Archive of Our Own ^beta

The promotions for ALD1’s first album were in full swing. Exhausting? Absolutely. In just one week, they’d traveled across Korea, and now they were headed to China for the next round.

Junseo exhaled softly, staring out the airplane window. For a brief moment, he was free from cameras and flashing lights. When he turned his head, his gaze landed on Jiahao and Anxin, seated together. Both looked thrilled. Finally, after months of grueling schedules in Korea, they were back in China, even if only for work.

A smile tugged at Junseo’s lips. Jiahao was practically glowing, pressing his face against the glass like an eager puppy waiting for his owner.

“Hyung, you’re staring awfully hard.”

Geonwoo’s teasing voice jolted him back. He elbowed Junseo with a mischievous grin.

Junseo shot him a look and cleared his throat. “Ssh.. you’d better get some sleep. Or maybe practice your Chinese intro.”

Geonwoo scoffed. “My Chinese intro is perfect. Ask Anxin or Jiahao. You’re the one who needs practice, hyung.”

Junseo chuckled under his breath. Fair point. If he wanted to connect with their Chinese fans and maybe even get closer to a certain member with a mole under his eye.

Yes, he really did need to work harder.

Their first stop in China was a TV show. Mnet really knows how to push promotions, Junseo thought. The staff briefed them quickly, but of course, they kept most of the details vague, especially for the game segment. That way, their reactions would be genuine.

Once filming started, everyone gave it their all. The two title tracks went smoothly, and then it was time for introductions. Junseo stumbled over his Chinese, but Jiahao, standing right beside him, discreetly helped him along.

Junseo managed a stiff smile, whispering his thanks. Jiahao chuckled.

God, don’t flash that smile at anyone else, Junseo thought without realizing.

Then came the games. The MC explained the rules in rapid-fire Chinese, while the Korean members relied on their earpieces for translations.

The rules were simple:
First, eat the Pocky.
Second, stop with exactly two centimeters left.

And.. No kissing. Definitely no kissing!

Simple enough, except Junseo wasn’t paying attention anymore. Not with Jiahao standing across from him, dressed in that fishnet shirt, holding the Pocky stick delicately between his lips.

Jiahao’s ears flushed red as he clutched Junseo’s arm and leaned in.

And just like that..

Boom!

Junseo’s thoughts went blank. He immediately bit down on the other end of the stick.

The translator’s voice in his ear faded into nothing. The crowd’s cheers vanished too. All Junseo could hear was Jiahao’s uneven breathing and his own.

The whistle blew. In a rush, they both snapped at the Pocky, but instead of stopping at two centimeters, Junseo kept going until their lips brushed.

Jiahao’s eyes flew open. His face turned red as he jerked away.

Oh no. What did I just do?

The set erupted in laughter. Anxin teased Jiahao mercilessly, while Leo and Sangwon reminded Junseo of the actual rule. Geonwoo quickly jumped in, claiming Junseo must have misunderstood the instructions.

Junseo nodded sheepishly, though the truth was far worse.. He’d simply been too distracted by Jiahao.

The show moved on, but Junseo noticed Jiahao keeping his distance for the rest of the recording, never once meeting his eyes.

This is bad. I have to fix this. I can’t let it ruin our team’s mood.. not during promotions.

That night, back at the hotel, Junseo forced himself to gather his courage. He went straight to Jiahao and Anxin’s room and knocked.

Anxin opened the door, eyes sparkling with mischief when he saw who it was.

“Hao ge! Junseo hyung is here!” he called into the room, before turning back with a grin.

“You should go in. I’ll head to Xinlong’s-ge room.” With a wink, he slipped out, leaving Junseo standing there, heart pounding.

Fine. Let Anxin tease him tomorrow. What mattered now was Jiahao.

“Jiahao? I’m coming in,” Junseo murmured, shutting the door softly behind him. He spotted Jiahao half-hidden behind the wardrobe, clearly avoiding him.

Junseo swallowed hard. “Uh.. I just wanted to say sorry. For kissing you. I mean- no! It wasn’t on purpose. No, actually, it was on purpose. Ugh, whatever! I just.. I’m sorry..” His voice faltered as he bowed his head, heart hammering.

He heard footsteps approach, then stop right in front of him.

“Hyung.. if you ever want to kiss me again,” Jiahao whispered, cheeks glowing red, “let’s do it somewhere else. Just the two of us.”

Junseo’s head snapped up, eyes wide.

Wait, WHAT?!

“You’re joking, right? There’s no way-”

Before he could finish, Jiahao leaned in and pressed a quick, soft kiss to his lips. Pulling back with a shy grin, he said, “I’m serious. Now get out of my room.”

He opened the door and gave Junseo a push, leaving him frozen in the hallway.

OH MY GOD. JIAHAO IS MY BOYFRIEND NOW?!