Work Text:
The morning burst forth in a flurry of activity, a chaotic dance woven with the threads of fatigue that often defined the life of an idol.
Seungcheol, eyes still heavy with the weight of exhaustion, had just completed a late-night schedule that had unexpectedly bled into the early hours of dawn.
With barely a moment to catch his breath, he joined his teammates for their next schedule, the remnants of fatigue clinging to him like a second skin. The bustling atmosphere buzzed around him, making him feel overwhelmed and tired, yet he pressed on, driven by the adrenaline that coursed through his veins,
With barely enough time to rest, Seungcheol found solace only in the car ride to the shoot, where he leaned against Joshua's comforting shoulder, the rhythmic hum of the engine lulling him into a light doze.
Jeonghan, ever the caring friend, entwined his fingers with Seungcheol’s, holding his hand gently as if to reassure him amidst their worries. Joshua and Jeonghan couldn’t shake the concern for their overworked friend, who consistently pushed himself in pursuit of perfection.
That morning, Seungcheol had refused the snacks their managers had offered him, engaging in a futile argument with his managers and fellow teammates.
"I’m on a diet," he insisted, his resolve firm despite the nagging pang of hunger. He was all too aware of his body’s tendency to gain weight more swiftly than Jeonghan and Joshua, a fact that lingered in the back of his mind like an unwelcome shadow.
He couldn't help but scrutinize their sculpted physiques, lean and robust from endless hours of training, while he faced his own reflection—a body fuller and softer than he preferred.
This constant comparison tightened the grip of anxiety within him, fueling his commitment to strict dieting. Each meal became a battle of willpower, a way to distance himself from the haunting specter of self-doubt that shadowed him relentlessly.
Eventually, with pouting lips and doe-like eyes that glistened with determination, he convinced them to relent, promising he would eat once they arrived at the shoot.
As they awaited their turn for make-up, the room held a sense of controlled chaos. Their manager hyungs had stepped out to consult with the producers, and the stylist noonas had slipped away, seizing the rare moment to rest a little before the day’s events engulfed them.
Jeonghan was engaged in a phone call with his father, his tone serious yet soft. On the sofa beside him, Joshua was lost in the pages of a novel with a beautifully intricate English title, the kind that left Seungcheol squinting in confusion, trying to decipher its meaning.
Every so often, Joshua reached out to affectionately pat Seungcheol's thigh, a tender gesture that felt almost cat-like in its playfulness, drawing a small smile from him.
Seungcheol was absently scrolling through the week's schedule on his phone when a sudden wave of darkness crashed over him, shrouding his vision.
Confusion and fear gripped him as he felt a tremor in his hand and a sharp throb in his skull—an insistent pain that pulsed like a warning bell.
The harmonious clatter of the air conditioner, Jeonghan’s voice kinking through the air, and the soft rustle of pages turning faded into an unsettling silence, eclipsed by the rush of blood thundering in his ears.
With blurred vision, he glanced up, only to find the room tilting at an unnatural angle, lights blurring together into a painful haze. In that moment, his phone slipped through his fingers and tumbled to the carpet below, the sound of its impact snapping Joshua from his reading.
"Cheol? Are you okay?" Joshua’s voice cut through the fog, laced with a blend of concern and confusion.
Before Seungcheol could respond, the world slipped away beneath him.
His body surrendered completely, and Joshua, acting on pure instinct, dropped the book, wrapping an arm around Seungcheol and gently guiding him to rest against his shoulder.
"Cheol! Stay with me!" Joshua's voice shook, urgency threading through his concern.
Jeonghan rushed over, cutting off his call with his father, his eyes wide with alarm as he knelt beside Seungcheol. Gently, he began to pat his cheeks, willing him to open his eyes.
"Cheol-ah! Look at me! Stay awake!"
With great effort, Seungcheol managed to flutter his eyes open, long lashes brushing against his cheeks, each blink a laborious task. "I... I'm fin-fine," he murmured weakly, trying to push himself up but finding his body uncooperative, wrapped in a heavy, dizzying haze.
"No!"
Joshua insisted, firmly anchoring him back down, his voice a calm presence amidst the swirling confusion.
"Just rest. It'll feel worse if you try to get up. Jeonghan, quick! Find some water or something sweet; I think his blood sugar dropped."
Frantically, Jeonghan scanned the room for a water bottle but found nothing. A frustrated 'damn it' escaped his lips as he bolted for the next room, desperate to help his friend.
Knocking rapidly on the door, he was met by the sight of Kim Mingyu, the handsome chef, looking perplexed.
"Yes?" Mingyu queried, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion.
Without wasting a moment on pleasantries, Jeonghan launched into an urgent explanation. "I’m one of the guests for today; Do you have any water or something sweet? My friend fainted!"
His voice trembled with urgency, a stark contrast to the calm demeanor he was usually known for.
Mingyu’s expression shifted from confusion to determination as he quickly grabbed a bag from the sofa and followed Jeonghan back into the guest's waiting room.
By the time they returned, Joshua had settled Seungcheol onto the sofa, positioning him with his legs elevated, attentive to his friend’s needs while on a frantic phone call with their manager.
Mingyu wasted no time, producing a juice bottle from his bag. Kneeling beside the sofa, he gently helped Seungcheol sit up, guiding the cool liquid to his lips, encouraging him to take small, careful sips.
Minutes passed, and with each sip, Seungcheol felt his strength returning, color filling his cheeks as clarity washed over him. His eyes widened in surprise when he realized Mingyu was right there beside him, concern etched into the chef’s striking features.
The warmth of Mingyu’s hand brushed against Seungcheol’s cheek, grounding him and providing a comforting presence.
"I'm really sorry for troubling you..." Seungcheol whispered, his voice barely above a breath, lowering his gaze in embarrassment.
Mingyu shook his head, his smile warm and inviting. "No worries! Just promise me you'll take better care of yourself, Seungcheol-ssi. Skipping meals isn't good for you."
A soft blush dusted Seungcheol’s cheeks, painting them a delicate shade of pink as he sheepishly confessed, “I had an early schedule… I, um… forgot to eat…”. His voice trailed off, a hint of embarrassment lingering in the air.
Mingyu’s smile widened, revealing a playful glimmer in his eyes that sparkled with mischief.
“Well, looks like I’ll have to take care of you today, then,” he said, his tone teasing yet warm. “Can’t let you wander around on an empty stomach, you know.”
Jeonghan and Joshua expressed their gratitude to Mingyu, who waved them off with a dismissive hand as he exited, shooting a final warm smile at Seungcheol.
The moment felt electric, sending a fluttering sensation through Seungcheol's stomach—an exhilarating wave of emotion that was distinctly different from the usual pangs of hunger. It left him momentarily breathless, caught off guard by the unexpected depth of his feelings.
As the scoldings from Jeonghan, Joshua, and their manager cascaded over him like an unrelenting storm, Seungcheol found himself adrift in a sea of thoughts, far removed from their lectures on self-care and the essentiality of not skipping meals.
His mind wandered, fixated on the fleeting moment he had shared with Mingyu—the tender, almost delicate way in which Mingyu had looked after him, a heartwarming contrast to Seungcheol’s relentless quest for unattainable perfection.
In that moment, fainting felt strangely worth it, as it had brought him a little closer to Mingyu. Joshua, noticing the lovesick expression blooming across Seungcheol's face, playfully flicked his forehead, and Jeonghan shook his head in exasperation, but neither could dull the joy blooming in Seungcheol’s chest.
+++++
"Welcome, everyone, to a brand new episode of 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator' !”
Seungkwan announced enthusiastically, his voice ringing with excitement as he opened the show.
"Well, Seungkwan-ssi," Soonyoung interjected with a playful grin, holding up the cue cards like a seasoned presenter, "don’t you think our chefs look more energetic than last week?"
He gestured animatedly at the eight chefs seated around the elaborately set table, their faces illuminated enthusiastically.
Lee Chan chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Mingyu hyung was furious after I beat him last week, so he hit the gym like crazy!" he exclaimed, laughter escaping his lips as he recalled the previous week’s friendly rivalry.
"Pft! As if!" Mingyu shot back, a teasing edge to his tone. "I worked out because I want to increase my stamina!”
He playfully bent his arms, showcasing his defined muscles as he released the tension from his joints with exaggerated motions.
"See? He's flexing!" Chan teased, amusement dancing in his gaze.
The camera zoomed in on Mingyu, capturing the impressive sight of his veiny, sun-kissed arms as they bulged in his fitted chef's uniform. The crew erupted in cheers and playful banter, their laughter filling the air with an infectious energy.
“There’s a reason why his restaurant is so famous,” Lee Jihoon murmured with a knowing smile, the twinkle in his eye revealing a blend of admiration and playful jest.
“It’s all the muscle he built from whipping up his pastry dishes!”
Minghao chimed in, his voice light and teasing, eliciting chuckles from the others.
“Speaking of pastry dishes, our guests this week are rumored to be as delightful as the finest confection!” Seungkwan skillfully guided the conversation, his charismatic presence effortlessly redirecting attention back to the stage. The previous laughter faded gently into a cozy ambiance, and his palpable excitement spread through the room like electricity, infusing the atmosphere with a vibrant energy.
“I think both our chefs and the viewers are eager to meet the guests, so why don’t we give them a round of applause?”
Soonoung suggested, his voice a blend of authority and enthusiasm as he co-hosted alongside Seungkwan. The anticipation was almost tangible, an undercurrent of excitement running through the crowd.
As the sliding door behind them opened with a soft whoosh, three figures emerged, capturing everyone's attention like a spotlight on a stage.
“Here come the hottest K-pop idols in Korea: the trio superstars known for their stunning visuals and unparalleled performances! Please welcome, Yoon Jeonghan, Hong Joshua, and Choi Seungcheol from SVT!"
With graceful bows, the trio introduced themselves.
“SAY THE NAME, SVT!”
“Hello, my name is Yoon Jeonghan!” the extraordinarily handsome man with striking blonde hair exclaimed, his radiant smile illuminating his chiseled features and sparkling brown eyes, instantly captivating everyone in the room.
“Hi everyone, I’m Joshua Hong,” the next gentleman introduced himself, his gentle smile revealing a warmth that radiated from deep within. His handsome face was complemented by an inviting aura that made everyone feel instantly at ease.
“Hello, I’m Choi Seungcheol, please take good care of us!” chimed in the third man, his two-toned hair adding a unique flair to his pretty appearance. His charming dimples deepened as he smiled, a hint of shyness in his demeanor that hinted at a humble personality, yet there was an undeniable sincerity in his request that endeared him to the group.
“SVT is the biggest-selling group right now, with millions of pre-orders for their new album, ‘LUV’! Can you tell us a bit about that? Maybe share a taste of your title track with us?” Soonoung inquired, his curiosity evident.
“Yes, of course!” Seungcheol responded enthusiastically.
“The entire album encapsulates the experience of falling in love, emphasizing that it isn’t always a dramatic spectacle. It explores the idea that love can blossom in the most subtle and unexpected moments. The title track is called ‘ AH! LOVE ,’ and it’s a soft, jazzy song with a romantic aura that captures the essence of affection in its simplest forms.”
“We embraced a softer theme this comeback,” Jeonghan continued, his voice smooth and contemplative. “The interjection ‘AH!’ captures that moment of sudden realization, relief, or even awe — like when you finally understand or accept your feelings for someone. It’s an instinctive reaction, not something you plan or think through logically.”
Joshua chimed in, his expression earnest. “We wanted the title to embody that emotional moment when love hits you unexpectedly. It’s not always calm or predictable — sometimes it’s overwhelming, unexpected, and deeply moving. That’s the essence we aimed to express in both the lyrics and the sound of the song!”
“That's such a cool explanation!” Seungkwan exclaimed, leaning forward with interest.
“Listening to you guys speak, I’m so curious about the song. Can we hear it?” Soonyoung inquired, his anticipation bubbling over.
“Yes!” they replied in unison, ready to share their masterpiece with the world.
The title song began, with Joshua's soft voice starting it.
내 마음은 준비돼 있어
I’m ready for you
누가 뭐라 해도 신경 쓴 적 없어
Despite what others said, I never paid attention
첫눈에 반했단 말 거짓말인지 확인해
Check if "love at first sight" is a lie
No no no no ,
Baby no no no no
Jeonghan took over, his low and smooth voice filling the room.
네게 뭘 보여주면
If I show you something
날 고민할까 아침마다
Will you think about me every morning?
저 바다 한가운데 쏘아 올린 Firework
A firework launched in the middle of the sea
터지는 마음 내 마음 같아 어느 날 어느 곳에든
A bursting heart like mine, someday, anywhere
Seungcheol sang next, his voice warm and affectionate.
결국 넌 나에게 더 난 너에게 더
In the end, you more to me, I more to you
숨길 수 없는 사이 되기를
I hope we become something that can't be hidden
넌 나에게 더 난 너에게 더
You more to me, I more to you
알고 싶어지는 이 마음은
This heart that wants to know more
Ah! Love you,
Ah! Love me (babe),
I love you (ah)
떠오르는 나의 마음을 담은 말이
Words that carry my rising heart
Ah! Love is you
"Wow!"
"Amazing!"
The air was filled with palpable excitement as thunderous applause erupted from the audience, celebrating the trio's stunning vocals and captivating performance.
After the cheers settled, the idols gracefully took their seats, ready for the next phase of the show. The chefs and MCs reintroduced themselves, their smiles infectious as they invited everyone to dive into the next segment of the show: a peek inside SVT's fridge.
"Let's have a look at SVT's fridge! Seungkwan-ssi, why don't you open it?"
With a playful grin, Seungkwan pulled open the fridge door, and laughter bubbled from his lips. "Why is there so much stuff in here?"
The top shelf brimmed with vibrant containers of kimchi and a variety of colorful side dishes, their distinct aromas wafting into the air. On the second shelf, fresh vegetables were arranged alongside an assortment of beverages, including chilled tea and intriguing bottles of Chinese herbal medicine. There were even random bottles of sauces stuffed deep into the fridge.
The beverage section looked like a mini bar, stocked with assorted soju bottles shimmering under the cool light. As they shifted their gaze to the freezer, they were met with an impressive stash of chicken breasts, expertly packed beef cuts, and tantalizing ice cream tubs, each one promising a sweet escape from reality.
"That's an ungodly amount of chicken breasts…and a staggering quantity of ice cream too," Seokmin remarked, his eyes wide with disbelief as they continued their exploration.
Seungcheol's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, while Joshua added with a teasing grin, "That's Seungcheol's stash! He’s always on a strict diet, but he has a serious sweet tooth. He insists on having at least one spoonful of ice cream every day, or else he turns into a sulking baby!"
The room erupted in laughter as everyone enjoyed the playful banter.
Soon, the teams were divided, and the chefs responsible for crafting the dishes were selected. They had already enjoyed three rounds of main dishes prepared by world-famous chefs, each tailored to their taste.
Now, it was time for the final showdown: dessert made for Seungcheol, who had a sweet tooth.
"The final cooking battle for dessert is between Chef Lee Seokmin and Chef Kim Mingyu! Your fifteen minutes start now!"
Both chefs began to work swiftly in their stations as they prepared their ingredients. Seokmin started making the whipping cream for the base of his special tiramisu, while Mingyu began shaping the crust for his famous mango tart.
Mingyu showcased his skills, flexing his arms and demonstrating cool tricks, even using one hand to open the oven.
"Chef Seokmin works neatly, while Chef Mingyu works like he’s performing!"
"Were there any chefs whose cooking you were most looking forward to?" Soonyoung questioned the guests.
Joshua and Jeonghan exchanged mischievous glances before Joshua cleared his throat and smiled.
"Well, Seungcheol was looking forward to one of the chefs’ cooking!"
Jeonghan chuckled and added, "He couldn’t stop whining about how excited he was to try their food. He kept going on about wanting to taste Mingyu-nim's dishes! He's a fan of Mingyu-nim!"
The camera focused on Seungcheol, who turned beet red, his pale skin now the color of a tomato as he hid his face in his hands. The MCs continued to tease him, and Jeonghan and Joshua laughed heartily at Seungcheol’s adorable reaction.
Mingyu paused his stirring and turned to Seungcheol, his handsome features lit up with delight.
"Well then, I won’t disappoint you, Seungcheol-ssi! Get ready to fall in love with me!"
After both dishes were completed, Mingyu personally served each guest. As he served Seungcheol, he leaned in a bit closer and smiled playfully.
Seungcheol felt his face flush and his heart race.
In the end, it was no surprise that Mingyu’s beautifully crafted and delicious dessert won the battle.
+++++
After the shoot concluded, the idols made their way back to the waiting room, laughter still echoing around them as their stylists busily packed their stuff. Just as they stepped into the dimly lit hallway, preparing to leave, they saw Mingyu.
He had changed into a snug black T-shirt and fitted pants, three bags casually slung in one hand, the fabric taut against his biceps, which seemed to flex effortlessly under the weight.
“Good job today!” his bright, warm voice rang out, instantly enveloping the corridor in a feeling of warmth.
Seungcheol’s eyes widened, completely captivated by the way Mingyu’s muscles stood out against the dark fabric of his shirt. A surge of heat rushed to his cheeks as he stammered a greeting, his embarrassment evident to his friends, who couldn’t help but smirk at his flustered state.
“Mingyu-ssi, you should know that our Seungcheolie is a truly remarkable person—loyal, kind, and oh so pretty. He’d combust at the thought of admitting it, but he has a crush on you—”
“—Jeonghan! Stop!”
Seungcheol's panicked voice sliced through the atmosphere, desperation lacing his words as he tried to halt the inevitable embarrassment.
“—If you could give him your number, we’d be eternally grateful, but only if you’re up for it—”
“—Shua! No!”
Seungcheol interjected, his palm quickly covering Jeonghan and Joshua's mouths, effectively silencing their teasing as a deep blush washed over his face for what felt like the hundredth time that day.
' God ,' he thought desperately, 'why am I being humiliated today? And especially in front of Kim Mingyu? Ahhhhh!'
“I-I’m sorry, we’ll just go!", he blurted out, bowing deeply in a flustered attempt to escape, gripping his friends’ hands tightly as he pulled them away.
However, Mingyu reached out, his free hand gently clasping above Seungcheol’s wrist, his voice playful yet commanding.
“Ah, not so fast! I have no objections to giving my number to pretty people.”
Seungcheol felt as though his entire being had short-circuited. His brain went blissfully blank, and he didn’t even notice the joyful expressions spreading across his friends’ faces as they observed the interaction or that his friends had moved away a little to give them both space.
“And it doubles the points if they’re shy and adorably cute,” Mingyu added with a sultry smirk, his fingers brushing against Seungcheol's face as he tucked a stray hair behind his ear.
“Give me your phone, love .”
The term of endearment sent thrills through Seungcheol’s body, leaving his mind in a fog of disbelief.
'Did… did Kim Mingyu, of all people, just call him ‘love’? '
His thoughts scrambled into a disoriented mess.
With shaking fingers, he unlocked his phone and handed it to Mingyu, who chuckled softly, a sound that wrapped around Seungcheol like a cozy blanket. Mingyu quickly saved his number and returned the device, leaving Seungcheol in a haze of disbelief.
“To be honest, I came this way hoping to catch a glimpse of you,” Mingyu confessed, a light blush tinting his cheeks as vulnerability danced in his eyes.
“The moment I spotted you in the waiting room before the shoot, with that soft light illuminating your features, I felt it. As I tended to you, an unshakeable certainty washed over me—I just knew, deep down, that you were the one I had been destined to find. It might sound a bit cheesy, perhaps even peculiar, but it felt as if fate itself was intertwining our paths, crafting a connection that was meant to be. There’s an inexplicable pull I feel towards you; all I wanted was to be by your side, to keep nurturing and protecting you...I was so confused about what I was feeling, but it just felt so right .”
Mingyu continued, his voice filled with warmth, "I could see it in your eyes, that moment when you sang the song. You weren't just singing; you were breathing life into every note, each word resonating with an intimacy that left me awestruck. Just like your song, I got my moment of epiphany, too. In that instant, surrounded by your beautiful voice, I knew with every beat of my heart,' Ah, this is love at first sight' ."
Seungcheol felt a rush of overwhelming happiness that threatened to spill from his eyes, his heart swelling with emotion. He stood frozen, rooted to the spot, as the vibrant colors of the world around him blurred into an indistinct haze.
The playful wink that Mingyu shot him felt like a warm sunbeam piercing through the fog of his thoughts, and the teasing promise that followed—"Call me later, I’ll be waiting, love"—echoed in his mind like a sweet melody.
His heart raced, and he remained dumbfounded as he stared at Mingyu's number on his phone, now saved as 'My Gyu~' adorned with a whimsical heart.
For a moment, Seungcheol felt as if he might faint again, overwhelmed by the sweet intensity of the encounter.
+++++
One day in a not-so-distant future, Mingyu's number would change to 'My husband~' with a heart.
And if Jeonghan and Joshua were to be Seungcheol's best men at his wedding to Mingyu , they had earned it, without a doubt.
This precious story, woven with laughter and overflowing with love, would forever be a cherished narrative that Jeonghan delighted in recounting to Seungcheol and Mingyu's children, painting vivid pictures of joy and connection that even time could never dull.
"Love at first sight" is not merely a fairy tale; it can become a reality if one possesses just a dash of courage. And for those who lack that bravery, having steadfast friends like Jeonghan and Joshua can make all the difference, playfully nudging them into a direct confrontation with their own feelings.
And that was how Mingyu and Seungcheol had their first meeting - a moment not draped in the fantasies of typical fairy tales, yet enchanting in its own right.
결국 넌 나에게 더 난 너에게 더
In the end, you more to me, I more to you
숨길 수 없는 사이 되기를
I hope we become something that can't be hidden
넌 나에게 더 난 너에게 더
You more to me, I more to you
알고 싶어지는 이 마음은
This heart that wants to know more
Ah! Love you,
Ah! Love me (babe),
I love you (ah)
떠오르는 나의 마음을 담은 말이
Words that carry my rising heart
Ah! Love is you
+++++