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"He's ignoring me."
"That's not true and it's definitely not something worth crying over, Wonie," Jay sighed, collecting the teary-eyed boy in his arms as he shot Jake a helpless look.
"Don't belittle his feelings, idiot, how would you feel if your crush started to ignore you?" Sunghoon scoffed, his hand coming down to gently rub the sad boy's back.
Jay blinked at the other two, his fingers still running through Jungwon's black hair soothingly. "Good point. But there's no real reason why he'd be avoiding Wonie."
"I did something!" Jungwon mumbled, his voice thick with tears and slightly muffled from where his face was buried in his favorite Hyung's chest. "That's the only explanation."
"You didn't do anything, for god's sake, you're literally his favorite. He wouldn't just ignore you. There's definitely something going on with him," Jake responded patiently.
The whole situation was ridiculous. At least in the older trio's perspective. Long story short, Jungwon had approached them asking to talk about something that's been bothering him. Obviously concerned, they took their young leader to their shared dorm room to talk. The last thing they expected was for Jungwon to burst into tears and go on a whole monologue about how he must've done something offensive to the love of his life as he has been avoiding him. It was astonishing really. Jungwon never got worked up over anything so this was new for them. However, they didn't see any real issue. The two boys were always together whether it be at work or home. They didn't have it in them to take the issue that seriously when it was only Jungwon overthinking.
"He hasn't hugged me in days," the youngest of the four whimpered sadly, looking up at Jay with his teary boba eyes.
The eldest's eyes softened as met the boy's sad ones. He couldn't help but put his exasperation for the dumb situation aside, gently brushing his tears away with the pads of his thumbs. "Why don't you talk to him, Wonie?"
"I can't do that!" Jungwon cried, shaking his head furiously, panic rising in his chest. "What if he realizes I like him and pushes me away for good??"
"Hey hey, it's okay. He won't," Jay murmured reassuringly, cupping the young boy's cheeks to capture his attention. "He cherishes your friendship a lot, you know that. He wouldn't just leave you over something like that."
Jungwon pouted at his favorite Hyung, but a part of him knew he was right.
Now, who exactly was the boy that had gotten Jungwon to such a state?
It was in fact none other than Nishimura Riki.
Everyone knew Jungwon was completely enamored with Ni-ki. The boys had gotten incredibly close in the year or so they've known each other. Truth be told, they hadn't been that close on I-land as Ni-ki spent a considerable amount of time in Ground while Jungwon was only ever in I-Land. As a result, they never got the chance to properly get to know each other.
Yet, Ni-ki still caught his eye regardless.
Jungwon couldn't help but notice the other's bright smile that lit up the whole room. He heard his boisterous laughter that made his heart clench at how pretty it was to him. Not to mention the boy was adorable. He had the most captivating eyes and prettiest smile he'd ever seen. Especially now after he'd grown taller and broader, his voice deeper and addictive. Jungwon couldn't help but fall for him even before he knew him well.
Then they debuted together. To say they were now close would be an understatement. The two were attached at the hip. Jungwon had a soft spot for Ni-ki that the boy clearly returned. Jungwon knew the youngest let him do things the other boys couldn't do. Jungwon was the only one who could play with his hair, pinch his cheeks, hold his hands, hug him. Not the others couldn't do such things with him but Ni-ki had made it clear that he wasn't comfortable with constant skinship. But not with Jungwon. Ni-ki would always come to find his Hyung and boldly ask to have his hair played with or ask to cuddle. And Jungwon happily obliged. After all, how could reject his best friend who is also the boy he was rapidly falling hard for?
However, Jungwon had sensed something odd about Ni-ki's behavior over the past week or so. Sure the boy still approached for the occasional head rub, but he hasn't hugged him a single time, he hasn't come to talk to him for anything besides work. Jungwon would be lying if he said it didn't hurt. Heck, if it didn't hurt, he wouldn't be crying in his Hyung's arms and complaining to the three 02z about missing him.
"Jungwonie," Sunghoon called, the youngest peeking over Jay's shoulder to meet his caring eyes. "Why not try to approach him about something unrelated to this whole issue?"
"He doesn't respond. He only talks to me when it's about work," Jungwon mumbled sadly, carefully unwinding Jay's arms from around him before climbing out of his lap. "I'm gonna go wash my face. Don't go anywhere, please, I still wanna talk."
"We got you," Jake reassured him with a smile, maintaining the facade until the bedroom door clicked shut after the boy. Immediately his smile dropped, his exasperation as clear as day on his face.
"Holy shit they're both dumber than each other."
"Jake, that's rude," Sunghoon scoffed, a small smile on his lips. "Honestly, they're kinda cute."
"Correction, they're very cute, but I can't just watch them destroy themselves because they both don't know how to talk like normal humans," the Australian hummed, laying back in Jungwon's bed that the four of them had been curled on.
"What if we force them to talk?" Jay interrupted the pair, glancing over at the two of them with expectant eyes.
Sunghoon raised a brow. "And how do you wanna do that?"
"Lock them in the balcony until they sort out their differences. It's the only door that locks from the inside so they can't try to escape. And it's tiny out there, they have no choice but to interact," he explained, fingers tracing the shape of their balcony on the covers.
Sunghoon seemed apprehensive about the idea as if unsure. "Isn't that cruel?"
"What they're doing to each other is cruel," Jake argued with a firm shake of his head to refute. "I think this would help. They won't talk to each other unless they're forced to and this is the perfect way to do so."
"How the hell do you plan on getting them both out there? I know for a fact whoever gets there first will run away when you bring the other out," the youngest of the 02z asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I have an idea, just trust me. Let's discuss tonight, okay?" Jay spoke, glancing over at the bedroom door when it opened a tired Jungwon trudging straight to his side. With a chuckle, he brought the boy back in his lap, Jungwon immediately burying his face in his neck again. "You should nap, Wonie. You've exhausted yourself."
Jungwon shook his head slightly, sliding his arms around his Hyung's neck, clinging onto him like a baby koala. "I don't wanna."
"And why not?"
"I don't want you to go."
Jay couldn't help but coo at how adorable Jungwon was being. Their leader always presented himself as a mature figure. He always said that he wanted to be someone they can all depend on and come to when they needed anything. It wasn't often that he let his walls down and let himself be taken care of so Jay was taking full advantage of this opportunity.
"I'm not going anywhere. I'll nap with you if it's any comfort," he murmured, running his fingers through the youngest's dark silky hair.
"Please, you look like a mother and her baby," Sunghoon teased, receiving a dirty look from Jay as he climbed off the bed with Jake following after. "Anyways you two get some rest and take care of yourselves."
"Yeah, don't fret over it for much longer, okay Wonie?" Jake said, patting Jungwon's head gently.
The boy nodded, his heart feeling warm and fuzzy at his Hyungs' words. He was so thankful that they were here for him and were willing to comfort him even though he knows they don't see this as a real issue. It still meant a lot to him and he appreciated them for it.
"Thank you Hoon Hyung, Jakey Hyung," he murmured, waving the two of them goodbye. He waited until the two were gone before pouting up at Jay. "You guys think it's stupid, don't you?"
Jungwon wasn't dumb. As a leader, he'd taken the time to analyze his members and he's grown to read them all very well. He could easily sense the shifts in their moods or the slight expressions in their body language that hinted towards their feelings. So of course he could tell that the three 02z didn't think of this issue as something serious even though it was serious to him. He wasn't necessarily upset with them, he understood their viewpoint as well.
"It's not that, Wonie," Jay began softly, laying back in the younger's bed with his smaller frame still in his arms. The younger curled into his chest, enjoying his comforting warmth that seemed to melt all his worries away.
As expected from his favorite Hyung of course.
"It's just that the solution is so simple and you usually never shy away from talking to any of us about anything at all. It's unlike you to outright refuse to talk to anyone, especially Ni-ki. But I understand why you feel like you can't talk to him," Jay continued, holding Jungwon's gaze with nothing but warmth and understanding that eased the younger's nerves.
"I just don't wanna push him away more than he already is," the younger mumbled, pursing his lips for a moment before speaking up again. "I don't know what to do."
Jay smiled softly and poking Jungwon where his dimple would normally pop up when he smiled or spoke. "Just have faith in Hyung, okay?"
The younger raised his brows in distrust before shrugged and snuggling into Jay's embrace. "I'll leave it up to you but don't go too far," he mumbled, letting his eyes slide shut. All the crying had tired him out and he wouldn't mind napping for a while with his Hyung.
Although he trusted Jay with his entire being, he was still wary of whatever he had in mind. But whatever. He wasn't in the mood to think about it.
"Let's sleep, baby," Jay mumbled, tossing his leg over Jungwon's as he held him close.
"I'm not a baby," Jungwon protested, yet he didn't push Jay away, his fingers curling around his shirt instead.
Seems like he'd just have to wait and see what Jay had in store for him.
<~>
Jungwon was never gonna trust Park Jay ever again.
When his Hyung said he'd help, he didn't think that entailed forcing him to do the one thing he's been completely avoiding; confronting Ni-ki. Truth be told, he'd been suspicious that Jay would've planned something around that, yet like the idiot he was, he listened to the older boy when he told him to go to the balcony and wait. And because of that, here he was, hand massaging Ni-ki's temple from where he'd bumped into the balcony door when Jay shoved him outside.
Exasperated with Jay's antics, Jungwon glared at him through the glass as he locked the door, his eyes following him as he ushered Jake and Sunghoon who were clearly in on his plan as well. Once they were out of sight, his expression softened as he looked up at the tall maknae. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his free hand lightly cupping the younger's jaw.
Panic flashed through Ni-ki's eyes so quick he could've missed it, but of course, he's used to picking up on these little inflictions in his member's emotions.
"I'm fine, Hyung," Ni-ki mumbled, averting his eyes from Jungwon.
The leader frowned. "I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind later. He's so lucky it's not bruising or I would've actually murdered him."
"You wouldn't. He's your favorite," Ni-ki chuckled, the familiar sound immediately bringing Jungwon a sense of peace.
"He may be my favorite Hyung but you're my number one. You know that."
The taller boy's eyes softened as he nodded, "I know."
Then it was silent. But it wasn't like their usual comfortable silences. The air was so thick, it was suffocating. It was awkward and neither boy knew what to say.
Until Ni-ki spoke. "I'm sorry."
"What for?" Jungwon asked, dropping his hands from Ni-ki's face to slip them into his pockets instead.
"For being immature. I hurt you and there's no real excuse for it."
Jungwon sighed softly. "I'm not gonna lie, it did hurt. But I know you have your reasons and no matter how insignificant you think they are, they matter to me and I'm here if you need to talk about them."
Ni-ki shuffled his feet awkwardly and moved to lean against the railing. Jungwon watched the boy closely, taking in his appearance. Even amidst the awkwardness and the tension, his heart fluttered in his chest, butterflies erupting in his stomach.
Ni-ki was so pretty. So so pretty. He was just standing there, wearing his usual black skinny jeans and tee combo, barefaced, his hair messy, yet Jungwon thought he was beautiful under the soft glow of the descending sun. God, he liked him so much.
"Promise me," the youngest began, still looking away as he spoke, feigning nonchalance. Yet Jungwon saw the way his grip was tightening on the railing, his knuckles turning white.
"I promise," Jungwon immediately interjected.
Ni-ki finally looked over at him, some of the tension in his body dissipating as he chuckled, "You didn't even hear me out. What if you can't fulfill it?"
"I'll do my best for you regardless."
He meant it. He didn't care how big or small the promise would be. He was going to do everything in his power to make Ni-ki happy. He just wanted to resolve whatever this issue was and go back to what they once were.
Ni-ki smiled fondly, reaching over to pat Jungwon's head. "You're so cute, Wonie Hyung."
"I'm not cute," Jungwon whined, yet he couldn't prevent the warmth that crept up his neck, painting his cheeks a rosy pink.
"You just proved my point," the younger snickered, his demeanor soon turning more serious as he continued, "But, please promise me that if you don't like what I have to say, nothing will change between us. I don't want to lose you."
To say Jungwon was confused would be an understatement. He could never let go of Ni-ki in any circumstance. The boy could confess to a crime and Jungwon would still continue to love and support him. "You could never lose me, Riki. I'm serious."
"You don't know that," the boy argued, receiving a deadpan look from the shorter leader.
"Yes, I do. You're my best friend for god's sake. Why would I ever just drop from your life??"
"Because this isn't exactly ideal."
"Okay and?"
Ni-ki huffed, clearly unconvinced, and crossed his arms over his chest. "And don't make fun of me for it either."
"Ni-ki," Jungwon groaned, taking a step towards the boy. "I'm not going to! When have I ever laughed at you over something serious?"
An unrecognizable emotion flashed through Ni-ki's dark eyes at the proximity. But Jungwon wasn't going to back down. Truth be told, he was offended that the one person he trusted more than anything didn't return the sentiment. Yes, Jungwon was petty like that. And unfortunately for him, Ni-ki was also just as stubborn.
"Why don't you understand that this could make or break our friendship?"
"You have this little faith in our bond?" Jungwon scoffed, raising his chin defiantly as he looked up at Ni-ki. It was so stupid of them to be arguing over right now and Jungwon knew it. He wasn't being level-headed and he hated himself for it. But he was also never one to back down from a challenge.
"It's not that! Do you even know how scared I've been? This is why I needed space! Because it's that heavy of an issue, and you think it's nothing? If it wasn't nothing I wouldn't have reacted the way I did!"
"Why are you blaming me?? I didn't tell you to run away from the damn problem when you could've opened up!"
Ni-ki looked at the older boy incredulously, frustration and hurt swimming in his eyes. "Why are you being so mean?"
"I'm being mean??" Jungwon fired back, he himself feeling hurt and anger fuel his words. "You ignored me for days without any explanations and you're surprised when I'm reacting like this? How would you feel if I suddenly started giving you the cold shoulder out of nowhere? I just wanted to talk it out but you're making a big deal out of it!"
"Because it's a big deal to me! Do my feelings not matter to you?" Ni-ki snapped, his voice breaking with emotion as angry hot tears gathered in his eyes.
Immediately, Jungwon felt guilty. He was going too far. He was being unreasonable and he knew it. He had no reason to be as argumentative as he was, especially when all the other asked for was a simple promise that he was already willing to keep.
Quietly, he tugged the younger boy into a hug, getting on his tippy toes to tuck his head under his chin knowing Ni-ki liked that. "Don't cry," he whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Ni-ki didn't respond but he reciprocated the hug right away, taking a shaky breath to regain his composure. Jungwon took a deep breath of his own and brought a hand up to stroke Ni-ki's soft dark hair as he murmured, "I'm sorry for what I said. But I mean it when I say that you'll never lose me, Riki. I promise you. Nothing you can say to me right now will make me think any less of you. We're an unbreakable duo, okay?"
The younger didn't respond for another moment, his hold on Jungwon's torso tightening slightly when he finally spoke up. "I'm also sorry for treating you the way I did. I should've just talked to you, I know it would've solved everything from the get-go but I just didn't have it in me."
"I understand. I felt the same way."
Ni-ki looked up at Jungwon with sad teary eyes. Jungwon felt like his heart was going to explode. He hated seeing Ni-ki cry. It hurt him more than anything he's ever experienced. But he was going to be strong for him, especially when he was partially to blame.
"I'm not gonna beat around the bush anymore, Hyung. Push me away if you don't like what I have to say, okay?" Ni-ki murmured, his eyes fluttering shut when Jungwon passed his fingers underneath them to wipe away.
"I can't do that," Jungwon argued immediately with a shake of his head. "I'm gonna hug you tighter when you say it."
The corner of the younger's mouth curled a little at the older's words, sending satisfaction straight to Jungwon's heart. The past ten minutes have been a complete mess so he was grateful to see something that resembled the pretty smile he loved so much.
"You're very cute today."
The blush immediately returned to the short leader's cheeks as he whined, "This isn't what you wanted to tell me is it?"
"Of course not~ What I want to say is I like you," Ni-ki said boldly, yet his eyes carried a mixture of fear and insecurity as he gazed up at the boy who, as he promised, held him tighter. But in reality, Jungwon was in a state of shock. He refused to believe that he didn't dream this situation up. There's no way Ni-ki meant what he thinks he meant.
"Say that again and really think about it this time," Jungwon said softly, his own eyes wide with poorly concealed astonishment making the younger giggle.
"If I had known your reaction would be so cute I wouldn't have been so scared," Ni-ki teased, standing up tall again before taking Jungwon's warming cheeks in his hands. "I like you a lot Jungwonie Hyung."
Jungwon was overwhelmed. He never in a million years thought that his feelings would be reciprocated and he never anticipated that this would've been the outcome of the conversation. He'd been convinced that he'd accidentally done something to hurt Ni-ki which resulted in the distance between them. He never thought it'd be- now hold on.
"So you treated me like a ghost in the house because you fell for me?" Jungwon asked, an accusatory look in his eyes as he met Ni-ki's sheepish smile.
"What was I supposed to do? This clearly isn't right, I shouldn't have fallen for my best friend but I just- I couldn't help it!" Ni-ki whined, his fingers gently squishing Jungwon's cheeks, forcibly puckering the older's lips. He almost smacked his hands away, but he might as well let the boy have his fun.
"Did you not think for any second that I may like you back?" Jungwon asked, his voice muffled through his puckered lips, watching in amusement as Ni-ki's jaw fell open with shock.
"You what now??"
"I like you too, idiot," Jungwon laughed as he finally swatted away Ni-ki's hands, taking them in his own afterward. "Holy crap, you're such an idiot."
"You are too! You could've confessed as well!"
"I do not have that kind of confidence," Jungwon immediately shook his head. "I can't believe this."
"I can't either. You like me??" the younger echoed, making Jungwon giggle and nod.
"For a long time."
"Wah, I only started having feelings for you a few weeks after our debut if I'm honest. The past week or so I kind of struggled with myself and the sheer weight those feelings had on me, that's why I distanced myself. I was afraid you'd notice that I liked you. I was afraid you'd hate me if you knew," the maknae explained, running his thumbs over Jungwon's cheekbones soothingly.
The older couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You're a complete fool. Did you really think that would ruin our friendship? Riki, I like you a lot. But even if I didn't, you're my number one. I can't live without your annoying presence and you know it."
"Annoying? How sweet of you."
Jungwon rolled his eyes at his Ni-ki’s words, but his expression quickly softened when he glanced up at the still very red bump on his forehead. “Does it hurt?” he asked softly, letting go of one of his hands to gingerly touch the irritated skin.
“Barely,” Ni-ki chuckled, “It’s fine, Hyung. He didn’t mean to hurt me and I was being difficult.”
“Still, Hyung should’ve been more careful,” the older boy mumbled, boldly pulling Ni-ki’s head down to press a soft kiss to his forehead. Jungwon felt Ni-ki freeze at his touch, cheeks warming under the older's gentle fingers.
The leader thought he was going to combust. Ni-ki looked so beautiful with red cheeks, his beautifully slanted eyes sparkling with hope. He was so in love with the boy, he barely knew what to do with himself.
Taking Ni-ki's cheeks in his palms, Jungwon ran his thumbs underneath the tall boy's eyes, a small giggle leaving his lips as he whispered, "This was a mess of emotions, huh?"
"A little," Ni-ki beamed his signature boxy grin that Jungwon adored, leaning into his palms as he added, "But I'm glad we sorted it out. I don't think I could've gone another day without hugging you."
Jungwon laughed, letting his arms fall to Ni-ki's shoulders as he pulled him into a warm hug, his heart warm when the boy nuzzled his neck with his nose. "Me too."
The two boys stood quietly in each other's arms, the once tense atmosphere now relaxed. Frankly, Jungwon was overwhelmed. He'd been so upset thinking he'd upset Ni-ki, the last thing he expected was a confession and feelings that matched his own. It was a lot to take in and he couldn't help the unpleasant burning behind his eyes.
Pursing his lips to prevent himself from bursting into tears, Jungwon buried his face into his Ni-ki's shoulder, his fingers curling around the fabric of his shirt almost desperately.
It really was an emotional mess of an evening.
"Hyung, are you crying?"
Jungwon shook his head, a quiet chuckle leaving his lips as he nuzzled Ni-ki's shoulder. "I'm fine."
The younger didn't seem convinced, but he didn't retort, his hold on Jungwon turning more protective. To be fair, it wasn't out of the ordinary. Ni-ki had always been able to recognize how Jungwon was feeling at any given moment, the way he did with the rest of the members. It made his heart feel warm. It made him feel special. With a content sigh, Jungwon tucked his head underneath his companion's chin, his mind immediately at ease. He hoped the moment never ended.
But of course, the world had other plans for him. The balcony door slipped open and Jay's boisterous voice flooded their ears as he called, "Hey lovebirds! Dinner's ready!"
Jungwon immediately climbed out of Ni-ki's arms, tackling the older boy as he whacked his arm. "You hurt him, you idiot!" he whined.
"A thank you would suffice," Jay laughed, a cheeky grin on his lips as he tossed an arm around Jungwon's shoulders, ignoring the nasty glare Ni-ki was shooting at him. "You finally got yourself a boyfriend~"
"We're not together!" Jungwon shook his head, his cheeks a bright red as he escaped his favorite Hyung's hold, nestling himself comfortably in Ni-ki's side.
"Yet," the maknae shrugged and Jungwon's flush simply darkened more. "We'll join you guys in a moment, okay?"
Jay beamed brightly and nodded, wiggling his brows suggestively at the leader who was fidgeting with Ni-ki's shirt, clearly humiliated as he knew what Jay was thinking. The older boy left the balcony, shutting the door behind him again, leaving the two younger boys alone. Immediately Jungwon allowed himself to melt into Ni-ki's chest, a satisfied sigh leaving his lips.
"You were jealous of Jay Hyung," he announced, a cheeky smile on his lips as he glanced up at Ni-ki who was very obviously dumbfounded.
"There's no way it was that obvious," Ni-ki gaped at him, earning him a bright laugh from the shorter boy.
"It was so obvious~"
How could he miss it? The younger's expression had immediately morphed into a frown, his eyes shooting daggers through their Hyung's skull. Jungwon felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing Ni-ki truly did have such strong feelings for him.
The younger boy groaned and covered his face with his hands, peeking at Jungwon through his fingers as he mumbled, "Well I was. I know you guys are close but he's hugging you too much."
Jungwon giggled and gently peeled the boy's hands away from his face, bringing them to his shoulders instead as he resisted the urge to squeal. Ni-ki looked adorable. His cheeks were a soft pink, puffed out with frustration as his eyes bore into the older boy with barely concealed love with very obvious jealousy.
"He's my favorite Hyung, of course, he's gonna hug me. But you don't need to worry," the younger's flush immediately darkened, "I like you. Not Jay Hyung. You."
Ni-ki's frown morphed into an ear-splitting grin, his hands dropping to Jungwon's sides as he murmured, "And I like you so much."
Jungwon smiled brightly and took Ni-ki's cheeks in his palms, getting up on his toes to press a brief kiss to his lips. The younger was frozen, his eyes wide with shock as he watched the leader pull away with a cheeky smile.
"Let's go eat, baby. The food's gonna get cold," he hummed, stepping inside their dorm, leaving behind a stupefied boy with red cheeks and a hand touching his mouth that was tingling from where his Hyung's lips once were.
"What the- Yang Jungwon- Hyung!!"