Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Three days later Hyunjin still isn’t done editing, and though Jisung doesn’t really have any right to complain, he’s still a little impatient. Seungmin seems to be as well, because he sends a text asking for progress every morning and afternoon, despite Jisung promising to keep him updated. Not that Jisung minds, they normally switch to other topics pretty quickly, which keeps him entertained during dull work days. He honestly doesn’t know how he got through them before they started their messaging and cup pong tournaments.

But Seungmin is insistent on seeing the video, and Jisung is at his wits end too, so when he sees Hyunjin sitting at their little dining table editing, he sneaks a chair around to sit next to him and watch, determined to find out what’s taking to so long.

“So. Jinnie. How’s it going?,” Jisung asks, trying to sound smooth as he scoots in closer.

“It’s almost done, just keep your pants on for one more night. I bet we get it posted by tomorrow,” Hyunjin says, not looking up from the screen. He’s hyper focused, and Jisung knows he’d been working at a shoot all day, which makes him feel a little bad for prying.

“Is there anything I can do to help you? Not just with this, with anything?” Jisung asks, resting his chin on Hyunjin’s shoulder. He gets a brief pat on the head before Hyunjin returns to his work. From the side, Jisung can see one of the clips of him and Seungmin dancing, looking away before he can fully process what’s on the screen.

“Actually, yeah. Can I use this on my website as a filmmaking example? I haven’t updated it in a while,” Hyunjin asks. Jisung looks back towards him in surprise. He had made Hyunjin a website and portfolio ages ago, utilizing all those web design classes he took in college, but it’s not something he thought he would ever be featured on.

“You want me and Seungmin on your page? Really?” Jisung asks, unsure.

“Jisung, it turned out so well, you don’t understand. Look,” Hyunjin says, scrolling back on the project timeline and hitting play. And wow. Hyunjin really had outdone himself, transitioning beautifully from scene to scene, editing each shot of them dancing each other into the next, taking the overhead of them laying in bed and splicing it in for added moments of tenderness. It’s really stunning, and although he knows his focus should be on Hyunjin’s work, he can’t help but get a little warm at all the shots of him and Seungmin together, bringing back the memory of what had happened shortly after. He’s a little uneasy about random industry professionals seeing those moments, but then he reminds himself he’s posting it himself. He’s inviting all his viewers to see the chemistry they’d staged, there’s no reason Hyunjin shouldn’t be able to do the same.

“I mean… I can’t say no. This is your best work by far.” Jisung says. “I do think we should ask Seungmin though, because it’s kind of intimate.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Hyunjin says, finally turning to face him. “Tell me more about that.”

“About what?” Jisung asks, trying to look the picture of innocence. Based off Hyunjin’s knowing gaze, it’s probably not working.

“You really don’t have anything going on?” Hyunjin asks, softening his gaze.

“I mean, I barely know him, so we can’t have anything going on right?” Jisung asks, dodging the question as best he can. He doesn’t like lying to Hyunjin, he just isn’t ready to talk about whatever their weird relationship is right now.

“I don’t see the correlation, can’t you just get to know him as you go? You totally have a thing for him.”

“What makes you say that?” Jisung squeaks out.

“You essentially told me you did the day you first saw his covers. And whenever we’re all together you guys have some kind of weird energy. I always feel like I’m third wheeling. Plus I’ve seen you watch that Tangled cover like a million times ,” Hyunjin accuses. Guilty, guilty, guilty.

“We’re friends. And colleagues. Besides, I don’t have room for a boyfriend. I work on call most days, and I do those overnights, and I babysit, and on my days off I shoot videos. When would I date?” Jisung says as convincingly as he can. Hyunjin still looks a little skeptical, but seems mostly appeased for the time being. “Anyway, do you want me to update your site?”

“Would you? It helped me a ton when you first built it, but I do have a few extra things I want to add that I’ve done since then,” Hyunjin responds.

“Of course. And for you? Best friend discount? Only $1000.”

“What if instead of that, I don’t hold this video captive and actually let you post it?”

“You drive a hard bargain,” Jisung says with a grin. “Deal.”

“I’ll knock when it’s done. Do you want me to send what I have so you can make the thumbnail?” Hyunjin asks.

“Yes please! I’ll text Seungmin about putting it on your site,” Jisung says, standing up and stretching.

“Yeah, I’m sure you will,” Hyunjin smirks, receiving a pinch on the shoulder in return. He yelps like a hurt puppy, which in turn makes Kkami growl, and Jisung leaves the room laughing at the chaos he’s created.

Jisung: Seungmin

Jisung: Sky

Jisung: Seungminnie

Seungmin: Yes?

Jisung: Hyunjin is almost done editing!

Seungmin: Oo

Jisung: he wants to know if it’s ok to post the video on his website

Seungmin: What website?

Jisung: like his portfolio, to showcase his videography

Seungmin: Oh, sure?

Jisung: we wanted to check because it’s kind of intimate and I know you go for family friendly auditions and stuff

Seungmin: Oh, yeah it’s ok. It’s not that bad, nobody’s naked.

Jisung: damn those youtube guidelines

Seungmin: Are you flirting with me?

Jisung: nope

Seungmin: Really? I could’ve sworn...

Jisung: anyway, I’m making the thumbnail now, do you have any requests?

Seungmin: I request us dancing in the living room as the thumbnail.

Jisung: noted. I thought you’d say the bed.

Seungmin: Is that what you want?

Jisung: noo I like the living room

Seungmin: You sure about that?

Jisung: so I’m gonna go edit now

Seungmin: Text me when it’s up!

Jisung: Yes, lover.

Seungmin: But not if it’s too late, I have an audition tomorrow morning

Jisung: !!!

Jisung: Good luck!

Seungmin: Thanks, lover.

Jisung: don’t call me that

Seungmin: You did it first!

Jisung: It was cute when I did it, it’s weird when you do it

Seungmin: Thank you oh great and powerful Jisung.

Jisung: no problem :^)

Seungmin: I hate you.

Jisung: goodnight, lover

Jisung sets his phone down and clicks his computer to life, scoping his inbox for the raw video files from Hyunjin. He’s a little nervous to click, he hasn’t seen much of what was filmed and he knows it’ll make him relive everything he’s been trying to avoid. He gets to work finding the perfect screenshot to set the tone for the video, one of him and Seungmin pressed forehead to forehead with a perfect view of both profiles, eyes shut and bodies close. It’s not as intense as the bed would have been, but it’s pretty damn close. Just as Jisung starts making the first edit, an incoming call rings through his chat server.

“Felix?“

“Jisung, you haven’t been online in forever, what gives?“

“I’ve been busy with my covers, I’m sorry Lixie“

“Oh! I saw the Disney cover.“

“And?“

“It was good, they’re always good!“

“Did you see the duet?“

“Of course! That was even better!“

“I make a good Flynn right?“

“You look more like Rapunzel.“

“Because we’re both hot blondes?“

“Correct.“

“Seungmin was a decent Rapunzel, even if his hair is wrong.“

“Who?“

“Oh, Sky.“

“Oh, yeah. You guys sounded good together, you should do that again.“

“Actually, I’m editing the thumbnail for a video now. Should be up tomorrow.“

“Ooh! Can I have a sneak preview?“

“Absolutely not. Next topic.“

“Oh my god! I don’t think I told you yet, but I got picked for a dance crew! I’m officially part of a team now!“

“Lixie, that’s amazing!“

“Maybe we’ll tour to you someday.“

“Or I’ll fly across the globe myself to see you.“

“I’d love a visit. I’ll bring you to my favorite beaches.“

“California has lots of beaches.“

“But these ones are in Australia and would have me on them.“

“Sold. Hey, Lixie, I’m really sorry but I can’t actually talk right now. Can we play soon?“

“Of course. I’ll talk to you later Sungie, have a good night.”

“And you have a good day.“

He works in silence as he edits the thumbnail, a rare occurrence but something he needs right now. When Jisung finishes, he pokes his head out the door to tell Hyunjin, stopping himself when he sees his best friends nose still buried in his screen. Rushing him isn’t going to do anything, it won’t make the work better and it won’t make it faster, so Jisung tiptoes his way into the bathroom to get ready for bed without a word. When he makes it back to his room, he’s surprisingly wiped, settling into bed early for a restless night.

When Jisung creeps out of his room in the morning, Hyunjin is face down on the kitchen table, the light of his laptop glowing softly over him. Jisung walks closer to inspect him, noting a tiny pool of drool on the table and a mess of hair Hyunjin must have been running his hands through nonstop. Poor guy was so focused on editing he fell asleep at the table.

“Hyunjin, wake up darling. It’s time to send Jisung the video,” he sing-songs, shaking him gently. Hyunjin groans, slowly making his way into consciousness as Jisung continues his movements.

“What the hell? Why am I here?” he asks, voice raspy from grogginess.

“You fell asleep editing, I think,” Jisung says, taking a seat next to him.

“Oh, ok. I finished, though.” Hyunjin says, stifling a yawn.

“Really? Can you send it to me? Do you need water? Breakfast? Anything?” Jisung asks, desperate for his video.

“I’ll send it now,” Hyunjin says, shaking his mouse and bringing his laptop back to life. “And then I’m going to sleep in my bed for two more hours undisturbed.”

“Yes sir,” Jisung says, giving a little salut as Hyunjin sends the files over. Jisung stares intently, keeping a hand on his phone to feel for the vibrate of a new email.

“Stop staring at me. Also, Changbin is coming over later, please don’t be here.”

“But I work overnight!”

“Then come back before your nap, but I told him we’d spend the day together and his apartment is under construction. Please, Jisung? I’m barely going to see him for the next two weeks because of this damn travel assignment,” Hyunjin begs, giving Jisung a little pout.

“I’m not sure that’s what I would call two weeks at a resort with expenses paid,” Jisung huffs.

“I’m not there to do resort things, I’m there to take pictures and videos of other people doing resort things,” Hyunjin says with a laugh, his mood finally starting to lift as the grogginess fades away.

“It still sounds fun,” Jisung mutters, sitting next to Hyunjin. “Are you going to cook me two weeks worth of food before leaving?”

“Nope.”

“Noted.”

“You know how to cook,” Hyunjin says. Jisung feels the little buzz of a new message, signifying the video is his now, and follows as Hyunjin stands up and walks over to his room.

“But you’re better at it,” Jisung replies, following as Hyunjin steps into the room and starts taking off his dirty clothes to replace them with pajamas.

“Well you’re going to need to get used to cooking on your own soon,” Hyunjin says slyly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You want to see something?” Hyunjin asks, already reaching for his nightstand. Jisung has a weird feeling about this, but nods anyway, and somehow when he pulls a little blue box out of the top drawer Jisung isn’t surprised at all. They’ve only been dating for two years, but Jisung has never seen a couple so obnoxiously in love. Of course this was coming.

“For Changbin?” Jisung asks, taking the box carefully from Hyunjin and opening it to reveal a beautiful brushed silver ring.

“No, for you. Of course it’s for Changbin!” Hyunjin giggles. Jisung feels a lump in his throat, and he doesn’t know if he’s going to cry from excitement or vomit from the thought of not living with his best friend anymore, but he swallows it down and closes the box, placing it on the nightstand before wrapping his friend in a tight hug.

“I’m really happy for you, Jinnie,” Jisung says, voice muffled into his shoulder. Hyunjin squeezes back just as tight, maybe tighter, burying his face in Jisung’s neck. “But I’m going to miss you.”

“Me too. But I’m not going anywhere yet, and he still has to say yes,” Hyunjin says.

“He’s going to say yes,” Jisung assures him.

“Ok,” Hyunjin says, releasing the hold he has on Jisung. “Go upload your video and become a star.”

“Will do. Go sleep and get your shit together for your soon-to-be fiance.”

Jisung: are you still at your audition?

Seungmin: I’m sitting in the parking lot. I got here too early.

Jisung: Ooh! Good luck!

Seungmin: Thank you.

Jisung: don’t be nervous

Seungmin: I didn’t say I was.

Jisung: yeah but I feel nervous vibes from the phone

Seungmin: That’s nonsensical.

Jisung: I’ll distract you. I’m about to post the video!

Seungmin: Well do it now so I can watch before I go in!

Jisung: I just hit the button.

Seungmin: Good, I have ten minutes.

Jisung: what are you doing after?

Seungmin: Idk.

Jisung: do you want to do something? I’m being kicked out of my apartment

Seungmin: Sure, can I text you after?

Jisung: of course

Jisung: it’s up, btw

Seungmin: I’ll watch it and go in.

Jisung: Break a leg :)

The video is stunning, as Jisung knew it would be. He watches it on the TV two times alone before Hyunjin comes out to join him, munching on a bowl of cereal and pointing out his favorite parts. It’s still a little weird to watch, still surreal to see himself and Seungmin in that kind of position, but perhaps it’s in a good way.

“So what are you going to do today?” Hyunjin asks.

“I’m gonna meet up with Seungmin, actually.”

“You recording something?”

“No, surprisingly,” Jisung says, realizing it for the first time himself. This is their first time hanging out without an actual goal. “No, I think we’re just going to hang out. Do friend things.”

“What does that mean?” Hyunjin asks, sending a questioning look over.

“I don’t know. Usually I hang out with you and Changbin. What am I supposed to do?” Jisung asks.

“Do you think he’s a beach person?”

“I don’t know. He lives in California, he could be,” Jisung says. “I like beaches.”

“Just ask him if he wants to go to the beach and if he doesn’t want to I’m sure he’ll contribute. Jisung, you know how to talk to humans, right?” Hyunjin asks, looking genuinely concerned.

“Yeah,” Jisung squeaks back, sounding a little less sure than he’d like.

“Just not when they’re Seungmin,” Hyunjin says, a look of realization coming over his face.

“I talk to Seungmin fine,” Jisung says, crossing his arms over his chest and looking back at the screen. Their cover is still playing, and the fact that he can feel himself blushing as he watches a virtual Jisung serve fake breakfast to Seungmin on screen probably doesn’t help prove his point, but Hyunjin just laughs and pats him on the head.

“Alright, well I’m gonna go shower and get ready. Maybe you can make flashcards or something. Friend flashcards,” Hyunjin says, making to stand up. Jisung grabs his wrist without realizing, keeping him in place. “Yes?”

“You’re not proposing like… today, are you?” Jisung asks. He knows it’s selfish, this isn’t about him, but he’s not sure he’s ready to lose his best friend so quickly.

“No, of course not. I was actually going to invite him to come to the resort I’ll be at for the last couple days and do it there. I’ll just have to sneak him in,” Hyunjin says. “I won’t do anything crazy without talking to you. I know we’re in things together. Don’t think I forgot about you.”

“Ok,” Jisung replies. Two weeks. That’s enough time to process.

“I’m not going anywhere yet. Except the shower, if you’ll release me,” he says with a smile.

“You are released,” Jisung announces, letting his wrist go. He settles back into the couch, turning off his video (that’s enough fantasy for one morning) and tossing on a nature documentary until Seungmin texts him. Honestly, he’s not sure he wants to see him. He’s not sure he wants to see anyone. Sulking around the apartment about how everyone seems to be moving forward except him seems a lot more appealing, but that’s not really an option, because he loves Hyunjin and Hyunjin loves Changbin and they need a day to be a couple. And then in two weeks they’ll be engaged and they’ll move in together and they’ll have the rest of their lives to be a couple and Jisung will be… where?

Before Jisung falls too far into a hole of self-pity his phone vibrates, bringing a slight smile to his face when he sees the name.

Seungmin: I just got out.

Jisung: did it go well??

Seungmin: I’ll tell you when I see you?

Jisung: that’s fine. Where do you want to go? I was thinking we could meet at a beach between us if you didn’t have anything in mind?

Seungmin: Beach sounds good, I’ll bring snacks.

Jisung: I’ll bring water and juice and stuff

Seungmin: Send me the location and we’ll meet in around an hour?

Jisung: see you then

Jisung gets up and packs a bag with a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes, pulling swim trunks on after a quick shower so he’ll be ready when he gets there. He snags Hyunjin’s picnic blanket again, yelling a farewell as he heads out the door and makes his way to his car. The beach he’d been with at Hyunjin for the ‘You’re Welcome’ shoot was about halfway between him and Seungmin, and he likes it for it’s quiet atmosphere and fairly calm waters.

Standing in front of the coolers in his local gas station, Jisung is torn. He’s got waters, fine. He grabbed some fruit juice too, a tropical mix that should be refreshing and sweet. But there’s a bottle of chardonnay staring him down, and it’s only noon, but it’s a weird day already, and maybe they can crack it open later. Seungmin has news to share, wouldn’t it be nice to have? Share a congratulatory toast if it’s good news, a ‘better luck next time’ toast if it’s bad? If he doesn’t use it today, he’ll drink it someday soon, so Jisung throws caution to the wind and places it in his basket, grabbing a bag of ice with his remaining hand. When he gets to his car he dumps it into the cooler that’s lived in his trunk unused for months, burying the various drinks in ice and tucking Hyunjin’s little foldable silicone cups into the side pocket, and off to the beach he drives.

He gets there a little early, and when he pulls into the tiny parking lot he’s the only car there. In a moment of insecurity he’d also brought his guitar, so he pulls it out and settles onto the hood of his car, soaking in the sun and strumming a lazy tune while he waits for his Seungmin. It’s a clear day, and not too hot, perfect for doing absolutely nothing in the sun. Just like the last time he was here, Jisung finds himself wondering why he doesn’t do this more often. Even sitting here alone, he feels a weight lifted from his shoulders.

It’s lifted even further when a little white buggy pulls up, pulling into a spot parallel to his own as Seungmin waves out the window. When he positions himself perfectly, he gets out of the car, digging through the back and tugging a big beach bag out.

“Hey, do you take requests?” Seungmin asks, walking up to Jisung and putting his hands on the hood so he can lean in closer. Jisung almost recoils at the invasion of space, but Seungmin smells like coconut sunscreen and maybe he’s a little bit addicted, so he lets it slide.

“For you? Sure. What’ll it be?” Jisung asks, bracing himself for something obscure.

“How about ‘Island In The Sun?’ Something tropical.” Seungmin requests, surprising Jisung a little. That leans more towards his style than he’d been expecting.

“Oh, good choice. That’ll be ten dollars, please,” Jisung says, holding his hand out. Seungmin offers a high five and a smile instead. “Alright, well that’s not gonna pay the rent, but I’ll take it,” he says as he starts strumming. Seungmin bobs along with his head, joining in on the choruses and ad libs and offering a round of applause when the song is finished. It’s strange, how they’d met under the pretense of just hanging out and still end up singing and playing together. It’s a trend he’s not sure how to feel about.

“Wow, I didn’t expect a concert. Is that thing glued to you?” Seungmin asks with a laugh. Jisung grimaces, chuckling a little in response as he puts the guitar away.

“Normally yes, but I’ll make an exception when we get into the water. I don’t think she’d like swimming much,” Jisung says, getting up so he can pull the cooler from his trunk and slide the guitar in its place. “So how did your audition go? What was it?” Seungmin waits for Jisung to collect his stuff, pulling the picnic blanket from him without asking and starting the trek to the main part of the beach. It’s interesting seeing him in more casual clothing, dark blue board shorts and a plain white tee shirt. He’s lankier than Jisung had realized before, limbs long and knobby, and Jisung finds it cute.

“It was good, actually,” Seungmin says, raising his voice a little to be heard over the waves. “I’m pretty sure I’ll get a callback, but I don’t want to jinx it. Is here ok?” Jisung looks at the patch of sand Seungmin’s stopped at, halfway between the shore and the beach exit, and nods.

“Of all the spots on this deserted beach, I’m sure this must be the best one. Thank you very much for finding it,” Jisung says, placing his things down when Seungmin lays out the blanket.

“Oh, shut up. I was finding somewhere with even sand,” Seungmin returns, moving slowly onto the blanket to keep it clean. Jisung copies him, opening the cooler to grab a water and passing one to Seungmin, who graciously accepts.

“So tell me more,” Jisung says, stripping off his shirt and laying down on his stomach to soak in the sun. Seungmin copies him after slathering on a thick layer of sunscreen, resting his head on his arms to face Jisung.

“It was good. It’s just a voiceover part for a commercial, not really my endgame, but it went well and they had me read a few times.”

“Your tan is going to be uneven if you keep your arms like that,” Jisung replies. “And I’m glad. You have a nice voice.”

“Would you like to hear me talk about car insurance?” Seungmin asks with a laugh.

“Oh, please do tell me,” Jisung says, laughing back as Seungmin goes off on a monologue about how to properly protect himself and his vehicle for the next five minutes. He talks about the weirdest auditions he’s had, about how he even got into such a niche, about moving to LA from a little town up north. It’s nice to hear him talk about real life.

“I didn’t think I’d be doing this, though,” Seungmin says, flipping onto his back. Jisung follows suit, trying to keep his tan even.

“What did you think you’d be doing?” Jisung asks.

“I don’t know. Theater or something, that’s what I went to school for. Or even if I stay in voiceover work, I wanted to do something where I actually get to sing.”

“Like Disney movies?”

“Yeah,” Seungmin says, rolling his head so he’s facing up towards the sky instead of Jisung. “That would have been nice.”

“You still have plenty of time,” Jisung replies, sensing that he’d hit a nerve. “For what it’s worth, about a million people already think of you as a Disney prince.”

“That’s true. Thank god for them,” Seungmin agrees. Jisung stays quiet, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the breeze of the ocean until Seungmin speaks again. “What about you?”

“Me? I didn’t expect to be doing what I am either,” Jisung says, grimacing at the thought of the boring IT gig he’d been surviving off of the past two years. “It was supposed to be a quick stopover until I got something more into design. It’s not bad work, it’s just. The same. The questions are the same, the resolutions are the same. The only thing that shifts around are the hours.”

“Is that bad?” Seungmin asks.

“I don’t know. It kind of feels like I graduated, and Hyunjin and I moved in together, I got my job, and nothing has changed for me since,” Jisung sighs. He’s not trying to be so whiny, it’s just been weighing on him all day. “I don’t want to turn this into me ranting though. Sorry.”

“It’s ok, I’m a good listener,” Seungmin says, shifting to look at Jisung again.

“Well, alright then. Yeah, it feels bad. I’m stagnant. The most fun I make earning money is babysitting. I have no creative expression in my job, when my specialty is supposed to be web design. The most I do of that is helping Hyunjin with his website so he can go have all the expression in the world.”

“I should get one of those,” Seungmin mumbles. Jisung turns to him, taking in the contemplative look on his face.

“I’ll make you one,” he offers, not thinking much of it. He likes making websites, he likes having creative control. It’s fun for him, why wouldn’t he offer?

“Really? I’ll pay you, of course, but that would be amazing,” Seungmin says.

“You don’t have to pay me, we’re friends,” Jisung says, smiling at the gesture.

“If you do work for me, I’m paying you,” Seungmin says stubbornly.

“But it’ll be good for me. Practice, if I ever get to do it as a career,” Jisung refutes.

“If you charge people for it, it will actually be one. Then you can get unstuck.”

“Oh my god, fine. Only because I really, really need to get unstuck. Like, soon,” Jisung says, thinking back to this morning's revelations.

“Why?” Seungmin asks.

“Because I’m being thrown out of the nest.”

“How so?”

“You can’t tell anyone, ok?” Jisung whispers, as if he’s about to tell the biggest secret in the world. Seungmin looks at him curiously, but shakes his head in agreement. “Hyunjin’s going to propose. In two weeks. And then he’ll move out, and I’ll have to get a new roommate, or move out on my own, or be homeless or something.”

“You will not be homeless,” Seungmin says with a laugh, reaching out to pat Jisung on the head. “Or if you are, you can just live on this beach. It’s a nice beach.”

“Thanks Seungmin, that makes me feel a lot better,” Jisung grumbles. Seungmin stands up, reaching an arm out for Jisung to take. He does, using it to pull himself into a sitting position. “What are we doing?” he asks, surprised when Seungmin yanks him up to stand. He’s stronger than he looks with those lanky arms.

“We’re going to the water. AKA your new bathtub,” Seungmin says, starting to run. He’s still got a grip on Jisung’s hand, so he starts running too, speeding up to keep his feet from burning in the hot sand and trying to ignore the feeling of the grains spraying at his ankles. The heat disappears soon as they crash into the ocean, water cooling him down as he dunks into the shallow shoreline. Seungmin takes things slower, easing his way in inch by inch, grimacing as the waves lap at his torso. Jisung wades on his back, watching and laughing as he flinches at the cold.

“Seungmin, just get in,” Jigung giggles, splashing him a little.

“Aagh! Stop! I’m trying, you’re just a savage,” Seungmin says, splashing him back and shifting a few steps back.

“No! You’re going the wrong way,” Jisung says, launching off the ocean floor towards Seungmin. He grabs him by the hands, swimming backwards until Seungmin loses his balance and stumbles, submerging himself up to his neck.

“Let go! It’s cold, oh my god,” he cries, keeping himself fully submerged.

“No, it’s not. Are you actually cold?” Jisung asks. Seungmin wades around for a second before dunking his head, wiping saltwater from his face when he comes back up.

“No, not really,” he admits.

“I know. So trust me,” Jisung says, sending an exaggerated wink and thumbs up Seungmin’s way. Seungmin fake gags, splashing him again, and oh, this is war.

It’s easy, swimming around and forgetting about the rest of the world for a bit. It’s easy to laugh with Seungmin, have contests to see who can hold their breath the longest, walk side by side until they find the point where they can’t stand anymore, move to shallower water and try to take waves head on without falling over. Jisung realizes the nerves aren’t really there anymore, and that makes things easier too, or maybe it makes them harder, because before he knows it he’s wading closer and closer into Seungmin, legs knocking into each other as they float. It’s harder because when Seungmin ducks underneath him and stands, holding onto Jisungs legs and balancing him on his shoulders as he flails around and yells, he doesn’t hesitate to hold on tight, let himself slip down the other boy’s back and throw his arms around him. That’s the first time Jisung feels nervous all day, realizing they’re alone, skin to skin, no real reason to stop anything more from happening. Maybe if he at least had a shirt on he could be sure that Seungmin was unaware of how hard his heart is working, how quick it is in his chest, but right now it’s pressed right against him and there’s just no way he can’t tell. If Seungmin was less of a gentleman, if he swung Jisung around to the front and leaned in, Jisung is pretty sure he wouldn’t stop it this time. But when he’d asked for space, Seungmin had listened, so instead Jisung clings to his back, pulls all his weight down, and dunks them both underwater, laughing as they emerge to the surface and try to cleanse the saltwater from their mouths.

They swim back to shore after that, laying down on the blanket and letting the sun dry them off. Seungmin pulls out his snacks, fruit and chips and sandwiches he’d picked up at a local cafe on the way to the beach. Jisung opens his cooler, grabbing a bottle of water for himself as Seungmin digs around. His hand closes around a necked bottle, pulling out the wine and shooting Jisung a questioning look.

“I thought it would be a nice congratulations for you. And a ‘better luck next time’ for me,” Jisung explains, pulling out the little silicone cups and unfolding them.

“And if I had said my audition went badly?” Seungmin asks.

“Then it would have been a ‘better luck next time’ for both of us. Give me the bottle, I’ve got the corkscrew,” he says, pulling it from the side pocket and holding it up. Seungmin does as he’s told, biting into a sandwich as Jisung struggles to keep a grip on the bottle and watching as if it’s his own personal form of entertainment.

“If you need help, I’m right here,” Seungmin teases. Jisung sends his most threatening glare, which gets him nothing more than a laugh in return, but finally gets the cork out with a little pop. Seungmin holds the cups up as Jisung pours, handing one over after Jisung digs a little hole in the sand to keep the bottle upright.

“Cheers to your audition,” Jisung says, holding up his silicone cup.

“And here’s to you,” Seungmin says.

“To me what?” Jisung asks.

“To you going through it,” Seungmin responds, clinking the cups together. There’s no satisfying clink, instead the cups bump and bend at the lip, threatening to spill the wine if they don’t pull away quickly. Jisung takes a healthy sip, as does Seungmin, sighing as the cool drink slides down his throat.

“I feel classy,” Jisung says, facing up towards the sun and letting it warm him.

“It’s like 2 pm and we’re drinking wine on a beach,” Seungmin deadpans.

“There are two types of people who day drink, Seungmin. Those who do it because they have no other option, and those who do it because they have the option to. We are the latter.”

“That’s… actually not a bad quote. I’ll give you points. But we do have to drive home,” Seungmin responds.

“And we will. In a few hours, after many bottles of water. So stop worrying and enjoy your celebration,” Jisung says, opening one eye to glance at him. Despite the complaining, he looks pretty damn relaxed, laying back on his elbows and soaking in the sun, chest already dry from the heat. Jisung leans back in the same position, so they’re side to side and shoulder to shoulder.

“Thank you for the celebration. And I’m sorry you had a shitty day,” Seungmin says, opening his eyes and smiling genuinely. It’s interesting, how quickly the nerves have slipped away after just a few hours. Because those hours have all been with Seungmin. Not with an online persona, not with a collaborator trying to churn out a product, just with a person. And that person listens to him, doesn’t judge him, brings him peace.

“It’s not a shitty day. Actually, it’s pretty good,” Jisung responds, taking another sip of his drink.

“Hey, we should look at the video,” Seungmin suggests, pulling out his phone. Oh yeah, the video. Seungmin pulls up Youtube, bringing the video up and showing Jisung the screen. Holy shit

“Holy shit! These numbers are crazy, I never get this much after a few hours,” Jisung says, eyes bugging out of his head. He pulls his own phone up, clicking on twitter to see the comments and retweets on his post. They’re overwhelmingly positive, save for a few people complaining about having to listen to a Taylor Swift cover instead of Blink-182 or something. Fuck those guys, everyone else seems to love it.

“Look at all these comments!” Jisung says, scrolling slowly for Seungmin to see.

“They sound great together,” Seungmin reads aloud. “Oh my god, if I didn’t ship before, I definitely do now. Wow I thought they were about to make out on the spot. I think that’s my Ikea. I don’t like Taylor Swift but this cover just did that. Damn, Hanji and Sky couple of the century. Are they actually a thing?”

“Stop cherry picking,” Jisung complains, swatting Seungmin on the shoulder.

“Wow, $10 says they went home and made out after this,” Seungmin says, ignoring Jisung as he pulls the phone away. “Hey wait, I didn’t see their username, we owe that fan ten bucks.”

“You- Shut up. They don’t need to know that. And we didn’t go home and make out, we don’t owe them shit,” Jisung grumbles, taking another big swig of wine. Seungmin joins him to make their cups even.

“Fine, it was a closet, but we should still give them at least five dollars,” Seungmin reasons.

“How about we just post a selfie instead?” Jisung says, pulling up the camera on his phone. “Stand up, let’s get the ocean in the back.”

“Nobody asked for a selfie,” Seungmin says, standing up and bringing his wine with him.

“Nobody asked for a collab, either, but they still liked it,” Jisung says.

“You asked for a collab,” Seungmin argues back.

“And I liked it. Just smile and come here. Cheers!,” Jisung says, holding out one arm to take the picture and the other to press their cups against each other, lightly this time. He takes a few, one with them a few inches away, one, closer side by side, one with Seungmin’s head tilted to the side to rest on his own. That one’s definitely his favorite.

“So what’s the goal with posting this? Are you using me for views?” Seungmin asks.

“Yes. I’m using you for views. And now that I’ve got you isolated, I’m finally going to steal your vocal chords and take them for myself. It was all about the long game,” Jisung says, inching closer to Seungmin and reaching for his neck. Seungmin ducks, chugging the rest of his wine and tossing the cup down before running away. Jisung does the same, sprinting to catch up to Seungmin as well as he can without getting a face full of sand. He catches Seungmin and tackles him, bringing them both rolling onto the soft ground.

“Please spare me,” Seungmin cries out, pleading with his eyes.

“Why?” Jisung asks, hovering over him. Somehow he’d landed on top of Seungmin, and while he knows the logical step would be to roll off him or stand up, he stays exactly where he is.

“Because if you steal my voice, I’ll be like the little mermaid, and that would make you Ursula,” Seungmin reasons.

“Ursula is a bad bitch,” Jisung says, finally rolling onto the ground next to Seungmin. “But I see your point.”

“I appreciate it.”

“What do you want to do?” Jisung asks.

“I brought a frisbee?” Seungmin suggests. “Or… we could make a really badass sandcastle?”

“Ooh, yes, that. Sandcastle,” Jisung says, springing up. They end up dragging their blanket closer to the shoreline, so they can keep their food and drinks nearby while taking advantage of the wetter sand. Seungmin starts with a big pile of sand, sculpting it out as he sees fit, but Jisung prefers a more abstract drip castle. Seungmin teases him, saying it looks like the nether, but Jisung swears he’s creating a peaceful pine forest. He seems unconvinced, but eventually agrees to share a moat with Jisung, working side by side to dig a pathway to the waves. By the time they’re done, the sun is glowing low and golden in the sky, and Jisung looks at his phone to see it’s already almost six.

“Shit, I need to go sleep,” he curses, standing up and brushing himself off.

“Right now? Who are you?”

“I need to take a power nap, I work the night shift,” Jisung explains, pulling his shirt back on. He’s still sandy, but he doesn’t want to get back in the ocean, so he resigns to taking another shower when he gets back home.

“You work overnight and you’ve been out all day? How are you going to survive?” Seungmin asks, looking genuinely worried.

“With caffeine, it’s very simple. I’ve done this before,” Jisung says.

“Fine,” Seungmin responds, helping Jisung to pack everything up. “So, when’s your next cover?”

“I don’t know. Normally Hyunjin films, but he’s gone the next two weeks. I can edit a picture, but filming and editing videos… not my strong suit,” Jisung says.

“I can film for you. If you want,” Seungmin offers, seeming a little surprised he’d even said it.

“Oh. Are you sure? You’ve got your own stuff,” Jisung responds. He’s not sure why he’s fighting it, the obvious answer is yes. He doesn’t like not posting, and it would be a massive help.

“It’s completely fine. I’m nowhere near Hyunjin’s level, but I can do something basic,” he says.

“I might take you up on that. Is it ok if I let you know when I figure it out?”

“Of course. Just keep me updated,” Seungmin responds. They walk back to the car in relative silence, comfortable but new.

“Thanks for spending the day with me,” Jisung says when they get back to their cars and start packing up.

“Glad to be your timesuck for the day,” he laughs.

“That wasn’t the goal, but you said it, not me.”

“God, you really are just using me,” Seungmin says, shutting his trunk and leaning on it.

“And you’re just letting me,” Jisung jokes.

“I’m leaving now. I shouldn’t stand for this,” he says, pushing off from his position.

“You’ll come running back,” Jisung says, climbing into his seat and waving. He lets Seungmin pull out first, watching as he drives away, takes a right out of the lot and sticks a hand out his window to wave goodbye back. When Jisung pulls out to the left, he finds himself with a faint smile on his face, one that remains the entire drive. Changbin’s car is in front of their building when he gets back, so Jisung opens the door slowly, calling out before entering.

“Hello? Am I allowed in?”

“Come inside!” he hears Changbin yell, giving the go ahead to step into the unit and drag what he was able to bring up with him. Hyunjin and Changbin are sitting at the kitchen table with a deck of cards, a serious looking game of speed in progression. Jisung watches as they flip recklessly through their piles until Hyunjin slams his hand down and claims the round.

“Having fun?” Jisung asks, pulling the cooler inside.

“Absolutely. I’m beating his ass,” Hyunjin says, holding up his tiny remaining stack of cards.

“He pouts when I don’t let him win,” Changbin chimes in, smirking when Hyunjin does just that. “Hyunjin said you work later, right? I’ll head out in a few minutes,”

“Thanks, Binnie. Take your time, I’m just gonna shower,” he says.

“Don’t track sand through the apartment,” Hyunjin calls out.

“Yeah, yeah.”

Jisung showers as quickly as possible, getting as much sand off of his body and hair as he can, although given how much they’d rolled around he knows it will probably take a few days to be totally gone. The one downside to the day. When he gets out, Hyunjin is alone in the living room, scrolling through his phone on the couch.

“Did you have fun? Did you remember how to talk?” Hyunjin asks, looking up from what he’s doing.

“I did have fun. And yes, I remembered how to talk,” Jisung says. “A lot of fun, actually.”

“Is he replacing me as your best friend?”

“No, he could never replace you. He’s not irritating enough,” Jisung responds, leaning over the back of the couch to plant a kiss on top of Hyunjin’s head.

“Wow. You’re in a really good mood. You said you guys were just friends, right?” Hyunjin asks, looking up questioningly.

“Yeah. But the world is changing, Hyunjin.”

“Stop saying creepy things and go to sleep, Jisung.”

“I am. Don’t leave before you say goodbye tomorrow!” Jisung says, disappearing into his room for a hopeful three hour nap.

He dreams of being back in the sea, floating on his back with his eyes shut tight as a honeyed voice lulls him to sleep.

A week later Jisung finds himself standing at the door to Seungmin’s apartment, guitar strapped to his back and a bag of takeout food in tow. Hyunjin is halfway through his trip and Jisung has been lonely, more than he ever expected. He’s surviving off his cup pong tournaments with Seungmin and late night calls with Felix, although since starting a new job his free time has been dwindling too. Even if he didn’t need to record, Jisung really needs this. As soon as he knocks, the door flings open, a total stranger on the other side.

“Oh, hi, I’m here to see Seungmin?” Jisung says, trying not to look alarmed. He’s almost unbelievably attractive, with refined features and silky brown hair. Is this really who Seungmin lives with? “Are you Chan?”

“Am I Chan?” the man asks, breaking out into a smirk. “Hey, Chan, can I be you for a minute? A cute boy is asking about you,” he calls into the room. Jisung hears someone stand and jog over to the door, and Seungmin pulls the other man to the side and shoves an elbow into his ribs while he simultaneously offers Jisung an apologetic smile. It’s quite the contrast.

“Minho, stop harassing my guest please. I don’t even know why you’re here,” he says, taking Jisung by the hand and pulling him inside.

“I’m sorry for harassing you,” the man, Minho, says with a laugh. “I’m not Chan. That’s Chan,” he continues, pointing to a muscular man seated on the couch, enraptured in whatever he’s doing on his laptop. “And that’s Jeongin.” Another boy, one who looks quite a bit younger, smiles and waves from his spot next to Chan.

“Um, that’s ok? I’m Jisung,” he responds, offering his best smile. It’s been seven days since he’s seen anyone but the kids and delivery drivers, he wasn’t prepared for this many people.

“I’m sorry, Jisung, I forgot they were coming. We can still record, though, the studio is soundproofed,” Seungmin says, wrapping a protective arm around his shoulders and pulling him aside.

“Oh, ok. Nice to meet you all” Jisung says as he and Seungmin leave the living room and enter the studio. He lets out a slow breath when the door shuts behind him, thankful for the quiet.

“I really am sorry. Chan told me he was bringing people over at some point this week, but I didn’t connect the dots. I didn’t mean to overwhelm you,” Seungmin explains.

“What makes you think I’m overwhelmed?” Jisung asks, trying to find his normal charisma.

“Your face. And lack of speaking.”

“Fine, maybe a little. But I don’t mean to drag you away from friends, should we just reschedule?” Jisung offers.

What? You already drove over an hour to get here, we’re not going to make it for nothing. Get comfy, do you want tea or anything?” Seungmin asks, gesturing at the couch. He’d pulled the microphones in front of it, making a bit of a more intimate space for Jisung to play and perform in.

“You’re like a doting mother,” Jisung laughs, taking a seat and pulling out his guitar.

“Fine, get your own tea,” Seungmin says, crossing his arms over his chest.

“No, no, please, I would love some lemon ginger tea. Please help me, I need to be doted on,” Jisung pouts.

“That’s what I thought.”

They’d decided to just keep the recording stationary, a first for Jisung, but his fans will understand. It takes a little time for Seungmin to adjust the lighting and get the right angle, but after that the recording goes smoothly. It’s simple, just his voice and his guitar, so Seungmin sends it over for Jisung to mix when he gets home. Shortly after, they’re interrupted by a knock on the door, and Chan peeking his head into the room.

“Can I come in?” he asks, looking a little worried that he’d interrupted recording.

“Yeah, come in. Thanks for letting me use your studio so many times,” Jisung says, setting his guitar down and standing up to properly greet him.

“Of course, it’s Seungmin’s too,” Chan says, smiling at his roommate. “He talks about you a lot, so it’s nice to finally meet you. Sorry I was busy when you came in.”

“No I don’t,” Seungmin says quickly, scowling at Chan.

“You don’t? Why not? You should,” Jisung teases, stepping forward to latch onto Seungmin’s neck. “Come on, brag about me.”

“You’re awful,” Seungmin whines. “And your breath smells. You sing too loud. And your pants are too long.”

“My breath smells like the tea you gave me. And I’m good at projecting. My pants are trendy, I’m a trendsetter,” Jisung shoots back.

“You’re still awful,” Seungmin says, slipping his hands onto Jisung’s shoulders and gently trying to pry himself away. Jisung holds firm in his place.

“That’s just not true.”

“Um. I came in here to say we’re ordering pizza,” Chan says, clearing his throat to gain their attention. Seungmin pushes a little harder and Jisung releases him, stumbling back a step. “So Jisung, if you want to stay, you’re welcome to. We’re just playing games out there.”

“Sure,” Jisung says, hardly even stopping to consider. He needs social interaction, badly. And something inside him is saying it’s not quite time to leave yet. “I like games. I hope you don’t mind me overriding all Seungmin’s scores.”

“Good luck with that,” Chan laughs, holding the door open for them to exit the room. “Do you want a beer?”

“Ooh, yes please,” Jisung responds, walking down the hall towards the living room while Chan branches off to the kitchen. He feels an arm wrap around his chest and the tickle of a breath on his neck, freezing at the touch, before Seungmin leans into his ear.

“You’re going down. There’s no way you beat me,” he whispers before letting go. Jisung stays in place for a second, fighting his body and willing the heat away from his face. He’s certain he’s failing, especially when Seungmin pokes at the back of his ear and laughs.

“I’m not losing to you,” Jisung says, spinning around to give his most threatening look. It just makes Seungmin laugh louder, and all he receives is a pat on the head.

“Lets just see what happens.”

If Jisung ever has to be surrounded by new people, this is how he wants it to happen every time. With a beer in his hand, pizza in his belly, and someone he trusts at his side. He’s a little bitter about the takeout food he’d brought going to waste, but Seungmin had taken it to the fridge and sworn they could split it and eat the leftovers later. Jisung is seated between Seungmin and Minho on the sectional, and while maybe he’d been proven wrong about being able to beat his friend, at least he’s whooped Minho’s ass every round.

They’d started with a racing game, which didn’t require much speaking in general, but soon switched over to a pack of party games that seemed to induce a lot of screaming and laughing. That’s when Jisung really got into his element, submitting anonymous answers without pressure to do well but reaping the benefits and bragging when he won. It’s amusing how many times he and Minho submit the same answer almost word for word, to the point where Jisung feels the need to curl over his phone and hide his responses.

“Sir, can you please stop cheating off me?” Jisung says, looking at Minho and frowning.

“Excuse me? You copied my answer entirely, the only difference is you spelled it wrong,” Minho retorts, pointing at the tv screen.

“It was for comedic effect.”

“Then why did my answer win?”

“Alright, you two, we’re already on the next round,” Seungmin interrupts, wrapping a hand around Jisung’s leg to get his attention. Jisung’s takes his attention away from the argument, calling a momentary truce while he begins to type out his answers. It doesn’t occur to him until a few minutes later that Seungmin’s hand has remained in place, fiddling with the inner seam of his jeans above the knee as he jokes around and laughs with the room. He’s not sure if it’s subconscious or intentional, but he figures there’s no harm, leaving the unspoken gesture alone.

They spend the next couple hours just like that, playing games, laughing, fake fighting. Chan seems to lose at just about everything, while Seungmin usually claims first place, with Jeongin seemingly more interested in watching the chaos around him than actually participating in it. That leaves Jisung’s biggest competitor as Minho. The more they play fight and bicker, the more Jisung thinks they could actually be friends, and the more apparent Seungmin’s grip on Jisung’s thigh becomes. It’s pretty clear it’s not an accident by this point, yet Jisung is still inclined to let it go. It doesn’t break until Jisung stands up to go to the kitchen, his third can of beer disappointingly empty and in desperate need of a refill.

“So are we still tied?” a voice calls out, startling Jisung from his spot in front of the fridge. He grabs a beer and turns around, surprised to see that Minho followed him.

“Yeah, I think so. You need a beer?” Jisung asks, handing one out just in case. Minho grabs it and smiles.

“You’re good competition. Seungmin just wins by default, asshole was born with good luck, and I’m pretty sure Chan isn’t even trying anymore,” Minho says as he pops open his can and takes a gulp.

“You’re decent. I’m pretty sure I’m better, but you’re decent,” Jisung admits.

“Should we team up to take Seungmin down?”

“See, this is why you’re decent. A brilliant plan. Let’s do it,” Jisung says, holding out his hand for a shake. Minho takes it, giving a formal agreement to their plan.

“Hey, forgive how sudden this is, but would you want to get coffee sometime? Or dinner?” Minho asks, catching Jisung off guard. He’s still got a firm grip on the other, and Jisung can feel his hand start to sweat with the implication. What?

“Sorry, as in…? What?” Jisung asks, unsure how else to phrase the question.

“As in a date? Maybe?” Minho asks, eyes a little too hopeful for Jisung to handle. This man? Wants to take him on a date? This man who looks like he was sculpted by the gods? Who’s wit has been keeping him entertained for the past two hours, who should in no way even be single and available to ask this question? Who he barely even knows?

“You don’t know anything about me,” Jisung says, dropping his hand so he can finally open his own beer and take a sip.

“Well, that’s the point of the date. I know you’re cute, and funny, and almost as good as me at games. But I think it would be nice to learn more,” Minho explains. Just then a loud laugh rings through the room, dorky and obnoxious and full of victory. Minho seems great. But Jisung glances out of the kitchen to the living room and sees Seungmin with his head tossed back maniacally, baseball cap nearly falling off his head as he shakes in joy, and something is inexplicably clear.

“Um, I’m sorry, I don’t think I can,” Jisung says, looking back at Minho. His eyes haven’t moved, still examining everything Jisung does, but a look of understanding has taken over the hopefulness.

“No, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize. Seungmin?” he asks. It’s not a real question, but it doesn’t need to be.

“I’m not really sure. But I think so, yeah. Maybe.”

“Don’t get me wrong, he has talked about you. A lot. He just never made it clear you two were dating, or headed towards dating, or whatever it is you’re headed towards,” Minho says.

“Well, that’s fair. I asked him not to. I kind of rejected him,” Jisung explains.

“Why?” Minho asks, looking genuinely surprised. Why? Why was it again? Because he had been comfortable where he was without a boyfriend, because Seungmin felt too good to be real, because they didn’t know each other? That’s stupid, for reasons Minho just explained. But he’s not comfortable anymore, he’s finally realized that while he’d been dragging his heels in the sand the world had been spinning on without him.

“I don’t know. I kind of wish I hadn’t,” Jisung admits.

“Well maybe we should still go for coffee. Talk about that. As friends,” Minho says with a grin. Jisung considers that. He needs more friends, that much has been made very clear since Hyunjin had left. Now one is falling into his lap.

“Sure. Let’s do it, why not?” Jisung says, taking another sip of his beer.

“For what it’s worth,” Minho says, “I don’t think it’s too late with him.” Jisung smiles at that. The world is getting a little fuzzy around him, the ground a little wobby, and when Minho grabs his elbow to help him walk to the couch, Jisung knows he made a good choice. And when he makes it to the couch and Minho misses, stumbling onto the floor and falling on his ass, he whoops in victory and claims their tie broken.

“Hey, Jisung,” Seungmin says quietly, turning to face him as if he’s got a very important secret.

“Yes, Seungmin?”

“I think you’re pretty drunk,” Seungmin laughs.

“I think you’re right,” Jisung says back, giggling at the realization. “Maybe four was too

many.”

“You’re not driving home tonight,” Seungmin says, confiscating the beer and taking a sip. Jisung scowls and steals it back.

“Then why should I give you my drink?” he asks, chugging a few more sips down. It’s cold and refreshing, and even though he’s already a little past tipsy he’s having too much fun to stop. One alarming thought does cross through his mind, though. “The puppy!”

“Pardon?” Seungmin asks, giving a questioning look.

“I’m supposed to take Kkami out. Shit,” Jisung says, looking around for his phone frantically.

“Does anyone have a spare key?”

“Hyunjin’s boyfriend. Or the monster’s dad. They’d take him out if I promise Violet ten dollars,” Jisung says, finally pulling his phone from the inside the couch cushions. He pulls up his neighbor’s contact info, trying to type as the letters shift around in front of him. Suddenly the phone disappears from his hand, and he looks up to see Seungmin holding it.

“Why don’t you let me send that message? Maybe keep yourself looking employable?” Seungmin offers. Jisung nods, leaning back into the couch and letting his head rest on Seungmin’s shoulder. It’s kind of bony, which he should have expected, but Seungmin smells like fresh rain and nature and he doesn’t really want to pull away.

“Thank you,” Jisung says quietly. Seungmin finishes the message, hitting send and handing the phone back to Jisung. His hand finds its way back onto Jisung’s leg, and Jisung lets himself scoot closer, pressing his thigh up to Seungmin’s. So maybe he’d made a mistake before. And maybe when he woke up in the morning, he’d still have to deal with that. But right now he’s with Seungmin, surrounded by his apartment and his friends and his scent. This isn’t Sky, it’s not the person whose voice he fell for through a set of speakers. This is Seungmin, who he very well might be in the process of falling for right now.

The games start to wrap up after that, Jeongin stating he has work in the morning and Minho following suit as everyone starts to pack their things.

“Jisung, what’s your plan?” Chan asks, handing him a glass of water.

“Um, I think this is my plan. I’m not fit to drive an hour and a half home,” Jisung says, motioning at their couch. Chan nods, heading down the hall and coming back with a plush blanket.

“For you. It’s clean, just washed it last week,” he says.

“Oh, thank you. Sorry, I didn’t mean to drink so much,” he says, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.

“Yes you did!” Seungmin calls out from the kitchen. “You definitely did! I tried to take your beer and you stole it back!”

“Can you please not ruin my reputation in front of my new friend?” Jisung shouts back.

“Don’t worry about it, no judgement,” Chan promises with a soft smile. He decides he likes Chan too, maybe just as much as Minho. The only person he hadn’t really spoken to was Jeongin, but he seemed like a good person too. Maybe he’d come out of this night with three new friends. Seungmin comes back to the couch, settling back down next to him and switching the TV to Netflix. “I think I’ll leave you two and go to sleep. See you in the morning?” Chan says.

“Night, Channie,” Seungmin calls back, flicking through titles.

“Goodnight!” Jisung echoes. He turns to Seungmin and looks at him. “Aren’t you sleeping?”

“No, I don’t want to leave you alone. In case you’re not really drunk and you’re just trying to rob us.”

“Why do you always assume I’m trying to steal from you?” Jisung asks, crossing his legs pretzel style and pulling the blanket over his lap. Seungmin does the same, sliding closer to make sure they both fit as he selects the first movie on his screen.

“I don’t know, you’ve just got that vibe,” Seungmin says nonchalantly.

“My vibe is that I’m a thief?” Jisung repeats, staring at Seungmin incredulously. He knows Seungmin is messing around, but he can’t help but feel a little offended.

“No, I’m sorry,” Seungmin answers, finally turning to face him. “Maybe I just don’t want to leave you alone regardless.”

“I see. Can’t quite get enough,” Jisung says, quite a bit happier with that answer. He rests his head on Seungmin’s shoulder again, humming happily when he feels fingers thread through his hair and scratch his scalp. “Feels good. Tonight was fun. I was scared, but it was fun,” he says. Maybe he’s still a little too loose from the alcohol, but he just keeps talking.

“Scared why?” Seungmin asks quietly.

“Because new people are scary. I don’t really meet new people well, it takes me a while to warm up. But I like them,” Jisung explains.

“Well I’m glad you like them,” Seungmin says with a little chuckle, continuing his little scalp massage. The movie drones on for a few more minutes, Jisung letting himself fully relax into Seungmin’s side and enjoy the warmth of his body and the scent of his cologne. And then his fingers stop, and he speaks up again. “You said new people are scary. Am I scary?” Seungmin asks. Jisung thinks about that for a while. About Seungmin, and all the changes Jisung’s life has had since they’ve met. About how he’d been entirely comfortable until Seungmin showed up and made him want more.

“I think you might be the scariest person I’ve ever met,” Jisung says, turning to rest his chin on Seungmin’s shoulder and look up at him. “Yeah, you definitely are.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Why?” Seungmin asks, finally meeting Jisung’s eyes.

“Because, I thought I was fine before I heard your stupid ‘Into the Unknown’ cover. And now I know I’m not,” Jisung says.

“You look fine to me,” Seungmin responds.

“No, everything is changing. My life was very simple. I lived with Hyunjin, and sometimes I saw his boyfriend. I worked stable hours at a boring job. I didn’t have other friends, and I didn’t need them. I didn’t have a boyfriend, and I didn’t want one. I filmed my cover videos, always kept the genre the same, always got decent views. And then I met you, and everything went crazy. Hyunjin’s going to go get engaged and leave me. I realized how boring my job is, and now I can’t stop thinking about finding something new. I filmed with you, and my videos blew up. And… And now I’m here, and I’ve met three new people that could be friends. And I know that’s not a lot of people, but for me it is. And it’s all because of you. Which is scary,” Jisung says. Ok, so he’s absolutely oversharing. But all of it is true.

“I see. You know, none of those sound like particularly bad things,” Seungmin says, smiling and touching his forehead to Jisung’s.

“Maybe not,” Jisung sighs. “But there’s just so many of them.”

“And that’s what makes me scary?” Seungmin clarifies.

“Yeah, because all you had to do was exist and all that happened.”

“I think you’re giving me too much credit,” Seungmin chuckles. Jisung sighs, going back to his old position with his head tilted onto Seungmin’s shoulder and yawning.

“Maybe. But it sure feels connected,” Jisung says. The movie drones on in the background, and he fixes his eyes to the screen despite the sluggish weight taking over them.

“I’m not sure if I should apologize or say you’re welcome,” Seungmin responds.

“You don’t have to say either. You just have to stop hogging the blanket,” Jisung says, tugging the fabric farther into his lap.

“You’ve got it.”

Jisung falls asleep like that, his head on Seungmin’s shoulder and his heart on his sleeve.

Jisung’s routine after that is truly and utterly shattered. There’s no more nine to five work days staring at his computer only to be bored the rest of the day, less late night gaming with Felix, fewer intensive video shoots with Hyunjin.

He spends his evenings working on a portfolio for Seungmin, trying to freelance for others who may be interested. He likes the creative freedom it gives him, he likes working on a timeframe he decides and customizing things to different clients. He works on his own site in his spare time, tries to keep himself busy enough that he can quit his full time job and turn this into a career. Felix gets on calls with him when he can, they chat to each other about the changes in their lives, complaints of sore muscles from dancing too much and weathered wrists from all the typing. They both seem to be making good progress.

When Hyunjin got home, Seungmin had been paying a visit to Jisung, sitting on their couch and workshopping a new collaboration, one where Jisung just provided instrumentals, when the door burst open and Changbin walked in carrying Hyunjin bridal style.

“Jisung! We’re back! This is my fiance, have you two met?” he had asked, dropping Hyunjin into Jisung’s lap so he could hold up his hand and show off the ring. Jisung had laughed, took Changbin’s hand into his own for examination and given a huge thumbs up as Seungmin looked on in bewilderment.

“I think I have met him, yes. Welcome back!” Jisung said, giving Hyunjin and Changbin hugs respectively. “Oh, Changbin, you haven’t met Seungmin right?”

“Oh! Sorry, I’m Changbin! I’m just excited, sorry,” Changbin said, ignoring the hand Seungmin held out in greeting and giving him a tight hug.

“Congratulations,” Seungmin had gasped, clearly struggling a bit to breathe in Changbin’s hold. Hyunjin pried them apart, holding his fiance back.

“Binnie, you can’t do this to everyone we tell. Please don’t crush Seungmin, you’ll make Jisung sad,” he said with a laugh.

“It would probably make Seungmin sadder,” Jisung defended. He heard a very clear, very charged scoff from behind him but chose to ignore it in favor of wrapping both Hyunjin and Changbin into a hug. “I’m really happy for you guys. And before you ask, I would love to be your best man.”

They celebrated that night, dressed themselves up for an evening on the town. And maybe Jisung imagined that this is what a double date would feel like as they all split bread, especially when his entree came out wrong and Seungmin swapped without a word. It was fun, so fun that when Hyunjin dragged them into a club he didn’t even complain. So that sense of fun turned into something more, into pulling Seungmin closer than should be deemed appropriate, into hushed whispers in each other’s ears and warm breaths on each other’s necks and suggestive dances that left little to the imagination. But when morning came Jisung woke up in his bed, Seungmin woke up on the living room couch, and after a slightly uncomfortable breakfast their world spun back to normal. They met when they could, texted when they couldn’t, became evermore ingrained in each others lives.

But now it’s been three weeks since he’s seen Seungmin, and the world is just not aligning for them. There had never been any set schedule between them, but it was kind of unspoken. Hyunjin was getting busier and busier with apartment hunting and slowly packing, Jisung still needed someone to film his videos, and Seungmin owned a camera. They helped each other out. But last week Seungmin was busy with a well paying gig, and the week before that Jisung had taken his day off to cram in project work and reach out to potential clients, and yesterday Jisung had spent the day babysitting. He knows something has to give, he doesn’t have enough time to do everything he wants to and not become a social recluse. And somehow, out of everything he has going on, the thing that’s making him feel the most on edge is the Seungmin shaped hole in his life.

Jisung sighs, letting his head sink to the table and his eyes drift shut for a moment. He’s done with his day job, trying to get some freelance work done, and coming up entirely blank. He picks up his phone, tempted to call Hyunjin and ask for him to bring a bottle of wine home or something, anything to calm him down, but instead his thumb drifts somewhere else.

“Hello? Jisung?”

“Seungmin? Do you remember me?”

“I think so, you sound like a guy I once knew. Angsty music taste, looks like a squirrel?”

“Oh, no, I think you’ve got the wrong guy. This is Han Jisung, devastatingly handsome with a voice that rivals angels from the heavens above?”

“Wow. You sound like a real catch.”

“Correct.” Jisung says with a laugh.

God, he’d really missed Seungmin. He wants to say that. Is it weird to just say that? It doesn’t matter.

“I miss seeing you.”

“Me too. ”

“I’m off in three days. I’m willing to forfeit sleep if I can drive out to see you.”

“Are you using me for my photography skills again?”

“No, Hyunjin’s a little more free lately. But It could be nice to do another duet.”

“I could get on board with that. I’m free.”

“And then maybe dinner?”

“Are you asking me on a date?”

Jisung laughs, standing up and putting his phone on speaker while he putters around his room, pulling out pajamas to change into. He’s not getting any work done tonight.

“I’m asking if you think you’ll want dinner after a strenuous day shooting with HanJi covers.”

“I’m sure I will.”

“Should we do one for both channels?”

“Two songs? Sounds like you’ll owe me dessert too.”

“Consider it done.”

“I’m taking you into the bathroom.”

“Ew.”

“Not like that. I need to brush my teeth and wash my face,”Jisung laughs, walking down the hall into the restroom. He hears Seungmin’s dorky laugh from the other end of the line.

“So tell me what you’re doing, as a successful voiceover artist.”

“The same thing as when I was an unsuccessful voiceover artist. I’m laying in bed watching Youtube videos.”

“Well I’m brushing my teeth, so tell me about an interesting one,” Jisung says.

It gets Seungmin going, and he rambles on through Jisung’s whole nighttime routine about some history channel he’d been getting into and the weirdest events he’d been informed of. By the time he’s settled into his bed, Seungmin is still rambling and Jisung has to cut him off.

“Seungmin, hello?”

“Oh, you’re done?”

“Mhmm. I’m in bed.”

“Me too.”

“What are you wearing?”

“Shut up.”

“No fun.”

“Sweatpants. And a shirt I’ve had since high school”

“Hot.”

“That’s what I’m going for.”

“I’m tired.”

“Do you want me to hang up?”

“No.”

“You need to stop working three jobs.”

“But that’s the reason you’re getting free dinner.”

“Jisung.”

“I will. As soon as I find a new roommate.”

“Have you thought about moving elsewhere?”

“Like where?”

“I don’t know. South?”

“Like to LA?”

“Maybe?”

“If I can get my work stuff figured out I’ll think about moving.”

“Sounds like a vicious cycle.”

“It’ll work out.”

“I’m sure it will.”

“I really am tired.”

“You should sleep, Ji.”

“Will you sing to me?”

“What?”

“I like your voice.”

“Jisung, I-”

“Please?”

“Sure. Any requests?”

“For Now. By Lauv. It feels appropriate.”

“Oh my god, dramatic. We live an hour away.”

“I never said it was directed at you.”

“You’re not as punk as you think you are.”

“It’s true, it’s all a ruse.”

“Are you going to fall asleep when I start singing?”

“Probably.”

“Goodnight, Jisung.”

“Night. I’ll see you soon."

Seungmin starts to sing, and Jisung closes his eyes and soaks it in. They’ve known each other for months, and Seungmin’s voice is still earth shattering every time he hears it. He keeps the phone on speaker, laying on the pillow next to him, and for a moment he pretends the real Seungmin is there instead. The thought is fleeting, pushed from his mind by waves of sleep overtaking him, but it sure feels nice in the moment.

Jisung isn’t sure of the last time he’s been so excited to drive. It’s always been the worst part of living in such a widespread state, but right now he’s thrilled to be speeding down the highway and finally see Seungmin again. His guitar is tucked away in the backseat, his voice is warmed up, he’s ready for their duets. But somehow, that’s not really what he’s thinking about. He’s kind of just thinking about… Seungmin.

He’s greeted warmly at the door by Chan, who ushers him in with an arm around the shoulder. “It’s good to see you again. You’ve been busy, huh?” Chan asks. Jisung is a little surprised. He speaks to Chan casually, but they aren’t really at a level where they text or keep in touch if they’re not hanging out in person. Minho, yes, but Chan not really. The confusion must be apparent on his face, because Chan pipes up again. “Seungmin said so.”

“Oh, he said that?” Jisung asks, still a little surprised he’s being spoken of.

“I can’t stress how often,” Chan says with a knowing smile.

“Um, where is he?” Jisung looks around the apartment, but doesn’t see anyone else.

“In the studio. He probably didn’t hear you come in.”

“Well it was good to see you, but do you mind if I-”

“Go ahead. Have fun.”

Jisung does his best not to run to the studio, trying to disguise his excitement with a subtle power walk instead, but it’s a little hard to contain himself. He opens the door without knocking, revealing Seungmin in a state of disarray, halfway through rearranging the studio furniture.

“Helloo-” Jisung calls out, startling Seungmin.

“You’re here,” Seungmin responds, looking shocked. Jisung nods. He’s spent three weeks missing Seungmin, and now he’s here, and he doesn’t have words. Jisung had basically hit a giant pause button on whatever romantic interest they’d had in each other, what’s the magic word to unpause? He’d really like to unpause.

“Yeah, I’m here,” Jisung echoes. Seungmin blinks back at him, probably expecting more. God, Jisung thought they were over the awkward stage.

“Well, put your guitar down,” Seungmin says, gesturing at the couch. Jisung follows him, unpacking the instrument and laying it on the couch. He nearly jumps when he feels movement behind him, and when he spins around Seungmin is standing behind him, arms open wide. “Come here.”

Jisung does what he’s told, takes one step forward and wraps his arms around Seungmin. “Aw, did you miss me?” he teases.

“What if I did?” Seungmin answers, squeezing a little harder.

“I’d call you whipped,” Jisung says, returning the motion. Seungmin pushes him away at that, faking offense at the teasing. “But maybe I missed you too.”

“Uh-huh. Are you sure you’re not going to collapse from overwork?” Seungmin asks, inspecting Jisung’s face. Jisung tries to look away, he knows he’s got dark circles and would rather not show them off, but Seungmin sees through him as always.

“Nope. But I’m alive right now. You ready?”

”Ready when you are.”

“Which song are we starting with?” Jisung asks.

“Well, with Love Is an Open Door you don’t have to play guitar, so maybe that?” Seungmin suggests. Jisung makes a face, still annoyed with the choice. He’d been fighting the song for ages, too expected, too cringy with the talking parts,too unrealistic, but Seungmin had finally worn him down.

“Are you positive we can’t let the original voices do the speaking?” Jisung asks, giving his best pout. Seungmin just pouts right back, adding a few dramatic blinks, and Jisung feels something swell in his chest. “Stop that.”

“All you have to say is ‘Can I say something crazy?’, the rest of the talking parts are mine,” he says, dragging Jisung to sit on one of the stools. Jisung watches him run across the room to get his laptop, hooking all the audio equipment up and finding the instrumental for the song. When he hits record, Jisung swears he nearly freezes again. He’d almost forgotten what it was like, sitting in this room and singing to Seungmin. He’d been here a few times in the past months, but those had been for solo songs, Seungmin merely lending a hand and him doing the same. This is the first time in a long time he’s had to look right at Seungmin while recording, and it still takes his breath away.

He gets himself together in time to hit his cue, but there’s definitely a squeak to his voice and a nervousness to his tone that isn’t quite right. Seungmin hears it too, instantly turning off the music and stopping the recording.

“Stage fright again?” Seungmin asks, raising a brow.

“Nope, all good,” Jisung says with a forced smile.

“Ready to try again?”

“Yup.”

Jisung gets it right this time, focuses more on Seungmin than he does on how corny the lyrics are, actually finds himself having fun with them. This is for Seungmin’s channel, so they’re taping the actual recording, no fancy video to set the mood. They don’t really need it, Seungmin initiates goofy dance moves to make things fun and interesting to look at, and Jisung finds it easy to follow along. They watch the tape after the first recording and decide they’ve already got the take, no need for another shot. And then it’s onto Jisung’s song.

He’s been on a sappy music kick, especially since Seungmin had sung him to sleep the other night, and it’s showing through his choice.

“So, still on the Lauv train?” Seungmin asks, opening up a new recording file.

“I am. It’s calming with everything going on. My viewers will understand,” Jisung says. He’s kind of past the point of feeling pigeonholed into one genre at this point, and honestly, it’s only opened up his channel to more viewers. It’s growing substantially, and he wonders if all the worry he’d had was pointless. People didn’t really need him to keep up an act, they just wanted to see him sing the songs he liked.

“Canada is one of my favorites, I was excited when you texted me about it,” Seungmin says with a smile. He looks genuinely excited, not that he doesn’t usually, but far more than he has in the past.

“I can tell,” Jisung giggles, pinching Seungmin’s cheek. “If I knew you’d be this cute when excited, I’d have let you choose earlier.”

“Wow,” Seungmin says, putting his hand on top of Jisung’s.

“What?”

“Usually you’d call yourself cute, not me,” he laughs. Jisung squeezes a little tighter, just for a second. He hadn’t really noticed it, but he’s not been all that honest with Seungmin. Even if he was blatantly aware of his own feelings by now, did Seungmin have any clue?

“You are cute. Extremely,” Jisung gushes. “Cute little Seungminnie.”

“I’m taller than you,” Seungmin says, standing up so he’s hovering over Jisung and meeting his eye. In the past, maybe he’d avoid the look, try not to let himself get too into the mood. Now he meets it head on. Today, he’s going to try to be brave.

“Let’s just sing the song,” he hears himself say. Ok, so maybe he still doesn’t know how to flirt. He’s rusty, what can he say? He rises from his seat, nearly nose to nose with Seungmin, but escapes his grasp to walk across the room and grab his guitar.

This recording is even easier than the last one. It feels natural, singing to Seungmin about wanting to escape real life and go live in a state of bliss somewhere. It’s pretty on the nose to his current situation, especially given how busy he’s been. But the song soon ends, and the sentiment with it. He can’t up and leave and ignore his responsibilities, he has more now than ever, but this little recording studio is slowly turning into his little place of peace. Seungmin has brought him change and chaos, and also brought him peace.

“Are we filming something special for this one?” Seungmin asks. Jisung bites his lip in contemplation. He hadn’t completely decided that.

“Actually, I don’t think we need to go anywhere crazy. It’s a song about being somewhere comfortable with someone, so I thought maybe just somewhere cozy within the apartment? The living room, or your bedroom if you’re comfortable with that?” Jisung asks.

“My bedroom?”

“Only if you’re comfortable showing it on camera. Otherwise we can just do it on the couch. Just somewhere that could be like a sanctuary,” Jisung explains, a little nervous. He’s been to the apartment a few times within the last couple months, but he’s never actually seen Seungmin’s bedroom.

“No, we can use my bedroom. I think that would work well,” Seungmin says. “Just let me make sure it’s clean?”

“Of course. I’ll go bother Chan,” Jisung responds. Seungmin nods, walking out of the studio with Jisung trailing behind him. Chan is sitting on the couch, so Jisung flops down next to him.

“Hello again,” Chan says, glancing up from his laptop. “Happy now?”

“What do you mean?” Jisung asks innocently.

“Now that you aren’t suffering from Seungmin withdrawal?” Chan teases. Jisung can feel himself blush a little, considers ignoring the comment, but honestly what’s the point?

“Is it that obvious?” he whispers.

“Yes,” Chan whispers back.

“Hey, Jisung! It’s ready, help me carry the equipment!” Seungmin shouts from down the hall.

“Good luck,” Chan says, giving Jisung a sturdy pat on the back.

“Thanks, I guess?” Jisung says, a little unsure. Chan just pats him again, giving an encouraging push forward. Jisung follows the force, meeting Seungmin in the studio and grabbing his guitar and some of the lighting setup. Stepping into someone’s room for the first time tends to feel like a peek into their soul, and this is no different. He finds himself stopped in the doorway, admiring sky blue walls and a perfectly made bed, neatly organized books of varying subjects and a heavy duty humidifier in its place on the nightstand. There’s a corkboard full of photos, some polaroids of friends, some scenery shots taken more professionally, some candids probably caught on a phone camera. Jisung even sees one of himself, a photo of him playing guitar he didn’t know was being captured tacked into a corner. The whole room is just so… Seungmin.

“Hello? Earth to Jisung? Will this work?” Seungmin asks, motioning at his bed. The covers are a striped mix of grey and white, perfectly fluffy and tucked in.

“It’s perfect. Sorry, just taking everything in,” Jisung says, placing the lights in front of the bed and handing Seungmin the cord to plug in. He messes with the camera setup while Jisung looks around a little more. “It’s so clean.”

“In comparison to your room, yes,” Seungmin laughs.

“My room isn’t dirty, it’s just… free,” Jisung defends. Seungmin laughs even louder than that.

“Your room suits you. And mine suits me,” Seungmin says decidedly.

“Agreed. Is it ok if I sit?” Jisung asks, looking at the bed.

“Yeah, go ahead,” Seungmin says, taking a seat first and patting the spot next to him. It almost reminds Jisung of their first time recording in his room, but this time they’re even closer. The whole room smells like Seungmin, fresh and clean, but it’s even more potent with the man himself sitting right there.

“Should we face each other? Or be side by side?”

“It’s your video, Ji.”

“Right. Then face me, I think we should be able to look at each other. Maybe at an angle, though,” Jisung says. Seungmin shifts a little, but ends up looking awkward. Jisung reaches out to correct him, a hand on his leg moving him a little farther back, then a hand on either shoulder messing with his angle. “Good,” he says. He mimics the position himself, lets the knee he has closest to the wall overlap with Seungmin’s and decides things are good.

“Tell me when to hit record,” Seungmin says, holding his little remote up. Jisung gives a thumbs up, then plays the audio on his phone. It’s thrilling as always, using his acting muscles to play up the idea that he’s spilling his feelings to Seungmin, though at this point it’s not even acting. They do two takes, just in case, and when they finish Jisung flops back onto the bed. He feels a thunk next to him, and looks over to see Seungmin has done the same. He can’t help but laugh.

“What?” Seungmin asks.

“Nothing, this just feels familiar,” he says, thinking back to their shoot at Ikea. “But it’s comfier here. No Hyunjin leaning over us, no crazy employee.”

“I have a walk in closet if you really want to relive it,” Seungmin says, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“Oh my god, are you ever going to stop bringing that up?” Jisung whines, covering his face.

“No, it’s a fond memory,” Seungmin says rolling so he’s on his side instead of his back and peeling one of Jisung’s hands away. “Aww, you’re blushing. And you call me cute,” he coos.

“I could take it back,” Jisung says, trying to pull his hand back. Seungmin doesn’t let him, instead intwining their fingers and laying their joined hands on the bed.

“I’d rather you not.”

“What time is it?” Jisung asks. Their dinner is planned for seven, and he’s not sure how long he can spend with Seungmin before he does something drastic.

“Six,” Seungmin says, glancing over at his clock. “When do I get my dinner date? And where are we going?”

“Seven. And we’re going to a restaurant Minho told me about, he said it’s got great Italian,” Jisung says. Seungmin pouts a little, barely noticeable, but it’s enough to worry Jisung. “What’s wrong?”

“Minho.”

“He’s your friend, right?” Jisung asks, confused.

“He told me he tried to ask you out,” Seungmin says.

“And did he tell you I said no?” Jisung giggles, amused by the jealousy.

“Yeah, but he also said you went to coffee, which sounds like you did go out.”

“He’s my friend. You know what we talked about?” Jisung asks.

“What?”

“We talked about you. And what kind of food you like, so I can take you out for dinner. Which is happening tonight. So stop pouting over Minho!” Jisung says, pulling Seungmin’s hand to his face and kissing it lightly. “Ok?”

“Yeah, ok,” Seungmin says. His ears are bright red again, which amuses Jisung to no end, and he can’t help but roll to the side and tug on his lobe.

“Oh, I have a question,” Jisung says, remembering something from their first meeting. “Why did you chose the name Sky? You never told me.”

“Oh. I thought it sounded nice and family friendly, honestly. There wasn’t a special reason,” Seungmin says. Jisung stares at him, confused. “What?”

“That’s… so boring. You make me think there was some amazing reason, but you really are just a fraud,” Jisung says.

“I’m not a fraud! I just liked the name! It seemed inspirational or something! The sky is pretty!!” Seungmin says with a laugh.

“Why did I think you’d have some kind of heartwarming metaphor or something?”

“The sky’s the limit?” Suengmin offers, but Jisung just shakes his head.

“No, don’t try to salvage it now,” Jisung rejects. “Disappointing.”

“Maybe I just wanted to sound cool and mysterious for you,” Seungmin says.

“Well that facade faded a long time ago. We both know I’m the cool one.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure about that. Maybe neither of us are very cool,” Seungmin ponders aloud.

“Excuse me? I’m cool, I play the guitar.”

“Yeah, sure. Cool. Let’s go get that dinner now,” Seungmin says, looking at the clock.

“As you wish,” Jisung says, springing off the bed and offering a hand out to Seungmin. He doesn’t exactly have a plan for tonight as far as progressing their relationship, but it can’t hurt to be a little gentlemanly. He’d planned out dinner, and that should be nice. For everything else, he’ll just have to wing it. He pushes Seungmin to change into something a little more formal, a button down instead of a t-shirt, and uses the bathroom to make sure his own outfit looks alright. It’s just a patterned short sleeved button down and fitted pants, but he wants to look nice, especially since Minho said the restaurant was pretty upscale.

Seungmin comes out looking polished as ever, Jisung even thinks he sees a little shimmery nude eyeshadow, and god, does he feel lucky. Getting to take this man out might just be one of the biggest privileges he’s had. Knowing Seungmin in general makes him feel that way. Jisung leads him out the door and to his car, adjusting everything for maximum comfort on the twenty minute ride. Seungmin tells him to act as DJ, so Jisung puts his library on shuffle, hoping for something good. He lucks out with a few of his favorite songs, surprisingly upbeat given the repertoire he’s working with.

“I’m glad we’re doing this,” Jisung says over the music.

“Getting dinner?” Seungmin asks.

“Fancy dinner,” Jisung clarifies. “And that you’re letting me treat you.”

“Feel free to do so whenever,” Seungmin says with a laugh. Jisung feels a smile creep onto his face at the sound.

“No way, you treat me next time,” Jisung argues, glancing at him from the side.

“If you do well this time, maybe,” Seungmin replies. The GPS interrupts their talk, spurting out directions to get to the restaurant as Jisung follows along. They’re there before they know it, blown away by the venue. It’s a two story operation, with a raised deck on the 2nd floor, which is where Jisung had made their reservation. It’s lovely, secluded, and quiet, the perfect temperature to enjoy the fresh air as they study the menu.

“I think you’ve outdone yourself,” Seungmin says after biting into a forkful of pasta. They’d both gone for the indulgent side of the menu, not wanting to waste the opportunity for high quality food just to maintain a healthy appearance by ordering salad or the like.

“I kind of think so too,” Jisung says, cheek stuffed full of his own dish. “I’ll have to thank Minho.”

“Oh yeah, about Minho,” Seungmin says cautiously.

“I don’t want to argue about Minho anymore, please-” Jisung starts to say.

“No, I wasn’t going to. You should text him about your whole roommate situation. I know Hyunjin’s going to be out of your place soon, and Minho’s roommate just announced they’re going to be moving out. Maybe you two could combine forces or something,” Seungmin explains.

“Oh. So that would mean… I move to LA?” Jisung says cautiously. That’s an interesting thought. Technically, he could work from anywhere.

“Santa Monica, technically,” Seungmin says. “Just thought I’d throw the thought out there. Since you two hit it off.”

“Are you just trying to get me to move closer to you?” Jisung teases, waggling his fork at Seungmin.

“I absolutely am.”

“Interesting. I’ll talk to him. No promises, though,” Jisung says, still contemplating the thought. He’d be kind of far from Hyunjin and Changbin, but nothing unreasonable. He’d have to give up the babysitting, but that was probably going to be dropped in the upcoming weeks anyway. It’s definitely something to consider. “Could be fun.”

“I think so, too,” Seungmin agrees.

The conversation quickly shifts, back to something easy and nonsensical. Honesty, at this point, everything is easy. Seungmin’s mind may work differently than his own, but it’s fascinating to pick at it and try to understand what goes on in his head, to grasp onto the things that start to make sense. So that’s how they spend dinner, and dessert, and the thirty minutes after dessert until the server looks about ready to kick them out for another couple.

Now they’re walking side by side into the perfect evening, and Jisung isn’t ready for it to end. He’s pretty sure Seungmin understands his intentions at this point, he’s not been all that subtle, but he needs to do something about it. But how?

“Will you stay out with me? A little longer?” Jisung asks, grabbing Seungmin’s hand and squeezing.

“I will. But where?” Seungmin responds, squeezing back.

“I don’t know. There was a little park by the car? Can we walk around?”

“Sounds nice,” he says with a smile. “Bring your guitar.”

“My guitar? Why?”

“Because I want a concert,” Seungmin says. “A private one. I sang to you on the phone, I deserve a private concert.”

“I can make that happen,” Jisung says. The car is in their eye line, so he lets go of Sungmin's hand to jog towards it and grab his case, reconnecting as soon as they’re back side by side and pulling him towards the park entrance. It’s pretty at night, soft lamps illuminating the pathway and hovering over little benches. Jisung sees a big boulder just off the path, something that would be easier to fit them both on with the guitar, and gestures to it. Seungmin takes a seat on the edge of one side as Jisung pulls out his instrument and gets comfortable. “Any requests?”

“Nope, play me something you like,” Seungmin says. Something he likes? There’s a million songs he likes, but none of them feel quite right for the moment. There is something that sticks in his head, a song that feels all too true to his situation lately.

“Ok, I’ve got one,” Jisung says.

“Ooh, do share,” Seungmin responds back, making adorably tiny claps with his fingers.

“This is ‘Daydream Away’ by All Time Low,” Jisung says, starting up the song. It’s a love song, but one of longing, one that details a relationship so comfortable that it’s terrifying to take the next step. You’re just a daydream away, I wouldn’t know what to say if I had you. And I’ll keep you a daydream away, just watch from a safe place so I never have to lose. It’s terrifying, the thought of everything going wrong. But wouldn’t it be worse if nothing ever happened at all? Jisung plays through the song, avoiding eye contact with Seungmin in favor of staring at the strings. He expects some kind of reaction when he finishes, maybe applause or a ‘good job’, but he doesn’t hear anything. When he looks up, Seungmin is staring at him with a sour look on his face.

“What? Bad song?”

“Why would you play me that?” Seungmin asks, looking genuinely pissed off. “Is that how you feel?”

“What? I just though- I don’t know, maybe I did,” Jisung chokes out. Oh god, he fucked up.

“You know, I can’t wait for you forever. I thought we were getting somewhere with this. With us,” Seungmin says.

“We are, wait, please stop being mad at me!” Jisung says frantically. “I swear, I didn’t play it to piss you off! It was like, and explanation! Of why I took so long.”

“Well I don’t want to hear a song about you being scared to make a move,” Seungmin says.

“Ok, ok, here. You’ll like this song better. But I need you to calm down first,” Jisung says.

“I am calm,” Seungmin responds. Jisung looks at him, trying so hard not to look mad that his eye is nearly twitching. “I swear.”

“Yeah, ok. I believe you,” Jisung says with a laugh. It seems to cut Seungmin’s stress a little, because he does break into a small smile. “Alright, just for you, a Disney song.”

“Interested to see where this is going,” he says under his breath. Jisung strums his guitar, finding the notes of ‘Kiss the Girl’ from the Little Mermaid. He starts singing, changes the lyrics to fit their pairing a little better. You wanna kiss the boy. Jisung only makes it halfway through the song before he’s interrupted.

“Oh my god, Han Jisung,” Seungmin says, making Jisung snap his head up. He keeps singing, but Seungmin talks over it. “Are you serious right now?”

“What? What’s wrong with this one?” Jisung asks, extending the chords out so they can have their conversation.

“Please put that guitar down,” Seungmin says.

“No, you’re scary, but I know you won’t hurt me if I have this guitar,” Jisung says, continuing to sing through Seungmin’s request.

“Jisung put that damn guitar down!” Seungmin says, voice raising. Jisung stops playing, standing up and bending down to put his guitar away.

“I’m sorry, I thought that was better!” Jisung says, raising his hands in defeat when he’s upright again.

“Just come here,” Seungmin says, waving him over. Jisung steps forward cautiously, surprised when he feels hands on his collar yanking him towards Seungmin, pleased when he feels lips on his own.

Oh, it worked. He got to kiss the boy. Finally, finally, he gets to kiss Seungmin, and oh my god why hadn’t he done this sooner? Because he’d been worried Seungmin was some kind of fairy tale prince that wasn’t real? The way their lips are connected right now, the way Seungmin sighs a little when Jisung nibbles on his lower lips, the way he lets go of Jisung’s collar and his arms hook around Jisungs neck, those are definitely real. The taste of lava cake and dessert wine on his tongue, that’s very much real. The feeling of Jisung’s palms moving up and down Seungmin’s slim body, pulling him impossibly closer and tugging on the fabric of his shirt, it’s unmistakable. Just because it feels good doesn’t mean it’s fake, why has it taken this long to realize that? Jisung deepens the kiss, making up for lost time as he slides his tongue across the seam of Seungmin’s lips for entry. It’s so nice, being so close, inhaling Seungmin’s cologne and moving a hand up to lace through his hair. It’s so nice knowing he can do this again, that he isn’t scared that it’s all an act. Seungmin isn’t perfect, he’s not the image he puts forth to his audience. He’s a person, he gets mad, he laughs like a dork, he forgets to check his inboxes. But he also makes amazing tea, he listens to Jisung’s problems, he smells like fresh rain and woods, he makes Jisung blush. He made Jisung fall in love. They aren’t strangers swept up in love songs, they’re two people with feelings for each other who sometimes let love songs narrate for them. Jisung pulls away for a second, not to break things off this time, but because he has to say something.

“So that was a better song choice?” he asks.

“You’re stupid,” Seungmin says with a laugh.

“But you like me,” Jisung teases.

“Do I?”

“God I hope so, because I’ve been whipped for you since I first heard your voice,” Jisung says, pressing another kiss to Seungmin’s lips.

“Took you long enough to realize it,” Seungmin whispers between kisses. Jisung pulls away a little further at that. He needs to give an explanation.

“Seungmin, I’m really sorry if it was selfish to ask you to wait. It just kind of felt too good to be true. I needed to make sure you were real,” Jisung says quietly.

“What’s the verdict?”

“The verdict is you’re very much real. And that you’ve changed my life in more ways than you can know. And that I think I might be falling in love with you,” Jisung says, shifting his gaze back up to Seungmin’s eyes. They’re shining, and the smile he’s giving Jisung is intoxicating.

“I’m really glad to hear that, because I’ve been falling for you since the first time you slid into my DM’s,” Seungmin says, leaning in again. Jisung keeps him in place for a moment.

“That long? Seriously? You really didn’t sound like it.”

“Well, I wasn’t sure then. But after much reflection, yes, I don’t think there was ever a time I didn’t find you utterly adorable.”

“I can’t blame you,” Jisung says with a laugh, leaning back into Seungmin and sealing their lips together. Seungmin seems like he might try to protest, but after a few seconds Jisung feels him melt back into the kiss. He’s still sat on the boulder while Jisung stands, looming a little bit over him, and Jisung sneaks a leg in between Seungmin’s to get their bodies even closer. His world is chaotic, more than it ever had been, but here in this moment Seungmin truly is his calm.

They pull away after what could be a few minutes, could be half an hour, Jisung isn’t really sure. But the sky is dark, and Seungmin whines about their safety, so Jisung peels himself away and they walk to the car hand in hand. He’s convinced to stay over at Seungmin’s, spends the night in sweatpants that are too long and a hoodie that smells like fresh rain. He wonders if Seungmin notices it missing from his closet when he returns home.

Jisung: I want to do a boyfriend challenge.

Seungmin: That’s not the kind of channel I run.

Jisung: sorry, are you not my boyfriend?

Seungmin: Is that what you want?

Jisung: no! I love you! please don’t leave me!

Seungmin: That’s what I thought.

Jisung: I just want to show you off, babe

Jisung: what if we start the video with a cover?

Seungmin: What song?

Jisung: the greatest love song of all time is i can’t help falling in love with you

Seungmin: That’s not a duet.

Jisung: it is if we both sing it

Seungmin: If we’re doing a love song, I want to sing Lucky. I’ve always wanted to be Jason Mraz.

Jisung: we can do both ;)

Seungmin: Is it really a good idea to publicize our relationship?

Jisung: we’ve been dating for three months

Seungmin: That’s not really that long in the grand scheme of things.

Jisung: well I’ve liked you for nine months, that’s pretty long

Seungmin: True.

Jisung: so can we?

Seungmin: When?

Jisung: I can be over in twenty?

Seungmin: Alright, sounds good.

Jisung: see you soon babe :^)

“Hellooo-” Jisung calls out, poking his head into Chan and Seungmin’s apartment. He’d been trusted with a key a few weeks ago and was making extremely good use of it, though he still liked to wait to be called inside. Nobody seemed to be in the living room, though, so Jisung let himself in and put his things down on one of the armchairs. Just then Seungmin steps out of his room, half naked from the top up. “Oh my god, it wasn’t supposed to be that kind of video,” Jisung teases, slinking up to his boyfriend and running a hand up his bare spine.

“You said twenty minutes fifteen minutes ago, I’m supposed to have five minutes,” Seungmin says, swatting at Jisung’s hand.

“Minho was driving in this direction anyway, I didn’t have to park. Kiss, please,” Jisung requests. Seungmin tries to look annoyed but leans down anyway, capturing Jisungs jaw in his hand as he lays a sweet kiss to his lips. “Do you think they’ll be surprised?” Jisung asks when they pull away.

“Who?”

“The viewers,” Jisung clarifies. Seungmin looks at him incredulously.

“Jisung, the viewers have thought we were together since we posted the first cover almost a year ago. All the comments were about how you looked at me like you were in love with me.”

“I am in love with you,” Jisung says with a smile. He can tell Seungmin is trying to stay strong, be in control of his emotions like he enjoys. It fails.

“I love you too. Very much. Now can we film?” he says quietly.

“Are you going to do it like that?” Jisung asks, gesturing at his bare torso. Seungmin looks down and flushes, running into his room and emerging with a sweater on. “Aw, I liked it.”

“I know you did,” Seungmin says, pulling him into another kiss and picking him up bridal style. He carries Jisung into the studio, and for a moment he feels like he really might still be some character in a fairy tale, being brought to his castle by the prince he loves.

But this one doesn’t have to end.