Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Alright everyone, break time!” Jinu exclaimed after they finished another long rehearsal for their upcoming song for their concert next week. Alongside Huntr/x, they were performing a series of songs - which they were working extremely hard for. All five of them were in various states of exhaustion - sweaty and breathless.

Abby and Romance were sprawled on the floor together, panting and staring into nothing. Mystery was slumped against the back wall, hair falling out of its ponytail. Baby was laying against a stack of towels, tapping away on his phone while trying to regain his breath.

Jinu was a great leader - but he pushed them hard. Now, after becoming human again, and the recent events of Baby having seizures and Abby overworking himself - they had a long due talk. Jinu promised them they would have regular breaks as long as the others put their best efforts in rehearsals. It had paid off - because they had mastered the entire choreography of a song in under a week. Jinu was very proud of them, if the fond glimmer in his eyes didn’t give it away.

Abby let out a groan. “Oh thank gods. I feel like an oven.”

Romance giggled and bent over to kiss his boyfriend on the lips. “A very sexy oven, I might add.”

Baby facepalmed, looking up from his phone where he was playing Flappy Bird. Mystery laughed softly, his voice silky and soft like an ethereal angel. Even Jinu cracked a smile, his features softening. “You all down for some ramen?” he asked, cleaning himself off with a towel. He discarded the towel in the washing hamper, putting on his white mid-sleeved over-top.

Baby would usually jump at the sound of this, but his exhaustion went deeper than just from practice. His head was throbbing and stomach growling with nausea. His muscles were aching from both practice and sickness. He knew he should tell the guys - he was going to - but he couldn’t ruin their day out. Especially after how tired they all were. They were looking forward to this. He wasn’t going to be the reason for another miserable day again. His throat burned with a ferocious fire, feeling like a candle was inside of his mouth.

“…Baby?”

Baby jumped at the sound of his name being called, glancing up to see Jinu and Mystery peering down at him. “Uh…yeah?”

Mystery frowned a little, Jinu narrowed his eyes, speculating. “Are you good?” Jinu asked. “You were kinda zoning out there.”

Baby forced on a smile and a sharp laugh. “Oh! Haha, yeah I’m okay. Sorry, just tired from all that practice. What did you say before?”

Jinu hummed in suspicion, before shrugging. Mystery was still quietly watching him, eyes twinkling with something unreadable behind those adorable glasses. “We were heading out to that ramen place for lunch. You good to go?”

“Oh yes!” Baby said, grinning. “Spicy…?”

Jinu laughed, his eyes softening once more. A soft smile brushed over his face. “Of course, you little gremlin.” He ruffled his hair affectionately, before turning to the other guys. As they got ready to go, Mystery couldn’t help but watch over Baby. He had the sinking feeling in his gut that something was going on. Maybe he was just overthinking this. He sometimes did that.

——-

The ramen restaurant was extremely busy, and there was just one outside table left empty. The boys hurried over, eager to have somewhere to sit and not end up eating on a roof again.

Yeah, that was a long story.

Baby and Romance sat on one side, Jinu, Abby on the other and Mystery at the head. The waitress came around and took their orders : Baby got a spicy beef ramen bowl, Romance and Jinu got a beef, mild one and Mystery and Abby got a spicy fish one.

Once they ordered their meals, the waitress left with a flustered smile - probably because they were one of the most famous KPop idols in Korea. Jinu turned to the group, clasping his hands on top of the table. “Guys, I want to tell you all something,” he said softly, eyes searching each one of theirs. Baby looked on patiently, tilting his head. Romance and Mystery looked a little worried, a small frown painting their faces. Abby was outright surprised, eyes wide. “Don’t worry, it’s not bad.” He gave them all a fond smile, eyes twinkling.

“I just wanted to say that I am so proud of you guys. Every one of you. You’ve all worked really hard and we’ve managed to come so far in these few months. It definitely hasn’t been easy, and you all have suffered - but the fact that we’re all here right now, together, is all I could ever ask for. So, thank you guys for being so supportive and caring, you are the greatest boyfriends a guy could have. I love you all so, so much.”

Romance bawled, tears streaming down his face. “Aww, Jinu, that is- so, so beautiful,” he said, hands clasped over his heart. “What a heart-wrenching speech. This goes for you too, you’re an amazing boyfriend. We love you too!”

Abby patted Romance’s back playfully. “There there, no need to sob a fountain, darling." He turned to Jinu. “Thank you Jinu. We’re all proud of you too, you’re a great leader. I think I speak for all of us when I say that us being here together is all that matters to me. Love you too, sweetheart.”

Mystery shot him a soft smile. “You’re wonderful, Jinu. We wouldn’t be h-here without you, so thank you. We love you so much.”

Baby sat up straighter, focus returning when all the boys looked at him curiously. He shot a weak smile that he hoped didn’t look as fake as it felt. “Yeah. Thank you for everything, Jinu. Love you too.”

Jinu’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, searching, searching…

Then he smiled, inclining his head. “Thank you, love. Thank you all.” He laid his hand at the centre of the table, and the other boys placed their own hands on top - a symbol of strong devotion and love. They shared a tender, sweet moment - the quiet of themselves contrasting starkly with the chaos outside.

The waitress returned with a large tray, holding 5 bowls of ramen. She handed each of them their meals and a large jug of chilled water to share. Each of the boys nodded their thanks, Romance giving the young girl a dazzling smile, and she sauntered away with yet another flustered smile.

Abby began eating first, humming in surprise. “Oh, wow, this is actually good!”

The rest of his boyfriends dug in - eager to see what the fuss was about. Jinu and Romance laughed in sync, matching smiles.

“This is delicious,” Romance agreed. “Wow, Jinu, you certainly pick the best dining places.” Jinu grinned and they continued to eat, reveling in the comfort of food and each other.

Except Baby.

He should not have picked the spicy ramen of all things. If his stomach was hurting before - it was full on about to explode now. Nausea surged in his gut with the ferociousness of a lion. He tried to keep eating, tried to look casual - like he wasn’t a second away from becoming a volcano - but the sickness inside of him was winning over.

He clutched his stomach from underneath the table, praying that no one could see. How was he gonna get through this meal? He felt like has was gonna pass out, throw up - maybe both?

“…Baby, are you okay?” Abby asked, eyebrows furrowed in worry. He hated that look on him. He shouldn’t have to worry about Baby all the time. If he wasn’t so weak and pathetic, maybe he wouldn’t have to.

Baby wanted to reply, he did, but at that moment his stomach decided it would be a great time to make him feel more nauseous than ever. The noodles made their way back out of him as he doubled over and threw up the contents of his lunch all over himself. Tears stung his eyes as the reality of what just happened - in public - washed over him. He groaned and sobbed, covering his mouth with a trembling hand.

“Shit, love, you’re okay, just breathe,” Romance cooed, gently rubbing his back. They were all aware people were watching them now, mixed expressions of concern and shock. Baby noticed and whined, covering his head with his hands. “Shh, don’t worry about them, just breathe for me, darling.”

Baby sucked in a shaky breath, catching halfway with a small sob. Baby heaved again, but nothing came out this time. He sighed and slumped against Romance, panting, as the man curled an arm around him.

“Let’s get him home,” Abby said, standing up and glaring at anyone who was watching. Heads turned back immediately and people resumed eating. Mystery and Jinu hovered around as the muscular man crouched by Baby, who was still leaning against Romance.

“You feeling a little better, baby?” Abby said, a gentle brand caressing his forearm. Baby nodded shakily, tears still rolling down his cheeks, lips quivering. “Aww, don’t cry sweetheart. You’re alright now. We’re gonna get you home.”

Romance guided the maknae onto Abby’s back, making sure he was secure and comfortable. Baby nuzzled into the older boy’s neck like a baby koala, making the others laugh fondly.

They headed back home, together, fingers and hearts intertwined. Jinu and Mystery brought up the rear, Abby and Baby the middle and Romance the front as he rambled on about the latest fashion trends.

As long as they were together, everything would be fine.