Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Frustration is not enough to explain how Wain felt right now

Him, Beomsoo, Ricky and the new kid were having lunch at the restaurant not far from their company. Have known each other since their trainee days (except for the new kid), Beomsoo and Ricky couldn’t stop talking about their new dance routine, with Wain sometimes comment here and there.

The new kid, Wain should stop calling him like that since he has a name, Zayyan just came three weeks ago. He’s a year older than Wain with a smaller frame and a very handsome cute innocent face. He came to their practice room one day and blew everyone’s expectation when they hear him sing. Zayyan sang Dangerously by Charlie Puth with his own rendition. With his raspy voice hitting all the high notes and light breathe, Wain remembered the goosebumps he had when he heard it.

The other trainees warmed up to him soon enough, everyone’s excited for the future of the new boy group that’s going to debut. And although some saw Zayyan as competition, most of them were happy that they have a valuable asset to their team now. The cute older guy couldn’t converse in Korean at all. Zayyan knew some broken words but he couldn’t catch what others spoke to him. Luckily his roommate Ricky act as translator using English.

Wain sat next to Beomsoo, while as usual Zayyan joined by the hip with Ricky. He’s still very quiet, only talk when he was asked. And it’s usually only short sentence or a simple yes and no. It frustrates Wain because although he himself was never a talkative guy, there were so many things he wanted to ask to the older guy. Or maybe it’s the urgency to hear his voice again, Wain wasn’t so sure.
Zayyan were giving Ricky small smile as the Hongkong guy explained the menu in English. And Wain thought, I could do that too. Lies, he couldn’t speak English even when his life depends on it. But he knows enough words to understand what the other were talking about.

“안 맵게 해 주세요”

Zayyan lifted up his head and looked at Wain. Being the attention of the older guy gave small shiver at the back of his neck now. For a few seconds they just stare at each other.

“Ah, Sehoon told you if you want it to be not spicy you could say an maepge hae juseyo” Ricky said.

Zayyan repeated the word to Ricky like a child. It was so cute Wain thought he could melt then and there. And the older guy repeated it again to Wain, just to see if he got it correct. Wain could only lift his thumb up since he couldn’t trust his voice right now. Zayyan smile and Wain swore his heart stopped beating for a second.

Needless to say, he couldn’t hide his excitement for more lunches and dinners with the new foreigner.

Chapter Text

“Doohyun…”

Lex turned around and smiled to his dormmate.

“You’re going to record for Ditto cover today, right?” asked Hyunsik.

“I already recorded by myself yesterday, I think Sing and Zayyan’s turn is today. But we’re going to dance a little bit of it for Instagram”

“I can’t wait to hear it. The three of you already sound so good by yourself”

Lex smiled bitterly. Hyunsik hyung were too nice. If Lex were asked, he preferred to do the cover with Hyunsik. Sing was okay, he’s been a trainee long enough with them. But Zayyan only joined the company for three months and already guaranteed to debut with 8 of them. He had to admit though, the smaller guy does have a nice voice, different color with the rest of them, but still sounds nice. And there’s no doubt about his popularity. Entering Southeast Asia market will be easy with Zayyan in the team. He also has a nice innocent smile, even though he stuttered too much and get nervous easily, he’s kind of cute for that.

Still Lex held a bit resentment for his other friends that didn’t get as much spotlight as the foreigner. But as leader, he can’t favor one member more than the other. It’s his duty to make the foreign member felt accepted in the team, and if anyone knew Zo Doohyun is that he takes his job seriously.

Now there’s extra time he left the dorm to practice his Ditto cover dancing in the practice room. With a little luck, he could use the room for an hour or two before other trainees came.
It looks like his luck ran out, because when he opened the door there’s another trainee using the room. The smaller guy turned around in surprise.

“Oh Lex, I thought you were Sing” Zayyan catched his breathe. Apparently, he’s been dancing for some time.

“You’re waiting for Sing?” Lex asked as he closed the door.

“Yes, I finished my recording first and he said he’ll catch up to practice the choreo”

His Koreans mixed with English, but Lex understand enough. A little bit disappointed since he can’t have the room, he reminds himself that this is a good chance to get closer to the older one better. He’s just trying to be a good leader, that’s all.

“Want to practice together?” it was a simple question but he could see Zayyan’s face lit up and he smiled like a kid given candy. And for a moment Lex forget that the other was just a few months older than him.

“Really? That’ll be great. I just need to practice the counting and I need partner for it”

“Yes, I was going to do that anyway”

He begun warming up and replaying their part. Zayyan already memorized them, like he said he just needed practice for the timing and counting. Lex laughed a few times when Zayyan was too fast or too slow. Or when he spoke with his broken Koreans, like a kid.

After an hour, they already sat together and chat about their recording process and their daily rutines. Lex was surprised how talkative the other one was, and his voice was so soothing. When they were all together, Sing and Ricky usually weigh in Zayyan’s sentences and didn’t let him finish. But no matter how broken his Koreans was, Lex prefer Zayyan talk for himself like this.

“Wain said that?” Zayyan asked in disbelief, a blush adoring his cheeks and he cover his smile with his hand as usual.

“Yes, you know he didn’t like to talk that much. But he said he wants to do some dance challenge with you. Something cute like candy would be nice”

“He never spoke directly to me before”

“Well to be fair, the foreigner line kind of hogging you a lot. Many of the other trainees want to get closer to you”

“Except Seungdae hyung and Gyumin, I didn’t talk too much with the others, am I?” Zayyan shyly looked at Lex.

“Don't worry, you don’t have to force yourself. It’ll come naturally. We’re a team here”

“Thanks Lex, that’s really nice of you. I’ll try to talk to the others more”

And Lex was rewarded with the sweetest smile he’s seen from the older guy from all those months knowing him. Maybe he kind of looking forward to debut with Zayyan now. And if he stole the other guy for a few hours a week, he’s sure no one would complain, right?

Chapter Text

Zayyan is attractive.

Sing knew it since the first time they met. From his sun kissed tan skin, his unruly messy dark hair, his big round innocent eyes, even his cute shyness in a new place with new people. Those charms added with a soft soothing voice was a killer combo in Sing’s opinion.

Now, dolled up and dressed in a red wine suite, Zayyan looks a hundred times more attractive. Their MV debut shooting in Macau has just started and constantly surrounded by good looking peers shouldn’t have any effect on Sing anymore. But Zayyan is an exception. Especially each time he gave Sing small smiles from the mirror whenever their eyes meet. Sing usually couldn’t sat still when the stylist putting make up on him. But he wishes time could stop right now.

Sing took proud of being an observer. Being in the youngest line didn’t make him dependent to the older trainees like other maknae. Zayyan is two years older than him, and the Indonesian guy couldn’t care less about age, much to Sing’s content. Their relationship started from Sing being his translator, to harmony practice partner, to dance partner, and now partner in crime.

Sing could shed a tear when he remembered the lost young boy on their practice room, who turn into a beautiful confident handsome man on camera. Turning his head just enough and delivering his lines with his stare, Zayyan really did a great job in their first MV. Sing couldn’t take his eyes from the screen monitor; he knew other members were watching too. Some with proud, some with disbelief, like who is this guy with Zayyan’s voice but with a difference attitude. But Sing always knew Zayyan has it in him.

And look at how the director said ‘cut’ he would turn in to his awkward self again. Looking at Lex and Sing like he’s seeking for approval. Not until he heard the word ‘good job’ he could breathe in relief. Even when more people praising him, he still looks at them in disbelief. It bothers Sing sometimes. How can someone so perfect have so much lack of confidence?

No matter. The more Zayyan doubts himself; Sing would be there to remind him what he’s best at. Every time Zayyan gets panic and nervous, Sing would hold his hand and calm him down. Because there’s no one understand him like Sing. The older guy wouldn’t need anyone else but Sing in the future. Sing will make sure of that.

Chapter Text

Leo hates being the youngest.

Being the youngest meant he couldn’t decide their dinner menu for today. He couldn’t decide times to rest between their hard practice. It’s always Lex or Hyunsik or Beomsoo who got the call to decide these stuffs. And when he asks to go out because he was so bored or skipped his hangul lessons, the older guys would raise their eyebrow in disapproval.

Sometimes Leo felt like in prison if not for Sing and Ricky. This Korean attitude didn’t feel right with him. Sure, Hyunsik would humor him with jokes and affection sometimes. And Lex would question if he’s okay before deciding to continue their practice. But he was so bored, no one here knew how to have fun.

Until Zayyan came to their daily practice. Ricky’s new dormmate, that’s what Leo knows about him. They take hangul lessons together, and Leo shouldn’t laugh because he’s no better than the older, but there’s something childish and naïve in Zayyan’s facial expression and hangul pronunciation. It makes everyone around him smiled, and even the coldest person, Lex, started to warm up to him.

Surprisingly for someone who garners so much attention, Zayyan was always quiet. His voice was small and soft when he spoke, unlike when he sang. He blushes and got nervous easily around others.
Leo was sitting in his usual chair, when the older guy came in and took a seat next to him.

“Is Sing sitting here?” he whispered softly.

Leo shook his head, he usually took hangul classes with Sing, much like Zayyan used to be around Ricky. Today is an exception because Sing has a schedule and Ricky was sick.

They continued their lesson, listening to a conversation from the tape and wrote down every word they caught. Sometimes they would discuss a certain word which somehow escalated to an argument. Even though they were arguing, Leo found that he was laughing though. Zayyan didn’t reprimand him like a child, and when Leo deliberately missed to call him hyung, he didn’t even raise an eyebrow. He listened when Leo was speaking and laughed at his jokes.

An hour flies just like that, and when Zayyan asked him what he would like to eat for dinner, Leo was sold. They ate at chicken restaurant near their company and they couldn’t shut up for even a second. Which is a surprise because Leo could get used to this side of Zayyan.

“You know, you’re the only person who didn’t treat me like a child” Leo said when they walked back to the dorm.

“Do you see me as someone older?” Zayyan asked in return while wiggling his eyebrow.

“Definitely not, I think you were twelve or something” Leo laughed.

“Very funny, you also write like a six-year-old” the older guy bit back.

“Zayy, let’s take a selfie” Leo took out his cellphone.

“Here? The lighting is not so good though”

“Oh, now you’re a selfie expert?” Leo jeers.

“I know a thing or two, I kind of make a living from this back home” he answered shyly.

Not only selfies, Zayyan also took some shot of Leo by himself. He even told Leo which side he would look good at and encourage Leo to take more poses. And it all turned out great. The soft voice guy really knew how to work with cameras and how to edit them to look even better.

Ever since that day, they always talked more that even the other trainee was surprised. They both have the same MBTI so they understand each other better. Leo felt his friend’s loneliness, his worries but he also saw the potential of the dark hair boy had.

It used to be him, Ricky, Sing and Zayyan that would hang out. Leo was glad when the final line up for debut announced that they will still be together, minus Ricky. Leo kind of torn for that. On the other hand, he could spend more time with Zayyan alone, now that they have more schedule together. Sing was the face of the group with Lex, so he obviously has more schedule alone and his position in their formation is kind of far from them.

Needless to say, Leo was basking in Zayyan’s attention. When Zayyan would glance at him in a show and they share small smiles. The fanservice they could do together since their position always side by side. He could hold Zayyan’s hands without anyone questioning right now. And if Zayyan looks at him with a question mark on his eyes, Leo could take advantage of the fact he’s three years younger than Zayyan and it’s perfectly normal for their brotherly bond. Zayyan usually let him slide and Leo never been happier to be the youngest now.

Chapter Text

Gyumin wanted to become an idol.

He knew he has the look and the voice for it. He could dance, he’s also friendly, people often said they got comfortable being around him. And now he’s going to debut in an international boy group, Xodiac, with other 8 members, his dreams were getting closer.

Only trouble is, as an international boy group, their fans were scattered around the world and most of them don’t speak Koreans. A dedicated Idol should be able to converse with their fans especially now K-POP were known globally.

So Gyumin was excited to learn English these days. And his hard work paid off, the company assigned him to stand next to Zayyan in their formation so he could help the foreigner who can’t speak Koreans yet. He didn’t mind though. The cute older guy was quiet, but he smiled a lot and he also asked a lot of questions to Gyumin, much to his delight. It sparks joy in his heart when he heard Zayyan’s melodic laugh at his jokes. Or when his big eyes focused on Gyumin every time they talked.

But what’s captivating Gyumin was the way Zayyan sing an English song. Right now, he is singing ‘STAY’ from Kid Leroi in their practice room. It was a fast upbeat track with up and down notes, but the way the older guy sing it makes it sounds so easy and effortless. Even Gyumin took about a minute just to read the first sentence. And just like that, Zayyan’s singing session quickly become a favorite for Gyumin.

“Do you want to practice singing something in English, Gyumin?” Zayyan asked him one day.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be good though” Gyumin anxiously answered.

“Well, you’ll never bee good if you don’t try” Zayyan scoots closer to the younger. “Like you encourage me to talk more in Koreans, let me help you with your English”

“I’ll never be as good as you or Sing, though”

“Oh, you’ll get there, don’t worry. Why don’t we start by your introduction first. We have a live show for next week right? It’s on Youtube and the MC is a foreigner, I’m sure it’s a perfect time to use your skill”

And with the way Zayyan was looking at him, how could Gyumin say no?

Chapter Text

Hyunsik has a problem.

And that problem came in a five feet seven inches tall dark hair tanned skin guy. When he first met Zayyan, the younger boy was timid and shy. Due to language barrier, they didn’t converse much. Zayyan usually hangs out with the foreign line, Ricky to be precise, while Hyunsik got his hands full with the other trainees.

Thus, their relationship grew very slowly. Started from the announcement of the debut boy group, which meant Ricky was gradually out of the picture. Replaced with Sing and Leo, Zayyan started to join the other member in their daily activities or conversation. Which is a problem because a 24-year-old guy has no business being this cute. And Hyunsik meant cute because the hangul Zayyan used made him sound like kids, which combined with his innocence face and big eyes, he’s a deadly combo for Hyunsik’ s older brother instinct.

But it was okay, Hyunsik loved all his dongsaengs, they all had their cute side even cold-hearted Lex he adored so much. So why is Zayyan become a problem for him now?

That’s right, it’s Mak Cun Sing’s fault. He’s the one who told everybody in the live show that Zayyan lack of confidence. Being confidence on stage or show is great, Hyunsik supports that a hundred percent. But that confidence starts to show up off screen too. Zayyan begins to tease him more. From his height (please, they literally have the same height), the way he sings his high note, every bit of habits Hyunsik like to do. And he’s the only Korean member the dark hair guy like to tease, as if he would do that to Lex or Beomsoo. ‘Hyung gave the best reaction’ he once said.

And Hyunsik started to notice the changes. Since when this baby turns into a man. A dashingly handsome man who can flash a cute innocence smile and change into a dangerous smirk in the next seconds. Does Zayyan always have a broad shoulder? And those oversized shirts he used to wear to hide muscles on his arms. Damn, even his hands are big and manly with long pretty fingers.

Seriously, something needs to be done because Zayyan make Hyunsik’ s heart ran out a mile every day. Just now something bumped the back of his head. Hyunsik wants to cry, this is a live stream god damn it. He turns his head to Zayyan and the perpetrator looks away while shaking his head.

“ZAYYAAN!” Hyunsik growls.

“I didn’t do anything”

Zayyan’s expression really make Hyunsik laughs. He doesn’t think he could get mad at this boy no matter what he does. But it takes two to tango, right? If Zayyan could tease him then he sure will pay him back. And if he’s holding Zayyan’s hand for a few second longer, it’s not Hyunsik’s fault.

Chapter Text

Davin never laughed that hard.

He was sitting on the floor and his whole body shook so hard that he laid down on one side, still laughing.

“Shit, Davin… you scared me” Lex choked on his drink, glared at the younger.

Beomsoo and Wain also looked at their tallest friend with worry.

“What is it, bro?” Wain asked.

But Davin still laughing and not answering. His whole face scrunched up and his laughter was so loud.

The other members now looking at each other.

“He’s finally gone mad from all the dance lesson,” said Leo.

Davin shook his hand, unable to made sounds other than his laughter. Tears begun to form on the corner of his eyes. With his other hand he pulled out his cellphone.

Gyumin, the one who sat next to him took the phone and looked.

“What is this…” the dark hair boy stunned and laughed at whatever he was seeing. The ugliest laugh the members have ever seen from the boy.

Now the other members looked at them with curiosity.

“Let me see that” Hyunsik grabbed the phone from Gyumin while the others gathered around him.

It was a twitter post on their official member account. Zayyan, their superstar member (that’s what they like to call him even though the foreigner protested so hard) was the culprit.
He posted a filter using L-O-V-E song and making a love sign with his lips wryly.

Soon, everyone was on the floor, dying of laughter and trying to breathe. While the person in question looked at his friends with a small innocent smile on his face.

“What? I was surprised myself. But it turns out okay so I posted it” Zayyan shrugged.

“How…” Sing couldn’t even continue his words between his laughter.

“Oh my god, I’m dying” someone said.

Lex, the one who recovered fast enough could only look at the older devastated. “Didn’t you think about your face?”

“You guys said I should just be me. This is me” Zayyan answered back.

Davin, took another look at his cellphone and laughed again. Not as hard as before but the effect was still the same.

There had never been a boring day since the foreigner enter their company. First it was because his mistakes in understanding the language. Then it was the mispronunciations. Then came the real Zayyan, a really funny guy with natural aegyo that beats Davin and Leo as the youngest.

The older one can be quiet most of the times, he likes to watched the other converse. But one sentence from him than everyone can laughed until they were out of breath just like today.

Davin who only knew hangul in his life never spoke directly with the dark hair guy. But he always piqued Davin’s interest. A good-looking exotic guy, who sings very well, drew very good, artistic, with a soft voice and sense of humor. And the list goes on for Davin’s admiration to the older guy. Secretly he kind of looking forward to the day Zayyan could speak Koreans freely. Then maybe they could speak more and get closer.

Ah, he’s daydreaming again for a few minutes.

“Davin~ah…”

Davin who just calmed down blinked his tears “Yes hyung?”

Zayyan’s face came so close in front of him.

“Are you okay? You looked so red just now”

“It’s your fault, hyung. You have to take responsibility”

Zayyan’s melodic laugh sounded so soft on Davin’s ear.

“Fine. Are you hungry? You want to go back to the dorm? I’ll make you your favorite noodle” Zayyan said.

Davin looked around and saw the others were tidying up the place and prepare to leave. With a big smile on his face, he got up and pulled the older one closer.

Maybe what he looks forward was already here.

Chapter Text

Beomsoo saw it.

He was standing behind Leo when it happened. Everyone was cheering for Leo, and it was so fast that pretty sure the other members didn’t see it.

Sing whose hands already encircled on Zayyan’s neck were staring at the shorter guy. And when Zayyan caught it, he kept staring shamelessly. They stayed like that until Zayyan had enough and push his head further and Sing pretended nothing happened.

Beomsoo noticed the small shiver on the older’ s shoulder, and his change in expression. That’s weird, he thought they were close. Thinking back, except for Leo and Sing, almost every member was doubtful of how to interact with Zayyan. Especially on cams and shows.

Sure, the older guy was friendly. Even with his limited hangul, he talks to anyone now. And he made everyone even the staffs laugh. But there’s unspoken boundary with him. He limited physical touch with other members. He never initiated anything first, not a hand on the shoulder, not a love sign as fanservice. Which was very funny since he’s one of the most popular members and his interaction was the one fans waited the most.

But the members respected that. Zayyan just didn’t like overly physical touch, he cringed with the idea of fanservice, and even though he sincerely enjoyed some of them now, members tried not to push him out of his comfort zone. A second or two would be enough before the older guy would pull away, and that was okay.

Especially Beomsoo, he knew where he his place was in Zayyan’s limited circle of friends. And even though they’re not that close to share touches or physical interactions, Beomsoo could said they’re close enough to talk and listened to each other. Wasn’t it Zayyan who said he was a good listener and always helpful?

So, this morning when he woke up and goes to their communal kitchen, he found Zayyan alone opening the fridge.

“Hungry?” Beomsoo asked the older.

“Oh, Beomsoo” Zayyan peeped from the fridge door “I was going to make cereal. Do you know where is it?”

“Try the cupboard over the sink. I think Davin put it there last night” Beomsoo casually picked an apple for breakfast.

Zayyan closed the fridge and walked over to open the cupboard. Now, the tanned skin guy was definitely not short. But with Davin being the tallest member and his damn long hand, the kid put the cereal way too deep inside the cupboard last night. And now their second oldest member is struggling to reach it.

Beomsoo wasn’t thinking when he approached from behind and reached in to the cupboard. Really, he has no other motivation when his chest pressed Zayyan’s back and his arm touches the other one. He only realized it when he felt Zayyan froze and when he looked down, Zayyan’s face looks like he has stopped breathing.

“Relax, Zayyan, I was just trying to help” Beomsoo laughed and gave the cereal box to the other.

Zayyan laughed nervously and averted his eyes “Thanks… eng, ugh, sorry for that”

Beomsoo was a reserved guy, he’s not a tease like Sing, or over friendly like Gyumin. But the expression Zayyan made just now, and the redness on the tip of his ear. He kind of understand the feeling. It’s kind of satisfying to know he’s the one who made Zayyan blush and stuttered like that.

And if the next time they talked and Beomsoo leaned a little bit closer, well it’s only to see what kind of cute expression the older would make. No other motives, promised!