mind before Seungmin coldly told them to move out of the way before steering Yeji away with one hand around her shoulder towards their table. He didn’t know what came over him suddenly but it was only registered to him the moment they sat down. He almost cringed to himself out of embarrassment but when he saw Yeji was looking at him with admiration in her eyes, he stopped and stared at her instead.

“What?” he asked cautiously.

Yeji only shrugged, “Nothing… That was kinda hot.” she said nonchalantly but the redness at the tip of her ears gave her away. Seungmin could only stare before he barked out a laugh, his whole face went red and tears came out of his eyes.

“Oh, God! Please stop laughing at me, Seungmin!” Yeji kicked his leg as Seungmin was doubling over catching his breath, trying to stop his laughter. 

“I was caught off guard, that’s all.” he reassured Yeji who sulkily ate her lunch. He was chuckling at the sight about to add a comment but went to eat his lunch instead. 

“I like your hair today. It’s really pretty.” added Seungmin after a while. You're pretty he wanted to add but settled for a smile instead when Yeji only scowled at him. 

The lunch went by silently afterwards, both occupied by their phone and meals. The both of them don’t really know how to start another conversation without the others’ presence. Seungmin isn’t one to start a conversation and Yeji is just too shy to start something after her earlier declaration. She knew Seungmin was being cool about it for her and she appreciated him for that but after seeing him halted for a moment like that made her head just empty afterwards. Such an occurrence was a rare one. She cursed Minho silently for saying things about someone going to render her speechless one day. Yeji suspected it’s gonna be Seungmin if they kept on being awkward around each other.

They were saved by a loud clatter of a lunch tray from beside Yeji. Hyunjin with a deep scowl on his face plopped down beside her, sighing as he banged his head on the table repeatedly. The other two were too confused to react but when the banging didn’t stop after a while, Seungmin reached out to stop Hyunjin’s head from colliding more with the table as he put his jacket he took off earlier under Hyunjin's forehead.  

“Hyunjin, stop.” he simply said. 

“If you want to scream, oppa , do it later when we’re not in the dining hall.” Yeji said sweetly, patting his head softly. But Hyunjin knew better, the sweet tone was just a threat in disguise. 

Hyunjin only sighed then proceeded to eat his lunch, he threw Seungmin’s jacket across the table back to the owner who only stared at him blankly. After they made sure Hyunjin wasn’t going to say anything more, they went back to the rest of their lunch. When Yeji’s and Seungmin’s lunch were finished and Hyunjin, still silent lost in his thoughts, Yeji slid her phone towards Seungmin, a dial pad app opened. Seungmin frowned at her questioningly but she only gestured with her eyes back to the phone. When it finally registered on Seungmin, he instantly typed out his number and slid the phone back towards her. 

Not long after, Seungmin’s phone vibrated with a new incoming KTalk message.

Yeddeongieyaa 

It’s Yeji. DOn’t say anything about my ID.

  Me

Wasn’t gonna…

Yeddeongieyaa 

Yeah sure.

Anyways, I have a feeling it’s smth about school

Or Jisung.. Or both. We have to take him away from here asap

Me

Yes, maam

Courtyard near the lit and humanities building?

Yeddeongieyaa 

Works.

Yeji nodded at Seungmin then put her phone back in her bag before turning her whole body towards Hyunjin who already finished everything on his tray but a frown still visible on his face. She put her index and middle finger in between his eyes to ease the frown. The action instantly put Hyunjin out of his reverie. He was looking at his sister expectantly but she only smiled at him. 

“Let’s get cleaned up here, kay Hyunnie? We’ll get some fresh air.” she patted her brother’s arm before getting up and put his tray under hers. Seungmin reached to get the tray out of her hands, she smiled gratefully at him who rushed to dispose of the tray quickly following the twins out after.

Hyunjin was still silent the moment the three of them sat down at a long bench at the courtyard. There weren't many students there as it’s usually the time where people still have classes or they holed up at the library. He was seated in between Seungmin and Yeji who were patiently waiting for him to say something.

“The early internship chance got swept away by someone in third year.” Hyunjin quietly said after the fog in his head cleared a little bit, he paused and his eyes looking far ahead unfocused but there’s a little bit of unshed tears pooled under them. This didn't go unnoticed by his companions Seungmin went to sit inch closer and Yeji put her head on his shoulder softly rubbing his back.

“I’m okay with it though, just still a little bit upset when Mrs. Kim delivered the news with a super straight face.” Hyunjin gave out a dry chuckle, he wiped the unshed frustrated tears from his eyes sitting up straight. Yeji was too shocked with the change of position, so she just stared blankly at her brother.  

“She instantly railed at me so many critics for my last paper, the revision is ruthless, I really want to scream!” rambled Hyunjin more before he shoved his face into his hands. 

“And you! Kim Seungmin!” Hyunjin pointed his finger at a wide eyed Seungmin who braced himself for upcoming angry remarks and more screeching. He was shocked when Hyunjin squeezed him tightly instead. Seungmin only blinked repeatedly, giving Yeji inquiring gazes. Yeji shrugged then leaned to her side, watching the two with an amused expression on her face.

“I don’t know whether to hug you or punch you for this morning.” come Hyunjin’s muffled voice from Seungmin’s shoulder, realization instantly dawned on him. Seungmin laughing patting Hyunjin’s back strongly looking smug making Yeji sat up straight intrigued.

“Seriously, he was so flustered and cute I kept on swallowing the urge to just kiss him.”

Seungmin gagged at that and tried to wriggle away from his best friend’s embrace, ignoring the wide eyed curious girl who kept mouthing what to him. When he was finally free, Seungmin stood up and ran behind Yeji, making her a shield.

“Scoot.” he said simply, but when Yeji didn’t budge he sighed.

“There was an impromptu pajama party last night between our immediate friends,” he gestured to himself and Hyunjin who was currently grinning like a maniac, “since of the storm and the RA told us to be alert so yeah somehow they stayed at our room, including Han Jisung.” Yeji squealed and grabbed Seungmin arms to make him sit down beside her.

“And, and, and?” she urged.

“And… this morning I somehow managed to maneuvered the still half asleep Jisung from his spot on my carpet towards Hyunjin’s bed,” Yeji gasped excitedly, “before I get to my classes this morning when the others are already gone back to their rooms.” he finished and Yeji was practically bouncing in her seat, she was squealing while her brother smiling dopely at nothing in particular on her left. 

“Yah! Kim Seungmin! That was so smart. You’re so full of surprises.” she laughed in glee making Seungmin transfixed on her face instead. Her eyes went into a slit crinkled adorably and she was trying to cover her open laughing mouth with the claps of her hands. He can’t help but to smile slightly at the sight  

When he blinked away from the laughing Yeji trying to compose himself instead, he was met with Hyunjin’s amused curious gaze. Feeling like a deer caught in headlights, Seungmin wanders his eyes around, refusing to look back at his friend’s face. 

“Did you scream when you woke up tho?” asked Yeji towards Hyunjin who finally put his dopey smile back on his face.

“I was so close to screaming,” he laughed loudly, “but then I just stopped out of embarrassment and settled for enjoying the moment while it lasted instead. Even though my alarm almost bled my ears off.” his sister was slapping his arms laughing after that. The two launched into an animated conversation after that. Hyunjin dramatically retells his reactions to a very delighted and amused Yeji. Seungmin only smiled absentmindedly.

“So Jisung fled before you got back to your room?” Yeji asked incredulously to a very down Hyunjin. Seungmin perked back up at that. 

“Well yeah but then he sent me this chat.” Hyunjin is now showing his phone screen with Jisung’s messages on it to them. Seungmin almost laughed out loud at Jisung. For people who are gifted in their chosen subject, Seungmin thought the two seem to be extremely dense in the face of love and romance. Or they are just really good at denying things.

Hyunjin was anxious when both Yeji and Seungmin only stared at him and his phone back and forth without saying anything. They are getting good at being simultaneously creepy , Hyunjin thought sourly.

“So…” he started, “tell me if it’s somehow a good yellow light for me to approach him, please guys say something!” he whined instead, putting his phone back to his bag.

“I’ve been telling you since last year you dumbass! It's a green light!” shrieked Yeji exasperated with Hyunjin and his overthinking tendency. 

“I’ve only known him for a couple of weeks but from that chat, I agree with your sister.” Seungmin shrugged, only acknowledging Hyunjin sideways. He glanced down at his watch, there’s only 20 minutes left until his lunch break is over and he hasn’t got Jeongin, the baby of the group, his promised lunch yet. 

“Look, Jin, if you’re still highly doubting whether Jisung reciprocates your feelings or not, start letting him know gently but clearly. Enough with the subtlety.” Seungmin kicked Hyunjin’s shoes, urging the others to look him in the eyes. 

Yeji hummed her assent at Seungmin’s advice, “And from there you can start to judge for yourself whether he really does like you or not.” she added helpfully earning her a grateful pat on the shoulder by Seungmin. 

“As fun as your crisis is and I would love to stay to hear more, I need to feed the baby before my lunch break is over. He’s working at the workshop today.” Seungmin stood up and gave Hyunjin a soft pat on his head, “Focus on the rest of your classes for now okay? I promised Jeongin a lunch.” he said before walking away from the two. 

“Innie is dating someone now! Why are we still looking after him?” Hyunjin yelled.

“Cause he’s our baby!” Yelled back Seungmin with fond chuckles. Hyunjin was silent after that because he couldn't argue back.

 “Again, Hyunjin.” Minho's voice was as hard as steel. There was no emotion behind that and Hyunjin started to feel a cramp coming to his calves. They’ve been running the same move for half an hour because there’s always something lacking in Hyunjin’s move from Minho’s perspective, not that he asked. Felix eyed them both warily from the side as he was monitoring Yeji and some of their other team mates. Today’s choreo has already been hard from the start but as Hyunjin barely focuses on the practice and Minho is currently in one of his vicious moods, there’s nothing the other can do to ease Hyunjin’s misfortune. 

Hyunjin can clearly see something was bothering Minho but he chose to not say anything and focus on the move instead. He tried so hard to brush his other anxieties in his life and zeroed his focus on nailing the movement. He really can’t afford to face Minho’s wrath today because he still has to work on his project with Jisung and Chan.

He’s praying Chan will magically appear and restrain Minho.

Minho sighed for the nth time as he saw the move Hyunjin just did, he felt bad with him but there’s something still lacking in his delivery and Minho rarely left something unresolved for the next day if someone in his crew had the difficulty mastering a choreo. But he can clearly see Hyunjin’s starting to lag and massaging his calf after he did the run Minho asked him. When Minho caught Felix stern eyes and with a quick scan in the room the others were actually gawking at them, he finally relented an sighed. 

“That’s enough. Let’s take 5.” Minho walked away from Hyunjin to get his water at the corner of the room near where the speakers are. He counted to 5 before gulping half of the water in his bottle and sat down on the floor tiredly.

Hyunjin followed and plopped down beside him with his own bottle of water. Both of them only breath and staring at their own reflections on the mirror. Hyunjin can see the older’s under eyes darken as if he didn’t get a good rest last night. Guaranteed that probably a lot of students in the area didn’t have a proper sleep last night because of the storm but Minho looked like he barely slept a wink. That and a visible frown on his face.

“I’m sorry.” Minho finally said quietly. He let out a big exhale before leaning his head back to the wall.

“I’m just so stressed. Last night I barely slept and my thesis supervisor wanted me to tweak a bit of my research this afternoon,” he chuckled dryly, “and this is my last showcase. I feel like everything needs to be perfect. Still, I shouldn’t have done that to you.” He bumped Hyunjin’s shoulder playfully. 

“I accept the apology, hyung.” replied Hyunjin, nodding dramatically. Minho only stared at him before his lips moved upward slowly, both of them laughed out loud.

When their laughter subsided, Minho suddenly stood up sighing, “How about we continue this tomorrow?” He addressed all of the others in the room, “Have an extra break for tonight cause I’m sure we didn’t have a proper rest last night.” 

There were choruses of yes from everyone. Minho smiled to himself and reprimanded everyone lightly telling them to go home as soon as possible. Wooyoung, Felix, Chaeryeong and Yeji scrambled to join Hyunjin and Minho to get their own things from the pile. The six of them are included in one team from the other 4 in the dance club. There'll be a showcase 2 months from today in January before the winter break, since they have started preparing from 2 months prior, they have a perfect pace to master their choreography to avoid cramming them at the last minute. 

A break is necessary and they’re grateful to have a team leader like Minho who even though he can be vicious at times, he always prioritizes having a much needed breaks and to take things slowly when they got frustrating. 

“How’s everyone’s dinner plan tonight?” Wooyoung asked everyone who were still bustling about with their bags and hydrations. He’s a tall and lean Junior from Dance Major who easily befriends people. It didn’t take long for him to warm up to Minho’s team even though he got separated from his usual crew for the club showcases.

“I was about to go get dinner with Yeji eonnie and Changbin oppa.” Chaeryeong answered, when Wooyoung raised his eyebrow questioningly at Yeji, the girl only shrugged. Yeji usually trailed Chaeryeong and Changbin on their daily little dinner dates whenever they eat out, she didn’t mind a bit since Ryujin joined them sometimes and the couple is really amusing. 

“I’m going to work on some project after this and probably raid Minho hyung’s kitchen as I’m going there to ask his boyfriend’s help with my project.” Hyunjin laughed lightly at Minho’s changed expression. 

“I’ll trail one of these two crowds I guess?” Felix answered hesitantly, “or if you would like to grab something with me?” he added after a thought.

“Where’s your baby Innie?” Yeji interjected with a mocking baby voice, making Felix slap her arm playfully with his towel. She shrieked an ew! which made everyone else laugh.

“He’s still at the workshop, believe it or not.” Felix grumbled dejectedly.

Wooyoung patted him in sympathy, “Let’s trail the girls, Lixie. Hyung won’t let you be lonely, today!” 

Chaeryeong squealed a little before telling them he’s going to call her boyfriend first. Wooyoung mumbled something about whipped Changbin under his breath before joining the others sprawling on the floor. 

It became their own ritual after practice to sprawl on the floor together for a while to bond and talk about nothing in particular before separating into their own ways. Wooyoung loves the idea the first time he joins and usually becomes the one who initiates strange topic discourses. But he mostly drowned on and on about his celebrity crushes.

This time however he was inquiring Felix about Jeongin and their new budding romance. Being an easy going guy and basically a personification of sunshine, Felix entertains Wooyoung albeit the reddening of his ears. However, a slight sparkle in his eyes made Hyunjin almost giggle to himself and tease the younger. 

Chaeryeong entered the room back a few minutes later with someone else in tow. It was Seungmin, he was carrying a big clear folder bag in his hand with a calculating gaze around the room. Hyunjin was the first one to sat up as he’s heavily associated with him among the others in the room who barely knew him.

“Uh, Hyunjin oppa… Seungmin oppa is here for Yeji eonnie.” cleared Chaeryeong. Hyunjin went wide eyed, his mouth slightly agape but before he could manage a what , Yeji beat him to it.

“Thank you, Seungminnie!” Yeji squealed as she got up to take the folder from Seungmin’s hands, “I’m sorry you had to walk here all the way from the humanities building.'' She hug the folder while looking apologetically at Seungmin. 

Seungmin only brushed her off, “It’s okay. I’m the one who bolted right away this afternoon anyway.” he said smiling. 

“Emb, I can’t blame you though it’s for the baby Innie.”

“Yeah.” They laughed together at that. Hyunjin, who was still frozen from his place, blinked awake at the sound. What’s going on? He thought inwardly.

Yeji cleared her throat slightly, “Did you have dinner yet?” she asked Seungmin.

“I did.” he sheepishly grinned at her, who looked a little bit disappointed before nodding, smiling softly. 

“What time are you going to go back, Hyunjin?” He peered his head towards Hyunjin.

“Maybe 11 ish?” answered Hyunjin, still slightly dazed. Seungmin hummed his assent before addressing everyone else in the room with a wave. He was suddenly looking behind him making the other’s instantly curious but when Jisung’s head suddenly appeared from behind Seungmin they’re all relaxed.

“For fuck’s sake Han Jisung…” Minho's stormy but tired eyes made Jisung hide back. Seungmin only chuckled and gave Jisung a soft pat on his hair. They seemed to converse a little bit in whisper before Seungmin barked a satisfied laugh as Jisung glared at him weakly. 

“Please someone take this guy away from me.” Seungmin managed to croak in between his laughter because Jisung wouldn't budge from his place and blocked the way out. He finally moved when he met Minho’s warning glare. Seungmin who was watching the two laughed at Jisung as he waved goodbye to everyone else. 

However he halted when his gaze fixed on Yeji, with two big steps towards her who got confused with his sudden change of movement, Seungmin stopped in front of the still confused Yeji. He suddenly reached out to her temple with his sleeve jacket slightly sticking out on the left hand. Yeji sucked on her breath when he patted dry the sweats on her temple and those that run down the sides of her head with the sleeves, there was a very focused expression on his face. 

When he reached her cheeks however, his eyes changed into a softer gaze and he lingered there a little bit before retracting his hand, tucking a loose strand of hair behind one of her ears and smiling adorably before he walked out wordlessly.

A stunned silence graced the room. Yeji who finally registered what happened couldn’t believe her eyes. She kept on rooted to her place, hugging her big folder tightly while blinking slowly like a confused little cat. When her eyes fell down on Jisung who was watching the whole interaction unblinking with his mouth slightly agape, she finally ducked her head down, embarrassed. Her knees gave out and she dropped down to the floor hiding her face. 

“Eonnie!” Chaeryeong was the first one who broke the silence with her quiet excited squeal. That seems to break the spell in the room as the other bursting out in embarrassed giggles and throwing Yeji a bunch of awwws.  

Wooyoung quietly asked Felix “That wasn’t her boyfriend? Damn…”

“Someone save the brother before he dies prematurely from a heart attack.” came an amused drawl from Minho who find the whole interaction very amusing.

True to Minho’s word, Hyunjin was too shocked at his best friend he can barely produced a coherent thought let alone a sentence to get back at Minho’s sassy comment.

Hyunjin think he almost got a heart attack.

“I’m gonna kill Kim Seungmin…” he finally breathed out, half wincing to himself.

“Please don’t… I’ll do it myself.” came a muffled response from Yeji.

The whole room, beside the twins, barked out into an excited laugh.

Chapter Text

“He did WHAT?!” Almost the whole restaurant was looking at their table the moment Ryujin let out the most deafening shriek Yeji has ever heard. Changbin was trying to sush her down, slightly reprimanding but the girl only wriggled free from his grip on her arms. Chaeryeong and Wooyoung seemed to be the ones that enjoyed the whole thing. Yeji knew, the moment Hyunjin got carried away by Jisung with the help of Minho out of the dance studio, she’ll be at the mercy of her friends.

Yeah, Hyunjin was barely walking the moment Jisung decided they needed to go to Chan’s if they wanted to avoid staying up too late.

Felix was the one who actually took pity on her, he let her lean on him all the way to the restaurant from the studio not even once did he make fun of her poor state of mind. Yeji already suspected Chaeryeong texted Ryujin and Jisu, their other best friend, to have an emergency meeting at the place they’re having dinner now. When they get to the restaurant, Changbin is already bickering with the other two and looking out of place at the same time.

Yeji groaned, “It’s nothing tho if you think about it…”

“I think he got some screw loose.” Jisu was chuckling and sipping the diet soda she ordered earlier. There was an amused expression on her face.

“You said you were from Psychology major too right? How is he, actually?” asked Wooyoung to Jisu. She was actually shocked to be addressed, as she was just sitting on the side the whole time when the others were making fun of Yeji or reenacting the incident.

“On his daily academic life?”

“Yeah…” 

“A straight A’s student who doesn’t really talk much but the moment he does, the whole class won’t be saved from his roasting ability,” Jisu reach around the table to take Wooyoung’s fries who let her, “he’s doing lot of straight A’s extracurricular activities too from what I’ve seen so far. We talk at the choir club sometimes, he’s pretty cool even though he doesn’t say much and always looks like his mind is somewhere else.” 

“So a weird preppy guy?” inquired Wooyoung more. He was weirdly intrigued to what happened at the studio and trying to get to have a bigger picture of how Seungmin’s like.

Jisu only chuckled and shook her head no.

“You should see how he sings sometimes. It will complete the whole weird vibe you got from him.”

“Why? Does he sing weird?” This time it was Ryujin who finally came out of her shock.

Jisu gave her a look, “He won’t be at the choir club if he does, Ryujin.” and the younger one could only roll her eyes.

“He sings very beautifully. His voice is strong, he always nails the emotional delivery from the songs he performs.” said Jisu amused now that she voiced her observation about that one weird acquaintance she made at the beginning of last term.

“He’s really cool actually. But yeah his absentmindedness really is strange sometimes.” 

Wooyoung seemed to be satisfied with Jisu’s answer as he leaned back in his chair. Ryujin however still can’t wrap her head around what she just heard from her friends because a frown is still visibly present on her face. A comfortable silence then passed upon their table, beside some snickers here and there from the still amused Wooyoung and Chaeryeong, the others were silently munching on their dinner. 

“So, besides occasionally sharing lunch breaks with him and his friends, you really don’t know why he is starting to treat you differently?” Changbin breaks the silence and addresses Yeji who was absentmindedly chewing her lettuce.

Yeji only shook her head no upon hearing Changbing’s question.

Oh how she would love to know that as well.

“ And? Do you like him?” he pressed, earning him a slap on the arm from his girlfriend.

“Honestly? I don’t know. But he’s making me curious as hell right now.” Yeji answered truthfully, making Wooyoung instantly squeal and the others stared gawking at her. 

“Yes, Hwang! Go wreck him back guurl!” squealed Wooyoung excitedly trying to maneuver his way to pat her on the back, only to be blocked by Felix’s hand who slapped it away gently. Jisu can only smirk to herself, Kim Seungmin will not see it coming, she thought.      

The quiet bustle of cooking utensils from the kitchen in Minho and Chan’s apartment weirdly calms Hyunjin’s mind down. He was still shocked beyond belief when he witnessed Seungmin being a smooth little fucker towards his sister but when Minho almost shoved a relaxing chamomile tea down his throat when they got to his apartment as Hyunjin was still staring blankly at nothing, he starting to find the situation a bit amusing. 

Which is not new considering it came from Seungmin, but he still can’t believe that his best friend can be that bold. He refused to believe Seungmin was completely present in the moment when he suddenly pat Yeji’s sweat dry with his jacket sleeve. Acting like a devoted boyfriend, what even…

“Hyunjinnie, are you with us now?” Chan asked him kindly as he was approaching him and Jisung who were sitting quietly on the couch. 

Hyunjin managed a weak smile before he nodded, “Yeah, thanks for the tea.” he said to Chan who chuckled and brushed him off as he went back to the kitchen to help his boyfriend prepare dinner. Hyunjin was about to get up and help them only to be stopped by Minho who was glaring.

“Don’t you dare step your foot inside my kitchen.” was the only warning he got from Minho, so he sat back down beside Jisung. The other boy was humming quietly to himself while watching a sea life documentary from his phone. He was almost draped across the whole couch with his body almost leaning against Hyunjin who just realized their close proximity. Jisung seemed to not mind it a bit and that actually made Hyunjin filled with nervous and happy energy. 

But he was calm. The more he takes in Jisung’s presence the more he feels a pleasant buzz on his body despite his eagerness.

Hyunjin cleared his throat, making Jisung almost jump and he scrambled to sit up properly.  Disappointed by the change of position, Hyunjin looked down.

“You can lean on me, you know… I don’t mind.” he finally said meekly towards Jisung who gave him a small smile. He paused the video he was watching and turn to look nervously at Hyunjin who was also feeling the same way with him.   

“About this morning,” Jisung started, Hyunjin instantly opened his mouth to say something but then stopped when he looked at the determination in Jisung’s eyes, “I’m sorry, Jinnie. I know it was Seungmin who did that now that I remember it, but still…” he paused to take a deep breath, “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.” 

Hyunjin was about to tell him that he didn't mind at all when Minho appeared from behind Jisung’s shoulder and announced that dinner was about to be ready. With a last wide smile with his front teeth showing to Hyunjin, Jisung got up and followed Minho to the kitchen to help him set the small dining table there for the four of them. 

Hyunjin sighed dejectedly before following him. 

The studios and workshops building for students in Art and Design Faculty are always eerily quiet on Saturday noons, most of its usual inhabitants are still in their own accommodations or theory classes. Night time is the usual popular busy hour for these students, considering how most of the time, ideas can only pop up in the front of their mind after sun down. This Saturday isn’t that different, save for one room at the Dance Studios floor in the building where the same three songs could be heard being played over and over.

If you look inside the room from the small window at the door, you can see a girl with braided pigtails run over the same dance routines way too many times, looking at her reflection in the mirror with a determined focus, red in the face and panting. If you decided to walk inside unannounced, the initial occupant of the room won’t ever realize it until you turn off the music and break their terrifying focus.

Yeji almost didn’t realize her brother has been standing in front of the door near where the speakers and sound system are for the past 15 minutes looking lost but amazed at her. When she broke the focus from her reflection on the mirror and finally saw the said brother with his hair pulled down dressed in all back attire, she let out a deafening shriek and stumbled down to the floor with a soundly thud.

Hyunjin laughed out loud the moment his sister fell down on her back looking wide eyed and terrified for her life. However when she finally registered what happened and who was the person who almost gave her the heart attack, a deep scowl graced upon her pretty features. The brother was still laughing so hard on the floor with his head thrown back he was almost choking with how hard he’s laughing. 

 “Hyunjin.” was the only warning she gave out before walking towards where the sound system is and stopped the music from her phone. She was still gathering her scattered mind when Hyunjin finally stopped laughing and coughing miserably instead. Yeji rolled her eyes and smiled in satisfaction. 

When the coughing and laughter finally stopped, Hyunjin was trying to catch his breath while his twin sister was giving him the most deadly glare he ever saw in her. He gave her a tired sheepish grin before slowly approaching her and dumped his duffel bag near hers.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to break your focus back then.” he nudged her side with his leg which instantly got slapped aside. He crouched down and poked her cheeks repeatedly until she relented and smacked the back of his head once then stood up to get her bottle of water. Hyunjin gave her his satisfied smile. 

The twins bickered some more about Hyunjin tardiness this time. Yeji texted him last night, telling him to be at the studio an hour early before everyone else in their team came for previously agreed practice. Hyunjin came 10 minutes late instead and Yeji complained about less time running over the routine for their duo in the dance break. She wanted to practice it more because of how little time they both have in their hands to perfect it since they’ve only been practicing the overall choreo with the team all this time for the last two months. When they finally stopped bickering and Hyunjin went to the other corner to stretch, another 10 minutes have been wasted away so Yeji can only sighed and enjoy her break time until her brother gestured to turn on the music. 

They fall into a mutual silent coordination afterwards, each trying to keep up with coordinating with each other in beautiful synchronization. They have been running the routine with each other for the past month after Minho gave them the green light to proceed. They have been dancing since they were still in school, both having accidentally found the same passion and drive on a school’s talent show. Even though they have their own distinct style of dancing, both always challenged themselves to be one unit with each other on some occasions. Despite the constant bickering at first, the twins found their rhythm on cooperating with each other eventually. It’s hard to work with your siblings sometimes, but once you’ve found common ground, it will get easier.

That noon, they ran the routines several times, monitoring and giving feedback on each other until both agreed they needed to take a break before they started to strangle each other to death out of exhaustion. 

The two lay on the floor like a pair of starfish, unmoving. Their long limbs spread widely, heads empty and chest heaving with heavy breaths. No one said anything for a while, both having to be preoccupied with their own minds but Hyunjin felt the need to address the elephant in the room. Which is what happened last night with Seungmin and Yeji in this very studio…  

“How do you manage to get the room an hour early?” he asked, still out of breath.

“An hour?” 

“Crazy bitch… How long have you been here?” he asked incredulously.

Yeji shrugged, eyes staring at the ceiling, “A couple hours.” 

Hyunjin only scoffed and clapped his hands loudly several times before Yeji kicked him hard to stop. He went into silence afterwards, feeling like he will intruding on something if he dropped the bomb and start to inquire his sister like a creepy overprotective older brother when he’s just curious. Yeah and maybe worried a little bit.

“Spill it. Whatever it is, you’re fidgeting like crazy.” Yeji kicked him again, only a little bit softer than the previous one. Hyunjin sputtered at that. He didn’t even realize he’s fidgeting. 

“So,” he started hesitantly, “what’s up with Seungmin?”

There, he said it. There’s no taking it back. 

For a moment there’s only silence before Yeji sighed heavily and hummed. Hyunjin feel like he almost curls into himself with the way Yeji being so aggressive today. 

“I don’t know, Hyun… I noticed him being all weird around me differently since yesterday’s lunch,” Yeji scoffed, “but if I look back again, he has always been a little bit different around me since the first day you introduced us.” She remembers sometimes he halted in the middle of something whenever she interjects or complimented him, how sometimes he smiled genuinely at her, when he joined forces with her while poking fun at Hyunjin…

“Yeah, I always have my suspicion that he is somehow interested in you… but I don’t know to what extent.” a pause, “last night totally threw me off guard.” he added laughing.

“I’m surprised you didn’t interrogate him last night.” 

“I got back at 12 and he was already dead to the world. When I woke up this morning, his bed has been made.” a little bit too haphazardly for Seungmin’s usual style, Hyunjin wanted to add but thought better not to.

Is he avoiding Hyunjin? Yeji muse internally. Someone as aloof and pensive as Seungmin avoid things?

“I’m not gonna be mad if you’re also interested in him, Ji. But, I don’t know, you have to be absolutely sure of his intention first…” Hyunjin nudged Yeji a little bit with his foot when she hasn’t been responding in the last 5 minutes, “He’s my friend, yeah, sure, but you’re my first priority.” he said the last thing in a small voice, feeling a little bit awkward of suddenly being all mushy with his sister even though they’ve shared the same situation before. 

Yeji noticed the change of his voice and only laughed, clearly enjoying his suffering of having said that. When the laughter ceased, she hummed her assent and raised a thumbs up in response to the cheesy big brother speech. Having a brother is interesting sometimes. 

Their bonding moment somehow cut short when Minho suddenly entered the room and towered above the twins like a kid who just found something interesting at the beach. He poke the both of them with the tip of his shoes making the two groaned loudly. Minho only laughed a little maniacally to himself while walking away. 

A little bit after that he seemed to have a hushed conversation with someone at the door, Yeji being a curious soul she is, dragged herself on the floor to lay beside Hyunjin who was laying facing the door the whole time. Hyunjin read her intention the moment she lined up with him, they crunched up their bodies and saw Minho was already stretching with his boyfriend leaning on the wall beside him as they conversed hushedly. The twins laid their whole upper body back with a dull thud.

“Hey twins!” Chan cherily called out to them only to be rewarded with an uncommitted chorus of hi . 

Chan chuckled, amused with their unexpected synchronization.

The sun has moved slightly to the west, their team has been practicing for the past two hours. Wooyoung has been helping Minho monitor and conducting the practice since he told everyone that his head was still scattered around he’s worried instead of being productive, he’ll have everyone’s head for a slight mistake if someone didn’t act as a buffer and help him monitor. Today, Chaeryeong seems to be the one who almost faces Minho’s wrath but thanks to Wooyoung and Felix none of it became explosive. They finally passed the practice session unschated after 2 gruesome hours thanks to Wooyoung's ability to deescalate things quickly whenever someone makes a mistake. Chan’s being there the whole time quietly working on his laptop probably eased a little bit of Minho’s tendency to be his sadistic self last night.  

The twins now walked side by side towards the student accommodation part of the campus, both of them feeling weary from the practice. Hyunjin still needs to finish some reviews and revisions meanwhile Yeji has to go to the workshop since her project partner wanted to finish some parts of their unfinished pieces. They wordlessly bid each other goodbye when they reach the road that separates the two dorms.

The room was empty when Hyunjin finally reached it. He kicked his shoes by the front door and dumped his duffle bag under his desk. Curious at Seungmin’s whereabouts, Hyunjin checked on his phone and saw three messages from the guy, informing him he’s going back to his parents house for the night because his sister asked him to help her about something regarding her engagement party in three weeks. Hyunjin only sent Seungmin a crying face sticker then he went to freshen up at the common bathroom. 

Hyunjin spent the rest of the afternoon glued to his desk chair revising and reviewing some paper, writings and readings due next week until his stomach growled in protest around 7. He forgot he didn’t get anything after the practice, it’s only natural that his stomach is practically angry at him. Weighing his option on what dinner he should get with the still limited budget on his account Hyunjin went to get his key card, phone, wallet and jacket and instantly bolted out of his room. The common room on his floor was full with people in his year being loud over a baseball game on the TV. He walked to Jisung’s room near the stairs, his room door was opened but when Hyunjin peeked inside, Soobin was the only occupant. He was sitting on his desk with an open laptop and a bunch of paper strewn all over it. 

Soobin however looked up from his work the moment Hyunjin peeked his head and they automatically smiled at each other.  

“Oh! Hyunjin-ssi!” Hyunjin smiled gratefully when Soobin gestured to him to come inside.

“Jisung said he’s going to be at Chan hyung and Minho hyung’s place for the night, do you need something?” asked Soobin politely. 

Hyunjin only waved dismissively, “Looking for a friend to get some dinner.” he simply said.

Soobin instantly lighted up at that even though he was a little bit reluctant of letting his work just yet. But he got up from his chair and started to stretch his back, arms and legs. 

“I can be your friend.” he offered with a smile so dazzling Hyunjin had a little bit of lagging processing in his brain. When Hyunjin smiled and nodded, Soobin took his jacket from the chair headrest and stumbled around to find his wallet, and phone. He put his keycard on the inside pocket of his jacket when both of them got out of the room. 

“You want to get something simple?” asked Soobin once they walked down the stairs to the first floor and out of the building. 

“I was thinking of getting something from the Haneul Kimbap? I haven’t got anything since I got back from practice at 3.” Hyunjin nervously chuckled.

“Wah, good idea. Let’s get them.” 

The two of them then walked their way towards a Kimbap restaurant near the campus, it only took them 20 minutes. During their short walk, Hyunjin found out how Soobin is a really kind and quite hilarious guy. They usually ran into each other at their faculty building as Soobin majoring in Sociology and Hyunjin in English Literature but this is the first time they actually talked a lot with each other despite knowing each other for so long in passing. 

Both of them ended up ordering the same fried mushroom Kimbap and sharing a half portion of seasoned fried chicken. Soobin actually has a lot of dramas to share about the student body in their faculty, perks of having a friend who is a member in student council, so the two of them actually bonded really well despite the initial formality with each other. After the small but satisfying dinner, the two of them decided to take a detour towards the convenience store to buy some beer and snacks to share back at the dorm. 

However, they ran into Chan and his friend Changbin at the convenience store. The other two were just coming back from the music studio having finished with some last detail for Chan’s final project. He was whining about not wanting to finish the written report for the said project but he only got a week left before he has to present them.

“You don’t want to add another year here, hyung. Just graduate already!” Changbin scolded him, making the youngest two only laugh politely. Chan laughed out loud throwing his whole body back he almost bump into a girl who was trying to get through them that were loitering around the entrance.

After saying goodbye to the older two, both Soobin and Hyunjin went straight to their dorms. They agreed to study together at Hyunjin’s room after that. Beside having the bigger room between the two of them, Soobin just fell in love with the fluffy carpet Seungmin brought from home to his shared room with Hyunjin.

That’s how Seungmin found them when he stumbled inside around 11 at night. Hyunjin hunched over on his desk immersed in reading while Soobin was typing furiously on his laptop on the carpet. He even brought a small folding table from his own room. 

“Are you guys sharing a general class or something?” he asked as he was taking off his jacket. The two only mumbled no, making Seungmin only shrugged. He eyed the state of the whole room, despite the strewn paper all across the floor surrounding Soobin’s area there’s nothing out of the ordinary so he just went to lay on his bed scrolling on his phone. 

Around 15 minutes later, Soobin sighed while putting his laptop aside he dragged himself across the floor towards the edge of Seungmin’s bed. Hyunjin saw the movement from his peripheral vision and chose to ignore that, he resumed his reading.

“Where’s your roommate?” asked Seungmin towards Soobin quietly.

“At his older friends’ place.” Soobin answered with the same voice. 

“He told me what you did yesterday morning.” Soobin chuckled silently, fist bumping Seungmin’s knee. The other guy only grinned down proudly at him. 

“I can hear you two, you know.” drawled Hyunjin boredly from his desk making the other two doubled over in an explosive glee. 

“So what’s your verdict?” asked Soobin towards Hyunjin who finally put a bookmark on his book before joining the other two near Seungmin’s bed. He silently sulked for a while as if mulling on what to say to them before exhaling a heavy breath.  

“I think maybe he likes me too… but I don’t know what’s stopping him. He even apologized about it last night!” Hyunjin reached for Seungmin’s puppy plushie then hugged it tightly putting his chin on the soft material. The other two cringed to themselves, smiling sympathetically then patting him on the back.

“But really Hyunjin. What’s stopping you?” asked Seungmin, he already put his phone aside somewhere on the bed, focusing solely on his sulking friend.

Hyunjin gave his friend a look, “Him. That’s what’s stopping me.” 

“Have you ever thought of making the first move instead?” 

“Emb, like what you did to my sister last night?” retorted Hyunjin, making Seungmin instantly swallow a prepared lecture. Soobin was looking at them curiously before he started to put two and two together, the moment the realization dawned on his face, Seungmin’s went as red as the tomato. 

Hyunjin went into a monologue after that, he recapped what happened at the dance studio between his sister and Seungmin to an eager and curious Soobin. He even told him about the fact that he almost got a heart attack and Jisung had to carry him to Chan’s place, when he finished, Soobin was looking at Seungmin with a slight admiration in his face. That only made Seungmin more embarrassed.

Hyunjin eyed Seungmin critically, “You’ve been crushing on my sister even before I introduced you two, right?” he pointed his finger accusingly, “Spill it, Kim Seungmin!” 

“Yeah, spill it Kim Seungmin!” echoed Soobin excitedly.

“I regret knocking on your door that night, Choi Soobin.” Seungmin sighed dejectedly.

Chapter Text

The weekend passed by swiftly, the autumn air was getting more and more chilling as the last week of October was slowly approaching. You can see people in Seoul starting to wear more layers when they carry out their daily activities, even though the weather is still fairly dry and the sun still shines bright in the sky. 

Hyunjin was still half asleep when he walked down the hallway of the Literature and Humanities building hugging his books tighter. His first class just finished and he was dying to get something to eat as he skipped his breakfast this morning. He didn’t hear his alarm at 7 only woke up when Seungmin’s alarm rang alive an hour later and just scrambled to get his hoodies and necessities in the bag as soon as he splashed water on his face.

He passed by Jisung who was conversing with a small group of people near the English Literature administration office barely saying hi to him and went straight to the office to submit his proposal for a writing competition to be reviewed by one of his professors.

“Mr. Gong here yet?” he asked sleepily to one of the TAs. The girl only regarded him from head to toe before shaking her head no.

“He’s probably still in his morning lecture.” she told him then gesturing her head to the proposal on his hand, “you want to leave that to me instead? Or you're going to wait for Mr. Gong?” 

He ended up entrusting the document to her, bowing then walking out, a simple meal plan at the front of his mind. He almost jumped from his skin and dropped his books when someone suddenly linked their arms with him. 

“Hey Hyunjin!” He wasn't that surprised when he came face to face with Shuhua, one of his close friends in his major. He likes to hang out with her because of her no nonsense personality and she’s quite capable of scaring out a lot of unwanted onlookers and stalkers whenever he’s the one who is hesitating. 

“Hey, Shushu. Haven’t seen you around these days.” 

Shuhua only hummed and pursed her lips, not wanting to elaborate her absence for the past three weeks. 

“Family stuff.” she brushed him away, still clinging to his arm, “Are you going to have lunch with your usual friends?” 

“Nope, they’re too busy to sync up today.” he replied, taking her towards the elevator, “Why? You’re joining me?” 

“Yeah, why not.” she shrugged easily.

However, the two were unaware of a pair of eyes following their movement the moment they attached arm in arm. Jisung was about to approach Hyunjin when he got out of the admin office but got stopped when Shuhua suddenly linked her arm to a very sleepy Hyunjin who instantly smiled and let her cling onto him. They instantly converse easily between them, Jisung can faintly hear about Hyunjin’s one track mind about food and he almost chuckled to himself if it’s not for the fact he’s currently feeling a little bit jealous. 

He knows Shuhua is only Hyunjin’s friend, she’s the first person who was seen hanging out with him in their freshman year and then followed not long after by a quiet guy name Bae Jinyoung, the three have become a close group ever since until Hyunjin started to go his way to hang out with Jisung and his friends at the start of last term. Even though he knows they’re only friends, it’s still hard to not feel a slight jealousy when he sees them walking close together. 

Jisung sighed then started to walk away from the place he was rooted in since he saw them walking away. It’s not his place to start acting jealous. Who even is Jisung for him? He can’t even bring himself to confess to Hyunjin, let alone acting like a jealous boyfriend. 

I need to grow a spine, Jisung thought bitterly.

Hyunjin was ramptly listening to Shuhua tales about her family dramas and the many times these past three weeks she had to commute from home to campus and barely had time to breathe. She even wailed to him about not being able to focus on the creative writing project because her partner has been MIA after their second discussion meeting. Jinyoung who joined them in the park near their faculty building after Hyunjin got his hands on his usual breakfast of triangle kimbap and canned caffeine from the convenience store inside the campus ground, was the one who has been reacting the most to Shuhua tales.

“We’ll hunt him down for you.” declared Jinyoung simply to a flabbergasted Shuhua. Hyunjin even sputtered, almost spitting out his coffee.

“Yah! Bae Jinyoung! Don’t put words in my mouth you lanky punk.” Hyunjin kicked a laughing Jinyoung, he wasn’t being serious when he said that. Only trying to raise a reaction from his friends. 

“You barely talk to half of the people in our year, don’t make me laugh.” Shuhua joined Hyunjin in giving Jinyoung a kick to his leg. They instantly went into another conversation afterwards, Jinyoung’s laughter easily ignored by the two. Hyunjin quickly finished his simple breakfast when he noticed the time on his phone. All three of them are going to have class in 15 minutes and it’s going to take a while to get there from where they are currently.

As they reached the class, some people were already sitting and busying themselves with anything while waiting. Hyunjin spotted Jisung seated on his own at the middle sitting area, he was bopping his head with headset on his ears while writing on his notebook. He was wearing a denim jacket with a simple white shirt underneath it, there’s a round wire rimmed glasses on his nose and his hair was so fluffy Hyunjin almost running to touch them. 

He came back to reality when Shuhua elbowed him, she jerked her chin towards where Jisung was sitting, cocking her eyebrow in silent question. Hyunjin was hesitating, as much as he wanted to sit beside Jisung, he’s currently with Shuhua and Jinyoung who he never introduced to him before. He was afraid Jisung might be uncomfortable. 

Both of them know about Hyunjin’s crush towards Jisung since freshman year when he called both of them frantically after the dance studio made up with Jisung. His friends weren’t shocked about Hyunjin’s sudden love declaration that night, they even insisted on helping him confess but Hyunjin brushed them off.

Jinyoung nudged him harder than Shuhua this time when he didn’t say anything for a while. Hyunjin gave them a panicked look before Jinyoung suddenly went ahead of them, rolling his eyes at the same time. Shuhua only shrugged before following him walking towards Jisung. Hyunjin hung his head, exasperated before he too joined his friends. 

“Hey, Jisung! Can we sit here with you?” asked Shuhua cheerily. Jisung only blinked at her confusedly before nodding his head gesturing towards the other vacant seats around him. He never expected to be approached by the three when they’re together as they usually only keep to themselves. But the moment Jisung caught Hyunjin smiling at him sheepishly, his initial confusion fizzled away. Shuhua and Jinyoung took the seats in front of him while Hyunjin took the one beside him. 

Hyunjin then asked how’s Jisung’s weekend as he didn’t saw him all weekend and on Monday at the dorm even though Soobin somehow made a temporary residence in his and Seungmin’s room back then, too enraptured with Seungmin’s story which somehow brought new kinds of emotions to Hyunjin. Jisung told Hyunjin about being too lazy to go back to the dorm when Minho’s cooking literally seduced him to stay. Also Chan bought a box of Cheesecake on Monday so he just went back to their place, considering he has most of his things in the olders’ place anyway.  

“Say, Jisung. What’s your plan for lunch today?” asked Shuhua suddenly, stopping Jisung. He automatically looked at Hyunjin who only smiled encouragingly at him.

“Having something from the dining hall at the Student Union?” he answered, unsure of himself. That somehow got him an eyebrow rise from the girl.

What is it with Hyunjin and feisty girl companions?

“How about you join us? I have 5 half price Jjajangmyeon coupons from the Chinese place beside the station, you can invite a friend too.” she told him while waving the said coupons temptingly. It’s been a while since he had Jjajangmyeon.

“Sure, I’ll text my friend.” he gave her a thumbs up.

Jisung texted Felix when the three friends converse between each other. The professor showed up not long after and the class instantly went into silence as the professor started her lecture of the day. Jisung is usually the one who pays attention when a class is underway but he couldn’t help but to be distracted and to feel a little bit self-conscious at the way Hyunjin’s been stealing glances towards him. His peripheral vision is so full of Hyunjin’s wandering gazes, Jisung almost feels hot all over out of embarrassment. To make matters worse, Jisung actually enjoyed the attention especially from Hyunjin, it’s just that he can’t bring himself to ask the guy to stop because he might combust in the middle of lecture.

Why would Hyunjin be staring at him like that? He chose to ignore Hyunjin for the rest of the lecture. 

They met Felix at the campus gate nearest to the station. He was wearing a sweat shirt and pants with a black bomber jacket on top, his duffel bag slung carelessly into his shoulder. He almost beamed when he saw Jisung approached him with three other people. After small introductions, all five of them walked towards the restaurant with smiles on their faces even though they’re tired. As expected from a lunch rush hour, the restaurant was quite packed by hungry students with coupons on their hands and other working people that work nearby the area of campus. Felix is quick to snatch a table before another group of students could get their hands on it. If it comes to good food, a cheap one at that, Felix would willingly push aside his selflessness for a bit.

After all of them finally got their food, each ordered a bowl of Jjajangmyeon and a big portion of Tangsuyuk to share, and they instantly devoured them. Jisung and Felix were a little bit gobsmacked by the way Shuhua matched their speed and intensity at eating her portion. Her two friends wordlessly hand her pieces of meat here and there to her bowl when it’s empty. 

All of them thanked Shuhua for sharing her coupons after they finished their lunch and paid for them. They instantly went back to the campus because the restaurant was still packed, all of them didn't want to inconvenience anyone who was about to eat and even the restaurant owner. Jisung however steered them to one of the convenience stores nearest to their campus when he clearly saw the others were having trouble walking straight. 

So now they’re sitting under one of the tables with a parasol in front of it, a little bit drowsy because they barely digested the big meal before and the sun was shining brightly. 

Jisung came out of the convenience store with a bunch of water bottles, he distributed them to the others then took a seat beside Hyunjin who looks like he almost passed out. Jisung laughed to himself seeing Hyunjin hunched over the table with an arm pillowing his head. He put his cold water bottle into the nape of Hyunjin’s neck making the boy sighed contentedly while smiling gratefully at Jisung despite his eyes being half open. 

“You okay, Hyunie?” asked Jisung amusedly.

“I am now.” answered Hyunjin with a dopey expression on his face, inducing a chuckled from Jisung 

Shuhua, who was witnessing the whole thing, smirked to herself. How did Hyunjin think Jisung doesn’t like him back with the way he instantly took care of Hyunjin being his usual dramatic self? They will never get together if it’s continuing like this , she sighed. She’ll probably need to give him a push or a whole ass elaborate plan to get them together. 

She looked to her left, Felix was on his phone one of his hands was shielding the screen from the blinding lights. Judging from the constant clinging he did to Jisung the whole time they were walking from the campus gate towards the restaurant and how Hyunjin didn’t even bat an eye at their close proximity, he’s probably one of Jisung’s close friends if not the closest. Would he be on board with her plan to get together? She then looked at Jinyoung who was leaning back in the chair, draping an arm across his eyes. Jinyoung probably would be on board and will carry out any mission she gave him but she needs more than these two.

Hyunjin and Jisung have been dancing around each other for too long. 

Shuhua remembers when they were still playing the rival game to best each other out even though they worked so well when joining forces, half of the people in their major had tasted it. It was baffling to see Hyunjin always work himself over Jisung’s excellent grade as if he’s not his equal at that. She wasn’t shocked when her friend called her frantically in the middle of the night, frantically chanting, I like him, I like him, I like him like a madman. Jinyoung had to collect him from the library courtyard where he was stranded after coming back from practice.  

They could be the power couple. But why are they so dense? 

It’s not like Shuhua ever bothered to find out why considering Hyunjin who barely delves into details about him and Jisung’s predicament. But still, after seeing them interacted with each other so sweetly since Hyunjin’s helpless confession to her and Jinyoung about his feeling and knowing them since her first year in college, she can’t help but to pity them and had enough with their constant denial also stupid yearning gazes. 

Seungmin only realized the graveness of his situation with Yeji when he saw her looking at him with a very scary determination. When you ask him why he did what he did to her at the dance studio last Friday, he won’t answer you. It’s because he didn't know what came over him. It’s been itching on him since he saw her at lunch that same day.

He was about to pick up Shuhua from the library after she texted him yesterday about having a plan to get Hyunjin to confess. She told him to pick her up from the library after his shift at the lab so they’ll go get dinner together and arrange the people involved in the plan. He didn’t count about the fact that Yeji also visits the library from time to time since she still also has theory class. He also didn’t count about the fact that Yeji is also friends with Shuhua.  

Shuhua knew about his secret crush on Yeji long before Hyunjin or even Yeji knew about his existence.

To sum it up, Seungmin’s fucked. 

The girls were sitting close together at the stair steps in front of the library when he finally emerged from the intersection. Seungmin was searching Shuhua’s faces among the other students there but got locked eyes with Yeji instead. He was about to turn back around and ran away to the dorms when Shuhua called out his name. He cursed under his breath while slowly, as cool as possible, walked towards the two smiling girls and accepted his fate. 

Except Yeji’s smile was a little bit scary when it pairs with her determined stare.

“Hey puppy! Haven’t seen you for a while.” Shuhua instantly detached herself from Yeji’s arm to give Seungmin a tight side hug. He was trying so hard to appear nonchalant under Yeji’s scrutiny and giving Shuhua a hug back.

“Hey Shushu, how’s your Dad?” he asked her when they parted. 

“Dad’s getting better but my uncles been throwing fits these past few weeks, urgh actually fuck my life.” she rolled her eyes, while linking her arm back to a smiling Yeji, “this is Hyunie’s sister by the way. She found me here and I told her about our plans so she’s in and tagging along. You're okay with that, right?” 

“Nice jacket, Min.” Yeji smiled to him sweetly, he almost had to slap himself internally to avoid blinking blankly. He was wearing a simple black button up with a simple black suit jacket and a pair of jeans. His lab just got a visiting professor from a neighboring college so he looked a little bit neater than usual. 

Shuhua regarded them with a look, “You guys know each other now? What else have I been missing?” she threw her hands up in the air then put them on her hips like a mother scolding her children, “don’t tell me Jeongin has a girlfriend now?” 

“Boyfriend.” corrected both Seungmin and Yeji. They locked eyes with each other before bursting into a laugh at Shuhua's shocked expression. 

“Jinyoung was still single last time I checked. But he’s busy as hell preparing for next month’s play.” Seungmin provides but that only made her scowled at him instead.

“Yeah I saw him yesterday. Only come when summoned, that weirdo.” she sighed before walking down the stairs dragging the other two with her. 

They grab dinner at one of the affordable traditional Korean food restaurants near Borahae Cafe. But before that, they stopped by the girls’ dormitory because Yeji said she remembered a staff’s jacket she hasn’t been able to return since the last time she went there. She told Shuhua who didn’t know about what happened to her about a month ago the last time she went there and Seungmin finally knew about the details. He walked closer to them ever since then, Shuhua even pulling Yeji closer to her discreetly. 

Satisfied with the dinner they shared together, the three walked slowly towards the bustling cafe. Despite it being Wednesday, Borahae Cafe is always bustling with a lot of customers. Seungmin walked behind the girls a couple steps away, he’s paying attention to their surroundings while also keeping an eye on Yeji’s body language. He’ll take them as far as possible if Yeji doesn’t feel comfortable. 

When they entered the cafe, they were greeted by a waiter passing by balancing a tray on his hand. Yeji looked around the cafe first before taking a step further and approaching the cashier. It was Jimin. The guy Seungmin saw with Hyunjin and Jeongin a few weeks ago at one of the usual bistros they regularly visit whenever they feel fancy. 

“Hey, how are you today?” Jimin asked with a soft voice, his customer smile replaced with a softer kinder gaze towards Yeji who was smiling timidly in return. 

“I’m good, how are you?”

“A little bit tired but I can manage until closing,” Jimin chuckled, “So, what can I get you guys this evening?” 

Yeji hummed, “I’ll have the warm green tea.” She then turned towards Shuhua and Seungmin.

“Can you make it into a pot?” asked Shuhua to Jimin who nodded, “So yeah we’ll have that, a small slice of your blueberry cheesecake and… Seungmin, a cold brew?” she turned towards Seungmin who nodded. 

“Yeji, you want to share the chocolate cake?” he asked Yeji who was obviously eyeing the slice of chocolate cake on the display. She instantly grinned at him who then nodded towards Jimin who meticulously reread their order back afterwards.

Seungmin went forward to pay, only to be blocked away by Shuhua and Yeji making Jimin instantly laugh. For him, it’s a very common sight for friends, colleagues and families fighting over who to pay at the cashier. Seungmin however surged forwards again, giving Jimin his card who accepted it easily. 

“Don’t pout, you can transfer your share to my account later.” he brushed the two girls off. When Jimin gave his card back, a small buzzer and thanked him he addressed the three of them again as they were still standing hesitantly in front of him.

“Can I help you again?” he asked. 

“Ah, I would like to return it.” Yeji lifts a big paper bag she’s been carrying around, showing Jimin a big pink baseball jacket. 

He nodded, “I’ll inform the owner about that. He’s busy in the kitchen right now. You can come to me again when you guys finish your visit then I’ll take you to him.” 

The three thanked him before they walked to the second floor, hoping to get a table at the balcony. They took the one by the large window overseeing the balcony instead since all the tables there are occupied. Seungmin was shocked when Yeji went to sit beside him instead of Shuhua who judging by her face didn’t expect that either. But she only smirks at Seungmin who rolled his eyes.

“So, what is it about getting my brother together with The Han Jisung?” Yeji opened the conversation after they sat down and converse a little bit about other things here and there. Shuhua leaned back in her chair, placing a mischievous expression on her face, smirking a little bit to herself.

“As I was saying before to Seungmins here last night, I’m gathering people for my plan on getting them together.”

Yeji cocked one of her eyebrows and assessed both Seungmin and Shuhua before her face broke out into a large grin. She nodded, gesturing for both them to continue.

“So they’ve been dancing around each other for like forever, right?” Shuhua looked to Yeji who nodded, “and they’ve never been that obvious to others who don’t really pay attention to them but they are to us. I had lunch with them yesterday after being MIA-ing for the past month. It was the first time I talked closely to Jisung without any academic obligation between us.” 

“And?” Yeji urged.

“Han Jisung likes Hyunjin. But there’s something stopping him from taking their relationship further. I don’t know what it is. I want to know that first before I’m completely sure about pushing them together properly.” 

“So, you want someone close to Han Jisung to be our informant?” Yeji concluded for her who nodded solemnly. 

“Yeah, I gathered our circle of friends has emerged with his?” Shuhua regarded Seungmin this time.

He nodded, “Hyunjin and I are friends with his roommate, Innie’s boyfriend is one of his best friends and I think Yeji has been friends with his older brother figure for a long time too.” 

Yeji regarded him with a look and a roll of her eyes, “He’s my senior at the dance club.” she explained to Seungmin who only waved his hand dismissively. Yeji scowled and kicked his shoes lightly in return, making Seungmin a little bit startled.

“Yes, Yeji. Your senior.” he corrected instead after a long pause graced the table. It instantly brings a satisfied grin to her face. Both of them seemed to be oblivious to Shuhua who were staring at them confusedly. A moment passed with them still not regarding her, the little buzz at their table gone off.

Shuhua immediately took the buzzer and stood up, “Ok, whatever is going on with the two of you, don’t bring them to the table for a moment.” She took off after saying that, leaving the other two to finally break their gazes from each other. 

Seungmin scoffed to himself, he couldn't believe he lost his composure in front of Yeji out of all people. He just can’t wait until Shuhua’s little interrogating session about what just happened. Although he felt oddly complacent to Yeji after she stared at him with so much determination back then at the library, he can’t bring himself to understand what was the reason. 

A long awkward silence fell upon them. Both were contemplating how to approach the thing that happened to them on Friday night but as usual, they’re both very awkward with each other if left alone. Both are very determined to change that, only they don’t know how to break the barrier apart.

Seungmin let out a long sigh, “How’s your weekend?” he asked a little bit hesitantly. Yeji whipped her head so quickly out of surprise ouf of all the questions out there and he settled for that? She thought bitterly. 

But when she’s looking at him being unconfident with himself, fidgeting discreetly and visibly holding an urge to run away from his seat, she softens her gaze to look at him square in the eyes.

“It was tiring. I barely had enough rest and meals,” she smiled tiredly as a worried expression passed Seungmin’s face, “but I’m okay. My weekend was uneventful but as expected from a college student, right?” 

Seungmin only hummed, tucking another stray hair that fell on her face away but stopped himself midway. What is it with this girl and enticing stray hairs?

“Did Hyunie give you a hard time?” asked Yeji in a small voice, making Seungmin flustered and look away from her. He’s contemplating on what to answer. Hyunjin was surprisingly supportive after he explained everything. He and Soobin even rooted for Seungmin to properly romance Yeji if he wanted his feelings to be known or even reciprocated. 

There was also a little bit of a warning speech from Hyunjin. So Seungmin was really torn between telling Yeji’s the truth or holding it off a little bit. Maybe at least until Hyunjin and Jisung finally get together to ease the older guy’s feelings. But he already did something that made his feelings at least known out in the open, it’s only fair to Yeji if he at least comes clean about it.

“He tore me to pieces, if that’s any consolation,” Seungmin chuckled nervously, dreading the next choice of words he’s going to make, “weirdly incredibly supportive behind my reasoning once I explained to him.” 

Yeji freezed in her seat, blinking at him while it’s clear she was trying to make sense out of what he just said. It’s cute he thought fondly, almost trying to reach out to close her slightly agape mouth. 

He chooses to take mercy on her, or worsen her already shocked state, he preferred to think the former.

“I’ve had a crush on you for a long time,” he chuckled to himself, “At first it was when you sat beside Jisu at the Statistic class our freshman year. Your brown shoulder length hair back then just… You probably knew that Jisu’s in the same major as I, right?” he asked Yeji, trying to get a reaction.

Yeji cleared her throat, seemingly tried to get herself out of dazed state before she nodded.

Seungmin smiled, “Yeah since then. When I saw you at Music and Dance Club’s showcase with Hyunjin last year I admired you more. Imagine my surprise when last term Hyunjin was paired as my roommate.” he laughed, feeling a little bit silly to finally retell this to Yeji. Her flushed face doesn’t help his heart.

“I’ve been confiding in Shushu about liking you since day one. We've been neighbors and best friends since middle school, so we exchange a lot of our sad romance tales. She’s been incredibly supportive of my decisions of liking you in silence but I don’t know, since I got to know you I can’t do that anymore.” he finished with a long shaky breath.

He was about to add more but Shuhua finally arrived with a tray full of their order. Yeji slightly jumped at her seat the moment she started rambling about how one of the staff behind the counter is really cute despite probably looking much older than her. Seungmin instantly indulged his best friends in a lazy manner of gossiping before he absentmindedly put the plate of chocolate cake they were about to share in between them slightly more into Yeji’s part of the table. 

“So, do any of you know Lee Felix? He’s Jisung’s friend that tagged along with us yesterday at lunch. I think they’re pretty close.” Shuhua finally said after devouring half of her cheesecake.

Seungmin and Yeji looked at each other, their earlier awkwardness gone the moment an understanding exchange between them. Seungmin’s mouth slightly quivered upward before Yeji finally burst out laughing. Shuhua only regarded them with a confused look.

“He’s Innie’s boyfriend.” explained Seungmin to a wide eyed Shuhua, “The crush you’ve been suspecting since summer break? Yeah, apparently our baby Innie had a secret crush on a guy who helped him find his first class when he got lost. They’ve been good friends since then, to which we didn’t know about until they got together last week.” Shuhua was laughing in disbelief once Seungmin finished supplying her with information. 

She wiped away a small tear on her eyes after laughing to her heart’s content, clapping and even doubling over on her seat. When she calmed down, a look of determination set on her face. 

“Get those two on board.” she said pointing her dessert spoon at Seungmin who only rolled his eyes but there’s a slight smirk on his face.

“Can you get something from that senior of yours?” She addressed Yeji now who was about to protest because of how difficult Minho can be sometimes, but then she stopped herself and shrugged noncommittally instead.

They got Jeongin and Felix instantly on board with just a quick explanation text from Seungmin while Minho decided to be difficult about it even though when the three decided to add all of them to a group chat he complied and even supplied his own take on the plan making Shuhua a little bit irritated but then she just let him to be her co-partner. Minho then took the liberty to invite his own boyfriend, Chan and Jisung’s other close friend Changbin. 

The three of them decided to go back at 9 because it was still school week and Thursday is the most tiring one for them. When they got to Jimin again to return the jacket, Jimin took them to the staff’s break room, the room where Yeji is already familiar with. Seokjin, the owner of the jacket, instantly smiled at them the moment he saw Yeji. He was with Jihyo, the girl who helped Yeji calm down that night, another girl who looked like their age, a guy with soft round face and intimidating eyes, and Hana, the girl Yeji recognised as Hyunjin’s friend. 

“I’ve been wondering when that jacket is going to come back to me.” Seokjin said jokingly when Yeji timidly handed him the brown paper bag. Jihyo instantly reprimanded him and all of them laughed.

After a brief polite exchange and promises to not feel like a stranger whenever they’re visiting the cafe, Yeji said her goodbye with Shuha and Seungmin closely in tow. The three bowed as they got out from the break room, being escorted by Hana. They waved goodbye as they passed Jimin who was busy taking orders again. 

After saying goodbye to a smiling Hana at the outside of the cafe, the three set off to the bus stop to get back to their respective residence. They parted ways with Shuhua who lives a bit far off campus with her sisters so Seungmin and Yeji rode the rest of the way in silence. 

When they got to the campus, Seungmin decided to walk Yeji to her dorm even though she insisted for him to just go on his own ways. The silence wasn’t as bad as it was before at the bus so they just basked in each other’s presence even though there were a lot of things Yeji wanted to ask more from Seungmin. She was actually impressed with how Seungmin finally came clean to her. Her initial plan of digging the truth out of him instantly went away the moment he confessed his long time crush. On her.  

Impressed and flattered. A combo anyone can hardly resist.

Yeji admits to herself that Seungmin is attractive in his own soft ways, always making her feel safe whenever she’s around him. He also has a great sense of fashion, on some particular days when he’s wearing button up or a loose shirt, she can’t help but to admire and sometimes stare. Today however, when he showed up with a black button up underneath a simple suit jacket and jeans, nothing can explain the way Yeji’s brain short circuited for a moment, not even herself. Complimenting him was actually unplanned, she just can’t help her mouth sometimes. 

Seungmin realized how Yeji seemed to have slowed down her pace but he couldn't bring himself to initiate again for the second time after the confession he pulled back at the cafe. He also noticed how Yeji’s about to say something several times but then stopping herself midways. The stressed post confessing almost got to him but he waited patiently even when they already reached the girls’ dorm and Yeji’s only standing hesitantly before him. 

After more silence, he finally nudged her shoulder a little, “You should get inside, get some sleep for your long day tomorrow.” he smiled at a nervous Yeji.

“I’m not asking you to reciprocate my feelings, I’m not a monster, Yeji-ah.” Yeji looked up at the soft tone on his voice. It surprised her a little but she likes it very much.

“But, would it be okay for you to stay friends with me even if I never like you back?” she finally asked him this time.

“I will get over it if you want me to. It’s just, the more I got to know you as your friend, the more I admire and respect you. I’m sorry for Friday night if that makes you uncomfortable by the way, you were just too pretty. But, I shouldn’t have done that.” Seungmin chuckled and Yeji felt extremely flustered at the memory. He almost cooed at her who was trying to control her reddening face. He nudged her shoulder to get inside the building again and was about to walk away to his dorm when Yeji grabbed the sleeve of his jacket. 

His heart beating wildly on his chest, his knees almost buckled with how surprised and ecstatic he was. Yeji mumbled something but Seungmin missed that behind how loud his heart was beating on his ears. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.” he told her, who got even more red in the face.

Yeji took a deep breath before looking up again, “I said I actually liked the gesture.” she said with a steel determination in her voice this time and Seungmin can only hope his heart would stop getting so loud in his ears. He can’t even think and process her words clearly.

“After the shock wore off that is.” she shrugged, it made Seungmin chuckled amusedly.

“Look, Seungmin. I’ve had several bad trips when it comes to romance. I know you’re not a bad person and I really like being around you, a lot. But, I’m still not sure if I’m ready to start another relationship.” she took Seungmin’s hand on hers, suppressing a smile with how uncharacteristically cute they look. Seungmin admired them as well, his face finally broke into a wide smile as he tried to hide it with his other hand.

“I want to try,” she told him, “but give me some time to adjust? It still feels strange after how bad my last relationship went down but I want to get to know you more. As friends and uh…”

“As a potential romantic partner?” Seungmin asked cheekily, bringing a shy smile from Yeji.    

“Yeah,” she breathed out, “and as a potential romantic partner.”

Seungmin watches her face closely, he’s searching for her eyes and how vulnerable she looked in front of him. How extremely nervous she was judging by her slight damp hand on his. He’s holding hands with Yeji, that fact somehow only completely registered on his brain.

“I’ll give you time,” he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ears which instantly made her blushed furiously, “we’ll take it in your pace. But promise me, when you feel it won’t work, tell me immediately. I’ll be sad of course but I will respect your decision. Tell me the moment it’s too much, we will work as a team, yeah?” he asked her despite the still wildly beating heart and warm face. 

“Okay. I promise.” she breathed out a relief sigh, squeezing his hand tighter.   

“Does this mean I can take you out on dates?” Seungmin slowly searched her face, who in turn scowled at his question.

Although the word dates sent pleasant tingles up her spine.

“I’m going to wreck havoc if you don’t you wuss.” she slapped his chest, making him rub on it after the impact all while also laughing. 

“Okay, okay. We also need to work on your tendency of violence.” he said, chuckling, making Yeji suddenly huff and walk towards the entrance of her dorm building. Slightly dazed from the loss of contact and presence, Seungmin chuckled amusedly at Yeji’s retreating back.

He was surprised when she suddenly stopped and turned around to face him, “Text me! Don’t be awkward like my brother and Jisung!” she half shouted at a stunned Seungmin. But when he gave out a thumbs up, she smiled and resumed walking inside. 

Later that night when Seungmin was about to turn in for the night, he got a message from Yeji.

Yeji <3

You really look good with that jacket and button up

Minnie-ah, wear more black

Impress me

Seriously.

He laughed giddily, startling a sleepy Hyunin who was trying so hard to focus on his homework. He gave Seungmin a weird look before going back to his papers. 

Seungmin went to bed very happy that night. 

Chapter Text

“So you finally finished on your lyrics?” Chan turned around on his chair when Hyunjin and Jisung poked their heads inside the studio he usually borrowed with Changbin when they’re composing. 

“We even finished both!” answered Jisung excitedly, he was practically bouncing when he entered the room.

“The general ideas and words are there, hyung.” Hyunjin entered behind him and almost jumped when he finally registered that there were two other people in the room beside Chan who noticed and amusedly chuckled to himself.

Sitting beside him was a girl Hyunjin had never seen before, she had this brooding look about her and the slight smokey eye makeup helped contribute a lot to her dark aura. Beside her was Changbin who was also emitting a dark aura with his all dark attire but at least Changbin was smiling adorably from his seat the moment they entered the room. 

“Ah, this is Soyeon. My junior but she’s graduating with me next February.” Soyeon smiled politely when both Hyunjin and Jisung bowed.

“Hi, guys.” She waved coolly.

“Hey, Hyunjin!” This time it was Changbin who waved excitedly at Hyunjin who smiled politely in return.  

Chan then hoard the youngest two to sit on the other chairs in the room. Jisung automatically rambled on in an unbelievable speed to Chan about the first piece they were trying to make and about how he recorded some guitar pieces he made when fooling around with his friends. All the other three music production major students there instantly indulge him and give their input once Jisung plays it for them. From there they smoothly process to the next stages of finding a good beat and chord progression from the single guitar piece Jisung gave them. Hyunjin was slightly self-conscious when Chan told him to record for the guide’s track for his piece but the constant reassurance from the others relaxed him in the end.

Soyeon complimented his voice and the lyrics he wrote when he emerged from the recording booth. Hyunjin thanked her politely while Jisung visibly beamed at her. His excitement somehow made Hyunjin feel grateful and oddly turned on but he only reprimand him lightly. They worked for 4 hours, only stopped when Minho popped his head inside the studio curiously. 

“Are you overworking my babies?” he asked Chan in a mock horrified tone to be his choice of greeting. 

 Chan only rolled his eyes at his boyfriend before gesturing for him to get inside and close the door which Minho did. 

“Hyunjin isn’t your baby, Min. Jisung is.” Chan finally answered Minho’s earlier playful question. Jisung made grabby hands at Minho who automatically swatted them away.

Minho playfully scowled, “He’s my hoobae at the club, of course he’s my baby too.”

Hyunjin internally cringed at that, he couldn't believe Minho called him as his baby.

“It’s past dinner already, you guys ate something?” asked Minho to the room as he unceremoniously plopped down into Chan’s lap. The former was tweaking a layer of instrument and didn’t bat an eye at the slight intrusion.

“No, but I’m about to propose ordering something to them before you get in.” chimed Changbin. Minho hummed, putting his backpack at the foot of Chan’s chair and fished his phone out from his pocket.       

“Here?” he asked them again who just solemnly nodded, Soyeon who’ve been quiet the whole time just gave him a thumbs up, “You’re serious.” he breathed out in disbelief. 

“You can go back first, Min. I’ll finish this here a little bit with the others and then we’ll get dinner.” Chan finally took his hands away from the keyboard to squeeze Minho’s waist a little bit. His boyfriend pulled out a displeased expression at that but returned to his earlier scrolling on his phone.

“Forget it, we’ll get back together when you finish.” he said to Chan who just sighed in defeat. 

Chan resumed his earlier action on the keyboard, easily maneuvering Minho to sit more properly on his lap so he can get easier access to all the tools on the table in front of him. The other four in the room went into various kinds of flustered state at the display of strength from him. The couple seemed to be oblivious to the others’ reaction but Minho realized that and secretly proud of his boyfriend. They scrambled to their earlier post once Soyeon, who finally composed herself first, cleared her throat awkwardly.

She spun her chair around to get away from beside Chan to approach the youngest two who were silently discussing the changes on their lyrics from earlier composing sessions beside a solemn looking Changbin.

“You guys okay?” asked her.

“Do you think we should just stick to the original second verse?” Jisung showed her his notebook with their lyrics on it. Soyeon took it from him before reading them back and forth trying to make sense with their existing half finished instrumental, humming the melody slightly. After a while she nodded and handed Jisung’s notebook back.

“The first verse needs some adjustments but I like the second verse and the bridge.”

“We’ll stick to that then. Here, what about the chorus now, Nuna?” Changbin nudged her, making them work together in silence after that. The five of them worked for another hour before they finally decided to call it a day when Changbin moaned about being too hungry to function properly. 

Walking out of the building, the party of six instantly pulled on their jackets tighter at the apparent change of temperature. Changbin even sneezed out for a couple of times miserably before Soyeon handed him a small pack of tissues. They said goodbye to Soyeon who got a call from her friends dragging her to dinner not long after they got out.

“Oppa, I’ll send you the rest of my tracks by tomorrow!” she shouted to Chan who shouted and okay back. Jisung asked him what it was about, Chan explained it’s for her graduation project. She chose to make a performance next month and Chan’s helping her to be one of the sound engineers.  

Their short shouting match startled a couple who were walking past them. Later they realized it was Jeongin and Felix who laughed and automatically joined their little crowd to get their late dinner. It’s half past 9 when they arrive at the chicken restaurant Changbin’s been wanting to go. 

“Were you just leaving from the workshop, Innie?” asked Hyunjin to the youngest once their foods were at the table. Jeongin instantly scowled and sighed heavily as he bit into his chicken. 

“I swear to God! Those gremlins always have something to adjust. We barely made the presentation slides and I have to present them next Thursday.” complained Jeongin dejectedly after he swallowed a big bite of the chicken earlier. Hyunjin who was sitting across from him instantly reached out to pat his head affectionately. 

“I’ll help you with the presentation this weekend. How about that?” he asked the younger one who lighted up instantly at the offer. 

“You will?”

“Yep. After my practice on Saturday. Sounds good?” Jeongin then nodded and beamed at Hyunjin. His boyfriend chuckled beside him, also giving Jeongin his own headpats. 

They went to have an easy conversation after that, Chan asking everyone to wish him good luck for his thesis defense on Tuesday next week, Minho asked everyone to wish him good luck for his last thesis consultation tomorrow, and everyone else delivered their wishes of luck for the oldest two. All of them were laughing and having a good time with each other. 

Hyunjin was looking at the table with a fond look on his face, he looked beside him at a very beaming Jisung and couldn't help but to put his hand on the other’s tight to squeeze it lightly. Jisung startled a bit in the middle of his conversation with Felix but he lightly bumped his shoulder with Hyunjin not long after while still talking to Felix and Jeongin. A smile bloomed on his face at the gesture.

Hyunjin then looked out from the window he was leaning slightly the whole time, the street was still fairly busy with hungry college students that filled the street with various kinds of laughter. He loves people watching sometimes, to see all kinds of things happening to people passing by deeply fascinates him. 

A familiar figure suddenly came into his vision, a tall, lean and wide shouldered person with a mop of fluffy brown hair wearing a black wide jeans and a lilac fluffy sweater that looked a lot like Seungmin’s. He frowned, checking the time on his phone. It's already 10 minutes past 10 and Seungmin rarely goes out after 10 on weekdays since he still has school and is very strict with his schedule. 

The person was holding three holding three garment bags on his left hand and balancing a clear white box with two bags on his other hand. A stylish tote bag and a backpack. Hyunjin craned his neck trying to have a clearer view of the person since he saw a glimpse of a lock pendant necklace Seungmin always wears. This person is standing in front of a self printing cafe as if waiting for someone because he’s been trying to look inside the cafe a couple of times.

“Innie-yah.” Hyunjin called Jeongin while he was still looking at the person, refusing to let him away from his sight. Jeongin hummed his assent and Hyunjin can feel him also positioning his body to look out the window trying to find Hyunjin’s line of sight.

“You see that guy wearing a lilac sweater in front of the self-print cafe? He’s carrying garment bags like people from your major always carry.” Hyunjin asked Jeongin.

Jeongin gasped, “Is that Seungminnie hyung?” he cupped his hands on the glass in front of his eyes trying to block out the restaurant lights reflected on the glass. 

Hyunjin hummed in victory. I knew it, he cried internally. 

“What is he doing with those garment bags…” Jeongin wondered aloud but a moment after that, when a girl with long golden hair and a white fluffy beanie suddenly walked out of the self-print cafe with a big clear folder map Hyunjin already familiarized with for a long time and went straight the guy with lilac sweater, Jeongin let out a louder gasp this time. Attracting the others' attention who just realized the two have been glued to the glass window the whole time.

The guy then slightly turned so he’s facing the girl and the two could make out his side profile. True to their suspicion, it was Seungmin. Slightly smiling at the girl who now Hyunjin realized is his own sister and twins, Hwang Yeji.        

“Is that… Seungmin? He has a girlfriend?” Hyunjin could make out a faint gasp coming from Jisung who was trying to look out from the window above him.

“Jinnie… that’s your sister right?” Hyunjin chose to ignore Jisung.

Seungmin then put the clear white box down on the ground before he handed the girl, uhm Yeji, her bag and went to open, presumably, his own bag to put the big clear folder map inside before slinging the bag back on his shoulder. They seemed to be arguing about the garment bags after that. Yeji’s trying to get them from Seungmin who pulls them upwards out of her reach while his other hand was trying to stop her from jumping. 

My sister is so relentless, Hyunjin sighed internally.

She then suddenly huffed and folded her arms in front of her, slightly pouting. Seungmin lightly tapped on her forehead to stop her pouting then proceeded to say something, making Yeji bent down to get the box on her hands. She was staring at the box angrily before saying something Hyunjin can’t make out but it got Seungmin to instantly throw his head back to laugh. 

Seungmin calmed down a bit after that. He was looking at Yeji with an obvious fond look on his face before handing her the garment bags in exchange to carry the box in her hands instead. He balanced it on his left hip with his left arm holding it in place before gesturing to Yeji to walk. 

Hyunjin might be a little bit dramatic but he swears the next thing Yeji did to Seungmin almost made him fall off his chair in shock. 

She slotted her left arm to the crook of Seungmin’s right elbow and rested her head on his arm a little. Her white fluffy beanie squished slightly from the impact. The two walked away into the direction of the campus, leaving their acquaintances at the fried chicken restaurant across from where they were, stunned. 

  That sly dog Kim Seungmin. He’s faster than me. Hyunjin thought amusedly before detaching himself from the window, dragging Jisung who was still standing to sit back down. He reached out to the plate of chicken in the middle of the table and resumed his eating. Slurping on beer occasionally. To think that his roommate has more courage than him in pursuing his romantic interest is quite humiliating but Hyunjin’s impressed. Yeji hasn’t been comfortable enough to start a new relationship after almost two years, but there Seungmin, being his original soft and dorky self, managed to convince her to get out of her cocoon with him. 

 The others at the table were slightly baffled at Hyunjin’s slightly drastic change of reaction. Compared to when he witnessed them on Friday last week, he was oddly calm. Even Minho was a little bit unsettled but he brushed it off and also went back to munch on his forgotten dinner. 

The sun hung low in the Saturday afternoon sky, gracing Hyunjin’s room in a warm golden sunlight. He was trying to work out the best way to add some animation in Jeongin’s presentation slides after the younger one almost broke down crying out of stress. He’s currently being cuddled by a patient Felix on Hyunjin’s bed while Hyunjin, Soobin and Seungmin were fighting with the computer. 

From his angle, the two looked really soft, he even wanted to join their cuddle pile before only to be dragged by his shirt collar by a pensive looking Seungmin. It’s been 2 hours since then and Hyunjin is almost screaming out of frustration himself since lots of Jeongin teammates’ drawings refused to behave when they got inserted. 

He almost wanted to hunt all of them one by one down until they sent decent resolution drawings. No wonder Jeongin was so stressed out. His teammates barely pay attention to the presentation slides’ material but only focus on their physical piece which Jeongin claimed to be fine.  

“Hey, Ryujin. Jeongin’s asleep at the moment.” Hyunjin momentarily confused at Seungmin’s voice talking to someone, he glanced around and found out he was taking a call from Jeongin’s phone. 

“Hyunjin was trying so hard to put some animations and my other friend was trying to manually enhance the resolution of the drawings.” a pause, “You can send the materials then, I’ll pass the message to Jeongin once he wakes up…” another pause, Seungmin sighed heavily this time, “No, I don’t think so. Chaeryeong’s boyfriend? Ahhhhh… that’s not a bad idea. I’ll try to wake him now. Yeah, yeah you take care.” Seungmin finished the call and whispered something to a wide awake Felix who was cuddling Jeongin the whole time while scrolling on his phone. 

“Ryujin finished her practice and was on her way to Chaeryeong’s boyfriend. She said you’ll know who it is?” Seungmin took a seat beside Hyunjin.

“Hm, Seo Changbin hyung. He’s a junior in Music production major like Chan hyung. Why did she tell you she’s going there?” Hyunjin tilted his head at Seungmin who face palmed himself while chuckling slowly.

“Yeah well she told me she wanted to do the slide with Jeongin since they can’t exactly meet in each other's dorms. She asked Chaeyoung to ask her boyfriend to let them work there. We can tag along if we want, she said.” 

“Does Ryujin really hate the library or something?” Hyunjin sighed then went to save the presentation and turn Jeongin’s laptop into a sleep mode. He tapped Soobin and told him about what Seungmin just said. 

Jeongin looked a little bit alive when they’re walking to Changbin’s apartment off campus. He even dragged the others to stop at the convenience store to pick up some refreshments and snacks. Soobin, Hyunjin, and Seungmin were tagging along with each of their laptops thinking they’ll try to finish some homeworks while keeping Jeongin company at Changbin’s. 

They were greeted by a smiling Chaeryeong when they got there. She pat Jeongin on the back sympathetically before letting everyone in. Changbin is sharing his apartment with two roommates, Jung Wooyoung and Choi Yeonjun, whom Hyunjin knew from the dance club. All of them are in their junior year, same with Changbin. All of them were conversing in the kitchen when Hyunjin and his friends arrived. After a little bit of greeting here and there, Seungmin is the only stranger amongst everyone else who knows each or some of the oldest three. Soobin and Yeonjun are apparently best friends so he knew Changbin and Wooyoung naturally. 

After Hyunjin and his parties situated themselves at the living room part of the apartment, the other two of the oldest excuse themselves to retreat to their own rooms. Ryujin instantly went into Jeongin’s rescue and the one who hunted the other of their teammates to send material files as soon as possible. Chaeryeong helped them quietly by continuing what Hyunjin’s been trying to do all afternoon in between Chanbin’s legs on the floor while her boyfriend is resting on the couch. He gives input here and there and sometimes annoyed Chaeryeong. 

Soobin followed Yeonjun to his room while Seungmin quietly oversaw the younger ones while he’s on his laptop, probably starting on his own homework. Meanwhile Hyunjin was sitting with Felix, both were still spent from their earlier practice and trying to calm Jeongin down after that. Hyunjin suddenly missed Jisung’s random jokes at the quietness. He’s wondering what the guy is always doing at Chan’s on weekends. 

“Is Jisung always at Minho and Chan’s on weekends?” Hyunjin asked a half asleep Felix quietly. The other instantly regarded him with a knowing look and smile on his face, all traces of sleep gone from his pixie like face. 

“Most of the time. They just hang out. Well Jisung is always making something at the makeshift studio there with Chan while Minho will occasionally join or bother them if he’s not at his parent’s house.” he paused to jerked his chin towards Changbin, “he usually is there too. But since he took a liking to Jeongin and Ryujin is basically his sister, he probably skipped today.”

Hyunjin hummed, then he got his phone out from his jeans pocket when Felix only grinned. Hyunjin checks his messages and drops a reminder text to Yeji so she won’t forget her meals again. Not after what Seungmin told him yesterday about her tendency to forget eating when she’s working something at the workshop. It’s still weird to him when Seungmin sat him down yesterday and talked about his relationship with Yeji, his sister. But he really appreciated Seungmin for sharing them with him, then they talked about the siblings’ stories on growing up and how their parents are the most supporting parents ever after that. Seungmin even shared his own sibling's story with his sister and how he’s also grateful for his own parents. Hyunjin is really proud of Yeji for being honest of her feelings, opening them slowly and taking things at her pace. Both are very lucky to have found each other.    

He hoped it would work out and they could be official.

“You use that ferret keychain?” Felix's deep voice startling Hyunjin from his musing. He blinked at Felix several times until what he said finally registered on Hyunjin’s brain. He picked up his backpack to his lap so Felix could get a better view.

“So you know about this too?” Hyunjin laughed softly. Felix nodded his head and reached out to the keychain on the front pocket zipper of his bag.

“He told me he got one for you and Seungmin too.” Felix pulled his phone up, there at the top corner of his phone dangled a white cat pendant keychain, only Felix replaced the ring with a thin rubber rope. It was so cute, Hyunjin instantly coos while Felix laughed softly.

There was an unusual silence in Minho’s apartment that weekend when usually Jisung, Chan and Minho either bother each other or they play all kinds of games. Minho was concentrating on his Yoga session for the week, Chan was out to the grocery store and Jisung was watching an anime episode on his phone while laying upside down.

“Hyung?” Jisung’s voice cut through the silence in Minho’s apartment, making Minho look up from his place at the yoga mat in front of the TV, he raised eyebrows as an acknowledgement to Jisung.

“Do you think that maybe Hyunjin likes me more than friends?” The anime playing in the background was forgotten when he tossed his phone on the ground. 

“Hmm? Why would you think that?” Minho smirked internally but feigned innocent curiosity on the outside. 

Jisung sighed softly then turned his body around so he could properly sit on the couch and facing Minho who was in the middle of the dog pose in his mat. He bit his lip nervously and looked everywhere else but at Minho’s searching gaze. 

“It’s just, from what you said a few weeks ago when he came to pick Yeji up from the studio with stupid grin on his face or something… and umm, when I told you about Seungmin’s little handicraft that morning. He was looking at me with various kinds of emotions I can’t understand.” Jisung sighed as he stood up to get a glass of water from the kitchen. When he got back. Minho was already sitting on the armchair slightly panting. 

He regarded Jisung with a sympathetic look, “Why don’t you try to ask him hmm? I can’t know for sure since I’m not Hyunjin. He’s the only one who has the answer.” Minho answered instead as Jisung finished the whole glass of water. 

Jisung huffed at that. He picked up the phone he carelessly tossed to the ground before and silently resume the paused video. How exactly does one confess their feelings to their crush without feeling anxious? He might have to ask Seungmin about that since the guy was really quick on getting Yeji to be by his side. Him and Jeongin really are the most mentally strong people he has ever known. 

Minho sighed at the sudden silence from Jisung who was rambling a few minutes ago, “I can’t understand, how did you even manage to go out with your exes back then? You’re so awkward with Hyunjin, Sung.” 

“Exactly! I don’t know why either, hyung!” Jisung suddenly exclaimed exasperatedly to a slightly confused but amused Minho. The two jumped on their seats when the door to the apartment opened and closed, signaling that Chan had come back from his errands. 

Chan looked between the two as an uncharacteristic silence suddenly filled the usually loud living room at his abode when he entered. Jisung looked like he’s on the verge of crying while Minho looked amused and apologetic at the same time. They have never looked like that with each other even though bickering and arguing are their favorite pastimes.

Chan cleared his throat, two big reusable shopping bags in his hands “Do I even wanna know what’s going on or should I leave the two of you at it?” he asked the two of them who sighed in defeat at that. 

Minho sent his boyfriend a look before finally focusing his attention on a still distraught Jisung, “What if I say Hyunjin likes you too? Will you finally stop being a chicken and confess to him?” 

Jisung gave him a blank look before he finally faltered, looking at the ground. 

“I will try,” he declared, “even if he doesn’t like me, I will try now.” Minho and Chan visibly relaxed, their shoulders sagged in relief at Jisung’s declaration. 

If only he knew how true Minho’s statement was, Chan thought fondly as he walked to the kitchen and started to put the groceries away. 

“It’s okay, Sungie. Hyung knows how scary it is to come clean to someone, especially a friend about your feelings. But I’m sure Hyunjin won’t cut ties with you. He really has a good heart. You see how he cares a lot for his friends and sister, right?” Chan could hear Minho softly talking to Jisung, he smiled fondly to himself. Contrary to popular beliefs from people at the campus, Minho, his boyfriend is actually one of the kindest souls out there despite his looks and contant glaring. Chan can hear Jisung half sniffing and talking about his insecurities to Minho after a while. 

Earlier that week, one of Hyunjin’s friends suddenly proposed a plan in order for the two of them to finally confront each other’s feelings because he swears both of them are very oblivious to each other’s advances making their friends exasperated instead. He admits he was skeptical at first about the plan to nudge the two into the right direction but after seeing and hearing Jisung talking in Minho’s embrace, Chan can’t be more sure in his life ever since Hana kicked him, not literally, to finally confront his feelings towards Minho 3 years ago.

Sometimes people need a little bit of push to overcome their fears, he realized. Maybe his dear friend and Hyunjin need it too. 

Hyunjin groaned from his place on the couch beside Felix who was snoring softly. His laptop balances dangerously on his knees as he stretches his upper body. Changbin’s whole living room looked like it had been graced by a storm. Papers, electronic devices, snack wrappers and plastic bottles are scattered around the living room as the three fashion design students were losing their minds by the lack of cooperation from Jeongin and Ryujin’s teammates for the past three hours.

Yeonjun who was walking quietly passing them towards the kitchen tutted slightly, “It’s almost dinner time, you guys should take a break.” he declared, but the three heads huddling by Jeongin’s laptop seemed to not hear what he said. They’re furiously whispering with each other instead. Yeonjun made an amused expression on his face at the younger ones as he locked eyes with Hyunjin.

Seungmin and Soobin also looked up from their respective laptops, assessing the situation. They feel like they can see the younger version of them a year ago at those three. Full of drives and passion but also stress. 

“Well give them half an hour then we order something for dinner.” Changbin suddenly replied from his place at the other couch where he’s been trying to read a paper. The older ones shrugged then went back to what they were doing before. Hyunjin was tired after looking at his laptop, so he saved all of his assignments, back them up to his clouds before shutting it down. He takes his phone from beside him and starts to scroll on his social media account, finding a lot of his friends are either having fun for the weekend getting drunk at a party, get-togethers or anywhere that involves alcohol. There are also who updated their Study with Me videos, some actually studying in aesthetic study rooms or the library. Some have cute dates with their partners. Just the usual college student timeline.

Hyunjin then checked his chatting application, finding a reply from Yeji who sent him a thumbs up sticker, his mom asking about his well-being and the other are some chats from group chats he rarely bothered to look at. He was about to turn on a game when a new chat bubble appeared at the top of his chat application conversation history.

He went wide eyed when he realized it was Jisung who suddenly sent him a message. Hyunjin admits he never opened a chat as fast.

Jisungie ^^

Jinnieeeee

What are you doing?

I’m bored at Chan and Minho

They’ve been flirting nonstop today I think I’m gonna get sexiled

Are you studying?

Oh wow, you’re online…

Cute, Hyunjin thought to himself as he giggled at Jisung’s spamming tendency when he’s bored.

Me

You can’t get sexiled, Sungie

It’s their apartment

Jisungie ^^

Nuh-uh. It’s my apartment as much as it’s theirs

Hmmmm 

Btw, am I interrupting your studying session?

Me

  Whatever…

No actually. I just finished

I’m at Changbin’s apartment now

Jeongin’s been working on his assignment with Chaeryeong and Ryujin here

Jisungie ^^

Say WHAt?

That’s why Binnie hyung didn’t come here today…

Are you still gonna be long there

I’ll come down

COz my HYUngs are about to do the dirty in front of me 

HEElllppp

!!!

Hyunjin laughed out loud at that, startling the others who looked up at him weirdly. He grinned sheepishly before waving them off to their own respective little worlds back. 

Me

Oh no!

Actually, come

I’ll ask Changbin for you

Jisungie ^^

Don’t bother, he’ll let me in no matter what

Open the door for me later Jinniee

Hyunjin only sent him a thumbs up sticker. He still feels the need to tell Changbin about Jisung coming around so he does that which is automatically allowed by the older. He didn’t miss the amused and mischievous glint on Changbin’s eyes which made him slightly panicked. Was he always that obvious with his crush on Jisung? He thought. Changbin even knows it. 

About 15 minutes after that, there’s knocks on Chanbin’s door. Hyunjin instantly bolted out of the room passing a baffled Yeonjun who was also heading towards the door. He didn’t noticed the others’ curious stares this time as he was too giddy to get to the door. 

Jisung was standing there with a stupid grin on his face once he saw Hyunjin was the one who actually opened the door. He was wearing fluffy brown sweaters under an unzipped parka jacket with gray sweatpants. Hyunjin tried all of his might not to blush at the sight. Jisung’s hair was slightly unkempt from the wind and he was busy taming it down as Hyunjin wordlessly stepped out from the doorway to let him in.

“Hi, Jinnie!” Jisung exclaimed excitedly.

“Hi, Sungie…” Hyunjin exhaled the word softly instead.

He didn’t really know what came after him but he pulled a Seungmin’s move on Jisung and patted his hair down for him instead, ignoring the obvious pink on Jisung’s ears. Once he’s done, Jisung smiles gratefully at him nervously touching his hair, almost fidgeting.

Hyunjin took his hand to drag him further into Changbin’s apartment. The moment Jisung appeared, the others instantly greeted him while also looking knowingly at Hyunjin who tried so hard hiding his blush behind a sleep-addled brain Felix. The latter was just woke up when Hyunjin suddenly bolted out of the couch a few minutes ago. 

Jisung unceremoniously dumped his whole weight into Changbin who was scrolling on his phone. Chaeryeong instantly slapping Jisung’s arm telling him to get off from on top her struggling boyfriend but Jisung only slapped her hands away giving more pressure to a screaming Changbin. 

Hyunjin was slightly disappointed when Jisung chose to bother and sit on Changbin instead of taking a seat beside him now that Felix is gone to pamper his own boyfriend. 

“You guys, let’s get dinner!” Yeonjun’s voice suddenly heard among the screaming chaos. The guy was leaning against the wall watching the scene with a mix of horror and amusement. A beat later, Wooyoung peeked his head out of his room at the mention of food. 

The two then obviously stared at Jeongin who was still focusing on his laptop despite Felix already bothering him with small tickles and whispering sweet nothings to his ears. Ryujin was the one who finally relented when she caught the older ones staring at her and Jeongin’s direction. She softly nudged Jeongin out of his weird trance and finally looked up to see Yeonjun and Wooyoung and a pouting Felix beside him. 

“Thanks for that, Ryujinniee.” Felix cooed at Ryujin who gave him a thumbs up.

“I’m hungry too…” she said coolly, making Jeongin smiled sheepishly. 

“Should we end it here for today? I think it’s decent now…” Jeongin said to Ryujin who nodded and patted him softly on the back.

“It’s more than decent now, Innie. We’ll continue this tomorrow, kay?” Ryujin said as she pried the laptop away from Jeongin’s hands to save their work and upload them to hers and Jeongin’s cloud account. Meanwhile Felix tried to steer Jeongin’s attention and anxiety away from his mostly finished work with a conversation about some games Ryujin barely knew. But that seemed to work on Jeongin because he instantly glued himself to Felix who was smiling in adoration.

Yeonjun gave Ryujin a pleased smile before addressing the others again about what food they should order. A series of chorus filled the room making Yeonjun regret asking that blindly without limiting some choices first. 

After a fulfilling and loud dinner, they decided to stay and have an impromptu get-together. Chan and Minho showed up with bags of snacks and drinks, they immediately rushed to apologize and pamper Jisung as he had to run away from them a few hours before. Not long after they were followed by Yeji who just came back from a tiring day at the workshop on her work at the clothing store. She was dragging shy Jisu behind her. But as the night progressed, Jisu proved to be really another life of the party after Jisung, Wooyoung, Ryujin and Minho. 

The moment Yeji entered the apartment however, everyone immediately cheered on her and Seungmin. The not-yet-official couple instantly went beet red at the attention. Two of the most mentally strong people around flustered because their friends teased them is quite a sight to see. Despite all the teasing and embarrassed smiles, Yeji still chose to sit beside Seungmin who immediately took her hand on his. They exchanged silent greetings afterwards. Soobin, who was sitting beside the couple, tried so hard to hide his wide grin at the adorable sights. He’s weirdly rooting and invested in them. His favorite ship is about to sail.

Hyunjin can’t remember the last time he was laughing so hard and gleefully when he’s having a get-together with a lot of people. He was grateful for his growing circle of friends, and for Jisung who stayed beside him the whole time at the couch even though he’s cracking various kinds of jokes here and there. 

He almost lost it when Jisung suddenly leaned his whole body on Hyunjin and let out a contented sigh. He didn’t know it was done intentionally or Jisung was already drunk after a few cans of beer he drank. Jisung was laughing at something Yeonjun said but he nuzzled his head deeper under Hyunjin’s chin, so he couldn't help but to sling an arm around Jisung’s shoulder who seemed to accept it easily.

“Jinnie-ah…” Jisung’s voice breaks Hyunjin’s away from his internal panic. He looked down at a smiling Jisung and hummed.

“You’re so warm. I like it.” he told Hyunjin softly who only put his chin on the top of Jisung’s head. His hair smelled like apples and a slight spicy scent. 

“Yeah? I enjoy you leaning on me like this too.” 

Jisung only hummed in content while nodding, “We should do this more often, don’t you think?” 

Hyunjin didn’t know whether it was a genuine request or it’s because Jisung was tipsy but Hyunjin humored him nonetheless. Something, a bravery, suddenly filled him so Hyunjin put his other arm around Jisung to properly embrace the other boy who freezed for a moment before melting completely above him. 

The others chose to not say anything to burst their little calm and adorable bubble. All of them only looked at each other knowingly even Yeonjun and Wooyoung who caught on very quickly with just a quick glance at the pair and a brief eye contact with the eldest two who only smiled at them. 

A pleasant buzz of conversations filled the room, lulling everyone in the room into a calm state of mind. 

Chapter Text

“So, you mean to tell me they just cuddled and then when it’s time to go home, they’ll just proceed like usual, like nothing ever happens?” Seungmin can hear the exasperation of Shuhua’s voice from the phone, he suspected her rolling her eyes at the same time at that.

“Yeah… They even went as far to nuzzle each other’s hair…” piped Yeji who was listening to the conversation. Seungmin put the phone on speaker mode. The two girls have been going at it since the first second Seungmin picked up Shuhua’s call and put it on speaker mode. 

There was a big pause from the other end, Seungmin completely sure Shuhua was rolling her eyes, “Even if we caught them kissing, they won’t do anything about their dilemma until one of them steps up and just puts an end to all the drama.”

“Like what Seungmin did to your relationship.” She added after a while with a maniac chuckle. Seungmin yelled an indignant protest which only fueled his friend’s mirth.

“Well, we’re still trying, okay? Yeji’s an angel unlike those dense dumb duo.” Seungmin retorted in return. Yeji only rolled her eyes and gave him a look.

“Oh my god, yes! DO tell me about that sudden confession! I’m still pissed off after one and a half years of pining. You finally confess and the first person who knew that is Hwang freaking Hyunjin?! Minnie-ah!” The moment Shuhua said that, Yeji instantly passed the phone down towards Seungmin and pretended to focus back on her drawing even though she has been neglecting that for the past hour they’ve been sitting at the bench at the park near the boys’ dormitory. 

“Charming…” he mumbled to Yeji who stuck her tongue out in return. He then proceeded to tell Shuhua the short rendition of his confession towards Yeji that night and their agreement after that. She squealed excitedly here and there making Seungmin want to instantly hide somewhere Shuhua couldn't find him until her interest averted into something else, probably her own love life. When he patiently amusings his friend about his embarrassing confession, Yeji just listens attentively to him who also finds the whole situation funny. 

“What a hot guy!” Shuhua finally hollered a laugh, making him want to come and strangle her, “I mean despite me being a little shit about it, I’m rooting for the day you guys become official.” she then finished it with a little bit of fondness in her voice. 

“I mean, we’re exclusive. Just taking it very slowly…” Yeji chimed in and Shuhua immediately agreed. Hearing that makes Seungmin really soft on the inside. He knew it’s not going to be an easy journey for the both of them to be in this kind of relationship, but if Yeji wanted to try for them, what can Seungmin do but to take the chance and learn with her along the way. People might confuse on addressing them sometimes after a week being exclusive and showing the others that they are as serious as Felix and Jeongin, who also finally become boyfriends. Or even Chan and Minho and Chaeryeong and Changbin. But it doesn’t matter as long as they both understand where they are going. Even though maybe in the end something happened and they can’t continue being as close as now, he won’t hold it against Yeji. Knowing her story, he’ll cherish their time together as long as he breathes. 

“I’m happy for you two, truly. So, yeah, back to our original conversation… What do you think about the advancement of our plan?” Shuhua asked the silent Seungmin and Yeji after a while. 

“Get them in a locked room, wait as they solve the retching sexual tension by themselves.”

“Min…”

“Tricked them into thinking they’re going to have an outing with us but then we’ll bail on them at the last minute so they’ll have no choice but to go on a date.” input Yeji, eliciting an excited gasp from Shuhua and a pat in the back from Seungmin. 

Yeji smiled a smile when both of her eyes crinkled and her nose scrunched. Seungmin gathered all of his will power not to kiss her adorable nose. But Yeji noticed his eyes flickered and lingered to it so she leaned in into his space, tilting her head so the prominent feature on her face on his vision was her nose. Realizing her intention, Seungmin leaned down to give a peck on her nose, making her giggle softly. 

If anyone noticed he got his ear pink after that, no one said anything. 

Seungmin cleared his throat, realizing Shuhua was talking really fast and he missed half of what she said. But apparently, Yeji has been paying attention and the one who indulged Shuhua further into the plan the whole time Seungmin spaced out. After about 5 more minutes of talking, the three, more like Shuhua, finally satisfied with their general plan and decided to carry them the moment they find out when Hyunjin and Jisung’s relax time for this week or the next.

Shuhua finally hung up after making sure that the two of them come back to her as soon as possible with Hyunjin and Jisung’s schedule for the next two to three weeks. Seungmin exhaled tiredly as he put his phone back in his jeans’ pocket.

“I can’t believe she talked for an hour non stop.” he sighed, leaning back to the bench’s headrest then spreading his whole arm out, trying to stretch. Yeji only giggled softly.

“She’s the mastermind of this plan, Minnie. Let her be. Since she can’t really socialize that much after her lessons these days.” 

Seungmin only hummed. He finally regarded Yeji who was back to drawing on her tablet. They come here bundled up from head to toe with warm apparel for her to find a change of scenery to finish her designs. They haven’t spent some time together hanging out after that Saturday because Yeji’s schedule is packed with work, practice and deadlines. Sharing lunch together on Wednesday and Thursday with Hyunjin and Jeongin was the only time they could see each other face to face. When Yeji had a bit of free time after her practice on Thursday night, Seungmin needed to finish the outline of his paper so the moment Yeji found out he decided to have a relax night on Friday and get away from books, laptop and basically academic obligations she took it up upon herself to drag him to be her company to the park 2 hours ago. 

The air was warm that day but it’s still chilly for the first week of November so both of them showed up in bundles of warm clothes. Instantly laughing when they saw each other almost drowned in the fluffiness of their jackets and thick outerwears. When Yeji asked Seungmin whether he missed her or not, he flicked her forehead playfully then told her to just do her homework instead but the slight pink of his ears gave him away and Yeji internally danced in victory. She found out how considerate Seungmin is after 2 weeks knowing him more in a different light, he even showed up in front of one of the rooms in the fashion workshops area she worked on the whole afternoon to drag her to get dinner and helped her run errands past his usual night rest time.  

“Didn’t you usually drag Hyunjin here?” Seungmin asked after watching Yeji fussing on her tablets for a while. 

Yeji hummed, “Yeah… But I want you here today so…” she finished softly, briefly regarding Seungmin with a soft smile before returning back to her drawing. Seungmin gushed internally. For someone who wants to take things slow, Yeji is quite bold and that does numbers to his heart. He wants to be a cheeky significant other too sometimes but he doesn't know if that will make Yeji uncomfortable or not. The way she offered her nose to be kissed did something to him though. 

“I can always climb to your window,” Seungmin whispered conspiratory, “third floor right?” he finished, cocking his eyebrows playfully. Yeji widened her eyes, giving him an amused and mortified look before slapping his arms repeatedly while Seungmin only chuckled.

Unbeknownst to the two of them, Hyunjin was spying from a window of his room that gave him a full sight of the park, a scowl and amused grin on his face. He huffed before averting his gaze somewhere else on to the other couple or interesting group of friends who chose to socialize in the first week of cold November. I can’t believe I’m spying on my sister, he cringed.   

That afternoon, Hyunjin was walking along one of the busy streets in Seoul, he was just getting back from the park, enjoying his little break on Sunday after weeks busying himself with campus’ life. He just got back from his parents house, being fusied and babied by his mother might be a little bit embarrassing for someone his age, but he understands that once in a while he needs to yield to how his parents show him love. Yeji usually visits their parents when she got off from work and got a little time off before having to go back to the dorm, meanwhile Hyunjin only visits when he absolutely has a whole afternoon to evening off because he rarely needs to go out of the campus’ area. 

“Your sister came home last Wednesday looking all skinny. Look at you too!” His mother berates him all morning when Hyunjin gives her a hug and she finds out he barely has chubby meat on his body.  His father only chuckled and patted his head affectionately. 

“Do you want us to send you off with some food you can share with Seungminnie? How’s he by the way? You know I like your roommate this year, such a polite boy! Invite him here sometime, Hyunjin-ah.” Mama Hwang almost gave Hyunjin a heart attack because of that. Imagine their shock when they found out that their daughter is currently having a relationship with Seungmin. 

He went back with a really nice feeling even though he’s a little bit amused when Seungmin suddenly appeared on the topic of conversation with his parents. The first time he brought Seungmin to his home was when Seungmin helped him pick up a big bag worth of food containers which lasted 2 weeks in the dorm refrigerator. It was in May when they barely started a new term and friendship together. Both of his parents instantly took a liking to how polite Seungmin is and how he connected so much with his parents when they were having conversations during the two’s visit. 

I wonder how they’re gonna take the news about Seungmin and Yeji together, Hyunjin chuckled to himself, secretly looking forward when Yeji’s going to break the news to them.  

Hyunjin walked his way into one of the movie theaters where he, Jisung, Seungmin, Yeji, Felix and Jeongin agreed to meet to catch the newest released movie. He was actually a little bit shocked when Seungmin asked him about his weekend plans where they usually just tell each other important bits on their day schedule to head up the other in case something happened. Seungmin asked him yesterday, claiming that he’s itching to watch the newest released movie and wanted to go for an outing with the others as well. 

He made it into a triple date plan, that charming guy. Probably just a reason to take Yeji on another date. 

When he got into the lobby, none of his friends were there yet so he instantly went into the self-print ticket machine to print their tickets all at once since everyone received the order info from Felix, who booked them, in case one or more of them will be late. He checked the impromptu chat history he made for this plan and everyone was actually in shambles. Jisung’s the only one who is on his way while the others are just basically screaming nonsense about getting late and other stuff. They got 20 minutes until the movie started. He really doesn’t want to be the only one who got stranded while holding 6 tickets. 

“Hyunjin-ah!” Hyunjin almost jumped on his seat in the lobby when Jisung suddenly appeared behind him. Jisung hollered a satisfied laugh while Hyunjin could only scowled, clutching his chest with all his might.

“That scared me, Han Jisung!” He threw a single punch into Jisung’s arm who immediately winced in pain even though he’s still laughing. 

When Jisung finally calmed down, Yeji approached them confusedly with Seungmin in tow. Both of them were wearing a color coordinated outfit with each other, lilac and beige and were holding hands when they got to a scowling Hyunjin and almost couldn't breathe Jisung. When asked by Yeji, Jisung instantly went into a rambling mode with his own reenactment of scaring Hyunjin. The couple only responded with small chuckles.

“I’m gonna get popcorn, anyone’s coming with me?” asked Jisung as he was about to walk into the snack counter. Seungmin immediately pry his hands off Yeji’s gently and wordlessly stood beside him.

“Get me a sweet one?” asked Yeji to Seungmin who only gave her a thumbs up with the most soulless expression on his face. He then gave Hyunjin an inquiring look with a raised eyebrow.

“Just a hot americano. I’m freezing. I’m just gonna steal Jisung’s popcorn.” Hyunjin sent Jisung a wink which made the other stick his tongue out instead. He sauntered off towards the counter with Seungmin who was smirking to himself. Despite Jisung’s unbothered but goofy persona, his pink ears told Seungmin about how Hyunjin’s wink affected him.

The siblings were sitting at the lobby side by side without saying anything after their companions left for the snack counter. Until Felix and Jeongin finally found them. The couple were panting when they got to where they were. Hyunjin checked the time, it’s 5 minutes before their film starts, he only raised his eyebrows at them.

“Minnie and Jisung are at the snack counter if you guys want to munch on something.” said Yeji to both of them only to be brushed off. Jeongin told her that they don’t really fancy snacks at the moment as they were cutting back from sugar a little bit. 

The four of them meet with Seungmin and Jisung when they just got out of the line and when straight to the studio they’re about to watch the film in. Hyunjin distributed the ticket to the rest of them and led the way to their seats. He purposely chose the seat beside Jisung not only because he want to still Jisung’s popcorn but also because he wanted to. 

They went with two couples anyway, it’s only natural for them to be seated beside each other. But it seemed like he wasn’t the only one with a plan. His target looked like he’s enjoying his time beside Hyunjin way too much. The movie they were watching was an action one, well granted it has a little bit of jumpscare moment here and there because its subgenre was thriller. Jisung is usually the one who loves to give everyone horror story or movie recommendations and he’s the least scaredy cat Hyunjin knew in his whole group of friends. But during the whole movie, Jisung kept on finding Hyunjin’s arm to clutch whenever he got startled. 

Weirdly enough, Hyunjin loves the attention. Between the two of them, Hyunjin is usually the one who gets scared the most and very easily. Jisung is also the one who usually showered him with a lot of care and attention. So, to be the reliable one this time made him giddy with happiness. It made him proud. 

At one point, Hyunjin just gave his right arm up easily to Jisung making the other clutching on it for dear life throughout the whole movie. He even played with Hyunjin’s bracelet when he was in a deep focus on the movie. Amazingly, despite all the distraction and how hard his heart was beating, Hyunjin still managed to pay attention to the movie. 

If the other four of their friends who were sitting one row above them saw Hyunjin leaned his body towards Jisung and the other one rested his shoulder on Hyunjin’s shoulder, they didn’t say anything. 

Or they did, to Shuhua, Minho and Chan after the movie was done. 

Hyunjin and Jisung don’t have to know about that. 

“So, how’s the movie on Sunday?” A sudden voice and pressure on his head almost made Jisung jump on his seat. Minho put away the lunch box bag from the top of Jisung’s head, putting them in front of the sulking Jisung. 

“Hyuuung. It hurts!” whined Jisung dramatically to Minho who only rolled his eyes in return. But he reached out to pat the younger’s head and blew on it softly.

“There, there, Jisung’s back as new.” 

The simple action made Jisung grinned widely, his eyes behind the round glasses sparkling more than it usually does. Minho smiled softly to himself as he was taking a seat in front of Jisung on the park’s wood table. He got his simple lunchbox out of his bag. 

“I asked you a question, Sungie.” Minho gave Jisung a look. The younger finally relented and told him about his time at the movie yesterday. He didn’t leave anything out and even made Minho laugh out loud with some details he shared with Hyunjin in a small voice. 

“So, you cling to him the whole time?” asked Minho in mirth.

“I did, okay? Shut up. He let me clinged to him, hyuung!” 

Minho only brushed him off and told him to continue eating his lunch without mouth wide. 

“Soooo, do you think he got your signals, yet?” Minho asked after a while.

Jisung automatically sucked into his own head after that question left his best friend's mouth. He actually did his best conveying his emotions and intentions to Hyunjin. For the past week, he tried all his might to be a little bit more clingy to Hyunjin, even almost making Soyeon sock his face for limiting her space at the studio when they visited the music production major students again last Tuesday. Luckily to him, Hyunjin immediately switched his place with Jisung and stopped the doom from unfolding. Not long after that, Hyunjin rested his hand on Jisung’s thigh casually, giving it a gentle squeeze that sent numerous inappropriate thoughts to his brain. 

On Thursday, when Hyunjin visited him at work, he even flirted with the guy. Only for it to backfired and Hyunjin flirted back with him, he almost elbowed one of his coworkers who was passing by him on the cashier. Hyunjin just casually sauntered to one of the tables directly on Jisung’s sight after that and gave him sweet smiles the whole night until he clocked out of his work for the day. 

Sunday was a great time for Jisung, he got to cling to Hyunjin without feeling guilty and weird about it since they were engulfed in darkness and Hyunjin actually let him clinged until the movie ended. But that doesn’t compare to Friday when Hyunjin literally prevented him from colliding with a huge buff guy when they were walking at their department lobby by hugging him tight. He was engulfed in Hyunjin’s long arms, his height even helped him feel really comfortable because Jisung could put his chin in Hyunjin’s shoulder and managed to get a whiff of Hyunjin’s sweet floral perfume. Not to mention the growl Hyunjin made at the guy who didn’t even stop to apologize, his mind went into an overdrive hearing that. Hyunjin’s usual soft demeanor Jisung familiar with this whole time was replaced by something else he doesn’t want to revisit. 

A soft flick to his forehead woke Jisung from his daydream, when he finally got his focus back to his surroundings, he was met with Minho exasperated stare. Jisung immediately ducked his head down and put a spicy stir fry meat ball on his lunch box made by Minho to his mouth. His best friend was waiting until Jisung finished chewing before cocking his eyebrow at Jisung in silent question. 

Jisung cleared his throat, “I spaced out, sorry,” Jisung paused as he put his chopsticks’ down, “Uh, yeah. I think he got it. Really well. Cause, I think he’s been flirting with me this whole time too.” he finished, dreading the next response from Minho’s mouth. 

True to his suspicion, Minho smirked before asking a really obnoxious, “Really?”. 

Jisung sighed then took off his glasses. He rubbed his face with his hands in frustration. Despite being happy, ecstatic really, for Hyunjin’s advances but his heart could barely take all of them. Minho teasing him only makes him more embarrassed.

“Keep flirting and being obvious for now, but don’t say anything yet. Hmm, at least for another week. We’ll blindside Hyunjin afterwards. You gotta trust me on this one.” There was a slight mischief in Minho's voice and Jisung really didn’t want to know what Minho really had in store for him and Hyunjin.

“You didn’t even hear my explanations about my suspicion though, hyung.” 

Minho gave him a look as if Jisung just sprouted something totally ridiculous from his mouth, “I don’t have to. Your suspicions are valid.” 

“Are you a psychic, now?” 

“Nope. I simply know everything.” Minho answered and ignore Jisung’s incessant questions afterwards. He’s going to have a lot of things to say to Shuhua about this interesting development. But his lunch first and helping Chan finish his thesis defense revisions afterwards. He will have to text the group later.           

“Hyung.” Jisung's voice stopped Minho from his musing, he regarded Jisung with a small smile after seeing the younger one looked like he’s in distress.

  Jisung was staring at Minho’s face as if he was searching for something on the older’s face before finally settling with, “Nevermind, Chan hyung is so lucky to have you…” that was simply what Jisung said. 

Minho only frowned before shrugging.   

There must be something Jisung wanted to ask him, but if he doesn’t want to share it, Minho won’t push it because he knows Jisung would eventually tell him when it becomes a bother in his head. 

Minho was sitting at one of the tables in Borahae Cafe with Chan sitting in front of him with an opened laptop. His boyfriend has been glaring at the laptop the moment they take a seat. Minho is even scared that he’ll throw it somewhere if Chan can’t find anything to write. They’re friends with most of the staff at the cafe, so there are moments when they popped by at their table to give them friendly smiles as greetings.

Chan groaned miserably before rubbing his face harshly. Minho cringed to himself at the harshness his boyfriend inflicted upon his own face. He’s so pale and easily got red, he’ll whine to Minho later about that. 

“Chan-ah.” Minho tries to get his boyfriend’s attention but Chan groans only intensifies. Minho sighed, when he got back to their shared apartment that afternoon after he accompanied Jisung on lunch Chan was already stressed cleaning the whole kitchen. He avoided touching the laptop and his revision with all his might. When Minho finally managed to sit him down, Chan was whining all the time, claiming the need to change the scenery so they decided to come to Borahae Cafe. 

It has been an hour ago.  

“Hyungie.” Chan stopped abusing his face when Minho called him with his rare syrupy voice, he peeked out from between his fingers to look at Minho, still propping his chin on his hands. A dopey smile was starting to form on his mouth, Minho smiled in victory as he saw that. 

“You should probably revisit that again later or tomorrow, Channie. Come sit beside me now, you can hear me talk about what happened to Jisung and Hyunjin instead.” Minho patted the vacant seat beside him. Chan immediately got up and sat down beside an expectant Minho. He was smiling gratefully to him all the time. Glad to finally be distracted a little bit from the stressful revision that did not come back to him at all. 

After Minho told a little bit of what Jisung told him that afternoon, a twinkle on Chan’s eyes was back again a little bit. Something that Minho is always grateful for. He hollered a good natured laugh as his head finally a little bit clearer. Chan put attention fully on Minho, his body turned towards him as he propped his head with his hand against the table, giving Minho a full view of his dimpled smile. 

“I can’t believe how shameless those two are! They’re even more difficult than you were back then, Minho-yah.” Chan poke Minho’s side teasingly which was easily dodged by the latter. 

“I’m not that difficult! You were! Have you forgotten when Hana nuna literally broke down your dorm door just because you were in complete denial back then? And she’s my ex-girlfriend!” Minho whisper-shouted at him as Chan only laughing, feeling a little bit silly with himself.

“Okay, okay, okay! She could probably hear you and will tease me nonstop!” Chan whisper-shouted back in between laughter. Minho only looked at him fondly before shaking his head. 

“I could just call her. She’s probably somewhere downstairs at the bar.” Minho teasingly stood up, only to be dragged back by a whining Chan. He suddenly invaded Minho’s personal space and circled his arms around Minho’s rigid body. 

“I’m sorry, kitten. Hm?” Minho finally relented and patted his boyfriend’s shoulder lovingly before detaching himself and sitting down properly on his seat.

“I can’t believe Minho can be tamed like that.” the arrival of someone’s voice startled the couple. When Minho looked up, he was met with a pair of Yeji’s teasing eyes. There was a Seungmin standing closely behind her and another girl he recognized as Shuhua. He never really properly met her, her KTalk profile picture was his only reference. But by finally seeing her up close, Minho can understand where that mischievous mastermind comes from. She reminded him a bit of Hana when they were still in highschool. Full of kind energy but also mischief and strong determination. 

“Oh hi you guys! Finally here?” Chan spoke before Minho could even retort a comeback to what Yeji said before. So he resorted to sticking out his tongue.

“Yeah, we got held up by my paper. They unexpectedly refused to be printed at the cafe. We need to change twice. I’m sorry if you guys have been waiting long.” Seungmin slightly bowed to convey his regret only to be brushed off by Chan who instantly got up to pat his shoulder repeatedly in reassurance that they weren't mad and steered him to sit down.

As everyone else also sat down, Shuhua finally introduced herself to the older two and they instantly warmed up to each other with her easy going personality. When Chan said he wanted to go somewhere else for a change of scenery, Minho immediately proposed an idea of a little gathering with Shuhua, Yeji and Seungmin since the three were the one who introduced them to The Hyunsung Operation. So he asked them whether they’re available or not and apparently all of them are, only a little bit late since they just came back from their respective schedules. After some catching up, Minho easily steered the conversation towards Jisung’s point of view about the last Sunday outing he and Hyunjin went to with Seungmin, Yeji, Felix and Jeongin. 

“Should we just lock them in a room for like a day then hope for the best for them to cut through that thick tension?” Chan suggested to the group who only gave him a look of disbelief, only Seungmin who reached his hands out to give him a high five which Chan easily took.

“It’s like witnessing a weird combination of friendships formed.” Minho commented dryly after he witnessed them. Both are genius people in their respective field but they could be really absurd sometimes. Minho really can’t understand his boyfriend’s friends sometimes.  

“We’ll just use them as the last resort, okay?” Shuhua finally relented after having to hear that suggestion twice. He gave both Chan and Seungmin a stern look. It’s easy to sway Seungmin to behave, he usually behaves well but sometimes his absurdness baffled her, it was surprising to see Chan who she just met instantly silent and gave her an affirmative thumbs up.

“So, Minho seonbae has told Jisung to keep going on with his seductive slash flirting attempts to Hyunjin and I’ve told my dearest Hyunjinie to do the same to Jisung without both of them knowing each other’s intention. The next stage is to carry Yeji’s plan.” Shuhua then told the others about the elaboration of Yeji’s simple suggestion last Friday about ditching them in a group hang out so they’ll be forced to go on a date. 

“Since the seniors are busy, I think you can send me to spy on them while they go on that date.” Seungmin finally suggested after their never ending schedule sync up, “I’ll blend easily. I’ll use one of my mainstream college guy clothes.” he added after he got a look from Minho. They have already told Seungmin about how Hyunjin easily recognized him and Yeji in the middle of busy college district.

“Don’t tag along with your partner, Yeji-ah!” Shuha warned Yeji who looked like she was about to say something only for her to immediately close her slightly agape mouth. Minho instantly hollered a laugh making Yeji scowled at him. 

“I told you someone will render you speechless, Yeji ah!” Minho exclaimed excitedly, slapping his thighs repeatedly in glee. 

“You should’ve seen how she usually lost her words with Seungmin, then.” Shuhua said simply but that only made Minho screeched more. Chan instantly tried to maintain his boyfriend by putting his arm around Minho’s neck who was squirming as he laughed.

Seungmin saw a staff member was approaching their table, he secretly tried to get Minho’s attention to stop laughing but he was too late, as the staff was standing tall by their table. Despite her small height, her strong aura took up the space as if she’s towering above all of them.

“Min-ah.” it was what she simply said, making Minho instantly stop. His eyes widened in a mix of horror and shock as he slowly looked up from Chan’s loosening grip to look at her. Yeji was the one who looked amused in turn.  

Minho gave her a sheepish smile before muttering a soft, “Ah, Nuna. I’m sorry. I’ll keep it down a bit.” 

The girl only smiled widely after that before telling them to have a great time and to enjoy their foods and walking off to wipe down a table.

“So there’s someone else above Chan seonbae?” Yeji tilted her head with a sly smirk towards a slightly flustered Minho, “Interesting. I definitely need to get to know your ex-girlfriend better.” 

Shuhua and Seungmin can’t help but let out a shock and quiet laughter at Minho’s expression after Yeji said that. Seungmin mouthed ex-girlfriend to Yeji with an inquiring expression on his face. His own girlfriend only grinned and whispered softly about telling him later.

Chapter Text

“You’re going to be at Yeonjun hyung’s place for the night?” 

“The whole night. I already made plans with him a week ago, Han Peter Jisung.” Soobin stood in front of a sulking Jisung who was battling with his shirt buttons, “Besides, you had plans with Hyunjin and the others till late at night today anyway…” he slapped Jisung’s hands away and looked down to adjust Jisung’s buttons instead. 

Last night, Jisung was really ecstatic about Hyunjin and the others planning to take him out to his favorite Borahae Cafe since today is Saturday and for once most of their schedule syncs up. He was back at around 11 at night bouncing in his steps when he told Soobin about it. Jisung was panicking about what outfit he should pick for today since it’s been a while since he went to a cafe unless it’s for work. 

“You went there last month with your cousin, Sungie-ah!” responded Soobin to a panicking Jisung.

“Yeah! But not with Hyunjin!”  Jisung was pacing back and forth in their room, almost red in the face, “What should I wear Syoobiinniiee?!”  

Jisung settled on a simple blue shirt with a cream sweater combo and a pair of light jeans after he dug down his entire wardrobe. Jisung’s day to day outfit usually consists of simple hoodies, sweaters for some occasions, and formal shirts for some college formal lectures. He rarely wears elaborate outfits but his cousin told him to pack some of them just in case he’ll go on a date with someone, or he needs to go to a party. Jisung was glad he listened to her advice.

“You never left me the whole night on weekend tho…” came a huffed reply from Jisung. Soobin was holding the urge to roll his eyes at that. He wanted to tell Jisung how sometimes he left Soobin a whole weekend to bother Minho and Chan but he held it. It’s not like Soobin minded it, it’s just Jisung can be so whiny sometimes. 

“It’s okay, you can invite Hyunjinie over or just stay at Seungmin’s and Hyunjin’s dorm like I usually do.” Soobin patted Jisung’s shoulder a little bit too hard as he finished fixing Jisung’s outfit. Wincing in pain, Jisung slapped Soobin’s arm back on reflex which only got him a laugh from the other guy.

Jisung then twirled in front of Soobin who only nodded his approval while clapping. Hyping Jisung up with some whistles and excited yells. 

“You look cute, Jisung! There’s no way Hyunjin won’t fall for you after this. Call me if you need anything, yeah?” Soobin was practically shoving Jisung out of the room after he made sure his friend got all of his things. Slightly bewildered at Soobin, Jisung blinked blankly before flipping Soobin off right when his roommate closed the door on his face. He could hear Soobin’s maniac laugh from behind the door before sighing and went to get Hyunjin from his room. 

After Soobin’s laughter died down, he immediately sent a text to the group chat hastily then got ready to go to Yeonjun’s place since he can’t really stay in the room in case there’s an escalation to the last stage of the mission. He can only hope.

“Mission stage one, complete. Target 1 proceeded to pick up target 2. Puppy, stand by your post.” 

As soon as Seungmin read the text, he couldn't help but to laugh out loud, some people instantly looked at him weirdly.

“Soobin is having way too much fun with this.” he said to no one in particular, pulling down his cap so it shaded his face a little bit more. Since Hyunjin can easily recognize Seungmin by his choice of outfit alone, Shuhua and Yeji dressed him in a mix of clothing from their other friends. He’s wearing Jeongin’s older brother’s cap, an old faded gray hoodie of Changbin’s with a long padded jacket Jeongin borrowed from his friend Keeho, a pair of his own jeans he rarely uses, and a pair of sneakers from Wooyoung who was informed by Changbin and immediately demanded to be included in the group chat. He was also wearing a black mask and took off all the accessories he usually wears daily. 

He was stationed at one of the benches in front of the cafe with Shuhua's sister’s coffee tumbler in his hands. Minho let Seungmin brew his own coffee at his place an hour ago since Seungmin was actually a little bit anxious about spying on them. He was supposed to foresee Hyunjin and Jisung's arrival before following them inside later. He already told Hyunjin last night that he was needed in his parents house for the night and will come back tomorrow at noon so he can’t join him and Jisung. Yeji was actually busy on Saturday evenings since she needed to go to work so after she sent him off an hour ago at Minho’s apartment, she’s actually at work now. Yeji told Hyunjin that last night, he was sulking a little bit before shrugging and pushing his sister back to her dorm. 

Jeongin and Felix was the one who asked Hyunjin and Jisung to hang out at Borahae last Thursday as the very first stage of the mission before the actual one today. The two immediately agreed, which then left the Jeongin/Felix couple to bail on them at the last minute while they were actually just chilling at Minho’s with the others. 

Seungmin’s phone suddenly vibrated on his jacket pocket, he took it out and saw the notification from Felix who cleared his part of the mission. He was actually worried that Hyunjin and Jisung wouldn't actually show up at the cafe but as he put his phone back, he saw their backs slightly slouched after getting off the phone, arriving on the sidewalk in front of the cafe. 

Jisung was wearing a light blue and cream combination outfit, which is really cute in Seungmin’s opinion. The guy was rarely seen wearing something cute and with soft colors, so it was actually a fresh change. Meanwhile Hyunjin standing beside him, wearing all deep beige apparel from his shirt to his sweaters and trousers. His sneakers and jacket were the only things that were black. Hyunjin actually looked really tall standing beside Jisung and dressing like that. 

He’s wearing trousers, Seungmin chuckled to himself. He knew Hyunjin sometimes dressed up and his wardrobe actually looked like it came straight out of a dark academia aesthetic pinterest board, but he usually wear them on special occasions, so to witness his roommate standing tall like that wearing trousers beside a soft cute Jisung, he’s sure Hyunjin has down bad for the shorter one. 

He saw Hyunjin trying to calm a petulant Jisung down a little bit at the entrance of the cafe. When it looked like Jisung finally relented, Hyunjin brushed his hair aside sweetly before offering his hand to Jisung who took them gingerly as they went inside the cafe. 

Those lovesick oblivious fools! 

Seungmin quickly typed out a message informing the others about the escalation of the plan. Shuhua instantly sent him a thumbs up and told him to watch his distance. 

He exhaled heavily before emptying the rest of his coffee down, putting the tumbler away in his tote bag before walking casually towards the cafe. He was taking his time as he observed the two quickly made their order and took a seat on the first floor near the back door of the cafe. 

Seungmin frowned, who in their right mind would choose to sit at the first floor area of the cafe if they’re not corporate people who were trying to look cool with their laptop in a cafe full of college students. But he shrugged then got inside when the queue at the cashier had dispersed. 

“Hi! How are you today?” asked the girl who Seungmin recognized as Jihyo from his brief visit to the break room back then.

Seungmin lowered his mask a little bit and smiled, “I’m fine thank you, how are you?” 

“I’m doing quite well, thank you. So, what can I get you today?” 

“An ice americano and a slice of your yummy green tea cake please?” 

“Certainly.” Jihyo smiled as she rang up his order and took his card. When she handed him his card back with a small buzzer, Seungmin bowed in thanks before pulling his mask back and off to find a seat near Jisung and Hyunjin’s table but hidden from their sights.

Since Jisung was the one who faced the front of the cafe that time, Seungmin settled at one of the hightables near a floor to ceiling wide window, diagonally from the other two’s tables. He could still hear them as they were speaking in a normal voice but he blended with the other occupants of the long table. Most of them are with their laptop so Seungmin took out a notebook that was part of his disguise today, a pen and his phone. He hung his tote bag at the side of his chair. Jeongin actually just got the black plain canvas tote bag from one of the street merchants yesterday for him. Yeah, it’s for this mission.

He can see the two reflections on the full body length mirror decoration if he looks to his right, but other than that, Seungmin will rely on their conversations most times. He was really afraid he'd get caught if he glanced at the mirror too often.   

For a while, they were only talking about their shared projects. They finished recording the two songs after so many lyrics adjustments, from what Seungmin gathered. So they’re waiting for the last stages of the production before they hand them. He realized the two were quite fast at that since it’s considered a big last project for the semester. It’s only been one and a half months and they are already at the last stage of production? 

Well, they are brilliant. But still, two cowards when it comes to their love life. 

Seungmin quickly got up to the counter when his buzz vibrated. He slightly bowed to the person minding the counter before getting back to his table as fast. 

But as he got back to his table, he realized the duo was silent. He dared himself to check them on the mirror. He didn’t know what happened while he was gone for a few minutes, but Jisung’s face was looking furiously red at the moment. He was avoiding Hyunjin’s gaze as much as he could while Hyunjin was shaking his right leg really fast. Seungmin worried he will bump them on the table with how little the gap between the table and Hyunjin’s legs.

 Seungmin quickly typed a message informing the others about the sudden change of situation of their targets. Minho was the one who replied first.

“Jisung probably blurted something embarrassing but I think it’s something to do about his feelings too. I don’t know, keep watching them.”

It was what he wrote. So Seungmin decided to calmly enjoy his drink and dessert while waiting for the two to talk again. Hyunjin suddenly broke the awkward atmosphere by asking something to Jisung that Seungmin didn’t catch as the bell at the top of the cafe rang at the same time Hyunjin said that. 

“Why do you say that?” Jisung’s voice as he answered Hyunjin however sounded really strained, an uneasy feeling was starting to grow on Seungmin’s stomach. Are they fighting now?

It was a while before Hyunjin spoke again, this time with a softer but firm voice, “I don’t know what I am supposed to think, Sungie. I’ve been giving you signals all the time, but you always looked like you wanted to run away from me.”

The terrible terrible silence follows afterwards. It was too eerie even for Seungmin’s standard. The only thing that he was hearing was the soft thud of a cup put into the table from the person who was sitting beside him and a pleasant low buzz from the other cafe goers. When he looks in the mirror, Jisung has various kinds of emotions on his face. 

He can also see, however, how hard it is for Jisung to not run away from his seat.

Another moment passed, Hyunjin even tried to get Jisung’s attention by touching his hand softly on the table. The touch immediately awakened something in Jisung as he suddenly exhaled loudly then looked at Hyunjin with determination. Hesitation was visible but it was also obvious with the way he tried to ignore it.

“It was wrong.” was all Seungmin could hear from Jisung. The slight intake of breath however really itches his curiosity. But Seungmin busied himself with scooping the cake into his mouth. Trying to ignore the urge to jump to their table to make them kiss already.

“I liked you back then. But I was really afraid of jeopardizing our friendship. I value our friendship too much, Hyunjin. I’m sorry.” 

Back then? What does he mean by back then? Has Jisung stopped liking Hyunjin?

So many questions were swirling on Seungmin’s head. There’s no way. From what Minho said, Jisung was stressing about everything Hyunjin did to him for the past two weeks as attempts of flirting and courtship. 

A silence fell between the two again. Seungmin internally cursed. Why didn't Hyunjin say anything to that? It was a perfect opportunity to get something out of Jisung right away. Why did he hesitate? When he checked the mirror, the two had already gone back to their beverages and assortments of desserts. 

Stressed out by the turn of the events, Seungmin angrily shoved the green tea cake into his mouth and gulped down half of his americano. He can feel the person beside him was giving him a cautious glance but Seungmin couldn’t care less. He can’t take the two of them anymore but at the same time he was unable to butt in to slap some sense into their brain. He promised himself no matter how bad the night turned out, he would not interfere.

Suddenly he can hear a slight scrape of the chair being pushed, Seungmin almost looked into their direction instinctively but he stopped himself, trying to hear the hushed exchange from them instead. He could hear Hyunjin excusing himself to get into the toilet and Jisung answered with the smallest okay Seungmin ever heard.

“No! You don’t understand, Shu! He just went to the bathroom and then they went back to conversing about the project after he was back at the table. The convo was actually really forced but then they just ate those cakes before deciding to go on a stroll at the park nearby the cafe afterwards. It’s ridiculous I can’t take it anymore!”

“Did you get to finish your own cake?”

Seungmin frowned at the question before looking down at the hovered spoon near his mouth, “No. I’m still at the cafe but I changed my seat to spy them from here instead.” he finally said as he shoved a spoonful of the cake into his mouth.

There was a series of chuckles from the other end, he probably was put on a speaker since he could hear Changbin yelling about “jump and get them to kiss already!” 

“What are they doing at the park?” This time it was Minho who sounded very worried but pissed off at the same time.

Seungmin hummed distractedly as he was slurping on his coffee when Minho’s question suddenly came out of nowhere, “Just sitting side by side on the swing. Both of their heads were hung low but Jisung clinging on the small of Hyunjin’s jacket sleeve.” he reported back to Minho who only mumbled disgruntledly. 

After another five minutes passed, Seungmin finally got to finish his own cake and americano before hastily leaving the cafe clutching his phone to his ear. He told the others to wait for a bit as he connected his airpod to his phone before putting them safely in the inside pocket of his jacket. He ran into Jimin who looked like he was freezing at the back of the cafe where Seungmin was heading towards the park. He lowered his mask then slightly bowed to the guy who suddenly beamed and waved at him excitedly before taking off towards his friends.

As he got near the park, he saw Hyunjin and Jisung suddenly get up from the swing and walk hand in hand towards the direction of the campus. Seungmin immediately quickened his steps but also keeping his distance, he made sure to make his mask safely secured to his face.

“They are walking towards the campus. Hand in hand. I think they’re going back already. Oh-” Seungmin stopped dead in his tracks as he saw Hyunjin put Jisung’s hand inside his pocket while also still holding onto it tightly. 

“Hyunjin put Jisung’s hand on his jacket pocket while also holding it.” He continued his report for the others. Seungmin can hear a cheer distantly from the other line, it vaguely sounds like Jeongin. 

“Seungminniee. I know I can rely on you when it comes to undercover missions.” vaguely he can hear Shuhua praising him but Seungmin was too distracted with the density of people walking from the other way. He was afraid of losing Jisung and Hyunjin who were walking further away from him. A lot of people were blocking his line of vision and he almost risking sprinting to catch up with the other two in front of him.

True to his horror, Seungmin lost them not long after he almost bumped into someone and apologized to them. He broke into a sprint while also being more careful with his surroundings. He can’t afford to get run over or bump into anyone again. He just needs to find their mops of hair. His friends on the other end seemed to pick on Seungmin’s lack of report as they were conversing hushly between themselves. Waiting in bated breath.

Frustrated with himself, Seungmin decided to take the path towards the campus instead. He’s praying that’s where the two are heading right now. After running lightly, Seungmin finally spotted Jisung’s familiar sweater vest sight. He finally went to a slight jog before stopping completely, walking within a safe distance from the couple. 

“They’re walking towards the dorm.” he finally said breathlessly. Seungmin instantly heard a collective sound of relieved sighs from the other line and Shuhua telling him that he did a good job. He chuckled slightly to himself for the ridiculousness of the situation.

He’ll have to book the cheapest foot massage session after this. So much running just for tailing two oblivious emotionally constipated idiots in love.

Judging by how close the two were walking side by side, Seungmin suspected that they had resolved their earlier tension before at the cafe when they were sitting on the swings. They were practically in each other’s personal space and none of them seemed to shy away from it. Their slight height difference from the back is also really cute, so he can’t resist taking a quick video of them and instantly sending it into the group chat. 

As Seungmin stopped in front of the dorm entrance to wait for them to reach the third floor before following, he can hear a series of excited and disbelieving squeals mostly from Shuhua, Felix and Jeongin. He rolled his eyes but smiled to himself at the same time.

After he deemed it would be safe to follow them, Seungmin took off a little bit quickly towards the third floor where he, Hyunjin and Jisung’s dorms are located. He told the others to wait for his report later because he was planning not to talk at all once he reached the third floor or when he found the two. He instantly stopped at the top of the stairs when he could hear hushed conversations that suspiciously sounded like his two friends. Seungming thanked all the gods above for the placement of Jisung’s room. He can still hide behind the wall as Jisung’s room is one room away from where he was standing. 

“I still can’t believe Soyeon nuna almost punched me in the face two weeks ago!” Jisung’s voice was a little bit loud when Seungmin finally picked up on their voices. Both of them were laughing really loudly after that. 

When they were finally calmed down to catch their breath, Seungmin was grazed by another thick silence. Rolling his eyes, Seungmin willed himself to cautiously peeked a little from behind the wall to see what’s the cause of their repeating awkward silences.

They were just staring intently into each other’s eyes. Hyunjin apparently had already backed Jisung’s flushed with the door. But he was only looking at Jisung fondly, both of his hands in his jacket’s pocket.

“You were so clingy to me that day, Seung.” Seungmin could barely hear Hyunjin as he was speaking in a soft voice. Heck, he almost breathed it into Jisung’s jaw. He can see Jisung was having a little bit of difficulty breathing as his chest was heaving visibly. He was holding Hyunjin’s gaze in a stubborn way before softly saying.

“I can’t help it when you look really hot that day.” 

“Hm? I was wearing my normal practice outfit, Sungie!” Hyunjin let out a disbelief chuckle.

Jisung however flickered his gaze towards Hyunjin’s lips for a moment before looking back to Hyunjin’s eyes while the taller one was visibly clenching his jaw after he caught Jisung’s slight eye movement. 

Seungmin almost groaned in disgust but he held on. 

This is now or never. 

He won’t even let anyone get up the stairs. But judging by the quietness of the hall and basically the whole dorm, he won’t need to do that.

“I lied at the park,” Jisung finally said to an expectant Hyunjin who tilted his head inquiringly, “I still like you.” Seungmin almost let out an excited whoop at that but he stopped as he doesn’t want to ruin the buildup and also because Jisung hasn’t finished yet.

Hyunjin only blinked after hearing that but his whole face was flushed.

Seungmin already planned to tease him to no end after this. It’s only right. 

Jisung tucked a stray hair out of Hyunjin’s face before running his eyes to scan Hyunjin’s entire face before finally saying, “You know why?” he breathed out to Hyunjin who shook his head no, “Because I can’t wipe the memories of you in that tiny ponytail that day out of my mind. Or the way you’re so oblivious to my advances all this time. Even the way you put up with my clinginess and competitive nature. Because you’re also a friend who understands me on a different level than the others. Because you’re you.” Jisung finally finished.

It’s not only Jisung who was waiting in a bated breath for Hyunjin’s response but Seungmin can’t help but to go back to his earlier position, completely concealed behind the wall and trying to calm his racing heart. 

Okay, Seungmin was invested despite feeling all weird about spying on his friends’ confessing their feelings to each other. No one can blame him for that.

After a few seconds Seungmin slowly peeked again, he could see Jisung was starting to regret his decision as Hyunjin was still standing closely to him. Jisung looked like he wanted to open the door to his room and hide behind that. 

Seriously, the Hwang siblings are quite slow coming after a shock. Seungmin can vaguely remember Yeji’s cute expression when she was trying to put two and two together about his feelings for her. However he was almost laughing at Hyunjin’s completely gobsmacked expression. 

He could see Jisung was about to open his mouth to say something again but stopped by Hyunjin who suddenly cradled his face on one of his hands. It looked like Jisung’s face was almost covered with his whole palm.

“So you mean to tell me we could have been boyfriends a long time ago?” asked Hyunjin to a relieved Jisung. 

“I guess. Our friends probably fed up with us playing cat and mouse all this time.” 

“Wait, a long time ago?” Jisung slightly raised his voice and widened his eyes when he finally registered what Hyunjin said. The latter was only chuckled fondly before nodding his head. Jisung’s face finally broke out into a grin as he was also laughing.

About the damn time! Don’t blame Seungmin for feeling annoyed at them.

When Jisung finally calmed down, he touched Hyunjin’s hand which was still cradling his face before putting their foreheads together. The two of them giggled softly as they looked at each other’s eyes fondly.

Seungmin instantly backed up into the wall because he felt like intruding this time. He didn’t know how he managed not to squeal at the sight but he was amazed at his dedication to stay composed even though inside, he’s laughing maniacally, satisfied with the outcome. He’ll have to pat Shuhua at the back for forcing him to be their spy, and probably a hug to Yeji for giving the ideas.

“You can go now Minnie-ah. I’m about to kiss Jisung senseless, I’m sure you don’t want to see that.” Seungmin who was about to descend from the stairs and fly to Minho’s place suddenly stopped in his tracks, a chill suddenly ran up his spine. 

He was already satisfied with the progression of their plan and was planning to leave them alone but Hyunjin’s suddenly raised voice shocked him.

Seungmin even almost jumped when he heard a slight gasp from the airpod in his ear. He forgot the call was still on. I guess the others picked up on that since Hyunjin was quite loud.

Fucking hell… Seungmin cursed internally before rolling his eyes.

Yeah, of course he’ll get caught sooner or later. Hyunjin is a pretty observant person, there’s no way he didn’t catch Seungmin peeking. Well, his abrupt movement when they were touching foreheads probably did it.

Scoffing to himself, Seungmin raised his middle finger from behind the wall so the two of them could see before he took off from his post for the past 15 minutes for real this time. Hyunjin’s loud laugh was following him in the distance as he descended. 

“Come Seungmin, I’ll make you kimchi jjigae. Yeji has arrived with some pastries for you as well.” It was the last thing Seungmin heard from Minho when he stepped into the bus, too lazy to walk to Mnho and Chan’s apartment. The line was disconnected from the other end as he only hummed his assent and took a seat tiredly into the first vacant one his eyes laid on.

Seungmin decided that he will sleep at the older one's place tonight, he doesn’t have it in him to commute back again later.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin knows how it feels to be held. He loves to be held even though sometimes he doesn’t know how to voice them better. Ever since he was a kid, his parents have been very affectionate with each other and also with him and Yeji. They usually have a cuddle pile every once in a while on the living room sofa and Hyunjin always loves them. 

In his opinion, their cuddle pile is the best . His mother gives out the best embrace out there, he loves it when Yeji just casually plopped down beside him to cling herself like a koala, or when Seungmin would indulge him, albeit half-heartedly, in a half shoulder embrace whenever Hyunjin felt affectionate or even Jeongin who let Hyunjin almost crushed him with the tightest hug ever.

As much as he loves getting cuddles, Hyunjin only received them from his very tight circle of closed ones and Jisung is one of them.. So, to be held by him, muscular but tiny Jisung, Hyunjin can’t help but to swim on the content feeling, not denying himself of the most comfortable feeling he ever felt all his life. 

The first time it happened accidentally, it was when Seungmin led Jisung to sleep on Hyunjin’s bed and he woke up to arms circled around his waist with Jisung’s slightly squished cheeks on his chest, Hyunjin’s heart was his biggest betrayal. Thumping like crazy behind his ribcage. To feel Jisung’s tiny waist that morning, despite the grogginess made Hyunjin crave for more. The second time it happened, they were both too tipsy to actually remember. But Hyunjin does, even though it’s in fragments. He remembered how perfectly Jisung fit in his embrace.

Hyunjin pinched his arms hard and almost yelped in pain. He still couldn’t believe the both of them were finally confessing their feelings for one another. He didn’t expect that Jisung would finally tell him about all of his insecurities of confessing and how the both of them are just the same cowards all this time. 

Not to mention very stupid. 

It took literally the whole village in order for them to finally work up courage and exchange a very simple “I like you.” 

Last night after they finally kissed each other for a whole 2 hours in Jisung’s room, they talked the whole night about everything until they fell asleep around 2 in the morning. Jisung was a very clingy sleeper but Hyunjin only let him since he also loves getting cuddled by Jisung.

His pretty little Jisung.

Hyunjin has been caressing Jisung’s hair ever since he woke up, he still doesn’t want to get up even though he has to take Yeji shopping in a few hours. Jisung is currently squished on Hyunjin’s chest. The two of them didn’t shy away from touches ever since the door to revelation had opened last night. It’s also probably the both of them have craved for each other’s touch all this time bottling up their feelings. 

Jisung suddenly stirred awake and let out a contented sigh not long after that. His eyes automatically roamed about and assessed his whereabouts. Hyunjin softly chuckled as Jisung buried his nose deeper into Hyunjin’s embrace when he finally realized who was the person he's been holding all this time. 

“Good morning, handsome.” Jisung finally croaked after he was satisfied with his position.

“Good morning to you too, Sungie.” Hyunjin mumbled softly as he kissed the top of Jisung’s head. His bed hair was a mess of blonde birdnest, his roots are starting to blackened again. Hyunjin noticed absentmindedly as he kept on stroking Jisung’s head.

“What time is it, Hyun?” the boy in his embrace suddenly stretched his body out, knocking Hyunjin’s face softly. Hyunjin grabs Jisung’s hands from offending his face while chuckling as he can sense Jisung did that on purpose. 

Hyunjin checked the digital alarm clock on Jisung’s bedside table to see that it’s already 10 in the morning. They managed to get so much sleep, huh.

“It’s 10, babe.” 

Jisung giggled at Hyunjin’s answer, “I still can’t get used to it when you call me babe just like that.” 

That made Hyunjin also giggled. It comes really natural to him to call Jisung that.

“I guess I need to say it more often, don’t you think?” Hyunjin put Jisung back into his embrace even though Jisung was purposely squirming. They were laughing and tossing around on Jisung’s small bed for a while before finally getting up when Hyunjin’s phone kept on vibrating from the desk where he put it last night.

It was a call from Yeji.

“Get up loverboy! You promised to take me shopping today. Chop! Chop! We’ll have some brunch.” Her voice was too cheery for Hyunjin’s liking. 

Hyunjin groaned as he plopped back down into the warmth of Jisung’s open arms. 

“You have Kim Seungmin at your disposal now, Ji. Use him.” he sleepily mumbled to the phone.

“Yah! Doesn’t mean you can just neglect your Oppa’s duty now!” both Jisung and Hyunjin jumped at Yeji’s sound from the phone. Hyunjin even had to put his phone away from his ear.

“Gosh! I’m only joking! How can I ditch my precious little sister for my own boyfriend, hmm?”

“Urgh, now he’s bragging.” There's a soft gag from the other end but it doesn’t sound like Yeji at all, it suspiciously sounds like Seungmin.  

Hyunjin immediately jumps on it, he can’t help it, his Seungmin radar always on whenever there’s a manifestation of the guy, and besides it’s his sister even though she’s a grown ups, again he just can’t help it sometimes.

“Are you with Seungmin now, Yeji?” Hyunjin immediately sprung up from the bed. He took his keycard from the back of his trousers’ pocket at Jisung’s chair and took off to his room which he found to be empty.

The response wasn’t immediate, so he continued, “You are! Where are you right now, Hwang Yeji?!” He scrambled to Jisung’s room again, almost bumping into a bewildered looking Soobin who just appeared from the corner where the stairs are at.

“Oh my god, Hyunjin! We’re at Minho’s! We sort of had a party last night since you two are finally hooking up-”

“We’re not hooking up!” yet.

“Sure you big wuss. Whatever. I’ll pick you up in an hour. You better be ready or God helps me!” Yeji was basically screaming from the other end, making Hyunjin ducked his head in embarrassment when the line was finally dead. Jisung was laughing from the bed, slapping his tights and all.

Soobin who finally entered the room immediately slapped Hyunjin’s arm lightly.

“Wear your pants for goodness’ sake, Hyunjin!” 

Jisung’s cackles intensified. Hyunjin only glared at his boyfriend before finally putting his trousers on. Soobin patted him on the back before plopping down onto Jisung’s bed, putting the other’s legs on his thighs.

“I got some yummy custard bread from Yeonjun hyung’s place of work. Have some breakfast, you two.” said Soobin to the couple before he lazily made a beat by slapping Jisung’s legs. Jisung, who was sitting, finally regarded his roommate. His scrutinizing gaze might look intimidating if it wasn’t for the fact that his face was still puffy from sleep. So he looked funny to Soobin who was very aware of the staring.

“You were at Minho’s too last night, weren’t you?” asked Jisung finally.

“Yep.” was all simply Soobin while grinning at the same time. 

Jisung let out a shocked gasp, he was clutching the left side of his chest and dramatically wailed about betrayal and loyalty. Soobin only laughed at his friend’s antics while Hyunjin only blinked blankly at the two.

Yeji was dressed in a really cute attire that afternoon, a white sweater with woolen lilac skirt underneath a cream colored coat, she styled her hair in a low bun with few tendrils of hair framing her face. The sun was shining brightly that day, making her look like she just came out of K-Drama. She was leaning on a lamp post looking up at Seungmin in front of her where they were talking about something Hyunjin can't catch. But they looked really really nice laughing softly with each other. Fighting off a fond smile, Hyunjin walked towards the two of them.

"Should I dye my hair dark brown again?" she asked Hyunjin when he finally reached them. Hyunjin only shrugged, his sister looks good in any hair color so it doesn’t really matter. But from past experiences, when she asks his opinion about something, he’ll have to just answer truthfully or she’ll get upset.

"It's up to you. But I like that hair the best." Hyunjin finally settled for an answer.

Yeji slightly pouted, "Not this golden brown?" she gestured at her tendrils.

"I think you need to trim it a bit? But you look good sis." Hyunjin swatted Seungmin's arm lightly, "Tell my sister she looks good, Minnie ah!"

Seungmin winced but his expression remained passive, "I've been telling her that for the past hour. Now you bring up the length!" 

Oops…

"Yeji ah, you look really good, okay? I like the way you look, Seungmin likes the way you look. We probably prefer a certain style or color but you really don’t need our approval or anything, you look really, really good!" Hyunjin softly caressed her hair. 

Doing some lame damage control attempts.

"Just do what you feel is right for you, okay? I love it when you're comfortable with yourself. Like I kept on telling you since you suddenly barged on me when I was brushing my teeth,” Seungmin gave Yeji a look who immediately offered him a weak sheepish smile, “Dark brown softens your look a bit and I might be bias since that is my favorite color on you but I'm not complaining with these golden locks too." Added him encouragingly.

Hyunjin went wide eyed the moment he heard about the brushing teeth comment. 

Just what exactly happened at Minho’s , he wondered.

"Hmmm, you guys spoiled me." Yeji giggled before finally standing straight, peeling herself off from the lamp post.

"Kay then I’ll take your advice into consideration. Since Hyunnie is here," She straightened out Seungmin's jacket, "you can run along to your sister now. Thanks for keeping me company." 

Seungmin nodded, giving both the siblings a side hug before venturing toward the dorm building, "I'll see you guys later."

"Text me." Was all he said to a beaming Yeji who was waving enthusiastically.

Once Seungmin disappeared towards the building, the twins immediately took off from the dorm towards the station nearest their campus. Both were giggling like a pair of school children. Thankfully, they caught the train at the last minute before it disappeared. It was a little bit quiet when they got in since most of the people were probably sleeping in or the rush hour of weekend afternoon is just right around the next stop. 

The twins were sitting beside each other quietly with linked up arms since sleep was still catching up on them and they didn't want to miss their stop. 

Once they got out of their stop, Yeji immediately rants about a small cafe she wanted to try near the mall they were planning on going to. After a little bit of arguments because Hyunjin sucks at reading the map, the twins found the cafe and got their brunch there. 

“What are you going to wear to Seungmin’s sister engagement party, again?” They were in the middle of eating when Hyunjin finally wondered aloud. 

Yeji passed her phone down to Hyunjin, a meticulous note about outfit combinations and references to get opened for him. 

“Choose the most suitable one for me please? I personally love the navy blue fit and flare dress and Seungmin said he likes the two piece soft pink dress. So it’s between the two because I like his suggestion as well!”  

Hyunjin read the whole note and carefully weighed all the dress recommendations on it. He told Yeji that he likes other dresses with similar style to what his sister picked before, only in different colors. It was a soft mocha color. Looks sophisticated but simple and screamed Yeji a lot. His suggestion only added more to Yeji’s frustration. The engagement party is next week, she already cursed Seungmin inside out for asking her to be his date just last week so it’s frustrating for Yeji to pick an outfit in just a span of two weeks. 

“Why do they want Seungmin to bring a date anyway? It’s not like a wedding ceremony?” Hyunjin asked Yeji who sighed in defeat after she finished her tall glass of iced coffee.

“You already knew that the groom’s parents are one of those people who live abroad for so long, right?” Hyunjin nodded, “Yeah so that’s why they want to throw a small party for the engagement. All of the siblings from both sides were expected to bring their own date, I actually didn’t know for what reason since Seungmin is as clueless as us. Probably just to mingle? I don’t know, Hyun!” she threw her hands up in the air. Hyunjin can only chuckle.

“Good luck meeting the extended family, sis!” he hollered a loud laugh after seeing Yeji’s sour expression. They aren't official yet but Yeji is going to meet Seungmin’s parents and extended family. Oh, the comedy. 

After the brief brunch, they went to the mall. Hyunjin was glad that he chose the comfiest sneakers he usually uses for dancing today. Because he has an inkling that Yeji will not be satisfied with just 2 or 3 stores. True to his suspicion, she went to stores after stores just to find the right outfit she’ll wear for a maximum of two hours for the engagement party. He almost calls Seungmin to switch places with him but then Yeji finally found an elegant flared navy midi dress at a local brand store in the mall. 

Satisfied with their adventure at the mall, they decided to visit their parents to have dinners with them since it’s been while both of them present together.  Upon seeing many bags Hyunjin was carrying, their mother automatically went into a full interrogating mode. Hyunjin isn’t the type who will throw their siblings under the bus but looking at Yeji struggling for an answer, he can’t help being tempted by it. However, Yeji chose a path he didn’t even see was coming. 

She mumbled very quietly, “My boyfriend asked me to be his date to his sister's engagement party.” 

Their dad who was infamous for being very laid back and usually just let their mother handle the twins’ shenanigans, dropped the things he was doing and immediately rushed towards Yeji who was trying so hard not to run away. Meanwhile, Mama Hwang only looked at Yeji with a visible astonishment on her face.

“Why did you never tell us you have a boyfriend now? Yeji-ah, since when? Is he a boy from a good upbringing family? What major does he take in the uni? He’s from the same university as you, right?” It was a little bit hilarious to see his dad showing so many emotions in just one sentence. Never in his 21 years of life Hyunjin saw his dad this excited. Even though Hyunjin feels bad for Yeji, watching his dad is more entertaining. 

“Appa, relax! Slowly, slowly, I’ll answer them.” Yeji tried to calm their dad who was practically bouncing. Yeji turned away slightly from him to glare at Hyunjin who calmly sat at the sofa munching on some apples their mom cut earlier.

Hyunjin only shrugged while scoffing to himself, she brought it upon herself, why did she glare at me?

When all four of them were situated comfortably on the sofa, Yeji calmly answered their dad's earlier questions. Convincing them that he’s a good guy from a family with good upbringings, he’s majoring in psychology, they’re going to the same university together, they’ve been together for about a month and as to why Yeji never told them about him, she explained that she’s actually still taking things slowly so she doesn’t think it’s the appropriate time for them to meet.

“But you both are in a relationship, right?” It was the immediate response Yeji got from her mother. She was looking at her apprehensively.

“We are, eomma. We are.” Yeji reassured her with a smile. Even though their Mom still looks like she’s unconvinced, she smiled back at Yeji. 

Finally taking pity on Yeji, Hyunjin jumped in and told them that it was actually Yeji’s request and both reached a mutual agreement on taking things slowly but also in a very exclusive relationship at the same time. He told them that Yeji and his boyfriend were trying not to rush into things but both of them have a clear attraction and appreciation towards each other. Dad was the first one who understood and told Yeji to bring him once they decided to take things officially. 

“You knew this boy, Hyunjin-ah?” As expected it was their Mom.

Hyunjin was hesitating whether to disclose the information that Yeji's mysterious boyfriend was actually Seungmin all along or keeping things vague. But he decided to tell her the latter. He didn’t know how they were going to take the news.  

“Of course. It’s someone Yeji is in a relationship with. I have to know him first before anyone, eomma.” The smile on Yeji’s face was worth it.

Thankfully, their mother finally relaxed at Hyunjin’s answer even though the moment after that her face fell. 

“Well, it’s a shame. Eomma actually wanted to introduce you to Hyunjin’s friend. But I’m really happy for you, dear. ” She addressed Yeji with a reassuring smile, “You remember the boy I told you about? The one he brought at the start of last term to help him move his many things?” she scoffed and Hyunjin playfully gasped at her, “You weren’t home that time, but he was really polite, Yeji-ah. He’s tall, well-mannered…” she trailed off and sighed heavily. 

Hyunjin, who knew who she was actually talking about, really tried to hold his laughter this time. Fate and her silly little scenarios are just really amusing sometimes. 

“You remember him right, dear?” Mom turned to Dad now. 

“I do. I remember that chap really well. I think he’s majoring in Psychology as well, isn’t he Hyunjin-ah?” Hyunjin only nodded at that. Yeji however finally registered who is the person her Mom has been talking about. She remembered that day when Hyunjin was being dramatic about moving day even though Yeji managed just fine on her own. 

Fighting an amused and embarrassed laugh, Yeji took her Mom’s hands on her lap to carrassed them lovingly.

“Eomma?”

“Hmm?”

“By any chance, was his name Seungmin? Kim Seungmin?” Hyunjin and Yeji wait for their parents’ memory to catch up on them. When their dad finally exclaimed his affirmation happily, Hyunjin finally burst out laughing. Their parents jumped a little bit at the sudden loud laughter but then they curiously looked at Hyunjin. 

“Eomma, Appa. My boyfriend’s name is also Kim Seungmin.” 

Both of their parents finally joined Hyunjin whose laughter only intensifies after seeing a realization dawned on their faces.  

“Oh, you kids are really fun!” was all their mother said as she calmed down. 

That really turned things around during their whole dinner together. All of them take turns telling stories about their life. Parents talked about work and current neighborhood gossip, meanwhile the children talked about their own academics and college’s life. Their parents never really pry unnecessary into the children's life if they don’t want to disclose more. But they always try their best to be present whenever the twins need them. That’s why most of the time, Hyunjin and Yeji felt comfortable sharing their worries. They appreciate their parents' gesture at honoring each of their own personal spaces.      

That night, their dad decided to drive them back to the dorms as they were bringing a lot of shopping bags and a big bag containing a bunch of food containers for them to share and store in the dorm refrigerator. 

“At this point I think the two of you should just rent an apartment to share. There’s no way those foods are going to fit in your small dorm refrigerators…” commented their dad once they were on the road and the two bickered about where to put the rest of the food their Mom packed for them.

Hyunjin and Yeji stopped bickering then regarded each other with silent questions. After a moment they only shrugged, and decided to address the subject later.

“Appa will help look around if you guys want? Besides, it’s almost your third year. I think both of you will need more space. If you’re good with the idea, I’ll bring it up to your mother later. I think she’ll agree.” said their Dad who sensed the silence was an indicator that the twins were actually considering the idea.   

“But what if Hyunjin decided to go to his military enlistment next year?” Yeji finally wondered.

“You got the apartment to yourself, Yeji-ah. Think about it. 2 years without your annoying big brother! Appa will help you with the rent when Hyunjin’s in the military, don’t worry.” their dad chuckled teasingly and Hyunjin only sulked.

“Appa! What if I decided to enlist at 28?” 

“It’s your call, son. Appa’s only joking.” he giggled while reaching out the back seat to pat his sulking son, but he was clearly satisfied to get Hyunjin riled up. Between his children, his son is the one who resembles their mother a lot. Easy to teased and a short temper comes as one package. Meanwhile Yeji got his calmness and laid back personality. Even though, her feistiness clearly inherited from their mother. 

Around 30 minutes after that, they finally pulled up at the parking lot nearest the student’s living quarters. After their dad helped them unload the man bags they have to carry towards each other’s dorms, the twins gave their father a long big hug. 

When he finally drove off, Chaeryeong and Jisung, who were contacted before by Hyunjin and Yeji, appeared from behind one of the cars still parked there. Only, Seungmin was supposed to be in Jisung’s place. Hyunjin didn’t remember texting his boyfriend to help him carry their big bags.

Jisung, who clearly saw the surprise and confusion on Hyunjin’s face, decided to take mercy on his boyfriend.

“He panicked and frantically knocked on my door when he received your text. So I offered to go on his behalf instead.” Jisung laughing softly then pointed to one of the trees behind Hyunjin, “he’s actually there. Hiding in case your dad is going to interrogate him since the truth is finally out.” Jisung is fully laughing now, joined by Chaeryeong who also found the situation really amusing.

Yeji glared at the tree Jisung pointed before and not long after, Seungmin appeared. He was looking really lost but also scoffing to himself.

“I’m still not ready. It was too sudden!” was all he said to Yeji who immediately relented and went to give him a small hug.

“You’re ridiculous sometimes, Minnie-ah.” said Yeji and Hyunjin immediately hummed in agreement. The five of them only laughed before deciding to part ways carrying the many bags Mama Hwang decided to give them.

Chapter Text

Jisung was really swamped at work that Thursday night. It was very uncharacteristic of his usually quiet and calm workplace so full of people. Felix on the bar didn’t fare any better if he’s honest with himself, the guy was basically almost faint. That night, there was a big group of people who used the cafe at their meeting place and they kept on ordering things from the menu, not to mention their other customers whether regular or not, that also appearing way too many than usual. 

The others at the back of the bakery section of the cafe even went to the front to help with Felix and the other two baristas. The bar that night was quite understaffed, Jisung realized but that wasn’t a problem before. It’s the sudden influx of corporate people…

Minding the cashier, Jisung had to leave his post a couple of times to help the baristas even. He can see Jeongin worried glances at them at the counter from his seat at the table near it even though the younger guy was trying to mask it by being busy with his laptop and tablet. 

When the stream of order finally died down, Jisung was back at his post on the cashier after he nudged Felix and gestured towards Jeongin who was just really trying to focus on what he’s doing now since the situation has calmed down a little bit. Jisung saw Felix make a cup of hot cocoa to replace the empty one on Jeongin’s table before bringing it to his table. 

Jeongin was a little bit startled but he received the cup with a wide appreciative smile for his boyfriend. He touched the back of Felix’s hand slightly and then they conversed a little bit between themselves. Felix smiled, ruffled Jeongin’s hair before he walked back to his post behind the counter. He muttered something about ‘I can’t really take this mentally anymore.’ when he passed Jisung to get a napkin from the cupboard beside him. Jisung only scoffed softly to himself.

When it’s already 9, they haven’t even started to close the shop yet because the earlier group of people was still conducting a meeting there so all of them were hesitant about starting their closing routine. Felix almost glowered in anger, there was a dark gaze about him and the others were starting to worry. Their manager finally appeared from the back room and approached the people still there while flipping the sign around to “close” at the door.

Jisung, Felix and the others scrambled to start their closing routine the moment their manager arrived at the table and softly talked to them. There were hushed conversations that seemed quite heated, making Jisung and Felix throw cautious glances at each other. The bell on the door rang, startling everyone at the cafe. Jisung was about to wave whoever came in away but stopped himself as he locked eyes with Hyunjin’s wide wandering eyes. 

However he didn’t approach Jisung and went to sit with Jeongin instead. Hyunjin promised to pick him up from work when they were still in class that afternoon so Jisung didn’t really bat an eye when his boyfriend suddenly appeared at the cafe.

It was another thing for the people who were still arguing back and forth with his manager. 

“What do you mean you’re closing? Someone just got in!” one of them yelled and pointed at Hyunjin who confusedly blinked his eyes before a realization dawned on his face and he immediately put on a visible scowl. 

Jisung can see that their manager is fighting the urge to roll his eyes but the strained smile on his lips made it impossibly hard not to notice. His calm voice, however, sent a chill to Jisung’s spine. 

“He’s here to pick up one of my employee’s back home. I am very familiar with him. So if you and your companies don’t clear off the premises for the next five minutes I will call the police, and don’t forget to close the tab.” there wasn’t any waver on his voice and kept on staring down at the person who burst out before. 

A few moments passed before one of them finally scrambled to Jisung’s post at the cashier and gave his card so that he could finally start to close the tab and round up today’s sale. At the mention of the police, one by one of those people started to get their things before finally tugging the man who was still staring up at Jisung’s manager away from the cafe while bowing here and there to the rest of the staff. 

 Jaebeom, Jisung’s manager finally exhaled a long, heavy sigh before approaching Jisung to help him with his task for closing up. The others instantly went to their designated post to quickly carry out their tasks and it made Jeongin and Hyunjin scrambled to their feet and helped wipe the table Jeongin’s been occupying for the whole evening he was there for Felix, clean. 

“You guys can wait in the back room a bit. Go go go, shoo!” Jaebeom addressed the wide eyed Jeongin and Hyunjin playfully but they immediately went to the said room to wait for Jisung and Felix done. 

“Jaebeom-hyung is kinda scary.” muttered Jeongin to Hyunjin who immediately agreed.

Jisung was standing at the door of the dance studio that afternoon to pick Hyunjin up so they could meet up with Soyeon and Changbin finalizing their songs. For the past 10 minutes he was standing and only looking inside the room from the small window by the door, but he could see how intense Hyunjin, Minho and his other friends were practicing since the showcase’s date was getting closer. Being the second week of December, the cold is starting to affect the entirety of the student’s bodies. The exam week is approaching and some last minute year end preparations for extracurriculars activities and other kinds of unions were catching up slowly to every student's life and weary bodies. 

Jisung was one of the small sum of people who actually enjoys being in the cold and didn’t have much trouble when it comes to navigating life through the season. His boyfriend however, hates the winter with so much passion. Since he’s easily tired with the amount of activities he had to endure and also studying for exams. That’s why Jisung always try his best to help lifting Hyunjin’s mood by always reminding the older about getting his regular meals. Yeji actually complained to Jisung once about Hyunjin's tendency on skipping his meals when he’s busy. For the past week, Hyunjin has been skipping his lunch time tradition with Seungmin, Jeongin and Yeji. Always holed up in the library or the dance studio, it made both Yeji and Jisung worried about him.

Jisung was still peeking from the small window when a sound of someone clearing their throat made him jump slightly. Looking over his shoulder, he was met with an amused stare from Seungmin. Rolling his eyes at the latter, Jisung slumped down the wall beside the door of the dance studio. 

“They’re still at it?” asked Seungmin as he was also taking a seat beside Jisung, putting his big backpack in his lap before conjuring a plastic bag full of warm rolled Kimbap. 

“Yeah, I’ve been standing here for the past 10 minutes and I don’t think the music is stopping anytime soon.” replied Jisung dejectedly. 

Seungmin only hummed in understanding before getting two Kimbaps out of the bag, offering one to Jisung who was trying not to stare at them but failed miserably as Seungmin had seen him since the first time Jisung laid his eyes on them. Smiling gratefully, Jisung immediately snatched the food and carefully opened the foil wrap. 

“So, how are you and Yeji? The engagement dinner was eventful I heard.” mused Jisung to Seungmin who immediately sighed tiredly. 

“I feel like I’m the one who’s engaged, the soon to be in-laws were so annoying. I really feel like I put Yeji in an unwanted spot last Saturday.” answered Seungmin after he angrily bit the Kimbap. Jisung held his amused laughter to himself and gave Seungmin a friendly pat in his head before taking a bite of his own food. They stayed like that for a couple more minutes before Jisung spoke again.

“Well, Yeji found the whole situation funny from what I gathered last night at dinner I had with the twins. She’s just worried about you suddenly disappearing from her for the past three days.” he bumped his shoulder with a still sulking Seungmin. But slowly he was looking at Jisung hopefully. Upon looking at Jisung’s encouraging expression, Seungmin sighed before finally telling Jisung what’s bothering him about the whole fiasco the night he and Yeji went to his sister’s engagement dinner party. 

The first part of the dinner was really uneventful, besides his sister was really glowing and smiling so bright the whole time it made Seungmin also happy for her. His whole family and his sister’s fiance get along really well with Yeji after he introduced her, they made such a fuss here and there but Yeji didn’t seem to be uncomfortable by the attention so it reassures Seungmin. Nearing the end of the dinner however, one of the aunts of his sister’s fiance who wasn't paying attention when Seungmin introduced Yeji decided to steal her from the side of Seungmin’s mother. She introduced Yeji to her own son, thinking that Yeji just was one of a relative from her in-laws. 

When Yeji politely declined the aunt’s insinuation to be her son’s potential romantical partner, she got angry thinking that Yeji’s very impolite even though Yeji tried to tell her that she’s actually in a relationship. Upon seeing the commotion, Seungmin immediately went to her side and tried to deescalate the situation. The aunt’s son still had the decency in him to apologize after he realized and understood immediately of Seungmin’s protectiveness. But his mother was really difficult and then accused Seungmin of not being a polite host. Baffled by the accusation, Seungmin only excused himself with Yeji in tow, holding his hand securely. 

Seeing their joined hands, the aunt got more fired up so without much thinking, Seungmin just got to her face and told her that Yeji is his girlfriend. Along with insulting her inability to comprehend a simple request of the word ‘No’. But when he realized what he had done, Seungmin instantly flew from his parents’ living room to his own bedroom upstairs out of embarrassment. Leaving everyone at the engagement party baffled with the sudden outburst.

Seungmin was actually really proud that he never loses his composure even when dealing with impossible people, but seeing Yeji got really confused and out of her element back then made him throw all cautions out of the window. That night, his sister picked him up from sulking on his bed and reassured him that Yeji handled the situation really well explaining to the others about what’s going on. The aunt actually apologized to both Seungmin and Yeji afterwards but when Seungmin drove Yeji back to the dorm he was silent the whole way there. 

Yeji was a little bit livid when she only got a kiss on her hand when he dropped her off and not much of a bye.

As they exchanged stories, Jisung can’t help but admire how Seungmin is really serious with Yeji even though they haven’t officially been in a relationship yet. With the way he closely watches the two of them, Jisung really rooted for the day when Yeji is actually willing to take this tall nervous goofball to be her partner. Jisung only gave Seungmin a soft pat on his head after the boy finished retelling his stories about the night’s event. He then in turn told Seungmin what he knew about Yeji’s current opinion regarding the matter. 

“SO, in short, you’re kinda in trouble by ghosting her for the past three days.” said Jisung a little bit excitedly to a very sulky Seungmin who was still chewing his Kimbap absentmindedly. 

Sighing dejectedly after swallowing the last bit of his very early dinner, Seungmin slumped down onto the wall behind him, resting his head on Jisung’s shoulder who found him very amusing. 

“She will end me.”

Resisting the urge to laugh at him, Jisung patted Seungmin’s hand encouragingly, “But maybe, you bringing her favorite Kimbaps and visiting her after the gruesome practice session will cheer her up a little. Have faith, Seungminnie-ah!” 

Seungmin only sighed and played with the stray lints on Jisung’s sweater. The latter only let him while humming his and Hyunjin’s new composed song. Jisung didn’t know when Seungmin fell asleep on his shoulder but even when the dancers finally opened the door to their studio he didn’t wake up from his slumber.

That’s how the Hwang Twins found the two of them, 15 minutes after the door to the studio opened, leaning on each other in front of their studio. While Jisung was on his phone scrolling mindlessly, Seungmin was taking a deep nap. Jisung showed them a shushing gesture when Wooyoung, Ryunjin and Felix got out of the studio being rowdy while the others were endeared by the sight of the usually very composed and rigid Seungmin let his guard down on his friend’s shoulder. 

Minho chuckled silently at the sight of a forgotten bag of Kimbaps and took a quick picture of a sleeping Seungmin, he immediately fled the scene when Yeji gave him a threatening look. The others except Yeji, Felix and Hyunjin said their goodbyes afterwards. Jeongin, who just got there because he was picking Felix up, also took some picture of Seungmin but he immediately stayed back when Yeji almost kicked his shin so she can shook the sleeping boy gently awake.  

“Yeji Nuna got very protective of the puppy, I see.” said Jeongin to no one in particular amusedly. Hyunjin was the only one who dared to laugh, immune to his sister’s deadly gaze. 

Crouching down in front of Seungmin, Yeji shook him awake gently until the sleeping boy stirred awake. The first thing he did was blinking confusedly at Yeji, to his hand that was still clutching a small part of Jisung’s sweater and to Jisung’s face.

“Hey…” said Jisung slowly to Seungmin who slowly sat up straighter, “you were really peaceful sleeping so I didn’t wake you before.” 

“It’s okay, Jisung. Thank you for letting me take a nap on your shoulder.” answered a still groggy Seungmin who immediately got a blinding smile from Jisung. 

Upon realizing that he has an audience and that Yeji is also in front of him, Seungmin made a grabby hand toward her which was immediately indulged. Chuckling to herself, Yeji sat down on the ground to wait for Seungmin to get his bearings back. The other four were resisting so hard not to coo at the scene. 

“Yeji-ah.” said Seungmin suddenly, Yeji hummed at him inquiringly.

“I’m sorry.” was all he said before giving her the sincerest look and holding her hand delicately. 

Yeji only smiled and squeezed his hand fondly before getting up and taking him with her. 

“You’re forgiven. Only if you come with us to this amazing Fried Chicken’s place Changbin Oppa recommended that we try.” 

“But, I’m bringing you these.” Seungmin gestured to the bag full of Kimbap he had been keeping warm on his lap with a puppy look. However, this time Hyunjin was the one who laughed and clapped Seungmin on the back before taking the plastic bag and Seungmin’s bag that was still on the floor and dragging his slightly disoriented friend to walk.

“She has a microwave at her dorm, Kim Seungmin. That could be her breakfast tomorrow.” said Hyunjin, “right, sis?” This time he addressed Yeji who smiled both at her brother and at Seungmin. 

Huddled together in the cold winter night, the 6 of them quickly make haste to their dinner location. Each of them glued to their own partners trying to warm each other from the icy wind. Dinner was really quick since Jisung and Hyunjin needed to go back to the art building since they had an appointment with Soyeon and Changbin so that left Jeongin, Felix, Yeji and Seungmin walking hand in hand towards their respective dorm. 

“Seungmin hyung, don’t stay up too late!” was the last thing Jeongin shouted to Seungmin when they went their separate ways in front of the guys’ dorm since Seungmin insisted he’s taking Yeji back to the front door of her dorm building despite it only being 2 minutes walking distance from him. 

As they were standing at the front of Yeji’s dorm building, Seungmin couldn't help but to fuss with her jackets and shawls, rubbing her hands with his to warm them up. He still felt really bad dropping her off last Saturday without so much words and giving her a radio silence three days after that. 

Meanwhile Yeji was touched by his action even though she still wanted to devour his head in one go by ghosting her because he got embarrassed by his outburst of trying to help her maintain her dignity. When there wasn’t any sign of Seungmin stop rubbing her hands, Yeji immediately tried to get his attention by giving him a light slap in the arm.

“Stop it, Min! I’m warm enough.” she stood on her tippy toes to kiss Seungmin’s red nose. The action simply spread warm to the rest of Seungmin’s face, upon realizing that both of them only laughed out loud. The laughter seemed to break the weird spell Seungmin was under ever since he ran away to his bedroom last Saturday. 

Both of them were looking at each other’s eyes when the laughter subsided, they instantly smiled at the ridiculousness of the situation. 

“I still need the explanation on why you were ghosting me for three days straight and suddenly came to my practice with a peace offering.” Yeji wiggled her duffel bag a little, the plastic bag full of Kimbap Seungmin brought earlier was residing there. Seungmin laughed out loud at the teasing but he promised Yeji that he’ll tell her later over the phone since the freezing temperature felt like they almost got some of his fingers off. Satisfied with the promise, Yeji nodded.

When Seungmin was about to turn around towards his dorm, Yeji suddenly grabbed his wrist and almost lost his footing but Yeji held him tightly from behind so Seungmin still standing albeit a little bit awkwardly as one of his legs were hovering a little bit from the ground when he almost slipped. 

“Don’t do that ever again, okay? You’re so lucky I still have Hyunie as our mediator.” Yeji was mumbling to his back, it made Seungmin’s heart racing with some reason. 

Seungmin turned around to give Yeji a proper hug. The girl immediately put her head in the crook of his neck while her arms loosely wrapped around him. Seungmin exhaled a really long sigh while he also buried his nose in Yeji's hair. Both of them stood there for a little while, just basking in each other’s warm embrace before Yeji finally let Seungmin go and got inside her dorm building. 

Later that night, Seungmin kept his promise of giving explanation to Yeji and they kept on Video Calling until very late in the night, even when Hyunjin was back from the music studio. He only gave them warning side eyes but an amused smile ruined the tough persona.