Work Text:
Jihoon is sitting curled up on his couch, a cup of tea clutched tightly in his hands when his phone begins to ring. He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t move to get it, the throbbing in his head promising more to come if he tries to move. He’s not really worried about it either - his friends mostly text him in fear of interrupting him while he’s in the studio, so it’s most likely just spam. The vibrations eventually stop and Jihoon sighs, resting against the cushions when his phone begins to ring again. Confused and concerned, Jihoon cautiously and slowly moves towards his coffee table, putting his tea down and picking up his phone. His eyebrows knit further when he sees Seokmin’s name lighting up the display, startling when he remembers he hasn’t answered yet. He scrambles to swipe right on the display, pressing the device against his ear immediately.
“Seokmin?” He asks, sure that concern is palpable in his tone. He hears Seokmin sigh in relief, only making him feel worse.
“Hyung, are you busy?” Jihoon considers the question before humming. He doesn’t like how worried Seokmin sounds, how his usually vibrant tone is so short and staccato.
“No, not really. I mean, I’m home from the studio already. Why, what’s wrong?”
“Would you be able to watch Sakura for me?” Jihoon feels his face do something funny as he considers the words. His friends know that Jihoon isn’t the best to call for any sitting type gigs - pets or kids alike. He’s a little too awkward for his own good and totally off the deep end when it comes to his own basic care, let alone that of children, so most of the time he’s never in the running as an emergency sitter. Plus, his work schedule is filled with weird hours and half the time that they hang out Jihoon gets a frantic call from the studio. Most of the time he can ignore it, it’s just Soonyoung or the likes being overdramatic, but he's certain the time that one of the kids spilled coffee on his computer lives in the back of everyone’s mind. He realizes he hasn’t answered Seokmin when he starts talking again, a bit frantic.
“It’s just that you live the closest and I just got a call that I need to do reshoots for a few scenes or so, the files got corrupted or something, and she got some shots today so she’s not feeling too well and I don’t wanna leave her by herself-”
“Seokminnie,” Jihoon cuts him off, listening as the younger man slightly gasps for air, out of breath from his panicked rambling. He’s so worried it makes something in Jihoon hurt for him, as if he doesn’t know Jihoon could never say no to him. “Do you want me to come over or do you want to leave her here?” Seokmin sighs in relief, the sound loud through the speaker and making Jihoon flinch.
“Do you mind? Coming over, I mean.”
“I’ll be there in fifteen.” Seokmin lets out another relieved sigh, thanking Jihoon profusely for his help. Jihoon just shrugs it off, hanging up under the pretense to grab his shit and call a car. As he stands his head begins to truly throb, reminding him of the migraine he’s been nursing for the day and why he had taken leave from the studio early. He sighs all the same, not wanting to either call Seokmin and tell him he’s too sick to help or to bring Sakura over, walking slowly and carefully around his apartment as he grabs what he thinks he’ll need for a few hours at Seokmin’s - his computer and his mouse, his headphones, his migraine meds, his water bottle. He grabs his chargers before he can forget them, phone lighting up to let him know the car is in front of his building.
He grabs his keys and wallet before he locks up and heads downstairs, Seokmin’s anxiety making him only want to get to the younger faster. He nods at the doorman as he leaves, finding the car and silently riding the entire way to Seokmin’s house. His head has begun to throb at this point, nausea building in his guts from the steady swaying of the car. They eventually make it to Seokmin’s building thankfully sans Jihoon losing his lunch, and he tosses a thank you over his shoulder as he leaves the car and makes his way inside. He nods at the woman behind the desk as he makes his way to the elevator, sagging against the wall as he rides to the ninth floor.
Seokmin’s is one of two apartments on the floor, which makes sense - the actor had more than enough funds for an upscale penthouse if he truly wanted one. Jihoon figures he was just too fond of his building to move once his career really started taking off, and he couldn’t really judge him either seeing as he’s the same way. He knocks on the door, waiting patiently for the few moments it takes for Seokmin to answer the door.
“Hyung,” he breathes out in relief, immediately pulling the shorter man into a hug. Jihoon scrunches up his face in displeasure but lets him have it, knowing he has been beyond stressed probably since he got the call from his manager.
“How’s Sakura, Seokminnie?” He asks as he walks into the apartment, toeing off his slippers and readjusting his shirt, wishing that he had changed out of his day clothes before he came over. He looks back at the younger man to see his expression concerned, just raising an eyebrow at him.
“Hyung, are you okay?” Jihoon shrugs, fiddling with his bag and waiting for Seokmin to either expand on the thought or let it drop. “You don’t look so good.”
“Just a headache, Min,” he says, closing his eyes as the throbbing moves between his temples in the way that makes him want to scream. Seokmin doesn’t seem to believe him but lets it slide, leading Jihoon deeper into his apartment.
“Kura’s asleep, but she doesn’t seem too bad right now.” He gestures to where there’s a little white and brown lump on his couch, the coton de tulear fast asleep. “She’s just been super lethargic and hasn’t been eating, which is normal for her after shots but I just,” he runs a hand through his hair, looking at Jihoon with a stressed expression, “When she’s not feeling well I hate to leave her alone.” Jihoon nods, setting his bag down on the table.
“Go get ready to go. Kura and I’ll be fine.” Seokmin hesitates but nods, leaving Jihoon in the living room with the tired tiny pup.
“Sakura,” he says all soft, watching her little brown ear twitch. “Sakurakura, wake up.” She opens her eyes as he lays a hand gently on her head, her tail moving slightly. Jihoon can’t help but smile, offering her his hand for her to lick in greeting. He can tell she’s excited to see him the way that she always is, but doesn’t have it in her to actually jump up and smother him. He understands the sentiment, the pain in his temple amplifying as he settles down on the cushion and starts to pet her back. She does move then, clambering her way into his lap before falling asleep once more.
Jihoon looks up when he hears footsteps, Seokmin’s stressed expression coming into view. He has a bag slung over his shoulder and his keys in his hand, eyes flickering anxiously between Jihoon and his baby.
“You’ll be okay?” Jihoon just nods, offering Seokmin a small smile.
“Yeah. I think I know where everything is anyways, so don’t worry about us. I’ll text you any updates or if I need you.” Seokmin cracks a relieved smile, walking over and giving Jihoon a quick hug.
“You’re a lifesaver, hyung. Order in, dinner’s on me.” Jihoon just pushes him off fondly, waving as he goes. It’s only once he hears the door shut that he lets himself sag back against the couch, looking at the sleeping dog on his lap.
“Let’s both feel better, huh?” He asks softly, the dog not giving any sign of acknowledgement for his words, not like he was expecting one. He scratches her head softly before grabbing his phone, hooking it up to the bluetooth speakers Seokmin has set up around the house. He puts on an acoustic playlist and lets the soft sounds of guitar fill the air, wondering if there’s anything he can actually get done with his head in such a state. It only seems to be worsening, Jihoon flinching as a particularly sharp pain makes itself known. Carefully removing Sakura from his lap, he grabs his bag and roots through it until he finds the package he had been hunting for. Tearing off the paper on the back, Jihoon removes the little plastic cartridge and shoves it up his nose, taking on the unpleasant role of snorting his drugs.
His nose and throat are burning once he’s finished taking it, an unpleasant sensation he’ll take if it means his head will stop hurting. He makes his way to the kitchen in order to throw out the little plastic thing and case Seokmin’s place for drinks, the taste in the back of his mouth abhorrent, a slow pitter patter following him. He turns to see Sakura watching him sadly and Jihoon feels his heart crack, approaching the little dog slowly.
“Would you feel better if I carry you?” She doesn’t shy away from his hands as he nears her so he takes that as his answer, gently easing her off the ground and settling her in his arms. She buries her face in the crook of his elbow almost immediately and Jihoon can’t help but coo at her as he rubs her back. She really is just too adorable.
He moves through the kitchen with a slight sway in his step for Sakura’s benefit, still uncomfortable from taking his medicine earlier, before finding a coke can in the fridge. Happy with his findings Jihoon bounces his way back to the couch, his left eye closing as the thrumming in his temple only gets worse. He settles down on the couch again, nabbing the blanket off the back and curling under it, soda and phone in hand. Sakura watches him as he gets comfortable and climbs back into his lap the second he stops moving, settling herself on top of him with ease. He smiles at her antics, scratching at her head with his nails as she goes boneless in his lap. He remembers that he told Seokmin he’d send him updates, snapping a quick picture of Sakura curled up and sending it his way before he can forget. Seokmin sends back a heart sticker rather quickly, confusing Jihoon until he realizes he’s probably still getting his hair and makeup done. He startles when he sees the little speech bubble pop up signifying Seokmin’s typing, but he’s not sure why. All he knows is that he needs to get off his screen ASAP, head searing the longer he looks at his phone’s display.
Lee Seokmin
Is she doing okay?
yeah. just seems tired.
dw, we’ll be alright
Lee Seokmin
I owe you one hyung
I was serious about dinner
go back to work dummy
and stop worrying
Jihoon doesn’t bother to wait for a response, tossing his phone on the table and curling tighter into himself as best he can without disturbing the little lump on his lap. He cracks his soda and downs about half of it in one go, washing away the shitty taste and soothing the burn in his throat, thankfully. He puts the can down and checks his watch to see that it’s only a little past five, meaning he has time to nap for a little while before either of them really need to eat. Jihoon pulls the blanket up a little tighter and buries his hand in Sakura’s soft hair on her back, letting whatever track that’s currently playing soothe him to sleep.
—
Jihoon wakes up disoriented and in pain, an incessant pawing on his hand. He furrows his brows and cracks his eyes open the smallest amount he can, Sakura sitting next to him and actively pawing at him. He rubs his eyes but doesn’t really open them, checking his watch to find that it’s well past eight.
“Shit, do you have to go out?” He asks with a gravelly voice, Sakura perking up at the word. He sighs but nods, grabbing his phone off the table and following the dog to the door. He hooks her up to her leash after he’s jammed on his slippers and Seokmin’s far too big coat, grabbing Seokmin’s spare key off the little table he has next to the door and heading out. He makes his way to the elevator and hits the call button, pulling out his phone while he waits. He raises his eyebrows when he sees a few messages from Seokmin as well as his group chat with Seungcheol and Soonyoung, confused when they all seem at least somewhat concerned. The elevator dings before he can read them and the noise sends another pulse through his skull, stepping inside with Sakura and hitting the button for the lobby before he reads through the chats.
He checks Seokmin’s first, sighing when he sees he mostly just sent updates. Shooting was apparently taking longer than he had expected, sending Jihoon warnings that it may be a while before he can make it back home and some crying stickers. Jihoon sends him back a simple ‘ it’s fine dummy ’ before he closes out of the chat, clicking on his little group chat. The elevator dings before he can read it and he steps out, taking Sakura out of the building and walking next to the little grassy area on the sidewalk until she stops. He turns back to his phone then, brows knitting at their most recent texts.
Cheol-hyung
Hey are you okay?
Seokmin texted and he sounds worried
KSY
^^
ya jihoonie
r u ok???
migraine
i’m fine tho
like pls dw
Cheol-hyung
!!!
How could we not?!
Do you need anything??
to get off my phone
KSY
oh shit yea
call if you need anything!!!
luv u!!!
Cheol-hyung
Please don't worry about bothering us!
Call if you need literally anything!!
will do
Jihoon turns off his phone then, sighing as he stuffs it back in his pocket and grabs a poop bag from the little container on Sakura’s leash. Perks of being a pet owner , he thinks sarcastically as he ties off the bag and tosses it into the trash even with Sakura sitting on the sidewalk and refusing to move to the point he can barely reach the barrel. He blinks at Sakura a few times before picking her up, heading back inside to Seokmin’s apartment as he starts to shiver. He knows it’s not that cold out, especially all bundled in Seokmin’s jacket, and he only realizes that he has a fever when he hits the call button on the elevator. Sighing, he shakes his head at Sakura and walks into the elevator, leaning heavily against the wall as they ride up.
“I hope your dad gets home soon,” he tells Sakura, the little dog already starting to fall asleep again. He opens the door to the apartment and lets them in, setting her on the ground as he takes off his slippers and Seokmin’s coat, wrapping his arms around his middle to try and keep the chill out of his bones. He wanders into the kitchen and refills Sakura’s food and water bowls, leaving the dog to drink as he meanders into the back of the apartment, pain moving to sit across the bridge of his nose and eyes.
That’s a new one, he thinks with disinterest, bracing himself on the wall while he waits for the pain to reorient itself again. It’s in the back hallway that he realizes just how dark the apartment is, never having turned on a light since he got there. Seokmin’s apartment gets great natural light, probably one of the reasons he won’t give it up, but with the moon barely in the sky Jihoon finds the whole place shrouded in darkness. He can’t find it in himself to mind however, knowing that anything brighter than his phone’s flashlight on its lowest setting would only serve to make his head hurt more. Biting back a sigh, Jihoon steals himself to break into Seokmin’s room, flashlight lighting the way.
Seokmin’s horrendously kind, the way that it makes your teeth hurt from just how naturally sweet he is. The way he cares about everything and how much he wants to help everyone always lets Jihoon know that he wouldn’t mind Jihoon raiding his closet and stealing some of his clothes. Pushing aside any guilt that he feels he puts his phone on top of the dresser, barely making a dent in the darkness in the room but lighting up the contents of the drawers enough for him to be able to see. He finds a pair of joggers that are soft to the touch, the ankles cinched by a good two or three inch band meaning it’ll be easier to roll them when he inevitably has to. He tosses them on Seokmin’s bed before rooting through a different drawer, considering stealing one of the threadbare shirts when a shiver rips through him, the motion sending more pain through his skull and a blooming feeling of lightheadedness. He sighs, stealing one of the muscle tees in a last minute decision just in case his temperature starts to fluctuate like it loves to before padding over to the closet and kidnapping the softest sweatshirt he can find. He doesn’t really care what he’s going to look like, far too irritated by the pull and scratch of both his jeans and shirt to truly give a shit. He’s fully changed and finally comfortable by the time Sakura makes her way into the room, hopping up on Seokmin’s bed and curling up square in the middle of it. The sight makes him smile and he realizes that it would be a good shot to send to Seokmin.
He closes his eyes as he flicks the lights on, glad that it doesn’t feel overwhelming from behind his eyelids like he feared it would. He breathes as he cracks his eyes open and winces, the low light from the lamp enough to send another ache through his head. He sucks it up, opening the camera app and snapping a picture, sending it off to Seokmin without a preamble or caption. He turns off the lights again and flicks on his flashlight, prodding gently at Sakura before he picks up his clothing bundle.
“C’mon Sakurakura, let’s go back to the couch. Your dad’ll be home soon.” She doesn’t seem to want to move and Jihoon isn’t going to force her, making his way back to the living room and stuffing his clothes into his backpack. He furrows his brows as he hears what sound like whines coming from the bedroom, confusion growing as they only get louder.
“Sakura? Baby? What’s wrong?” She doesn’t stop crying nor does she come as he calls, leaving Jihoon to make his way to the bedroom overly concerned. He shines his flashlight on her hesitantly, finding her still curled in a ball but her cries not ceasing. He sits on the bed and begins to pet her, opening his chat with Seokmin already filled with guilt and regret.
um
does kura cry a lot???
or did i break your dog
Seokmin doesn’t respond, nor has he even seen the picture Jihoon had sent, so Jihoon assumes he’s on his own for this one. He carefully climbs onto Seokmin’s bed and sits back against the mountain of pillows Seokmin has, picking up Sakura gently before placing her in his lap. Her cries seem to quiet a bit as he continues to pet her to which he’s grateful, closing his eyes as he leans his headboard. He’s half asleep when his phone ringing startles him enough to cause him to jump, rubbing at his eyes as he picks up the offending device and answers the call.
“Hyung? What’s wrong?” Seokmin asks, tone panicked. Jihoon looks back at the lump in his lap, realizing she’s stopped crying for now and even seems to be asleep again.
“Ah, nothing Seok. I think she was just lonely. Sorry to worry you.” He can’t keep the tiredness from his voice, well aware that Seokmin can hear it too.
“No, hyung, it’s fine. I’d rather you reach out if you need something.” He pauses, seemingly considering his next words. “Are you okay though? You sound funny.” Jihoon just hums, his eyes starting to close on their own.
“Yeah, I’m good. Go focus on your shoot, Kura and I’ll be good.” Seokmin doesn’t seem to believe him but Jihoon can hear someone calling for him, Seokmin cursing softly under his breath.
“We only have, like, a scene left here, hyung. I should be home soon. I’ll text you with any updates.” Jihoon just hums, letting Seokmin go with ease. He drops his phone somewhere on the bed, wiggling his way under the covers and curling up around Sakura as she starts to whine again.
“Shh baby, he’ll be home soon,” he whispers in what hopes is a soothing manner, Sakura eventually calming down again. He tries to resist the pull of sleep for as long as he can, but with Sakura warm against his chest and surrounded by the comforting smell that is so distinctly Seokmin, Jihoon can’t help but to drift off.
—
Jihoon flinches when the sounds of plates reach his oversensitive ears, every small sound ringing through his head like a gong. He doesn’t bother to investigate the sound, knowing that based on what he can feel that his head will spin the second he sits up to the point that he’ll potentially even get sick from it. Not too fond of the idea of trying to race to the bathroom with his head feeling like a helium balloon and a cinder block had a baby, Jihoon just curls tighter into the sheets and around Sakura. He can’t tell if she hasn’t woken up or just doesn’t care the same way he does, but he doesn’t worry enough to try and figure it out. He’s half asleep again when he hears footsteps approaching, bracing himself for the worst the louder they get.
Turns out he didn’t need to as neither the lights turn on nor does a booming voice call out to him. Instead he feels the bed sink near his hip, a gentle hand resting on his waist over the blankets.
“Hyung,” Seokmin whispers, concern palpable in his tone. Jihoon hums at him once he realizes Seokmin is waiting for a response, worried about waking him. “Are you okay?” Jihoon considers lying again but realizes there isn’t much of a point to if Seokmin’s already home.
“Not really,” he breathes out, head starting to pound again. The hand on his waist slowly starts to rub his side as if he’s waiting for Jihoon to throw it off, but he can’t find it in himself to put up his normal front.
“What can I do?” He asks just as soft, hand never stopping in its movement. Jihoon hums and considers this, wondering if he can be greedy enough to ask. He knows Seokmin will give in, the younger man far too kind, but Jihoon is still worried that he’ll take advantage of him the way he always is. “Hyung,” Seokmin pleads, breaking him out of his thoughts as his hand moves to run through his hair, “Tell me whatever it is.”
“C’me to bed,” Jihoon eventually finds it in himself to say, Seokmin humming at him all the same.
“Lemme get ready and then I’ll be right there.” He squeezes his hip before his hand leaves him entirely, Jihoon scolding himself internally when he finds that he already misses him. He feels Sakura move in his arms, assuming Seokmin is finally greeting his baby as he feels her tail wag a few times. He’s about to let her go when he feels the bed move and hears Seokmin start to pad around, Sakura seemingly too content with their cuddling to follow her dad around. It’s a welcome change of pace from when she was crying on him earlier, Jihoon sighing happily as he pets her once more.
“Wha’ time issit?” He slurs, frowning at Seokmin’s soft little chuckle.
“Late, but don’t worry. I’ll be right there, I just gotta brush my teeth.” Jihoon groans, running a hand over his face as he realizes his mistake.
“I didn’t brush mine.” Seokmin hums, running a hand through his hair as he passes.
“One night won’t kill you, hyung. Especially when you’re as sick as you are.” Jihoon doesn’t bother to respond, figuring he’s right anyways. He has half the mind to try and get up to do some version of his nighttime routine, but his thoughts are quelled when he ends up lightheaded simply from turning his head to the side. He groans again, scrunching his face up as he waits for the pain to pass. He eventually hears Seokmin re enter the room, the mattress next to him sinking again in sure sign that Seokmin’s sitting rather than laying with him. He whines involuntarily, something high and soft and horribly embarrassing, his cheeks flaring both from the sound and Seokmin’s soft laugh.
“It’s okay Ji, I just don’t wanna make you feel worse. Tell me where to go, what to do.” Jihoon’s heart aches with how kind Seokmin is. It makes him want to bundle him up and shrink him down and keep him in his pocket and never let him go. It’s a little bit overwhelming to feel so much for one person, but Jihoon pushes the thoughts of drowning in honeyed feelings aside as he pats the mattress opposite him.
“Come here, but be gentle. I don’t wanna puke.” Seokmin makes a sad little sound, his hand running through Jihoon’s hair a few more times before he gets up. Jihoon listens to him move, cracking an eye open once he’s standing across from him, fiddling with his phone. The moon frames him perfectly, a crown behind his head and his skin glinting like liquid bronze, and Jihoon is struck dumb at how beautiful he is. Muscles emerging from his cut off tee, hair black as the night that surrounds them, an exquisite statuesque sight that Jihoon knows would be marveled in any of those stupid big name museums.
“‘M glad you’re not a Greek, like, an ancient one,” he mumbles, watching Seokmin tilt his head, expression screwed up with confusion in a way that’s so cute it makes Jihoon want to fling himself into the sun.
“Hyung?” Seokmin asks, and Jihoon shakes his head minutely.
“You’re too pretty to be borne of anything but a tragedy,” he says softly, watching Seokmin’s cheeks flush in the moonlight. He wishes he could save the sight in front of him forever, Seokmin both looking horribly ethereal and like a benevolent deity gracing one of his most loyal subjects.
“Aish, hyung, you’re so greasy,” he practically whines, so clearly embarrassed that Jihoon can’t stamp down the smile on his lips.
“I'm just tellin’ the truth.” He has time to be embarrassed about his words in the morning, too busy basking in the moment to care about much else. “Now c’me ‘ere,” he slurs slightly, words weighed down with exhaustion. Seokmin complies, heading Jihoon’s earlier warning and climbing into his bed and settling down as carefully as he can. Jihoon shifts slowly until his head is tucked under Seokmin’s chin, a hand over his waist and legs tangled together, a gap between them where Sakura lies. Seokmin holds him by the shoulder softly, pressing a kiss into the crown of his aching head as he sighs a content little sigh.
“We should talk in the morning,” he whispers and Jihoon hums in response.
“Don’t worry, we’ll be alright,” he whispers soft and sweet, placing a soft kiss against Seokmin’s throat. Jihoon lets himself drift off once more, heart achingly full and spirits as high as they can be with the pain in his head dragging them down.
—
Jihoon wakes slowly, a dull pain coating the back of his head like glue, the rest of it filled with soggy cotton balls. He can feel the sun on him and winces at the idea of opening his eyes, just glad that it’s a Saturday and he doesn’t actually have to go into the studio for anything. He groans lightly and puts his back to the window, working on getting his eyes open when he hears footsteps pitter patter towards him.
“Hey hyung,” comes a soft voice from the doorway, a small weight jumping up onto the mattress. Jihoon cracks open an eye and smiles at Sakura, spluttering as she tries to suffocate him with love. Seokmin doesn’t bother to help but instead just laughs quietly, and when Jihoon can finally get a glimpse of him it’s to see him smiling fondly at them.
“Hey Seok,” he croaks out, petting Sakura lest she stops trying to smother him. “What time is it?” Seokmin shrugs, checking his phone quickly.
“Like eight. I wasn’t planning on waking you yet but someone heard you moving from the kitchen.” Jihoon hums, hands finding their way behind Sakura’s ears as he slowly flattens onto his back. Turns out that’s a bad idea, pain sloshing around in his head like a glass slushy, his ear starting to ring in the process. He can feel his nose scrunch up as he waits for the new wave of pain to settle, the mattress dipping down next to him.
“Hyung, how do I help?” There’s a gentle hand on his stomach and Jihoon sighs, somehow managing to open his eyes and smile a little sadly at Seokmin.
“I dunno if you can,” he says honestly, taking a deep breath before he attempts to sit up. It goes better than he expected, his head hurting more in a dull ache kind of way more than anything else which he finds far more manageable, especially compared to when it feels like he has ice picks going through his temple. He sleepily smiles at Seokmin as he runs a hand through his hair, confused when he sees that he’s holding back laughter.
“I see you raided my closet,” he says so so so stupidly fond, and Jihoon feels himself flush. He smacks at his shoulder, embarrassed, and Seokmin can’t help but to finally let out his laughs, considerate enough to keep them quiet.
“I figured you wouldn’t mind,” he grumbles, and Seokmin just smiles wider.
“I don’t. Don’t think I ever could when you look that cute.” Jihoon blushes harder, smacking at him more intensely. They’re interrupted by a particularly loud growl from Jihoon’s stomach, the man burying his face in his hands as he realizes he just can’t win this morning. He looks up when he feels a gentle but steady hand on his knee, Seokmin looking at him in genuine concern but with the teasing glint still in his eyes.
“Did you ever eat dinner?” Jihoon looks at him, eyes widening as the words process in his migraine slowed brain.
“Shit.” Seokmin shakes his head, squeezing Jihoon’s knee before he stands.
“You like waffles, right?”
“Seok-”
“Consider it a thank you.” Jihoon knows it’s not an argument but can’t help how he bristles slightly, always so against being taken care of. Seokmin knows this, like he knows all of Jihoon’s faults and cracks, reaching out to brush his bangs out of his face and proceeding to not make it a big deal. “There’s a spare toothbrush in the bathroom, right side drawer. Meet me in the kitchen when you can, hyung.” And with a peck to his cheek Seokmin leaves the room, Sakura following him with her happy little trot.
Jihoon sighs but begins to move slowly, taking extra time to try and stretch his neck and shoulders, both aching from what he assumes to be either a funny sleeping position or the unbridled tension caused by his migraine. Putting his feet on the ground he forces himself to stand, hand braced against the headboard as he waits for the rolling tide of vertigo and nausea to ease, swaying comically on his feet. It takes a little bit for him to feel mostly steady but he manages, finding his way to the bathroom and the spare toothbrush with an ease he doesn’t expect. He takes care of business as quickly as he can, splashing some water on his face and running his hand through his messy bed head. It doesn’t want to stay down and he sighs, knowing that it’ll only be tamed after a shower which he does not have the energy for even if it’d potentially help him to feel better.
He plods into the kitchen, smiling as he squints at the sight of Seokmin. The younger has Sakura held in one arm as he bounces around the kitchen, singing what sounds like the theme for the drama he’s working on as they dance around the kitchen. He’s literally glowing, and while the light pricks his eyes in a way he normally hates he can’t find it in himself to care. Seokmin’s eyes catch on his as he’s doing a silly spin, grin growing as he approaches him, still wiggling.
“How’re you feeling hyung?” Jihoon shrugs, leaning in to give Sakura some scritchies the way he knows she loves.
“Less like death.” Seokmin hums, offering up Sakura for Jihoon to take before wandering back behind his island. Jihoon bounces with the dog in his arms, laughing as she tries to smother him again.
“You look better. You were really grey last night.” He’s not shocked by the words, though he does feel bad for making Seokmin worry. “Breakfast is almost done. Do you wanna eat in the living room?”
“Sure,” he easily agrees, bouncing and bobbing gently much to Sakura’s pleasure. She seems to settle at the rhythmic movement and Jihoon can’t help but smile, humming the newest OST he’s been working on while they sway. He feels Seokmin’s eyes on him and he looks up through his lashes, heart stuttering once he sees his overly soft expression. He considers playfully scolding him in retaliation but can’t find it in himself, the look one that soothes his aching chest in a way he hadn’t thought imaginable.
Seokmin turns away as the waffle maker beeps, popping it open and adding the steaming waffle to a plate with an impressive stack already on it. Jihoon didn’t think he took that long to come out of the back of the apartment, but looking at the stack of waffles plus the fruit bowl and pot of coffee Jihoon’s a little shocked. He’s about to ask about it when Seokmin just tuts, kissing the top of his head as he walks by, 100% being cheeky.
“Can you help me carry stuff, hyung? Or have I broken you the way you broke my poor dog?” Jihoon splutters turn to incredulous squawks, Seokmin laughing at him from the living room.
“Broken me like the dog,” he grumbles, gently letting Sakura down before turning back to the island and grabbing plates and utensils along with the syrup, butter already on the table. He sticks his tongue out at Seokmin when he passes, the younger man choking on a laugh as he sees the expression. He sets the stuff down on the table, digging through his bag for his water bottle before Seokmin calls for him.
“Hey, hyung, how do you take your coffee?” Jihoon looks at him funny before shrugging.
“I can doctor it myself, Seok. Go sit down, you’ve already done enough for me.” Seokmin tuts, shooting him a halfhearted glare as Jihoon goes to leave the room.
“You’re still sick, remember? Let me do this, I want to do this.” Jihoon blushes but sighs, relaying his coffee order with little reluctance. It’s worth his embarrassment when he sees Seokmin smile that stunning smile, something in his chest blooming at the sight. “Seriously, Jihoonie, sit down.” Jihoon relents, ignoring the dropped honorific even as he settles back on the couch. If it were anyone else Jihoon would already be biting back, but Seokmin has always been special, his rules a bit different. And while it may piss Soonyoung off to no end that Seokmin can touch and be sweet without much protest, Jihoon has never been able to find it in himself to care.
“What does your dad do to me?” He laments quietly to Sakura, the dog just tilting her head cutely at him. He shakes his head, wincing slightly as the pain starts to build in the back of his skull again. Seokmin apparently sees the movement from where he is approaching, making a concerned noise as he sets the mugs down. Jihoon opens his eyes to see Seokmin kneeling in front of him, hands gentle as they tap at his face before resting against his forehead.
“I think you have a fever,” he says with a frown. Jihoon rubs at his eye with his too big hoodie sleeve, giving Seokmin a subdued look.
“Yeah, that happens.” Jihoon bats off the rest of his concern, motioning to the table. “C’mon, start eating. Don’t let your hard work go to waste when we can talk while we eat.” Though Seokmin seems hesitant to he relents, sitting closer than Jihoon would normally allow. They’re quiet for the most part as they start to dig in, Jihoon complementing Seokmin’s culinary skills both genuinely but also so that he can see the younger man blush all cutely. It’s only when winces aggressively of his own fault that the peaceful air seems to practically shatter, Seokmin’s eyes wide as they look over Jihoon.
“Sorry,” he says, forcing himself to relax and ignoring the fatigue blossoming in his eyes and newly onset throbbing in his temple. “Plate noise,” is what he offers as an explanation, Seokmin’s eyebrows creasing in concern. Jihoon reaches out and smooths his thumb over the wrinkle, smiling softly as Seokmin’s eyes seem to flutter at the gesture.
“Are you sensitive to sounds, hyung?” Jihoon sighs but nods, turning back to finish his breakfast.
“It’s pretty bad today, but I left my earplugs at home. I’ll be okay though,” he adds as Seokmin makes a distressed noise.
“It’s bad enough that you need earplugs?” Jihoon shrugs.
“I don’t really need them, per say, but they definitely help me not to get so,” he pauses, trying to find the right word in his jumbled thoughts, “So overstimulated, and they definitely help filter out the bad noises. I had them for shows anyway, so them helping with everything was just a bonus.” Seokmin seems to consider this, eyes wary as Jihoon meets them once again.
“Should we go back to yours? You really sound like you’re not doing too well.” Jihoon shrugs once more, putting his empty plate back on the table as softly as he can and petting Sakura where she sits below them.
“It doesn’t really make much of a difference. My relief meds aren’t working so I think I just have to tough this one out.” Seokmin makes a sad noise, gently wrapping his arm around Jihoon’s shoulders and pulling him closer. He noses at the crown of his head and Jihoon’s surprised to find that the movement doesn’t send waves of pain through his skull.
“You were sick last night too, weren’t you?” It’s not really a question, but Jihoon nods anyway. Seokmin whines quietly, squeezing Jihoon’s shoulders ever so slightly tighter. “Then why didn’t you say something, hyung? I could’ve called…” he trails off seemingly to think of someone, unwittingly proving Jihoon’s point.
“Exactly, Seokminnie. You needed my help and I really didn’t mind. I’ll do it again whenever you need it, whatever you need.” He’s not sure why that seems to charge the air, but he can definitely feel the change even if he can’t explain it. Seokmin’s arm tightens a fraction once more, his breathing shaky.
“Hyung,” he says so softly that Jihoon feels the familiar ache settle in his chest once more. “Hyung, Jihoonie, tell me I’m not reading this wrong.” He sounds like he’s begging, so nervous and unsure, and Jihoon hates that big and bold and bright Seokmin sounds so small, so needlessly scared because of him.
“I don’t think you are,” he says matching his tone, wiggling ever so slightly in Seokmin’s grip so that he can finally meet Seokmin’s eyes. He presses a palm against his cheek, watching as it makes his eyes flutter shut, a tiny grin tugging at his lips. He’s smiling when Seokmin opens his eyes again, the look in his eyes so open and trusting it makes Jihoon want to inexplicably lose it. Seokmin leans in and it’s Jihoon’s turn for his eyes to flutter, Seokmin’s gaze a soft sort of intense as he draws closer. He stops millimeters away from Jihoon, eyes wide and ever searching.
“Jihoon,” he whispers, breath fanning over Jihoon’s lips and making him shutter, “Can I kiss you?” Jihoon doesn’t bother to respond, closing the gap between them. It takes Seokmin a moment to snap out of his reprieve before he moves and his hands, so gentle that Jihoon feels like he’s going to combust, wrap around him like he’s something precious, a hand on his hip and the other on the back of his neck. It stays rather chaste, Seokmin far too worried about Jihoon’s health to be willing to take things further, but his thumb starts tracing where Jihoon’s occipital bone juts out from his neck and Jihoon realizes he doesn’t need anything else. He’d be content forever and more to just stay in Seokmin’s orbit, their lips pressed together in a way that’s so gentle and sweet he’s certain he can feel the cavities coming in.
They eventually pull away, both slightly out of breath and flushed, and Jihoon feels his smile start to grow on its own accord. Seokmin sees the look on his face and blushes even more, burying his face in Jihoon’s neck as the older man laughs softly. He cards his fingers through his hair and scratches his scalp lightly, heart ready to burst as Seokmin makes a little noise of content and presses sweet little kisses against his neck.
“Hyung,” Seokmin whispers, like he’s afraid if he speaks too loudly he’ll shatter the moment. “I really like you.” Jihoon buries his nose into Seokmin’s hair to hide his grin, from whom he’s not sure, but squeezes Seokmin as tightly as he can.
“Seokmin, my Seokminnie,” he says in that same sacred tone, “I think I might just love you.”
Seokmin carefully extracts himself from Jihoon’s grip, mindful of the other’s aching head, stopping only when they’re at eye level. Jihoon can’t help but laugh softly, so horribly soft in the way that only Seokmin can make him, when he sees how glassy Seokmin’s eyes are, how incredibly in love he looks. Jihoon carefully reaches out and cups his cheeks, stroking his sharp cheekbones with his thumbs. It seems to be too much for Seokmin to handle, the gentle gestures that only he’s allowed or the love in his eyes he’s not sure, but Seokmin practically surges forward, catching himself at the last moment and gently kissing Jihoon once more. Jihoon laughs against his lips, so incredibly happy and so in love, ignoring his head as it begins to smart again. He’s fair too wrapped up in Seokmin to care, feeling as though he’s been swaddled in a fuzzy blanket with a warm cup of tea in a little window seat during a rainy day, the same peacefulness bleeding out of his heart.
The moment is broken when Sakura barks, Jihoon flinching at the noise as he pulls away, hand holding his head instinctually as his left eye closes on its own. Seokmin looks between them, eyes concerned until Jihoon reaches out with his freehand and laces their fingers together.
“Go help your baby. I’ll be here when you’re done,” he says soft and sweet and so embarrassingly in love that Jihoon doesn’t think he’s ever heard himself sound remotely similar in all his years. He may make a living writing songs, and sure a lot of his best hits are love songs, but nothing he’s ever been able to pen comes close to the feelings swelling in his chest. Seokmin presses a sweet kiss to his forehead before standing, carding his fingers through Jihoon’s hair with a fond look on his face.
“You say that like you’re not my baby,” he teases as he leaves, following Sakura out of the room to see what she needs. Jihoon splutters, cheeks flaring.
“Asshole!” He calls after him, none of the usual bite present in the admonishment, his chest warm. He hears Seokmin laugh from the kitchen, slightly annoyed at himself for not being able to hide his endearment.
“Love you too!” Seokmin calls back, and Jihoon feels his heart stop. He sits there, frozen and grinning like an idiot until Seokmin returns, Sakura happily eating in the kitchen. Jihoon doesn’t bother to watch him as he sits down beside him, doesn’t even pretend to put up a fight as Seokmin lowers him so that he’s laying on the couch with Seokmin practically on top of him. He’s propped up on his elbows but his hands are on the move again, seemingly trying to memorize all of the curves and edges of Jihoon’s face. Jihoon’s own hands make their way to his biceps, appreciating the soft skin and flexed muscles under his fingers as he strokes them up and down. Jihoon can’t help but to close his eyes, a smile on his face as Seokmin skims over his nose and eyes, planting gentle kisses where he knows he has little moles and where his dimples appear.
“Hyung,” Seokmin eventually says softly, pulling Jihoon back from the brink of sleep. “Hoonie hyung,” he tries again, but when Jihoon doesn’t do much else to answer him but fight back a smile he starts to whine. “Jihoonie~, my Jihoonie~, won’t you look at me?” It’s a game now and Jihoon knows it, biting down on his lips even harder to contain his grin, hands back to skimming Seokmin’s arms.
“Ji, baby,” Seokmin says sweetly into his ear before pulling back and that does it, color flooding his face as he blinks up at Seokmin.
“What, asshole. I was tryin’ to nap,” he mumbles in a faux annoyed tone, ignoring Seokmin’s shit eating grin.
“What, do you like it when I call you baby?” Jihoon smacks his shoulder, his face burning. He’s sure he’s the color of a tomato, Seokmin’s little gleeful laughter filling the air.
“What do you want?” It’s Seokmin’s turn to bite back his grin, raising his eyebrows.
“Do you know how cheesy you are hyung?” He asks, nudging Jihoon’s cheek with his nose. Jihoon makes a little noise of confusion because as far as he’s aware, it’s Seokmin who’s the cheesy one in the duo. “Your confession sounded like it was straight from a drama. Maybe you should start acting, you’d be so good at the love scenes.” Jihoon can’t help but to laugh, smacking Seokmin’s chest lightly.
“Says you ,” he teases back, his left eye closing involuntarily once more as his temple begins to ache. Seokmin’s smile fades into concern, reaching out and cupping his cheek softly as his thumb strokes from his brow bone to his temple. He can’t help the saccharine sweet smile that blooms on his face, turning to press a kiss to Seokmin’s palm.
“I’m sorry that you’re in pain,” he says all soft and sincere. Jihoon shakes his head minutely, his smile tender as he meets Seokmin’s eyes.
“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have stayed the night, and we wouldn’t have this.” Seokmin hums in consideration, leaning down to press a sweet kiss against Jihoon’s lips before he settles against him. Jihoon squeezes his arms as Seokmin wraps his hands around Jihoon’s shoulders, and Jihoon feels so encased in Seokmin that he might drown. Not like he’d mind though - death by Seokmin would be a privilege.
“Can I ask what this is?” Though it really shouldn’t be, Seokmin’s voice is back to being small and nervous. Jihoon feels his brows furrow as he cracks an eye open to look at him, reaching up to smooth out any lines of tension on his face.
“It’s whatever you want it to be,” he breathes, leaning in to pull Seokmin into another sickeningly sweet kiss. By the time they break apart Jihoon can’t fight back a smile, taking his own time gently smoothing his hand over Seokmin’s jaw droppingly beautiful features.
“Jihoonie, baby, go out with me.”
“Of course.” They seal the promise off with a kiss, and Jihoon feels so content and happy that he thinks he could fly.
“Hey Seokminnie,” he says a little later, watching Seokmin tiredly blink at him. He presses a kiss to his nose, running a hand through his hair and watching it fall onto his forehead. Seokmin hums, waiting for him to continue but not pressing him, never pressing him. He’s always so gentle and patient and kind when it comes to Jihoon’s feelings, the warmth in his chest ready to burst.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
They fall asleep like that, Sakura making herself comfortable on a part of Jihoon’s chest Seokmin isn’t, the air filled with a foreign warmth that Jihoon wants to bottle up and keep forever. He hadn’t realized how he could hold the world in his hands, but now that he has Seokmin all cuddled up on top of him Jihoon knows he’ll never need anything else. Afterall, his sun, his world, his dreams lie sleeping softly on his chest. So enraptured by Seokmin and bursting with love, Jihoon can’t imagine his life going any other way.