Chapter Text
Felix was running late. Not one of his boyfriends had bothered to wake him up. He rushed out of his room pulling on clothes to make himself presentable enough to rush to the company. Thankfully his manager was already waiting for him when he rushed out of the dorm and he was able to make it as quickly as possible to the company.
“Felix! Over here! Come on!!” shouted his older boyfriend.
“Just a minute, hyung.” He shouted back, thanked his manager and rushed over to his spot next to Minho.
“What happened? Why are you late? It’s not a problem of course, I just asked the makeup artists to finish with me first hoping you’d be here by then.”
“I’m sorry hyung. I had a late night yesterday. Hyunjin and I were practising, we wanted to perfect the new choreography. And I think Channie hyung went to bed later than I did, so he forgot that he had to wake me up today.”
“I swear, one day, we are gonna make Chan sleep early. Continuously. For a week. I really need his help”
Felix laughed at his boyfriend’s statement trying to ignore his last comment. Everyone had tried to convince Chan to go to sleep. Not one of them had ever succeeded. Their boyfriend caved every once in a while but continuously, never.
“Felix, we still have something to talk about. All of us.”
“Hyung, I know what you want to say. But I doubt the other boys would listen too.”
“I wish Chan would take up responsibility and sort this out. This is becoming unhealthy Lixie, I am worried about us. What if this strained our relationship, especially with Jeongin not knowing and the rest just doing their missions monotonously? What if-”
“Hyung! You know none of us would allow this stupid situation to spoil our relationship! We all love each other a lot. Please don’t worry this much, I’ll text the others that we need to have a group meeting soon, okay?”
“‘Yeah, let’s do that Lixie……..Lixie? You know this means we have to talk about your situation too, right?”
“I know hyung.”
“Do you think you can handle it bub?
“I will try for you. Whatever happens, I will try for you.”
9.55 am, 3rd September, Friday
Chat: We’re in love with each other
SunshineLix: Hiii loves~ <3. Still mad at y’all for not waking me up ;-;
Leadah: Sorry lixie :((
Dramallama: Felixx, my heart, my sunshine, my everything. I’m sorry for keeping you up last night.
Babyfox: Oooh? O_o
SunshineLix: It is not what you’re thinking!! Maknae’s mind has been spoiled. I blame Hannie.
Puffedcheeks: Hey!! Well, yeah but Minho hyung should be held equally responsible!
CatDad: Of course ;)) I’ll gladly take responsibility~
Babyfox: No thank you.
CatDad: </3
SunshineLix: Anyways! There are matters to discuss
EvilEmbodimentDwaekki: You mean my name? Why is my name so long? Lix, please change it~
BabyFox: Noo Lixie hyung don’t do it~ I’ll give you kithes in return.
SunshineLix: Binnie’s request- denied.
EvilEmbodimentDwaekki: Wow you are so easily fazed.
SunshineLix: Well as I was saying, we need to have a family meeting.
AngelVoice: What about Lix?
SunshineLix: Seungminnieeeee~ I miss you >//.//<
AngelVoice: I miss you too babie, cuddle with me tonight?
SunshineLix: Yes! Of course~ <3
CatDad: Well, answering Minnie’s question, I think you all know why. We have to figure out something about this entire situation, we can’t keep going on like this!
Leadah: Minho’s right….We have to talk about this loves..
PuffedCheeks: So, when shall we have it?
Leadah: I think everyone’s schedule is clear tomorrow
CatDad: Tomorrow it is then, be at the dorm for dinner~
BabyFox: Kay!
AngelVoice: We’ll be there!
Dramallama: Okie~
EvilEmbodimentDwaekki: <3
Felix turned to look at his boyfriend whose face clearly expressed his relief.
“See hyung! No worries, we’ll talk it all out tomorrow!”
Minho smiled at him lovingly and pet his hair gently,
“Yeah kitten, we will. Now let’s go, we have to leave now to get to our photoshoot site on time.”
The make-up staff cleared the way and the two boys left to go to the studio.
Chan felt disappointed with himself, he was supposed to be the leader, he was responsible for all of them. But he refused to face the situation and had practically forced Minho to take charge. He was not a good leader, a good hyung, a good boyfriend, good for nothing, in fact.
“I can practically see the waves of disappointment in yourself emanating from you hyung.”
Chan looked up to see Hyunjin, pretty and handsome like always, leaning against his room’s doorway.
“It’s my fault Jinnie. I-”
“Channie hyung, please don’t blame yourself. Everyone, literally everyone has been avoiding this conversation since this started. No one blames you. No one thinks badly of you. In fact, I think we all understand exactly where you’re coming from. So please, get out of your head and be our cheery boyfriend again.”
Chan felt Hyunjin’s arm circle around his neck from behind as he gently gave him a hug. Chan twisted around in his chair to look at his boyfriend’s pretty eyes which seemed to encompass all the love in the world. He gently pecked him on his lips and pulled Hyunjin to sit down on him, slowly wrapping his arms around the lanky boy. They made him feel warm, and safe. The only thing that remained constant in his life, was the safety that he associated with his boyfriends’ presence.
“Thank you baby. All of you know exactly what to say. I love you.”
“I love you too, hyung.”
“Don’t think I didn't notice that you called me Channie a few moments back.”
He could feel the younger boy’s airy laughter as he pulled him closer, holding on tightly to him. Who knows how long he'll still get to spend time like this with his boyfriends.
“Hannie! Wait for me!”
Jisung turned around and was almost knocked over by his boyfriend, supposedly older boyfriend.
“What’s up Binnie? Anything urgent?”
“We have the same schedule genius, I figured you would want to be with me, so that, you know, you don’t get lonely.”
“Ahaha you mean you want to spend some time with me so that you don’t get lonely.”
“That’s what I said!”
“Mmhmm”
“What are we gonna do about tomorrow, Sungie? I know both Channie hyung and Lino hyung are just holding the meeting so that we can finally talk about what is happening, but is it really a smart choice? Should we really talk about this! It is already such a confusing and scary situation, wouldn’t talking about it make it worse..”
“Oh hyung! I get it~ But we really can’t afford to not talk about it too, you know. I am sure the rest of the maknae line is very confused, Innie was scared especially since we haven't told him anything at all, he doesn't even know about the dreams. We can’t let him or the rest or even ourselves live the rest of our lives worried about what is going on and what might happen.”
“Innie was scared?”
“Yeah hyung, all of us are scared, and so are you. Here, give me your hand.”
“Hm? Sure.”
Changbin slipped his hand into Jisung’s who gave it a tight squeeze and held on to it.
“We have tomorrow to discuss this. Come, we’re spending the day together aren’t we? You’re gonna get some Sungie love today~”
“That’s gay”
“You’re gay”
“Yeah I know, for you. And my other six boyfriends."
Jisung laughed and squeezed the older’s hand once more hoping it would reassure him. Changbin flashed him a bright smile (it worked)
They would be fine, for now.
“Innie stop! Stop right this moment Yang Jeongin.”
He stopped in his tracks and waited for the voice to catch up to him. He turned to see Seungmin, panting, trying to catch his breath.
“What do you want, Minnie?”
“You know we have to talk. We have to talk about this. I know you’re scared, but you have to let us help you handle it you know? We love you Innie, we want you to be happy and safe all the time.”
“But it’s the what if’s Seungmin hyung! I don’t really know what’s going on! And the only thing I do know is the tiny bits of information y’all reveal to me once in a while and that’s literally information that can be enclosed within a grain of rice.
My thoughts- they keep plaguing me! What if- what if whatever I find out is so terrible that it changes our dynamic? We end up breaking up? What if we never love each other again because of this blasted discussion.
I don’t think I’ll be able to handle this life or any other without you all there. And I don’t really know yet do I? They never told me! If my what if’s without knowing is so scary, what do you think will happen when they actually tell me. I don’t want to be scared anymore hyung.”
“We will be there Innie, you know that as well as I do. Even though I don’t mind it at all, we are stuck together, all eight of us and will be stuck together even after tomorrow. And whatever you learn tomorrow, all seven of us know it too. And even though we haven’t handled it in the best way, we’re still here right? We’re still in love! We’re still happy. We’re going to be together, Innie. For as long as we can.”
“Promise Minnie?”
“I promise.”
7.50 am, 4th September, Saturday
Chat: We’re in love with each other
SunshineLix: Morning my favourite people in the world <3 I love you all very much.
Leadah: Love youu too Lixie!!
Dramallama: Lovee you Lixie <33
CatDad: Today’s the day~
Babyfox: We’ll be there hyung. My schedule gets over at 5!
Puffedcheeks: When do we all meet?
EvilEmbodimentDwaekki: I think half past six would be good. Should I stop by the grocery store?
SunshineLix: Yess! Can you buy rainbow sprinkles and choco chips hyungg!!
Catdad: Milk, bread and eggs.
Leadah: Everyone’s favourite snack too!
AngelVoice: Do you want me to come with you Binnie hyung?
EvilEmbodimentDwaekki: Come with mee Minnie, omg it’s a date!! It’s a grocery shopping date!! Omg~
BabyFox: It’s at moments like these that I question Binnie hyung’s chat name….
SunshineLix: I think we established long back that he’s a softie
AngelVoice: Let’s have fun on our date hyung! I’ll meet you at the company at five? We’ll have enough time to reach home on time and still take a bath!
EvilEmbodimentDwaekki: Perfect!! <3
CatDad: Great! Good luck for today’s stage <33
Dramallama: Let’s do well today!! Let’s show Stays how much they matter to us with the best performance!!
SunshineLix: I’m so grateful to have Stays!! We’ve got this!! /.\
“You did well today Lixie.”
“So did you, Jinnie, you looked very pretty on stage today.”
“Awww, is our baby Lixie blushing? Did I look that good?”
“Y-Yeah.”
“Awwww!!! Babyyy! Come here, give me sunshine cuddles.”
Felix rushed into Hyunjin’s arms and practically melted into him.
“You ready for tonight?”
“Will we ever be ready, Felix? All of us have avoided talking about our nights ever since we reached here. It’s been three years love, three years of not addressing the situation at all, and we have been punished for it. I think that’s why we caved, that’s why Minho hyung and Chan hyung caved, because I don’t think they can handle seeing us punished anymore.”
“Hyunjinnie...I love you. You know that right? Things are going to change tonight, but me loving you? That will never change okay?”
“I know Felix, I believe you.”
“Will we be alright after this?”
“We will have to do what they’re asking of us, love. I don’t think we'll ever be alright after tonight. We’re giving into their demands today.”
“But it’s for the good of everyone, right? What we are sacrificing might eventually lead to a better life for us, and for all of our families too?”
“Yes, sunshine, we’ll be helping a lot of people.”
“Then I don’t think I’ll regret it ever. I will do what the hyungs tell me to do...even if I don't want to”
“I don’t think you will regret it. That’s the kind of person you are after all.”
“Will you regret it?”
“I might Lixie. I definitely will if it tears us apart.”
“Jinnie!! That will not happen, it definitely won’t happen!! I will not allow it to happen!”
“I love you too Lixie, I will hold onto you as long as I can.”
“So you mean forever?”
“Forever.”
They were all there, all eight of them, sitting in their dorm’s living room. It felt eerily quiet, everyone was huddled together and no one was ready to open their mouth yet, to break the silence. Jeongin took a deep breath and,
“We’re all here Lino-hyung.”
“How long has it been since you slept? Innie? Lixie? Jinnie?......Channie?”
All of the boys looked at each other, Minho was starting off with the difficult topics.
“I haven’t been sleeping.”
“Why, Lixie? You know you have to!!”
“You know what will happen if I go back to sleep after an entire week of absence hyung.”
“I know! And it pains me and Chan! So much! Why can’t you just go to sleep everyday!!”
Minho’s anguished voice triggered something within Felix and he started crying.
“It’s not like I don’t want to hyung! I feel so tired, so tired all the time. But I don’t want to leave here, I’m scared to go there hyung.”
“Lixie….you have to wake up there, you have to sleep here, you have had the most punishments out of us all besides Jeongin but he hasn’t woken up yet. You can’t afford more punishments, we don’t think we can handle seeing you go through that again. We spend the day after with you all the time, we spend it cuddling you because we need to know for sure that you’re still asleep there, that you’re still awake here, that you’re still here, with us all.”
“You have to sleep, Lixie.”
“.....Chan hyung? Even you?”
“I promised you, I wouldn’t leave you behind, if you don’t sleep now, you’re going to be made to step back. They’ll bring in someone else even if you are literally the most capable out of all of us. You’re working the hardest out of all of us here. You get the most information but you keep handing it over to us and never pass it on yourself. You want to help the most and we will be able to do so much more right now if you just went to sleep! We need your help there Lix, just come to sleep.”
“No more awake breaks for you Lixie, we’re sorry but they gave the order last night.”
Felix looked around, in surprise at the rest of his boyfriends who either refused to make eye contact with him or gave him sad smiles. Jeongin, his precious baby, held out his hand for Felix to hold onto, and he took it willingly. He turned to look at his older boyfriend, who was so close to letting his tears fall, who had so much pain in his heart because he was worried about him.
“I told you hyung, I told you I will try for you. No more awake breaks for me then.”
“We’re going to be right here for you, love.”
“Chan.”
“Oh no.”
“Oh yes.”
“I sleep every day.”
“You do.”
“Of course, they don’t think it’s enough. I swear the parallels are so accurate. PD-nim is the same everywhere.”
“They want you there for more hours. Something about relying on the vice captain way too much.”
“I’m sorry Minho.”
“It’s okay, I don’t mind doing it for you. But what you said to Lixie applies to you too, you know? Applies to all of you. There’s a reason why we’re the only ones who’ve been sent out into the field, and also why we could keep Innie from waking up till now. We are some of the best people who were there for the job.”
“Till now….”
“What, Innie?”
“You said, keep Innie from waking up till now? Waking up? Do I have to wake up now? And what do you mean it’s because of you all.”
“The eight of us were chosen, Jeongin, we were chosen to help save the world. We thought you were too young, we wanted you to be able to have the bit of normal we all had for so many years before it all started”
“The world is alright though. We are alright. Sure, COVID sucks but it’s getting better.”
“Innie-yah, this is not our world.”
“What..so when you keep saying there, it’s not a headquarters or another country?”
“We are from the same planet Earth, but this is not our dimension. The world we are from…..is going through the apocalypse. 2023 in our dimension is the world of the apocalypse. Thankfully, we were already prepared for it. Almost the entire population found its residence in some way or the other. Every single piece of scrap, metal, plastic, everything was used to build submarines, or people made it to other planets...and then there are people like us. The people who were chosen to travel.”
“We...we were chosen to travel dimensions.”
Chan gestured at Minho, “I’ll take over bub.”
“Jeonginnie, we were chosen to travel dimensions. We are frozen right now. We are inside chambers back in the world where we are from, we are frozen, we are asleep, and dreaming and we have been sent here to help get information that might save us there. This dimension managed to survive, maybe we might be able to salvage ours.”
“So..this is not our real world?”
“It unfortunately isn’t”
“How do we go back to our world?”
“We wake up. We wake up from our sleep."