Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jinyoung had known back then, even as a young child of barely three, that he'd end up working in space, or anything related to the field. He didn't have a lot of recollections as a kid, but one of his earliest memories involved staring up at the night sky, fascinated by the twinkling stars and bright lights, and the occasional passing by of what he later learned were spaceships. And whenever adults asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, in what was either a genuine curiosity or a means of attempting conversation with a young child, he answered wanting to be an astronaut, which he'd learned meant someone who went up to space often.

As he grew up, he learned maths, science, writing — he learned about the world around him and, more importantly, the different worlds beyond Earth, which explained the occasional different-looking people he ran into in the suburbs where they lived. He learned about people who spent most of their lifetime up in space, living in spaceships, exploring the cosmos and what lay beyond it, and, upon moving to the city center at nineteen to attend the Institute for Cosmology and Cosmological Adventures, learned that this was what he wanted.

And in the country's world-renowned, premiere university for those looking to work in space, he learned that he had quite the penchant for it. His mother's endless stories about her favorite (and only) son didn't just include recollections about his fascination with space as a toddler — it also included tales about how he'd always been such a meticulous, tidy child, always one to put his toys away without being asked, and constantly checking and rechecking his answers to next day's homework, despite her assurance that he'd answered his drills correctly, and yes his handwriting was readable, nothing to worry about.

For a career in space, this came in handy. Jinyoung paid a great deal of attention to the lectures, memorizing by heart the ins and outs of space travel, the different planets in their cosmos and its inhabitants, and had, by the end of his years of study, developed a mastery of spacecrafts that was unmatched. He'd gotten an apprenticeship under the 2PM crew, one of the most prestigious and skilled space crews, bestowed with the honor and responsibility of traveling beyond their universe to other places that had barely a paragraph of information about them in the books back on Earth. Under their tutelage, he'd learned not just to pay attention to every little detail, double-checking and triple-checking equipment; he'd also learned to be quick on his feet, to solve any problems with the spacecraft in a heartbeat. By the end of his two year apprenticeship, his proficiency with spacecrafts had developed into an even deeper mastery, almost like a sixth sense, able to pick up potential problems with just the slightest shift in the spaceship, the tiniest change in its humming. This led him, along with six other promising students at the university he'd been acquainted with, some more closely than others, to be granted their own spacecraft within less than a year after his apprenticeship had ended.

It's been a little over a year since then, and the GOT7 crew had quickly progressed up the ranks, their stellar performance granting them grand opportunities for a crew their size and age.

"I love my job, I love my job," Jinyoung mutters to himself as loud, braying laughter interrupts his half-an-hour attempt to fall back asleep. Yesterday was a particularly exhausting day, with Jinyoung and Jaebeom repairing several satellites in a spacewalk that took up most of the day, and he wanted nothing more than to get a few more minutes of sleep.

It's quiet for a while. There's nothing but the background hum of the spacecraft, and the low, comforting sound gently lulls him back to sleep.

He's just closed his eyes, the edges of sleep just beyond his reach, when there's another chorus of laughter, this time accompanied by a yell or two. Cursing inwardly, he throws off his comforter, claps to turn the lights on in his room, and stumbles to the bathroom sink to splash some water on his face. It helps wake him up, but there's nothing that wakes him up more than caffeine and some food in his stomach, and so he blearily makes his way to the dining area, the sounds getting louder with each step he takes.

The sudden light from the brightly-lit room is too bright for him, and he shields his eyes as he nears the dining area. After giving his eyes time to adjust, he makes his way into the room, veering to the right to make his way to the coffee station. Immediately, the earlier laughter and yells die down into hushed whispers.

Jinyoung feels his shoulders relax, can feel the tension drain out of his body at the first semblance of peace he's had since he's woken up earlier. The machine whirs to life, and the smell of freshly made coffee filters through the air, the mere scent working wonders in waking him up. Slightly more awake and in a slightly better mood, he goes through the motions of making his coffee just the way he likes it — a splash of milk with two sugars. He then surveys the dishes spread out on the table — whoever was in charge of breakfast must've been feeling homesick, judging by the food set out. There's scallion egg pancakes, rice, tofu with soy sauce, and hot, steaming chicken porridge — all reminiscent of home and, coincidentally, all Jinyoung’s favorites. Jinyoung feels his mouth curve into a smile, feels his mood pick up — as eating food that reminds him of his mother's cooking does — and puts a little bit of everything on a plate, before grabbing a small bowl to place the porridge in. Carefully balancing his food and coffee, he makes his way to where the rest of the crew's seated, enjoying their breakfast. 

Bambam and Jackson are seated beside each other, with Mark and Yugyeom opposite them. Jaebeom and Youngjae, however, are nowhere to be seen, and Jinyoung recalls last night as an exhausted Jaebeom headed straight for Youngjae's room upon finishing the spacewalk. He takes a seat next to Yugyeom and is greeted with a chorus of timid hi's and good morning's, with some tentative smiles thrown his way. He nods at them all, sending them a polite smile, before tucking into his food.

The conversation picks up a bit after that. Jinyoung tunes them out as Jackson recounts his run-in with a zrogli the other day as they stopped by Yodou to restock on items. Jinyoung raises the spoonful of porridge to his lips, blowing gently on it to cool it down, and watches from the corner of his eyes as Yugyeom, Bambam, and Mark sit listening to Jackson, enraptured. He's just taken a sip from the spoon when Jackson accidentally hits the table in his attempt to reenact the exact moment he'd caught eyes with the lizard-like creature. Jinyoung, whose elbow's resting on the table, jolts, and the leftover porridge in the spoon spills onto the table.

Everyone else is too busy laughing to notice, but Jackson catches the withering glare Jinyoung sends his way as he grabs a tissue to wipe the spill. Jackson doesn't even apologize for what he's done and, in what's a direct jab at him, proceeds to shush the rest of the crew while pointing to Jinyoung, face contorting into an expression walking the fine line between teasing and mocking. This annoys Jinyoung even further, and he merely raises an unimpressed eyebrow at Jackson, who sticks his tongue out at him, before going back to his food.

For all that he'd heard about Jackson being one of the Institute's most outstanding students, the real thing was a little bit of a letdown. Jackson Wang was known for his knack with languages, fluent not just in Cosmonan, the instituted standard language for all planets within the Cosmos, but also in several planet-specific languages. He'd mastered three languages commonly used on Earth — English, Korean, and Mandarin — and was proficient in Valrria, used by the Valightos, their closest allies, and Ninspig, one of the most common languages spoken outside their planet. Jinyoung had also recently overheard him speaking with Bambam in Bbonir, the most used language on Bboni, Bambam's hometown, so he guessed that Jackson was well on his way to speaking seven different languages.

Jackson was good with languages, but he was also a grade A headache. There wasn't a day that passed without his ear-piercing laughter, which could be overheard from rooms away. He talked often and talked loudly, and constantly got on Jinyoung's nerves with the way he always left behind some crumbs during his turn on navigation duty. Despite their being mere acquaintances, Jackson never hesitated to poke fun at him, attempting to joke around, teasing him for being too stuck up and rigid and come on Jinyoungie relax a little! Jinyoung tried his best to be civil, and to ignore Jackson for the most part, but it proved to be impossible with how often Jackson riled him up.

Several times, Jaebeom had been subjected to his ranting about Jackson. Their captain merely nodded, wincing at the right parts, before reminding Jinyoung that yes, though Jackson could be a little too much, he was an invaluable member of their crew, and he was a large reason for the crew's success in forging and maintaining the planet's partnerships over the past year. Jinyoung understood Jaebeom's point, but also took his words with a grain of salt. After all, he'd seen that despite Jaebeom's gruffness whenever Jackson clung to him, he always spoke of him with a suspiciously affectionate tone.

Jinyoung notices a silence has settled over the breakfast table in the wake of his and Jackson's little tiff, which hadn't gone unnoticed, each occupant with varying levels of exasperation and amusement on their faces. Jinyoung ignores them all, reaching for his coffee and taking a sip, before turning his attention to his food once more. Yugyeom, bless his heart, breaks the silence, switching the conversation to their upcoming schedule for the week, and the table falls into a comfortable chatter.

Jinyoung tunes the conversation. He instead focuses on the meal spread out before him, and takes a proper spoonful of the chicken porridge he’d spilled earlier.

His eyes widen in surprise. It’s good, so good. The chicken’s tender, the porridge a tad on the creamier side — just the way Jinyoung likes it — and the vegetables mixed into it complement the texture of the porridge. Intrigued, he takes a bite of the other food spread out on his plate — the scallion pancakes and tofu — and feels a warmth settle in his chest. They’ve had Korean food on the spacecraft before, but it had never tasted this good, and it had never been all of his favorites at once. He digs into the meal, too busy savoring the familiar tastes and textures to contribute much to the conversation. 

He chimes in every now and then at their prompting, or at Yugyeom’s gentle nudge to his shoulder. But for the most part, he’s absorbed in his breakfast, sipping his coffee, munching on the porridge, and ignoring Jackson’s gaze on him.

It's been a week since their spacewalk, and Jinyoung's fully well-rested from the exhausting ordeal. Today was one of the first few days where he felt his best, where there wasn't that bone-deep weariness in his body. He'd fixed the broken shower heater, had worked alongside Bambam on some designs for a new spacecraft the Institute had asked them to work on, and had managed to whip up an edible dinner, as it was the rare occasion where he was on kitchen duty, with everyone else being busy.

He settles into the bedsheets, pulling his comforter up to his chin. He reaches for the Transmitter, the phone-like device used for communication in space, and sends his family a good night message, as he always does, before closing his eyes, excited for a better day tomorrow.

He's not sure how long he's been asleep when he's suddenly awakened by a thud, then by blaring alarms. One long wail, followed by several shorter ones, before another longer one: an emergency alarm.

He follows protocols and immediately heads to the control room to meet with the rest: He's greeted with the sight of Jaebeom, Yugyeom, and Bambam huddled in a circle, Youngjae behind them frantically tapping at the controls.

Jaebeom's face is dead serious as he explains the situation.

"There's a big hole in the spacecraft because of an errant asteroid," Jinyoung hears as he runs up to them. "The cabin's depressurizing, we need to evacuate as quickly as we can." He barely nods at Jinyoung as he joins the circle.

"Youngjae, how long do we have?" Jaebeom calls out, voice steady despite the fear in his eyes.

Youngjae answers immediately, not taking his eyes off the screen. "Around seven minutes, five to be safe."

Jaebeom turns back to them. "Grab the evacuation bags you've packed, and bring anything important that you've been working on. Go to the spacepods, then leave with another member, whoever's there." he nods towards Bambam and Yugyeom, who immediately take off running.

Jinyoung feels Jaebeom grip his arm. "Look for Jackson and Mark—" Jaebeom peers behind him, then shakes his head. "Mark's already here. Wake Jackson up, explain the situation to him, grab anything you may need then evacuate immediately." Jinyoung nods and runs, checking his watch: he has roughly four minutes left to wake Jackson up and gather his things. He opens each door in a frenzy, unable to remember which one leads to Jackson's room.

He gets it right on the third door he opens. Jackson's in bed, still sleeping, and Jinyoung would've marvelled at Jacksons ability to sleep through the chaos had they not been in danger. He shakes Jackson awake, not bothering to be gentle. "Wake up!"

Jackson blinks blearily at him, and Jinyoung grips his arm tightly, in an attempt to convey the urgency of the situation. "We need to leave, now. Get everything you need, we only have a few minutes left. Make your way to the spacepods."

Jackson blinks once before springing into action, reaching for the evacuation bag hanging on his bedpost. Jinyoung makes his way to his own room, throwing the familiar door open and grabbing his evacuation bag — the one with all his important belongings, some clothes, and a supply of food and water good for several days — and scanned the room quickly for anything important he couldn't leave behind. He shoves into his bag the Transmitter he'd left on his bed and the laptop on his desk, and grabs some blueprints he'd been working on the past few days.

Jinyoung gave the room one last quick scan before bolting out of the place, running towards the launch pads were the spacepods were. He checks his watch — three minutes to go — and hears footsteps behind him. He glances backwards to see Jackson a few steps away, also making his way towards the launch pads. "Hurry!" he calls out to Jackson, turning his attention to the pole in front of him, grasping it tightly before sliding down. "We have three minutes left!" he shouts before landing on his feet.

He's already running towards the spacepods when he hears Jackson's reply, followed by a thud. He's already finished putting on his spacesuit, in record time, when Jackson skids to a stop in front of the spacepod. Jinyoung quickly surveys the room — sees that one spacepod is gone, and sees Jaebeom and Mark by the spacepod next to theirs. Mark already inside, and Jaebeom wearing his suit.

"What about the rest?" he yells out to Jaebeom, helmet poised over his head.

Jaebeom points to the empty space beside him. Jinyoung nods and makes his way into the spacepod, settling into one of the seats and putting on the safety gear, checking the controls as he waits for Jackson to finish. He glances at his watch — roughly a minute left.

He's about to tell Jackson to hurry up when the door opens and shuts with a thud, and Jackson plops down into the seat beside him, putting on his seatbelt and checking the controls on his side. He gives Jinyoung a quick nod, and Jinyoung backs them out of the spacecraft, with Jaebeom and Mark following not too far behind.

It's anticlimactic — the spacecraft doesn't burst into flames, nor is there an explosion. As they head away from the spacecraft, Jinyoung glances at the screen and watches as it glows in the midst of the surrounding darkness and debris — warm, homey, inviting. His chest aches at having to leave what had been his home for the past year behind.

He looks over to where Jackson's seated next to him. He's staring straight ahead, and for once his lips aren't curled into his usual smile. He looks uncharacteristically serious.

It's Jinyoung who first breaks the silence. "Well," he says, shifting around in his seat, never looking at Jackson. "Time to make our way back home.

Jackson had been quiet at first, seemingly in disbelief and shaken by what had happened.

But his silence lasted only for so long before he was back to being his usual chatty self. They'd only been in the spacepod for three hours, a mere fraction of the time needed to make their way back to Earth, and already Jinyoung was tired. It was draining enough, having to process what had just happened and having to deal with the fact that they were now on their own, cramped together in a tiny space, with only each other for company  — and not someone Jinyoung was fond of at that  — and Jackson's endless stream of chatter was starting to wear on Jinyoung.

"Too bad Jaebeommie-hyung and Youngjae aren't in the same spacepod," Jackson comments with a wistful sigh. Jinyoung grits his teeth, hands on the controls. "Hyung probably would've loved it, even if they couldn't do..." Jackson trails off, gesturing vaguely as he tries to find the right words. "Other activities," he finishes.

Jinyoung's too busy navigating to control the disgusted look that flits across his face.

"I wonder how Bambam and Yugyeom are doing," Jackson comments absently, looking out the window on his side. "The three youngest members of the crew stuck together! But I think Youngjae can handle them pretty well, and besides, when it comes to serious situations Bammie and Yugyeommie step up and take charge, so I think we'll be fine."

It's quiet for several seconds, and Jinyoung inwardly holds his breath, because finally he has time alone with his thoughts, can finally think and process —

"Oh!" Jackson straightens up in his seat, and Jinyoung tracks the movement from the corner of his eye. "We don't have any medics here with us." Jinyoung's lack of a response doesn't deter Jackson, as he continues talking. "Mark-hyung's with Jaebeom-hyung, and Yugyeommie's with Bam and Youngjae." Jackson's posture relaxes a bit as he deflates, leaning back on his seat. "I know the basics, but I'm nowhere near their skill level. I hope nothing goes wrong — I get faint at the sight of blo—"

Jinyoung snaps. "Really?"

Jackson looks surprised, and a flash of irritation crosses his face. "'Yeah, why would I lie about hating the sight of blood—"

"Not that!" Jinyoung grits out, turning to glance at Jackson, nerves fraying. "How can you be like this?"

"Like what?"

"So..." Jinyoung trails off, unable to find the right words. "Like this," Jinyoung gestures vaguely. "As if nothing's wrong."

He doesn't see Jackson's reaction, too busy looking at the screens in front of him to ensure everything's on course, but based on the edge in Jackson's voice, he understood perfectly what he meant. "I know something's wrong." Jackson answers curtly, a far cry from his earlier rambling.

Jinyoung scoffs at that. "Are you sure? I haven't noticed."

"Well, not everyone has to brood and mope over things the way you do."

"I do not!" Jinyoung retorts, a bit louder than necessary.

"You do!" Jackson's voice increases in volume. "You sulk and mope and when you're in one of your moods, everyone has to tiptoe around you!"

Jinyoung pauses at that, Jackson's words sinking in.

"Look," Jackson starts, tone more exasperated and resigned than anything. "I know that this is a less than ideal situation, even more so for you, having to be stuck with me."

Jinyoung turns to him in surprise.

Jackson gives him an unimpressed look. "I know what you really think of me Jinyoung, you haven't been subtle about it."

Jinyoung scrunches up his nose at that. He thought he'd done a pretty good job at being civil with Jackson.

Jackson continues, breaking through Jinyoung's stream of thoughts. "I just — try to look for the silver lining in things, you know?"

Jinyoung barely holds himself back from scoffing at Jackson's words.

Jackson's voice is a lot more subdued with his next words. "We could've died back there. We're lucky we made it out in time. At least we're still alive."

Jinyoung opens his mouth, then closes it, unable to come up with a response.

"And it's just the two of us here," Jackson says quietly, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "Might as well work together you know? Make the experience less unpleasant."

Jinyoung looks at the screens ahead, not taking any of it in, Jackson's words ringing in his ears.

Jackson undoes the seatbelts and stands up, heading towards their sleeping bags in the back corner of the spacepod. "Just, forget it. I'm gonna head to bed now, it's your shift anyways."

Jinyoung startles at that and shakes his head, forcing himself to focus on the task at hand. He concentrates on navigating through space smoothly, on getting them safely to Bolp for restocking and refuelling. All the while, he tries to ignore Jackson's low-pitched, constant snoring and his words at the back of his mind.

Jinyoung's on his sleeping bag, staring up at the ceiling when he hears footsteps nearing the spacepod.

He scrambles up, ready to apologize. He and Jackson hadn't spoken since their fight the other day, and though Jinyoung would've appreciated the silence before, he now found the silence stifling in the wake of Jackson's words.

Upon landing at Bol, a small planet they've never been to before, Jackson had immediately gone out for supplies, leaving Jinyoung to refuel and give the spacepod a once over. Jackson was gone longer than usual, giving Jinyoung plenty of time to mull over what Jackson had said, and he'd come to the realization that an apology was in order.

Jackson enters the spacepod, shutting the door behind him, a large box in his hands brimming with food and water, along with some toiletries and other things they'd needed. He waits until Jackson sets the box down before speaking. "Jackson—"

"Here," Jackson says, bending over to reach for something in the box, gesturing towards Jinyoung's hands. Jinyoung gets the silent message, holding out his hands to catch the packet Jackson tosses his way.

Jinyoung stares in disbelief at the cartoon baseball player on the packaging — one that had been etched onto his brain with how often he'd snacked on the food as a kid. He turns the familiar snack over in his hands, incredulous. It had been years since he'd last had these, with them being difficult to find after its production on Earth had been phased out.

He glances up to look at Jackson, who's putting away the stuff he'd bought, then looks back down at the homerun balls again. "Jackson, thank you—" Jackson turns around to nod at him, sending a small smile his way. Jinyoung inwardly grimaces as he prepares himself to apologize "Listen, about yesterday, I'm sorry—"

Jackson waves his apology off, but Jinyoung notices that he looks less tense. "It's fine, let's just forget about it."

Jinyoung shakes his head. "No, no." He takes a deep breath, clutches the snack a bit tighter as Jackson tilts his head at him in a silent question. "I was being mean. I need to apologize. And you did have a point anyway, about me brooding."

Jinyoung continues before Jackson can get a word in. "And I'm sorry too, about having you and everyone walk on eggshells around me when I'm—" Jinyoung gestures with his hand, trying to find the proper term.

"Sulking? In a mood?" Jackson finishes, eyes wide and warm, a playful smile at the corners of his mouth, expression more gentle teasing than mocking.

Jinyoung breathes out. "Yeah, that." He trails off, unsure of what else to say.

Jackson saves him from answering, shaking his head, his expression morphing into one of seriousness. "I was wrong too, yesterday," he starts, bouncing on his heels in nervousness, hands clasped behind his back. "I should've known you might have wanted some time to yourself, should have been more sensitive yesterday, and in general." Jackson finishes, sending a small smile his way.

Jinyoung smiles back, a bit apprehensive, not sure how else to respond. "So, uhh—”

Jackson seems to pick up on his eloquence, and holds his hand out for a handshake. "So, are we good?" he asks timidly, sounding the most vulnerable Jinyoung's ever heard him.

Jinyoung shakes Jackson's hand, faintly noticing how his own hand almost dwarfs Jackson's own. Jackson's hand is warm, his handshake firm, and Jinyoung feels a bit of hope bloom in his chest.

There's a knocking sound from the ceiling, and when they turn to look at the dashboard it's to see a Bolp, ice-colored winged people from Bol in charge of manning the different spacecrafts flying in and out, hanging upside down. The Bolp gestures towards the center of the pale blue room, where a large clock stands, surrounded by icy stalagmites and stalactites around it, the minute hand close to 12.

Jinyoung nods at her in acknowledgement, and she flies off back to her station, opening the ceiling on top of the spacepod for their takeoff. He shifts his gaze back to Jackson and sends him his first, genuine smile since they'd left the spacecraft. "Come on, let's get going."

Things change after that. Jinyoung tries his best to brood less and stops himself from assuming the worst of Jackson. Jackson isn't without his changes — Jinyoung often feels Jackson's eyes on him, gauging his mood before rambling on about something, though Jinyoung finds that Jackson's rambling annoys him less and less, to the point where he isn't even sure he'd call them rambling anymore.

With each passing day, it's getting easier and easier for Jinyoung to be nicer to Jackson, and he finds that being stuck with Jackson on the spacepod isn't as bad as he'd initially thought it was.

He tells Jaebeom this when Jaebeom contacts him during his shift, Jackson having gone to sleep over an hour ago.

Jaebeom's first response to Jinyoung's realization is Why are you whispering? he asks, voice dropping down into a whisper as well, and though Jinyoung can't see him, he can imagine the look of confusion on their captain's face.

"Jackson's sleeping," Jinyoung answers quietly, glancing back quickly to make sure he hadn't woken Jackson up. Jackson's sound asleep, arms wrapped around the Squirtle plushie he'd brought along with him while evacuating. He'd looked defiant as he brought it out of his bag, expecting Jinyoung to make fun of it, but Jinyoung had merely patted the grinning turtle on its head almost reverently, which Jackson had been pleasantly surprised by, grinning brightly at him.

"Ah," Jaebeom replies, voice even, but Jinyoung has known him for years, since their first year at the Institute, and he knows for certain that he's sporting a knowing smirk on his face, having been well-acquainted with Jinyoung's initial dislike of Jackson.

Jinyoung waits for the teasing remark, about how nice it is that he was concerned about Jackson, but to Jaebeom's credit, he doesn't say anything, which is nice.

"How've you been?" Jinyoung asks, eager to change the subject. “How’s everyone been?”

"We're ahead of you guys a bit," Jaebeom answers. "It seems like you took your time restocking on Bol. When Mark and I got to Ninsopt we were in and out of there in an hour."

Jinyoung recalls the icy silence in the spacepod when they'd landed at Bol, and their making up afterwards. "Well, we ran into an issue or two," Jinyoung answers vaguely.

Jinyoung can hear the frown in Jaebeom's voice as he continues. "Youngjae, Bam, and Yugyeom are so far ahead though. I got to talk to Youngjae yesterday, and at this rate they'll arrive on Earth two whole days ahead of us."

Jinyoung startles at that, taken aback. "Wait, how's they get that far ahead—"

Then he thinks of Bambam and Yugyeom together in one spacepod, accompanied by Youngjae.

"Never mind," Jinyoung replies. "Forget I asked."

There's a beat of silence, then a sigh — something that Jinyoung's come to know that means Jaebeom wants to get something off his chest but hesitates to do so.

Jinyoung helps him along. "What about you, hyung?" he asks, voice low, checking once more to see if Jackson's asleep. "How've you been doing?"

There's a pause. "I'm... just a bit worried about everyone, you know?" he admits, voice quiet.

Jinyoung waits for Jaebeom to finish speaking, but it's silent, and he takes this as his cue to respond.

"Hyung," he says, tone unusually gentle. "It's understandable to worry about everyone, especially since you've been doing that since our very first day as a crew—"

There's a huff from Jaebeom at that, but it's more amused than offended.

"But I'm sure you've seen that we're all great in space, and each member of the crew is capable of holding out their own," Jinyoung continues. "Especially me, since I don't have to go on kitchen duty anymore."

It has the intended effect and Jaebeom barely stifles a laugh. "God, you're horrible in the kitchen. I didn't even know you could burn instant noodles.:

"Yeah well," Jinyoung winces at the memory, how the whole place had smelled like burnt ramen until they'd had the chance to air the place out on their next restocking, which had been less than a week away, thankfully. "I've learned my lesson." Never step foot in the kitchen.

Jaebeom continues, ignoring Jinyoung's words. "Well, at least Jackson's there with you," he comments. "He's a really good cook, if you really do need to cook."

"Back to the topic at hand," Jinyoung redirects the conversation, unwilling to hear more about his lack of cooking skills. "Everyone's great at what they do, and everyone will be okay."

"Look at it this way," Jinyoung adds. "You and Mark are in one spacepod, Youngjae, your right-hand man and second-in-command, is looking over the two youngest, who definitely need to be looked over."

He hears Jaebeom chuckle at that. "And there's me, who could possibly be your second-in-command if Youngjae weren't around, in a separate spacepod with Jackson." Jinyoung finishes. "Yeah, we're separated from each other, but each member's capable of holding out their own, and we're separated in a strategic way, which is pretty nice."

"Bit bold of you to assume you'd be my first choice for a second-in-command if Youngjae weren't around."

"I'm not wrong though, am I?"

Jaebeom ignores his last statement. "Thanks for talking me through this Nyoung-ah," he says, and Jinyoung immediately softens at the nickname.

Jaebeom's next words, however, remind Jinyoung of why they'd almost gotten into fist fights several times in the past. "For a while, you sounded a lot like Jackson back there." Jinyoung knows he's not imagining the smirk on Jaebeom's face at the moment. "I take it you two are friends now?"

"Jaebeom-hyung? Hyung?" Jinyoung asks, making static noises in between. "Can you hear me?"

"Cut it out, Jinyoung-ah," Jaebeom answers, unimpressed. "I know you're fak—"

Jaebeom's voice is cut off as Jinyoung ends the call. There's something that sounds like a quiet huff from behind him, but when he turns around, Jackson's still sleeping, plushie tucked into his chest. He squints his eyes in suspicion before turning around, turns his attention back to navigating the spacepod.

Jinyoung spends the rest of his shift in silence, navigating the spacepod, his mind occasionally drifting off to several hours earlier, when Jackson had opted to accompany him for the first two hours of his shift so he wouldn't fall asleep.

They'd shared the homerun balls Jackson had bought, Jinyoung unable to control his delight at finally getting to taste the hazelnut-flavored snack after so long. He'd been relishing the snack, enjoying the crunch of the thin, outer shell, and had secretly watched Jackson's expression at trying the snack for the first time. An unexplainable satisfaction washed over him as Jackson's eyes had widened at the first bite, and had asked Jinyoung if he could have one more.

Jinyoung glances at the clock on the dashboard, telling him that there were three minutes left till his shift was over. He glances around — notices that there's nothing around but empty space and stars far away — and quickly glances over at Jackson, who was still sound asleep, curled up around his plushie, which was smiling brightly at Jinyoung.

He turns back around and tells himself to wait. Over the past few days, he'd found out that Jackson had the uncanny ability to wake up several minutes before his shift, and maybe today he was running a little later than usual.

He hums a little as he waits, enjoying the different colored stars that seemed to surround him, but were in reality lightyears away. He squints off into the distance to his right as he notices a faint green color. As he moves forward, the green shape starts to take form — it's a small planet, but its bright neon color makes up for its size. There's a faint glow around it that seems to flicker every now and then, and he racks his brain for the planet's name.

It hits him when he notices the planet itself seem to glitter — this was Bambam's home planet, Bboni. He glances at the clock — which tells him his shift is over — and tries to wake Jackson up to show him the planet, and to switch shifts. "Sseun-ah," he calls out, the nickname still quite unfamiliar on his tongue. "Are you there?"

The only response is Jackson's quiet snoring, the kind that Jinyoung knew meant that Jackson really was still asleep and not just pretending to be.

Slightly disappointed at being unable to show him Bam's planet in person, he fumbles for his Transmitter in his pocket, never leaving his eyes off the dashboard, and takes a quick photo of the planet. He glances at it quickly — it doesn't compare to its beauty in person, but it comes close, especially with how the cameras on Transmitter are just as good as the huge cameras people lugged around back on Earth. He tucks the Transmitter back into his pocket, and prepares himself for an extra hour of two on duty, deciding not to wake Jackson up.

He tries one last time though. "Sseun-ah?" he calls out, his voice a lot softer than earlier, which means that Jackson, once again, takes no notice of it, and only silence answers him.

Jinyoung shrugs and goes on his way. It wouldn't hurt to let Jackson have an extra hour or two of sleep after all.

They've developed a banter now. Where before they'd been getting to know each other, they'd been unnecessarily nice, but as time passed by, they'd developed a friendly, teasing exchange that greatly amused Jinyoung, as Jackson wasn't just capable of countering Jinyoung's wisecracks, he also happened to be highly reactive, and him pouting at Jinyoung wasn't an uncommon occurrence, which Jinyoung had to admit was quite adorable. 

Jinyoung also found that where previously Jackson's whines of Jinyoungie had irritated him, he now found them delightful, and would sometimes ignore Jackson just to hear him say it again. There was just something about only Jackson calling him Jinyoungie that caused a burst of warmth in his chest, and he also noticed that same warmth making itself known whenever he called Jackson Sseun-ah or Sseunie, the way Jackson's eyes often lit up at that an added bonus.

Things he found annoying about Jackson before he appreciated now that it was just them both in space, with only each other for company. Jackson was fun, he kept things interesting, and was able to match Jinyoung's sarcasm and quips. He was a great conversationalist, and Jinyoung greatly enjoyed getting to know Jackson and the way they talked about almost everything under the sun.

Which is why Jinyoung finds that his heart is heavy when they finally land on Earth after weeks of space travel.

Jinyoung's glad to be back on Earth, of not having to live in that cramped a space anymore, of not having to worry about whether they'll make it back safely. And yet—

There's this quiet dispirit that comes with the end of their journey, and he finds himself wanting to stay in the spacepod for another day longer, just to spend a bit more time with Jackson.

But they're now at the South Korean Space Facility, packing their things and waiting for the platform that will take them to the building, where they'll part ways and be shuttled to their respective places until a spacecraft is ready for the crew, which could take anywhere near a week or two to several months.

"Hey," Jinyoung breaks the silence that had fallen over them upon landing, gently touching Jackson's arm as he hoists the evacuation bag over his shoulder. He can see the Squirtle plushie peep out from the bag's opening. and there's a gentle ache in his chest at the sight. Jackson tilts his head, looking at him with wide eyes, urging him to continue.

Jinyoung clears his throat, hopes his voice doesn't come out shaky. "I had a lot of fun the past few weeks." He pauses for a moment, averting his eyes before telling Jackson what he really wants to say. "I'm...glad I was stuck with you."

He doesn't see the way Jackson's eyes soften at his words, but he does feel the gentle, playful push Jackson levels at his shoulders. "Hey, why do you sound so sad?" Jackson slings an arm over his shoulder. "We're still in the same crew."

Jinyoung tries to shrug, which is difficult considering Jackson's arm around him. "Yeah, but..." he trails off, unsure of how to put it into words.

Jackson, thankfully, seems to understand what he's trying to say, fills in the gaps between what Jinyoung is and isn't saying, figures out what he's really trying to say. "Don't worry Jinyoungie," he says, voice gentle.

Jinyoung looks up at the nickname and is greeted with Jackson's tender expression, with a hint of playfulness around the edges. "I'll be texting you, calling you, blowing up your phone so much you'll wish you hadn't given me your number."

Jinyoung chuckles at that, feels the tension dissipate from his body in sweet relief. "Well," he jokes around, heart a lot lighter than it had been minutes ago. "Should've known you'd be just as noisy even through texting."

"Hey!" Jackson steps away from him, crossing his arms over his chest, pouting. "Fine. I guess I won't be inviting you to lunch next week—"

"Wait, really?" Jinyoung lights up at that, feeling his heart skip a beat at the news.

Jackson turns away from him, turning his nose up in mock offense. "Supposedly," Jackson answers, sniffing. "But then you insulted me, so now I'm not so sure—"

It's Jinyoung this time who wraps an arm around Jackson, tugging him closer to him, resting Jackson's head in the crook of his neck. "I'm just kidding!" Jinyoung protests, ruffling Jackson's hair. Jackson leans into his touch, and Jinyoung can't stop the smile on his face, already looking forward to the next week. "I can't wait."

There's a loud beeping sound from outside, and they're soon greeted with the sight of the spacepod door opening, and a platform to take them down to ground level. Jackson disentangles himself from Jinyoung's hold and steps forward, reaching out a hand to guide Jinyoung onto the platform, which he readily accepts.

"Yeah," Jackson grins at him, squeezing his hand gently before dropping it to his side. "I'm excited, too."

Their lunch had gone well. Jackson brought him to his favorite Chinese place in Korea, one he often visited whenever he was feeling homesick, and they'd spent three hours chatting over noodles, steamed dumplings, and stir-fried vegetables. Before parting ways at the subway station, they'd made plans to meet up again the next week. And the week after that. And the week after the week after that.

The crew's unplanned period of rest as they waited for the arrival of another spacecraft was a bit longer than Jinyoung had expected. It was almost three months before they were able to get back to space once more, but time had flown quickly as he spent his days with his family, working on his pending tasks from the Institute, and meeting up with Jackson every week for lunch, occasionally meeting with the other members as well.

But now, they were back in space and Jinyoung couldn't be happier. 

For one, he'd greatly missed being up in space. Korea was home, spending time with his family brought him a great sense of comfort, but it was up in space, amongst the stars that he really felt at home. He missed working on blueprints and merely glancing out the window when in need of a short break, and being greeted by new planets he'd never seen before. He missed the comfortable background hum of the spacecraft and also missed the work that came with being up in space. 

And, of course, he'd also missed the crew and getting to see them every day. He'd told them as much upon their subsequent takeoff back into space, inwardly reveling in the raised eyebrows and slightly shocked expressions he'd elicited with his uncharacteristic display of emotion and the revelation that he was, contrary to their previous assumptions, quite fond of the crew.

But another reason for his happiness lay in the man who was the cause for his current predicament.

Jinyoung leans against the kitchen counter, arms crossed over his chest defensively. Across from him, Bambam — arguably the best cook of them all and thus most often assigned to kitchen duties over others — squints his eyes at him in suspicion. 

"So let me get this straight," Bambam starts, after a considerable moment of silence. He wrinkles his nose as he speaks, in a mix of confusion and disbelief at his next words. "Jackson-hyung's stressed out over the numerous broadcasts he's had to translate the past few days."

Jinyoung nods. "Yeah."

"And," Bambam takes a step towards Jinyoung, crowding into his space with a challenging look in his eyes. "He asked you, he pauses for emphasis. "To make something for him to eat."

Jinyoung nods, his nails digging a bit more tightly into his arms.

"And," Bambam has his hands on his hips, voice slightly accusatory. "He asked you, the worst cook out of all of us, to make him a sandwich that involves using the stove."

Jinyoung nods, the lie rolling off his tongue with ease. "He said he was craving for a grilled cheese sandwich."

Bambam merely stares at him, blinking once, twice. Jinyoung tugs at the hem of his sleeves. "Will you help me or not?" he asks, sighing, glancing at the clock behind Bambam. It's almost an hour after lunch, which Jackson had skipped in favor of getting work done, and Jinyoung noticed he hadn't gone for breakfast either. His leg jitters in impatience and nervousness.

Something in his expression must convince Bambam, because there's a softness in his eyes that's quickly replaced by a more neutral expression, though his lips curve up into a delighted smile. "Okay," he nods, stepping behind Jinyoung and gently steering him towards the refrigerator, where all the cheese is kept. "It's time to make Jackson-hyung the best grilled cheese he's ever tasted." 

Jinyoung spends the next few minutes alternately between intently focusing on Bambam's every word, taking mental notes of his tips and suggestions, and thanking the heavens for Bambam's teaching skills, able to dumb everything down for Jinyoung's absolute lack of skill and knowledge with culinary matters. Bambam explained everything, and after showing Jinyoung how to do stuff, would make Jinyoung do it on his own, occasionally stepping in every now and then when needed.

Huh, Jinyoung thinks absently as he checks the underside of the toast with his spatula, seeing that the toast has browned on both sides. He lifts the pan from the stove and slides it onto the plate. Jaebeom could probably learn a thing or two from Bammie. The last time Jaebeom had taught him how to make instant noodles, Jinyoung had barely gotten past his first sentence before Jaebeom was rambling about spices and al dente, and Jinyoung had given up listening and just let Jaebeom do all the cooking. 

He looks at the sandwich on the plate — a beautiful, golden color with cheese oozing from its sides — and feels a rush of pride at his work. "Thanks Bammie," he cheerfully says, placing the spatula down on the counter and preparing to make his way towards Jackson's room. "Looks like I'm not so bad in the kitchen after all."

Bambam levels him with an unimpressed look. "You forgot to turn off the stove."

Oh. Right. Jinyoung sets the plate down and turns off the stove. "I was just about to," he lies.

Bambam gives him a knowing look before glancing at the sandwich, giving it a once-over before nodding in approval. "It looks good," he says, humming. "Maybe there is some hope for you after all."

And judging by Jackson's expression as he first bites into the sandwich, the melted cheese dripping down his fingers, he seems to think so as well.

There’s a burst of warmth in his chest at Jackson’s look of surprise, and subsequent delight.

Jinyoung trudges back to his room, feels the exhaustion settle deep into his bones, tries not to grimace at the unpleasant feeling of dried sweat on every inch of his body. It's half-past eleven and the ship is silent, the sounds of dinner earlier long gone. He catches a glimpse of the back of Youngjae's head by the controls, with Jaebeom beside him, and he passes them by without stopping.

As he walks the hallway leading to his room, he contemplates stopping by the kitchen for a snack — maybe he could heat some leftovers they'd had during dinner earlier, or there was something else in the kitchen he could snack on — but ultimately decides against it. He can just sleep the hunger off, and besides, what he needed was a long, hot shower.

When he opens the door to his room, he expects to be greeted by its silence and darkness. Instead, the light in the corner of the room's turned on, and there's a figure in pajamas on his bed, eyes fluttering shut.

"Sseun-ah?” Jinyoung whispers.

Jackson's eyes fly open. "Jinyoungie!" he exclaims, scrambling to sit up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "You're back," he notices, blinking.

Jinyoung enters the room, placing the heavy toolbox on his shelf opposite the bed. "Yeah," he says, giving it a quick wipe before putting it back. "What are you doing here?"

Jackson sounds more awake now, excitement in his voice. "I got you some food," Jackson chirps, heading towards his desk where a peach-colored bowl sits, a larger plate on top of it, covering the opening, and a spoon on the side. "I know you probably haven't eaten."

Jinyoung's unable to stop the growing smile on his face. "Thanks, Sseunie," he says, voice soft, and is rewarded with Jackson's grin. He's about to take a step towards the table when he places his hand at the back of his neck, and feels the sticky skin there. A shower, right.

"I'll go take a quick shower first," he heads towards the bathroom, taking off his shirt as he speaks. He doesn't see the way Jackson's gaze rakes over his form, bulging out of his sockets.

"Sure, I was just about to leave—"

"No!" Jinyoung cuts in, straightening up from where he's unbuttoned his pants. He heads back into his room, glancing at where Jackson's seated by his desk, eyes wide in surprise. Jinyoung clears his throat, tries to appear calm and less eager. "I mean, I wouldn't mind it if you stayed," he says, voice even as he tugs his pants down and tosses it next to where his shirt lays on the floor. It's silent, and Jinyoung looks up, greeted by Jackson blinking slowly at him, as if transfixed.

Oh, he must be tired, Jinyoung thinks, but a little too selfish to let him go to sleep and leave him to eat dinner alone. "Sseun-ah?"

Jackson jolts at that, nodding at Jinyoung and practically beaming as he answers. "Sure, Jinyoungie," he says, Jinyoung's heart stuttering at the nickname.

Jinyoung sends a thumbs up his way before quickly making his way to the showers, scrubbing all the dirt and sweat and grime off of him in record time. The warm shower's a welcome reprieve after the long day he's had, and he's tempted to stay for a bit longer, to allow the water to wash away the tiredness in his body, but Jackson's out there, waiting, and the food might go cold.

He dries himself with a towel, slipping on his pajamas and tossing his clothes into the laundry. When he steps out of the room, hair having been dried as bet as it could in the few seconds he has, Jackson's moved back to the bed, leaving the chair at his desk empty. Jackson tracks his movements and sits up excitedly as Jinyoung nears the desk.

"I thought you guys had pizza for tonight," Jinyoung asks, confused at the sight of porridge in the bowl. "I remember Yugyeommie wouldn't stop talking about it last night, and Bam and Jaebeom-hyung were arguing over what recipe to use."

"Oh, we did," Jackson answers, cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "But you seem to like Korean food more when you're tired." Jackson shrugs, avoiding his gaze. "So I decided to make a quick porridge." He gestures vaguely towards the bowl, gaze pointedly on anywhere else instead of Jinyoung, a sign of his nervousness.

That Jackson was perceptive enough to make that observation sends warmth flooding through Jinyoung's veins, and the fact that Jackson had gone through the effort of making something for him instead of giving him leftovers touches him, and Jinyoung decides not to point out how jittery Jackson's being. "Thanks Sseunie, you didn't have to" he replies, making himself comfortable on his chair. He grabs ahold of the spoon next to the bowl and scoops some of the porridge on top, blowing on it to cool it down. Jackson's lain back down on his bed, scrolling on his phone, and Jinyoung dimly registers the Buzz Lightyear illustrations on his pajamas before taking a sip of the warm porridge.

He pauses, spoon in his mouth, too stunned to react.

It's good, so good — the perfect meal to end the day with, one that feels like a warm, comforting hug, But more than that, the porridge isn't just incredibly delicious, it's also familiar. He thinks back to one of those days before they'd had to evacuate the spacecraft, when he'd spilled his porridge as Jackson reenacted a story of his. He remembers the creamy texture and savory taste of the chicken porridge, along with the tender chicken and the vegetables that complemented the porridge perfectly — the porridge he's eating is the exact same kind.

He's been silent for a bit too long, and when Jackson speaks, the tinge of nervousness is unmistakable. "Is it not good?" he asks, a quiver in his voice.

Jinyoung shakes his head emphatically, trying to wrap his head around the facts. "No, no!" he exclaims, dunking his spoon back into the bowl to take another bite. "I love it. It's really good." He hesitates a moment before asking, just to confirm it. "You made this?" he asks, holding back a moan as he takes another bite of the meal.

"Yeah," Jackson answers, pride in his voice as he answers. "I did."

A comfortable quiet follows as Jinyoung finishes off the rest of his porridge, licking every inch of the bowl clean, the new realizations at the forefront of his mind. Jackson's eyes flutter every now and then, occasionally followed by a yawn, sleepy. Jinyoung stands up when he's done, about to head out to wash the dishes in the kitchen, when Jackson stands up in a flurry, taking the bowl from him.

"I'll go and wash it," Jackson says, tucking the bowl close to his body.

Jinyoung makes a move for it, but Jackson dodges it. "I'll be the one to do it, you've done enough already—"

Jackson shakes his head. "Nuh uh uh," he playfully says, booping Jinyoung's nose with his finger despite his heavy eyelids. "I'm not hearing any of it."

Jinyoung blinks once, twice. Jackson stares up at him, a challenging look in his eyes, as defiant as he can be on the verge of sleep. Then, Jackson's gone in a flash, throwing the door open. "Night, Jinyoungie!" he calls out over his shoulder, heading straight towards the kitchens.

Jinyoung stands by the doorway, watching his figure recede until it disappears, mind whirring.

Jinyoung sees red when Jackson shuffles into the room, without any of the food he'd gone out to buy and blood on his face. 

"Who did this?" he spits out, taking large strides to where Jackson stands, attempting to wipe the blood on his face with his sleeve. Jinyoung spots a darkening bruise on Jackson's cheekbone and he is about to run his thumb over it, when the movement of his hand causes Jackson to flinch.

Jinyoung drops his hand immediately, calming down a little, and Jackson tracks the look of guilt mixed with anger on his face, and attempts to comfort him.

"Ah, I'm sorry Jinyoungie," he apologizes as Jinyoung shuts the door and gently guides Jackson to the seat on his desk. "I just — his punch was really strong, you know?" 

Jinyoung crouches down to take a closer look at Jackson's face — he isn't trained for this the way Mark and Yugeom are, but he does know a bit of the basics. There's blood all over his face, but it doesn't seem to be coming from anywhere. "Did your nose bleed earlier?" he asks, meanwhile raking his gaze over the rest of Jackson's body, to see if he's okay.

Jackson takes notice of it. "Yeah, but I stopped the bleeding before coming back here," he answers. "Also, I'm fine, he just punched me in the face."

Jinyoung pushes himself up off of the ground, making his way over to the bathroom to get a washcloth. He runs it under cool, running water and wrings the moisture out of it before heading back to his room. He gently taps Jackson's legs, a silent request for him to spread them, and positions himself on his knees, in between Jackson's thighs, gently wiping the blood away.

Jackson's still for the next few minutes as Jinyoung cleans the blood off his face. It's almost as if his breath is held, and his hands grip his knees so tightly that the knuckles are almost white.

Jinyoung glances back up at Jackson and sees that the remaining blood is near the bruise on his cheek. He strikes a conversation with Jackson, trying to be as gentle as possible as he wipes the area clean. "What happened, anyway?" he asks quietly, holding Jackson's face still with his other hand.

"He wanted the stuff I bought," Jackson murmurs, tensing underneath his touch as Jinyoung wipes at the bruise. "Punched me once to grab my stuff, and punched me again when I wouldn't let go of them, this time getting me in the nose."

Jinyoung shakes his head, wipes off the remaining blood on Jackson's cheek, away from the bruise. "Why didn't you just give them to him?"

Jackson pauses. Jinyoung leans back, done with his job, and tries to catch Jackson's eye. "Sseunie?"

Jackson meets his eyes, contemplating. "You can't hit me. I'm injured."

Jinyoung nods.

"I'd bought several packs of homerun balls, and wanted to give them to you."

Jinyoung pretends to act surprised, brings a hand to his heart in a moment of faux gratitude. The tension in Jackson's shoulders dissipates, and he's just leaned back on Jinyoung's chair when Jinyoung leans over to flick him on the forehead.

"Hey!" Jackson pouts, rubbing at his forehead, a look of betrayal on his face.

"Flicking your forehead wasn't part of the deal," Jinyoung answers, a frown on his face. "You're an idiot, you know?" Jinyoung leans back on his heels, shaking his head. "I'd rather have you back safe than have all the homerun balls in the world."

Jinyoung watches as a smile tugs at the corners of Jackson's lips, which he desperately tries to hide. He also takes note of the slight pink dusting across Jackson's cheeks, and how Jackson's mouth opens and closes like a fish, rendered speechless and unsure of what to say. 

Jinyoung helps Jackson out. "I'll go get an ice pack for that," he says, getting up, motioning towards Jackson's bruise. "Is there anything else you want? Something to eat or drink?"

Jackson shakes his head mournfully. "Nah, we have to make our supplies last longer," he juts out his bottom lip. "Since I wasn't able to restock on any food today.'

Jinyoung isn't having any of that. "We can just ask Jaebeom to stop by another planet within this week for us to restock," he replies. "You just got mugged. I think you deserve some comfort food."

Jackson shrugs. Jinyoung sighs, makes his way to his closet, rummaging around for a shirt Jackson can wear. "I'm making you some instant ramen, and you can't refuse."

"But what if you burn it?"

"Don't," Jinyoung turns around tossing a shirt at Jackson, who yelps in surprise. "Bite the hand that feeds you," he snarkily replies, sniffing in mock offense as Jackson merely sticks his tongue out at him.

"You're mean," Jackson pouts, picking the shirt up from where it had fallen on the floor. "Should've gone to Mark instead," he mutters, just loud enough for Jinyoung to hear as he steps out of his room.

Jinyoung pokes his head back in. "Just for that, I'm choosing the spiciest ramen we have."

Jackson's cries of Nooo are drowned out as Jinyoung shuts the door and quickly makes his way to the kitchen. 

When he returns with the ice pack and a bowl of instant ramen, soup a golden color, perfectly cooked with a perfectly fried egg on top, Jackson beams at him so brightly, and his subsequent Love you Jinyoungie! makes something squeeze painfully in his chest.

Jinyoung makes his way silently into the dining area, heading straight for the coffee station. He'd been woken up by the sound of loud, rambunctious laughter and yelling, and subsequent attempts to fall back asleep proved unsuccessful.

The rest of the crew, minus Youngjae, who Jinyoung deduces is at the controls, pay him no mind as he operates the coffee machine, the sounds drowned out by those at the table. Jinyoung stares blankly at the spread of food beside the coffee machine, debating which one to have for breakfast. There's slices of toast, some cereal, sliced fruit, but he instead reaches for the sandwiches. He's just placed two sandwiches on his plate when the coffee machine beeps. He grabs his mug, places a bit of sugar and milk in it before taking a sip, resisting the urge to let out a sigh at how good it tastes especially in the morning.

When he makes his way to the table, he's greeted by a chorus of smiles and Good mornings. He feels the coffee being plucked out of his hand as Jackson grabs ahold of it and sets the mug down next to him, shoving at Mark to make space for Jinyoung. "Hi, Jinyoungie!" Jackson chirps at him, immediately latching on to his arm as he takes a seat.

"Good morning," Jinyoung murmurs quietly, sending Jackson a soft smile.

"I'm sorry, was Jackson hyung the only one who greeted him a good morning?" Bambam, sitting across from Jinyoung, scoffs, though the look on his face is one of teasing affection than actual mockery.

Next to Bambam, Yugyeom's face curls up into a wicked grin, picking up on Bambam's train of thought. "Yeah, last time I remember, we all—"

"Good morning!" Jinyoung sing-songs, kicking at Bambam and Yugyeom underneath the table, sticking his tongue out at them when they feign hurt expressions. "Happy now?"

Next to Mark, Jaebeom rolls his eyes and takes a bite off his buttered toast. "Such a child," he mutters.

Jackson hears it and comes to their defense. "But they're the youngest in the crew," he pouts at Jaebeom, widening his eyes. "They're our babies! Of course they're gonna act like children."

Jaebeom meets Jackson's eyes, unimpressed. "I was talking about Jinyoung," he deadpans.

There's an explosion of giggles and chuckles at the table, and Yugyeom sticks his tongue out at him, which Jinyoung is on the verge of returning, childishness be damned. But then Jackson's leaning on him, hiding his giggles in Jinyoung's shoulder, and he forgets for a moment what he was supposed to do.

Judging by the sly grins going around the table, it doesn't go unnoticed.

Scowling, Jinyoung moves to take a bite of his sandwich, but Jackson won't let go of his arm — he's now clasped their hands together, while asking Jaebeom about the details of the spacewalk he'll be going over the next day. They'd been asked by the Institute to repair one of the Valightos's satellites, and since Jackson was the only one on the team who could read, write, and speak Valrria, he'd been assigned to the spacewalk.

Jinyoung contemplates shrugging off Jackson's hold on his arm but ultimately decides it, resigning himself to eating his sandwich with one hand, trying in vain to keep the sandwich's contents from spilling out.

He takes a bite, tuning out the different conversations at the table, enjoying the combination of ham, cheese, and egg despite the runny yolk dripping down his hand. He chews, swallows, and takes another bite, enjoying his meal in his own silence. He's just finished the first sandwich when he glances over at Jackson to see him plate-less and meal-less.

He clears his throat in an attempt to catch Jackson's attention. Jackson whips around, smiles sweetly at him. "Yeah?"

Jinyoung frowns at him. "Aren't you going to eat?" he asks.

Jackson smiles sheepishly at him. "It's okay, I decided to just have tea for breakfast today."

Jinyoung has half a mind to flick Jackson on the forehead, but with one hand dripping in egg yolk and the other in Jackson's hold, he's unable to do so. Mark, thankfully, seems to share similar thoughts, as he gently swats at Jackson's head.

"Hey!" Jackson yelps, pouting, a betrayed expression on his face. "That hurt, Gege."

Mark lazily raises an eyebrow at him, unimpressed. "You should be eating, especially with the spacewalk tomorrow."

Jinyoung hums his disapproval, shaking his head as Jackson turns to him, eyes wide and pleading.

"The spacewalk's still tomorrow," Jackson whines, letting go of Jinyoung to place his hands underneath his chin, jutting out his bottom lip. "And green tea's good for you! It cleanses your body and—"

Jinyoung sighs, grabbing his sandwich and bringing it to Jackson's mouth. Jackson stares at him quizzically, and Jinyoung gestures to the sandwich once more, pressing it against Jackson's lips.

A look of understanding appears in Jackson's eyes, and he smiles begrudgingly as he opens his mouth for a bite, Jinyoung's hand hovering underneath his chin to catch any stray crumbs.

Jackson's eyes widen in surprise.

"It's good, right?"

Jackson nods happily as he chews. Jinyoung brings the sandwich to Jackson's lips once more and urges him to take a bite, which Jackson readily acquises to this time.

Jinyoung places the half-eaten sandwich on a plate and pushes it towards Jackson. "You can have it," he says, ruffling Jackson's hair.”'I'll just go get more food."

As Jinyoung makes a move to stand up, head towards the spread of food, he sees Yugyeom grinning at him slyly. "But when I ask if I can have some homerun balls, I have to beg before he gives me one piece," Yugyeom fake-whispers to Bambam, who's sneaking slices of fruit onto Jinyoung's—now Jackson's—plate. "Yet here he is —"

He doesn't get to finish his sentence, as Jinyoung leans over to flick him on the ear, his words breaking off into a yelp. He doesn't try to hide the smug expression on his face as he walks towards the sandwiches, the sound of Yugyeom's whining receding in the background.

A hushed damn sounds throughout the room, and he and Youngjae straighten up in their seats a little.

"What's wrong?" Jinyoung asks, heart pounding, searching the monitor for any sign of something being wrong.

"It's nothing," Jaebeom answers, voice audible despite the background static. "We just discovered another thing that needs a bit of fixing. Just a loose screw." There's a pause, and Jinyoung just knows Jaebeom's rolling his eyes. "Jackson's just being dramatic."

"It's not that," Jackson whines, voice tinny through the speakers. "It's just, there's some water in my helmet and I thought we were done already."

On the screen, Jaebeom stops his motions, looking at Jackson in what must be surprise.

"Water in your helmet?" Youngjae asks, brows furrowed in concern.

"Why didn't you tell us earlier, Jackson?" Jinyoung snaps trying to hold back his worry and annoyance.

"I thought it was just sweat," Jackson answers, defensive. "But then I don't think I've ever sweated this much before. It feels like there's a lot of water pooling in my helmet."

Jinyoung watches the screen as Jaebeom places a steady hand on Jackson's shoulder, bringing their heads close in an attempt to peer into Jackson's helmet.

"So that stuff on your forehead, that isn't sweat?"

Jackson's voice is unsure when he replies. "I don't think so."

"I think you should head back to the spacecraft," Jinyoung replies, trying to keep the worry out of his voice. He jolts when he feels a hand on his shoulder, then relaxes upon seeing Yugyeom staring down at him with a sympathetic smile on his face, Mark next to him, worry evident on his face. Jinyoung turns back to the screen. "Make your way back here, just to be safe."

There's a simultaneous Got it from the two men outside the spacecraft. Everyone in the room watches the screen in tense silence as Jaebeom and Jackson slowly make their way to the front of the satellite, where their spacecraft hovers nearby, the entrance to the airlock within easy reach.

"Fuck." Jackson mutters. Jinyoung's heart lodges itself in his throat. "There's so much water, it's too much. It's almost in my eyes."

Almost immediately, another hushed expletive sounds through the air. "Shit," Jaebeom mutters. "That is a lot."

"You're close to the spacelock already," Jinyoung informs them, trying to slow his racing heart. "Just hold on for a bit, okay?"

They watch through the monitor as they reach the front of the spacecraft, Jaebeom guiding Jackson's hands towards their spacecraft. Youngjae taps frantically at the controls off to his side, preparing the airlock. "Jaebeom-hyung," Youngjae speaks, voice steady despite the undercurrent of worry. "You might have to guide Jackson through the airlock, just in case he can't see anything."

There's a grunt from the speakers as Jaebeom hauls himself back to the spacecraft. "Okay— oh fuck," he mutters. On screen, the airlock opens, and Jaebeom's movements are frantic as he pulls Jackson inside. "I think the water's accumulated in his helmet too much," he says, Jackson's body disappearing through the helmet. "I don't think he can hear or see at this point — we need to take the helmet off right away as soon as we make our way through the airlock."

Mark and Yugyeom are already taking off before Jaebeom finishes his sentence, Jinyoung scrambling to take his headset off before following. Please, he thinks, chest heaving, lungs burning. Let Jackson be okay.

Jinyoung rests a hand on his chin, turning to the side to watch Jackson sip at the mug of hot chocolate Bambam had made for him.

They'd gotten back to the spacecraft in time, Mark and Yugyeom had taken off the helmet before anything worse could've happened, and Jaebeom had figured out the culprit for the water in Jackson's helmet — the liquid from the new cooling undershirt Jackson wore that had leaked. Mark and Yugyeom had looked Jackson over, hands trembling, Yugyeom sniffling every now and then, and made sure that he was alright. Jinyoung had stood back, watching the entire thing, and comforted Jaebeom as well, who'd been shaken up by what happened.

The rest of the crew had yelled in relief and pounced onto Jackson when they made their way inside the control room. Everyone fussed over him — Bambam making him a mug of hot chocolate to make him feel better, trying to hold back his tears as he'd handed it to Jackson, Youngjae bringing him a change of clothes, hugging him tightly. Yugyeom dabbed at Jackson's wet hair with a towel, eyes rimmed red from crying, and Mark and he flanked either side of Jackson, not wanting to separate from him.

It was Jaebeom who told them to calm down, having observed Jackson slowly start to shrink under all the attention, still shaken from what had happened. "Alright," Jaebeom called out, using his captain voice to get their attention. "I'm sure Jackson appreciates everyone's concern, but we should give him a bit of space, let him breathe, you know?"

Everyone had stepped back guiltily at that, offering Jackson sympathetic smiles and hugs before going back to their earlier tasks. Jinyoung made a move to step away, but Jackson's hand on his wrist stopped him. "Can you stay with me?" Jackson had blinked at him, the mug Bambam had given him trembling a bit in his hand. Jinyoung had nodded, gently taken the drink from him, and led them both to the dining area.

Jinyoung watches as Jackson takes a bite of the sandwich Jaebeom had made for Jackson, eyes widening in surprise at his first bite. "It tastes good?" Jinyoung quietly asks, to which Jackson nods, the faint beginnings of a smile on his face. He takes another bite, humming quietly as he chews, and slides the plate over to Jinyoung, where the other half of the sandwich sits.

"No, it's alright," Jinyoung shakes his head, sliding it back over to Jackson. "You can have it."

They spend the rest of the meal in silence, and it’s in this quiet that Jinyoung goes over earlier events, allowing himself to process what had happened. He places his hand underneath his chin, slumping against the table, and allows the tension to drain away from his shoulders because Jackson’s fine and he’d gotten back in time.

He’s content to leave it at that, but then his brain conjures up an image of Jackson not having gotten back in time — him drowning in space, unresponsive by the time Jinyoung reaches them, cold, lifeless — 

Jinyoung feels tears spring to his eyes, and he tries to hold them back, shutting his eyes to prevent his tears from falling. He tries to think about good things, happy things: cats, books, warm, homemade Korean food, Jackson surprising him with porridge he’d made, Jackson slinging an arm around him, leaning into his space and giggling. He tries to force the lump down his throat, dabs under his eyes to get rid of the wetness that’s gathered there.

Needing a distraction, he turns his attention to the person next to him. Jackson’s finished his snack and is sipping the rest of his drink, holding the mug in both hands. Jinyoung watches as Jackson glances down at the mug and a small smile flickers across his face. His smile isn’t the biggest Jinyoung’s seen, but it’s soft, tender, so fond, and Jinyoung feels something catch in his throat, feels a rush of something fierce in his chest, and god he can’t imagine never seeing that again, and—

Oh. Oh.

Jinyoung spaces out as Jackson drains the rest of the hot chocolate, turning the new realization over in his head. Oh, he thinks, watching as Jackson wipes at the corners of his mouth with the back of his hand. I’m in love.

The sound of the mug on the table breaks Jinyoung out of his thoughts, and Jinyoung speaks once more. "Come on," Jinyoung stands, willing his voice to stay steady, holding his hand out to Jackson, trying to push his recent revelations to the back of his mind. "You should probably get some rest."

Jackson accepts, and Jinyoung tries to ignore the feel of Jackson’s warm hand in his, silently tells his racing heart to calm down. With their hands intertwined, they make their way down the hallway where their rooms are, Jinyoung passing by Jackson's door. Jackson stops in his tracks, looking at him quizzically. "You passed my room," he says.

Jinyoung merely tugs him along. "I know," he replies, stopping in front of his own door. "You're staying with me first."

He sees Jackson's eyes light up at that, and, despite his racing pulse, manages to send a gentle smile his way before ushering him inside his room. Jinyoung immediately makes his way to his closet, focusing on the task at hand, his heart unwilling to stop its singing at the way he and Jackson had held hands. Calm the fuck down, he tells it. He grabs a towel and a change of clothes for Jackson. "Do you want me to run you a bath?" he asks, shoving the clothes and towel into Jackson's arms.

For the first time in the past hour, Jackson lets out something like a laugh. "Jinyoungie, it's alright," Jackson chuckles, burying his face into the clothes in his arms. Jinyoung tries not to stare. "I can do it on my own—" Jinyoung's heart falls at that, but is stopped when Jackson beams at him, a tender look in his eyes. "But thank you."

They stay there for a moment, standing in his room, smiling at each other. There’s a sort of tension in the air, and Jinyoung’s drawn to Jackson, unable to look way. It’s not until Jinyoung’s reminded of everything that had happened earlier that he gets himself together. "You should get to it," he murmurs, gently patting Jackson's cheek, warmth blooming in his chest as he watches Jackson nuzzle into his touch. “Wouldn’t want you to get sick.” Jackson nods at that, and Jinyoung tries not to pay attention to the way his heart plummets as Jackson pulls away, making his way to the bathroom.

His disappointment doesn't last long, however, as Jackson quickly finishes showering and strides out of the bathroom in Jinyoung’s clothes. Jinyoung watches slack-jawed, mind running a mile per minute as Jackson makes himself at home in Jinyoung's bed and holds his hands out to Jinyoung, a silent question.

It takes a while for Jinyoung to register the movement, but when he does, he all but dives into Jackson’s arms, Jackson squealing at the sudden movement.

It’s late when Jaebeom corners him a week after, in the kitchen where Jinyoung’s making Jackson some hot chocolate, kitchen skills having progressed to not needing to be supervised all the time. “You’re coddling him.”

“I am not,” Jinyoung protests, dumping the entire bag of marshmallows into the drink.

Jaebeom watches his movements with a critical eye. “Right.” 

Jinyoung tosses the packet in the trash, frowning as he gives the drink one last quick stir. "He almost drowned in space."

Jaebeom raises his hands in defense. "I know, I know, and he needs all the support and comfort he can get."

"Yes, exactly. " Jinyoung sniffs, reaching for the paper bag with bread buns on the counter.

"...but the way you're always by his side, hovering over him," Jaebeom continues, leaning against the counter as Jinyoung takes out several buns, placing them on a plate. "Him sleeping in your room every night, you never saying no to him—"

Jinyoung doesn't answer, taking the plate to the toaster and placing the bread buns on the tray before setting the timer.

"I bet you're this close—" Jaebeom brings his fingers together. "—to bringing him his meals in bed."

Jinyoung pretends like he hasn't tried to do that the past week, stopped only by Jackson's protests of wanting to eat with the rest of the crew and that really Jinyoungie he was fine.

Jinyoung takes a closer look at the bread, making sure it isn't burned. When he looks back at Jaebeom, it's to see him with his jaw open, eyes wide.

"Oh my god, you have," Jaebeom points an accusing finger at him, having understood his silence for what it really was. "God, you're even more whipped than I thought."

"I'm just being a good friend," Jinyoung protests, ears burning.

Jaebeom barks out a laugh. "Right!" He raises an eyebrow at him. "Like how you sighed whenever I asked if you could get me something to eat that time I got sprained."

"You asked me to get you something to eat three times in the span of an hour, hyung." Jinyoung reminds him, deeming the buns done and placing them back onto the plate.

"The snack bar was literally a fifteen-second walk from our dorms."

Jinyoung turns back the timer, grabs the plate and hot chocolate and makes his way out of the kitchen. "Bye!"

"You're the worst!" Jaebeom calls out just as he leaves.

Jinyoung rolls his eyes as he makes his way back to his room — trust Jaebeom to make a big deal out of things — walking carefully so the drink doesn't spill.

Jackson's eyes widen in surprise as Jinyoung sets the bread buns on the table, holding the mug out to Jackson.

"Is this—" Jackson peers over the edge of the mug. "Jinyoungie! You didn't have to," Jackson protests, despite the growing smile on his face. Inside the mug, the marshmallows bob softly in the dark liquid.

"Of course I did," Jinyoung sets the mug down, leans against his desk, glancing at the laptop Jackson's been in front of since waking up sixteen hours ago. "You said you wanted some hot chocolate."

Jackson raises a disbelieving eyebrow at him. "All I remember saying is how good my brother's hot chocolate drink looks."

Jinyoung feels his face grow warm. "Same thing," he says, recalling earlier how Jackson had gushed over the hot chocolate Jackson's brother had made for his family, complete with bright white marshmallows and chocolate shavings on top.

Jinyoung’s train of thought is interrupted by a moan, and his eyes dart over to where Jackson’s holding the mug in both hands, eyes closed as he takes another sip of the drink. “God, this tastes so good.”

Jinyoung preens at the compliment, despite knowing that realistically, pre-packaged hot chocolate mixed with a tad more sugar and milk probably doesn’t taste that god, but he’ll take whatever he can get. “Yeah?” he replies, taking a seat on his bed before snuggling underneath the covers.

Jackson nods enthusiastically, taking a bite of the toasted bread buns on the plate. “And the bread pairs well with the hot chocolate,” he manages to speak through a mouthful of food. Jinyoung silently watches as Jackson finishes off the rest of the bun in two bites. He’s looking a lot more energized and awake now, compared to when he’d practically been dozing off before Jinyoung had left the room. 

Jinyoung reaches over for his eye mask, fitting it over his head. “I’ll go ahead and sleep now, Sseun-ah,” he says, glancing over at Jackson to see him nod absently in acknowledgment, eyes once again focused on the screen. Jinyoung places it over his eyes, darkness enveloping him. “Don’t stay up too late.”

Surrounded by darkness, and tired from the day’s repairs and his late night kitchen adventure, Jinyoung feels slumber overtake him, the spacecraft’s faint, background hum lulling him to sleep.

He isn’t sure what time it is when he’s woken up by a groan and a kick to the shin. He turns over, attempts to fall back asleep, but is interrupted once more by some muttering, followed by another groan. He sits up and takes his sleeping mask off, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

The room’s dim, but there’s some light streaming in through the window from the twinkling night sky. He makes out Jackson’s form next to his, brows furrowed, tossing and turning under the sheets. He reaches out to Jackson, gently shakes his shoulder. “Sseun-ah?” he whispers.

Jackson doesn’t wake, instead letting out a small whimper. Jinyoung shakes his shoulder a bit harder, voice a lot louder. “Sseunie.”

Jackson’s eyes fly open and he sits up, breathing heavily. 

“Are you alright?” Jinyoung asks, gently carding a hand through Jackson’s hair. “It sounded like you were having a nightmare.” His forehead’s damp with sweat, so Jinyoung gently extricates himself from the sheets, heading to his closet to grab a towel. 

“I dreamt of the spacewalk,” Jackson replies, voice thick with sleep. There’s no tremble in his voice, but Jinyoung still takes extra care in wiping the sweat off his forehead and the back of his neck. “It was so vivid, Jinyoungie.”

Jackson seems fine, but Jinyoung offers anyway. He tosses the towel on his floor, settles back into his bed, and holds his hands out to Jackson. Jackson immediately snuggles into his embrace, and they lay there like that, Jackson’s face buried in Jinyoung’s chest, Jinyoung’s hand running through Jackson’s hair. Jinyoung rests his chin on Jackson’s head, breath slightly hitching as Jackson’s hand makes its way to his hip, gently rubbing circles, occasionally brushing against his bare skin.

It’s quiet, their breathing the only sound in the room. Jinyoung whispers, afraid to disturb the silence. “I’m so glad it turned out alright,” he closes his eyes, his first time talking about the incident with Jackson. “I was really scared there, for a moment.”

Jackson’s answer is soft. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Jinyoung murmurs, exhaling slowly. “Don’t know what I’d do if you hadn’t gotten back in time.”

Jinyoung can hear the smile in Jackson’s voice. “I can remember a time where you’d probably be relieved that I was gone.”

Jinyoung smiles wryly at that, at the memory of how he and Jackson used to be. “Things are a lot different now though.”

Jackson shifts around, puts a bit of distance between them. When Jinyoung opens his eyes, it’s to see Jackson gazing up at him, hand on Jinyoung’s hip tightening slightly. “I’m glad,” he whispers, voice hoarse.

Jinyoung’s answer dies in his throat at just how close they are — they’re so close, that Jinyoung can see each detail as Jackson’s eyelashes flutter, fanning across his cheeks. He’s struck silent, speechless, and watches as Jackson’s gaze flits down to his lips, gaze lingering for a split second, before meeting his eyes once more.

The room’s dim, and Jinyoung can’t exactly make out Jackson’s expression, but then Jackson’s tongue darts out to wet his lips, and Jinyoung finds the words making their way up his throat, scrambling to be heard.

“Sseun-ah,” he whispers, breathless, his hand cupping the back of Jackson’s head, an anchor to still the slight tremble of his hand. “Can I kiss you?”

Jackson’s barely finished nodding when Jinyoung presses their lips together. 

His lips are warm, as soft as they look. It’s supposed to be short and sweet, just a simple pressing of their lips together, a confession. Jinyoung’s just pulled away, heart racing, but then Jackson lets out a dreamy sigh, his other hand fisting the front of Jinyoung’s shirt, and Jinyoung leans back in to kiss him once more.

The kiss is a bit more heated this time around, Jackson pressing up against Jinyoung, and Jinyoung tugging at Jackson’s bottom lip, begging entrance to his mouth. Thick, heady arousal floods through Jinyoung’s veins as their tongues meet, and his consequent moan is swallowed as Jackson’s hand slips under his shirt to brush over his waist. 

They’re only stopped by the need for air, and as Jinyoung pulls back and catches sight of a Jackson in disarray, lips swollen, he feels a goofy smile make its way onto his face.

His expression is mirrored on Jackson’s face, judging by his subsequent giggle, the sound making something in Jinyoung’s chest flutter. “So,” Jackson muses, voice coy as his hands roam underneath his shirt, brushing over the planes of Jinyoung’s stomach.  “I take it you don’t hate me anymore.”

“Nope,” Jinyoung merely answers, placing kisses onto Jackson’s jaw, traveling down to his neck. “Haven’t for quite a while now.” He presses a kiss to his collarbone, and gently suckles at it, relishing in the sound of Jackson’s hitched breath, the way he tenses underneath Jinyoung’s touch. “It’s the opposite now, actually.” 

Jackson barely manages a strangled Same before cupping his face and bringing their lips together once more, Jinyoung responding with equal enthusiasm. 

It’s a while before they get back to sleep.

They try to keep it a secret from the rest of the crew, they really do. But almost immediately, the very next morning by the coffee machine, Mark walks up to Jinyoung, slinging a casual arm around him and whispering. “I’m happy for you two.”

Jinyoung almost drops the plate in his hands. Mark’s quick to catch it, and Jinyoung’s relief is short-lived at the realization that Mark already knows. Before he can ask any further, Mark’s grabbing a slice of toast and making his way back to the table.

In bed later that night, Jinyoung corners Jackson, who already seems to have an idea what it’s about. “I swear Jinyoungie, I didn’t tell him anything!” he pouts, blinking up at Jinyoung with wide eyes. Jinyoung sighs, unable to do anything in the face of Jackson’s puppy dog eyes, and merely climbs into bed, scooting over so Jackson can lie down next to him. “We just happened to be getting breakfast together, and he could easily tell,” Jackson rolls over onto his stomach, laying his head on his arms, bottom lip still jutting out. “Though he told me he wouldn’t tell the rest of the crew, so there’s that at least.”

Jinyoung thinks about it for a second before rolling onto his side, ruffling Jackson’s hair. “It’s fine, Sseun-ah,” he says, pressing a kiss to his cheek, and he watches as Jackson practically melts at the gesture. “Besides, I think it’ll be easier to sneak around when we have someone who can help us out.”

Jackson brightens up at that. “That’s true,” he exclaims, shifting around to lie on his back. “It’ll make it easier for us to keep this on the low.”

But this was easier said than done, as they’d greatly underestimated just how bad they were at keeping their hands off of each other.

It’s Bambam who finds out next, merely several days after Mark had found out. Jackson had just so happened to wear the tightest pair of pants he had, which also happened to perfectly mold to the curve of his ass. “The rest are in the wash, Jinyoungie—” he’d said, an obvious lie. 

Jackson had dropped by their work area some time in the afternoon, and Jinyoung had thought Bambam to be distracted enough by the new spacecraft model he was designing. So, he’d copped a feel as Jackson passed him by. The next thing they heard was the sound of Bambam choking on his water in shock, and now there were two people in the crew who knew about them.

Jinyoung had expected Bambam to immediately inform Yugyeom about it, so when he’d given Jackson a quick kiss to the cheek as he mixed the sauce for that night’s dinner, he didn’t expect the way Yugyeom’s knife clattered onto the chopping board. Less unexpected, though, were the tears in Yugyeom’s eyes as he’d told them how happy he was for them.

The last people to find out are Youngjae and Jaebeom, and it’s in the worst possible way. It’s a week later, and he and Jackson had been keyed up all day, with things finally reaching the tipping point in the stock room, where Jinyoung shoved Jackson against the wall and kissed him senseless, Jackson going pliant in his arms. They’d made out furiously, Jackson pressed up against the wall, Jinyoung hiking Jackson’s legs around his hips. Jinyoung had just rucked up Jackson’s shirt to flick at his nipples, eliciting a whimper from him, when the door to the stock room suddenly burst open, Youngjae and Jaebeom standing in the doorway.

Jinyoung had nearly dropped Jackson in shock.

They’d stared at each other for several seconds, Jinyoung and Jackson looking like deer caught in the headlights. It was Youngjae who broke the awkward silence, tutting as he shook his head at them both. “Next time, don’t forget to lock the door,” he advised them, pulling a slack-jawed, spluttering Jaebeom with him.

Jackson had dropped his head onto Jinyoung’s shoulder. "God," he groaned. "That was so embarrassing."

Jinyoung couldn't have agreed more, and they spent several seconds basking in the embarrassment of the entire situation, before picking up where they’d left off.

But now that everyone in the crew knew that they were together, he and Jackson didn’t need to sneak around as much, and they could be as sappy around each other as much as they’d wanted. It was a rare sight for them to be in the same room as each other without any sort of physical affection or flirting, which garnered endless side-comments and affectionate eyerolls from the rest of the crew. 

Everyone seemed torn between delight that the days of their endless bickering had come to an end, and a mixture of pain and resignation at just how sickeningly in love they both were, and it wasn’t unusual for them to complain about just how gross they were.

Today, the complaints were coming from their captain.

“God,” There’s a groan from Jaebeom, then the sound of his hand thudding against the breakfast table. Jinyoung’s hand stops their motions, his sandwich just inches shy of Jackson’s mouth, and Jackson’s hand creeps back down Jinyoung’s thigh. 

They both look at Jaebeom, Jinyoung tilting his head in a silent question and Jackson blinking at him owlishly. Next to Jaebeom, Mark smirks quietly into his cup of coffee, and Bambam watches the entire exchange on Jaebeom’s other side, eyes glinting with mischief.

“You two getting together was such a bad idea,” Jaebeom complains, running a hand through his hair. “Now, every day we have to witness…” Jaebeom trails off, trying to come up with the right words. “This!” he gestures at them, sending a pointed glare at Jinyoung’s hand, suddenly resting on Jackson’s waist, causing the latter to squirm and giggle.

Jinyoung merely raises an eyebrow at him, unbothered. Youngjae was noticeably absent at the table, being assigned to navigation duty alongside Yugyeom, which explained Jaebeom being a bit more snippy towards everyone today.

He turns his head to the side to gaze at Jackson, who’s pouting at Jaebeom, but with a familiar glint in his eye. 

Jinyoung grins — this seems to be interesting — and by the looks of everyone else at the table, they’re on the edge of their seats as well.

“But hyung,” Jackson whines, eyes round and deceptively pleading. Jinyoung could feel the anticipation rolling off of him, Mark, and Bambam in waves, a contrast to the look of suspicion on Jaebeom’s face. “I’ve never complained about everything I head from my bedroom,” Jackson continues, his pout morphing into a wicked grin as his voice goes up a notch. 

Jackson’s just about to continue when Jaebeom leans over to tug at his hair. “You little shit,” Jaebeom mutters as his hold on Jackson’s hair slips, enabling him to run away. “Come back here, Jackson!” he yells, getting out of his seat to chase after him.

Jinyoung’s laughing so hard, and Mark and Bambam aren’t much better, with tears even streaming down Bambam’s face as he laughs. “God,” he chortles before laughing again. “That was gold. I’ve never seen Jaebeom hyung so embarrassed.”

There’s a pause at the table as they recall the furious look on Jaebeom’s face mixed with mortification, and they dissolve into laughter once more. The laughter continues and grows in volume when they hear Jaebeom yelling murder and Jackson screaming. Their sounds are soon joined by Youngjae and Yugyeom’s yelps of surprise — their chase had apparently led them to the control room. 

Jackson stalks back to the table, out of breath and panting from the chase. “God, good thing Youngjae was there,” he sighs in relief, leaning against Jinyoung’s shoulder. “I really thought he was going to murder me, you should’ve seen how red he was.”

Bambam lights up at that, delighted at the mention and sight of an embarrassed, flustered Jaebeom. “Looks like I’m off to the control room!” he sing-songs, waving goodbye at them.

Mark ruffles Jackson’s hair before getting up from his seat, making his way out of the dining area. “I think Jaebeom’s a little too fond of you to actually kill you,” he comforts him, sending an amused smile his way, “But I think it’d be wise to stay out of his way for the meantime, and to be nice,” he reminds Jackson, gently tugging on his ear to prove a point. Jackson nods but pouts at Mark as he leaves, rubbing his ear in betrayal.

“Hyung started it though!” Jackson turns his pout towards Jinyoung, eyes wide as he protests. 

Jinyoung decides to play along, biting back a laugh. “Oh really?”

Jackson nods emphatically. ‘Yeah!” He exclaims wholeheartedly, sitting up straighter in his seat. “Look, Jinyoungie, what I said was true though.” Jackson clasps his hands together. “You don’t know what it was like to sleep in the room next to Youngjae’s. I would be trying to get some sleep then suddenly there’s a moan and all these sounds and just—” Jackson shudders, and Jinyoung places a comforting hand at the small of his back.

As Jackson rants, tells Jinyoung everything about his experience of rooming next to Youngjae, he finds himself zoning out, too engrossed in Jackson’s expressions, his movements and mannerisms as he rambled on. 

Jackson picks up on his lack of response, and Jackson tilts his head, staring at him curiously. “Why are you staring at me?” Jackson asks, squinting his eyes in suspicion. “Are you also plotting something against me?” Jackson points his finger accusingly at Jinyoung, gasping in faux-betrayal.

It’s so adorable, so endearing. Jinyoung gently cups Jackson’s cheek. “You’re so cute,” he muses, sighing fondly as he gently cards his fingers through Jackson’s hair. “I love you.”

The realization of what he’s said hits him, and his hands freeze in their movements, hovering over Jackson’s hair. He stammers, and is just about to say something to change the subject when he’s suddenly tackled to the floor by a giggling Jackson, who nuzzles into Jinyoung’s neck before pressing kisses all over his face. “I love you too, Jinyoungie,” he squeals, pressing their lips together. “I love you so much!”

Jackson’s laughing, and so is he. It’s uncomfortable, lying on the floor with Jackson on top of him, but he’s so incredibly happy. He watches as Jackson rests his head on his chest, a blissful expression on his face, and clasps their hands together right over Jinyoung’s heart. Jinyoung’s other hand makes its way through Jackson’s hair, running his fingers softly through his tresses.

Anyone else could walk in on them any time soon, and subject them to affectionate complaints and sighs of resignation, but Jinyoung allows himself a few moments of this, of Jackson’s warmth and scent surrounding him. As his eyes meet Jackson’s, a soft smile blooms on both their faces, and Jinyoung finds himself wondering - how could he have ever lived without this?