Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wonpil, stop ignoring my messages.

Come on!

I’m sorry!

Unblock my number already.

Let’s talk.

I know you’re reading these!

Fine.

I’m coming to your building.

I know your class schedule.

Wonpil squeezed his eyes shut as he pressed his forehead against the table. He groaned and wished he could go back in time to never date that bastard in the first place.

“Jeez, hyung.” Wonpil turned his head to the side and opened his eyes to see Dowoon frowning at him. The younger sighed as he slid Wonpil's phone to him on the table. Wonpil half-heartedly grabbed and shoved it into his pocket before he sat up. “Your ex is batshit insane. I’ll send in an in-game report and kick him from our clan so he can’t message you anymore.”

Wonpil couldn't really enjoy the slight relief as he ran a hand through his hair and pulled out a concerning amount of hair. “What am I going to do? I’ve blocked him on everything but Junseo won’t leave me alone. It’s been a week since things ended, but he still won’t stop trying to get back with me.” 

“That guy really has some nerve,” Dowoon grumbled. “I mean, if he loved you so much then why would he ask to open your relationship to sleep with an underclassman who had the hots for him?” 

Wonpil winced at the memory. “He’s psycho. Jinyoung chased him off when he tried to come to our apartment, Jackson barked at him when he tried to talk during lunch, and Younghyun-hyung let me trade shifts with him since he showed up at the cafe to harass me. I’m just lucky Jaebum hadn’t clocked off yet and he handled it, but what will happen when he finally gets me alone?”

Wonpil hugged himself at the thought. 

Dowoon sympathetically patted his back. “I wish I could take you to work, but I still have class.” 

“I know.” Wonpil stared down at the floor. Was this really going to be it? “I’m going to be late for my shift at this rate but I don’t want to run into him.” Wonpil squeezed his fists as he wished he could stay in the empty classroom forever. 

“Come on,” Dowoon said as he stood up. He slung his bag over his shoulder and heaved Wonpil’s off the ground. “You can’t hide away forever. I’ll take you as far as I can before my class starts.” 

“Thanks, Woonie.” Wonpil’s stomach twisted as he grabbed his bag and followed him out of the room. “Remind me not to date any more guys that are bigger than my friends. Or who turns out to be mental asylum runaways.” 

“I told you your size kink was going to bite you in that ass one day, and not in bed.” Dowoon shook his head and Wonpil punched his arm. He chuckled and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Lighten up, he may be on the judo team but…”

“But?” 

“He’s no match for me!” Dowoon clutched his backpack straps, “I have a full bag of overly expensive textbooks that I never use. My backpack is not only giving me back problems but it’s also a weapon.” 

Wonpil laughed as they descended the stairs.

“You should start running,” Dowoon said as they exited the building. 

He immediately spotted Junseo looking around and Wonpil’s stomach dropped. Awful memories started flooding back and Wonpil felt his heart start pounding. He knew he was out in public, so he wasn’t in danger but phantom memories stung his skin. 

It was supposed to be over.

He didn't want to remember it anymore.

“Thanks, Dowoon-ah.” Wonpil squeezed out as he quickly looked away. “Next time you come to the cafe I’ll give you one of those desserts you like on the house.” 

“Nice!” 

Wonpil heard Junseo call his name out but he booked it. He wasn’t exactly a sporty guy but he was a fast runner – at least for a little bit before his stamina got one-shotted. By the time he was clambering on the bus to head to the cafe, he was heaving and a thin layer of sweat coated his body. He sighed, slumping into the seat as he stared up at the roof. 

He wondered when Junseo would quit it. 

He wasn’t the one who slept with someone else immediately after the break-up.

He couldn’t even mourn the nine-month relationship because the psycho was stalking him to try and start over. 

He closed his eyes; he was sick of this. All he wanted to do was go home and take a nap instead of going to work. He was usually drained after classes which was why he took the morning shifts at the cafe rather than the evening shifts, but Junseo just had to start screaming at him.

What had he ever done to deserve this?

He clutched his arm as he looked out of the window, his heart pounding slightly. Hadn’t he been through enough?

He sighed as he watched the passing scenery. He hoped that at least the customers were more palatable than his usual ones who seemed hellbent on making being a bitch before their morning coffee their entire personality. 

Wonpil hummed as he wiped the counter. It looked like the world didn’t hate him after all. 

He damn near almost smiled as he emptied the coffee grounds.

Instead of the hectic morning rush, Wonpil had been dragged through, the evening cafe ambiance was a whole different realm. The customers were polite, many of them zombie-like and needing coffee to slug through the remaining hours of the day. Others were quiet and came to study. There were even a few groups of friends who came and talked softly which pleased Wonpil. 

Truly, the evening shifts at the cafe had to be superior. He wondered if he could permanently get assigned to the evening shift. 

“Hey, Wonpil-ah.” 

Wonpil turned, looking at Jaebum who was holding a rather big box. “We just got an overdue delivery. Are you fine with running the cafe by yourself real quick? I have to sort through these and see which of these promotional items are still able to be used and do some other manager-things with the lot.” 

Wonpil grinned. “Yeah, no worries. I got this.” 

“Oh, and,” Jaebum nodded to the register, “there’s a Polaroid somewhere there. I meant to put it up earlier but things got busy. Can you find a spot on the artist's wall? He’s coming in a bit, so don’t freak out when he just barges in and starts performing.”

“Okay!” Wonpil chirped.

Jaebum thanked him again before slipping into the backroom. 

Wonpil eagerly bounced toward the register to find the picture. He knew that musicians came in during the evenings to perform, and it was probably the biggest difference from the morning shift. He had come to the cafe outside of work hours – mainly to study and enjoy his employee discounts – and seen a few performances. The morning shift only played music from a playlist Wonpil had helped create, so he was excited to work with live music.

He rummaged through the area below the register where they kept promotional pamphlets and other things. He only had to shift a few things before he found the picture. 

He carefully pulled it out and looked at the young man pictured who seemed to be around his age. Wonpil leaned against the counter as he took in the picture of the artist smiling while holding up a peace sign. Wow, his hand seemed really big! 

The singer had nicely kept black hair and pink lips that made Wonpil wonder if he was wearing make-up. Was he an idol trainee? He sure had the looks at least.

He squinted as he further inspected the picture. It was a bit blurry thanks to the dark contrast of the background and his skin, but he could make out several earrings and maybe a guitar strap slung across his shoulder? He couldn’t really tell since he wore a black long-sleeve that really made his skin glow alongside the flash. 

Wonpil wondered what his eyes were like.

He loved looking at others' eyes – they were the window to one's soul after all, and were beautiful in their own way – but the artist had his closed. Wonpil couldn’t help but pout as he tried to imagine what kind of eyes he would have. 

As his mind wandered, he noticed the writing the mystery guy had left on the white part of the Polaroid. 

‘The sun is round~☼’ 

Wonpil snorted softly as a smile tugged at his lips. What kind of dork wrote something like that?

Now he really wanted to meet him and ask him why he would write something like that on a picture meant to be seen by all.

The bell of the cafe rang and Wonpil looked away from the charming photo. His smile quickly turned into a scowl as Junseo walked in. Wonpil tried to see if anyone else was available, but he quickly realized the only downside of the evening shift. 

He was one of two working—Youngjae so conveniently was running late—instead of being one of four; not including Jaebum who usually wasn’t there during the morning shifts. He cursed the bus that Youngjae took for being behind schedule. 

“What can I get you?” Wonpil spat, forgoing the usual cafe greeting.

So be it if the bastard demanded to talk to Jaebum about his work attitude. He was sure Jaebum would be on his side after that hissy fit the psycho threw the other day.

“Wonpil-ah, let’s just talk things out.” Junseo took a step too close to the counter while his eyes glinted in a way that made Wonpil’s legs tremble. 

“We don’t serve that.” Wonpil steeled himself and tried not to let Junseo see how scared he was. He pointed to the daily specials on the chalkboard. “Our daily special today is our chicken salad paired with our housemade lemonade iced tea.” 

“Listen–” 

“Just leave me alone already,” Wonpil hissed. He glared at the buffer male. “If you’re not here to order then leave. What part of “we’re over” don’t you get? I’ve already moved one and– and my boyfriend is starting to get annoyed with you.” 

Junseo fell silent. His eyebrow lifted as he looked at him. “Boyfriend?” 

Wonpil swallowed nervously but stood his ground. “What? Did you think you were the only one with other options?” Wonpil sneered. 

Junseo stared into his eyes before chuckling. “I almost believed you for a second. I know you’re still in love with me.” He grinned and leaned across the counter, making Wonpil take a step back. “Why don’t you clock out and we’ll go back to my place. I know you’re a screamer where it counts.” 

Wonpil flushed. Without a second thought, he held up the Polaroid and glared at Junseo. 

“Actually, we went on a date yesterday,” Wonpil paused, watching Junseo glaring holes into the Polaroid. “He’s a damn good kisser too, better than you by leaps and bounds,” Wonpil smirked. 

Junseo bristled.  “Please.” He scoffed. “You were the one crying when you ended things, even though you didn’t have to. I know for a fact you didn’t get over me yet. He’s nothing but a mere rebound.” Junseo clenched his jaw. “And I’d recommend you break off your silly rebellious act while I’m still being nice. I’ll be generous and overlook the kiss, but you don’t want me to teach you a lesson if you do anything more, right you little whore?”

Wonpil’s heart started to pound as he saw that familiar look in his eyes. His chest grew tight and it was starting to get harder to breathe, but he wasn’t going to give in.

“I’m not going to let you talk about my boyfriend like that.” Wonpil looked away, breathing becoming a manual task. “Look, I’m over you already, get that through your thick skull. My heart belongs to him now and you’re never getting me back. Now leave me alone you crazy bastard.”

Junseo scoffed. “I know you better than you think, Kim Wonpil. I know your emotions like the back of your body. There’s no way you’re in a relationship so quickly again. Not unless you’re just some slut.”

“I don’t care what you think!” Wonpil glared at him. “It doesn’t change that we’re no longer dating or that I‘m dating a better guy. Go away now!” 

“Prove it.” 

“What?” Wonpil’s confidence suddenly shattered. 

Junseo loomed over the counter. “Introduce me to him and I’ll decide–”

“I don’t care what you think!” Wonpil snapped again. “What don’t you understand!? Leave me alone already!” 

“You’re being emotional.” Junseo rolled his eyes while Wonpil tried to keep his breathing stable. “Besides, I don’t let go of things that belong to me easily. You know that, Wonpil.” He frowned as he cracked his neck. “Or do you need a reminder?”

Wonpil fought back tears as he pressed against the counter behind him. Why was no one around?

“I don’t and never did belong to you.” 

Junseo chuckled. “Sure. Look, I’ll wait for you after your shift. If your so-called boyfriend isn’t there then we’ll be picking right up where we left. You can’t do anything to me since if you call the police then you’ll be hated by everyone at the school. First you ‘turn’ the star judo player gay and then you get him arrested before the season? Send out your co-workers and I’ll lose my temper. You don’t want that, do you? Or maybe you do, since you know what happens after.” Junseo laughed while Wonpil’s skin prickled at the memories. “See you later, baby.”

Wonpil trembled as he watched Junseo leave. He tried to keep up his cold front as he stormed into the backroom. He shoved the Polaroid into his apron pocket as tears started to escape the corner of his eyes.

“Hyung!” Wonpil cried as soon as he entered the room. Jaebum immediately turned around, his eyes widening when he laid eyes on him. 

“Wonpil?!” 

Wonpil sobbed as he fell to his knees. “Augh!” He covered his face with his hands as his chest was wracked with sobs. Jaebum placed a hand on his back, but it didn’t help. “Why me!?” Wonpil let out an anguished wail.

“What happened?! Did a customer do this to you?!”

Wonpil looked up at Jaebum with tears streaming down his face. “Junseo came and he’s not taking no for an answer. He’s going to wait for me after work and if we call the police things will only get worse for me.” Another sob broke through and he hastily rubbed the tears away. “Am I going to be his until I die?”

Jaebum pulled him into a hug and Wonpil clutched his shirt as he cried. “Of course not, Wonpil. It’s going to be okay. I’ll drive you home and–”

Wonpil sniffled as he squeezed his eyes shut. “I-I did something stupid.” 

“Please tell me you didn’t get back with that brute.” Wonpil shook his head. “Come on, you can tell me. I’ll do what I can to help.” 

Wonpil gripped Jaebum’s shirt as he spoke. “I lied to him and said I had a boyfriend and– and he wants to meet him after– after work.” 

Jaebum patted his head. “I don’t mind–”

Wonpil shook his head again as heat began to crawl up his face. “I showed him the picture you told me to hang up. He thinks he’s my boyfriend.”

Jaebum fell silent as Wonpil sniffled. 

“The Polaroid…” 

Wonpil whimpered. 

“Don’t worry. It’ll work out, promise. Come on, why don’t you go wash your face real quick?”

He helped Wonpil back up to his feet and Wonpil made his way to the restroom. Once he saw himself, he flushed in embarrassment. He quickly washed his face, pressing the cool water against his eyes even though he knew it wouldn’t reduce the redness. He sniffled, pressing the paper towel against his face. 

He hated Junseo so damn much. 

He really did. 

And yet…

Wonpil pressed the paper towel to his eyes. His heart ached as he thought about what his ex did. He used to bring him flowers on every date. He would kiss the back of his hand every time they were together. And he always gave him back hugs when he saw him around campus to surprise him.

His heart squeezed as he started remembering the wild parties. The clubbing. The hotel.

Wonpil hugged himself, cringing as he thought about his ex’s favorite activity. 

He shook his head, positive that he didn’t want to go down that rabbit hole. He quickly took a deep breath and looked at himself, making sure he didn’t look too much as though he had just been crying his eyes out. He stood tall and threw the paper towel away before stepping back out into the cafe. 

Immediately, the soft strumming of a guitar caught his attention. 

Wonpil froze, slowly turning to the performing corner of the cafe, spotting a familiar head of black hair. Right, Jaebum had mentioned he was going to come in earlier. He had been excited for this, up until Junseo showed his damned head.

 A bright spotlight hit him in just the right way that made him look ethereal—Wonpil wondered where the switch was—as he bobbed his head a bit to the sound of his guitar.

The Polaroid didn't do him justice.

Wonpil snapped out of his trance and glanced behind the counter where Youngjae attended to a customer. Relief flooded his body and he hastily wiped his hands on his apron before fully turning to get back to his job.

However, as soon as he took a step, a beautiful voice filled the cafe. 

Wonpil—and all of the new cafe residents—turned to look at the singer. 

He had opened his eyes to reveal the prettiest eyes Wonpil had ever set his eyes on. He wasn’t sure if it was the lights focused on him or if it was the natural shine in his eyes but his eyes were absolutely radiant. The way his pink lips curled up to a smile as he sang, revealing pearly white teeth and an even more celestial voice.

As he sang, he looked around the cafe, his eyes locking with Wonpil’s for what seemed like an eternity. Suddenly there was a quiver in Wonpil’s legs and his breath got caught in his lungs.

And oh, he may as well dig his grave now. There was no way someone like him would agree to a stupid fake boyfriend stunt.

Wonpil quickly looked away, all but running behind the counter where Youngjae asked him to make his special fruit smoothie while he made the customer’s meal. 

“Yeah, sure,” Wonpil mumbled, glancing back at the singer. 

His eyes were closed again as he sang, his fingers moving effortlessly against the guitar. 

“Oh, this is your first time hearing hyung, huh?” Youngjae questioned. “He’s amazing, isn't he? He started here a month ago, but he’s easily the regular’s favorite.” 

Wonpil swallowed nervously. “Yeah. He is.” 

As he turned his back, opening the fridge to get the fruits he needed, he couldn’t help but feel his stomach sink.

How the hell was he supposed to ask him for help? Could he muster up the courage to ask him to be his pretend boyfriend for a night? Or should he just get back with Junseo…

He dropped the carton of strawberries and cursed. 

It was going to be a long shift. 

Wonpil sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he rolled his head slightly. 

His shift was finally—unfortunately—over and he was wondering how bad it would be if he transferred universities during his third year of university. He would have to make new friends, get a new job, get a new apartment, and…

He groaned as he accidentally knocked down his apron as he put his work shirt away in his locker. Hadn’t he been through enough tonight? He grumbled as he picked up his apron and his mood only worsened when something fell out of his pocket. Seriously? Not even this could go through without a hitch?

He wondered what it was as he picked it up and flipped it over. The singer with the magical voice smiled up at him. 

His heart froze. 

“What are you rushing me for? I wasn’t that bad tonight, was I?” 

His blood ran cold as he shoved the Polaroid into his back pocket and he desperately tried to look busy as the door to the back room opened. He wasn’t ready!

“Besides, you said you have an exam to study for. Now go put away your guitar before it gets banged up.” 

Wonpil both cursed and thanked Jaebum as he gave Wonpil a tiny nod. 

Then the pretty-eyed guitarist was walking in and Wonpil thought about booking it and moving to America where he could make a living playing the piano in cafes. 

“Oh, hello,” the handsome man said. He looked a bit taken aback as the door swung shut behind him. “I don’t think we’ve met before. You a newbie?” 

“Oh,” Wonpil squeaked out. His heart hammered as he tried to figure out what to say to get the other to agree to his stupid decision. “I switched shifts with Younghyun-hyung.”

He nodded, slinging the acoustic guitar off as he walked to the case. “That explains where he went. Anyway, I’m Park Sungjin, I play here every so often.” 

Park Sungjin.

Wonpil nodded, alright, he knew his name, all he needed to do was learn dark magic real quick and get Sungjin to do his bidding.

“I’m Kim Wonpil, I usually work the morning shifts.”

“I hear the mornings are the worst.”

“They are.” Wonpil mentally kicked himself for being so dry, but he was pretty sure his heart was about to jump out of his chest to leave him to ask Sungjin to be his fake partner alone.

“I can’t believe Younghyun would go back to the morning shift.” Sungjin placed his guitar in its case. “What’d you do? Offer him an all-you-can-eat buffet coupon? You can get him to do a lot more than a shift switch with that.” 

He chuckled and Wonpil nervously joined in. “Oh, uh, I kinda have this psycho stalker ex…” 

Sungjin glanced at him. “That bad? You better be careful going home.” 

Wonpil licked his lips nervously, he wiped his palms against his pants as Sungjin zipped up his guitar case. His heart hammered. He still didn’t know how the hell to ask Sungjin but he didn’t have time to beat around the bush. Not if he didn’t want to have a psycho for a boyfriend again. 

“Actually,” Sungjin turned to look at him, slinging his guitar case over his shoulder. “I, uh, itallstartedwhenhecametothecafeearlierandwasn’ttakingnoforanansweryetagainandIjustsohappenedtohaveyourpolaroidpictureIwassupposedtohangupbutthingshappenedandIblurtedoutthatyouweremyboyfriendandshowedhimthepictureandnowhe’swaitingformeoutsidethatdoorandifyoudon’tpretendtobemyboyfriendI’mforcedtogetbackwithhimandIreallyreallywouldappreciateitifyoucandomethatfavoreventhoughtwejustmet.” 

Wonpil gasped, swaying slightly as he had somehow said it all in one breath. 

Sungjin stared at him, his eyes widened slightly. “I’m sorry, what?” 

Wonpil blushed and looked down at the floor as he nervously wrung his fingers together. All his confidence was now gone and he felt even worse as he felt Sungjin’s gaze on him. 

“Nothing,” Wonpil muttered. He quickly grabbed his school bag and slammed the locker shut as he ran to the door. “Just, forget I said anything!” 

Wonpil pushed the backdoor open and slammed it behind him, his chest rising quickly as he blinked back tears. 

Great. He had just crawled through a pile of fire ants and was now throwing himself into the lion's den. 

“Where’s your so-called boyfriend, Wonpil-ah?” 

Wonpil clenched his fists, stepping away from the door and turning to see his ex. He had a smug smile on his lips as he leaned against the brick wall. 

“I told you, I don’t have to prove anything to you!” Wonpil bit back. 

He just wanted to take a bubble bath and crawl into bed. What had he done in his past life to deserve this?!

“And I told you that we’re getting back together.” 

He peeled himself away from the wall and walked up to him. Wonpil took a step back as his heart started pounding. Were there cameras back there!? 

“Leave me alone already! I’m dating someone else!”

“Where is he then? Huh?” Junseo pretended to look around.

Wonpil flushed, but before he could shout at Junseo anymore, the backdoor swung open. 

“Sorry, Wonpil-ah.” Sungjin smiled as he walked out, casually holding his guitar case strap with one hand. “I didn’t mean to take so long putting Atom away. It’s been a while since I was a boyfriend, so I hope you can forgive me.” He didn’t spare Junseo a glance as he confidently walked up to Wonpil. He stopped in front of him and held out his hand for Wonpil. “Come on. I’ll buy you ice cream to make up for making you wait.”

Wonpil blinked. What was happening?

Sungjin raised an eyebrow at him and nodded his head ever so slightly. Wonpil realized he was telling him to take his hand and his chest squeezed. As the alleyway light hit him in just the right way, Wonpil wondered if Sungjin was actually an angel. 

It'd certainly explain his dashing good looks, heavenly vocals, and why he was doing this for him.

“It’s fine. I didn’t wait long, Sungjin.” Wonpil saw Sungjin’s eyebrow twitch slightly as he took his hand. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” 

Sungjin looked over his shoulder where his guitar wasn’t resting. “Oh? Who are you?” 

Wonpil tugged Sungjin’s hand, and Sungjin followed his direction, coming to stand next to him. Wonpil didn’t look at Sungjin as he held his hand and glared at his ex. 

“That’s my psycho ex that won’t leave me alone.” 

Junseo scrunched his eyebrows together. “I don’t believe it. You told me you loved me just earlier this week. There’s no way a soft-hearted person like you could move on so quickly. Not unless you’re some tramp.” 

Wonpil tightened his grasp on Sungjin’s hand. Even though they had just met and were strangers, he found his presence comforting. At least he wasn’t facing Junseo alone. 

“You’re the one who slept with someone else right after we broke up! Look!” Wonpil hugged Sungjin’s arm with his other arm; he felt the other tense slightly. “You said you’d leave me alone once you saw my new boyfriend. Keep your word for once and leave me alone!” 

Junseo clicked his tongue. “I don’t believe it–” 

“I’m sorry,” Sungjin said. He let go of Wonpil’s hand and slipped his arm out of Wonpil’s grasp. Wonpil and Junseo looked at Sungjin; Wonpil’s heart sank. Had he crossed a line? “But I won’t let you speak about my boyfriend like that. If you keep harassing him, I’ll make you regret it.” Sungjin glared at Junseo as he wrapped his arm around Wonpil’s waist, pulling him close. “He’s my boyfriend now, don’t you get that? Or are you too brain-damaged to understand that?”

Wonpil’s face grew red as he smiled slightly and looked at the ground. 

He was sweating bullets thinking Sungjin was going to reveal their ruse. 

Junseo was silent for a moment.

“Fine,” he finally spoke. “I guess I’ll just see you around campus then, but…” Wonpil looked up and met Junseo’s glare. “The moment you two break up, I’m coming back. I’m not letting you slip through my fingers again.” 

“You have some nerve talking to my boyfriend like that while I’m here,” Sungjin bit out. 

Junseo just scoffed before turning and storming off. 

Wonpil watched him go until he had turned the corner and left the alley. As soon as he was gone, Sungjin let go of him and Wonpil let out a large sigh, he brought his hand up to press against his racing heart. 

“That dude is mental.” Sungjin shoved his hands into his pocket. “Are you okay?” 

Wonpil flushed as he looked at Sungjin who seemed rather relaxed given the situation they were just in. 

“I’m fine. And, he wasn’t always like that…” Wonpil murmured. He quickly pushed the thoughts away as he smiled slightly. “Thank you, by the way.” 

Sungjin shrugged. “After I worked out that jumble you said, I couldn’t just let you face someone dangerous alone.” 

Wonpile grinned before his new reality hit him and he quickly frowned. Great, he won one battle, but what about the looming war? He let out an agitated groan.

“Thanks to you I was able to buy myself some more time but he’ll only get worse once he realizes I’m actually single and that I lied.” Wonpil rubbed his arm. "Maybe I should move back home, but then I'd have to deal with all the transfer stuff. Ugh!"

“Worse?" Sungjin's shoe crunched the gravel beneath them as he took a small step closer. "You mean waiting for you outside of your workplace isn’t the worst he can do?” 

 Wonpil looked up at Sungjin, he had just met the guy but he couldn’t stop himself. “No.” He nervously licked his lips. “He started off by spamming my number until I blocked him. Then he messaged me on anything else he could, I even had to block him on a game. He tries to come up to me during lunch, working hours, before class, and even at my apartment. He hasn’t left me alone since we broke up.” 

“Why aren’t you reporting him to the police?” 

Wonpil played with his fingers as he looked at the ground. “I’m not exactly the most well-liked at uni. He’s the star of the judo team and judo season is about to start. If he were to get arrested or anything of the sort, he wouldn’t be allowed to participate and the entire school would hate me even more than when I ‘turned’ him gay.” Wonpil’s eyes watered and his breath hitched. “I lost so many friends and it got to the point that I had to switch majors because I couldn’t stand it. The bullying only died down because he spoke up about it but now…I’m sorry.” Wonpil sniffled and rubbed his cheeks as he looked at Sungjin.  “I shouldn’t be spilling all my problems to you.” 

Sungjin tilted his head. “He’ll really leave you alone if he thinks we’re dating? He’s not just going to attack us? Or rather, me?” 

Wonpil hesitantly nodded. “He thinks of me as something he owns. If I’m dating someone else then he’ll see me as that person’s property, I guess. But he won’t hurt you, he knows if he does he’ll get in trouble and he can’t risk his judo career like that.”

Sungjin sighed as he brought up a hand and scratched his cheek. “I guess I don’t have much of a choice, do I? Or else I’ll have your blood on my hands in the worst-case scenario.” 

Wonpil stared at the other. “Huh?”

Sungjin looked into his eyes and smiled gently.

“I’ll be your fake boyfriend.”

Chapter Text

“Thanks, again, Jinyoungie,” Wonpil whispered into his phone.

“No problem, Wonpilie~”

Wonpil let out a soft sigh as he ended the call. He glanced at Sungjin who leaned against the alley wall and scrolled through his phone.

“Um, my roommate should be gone for a while.” Wonpil nervously played with his fingers. “It should be enough time for us to work things out.”

Sungjin glanced at him and shoved his phone into his pocket. “Alright. Are you sure you don’t mind me coming to your place? We did just meet; I won’t be offended if we go somewhere else.”

Wonpil shook his head as they walked. “It's fine, my apartment is nearby. Besides, Jaebum-hyung wouldn’t be friends with some ax-murderer so I don't mind.”

Sungjin snorted as they reached the end of the street and Wonpil hit the crosswalk button. “Maybe I can see how you ended up with an ex like that.”

“Hey!”

Sungjin tensed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Too soon? Sorry, sorry.”

Wonpil grinned and rolled his eyes. “Come on you goof.”

“Now that I think about it, you referred to Jaebum and Younghyun as ‘hyung’,” Sungjin said as he glanced at him. “Just how much younger are you?”

“I'm a '94 liner,” Wonpil said.

Sungjin hummed and adjusted Atom on his back. “I figured you were younger than me, but you called my name so casually back there so I was starting to doubt myself.” He chuckled and Wonpil felt his face start to heat up. “For the record, I'm '93, so I’d like it if you used honorifics.”

Wonpil felt his face grow hot in embarrassment. “Sorry, erm, hyung.”

Sungjin snorted. “You didn’t know, so it's fine. Speaking of which, I’m assuming we’re going to the same university?”

“Yeah, we go to the same university. I’m a performing arts major.”

“Oh? Me too,” Sungjin looked at him. “I don’t recall seeing you around though.”

Wonpil pursed his lips. “I used to be a modeling major but switched this semester since… well, it became really toxic.” Wonpil shoved his hands into his pockets as he tried to smile. “It's okay though, I’ve always had an interest in music. And most of the pre-requisite classes I took transferred over so I’m not starting from scratch.”

“I see.”

Sungjin looked off into the distance and Wonpil wondered what was going on in his head. He didn’t ask though, and they walked in silence for a few minutes before Wonpil decided to ask him something that had been eating at his mind ever since the showdown occurred.

“Um, Sungjin-hyung?” Wonpil murmured. Sungjin hummed and glanced at him. “Why are you so okay with this?” Wonpil nibbled on his bottom lip. “I mean, I’m really thankful but, this is a rather odd request.”

Sungjin stared at him for a second longer before focusing on the sidewalk. “Uh, one– one of my cousins was in a similar situation once, except she didn’t tell anyone. So, uh, one day she just packed up and left without a word to anyone, all– all we got was her friends telling us what her ex was doing.” Sungjin shifted. “I can’t deal with something like that happening again, even if I just met you. It may not even go to that extreme, but if there’s a chance, I can’t just watch as it happened knowing I could’ve done something to prevent it.”

Wonpil flushed slightly and looked away. Huh, Sungjin was a pretty cool guy.

“I see, thank you. I really mean it.”

“It’s no problem. It’s not like I’m seeing anyone." Sungjin rubbed the back of his neck. "I actually haven’t dated in years, but my friends have been pestering me about it recently so this fake-dating stunt is kind of a win-win situation, don't ya think?”

Wonpil found it hard to believe that no one wanted to date Sungjin, but he didn’t dwell on the thought. “You know, If you want, I could introduce you to some of my friends once this is over. I have a few left from the modeling department who don’t hate my guts.”

Sungjin chuckled. “Thanks but I’m not particularly looking for a relationship right now. I want to focus on music and graduating.”

“Ah, right…”

Sungjin glanced at him. “Maybe I’ll take you up on your offer at a later time.”

“I’ll keep an eye out then.” Wonpil giggled before perking up. “Oh, my apartment is right up there. Ah, my back hurts. I can’t wait to ditch the backpack.”

Sungjin laughed, however, his laugh quickly faltered. Wonpil turned to see if something was wrong when Sungjin quickly laced their fingers together. With one swift pull, Wonpil stumbled back into him. Wonpil's heart lurched as he tensed. Was it possible Sungjin had nefarious plans after all?

His heartbeat's pace quickened as he looked up at Sungjin with widened eyes. However, Sungjin wasn't looking at him instead, his eyes were trained ahead of them and his kind expression was replaced with furrowed brows and narrowed eyes.

“What are you doing here? I told you to leave my boyfriend alone,” he bit out.

Wonpil felt the hair on the back of his neck rise at the lower register Sungjin used and how assertive his tone was. He didn't know Sungjin had that in him, but a small part of him found that aspect of him intriguing.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Wonpil turned to see Junseo leaning against the glass door of his apartment complex. Wonpil's breath caught in his throat as he quickly righted himself next to Sungjin. He squeezed his hand to remind himself that he was going to be okay because he wasn't alone anymore. Junseo’s face twisted in anger and Wonpil subconsciously dug his dull nails into Sungjin.

Junseo couldn't hurt him.

“What are you–”

“Come on.” Wonpil focused on breathing as he looked down at the stairs that led to the entrance of his apartment complex. Sungjin followed his lead and Wonpil used all his strength not to look at Junseo as they walked up the stairs. Breathe. He needed to breathe. “Don’t waste our time arguing with him. Jinyoungie won’t be out forever.”

“Yah! Kim Wonpil!”

Wonpil tightened his grip on Sungjin’s hand. He wasn't alone with Junseo. He was safe.

He just wanted Junseo to leave already.

“What?!” He snapped back. “You didn’t waste a day sleeping with someone else but I’m the worst for sleeping with my boyfriend after a week? Please!” Wonpil scoffed and dragged Sungjin into his building.

Thankfully, Junseo didn’t follow them.

Wonpil didn’t stop walking or gripping Sungjin’s hand until they were in front of the elevator. He hesitantly turned to look back at the clear door entrance but Junseo wasn’t there anymore.

Oh, thank god.

Wonpil let out a shaky breath as he let go of Sungjin’s hand. “I’m sorry.” Wonpil clutched his chest and ordered his heart to stop running.

No, he wasn't going to cry in front of Sungjin!

“It’s fine, but is he really going to leave you alone? I know you don't want to, but the police are there for a reason. We can go there now if you want.”

Wonpil bit his lip as he pressed the elevator button. Honestly, he had no idea if their stunt was going to work. He knew Junseo well, and he had been confident about their performance earlier, but he hadn't anticipated him showing up outside of his apartment. He shuddered as he thought about what could have happened if Sungjin hadn't walked him home.

Would Junseo really leave him alone? He had said he would earlier, but clearly, that had been a lie. Should he just give up and stop the charade to spare Sungjin from his mess further? He couldn't just go to the police because of all the backlash and he had been stupid and hadn't thought to save proof. The police wouldn't do anything, he'd just piss off Junseo and then he'd be forced to get back with him, and then...

Wonpil tensed as he watched the lights change as the elevator came down.

“If it didn't earlier, then I think our performance just now sold it to him. Especially if he thinks we’re about to sleep together.” He licked his lips and hoped that it turned out to be true.

“Your ex is insane.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Wonpil grumbled.

The elevator finally arrived and the pair silently rode it until the doors slid open on the third floor.

“Let me check that my roommate actually left,” Wonpil said as he pulled out his apartment key. Sungjin hummed and hung back as he unlocked his apartment and peered his head into the dark hallways. “Jinyoung! Are you home!?”

There was no response.

Wonpil nodded and opened the door wider. “Come on in.”

“Thanks.”

The pair removed their shoes and Wonpil led Sungjin into his apartment. “Do you want anything to drink? We have water, soda, tea, and I think banana milk unless Dowoon finished it.”

“Tea is fine.”

“Green tea okay with you?” Wonpil set his backpack down on the couch before he headed towards the small kitchen.

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

“Do you want to sit at the table or couch?”

“Either or.”

Wonpil paused as he grabbed two bottled green teas. Was it really okay for him to drag Sungjin into this still? What if Junseo did something to him?

No!

He shook his head as he turned around to rejoin Sungjin. Junseo wasn't insane enough to lose his scholarship over attacking an innocent student. Sungjin wasn't like him. He had no relation to Junseo.

Wonpil gripped the bottles as he found Sungjin standing in the hallway. He looked at the wall where Wonpil and Jinyoung hung photos they had taken with their friends.

“Come on,” Wonpil said as he forced a small smile as he held out a bottle of tea to Sungjin. If he wasn't confident then Sungjin would catch onto his hesitance and what if he decided not to go through with their act? He thought back to Junseo waiting outside of his apartment and quickly turned his back to Sungjin to hide any emotions that may have shown on his face. He silently led him into the living room set up of the apartment. He let out a loud sigh, sinking into the couch as Sungjin sat down on the other side of Wonpil’s backpack. He rested his guitar case against the side of the couch. “Oh, how I’ve missed you, mister couch!”

Sungjin chuckled as he looked at him. “Long day I’m assuming?”

His worries about Junseo rushed to the front of his mind.

“The longest.”

The pair fell silent as they each sipped at their tea. Awkward was an understatement and Wonpil squirmed as he tried to think about what to do. After a few moments of thinking, Wonpil had nothing and decided to just bite the bullet and break the ice. It would beat sitting in thick silence aside from the occasional sip from either of them.

“So.” Wonpil leaned forward and set his bottle down on the coffee table. “Any ideas on how we’ll proceed?”

“Nope.”

Sungjin sighed and Wonpil bit his lip. He had never exactly been in this situation before. Hell, he didn’t even know he would be when he woke up this morning. He tried to think about it, but his experience with fake dating stemmed from shows and the occasional webtoon. Although, that was better than their current nothingness, wasn't it?

He hummed and played with his fingers. “Well, in the dramas I watch, they usually start with a dating contract. That’s a start, isn’t it?”

Sungjin arched an eyebrow at him. “We’re basing this off a drama now?”

Wonpil pouted slightly. “Well, I’ve never done this before. I usually get a boyfriend organically.”

Sungjin chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I guess that’s our best lead then.”

Wonpil didn’t hesitate in unzipping his backpack and digging out his handy dandy laptop. “I’ll write up a contract then. We’ll both brainstorm what will go into it.”

“Sounds good.”

He typed in his password and pulled up an empty Word document before he turned to Sungjin. “Alright, let’s come up with a title. What about, ‘the dating contract’?”

Sungjin wrinkled his nose slightly. “Seems a bit too formal. It’s not like we’re actually going to be dating. It’s just for show.”

Wonpil bit his bottom lip as he stared at the blank screen. “Well then, what about ‘My Fake Boyfriend’? No contract in the name since I feel like that gives it a rather formal tone.”

“My Fake Boyfriend?” Sungjin repeated before shrugging. “I have nothing better, so I guess that works.”

Wonpil grinned, typing the header onto the screen. “Great. Now, article one, what should it be?”

“The base rules of our fake relationship?” Sungjin leaned over his backpack slightly and watched as he wrote.

“Base Rules,” Wonpil said as he typed away. “Okay, now for section one?”

Sungjin hummed as he pulled back slightly and looked up at the ceiling before looking back at him. “What about our boundaries?”

“Lines not to be crossed,” Wonpil mumbled as he typed. He smiled to himself as he watched the black letters start filling the blank page. This was going a lot smoother than he thought it would. “What should the first thing be?”

“No falling in love?”

Wonpil's fingers twitched on the keyboard as he quickly turned to look at Sungjin who was looking at his laptop. Then his pretty eyes flickered up, meeting Wonpil’s slightly widened ones.

“I thought that was a given?” He awkwardly laughed.

Sungjin blinked. “Exactly, so shouldn’t that be the first thing written down then?”

Wonpil pursed his lips before nodding slightly. “Yeah, you have a point there.” He typed the words, clicking the enter button before looking back at Sungjin. “Alright, what next?”

The other quickly looked away and he seemed to focus on the TV Jinyoung had propped up on an old textbook since he complained about the height of their TV stand. “I’m, uh, I'm not a fan of physical touch.”

Wonpil tensed at that. “Ah, really? But back there you…”

Honestly, if he saw them, then he would've believed their boyfriend's act because of their touchiness.

Sungjin scratched his cheek and avoided his gaze. “I just let you do what you thought would be best. Although I admit, I read into the situation and made some judgment calls on my own.” He blushed slightly as he waved. “But really, I don’t like people touching me.”

“I can respect that but Junseo will probably suspect something.” Wonpil shifted. After Junseo, he was really questioning if he’d ever be comfortable romantically touching people again. Perhaps it was good that Sungjin didn't like to be touched, he wouldn't question him if he wasn't able to perform. “He knows my love language is physical touch, or at least it was…” Wonpil shook his head at the thought. “And we were rather touchy back there…”

Sungjin drummed his fingers alongside the tea bottle. “I’m willing to do stuff whenever your ex is around, but nothing too extreme. Okay?”

Wonpil felt a strange pressure lift off his shoulders. “I feel the same. I’ll just do what I do with my friends.” Sungjin nodded and Wonpil typed away. “No rated R touching no matter what,” Wonpil said and Sungjin agreed.

“Throw in no kissing in there too.”

Wonpil paused. “Ah, I don't want this to come off like I want to because I don't, but, we're going to be acting like a couple so wouldn't it be weird if we didn't kiss at all? A cheek or forehead kiss will do.”

Sungjin cringed slightly. “How about only in dire situations?”

Wonpil bit his bottom lip and added it to their contract. "Works for me. Um, I'd appreciate it if you asked me before doing that, and I'll do the same."

"Sure. But if we're in a position where we can't say anything out loud, then what?"

"Um...I'm not sure," Wonpil muttered. "I'm sure by then we'll know and understand each other better so let's let them decide, okay?"

"Okay. What's next?"

“No talking to other people until you clear it with the other person,” Wonpil said. “I know we’re not actually dating but I don’t accidentally want to interfere or something.”

Sungjin waved his hand in dismissal. “Nah, I get where you’re coming from. Besides, things should get easier once you get an actual boyfriend.”

Wonpil shifted slightly. After Junseo, he didn't want to date anyone again. At least for a while. Just thinking about their relationship made him wish he could stop himself from ever meeting his ex.

He decided to ignore Sungjin's comment and move on with the contract. He hummed as he thought of a new topic. "What about social events?”

“I feel like this should be part of a separate article,” Sungjin said and Wonpil nodded.

“Alright, we’ll move on but if you think of anything else let me know and I’ll add it in.”

The pair continued discussing new points and slowly but surely, they filled up a page and then another. They were nearing the bottom of the second page when the typing finally slowed.

“I can’t think of anything else.” Wonpil stretched his fingers and looked at Sungjin for any more ideas.

“We glossed over one important thing,” Sungjin said, setting down his empty tea bottle.

Wonpil's eyebrows arched at that. They had been pretty thorough, so what could they have missed?

“What is it?”

“Are we going to tell our friends?” Sungjin asked. “We all go to the same university and I’m sure there’s going to be some point where we do something in front of Junseo and one of them sees.”

Wonpil bit his lip, he had totally forgotten about his friends! He nervously looked at Sungjin. “Would you mind?”

Sungjin shrugged. “Not really? They all know I’m bi but it’ll be a bit of a shock since I did swear I was never going to date anyone again during university.”

“Ah, that’s right.” Wonpil scratched his head. “If we do tell our friends, should we tell them the truth or lie that we’re actually dating?”

“I have idiot friends with loudmouths, so they would probably spill.”

Wonpil giggled slightly as he thought about his own. “Yeah, mine are like that too now that I think about it. Okay, what should our origin story be? I already told my ex that we went on a date yesterday and kissed.”

“Alright then as of yesterday we’re dating.” Sungjin and Wonpil both snickered. “But we met earlier this week, I saw you crying about your break up and asked you out on a date. Does that work?”

Wonpil tilted his head. “It’s believable that I was crying and you came up to me asking me if I was okay but I wouldn’t have said yes to a date then. What if we exchanged numbers and we texted a lot and then you asked me out on a date yesterday? I was texting my cousin a lot this week but I can lie and say it was you.”

“Yeah, that works. So last week we exchanged numbers, yesterday we went on a date and became official and today we…”

Wonpil flushed as he recalled what he told Junseo he and Sungjin were going to do. “It is rather out of character for me…”

“Yeah, me too,” Sungjin said with a slight frown.

“But my friends know I can be a spiteful bitch.” Wonpil tapped his fingers against his laptop. “They would believe that we had an intense makeout session and wouldn't mind lying to Junseo if it came to it for some reason.”

“My friends would just say I must’ve been pent up in either scenario.” Sungjin groaned. “But yeah, I can go with whichever storyline you fit into more.”

“I just need to sell it,” Wonpil muttered, looking down at his hands.

“What do you mean?”

Wonpil brought up his thumb and forefinger to his neck, pinching a bit of his skin as he began squeezing and rubbing. He winced slightly. “Tell me when it starts turning red.”

“Does that actually work?” Sungjin asked as he leaned forward slightly and watched his hand work its magic.

“Yeah, Jinyoungie does it all the time when he goes to one of Jackson’s parties. He’s adamant that we won’t let his friends leave unless they get laid, I had a boyfriend so I was off the hook but Jinyoung…”

“It’s red.”

Wonpil let go of his neck, taking out his phone and pulling up his camera as he tilted his head.

“Yeah, that should do the trick.”

Sungjin kept staring at the spot and Wonpil felt himself flush slightly. He cleared his throat and straightened out his head.

“Alright, that's out of the way. Let me go print two copies so we’ll sign it each and we’ll each get a copy.” Wonpil unlocked his phone and pulled up a new contact profile. He handed his phone to Sungjin before standing up. “Put your contact info in. I’ll be right back.”

Sungjin took his phone and began typing as Wonpil clicked the print button and walked to the printer which was located under the television. He and Jinyoung went halfsies on the darn thing and ink so it went in a common room instead of either of their rooms.

“We should follow each other on social media too, right?” Sungjin questioned. He looked up front his phone and Wonpil nodded.

“Yeah, I post a lot of pictures so spam me with likes. You should be able to see my profile pop up when you add me to your contact.”

“Alright.”

Wonpil set his open laptop on the coffee table, humming as the printer whirled to life.

“Should I actually spam you with likes?” Sungjin questioned as he briefly looked up from his phone.

“You don’t have to but at least like the recent ones,” Wonpil said. He bent down and grabbed the freshly printed copies. “Ooh, we should change our bios to be like those cringy cute couples.”

He smiled as he turned around, spotting his phone resting on the coffee table as Sungjin double-tapped his screen.

“Oh, my family follows me on stuff, so I think it’s better not to. Sorry.”

Wonpil internally fell to his knees. He had gotten wrapped up in the moment and Sungjin probably thought he was a weirdo now.

“Nah, it’s fine. It was mostly a joke.” Wonpil decided it would be best for his image if he moved on quickly. He rustled out two pens from his bag as he sat down. “Regular print and then our signatures right?”

“Yeah.” Sungjin paused as he took his pen and copy from Wonpil. “Should we add the date too?”

“That’s how most contracts go.”

Sungjin nodded and the pair signed the papers. Wonpil clicked his pen and grabbed his phone before turning and smiling at Sungjin. “A pleasure to fake date you.”

“Right.” Sungjin chuckled as he ran a hand through his hair. “This honestly feels like a fever dream.”

Wonpil laughed. “Yeah, it does. I really do appreciate you going along with this though.” Wonpil saw the new notifications from Sungjin and unlocked his phone to his contact. He hummed as he clicked to edit his display name. “Do you mind if I give you a nickname? What about Honey Bear?”

Sungjin arched an eyebrow. “Honey Bear?”

Wonpil scrunched his nose slightly and smiled at Sungjin. “You kinda remind me of a bear. And bears like honey.”

Sungjin laughed as he tilted his head. “I don’t see it but whatever. Although, I would prefer if you call me by my name most of the time.”

“Don’t worry, I will.” Wonpil swayed as he edited the contact name. “My friends know I save everyone under cute nicknames, so that’s the only reason I brought it up.”

“I don’t have to call you a nickname, right?” Sungjin asked, glancing at his phone as it lit up as Wonpil liked the few photos he had.

“Nah, you can just call me by my name, but around my friends occasionally throw in an affectionate term here and there. Around my ex, go with whatever you think would be best. I trust your judgment seeing how you’ve handled things so far.”

“Anything else we forgot to cover?” Sungjin questioned. He checked his phone's notifications. “Younghyun will probably think I got murdered on my way back if I don’t head out soon.”

“Sorry for keeping you so late,” Wonpil said. “I’m good on everything, but if you come up with anything, send me a message and we’ll discuss it."

“Alright,” Sungjin said, standing up and carefully slipping his contract into a compartment in his guitar case. “Say, when is that roommate of yours getting back anyway?”

Wonpil’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh, sh-”

“Wonpil-ah! I am here!”

Sungjin and Wonpil froze. Sungjin’s eyes widened as he locked eyes with Wonpil’s horror-filled eyes. His gaze darted to Wonpil’s copy of the contract and Wonpil snatched the paper, shoving it into his school bag while Sungjin stumbled to the table where Wonpil’s laptop was open to the document. He accidentally lost his footing and stumbled onto the couch, his hands landing on either side of Wonpil’s face.

Wonpil stared up at Sungjin with wide eyes as his knee pressed into the couch between Wonpil’s legs.

“Hyung—”

“Who is that?”

Of all the times Jinyoung could have chosen to come in, it just had to be then. Wonpil tried not to blush, really, he did, but he hadn’t been given enough time to fully process what just happened before this new scene started. He wasn’t ready to start acting just yet. He needed a good night's rest before he could. This was way above his pay grade.

“Um.”

Wonpil licked his lips nervously as Sungjin quickly straightened himself and shrunk into the corner with Atom. He grabbed his guitar case as his face burned red.

“I was just leaving,” Sungjin said.

He boldly took a step to leave, but Jinyoung held out his hand and blocked his exit.

“Sit.”

“Really, I–”

“Sit.”

Sungjin glanced at Wonpil who nodded and he heaved the guitar off of him before sitting back onto the couch. Wonpil nervously chewed on his bottom lip. He caught his gaze and gave him a grim smile, but Wonpil knew the older man panicking just as much as he was. It didn’t help that Jinyoung dramatically walked in front of the TV just to stare them down.

“Wonpil-ah, tilt your head to the left.”

Wonpil’s face flushed as he recalled what he had done earlier. “Jinyoung–”

“Tilt. Your. Head.”

Wonpil sighed, and he closed his eyes as he did so, exposing the fake hickey.

“Interesting,” Jinyoung muttered. “That wasn’t there the last time I saw you.”

“Jinyoung–”

“You,” Jinyoung said, ignoring Wonpil and turning his focus on Sungjin. “Are you the one who left that?”

Wonpil felt like dying as he opened his eyes and glanced at Sungjin who seemed rather flustered as well.

“Ah…that?” He glanced at Wonpil’s blooming hickey. “I don’t think–”

“It’s a yes or no question,” Jinyoung said, cracking his fingers. “And don’t lie mister guitar boy. I saw you pinning my best friend against that couch and mauling his neck.”

Sungjin huffed. “I wasn’t–” Jinyoung gave him a look and Sungjin swallowed his words. He hung his head in shame. “Yes, it was me.”

Wonpil made a mental note to ask Sungjin what he liked so he could buy it in bulk because the guy was coming in clutch despite having met him only a few hours earlier. He would give him a gold medal if he could.

“Oh thank god,” Jinyoung said, letting his shoulders slump as he let out a sigh. “Wonpil-ah, I was like this close from beating your ass.” He held up two fingers that Wonpil was one hundred percent sure were touching. “I didn’t think you would hook up with a stranger though, even if…”

He trailed off glancing at Sungjin before clamping his mouth shut.

“Actually,” Wonpil glanced at Sungjin who gave him a subtle nod. “He’s my new boyfriend.”

The room fell silent.

“I’m sorry, what?”

Wonpil blushed, looking down at his hands as he nervously played with his fingers. “It’s still really new,” Wonpil muttered.

“Guitar boy, what’s your name?”

“I’m Park Sungjin.” Sungjin paused. “I’m sorry, could we do this another time? My roommate is expecting me soon.”

“Oh but you had plenty of time to maar my sweet–”

“Come on!” Wonpil stood up, his face burning as he didn’t dare look at Jinyoung. “Don’t pay any mind to him. I’ll see you out.”

Sungjin nodded too quickly and nearly fumbled his guitar case as he picked it up.

Jinyoung stood like a statue as Wonpil hurriedly walked out of the living room, Sungjin hot on his heels. He pressed his hands against his scalding cheeks as he and Sungjin got to the front door.

“I’m so so sorry,” Wonpil whispered.

“It’s fine.” Sungjin bent down to slip on his shoes. “I guess there’s no going back now.”

Wonpil sighed. “I guess not.”

Sungjin stood up and glanced at the end of the hall before smiling at Wonpil. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, Wonpil-ah.”

“Mm,” Wonpil agreed. He also stole a glance down the hall and flinched slightly when he saw Jinyoung standing at the end of the hall like the girl from the ring. “Text me when you get home, hyungie,” Wonpil said in the best non-over-the-top cute voice he could muster and opened the door for his fake boyfriend.

“I will.”

Wonpil hesitantly took a step closer to Sungjin as he stepped out of the apartment and turned to look at him.

“Good night,” Wonpil said. He quickly gave Sungjin a small hug, and he felt him tense at the contact. “Sorry,” he whispered.

Sungjin patted the top of his head. “Good night.”

Wonpil held his hands in front of him as Sungjin dipped his head slightly before turning and walking away. Wonpil nervously closed the door once he was gone. He slowly locked it before turning and was greeted by Jinyoung standing with his arms crossed and his eyebrows raised.

“Care to explain, young man?”

Wonpil flushed. “You totally embarrassed me in front of him! So not cool!”

Jinyoung shrugged, laughing as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “Well maybe if you didn’t keep secrets from me, your very own best friend, I would’ve turned right around and let you finish your alone time.”

Wonpil’s face grew hot again. “It’s not like that.”

“Says the guilty-red-faced guy with a hickey on his neck.” Jinyoung shrugged. “I mean, I’m proud and all but damn, you could’ve told me. This entire week I’ve been worried about you but then you suddenly get caught mid-makeout with your new boyfriend!”

“We weren’t mid-makeout!” Wonpil shouted. “As I said, it’s still really new. I’ll be lucky if you didn’t scare him off!”

Under Article One, Section Two, neither of them was allowed to back out without telling the other person first.

But Jinyoung didn’t know that.

“He’s hot though,” Jinyoung said with an approving nod. “Totally better than Junseo.”

Wonpil tried not to flinch at the sudden thought of his ex. “Yeah. Sungjin-hyung is really nice.”

“So how’d you two meet? When did you start dating? Is he a good kisser?”

Wonpil blushed. “We met last week.” Wonpil walked past Jinyoung and grabbed his bag. "I was having a hard time because of the breakup and Sungjin-hyung listened to me. I don’t know, he gave me advice and I liked talking to him so we exchanged numbers. I couldn’t stop talking to him and he asked me out on a date yesterday and I accepted. Things went well, and I really like him so we started dating.”

“Is that who you’ve been texting all week?”

“Yeah.”

“And how does he treat you?”

Wonpil hugged his backpack. “He’s still a bit nervous since he knows I just got out of a messy relationship but he’s really caring. He walked me home after work today.”

“Good, good,” Jinyoung said. “And the last question?”

“Jinyoung–”

“Come on! Who knows what you two would’ve done on our couch if I hadn’t come home when I did!”

“We weren’t going to!” Wonpil huffed as he stormed to his room.

“You’re a horrible liar and you know it!”

Wonpil grinned, yes he was a horrible liar but Jinyoung had fully accepted his fake relationship so all his worries about getting found out were extinguished. As he grabbed the handle of his door, he decided to turn and look at Jinyoung who was looking at him expectantly.

“Let’s just say I wouldn’t have a hickey if he wasn’t that good.”

“You dog!”

Wonpil laughed as he quickly escaped into his room. His sly grin fell as he shut the door behind him. He let out a deep breath and pressed the back of his head against the door.

Well shit, he was in too deep now.

This was fine.

Totally fine.

Totally.

Wonpil let out a groan as he shoved his bag onto his desk before he stumbled to his bed and collapsed.

This was totally not fine.

He blindly reached out, grabbing his pillow and bringing it to his face as he internally screamed.

He easily would have stayed like that until he fell asleep if it weren’t for a notification sound ringing out after a few minutes. Wonpil snapped out of his drowsy state and reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone and squinting at the new messages.

Honey Bear~

I told Younghyun about us. He didn’t buy my previous excuse.

I think he gave me a bruise from how hard he punched me in surprise.

You didn’t mention that getting to be your fake boyfriend would come with occupational hazards.

Wonpil snickered slightly, quickly sending a response.

Oh?

I thought that was a given~

Wonpil sighed, smiling slightly as he sat up. Sungjin was a really nice and funny guy and Wonpil definitely exuded too much of his luck getting him. Everything was too perfect with Sungjin, something was going to go wrong, Wonpil could feel it in his bones.

But he just didn’t know what.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as he got another notification sound.

Honey Bear~

Smug much?

By the way, don’t eat breakfast tomorrow. I’ll bring you something when I pick you up.

Wonpil's breath hitched.

Huh? You don’t have to do that.

You’ve already done enough, let me treat you.

Honey Bear~

It’s fine, Younghyun is buying in celebration of me finally dating lol.

Order as much as you can think of. The jerk finished all of my milk and put the empty carton back in the fridge.

Make his wallet cry!!

Wonpil found himself giggling.

Ah, is that the case?

Well then…

Wonpil had been running low on snacks. His thumbs moved quickly as he sent his list of favorite snacks.

Tell Younghyunie-hyung wallet I said thanks~ Lol

Honey Bear~

I will.

I have to study now but I’ll text you tomorrow when I’m on my way.

Younghyun is insisting on tagging along too. Sorry.

That’s fine!

Good night, hyungie!

Honey Bear~

Good night, Wonpil-ah.

Wonpil hummed happily as he clicked off his phone, he was getting free snacks all because of a fake relationship! He really was lucky.

Wonpil went to slip his phone into his pocket when he felt something. His eyes widened as he quickly slipped out what had gotten him to this point.

Sungjin’s polaroid was a bit curved—thanks to being in his back pocket for so long—but otherwise unharmed. Wonpil let out a sigh. He smiled as he looked at the picture of Sungjin.

He wasn’t sure what he was worried about earlier. Everything was off to a good start.

What could go wrong?

Chapter Text

When Wonpil woke up, he briefly wondered if he had dreamt the whole thing up out of stress. After all, who in their right mind would agree to be his fake boyfriend after just meeting him? The majority of the words they exchanged were about their fake relationship! No way that actually happened. 

Besides, with those eyes? Definitely a dream. 

Wonpil slipped out of bed and shuffled toward his desk. He gripped the back of his chair until his knuckles went white while his eyes locked onto Sungjin's Polaroid leaning against his pencil holder. Sungjin grinned up at him with his peace sign and Wonpil stumbled back.

Holy…

His heart hammered as his face instantly flushed. As it registered, he suddenly slapped his neck as he recalled what he'd done. He winced at the pain, but it only served to further prove his panicking realization.

He rushed out of his room—not caring if Jinyoung wasn’t up yet because how dare he pull that stunt last night! Wonpil yanked the bathroom door open and stared at him as soon as he came face-to-face with the mirror. He smacked the light switch, throbbing pain dancing up his palm but he didn't care. The sun hadn't been doing its damn job and he needed to confirm the plum-colored ‘love bite’ that decorated his neck. 

"Oh my god!"

Well, shit. What the hell was he supposed to do now!?

“Shut up, lover boy! Some of us are single and don’t have a boyfriend coming to pick us up so I don’t have to get up early and look nice for him!” Jinyoung groggily shouted from his room. 

Wonpil scowled and ignored Jinyoung as he focused back on himself. He ran a hand through his sleep-mussed hair as he got up to speed on things.

Okay.

He had a boyfriend again, albeit a fake one. 

Said boyfriend was going to pick him up so they could head over to their university together.

Said boyfriend was also bringing his roommate whom Wonpil just so happened to work with. 

It would be their first time officially acting in front of someone, and not just anyone, but their mutual friend Younghyun who knew them both fairly well. He'd sniff them out with one look if they weren't on their A-game.

Wonpil cursed before rushing back to his room for his phone and towel before locking himself in the bathroom.

While he hadn’t been his best the past week—he had been heartbroken and didn’t give a shit if people judged him if he wore the same joggers five times in a row because he was sad—things were different now. 

He couldn’t be the same heartbroken Wonpil he had been the entire week. He had to wear clean clothes, have clear skin, and smell like he paid way too much for his perfume even though it was on clearance plus he had a coupon. Not to mention he had to have the radiance of a man in love.

Nothing short of making people have religious experiences when they laid eyes on him. 

He looked at himself in the mirror, cringing when he saw his hammered state. 

Sungjin had agreed to be his—fake—boyfriend after seeing this?

The guy must’ve been serious about not wanting to date anyone at the moment and that he had been single for a while ‘cause damn.

Wonpil shook his head and undressed before putting on a shower playlist—Jinyoung’s sleep be damned. He only had so long to give himself a Cinderella-level makeover. 

God he hoped he had something clean or that Jinyoung had something…salvageable. 

Wonpil looked at his two options, his lips pursed. He made a mental note to do his laundry immediately after class. 

His eyes flickered over to his third option but he shook his head; a hoodie to introduce his new boyfriend to the public? Not if it wasn’t Sungjin’s!

Wonpil groaned, his eyes dancing between the cream-knitted v-neck with a blue, red, and white neckline and the orange turtleneck. 

He had literally brought men to their knees the last time he wore the turtleneck—he had stored it in the back because with great power comes great responsibility (more like it was a bitch to hand wash). Alongside the turtleneck he had a pair of gray slacks that were clean—they didn’t particularly go with many of his outfits—which would go perfectly with it. 

Wonpil sighed, deciding that he wouldn’t overtake the world just yet. 

While the outfit would have everyone looking at him—and Sungjin contemplating breaking the first rule under article one, section one—it would also cover the hickey that he had given himself on purpose to show to Junseo. He wasn’t going to have a fake hickey and not show it off with his new—fake—boyfriend. 

Wonpil reached for the v-neck and a pair of ripped jeans that were only worn once—for some exam which meant they were basically clean. 

He hummed as he got dressed. Just a touch of makeup and the model department would be groveling at his feet, begging him to come back to the major.

As he settled down at his desk and pulled out his small make-up kit, his phone dinged. Wonpil walked over to his bed where his phone was charging to read the message.

Honey Bear~ 

Kangbra really got everything on your wish list which took surprisingly longer than I expected. 

We’re on our way now, sorry for the wait.

Wonpil furrowed his eyebrows slightly, Kangbra? But before he could ask, Sungjin sent another message. 

Honey Bear~

Younghyun*

Sorry about that.

It’s fine!

I’m barely finishing getting ready.

Wonpil hurried back to his desk, throwing out his original make-up idea and going for a simple basic rather than a complicated basic. After quickly working his magic, he got to the last step and spread his favorite light pink lip tint on when he got another notification.

Honey Bear~

We’re outside of your building. Text me when you’re on your way down. 

Wonpil quickly spritzed himself with his cologne before grabbing his bag. 

I’m coming down!

Wonpil hesitated, what if Younghyun was reading their messages? He knew how he tended to text since they would text every once in a while about non-job-related things. Wonpil wasn’t exactly close friends with Younghyun—they really only talked about work with some memes—but that didn’t stop him from sending emojis, GIFs, and cute stickers. 

Wonpil sighed, deciding to bite the bullet. Sungjin knew what he signed up for when he signed the contract. 

I missed you a lot~

Wonpil sent a GIF of a cartoon bunny thinking about a bear with sparkles in its eyes before shaking its head and a heart replacing the bear as the bunny squeezed its eyes shut happily. 

Sungjin really did remind him of a bear.

Wonpil grabbed his bag and tugged on a pair of shoes he thought went with his outfits before heading out. His heart pounded with every step. 

He wasn’t sure why he was so nervous about the messages. He did it with all his friends and co-workers. Plus, he had added a whole section about it into their fake boyfriend contract. They were to send cute couple texts if their friends got suspicious and read their texts over their shoulder. Well, that was more so for Sungjin since Wonpil warned him of his usual texting style but he'd choose things that were obviously romantic if someone read their messages.

By the time Wonpil reached the lobby, he had envisioned at least ten different disaster scenarios. 

“Wonpilie! It really is you!” 

Wonpil looked up to see Younghyun smiling and waving with two over-stuffed plastic bags while Sungjin stood next to him appearing as though he wanted to take Younghyun out. 

“I told you not to make a scene,” Sungjin hissed. 

“Oh? You want a scene?” A glint appeared in Younghyun's foxy eyes before he smirked. 

Wonpil nervously laughed. As he neared the pair, he suddenly became all too aware of how bare his neck felt. As soon as he got close enough, he noticed Younghyun’s eyes widen like saucers. Then the two goodie bags crashed onto the floor, and Wonpil stumbled back. Younghyun held onto his shoulder and chin as he turned his head. 

“Don’t just drop–”

“Holy shit! Bob! You marked up my sweet innocent baby!?”

“Hyu– hyung!” Wonpil exclaimed, his face growing red as he quickly stumbled back.

“I didn’t–” 

“Then what’s this Bobtholomew the third!?” Wonpil felt absolutely mortified as Younghyun jabbed a finger into the purple area. "It's not makeup, that's for sure," he said as he held up his finger as though it were a grand revelation.

“Don't touch him without permission,” Sungjin scolded. 

“Oh, my bad, Pilie,” Younghyun said, quickly letting go of him. 

Wonpil pursed his lips and bowed his head slightly. He subtly glanced at Sungjin who now stood with both bags in one hand and a brown bag in his other that Wonpil figured was his actual breakfast. 

“I didn’t know you knew Sungjin-hyungie,” Wonpil said turning to look up at Younghyun. “How could you keep someone like him from me? Wow…I thought we were friend-co-workers.” 

Younghyun held up his hands in surrender. “Well if I knew Bo- I mean, Sungjin-hyung…If I knew he was your type then I would’ve introduced you. Lord knows Sungjin-hyung needed some…I mean look at your neck. He probably would’ve mauled you whole if I didn’t text him asking him when he was coming home.” 

“Kang Younghyun!” Sungjin shouted as a fierce red coated his cheeks.

Younghyun chuckled, scratching his cheek. “Alright, alright…But in all seriousness.” He smiled at Wonpil, patting his head softly. “I’m glad you’re dating Sungjin-hyung. He’s a bit cold around the edges but he’s a big ol’ softy once you crack through the layer of ice. You two be good now, I have your morning shift to cover.” Younghyun grinned, leaning in—his lips brushing against Wonpil’s ear. “By the way, when I say he’s pent up, I mean it’s been years. Stay safe little man, and enjoy your legs while they still work.” 

Wonpil’s face turned beet red and Younghyun cackled as Sungjin cursed at him. 

“Kangbra! You’ll see once you get home later!” 

“Kinky!”

“Not like that!” 

Younghyun just laughed as he ran out of the lobby. 

Wonpil blinked as his mind processed the whirlwind that had just happened, which was called Kang Younghyun. 

“I’m sorry about him,” Sungjin said. 

Wonpil rubbed the back of his neck as he kicked the floor slightly. "Nah, it's fine. I'm just surprised he made so many crude references even though he knows we're not actually together."

“I told him that we were dating not the actual truth,” Sungjin paused. “Although, I’m pretty sure he would’ve made the same jokes if he knew the truth. Or maybe they would’ve been worse.” 

“I don’t want to know what he would’ve done if he knew.” Wonpil shuddered at the thought, all too familiar with how the man was at work so he figured he'd be much wilder outside.

“Come on, we’ll miss the next bus if we don’t hurry to your apartment and drop these off,” Sungjin said as he held up the two bags filled with snacks. 

Wonpil lit up. “He really got them all?” 

“Five of each.” 

“Damn, maybe I should’ve made him my fake boyfriend instead…” 

Sungjin laughed. “I will say that kid sure knows how to coupon and get the most bang for his buck.” 

Wonpil confidently put his hands on his hips and struck a pose. “I’m just that worth it.” 

Sungjin wrinkled his nose and Wonpil giggled. 

“Ew, gross, stop flirting like you two didn’t just see each other last night,” Jinyoung groggily said as he walked out of the elevator. He yawned and scratched his hair.

Wonpil devilishly grinned as he grabbed the two bags from Sungjin and shoved them into Jinyoung’s hands—he was too lazy to go back to his apartment so it was now someone else's problem. 

“Jinyoungie! Thanks for offering to take these to my room!” Sungjin quirked his eyebrow and Wonpil beamed at him. He looped their arms together and quickly dragged him towards the exit before the sleepy Jinyoung fully processed what was happening. “We’ll get going now!” 

Jinyoung squinted as he held up the bags. “Wait, what?” 

“By the way, if anything is missing, I know where you sleep~!” 

And with that, Wonpil giggled happily as he slipped out of Sungjin's arm.

“Come on! He's going to chase me down."

“Huh? Oh? Okay?”

Sungjin followed his quick escape and Jinyoung's protests grew mute as the doors swung closed behind them. 

Wonpil laughed as Sungjin ran alongside him. He heard his name being screeched by Jinyoung as they reached the end of the street and turned. Sungjin was apparently down for whatever most of the time. Wonpil wondered if he should make a note of that. 

“Damn, his throat has to be wrecked after that,” Sungjin said, panting slightly once they arrived at the bus stop. 

Wonpil waved his hand in dismissal, also catching his breath. “Nah, he’ll be fine. It’s a vocal exercise of his these days.” 

“These days?” 

Wonpil shrugged. “I get a physical workout in the mornings and he gets vocal practice. Isn’t this what cohabitation consists of?” 

“You’re quite a menace, you know that?”

“Funny, all my friends end up telling me that at one point or another,” Wonpil mumbled before giving Sungjin a thumbs up. “Yes, you’ll be a fine fake boyfriend, Mister Sungjin-hyung.” 

Sungjin blinked before his lips stretched into a smile. “Yeah, yeah, there’s only a twelve-step process to back out now.” 

Wonpil giggled, somehow it felt like they really had known one another for longer than a day. 

“Although, your breakfast is probably a bit roughed up now,” Sungjin said as he held up the brown bag. 

“Oh, what did Younghyun-hyung end up getting me?” Wonpil asked. 

Sungjin lowered the bag and looked forward as the bus started to pull up. “I got you a breakfast sandwich. I hope that’s okay.” 

Wonpil pouted. “I told you that I would treat you.”

Sungjin looked back at him as the doors to the bus opened, a smile on his lips. 

“What kind of boyfriend would I be if I just let another man buy my boyfriend food? Everyone knows the way into a guy's heart is with food.” Sungjin chuckled, his nose crinkling slightly as he cringed. “Ah, that was cringey wasn’t it?”

Wonpil snapped out of his blushing daze when Sungjin looked back at him from atop the stairs. He plastered on a smile as he tried to ignore the sudden missing beat in his steady heartbeat. 

“Yeah, that was.” 

He quickly scurried on, focusing harder than he ever had before on anything as he stared at the floor.  

It was caused by the running, at least, that’s what Wonpil told himself as he was hyper-aware of the lack of distance between them as he sat next to his—fake—boyfriend. 

“What class do you have today?” Wonpil questioned as they walked towards the music department.

“Just a lyric writing class, and you?” 

“Composition.” Wonpil sighed; even if they were going to the same area, they would be in different buildings. Which meant that Junseo had an opening to get him. He shook the thought from his head and felt his stomach twinge when he noticed Sungjin was looking at him. He put on his best convincing pout and sighed. “That means we’ll have to part soon.”

He internally cringed at how clingy he sounded. Whatever, he didn't want Sungjin to know he was nervous.

Sungjin hummed. “My class doesn’t start for a bit more. I usually would’ve taken the other bus to get a bit more sleep in.” 

Wonpil wrung his fingers. “That explains why we’ve never run into each other before even though we have so many things in common.” 

“That, and you took opening shifts at the cafe which meant taking a different bus. Speaking of which are you a morning…” Sungjin trailed off.

Wonpil looked up at Sungjin to see what was wrong when he saw his eyes flick away from a spot ahead of them. Wonpil quickly stole a glance—his twisting gut already telling him what it was—and he spotted Junseo leaning against a tree with a few people talking to him but it was clear he wasn’t paying attention to them as his eyes were locked onto him. 

He pretended not to see him as he tugged Sungjin’s shirt. The older looked at him and Wonpil flashed him a smile as he pointed to a nearby empty bench. 

“Hyung, why don’t we eat our breakfast there?” 

Sungjin hummed and nodded his head. “Alright. But give me a heads up before you try anything, I might hurl from your cute act.”

Wonpil pouted as he and Sungjin walked to the bench. He may or may not have tilted his head slightly to show off his totally real and not-at-all fabricated hickey to Junseo. He knew it was unrealistic that he saw it from the distance between them, but he couldn’t help it.

“You’re no fun.” Wonpil huffed as he sat down. “But, you better steel your stomach because I’m feeding you the first bite whether you like it or not."

Sungjin shifted slightly. "Oh, I don't really eat breakfast. I only bought one breakfast sandwich."

Wonpil clicked his tongue. "It's the most important meal of the day, hyung. Did those breakfast PSAs we were told about as kids not stick?" Wonpil opened the bag and heard Sungjin's stomach grumble. He glanced at the other whose cheeks slowly became darker. Wonpil giggled as he pulled out half of the sandwich. "Lucky for you, it's cut in half so we each get one." He smiled cutely as he held out the half for Sungjin.

The older glanced at the sandwich before rubbing the back of his neck. "Really, I'm not hungry. Just eat it."

"Was that not your stomach?" Wonpil questioned. His eyebrows raised. "Do you have to use the bathroom?"

Sungjin's face turned fully red at that. "No!"

"Then, ah~," he cooed, and Sungjin begrudgingly took the half from him.

"I'm not eating out of your hand."

"That's fine," Wonpil said as he took out his own half. "You can always feed me," he teased and laughed when Sungjin wrinkled his nose. "It's too easy messing with you. I like it."

"Just hurry and eat," Sungjin grumbled.

Wonpil did as told and the pair silently ate. Wonpil swung his legs as he took his last mouthful and crumbled up the wrapped in the bag.

"Ta-da," he muffled out to Sungjin.

Sungjin still had some of his sandwich left and snorted. He picked up a napkin and dabbed the corner of Wonpil's lips with it.

"Yah, didn't you learn not to speak with your mouth open?" He sighed as he brushed a few crumbs from Wonpil's chin. "So messy."

Wonpil harshly swallowed, wincing at the half-chewed ball that felt like a stone in his throat. He licked the corner and coughed. Wow, Sungjin was a lot better at this than he led on, he might just be better than he was!

He shoved the thought away, there was no way he was going to lose the boyfriend-off.

“Mm,” Wonpil hummed. "I respect how committed you are to being my boyfriend.” Sungjin's brows rose as he took the last bite of his sandwich. Wonpil—being the good samaritan he was—let him finish before he continued his attack. "Do you want a sticker as a reward?"

"A sticker?" Sungjin repeated. Wonpil nodded as Sungjin wiped his mouth. “Do you just carry stickers around or something?” Sungjin tilted his head and Wonpil had to stop himself from smiling to avoid Sungjin becoming suspicious.

“No,” Wonpil replied. He reached into the side of his book bag. “But I just so happen to have one on me.” 

Wonpil grinned as he extended his hand and instead of holding out a sticker—that he didn’t have—he held out a finger heart to Sungjin who stopped cleaning up. 

He scrunched his nose as his eyes met Wonpil’s before snorting and taking out his water bottle. “I think that just cost me five years off my lifespan.” 

Wonpil laughed as he lowered his hand. “Sorry, sorry.” 

Wonpil’s giggling died down when he spotted a familiar figure walking down the sidewalk, people clinging to his sides eagerly. He quickly reached his hand out, awkwardly interlocking his fingers with Sungjin’s hand that had been resting on his knee. He hoped he didn’t cross the line by touching Sungjin’s knee. 

“Hyungie, you really don’t have to walk me to class. I don’t want you to be late because of me,” Wonpil pouted slightly. 

Sungjin’s cheeks were a bit puffed as he drank, his eyes widening slightly as he realized what was happening. Wonpil thought he looked a bit reminiscent of a chipmunk. It was kinda cute.

“Ah.” He waved his water bottle around. “It’s fine, su– sweetie. Being a few minutes late won’t kill me.”

Wonpil squeezed Sungjin’s hand as he refused to look at his ex who was getting closer. He was going to find out. No, he already knew.

“Honey…" He bit his bottom lip to keep from shaking.

“Wonpil-ah,” Sungjin chided softly. “I told you to be careful, didn’t I? Ah,” Sungjin sighed. He swiped his thumb over the corner of Wonpil’s mouth and raised the same thumb to his mouth. He held Wonpil’s gaze as his tongue flicked over the tip and wiped off the sauce he wiped off of him. “What should I do with you?” 

Wonpil’s mouth suddenly grew dry as he gulped. Wow. Okay. Sungjin could act goddamn. He couldn’t stop himself from blushing as he looked down at the bench. 

For a moment he forgot about their mission and his fear of Junseo as he internally screamed.

He steeled himself and slipped back into his role. He leaned forward to initiate more skinship, but Sungjin tensed and, well, it wasn't a dire situation. What was wrong with him?! He knew Sungjin wasn't into it!

“I have you now to look after me.” He settled on doing sickly sweet aegyo. “So it’s fine, isn’t it?” He giggled as he scrunched up his nose.

Sungjin was still for a moment before chuckling to himself. “Ah, what did I get myself into?” 

“These pants, but can you really complain?” 

Sungjin’s eyes widened before he cackled and Wonpil found himself joining in as his laughter turned out to be rather contagious. 

By the time they finished and caught their breath, Junseo was the last thing on his mind. He was only reminded of it as Sungjin turned his head to look at the man long gone.

"You should’ve seen his face,” Sungjin said as he got up. "Come on, class really is about to start now."

Wonpil startled slightly as he was thrown back into reality. "Oh yeah. Um, what was it like? I wanted to look but, y’know, I have to look like I won the breakup.” 

“He looked like he ate a whole lemon and he did a double-take when he saw your hickey,” Sungjin said and Wonpil grinned. 

“I knew it was a great idea.” 

Sungjin hummed. “With that type of confidence, I wouldn't be surprised if you were over him by the end of the month.”

Wonpil felt his stomach churn as he looked down at the ground. He fisted his jeans to get a sense of reality. He wasn't sure he could ever move on from what happened between them.

“Ah…I know it won’t be easy,” Sungjin continued. “But I’m here for you if you ever want to talk about it. I've been told I give some pretty good advice.” 

Wonpil put on his best smile as he looked back up. “Thanks, hyung. I'll keep that in mind.” 

The corners of Sungjin’s lips curled up but he didn’t say anything else.

When they finally arrived in front of Wonpil’s class, he hesitantly checked the time before pointing to the door. “Do you want to meet my friend?” 

“Your friend?” 

Wonpil nodded. “He’s one of my best friends. It would be weird if you didn’t meet him since we’re dating and all.” 

“As long as you’re okay with it, I don’t see why not. I can’t stay long though.”

“I know.” Wonpil quickly led Sungjin into the classroom where Dowoon sat by a window at the back of the lecture hall. He was too busy playing a game on his phone to notice Wonpil trying to remember how to walk with Sungjin behind him. “Dowoon-ah, good morning.” 

“Morning,” Dowoon responded, not bothering to look up at Wonpil. 

“Dowoon, I want to introduce you to my new boyfriend.”

“New what?” Dowoon finally looked up from his phone. 

“Boyfriend,” Wonpil repeated. He awkwardly shifted next to Sungjin who waved awkwardly at Dowoon and it suddenly dawned on him that maybe they should have prepped before going for it, but it was too late now. “We just started dating.”

Dowoon hardly glanced at Sungjin as he looked at Wonpil with a ‘what the fuck’ look on his face. “Uh, right…I’m Yoon Dowoon.”

“Park Sungjin, nice to meet you.” 

Wonpil swore he heard something crack in the speed that Dowoon snapped his head to look at Sungjin properly. His eyes widened as his jaw dropped slightly. 

“Park Sung– Sungjin?” He repeated softly. "Is- is that correct?"

“Yes?” Sungjin replied.

He arched an eyebrow at the boy as his ears slowly started getting red. He glanced at Wonpil who felt a bit embarrassed at his friend’s reaction. 

“Ah, hyung, shouldn’t you head to class? I don’t want you to be late because of me,” Wonpil said, extending Sungjin an out if he wanted it. 

He couldn’t have prepared him for such a disaster if he tried. Why did he choose Dowoon of all people? Why not Namjoon or Jackson? They could both hold a conversation. But no, he just had to go with the socially inept one of the group.

Sungjin smiled at him, no longer looking at Dowoon who was frozen in his shocked form. 

“That’s right, ah…Text me once you get out of class.” 

“I will,” Wonpil cooed. “I’ll miss you, hyungie.”

Sungjin chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll come if you miss me too much.” 

Wonpil nodded slightly, catching Sungjin’s real message. He’ll come if Junseo shows up randomly.

With a small head pat, the myth that seemed to be Sungjin walked out of the classroom.

Wonpil shook his head, not wanting to think too much about it before he scowled slightly and looked at Dowoon who hadn’t moved a muscle since freezing earlier. 

“Yah, why'd you react like that for? You made Sungjin-hyung feel more awkward than he should’ve. What’s wrong with you?” 

Dowoon snapped out of his daze, slowly turning to look at Wonpil with his same shocked expression. 

“Hyung,” he gasped. “You don’t know?” 

“Know what?” Wonpil questioned, the small thing that had been nagging at his gut suddenly feeling worse. 

Had he been right? Was something wrong with Sungjin? Was he a social outcast? A jerk? Used to be ugly but got an unholy amount of plastic surgery to make him that unrealistically handsome?

“Right, you transferred to the department fairly recently…” Dowoon muttered before he licked his lips and finally looked at Wonpil without his eyes and mouth wide open. “Hyung, that’s Park Sungjin.”

Wonpil arched his eyebrow and frowned. “I know that? He’s my boyfriend and that’s his name?” 

Dowoon shook his head. “No. That’s Park Sungjin aka the heartthrob of the music department. Aka the guy who rejects confessions left and right—up and down on a daily. Aka the infamous cold-hearted guitarist who is interested in no one. Aka the number one most unattainable person in the whole university.” 

Wonpil’s heart froze. “What?”

No. There was no way. Sungjin would have said something about it when they met or when they were making their dating contract. After all, he told him about the bullying he got for dating their most famous sports player, so he would have said something then. 

He had to switch majors for crying out loud!

There was no way he kept something like that from him!

Dowoon sighed and patted his shoulder, jolting him back to reality. “Well, you certainly have a certain taste in men. Congratulations on officially becoming the number one most-hated person on campus once news breaks out. And best of luck, Mister public enemy number one.” 

Chapter Text

“Hyung? Are you dead?”

Wonpil blankly stared at the roof of the classroom as his limbs tingled with static. He'd already gone through the hell of dating someone popular, he didn't want to do it again. Especially for a fake relationship!

“I might as well be,” Wonpil groaned as he squeezed his eyes shut.

Maybe it was all just a bad dream…Yeah, he'd wake up in his room with no Sungjin Polaroid, but then that meant he'd have to deal with Junseo harassing him again.

“Come on.” Dowoon sighed and patted Wonpil’s shoulder. It didn’t help ease the turmoil in his stomach at all. “It can’t be that bad. You only walked with him with a hickey clear as day on your neck.”

Why had he done that? Why did it have to be with Sungjin? It was that goddamn Polaroid's fault!

He'd burn it the moment he got home!

“We– we had breakfast together out on the courtyard…” Wonpil’s breakfast suddenly felt like hot lava as bile rose to the back of his throat.

He couldn't do this again. The constant feeling that he was being watched, the hushed whispers and giggling directed at him, and being shunned by everyone. This was supposed to be his fresh start. Why was this happening to him?

“Yeah, I lied. You’re screwed.”

Wonpil curled in on himself and buried his face in his hands. Supposedly there was a chance that his atoms would line up with those of the seat—and with his luck, the ground underneath—and he could escape from it all. He wasn’t too sure what was across the world from South Korea but it had to be better than his current situation.

“What do I do?" Wonpil felt tears prickling in the corner of his eyes. "You know what it was like for me last semester, I can't do it again!”

Dowoon snorted. “Well, you should have thought of that before dating our department's heartthrob. In terms of popularity, I would say Junseo is an A-level card or maybe an S-level but Sungjin-hyung is definitely an R-level.”

Wonpil wanted nothing more than for Dowoon to shut up. Alas, the other was his only lifeline from spiraling so he kept talking.

“But I never heard about him before.” Wonpil tried to convince himself that Dowoon was just messing with him.

Yeah, he was a sick bastard who would do that. Had he interrupted his game? He'd seen him do more to Jinyoung for doing less. Yes, that just had to be it!

“Well, most of Junseo’s fans were dispersed among the departments but Sungjin-hyung’s is concentrated mainly in our department. That goes out the window when he performs at our school festivals and everyone thirsts after him. You'd know that if you ever bothered going to one instead of staying home.” Dowoon hummed for a moment before he tapped against the table. “Hyung, do you have six friends?” 

“What?” He finally looked up from his hands.

Wonpil wondered why he was getting advice from Dowoon. He hadn't dated since middle school and all he'd managed to do in his college career was crush on girls and guys but never doing anything about it. Just thinking about all the times Dowoon swooned over someone who didn't even look his way made his head pound. And his random question didn’t help the feeling of his incoming panic attack. 

“Well, you have me and Jinyoung-hyung. Let's see, there's also that Jaebum-hyung guy and then Jackson and Namjoon hyungs, and then…Oh, I guess I can count Sungjin-hyung too.” Dowoon slowly lifted up his fingers with each name listed. “That makes an even six unless one of them doesn't agree. If that's the case then that would leave one slot and I don’t think any of your few remaining model friends should do such hard labor…”

“What are you talking about?” Wonpil finally snapped as he sat up to glare at the other.

Dowoon looked at him dead in the eyes as he pouted and crossed his arms. “I was just trying to figure out who was going to carry your casket once word gets around about you dating Sungjin-hyung. No need to be so snippy.” 

Wonpil let out a cry and slapped his hands over his face again. He immediately regretted the decision as his cheeks throbbed and Dowoon laughed. 

“I don’t… I don’t get why he didn’t tell me,” Wonpil muttered as his cheeks pounded with his rushing blood.

“Seriously?” Dowoon asked. “Say, how did you two become an item anyway? What about you made that unattainable hyung fold? Full offense.” 

"Gee, thanks." Wonpil huffed as he crossed his arms. “Things just…happened. We met when I was at a low point and he listened to me. He didn’t brush me off or tell me it was my fault even though we just met. It was nice talking to him and we exchanged contacts.” Wonpil nibbled on his bottom lip. “I couldn’t stop talking to him and it was the only thing I looked forward to throughout the week so when he asked me on a date-” 

“Wait,” Dowoon interjected as he held out a hand. “He—Mister Park Sungjin—was the one who asked you out on a date?” 

Wonpil glared at Dowoon, catching what he was insinuating. 

“Yes,” Wonpil gritted his teeth. “He was the one who asked me, thank you very much!” 

Dowoon was silent for a moment before speaking. “So you finally learned black magic?”

Wonpil punched his shoulder and Dowoon dramatically clutched his arm. "Argh! Hyung! That hurt!"

"Then stop being a little shit," Wonpil snarled.

"Fine, asshole," Dowoon grumbled. He gently massaged his shoulder and tilted his head. “So how did you-know-who take it?”

“What is he? Voldemort?” Wonpil rolled his eyes.

Dowoon grinned mischievously. “He might as well be, no?”

Wonpil finally cracked a smile and chuckled softly. “Yeah…he’s still a psycho but he hasn’t really tried anything since he found out.”

“That’s good,” Dowoon said with a nod. “I still can’t believe that out of the two of us, you were the first to get a boyfriend again. What am I doing wrong?”

Wonpil blinked. “You have me bail you out anytime you’re in a conversation.”

Dowoon gasped in fake offense. “I’m a shy boy. You know that!”

Wonpil sighed, patting his head reassuringly, “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll find someone who loves your shy boy antics.”

“I hope he has deep pockets.” Wonpil snorted. He'd be just fine. “Shouldn’t you get going now?” Dowoon asked. 

Wonpil looked at the time, Sungjin’s class would be ending soon.

While Wonpil didn’t want to throw himself further into the wolf den, he couldn’t really save himself no matter what. He was sure everyone was already talking due to their stunt earlier so if he were to just call things off, he would be forced back with Junseo and the hate would only triple. 

He truly was between a rock and a hard place. 

“I should…come with me,” Wonpil begged as he grabbed his book bag.

Dowoon made no such move. “I can’t.”

“Come on, Woonie, please?”

Dowoon shook his head as he stood up. “Sorry, hyung, but I have to go grovel at my drum professor's feet again for breaking another pair of drumsticks.” Dowoon sighed, grabbing his bag, “The pains of being a drumming major.”

Wonpil whined but he and Dowoon parted ways shortly after. 

As he walked to Sungjin’s classroom, he swore people were watching him and whispering. He internally cried. What had he switched majors for if this was just going to keep happening?

Why couldn’t he have just worn the orange turtleneck and gone to class?

This was all that bastard Junseo's fault. If it weren't for him, he never would have gotten himself into this mess.

Wonpil arrived at Sungjn’s class right as everyone started coming out. He gripped his backpack straps, quickly looking around for Sungjin. 

He accidentally made eye contact with his classmates who looked at him before whispering to one another which only fed his anxiety. He briefly wondered what music major's insults sounded like after the hell that was modeling mocking.

By the time Wonpil spotted his—fake—boyfriend, he felt like hurling from all the attention. He quickly made his way over to Sungjin who smiled and waved at him when he saw him.

He saw Sungjin discreetly looking for Junseo, but far greater matters were at hand for him to linger on it.

“Hey, Wonpil-ah,” Sungjin said, glancing behind him. “Didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

“I need to talk to you."

Sungjin hummed and nodded. “Sure, what’s up?”

Wonpil peered to the side as two of Sungjin’s classmates walked past, looking at them before whispering to one another.

Wonpil flushed.

“Hyung,” Wonpil whispered, all too aware of the eyes and ears on him. “Why didn’t you tell me you were popular and everyone would want to kill me for dating you?”

Sungjin looked at him blankly. “I’m sorry, what?”

Wonpil bit his lip, peering over his shoulder where a group of girls were looking at him and talking. Once they saw him looking, they turned away but Wonpil just knew they were still talking about him. After Junseo, he'd developed a sixth sense about it.

Sungjin followed his gaze. "Do you know them?"

"No." Wonpil licked his lips and wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. "This is what it's like dating someone popular—I don't want to do it again especially when we're not—"

“Sungjin-ssi!” 

The duo turned to see a girl walking out of the classroom. 

“Oh, hello Ae-cha,” Sungjin greeted.

“Can I talk to you?”

Sungjin rubbed the back of his neck. "I’m sorry, but I have to talk to—"

“I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed working with you on our project and I was hoping we could go on a date! We have so much chemistry together—"

“Sorry, if I gave you that impression but I didn't mean to,” Sungjin said, holding up a hand. “I don’t feel the same and would appreciate it if you never bring this up again, especially in front of my boyfriend." Sungjin suddenly grabbed his hand. "Have a nice day.”

Before Wonpil had a chance to register what happened, Sungjin pulled him along. Did that happen often? His response had been like an automated voicemail! Why didn't Sungjin tell him!?

His stomach painfully twisted as they walked toward the courtyard. If people were willing to confess to his—fake—boyfriend in front of him, then what would they do to him without Sungjin around?

Wonpil dug his heels into the ground and yanked his hand out of Sungjin's. He glared at the older male who turned back to look at him with a confused look.

"You know, from the moment you agreed to this I knew you were too good to be true. Is this fun for you? I told you that I got bullied out of my major for dating my ex and then you- you…" Wonpil felt his cheeks grow hot as tears welled in the corner of his eyes. "I thought you were a nice guy. I can't believe how stupid I was."

Wonpil sniffled as he covered his face. He wouldn't give that psycho the satisfaction.

"Hey, hey," Sungjin whispered. "I don't- I don't understand really what's happening, but I do know that I don't want you to cry because of me. Come on, we promised to talk things through, and you even signed a contract, so that's what we're going to do. What about lunch? What do you want to eat? Please don't cry anymore, Pil-ah. Can I hug you at least?"

Wonpil wiped his tears away and found Sungjin with his eyebrows creased and a frantic look on his face. Heat pooled in his cheeks as he realized he was making a scene in public and he wanted to disappear all over again. Plus, Sungjin had a point—several of them.

"Okay," he whispered. He looked down at the ground. "I don't want to be here or let anyone see me. I'm a mess."

"What about kbbq? There's a place nearby that Kangbra wouldn't shut up about, but we'll have to run if we want to catch their lunch discount. Is that fine?"

While he usually would drag his feet at the notion of having to run, he wanted to do nothing more than run away.

"Yeah, that's fine."

"Okay, just follow me."

Wonpil did as told and when they arrived at the bus stop, he didn’t even get the chance to catch his breath as they barely caught the bus. Wonpil flashed his student card before collapsing into a seat, Sungjin plopping down next to him. 

Wonpil gasped for breath as Sungjin wordlessly dug into his backpack and held out a half-empty water bottle. "Here."

Wonpil’s trembling hand snatched the bottle and he nearly drowned himself. 

The bus arrived at a red light when Wonpil finished the bottle. Sungjin glanced at him for the nth time before biting his bottom lip and playing with the end of his shirt.

“You don’t mind kbbq, right?” He awkwardly asked.

Wonpil turned to look at Sungjin rather tiredly. All the whirlwind of emotions that had plagued him felt like a distant memory as his heart pounded from the running. Now all he wanted to do was nap until all his problems disappeared.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He whispered.

Sungjin chuckled nervously. “I did? I was double-checking. Ah, you're not like vegetarian or anything, right?”

“Not the food,” he groaned.“Why didn’t you tell me you were this popular, lusted-after heartthrob of the music department? Especially after what I told you.”

Sungjin pursed his lips before sighing. "I've always made it clear I don't want to date, but everyone pestered me about it, even my friends…but you were different—you didn't know me at all." He looked down at his fingers and started playing with them. "I haven't made a friend in years, and I reject everyone, so I figured I wasn't exactly popular."

“My best friend is convinced I performed black magic to get you to be my boyfriend," Wonpil grumbled.

Sungjin scratched his cheek. “I don't care about being popular—I don't even consider myself as such, but—like you said—I should have taken into consideration your past especially when I learned about you having to switch majors. I also should have elaborated more on my dating stance since the confessions also played a part in my reasoning. I don't want to cause you more pain or make you relive what you went through again." Sungjin finally looked at him and clenched his fists on his lap. “Is there anything I can do?”

Wonpil sighed as he ruffled the back of his hair. "No, no, I should have asked a bit more about why you didn't want to date. Look, I honestly don't know if this is going to work." His heart started to pound as he stared at his lap. He had really clicked with Sungjin and he was already growing attached to him. He still wanted to be around him but he was the only one who could look out for himself. "I've been down this road before, and I hated it. Aside from the constant feeling of being watched and being talked about, it was also the countless parties and social events I was dragged to just to stand in a corner. I can't—I won't go through that again. We're not even…"

Wonpil curled his lips in and dug his teeth into them.

Sungjin hummed. "I understand all of that and I won't force you to do anything you don't want to, but I am worried about you. Your ex wasn't exactly the only person who saw that and I've been telling people you were my boyfriend since they kept asking. I don't know the social ins and outs but…"

Wonpil groaned as he covered his face with his hands. Right, they'd flaunted their—fake—relationship to everyone. Now if they suddenly broke up, he'd still get hate since Sungjin hadn't dated and when he did, he ended things immediately.

"I'm not a social guy, Wonpil-ah. You're the first friend I've made since my first year here, so I can at least promise not to drag you to social events. And for the bullying, let me know immediately and I'll deal with them. I'm close to most of the music professors, and I know they wouldn't tolerate that behavior." He paused for a moment before continuing. “We may be fake boyfriends but I don’t want you to get harassed because of me. I’ll do everything in my power to protect you. Even if it means making big displays of skinship or publicly making a big scene at anyone messing with you. And if you want to call it quits now, then I'd still like to remain friends. You're fun to be around.”

Wonpil let his hands fall away and looked at Sungjin. He stared at him with a worried look on his face and his knuckles were turning white from how hard he held the end of his shirt.

And Wonpil could see how honest the other was.

He smiled and tilted his head slightly. "You're seriously a nice guy, aren't you, hyung?"

Sungjin nervously shrunk. “I try my best.” 

Wonpil sighed. Well, now he felt like a jerk for losing it on him earlier. And now that he thought about it, all relationships had problems, real or fake. Of course, it was only fair that Sungjin had his own baggage that he'd have to help deal with in return.

Wonpil slapped his thighs before sitting back up. “Alright.” 

“Alright?” 

Wonpil put on his best grin. “I’ll be your crush repellent.” Wonpil brought up his hand to his forehead in a salute.“I solemnly swear to keep the girls, boys, and theys away from you so you may graduate as the single unbothered bachelor of your dreams.” He shrunk slightly as he nibbled on his bottom lip. "Also, I'd like to apologize for everything I said back there. I was lashing out, and you didn't deserve any of that."

Sungjin chuckled and gently bumped their shoulders together. “Thanks, Wonpil-ah.” 

He eased up for the first time since he found out who Sungjin really was and turned to watch the passing world. “So what’s up with this kbbq place?”

“Honey, you’ll never guess what Dowoonie did after!” 

“What did he do, sweetie?” Sungjin snickered as Wonpil pretended to act all flustered at the nickname. Those damn acting classes didn't transfer over, so he was going to put them to work to get his money's worth.“You’re so cute, sweetie,” Sungjin cooed flipping the meat as their server stormed off, glaring at Wonpil on his way.

As soon as he went away, Wonpil giggled mischievously. “You should’ve seen the look on his face.” Wonpil mimicked his foul look before giggling as Sungjin laughed at his antics. 

“You’re enjoying your role quite a bit, aren’t you?” 

Wonpil nodded eagerly, smirking. “It feels so good, it’s like I have the last candy that everyone wants but only I can have it. It’s funny especially because it’s not true.” 

Sungjin hummed, placing a few of the cooked pieces on Wonpil’s plate. “That’s a bit sadistic, isn’t it?”

“Is it?” Wonpil asked, innocently batting his eyelashes at Sungjin who just rolled his eyes but the smile on his lips gave away his real emotions. 

“You’re a menace, Pil-ah.” 

Wonpil beamed at the nickname. He perked up after blowing on a piece of meat and chewing it. He quickly swallowed, looking back at Sungjin. 

“Mm, that reminds me. Are ‘honey’ and ‘sweetie’ going to be our default nicknames?”

Sungjin glanced at him, setting down another piece of meat, “Yeah, anything else will take out larger chunks of my life force.”

“You’re so cute.” 

Sungjin glared at Wonpil who giggled and swung his legs happily. "Sorry, it's just too easy to mess with you." Wonpil sighed. "I'll stop now." 

“Thank you.” 

Wonpil made a wrap and handed it to Sungjin who looked at him with an arched eyebrow and slightly scrunched-up nose. He huffed and raised it slightly.

“Don't be like that, I'm not trying to feed you. Take it with your hand, ya goof. You’ve been giving me all the meat and you haven’t eaten a thing yet.” 

Wonpil waved the wrap slightly and Sungjin's eye lingered on it for a second too long before taking it from his hand. 

“Thank you…” 

Wonpil nodded and turned his attention back to making his own wrap. He had a feeling that Sungjin was like a cat and wouldn’t eat it if he was looking at him. After all, earlier he took small bites from the sandwich.

“Are you going to the cafe later?” Wonpil asked. 

“Surprisingly yes.” 

“Surprisingly?”

Wonpil looked up at him, shoving his wrap into his mouth as Sungjin focused on the meat. 

“Usually I’m booked with homework and projects so I can only play once or twice a week at the shop but this will be my third performance of the week.” 

Wonpil hummed, swallowing his wrap. 

“I’ll look forward to it. You have such a nice voice.”

Sungjin chuckled. “Thanks. I’m taking part in the festival next week. You should come to see me perform.”

Wonpil nodded. “Of course. What should I bring as your supportive boyfriend? Glow sticks? Lights? Cover myself in body paint?”

Sungjin snorted and dropped the piece he was flipping. “No, nothing like that. You just have to bring yourself. I’m sure that’ll be enough for my alleged fangirls and fanboys.”

Wonpil pouted. “Darn, and here I was planning on making a shirt with your face on it and painting my torso with your name so when you come out I scream, cheer, and flash you.” 

“Please don’t do that.”

Wonpil's face grew hot as he quickly picked up his water. "It was a joke, hyung."

"Oh." Sungjin chuckled nervously, “You’re an interesting one, Mister Kim Wonpil.”

Wonpil beamed. “I’m glad.”

The rest of their lunch date passed smoothly. Wonpil and Sungjin both got to know each other better—turned out they both enjoyed spontaneously taking trips with nowhere in mind—and they decided to practice their couple act whenever their server came. 

“I would—one hundred percent—rather crowd surf than throw out something of mine to the crowd," Wonpil said as he swung their hands.

“What?” Sungjin asked in disbelief.

The pair let go of their hands as they exited the restaurant. 

“I’m a pianist, if I threw out my piano people would die." Wonpil made a dramatic motion with his hands and Sungjin snickered.

“You could arrange something else,” Sungjin said and shoved his hands into his pockets. 

“Like what?" Wonpil tilted his head and tried to think of what other musicians threw. "I don’t use drumsticks so I can’t throw that and I don’t use picks either.”

Sungjin huffed. “Well, at that point just throw your shirt.” 

Wonpil gasped, holding his hands up in an ‘x’ over his chest. “Mister Park Sungjin, if you want to see me shirtless you have to make it official.” 

Sungjin scoffed and rolled his eyes as Wonpil giggled. 

“You know that wasn’t my goal.” 

Wonpil held his hands behind his back as he looked at the other. “You’re fun to tease. I like you.” 

“Maybe a real relationship would be less of a hassle than you…” Sungjin grumbled as he scratched at his hair.

Wonpil straightened up his posture and cleared his throat for his best lawyer imitation. “Sorry, but under article-”

“I know. I know," Sungjin scowled. 

Wonpil mischievously grinned and Sungjin tried to look irritated but in the end, the corner of his lips betrayed him.

They walked in pleasant silence for a bit more until Wonpil side-eyed Sungjin who seemed to radiate under the sunlight.

“Hey, hyung?”

“Yeah?” He glanced at him.

“I’m glad it was you.”

Sungjin's eyebrows went up. “Suddenly?”

Wonpil looked down at the ground as he walked. “I just…I don’t think anyone would have agreed like you did. And if they did.” He looked up at Sungjin and smiled. “I don’t think they would have managed to convince me to date them, again after that little freak-out. Plus, I wouldn't have as much fun as I'm having with you right now.”

Sungjin beamed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I’m glad I was the one you chose too. I don’t think many people could handle you.” He chuckled and Wonpil joined him.

“You’re such a tsundere,” he murmured.

“Yeah, well, what’re you going to do?” Sungjin teased.

“Smother you with my irresistible love.” Wonpil cupped his face and batted his eyelashes at Sungjin who shook his head.

“If you wanted to kill me, you could’ve just said so.”

Wonpil laughed and happily laced his hands behind his head as they walked. “Man, I can’t believe my insane plan is what got us to meet and become friends.

“Me either,” Sungjin said, glancing at him. “Although, in some odd way, it’s rather fitting that that’s how we met in a way.” 

“Aw, what’s this? You’re being sappy, honey~” Wonpil cooed.

Sungjin gagged and Wonpil giggled.

Once they arrived at the bus stop, Sungjin turned to look at Wonpil. 

“This is where we’ll part then. I’m heading to the library nearby.” 

Wonpil hummed. “Sounds good, I have to go back to my apartment. I have some chores to do.”

Sungjin nodded and glanced down the street where the bus was heading towards them. “I’ll see you later then. I'll also walk you home, so don't worry.” 

Wonpil smiled as he realized he'd see him at the cafe again. “Can’t wait. Can I request a song?”

Sungjin arched an eyebrow. “Depends.”

Wonpil fiddled with his back bag's straps. “Well, I don’t have a song name or anything specific like that. I just, I really like the sound of the guitar with your voice. If I could so humbly request, I would like to hear a song with a lot of guitar strumming matched with your voice.”

Sungjin rubbed his chin as though in deep thought as the bus pulled up. “That, I can do.”

The doors slid open and no one got out so Wonpil took a step on before looking back at his—fake—boyfriend. 

“Take care, hyungie.”

“Get home safely, Wonpil-ah.”

With one last smile, he clambered onto the bus and eagerly looked out the window once he took a seat. He caught Sungjin's gaze as the bus pulled away and he waved at the older who waved back until he was out of view.

Wonpil happily hummed to himself as he sat back in his seat. Somehow Sungjin knew exactly how to put him at ease.

He liked it.

Chapter Text

“What are you doing here?”

Wonpil tiredly turned back and watched Jinyoung rub the sleep from his eyes as he entered their kitchen. He yawned and scratched the side of his back as he focused back on his breakfast.

“Um, I live here. Remember?”

“Yeah, I know that,” Jinyoung snapped. He pushed the half-naked Wonpil away from the stove. “Move, boy, I like living here and I’m not letting you set another apartment on fire trying to make eggs.”

“Please, the other one wasn’t even pinned on me.”

“Yeah, because the junkies that lived under us just so happened to start a fire minutes after you started yours.”

Wonpil huffed but let Jinyoung take care of his precious scrambled eggs. 

“As I was saying, I live here. Why wouldn’t I be here?”

“Because you have a boyfriend?” 

Wonpil blinked dumbly before recalling the past couple of days. 

“Yes, I do have a boyfriend,” Wonpil confirmed, hoping he had been totally nonchalant about that. While he had been hanging out and talking with Sungjin more, it was just like having a new, close friend. “What about it? Do I have to go live with him now? It hasn’t even been that long!”

“No, you idiot. You know I can’t afford the other half of the rent,” Jinyoung grumbled as he stirred the eggs.

“I don’t get what your point is then.” Wonpil nibbled on a piece of cherry tomato he had washed earlier.

“Maybe if you put on a shirt and shorts like a civilized human being—”

Wonpil gasped. “Hey! I’ll have you know plenty of people are dying to see me like this.”

Wonpil struck a pose he had learned in his modeling major days. 

Jinyoung barely spared him a glance before scoffing. “People like who? Your boyfriend and ex don’t count.”

Wonpil tensed at the mention of his ex. He quickly went to get dressed and when he came back, he grabbed a box of cereal and sat down on the counter watching as Jinyoung plated the eggs.

“I still don’t get your point by the way,” he grumbled. 

“It’s the weekend! Why aren’t you on a date with your boyfriend? You lovey-dovey-totally-were-going-to-defile-our- couch-the-other-night-”

“For the last time, we were not going to-”

“I know what I saw.”

Wonpil huffed, shoving a handful of cereal in his mouth before sighing. “Hyungie is busy studying,” he murmured. 

He'd asked Sungjin to hang out over the weekend last night on his walk home. On the nights Sungjin didn't play at the cafe, he called him and talked to him until Wonpil let him know he had made it home safely. However, Sungjin declined his invitation, explaining that he had a test to cram for.

He always seemed to be studying, so Wonpil asked if it was for that exam, and Sungjin confirmed it. Otherwise, he would have taken him up on his offer.

“The Wonpil I know wouldn’t care and would be cuddled up next to him.”

Wonpil rolled his eyes. “Please, it's his last year and this is a really important test. I'm not that selfish, brat.”

Jinyoung shrugged and handed him his plate. “Well, since we get you for a weekend, want to tag along with me and the others to a party later?”

Wonpil hummed, taking his plate and picking up a small piece. Utensils were for the weak who wanted to wash more dishes. “You, me, Jackson, and Namjoon?”

“You know it.”

Wonpil chewed the small piece as he thought. It had been a minute since he had gone partying with his friends since Junseo hadn't liked him going out without him. And he always seemed to want to stay in or go to a different party when Wonpil's friends went out, and Wonpil had been dragged along.

He didn’t particularly see a reason to say no and he had some saved-up social energy. Besides, with his crazy past couple of days, he sure as hell didn’t mind winding down and letting loose a bit.

“Alright, when are we going?”

Wonpil chewed his bottom lip, held his ringing phone to his ear, and paced in his room. He'd texted Sungjin earlier, but the older hadn't responded. On the fourth ring, the line clicked.

"Hello?"

"Oh, hey, hyung," Wonpil said. He pinched the end of his shirt and fiddled with the fabric. "Um, I texted you earlier but you never responded."

"Sorry, my phone was buried under my notes. What's up? Is it important?"

Wonpil suddenly felt extremely nervous. He gulped and tucked a piece of his hair behind his ear. "Uh, I just- I just wanted to let you know that I was going to a party tonight." He glanced at his clock. "I'll be getting ready in a bit, actually."

The line went quiet and his stomach started to twist into knots. Was he mad? Did he not want him to go? Should he just stay home?

"Okay? Have fun." There was a slight shuffle on the other line. "Was, was that all you wanted to talk about?"

Wonpil blinked and slowly his cheeks grew hot. What was he doing? Why was he asking permission from Sungjin? They weren't even dating!

His mind spun as he dumbly sat on the edge of his bed. "What? No!" He awkwardly laughed and squinted as he tried to think of something. "I, uh, Junseo." He sat up straight. "He might be there, and I was just, uh, worried that he'd try something so you know…if I call later so you could, um, say something?"

There was another moment of silence and Wonpil wanted to throw his phone out his window. He never should have called.

"Oh. Sure. Should I pick up any future calls tonight with like a pet name?"

Wonpil nibbled his lip and hesitantly nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, that sounds good." Sungjin sighed and Wonpil wiped his clammy palm on his pants. "I'm sorry for bothering your studying. That was all. Bye. Good luck with studying."

"Huh? Oh—"

Wonpil ended the call and dropped his phone as though it had burned him. He groaned and fell against his bed.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid!

A drink.

He needed a drink.

"Jinyoung!" He shouted as he sat back up. "Make me a drink!"

"What am I a 50s housewife!?" Jinyoung screamed from his room. A moment later Wonpil heard his roommate's door swing open. "What do you want? Tequila? Vodka? Rum?"

Wonpil forced himself to smile as he got up and ignored his phone. "Surprise me!"

With Jinyoung's concoction in hand, he got ready and by the time he'd finished it, someone banged energetically on their front door and Wonpil swung the door open with a tipsy grin.

“Wonpil!” Jackson smothered him in a hug. “I can’t believe you’re able to join us! I also heard about your new boyfriend!”

Wonpil blushed, hugging Jackson back before letting go. “Yeah, well, hyung is busy studying for a test. He told me to have fun.”

“Sungjin-hyung, right?” Namjoon questioned.

Wonpil nodded as Jackson gasped. “Really!? You got that cold-hearted senior to fold?! Oh, we’re partying for sure!”

Wonpil giggled nervously, trying to recall the nearest hospitals in case he needed to get his stomach pumped in a few hours.

“Dude, you’ll never believe what they were doing-”

“We were not!” Wonpil screamed as he shoved Jinyoung who dodged him and continued to embarrass him.

Wonpil was a blushing mess by the time they arrived at the party Jackson had selected. Which surprisingly wasn’t one he was hosting or helped throw together. However, Wonpil did recall that his last one made his landlord scold him and he nearly got evicted.

He also recalled that his contract was ending in two weeks and that Jackson would probably be going back to his regularly scheduled parties after that.

“Alright, huddle up team,” Jackson said as they stood on the same floor as the party.

Wonpil squeezed between Namjoon and Jinyoung as Jackson slung his arms over Namjoon’s and Jinyoung’s necks which were met with protests that Jackson ignored as he hugged them tighter.

“Alright, boys,” Jackson said. “I’ll be honest, this party is going to be ass. The game plan is to pre-game as much as we can before we dip to another one. I have five lined up that we can choose from, got that? We’re only here for drinks and to celebrate Wonpil’s new boyfriend. As such, no shacking up and nothing past flirting, save it all for the other parties.”

Wonpil flushed, his heart racing slightly.

He was awful with his alcohol—his friends had witnessed it more than he’d like to admit—and he was nervous that he would become too flirtatious. His friends all thought he was dating someone but he knew better. When he was actually in a relationship, his drunk self still knew the lines not to cross but he wasn’t sure how he would fare in his new situation.

He was technically supposed to be in his reckless rebound stage from the breakup.

What if he accidentally started making out with someone?

His friends would quite literally rip him apart.

“Yo, Wonpil, you good?” Jackson asked.

Wonpil looked up to see his friends were a few steps away from him and were looking back at him. He quickly put on a fake smile.

“Yeah, just…trying to remember if I ever told hyungie about my awful alcohol tolerance.”

“Come on,” Namjoon said, smiling slightly. “Tell your boyfriend not to worry, we’re here for you. Plus, we’ll make sure you don’t call him crying and telling him how much you love him.”

“Yeah! No friend of mine is ever saying the l-word so early in a relationship!”

“I’m more worried about you calling him to meet you in a storage closet…”

Wonpil glared at Jinyoung who laughed.

Wonpil shook his head, right! He was worrying over nothing! He just had to make sure not to drink too much and he’d be fine! Totally fine!

“I’m sorry,” Wonpil murmured. “I have a boyfriend.”

Wonpil pushed back the guy he had been dancing with, stumbling past the other bodies as lights flashed. His head hammered as he tried to recall why he had said that. He blinked quickly as a flashing light hit him right in the eye.

He squinted, looking around, had he come here with his friends or…was this party three or party four?

Wonpil groaned, passing by the drinks table, his mouth suddenly felt parched. His heart hammered alongside the blasting music.

Where was Junseo?

Wait, no, where was the guy he'd been dancing with?

He grabbed one of the cups, pouring himself some of the punch before he took several large gulps. Once he'd quenched his throat he stumbled back to search for his friends. He was feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything and wanted to go home. He really hoped Junseo didn't want to have sex, he just wanted to go to bed once home.

As he weaved through the crowd, he wondered how he got there. He could just remember flashing lights, loud music, maybe a car ride, and then he was dancing with some guy. He had stopped because Sungjin was his fake boyfriend.

Home.

He wanted to go home.

He didn't want to have sex tonight.

He smiled when he saw the familiar head of hair on the couch. He quickly made his way over when he suddenly felt like he had been hit like a drum. He dropped the last bits of his drink as he saw Junseo sitting on the couch with a guy and a girl sitting on his lap as he made out with them.

Wonpil’s heart felt like he had been stabbed as he stumbled back, his patchy memories coming back to him.

His eyes welled with tears as he turned around, quickly looking for his friends. Why had he even thought that he had come with Junseo? What were the odds that he ran into his ex at a party?

Stupid tears ran down his face as he was squished between bodies. He looked around blindly, not spotting the giant that was Namjoon, the dancing machine that was Jinyoung, or the life of the party that was Jackson.

His mind showed him the image of his ex once more as Wonpil’s skin crawled. He felt like he could see things clearly once again.

Everything was too bright and too loud and too hot and too much.

Trembling, Wonpil made his way out of the living room.

Where were his friends?

With trembling fingers, Wonpil pulled out his phone, dialing Namjoon only to get no answer. He tried Jinyoung and Jackson but neither of them picked up either.

Wonpil began to breathe harder as more tears fell.

Where was he?

How did he get there?

Why couldn’t he find his friends?

Wonpil’s brows furrowed as his eyes focused on a newer contact as he went to try and call Jinyoung again.

Honey bear.

“Hey, sweet cheeks.” Wonpil snapped his head to see an unfamiliar guy smirking at him. “Hey, hey, what’s wrong? Why don’t you let me show you a good time?”

Wonpil felt like throwing up as he took a step back.

No. No. No.

Sungjin.

Where was Sungjin?

"Leave me alone," he breathed. Tears stung the corners of his eyes as his heart pounded. "Don't touch me!"

He shoved past the man and ran into the bathroom, ignoring the line of people. He locked the door as people started pounding and screaming at him, but he didn't care.

His hands shook as he pulled up Sungjin's contact, his vision blurry with tears as he couldn't remember how to breathe.

He let out a soft sob as his legs gave out and he collapsed next to the bathtub. It was too loud. He wanted to go home.

He cried as he held the phone up to his ear. He squeezed his eyes shut and prayed that Sungjin picked up.

He was drunk, he knew he was. There was no way he was going to be able to figure out how to get home or even where he was. Hell, he was still trying to figure out how he got from the first party to his current spot. He knew for a fact they weren’t the same place, but that was all he knew.

He gasped for breath as he hugged himself listening to every ring of the phone.

Where was he?

Where were his friends?

Why wasn't Sungjin picking up?

His thoughts felt scrambled and he held his breath in fear when the phone clicked. If he let out the breath then maybe Sungjin could disappear.

“Hello? Sweetie?”

Wonpil wailed. 

“Wonpil? What’s wrong?”

Wonpil shook as he clutched the fabric of his pants. “Hyung, I don’t…I don't know where I am,” Wonpil whimpered. "Help." He cried out louder when someone kicked the door. He clutched his chest as he started to hyperventilate. "Help me!"

“Wonpil-ah, please try and calm down. Where are you?”

Wonpil cursed as he tugged at his hair painfully. “I don’t know where I am! Or where my friends are! I’m scared…” Wonpil sniffled. “I don’t know how I ended up here.”

“What do you mean you don't know? Were you drugged?” Sungjin’s panicked voice mixed with rustling.

Wonpil bawled as he shook his head. “No. I don't know. I’m at some party. I don’t know where. I’m scared, hyung. I can’t find my friends. I don’t- I don't know where I am and the people outside want to hurt me. Please come quick.”

Wonpil whimpered as he heard what sounded like wind on the other line. "Wonpil-ah, stay where you’re at. I’m coming to pick you up.”

“Don’t hang up!” Wonpil cried out, tears falling even quicker. Hearing Sungjin’s voice made him feel safer. He wasn’t alone. “Please don’t leave me alone.”

“How much percentage does your phone have?”

Sungjin’s voice sounded a bit winded and it sounded like he was running.

Wonpil’s trembling hand pulled his phone away, squinting at the percentage. “Seventy-four?”

He put his phone back to his ear, hugging his legs.

“Okay. I’m on my way. Don’t hang up, okay?”

“Okay,” Wonpil whispered, his bottom lip trembling as he tried to ignore the pounding on the door. "It's scary, hyung."

"I'm here. Just focus on me."

Wonpil nodded even though the other could see. He heard a car door close and Sungjin's distant voice giving directions for an area he wasn't familiar with.

“It’s going to be okay, Wonpil-ah. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Wonpil heard the other line stir slightly and Sungjin spoke again, only this time it was a bit fainter. “I’m sorry, but could you go a little faster?”

Wonpil sniffled.

The line made a little noise again before Sungjin spoke again. “I’ll be there in like four minutes. Do you know in which apartment room you’re in?”

“No,” Wonpil whispered softly. “I don’t remember anything.”

“Okay…are you safe from those who want to hurt you?”

Wonpil glanced at the faint colorful lights coming from under the bathroom door. “I’m in a bathroom. They're outside.”

“Good. Stay there. I’ll find you, I promise.”

Wonpil shuffled a bit as he tiredly rested his head against the top of his knee. “It’s too loud here.”

“Are you okay?”

“No.” Wonpil shook his head as more tears fell. “It’s too much. Everything is…I want to go home. I don't- I don't want to have sex.”

There was a moment of silence before Sungjin's muffled voice told the guy he'd pay him more if he went faster. And then he was back on the line clearly.

“Don't open the door until I get there. I’ll take you home. For now, cover your other ear, okay?”

Wonpil did as told, pressing his phone against one and his hand against the other. The blasting music became a bit muffled. He found himself listening to Sungjin’s evening breathing and the sound of the car driving.

He heard as Sungjin thanked the driver and asked him if he could stay a little bit and that he would be right out. He heard the car door close and the sounds of Sungjin running up the steps.

“I’m at the building. I’m almost there.”

Wonpil sniffled. “Should I go outside?”

“No,” Sungjin said immediately. “I’ll find the room that’s blasting music and the bathroom. Don't open the door for anyone else.”

Wonpil nodded, deciding that it would be safer to stay put as he had a habit of getting lost at parties. Maybe that’s what got him into his current situation.

He heard Sungjin’s quick breathing, “I hear music. I think you’re on the second floor.”

Wonpil blinked, not fully recalling anything about how he got there.

Sungjin’s line became very distorted as the sound of music filled his line. Wonpil groaned, letting go of his knees as Sungjin’s line suddenly cut out.

“Hyung?” Wonpil whimpered softly.

The phone just showed him Sungjin’s contact.

Wonpil covered his ears, closing his eyes as hugged himself. Sungjin was almost there. He would find him. He just had to stay put.

Wonpil tried to steady his breathing as he tried to fill in the blank spot in his memory to no avail. His mind stubbornly took him back to seeing his ex.

Wonpil squeezed his ears as he cried softly.

There was a loud knock on the door, making the door tremble slightly.

“Wonpil-ah!?” A muffled shout rang out, partially drowned out by the music.

Wonpil sniffled as he let go of one of his ears, flinching as the music made his eardrums buzz, he got up on shaky legs and unlocked the door. 

The door pushed forward slightly, and Wonpil nervously peeked out from behind the door only to see a familiar pair of pretty eyes.

“Hyung!” Wonpil sobbed as he swung the door open and threw himself into Sungjin's arms.

“Wonpil-ah,” Sungjin gasped. He stumbled slightly but held him tight. “Are you okay? Did someone do something to you?”

Sungjin looked him up and down worriedly.

Wonpil sniveled as he clutched Sungjin's jacket by the fist fulls. “I want to go home. Too much. Please…”

Sungjin rubbed his back. “I’ll take us out, just stay with me, okay?”

Wonpil sniffled and nodded. Sungjin moved him to his side, carefully placing one of his hands over Wonpil’s ear and bringing Wonpil’s head down to press against his upper chest.

“Close your eyes, the lights are flashing a lot.”

Wonpil closed his eyes and gripped Sungjin’s hoodie once more before they started walking. He flinched as the music blared and the lights flashed, painting his eyelids with different colors. The heavy smell of alcohol hit him all at once and made his stomach flip.

Still, Sungjin held him close.

Wonpil was finally able to breathe and open his eyes once they were out of the apartment. Still, Sungjin didn’t stop covering his ears until they were going down in the elevator and Wonpil awkwardly pulled away.

Sungjin looked like he'd been about to go to bed in his sweatpants and hoodie. Not to mention his hair was wet and messy and the night was a bit chilly so he could get sick and it'd be all Wonpil's fault.

“Thank you,” Wonpil murmured, looking down at his feet with a red face of shame.

“I told you to call if you needed anything,” Sungjin said. He glanced at Wonpil. “Are you okay?”

Wonpil wanted to nod and say yes but his tears betrayed him as he shook his head. He covered his face with his hands as he sobbed.

Sungjin let out a little sigh as the doors slid open, he gently touched his elbow. “I have a taxi waiting to take us back. Just follow me, it’s going to be okay.”

Wonpil cried as Sungjin led him to safety. He felt as he stepped out into the cool night, his arms chilling as his outfit wasn’t made to withstand the cold. 

Sungjin let go of his elbow and Wonpil heard the taxi door open.

“Come on, let’s go home.”

Wonpil sniffled as he shuffled into the car and Sungjin slid in behind him. “Here,” Sungjin said softly, handing him his hoodie. “You’re trembling.”

Wonpil wordlessly slipped it on, warmth encasing his chilled body.

The car ride was silent as Wonpil silently wept. He pulled the hood of Sungjin’s hoodie down to try and hide his face.

“Could you drop us off here? Thank you.”

Wonpil blinked, wiping his tears as he looked around, trying to figure out where they were. Sungjin opened the door after paying the driver and he held out his hand for Wonpil with a light smile on his lips.

“Come on, let’s eat something real quick.”

Wonpil hesitantly nodded when he realized just how hungry he was. Sungjin held his hand as he led him to a restaurant that was still open. 

When they sat down, Sungjin ordered for them, he ordered dried pollock soup and tteokbokki along with water. All Wonpil could do was stare down at his lap as he played with his fingers.

"So did your friends just leave you?"

He looked up as Sungjin sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

“I don’t know." He whispered. He squirmed when Sungjin fixed his gaze upon him. "They wouldn’t pick up and-”

Wonpil got cut off by his phone ringing. Speak of the devil. He fished out his phone and squinted at the contact name before it focused.

“It’s Jinyoung.”

Sungjin gestured for him to pick up and Wonpil quickly held up his phone to his ear.

“Wonpilie, hurry up. What’d you do? Die in there? Hurry out of the bathroom already.”

Wonpil flushed, had his friends seen him go into the bathroom? Had they been there the whole time and he wasted Sungjin’s time for no reason?

“What do you mean?” Wonpil squeaked. “Where are you guys?”

“Waiting for you? We’re at Hoseok’s party, remember?”

Wonpil frowned. He had hung out at Hoseok’s apartment a few times before but that was not his place. Plus, he lived in college town and that wasn't where he'd been.

“What do you mean? I don't know where I was but it wasn't in college town. I couldn’t find you guys.”

“Huh? You mean party three? Dude, we literally left there like an hour ago with you.”

Wonpil frowned. “What? I’m with Sungjin-hyung right now. He picked me up.”

“What? You’re in the bathroom, though?”

Wonpil frowned, blinking as he looked at Sungjin.

“I’m with hyung,” Wonpil reached out over the table, poking Sungjin’s cheek. “Yeah, he’s real and all. I’m wearing his hoodie too,” Wonpil said, looking down at the slightly oversized hoodie.

“Just how drunk are you?”

Wonpil flushed. “I’m drunk but I’m not wasted. I know what I’m talking about…I think…” Wonpil looked at Sungjin, squinting slightly. “You’re real, right?”

“Mind if I talk to him?” Sungjin questioned, watching Wonpil’s drunken conversation.

Wonpil nodded. “I’m giving you to hyung. See, I’m not crazy.”

Sungjin took the phone and spoke. “Hi, Jinyoung, right?... Yeah, he was there, I picked him up and I’m going to get him to eat something before taking him home…Yes, I’m sure this is Wonpil… I have no clue who you’re with but that’s not Wonpil. He’s with me… You do that, I’m sure Wonpil won’t be happy in the morning… I would say maybe half an hour?... I still have to finish studying so I can’t… Yeah, I can do that. Alright, I’ll let him know. Goodbye.”

Sungjin handed his phone back and Wonpil stared at him in confusion.

“So, apparently, your friends found a guy who they swear looks exactly like you at the party you were at so when they switched parties, they brought him along instead of you by accident. Once we finish eating, I’ll take you home and stay with you until your roommate arrives. You okay with that?”

“I’m sorry,” Wonpil whispered.

“For what?”

“You’re supposed to be studying and I…you shouldn’t be here with me.”

“What kind of boyfriend would I be if I left my boyfriend in a dangerous scenario?”

Wonpil flushed, guilt eating at him as he looked down. “But we’re not…well, you know…”

“Fake or not,” Sungjin said. “You’re my friend. Your safety is more important than some test.”

Wonpil sniffled, tears gathering in his eyes once again. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay so don't cry.”

Wonpil shook his head. “It’s not.” He wiped his tears as his vision blurred. “I forgot…I don’t know how. I didn’t…and then I said I had a boyfriend and honey bear was you and- and,” Wonpil sniffled. “I thought I was still dating Junseo. I’m sorry.” Wonpil swiped at his tears. “You were the one to come to my aid and I had forgotten about us…I’m awful.”

“You don’t have anything to be sorry about,” Sungjin said. “Our situation is unique so I don’t blame you for forgetting it especially when you’re drunk. You’re also clearly not over your ex so I can see how you wound up thinking you two were still together. Honestly, it’s okay. So long as you're okay, that's all that matters.” Sungjin fiddled with his fingers. "No one- nothing happened, right? Because on your call…"

Wonpil shook his head. "I danced with one guy but told him I had a boyfriend but then another tried to pick me up but I shoved past him. And then you came. Thank you again, hyung."

Sungjin smiled. "Of course. Anytime."

Wonpil rubbed at his forming headache while Sungjin sat there, offering his silent comfort.

By the time their food came out, Wonpil’s eyes were swollen and he wanted nothing more than to curl up in his bed and sleep until the end of time. However, Sungjin handed him his spoon and told him to eat so who was he to say no?

He blew on his soup, eating small bits of it but his mind kept wandering back to earlier that night.

“Hyung?” Wonpil said softly.

“Yeah?”

“Why can’t I get over him?”

“You two were together for a long time. Getting rid of those feelings won’t happen overnight.”

Wonpil stirred his soup, staring at the bits bobbing up in the broth. “I saw him there. At the party.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Do you mind?”

“No. I’m here for you.”

Wonpil gloomily stirred his soup. “He was sitting on a couch making out with a guy and girl…that’s when I remembered we weren’t dating anymore. My heart…it felt like I had been stabbed, but I also...” He shifted uncomfortably. "I didn't want to…" The words got stuck in his throat and he gulped. "I'm sorry, I can't."

“It's okay, only talk about what you're comfortable with," Sungjin said. "And I’m sorry you had to see that. Do you want to talk about it more?”

Wonpil shook his head. “I just…I don’t understand.”

“What don’t you understand?”

Wonpil looked up at Sungjin as he couldn't keep himself from frowning—like he'd never be able to smile again.

“Why wasn’t I good enough for him? Was I not fun to talk with? Was I not good in bed? Was I not cute enough?” Wonpil clutched his fists. “Am I just not good enough?”

“None of that is true,” Sungjin said, setting down his chopsticks, a stern look on his face. “This breakup wasn’t your fault, and nothing could have changed the outcome. He overstepped a boundary you didn’t like so you ended things. It’s not that you weren’t good enough it was that he wasn’t enough. You thought he was the one for you but then he showed a side of himself that you didn’t like and that made you realize that he wasn’t everything you wanted and needed in a boyfriend. What he did was unforgivable, but you made the right choice. Had you chosen to stay with him, you would still be with him but still asking yourself these questions and feeling just as miserable.” Sungjin sighed, running a hand through his hair before looking Wonpil dead in his eyes. “You’re good enough, you’re more than good enough, Wonpil. You’re fun to talk to and be around. We haven't been in each other's lives for long, but I can't imagine it without you already.”

Wonpil blinked, his heart hammering slightly. “Am I cute?”

“You are," Sungjin murmured. "Very."

Wonpil smiled gently. “Am I good in bed?”

Sungjin's brows scrunched up. “Alright, now you’re-”

Wonpil giggled. “You're always fun to tease. Thanks, hyung.” He let out a steady breath as his chest felt lighter by at least ten pounds. “I needed that. Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

Wonpil ate a bit more of his soup before perking up. “Say, hyung?”

“Hm?”

“How’d you find out where I was?”

“You shared your location with me before you called.”

“I did?”

Sungjin nodded. “I was confused why you sent it without any context but like a minute or two after, you called.”

Wonpil frowned, before recalling when he'd been in a rush. “Oh, yeah, I must’ve accidentally clicked it when I lowered my phone.”

“Ah, speaking of which, Wonpil-ah.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you really okay? You sounded really scared on the phone. You know you don't need to hold up a front with me.”

Wonpil flushed, looking down at his soup. “Not really…I just, I didn’t know where I was or where my friends were. And everything was a bit too much, you know? I just had to get away from the loud music, the lights, just, everything.”

“Do you become overstimulated easily?”

Wonpil squinted as he poked a floating piece of green onion. “Kind of… My friends take turns helping me when it gets to be too much so that’s why I agreed to go out with them tonight.” He bit his lip. “My ex tried to help get me to get over it by taking me to so many parties and not letting me leave, but it didn’t really work.”

“I see. Then, are you comfortable with me? I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable but I do have to look after you until your roommate comes home.”

Wonpil nodded. “I feel comfortable with you. You’re not too much, I like the silence with you.”

Sungjin smiled slightly. “Alright. Let’s hurry up and get you back home.”

The rest of their meal passed quickly and silently.

By the time they had to head to Wonpil’s apartment, he was sleepily stumbling. Sungjin let out a soft sigh as Wonpil nearly tripped.

“Come on.”

“Huh?” Wonpil tiredly questioned, blinking slowly as he saw Sungjin crouch down slightly.

“Get on. I’ll carry you there. That way I don’t have to worry about you falling or running into traffic.”

Wonpil grinned before climbing onto Sungjin’s back and wrapping his arm around him. Sungjin held his thighs as Wonpil let out a soft sigh and rested his heavy head on Sungjin’s shoulder. He closed his eyes and felt the world of sleep already pulling him under.

Wonpil giggled as Sungjin carried him.

He never realized how good Sungjin smelled. His hoodie itself didn’t do him justice.

“I’m so lucky to have my Sunginie-hyung now,” Wonpil whispered.

Sungjin’s face flushed slightly. “What was that now?”

His only response was Wonpil’s soft breathing, signaling the other was asleep.

Sungjin let out a sigh. “That was quick.” He smiled to himself. “I guess I’m lucky to have you too, Wonpil-ah. I probably would’ve forgotten to eat or take a break before I went to bed. Thanks.”

Wonpil didn’t respond and Sungjin silently carried him home. He dug out the key Wonpil had given him earlier in the restaurant from his sweatpants pocket and hoped he didn’t drop Wonpil as he quickly unlocked his apartment door.

Once in, he locked the door and hesitantly walked to the living room. He huffed, which one was Wonpil’s room?

He hesitantly walked further into the apartment, turning to see two doors. One was blank while the other had a cute little whiteboard that read: Busy out partying!

He chuckled to himself, yeah, that had to be Wonpil’s room.

Sungjin reluctantly grabbed the handle, biting his lip since it was Wonpil’s room but…his back was starting to hurt.

He pushed the door open to reveal a slightly messy room but it was definitely Wonpil’s. He silently walked to the—unmade—bed and carefully eased Wonpil down. He let out a breath of relief when Wonpil didn’t wake up, just stirring slightly and turning to his side as he curled up slightly, Sungjin’s hoodie riding up a bit.

He would get the hoodie back at another point, he decided.

Sungjin carefully tucked Wonpil in before he went to get him a glass of water. Jinyoung had told him where the painkillers were as well as where Wonpil’s hangover crackers were.

He made sure everything was set out before he awkwardly sat down in Wonpil’s desk chair. He pulled out his phone, deciding to look over his notes while he waited for Jinyoung to appear.

At one point, Wonpil let out a groan that made Sungjin get up, but it turned out he was having a dream argument with a turtle?

Sungjin sighed in relief when he finally heard the sounds of someone trying to drunkenly figure out the front door.

He stretched slightly, heading to Wonpil’s door before taking one last glance at his sleeping—fake—boyfriend.

Huh…he was still kinda cute when he was asleep.

Chapter Text

A soft groan left Wonpil’s lips as his eyebrow twitched. His head throbbed as he slowly became conscious, a slight layer of confusion muddling his groggy thoughts.

What happened?

He twisted slightly under his blanket, his head hammering.

Right, he went out partying with his friends.

Huh.

What was that scent?

Wait-

His heart stopped for a second as his eyes shot open despite his hangover.

He let out a gasp of relief when he saw he was a) in his own room and b) fully clothed—he had somehow acquired an extra layer of clothes?—and c) in his bed alone.

Wonpil blinked as he slowly sat up, his hands tugging the ends of the hoodie away from his body as he squinted, the morning sun too hard on his eyes.

Who-

A sudden memory flashed in his mind. He was crying—on a bathroom floor? Huh, he hadn’t done that since the breakup and then there were pretty eyes.

Wonpil closed his eyes as the memories of Sungjin came crashing down. He pursed his lips, his cheeks tinging pink as he recalled how vulnerable he had been with the other.

Shit.

He opened his eyes and looked around his room to find it empty and nothing out of place. Although, he wasn’t sure if his chair had been facing that way when he left yesterday or not.

As he searched his room for any sign of his—fake—boyfriend, he spotted a glass of water and other items on his bedside table. However, his eyes flickered instead to the sticky note on top of his charging phone.

His heart pounded as he reached for it, blinking a few times before he could get his eyes to focus.

‘Take this and eat hangover soup when you wake up. Also, please don’t contact me unless it’s an emergency, I really need to study now. I’ll also be busy this week with rehearsals and such so I won't be able to see you unless it's a dire situation. Please don’t contact me unless necessary.’

Wonpil clenched his jaw.

Fuck.

He sighed, slipping out of bed and heading to the bathroom once he had downed everything.

He had friends to slaughter and a—fake—boyfriend to apologize to.

By the time Wonpil had begun to brush his teeth, he had come up with thirty-two different ways to kill his friends without getting caught. His glaring eyes softened when he saw his reflection and saw Sungjin’s hoodie.

Right.

He had given it to him in the taxi.

It was big and warm.

Wonpil shook his head as he closed his eyes.

Sungjin wasn’t his real boyfriend, so he couldn’t get attached to the hoodie and claim it as his and wear it when studying or when he missed his boyfriend.

He sighed, spitting out the toothpaste and rolling up his sleeves as he splashed water on his face.

He had to figure out how to make it up to Sungjin as soon as possible. Washing his hoodie and giving it back to him was one step, he supposed.

Lost in his thoughts, Wonpil stumbled back to his room, grabbing his shower items and a change of clothes before heading back. He spotted a groaning Jinyoung reaching for the door handle and immediately thought of number seventeen on the list, but he put off the murderous intent for a second.

“Tell me why I shouldn’t end your bloodline right here and now,” Wonpil snapped.

Jinyoung jumped and the blood immediately drained from his face. “Won- Wonpil-ah…”

“You guys just left me at some party!” Wonpil shouted. “My boyfriend had to come to save me!”

Jinyoung flinched. “I swear he looked exactly like you!”

“You guys left me.”

“I’m so, so, sorry,” Jinyoung whimpered. “I swear we all feel terrible. But- but, look at the bright side!”

“What bright side?” Wonpil glared at the other. “I haven’t touched you yet so you’re not seeing the light as you transcend to hell.”

Jinyoung shrunk into the wall. “You- you got to be with your boyfriend! Otherwise, you wouldn’t have gotten to him until tomorrow.”

Wonpil rolled his eyes but eased up.

As much as he felt like ripping his best friend's head off, last night had turned out a lot better than he ever imagined because of Sungjin.

“Yeah, I guess that’s right.” Jinyoung smiled, but his smile quickly fell as Wonpil shoved past him and into the bathroom. “But I’m still mad at you. Have fun peeing your pants, you little shit.”

“Wait! Wait!”

Wonpil slammed the door shut, locking the door, and quickly pulled up one of his playlists, and put his phone on full volume.

Ah, sweet revenge.

“That guy looks nothing like me,” Wonpil said as he clicked off his friend's phone and carelessly tossed it onto the counter where he sat.

“For the record,” Namjoon started, “I didn’t have my glasses.”

“You were wearing contacts! Don’t try and work your way out of this!” Jackson protested.

Wonpil scoffed, “Hey, put your hands back up.”

“Sorry…”

“Was peeing my pants not enough for you?” Jinyoung groaned, his face flushing.

“Nope,” Wonpil said, popping the ‘p’ as he crossed his legs, humming as he ate his soup. “Namjoon-ah, raise those arms higher.”

Namjoon groaned, fixing his tilting arms as his legs trembled.

“Come on,” Jackson whined. “It’s already been five minutes and we bought you breakfast!”

“Oi,” Wonpil gestured to Jackson’s thighs. “They’re spread too far. Close them.”

Jinyoung laughed, but the laugh quickly turned to the sound of pain.

“Come on,” Namjoon pleaded. “How much longer do we have to wall sit? My building doesn’t have an elevator.”

“Until I feel it’s enough." Wonpil gleefully giggled.

Maybe he should switch majors again and pursue a career in politics until he climbed the ranks and became the king of the world.

“Come on,” Jinyoung whimpered. His legs shook as a thin layer of sweat coated his forehead. “I gave you enough time alone at the apartment with your boyfriend! That should count for something.”

Wonpil blinked.

“Yeah!” Jackson chimed in. “We let you have a late-night date with your boyfriend and have the apartment all to yourself so your vocal ass could really get it! Would your other friends do that? I don’t think so!”

Wonpil felt a weight in his stomach as his cheeks involuntarily grew hotter. “We didn’t.”

“Come on,” Namjoon groaned. “Any more and your neighbors will think we had some kinky ass orgy.”

“As if I’d let you guys, especially after that betrayal last night.”

“We let you have enough time to get some!” Jackson tried to plead.

“I told you guys,” Wonpil huffed and rolled his eyes. Seriously why did everything have to be about sex? Even if he and Sungjin were dating, he wouldn't have slept with him last night or anytime soon. “Sungjin-hyungie has an important test to study for.”

“You know, sex is great for mem-”

“Don’t lie, Namjoon,” Jinyoung groaned. “You’ll probably make him even more upset.”

Wonpil clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Stop talking about my intimate life already. It's weird. Now I have to figure out how to make it up to my boyfriend.”

“Ah, ah,” Jackson hissed, clenching his teeth as his legs trembled. “Come on, Wonpilie, let us go and we’ll help you figure out how to fix things with your boyfriend.”

“Please,” Wonpil scoffed, stirring his soup. “A playboy, a hopeless simp, and Jinyoung are not anywhere near the top of the list of people I would turn to for relationship help.”

“Hey!” Jinyoung protested. “What’d you say my name like that for?” The three other boys turned to look at him with a ‘really?’ look on their faces. Jinyoung huffed. “Well damn, don’t all speak at once.”

“Anyway,” Jackson said. “Namjoon has some classes with Sungjin and he knows him enough…and- and I, uh, I woo all those people somehow. I’ll give you a quick crash course to have your boyfriend at your feet in seconds, and, uh, Jinyoung…” He glanced at the other male. “He peed his pants. Isn’t that enough?”

Wonpil sighed but flicked his wrist and the three guys let out a groan of relief, falling to the floor and hissing in pain.

Wonpil rolled his eyes and took another spoonful of his soup.

“Fuck,” Jinyoung groaned, massaging his thighs. “I don’t exercise for a reason.”

“Enough about you guys.” Wonpil waved his spoon. “Hold up your end of the deal and help.”

“Okay, okay,” Namjoon groaned, massaging his thigh, “Why don’t you make it up to him in some big gesture? The Chuseok festival is this Friday, do it then.”

Wonpil’s eyes widened slightly as he remembered that Sungjin had invited him to watch him perform. “Right, the festival is coming up,” he mumbled.

“What if, you paint your chest-”

“Hyung already said no,” Wonpil said with a sigh.

“Well, shit.”

“Why don’t you get him a bouquet?”

“A bouquet? This is Wonpil, not Namjoon we’re dealing with. He’s already secured the bag, he just has to apologize, not woo Sungjin-hyung.”

“What’s wrong with flowers?”

“I’m not getting him flowers,” Wonpil mumbled.

Something told him that that was far too romantic for Sungjin and he might actually upset him further.

“You guys are the reason romance is dead,” Namjoon muttered. “But it doesn’t have to be a bouquet of flowers.”

“Dude, are you still drunk?” Jinyoung questioned.

Namjoon sighed. “I’m saying, there are other types of bouquets like food or-”

“Namjoon, you’re a genius,” Wonpil whispered. 

“Thank you, my IQ is-”

“Sh, shut up, Jimin isn’t here to fawn over your intelligence,” Wonpil said, waving his hand at the taller whose face turned red. “A bouquet of food, huh?”

“I know a girl, I can get you a discount,” Jackson quickly piped in.

“Good, good,” Wonpil said as he nodded. “Alright, I’ll do that then.”

“Great,” Jinyoung said sarcastically, “Relationship disaster avoided. You’re just going to have to deal with his annoyance for oh, a couple of days.”

“Actually,” Wonpil said softly, “Hyungie already told me we couldn’t hang out much since he was going to be busy with rehearsals and such.”

“He is the main event everyone is talking about,” Namjoon said with a soft sigh. “So what type of food bouquet were you thinking?”

A week without Sungjin was the absolute worst. Wonpil kicked a rock as he stood outside of Sungjin's building. He didn't want to bother Sungjin so he didn't text him on Sunday or Monday morning. He had waited outside of his classroom, hoping to catch him after, but he glanced into the classroom and saw everyone furiously working and they still had an hour left for their exam. He, unfortunately, had an earlier shift to take so he had to leave before Sungjin ever finished.

He didn't go into the cafe, and Wonpil thought about texting him that night, but Younghyun sent him a picture of Sungjin knocked out on the floor with countless sheet music and notes scattered around him. He asked him if he was excited for the festival since Sungjin was working so hard and Wonpil let him know he was and didn't message Sungjin in the end.

In the end, he avoided texting him, and the few times he saw the other on campus, he was usually hauling his guitar case around and speaking to other musicians so Wonpil didn't approach him.

Needless to say, Wonpil felt absolutely horrible by the time the day of the festival rolled around and damn near dragged his friends out by the ears when it was finally time for the musical performances.

“Hyung!” Dowoon shouted as he and the others awkwardly circled Wonpil who focused on protecting his bouquet as they made their way through the crowd. Jinyoung and Jackson parted the way while Dowoon and Namjoon flanked him. “Are you sure he’s going to see you!? There are so many people here!”

Wonpil held the bouquet tightly as his heart started to pound. It felt like forever since he last saw Sungjin, much less spoke to him. What if he made things worse? He felt his heart in his throat but did his best to put on a strong image.

“I’m sure he will! You guys brought the things after all!”

Plus, everyone was turning to watch them as they made their way through—there was no way Sungjin would be able to ignore them, especially in the front. He blushed under all the glares but he trekked on, his heart pounding.

“Fuck, my legs still hurt from earlier this week,” Jinyoung groaned as they finally broke out to the front of the crowd.

“Yeah, well,” Jackson huffed. “It’s not like you were going to get them to not work today. Especially after this.”

“I don’t get how I got roped into this,” Dowoon grumbled. “I wasn’t the one who forgot hyung at a party.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Wonpil bit out. “Who was the one who was all rude about hyung being the one to ask me out?”

Dowoon groaned. “Oh, come on-”

“Sh,” Namjoon hushed. “Sungjin-hyung is coming out. Get ready.”

Wonpil’s heart pounded as the lights dimmed.

“God, I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Jinyoung grumbled.

"Quit crying and put the damn thing on,” Jackson hissed. “For the record, I’m losing so many possible hookups for you, ‘Pil.”

“Shut up, he’s about to start,” Wonpil scolded.

The crowd grew quieter as the soft strumming of a guitar started, followed by the rest of the instrumentals, and then the spotlight was on Sungjin as he began to sing.

Wonpil grinned, swaying as he enjoyed the otherworldly voice of his—fake—boyfriend.

Wonpil wasn’t sure how he had lived a life before without Sungjin’s voice.

Sungjin smiled as he got to an instrumental part, opening his eyes and looking out at the crowd.

Wonpil immediately noticed when Sungjin spotted him. His eyes widened slightly as a smile of disbelief quirked at the edges of his lips.

Wonpil giggled, swaying his head side to side slightly to make the pink bunny ears he wore move slightly.

He grinned wider when he heard Sungjin’s soft laugh before he shook his head and quickly began to sing once more, nearly missing his entrance.

“Did he just laugh at us!?” Jackson’s muffled shout rang out.

“We’re fucking wearing fully body animal costumes, of course, he’s going to fucking laugh!” Jinyoung screeched underneath the chicken costume head.

“Don’t shout,” Namjoon scolded from underneath the bear costume head.

“Hey, hyung,” Dowoon mumbled from under his dog costume. “Can I have one of the fried chicken bits?”

“Nope!”

“Don’t worry kid,” Jackson mumbled under the fox costume. “We’ll go gorge ourselves after Wonpil runs off to have make-up sex with his boyfriend.”

“We're not going to do that,” Wonpil muttered.

He brushed his friends off as he focused back on Sungjin who looked like he was born for the stage. As they reached the end of the first song, everyone started clapping and cheering and Wonpil really wished he could do the same too.

Wonpil watched in anticipation as Sungjin seamlessly slid off his acoustic guitar and replaced it with an electric one. His heartbeat quickened ever so slightly as he held his breath.

Oh? That was new.

Before Wonpil could fully process what was happening, his jaw dropped as a whole new side of Sungjin shone.

His expression darkened as his hands began to move, quickly strumming the guitar as his fingers glided along the strings. Wonpil could see the veins of his hands popping out slightly as his fingers skillfully moved.

Wonpil gulped.

Those were some nice fingers he had there.

Sungjin tilted his head, swaying as he sang, his fingers dancing along the guitar strings.

His dark gaze met Wonpil’s starstruck one, and Sungjin smirked.

He raised his eyebrows and strummed a particular chord that sent chills down Wonpil’s spine.

Sungjin seemed to laugh to himself as he looked down at his guitar, shaking his head to the strumming and closing his eyes as he sang.

“Holy shit!” Jinyoung gasped, 

“Dude!” Jackson shouted. “That man knows how to use his fingers!”

“Are you guys seeing the veins on his hands!? Geez!” Namjoon shouted.

“What are you guys talking about!?” Dowoon whined. “These damn eye holes are too small!”

Wonpil ignored his friend's comments, lost in the absolute view that his—fake—boyfriend was providing. He suddenly understood damn well why others were so willing to talk about him behind his back for dating that majestic man.

Hell, Wonpil would tear himself apart for dating him too!

And then the song started to come to an end and Sungjin smirked again, this time poking out the tip of his tongue and Wonpil forgot how to breathe. That just had to be illegal—and if it wasn't then he was going to make it so. How could Sungjin just do that? He had to think of the people!

His feeble little heart agreed with his brain as it ran circles in his chest.

Sungjin leaned back on one leg, bending the other as he pressed his hips forward.

“So how serious are you and-”

“Keep your paws to yourself!” Wonpil snapped at Jinyoung who scoffed.

“It's claws, get it right! I’m in a chicken suit!”

“Shut up!” Dowoon shouted. “He’s starting another one!” 

Wonpil looked up, watching as Sungjin tilted his head back, showing his—biteable—throat. His face involuntarily got hot as he realized that he had to speak to him after his performance and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to form a single word, much less a proper sentence.

As Sungjin performed, Wonpil wondered when the hell he had walked into the set of an adult video that apparently starred his—fake—boyfriend and the guitar. And Wonpil had to begrudgingly agree with the cheering crowd, he wouldn’t mind Sungjin stepping on him.

In his opinion, Sungjin’s performance wasn’t nearly long enough.

He needed at least another twenty songs, a meet-and-greet, an album, and a world tour.

Alas, the world had a vendetta against him and Sungjin bowed to the crowd before heading off. Although as he did, Wonpil swore their eyes met for a second too long.

“Come on,” Namjoon urged. “Now’s the time to apologize.”

“Right,” Wonpil said, nodding as he hugged the bouquet close.

“Bunny guard squad!” Jackson shouted. “Assemble!”

“We’re all here, dumbass!”

Wonpil giggled as his friends escorted him backstage, where his friends tackled the poor security guard to buy Wonpil time to run past.

“Run, bunny! Run!” Jinyoung screeched as he jumped on another security guard who came as backup.

“Don’t look back!” Jackson shouted.

“Go win that man’s heart all over again!”

“Don’t drop the food!”

Wonpil really did love his friends.

He heard the other security guards shouting for back up but Wonpil quickly ran, not stopping until he saw the man he went to see.

“Hyung!” Wonpil shouted.

Sungjin’s head shot up, he squinted as he lowered his guitar. “Wonpil-ah?”

“Hey! You! You’re not supposed to be back here!”

Wonpil screamed, jumping to the side as he narrowly avoided a security guard. “Excuse me! I’m trying to make a grand gesture here!”

The security member was having none of it as he yanked the back of Sungjin's hoodie, sending Wonpil stumbling back as he gripped the bouquet to keep it from falling. The collar dug into his neck and Wonpil choked.

"Ack!"

"Let go of him!" Sungjin ran over and sighed. “He’s my boyfriend. He’s allowed to be back here.”

“Are you sure?” The security guard asked and eased up on his grip. Wonpil dramatically gasped for air and brought a hand up to tug the collar further from his throat. “I’m pretty sure he’s part of the furry group who attacked the others at the entrance.”

Sungjin blushed slightly. “Uh, I don’t know what you’re talking about. My boyfriend was back here earlier and just left to see me on stage, let go of him, please.” He held out his hand to Wonpil as the security guard begrudgingly let go of his hood. “Thank you.”

The security guard gave Wonpil a nasty look before running off as his walkie-talkie said something about the bear being armed with silly string.

Sungjin immediately let go of Wonpil’s hand, catching right as Wonpil stuck his tongue out at the security guard.

“Care to explain?”

Wonpil jumped slightly, turning to look at Sungjin who had an eyebrow arched at him. His mind went blank as everything he'd been meaning to tell him suddenly disappeared from his thoughts. He could only focus on the man before him who'd been commanding the stage just moments before.

And above all else, his eyes were so…ethereal.

Wonpil awkwardly held out the bouquet of fried chicken, biscuits, and fries.

“I’m sorry…” He murmured. “And thank you for coming to get me when I was drunk and lost, even though you had to study. I’m truly grateful. I’m sorry that you even had to come to get me and lose precious studying time. I know this doesn’t make up for it, but, I want to make things better. I swear I won’t contact you unless it’s about Junseo. Just, sorry.”

Sungjin blinked, soaking in every bit of Wonpil’s apology before his shoulders eased up.

“Wonpil, I was never angry with you,” Sungjin said. “I should’ve realized you would have thought something like that when I didn't get any messages or calls all week.” Sungjin shook his head. “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, but that note only applied this week. I’m free game for your random texts and calls now. It’s just, that I really had to study and focus on, well, preparing for tonight. No matter what you sent or why you called, I would have answered. It's also my fault for not reaching out, but I'm still not used to this boyfriend role after all these years.”

Wonpil tilted his head. “So you weren’t mad at me?”

“Nope.” Sungjin shyly scratched his cheek. "Sorry for making you think so."

Wonpil blushed. “Well, I feel kinda silly now…”

Sngjin chuckled, carefully taking the outstretched bouquet. “I’m flattered that you would get me something so tasteful.” His fingers crinkled against the paper wrapping. “I really didn’t expect you, well more like your friends, to make such a big statement.”

Wonpil felt mortified as he quickly took off the bunny ears. “Ah, well, we knew we had to get your attention somehow…ah! That reminds me.” Wonpil grabbed the ends of the hoodie. “I washed this for you and I was just going to give it to you alongside the bouquet but then I realized that we still have to sell this whole relationship thing so I decided it would turn some heads for me to be wearing your hoodie while you performed.” He looked down as he started to tug it up. "I hope you don't mind. If not I can re-wash it. Agh, hold on."

“Keep it on.”

Wonpil's hands froze as he bunched up the end against his chest. He looked up at Sungjin. “What?”

Sungjin looked back at him with a calm expression. “It’s cold.”

“But-”

“You’ll catch a cold, so keep it on.” Sungjin turned. “Come on, there’s an eating area for the performers back here. Why don’t we eat your bouquet? That performance sure did eat away at my energy.”

Wonpil stood frozen for a few more moments before he grinned to himself and tugged the hoodie back down. “Sounds good, hyung!”

“Oh yeah, we should probably bail your friends out of security prison first.”

Wonpil wrinkled his nose, bouncing alongside Sungjin.“Eh, they can wait a bit. It's important for you to eat when you're hungry, so don't worry. Plus I’ve been dying to eat one of those biscuits.”

Sungjin glanced at him before laughing and Wonpil joined him as they sat down. They seamlessly got back into the swing of things, and as he ate a biscuit, Wonpil wondered how he'd made it a whole week without speaking to Sungjin.

(The two later lost their shit when they saw wanted posters of Wonpil’s friends in their animal costumes fighting security guards posted all over the festival.)

Chapter Text

“Do you want to hang out tomorrow night at my place?”

"Huh?"

Wonpil accidentally dropped his chocolate croissant and quickly fumbled after it, smearing chocolate along his thumb. His cheeks grew hot and he cleared his throat as he tried his best to be nonchalant. Sure he and Sungjin hung out more these days, but it was usually limited to day activities on campus or their nightly walk from the cafe. This was the first time Sungjin invited him to hang out after hours and at his apartment of all places!

His traitorous heart increased in speed as he awkwardly shifted next to the other.

Sungjin chuckled at his reaction and Wonpil swore there was an extra twinkle in his eyes.

“You have a bit…” He wiped his thumb on Wonpil’s cheek. "There we go. Now, as I was saying.” Wonpil noticed Sungjin’s eyes following someone—a smirk tickling the edges of his lips—before he focused back on him. “Do you want to come over tomorrow? Kangbra wants to celebrate getting that awful exam out of the way and tomorrow is the day all our friends are free to come over.”

Wonpil bit his lip as he recalled how he had acted the last time he went to a party. “I don’t know…” Wonpil wiped the melted sweet on his thumb against the bread. “Won’t I be intruding?”

“Well, for one, you’re my boyfriend so it wouldn’t be intruding, and two, Kangbra was the one who brought up the idea. He said you could bring a friend too.” Sungjin took another sip of his drink. “It’s just us and a couple of close friends so the more, the merrier.”

Wonpil took a small bite of his croissant and slowly chewed as he thought about things. It was his job to cling off of his—fake—boyfriend's arm at parties after all, wasn't it? Yeah, he didn't have work either so he had no reason to say no.

“I guess I should meet your friends since we’re ‘dating’.” He nodded slowly. “Alright, I’ll go. I’ll drag along one of my friends too so you don’t have to spend the whole night with me.”

“Hey, being with you isn’t that bad,” Sungjin teased.

Wonpil pinched him and Sungjin jumped. "I'm a delight," he snipped as he pulled his fingers away and glared at him.

Sungjin snorted and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.”

“Speaking of which.” Wonpil sat up a bit straighter. “What’s the dress code?”

He already had several outfits in mind that ranged in style. He blinked as Sungjin tilted his head and hummed softly.

Would Sungjin want him to dress semi-revealing to show him off to his friends? Or would he want the clad "conservative " that accentuated his curves and made his hips look extra tiny? Or would he want full slutty that would earn him a scolding if he so much as took a step away from his side at the party?

He hated the way others would look at him in those outfits, but Junseo—

“Uh, there's not really one? It’s just going to be a small celebration." Sungjin chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Truthfully, I don’t know much about fashion but I’m sure whatever you wear will look good so go with your gut I suppose.”

Wonpil stilled for a moment as a gentle warmth tickled his insides. He quickly looked away and stuffed himself with the remains of his croissant to give his brain something to think about instead of Sungjin's words.

“Okay,” he mumbled and Sungjin wrinkled his nose slightly.

“Don’t speak with your mouth full.”

Wonpil made sure to take his time chewing thoroughly for no other reason than to avoid another light scolding from Sungjin. Yeah. Totally.

“I think I’m going to pass out,” Dowoon whispered.

His fingers dug into the bottle of rum he cradled like a newborn.

“Don’t worry.” Wonpil led the way out of the elevator doors. “I bet hyung will be busy with his friends so I’ll be with you most of the time. ”

“I’m going to step foot in Park Sungjin’s apartment,” Dowoon mumbled. “How am I supposed to be calm? Do you know what other talented hyungs he’s friends with? It’s like an idol meet-up in there!” Dowoon harshly swallowed and his knuckles looked ghostly white as he clutched the bottle. “What if I’m underdressed? Why didn’t you drag someone else along? Oh god…" Dowoon swayed as they walked. "I think I’m going to hurl.”

Wonpil ignored his dramatics as he focused on the numbers on each door. "You're here because you’re the least likely to yell at hyung for ignoring me,” he muttered.

This wasn't his first rodeo. He knew how these things went over—he had to dress to impress and incite jealousy from others and act like an accessory to his boyfriend. He had tried to join in the conversation, but after the first few, Junseo made him promise not to talk and to just listen. He'd done as told but did his best to act like he was intensely listening when his friends were at the same party because he didn't want to cause a big scene over something so pointless.

Besides, he was a great listener.

“Why are we going if he’s going to ignore you?” Dowoon asked.

“Because he invited me,” Wonpil hissed. “Stop asking so many questions. Look, all he really wants to do is show me off to his friends."

“I don’t know…” Dowoon tilted his head as they stopped in front of Sungjin’s apartment. “I'd get upset with my partner if they ignored me and just wanted to show me off like some piece of meat to be ogled at."

Wonpil exhaled and knocked on Sungjin’s door. “You'll understand when you get into an adult relationship.”

"But—"

The door swung open, revealing Sungjin dressed in slightly baggy casual clothing. As soon as their eyes met, Sungjin seemed to light up.

“Ah, you’re both a little early. The others haven’t arrived yet and Kangbra is out getting the food but come on in." He stepped out of the way and gestured for them to come in. His eyes darted to the bottle Dowoon held and his eyes widened slightly. "Wow, you youngins sure, uh, don't mess around. Um, you can put it on the counter, yeah.”

“Oh, okay…” Wonpil gulped as he felt like a swarm of ants trickled into his bloodstream.

He didn't dare glance at Dowoon as they stiffly shuffled in since he just knew the other was glaring daggers at him. After all, it had been his idea to bring the handle.

He wasn’t sure why he was so nervous. His heart raced and his stomach sank as he thought about Sungjin's outfit compared to his. He had chosen to wear a flowy button-up that exposed way too much of his chest to be decent with a pair of skinny jeans that may or may not be cutting off his circulation—but they made his ass look great.

Their outfits were night and day, and suddenly he felt like a little kid all anxious that he'd mixed up the dates for pajama day. Perhaps he'd just come so early that Sungjin hadn't changed yet. That had to be it.

“Nice place,” Dowoon squeaked out as Sungjin closed the door.

“Oh, thanks. My roommate fought tooth and nail for this place.” Sungjin hummed. “I’m also pretty sure he called the police on his competition so they wouldn’t show up to their final showing to ensure we got this place.”

Wonpil laughed—had it been too loud? Did it sound fake? How did he usually laugh again?

Had he laughed for too long now?

He snapped out of his thoughts and grinned at Sungjin. “Hyung really did that?”

“He denies it to this day but I know what I saw on his call record.” Sungjin paused. “Uh, Dowoon, are you feeling okay?”

Wonpil turned to look at his best friend who had beads of sweat running down his deathly pale face. At Sungjin’s question, his face and ears bloomed red.

“I-I…” He swayed slightly and placed a hand against the counter. “Restroom?”

“Down the hall, first door to the left.”

“Thanks!”

Dowoon booked it down the hall and Wonpil stared after his best friend with his jaw dropped.

Sungjin awkwardly chuckled before pointing at him.“Say, are you really going to be comfortable in that?”

“Huh?” Wonpil followed his direction and stared down at his outfit. This time it was his turn for his face to turn all red with heat. "Uh.” He looked up at Sungjin who wrung his fingers. “It’s comfortable…enough.”

“You can wear some of my clothes if you want.” Wonpil felt like the air had been replaced by high-fructose corn syrup as he stared at Sungjin. “I just, I don’t want you to accidentally stain your shirt." Sungjin sputtered. "It- it looks fancy and the guys can get pretty rowdy when playing—especially during Monopoly.”

Wonpil froze. “Mon…opoly?”

Sungjin hesitantly nodded and then started moving his hands as he spoke. “Well, it doesn't have to be Monopoly if you don't like it. We have tons of board games and video games, we can play something else. You like games, don't you? I should've asked yesterday. Sorry.”

Wonpil hugged himself as his heart started to pound so hard he was half-worried he had developed a heart condition in the past minute.

“What kind of party is this…?”

He felt like the floor was going to disappear from under him any second now. It was a bad dream—no, he had slipped in the liquor store and he was currently having a bad hallucination. Yeah, that had to be it.

Sungjin blinked and his shoulders seemed to tense. “Par- party?"

His ears started to ring and his chest felt like a boa constrictor was nestling around it. "Isn't…isn't this a party?"

The air particles buzzed against his skin as he watched Sungjin cock his head to the side as his eyebrows furrowed.

“No?”

Wonpil felt like his body had disconnected from his brain as numbness coursed through his veins.

Sungjin’s eyes widened slightly in realization. “Did you think— I’m so sorry, I should’ve been clear. Did you wear and bring the handle because…”

Wonpil’s face burned as he covered his face with his hands, tears of embarrassment already threatening to fall.

“I’m so stupid!”

"Hey, hey," Sungjin whispered. “No, you’re not. It's my fault for not telling you everything. We're just going to lounge in the living room, play games, and eat. You can still wear that if you’d like but I have no problem lending you some clothes. Not to say your outfit is bad or anything. It looks good…not to say that you don't uh… You look amazing, I mean, in that outfit!” Sungjin sputtered.

Wonpil peeked from behind his fingers to see Sungjin's cheeks flushed red as he pursed his lips and clutched the collar of his shirt.

Well, this night was off to a rockier start than he expected.

He hesitantly let his hands fall away from his face and Sungjin seemed to be avoiding looking at him as his eyes wildly flickered around.

"Um…" The tension felt thick in the air and made his tongue feel heavy. He just wanted things to go back to normal. "Sorry, again. Uh, yeah, I'll take a change of clothes if you're still offering."

Sungjin nodded. "Yeah. Okay. Follow me."

Wonpil stared at the floor as he walked, fighting the tears of humiliation from falling. He didn't think he'd be able to recover from crying in front of Sungjin.

When they reached his room, Wonpil awkwardly stood at the entrance while Sungjin rummaged through his closet. He tried not to pry into his personal space, but he found himself looking through the neat room which contrasted with his messy one. Not to mention it smelled amazing and he wondered how he got it to smell so good without it being overwhelming.

“I’m really sorry, again,” Sungjin said. He pulled out a black pair of sweats and a hoodie. “I should’ve clarified when I said celebration. Um, just to let you know, I’m not really a fan of the whole party scene so in the future when I invite you over, just assume it’s a casual get-together.” Sungjin awkwardly chuckled as he ran a hand over the folded clothes. “I’m sorry that you got such a lame boyfriend. I don't even have anything nicer for you to wear,” Sungjin muttered—a hint of pink on his cheeks.

Wonpil shook his head as he played with his fingers. “It’s my fault for assuming. It’s just, whenever he said celebration, it meant we were going to a party and he made me dress…” Wonpil swallowed the forming lump in his throat. “I don’t know why I keep comparing you to him. You’re nothing like him and you’ve never hurt me and yet…I’m sorry.”

Sungjin walked over to Wonpil, gently setting down the change of clothes into Wonpil’s arms. He let out a soft sigh before patting it and putting on a sympathetic smile.

“I know it’s hard Wonpil-ah,” Sungjin whispered. Wonpil's eyes involuntarily glossed over as his breath hitched and his throat grew tight. “But it’s a step in healing. You won’t even notice when the thoughts stop. As the land hardens after the rain, pain is only temporary. Someday you will meet someone who can make you happier. That’s the kind of love you deserve. Until then, just focus on taking it step by step, okay?”

“But it’s not fair,” Wonpil choked out. He hugged the clothes to his chest as he stared into Sungjin's pretty eyes with his own teary eyes. “You’re just so perfect and I keep comparing you. I hate it. Especially since you've been nothing but the best towards me.”

Sungjin’s eyes widened for a second as he took half a step back and his Adam's apple bobbed.

“No one is perfect, Wonpil-ah. I have my flaws, you have yours, and your ex has his. You can compare our flaws all you want, for one, I’m no social butterfly like he is. I mean, my idea of a celebration is ordering food and playing games. How lame is that?” Sungjin laughed.

Wonpil frowned and dug his fingers into the change of clothes Sungjin had given him.

“You’re not lame,” Wonpil said softly. He held Sungjin's gaze as he took a deep breath. “I don’t care if you’re not a social butterfly either. You’re fun to be with. And- and you didn’t invite me just to show me off or to use my body after you were done partying.” Wonpil looked down at the ground and focused on the warmth of Sungjin's clothes pressed against his chest. “I like this so much better, hyung. If I had to choose one of those awful parties or just lounging around with you, I’d choose you every time. It’s comfortable. I like it.”

There was a beat of silence and Wonpil silently cursed himself for even speaking.

“Wonpil-ah, I’ll never make you do anything you don’t want to or makes you feel uncomfortable, you know that right?" Wonpil nodded but still didn't dare to meet his gaze. "We are friends after all, so if you ever need anything, feel uncomfortable, or just want to talk, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“You too.”

Wonpil finally got his bearings back and looked back up at Sungjin who seemed confused with his slightly furrowed brows. “What?"

“If you need any of that too, let me know. And I’ll never make you do something you don’t want or make you feel uncomfortable.”

The pair smiled and Sungjin chuckled. “Looks like we have something to tack onto our contract then.”

Wonpil crinkled his nose and giggled. “Let’s do that later.”

Sungjin nodded. "I'll get out of your hair now. I'll be in the living room once you're done changing—and you can leave your clothes in here, no one will mess with it that way."

"Okay, thanks, hyung."

"Anytime."

Wonpil locked the door after Sungjin left and he eagerly stripped. He audibly groaned when he put on Sungjin's clothes, they were heaps more comfortable than his previous outfit. Not to mention they were baggy and he could move freely instead of feeling like his muscles were losing circulation. He stretched and softly moaned as he got the full feeling back into his limbs.

He folded his clothes and set them on the edge of Sungjin's bed before happily skipping down the hall. He stopped when he heard soft chopping from the kitchen. He turned to see Sungjin with his sleeves rolled up slicing up a cucumber.

Wonpil grinned as he held out his arms, twirled, and struck a pose. “What do you think?”

Sungjin looked up, his eyes lighting up when he saw him. “You look comfortable.” Wonpil pouted slightly, making Sungjin chuckle as he focused on cutting up veggies. “I mean, you look cute. Like you’re drowning in fabric.”

“Ah, your way with words is astounding—must be why you have so many fans, Mister musician.” Sungjin snorted as Wonpil leaned against the counter and watched Sungjin. “And, for the record, I like drowning in fabric. I can actually feel my legs now.”

“Okay, it wasn't the best simile, I'll admit that. Kangbra is the stronger lyricist between the two of us."

“It was the most unique compliment I’ve heard for sure.” Wonpil looked around. “Say, where’s Dowoon?”

“He hasn’t come out of the restroom.” Sungjin glanced at him. “Is he really going to be okay? I can order him a ride home if it's too much.”

Wonpil hummed, leaning over the edge and snagging one of the cut-up carrot slices from the cutting board. “He’s just really nervous about being around you and your friends. He’s a big fan.”

“It’s kinda cute. Like a puppy.” Wonpil huffed and Sungjin arched his eyebrow at him. "What?"

“I’m supposed to be your boyfriend and I get fabric but he gets puppies? Oh, the injustice.”

Sungjin rolled his eyes and slid the veggies onto a tray. “Well, Mister boyfriend, it’s a good thing I prefer fabric over puppies. Wow, that’s something I never thought I’d say. What even is this conversation?”

Wonpil giggled and perked up when Sungjin slid the tray in his direction.

“That would be the Wonpil effect happening. Don’t fight it.”

“I’m a bit too far gone to fight it, no?” Sungjin grinned as Wonpil pointed one of the freshly cut cucumber spears at him.

“That’s true. You get to have me for a while. Enjoy the ride.”

“Oh, aren’t I just the luckiest?” Sungjin quipped before turning around to wash the dishes. 

“You are, maybe you would buy a lottery ticket,” Wonpil mumbled. He munched on his cucumber while Sungjin laughed. "Mm, what does a guy have to do around here to get some dip?"

"I have soap on my hands, but feel free to use any we have in the fridge. They'll all be on the fridge door."

Wonpil grabbed the first one that looked good and turned to ask Sungjin where he could pour it when he saw Sungjin washing the dishes. All the movement drew his eyes to his shoulders and he'd never realized just how broad his shoulders were. He raised an arm and made his sleeve wiggle back onto his forearm.

His arms looked nice.

What would—

Wonpil snapped out of his thoughts as footsteps rang out from the hall.

“Hyung, I-” Dowoon paused—his eyes widening as Wonpil and Sungjin turned to look at him. His face grew red all over again. “I wasn’t gone that long- I heard some groaning but I didn’t think- hyung! Since when have you been quiet?”

Wonpil blinked. “What are you…” He trailed off as he realized Dowoon was staring at his new outfit and he joined the other in blushing. “We- we didn’t!”

“Jinyoung-hyung was right! We can’t leave you two alone for a minute!”

Wonpil covered his red face—the cool dip container doing little to help ease it—while Sungjin cackled. Wonpil glared at the other which only seemed to amuse Sungjin further. 

“Hyung, don’t encourage him!”

“Hey, I wasn’t the one groaning and undressed in my room." Sungjin held up his hands. "I’m innocent in this.”

Dowoon spluttered while Wonpil internally cursed at Sungjin because why the hell would he phrase it like that!?

Just then, the door jingled and the door swung open.

“Hyung! They didn’t have the plum sau- oof!”

“Hyung!” Wonpil cried into Younghyun's chest after having run and thrown himself at him. Which turned out to be a bad idea as his arms were filled with bags that hit his sides. “They’re bullying me!”

“Oh my! Who’s bullying my precious cinnamon bun!? I’ll take you out!” Younghyun laughed as he hugged Wonpil back to the best of his ability. However, his bags battered Wonpil, and the younger ran back to Sungjin.

"Honey! Hyung's bags hurt me!"

“Sorry, ‘Pil!” Younghyun called out as Wonpil clutched his side, groaning as he massaged the area where a box had dug right under his rib cage.

Sungjin sighed before he gave him a small plate with some of the sauce poured out and a few carrot and cucumber slices. "There, there."

“I’ve been stabbed.” Wonpil clutched the edge of the counter. “I’m dying, oh,” Wonpil gasped dramatically. “I haven’t gotten to write my will.”

“Did the box get you that badly?” Sungjin asked, his eyebrows furrowed and he took a step closer.

“No, he’s just very dramatic,” Dowoon said as Younghyun joined them in the kitchen.

"Oh, I don't mean to be rude, just give me a second," Younghyun said as he heaved the bags onto the clear space on the counter. "Woah, We're hard drinking? I didn't clear that with my liver. Whatever, uh, I heard Wonpil was bringing a friend so proper introductions are in store, no? Wait, my hands are wet. Napkins. Wait, no, I just bought them. Rags then."

Younghyun turned and opened a drawer. “Excuse him,” Sungjin said as Dowoon nervously stood in a corner of the kitchen. “He’s a bit of a scatterbrain at times.”

"It's fine."

Wonpil cleared his throat and set down the cucumber slice he'd been working on. “Mm, Younghyun-hyung, meet one of my best friends." He held out his hand and gestured for Dowoon to continue.

“Yoon Dowoon,” Dowoon mumbled. “I’m an underclassman in the music department.”

“Nice to meet you, Dowoon,” Younghyun said.

He turned around and held out his hand. His eyes widened as Dowoon's face somehow grew pale and red all at once while his ears glowed enough to put Rudolf out of business. The fake couple glanced at one another in confusion as the other two froze. Wonpil could've been convinced that time had stopped if it weren't for the steady redness creeping down Dowoon's throat.

“Oh. It's you,” Dowoon squeaked.

Younghyun broke out into a grin as he snapped his fingers and pointed to Dowoon. “I knew it! You’re the ‘I’ll take my usual dose of crack’ boy!”

Dowoon looked like he wanted to die as his face completed its beet transformation. “You- you remember…?”

Younghyun seemed to beam brighter as he eagerly nodded. “Of course! It’s kinda hard to forget your face, especially when you ninja roll past the cafe every day!”

Dowoon groaned, covering his face as Wonpil’s jaw dropped. “Huh?”

“Leave the boy alone,” Sungjin scolded as he stepped away from Wonpil and swatted Younghyun’s outstretched arm down. “You can clearly see how flustered he is.”

“Aw, but he’s so cute!”

“Bad Brian,” Sungjin chided. “Hey, Dowoon, I’m sorry about his behavior.”

“I- I didn’t mean to say that,” Dowoon mumbled. “It’s just, Wonpil-hyung was always the one who took my order and he didn’t tell me he switched shifts and- and-”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Younghyun's smile quickly quickly fell. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I just thought it was a cute little story. Really. I didn’t expect to know Wonpil’s friend, that was it. Ah! I got a carp bread on my way, would that cheer you up?”

“You can’t just bribe—”

“From which place?” Dowoon lowered his hands slightly.

Younghyun shot Sungjin a smug look before reaching into one of the bags. “Trust me, it’s a good one. I’m a dedicated foodie, you should check out my blog.”

 Sungjin rolled his eyes before rejoining Wonpil who had been closely watching the entire scene play out. He was deep in concentration when he noticed Sungjin looking at him out of the corner of his eyes.

“Hm?” He tore his eyes away from the others and curiously tilted his head. Sungjin just smiled and waved his hand slightly.

“It’s nothing.” He cleared his throat. “By the way, what's Dowoon’s usual order? I’m kinda curious but I think that conversation ship has sailed.”

Wonpil hummed. “Ah, he’s a big tea lover. He gets black tea with equal parts organic lemon peel, organic calendula petals, and a spoonful extra of natural pomegranate flavor. It has to be steeped for three minutes and thirty-three seconds, he insists it’s the sweet spot for the tea to be just perfect. This is all served in one large cup filled with exactly a fourth of ice and a lemon slice on the side. Not on the rim, literally on the side in a little paper portion cup.”

 Sungjin blinked.

Wonpil rested his cheek on his palm. “You didn’t get any of that, did ya?”

“Nope.”

Wonpil giggled. “Thought so.”

“It’s amazing that you can remember all of that.”

"You think so?" Wonpil held his breath.

“Yeah, I do.”

And with that, Sungjin grabbed the veggie platter and headed toward the kitchen. Wonpil was left stunned for a moment before he took his plate and followed him.

“UNO!”

“Oh no, you don’t!” Wonpil slammed his card down. “Plus four cards sucker!”

Jae screamed as everyone else broke into hysterical laughter. Younghyun eagerly counted and slapped the cards down in front of the other who flailed and accidentally flashed Jaebum.

“His former last card was a yellow three!” Jaebum shouted as Jae screeched.

“Hey! You’re not supposed to-”

“Well, you were the one who-”

“Come on guys…” Sandeul tried to reason but was immediately shut down by Younhyun stacking his last three cards and shouting ‘Uno! Out!’

“You son of a-”

“Language!”

“I was going to-”

Wonpil giggled, cradling his half-empty beer to his lips as he leaned back against the couch, swaying slightly. What number beer was this? He told himself only two but…oh well. His knee bumped against the coffee table and his back hit the lower half of the couch with how loose his muscles felt.

“What are you laughing for!?” Jae reached over the table and squished Wonpil’s cheeks with one of his hands. Wonpil blew raspberries which only made the older scream louder and shove him away. "Ew, gross! Ugh! This is all your fault! I could have won but no now I have spit…”

Jae’s words fell silent as did the rest of the chaos as Wonpil froze.

His ears drummed loudly with the sound of his blood pounding as his clothes suddenly felt too tight. 

‘This is all your fault’, rang loudly in his mind but it wasn’t Jae’s voice. 

Suddenly, he was in a hotel room and he could feel Junseo's hands on—

“Hey! That's the last cookie!” Younghyun scolded, swatting Jaebum’s hand away. “Winner gets it!”

"I was the one who brought them in the first place!"

The arguments only seemed to grow, but Wonpil couldn't pay attention. His brain felt fuzzy as his blood ran cold. Why had he suddenly thought of that?

His hand shook as he gripped his beer can.

It was over now. They weren't together anymore and- and-

He tried to set his can down, but he missed and ended up spilling the contents all over the table.

No. No. No.

He couldn't mess up Sungjin's apartment!

His stupid trembling hands were no use as he seemed to be in slow motion while the others had already moved the cards and snacks away. The beer can was upright as paper towels soaked up the mess. He hadn’t helped at all.

It was his fault yet he hadn’t…

“Hey.”

Wonpil jumped even though Sungjin had whispered. He knew that, but with his senses all off balance, he could still feel his voice echoing in his cochlea. He couldn't breathe anymore. Too much. How did vocal chords work again?

Sungjin's eyebrows drew together.

“Okay."

Wonpil blinked in confusion. Had he managed to speak?

Sungjin stood up and held out his hand for him.

“Where are you two going?” Dowoon asked.

“My room."

The other guys immediately started ‘oohing’ and whistling and making lewd sounds and Wonpil’s face burned. He felt like he'd swallowed lava and it was starting to harden in his stomach.

He helplessly looked up at Sungjin who was still waiting for him to grab his hand.

He didn't want to.

He didn't want to get up.

He didn't want to be alone with him.

“Sung- Sungjin,” Wonpil squeaked, his heart pounding for all the wrong reasons. "I…"

He wanted to say "I want to go home" but he couldn't get his throat to work anymore. He felt like a fish out of water. Now what was going to happen?

He knew he shouldn’t compare them, but he blinked and for a moment he saw Junseo for a split second. Which was ridiculous, he knew it was, because Sungjin was nothing like that.

Sungjin was safe.

Sungjin was nice.

But Sungjin was a man too.

“Don’t be like that,” Sungjin scolded his friends. “You guys are too loud, we’re in an apartment and it’s nearly two. Keep it down.”

“Should we really be the ones following that advice?” Younghyun asked, wriggling his eyebrows at the fake couple.

Sungjin rolled his eyes while Wonpil's throat felt dry. And then he reached down and grabbed Wonpil's clenched fist. He easily pulled him up and Wonpil couldn't bring himself to look at anyone as he stared at the floor.

He shrunk into himself as he silently followed Sungjin.

Sungjin was different.

Sungjin wasn’t like that.

Sungjin was safe.

Wonpil gulped, repeating that to himself and trying to make his body stop trembling but it was dark. The hallway was dark.

The more they walked, the quieter it got and once they were in Sungjin’s room and Sungjin closed the door, engulfing them in darkness, Wonpil panicked.

The walls were closing in and his clothes were strangling him.

He could feel the ghost touch on his body and he ripped his hand from Sungjin's—blindly shoving him away.

"No. No. No. I don't want to. Please." Wonpil whimpered as tears streaked down his face. “I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It’s my fault. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Wonpil as he hugged himself and took a step back. "Please, don't. Don't touch me, please." He dug his fingers into his arms as he sobbed. "I don't want to. Please. I'm sorry."

He crumbled to the floor and hugged his knees. He wailed and continued to babble his mantra.

“Wonpil-ah? Can you hear me? Please calm down.”

Wonpil trembled, hiding his face in his knees as he covered his head with his arms. He didn't want to be there. He didn't mean to mess up.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I’m sorry.”

“Wonpil, please,” Sungjin begged. “It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay. Can you hear me? Focus on my voice please.”

Wonpil sobbed as he hugged himself tighter. They were all the same.

“You’re safe. I promise. You’re at a game night with friends. No one is going to hurt you. Do you want the light on? Will that help?”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

“I’m turning the light on now.” Wonpil gasped for air and he was getting sweatier by the second, but he didn't ease up his ball form until a sliver of light made it through the cracks. “Wonpil, I really need you to focus on my voice. I need you to take slow, deep breaths. Can you do that for me?”

Wonpil shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut. He wanted it to all be over. He wished he never spilled that drink on the rug. He didn't want to be punished.

It hurt.

“It’s going to be okay, Wonpil. I’m Sungjin, remember? You’re at my apartment with my friends. Dowoon, Younghyun, and Jaebum are all here. You know them, don't you? We were playing games and eating, remember? We were playing Uno and talking. Do you remember?”

Wonpil squeezed his eyebrows together as he realized Sungjin was talking. He tried to muffle his stuttering breaths and stop the ramble of apologies.

“Am I making you uncomfortable? Do you want me to get Dowoon?”

“No!” Wonpil's eyes shot open.

Dowoon couldn't know. None of his friends could. No one could.

“Okay. You can hear me, yes?”

“Yes,” Wonpil gasped harder, his shoulders jumping more and more as his gasping got more erratic.

No one could know.

“Good. I need you to breathe. Just follow my instructions, okay?”

Wonpil couldn't stop wheezing enough to respond so he nodded. Sungjin carefully verbalized what he needed to do and, slowly but surely, Wonpil managed to breathe normally again.

He hesitantly peeked at Sungjin from over his knees and flinched when he found the other sitting on his knees and staring at him. It wasn't a dangerous stare though, and after taking a moment to adjust to the light, he realized how much space Sungjin had put between them.

“What do you need, Wonpil?” Sungjin whispered.

“You’re not him…" Wonpil sniffled.

“No, I’m not. I’m Park Sungjin.”

Wonpil knew that. He hesitantly sat up but left his knees up in case he needed the protection.

"Do you remember where you are?” Sungjin asked carefully.

Wonpil nodded. “I do.”

“Good…Do you need anything? Water? A snack?”

Wonpil stared at Sungjin for a moment when a wave of exhaustion hit him. His limbs suddenly felt like a thousand pounds and he crawled over to Sungjin who didn't move. He wordlessly wrapped his arms around him and his heavy head slumped on Sungjin's shoulder.

Sungjin seemed startled at that as he lost his balance and smacked into the door, but he didn't seem to care as he made no effort to try and adjust his position.

Wonpil took a deep breath before burying his head in the crook of Sungjin’s neck. “You’re not going to hurt me.”

“Never,” Sungjin swore. “Is it okay if I hug you?”

“Yes.” Wonpil breathed and relaxed further when he felt Sungjin hug him back. “Because you’re Sungjin and you’re not going to hurt me.”

“That’s right, I’m never going to hurt you.” Sungjin rubbed his back. “It’s going to be okay, Wonpil. Take your time. I'm not going anywhere.” 

 Wonpil thought he was okay, but hearing that unlocked a whole new wave of tears. His cheeks felt warm as he softly cried into Sungjin's shirt.

Sungjin pursed his lips as he stared up at his ceiling. What had been the trigger?

He frowned, Wonpil had kept insisting it was his fault. Was it the beer spilling? No, Wonpil had spilled his drink earlier in the night and hadn’t reacted in such a way.

So when?

He glanced at Wonpil, unsure whether to ask him but quickly decided against it. Wonpil wasn’t in the right state of mind and Sungjin didn’t want to cause another reaction. He gulped and rubbed his back, whispering sweet nothings to the sobbing man.

He carefully played back the events before he had noticed Wonpil’s shaking and disassociating look. It happened before the spill.

Sungjin frowned, recalling how quiet Wonpil had been in the playful argument that had flared up after Jae's Uno plans had been foiled.

That must’ve been it, ‘This is all your fault.'

Come to think of it, Wonpil had seemed reluctant to follow him and he felt like he had to semi-drag Wonpil into his room. He thought he just needed some peace and quiet since he knew he tended to get overstimulated in those scenarios. However, the other seemed to lash out at him the moment he closed the door—his chest still throbbed slightly from the force Wonpil had used.

Sungjin’s heart dropped as he recalled Wonpil’s off-hand comments earlier in the night about his ex which were questionable at the time but downright alarming now.

Sungjin’s eyes welled with tears as he lowered his head in guilt.

This was all his fault. It wouldn't have happened if he hadn't wanted Wonpil to come over. Or if he wasn't so stupid and registered Wonpil's words for the red flags that they were, especially knowing how his ex had harassed him.

He closed his eyes as tears ran down his cheeks and he held Wonpil the slightest bit tighter.

“I’m sorry,” Sungjin whispered.

Wonpil trembled and buried his head deeper into his neck. The collar of his shirt was beyond damp by now, but he didn't care. He just wished he could take all of Wonpil's pain.

They stayed like that for a while before Wonpil's breathing slowed and he shifted his head so his cheek pressed against Sungjin's collarbone.

“He wasn’t always like that,” he whispered.

“Tell me only what you’re comfortable with.” Sungjin quickly wiped the traces of his tears in case Wonpil looked up. “Don’t force yourself to tell me anything, okay?”

“He used to buy me flowers every time he took me out on a date. He would tie my shoelaces when they got undone and he would kiss the back of my hand before he left.” Wonpil opened his puffy eyes and focused on the sewing of Sungjin’s sweater. “That’s why I was over the moon when he asked me out.” Huh, there was a missing stitch in his collar sewing. “It was sweet for a while. Maybe it was that night when it all turned downhill and I was too stupid to see it.”

“You’re not stupid,” Sungjin quickly said.

“We were at a party." Wonpil held his breath. He'd never told anyone about that night before. He hesitated, what would Sungjin think of him?

"Only what you're comfortable with, remember?"

Wonpil gulped. "I…I was nearing my limit but he didn’t want to leave so I stayed in a corner. I don’t really remember what happened, but I know I was really drunk and spilled my drink on the rug and it was really expensive. I, uh, don’t, um, remember what happened at the party but suddenly we were in a hotel room…” Wonpil’s breath hitched and he hugged Sungjin tighter.

“You don't have to keep going if you don't want to,” Sungjin reminded.

Wonpil nodded. “He, uh, kept shouting that it was my fault. He…” He took a deep breath. “He grabbed my jaw, it really hurt, and he kept shaking me around.” Wonpil scooted a bit closer. “I kept apologizing but he only seemed to get angrier. I think he had to pay for it? I don’t really know. And then…” Wonpil curled his fists, clutching the fabric of Sungjin’s sweater, and squeezed his eyes shut. “He hit me. He hit me, Sungjin,” he cried.

“I’m sorry,” Sungjin croaked, sniffling as he hugged Wonpil tighter.

“He wouldn’t stop and I- I couldn't do anything.” Wonpil sobbed. “By the end of it, I was crying and on the floor and scared. I stared up at him, and I truly thought I was going to die that night.”

Sungjin’s throat felt tight as he cried.

“Then, suddenly, he was all apologetic and he said he didn't mean it and he'd make it up to me…make me feel good." Wonpil howled softly. "It didn't. I didn't want to. The next thing I knew, I was waking up covered in bruises and my clothes were…” Wonpil gulped. “He- he brought me breakfast that morning. He cried and swore he would never do it again. And I was so embarrassed, he told Jinyoung I fell down the stairs when he took me home.” Wonpil sniffled. “He never hit me that badly again but…You want to know something?”

“What is it?” Sungjin whispered.

“I don’t even like sex that much,” Wonpil laughed as he cried. “I don’t like parties. I don’t like drinking. I don’t like the outfits I had to wear. The only thing I truly looked forward to after leaving one of those stupid parties was getting rid of those awful clothes. I just…” Wonpil swallowed the lump in his throat. “All I wanted was the Junseo who gave me flowers, would kiss the back of my hand, and treated me like the most precious thing to him to come back. I thought if I could wait it out, he'd be back. You must think I’m pathetic. I'm a man and yet…”

“You're not pathetic.” Sungjin ran a hand through his sweaty hair. “You are so brave, Wonpil-ah.”

“The worst part is…” Wonpil closed his eyes. “I want him back because no one else would want me if they knew.”

“That's not true.” Sungjin took a deep breath. “I care a lot about you, so please, Wonpil-ah, let me take you to a therapist. I can't help you through this alone, but I also won't force you to do anything.”

Wonpil whimpered as his heart started to hammer. How could he tell someone else?

“I know a good one nearby.” Sungjin gently wrapped an arm around his shoulder and rubbed it with his thumb. “If you need me for emotional support then I'll go to every session you want. I get it if you're scared, but there's nothing wrong with getting help. Please?”

“I don’t know…” Wonpil sighed as his head dully pounded. “Can I sleep on it?”

“Of course.” Sungjin glanced at the time, huh, it was nearly four in the morning. “It’s really late and I don't feel good sending you home alone right now. How do you feel about sleeping here? I’ll sleep in the living—”

“No!” Wonpil clutched him tighter. “Don't go. If I sleep here then I want you here too. I don't want to be alone tonight. Please."

“Okay,” Sungjin breathed. “Let’s get you in bed. You’ve had a long day.”

“Okay,” Wonpil mumbled.

The pair separated and Sungjin stood up and helped Wonpil up. Wonpil stumbled to the bed with aching knees and Sungjin made sure he didn’t fall.

“Get comfortable,” Sungjin said. “I’m going to get my spare blankets.” He saw Wonpil’s eyes widen in fear. “They’re in my closet over there,” Sungjin said quickly, pointing to the door along the wall. “I’m not leaving you.”

“Oh, okay,” Wonpil murmured in relief.

He watched Sungjin quickly grab his spares and lay the thicker ones on the floor.

“Do you want to sleep with the lights on?”

“No.” Wonpil hugged the duvet up to his chest. “I’m fine now, really.”

“Okay…just let me know.”

Wonpil hummed.

Sungjin switched the light off and Wonpil was true to his word, having no reaction. “I’ll be on the floor if you need anything, okay?”

Wonpil sighed, hugging Sungjin’s blanket as he moved to his side and slowly made out the outline of his figure. “Okay.”

Sungjin settled onto his makeshift bed and turned when he felt Wonpil looking at him in the dark. “What’s up?”

“I wish…” Wonpil closed his eyes as the exhaustion hit him like a tsunami. “You were the one I could’ve fallen in love with instead.”

Sungjin froze, watching Wonpil’s body relax as he slipped into the realm of unconsciousness.

Sungjin stiffly turned to stare up at his ceiling. His heart heavily thunked in his chest while his stomach felt like he'd just been sucker punched.

What the hell was he doing?

His throat felt tight and his body started to tingle.

He closed his eyes, slowly counting until the feeling subsided. He then opened his eyes.

He turned back to look at Wonpil, tears in his eyes.

“No.” His voice trembled. “You really don’t, Wonpil-ah.”

Chapter Text

Wonpil found himself on a small row boat in the middle of the sea. 

His skin crawled as he looked out at the endless water. He turned his head, hoping to spot land, and instead saw a big wave crashing towards him. 

He frantically reached for the paddles, but they were gone.

He couldn’t do a thing before the wave consumed him, sweeping him under, and pulling him to the murky darkness. His legs wildly kicked as his hands clawed at the fading light. His lungs burned, aching for air and his clothes suddenly felt like lead.

He sank like a rock and held his breath for as long as he could before air bubbles slipped past and water gushed into his lungs.

As he clung to life, he heard laughter and turned to see a crowd of people pointing and laughing at him from behind a glass tank.

His feet made contact with the colorful gravel on the bottom and he waded towards the edge. His heart leaped when he saw Sungjin break out from the crowd. He was going to save him!

He pressed his hand against the glass, but the laughter only got louder when Sungjin waved behind him and Wonpil's friends emerged. They all looked at him in disgust and Sungjin pulled his hand away.

Wonpil's heart hammered as he pounded against the glass. He opened his mouth to scream for help when he suddenly felt hands wrap around his waist.

He snapped around to see Junseo with shark-like teeth grinning at him and he tried to get away but his body ached.

He looked down to see himself naked and covered in bruises.

Wonpil gasped, turning back to look at his friends who were shaking their heads. Sungjin glared at him and walked away as he was shoved against the glass.

The crowd kept laughing as he started to cry.

Wonpil screamed as he shot up.

“Hhngh, wha- what’s wrong?” Sungjin tiredly sat up.

He squinted and rubbed at his eyes as Wonpil wildly looked around.

His heart hammered as a cold sweat coated his body. Slowly, his eyes adjusted and he came to his senses.

He was in Sungjin’s bed.

Sungjin was there.

He was safe.

“Hyung,” Wonpil breathed.

Sungjin shuffled over and sat on the edge of the bed. “Nightmare?” His deep morning voice rasped softly.

Wonpil nodded, sniffling as he rubbed his trembling fists over his wet lashes.

“It’s okay, Wonpil-ah. You're safe here." Wonpil's lips pinched into a frown and he grabbed Sungjin's hand. The older carefully watched as Wonpil took his hand between his shaking ones. Sungjin curled his fingers against one of his hands and squeezed it gently. "Take as long as you need. I'll be here."

“Do you think I’m disgusting?” Wonpil blurted before he could stop himself. “What I told you last night…you don’t have to lie to spare my feelings.”

“Hm? Oh, no, I don’t.” Sungjin said, still blinking himself awake. “Why? Did something happen in your nightmare?”

Wonpil bit his lip but slowly recounted his nightmare to Sungjin, fiddling with Sungjin’s fingers throughout the entire thing. Once he finished, Sungjin hummed.

“Like I said, I don’t think you’re disgusting and none of our friends would think so either. Also, I’m pretty sure your friends would break the glass with their bare hands if that happened. I would too. Younghyun too. Jaebum too. Jae-hyung too…should I keep going?”

“No,” Wonpil murmured. He ran his fingers over Sungjin's knuckles. “I’m okay now.”

“That’s good,” Sungjin yawned. “Say, do you remember right before you fell asleep?”

Wonpil looked up at Sungjin. “Hm? You mean when you said you would be on the floor?" Sungjin was silent for a moment too long. Wonpil’s heart hammered a bit and he stopped playing with Sungjin's hand. “…Why? Did I say something else?”

Sungjin just chuckled and shook his head. “No, you didn’t. You just let out this high-pitched sneeze, it reminded me of a kitten sneezing.”

Wonpil flushed. He could've sworn he stopped sneezing like that after Dowoon relentlessly teased him about it.

“Come on.” Sungjin pulled his hand away as he stood up and stretched. He let out a soft groan and his bones popped. “I have a spare toothbrush you can use. Do you want to shower?”

Wonpil slid out of the bed. “Do you mind?”

“Nope. Why don’t you go to the bathroom first while I get you some clothes and a towel?”

“Okay."

“The toothbrush is in the bottom cabinet closest to the door. It’s orange.”

“I don't think I've seen an orange toothbrush before?” Wonpil offhandedly murmured.

“It’s my favorite color, so I ordered it special.”

Wonpil hummed. “I usually just buy the cheap packs—good for you.”

“What’s your favorite color?” Sungjin suddenly asked.

“Red and black…ah, that’s a bit ironic, no?” He rubbed the back of his neck as he felt shame creep up his throat.

“Not at all. I think it fits you just fine.”

Wonpil looked at Sungjin for a second before nodding slightly and walking out of his room. He sighed as soon as he was out in the hall, running a hand through his hair.

In hindsight, he didn’t know why he had chosen to open up to Sungjin last night. It seemed that every time he drank alcohol and Sungjin was around, things just seemed to slip out.

Why did he keep on pushing his problems onto Sungjin?

They weren’t even real boyfriends for him to bother him with this kind of stuff.

Wonpil internally cursed at himself before he pushed the bathroom door open. The droplets of water on the shower wall told him that Younghyun—presumably—had showered earlier.

He opened the cabinet Sungjin told him to and snagged the toothbrush. He scanned the counter for the toothpaste only to come up empty-handed. He frowned, opening one of the side drawers only to find a few packaged toiletries. The other drawer was no different, but neither of them had toothpaste.

Wonpil puffed his cheeks as he looked at the mirror that jutted out a bit from the wall.

He hesitantly pulled on it, relief washing over him when it flung open to reveal a compartment and he didn’t—in fact—break his fake boyfriend's mirror.

He quickly scanned the little shelves for toothpaste but didn’t see it there either.

Instead, he noticed a little yellow sticky note on the orange pill bottles.

‘Don’t forget to take them and send proof. Or else!’

Huh?

“I tried to find the smallest things I have,” Sungjin’s voice rang out. Wonpil’s heart pounded as he quickly closed the mirror right as Sungjin pushed the door open. “But they’ll probably still be baggy on you.”

Wonpil cleared his throat as he put on a smile. “Oh, thank you. You didn’t have to. I could always wear the ones I came here in.”

"Didn't you say they were uncomfortable? Besides, I don't mind." Wonpil hesitantly took the clothes and towel from Sungjin. "Hm? Why aren't you—" Sungjin glanced at the mirror before quickly looking back at him. “Oh! Sorry about that, Kangbra is a weirdo who brushes his teeth in the shower and he ran out of his own toothpaste the other day so he's been stealing mine. Hold on.” Sungjin passed him and slid the shower sheet before he grabbed the tube of toothpaste. "Here.”

“Thanks, again." Wonpil shifted as Sungjin placed it on the counter. “Uh, we can brush our teeth together. I don’t take up that much space.”

“Hm? Oh, I can just wait. Really. Besides, you’re a guest, it would be rude.”

Wonpil decided not to press on as he nodded. “Um, where should I put the toothbrush when I’m done?”

“Just put it in the toothbrush holder. It doesn’t hurt to have one in case we throw another one of these and you stay the night again.”

Wonpil's shoulders tensed slightly. “I…I bet Younghyun-hyung is gonna make a big deal of it later." He awkwardly chuckled. "Sorry in advance.”

Sungjin snorted “Nah, I took a peek at my messages from him. He’s already made a big deal of it.”

Wonpil shrunk into himself slightly. “Sorry…”

“It’s no big deal. I’ll be in my room so shout if you need anything.”

Wonpil nodded and Sungjin left.

As Wonpil put a glob of toothpaste on his toothbrush, he couldn't help but wonder if it was his imagination or if things between them were weird now. How did he use to act around him again?

He tried to think of something else for his peace of mind and suddenly recalled the pill bottles he had seen. He recognized the handwriting as Younghyun’s but was the message directed towards him or Sungjin?

If it was for Sungjin…why would he need to take pills?

Wonpil's thoughts rattled in his head with no answers and before he knew it, he was nervously walking into Sungjin’s room since the door had been left open.

He found Sungjin at his table typing away.

“Um, hyung, I finished taking a shower so you can use the bathroom now.”

Sungjin flinched slightly before he looked over his shoulder. “Oh, thanks. Here, I’ll put that away.”

Sungjin stood, closed his laptop, and took his balled-up clothes and towel.

Wonpil puffed his cheeks awkwardly as Sungjin walked past. He wrung his fingers as his eyes skittered along the room. He didn't want it to be awkward but he couldn’t help but feel the thick tension between them was all his fault.

As much as he wanted to drown in his thoughts, he had already reached out and tugged at the bottom of Sungjin’s shirt as he had been walking past again.

“Hm?”

Wonpil quickly let go of Sungjin’s shirt, his cheeks heating up slightly. “So-sorry,” Wonpil mumbled. “I don’t…” He trailed off, before looking up at Sungjin who tilted his head. He didn't want to be there anymore, he felt like Sungjin was looking past him. It was like he was in that battered state. He didn't like it. He never wanted to see Sungjin again. “I think, I should go home.”

Sungjin hummed. “I’m not going to force you to stay here any longer if you don’t want to, but I was hoping to talk to you after I got ready. Could you stay a little longer?”

Wonpil blinked. “You…want me to stay?”

“Yes, but, uh, you don’t have to if you have something you have to do or just don’t want to stay. I won't be mad or anything, just text me when you get home safely.”

Wonpil felt a lump in his throat. “I’ll stay.”

Sungjin smiled slightly. “Great. Um, help yourself to whatever is in the kitchen. Or you could order something too.”

Wonpil fiddled with his fingers. “Then I’ll make us breakfast. It's the least I could do. Is there anything you don’t like or are allergic to?”

“Oh, I'm not hungry,” Sungjin said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I ate a lot last night."

"Really? Then I guess I won't eat either."

"Yah, don't skip breakfast," Sungjin lightly scolded. "You said it yourself, it's the most important meal of the day."

Wonpil tilted his head to the side slightly in confusion. “But you get to skip?”

“Yes,” Sungjin paused. “...but that’s different.”

Wonpil huffed. He'd heard plenty of this from his old modeling friends, and he hated having these types of conversations.

"I'm not eating if you're not. It's not like it'd be my first time. That was probably the biggest drawback of modeling.”

Sungjin's shoulders tensed before he let out a heavy sigh. “Look, I ate quite a bit last night, so I won't eat much. If you’re going to make me something, make it small, please?”

Wonpil grinned. “Okay!”

Sungjin shuffled out. “I’ll be out shortly.”

“Take your time!”

Wonpil kept on his fake smile until Sungjin was out of view and he didn’t dare move until he heard the bathroom door close.

Immediately after, Wonpil cursed himself to the pits of hell as he began to pace anxiously.

Why had he offered to make them breakfast?!

It just slipped out before he could catch himself!

He was a danger to society when he stepped foot into the kitchen! That’s why Jinyoung sprinted out of bed every morning when he turned on the stove, not risking that Wonpil decided to try and cook instead of just heating up some water for his tea. Which said a lot because Jinyoung was hardly better than him in the kitchen and they lived off pre-made food.

Wonpil groaned, stressfully running a hand through his hair.

What was he supposed to make? 

What could he make?

He pursed his lips and imagined the worst-case scenario before snapping himself into reality as he heard the shower running.

Okay, all he had to do was check out what was in Sungjin’s fridge, look up recipes with what he had, and follow the directions.

It couldn’t be too hard.

Wonpil nervously played with the sleeves of Sungjin’s shirt.

What if he just ordered something and got rid of the packaging and played it off as something he made?

Wonpil shook his head, there was no way he could discard the containers in Sungjin’s apartment without either him or Younghyun noticing.

He sighed. Why had he wanted Sungjin to eat with him so badly? He probably hated him for being so pushy now.

He groaned as he opened the fridge, hoping to distract himself from the guilt.

Unfortunately, for him, Sungjin and Younghyun kept their fridge rather stocked so he couldn’t lie and say he was missing ingredients and didn’t know what he could make.

Wonpil especially glared at the nearly empty gallon of milk.

Of all the things that could have been low, it just had to be his one ticket out?

Who even put the milk back into the fridge with that little bit left!?

He closed the fridge and pressed his forehead against the handle.

It looked like he was actually going to have to cook.

He opened the fridge again and after consulting with his phone, he decided his safest bet was an omelet. 

It was the only meal that was within his cooking range, that had only given him food poisoning once and could be salvaged once burnt.

Wonpil nodded to himself before taking out the ingredients, nothing too fancy just some added carrots and scallions.

Minimal room for error.

After taking out the ingredients he needed and lining them up, Wonpil got started on the preparations.

He focused intensely on making sure he cut the carrots and scallions evenly so there weren’t any chunky bits. When he finished, he even thought about taking a picture of them and sending it to Jinyoung with how perfect they came out.

Ever since the potato incident, Jinyoung hadn’t let him wield a knife.

Wonpil shrugged off his desire to show off as he cracked the eggs and fished out the little bits that fell in. He seasoned them until the eggs had a visible layer of salt before whisking them. Then he mentally prepared himself for his battle.

“Okay!” He clasped his hands together and popped his knuckles. “We can do this! We can do this!”

Wonpil nervously poured the mixture into the pan, flinching when the oil popped. It was his second time cooking with it, but there was no butter to be found in the fridge so he had to fight for his life.

Armed with a nearby spatula, he followed the next step of the recipe—folding the omelet.

Up until that point, he had been succeeding.

However, things quickly fell apart.

Quite literally as his egg broke as he was mid-fold.

Things only seemed to spiral from there.

The omelet started to brown too quickly and it kept breaking as he tried to fold it more to make more space for him to pour more of the mixture.

Then the eggs started to stick to the pan so he had to scrape them to fold them.

So, before he poured in more of the mixture, he poured some more oil.

And then, in his rush, he accidentally spilled some of the egg mixture over his fingers, leaving his grip a bit slippery. He was going to pour the goop in when the oil suddenly started to fight back and the hot oil started splattering and hit his hand making him shout at the burning sensation. He quickly jerked his hand back, his fingers slipping.

Time seemed to slow down as Wonpil watched the egg mixture fly in the air. The egg splattered everywhere as the bowl crashed into the stovetop—flipping as it hit the edge of the counter and dived to the ground where it shattered upon impact.

A familiar burnt smell quickly wafted up, not letting Wonpil get his thoughts in some semblance of order as he snapped his attention to the neglected omelet attempt.

Black smoke billowed from the pan and filled the room. He tried to grab the pan but the oil was angry.

He screamed in pain right as the smoke alarm started crying. 

His body buzzed as his mind rushed with everything he had to do, but his body remained frozen from the overload.

“Shit!”

He choked on the smoke and covered his nose with the sweater paw Sungjin’s sweater left him with. His heart hammered as tears gathered in his eyes. How was he supposed to fix this all!?

“Wonpil!?”

Wonpil turned his head to see Sungjin frozen a few feet away as he stared wide-eyed at the mess.

His hair dripped water and rolled down his shirtless- shirtless!?

Wonpil’s jaw dropped as his heart entered a marathon as he looked at Sungjin—who only wore a towel around his waist.

His face quickly turned bright red for so many reasons and he kind of blacked out for a little. He blamed the smoke he was inhaling for that part.

Suddenly Sungjin was rushing at him and he flinched, bracing himself but Sungjin stepped past him, avoiding the broken ceramic bowl pieces as he quickly turned on the stove vent. He twisted the knob off and grabbed the panhandle, quickly taking it to the sink as he turned on the water. He grunted as he reached up to the window, unlocking it and sliding it open.

Sungjin pulled back, shutting off the water as he glanced at what had burned.

He ran a hand through his wet hair as he turned back to look at Wonpil who was on the brink of crying with glossy eyes and pursed, trembling lips.

Sungjin let out a soft sigh, adjusting his towel. “Why don’t you look up places to eat near here? I’ll go put some clothes on.”

Wonpil gulped down the lump in his throat. “I’m really sorry…”

Sungjin hummed as he walked past. “Trust me, this isn’t the first time this has happened and it won’t be the last. If we were actually dating, I’d say you should move in. You’d fit in just right.”

Wonpil blinked, turning and watching Sungjin disappear into the hall.

He couldn’t help but notice a bead of water that ran down the width of Sungjin’s back. He, of course, quickly looked away but the image of Sungjin burned heavily in his mind. 

He cleared his throat slightly, trying not to pay mind to the flushed heat on his cheeks.

He hadn’t been expecting that reaction, at all.

Wonpil sighed, pulling out his phone and looking up places. He quickly settled on one before shoving his phone into his pocket and bending down to pick up the pieces of the shattered bowl.

“Don’t touch that.”

Wonpil wobbled a bit.

He quickly caught himself and turned back to see Sungjin standing behind him—fully clothed this time.

Wonpil bit his bottom lip slightly. “But, I made a mess. I should clean it up. I’ll also buy you a new bowl.”

“It’s fine.”

“No." Wonpil stood up and clenched his fists. “It’s not.” He took a deep breath before meeting Sungjin's gaze. “Look, hyung, you’re really nice and I appreciate it, I really do, but, I can’t just keep on taking from you. Ever since we met, you've been doing things for me and I've hardly done anything for you. It’s not fair! It makes me…” Wonpil swallowed. “It makes me feel like I'm using you. I feel worthless. I couldn't even do this one thing for you, just, let me fix things for once, please?"

“Wonpil-ah…” Sungjin played with his fingers as he avoided his gaze and stared at the floor. “I'm sorry. I didn’t realize I was making you uncomfortable.”

Wonpil’s eyes widened. “Oh, no, that’s not what I’m saying at all!” Wonpil pursed his lips as guilt filled his veins. “It’s just… if we really were in a relationship, it would be really uneven in terms of what we’ve done for each other. It would be like ninety percent of you putting in effort and me putting in ten percent. It’s not fair to you. A relationship should be fifty-fifty, even if it’s not a real one.”

Sungjin rubbed the back of his neck. "I can be overbearing at times. I'll work on it."

“And I'll work on making sure we're both equal more.” Wonpil smiled slightly. “Why don’t I clean up my mess while you go get our breakfast? I promise to have your kitchen back to new by the time you get back!”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to help clean up at all?”

Sungjin inched forward and Wonpil huffed. He placed his hands on his hips and playfully glared at him.

“Hyung, I’ll get mad if you don’t let me do this by myself.”

Sungjin’s eyes widened before he smiled and held up his hands in surrender. "Fine. What do you want for breakfast?"

"Wonpil- oh!"

Wonpil grinned, turning to see Sungjin as he entered the room. "What do you think?"

Sungjin smiled as he scanned the spotless kitchen. "You're amazing." He looked at him and his eyebrows raised. "Is that one of my hoodies?"

Wonpil flushed as he looked down at the garment he had switched into.

"Ah, yeah…I hope you don't mind. While I was cleaning, the sleeves of the shirt got dirty so I changed. Oh! I didn't go through your closet if you were wondering, I just got the first thing I saw."

"It looks like it's eating you alive," Sungjin chuckled. "As promised, your breakfast."

He held up the bag with their food and Wonpil grinned.

"Great! All that cleaning sure did make me hungry."

"Do you want to eat in the kitchen or the living room?"

"Either or. Why don't you choose?"

"Oh, uh sure. Here, I'll put something on the TV for us to watch."

"Okay!"

The two settled down on the floor behind the coffee table. As Sungjin turned on the TV, Wonpil set out their breakfast.

Wonpil hummed. "Do you want anything to drink?"

"Just water for me. Help yourself to anything, as long as it isn't the alcohol."

Wonpil laughed. "I wasn't going to but hey, it's five o'clock somewhere, isn't it?"

"Yes, but it's not five o’clock here.”

Wonpil shrugged but headed into the kitchen to get them drinks. He set down the two glasses once he came back and settled down next to Sungjin.

They didn’t particularly say anything as they watched the show Sungjin put on.

Once they finished eating, Wonpil let out a content sigh as he leaned against the couch. He stole a glance at Sungjin who was focused on the drama, trying to figure out which of the two suspects would be revealed as the thief.

“It’s Jiho,” Sungjin muttered softly. He nibbled his bottom lip as his brow creased in focus. “Definitely Jiho.”

Wonpil glanced at the television right as the culprit was revealed to be Jiho. He smiled and looked back at Sungjin who grinned widely.

“I knew it!”

He fist-bumped the air and Wonpil found himself giggling at Sungjin’s reaction.

Cute.

Wonpil’s eyes widened and he quickly looked away from Sungjin right as the other started rambling on about how he figured it out. Wonpil tried to pay attention, especially because Sungjin was so passionate about it, but all he could think about was where that thought had come from.

They were nothing more than friends. And he thought his friends were cute, but he'd never gotten flustered over the thought so why—

“Hey, Wonpil-ah, can I ask you something?”

Wonpil flinched slightly as Sungjin paused the drama. He forced himself to smile as he shyly looked at Sungjin.

“Yeah?”

“My offer last night,” Sungjin paused. “Do you need more time to think or…?”

Wonpil shifted slightly, bringing up his knees to his chest. “A therapist, huh?”

“It’ll help you get better,” Sungjin said softly. “There’s one nearby that’s partnered with our university so you don’t have to worry about expenses. It’s covered by the university.”

Wonpil fiddled with the fabric of his pants. “We’ve been fake dating for about three weeks now, right?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, I guess we have. Wow, time sure does pass by quickly when you’re having fun.”

“So it’s almost been a month since the breakup,” Wonpil whispered. He let out a sigh and rested his cheek on one of his knees as he looked at Sungjin. “Yet, I’m still here miserable while he’s…”

“Don’t compare yourself to your ex,” Sungjin pursed his lips.“Everyone moves on at different rates.” 

“Hyung…" He gripped the fabric of his pants. "Do you think this is the right step for me?”

“I do.”

“Okay.” Wonpil smiled slightly, feeling the most vulnerable he had ever felt even though he was hugging himself close. “I’ll go.”

Sungjin grinned. “You’re so brave, Wonpil-ah.”

Wonpil laughed as he let go of his knees. “I really don’t feel like it.” He sighed as he stretched. “What now?”

“We could laze around a bit or I could help you set up an appointment.”

Wonpil pouted as he looked at Sungjin. “I really want to do the first one but something tells me we’re going to do the second one first.”

“I’ll go get my laptop.”

“I’ll throw our trash away then.”

Sungjin nodded and they both parted ways.

Wonpil hummed softly as he cleared the table, not letting himself think too much about what he was going to do. The anxiety was already weighing heavily in his gut and he really didn’t want to break down on Sungjin while sober. It was bad enough that he seemed to do it every time he drank and was around Sungjin.

As he finished washing their cups, Sungjin’s phone began to ring.

Wonpil hummed, walking back over to the living room where he spotted Sungjin’s phone lying on the couch.

“Hyung!” Wonpil shouted. “Someone is calling you!”

“Ah, could you pick up?!” Sungjin shouted back. “I’ll be there in a sec!”

Wonpil shrugged. “Okay!” He glanced at the screen. “It’s Younghyun-hyung!”

He slid his thumb, answering the call and bringing up the phone to his ear.

“Wait, what!?”

“Hi—”

“Hyung! You promised that you’d text me when you ate! Get off that laptop of yours and go eat!”

Wonpil blinked. “Um, it's me, Wonpil.”

The other line went silent for a second. “Won- Wonpil-ah?”

Wonpil blushed for some reason. “Um, hyung asked me to pick up. Uh, we had breakfast together earlier so that's probably why he didn't message you…”

“Oh.”

Sungjin’s quick footsteps rang out and Wonpil looked up to see a rather pale Sungjin looking back at him. 

“What- what did he say?”

Wonpil awkwardly shifted. “He just wanted to tell you to eat. Here." He held out the phone to Sungjin. 

Sungjin thanked him and set down his laptop.

“Give me a second, I need to talk to Younghyun.”

“Take your time,” Wonpil murmured and Sungjin quickly disappeared further into the apartment.

Wonpil ruffled his hair as he sighed. He thought back to last night when he had called Sungjin perfect, to earlier when he saw the pill bottle and note, and all of their interactions.

“No one is perfect, Wonpil-ah. I have my flaws.”

Oh.

Wonpil groaned as he sat down. He felt like such a jerk now. He nervously fiddled with his hoodie stings until Sungjin finally returned.

“Sorry about that.” Sungjin pursed his lips. “Let’s get you an appointment.”

Wonpil nodded but he couldn't fully pay attention as Sungjin guided him through the process.

“These are the available dates left for this month,” Sungjin said. “If you’re not ready for this month then you can choose one at a later date, just click here and you’ll go to the next month.”

Wonpil hummed and he timidly turned to look at Sungjin. “Hyung, when are you free?”

“You want me to tag along?”

Wonpil looked down at his hands as his cheeks flushed.

“It’s just, I don’t trust myself to actually go and not chicken out. Just signing up has my heart pounding.” Wonpil played with his fingers. “I, uh, also don’t want any of my friends to know, so could you go with me?”

Sungjin was silent for a moment. “Of course. Let’s see, I’m available for this one, this one, this one, and maybe this one.”

Wonpil looked at the ones Sungjin pointed to.

He chewed his bottom lip as he flicked between the four possible options.

“Oh, what about that one?” Wonpil asked, pointing to the open slot that following Thursday. “Does that work for you?”

“It does. It's not too soon for you?"

Wonpil shook his head. "I want to do it as soon as I can."

"Alright, let’s book that for you then.”

Wonpil bit his bottom lip hard, his heart pounding as he watched Sungjin click the open slot.

As Sungjin clicked through the next screen, Wonpil thought back to what Younghyun said. And before he could stop himself, he was speaking.

“Do you do that a lot?”

“Hm?” Sungjin glanced at Wonpil. “What are you saying?”

“Ah…” Wonpil jolted up. “Not- not the therapy thing. The ‘forget to eat’ thing.”

Sungjin looked at him for a second longer before looking back at the screen. “Yeah, uh, it’s a bad habit. I just- I get so wrapped up in whatever I’m doing that it slips my mind. No big deal.”

Wonpil clenched his fists. “Then I’ll be your personal reminder.”

“What?” Sungjin looked at him.

Wonpil pulled out his phone. “I’ll remind you to eat so hyung doesn't yell at you. What times should I set up the alarms?" 

“You really don’t have to.”

“I want to.” Wonpil glanced at him. “We’re supposed to be fifty-fifty, remember? Let me chip away at my debt.”

“Debt?" Sungjin tilted his head. "Don't think like that. You don’t owe me anything Wonpil-ah. Really. Everything I've done is because I wanted to.”

“I’ve already decided.” Wonpil hummed. “Let’s see, one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for dinner?”

“Wonpil, really…”

“Any snack timers?”

“You’re not giving up, are you?”

"Nope." Wonpil grinned. "My friends say I'm as stubborn as a bull. Should I set drink reminders too?"

Sungjin blinked before sighing and turning back to look at his laptop. “No, I’m fairly good at remembering to drink water.”

“Okay, is there any type of routine you have?”

“Well, I eat breakfast with you some days and I'll eat dinner late at night.”

Wonpil recalled Sungjin's schedule before setting a few times for different days before showing Sungjin who gave his nod of approval after changing two of the times.

“Okay, I’ll text you every time a timer goes off. I want you to send a picture and give me a review of your meal.”

Sungjin’s eyes widened as he chuckled slightly. “Seriously?”

“Who knows?" Wonpil shrugged as he shifted closer to Sungjin. "You could be the next Chef Gordon Ramsey with your food reviews.”

Sungjin burst out laughing and Wonpil followed suit. Laugher bounced off the walls of the apartment as warmth surrounded Wonpil and the world felt right for once.

Wonpil’s phone slipped out of his hand and Sungjin’s laptop lay forgotten on the table as the two trembled with laughter. It wasn’t even that funny but the cheery laughter of the other made the other just keep on laughing.

They didn’t stop laughing until their stomachs started to clench in pain from how hard they were laughing.

“Ah- ah.” Wonpil gasped for air. “Oh, my stomach hurts!”

Sungjin doubled over, groaning as he hugged his torso. “Hah…I think I’m dying.”

Wonpil collapsed against the back of the couch as he tried to catch his breath.

He breathed heavily as he gulped. “Ah, I didn’t know we could do that.”

Sungjin grunted as he also leaned against the back of the couch, closing his eyes as he tried to steady his breathing. “I haven’t done it that hard in so long.”

Wonpil giggled breathlessly. “I thought you couldn’t go harder but then your…agh, it got deeper somehow?”

Sungjin grinned dorkily. “We should do this again. I haven’t felt this great in a while.”

“Oh yeah?" Wonpil teasingly pushed his shoulder. "Then, next time I’ll make sure it takes you like an hour to come down from that high.”

“Oh really?" Sungjin arched an eyebrow. "Well then I'll—”

“Oh god!” Younghyun screeched. “The couch is supposed to be a safe area! I can’t believe you two would defile it like that!”

Sungjin and Wonpil shot up, their faces flushing as Sungjin quickly closed his laptop.

“What?!”

“I heard you two talking all hanky panky!” Younghyun groaned, holding his hands over his eyes. “Please tell me you two are decent! Also, was that a laptop? Were you guys filming a—”

“Yah!”

“Yes!? Oh! I am so telling the guys!” 

Younghyun darted back out the door as Wonpil and Sungjin scrambled up, their faces burning.

“I’m going to kill him!” Sungjin roared.

Wonpil covered his flushed cheeks with his hands as he groaned. “We’re never beating these couch sex allegations, are we?”

“Why do we have more than one?” Sungjin asked as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Okay, we really have to modify our contract to add no sitting on the couch together at this point,” Wonpil muttered. “I don’t think we can have a third on our record.”

“Absolutely.”

“Now, shall we go get hyung before he starts a rumor that we have a sex tape?”

“Abso-fucking-lutly.”

Sungjin and Wonpil looked at one another one last time, nodding in agreement before tearing it out of the apartment.

“Yah! Kang Younghyun!”

“Hyung! Get back here!”

“NEVER! YOU COUCH DEFILERS!”

Chapter Text

“So, couch defile—”

Wonpil's pen clattered onto the cafe's table as his cheeks grew hot.

"Shut up." He knew it was only a matter of time before his friends found out about it, but it had nearly been a week and he really had thought he'd gotten away with it. "How did you even find out about that!?” He hissed, glancing over his shoulder to make sure his co-workers hadn't overheard.

“Word travels fast and gossip is like the internet—once it’s out there you can’t get it back. Did you really think we wouldn’t hear about it?” Jackson asked, draping his arm over Jinyoung’s shoulder and earning a jab to the side. “Argh!”

Jinyoung glared at him. “What did we learn?”

“That Wonpil-hyung has a bit of an exhibitionist streak in him?”

“Do not!” Wonpil screeched, swatting at Dowoon who laughed and avoided his well-aimed hits.

“We could give him the benefit of the doubt since both times were technically in the privacy of his and hyung’s homes respectively. They just so happened to get walked in on both times,” Namjoon said, not looking up from the report he was writing.

Wonpil’s eyes glossed over with tears as he opened his arms wide and leaned towards the other. “Oh, Namjoon! My one and only true love—”

“However, we don’t know how many other times they’ve done stuff like that since Wonpil does have a bit of a record. I always figured that his ex was the exhibitionist between them since he was the one who initiated his and Wonpil’s intense make-out sessions anywhere and everywhere.” Everyone cringed at the memory and Wonpil felt sick. “But these couch incidents are starting to pile up.”

“For the last time! I am not an exhibitionist!” Wonpil shouted as he stood up, hoping to establish dominance over the others.

“Um, this is about the couch allegations, right? Or do we have something we need to talk about?” Wonpil nearly snapped his neck looking at Sungjin who awkwardly waved and held onto his guitar case strap with his other hand. “Hey, sweetie."

“Oh my god!” Wonpil covered his burning face with his hands and wondered just how difficult it was to apply for the witness protection program.

“So…” Jinyoung smirked at Sungjin. “You’re into this whole exhibitionist thing?”

“Shut up! Shut up!” Wonpil screeched, haphazardly shoving his homework into his bag and stumbling to his surprised—fake—boyfriend’s side.

“Come on, sweetie,” Sungjin comforted as Wonpil started to drag him by the arm towards the exit. His folder fell out but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make so long as they got away from those heathens. “We still have some time before our date. I don’t mind humoring your friends a bit.”

Sungjin slipped his hand out of Wonpil's tight grip and bent down, scooping up his stuff.

"What friends?" He glared past Sungjin—who put his folder in and zipped up his bag—at the creatures behind them. "Those are demons, hyung. Let's get out while we still can."

“Don't be that way. It'll be fun!” Jackson lied and pulled out a chair for Sungjin.

Sungjin glanced at him and shrugged. Wonpil begrudgingly sat down next to Sungjin but kept his arms crossed and didn't unpack.

"A minute. Take it or leave it," he grumbled.

Sungjin chuckled and Wonpil slid down in his chair.

"How have you guys been? I heard—"

"Amazing. Enough small talk. Hyung, settle the debate." Jinyoung interrupted. "I bet twenty bucks that you're a closeted exhibitionist and Wonpil is helping you come to terms with it. I have a side bet of another ten that you two will be making out on the courtyard within the month so if you could get that started—"

"Hey! No swaying them!" Jackson protested as Sungjin and Wonpil blushed furiously. "I bet twenty that Wonpil is the exhibitionist and you're too nice to say no.”

“Yah!” Wonpil slammed his hand on the table to try and intimidate Jackson, but the other didn't so much as flinch.

Sungjin shifted beside him as he glanced around the cafe. "Guys, surely this isn't appropriate—"

“I have twenty riding on both of you being exhibitionists but you're both too shy at the moment to take a bigger leap. I have a side bet for an extra five that you'll get caught at a big event within the next three months,” Dowoon said, nodding to himself. “Younghyun-hyung did give me some inside info so I’m confident!”

“What?” Sungjin gritted out.

Wonpil glanced at Sungjin who looked like he was about to avenge his slaughtered clan as he scanned behind the counter for the aforementioned man.

“Well,” Namjoon kept typing. “I'm betting fifty that you two haven’t even done it.”

“What!?”

Wonpil and Sungjin shared a look before glancing at Namjoon who still typed away despite the bewildered looks his friends were giving him.

"Hyung, you said it was "morally wrong" to bet on it so why—"

"No, sh, shut up. Let him join," Jackson urged. "It'll sweeten the pot since he's so obviously wrong."

"Exactly. Are you going to sit there and tell me my eyes weren't scarred!?" Jinyoung balked.

“It wasn't inherently incriminating. People fall all the time,” Namjoon muttered. “Think about it, we can’t factor in how Sungjin-hyung is in a relationship but we can factor in how Wonpil is. As we all know, he likes to show off after but have any of you guys seen him with a hickey or anything of the sort after the first one? Plus, that ‘hickey’ looked suspiciously a lot like what Jinyoung—”

“Would you guys stop talking about my personal life!?” Wonpil shot up, his chair scrapping against the floor. His face felt hot and his throat felt tight. He needed to get out of there. “What hyung and I do behind closed doors is none of your business! Now! I’m going on a date with my boyfriend—something none of you have!—and what we do is none of your business!”

Wonpil stormed out of the cafe as tears welled in the corners of his eyes.

“Wa- wait!” Sungjin stumbled after him, but Wonpil didn't stop until they were down the street from the cursed building.“Wonpil—”

“I’m not an exhibitionist,” Wonpil blurted as he whipped around and looked at Sungjin with teary eyes.

Sungjin’s eyes widened as his hands hovered over his shoulders, hesitantly. "Er, do you…mind…" Wonpil buried his face into his hands as he started to cry. Why did this have to happen today of all days? “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Sungjin whispered. His hands gently held his shoulders and Wonpil sniffled.

"I'm not one," Wonpil babbled.

“Your friends were just playing around. Really, I didn't think they were being serious at all.”

Wonpil shook his head as he gasped for breath. He let his hands fall from his wet cheeks and stared at the ground, blurred by his tears. He was too ashamed to look at the other.

“Namjoon was right though. I- I showed off but not for attention." He gulped as he fisted the ends of his shirt. "I just…that thing I told you—I just wanted to feel like it really was okay. But now it’s coming to bite me in the ass and what if- what if they figure it out because of that? I don’t think they’ll buy it for much longer. We don’t really do anything aside from our morning breakfasts, and- and what if he finds out? I can’t, I- I…”

Sungjin sighed, hugging Wonpil into his chest. “It’s going to be okay, Wonpil-ah. We can talk about what you want to do later in private, okay?”

Wonpil nodded.

Sungjin let go and checked on him before offering him his hand. “One step at a time.”

Wonpil looked up at Sungjin, arching his eyebrow slightly at all the new skinship, but he figured Sungjin was being nice given everything. He silently took his hand and intertwined their fingers, his heart pounding as Sungjin led the way.

As they walked, Wonpil tightened his grip on Sungjin’s hand as they grew closer to the therapist's building.

“Hyung,” Wonpil whispered. His skin crawled as he started to drag his feet, his heart lodging itself in his throat. “I- I don’t know if I can do this.”

Sungjin glanced at him and immediately stopped walking which only made Wonpil worry more. Was he being obvious? What if someone from school saw him? Or what if his friends had decided to tail him and were now going to see whatever it was on his face that made Sungjin stop so suddenly?

“Hey, Wonpil-ah, it’s going to be okay. No one is going to judge you. I’m going to be there with you every step of the way and I’ll even go inside with you if you want.”

Wonpil shook his head, looking around. “What if someone sees me? What if- what if they tell him? What if he finds out why? What if—”

“No one is going to do anything,” Sungjin whispered. “If you’re so nervous about someone seeing you, then, follow me, I have an idea.”

“Hm?”

Wonpil trusted Sungjin, even if he pulled him into a nearby alley. He begrudgingly let go of his hand and tilted his head when Sungjin tugged off the hoodie he had been wearing.

"Wear this."

Wonpil arched an eyebrow as he took the fabric. "I don't think a hoodie by itself is going to help."

"Ah, you're looking at a '99 member of Troop 107."

Wonpil snorted as Sungjin rifled through his backpack. "Why am I not surprised you were a boy scout?"

"Because I'm always prepared. See?" Sungjin grinned as he proudly held up a new mask.

Wonpil couldn't help but giggle as he took it. He had to give it to Sungjin, he knew exactly what to do and say to make him feel better.

"Well, how do I look?"

He pinched the tip of the mask before holding out his arms and spinning around once. Sungjin chuckled.

"Just one thing's missing. If I may?"

He gestured at his hood and Wonpil nodded. He stood still as Sungjin carefully tugged the fabric up. Wonpil glanced at Sungjin—he'd never realized it before but being this close to him he could see a small scar on his left eyelid.

How did that happen? When did it happen? Did it hurt a lot?

Suddenly Sungjin's eyes shifted and they locked eyes. Wonpil forgot how to breathe as he stared into the piercing, dark eyes of Sungjin that had more stars in them than the night sky.

Beautiful.

Sungjin cleared his throat as he pulled away and Wonpil's heart pounded as he gulped. What the heck was that about?

“So, uh, what do you think?”

Sungjin held out his phone with his camera on so Wonpil could examine his disguise. He gently touched the knotted hoodie strings before turning his head to see the different angles.

“It’s a wonder idols don’t get recognized like this,” Wonpil muttered. “I look like an egg.”

Sungjin deflated a bit. “I thought it was a good idea.”

Wonpil quickly lightened up. “It is! It’s just the nerves. I'm impressed you thought of this at all.”

“I can bring sunglasses next time if you want,” Sungjin grumbled. “Or a hat. Maybe a hat would work better in this weather.”

Wonpil shook his head. “I like wearing your hoodies. It’s comforting and I don’t feel as nervous as before.” Wonpil grinned—Sungjin couldn’t see it behind his mask but by the way his eyes crinkled, he knew. “I’ll risk the heat stroke happily. Thanks, hyung.”

Sungjin stared at him for a second more before turning towards the sidewalk. “No problem. Now we really should get going, your appointment is coming up.” Sungjin glanced back at him before holding out his hand. "If you want."

Warmth fizzled in Wonpil's chest as he slipped his hand into Sungjin's. He squeezed his hand as a silent thanks and relaxed a sliver more when Sungjin gently squeezed back.

Wonpil took a step forward with new-found confidence coursing through him.

He could do this!

Sungjin guided Wonpil into the elevator with his arm wrapped around Wonpil’s waist. Wonpil had his face buried in his shoulder as he sniffled. He pursed his lips, watching the glowing numbers flicker as they went down.

Sungjin wasn’t the type to hate people but he hated Lee Junseo. He hated that such a horrible person could hurt someone as bright as Wonpil. He hated that Wonpil fell in love with such a horrible person. And he hated that the man still continued to haunt him.

He wished that he could take all his pain and anguish for himself. He wondered what he could do to cheer the other up.

The elevator came to a stop and Sungjin internalized all of his emotions as he put on a smile for Wonpil's sake.

“We’re at the lobby. Come on, Wonpil-ah,” he whispered.

Wonpil gripped his shirt and hid his face in his shoulder more. Sungjin frowned slightly, hugging him slightly closer to his side.

“Just follow my lead, okay?”

He nodded and Sungjin carefully led them out of the building.

Once they were out and at the crosswalk, waiting for the light to change, Wonpil finally looked up.

Sungjin glanced at Wonpil, his hatred for Lee Junseo doubling as he saw Wonpil’s puffy eyes and the plain exhaustion on his face.

Wonpil pushed Sungjin’s hand off his waist and Sungjin shoved his hands in his pockets. Wonpil’s warmth lingered in his mind a little but he focused on the uncomfortable way his pockets strained against his hands.

“Do you want to do anything? We can get something to eat, my treat. Or I can take you home. Anything you want, we'll do.”

Wonpil rubbed his eye as he swayed slightly. “I’m tired. Can…can we get some food and go to one of our places? I don’t want to be alone right now but I don’t want to be around strangers.”

“Of course.” They walked side-by-side as they crossed the street. “Anything specific you want to eat?”

“Not really.”

Sungjin hummed as he scanned the area around them and tried to remember what was around there. “Let’s see, there’s a fried chicken place, a burger place, a pizza—”

“Pizza sounds good,” Wonpil murmured.

Sungjin wrinkled his nose slightly but quickly stopped. He would make himself eat whatever for Wonpil's sake.

“There’s a place nearby that Brian really likes. We can go there.”

“Do you want pizza too?” Wonpil asked. “I can really only eat three slices before I'm full.”

Sungjin paused, stunned that Wonpil had asked him. “Um, truthfully, I’m not the biggest fan of pizza but I’ll eat it if you want it.”

Wonpil groaned softly, rubbing his eye again. “I don’t know. I’m really tired, hyung. Why don’t you pick? I just want to sleep. I’ll eat whatever as long as it doesn’t make me feel gross after my nap.”

“Yeah, maybe pizza isn’t the best option for ya.” Sungjin bit his bottom lip as he wracked his brain. “Oh! I know just the place. We can get food there and then head over to my place since it’s a bit closer. Is that fine with you?”

“Mm,” Wonpil yawned. “Can I rest my head on your shoulder? I’m so tired. Is therapy always that draining? It’s so hard to keep my eyes open.”

Sungjin offered his arm to Wonpil. “Crying makes you tired. Come on, let’s get you something to eat before you fall asleep and I have to figure out how to carry our food and you back to my place.”

Wonpil hummed, hugging Sungjin’s arm as he rested his head against his shoulder. “You’re so good to me, hyung.”

“Well, I am supposed to be your boyfriend.”

Wonpil cracked a smile at that. “I know you're not supposed to like to a therapist and all but this can stay just between us, right?”

“Probably not but I’m fine with keeping this bit between us. I have a feeling we’ll get scolded otherwise.”

Wonpil snickered and Sungjin smiled—glad to have Wonpil’s usual bubbliness finally peeking back out.

“Mm…” Wonpil hugged Sungjin’s arm tighter as he stumbled slightly. “Ah, we should talk about our performance. Since we’ve been fake dating for like a month or something, we should, uh, probably add some more acting or, yeah. Did that make sense?”

“I have an idea of what you’re talking about.” Sungjin glanced at the other who was taking suspiciously long blinks. “That Namjoon is rather sharp. But we don’t have to do anything too big. We can say we’re taking things slow.”

“Should’ve figured the fake hickey would trick everyone but Namjoon. He’s usually the one who checks Jinyoung to make sure it looks believable.” Wonpil yawned. “But you did say that you’re not a big fan of physical touch so what can we do? Ah, too much thinking.”

“We can talk about it after your nap.”

“You’re so good to me, Sungjinie-hyungie,” Wonpil cooed.

Sungjin chuckled as he finally spotted the sign for the place “You already said that.”

“Yeah? Well, I love—”

Sungjin froze as he felt the blood drain from his face.

No.

“Oh, you know what? I just remembered about this other place. We passed it already but uh, just follow me.”

Wonpil frowned. “Eh? But—”

Sungjin held Wonpil tight as he turned them around, his heart pounding.

Wonpil frowned as he stumbled and clung to his arm. “Hyung, what are you—”

“Come on, Wonpil-ah,” Sungjin urged, quickening his pace.

Wonpil let out a small shout as he nearly tripped, digging his fingers into Sungjin to stabilize himself. As soon as he regained his footing, he huffed and yanked himself from Sungjin's side. He glared at him as he clenched his fists.

“What’s your problem? What the heck was that about?” Wonpil puffed his cheeks. “Is this about what I was going to say? I say it to everyone. If I knew you were going to react like that then I wouldn’t have said it.”

Sungjin tensed as he realized the misunderstanding. Of all the possible times, did it really have to be then?!

“It’s not that—”

Wonpil's bottom lip trembled and Sungjin's heart clenched. “Oh bite me." He turned around and shoved his hands into the hoodie's pockets. "Let’s just go.”

Before he could take a step, Sungjin quickly grabbed his shoulder and rushed in front of him.

Wonpil's brows furrowed. “What are you—!”

“I swear it’s not that. Just, follow me, please?”

Wonpil's shoulders relaxed as he gently removed his hand. “Hyung, I’m exhausted.” Wonpil sighed. “At this point let's just order something to your place."

“Please—”

Wonpil ignored him as he side-stepped him. Sungjin cursed as Wonpil froze. He followed his gaze to Junseo who had his arm wrapped around a guy's waist—who was wearing his team jacket—and kissing him in the middle of the sidewalk.

He quickly stepped in front of Wonpil, but he knew he had been too late this time. He winced slightly when he saw the crestfallen look on Wonpil’s face.

“I’m sorry, Wonpil-ah." Wonpil’s face scrunched up as he looked down at the ground. “I tried—”

Sungjin let out a soft groan as Wonpil buried his head into his chest. The younger trembled as his hands fisted the back of Sungjin's shirt.

Sungjin bit his lip, hugging Wonpil. “It’s going to be okay.”

Wonpil shook his head. “That’s…that’s his boyfriend.”

“What?”

Wonpil clutched him tighter. “That guy, I can recognize him anywhere. He—” He gulped. “He was always after him. Junseo swore I didn’t have to worry about him but he wouldn’t stop being his friend and- fuck.” Wonpil scratched the back of his shirt.

“Hey…” Sungjin rubbed his back. “It’s—”

“We have to go.” Wonpil looked up at him—fresh tears in the corner of his eyes and a desperate look on his face. “Now. He’s going to want to talk to us and I- I—”

“Wonpil? Is that you!?”

Sungjin watched as the blood drained out of Wonpil’s face. He saw the fear and panic mixing on his face and he jumped to action with the only thing he could think of.

He gently grabbed Wonpil’s shoulders. “You trust me, right?”

Wonpil breathed quickly. “Yeah?”

“Okay. Trust me then.”

Wonpil blinked.

The next thing he knew, his back was pressed against the wall of the shop they had been in front of and Sungjin was cupping his face as he kissed him.

Or rather, Sungjin made it look like they were kissing.

Wonpil’s face burned with how close Sungjin’s face was to his and one slip of his thumb and they’d actually be kissing.

Wonpil gulped, closing his eyes and wrapping his arms around the back of Sungjin’s neck.

When they had started fake dating, Wonpil never thought that they’d end up in such a position. Sungjin was so close and warm and it made him think back to the alley earlier—

“Goddamn, Pil-ah!”

The—fake—couple jumped away from each other, their faces burning as Jinyoung grinned and Dowoon stared at them with a slacked jaw—his second scoop of ice cream plopping onto the ground.

Wonpil’s face turned a darker shade of red. “It's- It’s not what…” Wonpil trailed off as he made eye contact with Jinyoung’s phone. “You didn’t.”

“We’ll leave you two love birds in the non-privacy of the outdoors while I go collect my earnings." He shook his phone at them and Wonpil wondered if there was any way Jinyoung could get that video back if he decimated his phone right then and there. "On a side note, couldn’t you two have waited to get home before y’all got it on? Damn hornbags can't wait a few minutes to open a new toy.” Jinyoung cackled as Dowoon blushed, averting his eyes.

“What are you—”

“Fuck.”

Wonpil jumped in surprise at the out-of-character reaction from Sungjin. He found him staring at the store sign and a sinking feeling filled his gut as he read what was written.

Immediately his entire body flushed.

Of all the places Sungjin could’ve chosen to fake kiss him, it just had to be in front of a sex toy shop, didn’t it?

Wonpil's heart hammered as he looked back at his friends. “We weren’t- we didn’t—”

“Just so you guys know, we’re going back to the apartment so...” Jinyoung licked his ice cream. “Keep the hanky panky over at Sungjin-hyung’s. Our precious Woonie shouldn’t be exposed to your loud ass again.”

“Um, any chance we could keep this priva—”

“Not a chance.”

Sungjin deflated as Jinyoung and Dowoon waved at them before walking away.

The fake couple stood in disbelief for a few more seconds before Sungjin turned to look for Wonpil’s ex, finding him nowhere.

“Well…at least your ex left you alone?”

Wonpil groaned, hiding his red face. “You know what this means, right?”

“Um, we have something to talk about when we get to my place?”

“A lot of stuff.” Wonpil sighed. “I just wanted to stuff myself and take a nap.”

“Sorry…”

Wonpil cradled his drink as he sat curled up on Sungjin’s couch.

“So…”

Sungjin flinched slightly, having dreaded that exact moment ever since the incident. 

“It seemed like a good idea at the time,” Sungjin murmured. “Ah, I would’ve asked but well, y’know.”

Wonpil hummed. “Are we bringing “kissing” to the table?”

Sungjin cursed himself. It wasn’t like Wonpil was the one to bring it up suddenly, it had been him. 

“Well, your friends were saying something about it not being believable that we weren’t as publicly affectionate.”

“Yeah, but you said that you weren’t comfortable with physical touch,” Wonpil pouted. “I’ve been on my best behavior.”

Sungjin sighed. “Yes, you have. Thank you.”

Wonpil fiddled with the hoodie strings.

Sungjin rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess we can bring “kissing” to the table in extreme circumstances like earlier. Um, we can maybe do some actual cheek kisses and that sort of stuff sparingly to make it more believable.” Sungjin paused. “I don’t know how comfortable I am doing that so you might have to carry us on that part.”

Wonpil rubbed his eye. “Hyung, if this makes you uncomfortable, we don’t have to. I’ll just say we’re trying to be careful or something. I’ll come up with a better lie after my nap. We can focus more on hugs, holding hands, and that type first.”

Sungjin bit his bottom lip. “I’d like that better.”

Wonpil nodded. “Good to know you know how to fake kiss though. For the record, I’m fine with doing that anywhere without a warning, just, maybe not in front of a sex shop next time?”

Sungjin's cheeks grew hot as he shifted. “I swear I didn’t see it.”

“I believe you,” Wonpil giggled. “Could you imagine if we were actually dating and that was actually our first kiss?”

Sungjin huffed as he crossed his arms. “If we were dating, I wouldn’t kiss you in front of a sex shop. I would plan it out and make it special.”

“Ooh~” Wonpil cooed. “You’re such a romantic sap.”

Sungjin rolled his eyes. “Am not.”

“Our first kiss was at a party.” Wonpil curled up slightly as he looked off into the distance. “Next to the throw-up corner and in front of a beer pong table. Talk about classy,” Wonpil grumbled. 

Sungjin glanced at Wonpil from where he sat on the floor. “Jeez. At least step outside.”

A dark chuckle came from Wonpil as he sunk into the cushions. "Oh, it gets worse."

"How?"

“It tasted like cheap rum and throw-up.”

“He did not.”

Wonpil groaned as he rested his forehead on his knees. “He did.”

“Wonpil—”

“I know, I know.” He sighed. “I’m regretting my past choices enough as it is.” Wonpil glanced at him and a small smile formed on his lips. “Our “first kiss” is better by a long shot when compared to that train wreck.” Sungjin internally flexed at Junseo when Wonpil suddenly yawned. “Alright, this food coma is getting ready to kick in. Hyung, come here.”

Sungjin arched an eyebrow. “I thought we agreed not to be on the couch together like ever again?”

“Yeah, well, we already have a sex tape rumor and however Jinyoung is going to spin our fake kiss from earlier. I’m sleepy and want cuddles.”

“Cuddles?”

Wonpil set his cup on the table before sitting back up. “You also need to work on physical touch to be able to perform in front of others so…” Wonpil opened his arms. “Cuddle me.”

Sungjin stared at Wonpil. Wonpil who looked so soft and sleepy and cu-

Sungjin laughed, looking up at his ceiling, “I must be outta my goddamn mind.”

“Is that a yes?” Wonpil tiredly slurred.

Sungjin said nothing as he got onto the couch next to Wonpil.

“Well, I dug my own grave so I might as well- oh!”

Wonpil hummed, wrapping his arms around Sungjin and bumping their knees.

“Mm, you’re like a teddy bear, hyung,” Wonpil murmured. “I’m going to sleep now, and if I wake up on the floor, I’m giving myself a lot of fake hickies and telling my friends you wanted to prove a point.”

Sungjin groaned as Wonpil's hair tickled his nose. “Jeez, what the hell did I get myself into?”

“These fake pants apparently.”

Sungjin thought about letting go of Wonpil and letting him topple to the ground but then thought about how Younghyun would take the news Wonpil threatened to spread.

And so, Sungjin tightened his hold on Wonpil.

Chapter Text

Wonpil groaned gently, sighing as he shifted closer to the warm, comfy bedding. He hummed, his fingers digging into the soft fabric, taking a deep inhale of the soothing scent that, while not his own fabric softener, was just as familiar and comforting. Actually, it might’ve been even more comforting, with the way it brought to mind pleasant memories of a certain something…no, someone.

 It smelled so good and it was so—

“Mm…Wonpil?”

Wonpil’s eyes shot open as he was hit with the memories of what happened earlier. His face burned as he pushed himself off of Sungjin’s chest, the older male’s arms jerking away from where they had been draped over his back. Sungjin quickly pulled his arms back, a dark blush blooming on his cheeks as he lay staring up at Wonpil, his arms now resting on either side of his head.

“Won- Wonpil-ah…”

Wonpil blinked, quickly realizing his hands were pressed against Sungjin’s chest and his thighs were on either side of Sungjin’s hips as he sat on—

“Ah!” Wonpil’s face grew beet red as he quickly scrambled off of Sungjin, cursing as his knee slammed into the coffee table in his frenzied rush.

“Shit, are you okay!?” Sungjin asked worriedly, pushing himself off the couch.

Wonpil stumbled back, holding out his arms. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t- I wouldn’t have- oh my god!” Wonpil covered his mouth with both hands as his breathing became erratic; the pulsing pain in his knee not helping. “Please don’t hate me! I didn’t do it on purpose! I didn’t realize—”

“Wonpil,” Sungjin breathed. He held up his hands, showing that he meant no harm—keeping space between them as they stood. It’s okay. We agreed to cuddle while we took a nap, and I must've accidentally shifted us while we were asleep, which—in hindsight—the couch was too small for the both of us. Great, I'm rambling now."

He hesitantly stepped toward the trembling male but stopped when Wonpil whimpered and stepped back. His chest rose quickly, as his frantic breathing rang out. Sungjin gulped and took a step back as well.

“I didn’t mean to hold you like that." He placed a hand over his heart. “I swear I didn’t do anything to you. I woke up just a few seconds before I said your name. I would never touch you or put you in a position like that without your consent.” Sungjin hung his head. “I’m so sorry.”

Wonpil swallowed, trying to get in control of his breathing.

“What?” He breathed out. His brow furrowed as his breathing began to even out. “But I was the one who was on top of you? Why are you apologizing? I-I,” Wonpil paused, curling his fingers together. “I touched your chest and- and sat… I’m sorry.” Wonpil blinked back tears. “I swear I didn’t mean to.”

Sungjin shook his head as he met his confused gaze.

“I’m the whole reason we even wound up in such a position. I also scared you. I didn’t think about how you’d react to waking up in such a position. I’m sorry.”

Wonpil took a step forward, frowning. “It’s not your fault.”

“Well it wasn’t your fault,” Sungjin said. “It was a mistake.”

Wonpil clenched his fists as he finally managed to stop trembling.

“Can I hug you?” He let out a little breath, gulping as his breathing steadied. “I know we’re alone and don’t need to put on a show but…”

Sungjin’s body relaxed  and he opened up his arms, “You have five seconds.”

Wonpil smiled shyly, pressing himself against Sungjin.

“Thank you,” Wonpil murmured as Sungjin wrapped his arms around Wonpil’s upper back.

Sungjin hummed, sending a soft buzzing throughout Wonpil’s chest as he closed his eyes. A warmth unlike anything else that Wonpil had experienced washed over him as he felt the world fade away.

Suddenly, it was just him and Sungjin.

Wonpil sighed his worries away, his hands clutching onto the fabric of Sungjin’s shirt. He feared that Sungjin would crumble away, leaving him with nothing but the twisting monster in his mind.

However, as Sungjin breathed steadily, his heart beating at a casual rhythm—even that fear was washed away.

Sungjin shifted his arms slightly, his fingers gliding across the expanse of Wonpil’s back; the warmth that seeped through felt like sunshine on his skin. It almost made him feel dizzy.

“Are you okay?” Sungjin whispered, breaking the small bubble they were encapsulated in.

Wonpil let out a deep breath before nodding his head.

“Great.” Sungjin pressed his fingers against Wonpil’s back. “Your five seconds are up.” Sungjin pinched the fabric of his hoodie and pulled him away.

Wonpil pouted as he stepped away from Sungjin. 

“Cheapskate,” he grumbled, playfully sulking as he looked up at Sungjin.

Sungjin laughed. “What? That was a free hug out of the goodness of my heart.”

Wonpil wrinkled his nose, biting back a smile. “Would’ve been five seconds longer then, if it really was from the heart.”

“Yah—”

“Yah?” Wonpil gasped dramatically. “So you think you can get frisky with me and suddenly talk disrespectfully? Wow, romance really is dead.”

Sungjin flushed. “I didn’t—”

“And back out the door I go…”

The fake couple snapped their heads to the side, their faces burning incriminatingly hot as Younghyun bent down, slipping his shoe back on.

“Oh, don’t mind me. I was just heading back out,” Younghyun huffed, adjusting his bookbag as he stood back up. He smiled and waved. “Tear him a new one, Wonpil-ah.” He glared at Sungjin as he clicked his tongue. “Seriously, hyung, I thought you were better than that. You get some and suddenly become disrespectful? The audacity!”

“What—”

“Wa- wait!”

Younghyun scurried out of the apartment, cackling as he ran down the hall.

“Kang Younghyun!” Sungjin shouted.

He ran to the door and nearly tripped as he tried shoving shoes on. Wonpil groaned as he followed suit, but he barely made it a step before he lost balance.

"Argh!"

He squeezed his eyes shut, accepting his fate as he braced himself for the impact. However, instead of smacking onto the ground, warmth embraced him before his head whacked against bones.

“Oomph!”

Wonpil slowly opened his eyes. His breath hitched when he found himself back on top of Sungjin. Had he slipped into a parallel universe when he slept? What was going on today!?

“Ah…” Sungjin winced. “Did you get hurt?”

Wonpil blinked. 

It felt like his heart had stopped, but maybe it was just going too fast for him to distinguish one beat from another. He had neither the right state of mind nor the energy to think too deeply about it; not when Sungjin was gazing at him so deeply, it was almost as though he could see the whole world in Wonpil’s eyes. 

“Me?” Wonpil whispered, breaking out of the spell Sungjin’s eyes put him under. “Did you get hurt?” He worriedly asked.

Sungjin froze for a second.

“Um, no, not really.” Sungjin’s brow furrowed as he gently pushed back a bit of Wonpil’s hair from his forehead. “Did you hit your head?” Sungjin murmured as his fingers brushed against his forehead as he inspected it.

Wonpil breathlessly gasped, suddenly finding it hard to breathe

Sungjin’s fingers were rough, worn from playing the guitar, but they felt nice. Sungjin was also, so, so warm. How could a human be this warm? No, no human could be this warm, he had to be, like, a bear or something. And his eyes looked so beautiful. He was suddenly taken back to the first moment he met Sungjin.

He finally got the answer to his question that day.

Sungjin’s eyes were naturally radiant.

Wonpil’s chest hardly moved as he let out tiny, quick breaths.

“Wonpil?”

Wonpil blinked, snapping out of the trance Sungjin had put him in. His cheeks flushed slightly as he pulled away from Sungjin.

“I didn’t hit my head,” Wonpil murmured. His previous thoughts made him doubt that, he kind of hoped he had hit his head. “I must’ve gotten it from sleeping on your chest,” Wonpil said, rubbing against the small, red line on his forehead.

Sungjin cleared his throat, also pulling away from Wonpil.

“That’s good.” He paused, glancing at his knee, his eyes widening. “You’re bleeding!”

Wonpil quickly looked at his knee, his jaw dropping when he saw the growing dark patch on his jeans.

“Can you stand?” Sungjin quickly asked, already on his feet and holding out his hand to Wonpil.

Wonpil took his hand, carefully pushing himself up and wincing when he tried to put any pressure on his knee.

“Ah, hyung,” Wonpil whimpered softly, clinging onto Sungjin’s arm to keep himself from falling back down.

“C’mon,” Sungjin murmured, helping lead Wonpil to the couch.

Wonpil grasped onto the armrest, breathing heavily as his knee throbbed.

“Pull down your pants.”

Wonpil’s heart jumped to his throat as his head whipped around to look at Sungjin.

“What!?”

Sungjin was already down the hall. “I need to clean your cut!”

Wonpil’s face burned as his mouth grew dry.

Had he worn his good boxers or the ones he swore he’d throw away a year ago that’s been with him for as long as he could remember?

Wonpil looked back down, cursing himself for wearing the jeans that made his ass look great—he had needed the confidence boost for his therapy session, sue him—so he couldn’t just roll up the ends of his pants.

As Wonpil had an internal breakdown, regretting all his clothing decisions, Sungjin quickly came back with a first aid kit and blanket. He blinked.

“Holy shit.” Sungjin worriedly looked at Wonpil. “Take off your pants, I’ll get you something to wear after I patch you up, okay? I’m sorry, um, here. Use this to cover up,” Sungjin said, his face flushing slightly as he handed over the blanket.

Wonpil snapped out of his internal dilemma as he became aware of the warmth rolling down his leg and he felt like he was going to be sick. He tugged the blanket over his lap.

“Oh my god,” Wonpil gasped, his hands quickly fumbling with the buttons. His hands shook as he became rather conscious of the woozy feeling starting to take over. “I don’t feel so good,” Wonpil murmured, his hands trembling as he tugged his jeans down.

He'd never quite been good with blood. In his defense, who liked seeing blood?

He closed his eyes, hissing as the fabric brushed against his wound.

“Your pants…can I help?” Sungjin cautiously asked. “I’ll just pull on the fabric so it doesn’t brush against your cut—if that's okay with you?”

“Okay,” Wonpil responded, feeling warm all over. 

He wasn’t sure if it was because of Sungjin or if his body was getting ready to evict his consciousness and send him to the afterlife.

“Here,” Sungjin murmured, getting down on one knee as he took the fabric of Wonpil’s pant leg between his hands. He carefully pulled at it, keeping it from touching the wound as Wonpil shimmied out of his pants. Sungjin helped keep the blanket from touching the area. Wonpil sighed once the worst of it was over and Sungjin let him discard his bloodied pants on his own. “I’m going to patch you up now, okay?”

Wonpil nodded, the room spinning slightly.

“Can you say it?” Sungjin softly asked.

Wonpil leaned back into the couch cushion, his fingers digging into the soft blanket. “You can touch me Sungjin,” he breathed, groaning as a black spot appeared in his vision. “I don’t get why I have to say it if I nodded,” Wonpil murmured.

Sungjin hummed, opening the first aid kit and getting to work. 

“I need you to consent to things verbally,” Sungjin said, gently dabbing at the gash the table had marred Wonpil with. “I don’t want to trigger anything by accident. Plus, it puts me at ease. It’s a good habit for you to have too, for once you actually get a boyfriend.”

Wonpil blinked, swaying slightly as he looked down at Sungjin.

“Why would he ask?” Wonpil tilted his head. “I’m his boyfriend so I,” Wonpil hissed, flinching as Sungjin dabbed at a particularly painful spot. “Agh…I kinda have to do what he wants since we’re dating.”

Sungjin froze. He looked up at Wonpil who looked dazed.

Wonpil blinked back at him.

“What?” Wonpil’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Did I slur my words? I feel kinda funny.”

“Just because you’re in a relationship with someone, that doesn’t give them the right to make you do anything.” Sungjin had a serious look on his face which Wonpil thought was funny given that his hair was a bit askew from their nap. “You say no when you don’t want to do something. You hear me?”

Wonpil pouted. “I’m not a little kid, hyung…but I am a good boyfriend.”

His jaw clenched. “Wonpil.” Sungjin's eyes narrowed. “Having boundaries doesn’t mean you’re a bad boyfriend. You shouldn't put others' wants before your own comfort.”

Sungjin looked back down at his knee, dabbing ointment onto the cut.

“But—”

“No buts,” Sungjin interrupted him. “If there’s any form of hesitance or doubt, you say no.”

“But then he’d break up with me?”

Sungjin's brows furrowed. "Good. You shouldn't be with someone like that much less in a relationship where your own partner doesn't respect you. Why would you ever want to be in a relationship like that?"

Wonpil's face grew hot as he clenched the blanket. Tears welled in his eyes as he refused to look at Sungjin.

"I was in love with him." Tears ran down Wonpil’s cheeks as he dug his nails into the soft fabric. "When you love someone, you stay by their side no matter what."

"No, not "no matter what"," Sungjin gently murmured. "Would someone who loves you go out of their way to hurt you? Or do something they know you wouldn't like? You need to learn when it's best to walk away."

"I'm not stupid," Wonpil bit out. "You think it's so easy to just leave? Do you think I wanted what happened to me? Did you forget what he was like after I finally left?” Wonpil’s voice broke as he hid his red face in his hands, sobbing.

"Wonpil, I didn't mean—"

"The way that I am now," Wonpil interrupted. "It's what I had to become to survive. The only thing I could control back then was the way I thought about love. Now that I'm free, I don't know what proper love looks like anymore. Everything about it just reminds me of what happened and I hate it."

“I’m sorry,” Sungjin breathed. “I crossed a line. I don't know what got into me.”

“Hyung…”

"Yeah?"

Sungjin rifled through the first-aid kit to find a big bandage that would fit.

Wonpil sniffled, wiping his tears as he looked down at Sungjin.

“I love you.”

The first-aid kit fell to the ground as Sungjin looked up at him with wide eyes.

"What?”

Wonpil shook his head and looked away. “I’m sorry…I just…I thought- I thought that saying it to someone else would help somehow." He hugged himself as he gulped. "It was a stupid thought. I’m sorry. I hate this. I want to skip to the future when everything is okay again.”

Sungjin blinked before grabbing a bandage with a shaking hand. He thought back to the night Wonpil had opened up to him—to when he was falling asleep.

“I wish…you were the one I could’ve fallen in love with instead.”

“Wonpil,” Sungjin paused, taking in Wonpil’s fragile state. The words in his throat felt suffocating as he quickly looked away, swallowing the words with him. “I'm sorry but you can't just jump back into finding love. You have to focus on healing and loving yourself first. Things will get better with the therapist,” Sungjin finally said after a minute of scrambling for something else to say. “So don’t get discouraged. You'll fall in love again, someday. It's just that right now isn't the right time. The universe works in odd ways, but I promise you you'll be able to love again.”

Wonpil sniffled, playing with the ends of the blanket.

“Can you say it back?” he whispered.

Sungjin glanced at Wonpil and then back at the gauze he was unfurling.

“I don’t know,” Sungjin murmured. “I don’t think it’s good for me to say that to you if I don’t mean it.”

“That’s okay,” Wonpil whispered. “I know you don’t mean it, but if you say no then I won’t ask again. Consent, right?” Wonpil cracked a small smile at Sungjin.

Sungjin let out a soft sigh, wrapping up Wonpil’s wound.

“So, you took my words to heart then?”

Wonpil nodded, looking down at Sungjin’s hoodie as he played with the strings. 

“It's been so long since things were okay that I got used to thinking that way,” Wonpil murmured. “It's even harder seeing that I'm the only one stuck like this when he gets to move on like nothing.” Wonpil paused. “Although, with you here, it doesn’t seem as bad.”

Sungjin hummed, pulling his hands away from the wound.

“And then there’s the therapist so I don’t keep having feelings like this,” Wonpil chewed his lip. “Well…I guess I have you to help with that too.”

Sungjin chuckled as he packed up the items he had used on Wonpil. “You’re such a sweet talker."

Wonpil giggled. “It's one of my many, many charms”

"You're so cringey." Sungjin rolled his eyes before holding out his hands for him to take. “Only if you want to.”

“Are you going to ask me for permission every time you want to initiate skin contact?” Wonpil asked, sliding his hands into Sungjin’s.

Sungjin shrugged. “I know we agreed upon things in the contract but…” Sungjin squeezed Wonpil’s hands. “I feel like it's dubious if I don't ask when I want to do it—not because of the contract.”

Wonpil blushed slightly. “You drag me for being a sweet talker and then turn around with this? Tch, hypocrite.”

Sungjin laughed softly, gently squeezing Wonpil’s hands as he looked into his eyes. “Wonpil-ah.”

“Hm?”

“I love you.”

Wonpil’s eyes widened as his thoughts short-circuited.

“WHAT?!”

A loud clatter sounded as something fell to the ground.

The fake couple jumped, turning to look at Younghyun—Sungjin swore to get the hinges replaced first thing in the morning because he was tired of Younghyun sneaking in like some cat burglar—who stared at them slack-jawed, a piece of his chewed-up bagel plopping to the ground right between where his half-eaten bagel and phone lay scattered about.

They quickly pulled away their hands, their faces bright red as Younghyun looked like he had seen them actually doing the perverse act their friends swore they did on the couch.

“What? What’s going on?” A familiar voice rang out from the phone.

“No…” Sungjin whispered in horror.

“Oh my god!” Younghyun screeched as he quickly swiped his phone off the ground, “Jaebum! Sungjin said he loved Wonpil! Right before or after sex! On the couch too!”

“WHAT!?”

“Young—”

Younghyun was out the door screaming before either of the fake lovers could move.

“Oh my god,” Wonpil squeaked, his face burning. “We’re fucked,” Wonpil soullessly whispered. 

Sungjin fell down onto his butt from where he had been kneeling, his eyes wide as his face paled.

“Completely and utterly fucked.” Sungjin looked up at the ceiling blankly. “Should we just move in together?” Sungjin soullessly croaked. “No one would walk in on us at questionable moments then, right?”

Wonpil slumped against the couch, watching his life flash before his eyes.

“Maybe we should just flee the country…I hear Iceland is pretty nice…We can get a little cabin and have an ice farm…Two kittens…Make hot chocolate all the time…Learn how to knit…It’ll be cold with all the snow but we can cuddle…No one would walk in on us there…”

“You’re thinking about Greenland,” Sungjin murmured. “Iceland is the one with greenery.”

“That’s stupid,” Wonpil whispered.

“We can have a nice little farm though,” Sungjin mused. “You’d probably get so happy when the chickens lay their first eggs.”

“Can we name one after Chicken Little?”

Sungjin snorted. “Only if we get it a pair of glasses.”

Wonpil hummed, feeling his soul trying to fly out of him.

“We could get married over there,” Wonpil sighed. “Help cut back on some taxes or something.”

“Yeah, sure,” Sungjin murmured. “How long do you think we have to pack before our friends find out what happened?”

“Negative however long ago hyung darted out,” Wonpil laughed. “Ah, we’re so fucked.”

Sungjin sighed, pushing himself up. “We should get you in some clean pants before more shit is taken out of context.”

Wonpil hummed, tucking the blanket around him like a thick skirt “I feel weird sitting on your couch in just my boxers.”

“In hindsight, I should've brought the change of pants with me earlier. My bad.”

Wonpil waved him off and then contemplated his life as Sungjin walked off.

As he waited, he decided to check his phone, and his heart hammered when he noticed he had a picture sent from Younghyun. 

“He didn’t…” Wonpil bit his bottom lip as he opened the message. His face grew hot as he saw how peaceful he looked sleeping on top of Sungjin. The way Sungjin held him as they slept didn’t help ease his flushed face. “He did…” Wonpil groaned, clicking his phone off.

“What happened now?”

Wonpil opened his eyes to see Sungjin walking over with a pair of sweatpants and slippers.

“Hyung sent a picture from earlier.”

Sungjin sighed, handing Wonpil the items before grabbing his own phone.

Wonpil pulled on the pants as he wondered if Sungjin would mind him letting their cats into their room during the night. The cabin probably wouldn’t have the best heater so what else could they do?

He heard Sungjin groan as he tossed his phone onto the couch.

Wonpil smiled slightly, trying to ease the mood. “At least we’re both dressed properly so that can’t be twisted?”

Sungjin sighed. “I guess.”

Wonpil let out a soft huff as he stretched. “Mm! We should get a head start on our new life then.”

Sungjin chuckled. “Sadly, neither of us has ‘flee to Iceland and live out our cottagecore dreams’ money.” Sungjin pursed his lips. “I’m afraid we’re going to face reality.”

Wonpil scrunched his nose. “That sounds horrible.”

“Yeah, it does…do you think we could both get sugar daddies within the next minute who would be willing to send us abroad?”

“Hm…there is that one dude in my dm’s…but I don’t think he’d fly me out for us to get married and live happily in Iceland.”

“Bummer.”

Wonpil giggled. “Alright, what’s the game plan now?”

Sungjin hummed, checking the time. “I have a feeling that you staying the night will only dig us deeper into our hole so we should probably get you home. Plus, any later and that roommate of yours will accuse me of something,” Sungjin muttered.

“Like murder or like being into shibari?”

Sungjin gaped at Wonpil before pressing a hand against his forehead as he groaned. “Ugh, I can’t do this right now.”

Wonpil giggled. “Sorry, hyung. I’ll get going now, okay?”

Sungjin nodded. “Want me to take you home? I really don’t want to be home when Younghyun comes back.”

Wonpil smiled. “Sure. We can both face Jinyoungie when we get there.”

Sungjin groaned. “You know what…swimming to Iceland doesn’t sound that bad.”

Wonpil giggled as Sungjin begrudgingly cracked a smile at how happy he was. Things were certainly bad but…with Sungjin by his side, it didn’t seem too bad.

Chapter Text

With the way that Wonpil was wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and mask, one would have thought he was a fugitive trying to flee the country and not just trying to hide from his friends.

His heart hammered as he pressed against the alley wall across from the cafe, watching as Dowoon and Jinyoung pressed against the window, looking for him. Wonpil’s shift started in a few minutes and he was starting to sweat. He had spent all weekend holed up in his room actually doing homework while avoiding his phone and constant banging on his door. He knew they were dying to get to tease him about what had happened straight to his face.

Sungjin had kept him updated on his situation and Wonpil had second-hand trauma. He couldn’t- wouldn’t go through that.

“Please, please, please,” Wonpil whispered, gripping his backpack.

He had made sure to go late to his class and leave early to avoid his hyena friends. His legs were still recovering from all the running he had been doing.

Wonpil gulped, checking the time on his phone and gritting his teeth. He couldn’t go in late just to avoid relenting teasing from his friends—and he sure as hell was not about to use one of his sick days, no matter how tempting it sounded.

Standing up straight, Wonpil prepared himself to run past them when all of a sudden, his savior came walking out.

“Dowoon-ah!”

Dowoon jumped, peeling away from the window as he turned to look at Younghyun who smiled. Wonpil watched as Dowoon’s ears turned red and his cheeks flushed.

“Hyu- hyung!”

Jinyoung looked between the two before smirking and Wonpil finally breathed in peace. Now that Jinyoung had a new toy to play with, Wonpil was safe for a little bit.

Wonpil slowly counted down, watching as Dowoon worked in his favor and tried to drag Jinyoung away but Younghyun was focused on them now and Jinyoung had that stupid grin of his. Jinyoung looped his arms around the back of Dowoon’s and Younghyun’s necks—Dowoon’s loud, stammering protests rang out—as he led them away.

A grin quickly spread across Wonpil’s lips as he made a mad dash toward the cafe. He barely managed to clock in on time and only then did he finally let himself relax.

As he turned to head out to the counter, Jaebum walked into the back room with an unreadable expression on his face.

“Wonpil.”

His stomach sank and all the stress he had just released came right back. “Yes?”

“We need to talk.”

Wonpil felt his throat constrict as his entire body felt like TV static. Nothing good ever came from a conversation that started like that.

“About- about what?” He stammered as the blood stopped flowing to his fingers.

Jaebum peeked his head out of the room. “Youngjae, can you man the cafe by yourself for a few minutes?”

Wonpil's chest grew tighter and a thin cold layer of sweat dotted his forehead.

“Huh? Oh, uh, sure,” Youngjae’s voice rang out.

Jaebum didn't look at him as he spoke again. “Let's go to my office.”

Wonpil's body tingled with numbness as he stiffly followed Jaebum. He nervously chewed his bottom lip as all the corners he cut while doing his job came to mind. His hands grew clammy and he quickly wiped his palms against his pants as he stepped into the small office, feeling even more trapped now than in the locker room.

“Um,” Wonpil gulped. “What’s this about exactly?”

He was sure his anxiety was making him scare himself.

“Sungjin.”

Somehow, that made Wonpil’s stomach churn even more. He nervously wrung his fingers. Jaebum was aware of the reason why he and Sungjin had suddenly started ‘dating’ but he had never pried about it. He had thanked the stars after his first shift as Sungjin’s ‘boyfriend’ when Jaebum didn’t even as much as sneeze in his direction while Youngjae eagerly asked about all the nitty-gritty details Wonpil and Sungjin had worked out together the night prior for that exact situation.

Wonpil didn’t trust himself to speak now so all he could do was look at Jaebum with innocent—guilty—eyes as he waited for him to say something else.

“What’s your game with Sungjin?” Jaebum frowned. “Your ex is in a relationship now so why are you still stringing him along with you in your little dating act?”

Wonpil’s eyes widened as he shrunk slightly. “I’m not—”

"Do you like him?"

"No!" Wonpil's cheeks flamed. "I mean, I- I like him as a friend but…"

Jaebum took a step forward and Wonpil took one back, his back pressing against the door as his heart hammered.

“I’m just telling you this as a warning. Sungjin is a very selfless person so he won’t tell you himself but you better knock off this act soon. You got what you needed from this so don’t keep dragging it out. If you take advantage of him and wind up hurting him,” Jaebum glared at him, “Then I won’t ever forgive you. Even if this whole thing started off innocently, you've taken it too far. What's the matter with you saying that you love him? It’s taken too long to get him to his current point for you to ruin it.” Jaebum sighed as he crossed his arms. “Do you understand?”

Wonpil swallowed nervously. “This- this isn’t work appropriate,” he muttered, wishing a sinkhole would open up and swallow him whole.

Jaebum smiled. “You’re right.” He walked closer to the door and Wonpil shrunk into the wall of the office, looking up at the other with wide, scared eyes. Jaebum looked down at him with a hard look on his face. “But I don’t care if I break those rules as long as it means one of my best friends avoids getting hurt again. I know you’re a smart kid, Pil-ah, so knock off the act already. Unless you’ve really fallen for him, then you need to break up with him. That’s what’s best for the both of you.” Jaebum looked away before walking out. “Come out when you’re ready. I’m sorry I had to step in like this but trust me, it’s for the best. I care about the both of you too much to let you two hurt each other.”

Wonpil couldn’t muster up anything in response as the door swung shut. He was left alone in the soft glow of the office light and the low hum of the air conditioner.

He clenched his fists as he glared at the ground.

He wasn’t using Sungjin! And he sure as hell wasn’t hurting him either!

Still, Wonpil found himself unable to move from his spot until he heard a familiar sound. He couldn’t stop himself as he walked out, catching Sungjin and Jaebum laughing as they walked closer to the counter; Sungjin with one hand on his guitar case and his other resting loosely in his pocket.

Jaebum’s laughter faltered when he noticed Wonpil standing in front of the office door, his hands nervously gripping his apron.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Jaebum said, maintaining eye contact with him despite Wonpil desperately wanting him to look away.

Sungjin grinned as he spotted him. “Oh, hey, Won- sweetie.” Sungjin chuckled nervously, glancing at Jaebum but the other was already walking away.

Wonpil opened his mouth, hoping something would come out but his mind was still too clouded from Jaebum’s talk. His shoulders sagged as Sungjin neared him.

Sungjin who was wearing the hoodie he had lent Wonpil last week to go to the therapist for the first time. Sungjin who sent Wonpil a meal review three times a day because Wonpil had asked him to. Sungjin who let Wonpil initiate skinship with him even though he didn’t like it.

Sungjin who was perfect in every which way.

Sungjin who didn't deserve someone as broken as him.

“Hyung?” Wonpil barely managed to whisper, his throat clenching so tight he could barely breathe.

“Hm?”

“Hug me, please.”

Sungjin arched an eyebrow but didn’t say anything until he was hugging Wonpil and Wonpil tightened his grip around him.

“Hey, is something wrong? You know you can talk to me about it,” Sungjin whispered.

Jaebum’s words ate at the back of his mind, feeling heavy in his heart and on his tongue.

“Sungjin is a very selfless person so he won’t tell you himself…”

"Unless you’ve really fallen for him, then you need to break up with him."

Wonpil pulled away from the hug as though he had been burned. He was acutely aware of the weird look Sungjin gave him.

“No, just,” Wonpil forced a smile as he looked up at Sungjin’s worried eyes. “I have a lot to think about and I felt a bit overwhelmed I guess. I’m fine now.” Wonpil lied as he tried his best to act normal. He tilted his head in the direction of the changing room. “Why don’t you hurry up and get Atom out? I’ve missed your playing you know.”

“Then I should do my best, shouldn't I?” Sungjin grinned.

“Mm, now get going.” Wonpil playfully shooed him but he felt empty inside. “I have work to get to.”

Sungjin snorted before nodding and walking off. Wonpil’s smile fell as soon as his back was to him and he watched him retreat with his mind buzzing.

He couldn't stop replaying his conversation with Jaebum throughout his shift. He tried his best to think of anything else, but instead, he found himself staring at Sungjin as he performed. Jaebum’s words echoed in his ears instead of Sungjin's sweet voice.

Break up…

Sungjin caught his eye and grinned as he sang. Suddenly breathing got harder as Wonpil desperately searched for anything to distract him. He gulped, clenching the wet rag in his hand as he focused on a coffee stain on the counter that would take more than water to clean up. Still, he scrubbed harshly.

“Hey, hyung.”

He glanced to his side at Youngjae who looked out at the small stage where Sungjin was playing another song.

“Yeah?” Wonpil murmured.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Depends on what it is.”

Youngjae licked his lips. “I have this friend, and, uh, she,” Youngjae sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s really into Sungjin-hyung. How should I get her to stop trying to get with him? I already told her all about you and hyung but she’s not listening. She’s insisting that Sungjin-hyung is into her too, I don’t know what to do anymore. I felt like I had to tell you.”

Wonpil felt like a bucket of cold water had been thrown over him as he dropped the wet rag.

“Why would she think that?” Wonpil blurted out before he could stop himself.

Youngjae bit his bottom lip as he looked at him.

“I don’t know how true this is but…” He let out a soft sigh. “Apparently, he lets her borrow his hoodies when she asks and he always moves his backpack from the chair next to him whenever she walks up to let her sit next to him, and recently he’s trying to talk to her in private and she swears he’s going to ask her out because he always looks so nervous. I’m not saying hyung is cheating on you but,” Youngjae looked at him worriedly. “I couldn't keep this from you anymore. Not when it's starting to sound serious.”

Wonpil felt woozy all of a sudden as he leaned against the counter. “Hyung isn’t like that,” Wonpil barely managed to squeeze out.

“I know,” Youngjae murmured. “But I wanted to let you know.”

“Thanks,” Wonpil gritted out before he walked away, his head pounding.

What if what Youngjae was saying was true? What if Jaebum knew something Wonpil didn’t? What if Sungjin really did like someone else but wasn’t acting on it because he was ‘dating’ him?

He didn't want to end things with Sungjin.

The room started to spin and Wonpil gripped the counter, his knuckles turning white.

He had to talk with Sungjin.

Wonpil felt disconnected from his body as he closed his locker. He blinked for a few seconds in his haze before realizing he had left his phone in his apron which he had locked away, He shook his head, quickly undoing his combination as he opened his locker again, his throat feeling tight.

Sungjin was outside waiting for him.

He should be on the bus heading home by now to study but Wonpil had asked him to wait for him to get off his shift because they needed to talk. He'd seen the panic settle in Sungjin's eyes when he said it and it only made that knot in his stomach feel worse. He didn't want to do this anymore but Sungjin had been waiting so long that Wonpil would feel even worse if he backed out of talking with him about their fake dating situation.

He knew they weren't really dating, but that didn't change that he didn't want to break up with him.

He felt so silly. Sungjin deserved to be happy—he'd already done way too much for him. And what had Wonpil done for him in return?

With a heavy heart, he closed his locker once more—still not folding his apron as he had shoved it back in. He took a few deep breaths, making sure he had everything before steeling himself to break up with Sungjin so the other could be happy.

Tears stung the corners of his eyes as he grabbed the handle and opened the door slightly.

“I can't believe this!”

Wonpil froze, the door was barely ajar but he could hear Sungjin perfectly. He gulped, the little courage he had mustered up fading away. He couldn’t bring himself to move.

The soft crunching of Sungjin’s shoes on the ground rang out as he paced around.

“What? What’s wrong?”

Wonpil strained to listen to what sounded like Sungjin and Younghyun talking on the phone.

“Jayoung, she just fucking canceled on me!”

Wonpil felt like there was a rock in his throat, suddenly unable to breathe as his heart hammered. So it was true…

Had he kept him from a date?

God he felt even shittier now. He was actively ruining Sungjin's life like Jaebum said he would.

“What?” Younghyun’s voice rang out. “I thought I told you to be nice?”

“I was! I let her wear my hoodies when she said she was cold which was all the time. If you know the class is going to be cold, bring a goddamn jacket!” Sungjin groaned. “And I let her sit next to me even though I like my personal space because she always came in late and looked around for a seat. Do you know how long it took me to finally ask her to be my accompanist? She was always with her friends who giggled and it was so uncomfortable. And she quit almost immediately after she agreed—over text which, who does that? Why did she agree if the moment I left she said no? I don’t have time to find another pianist and you know how badly I need one this time. Ugh!” Sungjin kicked an empty can and sent it clambering down the alley.

Relief washed through Wonpil as the misconception he had cleared up quicker than it had started. Wonpil couldn’t help it as he threw the door open and ran out to Sungjin.

“I’ll do it!”

Sungjin turned around quickly and looked at Wonpil with wide eyes. Wonpil’s cheeks flushed as he realized what he had been doing was considered eavesdropping.

“What-”

“Your accompanist,” Wonpil breathed, looking up at Sungjin. “I’ll do it.”

“Well, it sounds like you lovebirds are about to have alley sex or whatever so remember that if you’re caught, that is a criminal offense. See ya!”

Sungjin was left speechless as Wonpil blushed harder, the line clicking and the two of them being left in silence.

“I,” Wonpil swallowed. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop…I'm sorry.”

“No, um,” Sungjin shook his head. “It’s, uh, okay.” Sungjin tilted his head. “You seriously want to be my accompanist? You don’t even know what for.”

Wonpil smiled slightly. “It doesn’t matter, I’m your friend first and foremost. Why didn’t you just ask me right off the bat? Instead, you made me think that you had a crush on that Jayoung girl.”

Sungjin’s eyes widened at that. “What!?” He spluttered. “Where’d you get that crazy idea from?!”

“Youngjae…” Wonpil softly murmured. “He said his friend had a crush on you and was confident you liked her back because of all those things you did for her and then Jaebum…” Wonpil trailed off, his voice faltering as Sungjin narrowed his eyes.

“Jaebum what?

“Um,” Wonpil averted his eyes. “Just…both of them suddenly saying such things, it made me think you actually did have a crush on someone and you were too nice to be the one to break off our fake dating act.” Wonpil started playing with his fingers. “Jaebum-hyung…he told me to break up with you.”

Sungjin took in a sharp breath. “What?”

Wonpil refused to meet Sungjin's gaze as he told him everything that happened that fateful night that they ended up fake dating.

“I’m sorry, I know this whole situation is my fault but I want to be able to help you too. Hyung says you’re too selfless and that you wouldn’t bring up breaking up first so,” Wonpil gulped. “Knowing all of this, I understand if you want to break up. We don’t really have any reason to keep going since my ex is dating someone else and we can keep being friends. I just,” Wonpil felt tears forming in the corner of his eyes again. “I don’t want to keep using you. I’ll be your accompanist and just your friend if you so wish. Our breaking up won’t change my wanting to be your accompanist. So what do you say?”

“I say that you’re not following our contract, article one, section two.”

Wonpil blinked, finally looking up at Sungjin who crossed his arms.

“Neither of us is allowed to back out without telling the other person first,” Sungjin said. “It sounds like you’re committed to us breaking up, I don’t recall having this discussion at any point.”

Wonpil laughed, streaking down his cheeks. “We're having that conversation now. I- I’m giving you an out right now, no contract consideration needed. Take it, don’t be selfless. I'll be okay.”

Sungjin sighed, walking up to Wonpil who was wiping his tears as soon as they fell because he didn't want to let Sungjin see him crying. Sungjin gently took Wonpil’s bag from where it haphazardly hung off his shoulder.

“Did it ever cross your mind that I like being your fake boyfriend?” Sungjin asked. “You do an amazing job of keeping the girls and gays away from me. I’ll also admit that you’ve somehow become one of my best friends in such a rather short time. Us ‘dating’ gives us more of an excuse to get to hang out.” Sungjin shrugged. “And I can’t tell you the last time I had so much chaos going on in my life, in a good way.”

Wonpil blushed, his heart hammering.

“But- but Jaebum-hyung—”

“—Doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Sungjin said.

“But he said that you would get hurt again because of me!” Wonpil sniffled as his bottom lip trembled. Sungjin froze, his eyes widening. “And I don’t want that! I don’t want to hurt you! I never want to hurt you! I love you too much as a friend to do that to you!”

Wonpil let out a soft grunt as warmth embraced him. Wonpil blinked, growing all too aware that Sungjin was hugging him.

“Don’t,” Sungjin muttered, tightening his hold on Wonpil. “You won’t. That doesn’t apply to you.”

Wonpil blinked. “What…?”

Sungjin said nothing more, he just placed his chin on Wonpil's shoulder as they slowly rocked to a silent tune.

“Hyung?” Wonpil whispered softly, his heart racing. “What- what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Sungjin murmured but Wonpil could hear it in his voice.

“Tell me, please. I’m here for you just like you’re there for me.”

“I’m sorry, Pil-ah,” Sungjin croaked. “But I can’t. Not now.”

Wonpil sighed, hugging Sungjin back. “Okay. Just, tell me when you’re ready. If you’re ever ready. This relationship is a two-way street.”

Sungjin sniffled softly. “Thank you, Pil-ah.”

Wonpil found himself smiling as he closed his eyes and savored every bit of Sungjin’s warm embrace, the cool night air making it feel all the warmer.

Chapter Text

As Wonpil sat in class, his knee bounced anxiously. He kept flipping his phone over on his thigh and double-tapping the screen to see his notifications, only to find them as empty as they had been a few seconds ago when he had last checked.

“So…” Wonpil turned to face Dowoon who was resting his head on the palm of his hand, staring back at him. “Where are you and Sungjin-hyung going out on a date? Five-star restaurant? Aren’t you dressed a bit shabby for it?”

“Huh?” Wonpil blinked, his cheeks slowly warming as he set his phone back onto his thigh with his screen facing down. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Dowoon’s eyes darted toward the front of their classroom where their professor was engrossed in the PowerPoint presentation about one of Beethoven’s pieces. Once he saw he was in the clear, he glanced back at Wonpil, grinning as he leaned back into his chair.

He pointed at Wonpil’s leg. “The bouncing knee.” He shifted his finger slightly. “The phone on the thigh,” Dowoon smirked, lifting his hand and mimicking holding a phone. “And the constant phone checking. You, my good sir, are waiting for an important message from Sungjin-hyung, and—using my expert detective skills—your body language tells me it’s something big romantically. Then, when I asked, your face got red. In conclusion, it’s a big date.”

Wonpil stared back at Dowoon, biting back his immediate urge to deny it was a date. In actuality, it was his and Sungjin’s first day working together for Sungjin’s performance and it was by no means a date. It was just him and Sungjin in a small room together making music.

“It’s not that,” Wonpil shyly muttered. He knew there was technically nothing wrong with them calling it a date since they were ‘dating’ but just the thought of it being considered one made him feel flustered. He was helping Sungjin! As a friend! Nothing more or less! “We’re just supposed to meet up soon on a side of campus I haven’t been to so I’m waiting for him to send the directions. You know how bad I am with maps.”

Dowoon pouted slightly.

“Mm, but I’m pretty sure…” Dowoon trailed off as he furrowed his eyebrows.

Wonpil frowned, wondering how he could get Dowoon to drop the subject. As he looked at the other, quickly scanning him for something, his eyes locked onto a rather familiar keychain dangling from his drummer bag.

“Oh?” Wonpil’s eyes flickered back up to meet Dowoon’s. “Younghyun-hyung also has a burger keychain.” Dowoon stiffened and Wonpil’s lips curled mischievously. “Yeah, if I remember correctly, he just showed up with it earlier this week. Funnily enough, it was the day after he walked away with you and Jinyoung…” Wonpil narrowed his eyes slightly as he leaned in closer to the young man slowly getting redder with every word. “And I’ve seen Jinyoung multiple times since then and he has no hamburger keychain.”

The last bit of Dowoon’s face turned red and he nervously cleared his throat as he turned back to face the board.

“You know…we pay a lot of money for these classes so let’s pay attention.”

Wonpil snickered softly, making a mental note to bring it up to Sungjin later. As he thought about the older man, his phone vibrated softly on his thigh. He quickly grabbed it, flipping it over and unlocking his phone the moment he saw the message notification. 

Honey Bear~

I’ll be waiting outside of your class.

Also, pay attention to your professor.

Wonpil perked up, turning his head and looking at the windowed area of the classroom. Sungjin was walking past and Wonpil flushed slightly as Sungjin glanced into the classroom and their eyes met.

A cheery smile spread on Sungjin’s face as he raised his hand in a small wave at him. Wonpil quickly grinned back, waving at him and making Sungjin chuckle as he walked out of Wonpil’s view.

Wonpil’s chest buzzed happily as he quickly wrote back a message to Sungjin.

In my defense, I just found out something juicy!

I’ll come out as soon as I can!

I’m sorry I’m making you wait ㅠ.ㅠ

Wonpil clicked his phone off and sat up straight. He pushed his bangs away with his forefingers—although, they just jumped back into their original position—as he quickly started taking notes. He knew it wouldn’t speed up the class but he hoped it would.

He couldn’t wait to be with Sungjin. 

After what seemed like an eternal lifetime—it was only about ten minutes—the lecture ended, and Wonpil was at the door as his classmates were barely closing their laptops and putting their things away. He didn’t even stay to catch Dowoon’s teasing reaction. Although with the newfound information Wonpil had acquired, it didn’t seem like Dowoon would get to tease him alongside the rest of their friends anytime soon.

Wonpil practically flew down the small stairs outside of his building and rounded the corner so quickly, that he nearly lost his balance. He didn’t let it get to him though because, as promised, Sungjin was leaning against the side of the building.

He looked like he was right out of Wonpil’s dramas with the way the sun framed him as though he was radiating. A stray autumn breeze ruffled his hair and part of Wonpil wanted to look around for a camera crew and his love interest.

He was too handsome for it to be natural.

Wonpil shook the weird thoughts buzzing in his mind as he skipped towards him.

“Hyung!”

Sungjin looked up from his phone and grinned the moment he spotted him. He peeled off of the wall and shoved his earbuds into his pocket as he walked towards him; although, he didn’t get too many steps in before Wonpil was standing in front of him, bouncing slightly on his feet as he beamed at him.

“Sorry to keep you waiting for so long!” Wonpil scratched his cheek slightly as he laughed nervously. “There’s kind of a ‘no leaving class early’ rule that I may or may not have been the cause for.”

Sungjin arched an eyebrow but Wonpil looked away as his cheeks tinged slightly. Sungjin chuckled, bringing Wonpil’s attention back to him.

“I can’t believe you’re the cause for more than one new rule.”

Sungjin’s eyes glimmered as Wonpil playfully scoffed. "Well if you're going to write in the syllabus not to walk out while you're teaching, don't I reserve the right to walk out in the last half hour when you always talk about your personal life? I'm paying to learn about music theory, not how bad traffic was on your way home recently." Sungjin laughed at that and Wonpil grinned until he processed Sungjin’s words properly and then he was pouting slightly. “Wait, more than one? What's the other one?"

He tilted his head and rested his chin in the space between his forefinger and thumb as he thought back. There weren’t any other particular moments that he could think of that caused another rule to be implemented. 

Sungjin opened his mouth before abruptly stopping and instead holding up a finger. “Hold on,” he said as he took his phone out.

After a few taps, Sungjin turned his screen towards Wonpil. 

Wonpil hummed softly as he squinted his eyes slightly, scanning the screen for what he had allegedly caused.

When Autumn Leaves Festival Rules

• NO FULL-BODY MASCOT SUITS ALLOWED

Wonpil’s face grew hot as he shyly looked up at Sungjin.

“Technically…I wasn’t wearing one.”

“I know, but,” Sungjin clicked his phone off and slipped it back into his pocket before extending his hand for Wonpil’s. “Who was the mastermind of that little stunt? Also, if I may?”

Wonpil’s face only got hotter as he slipped his hand into Sungjin’s. His palm was so warm that Wonpil’s freezing fingers immediately started thawing.

“They owed me one forgetting me at some party like that,” Wonpil grumbled.

Sungjin snickered, squeezing Wonpil’s hand as they began walking.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget that night. Especially with your grand gesture there at the end.”

“It was just a bouquet of food,” Wonpil shyly murmured.

“You know what they say about food.”

Wonpil stared at Sungjin, tilting his head to the side slightly as he tried to figure out what Sungjin was talking about. However, Sungjin didn’t let Wonpil think as he slipped their hands into his pocket which made Wonpil’s mind short-circuit. While they had done things for their ‘relationship’—their first ‘kiss’ was in front of a sex shop of all things—this was the first time Sungjin had done it because he wanted to. He made that much clear by asking for permission to hold his hand.

Dowoon’s teasing words about this being a date made Wonpil’s stomach twist.

“Hyung?”

“Hm?”

Sungjin turned to look at him and Wonpil’s eyes fell to their hands. He looked up at Sungjin quickly enough to catch Sungjin’s eyes widening as he immediately let go of Wonpil’s hand.

“I’m so sorry!” Sungjin’s cheeks grew red as he took a step back and Wonpil’s wrist awkwardly hooked on the edge of his pocket.

“Agh, hyungie, wait,” Wonpil said as he stepped closer to Sungjin, easing the angle of his hand. 

“I didn’t- Force of habit- I wouldn’t have,” Sungjin rambled as his words became more jumbled together and his breathing quickened.

“It’s fine.” He wiggled his fingers in the pocket, finding Sungjin’s and linking their fingers even though Sungjin’s hand remained stiff in his grip. Wonpil brought his other arm to gently touch Sungjin’s forearm. “I like these moments with you.”

“But I didn’t- it just happened. An old reflex, I guess… I swear I didn’t mean anything with it.”

“Really, hyung, it’s okay.” Wonpil clicked his tongue softly as he looked to the side, thinking of what he could do to make Sungjin feel better. He hummed as he turned back to look at Sungjin. “Why don’t you ask me? Ah, but don’t take our hands out, it’s too cold for that and I’m barely getting the feeling back in my fingers.”

Sungjin blinked before clearing his throat.

“Wonpil-ah, can I…can I put our hands in my pocket?”

“Of course~ put my hand into the toaster.”

Sungjin snorted. “Toaster?”

“You’re so warm, hyungie. I imagine this is what bread feels like in a toaster. Are you a bear?”

Sungjin spluttered and Wonpil grinned as he felt Sungjin’s hand ease up and softly close around his hand again.

“A bear? Again?”

“I have you saved under Honey Bear in my contacts for a reason,” Wonpil teased.

A deep, guttural laugh rippled through Sungjin’s chest as he threw his head back and Wonpil grinned. 

“Wah, you’re really something, Pil-ah. You know that?”

“I’m amazing, we’ve been known that.” Wonpil giggled as they walked, basking in the pleasant, bubbly feeling that surrounded them. 

“Yeah, you are amazing,” Sungjin said after a few seconds.

Wonpil nearly tripped over air as his cheeks unwillingly grew vermillion. He quickly looked down at the ground, hoping, praying, Sungjin didn’t look at him and see how flustered he was by something he hadn’t even meant. Oh, Wonpil knew he wasn’t in a good position at the moment. He couldn’t explain why he was so warm all of a sudden or why Sungjin’s praise played on repeat in his mind like a broken record.

“Say- say, hyung?”

“Yeah?”

Wonpil cleared his throat and gulped; he really did hope the waver in his voice was gone.

“What piece am I going to be your accompanist for?”

He hoped that putting himself into his professional mindset would put him at ease. After all, this was just him helping Sungjin out. As a good friend does.

Sungjin glanced at Wonpil before looking back ahead at the path before them.

“You have to sign an NDA first.”

Wonpil blinked.

“What?” Wonpil waited a few seconds, expecting Sungjin to start laughing but he didn’t.

“A non-disclosure agreement.” Sungjin elaborated after a beat of awkwardness.

Wonpil let out a shaky breath as he kept walking. It wasn’t like he was going to tell Sungjin no. After all, he literally had Sungjin sign a contract the day they met, within the same hour of their meeting.

“Huh, this is the second contract of our relationship. I bet most relationships don’t even have one,” Wonpil tried to joke despite his mind running wild with possibilities of why he would have to sign something so important.

“A lot about our relationship can’t be applied to others. That’s what makes ours special, well, aside from- fuck.”

Wonpil’s eyebrows raised slightly. Of the two of them, he was the potty mouth and he couldn't quite recall the last time Sungjin had cursed? Had he before?

Wonpil shoved the thought off before he fell into a rabbit hole. "What's wrong?"

Sungjin grimaced slightly as he glanced at him. “The girl over there, in the pink sweater heading straight towards us who looks like she wants to strangle me, she’s Jayoung.”

Wonpil looked out ahead, scanning the students until he spotted said girl walking straight through a couple who had been holding hands. Wonpil hadn't been under such a hateful gaze since he had been with his ex.

She was pretty; He had seen plenty of gorgeous women in his modeling major but damn, if he really was dating Sungjin then he would feel threatened even though he knew Sungjin didn’t like her like that. Still, his stomach churned with something he couldn’t quite figure out.

“I thought she was the one who canceled on you? Because something about my fight or flight instincts blaring tells me that she wants to strangle me and not you.” Wonpil whispered.

"I mean, she was the one who suddenly told me to have good luck finding another accompanist.” Sungjin glanced at him as Wonpil tried to get the ground to open up beneath him. “You know, now that I think about it, I recall Brian saying something about everyone hate- uh, disliking you for being my accompanist since you’re a year below us...”

Wonpil snapped his head to look up at Sungjin. “Eh? Why do they hate me? Is the performance for the fourth years only? Is it because I’m a transfer major? Why didn't you tell me?”

Sungjin scratched his cheek and it was at that moment that Wonpil remembered just how out of the loop Sungjin was. 

“Kangbra's kinda dramatic so I didn't think it was going to be a big deal. This isn't high school and this kind of drama is too childish, no?”

“Well, news flash people are petty no matter the age.” Wonpil groaned as he looked for a quick exit. “Let's go. Jayoung-noona looks ready to tear me apart.” His breathing got quicker as his palms started to sweat. “Are you sure it isn’t because we’re dating and she’s jealous? I’m used to those glares by now…oh, she really looks like she wants to kill me.”

“Can I kiss you?” Wonpil nearly snapped his neck looking at Sungjin and saw his cheeks tinting pink which was definitely not caused by the fall breeze. “I mean kiss kiss you.”

“Are you joking right now?” Wonpil squeaked out. “I’m about to get murdered and the only thing you can think of is—”

“Trust me.”

Wonpil hated how easily he gave in to those two words. “Okay.”

He let out a small breath as he mentally prepared himself to get kissed by Sungjin. He anticipated the softness of his palm and the pleasant roughness of his fingers caressing his jaw the way he had during their first kiss. 

However, he didn’t expect Sungjin to gently grab his jaw and tilt his head towards him. Wonpil’s heart paused in his chest as Sungjin leaned in.

His lips were soft.

So soft.

Just as quickly as Wonpil’s heart restarted, Sungjin pulled away with a deep blush on his cheeks. 

“Thank you for agreeing to be my accompanist, sweetie.” Wonpil’s jaw slacked as he brought his hand up to caress his cheek which still tingled with Sungjin’s warmth. “I promise that was the last one. Strictly professional until the end of practice now.”

“Hyu- hyungie, I…” Wonpil’s voice wavered as his cheeks burned hot. Their eyes met as they stared into one another's eyes. Huh, Wonpil blinked slowly, Sungjin’s eyes seemed to be more beautiful with every passing day. “I- I’ll do my best.”

Sungjin hummed and Wonpil felt his heart quicken its pace.

“Um, Sungjin?”

The fake couple tore their gazes away from one another, turning to look at Jayoung who stood before them.

“Huh?” Sungjin’s dazed tone rang clearly in Wonpil’s ears.

Wonpil smiled to himself, as he looked at the ground.

“Is it true what everyone’s been saying? You replaced me with some- some—” Jayoung spluttered as she tried to find the right degrading word to call Wonpil.

Which, she really needed to work on her game because Wonpil had at least five on standby at any given time.

“I didn’t replace you,” Sungjin calmly replied. “You were the one who told me to—and I quote—‘have fun trying to find another accompanist’ before you promptly ignored my messages after that. You knew how important this was and that was highly unprofessional of you. So if you'll excuse me, my boyfriend and I are on our way to go practice. Goodbye.”

Wonpil was barely able to steal a glance at Jayoung’s flustered, stuttering expression before Sungjin pulled him along.

Neither of them said anything until they reached the outside of the building they were going to practice in.

“You were cool back there,” Wonpil murmured. “Um, but the kiss? Ah, I didn’t hate it but it was- you did it first too, and- well it was very-” Wonpil rambled, trying to figure out what he was trying to say while speaking.

“Ah, the kiss…” Sungjin blushed as he rubbed the back of his neck, looking away from Wonpil. “I figured she would leave us alone if she saw us clearly having a ‘moment’ as a couple, you know? Kissing in public is still a bit much but I figured a peck on the cheek would do the trick. Was it too much?”

“No.” Wonpil headed up the stairs. “You’re just full of surprises, huh?”

Sungjin grunted in response as he followed Wonpil, their hands loosely held together. He let go of Wonpil’s hand and pulled ahead; he grabbed the door and held it open, gesturing for Wonpil to go in first.

Wonpil smiled. “Thank you.”

Sungjin just hummed, following in after him. The fake couple walked down the hall together and Wonpil grew acutely aware of the lack of warmth Sungjin left after letting go of his hand. Wonpil eyed Sungjin’s hand. He didn’t have any particular reason to get Sungjin to hold his hand again since they were just doing it for show but still…

“Hyung, can you hold my hand again?”

“What?”

Sungjin turned to look at him and Wonpil felt his cheeks warm.

“Ah, it’s just, it’s so cold in here.” Wonpil wrapped his arms around himself as he rubbed his arms.“Is the heater broken or something?”

“Uh, not that I’m aware of.” Sungjin glanced at Wonpil whose face was flushed pink from the sudden cold. “It’s actually a bit stuffy in here. My jacket is starting to feel uncomfortable.”

Wonpil glanced at Sungjin to see him squirming a bit in his brown jacket. A ball of warmth slowly bloomed in Wonpil’s heart as he realized what his fake boyfriend was trying to discreetly do.

“Well, if you’re not going to wear your jacket then can I—”

Sungjin already had the jacket off before Wonpil could finish his sentence. He wordlessly handed it to Wonpil and the younger pulled the warm jacket on. Wonpil caught as Sungjin smiled to himself.

“Thank you, hyungie.”

“Mm, well, I was just going to drape it on some chair so at least it’s going to use this way.”

Wonpil giggled softly, deciding not to tease Sungjin for his cute attempt at being nonchalant about it. The older didn’t pay much mind to Wonpil’s suppressed laughter as he pulled open the door for the practice room.

“Home sweet home for a while,” Sungjin said as Wonpil walked in. 

Wonpil looked around the cozy room. His eyes instantly spotted the keyboard he was going to be playing leaning against one side of the room alongside several other add-ons.

“I didn’t get a chance to set up before I went to pick you up from class, sorry,” Sungjin said. “I’ll start setting up as you go through the NDA form.”

Wonpil spun around to see Sungjin setting down his bookbag and unzipping it.

“Does everyone have to sign an NDA form? Or is it just because I’m a third year?”

“All participants have to sign one because of the gravity of the situation.” Sungjin took out a folder from his bag and grabbed a pen before straightening up and handing it to Wonpil. “You being a third year doesn’t change anything. This wasn’t exclusive to just fourth years, even though the majority of the other participants are fourth years, that doesn’t mean anything. Those making a fuss are just jealous so don't listen to them. If you let me know, then I'll see what I can do about it.”

Wonpil hummed, nervously biting his bottom lip as he opened the folder. He looked at the cover page which had the name of the event sprawled out.

“When Autumn Leaves?” Wonpil’s brows furrowed slightly as he recalled the image Sungjin had shown him earlier. “I’m your accompanist for a festival?”

“I can neither confirm nor deny that until you’ve signed the agreement. Trust me, I’ll explain everything in as much detail as you want. I’m not trying to be mysterious or anything, it’s just that I already signed my NDA.”

Wonpil didn’t pry anymore as he read through the contract and Sungjin shuffled around as he set up the room. It wasn’t too long before Wonpil was signing the form and closed the folder with a soft sigh. 

“Alright now. What’s so special about this festival that I had to sign an NDA for?”

Sungjin walked up to him, carefully taking the folder from his hands and he looked into Wonpil’s eyes.

“The festival is so special to me, well, because it was made for me.”

Wonpil felt like he had been punched in the chest as he felt himself at a loss of air.

“What?”

Sungjin nervously chewed his bottom lip.

“Don’t worry, it’s not until the first day of winter so we have plenty of time to practice. You see, there are some producers from major recording companies who are interested in my talents so the school arranged the festival for me to show off, I guess. Of course, a lot of other people in the department are being recommended and chosen to perform as well but I’m the only one with a special condition. Out of the five required songs that I have to perform, only one of them is allowed to be a cover song. The other four are all made by me.” Sungjin nervously looked into Wonpil’s eyes. “I know this wasn’t what you were expecting but we’re really going to have to work hard together since you won’t be able to legally practice out loud aside from our practice sessions. Not to mention you'll have to balance studying and finals since the festival is after them. Are you okay with this?”

“Holy shit,” Wonpil breathed out. He grinned as he raised his fists and clenched them. “Thank you for letting me be by your side! I won’t let you down!” Sungjin laughed and Wonpil watched the tension in his shoulders ease up. “I’m going to have those producers fighting over you if it’s the last thing I do,” Wonpil declared.

“Oh yeah?” Sungjin hummed as he raised his hand to Wonpil’s head and patted his hair gently. “I’ll hold you to that then.”

Wonpil smiled at Sungjin.

With everything that Sungjin had done for him the moment they met, Wonpil had a feeling this was going to be a turning point in their relationship. 

Chapter Text

“So, hyung,” Wonpil looked up from the sheet music Sungjin had handed him. “Is there a demo version or studio version where I can hear what the song is meant to sound like? I can sight-read them, but it won’t be the same.”

“Oh, yeah, hold on,” Sungjin said as he pulled out his phone.

As Sungjin pulled up the audio, Wonpil read over the titles of the four songs Sungjin had made.

“Cover”

“Wish”

“Afraid”

“Goodbye Winter”

Wonpil trailed his thumb over the sheet music, wondering what type of song each title entailed. He was particularly intrigued by “Afraid” since he couldn’t find a way to put a positive spin on what the song could be about and he figured there must be some common theme between the songs.

As he tried to figure out what the song would sound like by reading the music, a loud electric guitar cut through the silence, surprising Wonpil to the point where he jumped. He snapped his head to look at Sungjin, and his eyes widened as his jaw slacked half-open; he watched Sungjin’s face turn bright red, and he quickly tapped his phone.

A pulsing silence consumed them as Sungjin pursed his lips and closed his eyes, his cheeks a vibrant vermillion.

Wonpil smiled, relaxing from the shock. It was cute how flustered Sungjin got when it came to his music.

“Wah, I didn’t expect you to play such a hardcore song…” Wonpil trailed off slightly, a sudden image of Sungjin thrusting his hips while playing the electric guitar seared his mind. His cheeks grew warm as he quickly looked away from him. “Um…which one of these is that one, exactly?” Wonpil asked, looking down at the sheet music as he tried to ease his flustered state.

“Ignore that. It’s just another song I was tinkering with. It’s not for the festival.”

Wonpil hummed. “Well, when you become a famous musician and release it, let me know, yeah?”

“I don’t…”

“Oh, come on, hyung,” Wonpil pouted as he looked up at Sungjin. “It sounded amazing from the little bit I got to hear!” Wonpil grinned as Sungjin shrunk into himself. “Plus, with your stage presence, I wouldn’t want to miss that concert.”

Sungjin’s eyes grew rounder as his cheeks got redder—if that was even possible. He quickly tore his eyes away from Wonpil, instead focusing on tapping at his screen with a noticeably trembling hand. He cleared his throat and raised his shoulders, fixing his posture.

Wonpil stifled a giggle. Who knew that praising his music was enough to render Sungjin into a flustered mess? He liked it.

It was adorable.

“Just focus on these four and this festival. That future concert rests on this performance.”

Wonpil sat up straighter, gripping the edges of the seat.

“Aye, sir!”

Sungjin laughed before smiling and shaking his head at Wonpil’s antics.

“Okay, this one is called ‘Cover.’ It’s going to be the opening song.”

They met gazes once more, Wonpil nodded and Sungjin pressed play. Soft music flowed from Sungjin’s phone, filling the silence with beautiful instrumentals.

Wonpil immediately closed his eyes, allowing himself to get lost in the song. As he did, Sungjin’s beautiful voice came out. 

His voice held a raw passion that stirred something within Wonpil. He found himself digging his fingers into the seat cushion as he listened to the lyrics.

He felt the pain woven into Sungjin’s voice as he sang.

He felt the woe wrapped around the harmony and melody.

He felt the distance between the Sungjin he knew and the one wounded enough to write such lyrics, a side of himself that Sungjin kept away from Wonpil.

Wonpil wasn’t an idiot. He knew that he didn’t know everything about Sungjin—of course, he wouldn’t. They met under unfortunate circumstances, and their “relationship” was built off nothing more than contracts and lies.

The Sungjin that he had grown fond of held unfathomable secrets and the only way he let Wonpil see them was through his lyrics.

“Wonpil?”

The music cut off, leaving Wonpil in silence and darkness.

His throat felt tight as he listened to Sungjin rush over to him.

“Hey, are you okay?”

Wonpil opened his eyes, becoming aware of the tears that spilled down the corners of his eyes as he stared down at Sungjin who worriedly looked up at him as he kneeled before before him.

Somehow, the sight of Sungjin just made Wonpil feel worse.

Kneeling before him was his Sungjin, not the complete Sungjin.

Wonpil’s chest grew tight. Guilt filled his lungs as shame colored his cheeks. He had no clue why he suddenly wanted to know all about Sungjin, they were friends, but he hadn’t ever felt such a desire with his other friends. Besides, he had told Sungjin that he didn’t have to open up to him.

The more he thought, the more he spiraled, and Wonpil only snapped out of his thoughts when Sungjin spoke softly.

“Wonpil-ah?”

Sungjin’s eyes sparkled with a new light.

Worry.

Concern.

Confusion.

All because of Wonpil.

“Hyung,” Wonpil whispered, his voice croaking out from his constricting throat.

“Yes?”

Sungjin shifted, a soft expression on his face.

The seat Wonpil had been sitting in scraped against the wooden floor, clattering as it hit the keyboard, but neither man turned to look at it. Instead, they stared into each other's eyes. Wonpil’s knees throbbed from his fall to the ground, but he didn’t care.

“Hold me?” Wonpil breathlessly uttered. His throat felt so tight it was as though there was a ping-pong ball stuck in it. “Please?”

Within the same second, Sungjin’s arms wrapped around him, pulling him into his warmth. Their knees awkwardly knocked against one another, and they couldn’t properly hold each other with the angle they were in, but it was more than enough for Wonpil.

“Your lyrics…”

He felt Sungjin stiffen.

Wonpil knew that he didn’t know Sungjin that well. Yet, those lyrics had given him a glimpse into the other Sungjin. 

Into the Sungjin who had pills to take and a sticky note reminder from Younghyun. The Sungjin who knew an awful lot about the therapy partnership with their university and the therapist office they went to for Wonpil’s sessions. The Sungjin who forgot to eat and skipped meals. The Sungjin who had once been hurt too much to confide in him and so much to make others worry about what Wonpil was going to do to him.

Sungjin had called him one of his best friends, yet…

“Your song is amazing,” Wonpil whispered. “Your voice is amazing. Your lyrics are amazing. You are amazing.”

“Ya- yah,” Sungjin loosened his hold on Wonpil. “You had me worried. Don’t just change the subject like that.”

“Sorry,” Wonpil murmured as he sniffled, pulling away from Sungjin’s hold and wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. He looked into Sungjin’s beautiful eyes. “I just became so overwhelmed with emotions…it makes me feel like I saw another side of you, hyung.”

Sungjin’s raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“Another side of me?”

“Mm.”

“I don’t-”

“It’s okay.” Wonpil sniffled, wiping his tears away. “When you’re ready. If you’re ready. ‘Member?”

Sungjin blinked at the familiar words, the corner of his lips quirking up as he ruffled Wonpil’s hair.

“You’re a good kid, Pil-ah.”

Wonpil frowned as Sungjin chuckled, pulling his hand back as he got up.

He got called a kid a lot, usually by his friends whenever he took something out of his food, when he did aegyo to get his way, or when he laughed at something childish. He didn’t care.

But for some reason, his jaw clenched, and a negative feeling he couldn’t quite distinguish—perhaps annoyance?—filled his body.

Sungjin was his friend, so the word shouldn’t bother him but-

“I’m not a kid,” Wonpil muttered under his breath.

“Hm?” Sungjin stood before him and held out his hand to help him up. “What was that?”

Wonpil bit his bottom lip harshly to keep his words at bay as he took Sungjin’s hand. It wasn’t that serious; it was a joke between friends. He knew this but still furrowed his brow as the word bounced around in his mind.

“Kid.” Wonpil narrowed his eyes, glaring at Sungjin as they stood together. “I said…” He tightened his grip on Sungjin’s hand. “I’m not a kid.”

Sungjin’s eyes widened as their eyes met.

A thick silence engulfed them.

The back of Wonpil’s neck began to burn as he softened his expression. He began to blink quickly as he suddenly let go of Sungjin’s hand, his cheeks growing hot as Sungjin’s hand still encased his own.

“So- sorry! I didn’t mean to- ah!”

Sungjin broke into a dazzling smile, laughing as he let go of Wonpil’s hand. The younger quickly brought his hands to his cheeks as he stumbled back, trying to hide his burning face.

Much to his dismay, Sungjin took a few steps forward, bending his head slightly so that he could look straight into Wonpil’s eyes as the younger tried to get his body to shrink into itself.

“You’re right, Wonpil-ah,” Sungjin murmured. He grinned, closing his eyes into half moons as his hand found Wonpil’s hair once more. “You’re a man. I know that.”

Wonpil’s body became a furnace, every bit of him erupting with unbelievable heat.

Sungjin hummed, turning around and walking to where his guitar case rested against the wall.

Wonpil scrambled to compose himself as Sungjin spoke.

“So, do you want to listen to the other songs or start practicing this one? Either way, we’ll start practicing this one, but I don’t mind if you want to listen to the other songs first.”

“I,” Wonpil paused. What would the other lyrics entail? Would they all build a picture? Would they let him get to know the other side of Sungjin, just a little better? “I’m fine with either option.”

Wonpil played with the ends of Sungjin’s jacket. He didn’t want to make Sungjin open up to him in such an indirect way if he didn’t want to. There was no guarantee that the other song lyrics were anything of the sort, but Wonpil’s gut told him that that would be the case.

“You sure?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then,” Sungjin scratched his cheek, looking down at his phone. “It wouldn’t hurt to listen to all of them. They’re all important to one another; they tell a story, I guess.”

A wide smile spread on Wonpil’s face.

“Okay.”

“Hey, hyung?”

“Yeah?”

Sungjin looked up from his guitar. Wonpil sat on his seat, turning to look over his shoulder at Sungjin.

“Can we take a little break?” Wonpil stretched his fingers a bit, shaking his hands as he fully turned to face Sungin. “My hands are a bit achy. I haven’t done this much playing in a while. I’ll get back into the swing of things, don’t worry, but just for today—”

“No, yeah, that’s fine,” Sungjin said, setting down his guitar. “You don’t have to explain yourself.”

Wonpil let out a little sigh as he eased his posture, rubbing his knuckles and fingers. He frowned as he looked at his hands, unsure as to why they were starting to ache so much.

“Are your hands bothering you?”

Wonpil turned to look at Sungjin who stood by his side, looking down at how he massaged his hands.

“Ah, just a little bit. I’ll be fine soon, don’t worry.”

“If I may?” Sungjin asked, holding his hand out for Wonpil. “You know, I learned the guitar in about three months. Hand pain isn’t anything new to me.”

“Three months!?”

Wonpil’s mouth dropped open as Sungjin laughed, shaking Wonpil’s hand slightly as he held it between his hands.

“Yeah, I was a crazy kid back then.” Sungjin grinned, starting to massage Wonpil’s hand. “I did some busking but the person I usually went out with, uh, we had a falling out so I had to stop for a while. I didn’t want to rely on anyone after that incident and the bit of cajón and djembe I had learned for my class performances wouldn’t exactly work.”

“Couldn’t you have asked a friend, at least for a little bit while you learned?” Wonpil asked. “Three months is too extreme! I mean, what about Younghyun-hyung?”

“Ah…” Sungjin’s thumbs stilled against Wonpil’s palm. He let out an awkward chuckle. “Back then, I was really stubborn and I blamed him for what happened when it wasn’t his fault. We had a bad fight, but I think that made our friendship stronger. I mean, we literally bit the bullet and got our apartment the night that we made up. We were both beyond intoxicated but hey, it was a good idea in hindsight. We started our year best friends against and got a nice apartment.”

Wonpil giggled.

“Wait, you mean to tell me that you and hyung got an apartment when you were wasted?”

“Hah, yeah. Let me tell you, it was one hell of a morning when we woke up with empty beer cans and empty soju bottles surrounding us on the floor with six dollars and ninety-seven cents in our bank accounts, respectively.”

“Younghyun-hyung only has ninety-seven cents after paying the down payment!?” 

“...” Sungjin cleared his throat, his cheeks tinting pink as his eyes darted away from Wonpil’s wide eyes. “Why don’t we talk about something else—”

“You had ninety-seven cents after paying the down payment!?”

Sungjin pursed his lips as his cheeks became more colored.

“Let’s not point fingers and- and I’ll have you know that I had just paid tuition and, and, college freshmen are not financially responsible enough. Especially not under the influence. Don’t drink, Wonpil-ah.”

“Oh please, the worst I’ve done while hammered was trying to fuck a statue—” Wonpil paused, his tongue heavy against the roof of his tongue as his face grew hot, a thin layer of sweat quickly forming on his brow.

“You tried to what?!”

Wonpil coughed, quickly looking away. “He- hey, this isn’t about me! This is about how you got an apartment while wasted with hyung and had ninety-seven cents left in your account!”

“You can’t just—”

“La la la!”

“Pil—”

“Dunno what you’re talking about!”

“A statue—”

“Not even a dollar!”

“In public—”

“Wait!” The bickering fake couple paused, breathing heavily. Wonpil flicked his tongue over his lips. “You’ve had that apartment your entire college career?”

Sungjin blinked at the sudden question. “Yeah? Is that weird? It’s a nice apartment.”

“No, just surprising.” Wonpil thought over Sungjin’s words again and tilted his head. “Why’d you wait so long to get an apartment? How were you living here? I thought your family lives in Busan.”

“They do.” Sungjin paused, focusing intently on working on a particularly tense part of Wonpil’s hand. Wonpil could practically see the gears turning in Sungjin’s head as he mulled over the words. He finished massaging Wonpil’s hand and took the other one between his hands before he finally spoke. “I had living arrangements with Kangbra and my…accompanist at the time. But then, well, I couch-surfed for a bit and I was going to turn to the university assisted living since the semester started soon but then Kangbra and I made up. By then, I was already committed to not relying on anyone else for instrumentals so I rejected Kangbra’s offer to be my accompanist, only taking him up on some guitar pointers.”

Wonpil hummed, nodding as he let Sungjin’s words sink in.

He stared at Sungjin’s hands engulfing his own as he worked out the pain in Wonpil’s hand. He really was good at hand massages, Wonpil’s other hand felt brand new.

After reading a lot of detective manga, and binging true crime videos, Wonpil felt he was qualified enough to connect some dots. He was no Detective Conan, but he was confident in his skills.

Whoever Sungjin’s ex-accompanist was, they were the one that hurt him which meant the ex-accompanist was most like his ex-romantic partner, and whatever his ex had done to him had been bad. And it involved Younghyun.

Wonpil nodded to himself, storing his newfound information away in a file in the back of his mind. After all, he wanted to respect Sungjin’s privacy but that wouldn’t stop him from listening and remembering everything Sungjin opened up to him about.

Maybe it was the small space of the practice room or how Sungjin had confided in him like an actual friend, but Wonpil felt warm all over.

They stayed in silence together for a few moments before Wonpil spoke.

“Hyung?”

“Hm?”

“Have you had any other accompanist?”

“Yes,” Sungjin responded immediately. 

The thriving bubble of warmth within Wonpil popped and he deflated, his shoulders slumping as a small pout formed on his lips.

“Oh.”

“Ah, but, none like this.”

Wonpil arched an eyebrow at that. He looked up at Sungjin who was still focused on massaging him a new hand.

“What?”

“I mean,” Sungjin tilted his head to the side as he paused. “I couldn’t go through my major without having an accompanist. Trust me, I tried. I was on my own for any and all performances I could but I did have to have one at times whether it be another classmate or a professional hired by the university for that particular event. Those sucked but I kept it strictly for performance purposes and only spoke to them during practice if I had to. This performance has been the only exception.”

“Wait, you don’t need an accompanist for this performance?”

“Technically speaking…no. But the stakes for this are a lot heftier than any other and I wasn’t arrogant enough to think I could do this alone so that’s why I asked Jayoung since she’s the best pianist our department has to offer.” Wonpil felt the blood drain out of his face as his stomach dropped. However, Sungjin didn’t waste a second more, breaking into a grin. “I’m glad that I chose to have an accompanist this time and that Jayoung canceled. You’ve picked up the first song quickly, I’m sure you’ll get the rest of the department talking about your skills after this. We’ll show them what we can do. Plus…” Sungjin fondly looked at him, his eyes sparkling. “I haven’t had this much fun practicing in a long time. Thank you, Wonpil-ah.”

Wonpil’s eyes widened and his heart messed up its steady beating from the surprise.

Sungjin let go of his hand. Wonpil could feel the lingering warmth of Sungjin’s hands dancing across his palms and fingers.

“Hyung,” Wonpil breathed out heavily.

“Yeah?”

Wonpil raised his hands, clasping Sungjin’s hands in them as he looked up at him, his eyes sparkling as Sungjin stared down at him.

“I’m honored that you can lean on me. ”

“Lean on…me?” Sungjin murmured.

He looked to the side, tilting his head and repeating the phrase to himself once more. Wonpil arched an eyebrow at Sungjin’s reaction. Had he somehow broken him?

“Yeah? Should I have not said that…?”

“No.” Sungjin snapped back into reality, turning his attention back to Wonpil as he smiled. “You just helped me.”

Wonpil perked up at that. “Oh yeah? How so?”

Sungjin hummed, pulling his hands out of Wonpil’s loose hold. He just kept smiling as he walked back over to his guitar, Wonpil’s eyes trailing after Sungjin in curiosity.

“I can’t believe how perfectly it fits. You know, I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out the title for that song.”

“What song?”

“The one that I played accidentally earlier.” Sungjin grabbed his guitar and turned around to look at Wonpil. That charming smile was still present on his lips and he seemed to be glowing now. “With your help, once I become an artist, look out for a song called Lean on Me.”

Wonpil beamed, eagerly digging his fingers into the cushion of his seat. He couldn’t believe he had just helped Sungjin figure out something so important! He was so going to brag about how he knew Sungjin in university and practically gave him the title for his hit song—Wonpil was positive it was going to be a hit song, he could feel it in his bones.

“Oh, yeah?” Wonpil giddily shifted on his seat. “What’re the lyrics?”

Sungjin turned around, not letting Wonpil see his face.

“I have to tinker with the lyrics with the title but I have a perfect idea. This is just what the song needed.”

Wonpil giggled, trying to bite back the shit-eating grin spreading across his face.

“Oh! Did I have a hand in that part too?”

Wonpil scrunched his nose at that, he really shouldn’t be so—

“Well yeah, the song is about you. Now come on, let’s pick up where we left off.” 

As Sungjin moved on from the bombshell, Wonpil could only think about two things in his frozen shock.

One: Sungjin had written a song about him.

And two: there was no way they could pick up where they had left off after stepping foot into that room earlier that day.

Chapter Text

Younghyun hummed as he haphazardly wiped down the counter, his eyes too focused on his phone as he read one of Dowoon’s cute rants about someone beating him in a game. He couldn’t think about anything other than how cute Dowoon must look with a pout on his lips that Younghyun would love to kiss off his face any day of the week.

“Ack!”

Younghyun snapped into reality, peeling his eyes from his phone and staring at Wonpil’s rag-hidden face.

“Oh!” Younghyun flushed as he quickly pulled his arm back. A thin layer of soapy water coated Wonpil’s face as he drew his lips into a thin line. “Shit.” Younghyun tossed the rag onto the table as he grabbed Wonpil’s cheeks. “I’m sorry, Pilie! I was just-”

“It’s okay,” Wonpil grumbled. “Cover me for a few minutes, I have to go wash up now.”

“Right, right, sorry again, Pilie!” Younghyun shouted after the cute boy.

His eyes followed Wonpil, a soft smile tugging up the corner of his lips as he thought about how Sungjin was dating Wonpil. After the last time, Younghyun was surprised Sungjin went after another pianist. As cute as Wonpil was, he reminded Younghyun of her.

Immediately after the thought, Younghyun shook his head, furrowing his eyebrows.

No.

Wonpil was nothing like her.

Aside from playing the piano, the two held no similarities. They were night and day.

And Sungjin deserved the beaming day that Wonpil made him have.

“What’re you doing here?”

Younghyun jumped slightly as he turned to look at Youngjae who had his arms filled with promotional flyers Younghyun had managed to weasel his way out of handing out. He liked Wonpil but he didn’t like him that much.

“Um, I work here? I literally helped screen you for the job.”

Youngjae rolled his eyes before looking around. “I know that. What I meant was that your shift ended a few minutes ago. Wonpil-hyung was supposed to have clocked in by now, where is he?”

“Ah, that would be my fault. I accidentally wiped his face with the counter rag so he went to wash up real quick.”

Youngjae hummed as he looked at the flyers and then glanced at Younghyun before opening his mouth. 

“You know, hyung—”

Younghyun felt his heart drop to his ass as he quickly began walking towards the bathroom.

“I’ll go get Wonpil! I have a date soon and I really don’t want to keep him waiting!”

“Wait—”

But Younghyun ran towards the bathroom, refusing to stand out in the hot sun and nipping winds that would make the flyers hell to hold. He’d apologize to Wonpil later. Although with all the times he walked in on Wonpil and Sungjin getting it on, he felt like he was owed financial compensation.

As much as Younghyun rooted for the once drought that was Sungjin’s sex life to meet rain, knowing that their shared couch was getting defiled did not sit well with him.

A soft sigh slipped past his lips as he pressed his forearm against the bathroom door, pushing it open slightly.

“Won—”

“—you’re Sungjin’s fake boyfriend—”

Younghyun froze at the familiar sound of Jaebum’s pissed voice.

“Yah!”

Wonpil’s sharp voice pierced through the bathroom door and Younghyun took a step back, the door clicking back shut.

Fake boyfriend?

Wonpil…and Sungjin?

What?

The sharp clicking of heels on the bathroom tile rang out and Younghyun quickly turned, rushing to the changing room as his blood began to pound in his ears.

His hands shook as he shoved his uniform into his locker, changed into his regular clothes, and slung his bag over his shoulder as the door swung open and a shaking Wonpil walked in. His eyes were a bit red and he sniffled softly as he tugged his locker open.

Younghyun gulped as the words ‘fake boyfriend’ echoed through his mind. He glanced at the younger, seeing how his lips trembled and he smudged tears with his palms, sniffling as his shoulders shook.

“Hey, bun,” Younghyun tentatively spoke. “You okay?”

Wonpil flinched, snapping his head to look at him with frightened eyes, as though he hadn’t realized that Younghyun was in there too.

“Oh, hyung,” Wonpil’s wavering voice muttered. “Mm, fine, just…allergies.”

Younghyun frowned. As far as he was aware, Wonpil didn’t have any allergies.

“Ah.” Younghyun dropped the subject as he thought back to the conversation he overheard. Wonpil and Sungjin fake dating? Could that be possible? He glanced at Wonpil, nibbling his bottom lip. “Wonpil—”

“There you are!” Younghyun and Wonpil jumped as the door opened and Youngjae walked in, holding the flyers. “You’re on flyer duty. Sorry, not sorry, but you were the last one to burn something and that’s the rule here.”

Wonpil groaned and Younghyun silently edged closer to the exit because technically he had been the last person to burn something, Wonpil just so happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, plus he had a track record. He silently slipped out as Wonpil looked down at the floor, looking miserable.

As soon as the door closed, Younghyun ran, holding his phone up to his ear.

Within the first ring, Dowoon picked up.

“Hyung—”

“Meet me at the usual spot in five minutes!”

And with no further explanation, Younghyun hung up. If anyone knew anything about what he'd just heard, it would be Dowoon since he was best friends with Wonpil.

He learned that if he was on the brink of death and only had five minutes left to live, then Dowoon was the right person to call. Younghyun ran all the way to the Burger King he and Dowoon went on dates to all the time—and Younghyun was really questioning if he loved Dowoon at this point. No one else he knew would be okay with going on dates to Burger King but Dowoon loved it, and he also liked getting the paper crowns so they truly feasted like kings.

Despite Younghyun running the entire way there, Dowoon still beat him there. Younghyun had to give credit where credit was due because Dowoon truly knew what to do. His sweater was on backward, his pants weren’t buttoned, he was stepping on the backs of his shoes, his hair was an unruly mess, and he was gasping for air like a fish out of water.

And god, if Younghyun hadn’t already fallen in love with the boy then he surely had now.

Dowoon looked like he had pressed randomize on a character screen and called it a day, yet he was still utterly enchanting. 

Even with all that, the first thing Dowoon said was: “Hyung, Jesus, I haven’t run that fast since some dog chased me down an alley…how serious is it, do we have time to get food first?”

Younghyun gently grabbed Dowoon’s cheeks before he closed his eyes, kissing his boyfriend sweetly.

“Mm,” Dowoon murmured against his lips. They stood like that for a few seconds before Dowoon spoke against his lips. “Chicken nuggets?”

Younghyun laughed as he pulled back, admiring his boyfriend as he did so.

“Chicken nuggets with a side of a double whopper?”

“You know me so well.”

Younghyun snickered as he kissed Dowoon’s cheek.

“I’ll go order, you fix your clothes while you get our booth.”

“Hm?’ Dowoon seemingly looked down for the first time at his outfit and was still for a few seconds before his ears bloomed red.

A dorky grin spread on Younghyun’s lips as Dowoon slinked away.

He really might love that boy.

Younghyun hummed, going to the counter and ordering before getting them each a crown and filling their cups with their usual drinks.

By the time he went back to the booth, Dowoon had fixed his haphazardly arranged outfit but he still wore a cute blush that was prevalent from the tips of his ear to his cheeks.

“One Dr. Pepper for my heart wrecker.”

Dowoon snorted.

“Please, if anything is wrecking your heart, it’s that monstrous triple whopper with bacon, cheese, onion rings, and fries you ordered.” 

Younghyun wrinkled his nose as he picked up Dowoon’s crown and adjusted it to fit his head.

“I’m a growing boy, leave me alone.”

“There’s only room for one boy in this relationship and that would be me.”

Younghyun scoffed, trying to hide the grin that was already forming as he sat down across from Dowoon, arranging his own crown on his head.

“You better be lucky you’re cute. Otherwise, I would fight tooth and nail for that title.”

Dowoon laughed, happily sipping at his soda as Younghyun listened for their number to be called before he got up and brought the food tray to their table.

“Mm!” Dowoon managed out with his mouthful, a bit of ketchup smudged in the corner of his lips.

Younghyun smiled at his boyfriend before taking a large bite out of his burger.

They were silent for a few moments, their cheeks puffed with food and it wasn’t until Dowoon was about halfway done with his burger that he finally spoke.

“So, what was so important for me to meet you in five minutes?” Dowoon asked, dipping one of his chicken nuggets into the sauce he had opened.

Younghyun stared blankly at Dowoon for a few seconds, trying to remember why he had called Dowoon over. He chewed hard, trying to recall what it was.

Then, as though he had been struck by lightning, Younghyun perked up, his eyes widening as he spoke, his mouth partially filled with the chewed-up burger.

“Oh!”

“Hyung, swallow,” Dowoon muttered without looking up as he dipped another one of his nuggets into the sauce.

Younghyun quickly swallowed down the mouthful, washing it down with a quick swig of his soda before he spoke.

“Dowoon,” Younghyun whispered, looking around the Burger King and catching Dowoon’s attention.

Dowoon hunched his back as he got lower to the table, also looking around.

“What?” He whispered.

Once Younghyun made sure no one was around them he turned to look at Dowoon.

“I overheard something today, and I wanted to know if you know anything about it.”

“What is it?”

Younghyun licked his lips nervously. “About Sungjin-hyung and Wonpil…do you know, uh, anything special about their relationship?”

Dowoon blinked. “Um, like their anniversary date, or something?” He furrowed his brow slightly. “Is hyung planning something big for his and Wonpil’s anniversary? Oh my god! He's not planning to propose is he!?”

“No! What? No!" Younghyun huffed, he forgot that his boyfriend's imagination ran wilder than his. "Well, not that I’m aware of. It's way too out of the ballpark considering…never mind.”

"Oh." Dowoon took a sip of his drink. "Then what is it?"

With one last glance over his shoulder, Younghyun leaned in closer to Dowoon. “I’m talking about if they’re not really dating.”

“What?” Dowoon pulled away, a weird look on his face as he looked at him. “Did you hit your head on something during work?”

“No, I—”

“Hyungie, we met and started dating because the hyungs started dating. And remember how hyung used to live in fear of his ex-boyfriend? Do you really think hyung would get with a stranger for some fake dating sham and not be scared to be found out?”

Younghyun frowned, taking a bite of his burger to mull things over. Dowoon had a point there, neither Sungjin nor Wonpil seemed like the type to do such a thing. Still…

Younghyun swallowed as he furrowed his eyebrows.

“Why would Jaebum accuse Wonpil of being hyung’s fake boyfriend?” Younghyun frowned deeper. “Unless he wasn’t talking about Wonpil being a fake boyfriend to hyung.”

“Oi!” Younghyun snapped his head up to see Dowoon glaring at him as he pointed a boot-shaped chicken nugget at him. “My Wonpil-hyung is not a cheater.”

Shame flushed on Younghyun’s cheeks as he shook his head. What was he thinking?

“I'm sorry. I know that. I just…” Younghyun blinked and suddenly his memories of Wonpil shifted to memories of her. He quickly shoved the thought away. “I thought of some…thing else.”

He sat up straight, clearing his throat as he stared down at what was left of his burger. He was positive about what he had heard earlier, and he recalled how Wonpil had shouted and how he looked like he had cried a bit, and was struggling not to break down in the locker room.

Why would he and Sungjin fake dating? Besides ever since the start those two were always—

Younghyun’s eyes turned into disks as he gasped, spooking Dowoon into dropping the fry he had been liberating from Younghyun’s container.

“Wha- what?”

“Hyung and Wonpil really may not be dating.”

Dowoon scoffed, picking up the fry again and dipping it in ketchup before bringing his arm back across the table.

“This again?” Dowoon scowled. “Seriously, what would they gain-”

“Babe, please, just, let me explain,” Younghyun murmured as he could feel the gears turning in his mind and everything was making sense all at once.

Dowoon huffed but complied and Younghyun started to play with his food like L from Death Note did.

“Before I begin, I want you to answer this honestly. Before Wonpil randomly announced that he and Sungjin were dating, did he ever mention Sungjin or even another man before they suddenly announced they were dating?”

Dowoon looked down at the table intensely for a few seconds before his lips shifted into a frown.

“Well, no, but—”

“Sungjin didn’t say a thing either. Actually, the week that they were apparently texting in secret, I dragged him out to a club and a bar where people flocked to him. One of those nights just so happened to be the night that he and Wonpil started dating and hyung didn’t say a thing. What about Wonpil?”

“Well…” Dowoon fiddled with the paper wrapper his straw came in. “He was crying in my arms because his ex had tried to barge into his apartment when we were having a pizza night since he was still crying about the whole ordeal his ex was giving him…but, hyung, this doesn’t prove anything! Wonpil had just broken up with his boyfriend earlier that week, so he was scared of how suddenly getting with another guy was going to make him seem. Can we drop this?”

“Just, one more thing,” Younghyun muttered.

“Fine. What bit do you want to add to your ridiculous conspiracy?”

“I want you to be completely honest, don’t think about it too much, just blurt out an immediate response to my question, okay?”

“Okay…?”

“Would Wonpil ever date a guy he had just met earlier that week and only spoke to over text for a few days?”

“No.” The couple fell silent for a few seconds. “That proves nothing—”

“Babe, that proves everything,” Younghyun muttered. “The Wonpil you know wouldn’t do this and the Sungjin-hyung I know, wouldn’t do this either. I can’t go into too much detail about hyung but he swore off dating until after he graduated before we started our first year of uni. In these past four years, he’s done exactly that. No matter how wasted or how compatible he was with anyone, he never let anyone into his personal bubble. His dating Wonpil should not be happening right now, but the only reason I can think of that they’re ‘dating’ is that they’re faking it to protect Wonpil from his ex. Hyung may not seem like it, but he's a fairly selfless person. His primary love language is acts of service, and his ex left him traumatized. Even if he didn't know Wonpil, he's crazy enough to have helped ward off Wonpil's ex with a sham dating act."

Dowoon let out a shaky breath.

“You’re being ridiculous,” Dowoon grumbled. “People change, maybe it was love at first sight for them. Love is inexplicable, so what if your theory has several points? I can rebuttal that. Why are they still together if Wonpil-hyung’s ex has been dating someone else for a month now? Why do they have meals together in private? Why have we all walked in on them doing something? Why did I catch them kissing in front of a sex shop of all things? Why did Sungjin-hyung ask Wonpil-hyung to be his accompanist after avoiding them his entire academic career?”

Dowoon was breathless by the time he finished his questions. He grabbed his soda and guzzled it down while Younghyun thought about it. He knew his boyfriend had a point but still, Jaebum’s words ran through his mind, and all the evidence that supported it weighed heavily in the back of his mind. He let out a deep sigh as he picked up.

“Come on, hurry up.”

“What?” Dowoon glanced at Younghyun. “Just because I’m right doesn’t mean we have to go already.”

“Not that,” Younghyun grumbled taking a large bite out of his burger. “We need to go.”

“Go where?”

Younghyun gulped down the half-chewed burger as he made eye contact with Dowoon as he picked up his burger.

“We’re going to prove once and for all who’s right. We’re going to go spy on them. If they’re really dating then they’re bound to be doing things while they practice together. But if they’re not dating and just acting for everyone, then we’ll see that and confront them about why they’ve done this.”

“You want to spy on them?”

“You got a better idea? They’re just going to be practicing since they’ve only got a little over a month before the performance now.”

“What if we get caught? What do we say?”

“We can improvise. Come on, babe, are you in or not?”

Dowoon was silent for a few long seconds, his fingers fiddling with the paper wrapper before it ripped and he finally spoke.

“Fine. But when I’m right, you buy me the new game I’ve been wanting.”

“Of course, I will.” Younghyun smiled, looking down at his meal. “I really hope you’re right,” he muttered under his breath and went unheard by Dowoon as he sipped at his drink.  

“Agh, hyung,” Wonpil groaned. “Break, break please.”

The music in the room died down as they stopped playing and Sungjin paused the audio guide.

“Ah, how are your hands?” Sungjin gruffly asked.

Wonpil groaned as he stretched, looking back at Sungjin to see him drinking water.

“Stop worrying about me hyung, I told you, now that we’re in the swing of things, my hands are fine.” Wonpil smiled, although he did miss having Sungjin massage them. “How’s your voice? Do you need more water?”

Wonpil stood up, his seat scraping slightly against the hardwood floor.

“No, no, it’s fine,” Sungjin said, setting down his water bottle. He also stretched, subconsciously gravitating to Wonpil who was walking towards him. “Are you hungry?”

“No, not yet. I’m just, I wanted a little break. I'm still a bit tired from work.”

“Sorry for pushing you so much. Finals are worrying me since we'll have to cut back on practicing for a little.”

"It's fine, hyungie. Really."

Sungjin hummed. “Is there anything you want to do?”

Wonpil was silent, suddenly thinking back to when Jaebum cornered him in the bathroom.

“Jaebum talked to me again,” he whispered.

Instantly Sungjin’s smile turned upside down and he was in front of Wonpil within seconds.

“What did he say?”

Wonpil bit his bottom lip nervously, playing with his fingers instead of looking at Sungjin.

“He suddenly reminded me that I’m your fake boyfriend, I really don’t know why he brought it up.”

Sungjin scowled.

“I told him to leave you alone back when he stepped out of line last time. I’ll talk to him again.”

“It’s fine,” Wonpil murmured. “It’s not like he’s wrong.”

The fake couple fell silent, unbeknownst to the couple who watched them through a small window.

“What’re they saying?” Dowoon whispered.

“I don’t know, the music rooms here are completely soundproof. Can you read lips?”

“Uh, I can try?”

“Good.”

Sungjin was the first one to break the smothering silence.

“Even so, it’s hurtful. Are you okay?”

“Mm,” Wonpil blinked back tears, rubbing his eyes with his fists. “I’m okay, just confused…I don’t get why he suddenly said it. Does he like you?”

Sungjin snorted. “No, trust me, he doesn’t.”

“Mm, no offense, hyung, but you’re a bit of an airhead…”

Sungjin laughed and the vibrations of joy were enough to emit a smile from Wonpil’s lips.

“I know, I know, but you’ve gotta trust me on this one. He does like someone but that person is not me.”

“You don’t know that,” Wonpil grumbled.

“I do know it because I may or may not take some candid pictures of this person to send to Jaebum whenever I hang out with them.”

Wonpil let out a scandalized gasp.

“That person isn’t me, is it!?”

Sungjin was taken aback, his eyebrows shooting up before he burst out laughing. “Ya- yah,” he outstretched his hand, ruffling Wonpil’s hair. “Do you really think I would do something like that?” His laughter faded, leaving him with a cute grin on his lips as he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Wonpil’s. “Even if you’re fake, you’re still my boyfriend.” Sungjin snickered as Wonpil felt a wave of heat wash over him. “I wouldn’t still be dating you if I knew I was getting in the way of you being in a relationship.”

“You know,” Wonpil whispered, “If we really were dating, this would be a very confusing conversation right now.”

Sungjin laughed as he pulled away, giving Wonpil’s hair one last ruffle.

“You’ve got a point there. Still, I’ll talk to Jaebum, you said it was unprompted, right?”

“Mm,” Wonpil nodded. “I was just drying my face when he said it.”

Sungjin huffed as he slotted a hand through his hair.

“That’s weird. Whatever, I’ll make sure he doesn’t say anything else to you, okay? It’s not like he’s my dad or anything. I should be allowed to date, or fake date, whoever I want.”

“It’s kinda sweet though,” Wonpil said. “Knowing that your friend cares that much for you.”

“You’re my friend and you care about me a lot more. I mean yesterday when we were having our weekly game night with our friends, you noticed I was cold and sat on my lap, letting me use you like a heat packet.”

“Well, it was really cold and you had already given me your jacket. Any more and you would’ve started to get a runny nose. I can't have the star of the festival getting sick.”

“Please," Sungjin scoffed. "You were just sick of sitting on the floor after hyung stole your seat when you went to get juice.”

“Yeah, some boyfriend you are, letting hyung steal my seat like that and making me sit on the cold, hard ground.”

“I told you it was going to happen.”

“And I told you to save my spot.”

“You got a spot on the couch in the end so technically I did.”

“Technically my ass.”

The fake couple fell silent, playfully glaring at one another before bursting out laughing.

“Ah, all this standing is tiring. But I don’t want to go back to practicing yet,” Wonpil whined as he subconsciously lowered his hand to play with the end of Sungjin’s sweater sleeve, running his fingers along the ridges of the fabric.

“Oh, yeah? Anything in mind?” Sungjin asked as he looked down at Wonpil, carefully fixing the mess he made of Wonpil’s hair, and gently tucking clumps of hair back in their place.

Wonpil hummed, looking around the practice room for something entertaining before they got back to work. His eyes kept moving until they locked onto Sungjin’s precious Atom.

“You know,” Wonpil said softly. “I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar.”

Sungjin smiled as his eyes followed Wonpil’s.

“Well, it’s easier than it looks.”

“Really?” Wonpil looked back up at him.

“Yeah,” Sungjin pulled away from him. “Why don’t you give it a try?”

Sungjin held out his guitar to Wonpil who grinned.

“Do you mind?”

Sungjin shook his head 'no' and so Wonpil carefully took the guitar from Sungjin’s hands and slung the strap around himself. 

“How should I…”

“Here, let me help.”

Sungjin led them over to Wonpil’s padded bench and had him sit down first. Wonpil curiously looked down at the guitar strings, running his fingers over the same spots he saw Sungjin placing his fingers during practice.

"Can I sit behind you?"

"Sure," Wonpil replied without a second thought.

He only realized what he had agreed to when he felt Sungjin's thighs pressed against his and when Sungjin rested his chin over his shoulder. His fingers gently grasped Wonpil’s as he placed his hands over the others. He carefully placed one of  Wonpil’s hands on the top of the guitar and placed his other hand over the center.

Wonpil blushed.

Sungjin was really warm.

“If you place your fingers here…” Sungjin gently pressed Wonpil’s fingers against a set of strings before letting his hands fall away, “And don’t play this one…” He pressed one of the strings. “It’ll play an A.”

Wonpil’s heart raced as Sungjin pulled away, sitting up straight and leaving only his heat ghosting over Wonpil.

“Like this?” Wonpil nervously asked, strumming the guitar.

“Congratulations,” Sungjin said. Wonpil could hear the smile on his lips. “You just successfully played an A on the acoustic guitar.”

Wonpil grinned proudly. “Really?” He strummed the guitar once more, the same note ringing out. “Another note! Another note!”

“Alright,” Sungjin complied, pressing close to Wonpil again. His hands covered Wonpil’s as he spoke into the shell of his ear. “This one is a bit trickier, but it gets easier the more you play.”

Wonpil hummed, leaning back into Sungjin’s chest slightly as he let the other guide his fingers.

“Yeah, those are some dorks in love if I’ve ever seen it.”

Younghyun let out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding as he leaned back, letting out a groan as he stretched.

“God, and I thought we were bad,” Dowoon said as he wrinkled his nose.

“Right? I would say we need to step up our game but those dorks got us beat. Did you see how naturally they moved and flirted? It’s like they’re the only ones in the world, completely unaware of how sickeningly cute they are. I mean, did you see them yesterday? Cuddling and feeding one another when the other was busy playing? You’d think they’ve been dating for years, not a few months.”

“See?” Dowoon smugly said. “I told you your little conspiracy theory was wrong.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Younghyun muttered but he was glad that he was wrong. Especially for those two who deserved to be loved after all the shit their previous partners dragged them through. “I guess I really fucked up whatever Jaebum told Wonpil.”

“And this is why you don’t eavesdrop.”

“Oh please,” Younghyun scoffed as the couple stood up. He instantly wrapped his arm around Dowoon’s waist as they started walking away. “I recall a certain little someone eavesdropping on my private phone call and finding out I had a crush on him.”

Dowoon’s ears instantly became red and Younghyun chuckled, ducking his head to kiss his boyfriend’s forehead. 

“Come on you big dork, let’s go get some ice cream.”

“But it’s cold?”

“Yeah, well if I’m going to act as your personal seat like hyung did to Wonpil last night while I watch you play your new game, then I deserve compensation.”

Younghyun smiled as he saw Dowoon light up as he remembered their deal.

“Come on!” Dowoon shouted, interlocking their hands as he began to run, dragging Younghyun along. “What’re you waiting for!?”

Younghyun laughed, running alongside Dowoon’s side, all thoughts about Wonpil and Sungjin's fake dating totally forgotten. 

Chapter Text

Wonpil stared at Sungjin’s fingers as his—fake—boyfriend performed a popular ballad on his stage at the cafe. He smiled as he wiped down the counter, seeing Sungjin play a certain note.

“You just successfully played an A on the acoustic guitar."

He could almost feel Sungjin’s ghost touch on his fingers as he recalled how he had taught him how to play a few notes on the guitar. He remembered how Sungjin’s chest pressed against his back, releasing sweet vibrations as his soft voice spoke directly into his ear. His knees grew weak as he thought about how Sungjin’s strong, thick thighs pressed against his own, and how warm Sungjin had been as his arms wrapped around him to guide his hands. 

These days Wonpil almost yearned for Sungjin to return to his touchphobic ways. On a few occasions, he had tucked a stray piece of hair from Wonpil's face away while they ate, rendering Wonpil unable to swallow. He had memorized the curves of Sungjin's hand and the feel of the callouses on his palms. And somehow on movie nights, Wonpil would find himself snuggled into Sungjin's side, listening to the steady drum of his heart instead of paying attention to the actors.

Sungjin opened his eyes as he sang and his eyes immediately caught Wonpil’s, snapping him out of his thoughts. Sungjin smiled as he sang.

And oh he was absolutely radiant.

Wonpil shyly waved at Sungjin before the other looked away to focus on the guitar notes. His brows dipped slightly as he focused, and Wonpil thought he looked even more handsome if that was even possible.

“Close your mouth, you’re practically drooling over him.”

Wonpil’s face grew extremely hot as a cold layer of sweat formed on his skin. “What?! No! I wasn’t! I was just—" He whipped his head and looked across the counter. His heart stopped as he saw Junseo’s boyfriend, Hyunki. He put on a fake smile that made Wonpil’s skin crawl as he waved at him. Wonpil’s saliva felt like a brick in his throat as he swallowed, suddenly realizing that it didn't matter if he was ‘drooling’ over Sungjin. They were ‘boyfriends’. “Well, he’s my boyfriend, so does it really matter?” Wonpil weakly muttered, hoping for the interaction to end soon.

The other male smirked as he innocently tilted his head.

“Well,” Hyunki spoke with a pout. “It matters because I overheard an interesting conversation the other day.” His eyes drifted over to Sungjin and back to him, eyeing him up and down before meeting his gaze. “It’s really fucking pathetic that you’d resort to something like a fake dating stunt to get back a guy that’s over you.” 

Wonpil felt his heart drop and his blood seemed to turn to ice as he felt himself unable to move. His lungs constricted and he felt like the floor beneath him had just opened up.

“Wha- what?” Wonpil barely wheezed out, his ability to speak flatlined as his brain imploded in on itself. 

“Aw, don’t make that face,” Hyunki cooed. “I did the same, you know. Although, I didn’t have to fake date anyone, I got my men organically. It really didn’t take this long for him to come running to me. Seems like I’m just better than you at everything,” he said as he batted his eyelashes. He placed a finger on his bottom lip and looked back over at Sungjin. “He’s pretty sexy. Say!” Hyunki turned to look up at Wonpil, his eyes glinting as he grinned. “You don’t mind if I start going for him, right?”

Wonpil felt something snap inside of him as a wave of pure rage overflowed him. 

“Out.” Wonpil bit out, his nails dug into his shaking fists. He wanted to wipe that damn smirk off his stupid face. How much trouble would he really get in? “Leave and never come back here,” Wonpil gritted out with the last bits of restraint he had.

“Ou~!” The other batted his eyelashes again and made a deeper pout that tested Wonpil's pacifist ways. “You’re so rough. No wonder Junseo left you and came running to me. I wonder if I should tell him about your little stunt so we can laugh at you together?” He giggled as he turned his back to Wonpil. “When would it be the funniest?”

Wonpil felt breathless as he helplessly watched Hyunki walk up to the stage. On his way, he snagged a napkin and stared back at Wonpil as he scribbled something down and Wonpil just knew it was his phone number. He made a show of taking out a wad of cash from his wallet and putting it in Sungjin’s tip bucket. He blew a kiss at Sungjin who was too busy smiling at an old couple who became regulars just to come and watch Sungjin perform. Hyunki then turned to wink at Wonpil before walking out of the cafe.

Wonpil squeezed the wet rag he held as all the stunted emotions he hadn’t been able to feel in the sudden encounter hit him like a wave. He stumbled and slipped a bit in the water that had puddled from the rag. 

He felt tears in his eyes as anger and embarrassment flamed his cheeks and fear made his body shake. He couldn’t breathe as he played it all over in his head.

Hyunki knew. He knew.

How? Who told him? Who did he overhear? Why was this happening? Was he really going to tell Junseo? How was this going to affect Sungjin?

Wonpil remembered everything that Junseo had done trying to get him back. All the stalking, the relentless messages, and the anger he had been building up. If he found out, then—Wonpil painfully dug his fingers into his arms but he couldn't feel the pain as numbness coursed through his nerves.

His eyes met Sungjin’s dazzling ones.

Why when they were so close to the festival?

Sungjin’s eyes grew brighter as did his smile.

Why did he have to drag Sungjin into his mess?

Wonpil’s eyes welled with tears.

Why did he ruin everything?

Sungjin’s eyebrows knitted in worry.

What if Sungjin got hurt because of him?

Tears ran down his face as he let out a breathless, shaky breath. He tore his gaze away and quickly ran to the back room, a whimper tearing through his throat as the door slammed shut behind him.

His legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground, trembling as he sobbed, guilt, fear, and worry plaguing his mind.

This was all his fault.

How could he have been so stupid?

He slammed his fists onto the ground as he let out an anguished cry.

Sungjin was going to get hurt. And if it wasn't him then Junseo would hurt someone else to teach him a lesson. He could take the pain, but his loved ones didn't deserve it. He wished he'd never met Sungjin, but the thought made his chest ache.

He clasped his shirt as he pathetically wailed.

“Wonpil, what—oh my god!” Jaebum scrambled into the room, dropping to his knees and placing a hand on his shoulder. “What happened?! Should I call an ambulance?!”

Wonpil cried as he curled into a ball on the dirty ground, unable to stop as he thought about how his selfish actions were going to hurt his precious Sungjin-hyung. He thought about how his ex was going to come back to his life and nothing was going to stop him.

What if he transferred to another university? Would Junseo follow him if he selected another one in Seoul? Was he crazy enough to follow him if he transferred to one in his hometown?

Would that crazy bastard do something to his family?

Wonpil felt sick, wondering what was going to be the end of Junseo for him. Was he going to wind up by his side to be used however Junseo wanted for the rest of his life? Was he going to wind up in a ditch by his hands? Was he ever going to be free of him? Was that psycho insane enough to hurt his Sungjin-hyung for playing along? He couldn't, right?

His overwhelming thoughts made him deaf to Jaebum’s words, and he could only sink further into the darkness, slowly drowning in all the negative thoughts.

He envisioned the beating he would get from Junseo, and what would come after.

A scream ripped through his throat as he curled up smaller, wishing to disappear.

He didn't like pain.

He didn't like sex.

He didn't want this to happen to him.

But what could he do?

“Wonpil? Wonpil!” Wonpil sobbed harder as he heard Sungjin run into the room. “Are you okay? What do you need?” What if Junseo made him watch? He was beyond tainted—Sungjin should have never touched him. He'd never so much as look at him again. “Jaebum, could you give us some space, please? I swear to call if he needs anything. I just, I think—”

“Take him home and take care of him if you can. I’ll cover his shift.”

“Okay.”

Wonpil tugged his hair hard enough to make his scalp sting. Sungjin had to leave. His face burned as he sobbed. He didn't want Sungjin to see him like this.

“Pil-ah, I know you’re hurting, but can you work with hyung, please?” Sungjin’s gentle voice came from beside him. “I need to know if you’re okay. Nod if you can, can you do that for hyung?”

Wonpil sniffled as he nodded. As much as he wanted nothing more than to become one with the floor and never have to face anyone ever again, he knew he couldn't waste away in the employee's backroom.

“Good job, Pil-ah. Okay, first, are you okay with me touching you?”

Wonpil gripped his hair tighter. He should say no. He was too filthy for Sungjin to touch.

But his head didn't listen as he nodded slightly.

He tugged his hair tighter. He shouldn't have done that.

“Okay. Please don't pull your hair. Can you work with me, Pil-ah? Hm?" His fingers gently prodded at Wonpil's fisted hands. At the touch, Wonpil whimpered and shook his head. "Pretty please, Pil-ah?" His thumb brushed the back of one of his hands and Wonpil clenched his jaw. "You have such pretty hair, Pil-ah. Please don't pull it out. Yeah?"

Wonpil harshly gulped as Sungjin gently rubbed his hand. His tight grip loosened and Sungjin gently combed the hair from Wonpil's fingers.

"There we go. Good job, Pil-ah. Thank you for doing that for hyung. Are you able to breathe properly?”

Wonpil sniffled, realizing how hot it was curled up and with his face buried in his knees. He also couldn’t breathe properly as every breath was more akin to a wheeze.

He shook his head no.

“Could you open up for me, Pil-ah? However much you want to, just as long as you’ll be able to breathe properly. How does that sound?”

Wonpil whimpered and Sungjin softly cooed at him, his gentle hands rubbing his back.

“Take your time. Hyungie isn’t going anywhere. You’re safe here, and it’s just us.”

Wonpil gulped.

“Hyungie is here for you.”

He thought about how good it would feel to be in Sungjin’s embrace.

He slowly, and shyly lifted his head, looking up at Sungjin who had a worried look on his face. The moment their eyes met, Sungjin smiled softly.

“Hi, Pil-ah. Can I touch your face?”

Wonpil nodded, still building up his courage to ask for a hug.

Sungjin carted his fingers through Wonpil’s sweaty bangs, carefully brushing them back and allowing the cool air to hit Wonpil’s flushed hair. He dabbed the end of his sleeve against Wonpil's wet cheeks and gently brushed the tears from his eyes.

“There we go. You seem to be calmer, are you feeling better?”

Wonpil blinked, suddenly realizing that all the dark thoughts that had been attacking his mind were gone. All he could think about was how gross he must look to his beloved hyung. And while he still shook and breathed unevenly, it didn’t feel like his lungs were spluttering and aching for air anymore.

Wonpil slowly uncurled, and got on his knees like Sungjin, although he averted his gaze. Sungjin was silent as he moved slowly, just providing a comforting presence.

Once he was fully up, Wonpil shyly looked up at Sungjin who gazed at him with all the care in the world. His fingers were curled around Wonpil's thumb while Sungjin's rubbed over the back of his hand.

"Don't look at me," Wonpil hoarsely murmured as he hung his head. "Hug me, please."

“Of course.”

Wonpil closed his eyes, as the last of his tears rolled down his cheeks and into Sungjin’s sweater. His hands fisted the soft material as his body finally relaxed.

Sungjin hummed softly and Wonpil felt like he was hit with all the sleep he had missed in his life. His eyes grew impossible to keep open and Sungjin’s scent lulled him better than anything.

“Tired,” Wonpil barely managed to utter as his eyes remained closed.

“Want me to take you home?”

Wonpil nodded with the little strength he had and felt himself being lifted in his last few moments of consciousness.

But it was okay because he knew he was safe with Sungjin.

Wonpil groaned softly, snuggling into Sungjin as his blanket rustled above his shoulder. Sungjin's chest rumbled gently before he shifted closer to Wonpil and nuzzled his nose into the crook of Wonpil’s neck.

Wonpil blushed as he opened his eyes, seeing that they were in his bed.

The white shine of moonlight dripped past his curtains and Wonpil knew he’d kept Sungjin late.

As his sleep-dewed brain tried to catch up, Sungjin let out a small huff into his neck that made his hair rise. Wonpil blushed harder as he quickly yet subtly put some distance between himself and Sungjin—which was difficult given that he was wrapped around Sungjin’s torso like a koala.

“Nngh, Pil-ah?” Sungjin’s sleep-graveled voice sent small vibrations against Wonpil’s skin.

Wonpil squeezed his eyes and tried to think about math or literally anything but how Sungjin's raspy voice sounded downright angelic.

“Ye- yeah?”

He felt Sungjin’s body freeze and he quickly pulled his head from where he had been snuggling into Wonpil’s neck. Their eyes met and Wonpil felt breathless.

Sungjin looked amazing with sleep-tussled hair.

“Sorry about that.” His eyes softened as he raised a hand and pushed back Wonpil’s bangs, revealing his forehead. “How do you feel?”

Wonpil hummed, looking down at himself before looking back up at Sungjin.

“Hungry.”

Sungjin’s eyes widened before he laughed and pulled his phone from his pocket. They both winced at the brightness the phone emitted and Sungjin blindly lowered the brightness. He blinked a few times before focusing on the screen and he laughed and clicked his phone off.

“Well, it’s well past midnight. You wouldn’t happen to have anything in your apartment, right?”

Wonpil blankly stared at Sungjin.

“I have a block of cheese.” He shyly blushed and looked down at Sungjin’s sweater. “Tomorrow is grocery day.”

Sungjin hummed and Wonpil wondered when he’d have to move.

“There’s a convenience store near here, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Want some instant ramen?”

Wonpil’s stomach responded before he could and his face flushed while Sungjin chuckled, ruffling his hair.

“Come on, let’s go.”

Wonpil took that as his cue to release Sungjin and they both got out of bed, Wonpil shivered at the cold.

“Ah, I couldn’t figure out how to turn on your heater,” Sungjin said as he also trembled. 

“It’s broken,” Wonpil said, hurriedly waddling over to his closet and pulling out two of Sungjin’s jackets. 

They were the only two he had, and he was going to return them! He always did, so Sungjin didn’t question it but rather thanked him as he pulled one on.

“When are you getting it fixed? It’s getting colder. They’re speculating snow any day now.”

“My landlord said he’d come and fix it sometime,” Wonpil said through chattering teeth. 

“Hope that’s soon.”

“Mm.”

The fake couple were silent on their way out so as to not rouse Jinyoung, and once they were out of the apartment, their hands found their way together into Sungjin’s pocket.

“Hyung?”

“Yeah?”

“How’d we get home?”

“Ah,” Sungjin let out a little breath. Wonpil looked up at him and swore his cheeks were a bit pink, but it was cold so he couldn’t say if he was the cause. “Well, you knocked out pretty much immediately after agreeing to go home and I didn’t want to wake you, so I carried you like that. We got several coos on our way here. Your roommate was nice and went to get our belongings from the cafe, and that was when I realized I couldn’t figure out the heater, and I couldn’t get you to let go, so you could sleep comfortably in your bed…so what you woke up to was the result.”

“Sorry for keeping you so late, hyung.” Wonpil yawned. “But since it’s so late, why don’t you just stay the rest of the night? It’s the least I can do.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah!” Wonpil chirped. “I’m pretty sure you’ll get frostbite on the ground or couch since I’m using all my spare blankets and those are barely enough to keep the pneumonia away, so you’re more than welcome in my bed.”

Sungjin chuckled as he looked at him.

“This sounds more like you want a personal heater.” Wonpil giggled guiltily and Sungjin smiled. “But I’ll stay. I’ll have to leave early to wrap up one of my final essays though.”

Wonpil nodded and looked down at the ground, his heart hammering.

The festival was only a month away, was it possible that Hyunki would keep his mouth shut until then? Wonpil glanced at Sungjin who was blissfully unaware of the bomb that was about to implode. Should he tell him? Or would that add unnecessary stress? Why didn’t he just end their fake relationship when Junseo and Hyunki started dating?

At the thought of not having lived the past couple of months as Sungjin’s fake boyfriend and accompanist, Wonpil felt a sharp pain pierce through his heart.

Sungjin looked down at him, arching an eyebrow at him and Wonpil forced a smile.

He would tell him, but not tonight. No, tonight he wanted one last normal night with Sungjin.

“Let’s hurry up and eat, so we can go back to my warm bed.”

Sungjin snorted and squeezed Wonpil’s hand.

“Sounds good.”

And Wonpil savored every moment with Sungjin, clutching his sweater in his fists once they got back to his apartment and cuddled once more, wishing the night would never end.

But, that didn’t happen and he woke up alone in the morning. A simple glass of water, his bottle of painkillers, and a packaged breakfast from a nearby place resting on his table were the only reminders that Sungjin had been there. 

“No, no, it’s supposed to be a D sharp not a C sharp.”

“Shit.” Wonpil drew his lips into a thin line as he pulled his trembling hands away from the keyboard. “I’m sorry.” 

His cheeks felt increasingly warm as he tried to stop a lump from forming in his throat. He couldn’t stop making stupid mistakes during practice as his mind kept on wandering as to what he had to tell Sungjin. He was trying to figure out when was the best moment to tell Sungjin everything, and since he was so distracted, he kept messing up. 

“Hey, it’s okay,” Sungjin said. “It’s my fault for forgetting your sheet music last practice so of course you’re going to be a bit off. Plus, we've been busy with finals so it's natural that we’re going to be rusty.” Sungjin pulled one of his hands away from the guitar he had strapped across his torso. He brought up his wrist, checking the time on his watch. “It’s late, why don’t we call it a wrap?”

Wonpil bit his bottom lip, curling his hands into fists as he lowered them onto his lap.

“Okay,” he murmured.

As much as he wanted to keep going, it had been hours and he was starting to breathe in beats, his fingertips were flat, and the music was playing on a loop in his ears even though it was currently silent.

The two shuffled around the room, turning off the equipment and putting things back in place. Wonpil grabbed the sheet music and held it out to Sungjin who was putting his own into a folder. Sungjin glanced at the papers before looking away.

“That’s yours.” 

Wonpil stared at Sungjin for a second longer before he turned to look down at the sheet music he brought to his chest. “I know but this is super secret. Aren’t you supposed to keep hold of it?”

“I can’t afford to repeat what happened last time, so I think it’s better if you hold onto it. Plus, I know you, I know you’re going to beat yourself up if you mess up next practice so you can practice it until then. I trust you not to show others,” Sungjin grunted and Wonpil quickly looked at him. He watched as Sungjin slung his backpack on and he knew he had to stop putting it off and tell Sungjin. “Come on, it's pretty late so let’s go get something to eat. My treat.”

 Sungjin wiggled his eyebrows at Wonpil and the negative feelings formed a ball in the pit of his stomach. He knew this was his chance so he let out a little huff as the corners of his lips quirked upwards.

“Get that wallet of yours ready, hyung,” Wonpil said as he grabbed his backpack. “I’m so hungry I could eat a whole cow.”

Sungjin laughed as he spoke. “Yeah? I’ll hold you to that. Let’s go!”

Wonpil quickly zipped up his bag and turned to Sungjin who was already at the door, ready to leave. Wonpil grinned as he quickly went to his side, thanking him when he held the door open for him.

“What are we going to eat?” Wonpil asked as they began walking. “We were so busy practicing that I didn’t even realize I was starving. I think my stomach is nibbling at itself.” Wonpil frowned as he placed his hands on his stomach, feeling the rumbling through his hoodie and Sungjin’s jacket.

“The union should still be open so why don’t we go there?”

“Mm, that sounds good.” Wonpil tugged the jacket closer—the cool breeze that hit his face was refreshing but… Wonpil's thoughts trailed off as his hands paused on Sungjin’s jacket, unsure when he had put it on. He blinked, trying to recall if he had asked or if he had simply picked it up and slipped it on at some point. It wasn’t like the practice room was cold, it was actually warm after they got the heater working. He should give it back. “Ah, hyung, it’s cold,” Wonpil said, grabbing the edges of Sungjin’s jacket.

“Yeah?” Sungjin scratched his cheek. “Do you want my hoodie too?”

Wonpil turned to look at Sungjin who was already grabbing the bottom of his hoodie.

“No!”

Sungjin turned to look at him and Wonpil felt his cheeks flush.

“But your cheeks are red. I knew you were sensitive to the cold but not this much. Here.”

Sungjin began to slide up his hoodie and Wonpil blushed harder.

He’d noticed that Sungjin had that effect on him the more time that they spent together, but he punted that thought into the back of his mind every time it crossed his mind. Good friends had that effect, sometimes.

“It's- it’s not that! I was just…” Wonpil sighed deeply, trying to calm himself from the sudden embarrassment. “I was going to return your jacket since it’s cold. We can’t have you catching a cold with your performance right around the corner.” Wonpil shrugged off the jacket and held it out to Sungjin who looked between the two.

“But—”

“You’re the star of the festival, hyung.” Wonpil pressed the jacket against Sungjin’s chest. “We can’t have you getting sick. Not when I intend on organizing a battle royal for all the producers who want you.” Wonpil grinned. “Now put on the jacket.”

“What if you get sick?” Sungjin countered. “I radiate heat, I’m practically a heater, which I literally was last night. I don’t need the jacket like you do. Don’t forget you’re important too. It’s not just my performance, it’s ours. We’re both going to be on that stage together.”

“Yeah, but you’re the voice that everyone is going to hear.” Wonpil quickly draped Sungjin’s jacket on one of Sungjin’s broad shoulders as he flexed his muscles. “I’m going to fight away all those germs, so don’t worry!”

Wonpil jabbed his fists out and Sungjin blinked, raising a hand to grab his jacket before it fell to the ground.

Wonpil grinned, looking back at Sungjin with shining eyes.

“What do ya’ think?”

Sungjin smiled.

“I think we should hurry to the union. Those poor germs don’t stand a chance against you.”

Wonpil beamed and giggled as they quickly made their way to the student union, clutching onto the stair railings by the time they finally got to the building.

After all the practices that they had together, Wonpil really felt like he and Sungjin had developed a unique bond. There wasn’t an underlying pressure for them to act like a couple since it was just them and there was no worry that one of their friends or classmates would catch them. They could simply be themselves and do whatever they wanted.

Plus there were no couches so absolutely no risk of the misfortune that seemed to follow them and the cursed furniture.

Wonpil pursed his lips as he glanced at Sungjin, wondering if things would ever be like this again once he told Sungjin.

He was glad that things were going so well between them. 

He was happy that he could help Sungjin do something so vital to his career goal. With all the manifesting Wonpil had done, he was sure Sungjin was going to get so many amazing job offers. Once he graduated that spring, he would be set.

Wonpil’s step faltered mid-step as he stared at Sungjin, the campus light hitting him in just the right way that his beautiful eyes only radiated more. The light brushed the curves of his face as though it were Aphrodite herself was caressing her own craftsmanship. The wind even swept through his hair, wanting to touch the marvelous sight.

As Wonpil looked at Sungjin, he felt stuck in time admiring his looks while his heart was pierced as he realized that this might be the last time that he would see Sungjin like this. He wanted to remember this moment forever.

If not for his ex, then there was also the reality that Sungjin was going to graduate in a couple of months and that would be it for them.

He would move away to start his job, and there would be no reason for them to fake date any longer if they continued their ruse despite Hyunki. 

A sharper pain made Wonpil physically jolt, letting out a little gasp as he clutched the jacket fabric above his heart.

“Wonpil?” Wonpil glanced at Sungjin who was at the top of the stairs, worriedly looking at him. “Is something wrong?” 

Wonpil fully etched every curve and dip on Sungjin's face.

He knew he could tell the truth, he always could with Sungjin and his therapist encouraged it, but, as he thought about it, he didn’t want to tell Sungjin. He didn’t want him to worry over him, not now and not ever. 

He forced a smile as he slowly walked up the remaining stairs, pushing back the conversation just a little longer for his own selfish desire.

“I think I’m about to pass out or start eating my hand,” Wonpil tried to joke as he clung to the railing, squeezing his eyes shut, trying to quiet the nagging voice in his head for a moment longer. “Ah…Sungjin-hyung…I don’t think I’ll make it…Go on without me…Tell the food I would have loved to provide it a home in my stomach…One of us should live…Now, go forth…Hyungie…”

“Yah, you had me worried there. Come on,” Sungjin said softly, gently grabbing one of Wonpil’s hands and coaxing him up the last step.

Usually, Wonpil liked Sungjin’s touch, but right now it felt like a searing fire.

Wonpil winced and quickly staggered away from Sungjin as he threw his arms into the air.

“I did it! Food! Here I come!”

He internally cringed, but Sungjin chuckled as he followed him to the Chinese food spot. Wonpil luckily didn't have to keep the happy facade up for long since the line was empty and Sungjin stayed back to pay while Wonpil left to fill their cups. He blankly stared at the fizzy stream as he tried to figure out the right words to say.

As Sungjin waited for their takeout boxes, he watched as Wonpil guzzled down the fruit juice he poured himself. Sungjin smiled at how Wonpil tilted his head back, closing his eyes into half moons as he let out a loud ‘ah~!’ from his juice-stained lips. 

“Here you go, you two have a nice night.”

Sungjin flinched, quickly turning to look at the worker who held out a bag to him. Sungjin’s cheeks grew pink as he cleared his throat.

“Thank you. You too.”

He quickly grabbed the bag and took a step toward Wonpil only to find him right next to him, trying to catch the straw he had added to his drink with his mouth as he held Sungjin’s drink in his other hand. Sungjin snorted as he smiled and looked away from Wonpil.

“What table?” 

“What about that one?” Wonpil mumbled around his straw as he pointed to a secluded table in the corner with the hand that held Sungjin’s drink.

“Yeah, that one is good,” Sungjin said despite the table being meant for a large group of people.

Wonpil hummed as he trailed after Sungjin, setting down the cups on the table before taking a seat in one of the high chairs. He played with his fingers as Sungjin took out the boxes, sliding them close to Wonpil who realized that he had actually been starving as he practically started salivating at the mouth.

Sungjin was barely breaking his chopsticks apart when he looked up and choked, quickly breaking out into a grin as he laughed.

Wonpil paused mid-chew, his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk’s, and noodles dangled out of his mouth. His eyes widened as his cheeks flushed, realizing why Sungjin had laughed. He slowly slurped the remaining noodles, Sungjin watched as the noodles slowly made their way into Wonpil’s mouth, biting back more bubbling laughter.

“Mmph, sorry,” Wonpil mumbled.

Sungjin smiled as he picked up a napkin. “What’re you sorry for? I thought you were exaggerating about being able to eat a cow but now…wah, you’re amazing. Eat well.”

“I…” Wonpil gulped, setting down his chopsticks as he looked down at the table, fiddling with his fingers. The heavy ball in his stomach was making him feel sick for enjoying his time with Sungjin, so he felt like it was time to tell Sungjin. “My therapist told me that I need to speak my mind rather than letting things fester up…do you mind?”

“I’m all ears,” Sungjin said, giving Wonpil one hundred percent of his attention as he tried to stop himself from smiling out of proudness.

“Last night,” Wonpil gulped, “Junseo’s boyfriend Hyunki visited the cafe.”

Sungjin frowned as he sat straight.

“He, um…” Wonpil looked around the eating area, making sure there was no one within hearing range before turning back to Sungjin and leaning across the table. “He said that he overheard someone saying that we were fake dating. He knows we’re not really boyfriends,” Wonpil whispered. He watched as Sungjin’s eyes widened and worry began to gnaw at him but he continued, his eyes falling to look down at his shaking hands. “He said he was going to try and get with you, and before he left, he said he was going to, uh, tell Junseo that we weren’t…” Wonpil took in a shaky breath as his eyes watered. “I’m sorry. I know the timing is horrible and you were avoiding dating for this reason and now, when it’s almost over, I came and ruined everything. I’m so sorry hyung, but I don’t know what to do.”

Wonpil didn’t dare look at Sungjin, as his vision became blurry.

He briefly wondered if he should have finished eating first before coming clean to Sungjin. He’d been waiting for the best time all day, and yet he went and did it now?

As the silence stretched on, so did his anxiety. His heart started to pound as he feared looking up just to be met with Sungjin gone.

However, that didn’t happen as Sungjin’s hand gently rested over Wonpil’s hands, and Wonpil nervously looked up at Sungjin who had a serious look on his face as he spoke.

“Move in with me.”

Chapter Text

“Is it just me or is this what the beginning of a horror movie looks like?”

Sungjin hummed as his grip on Wonpil’s hand tightened ever so slightly. Wonpil glanced at him, his cheeks pooling with warmth as he quickly looked down at the ground, his heart pounding as just a mere glance of Sungjin made him think about earlier.

“Move in with me.”

Wonpil felt his heart stop in its tracks as he blinked, his mind replaying what Sungjin had said over a hundred times within that split second, analyzing it and making sure those were the actual words Sungjin had uttered.

Move-in…with Sungjin? As in, live together? Like…a major step in a real relationship?

That couldn’t be, could it?

“What?”

Sungjin calmly placed down his chopsticks before he grabbed his drink, a nonchalant look on his face. It was as if he'd asked Wonpil if he wanted to hang out, not move in with him.

“Think about it. The day that we met, I also met your ex, and if he was willing to go to your apartment thinking you had a new boyfriend, then I don’t want to think about what he would do to you now. You’ll be safe with me. He doesn’t know where I live, and I’ll be able to know you’re safe. And on the off chance he finds out where I live, then it’s better to have two people against one—well three if we count Kangbra. He's a biter. Plus, it could help dispel any rumors that we’re not actually dating, since moving in together will be seen as a major development in our relationship. We can also fake some stuff and have Younghyun inadvertently help sell the idea that we’re actually together and have an active bedroom life. You don’t have to say yes, but those are just my reasonings for it.”

Wonpil watched Sungjin in shock as he shrugged and sipped at his drink. Wonpil shifted slightly as a warm feeling hugged his heart and he couldn’t help but think how beautiful of a person Sungjin was.

“Not many people come to this corner of the campus during the day so it’s no surprise it’s this empty at night,” Sungjin calmly reassured, snapping Wonpil back into reality.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’ve come this way before,” he mumbled.

They walked in silence for a bit more, shuffling to walk closer to one another as they passed a group of drunk students on their way to one of the nearby clubs.

As their drunken shouts faded in the distance and the comforting silence began to wrap around them again, Wonpil thought about how lucky he was to have met Sungjin. He’d never had anyone in his life who would go through the same stakes as the man he had met because of a Polaroid. He wondered if they would have even known of one another if it weren’t because of that.

Would they have met organically that night?

Would he have still gazed at Sungjin in awe, even if they were complete strangers?

He didn’t just love Sungjin’s voice and guitar skills because they were friends, no, he had fallen for that the moment he heard him perform so he figured that he would have liked watching his performances all the same, but would Sungjin have caught him staring at him? How would he have reacted?

Sungjin liked to get a drink after his performance, so would he have befriended him while serving him? 

Would he have asked him if he had been watching him as Wonpil gave him his drink?

Would they have become something…more?

Wonpil jumped at his thoughts, his heart lurching as his eyes doubled in size. 

“Wonpil?” He nearly had a heart attack as he looked at Sungjin who had his brows creased worriedly. “Are you okay?”

Wonpil’s breath hitched as he caught his eyes focusing on Sungjin’s plump lips. 

He gulped, forcing his eyes away as his body tingled.

No. He was definitely not okay.

“Yeah,” he forced out. 

He closed his eyes and tried to lose himself in his other senses—sending his sight into time-out for looking at his friend in such a way. He must have bashed his head against something earlier and the smack was hard enough to make his thoughts disoriented. He was also extremely sleep-deprived. Yeah. It wasn’t like he thought about cupping Sungjin’s cheeks and guiding his lips to meet his own. 

Suddenly, his unhelpful brain started to play a movie of that exact scenario despite Wonpil’s horror. A soft blush coated Sungjin’s cheeks as he asked what he was doing and then their faces were getting closer–

Wonpil snapped his eyes open, immediately lifting his hand to press against his forehead. Did he have a fever? Kidney failure? Did technology get so advanced that others were able to hack into his brain now?

“Are you sure?” 

Wonpil had never wanted a man to stop talking and make his presence disappear as much as he did at that very moment.

“Um, yeah…” Wonpil coughed, straightening himself up. “It’s just…the cold. Yeah, the cold is getting to me.”

If extreme heat caused hallucinations then so did extreme cold!

“You refused my jacket earlier, so why don’t we run to the bus stop? It’s not too far, but it’ll get us warmed up for sure.”

“What?”

Sungjin either didn’t hear or didn’t care to elaborate as all of a sudden Wonpil was getting pulled along by their intertwined hands. His eyebrows shot up as he opened his mouth to exclaim and his feet awkwardly moved as he stumbled after Sungjin.

Of all the things Sungjin could have done…

Everything that had been confusing Wonpil got swept away as his eyes curled into half-moons and he broke out into a grin, laughing as he ran alongside Sungjin. Sungjin’s laughter mixed with his and as their footsteps pounded against the concrete, Wonpil could think of nowhere else and no one else he would rather be with.

“That…” Wonpil gasped. “…was your worst idea ever.”

Sungjin chuckled as he breathed heavily, slumping into the bus seat.

“Oh come on,” Sungjin grinned as he playfully bumped his shoulder into Wonpil’s. “I’ve definitely had worse.” Wonpil smiled dumbly as he tiredly rested his cheek against Sungjin’s shoulder. “Speaking of which, do I really have to ask Jinyoung if you can temporarily live with me?”

Wonpil hummed, snuggling closer to Sungjin’s side as a wave of exhaustion from all the emotional and physical turmoil that had been plaguing him hit him like a tsunami. 

“Mm, yeah. Explain to him why you’re taking his precious best friend away to screw him whenever you want.”

Sungjin scoffed and Wonpil giggled.

“Please, even if we were dating…” Sungjin trailed off as Wonpil peeked an eye open, catching Sungjin with a searing blush on his cheeks as his hand covered his mouth.

His eyes glanced at him and Wonpil quickly closed his eyes, pretending like his heart wasn’t hammering in his chest and his mind making up thousands of possible continuations for Sungjin’s outburst.

What would it be like to be his real–

Wonpil sat up, slapping his thighs as he averted looking at Sungjin.

“If this bus takes any longer, I’m going to fall asleep,” he lamely tried to cover for himself.

“Ah,” Sungjin cleared his throat. “I think our stop is next.”

The fake couple was shrouded in silence once more, except this time, Wonpil was painfully aware of the tension between them.

Usually, time flowed normally, or even quicker than he’d liked when he was with Sungjin, but this time, the ten-minute bus ride that it took from the university to Wonpil’s stop felt like ten years. 

After what seemed like his entire twenties, Wonpil and Sungjin were finally able to get off the bus and try to pick up their usual beat.

“So…” Wonpil cleared his throat—blushing at how his voice had wavered. “Um, any plans for how to convince Jinyoung to let go of his rent buddy?”

“Rent buddy?” Sungjin repeated, chuckling as Wonpil internally died.

Was he always that lame around Sungjin!? What was wrong with him!?

“Yeah, well…”

“Don’t worry, I have an ace up my sleeve.”

Wonpil quirked an eyebrow at that.

“Oh, really? What is it?”

Sungjin smirked as he met Wonpil’s curious gaze. 

“If I told you now then it would ruin my surprise,” Sungjin said teasingly, winking at Wonpil and making Wonpil’s heart trip.

Wonpil quickly looked away, trying to avoid Sungjin noticing his easily flustered state. He had to get that fixed somehow. He heard pomegranate juice was good for circulation, but would that make him blush more because of Sungjin?

Agh!

Wonpil stomped his confusing thoughts down as he made sure there was at least an inch of space between him and Sungjin. “For your ace up your sleeve, I’m not bailing you out.”

Sungjin laughed and Wonpil adjusted the hem of his shirt, hoping the chilly night air would help ease the heat that tinged his body.

“I seriously have a trump card,” Sungjin reassured.

Wonpil hummed, spotting his apartment complex. “Say, did you even ask Younghyun-hyung if it would be alright?”

Sungjin stopped in his tracks and Wonpil stopped walking as well. His anxiety peaked as Sungjin fished out his phone. “Hold on.”

“Okay,” Wonpil whispered, his heart pounding as he watched Sungjin dial Younghyun.

He'd never been so nervous before. Younghyun and he got along great, but would the other really be fine with him living with them? Should he bring a gift and get on his knees to ask for permission? Wait, wasn't that something couples did to get the blessing of their parents!?

“Hey, so, can I ask you something?”

Wonpil anxiously played with his fingers as he listened to Sungjin’s phone call with Younghyun. He was being silly. Probably.

“I know it’s sudden and I should have asked in person, but would you mind if Wonpil moves in with us for a bit? I just want to practice more with him before the festival and—”

Sungjin suddenly stopped speaking, wincing as he pulled his phone away from his ear and Wonpil could hear Younghyun loud and clear. 

“And then we can bake cookies—”

“Alright, alright,” Sungjin said as he pulled the phone back. “Let's talk more about it when we get home. I'm about to ask Jinyoung for permission for Wonpil to stay with us.”

Wonpil felt his cheeks flush as his mind lingered on the ‘we’ Sungjin had mentioned. He shifted his gaze to focus on the cracks in the pavement, hoping to distract himself to no avail.

“I'm sure I don't have to tell you what his response was?”

Wonpil cracked a smile as he met Sungjin’s gaze. “I think I got the picture. So, ready to face the final boss?”

“As ready as I'll ever be.”

“So what you're telling me is that you want to take my cash cow away from me?”

“Cash cow!?” Wonpil snapped.

“Did I stutter?” Jinyoung asked, hardly sparing him a glance before glaring at Sungjin.

Wonpil felt like melting into the hardwood flooring of the apartment as he checked up on Sungjin. Somehow, Jinyoung had turned from a hospitable host asking if Sungjin wanted tea to having Sungjin kneel before him while he gripped Wonpil’s wrist to prevent him from going to Sungjin's side. 

How the hell he managed that, Wonpil couldn't quite say. It was all a hazy memory. So far, it wasn't looking good at all, and Wonpil hoped that Sungjin would use his trump card soon. And he really did hope he wasn't it because there was no way he could convince Jinyoung.

“It’s just temporary. And it's not like I was going to leave you without a roommate. I have a temporary one that I could set up with you so rent won't be an issue.”

“Please! Do you know how many needs I have for a roommate? I ought to—”

“I think you'll like him. You know my friend Jaebum, right?” Wonpil’s jaw dropped at the name drop. Sungjin really wasn't kidding about the strength of his card. He could practically see Jinyoung's mind combust as a soft pink hue dotted his cheeks. “Well, recently, a pipe burst in his apartment and he's been couch surfing while he looks for a temporary stay and—”

“You know, hyung, I wish you the best of luck with your performance. I can't wait to see you perform with Wonpil. Tell Jaebum he's free to drop by whenever, matter of fact, why don't you take Wonpil tonight and have Jaebum come over?  I’m sure he would prefer a bed rather than a couch.”

“Hey—”

Wonpil didn’t manage to get another word in as Jinyoung moved with the speed of light. And in what seemed to be a few seconds, Wonpil was shoved outside with his travel bag, a chaste cheek kiss, and an off-handed comment about using protection then the door slammed shut.

After a beat of silence, and trying to catch up to what just happened, Sungjin spoke.

“Well, that worked better than I thought it would.”

“You know, if you had let me in on your secret play, then I could’ve packed while you talked to him,” Wonpil grumbled as he eyed the sweater sleeve that stuck out of the haphazardly packed suitcase next to Sungjin. “There’s like two outfits in there.”

“Don’t worry, you can borrow my clothes while you’re over.” Sungjin casually said as he grabbed the handle. “Ready to go to your home for now?”

He shot a lazy grin at Wonpil and he might as well have used a bullet since Wonpil’s heart started to hammer and his body warmed all over.

All of a sudden, this seemed like the worst idea ever and Wonpil wasn’t sure how he would survive living with Sungjin.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he managed out after trying to calm his nerves.

"Oh, we'll have to make a quick stop before we go home." Sungjin hauled Wonpil's bag onto the elevator before clicking the lobby button. "We have a pipe to burst."

"What!?" Wonpil jumped slightly.

He wasn't built for a life of crime! Although if Sungjin was by his side then…

"I'm kidding!" Sungjin chuckled as he bumped their shoulders together. "Boy, I sure am going to enjoy living with you."

Wonpil weakly gulped.

Oh, he was screwed. Big time.

After seventy-two pep talks, Wonpil finally shuffled out of the bathroom, trying to keep his legs from shaking as he approached the bear’s nest. 

Nothing was going to happen! He was just going to sleep in the same room as the man who made his heart pound all of a sudden. Who he did not have a crush on! Nope! Not him!

They were just friends and having a friendly extended sleepover. Nothing else. And if there was anything, then he would tell his therapist because something else might be wrong with him.

Wonpil took a deep breath, his palm pressing against the sleek wood of Sungjin’s door. He cleared all his thoughts as he walked in, his eyes locking onto Sungjin with a hair towel around his neck as he typed on his laptop.

Damn.

Sungjin glanced at him as he typed, flashing him a quick smile that made Wonpil’s legs quiver.

“All done? I just have two sentences left before I finish my final. You can get in bed and I’ll set up the floor once I’m done.”

“Oh, no,” Wonpil quickly said. “You don’t have to do that, hyung. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

Sungjin’s typing came to a halt and Wonpil’s stomach made knots.

“You’re my guest, there’s no way I’m letting you sleep on the floor. Besides, the heater is bro–”

“It’s my turn to sleep on the ground. Last time, you slept there so it’s only fair.”

“But–”

“Nope, I’m taking the floor. Where are the blankets?”

Sungjin opened his mouth to argue, but after a second, he pursed his lips and closed his laptop. “I’ll help you set them up then. But I’ll sleep on the floor tomorrow night.”

“Sounds good.”

Wonpil watched Sungjin go grab the blankets and handed him one corner to help lay them out. Before too long, Wonpil was staring up at Sungjin’s ceiling in the darkness. The only light in the room came from Sungjin’s hanging CD player.

“Are you sure you’re fine on the floor?”

Wonpil shifted on the ground, which was truthfully very uncomfortable, and closed his eyes.

“I’m perfectly fine. Now go to sleep, we have classes tomorrow.”

“Okay, good night.”

“Sweet dreams.”

Sungjin hummed and Wonpil tried to lose himself to sleep. However, the longer that he lay there, the more uncomfortable it got. It was also freezing. He was bundled up in two blankets, yet he was shaking like a leaf. He hoped that it would go away by the time he fell asleep, but he couldn’t sleep even as he heard Sungjin’s soft, even breaths fill the room. He twisted and turned, but nothing alleviated the freezing and stiff situation he found himself in. He even tried using the floor padding to warm himself up, but that didn’t help and before long, he was shivering uncontrollably, sniffling, and his teeth started to chatter.

He squeezed his eyes shut, helplessly praying for sleep.

“Wonpil-ah?” Wonpil opened his eyes and turned to see Sungjin looking at him with his sleepy half-opened eyes.

"S-sorry, did I wake you?" Wonpil chattered out as his frozen fingers gripped the blankets.

“I can't sleep knowing you're freezing. Come here,” Sungjin whispered.

Wonpil’s stiff hands let go of the blankets and he got on his knees, his teeth clattering as Sungjin lifted his comforter for him. Wonpil crawled into the warmth, shaking uncontrollably as tucked his pillow next to Sungjin's.

"S-sorry," Wonpil stuttered. "I-I…"

"Sh," Sungjin murmured as he turned his back to him. "You have a final in the morning. Go to sleep now, hm?”

Wonpil could barely breathe as he was surrounded by Sungjin's intoxicating scent. How the hell was he able to smell so good?

"Is this really okay?" Wonpil barely managed out.

“I know how cold and hard it was down there. I don’t want you to sleep there, especially with just a blanket. You’ll get sick if you do. Just, sleep with me.”

Wonpil squeezed his eyes shut as he tried to rationalize things. He'd slept in the same bed with Jinyoung and his other friends before so it only made sense he and Sungjin did too since he was crashing at his. It wasn't like he was different from his other friends. Totally not. Plus they had cuddled in bed a few nights ago, because of certain circumstances that only ever lined up once in a lifetime but still.

“Hyung,” Wonpil whispered, his heart hammering. “Will you hold me? It’s still cold.”

“Mm, are you sure?”

“Only if you’re comfortable with it.”

“...I am. And you’re sure?”

“Absolutely.”

"A thousand percent?"

"Hyung if you don't hold me right now, I'll- I'll…" Wonpil's empty threat crumbled before he could even think of anything as Sungjin chuckled.

“Okay.”

Wonpil’s heart started to pound as Sungjin turned around—his arms carefully wrapping around him. Wonpil closed his eyes, leaning into Sungjin’s warmth and cuddling into him. Sungjin hummed as he hooked his chin on top of Wonpil's head.

Wonpil's mind buzzed with thoughts his conscious self ignored.

He silently wished things had been different. If he could go back in time, he never would have dated Junseo, he would have met Sungjin naturally, and then…

Well, how did Sungjin feel about him?

His sleepy thoughts shattered as he snuggled into Sungjin. That was for another time, right now that didn't matter.

“G…night, hyun…”

Sungjin tightened his arms around him, a soft sigh slipping past his lips.

“Mm, sweet…dreams…baby…"

Chapter Text

Wonpil hummed as soft morning light filled the room. Heat buzzed on his skin and he didn't want to get up.

He never was a morning person, but being wrapped in Sungjin's arms only worsened that. He was like a giant teddy bear, and Wonpil sleepily smiled as he nudged his nose against Sungjin's steady rising and falling chest.

He could get used to this. Next time he should—

Next time?

He knew this was a temporary living arraignment and their relationship was fake, but…

Wonpil creaked his eyes open at the odd thought. He looked up at the peacefully sleeping man and fought the urge to tuck a stray piece of hair behind his ear. It wasn't fair that Sungjin was so perfect first thing in the morning. Had he woken up and freshened up before getting back into bed?

Wonpil thought the idea was ridiculous but…he kind of wanted to do that right now. He was sure he looked greasy from sleep.

The warm light seemed to caress Sungjin's cheek and Wonpil was absolutely mesmerized.

He unconsciously reached out a hand, his fingertips just about to dip against Sungjin’s cheek when he stopped himself. He slowly curled his fingers, bringing his closed fist to press again his chest instead. He wasn’t sure what had possessed him in that moment but it was clear that he needed more sleep. 

Sungjin’s warmth and soothing presence did little to soothe Wonpil enough to lull him back to a restless nap before his alarm went off.

Wonpil felt like he was in a Get Out situation. He had slipped into his life with Sungjin too easily and he felt like he was stepping on eggshells when he got his moments of clarity that had started ever since he woke up in Sungjin’s bed the first morning and went to caress his cheek. 

He had been expecting their living arrangements to be two friends living together and sometimes acting like a couple, but, in such a short amount of time, the lines had become so blurred it was nearly nonexistent. Had there ever been one? One night in the same bed had turned to two, to three, to a week, and now Wonpil couldn’t properly get sleepy until Sungjin slipped into the bed and wrapped his arms around him. And he had stopped going to bed at ungodly hours because the earlier he went to bed, the sooner he got to cuddle with Sungjin and murmur about their day. His therapist had even mentioned that he had made a lot of progress quickly and to keep up whatever it was he was doing.

Needless to say, sleeping with Sungjin—and living with him in general—has been one of the best experiences of Wonpil’s life. For one, Wonpil wasn’t missing his mother’s cooking as much these days since Sungjin made sure to cook for him, and Wonpil made sure that Sungjin never skipped a meal or ate small things to make him happy. He even started packing Sungjin’s lunch—with the leftovers that Sungjin cooked but his unevenly cut fruits were Sungjin’s favorite—and it would make him happy when Sungjin would show off the empty container and Sungjin liked seeing him happy.

He knew this because he overheard Younghyun and Sungjin talking while they did the dishes. Younghyun asked him what finally got him to start eating big meals when he was alone and Sungjin casually mentioned that he liked the way Wonpil’s face would light up seeing the empty container. He questioned how he could forget to eat when he knew he would be rewarded by Wonpil’s smile and praise at home. Wonpil did not throw himself onto their bed and rolled around giddily after that.

 It was to the point that he overheard one of his classmates teasing them both for putting on some healthy relationship weight. Wonpil loved it, seeing Sungjin fill out his clothes a little better and he had more energy to mess around with him.

Ever since the first night, when they opened up to the idea of cuddling, they were able to improve their dating act as they weren’t awkward about major touching anymore.

If he was an outsider, then he would undoubtedly think that they were in a perfect relationship. There was no one to say otherwise since his ex had yet to do anything. 

Of course, Wonpil was anxious about it, and on the rare occasions when Wonpil saw him, Sungjin was luckily by his side and would casually initiate skinship. The other day, he had even kissed the back of his hand after tying his shoe. That had left Wonpil a blushing mess. 

There was nothing wrong with their arrangement, well, except for the sudden heart palpitations that Wonpil got at least once a day now—that and the fact that Sungjin never once left his thoughts.

Everything was going well in his life: he had aced his finals, he had just gotten the news that he was down to one meeting with his therapist every other week, and he was getting treated more seriously as a pianist due to his role as Sungjin’s accompanist.

Everything was amazing.

But…

“Hyung? Hello?” Wonpil snapped back into reality, turning to look at Dowoon who pouted. “You weren’t paying attention.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Wonpil played with the sleeves of Sungjin’s hoodie. “I was just thinking about…something. What did you say?”

“I was asking what Sungjin-hyung does for your anniversaries. Younghyun has planned most of ours, and I want to plan our next one, but I don’t know what to do. Any ideas?”

Wonpil felt his heart twitch as he looked away. It was at times like these that he was reminded that what he had wasn’t real. While he and Sungjin have been ‘dating’ for longer than Younghyun and Dowoon, they haven’t exactly done any anniversary celebrations. There was no way that he was going to let Dowoon know that, so Wonpil thought hard about what to say.

“Um, I think my favorite anniversary was when Sungjin-hyung…took me on a night picnic and we watched the stars. We had our first real kiss that night.”

“Wah,” Dowoon gawked. “That sounds magical. I’ll do something like that! And maybe hyung and I will…do something under the stars,” Dowoon said, his ears tinting red.

Wonpil sighed as he wiped a rag over the counter. Yeah, it did sound magical. 

But was it something that Sungjin would actually do? What was Sungjin really like in a relationship? How did he treat anniversaries? 

Wonpil groaned, flushing out his invasive thoughts, and tried to focus on making himself look busy. 

“By the way—”

“I’m trying to work,” Wonpil grumbled. 

“I know, but, listen. This is exclusive student council gossip.”

Wonpil curiously turned to look at Dowoon. He often forgot the younger man was part of the student council for his year. After all, he was some chair that hardly mattered—hence why he got away with hardly doing anything for the group. 

“What?”

Dowoon looked around before leaning in close and whispering. 

“So for the festival, apparently we’re having a surprise guest. It’s a student who attended for a month and was famous amongst the students but then left to study abroad. They’re allegedly coming back to finish their studies here.”

“Who is it?” Wonpil asked, even though he knew he wouldn’t know the person.

After all, he hadn’t known that Sungjin was their local celebrity before he started dati—fake dating him.

“I don’t know. All I know is that apparently, they’re a piano prodigy. Like, they’ve hosted concerts abroad.”

“Woah,” Wonpil gasped in jealousy. “And they’re coming back when?”

“I only knew what I told you." Dowoon glared at him and jabbed a finger at him. "But you can't tell anyone, that includes your boyfriend. Got that?”

Wonpil huffed. If anyone had known who it was, then it would’ve been Sungjin since they were in the same year. Still, he promised Dowoon that he wouldn’t tell him and he swore to keep the promise as he turned back to his cleaning, hoping it would distract him from his beautiful-eyed boy—fake boyfriend.

“How was your day?” Sungjin asked as he picked up Wonpil from the cafe.

“It was pretty boring,” Wonpil said. His conversation with Dowoon was on the tip of his tongue but a promise was a promise. “What about you?”

“Pretty stressful. I had a whole thing with the committee about the festival since it’s this weekend. Everything is so hectic—I can’t wait for it to be over.”

Wonpil nibbled his lip nervously as his stomach flipped. He really didn’t need the reminder of how close he was to accompanying Sungjin and hopefully not embarrassing him.

“I can’t believe it’s almost here. It feels like just yesterday we became partners.”

“I know, time sure does fly when you’re having fun,” Sungjin said as he interlocked their fingers.

Wonpil glanced at their hands.

Yeah. This was all just a game to Sungjin after all.

He tightened his grip and leaned his head against Sungjin’s shoulder. It was uncomfortable, but, Wonpil didn’t care.

“Are you sure nothing happened today?” Sungjin asked and Wonpil just knew he was looking at him.

He could also hear the worry in his voice and he couldn’t stop himself from revealing the pout that he had been suppressing.

“Mm,” Wonpil tried to think of a lie. “Just…” Dowoon came back to his mind but he wasn’t going to spill the beans so easily. Then he thought of what else he and Dowoon had discussed. “Dowoonie asked about what we do for anniversaries and I kinda made one up for our first kiss.”

“Wasn’t our first kiss on our first date?”

“No, our first real kiss.”

Sungjin paused mid-step making Wonpil take a weird step and semi-stumble back to stick by Sungjin’s side. He turned to look at him and Wonpil felt his heart hammer right on schedule.

“Real kiss?”

Wonpil focused on a small beauty mark on Sungjin’s face as he couldn’t hold eye contact. 

“Well, yeah, like, a kiss on the first date feels rather cheap, no? I imagined a romantic date for our first anniversary. You and me under the stars on a picnic and us having our first, um, kiss? With emotions behind it rather than rebound.”

“Wonpil.”

God, Wonpil wanted to be anywhere but there at the moment. He braced himself, meeting Sungjin’s eyes as the sun illuminated them to their full chocolate glory. 

“I only kiss with emotion. So our first real kiss would be the one on our first date. Even though we had barely met, I would have kissed you because I genuinely liked you. You may not consider it our first, but I do.”

Wonpil could hear the blood pounding in his ears.

“Well…it’s not like any of it is real,” he whispered, the breath in his lungs struggling to get out.

Sungjin stared deep into his soul and Wonpil swore there was some sort of tension between them. Although, that fully could have been those deep desires of his bubbling up. But it snapped when Sungjin looked away and let go of his hand.

“You’re right.” 

He started walking away and Wonpil watched after him for a few steps.

His heart felt like a sharp needle had poked straight through it. He bit his bottom look and looked down at the grown as he followed Sungjin.

They didn’t talk about it again. 

That night as their backs were facing one another, Wonpil dreamt that he was in the crowd for Sungjin’s concert. He tried to get his attention but no matter how much he tried, he was pushed further and further from the stage until he was shoved out into the hall and the doors swung shut in his face. And no matter how hard he tried to pry the doors open and cried out for Sungjin, no one came and he was utterly alone listening to Sungjin’s beautiful voice coming from all over.

Wonpil couldn’t sleep and he stared up at the ceiling, replaying that weird event from earlier in the week. The performance was tomorrow so Sungjin had gone back to university after dinner, leaving Wonpil with the time to reflect on everything that had been threatening to boil over for a while now. 

Ever since that day, despite everything they did and said, Wonpil felt an invisible wall between them. Even when Sungjin held his hand and laughed with him, it didn’t feel like he was really there. When they were alone, he could feel it even more clearly as Sungjin made sure to keep out of his personal space. For the past couple of days, Wonpil had been having the worst sleep because Sungjin would sleep with his back to him and Wonpil couldn’t deal with it anymore. Even if just for one last night together, he wanted things to be normal between them again.

He had waited for Sungjin to talk about it, but it was past midnight and it didn’t seem like he would be coming back. Younghyun had been kind enough to linger and watch a movie before he left to go be with Dowoon and thus Wonpil was left alone in an apartment that wasn’t his.

No one but his thoughts for company.

And he figured it was finally time.

He sighed, closing his eyes and wishing for sleep to come but he knew it was futile. He turned to his side and his hand rested over Sungjin's empty spot.

Wonpil wasn’t stupid, he knew that he had developed real feelings for Sungjin, but, he wished he hadn’t. It was hard keeping up the facade to Sungjin as well as to himself, but with the performance the next day, he let himself acknowledge it. Especially since he had been hurting so much the past few days, his denial of why it ached so badly only added to his misery.

He was, unfortunately,  irrevocably head over heels for his fake boyfriend.

And every day it got harder and harder to act like he wasn’t.

He cracked a smile at the ridiculousness of it all.

He must be like the first guy ever to somehow wind up in his crush’s bed while said crush was his fake lover and they did coupley stuff only for them to platonically cuddle at night—well, not anymore. He had somehow managed to succeed so much and yet fail miserably at the same time.

Wonpil laughed as tears rolled down the sides of his face.

It had been the longest semester of his life. Everything had changed so much, and the pit in the base of his stomach twisted thinking of everything else that was set to change come the end of tomorrow. He felt sick. Nothing was ever going to be the same and Sungjin was going to get a job and move on with life, leaving him behind.

And what would he have left after this? Some respect for his name as a musician but utter shambles in his personal life. An abusive, stalker ex would seem like nothing compared to the betrayal he would be unleashing upon all his friends for his crazy stunt. Dowoon and Younghyun would surely hate him. Jinyoung wouldn’t be able to look at him ever again. The others would also push him away for his lies. And worst of all, Sungjin would become nothing more than a sweet and heartbreaking memory.

Wonpil sobbed as he curled into Sungjin's spot, clutching Sungjin’s sheets to his chest.

To top it all off, he would be left alone with his broken heart since Sungjin would never accept his tattered heart after all of this. He would be grossed out that Wonpil had kept up their act even after realizing he liked him and—

“Oh, Wonpil,” Sungjin murmured, laying on top of the duvet and wrapping his arms around Wonpil's shaking form.

Wonpil flinched, gasping for breath as he tried to get the voices in his head to shut up. They had been so loud he hadn’t heard Sungjin get home much less walk into their room.

“I’m here for you. What do you need?”

Wonpil closed his burning eyes, wishing that Sungjin loved him back. 

Relishing in the warmth and touch of the man he was in love with for the first time in days. Even if there was a blanket between them. It was no different from the previous times.

“You,” he sobbed, wishing Sungjin understood the real meaning.

He wished what they had was real.

“I’m here now, don’t worry,” Sungjin whispered, holding him tight.

Wonpil whimpered as he slipped his hands up Sungjin’s collarbones, wrapping his arms around his neck, and hiding his face in the little crevice he created, he burned every touch into his mind knowing it would be the last one. 

Sungjin held him close, rubbing the space of his back for what seemed like an eternity.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Sungjin asked once the initial wave calmed down and Wonpil was just leaking a tear every so often.

“Not today,” Wonpil hoarsely murmured.

No, tonight, he just wanted to enjoy their last day together because he decided to end it after their performance. Their contract did have a clause for immediate termination if one of them caught feelings so there would be no “legal” problems.

“Okay.”

They lay there for some more time until Wonpil’s sniffles became drawn out and he let out a sigh, resting his tired head against Sungjin’s chest.

“Are you okay?”

“Mm, just tired.”

“...are you too tired to do anything or…?”

Wonpil opened his throbbing eyes, shuffling a bit to be able to look at Sungjin. Even in the dark, he could tell that Sungjin looked like he wanted to say something else.

“Do you have something in mind?”

Sungjin cleared his throat.

“Remember how I had to go back to the university earlier?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, I made that up.”

Wonpil’s eyebrows furrowed, Sungjin had left hours ago. If he hadn’t gone for a meeting, then why had he been gone for so long? Oh god, what if he went on a date and—no, their contract had a clause for potential suitors, so why had he lied?

“Where did you go?”

Despite all the negative thoughts, Wonpil couldn’t help but laugh at them. He knew Sungjin well enough to know that it wasn’t something nefarious. He couldn’t even let himself get jealous or upset like he had with his ex because he knew there was no point.

“Why don’t we go see? Ah, that is if you have enough energy.”

Wonpil was glad that they were in the dark because that way Sungjin couldn’t see the effect that he had on him.

“Don’t worry hyung, I always have time for you.”

There was a beat of silence before the sheets rustled and they got up. Wonpil internally cursed at himself for making things awkward when all of a sudden Sungjin’s hand took his, guiding him out of the darkness. 

Wonpil bit down at his trembling lips, blinking hard to stop the tears that formed.

Neither of them said anything, Wonpil simply squeezed Sungjin’s hand and he squeezed back.

They didn’t stop walking aside from when they went to the front door to put on their shoes, and from there, Wonpil got increasingly confused with every step. He had expected them to leave the building, but instead of pressing the button for the ground floor, Sungjin had clicked the button for the top floor. Perhaps he had been visiting someone? But then they walked past every door and went to the stairs. Why would Sungjin have been on the roof?

“Do you mind if I cover your eyes for a moment?” Sungjin asked when they reached the door for the roof.

“Um, no, go ahead,” Wonpil said.

His heart stumbled when Sungjin let go of his hand and stepped behind him, his hands gently covering his eyes. He thanked every good being out there that he was behind him because his cheeks were red within the second.

They walked through the door and took a few steps onto their rooftop.

“Surprise,” Sungjin whispered in his ear, letting his hands fall away.

Wonpil opened his eyes, his lungs failing him as he took in the beautifully lit area.

There were fairy lights strung up across the roof, filling the void of the dark sky. Splayed out before them was a picnic blanket with beer and fried chicken in the center.

“Hyung, why…” Wonpil’s words failed him as he spun around to look at Sungjin.

Sungjin refused to make eye contact, instead looking up at the now glowing sky.

“I…I spent a lot more time setting up the lights than I thought, it was a lot trickier than I expected to get them to stay up, so I wasn’t able to prepare anything more luxurious to eat or drink. I didn’t want to miss y– I mean! I didn’t want to make you wait any longer.  So…yeah, chicken and– oomph!”

Wonpil laughed, hugging Sungjin tight.

It was amazing just how quickly Sungjin could make everything in the world alright again. 

“Thank you! Thank you so much.”

Sungjin was silent for a moment before he wrapped his arms back around Wonpil.

“I’d do anything for you, Wonpil-ah.”

Wonpil’s cheeks warmed and he decided to pull away from Sungjin before he convinced himself that Sungjin’s words had a deeper weight to them than friendship.

“Why don’t we eat? It’ll go cold if we waste any more time.”

“Ah, it’s probably cold already. Why don’t I run down to the apartment and–”

“I don’t care if it was a block of ice, I’m still going to enjoy it because you spent so much time organizing this.” Wonpil smiled at Sungjin who was finally looking at him again. “So let’s sit down and enjoy our picnic.”

Sungjin blinked before smiling back.

“Right.”

They settled down on the blanket and each took a chicken drum, clacking them together before taking a bite. Sungjin had been right, they were a little cold but Wonpil couldn’t really tell. Not when his entire body felt like a furnace.

“Mm, the lights are so pretty,” Wonpil murmured after washing down the bite of chicken with beer. “They’re like stars. Thank you, again, for this.”

“Well, I figured it would take too long for us to go to the countryside where we would be able to see real stars so I had to make some. I hope you don’t mind.”

Wonpil blinked, replaying Sungjin’s words.

“Had to?”

Sungjin stopped mid-sip of his beer. He gulped and set the can back down, a shy look on his face.

“Well, it’s the least I could do for you stepping up and being my accompanist.”

Wonpil stared at Sungjin, wondering if he had to point out that he was repaying his debt to him by being his accompanist since Sungjin had agreed to be his fake boyfriend. However, he didn’t have the heart to do it and instead, he just smiled. He couldn’t believe Sungjin had remembered what he had mentioned earlier that week and had gone out of his way to make it a reality.

If he didn’t think too much about them, he could pretend that it was actually for their anniversary.

He let himself get wrapped up in the moment, eating, drinking, and laughing with Sungjin until the alcohol worked its way through his system enough to make him see the lights as real stars and make the barrier between them nothing more than a memory of the past. 

And Wonpil’s drunken mindset decided that it was the perfect time to confess.

“Hyung–”

“Wonpil–”

The fake couple both paused, staring at one another before laughing.

“You go first,” Sungjin said.

“No, you can go first, hyung,” Wonpil said, his drunken confidence already starting to slip.

“No, you go first.

“No, you.”

“No–”

Wonpil ended what otherwise would have been an endless and redundant argument with a gasp.

“What?”

Wonpil squinted his eyes, making sure he saw right as he sat up and cupped his hands.

“Hyung, look,” he whispered, afraid that if he spoke any loud it would cease to exist.

Sungjin and Wonpil watched as the little snowflake drifted past the stars, a few of its friends following in pursuit.

“It’s the first snow,” Sungjin said in awe.

Wonpil gulped, his tongue heavy in his mouth all of a sudden.

“Yeah…” he murmured, his heart pounding.

He turned to look at Sungjin and found the older one already looking at him, his eyes shining with a million stars.

Neither of them could speak as the snowflakes started to dot their hair and clothes, sobering them up with each passing second that they gazed into each other's eyes. 

Sungjin looked so handsome, Wonpil thought as he subconsciously leaned forward.

Sungjin also got closer, his soft puffs of air forming small clouds in the cold air.

And, suddenly they were face to face with not enough space between them to justify any platonic reasoning for their positioning.

Wonpil’s heart raced as Sungjin’s eyes glanced at his lips. 

He glanced at Sungjin’s lips, a snowflake landing on his cupid’s bow, melting within the second of contact. 

Time seemed to stand still as Sungjin licked his lips, wiping away the dot of water left by the snow. Wonpil gulped.

Sungjin slowly—hesitantly—lifted his hand and got near Wonpil’s reddened cheeks.

“Is this…okay?”

“Yes,” Wonpil breathlessly whispered.

He leaned into the warmth of Sungjin’s hand caressing his cheek.

They stared at one another for what seemed like an eternity before Sungjin parted his lips once more.

“Wonpil…can I…k–”

A sharp ringing rang out, snapping them back into reality.

They jerked back, losing all contact as their wide eyes looked at each other, the hazy mood now broken, and their cheeks burned red.

“I-I–” Sungjin stuttered, his mouth moving but no other sounds came out.

“Phone,” Wonpil squeaked out, his mind racing. “Um,” Wonpil swallowed, his heart hammering. “I’ll– uh, bed! I’m going to bed! Good night!” 

He didn’t wait for Sungjin’s response as he scrambled to get up and surprised himself with how fast he was.

By the time he reached the elevator, he was gasping for air and clutching his hammering heart. The doors slid open and Wonpil stumbled in, staring at his frazzled reflection as he collapsed to his knees.

His eyes were wide and had a spooked look to them, the blush on his cheeks was as though he had smudged red lipstick over them, and his hair was damp and all over the place from his sudden run.

He squeezed his eyes shut, not wanting to see himself any longer as he pressed his flushed forehead against the cool mirror. 

Wonpil let out a frustrated cry, just when things had seemed to finally start becoming normal again, the world flipped itself over.

And this time, he didn’t think that they would be able to come back from what happened.

Chapter Text

Wonpil crouched in the elevator, tears brimming in his eyes as he gasped for air. His heart hammered in his chest as he replayed everything that had just happened. If that phone hadn't rung, then would they have really kissed? Why did he run? If he hadn’t left then—

“Wonpil!”

His shoulders jumped as he whipped his head around to see a breathless Sungjin holding the elevator door open.  

“Sungjin-hyung?” Wonpil whispered, scared that speaking too loudly would cause him to dissolve.

Sungjin strode in, collapsing to his knees before him. His eyes were filled with tears.

“I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me. It was the setting, I-I… Please, can we act like nothing happened?”

Wonpil’s heart twisted as the doors slid shut.

“What…” His throat trembled and he swallowed heavily. He shifted closer to Sungjin, causing the other male to tense slightly. “What would you say if I told you I wanted to kiss you?” He managed to say barely louder than the sounds of the elevator moving down.

He watched as Sungjin glanced at his lips and then back at his eyes. He watched as he closed his eyes, his chest rising and falling quickly.

“I would say…” Sungjin leaned closer and Wonpil squeezed his eyes shut. He felt Sungjin’s flushed forehead pressing against his own. “That you're drunk, Wonpil-ah.”

Wonpil bit down a sound of pain as a tear slipped out and rolled down his cheek. A thick silence hung between them as Wonpil drank in the warm buzz Sungjin surrounded him with as well as the thorn-like sensation starting to embrace his heart. He could feel the warmth of Sungjin’s lips. They were so close that if he were to angle his head, then he'd be able to feel the lips that emitted such tantalizing warmth.

Wonpil let out a small breath, bidding the moment goodbye before he broke it by pulling away from Sungjin. He wiped the stray tear away before he opened his eyes, seeing how Sungjin remained there, his eyes closed and his fists clenching his pants.

“I guess you're right.” 

The words felt like splattered quarter notes rolling off his tongue.

He grasped against the smooth walls to push himself up, swaying when the elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open. It was a cowardly out, he thought, but he knew when he wasn't wanted. He could feel his heart crumbling in his chest, tears welling behind his eyes, and his blood burning his cheeks hot. They did say people are most honest when drunk.

Wonpil took wide steps in an attempt to not run away from Sungjin. He held his breath as he passed him, refusing to look at Sungjin. He was going to do his damnedest to play it off as a drunken mistake even as he choked on what felt like broken tetrahedrons.

If he played it off as being drunk, then Sungjin wouldn't want to end their friendship. Maybe he'd get teased about it and be mortified if Sungjin brought it up in the morning. 

As badly as Wonpil had wanted to cross the line, he desperately wanted Sungjin by his side more. Even if that meant just as a friend, nothing more, if all he had to do right now was act like he was some drunkard instead of a heartbroken fellow, then he could do that.

“Won-” Sungjin’s voice wavered and he quickly stopped talking. His cheeks flushed as he cleared his throat, and the sounds of him scrambling to stand rang out as Wonpil forced himself to start walking down the hallway. “Wonpil?”

“I should, I should go to sleep,” Wonpil muttered.

“Ah, take the bed, I'll just sleep on the floor–”

“No.” Wonpil quickly wiped away another stray tear. He forced out a yawn, stretching out his arms above his head. “Thank you for everything, hyung, but I'll just sleep on the couch.”

“But–”

“You've already been an amazing host, hyung. Um. Why don't we get breakfast later? Or lunch? Actually, I think I have something to do so I'll have to leave early...sorry about that.” Wonpil nervously laughed as he grabbed the door handle. “Don’t worry though. I'll be there for the performance.”

“Wonpil–”

Wonpil swung open the door and waltzed in, toppling onto the couch like a drunkard.

“Mm, thank you for everything, again, hyung. Good night. Sleep well. Have a good day tomorrow.”

Wonpil turned, burying his head into the backrest cushion, praying Sungjin would leave. 

Sungjin was left frozen, staring at Wonpil. He saw the way he curled into himself and silently cursed at himself. He quickly went and got a blanket and draped it over Wonpil, but the young man didn't as much as move.

“Goodnight, Wonpil-ah,” he whispered.

Wonpil didn't respond.

Sungjin walked away, dragging his feet to his painfully empty room. Once there he pursed his lips, clenched his fists, and hit himself on the forehead.

“Fucking dumbass,” Sungjin groaned as he fell back onto his bed.

He gulped down the forming lump in his throat and blinked back the added moisture in the corner of his eyes. He dug his nails into his palms to discourage the ache in his chest, he had no right to be upset. He should only be feeling pain.

He replayed the moment with Wonpil, remembering how warm Wonpil had been.

How close his lips had been.

How badly he had wanted to kiss Wonpil.

How he messed things up.

He stared up at the dark ceiling, Wonpil seemingly taking all the light out of the room. He pressed his lips against the back of his hand, squeezing his eyes, and bit back a whimper.

Even after all this time, he hadn't changed, had he?

She was right.

He didn't deserve love.

Not even after all these years.

“I’m coming! I’m coming! Geez! It’s seven in the fucking morning who the f…Won–oomph!” Dowoon teetered back as Wonpil collapsed in his arms. “Hyung!?”

Dowoon scrambled to right himself with Wonpil completely against him, a soulless sniffle ringing out as his fingers dug into his loose sweatshirt. He swung the door shut with a foot and huffed and puffed until they collapsed onto his couch. 

“Dowoonie? Mm, who was…uh…”

Dowoon tried to catch his breath as he looked up at his disheveled boyfriend.

“Go back to bed, babe. I’ll figure this out.”

“Come on, we’re both friends with him, I can help too.”

Dowoon glanced at the limp man in his arms and then back at his lover.

“I…Something tells me this is a private matter. Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

Younghyun worriedly looked at Wonpil but nodded.

“Okay.”

He walked off and Dowoon let out a soft sigh, rubbing Wonpil’s back.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He whispered.

“Mm, mm,” Wonpil whimpered, shaking his head no.

“Alright then, do you want to sleep it off? It’s really early and you have your big performance today. We wouldn't want you to be sleep-deprived, now do we?”

Wonpil clutched him tighter at the mention of the performance. Dowoon’s brow furrowed. Had Sungjin done something to him? Had they gotten into an argument about it? 

He brushed away the thoughts, Sungjin and Wonpil had the best relationship out of anyone he knew. Even if Sungjin was the cause of Wonpil's weepy state, he was sure they'd work it out. They were always so careful with one another, yet passionate. A little too passionate… Dowoon laughed to himself but quickly stopped as he didn’t want to upset Wonpil any further. 

“Come on, hyung. Why don’t we go to my bed? I’ll kick hyung out. He has to work in a little bit either way. He can use the time to freshen up instead of rushing to work all messy.” 

He didn’t wait to hear Wonpil’s response as he steeled himself and walked to the room, swinging open the door and toppling Wonpil onto the bed. Younghyun creaked open an eye and Dowoon cocked his head to the side.

“You’re being evicted. Goodnight.”

Younghyun sputtered and Dowoon thought it was cute even as he pulled the covers back and crawled over his boyfriend.

“Wha– baby– Oh come on. Please…”

Dowoon grinned mischievously as he inched his flailing boyfriend closer to the edge of the bed. 

“Love you. Have fun at work.”

“Ugh, I love you too.” Younghyun glanced at the motionless Wonpil. He leaned in. “Take good care of him. Okay?” He whispered in his ear.

Dowoon rolled his eyes but still kissed his boyfriend’s cheek.

“As if there was any doubt. Now get going.”

Younghyun hummed and finally got out. Dowoon didn’t waste a second longer in dragging Wonpil to him to snuggle. How long was it since they last shared a bed? He felt his liver quiver at the memory and he made a mental note to go clubbing one last time before he went back home for winter break. After all, now he had a lover to take back to his place instead of being too drunk to get back home himself and having to crash at Wonpil’s place. 

He smiled for a few seconds until he heard Wonpil sniffle.

His heart clenched at his friend’s woes and he hugged him tighter, hoping that a good sleep would refresh him.

Except, when Dowoon woke up to the sunlight burning his eyelids, he found himself alone.

“Hyung?” Dowoon rasped out, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. 

However, he didn’t get a response and his stomach began to sink. He stumbled out of bed and headed to the empty bathroom. The feeling in his gut worsened as he fully processed what had occurred a few hours ago. His sleep haze no longer blurred his rational thinking and suddenly he was running all over his apartment looking for Wonpil. 

“Hyung!?” He shouted and ran back to his room once he was a hundred percent sure that Wonpil wasn’t in his apartment. He quickly called up the first person he could think of.

“Is Wonpil with you?”

Dowoon’s stomach twisted. That was not the first thing he wanted to hear from Sungjin. 

“No, I mean, he was but I woke up and he was gone. Did something happen between you two? He came here before the sun was even up.”

“I’m sorry, but could you let me know if you find him? I have to go now.”

“What– hello? Hello?”

Dowoon lowered his phone as his eyebrows furrowed.

Just what the hell happened between those two?

“Hello? Dowoon-ah? Why do you sound so rattled?... What? No, I haven't seen Wonpil–” Wonpil stopped right before his knuckles hit the door. “Yeah, of course, I’ll let you know if he stops by. But…shouldn’t he be with Sungjin-hyung?”

Wonpil’s chest constricted at his name. He felt his cheeks flush and he quickly turned around, rushing out of the apartment complex. He didn’t know what to do. He hadn’t been able to sleep very well, his dreams turning into nightmares of rejection and Sungjin finding out about his real feelings. He had been kicking and turning and crying the entire night on the couch. He fled the apartment once it got a little light outside and he found himself at Dowoon’s place with nothing else but the clothes on his back and his phone.

Dowoon had tried to be a good friend but there was no way Wonpil could begin to explain it all to him. Not when he and Sungjin just needed to last eighteen more hours in their “relationship”. However, being held in bed did help him sleep for a little bit. It just wasn’t the same as sleeping in Sungjin’s arms. He had woken up before Dowoon, and not wanting to explain anything, he snuck out of his apartment and wandered to his own apartment where he was going to crash until he overheard Jinyoung talking to Dowoon.

Great.

Just where the hell did he go now? 

A little part of him just wanted to get into the nearest bus and ride it until the last stop, but he knew he couldn’t. He couldn’t miss the performance because of what happened last night.

With a heavy sigh, Wonpil decided to head to a nearby music shop where he occasionally gave piano lessons. He didn’t want to see Sungjin, so he couldn’t practice at the university, but he wasn’t going to not practice. 

It didn’t take a lot of convincing before he sat in a small practice room with a cheap keyboard.  

Except, no matter how much he tried to focus on just playing the songs, he kept thinking about last night.

“Augh!” Wonpil cried out as he smashed several keys at once.

Was he really going to be like this? What the hell was he going to do at the festival then? Was he going to ruin Sungjin’s professional chances just because of his silly feelings?

“Get it together, Kim Wonpil,” he muttered as he smacked his cheeks.

Music. 

That was all he had to focus on.

It was what got him through those hungry days as a model, trying to distract his stomach from the pain in order to reach those rigid weight limits. If he could play like that, then he would be able to play with an ache in his heart.

Simple.

He closed his eyes and let his fingers dance along the keys, hearing the song he had spent so long memorizing ring out. Except, it didn’t sound nearly as pretty.

Not without Sungjin.

Still, he played and played until his fingers began to hurt and he knew he would have to stop to be at peak condition for the performance. Speaking of which, what time was it?

He clicked the on button to check, but his phone didn’t turn on. His eyebrows furrowed as he held down the button only for his phone to flash that it was out of charge.

His heart lurched as he got up, the bench scraping along the floor as he rushed out of the room and waved at the cashiers.

“What time is it!?”

“Um, it’s half past three–”

Wonpil cursed as he ran out of the building and headed to the nearest bus station. He had set an alarm to get ready for the sound check. He really had to rush if he was going to make it on time. There was no way in hell he was going to show up wearing the same clothes he wore yesterday.

In his haste, Wonpil hadn’t stopped to think about whether Sungjin would still be home as he swung the apartment door open only to find it empty. His stomach twisted as surely Sungjin was already there and waiting. What if he thought he wasn’t going to show up?

Wonpil cursed as he stripped and stumbled into the bathroom. He couldn’t make Sungjin worry! Not on his big day!

He tried to get ready quickly, but pants suddenly became his enemy when he was half-dried and trying to yank them on. He lost his footing and smacked his forehead against Sungjin’s table but he didn’t have time to register the pain as he pulled on socks and ran to the door, slipping his shoes on and making a mad dash to the nearest bus station.

From there he ran off at his stop and made it through campus quicker than ever. He didn’t stop running until he made it to the hall and burst in, gasping for air as he looked around for Sungjin.

He hadn’t been too late, right?

“Wonpil?!”

Wonpil turned at his name and his heart hammered as he saw his worried crush. He ran the last few steps, practically collapsing in Sungjin’s arms, not caring that any of the other performers saw them.

“My phone died…didn’t see…ran all the way here…am I too late?” He gasped.

“What? No, are you okay? You’re bleeding!”

“Huh?”

Wonpil didn’t have time to register Sungjin’s words as the older male suddenly scooped him up and carried him away. A fierce blush spread on Wonpil’s face as he looked up at Sungjin. Well, that was definitely not the reaction he had been expecting.

“Hyung, I can walk…”

Sungjin ignored him and carried him all the way to one of the supply rooms and sat Wonpil down on a desk while he grabbed an emergency kit. Wonpil sat still as Sungjin rummaged through it and brought some items out.

Wonpil looked at his legs, wondering if he had nicked himself and hadn’t realized when Sungjin placed his forefinger under Wonpil’s chin and made him look up. Wonpil did, his breath hitching as he stared into Sungjin’s eyes.

God, they were absolutely enchanting.

Sungjin gently brushed Wonpil’s hair out of the way and gently pressed an alcohol wipe to Wonpil’s temple. Wonpil let out a little yelp at the sudden sting and Sungjin tisked his tongue.

“What happened?”

“I, um, I was in a rush to get dressed and I  hit my head. I didn’t think it was serious though.”

“You should’ve been more careful,” Sungjin chastised, cleaning his wound.

“Sorry…”

Sungjin huffed but put on a bandage and pulled away slightly.

Wonpil’s heart hammered as he looked at Sungjin for the first time since last night.

“You should be.” Wonpil looked down in shame when all of a sudden Sungjin was hugging him tightly. “Don’t ever do that again, you got that? Do you have any idea how worried I was? I couldn’t get ahold of you and no one knew where you were for hours, and I thought the worst.” Sungjin fisted his sweater and Wonpil gulped. He squeezed his eyes shut and hugged Sungjin back, clasping his jacket. “I thought so many horrible things, and then you burst in all bloodied up.” Sungjin laughed. “You sure do know how to make a man worry, Wonpil-ah.”

“‘M sorry,” Wonpil mumbled. “But you’re not mad at me?”

“Of course not,” Sungjin whispered. “I wouldn’t have been mad if you never showed up as long as you were okay. I don’t care about anything but your well-being, Wonpil-ah. Although I definitely would’ve been upset, I would’ve only been mad if you never responded to me. We’re partners, aren’t we? Communication is key.”

“Right.” Wonpil sniffled slightly. “I’m so sorry, hyung. Really, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

“It’s fine.” Sungjin let out a soft sigh and pulled away. “Let’s talk about this later, okay? We do still have to do the sound check.”

“Yeah, okay,” Wonpil murmured.

Sungjin helped him off the table and held his hand all the way back to the room with the other participants. Wonpil’s face was red, remembering everything they had done in front of them, but with Sungjin’s hand in his, he didn’t feel alone. 

Their soundcheck went fine, thus they were saved from a worse scolding for being late. 

After that, there wasn’t time for them to talk about last night as they prepared for their big performance in a few hours. 

It was finally time.

“Are you ready?” Sungjin asked as they watched the performer before them walk off the stage.

“Of course,” Wonpil said. “What about you, hyung? Are you ready?”

“Absolutely. I have you by my side, after all.”

Wonpil tried not to think about how he would change that after the performance and put on a smile for Sungjin.

Then their names were called out and the crowd cheered as they walked onto stage. Wonpil counted his breaths as he walked to the piano, his heart pounding.

It was now or never.

He watched Sungjin grab his guitar, and their months of hard work poured out.

Wonpil made sure to focus on the keys and Sungjin’s performance to make sure nothing was out of place. And as he looked at Sungjin shining on stage, his heart soared.

He was at home.

Sungjin looked like a god in front of all those people as he showed them why they were cheering for him. Even despite all those hours locked in the practice room with Sungjin, this moment didn’t compare to any of those. 

His voice rang out throughout the entire crowd, and Wonpil got chills at how his voice could be so perfect. His guitar skills were no joke either as their notes caught one another in a perfected tango. And, as Sungjin’s body moved with the sound of the music, Wonpil wished he could be in the crowd, cheering his name and able to see his beauty at full display.

The end of the first song ended with an explosion of cheers from the crowd and Wonpil grinned. The crowd had no idea what Sungjin had prepared. With an opening like "Cover", Sungjin’s raw emotions were out on display. Followed by "Wish", his desires were shown. The fears in "Afraid", and Sungjin’s vocals would have the poor bastards groveling by the time that "Goodbye Winter" took them out with the eventual acceptance. The lyrics presented a story, and Wonpil loved hearing it every time they practiced.

The crowd was the same as by the time they finished their last song, the crowd was cheering for an encore.

Wonpil smiled as he looked at Sungjin who looked back at him.

“Actually…” Wonpil’s eyebrows raised, this wasn’t part of their rehearsal? “I do have one last song prepared. It’s a solo, and I’d like to dedicate it to my dear accompanist. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to perform nearly as well as I did tonight for all of you. If you could give him a round of applause!”

Wonpil blushed as he hesitantly stood up and bowed. The crowd erupted in claps, and as they did, one of the workers called out to him.

“Sungjin-ssi requested that you watch from the crowd. If you could please follow me.”

Wonpil blinked in surprise but did as told, taking one last glance at Sungjin as he gulped.

Wonpil was led to the front center of the crowd as Sungjin switched out his acoustic guitar for his electric one, and started playing a harder song than previously.

“Why are you choosing a difficult love?

I told you he wasn’t the one

But you don’t even know

And you’re hurting over the obvious end.”

Wonpil’s face flushed as he watched Sungjin, who was staring directly at him.

It looked like he held the entire universe in his eyes.

“No matter how hard I try to approach you

I know my heart can’t reach you

I know very well

But the tears in your eyes

Shake me up and makes me say…”

Wonpil’s heart started pounding.

“Just forget him

Stop crying like that

Lean on me.

Today, lean on me.”

Wonpil stared in awe at Sungjin, this was the song that he had helped name? 

“This is for the best

He hurt you

Lean on me

You can meet a good person.”

Wonpil’s Adam’s apple bobbed as Sungjin finally looked away from him, smiling and looking at the others in the crowd. It didn’t help the pounding of Wonpil’s heart.

“Your pretty face is smudged with tears

I know you can’t stop right away

But lean on me even if it’s just for a moment

I hope your heart will feel at rest.”

Sungjin had told him that the lyrics of the songs were about him. Sungjin had changed the song to be about him, but the more that Wonpil listened, he couldn’t help but hope that it was about Sungjin too.

Wonpil needed to know what it all meant, surely this was somehow Sungjin confessing that he felt the same, right? But after last night, Wonpil didn’t know what to do.

Just one more look, he internally prayed that Sungjin would look at him one more time just so he could be sure, but it seemed that that was the one thing Sungjin refused to do.

Even as the song ended with Sungjin telling him to stop crying and lean on him, he didn’t look at him. Had it been any other day, Wonpil would have let it go, but not today.

Wonpil needed to know if Sungjin felt the same.

He rushed from the crowd backstage, hoping to catch Sungjin, but he didn’t have to search much as Sungjin stood at the top of the stairs.

“Hyung!” Wonpil ran up the stairs and Sungjin chuckled. “That song–”

“Wow, four years really changed you.”

Sungjin’s smile fell as he turned to look at who had spoken. Wonpil’s stomach churned as he shifted his eyes to see a pretty young woman dressed in a flashy dress.

“Song- Songyi?”

“Such a grand display for a lowly accompanist? It’s crazy, really,” Songyi smirked. “Although, I would’ve expected you to be in tip-top shape for such a grand confession. Seriously, you make the Sungjin I dated seem like a model.” Songyi laughed as she turned with a flick of her hair.

“What the…” Wonpil glared after her, but she was already on stage and being cheered for. Seriously, she was the grand musician who had come back after studying abroad? Wonpil shook his head and turned back to look at Sungjin. “Hyung…”

Sungjin looked at the ground, his fists clenched.

“I’m sorry.”

Wonpil’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“You didn’t know she would say something so mean. It’s not your fault,” Wonpil said, reaching out to touch his shoulder.

But Sungjin took a step back, not looking at him.

“No…I…” Sungjin tugged his shirt down. “Let’s stop this, Pil-ah.”

Wonpil felt his world stop. He felt the blood in his face drain, surely Sungjin didn’t mean what he thought he did. Right?

“What?” Wonpil nervously asked; his lungs tight in his chest. 

Sungjin turned around, not looking at him, no matter how badly Wonpil wanted him to. This had to be some sort of sick joke. He had just confessed in front of the entire festival, had he not? Why was he suddenly acting like this? He had just been smiling!

As Wonpil’s mind raced, Sungjin let out a soft sigh.

“Let’s break up.”

Chapter Text

“Hyung!” Wonpil clenched his fists as he glared at Sungjin’s back. 

“I’m sorry.”

“This isn’t funny! You– you can’t just–! Hyung!” Wonpil shouted as Sungjin took off running. 

He chased after Sungjin with a pounding heart and tears welling in his eyes. He knew they weren’t a real couple, but after last night and that last song, he had been sure Sungjin liked him back. Everything they’d done for the past month, if not longer seared it in his head that their attraction was mutual, but now this? 

And even if he had misread every lingering touch and Sungjin really was breaking up with him, then this wasn’t the way. Not by a long shot.

Not when they had held each other at night. Not when they had nearly kissed last night. 

“Sungjin-hyung!” Wonpil shouted at the surprisingly fast man. Seriously, Wonpil wasn’t the best runner but there was no way the gap between them should be that big! “Augh! Sungjin-hyung!” Wonpil screeched. “What was that song about, just now!? Why are you doing this!? Hyung!” 

But he was already long gone.

Wonpil collapsed, heaving as fat tears rolled down his cheeks. “Sungjin!”

“Wonpil!?”

He sobbed as he looked up and saw a concerned Younghyun and Dowoon rushing towards him. The bouquets they held fell to the ground as they kneeled.

“Whoa, what’s wrong? Where’s hyung?” Younghyun asked.

Wonpil covered his eyes as he cried. “He– he broke up with me.” His voice cracked. 

This wasn’t real. It couldn’t be.

“What!?”

His chest shook with sobs as he started smacking his chest. Stupid heart. It felt like it was pumping razor blades. What was its use if he couldn’t keep running after Sungjin?

Dowoon embraced him tightly, stopping his hitting. “That son of a–”

Wonpil shook his head as he gripped Dowoon’s jacket. He couldn’t muster words between his wails, but he didn’t want the man he loved to be cursed at. He only ever wanted Sungjin to hear pretty words.

Surely this was a mistake. A nightmare. Any moment now, he’d wake up in Sungjin’s arms in his room and he’d confess. 

Why couldn’t he wake up!?

“Hyung,” Dowoon murmured as he tightened his hold on him. 

He didn’t want Dowoon. He wanted Sungjin!

“Dowoon-ah, help him off the ground. I’m going to get him some water to try calming him down.”

Dowoon grunted and Wonpil heard Younghyun’s footsteps run off.

“Come on, hyung,” Dowoon coaxed. 

With shaky legs and Dowoon’s grip, Wonpil plopped onto one of the benches in the private food stand area the school had set up for the performers to eat at after their performances. He was supposed to be sitting here with Sungjin. 

He sobbed as he looked down at his blurry lap.

Sungjin.

“Hyung,” Dowoon murmured. “It’s going to be okay. You don’t need him.”

Wonpil shook his head as he rubbed his fists against his wet cheeks. 

Sungjin had been there at his lowest. There was no real reason he should have accepted that stupid fake-boyfriend stunt Wonpil had concocted. Especially not after the initial showdown with his ex, but he did. There was no reason he should have offered to listen to his grievances about his ex, but he did. There was no reason he should have stayed when Wonpil revealed everything to him, but he did. 

There were so many things Sungjin didn’t have to do just for the sake of a fake relationship, but he did. 

And now Wonpil knew he could live without Sungjin, but he didn’t want to.

He loved him.

“Here.”

Wonpil sniffled and looked up at Younghyun who handed him a water bottle. Wonpil silently thanked him and nearly choked while guzzling down the water. The coolness of the liquid helped lower his flush and he felt a lot better once he finished the bottle. But the cavity in his chest ached. 

“So, what happened?” Younghyun gently asked from his other side.

Wonpil clenched the bottle as he thought about her. “I walked backstage after his performance to ask about the last song when this girl, I think– I think her name was Songyi?”

At the mention of the name, Younghyun tensed. It didn’t go unnoticed by the other two who stared at him.

“Who’s Songyi?” Dowoon asked.

Younghyun’s face paled as he clenched his fists. “She’s–”

“Younghyun-oppa?!”

The older male seemed to turn into a statue as Songyi came running towards them.

Wonpil felt anger sear through his veins as she neared. He didn’t care that he didn’t know her, he absolutely hated her. Her comments toward Sungjin were unforgivable on their own but things had also been fine with Sungjin before she showed up.

It was her fault Sungjin shattered his heart.

Songyi went to hug Younghyun but he quickly stood up and avoided her. “What did you do?” He scowled as she batted her eyelashes at him. “Why am I even speaking to you? It’s clear you haven’t changed after all these years.” Younghyun shook his head and glared at the girl who pouted at him.

“Oppa! You’re so mean! It’s been too long, aren’t you supposed to welcome me back? Did you even see my performance?”

“You’re the reason–!” Younghyun stopped himself and clenched his jaw. “Look. Just get lost already.”

“Oppa!” She stomped her feet and Wonpil’s eardrums rumbled at her high-pitched whining. Dowoon chuckled and she glared at him. “What’s so funny?”

Dowoon smirked as he leaned back into the table. “Oh, just seeing a desperate loser going after my man.”

Songyi bristled and turned to Younghyun who grinned at Dowoon. “You get hotter every day, babe.”

Dowoon’s ears turned red as he tried to laugh it off. 

“Seriously?” Songyi finally dropped the cutesy act and crossed her arms. “After everything, you–”

“Songyi,” Younghyun cut her off. “It’s been years since everything happened. We’ve both moved on, and it’s pitiful to see you obviously haven’t. I’m not that same teenager scared of speaking up for fear that I’ll lose hyung’s friendship. Especially now that we’re both in loving relationships, you should have just done us all a favor and stayed in Germany. Now go away, you’ve already done more damage than you’re worth. No use in digging up the past.”

“You’re still a bastard,” Songyi snarled, but her voice hitched at the end and tears welled in her eyes. “Fuck you and that bastard.”

Without another word, she ran off and Younghyun let out a heavy sigh. His shoulders fell as he covered his face.

“Did she say something about hyung’s appearance?”

Wonpil jolted at the memory. “Yeah. Hyung, what’s going on?”

Younghyun shoved his hands into his pockets and avoided his gaze. “It’s not my place. If he’s the same as back then, then I think I know where he’s at.”

Wonpil stood up. “Where is he?”

Sungjin was hurting, and Wonpil could easily shoulder the pain but he couldn’t stand the thought of Sungjin dealing with the pain by himself. 

Younghyun grimaced. “Look, if he is there then he’s not going to be in the best place. Wonpil I’m not saying you don’t know him but hardly anyone knows what happened aside from me. It seriously messed him up, and I can’t let you hurt him. I should go–”

“Where is he?” Wonpil breathed. “I don’t care what skeletons are in his closet. I love him, and I want to be there for him no matter what. Just like he was there for me.” Wonpil’s eyes grew misty. “Right now, it hurts more to think that he’s hurting alone than anything about his past could do to me.”

Younghyun finally met his gaze and after a moment he gulped. “He’ll be sitting outside the convenience store just outside of campus. The one with the soju poster from ten years ago,” Younghyun clenched his fists. “But I swear if you so much as look at him wrong, I’ll make you regret it.”

Wonpil smiled slightly. “Hyung is lucky to have a friend like you.”

Younghyun blinked before the corner of his lips curled up. “Yeah, well I’m also your friend.”

Before Wonpil could process what was happening, Younghyun was tackling Junseo who had been rushing straight towards him. Dowoon and Wonpil’s eyes widened.

“Junseo!?”

“Get this psycho off of me!” Junseo shouted as Younghyun wrestled with his limbs. “Wonpil! I knew it! Hyunki told me everything!”

Wonpil tensed before narrowing his eyes. He wasn’t going to let that bastard scare him anymore. Not when Sungjin needed him.

“I’m sick and tired of you!” Wonpil steeled himself as he glared at his ex. “I broke things off with you months ago, it’s fucking psychotic that you’re still coming after me even after everything. I don’t want you and I never will!” Wonpil clenched his fist. “The man I love is out there waiting for me, and I’m not going to waste any more time letting you terrorize me! I don’t care what others think anymore! I don’t fucking care!” Wonpil’s eyes welled with tears as his chest grew tight. “I’m going to report you to the police for every unwanted hand you placed on me, for every time you fucked me when I didn’t want it, and for everything you did after! I hate you!”

“You did what!?” Dowoon roared.

Wonpil’s eyes widened as suddenly Dowoon lunged at Junseo who shouted as Younghyun bit him. He wasn't the only one as Jinyoung tackled the judo player while Jaebum threw a bouquet of flowers straight at his head. 

“Oh, we’re finally fighting this bastard!?” Jackson shouted as he dropped the flowers he had brought and launched himself at Junseo.

Namjoon threw a right hook and glanced back at him. “Go, Wonpil! We have him! Go!”

Wonpil’s heart swelled as he watched his friends fight his greatest demon for him.

“Thank you!”

Without wasting another second, Wonpil ran. Their campus was big, but he crossed it in mere minutes. His legs ached, but the adrenaline fueled him further, faster. The cold winter air whipped his face and made his eyes squint as he ran into the dim darkness. When he slipped in the snow, he forced himself to get up despite the pain.

Sungjin needed him.

He felt like throwing up his lungs by the time the shoddy convenience store came into view. His eyes immediately locked onto his familiar back as he sat in a cheap plastic chair in front of a table with several bottles of soju. One had already been drunk empty while a half-empty bottle sat near the edge. 

Wonpil’s heart almost burst when he came to a stop next to Sungjin, huffing and puffing as the older man stared up at him with red eyes and tears streaming down his face. He held an unlit cigarette between his lips as his other hand held a lighter.

Wonpil ripped the stick out of his mouth and tossed it to the ground. 

“I'm here for you.” Wonpil heaved as he stared down at Sungjin. His heart hammered as tears pricked the corner of his eyes. “Please, hyung, let me in. After everything, can't you trust me? You've been there for me at my worst.” Wonpil bit back a sob as he fell to his knees and stared up at Sungjin with glassy eyes. “Can't I do the same? Please? I don't care what happened back then, I'll stay by your side no matter what so please–”

Wonpil gasped as Sungjin’s chair tilted backward and clattered against the concrete as Sungjin embraced him. His fingers dug into his hair as he tugged him close, sobbing into the crook of his neck.

“Wonpil…”

He closed his eyes and hugged Sungjin back. He clutched the back of his shirt and took a deep breath of the sweet-woody scent he had come to love. He burned every fiber of his clothing into his memory as his shoulder vibrated with Sungjin’s muffled sobs.

“Let it all out. It's going to be okay.” Wonpil twisted the fabric of his jacket between his fingers. “I'll be here for you. Always.”

“Wonpil,” Sungjin murmured as he held him tight. 

“Sh,” Wonpil whispered as he rubbed his back. “It’s going to be alright now.”

They sat like that for a few minutes before Sungjin managed to stop sobbing. The moment he did, he pulled away and Wonpil checked his face as Sungjin avoided his gaze.

“Are you okay to talk about it?” Wonpil asked, carefully looking at Sungjin’s reaction. He bit his bottom lip and clenched his fists. “You don't have to say anything you don't want to, hyung. We can go back to your place if you want.”

He went to run his hand through his hair to brush back a sweaty lock but Sungjin avoided his touch. Wonpil ignored the sharp pain in his chest as he brought his hands to settle on his lap. Sungjin stared at the ground as he licked his lips. 

“Will you join me for a drink?” His ragged voice asked. Wonpil nodded and the two stood up. Sungjin fixed his chair and Wonpil sat in the empty one across from him. “I don’t, uh, have any cups,” Sungjin murmured as he offered him the bottle. 

“That’s fine.” Wonpil took the bottle, careful to avoid touching Sungjin’s fingers before he took a swig. 

The alcohol stung his throat as he pursed his lips and handed back the bottle. 

Sungjin wordlessly took it and threw his head back as he chugged. Wonpil nervously played with his fingers as he watched Sungjin’s Adam’s apple bob. Even if he had a high tolerance, it wasn’t normal to drink so much all at once.

A heavy sigh fell from Sungjin’s lips as he set the bottle down and hung his head.

Wonpil’s heart twisted as he blinked back tears. He had never seen him so down before. He used to think Sungjin was absolutely perfect, but seeing him like this made him realize that wasn't true at all. He was just a man like he was, and he got hurt too.

Sungjin ran his fingers over the edge of the table as he finally spoke. “Back when I started high school, Kangbra had just transferred from abroad, and he was quite the delinquent back then, believe it or not.”

Wonpil tried to picture Younghyun—who clung to Dowoon and cooed at his boyfriend like he earned royalties from it—doing anything bad but he couldn't see it.

Sungjin grabbed the bottle and offered him what was left, which Wonpil hesitantly finished. His mind buzzed slightly as his eyes became more focused on Sungjin as he watched him open a new bottle and drink a few gulps before stopping. The bottle let out a sharp thud as Sungjin leaned back in his chair and covered his eyes with one hand.

Worry filled Wonpil as he watched Sungjin carefully and he hesitantly slid the box of cigarettes over to him and shoved them into his pocket. 

“Songyi was a girl in our class who I started to like and I found out she was really into music and played herself, so I decided to make a music club in hopes she'd join. Instead, Kangbra was the one who joined and it took us a bit to become friends. We didn't really get along because of our different personalities, but once I found out Kangbra was sent back here by himself and he just wanted to go back to Canada where he had made his life, I was able to understand him and we quickly became best friends.” Sungjin sighed as he let his hand slip and he stared up at the umbrella blocking the night sky. “Then people started talking about our club after we performed at an assembly because we were both amazing singers. That fueled Kangbra to start writing songs and I helped him compose sheet music.” 

Sungjin sniffled and gulped. “It wasn't until our final year that things changed. Songyi decided to join, and I was so excited because, after all those years, I still liked her. By then Kangbra and I started performing our songs at school events because they liked our voices, but Songyi changed it since she could play the piano. And just like that we formed a band of sorts.”

Sungjin offered him the bottle and Wonpil shook his head.

“I’m already able to feel it.” Sungjin hummed and wordlessly began drinking it like it was water. Wonpil’s eyes widened as his heart hammered. “Hyung…”

“My tolerance is really high,” Sungjin muttered. “Maybe that's why I didn't see her true intentions.” 

“Hyung, if it's uncomfortable we can talk about it another day.”

Sungjin shook his head as he finally looked across the table at him. “No. You deserve to know who I am. The real me.”

Wonpil gulped and wordlessly nodded.

“I started dating her before winter break and I was over the moon. I did everything I could think of for her. I bought her flowers and her favorite snacks, and I even got a part-time job to buy the expensive things she mentioned she wanted. If she had asked, I would have made the world turn backward.” He let out a bitter laugh that made Wonpil’s stomach twist. “During that time, she suddenly joined me and Kangbra’s hangouts outside of school and things were good for a bit. But then she started saying little things here and there about my weight and appearance. At first, she'd just pinch my stomach and giggle at my fat or she'd point her make-up brush at me and ask if I wanted to see it she could try and make my nose look smaller before laughing that it was just a joke but…”

Sungjin took another drink before avoiding looking back at him again. Wonpil’s heart started to pound. 

How could someone say that about him? He was insanely handsome and Wonpil thought he looked the prettiest when eating his favorite food. And he thought his nose fit him perfectly. He’d never wanted Sungjin to change, ever since he first laid eyes on him in that Polaroid, he thought he was gorgeous. 

“The comments slowly started becoming more frequent and less like a joke. I started to get extremely self-conscious, especially when she started comparing me to Kangbra, so I started dieting.” Sungjin shifted uncomfortably. “And then we all got accepted into the same college and she got worse. She started telling me that I needed to stop eating and get some surgeries before we started university because she couldn't be seen with me. By then I was already doing an intense calorie deficit and working out. I learned how to do my make-up and couldn't stand being barefaced but she kept saying those things to me and it got to me so at my worst I was living off a can of tuna a day and I slept most of the day asleep to avoid meals and make the pain in my stomach go away.”

Wonpil was all too familiar with the consequences of a harsh diet from back in his modeling days. Just thinking about his Sungjin, who loved eating, going through such a time made tears stream down his face. He bit down his sob as he didn’t want Sungjin to stop, because knowing him, if he noticed him crying he’d try to comfort him even though he was there to help him. 

Suddenly Younghyun’s phone call about eating sent a knife-like sensation through his heart.

“Oh, hyung…” He whispered.

Sungjin hung his head as he rubbed tears away. “Then the three of us got an apartment together and we moved into it after we graduated. We had just started decorating and meeting a few other incoming students who were local to the area. Then…”

Sungjin suddenly let out a guttural sob and Wonpil shot up. He rushed over to his side and pulled him into a hug. Sungjin clung to his torso like a little kid and Wonpil rubbed his back, whispering sweet, comforting words to him as he wished he could take all his pain for him.

He didn’t deserve it. He’d done nothing wrong. Give it all to him, all for Sungjin to be okay again.

“I walked in on Songyi on top of Kangbra’s lap and I absolutely lost it. I demanded he get out, but he started shouting that she had been coming onto him and then she started yelling at me. She wanted to know why I thought I had a chance with her when I looked the way I did so then Kangbra started screaming at her and berating her for using me. He said he'd never like her and he had only been putting up with her because he didn’t want me to get hurt and that made her curse at both of us. She told us that either Younghyun started dating her or she’d leave and she knew we could only afford that apartment if it was the three of us living there. He didn’t consider it for a second as he demanded she leave and I tried to go after her, but she blocked me on everything. I blamed Kangbra for everything and also left since I had befriended Jaebum at that point and he had a couch I could stay on while I figured things out.”

Sungjin gripped the back of his shirt. “I was such a bad friend. I don't know what possessed Kangbra to decide to forgive me. I wouldn’t even pick up his calls, and it took Jaebum forcing me to hear him out before we made up and drunkenly got our apartment. You know the general story after that, but it took me so long to get remotely better. After that day, I swore I’d never feel happy again much less fall for someone ever again and to this day I still have to take pills to be happy, but the dose has lessened tremendously throughout the years. Still, if it weren't for them, I don’t think I'd be here. Kangbra especially. I don't know if I ever would have sought help or been able to break my eating disorder if it weren't for him. He’s like a brother I don’t deserve after thinking he’d ever stab me in the back like that.” 

Wonpil sniffled as he rubbed his back. "You're so strong, hyung.” 

“I wish I was, Wonpil-ah,” Sungjin murmured as he felt like puddy in his arms. 

“You are, hyung. Even after all of that, you were able to learn the guitar so you wouldn't have to rely on others. You became the biggest star on campus too. And you helped me through everything when you had more than enough reason to not help.” Wonpil’s heart started to pound. “Please don't push me away again. I know you're not perfect, I’m not either, but you make me feel like that’s okay. I want to do the same for you.” Wonpil swallowed the bundle of nerves stuck in his throat. “So, lean on me.”

Sungjin pulled away and Wonpil's heart started to hammer. He would be okay if Sungjin didn't want to date him, crushes were like that. However, he still wanted to be next to him for however long he allowed him to be. 

Sungjin took his hands in his own shaking ones. Wonpil gently held them and helped him stop shaking. He looked up at him with the galaxies in his eyes and he suddenly looked so small.

“When we started our contract, I only wanted to help you. I thought it was a means to an end. I won't lie, I thought you were cute from the first moment I saw you in that cafe, but that wasn't why I agreed. You know I didn't want to date, but somewhere down the line that changed. I don't know when, but I started anticipating your messages. I found myself wanting to hold you even though we didn't have to. I wanted to become a better man for you. And I wanted to take away all of your pain.” He rubbed his thumb over the back of his hand. “I started to ignore the ‘fake’ part of our contract and even made a plan to confess today but when you reminded me that we were fake dating, it really hurt me. And suddenly, I wasn’t sure that you liked me anymore. I tried to be just that again but by then I had already nosedived off that cliff for you and there was no going back. I couldn’t take it anymore, so last night I…” He gulped and intertwined their fingers, making Wonpil’s heart skip. “I was scared. Terrified really, that I was crossing a line. After all, we agreed not to fall for each other, but I can’t turn those feelings off anymore.”

Wonpil let out a breathless laugh as tears welled in his eyes. “Forget about that stupid contract, hyung.” He held his gaze with Sungjin’s glassy ones. “I don't know when it started either. I tried to ignore it, but you were just so…” Wonpil squeezed his hands to avoid saying ‘perfect.’ He knew Sungjin wasn’t perfect, and the other would hate to hear it, but it was all he could think of. He was the one who had helped put him back together. “I didn’t mean to lash out at you, I was just frustrated with my feelings as well. But now…” He let out an uneasy whimper. “Hyung, are you sure you really want someone as broken as me? You know everything I’ve been through. I’m not exactly a blushing bride and I’m sure most people wouldn’t want the baggage I bring. This isn’t going to be like our fake dating situation. I don’t want you to think you want me and then face the reality of it.”

Sungjin stood up and Wonpil could hardly breathe as he brushed a strand of hair from his face. His eyes radiated with such warmth that Wonpil felt himself melting. 

“There's this Japanese art form called kintsugi. It's where you mend broken pottery with lacquer mixed with gold dust and the final result is even more beautiful than before.” Sungjin gently pulled him closer and brought their hands to his chest. “Why wouldn't I want someone so precious? So what if you’re not flawless? No one is. Every chip, divet, and fracture that you may have makes you more stunning in my eyes; I’ll spend every day admiring them until you’re able to see the beauty yourself.”

“Sungjin,” Wonpil murmured as tears rolled down his cheeks. 

“Don't cry,” Sungjin whispered as he let go of his hands and wiped the tears away. He ran a hand through Wonpil’s hair before cupping his face and making him look him in the eye. “Will you take someone like me to be your real boyfriend?”

Wonpil let out a shaky breath as he felt a hundred-pound weight slip from his shoulders. “Not someone like you, I want exactly you. For as long as you let me be there with you.” Wonpil mimicked Sungjin and cupped his cheeks. He smiled when he saw Sungjin’s cheeks flush red at the touch as his eyes nervously glanced at his hands. He giggled as he brushed his thumbs on his warm cheeks. “Will you be my real boyfriend too?" 

Sungjin broke into a wide grin as he leaned into his touch. “Of course.” His eyes shimmered as Wonpil could feel the world rotating on its axis. “You don’t know how long I’ve dreamt of this moment.” 

 They shyly giggled as they kept holding each other and staring lovingly into one another's captivating eyes.  

Wonpil was the first to break their dazed bubble as he bit his bottom lip and glanced at Sungjin’s lips. 

“Should we finalize that contract we started last night, real boyfriend?” 

Sungjin blinked. “Are you sure?” His eyes flickered to the side as he gulped slightly. “I don’t want to rush things with you. Plus we’ve been drinking and–”

Wonpil squeezed his cheeks as he pouted playfully. “I want you to kiss me.” He paused for a moment as he realized he might be a bit too pushy. This was Sungjin’s first relationship in years and just because they had been about to kiss last night didn’t mean he still wanted to. “Ah, only if you also want–” 

His eyes widened as Sungjin cut him off with a kiss. Warmth bloomed in his heart and cheeks as his eyes fluttered close and he kissed him back. 

He silently thanked every shift change, every late bus, and every moment of quick thinking that led him right where he belonged in Sungjin’s embrace.

The buzzing of the world faded away as Sungjin’s soft lips moved against his. They were softer than the snowflakes dusting down and chilling the nape of his neck. The snow melted on his searing skin and was the only thing keeping him grounded as gravity released its clutches on him. The whispering winter winds fell silent as though holding their breath like him, wishing the moment would never end. 

It felt right.

Sungjin tilted his head and their noses brushed against each other. For the fraction of a second they were apart, Wonpil couldn't help but grin and giggle into their kiss. Sungjin’s lips muffled his glee for a second before he pulled back with an equally dopey smile on his lips. 

Their eyes glimmered in the dark night and the flickering fluorescent lights from the LED sign outside of the convenience store hummed softly.

“What's so funny?” He murmured with a hint of laughter curling at the ends of his lips.

God, Wonpil had never seen someone so ethereal before. 

“I’m just so happy to finally be with you like this.”

Sungjin brushed his cheek with his forefinger as his soul shone in his eyes. “Me too.” His lips suddenly turned as his eyebrows pulled closer. “I’m so sorry for how I acted. You didn’t deserve any of that. I was such a jerk and I know I should have talked to you, but–” 

“It's fine.” He smiled at his boyfriend as he let go of his face and slipped out of his gentle hold. He tugged him into a tight hug and hooked his chin over his shoulder as his eyes closed. He let his entire body relax as Sungjin held him back. “We're here now aren’t we?”

“I acted so rashly last night,” he whispered into the crook of his neck. “Even if it was just one more day with you, I wanted it. I needed to hold you last night instead of sleeping with my back to you but then I had to ruin it by making you run off because hearing her voice brought back that horrible memory. I should have known she would show up at the performance. I shouldn't have run. I’m so sorry." 

Wonpil blushed furiously as he gripped Sungjin’s jacket. “Just don’t do that again. I had insomnia all week and as for your original plan, we're together now so why don’t we go back and have fun?” 

“I’m scared, Wonpil-ah.” His breath hitched and Wonpil rubbed his back, coaxing his tense muscle to ease up. “She makes me feel like I’m that same heartbroken teenager who hates looking in the mirror. I don’t want to be like that around you.”

“I know, sweetheart.” Wonpil sighed as he wished he could soak up all of Sungjin’s pain. “But you’re not him anymore. You’re my hyung who will switch plates with me in a heartbeat if you notice I don’t like the food and you’ll even finish what I can’t. You’re my hyung who looks so handsome in the mornings that I wonder if you secretly got up before me to get ready. You’re my hyung with the sweetest heart and gentlest soul that I worry that I won’t be able to keep up with you because you deserve to feel the love you exude by the ten-folds.”

“Oh, Wonpil…”

Wonpil pulled his head back and found Sungjin looking at him. They stared at each other for a second before leaning into another breathtaking kiss. 

They only pulled away because a passerby whistled at them and Wonpil nearly sprained his ankle scrambling away from his boyfriend. 

“I forgot we were in public,” Wonpil groaned as he tried to hide his face by cupping his hand against the side of his face. 

“Same.” Sungjin coughed and looked away as a fierce blush coated his cheeks but Wonpil spotted the smile curling at the corners of his lips. “Now that my head is clear, it seems like I may have gone overboard with the soju.”

Wonpil glanced at the table with a concerning amount of bottles before jolting and pulling out the pack of cigarettes he had confiscated earlier. “You smoke?”

Sungjin didn’t look him in the eye as he dug the tip of his shoe into the ground. “I did, briefly. It was before I started therapy and I was spiraling so, I don’t know, I bought a pack on a whim. It burned my throat horribly and it made me feel like I was dying, but it made me forget about things even if just for a moment. The pain blurred out the one in my heart so I finished the pack by the end of the week. That was the final nail in the coffin as I literally threw the last butt into the trashcan as I booked my first therapy session. It also took a while for my throat to recover from that abuse.”

Wonpil tilted his head as he looked at the crumbled pack. “Do you mind if I try?”

Sungjin’s eyes widened. “You really don’t want to. It feels like your throat is a scab being waxed off.”

Wonpil hummed as he bit his bottom lip. “They say college is the time when you try this kind of stuff. I’m just curious, plus I’ll be throwing it away since I’m pretty sure the cashier won’t let you return it.”

Sungjin rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I’d be a hypocrite if I said no because they’re bad for you. Is it too early to use the boyfriend card?”

A sweet warmth tickled Wonpil as he nibbled on his bottom lip. “As much as I like the sound of that, I just want to try it once. One hit won’t kill me.”

The older man shook his head as he hastily pulled out a crumbled black bag from his back pocket. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He shoved the remaining bottles of soju into the back before heading towards the store. “Hold on, I’ll go buy water.”

Wonpil pulled out one of the only undamaged sticks and inspected it before Sungjin returned. 

“Can I have a light?” Wonpil coolly asked as he leaned against the table and held the cigarette out to Sungjin.

He saw it in a crime mafia movie he had watched with Sungjin earlier that month.

Sungjin arched an eyebrow at him before pulling out the lighter and flicking his thumb over the lighter’s flint and producing a small flame. Wonpil yelped at the searing heat that danced across his skin as he let go of the cigarette. 

“Did I burn you!?” Sungjin rushed to his side and grabbed his hand. He carefully turned his hand over and spread his fingers as he carefully examined his hand. 

“I’m fine, hyung,” Wonpil murmured as his face burned at the touch. His fingers were rough from playing the guitar, but they also had a delicate touch to them. 

 “Oh god, I’m such a bad boyfriend…” Sungjin closed his eyes as he brought Wonpil’s hand to his lips and kissed it.

Wonpil’s breath hitched as his thoughts capsized. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he laced their fingers together and met Sungjin’s curious gaze.

“You’re not, sweetheart. If anything, I think that was my scared straight moment.”

Sungjin blinked before tilting his head. “So you’re not gay anymore?”

Wonpil’s eyes widened before he burst out laughing. Sungjin grinned before he joined him and the couple's giggles were lost in the snowy night air.

“As if,” Wonpil breathlessly mused. He tugged Sungjin closer and grinned when Sungjin stumbled closer to him — a soft blush coating his cute cheeks as he towered over him slightly. “I just got you. I’m not letting you go again.”

“Wonpil, the cashier is watching us,” Sungjin whispered as his eyes darted toward the window. “She asked me if I wasn’t going to buy anything, um, else when I went in for your water. She even told me the aisle.”

Wonpil’s cheeks flamed as he let go of Sungjin’s hand. His boyfriend pulled back and avoided looking at him as he sniffed and looked up at the sky.

“We should probably go, huh?” Wonpil squeaked. 

“Oh, most definitely.”

The couple grabbed their few belongings before walking off with a respectable distance between them, at least until they were sure they were out of sight. Still, the tension between them was smoldering and Wonpil lingered on the insinuations. 

“Hyung…” He stared at the ground as he walked. “I assume it’s been years for you, and I… What if I’m not able to… I don’t– I don’t–”

His thoughts felt like someone had jammed a steel rod between the gears.

“Wonpil.” Sungjin stopped walking and Wonpil also paused. He pursed his lips as he kept staring at the ground. He knew he was like a broken record, and Sungjin kept accepting him but those roots were a lot deeper in him than a few words could mend. Sungjin squatted down and looked up at him. “You know I’d never make you do anything you didn’t want. That isn’t any different. We also just started dating, so that wouldn’t even be a conversation until way later. I know your history with it, and I get why you’re scared, but I want you to know right now that I will never bring it up until you’re ready. Like everything else in our relationship, consent is key, so when you want to discuss it later down the line, just ask and we’ll talk. Okay?”

“Okay…”

Sungjin smiled at him before standing back up and pressing a soft peck to his temple. “Now lighten up, yeah? It’s our day one of dating, so shouldn’t we celebrate?” Wonpil smiled slightly as he sighed and hugged Sungjin’s arm. The older hummed at the touch. “Suddenly?”

“I’m so glad we’re finally dating.”

Sungjin chuckled as they started walking. “Me too. What do you say about a little festival date? Believe it or not, but I kinda got this whole festival arranged for me…”

Wonpil laughed as he glanced at his boyfriend. “Oh? Are you bragging?”

“Is it making me more attractive to you? If so, then yes. If not, then no.”

“You’re always a hundred out of ten in my eyes,” Wonpil murmured. 

Sungjin got flustered and Wonpil giggled. After all this time, it felt surreal that they were finally together.

“Come on, honey,” Sungjin said and Wonpil arched an eyebrow as butterflies fluttered in his stomach. 

“Honey?” He repeated.

He could get used to that just fine. Anything Sungjin wanted to call him, he’d accept. 

Sungjin shyly rubbed the back of his neck and looked away as Wonpil loosely held his other arm. “Well, bears like honey. Don’t they?”

Wonpil felt a surge of happiness as they walked down the empty street.

“You remember that?” He asked in disbelief. 

“Of course I do. It’s not every day a cute boy asks you to be his fake boyfriend and creates a whole contract for it.”

Wonpil laughed as he intertwined and swung their hands as they walked. “It sounds like you’ve been whipped for me since we met,” he joked. 

Sungjin hummed but didn’t say anything. 

By the time they arrived at the festival, Wonpil hesitated. He suddenly remembered the stunt his friends had pulled and worried about what would happen as he spotted some security workers near the entrance. 

“Um, hyung, would you hypothetically bail me out of jail if I were to get arrested today?”

Sungjin arched an eyebrow at him. “Is this one of those worm questions?”

“Kinda? More based in reality than anything though.”

“What?” Wonpil nervously bit his bottom lip before telling Sungjin what happened. Sungjin cursed and tugged him into a tight hug. “Fuck. I never should have left. That was so stupid of me.”

Wonpil’s eyebrows furrowed. “Don’t speak like that. I don’t want to hear you like this. You didn’t know it was going to happen and I’d hate to see you get hurt because of our stunt.”

“It’s not a stunt anymore, and it hasn’t been for a while. We both knew that.” Sungjin sighed and dipped his head into the crook of his neck. “Sorry, I’m just so… are you okay? Seriously.”

“I’m fine now,” Wonpil promised. “I just want to forget about it for tonight. Can you go with me tomorrow to talk to the police?”

“Of course.” Sungjin pulled back and held his gaze. “And, the answer is I would bail you out. And if it costs too much, then I’d gladly help break you out of prison.”

Wonpil giggled and stole a kiss before happily heading toward the gates. “Mm, you pass the test.”

Sungjin ran after him and they laughed as they luckily made it to the festival with no problem. Their first stop was the private food stalls that they didn’t have to pay for and Wonpil happily watched Sungjin eat to his heart’s content after he had already finished. He sipped at his hot chocolate and kept an eye out for any security guards.

Then they headed to a few of the game booths where they each managed to win a plush for each other at different games and Wonpil happily hugged the plush bear as they stood in line for the small Ferris wheel.

“I feel like I should be worried about the safety conditions since this wasn’t here yesterday, but I oddly don’t,” Wonpil said.

Sungjin chuckled as he held his bunny plush and watched the ride move. “At least it’s not the one that moves side to side. That one is balancing on blocks of wood, and no offense honey, but never in a million years.”

“We could get hella rich though,” Wonpil mused. “But I want to keep all my limbs intact to hold you.”

He sighed as Sungjin coughed wildly.

“Yah, don’t say something like that in public,” he hissed. His face was a deep red and he looked around.

Wonpil blinked before giggling softly. “Sweetheart, everyone knows we’re dating. But, I’ll try to keep it under control.”

“Please do,” Sungjin murmured as he covered the lower half of his face and he looked away. “Because I can’t keep myself from kissing you much longer if you keep being like this.”

Wonpil’s jaw dropped as his cheeks burned.

Wow.

Real boyfriend Sungjin was a dangerous man for his heart.

He bit his bottom lip as he looked at the ground and he tried to ease his flustered nerves. 

When it was finally their turn to get on, Wonpil could hardly keep his hands to himself until they were away from prying eyes. He didn’t get a chance to initiate the kiss as Sungjin was on him like a man who had been lost in a desert for several days and stumbled across an oasis.

Bad, bad for his heart.

He hummed as they kissed. If the rest of the school year passed with hidden kisses like this, then he’d have no problem keeping the juicer parts of their relationship hidden from others.

They broke away after a moment and Wonpil panted slightly. He gulped as Sungjin’s hitched breathing filled the small capsule. 

“Sorry, was that too much? It’s just that–”

“Don’t apologize,” Wonpil murmured. His head felt light and he really wanted to shut Sungjin up with another kiss, but he held back. “I’m not a sandcastle that’ll crumble at the slightest touch. Trust me, I’ll let you know if it’s ever too much.”

Sungjin swallowed and nodded.

They silently intertwined their fingers and looked out the window as they reached the top. It seemed perfectly timed as fireworks started bursting in the sky. 

“Wow,” he whispered as he leaned closer to the window. 

“I love you.” Wonpil blinked and turned to look at Sungjin who’s eyes were wide. He slapped a hand over his mouth and his grip on his hand immediately loosened. “Oh my god, I didn’t mean to–”

“I love you too.” Wonpil offered him a kind smile as he squeezed his hand. “We’ve kinda been beating around that bush for the past couple of weeks, haven’t we? It’s not that weird to say it right now, is it?”

Sungjin’s shoulders seemed to ease as he let his hand fall. His other hesitantly squeezed his hand back. “I– I don’t know. We did just start dating.”

“Officially. I’d argue we unofficially started dating a while ago. Whatever, I don’t think it’s weird if you don’t.”

Sungjin squeezed his hand. “I don’t, but let’s try to dial it back a bit, yeah?”

“Don’t worry, I get what you mean,” Wonpil said before stealing a kiss. “Let’s just say that was as extremely close friends who also happen to be roommates at the moment.”

He grinned at Sungjin’s flustered response.  

“Wow. We really danced around our feelings, didn’t we?”

“Yeah, I feel sorry for those poor bastards.”

Sungjin snorted and hugged his plush to his stomach. “Well, I don’t know. The payoff has been amazing so far.”

This time it was Wonpil’s turn to get flustered. 

They spent a bit more time at the festival before they decided to head back to their apartment and Wonpil fought with himself to stay awake as he waited for Sungjin to join him in bed. He was starting to take really long blinks by the time Sungjin crawled in next to him and he sighed in relief as he snuggled into his awaiting arms.

Finally, after so long, he finally got to do this again.

“Mm, goodnight, sweetheart,” Wonpil murmured as he prodded his nose against his chest.

His soothing soft scent from his body wash lulled him closer to the unconscious realm.

“Goodnight, honey,” Sungjin whispered before pressing a soft kiss to the top of his hair.

Wonpil soaked in Sungjin’s warmth and fell asleep the happiest he had in what seemed like forever. 

Chapter Text

Wonpil groaned as insistent buzzing filled his ears as he slept. His brows furrowed as he blindly smacked around the bed for his phone. He really didn't want to wake up, especially with his boyfriend's arms wrapped around him and his head nicely snuggled against his chest.

A dumb smile stretched on his lips. Sungjin was his totally real boyfriend!

He slowly opened his eyes and tilted his head to see Sungjin breathing evenly with his mouth opened slightly. He giggled at how cute the other was when the buzzing started again. He knew Sungjin was a light sleeper, but last night had been a big night for him so he was rightfully exhausted and Wonpil was going to make sure he got plenty of rest.

He carefully rolled around in Sungjin's arms to grab his phone when he saw Younghyun and Dowoon towering over him.

Wonpil screamed.

Sungjin jerked awake with a confused grunt. "Huh- what's- what the hell!? Get out!" He threw his pillow at their foxy friend who dodged it without blinking.

"Nuh-uh. We deserve answers. Now."

"What?" Wonpil rubbed a hand over his face as he sat up.

Sungjin groaned as he crossed his arms and glared up at the ceiling. Wonpil bit back a laugh because Sungjin looked too cute like that.

"You two broke up last night but apparently not because you two are here like this. Not to mention everything Junseo said and, um, what you said too," Dowoon said.

Wonpil tensed and glanced at Sungjin who worriedly looked at him.

"Uh, can we freshen up at least?"

"No—"

"You can get ready first, honey," Sungjin murmured and Wonpil decided to ignore the intruders as he slipped out of bed.

He grabbed his phone and sighed as he headed to the bathroom. He hadn't slept nearly enough to deal with all the loose ends he had left last night. He freshened up, and as he brushed his teeth, he finally recalled all the messages and calls he'd been spammed with.

As soon as he opened the group chat with his friends, his jaw dropped.

He spat out the toothpaste and ran back to Sungjin's room. He threw the door open, startling his boyfriend who had been dozing off.

"Hyung!"

"Huh?" He sat up and rubbed an eye. "You don't have to worry about the other two. I sent them off enough for us to breathe a bit.

"You have to get ready right now." Wonpil urged as he ran to the closet. "Junseo's been arrested."

"What?" Sungjin scrambled out of his bed as Wonpil pulled out clothes. "What happened?"

"I don't know. The guys said it just happened. I just- this is my chance, isn't it? This is practically the universe yelling at me to do it."

"I'll get ready."

"I'll pick out an outfit for you too."

"Thanks, honey."

Wonpil hardly had time to enjoy the pet name with the way his heart was pounding. What was going on?

He quickly got dressed and laid out an outfit for Sungjin as he combed through every social media app he could think of looking for more leads. He was getting nowhere in his investigation when an unknown number called him.

He hesitantly picked up.

"Hello. Is this Kim Wonpil?"

"Uh, yes. This is Kim Wonpil. Who is this?"

"This is Officer Lee from the Seoul Police Department. I'm calling regarding an investigation into domestic violence charges against Hwang Junseo. We would like to ask you a few questions about what you may know about the situation. Would you be available to come in for an interview?"

Sungjin rushed into the room and Wonpil looked at him before running a hand through his hair.

"Uh, yes, I was- I was just about to go down to the station." Sungjin questioningly looked at him and Wonpil mouthed at him to get dressed. "Is there anything I should bring?"

"Any evidence that you have would be helpful. This includes things such as photos of injuries, medical records, text messages, emails, or witness contact information."

"Uh, okay." Wonpil rushed towards the table where his laptop was situated next to Sungjin's. "I'll be down there as soon as I gather everything."

"Thank you. Please ask to speak to Officer Lee when you arrive."

"Yes. I'll do that. Thank you. See you in a bit." The call ended and Wonpil glanced back at Sungjin who tugged his jacket on. "Hyung, did you report Junseo to the police?"

"Huh?" Sungjin straightened up. "No. I promised I'd go down with you today. What happened? What was he arrested for?"

"The police department called and apparently he's being investigated for domestic violence." Wonpil tilted his head as he wondered what exactly had happened.

"What?" Sungjin joined his side and worriedly looked at him. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know," Wonpil murmured as he dug out all the things he had squirreled away. He took a deep breath as he looked up at Sungjin. "I'm scared."

"I'm here for you honey," Sungjin whispered. "These types of cases can take a while, but I'll be by your side for every moment. It's going to be okay."

Wonpil smiled despite the heaviness in his stomach and he gripped Sungjin's hand the entire trip to the police station. He trembled when he was led to one of the officers and he sat next to Sungjin, his leg bouncing as the officer took down his basic information.

"Now then. The person who filed the report wrote you down as another victim of Hwang Junseo."

Wonpil gulped as he shakily pulled out a folder from his bag. "Yes, I'm his ex-boyfriend. We broke up back in August and he began stalking and harassing me back then." He hesitantly handed over the bombarding of messages—including the ones between him and Jaebum asking for a shift change because of the harassment. "When we were dating he also laid his hands on me and- and made unwanted advances." Wonpil trembled as he pulled out a flash drive and handed it over. "Those- those are all images of some of the injuries he inflicted. I- I couldn't bring myself to print them out."

He turned his head and leaned into Sungjin who wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

"It's alright, honey. You're safe now," Sungjin whispered into his hair.

Wonpil nodded and shyly looked at the officer who clicked through the evidence.

"Are there any possible eye-witnesses to any of these events? Or even medical records."

Wonpil looked at the ground.

"I don't think so. He made sure I covered up and lied to my friends. He would always take care of my injuries if they were bad so I don't have any medical records. Towards the end when it was particularly bad, he didn't allow me to see my friends. The most they witnessed was him harassing me at work and between classes. Um, you could talk to my manager since he had to force him out of the place I work before I switched shifts."

"Uh, if it helps," Sungjin awkwardly spoke up. "I also witnessed him physically intimidating my boyfriend and waiting for him outside of his apartment after claiming to leave him alone."

"Could you make a written statement with specific details of the incident?"

"Of course."

Wonpil squeezed Sungjin's hand before letting go. The interview went on for what seemed like an eternity as Wonpil retold the officer everything. He cried and nearly crushed Sungjin's hand as he revealed what he could remember of those horrible nights. He added Jaebum's and his therapist's contacts before letting him know he'd talk to his friends to see if they had anything to help the case.

And as he and Sungjin finally stood up, he glanced at the officer a final time.

"Um, is…is Hyunki okay?" He whispered.

The officer typed away on his computer. "I'm sorry but I can't share personal information about the victim."

"Oh, okay." Wonpil gripped his bag slightly. "Tell him he can speak to me anytime. He's not alone."

The officer hummed and Wonpil walked out feeling a hundred pounds lighter.

The warm sunlight kissed his skin and he smiled as the world seemed brighter. Had the sky always been so blue?

"How do you feel?"

Wonpil glanced at Sungjin before grinning and hugging his arm. "Better."

Sungjin kissed the top of his hair before they started walking. "Where to?"

"Home." Wonpil sighed as he intertwined their fingers and admired how pretty the day was. "Thank you for being with me."

"Of course."

Wonpil should have expected to face his friends sooner or later. Although, he hoped it'd be after he got something into his stomach.

"I know you guys have a lot of questions but can you guys give him some space—"

Wonpil gently touched Sungjin's shoulder and shook his head when his boyfriend glanced at him.

"I'll be alright."

"Are you sure?"

Wonpil smiled and nodded. He sat down on the empty couch and awkwardly looked at his friends staring at him and Sungjin.

"Are you two really dating?" Jinyoung was the first to blurt out.

Jaebum sighed by his side and Wonpil giggled.

He intertwined his fingers with Sungjin's and proudly held up their hands.

"Yes. We're really dating."

"What was last night about then!?" Dowoon demanded as he jabbed a finger at Sungjin. "How dare you break his heart and then get back with him like nothing!"

Younghyun pulled him back onto his lap and Dowoon huffed as he glared daggers at Sungjin.

"Well, technically, we just started dating last night—after I ran off." Sungjin stared into his eyes and held both of his hands. "Again, Wonpil, I'm so sorry about that."

Wonpil shook his head and he squeezed his hands gently. "It's fine. We settled things last night, remember?" Sungjin nodded and someone coughed, making the couple blush and look back out at their confused friends. "So, uh, hyung and I were kinda fake dating since we met. Jaebum-hyung was in on it."

Everyone snapped to look at Jaebum who shrunk slightly.

"In my defense…It was spontaneous and the quickest way to defend him from his ex. Once I realized they were losing the plot and falling for each other I tried to intervene."

"More like threaten," Wonpil grumbled.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." Wonpil beamed at Jaebum who scoffed.

"You all were there when they started getting more touchy. Everyone thought you two were just developing your relationship more but I knew what was really happening and I wanted you two to fall for each other—the real versions, not the acts you were putting up."

"We were falling for each other, seriously." Sungjin smiled as he looked at Wonpil. "How could I not? Look at him."

Wonpil blushed and bit back a smile. "Yeah, you're mighty fine yourself."

He winked at Sungjin who blushed.

"Uh, hello?" Dowoon snapped the couple out of their little bubble. "How can we be sure you two aren't lying right now?"

Younghyun grinned mischievously as he hugged his boyfriend tighter. "What if they kiss in front of us?"

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" He and Jackson started chanting.

Sungjin glared at the antagonizing young men with a fierce blush on his cheeks. Wonpil giggled as he shyly looked at his boyfriend.

"Do you want to?"

"The day I say no to wanting to kiss you is the day I've been replaced with an alien." Sungjin tucked a hair behind Wonpil's ear. "Do you want to?"

"Of course I do."

Wonpil grinned as he and Sungjin leaned in and kissed. He tried not to think about the prying eyes as his face burned.

Sungjin cupped his cheeks as he tilted his head and Wonpil hummed.

"Woah, woah, we said kiss not make out you pervs," Jinyoung's voice cut through.

The couple broke apart with red faces and were greeted with dumb smiles on their friend's faces.

Wonpil cleared his throat as he clenched his fists on his lap. "So…what happened between you guys and Junseo?"

"We jumped him," Jackson bluntly said.

Sungjin snorted and immediately covered his mouth while Wonpil sighed.

"We got restrained by security and questioned for a bit, but we were let go with a warning since someone had reported him to the police. We tried to get ahold of you, but figured you probably had gone to bed since we were released late," Namjoon explained.

"Oh, speaking of which, if you guys have any information of any abuse you witnessed from Junseo to me, if you could report that to the police that'd be great." Wonpil bit his bottom lip and silently thanked Sungjin who took his hand in his. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to tell you guys what was happening, but I hope you guys understand." He drew little shapes on the back of Sungjin's hand. "I don't want to talk about it, so do it privately. I'm ready to move on with my life."

"You know we're all here for you whenever you need us," Jinyoung said.

"I know," Wonpil whispered as he stared at his lap. He shook his head and smiled slightly. "Why don't we change to a lighter topic?"

"So when do I get my money?" Everyone turned to look at Namjoon who shrugged. "I won the bet, didn't I? They clearly haven't done it since they just got together, so—"

"Hey!" Dowoon protested. "That doesn't count!"

The group erupted into a playful argument and Wonpil sighed as he leaned against Sungjin, glad to finally have the spotlight off of him.

Sungjin nudged his knee with his and Wonpil curiously looked at him.

"Wanna sneak out and get something to eat?"

Wonpil eagerly nodded and slowly followed Sungjin out of the apartment. They barely got into the elevator when he heard Jinyoung shouting.

"The elevator! They went in the elevator!"

Sungjin spammed the close button and held out his hand to him as they descended. "Ready to run?"

Wonpil giggled as he took his hand. "Yeah, I guess so."

The moment the elevator doors slid open, the couple took off running as their friends chased after them.

"Oh my god," Wonpil huffed as they hid in an alleyway. "This isn't fair. It's six against two."

"I'm starving too," Sungjin groaned as he cupped his stomach.

Wonpil sighed as he glanced around the corner of the buildings. "I don't see them. If we can make it across the street then there's that brunch spot that has high dividers so we can hide."

"Sounds like a plan."

"On one…"

"Two…"

"Three!"

The couple darted out of the alleyway and barely made it a few steps before they came to a skidding halt to avoid running into a door. Wonpil bumped back into Sungjin who groaned.

"Oh!" Wonpil turned around and worriedly fretted over him. "Are you okay? Did it hurt?"

Sungjin rubbed his chin. "I'll be fine."

"I'm so sorry, hyung. I didn't mean to—"

"Wonpil?"

Wonpil turned around and his eyes widened when he spotted Hyunki standing in front of them with a neck brace. An ugly bruise made one of his eyes swollen while a few stitches dotted his bottom lip.

"Hyunki…" Wonpil's heart grew heavy as he looked at the state of the other. "I…" Hyunki looked away as his bottom lip trembled. "I'm sorry this happened to you."

"Whatever."

Wonpil shifted and Sungjin rubbed his back gently. "You know, you can talk to me about anything. You don't have to go through it alone like I did."

Hyunki gripped his arm slightly as he looked at the ground. "If I never overheard that stupid conversation with you and your boss in the bathroom this never would have happened to me," he grumbled. "I was stupid to tell him."

Wonpil took a step forward but stopped when the other winced. He quickly stepped back and took a small sigh.

"It's not your fault. He's a bad person, and the moment you stepped out of line he would have done something." Wonpil leaned into Sungjin's side. "Our university is partnered with a therapist's office nearby, so I'd encourage you to look into it. And, you know, that offer to talk is always there."

"Whatever…" Hyunki brushed passed him before pausing for a moment. "…Thanks."

And with that, he walked off and Wonpil smiled slightly. Sungjin slipped his hand into his and kissed the back of his hand.

"I'm so proud of you, honey."

Wonpil hummed as he kissed his cheek before they headed to the crosswalk. "I had a great supporter when I really needed one."

Sungjin rubbed his thumb on the back of his thumb and they didn't speak again until they were led to a table.

"Mm, is it just me or has this been the longest morning ever?" Wonpil questioned as he flicked through a small menu.

"I know right?" Sungjin chuckled and tapped the table slightly. "We haven't even been able to properly celebrate our relationship today."

Wonpil giggled as he stared across the table at his boyfriend. "I don't know, we did kiss in front of our friends."

Sungjin blushed as he glanced at him. "You started it."

Wonpil grinned as he rested his cheek against his palm. "So sue me for wanting to kiss my boyfriend. We're officially dating. We get to be as gross in public as we want. I earned that kiss."

Sungjin chuckled before he leaned over the table and kissed him. That hadn't been what Wonpil had been expecting but who was he to squander a kiss from the man he'd been pining after for so long?

He kissed him back and shyly pulled away after a few seconds.

"Can't believe we just kissed in public," he murmured.

Sungjin dumbly grinned at him. "Who cares? I want the entire world to know you're my boyfriend."

Wonpil giggled at his boyfriend's sappiness and glanced around the small restaurant. He tilted his head as an oddly familiar girl stalked out of the establishment. After a few moments, Wonpil dimly realized it must have been Songyi.

He hummed and glanced at the bright smile on his boyfriend's face.

"Hyung, can I borrow your phone quickly?"

"Hm? Sure." Sungjin handed him his phone as he bit his bottom lip. "Should I get a soda? Is it too early for it?"

"Nah," Wonpil said. "I'm gonna ask if I can get an ice cream float."

Sungjin chuckled at that and Wonpil grinned. He spotted a new message from a random number saying how gross he was for doing PDA and Wonpil blocked the number. He double-checked that the number that had called Sungjin that night they were about to kiss was the same before he deleted the message and handed his phone back over.

"What'd you need my phone for anyway?" Sungjin questioned as he shoved it into his back pocket.

"Oh, I was wondering if Jaebum-hyung sent you any updates on his place since I'll have to move back in with Jinyoung at some point and I doubt he'll let go of hyung as his roommate that easily."

"Oh, that?" Sungjin snorted as he glanced at him. "The pipe has been fixed for a while."

"Eh?" Wonpil tilted his head. "Jinyoung said that he said it was still backlogged."

Before Wonpil could ask, their waitress came and took their orders. His ice cream float dreams were shot down, but he ordered cake as dessert so he couldn't be too man.

As soon as the waitress left he leaned forward. "So, Jaebum-hyung's lying to Jinyoungie?"

"Yeah. He's beating around the bush about confessing to him."

Wonpil's eyes sparkled as he clenched his fists. "Can we play Cupid for them!?"

"We shouldn't meddle in other's love lives," Sungjin said. Wonpil pouted and Sungjin chuckled, patting his hand. "Don't worry. You moving back in with him will be more than enough of a push."

"If you say so." Wonpil nibbled on his bottom lip as he took out his phone and sent a message to Jinyoung. "It doesn't hurt to get the ball rolling though, does it?"

"What'd you tell him?" Sungjin curiously asked.

Wonpil hummed as he took a sip of his complimentary water. "Just that I'll be moving back and to ask Jaebum-hyung about the status of his pipes."

"Harmless enough."

"Right? I thought so too."

The couple giggled together and leisurely talked about things before they got their food. Then Wonpil enjoyed his dessert and made sure to feed Sungjin purely because he got a kick out of Sungjin getting all flustered before eating the piece Wonpil held out for him.

The couple paid and held hands as they walked out into the sunny winter day.

"So, what now?" Wonpil asked as he gazed up at the clear blue skies before glancing at his boyfriend.

Sungjin shrugged before tucking their hands into his pocket. "Dunno, I suppose we'll just be a regular couple now."

Wonpil beamed as they walked down the street. "Sounds great. Wanna go to the park and play in the snow?"

Sungjin chuckled.

"That sounds amazing, honey."

Wonpil sighed happily as he intertwined their fingers.

"There you guys are!"

The couple jumped as their friends flanked them.

"Truce?" Wonpil asked. "Hyung and I were about to go to the park and play in the snow."

"Let's settle it with a snowball fight!" Younghyun shouted. "I call dibs on Dowoon for my team!"

"Yeah! Let's do teams of two!" Dowoon looped his arm with his boyfriend's. "Eat our dust, losers!"

"Wait!" Jinyoung grabbed Jaebum's jacket and dragged him along. "You're on my team, so put those muscles of yours to work!"

"Shoot! We're falling behind!" Jackson shouted as Namjoon groaned.

Sungjin and Wonpil laughed as they watched their friends run off towards the park. So much for a cute date with Sungjin. Although, Wonpil's heart fluttered as he gazed at his beaming boyfriend, he loved how positively chaotic his life had become ever since he met Sungjin. He couldn't have asked for a better boyfriend.

"Come on, honey!" Sungjin urged as his eyes sparkled.

Wonpil grinned as he took off running hand-in-hand with Sungjin.

What a beautiful day for a snowball fight, he thought.

Chapter Text

Sungjin’s shoulders felt heavy as he trudged toward the cafe where he had gone ever since becoming a regular performer thanks to Jaebum who managed to get him a position. It had been a long day, and all he wanted to do was go home. He had gone to talk to the head of the music department about some songs he was working on when he overheard him talking to another professor about Songyi. She had just won a national prize for a composition in Germany.

What had he done in all these years?

It had happened years ago, but his heart still ached when she came up. He was absolutely pathetic.

His stomach rumbled and he ignored it as he pushed the door open to the cafe.

He had already eaten a whole pack of ramen on his own, shouldn’t he be ashamed of himself? He didn’t deserve to eat anymore. Not when he wasn't winning awards or doing anything meaningful.

He shook his head at the thought. Why was it that all the work he and his therapist had put in throughout the years went out the window anytime she was brought up?

Was he going to remain his bitter, broken self for the rest of his life? Who would ever want someone like that? No, he didn’t want to date ever again. Why was he thinking of that all of a sudden?

“Sungjin!”

He snapped out of his thoughts as he spotted Jaebum behind the counter. “Oh, hey.” He walked over and hitched his guitar higher on his back. “Should I put the case where I did last time?”

“Yeah, that’s where you’ll keep it in the future. Again, I'm sorry for what that customer did and I hope the new case wasn't too much. Only the staff can go into the backroom so your case will now be a hundred percent safe. Don’t worry.”

Sungjin grunted and made to leave when Jaebum suddenly grabbed his arm. Sungjin tensed and looked at the hand which Jaebum quickly let go of.

“Sorry. I just, um. Oh! The Polaroid you took the other day should be up so check that out before you perform?"

"Uh, sure…"

Sungjin brushed off the weird interaction as he went into the back and set up his guitar before heading to the stage. However, since Jaebum had been so insistent, he stopped by the wall with the featured artist and looked for his picture.

Except, he couldn't find it because of the dim lighting. He clicked his tongue and turned to ask Jaebum where it was but he saw one of the other workers behind the counters working alone.

Whatever.

He'd just try again when the lights were properly on.

He adjusted the microphone before he sat down. He took a deep breath and winced at the blinding lights on him. To open his performance he decided to perform a classic; it had won him his first contest—and a few more after that—and he always got a pretty big payout when he busked. He smiled as he began to sing, feeling the stress of the day leave him even if just while he sang to forget the negative thoughts plaguing his mind. 

Suddenly he saw movement in the corner of his eye.

He glanced over and saw a young man in the cafe uniform standing near the bathroom door that was swinging closed. Who was he? Usually, Younghyun and Youngjae were on shift. However, now that he thought about it, Younghyun had mentioned switching shifts with a co-worker because of some stalker ex.

Sungjin thought those types of things only really happened in dramas. He had seen one the other day about a woman who had an abusive boyfriend and who went missing because of him. In the end, her cousin was able to find and save her, and together they ended the psycho; Sungjin may have cheered which got him a weird look from Younghyun, but in his defense, he preferred revenge endings rather than “justice” endings. 

He couldn’t really see the other well in the dim cafe lighting, but as their eyes met, he swore there was an air of sadness around him. He could see a slight pout on his lips and were his eyes swollen? Had he been crying? Had his ex bothered him again?

That bastard.

The young man quickly looked away and Sungjin blinked.

He decided not to dwell too much on the other and he closed his eyes, really getting into the zone. He shouldn’t pry in on other people’s business, it wasn’t proper. Still, as he finished the first song and started the next, his eyes wandered back to the young man and saw him drop a carton of strawberries.

He couldn’t help but feel bad for him. If he had been crying, then something like that could ruin his mood even more and Sungjin didn’t think he deserved that. He didn’t know him, but that sadness in his eyes stuck to him like glue.

The rest of his performance continued with stolen glances and worried thoughts about the young man.

Even when the other had disappeared into the backroom, he remained in his thoughts. Sungjin couldn’t understand why, he didn’t even know for sure if he had been crying. 

He probably just made it all up in his head.

Besides, he was in no position to worry about others with his baggage.

He wrapped up his performance and pocketed the generous tips he had received. As he walked off the small stage, he paused next to the wall where the pictures of performers were pinned up. Jaebum had taken his picture the other day and made him sign it since he swore it would be up when he performed again. As he glanced over the wall, he still couldn’t find it.

“Sungjin, come on, what’s the hold-up?” Jaebum urgently asked.

Sungjin arched an eyebrow at his friend. Hold-up?

“I was looking for my picture. You know, the one you made me sign before you put it up? I even got dressed up for it. You swore you needed it, but I don’t see—”

“Oh, I must've forgotten."

"But earlier—"

"Come on man, we have to close the cafe you know.”

Sungjin grimaced as Jaebum grabbed his wrist and dragged him toward the back room while Youngjae wiped down the tables. “What are you rushing me for? I wasn’t that bad tonight, was I?” 

“I’m doing no such thing,” Jaebum muttered as he swung the door open. “Besides, you said you have an exam to study for. Now go put away your guitar before it gets banged up.”

Sungjin was baffled as he swore Jaebum pushed him as he headed into the room. What was his deal?

He had barely processed his friend’s weird behavior when he laid eyes on the young man who had been occupying his thoughts that evening.

“Oh, hi.” Sungjin internally cursed. Wasn’t that too casual!? What if he knew that he knew. Damn Kangbra and his blabber mouth, he swore that guy needed to start dating someone to save him from his gossip and conspiracy theories. “I don’t think we’ve met before. You a newbie?”  

Sungjin couldn’t breathe as he saw the other up close. He didn't think guys that good-looking existed in real life. He thought they were only on TV and just look at those eyes.

He didn’t have a good poker face, much less in front of cute men.

Oh god, he knew.

“Hello.” His voice was soft, a bit airy, but one of the sweetest he had heard in a long time. He seemed to fiddle with his fingers slightly.  “I switched shifts with Younghyun-hyung.”

Sungjin nodded. Okay, he could play along now that the initial hurdle was over. Probably. Hopefully.

“That explains where he went. Anyway, I’m Park Sungjin, I play here every so often.” 

Sungjin waited to finally get the name of the cute face.

“I’m Kim Wonpil, I usually work the morning shifts.”

Kim Wonpil. 

It was a pretty fine name for him. Wonpil. Nice amount of syllables. Not too long or too short either. It fit him. 

“I hear the mornings are the worst,” Sungjin joked as he walked over to his guitar case.

He hoped he was making a good impression on the other. Something told him this wasn’t going to be the first time he saw him if their schedules kept lining up at the cafe. He hoped it wasn't. The universe couldn't be that cruel, could it?

He internally shook his head.

What was he thinking?

“They are.”

Sungjin blinked at the fairly dry response. Had he somehow messed up? He had to think of something quick. He bit his bottom lip when Younghyun popped into his mind. He was a common denominator for them. Okay, here went nothing…

“I can’t believe Younghyun would go back to the morning shift.” He slipped Atom into the case. He might as well air out the looming information he had about the other before he accidentally slipped up. “What’d you do? Offer him an all-you-can-eat buffet coupon? You can get him to do a lot more than a shift switch with that.”

He chuckled and eased up when Wonpil also laughed slightly. Pretty. How the hell did he manage to get such a pretty giggle? The universe sure did have favorites and Kim Wonpil was a prime example.

He quickly shoved the disturbing thought down. What was wrong with him today?

“Oh, uh, I kinda have this psycho stalker ex…” 

Sungjin glanced at him. “That bad?” He thought about the movie he had watched the other day. He knew it probably wouldn’t happen, but he couldn’t stop himself. “You better be careful going home.” 

He zipped his case up and picked it up off the table he had had it resting on.

“Actually…” He faced Wonpil as he slung Atom over his shoulder. Now that he got a good look at him, he looked really pale and was he shaking? “I, uh–” 

And then, for the life of him, Sungjin couldn’t really process what Wonpil said. He spoke so fast—and in one breathe—that Sungjin was impressed he hadn’t passed out. He had only caught a few words here and there: Polaroid, you, boyfriend, waiting, pretend, and favor.

As the other caught his breath, Sungjin stared at him, unsure what to say. What had he said?

“I’m sorry, what?”

Wonpil’s face grew red and Sungjin gulped. Had that been the wrong thing to say? Wonpil played with his fingers and stared at the floor. Sungjin internally cursed at himself.

Think! 

He had mentioned something about earlier at the cafe and then…

“Nothing,” Wonpil muttered. Sungjin opened his mouth to apologize, but Wonpil was quicker. He was at the door before Sungjin could even finish thinking. “Just, forget I said anything!” 

“Wonpil!” Sungjin shouted after the younger and he barely took a step towards the exit when the entrance swung open to reveal a worried Jaebum.

“Sungjin! You have to go after him!” 

Sungjin blinked in confusion. Had he been eavesdropping? Just what the hell was happening? Was he getting punked? Had he angered Jaebum recently enough for him to get back at him with a pretty boy?

“What?”

“That idiot lied to his ex earlier that you were his new boyfriend and that psycho demanded to see you after his shift or else Wonpil would have to get back with him. I know you don’t know him but he can’t—”

Jaebum’s shouting fell on Sungjin’s deaf ears as he ran to the door.

He would worry about how he somehow got tangled into this mess and how he would scold Jaebum about eavesdropping later.

Right now, he needed to potentially save Wonpil.

He swung the door wide open and put on a confident smile. All he had to do was pretend to be his boyfriend, and that weirdo would leave him, alone, right? He could do that.

“Sorry, Wonpil-ah.” Sungjin pressed his fingers against his guitar strap to ease his nerves. He wasn’t exactly an actor, and the stakes were insanely high. “I didn’t mean to take so long putting Atom away.” 

He honed in on the scared young man and pretended not to see the looming figure in the corner of his eye. What was he, the fucking Boogeyman? 

He put on his best smile as he stopped in front of Wonpil who looked up at him with the entire galaxy in his gorgeous eyes.

Wow.

Sungjin held out his hand to him. He didn’t like skinship, but he could make an exception for him right now.

“Come on,” he whispered.

Wonpil stared up at him with those glassy eyes of his—were his eyes naturally crossed because somehow he was even cuter at that moment with his confused face but relieved eyes. However, as more seconds passed and the other kept staring at him, Sungjin started to squirm. Did Wonpil also not like skinship? Was this too sudden? Oh, they were so going to get caught.

He arched his eyebrow and tried to subtly nod his head for Wonpil to take his hand. 

“I didn’t wait too long, Sungjin,” Wonpil finally said as he took his hand.

Sungjin tried to keep his composure for two reasons: first off, he was a hundred percent sure he was older than the other, and being called casually made his stomach twist, and secondly, Wonpil’s hand was really warm and soft where he didn’t have calluses. 

Did he also play an instrument? Or did he do weights? Or…

Sungjin’s thoughts got cut off by a fairly rude tone coming from Wonpil’s ex.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Sungjin looked over his shoulder and put on an annoyed look as he finally looked at the other. He wasn’t particularly handsome, and he didn’t see a reason why someone like that ever deserved Wonpil. Was he a charity worker? He needed better standards. 

“Oh? Who are you?”

He internally smirked as he saw the bastard bristle. Serves him right.

Before he could relish in the other’s misery, Wonpil tugged his hand for him to stand next to him. Sungjin smoothed out his face and glanced at Wonpil to see him glaring at the other. He may be cute, but his sharp gaze was no joke. He was glad he was able to help Wonpil stand up to the piece of crap.

“He’s the ex that won’t leave me alone,” Wonpil muttered. 

Sungjin knew damn well who the asshole was. He smirked at the bastard and he subtly tightened the grip on Wonpil’s hand and took a step closer to him.

He could practically see the fire in the other’s eyes as he scrunched his eyebrows together. “I don’t believe it. You told me you loved me just earlier this week. There’s no way a soft-hearted person like you could move on so quickly.”

Sungjin scowled at the other. Even if he wasn’t really his boyfriend, he didn’t know that. The absolute ego he must have to say something like that in front of his ex’s new partner told Sungjin that he had never gotten it checked, and Sungjin had no problem putting that brat in his place.

However, before he could say anything to absolutely shatter his ego, Wonpil squeezed his hand. 

“That was before you slept with someone else. Look.” Sungjin tensed as Wonpil suddenly hugged his arm. That brute had the gall to be doing all of this when he was the one to cheat?! Was he missing something? Did he need to go to the optometrist?  “You said you’d leave me alone once you saw my new boyfriend. Keep your word for once and leave me alone.” 

Also, why was Wonpil hugging his arm? He couldn’t give a warning? He didn’t know they were going to be touching that much.

The asshole clicked his tongue and Sungjin snapped out of his flustered thoughts. Just where the hell did that guy get off? “I don’t believe it—”

Sungjin’s brows furrowed.

Oh. He wanted to tussle? Sungjin could go nuclear, no problem.

“I’m sorry.”  Sungjin let go of Wonpil’s hand and pulled his arm out of his grasp. He stared down the bastard as he wrapped his arm around Wonpil’s waist and pulled him close. “But I don’t appreciate you harassing my boyfriend.”

As much as he would love to curse, ridicule, and read him to filth, he didn’t want that psycho to blow up on Wonpil if he decided to try again. 

Sungjin tried not to look at Wonpil as he focused on the weirdo. Although it might’ve been the lighting playing with his eyes, he swore Wonpil was blushing out of the corner of his eye. 

He didn’t linger on it as he waited for the other’s response. A pompous guy like that didn’t give in so easily.

“Fine. I guess I’ll see you around campus then, but…” Sungjin internally groaned, he knew it had been too good to be true. “The moment you two break up, I’m coming back. I’m not letting you slip through my fingers again.” 

Sungjin had to restrain himself from tearing into that bastard. He wasn’t the violent type, and he didn’t want to scare Wonpil off, but guys like him were the absolute worst. They made him embarrassed to be a man.

“You have some nerve talking to my boyfriend like that while I’m here,” Sungjin bit out to keep himself from doing anything rash.

The pompous prick scoffed at him before storming off.

Good, because Sungjin was one more word from his off-centered mouth from doing something he’d regret.

He didn’t move until the jerk was gone for good and then he immediately let go of Wonpil. The younger man let out a heavy sigh and placed a hand over his heart. 

“That dude is mental,” Sungjin said in hopes of easing Wonpil’s spirits. “You seriously dated a guy like that?”

Oops, he hadn’t meant to say that part out loud. He tried to look calm as Wonpil turned to look at him. His cheeks were pink. It was a nice shade on him.

“He wasn’t like that when we were dating.” Wonpil played with his fingers and shifted slightly. “Thank you, by the way.” 

Sungjin shrugged as he tried not to linger on Wonpil’s cute reactions. “After I figured out what that jumble you said was, I couldn’t just let you face someone dangerous alone.” 

He decided not to let Wonpil know Jaebum had been the one to tell him. Somehow, he felt like that would hurt him, in some odd way.

Wonpil grinned before his lips fell and he let out a sigh. Sungjin arched an eyebrow at that. He’d never seen someone go through so many emotions in such a short amount of time. He had a gift.

“Thanks to you I was able to buy myself some more time but he’ll only get worse once he realizes I’m actually single and that I lied.” 

Sungjin’s eyes widened slightly at that. “Worse? You mean waiting for you outside of your workplace isn’t the worst he can do?” 

Wonpil looked up at him with the most heart-wrenching look in his eyes—Sungjin had no idea how he showed so many emotions in just one gaze, but he was enchanted with his eyes—and he suddenly looked so vulnerable, Sungjin wanted to properly hug him and tell him it was all going to be okay.

Weird.

“No, he started off by spamming my number until I blocked him. He then messaged me on anything else, I even had to block him on a game. He tries to come up to me during lunch, working hours, before class, and even at my apartment.” 

Sungjin rubbed the back of his neck. “Why aren’t you reporting him to the police?” 

Wonpil played with his fingers and Sungjin tilted his head. Did he always do that when he was nervous?

“He’s the star of the judo team and judo season is about to start. If he were to get arrested or anything of the sort, he wouldn’t be allowed to participate and the entire school would hate me even more than when I ‘turned’ him gay.” Wonpil’s eyes watered and Sungjin’s heart twisted. How could people hate such a sweet soul? “I lost so many friends and the bullying died down because he spoke up about it but now…I’m sorry.” Wonpil sniffled and Sungjin stopped himself from brushing the tears away. They were practically strangers and it’d be weird to do something like that. “I shouldn’t be spilling all my problems to you.”

Sungjin thought for a moment. Things were definitely more complicated if that jerk knew judo. What should he do? If he just left Wonpil and let him get hurt by that brute, then he’d have to live with that for the rest of his life. He didn’t want someone who seemed so sweet to go through that.

Especially as that movie came to his mind.

Could he live with Wonpil meeting an unfortunate end?

Of course not! If that psycho really thought they were dating then, would he leave Wonpil alone? 

“He’ll really leave you alone if he thinks we’re dating? He’s not just going to attack us?” Sungjin flushed ever so slightly at the implication and quickly added: “Or rather, me?” 

Wonpil looked at him and Sungjin suddenly felt nervous. He wasn’t sure why. (He knew exactly why, he just didn’t want to acknowledge it. Not quite yet.)

“He thinks of me as something he owns.” Sungjin frowned. That didn’t sound like a healthy relationship at all. It was also hard to imagine that bastard had ever been good to Wonpil with his psychotic actions, but he was in no place to ask Wonpil about it. “If I’m dating someone else then he’ll see me as that person’s property, I guess. But he won’t hurt you, he knows if he does he’ll get arrested and he can’t risk his judo career like that.”

Sungjin internally winced. Okay, that sounded more like a job for a therapist than for him. If it ever got to that point, Sungjin would make sure Wonpil got the help he might need. He sighed as he scratched his cheek. All things were pointing to one conclusion. 

“I guess I don’t have much of a choice, do I? Or else I’ll have your blood on my hands in the worst-case scenario.” 

Sungjin’s heart suddenly started to speed up. Well, it was too late to go back now.

“Huh?”

Sungjin met Wonpil’s curious gaze and smiled slightly. 

“I’ll be your fake boyfriend.”

Okay, now that he said it out loud it sounded really stupid and cheesy and–

“Are you being serious?” Wonpil whispered.

His eyes shimmered and Sungjin gulped.

“Yeah?” Sungjin cleared his throat and stood tall. “Why not?"

Attaboy Sungjin, completely ruin your chances with the pretty boy.

Luckily Wonpil giggled and Sungjin relaxed slightly.

"Well, gee thanks. Um, well, I guess I'll call my roommate to let him know we'll be coming so we can figure things out there."

Sungjin dumbly nodded and tried to make himself look cool as he leaned against the alley wall and internally freaked out.

Okay. He could do this. He had dated a little before—the memory made him wince—so just how different could this be? It wasn't like they were actually going to become a couple.

Sungjin groaned internally as he typed into the search bar.

How to be a good boyfriend.

Here went nothing, he supposed.

Wonpil hummed as he scrolled through the countless files on his laptop. It felt great deleting all the old assignments from his laptop as he had recently graduated and now that he was preparing for his upcoming first day of work, he needed as much space as he could free up.

He jabbed another strawberry slice onto his toothpick that his lovely boyfriend of a year and a half had cut up for him to snack on while he unpacked their new apartment.

It felt bittersweet that they moved out of the apartments they had spent their college years in—but Sungjin's commute to work was longer than necessary and Wonpil had been over the moon when he got a job offer in a nearby place to Sungjin's work. They talked it over extensively before agreeing to move in together, and they still had some unpacking to do but Sungjin insisted Wonpil clean out his laptop first.

He groaned as he stretched slightly.

He huffed as he came across another file and bitterly smiled as he realized it had all the evidence he had submitted against his case against Junseo. He leaned back in his chair as he looked at the ceiling.

It had been a grueling process, but Sungjin had been his rock through it all and he couldn't be more grateful. After nearly a year from when the report opened, Junseo had finally been sentenced to pay a hefty fine and he got thirty months in prison.

It wasn't much, and everyone had been disappointed with the sentencing, but Wonpil at least got to see him cuffed and escorted out.

Wonpil sighed as he deleted the files. He already had a physical copy of everything squirreled away and on file with the police.

He lazily deleted some more files before he spotted a file he had long forgotten about.

"Sungjin!" He called out as he eagerly sat up. "Come here!"

He heard his boyfriend move around in one of the other rooms and fondly gazed at the framed Polaroid of Sungjin perched on his desk. It was a bit worn—after all, Wonpil had unknowingly smuggled it out in his back pocket back when he worked at the cafe—but it was still one of his favorite pictures of his boyfriend. He wished he hadn't been so careless with it as he eyed the small water stain it had acquired from its time joined on the mess of his college apartment's desk.

The door to their office swung open as Sungjin rushed in. "What is it? Is it a spider!?"

Wonpil giggled at his boyfriend's antics. "No, you goof. Come," he eagerly waved him over.

Sungjin tilted his head as he walked up to him. "What is it?"

Wonpil giddily grinned as he pointed to his laptop. "Look at what I found." He watched Sungjin read the poorly made contract and beamed when he saw his boyfriend blush. "It's our fake dating contract."

Sungjin rubbed the back of his neck. "Wow, that sure is a blast from the past. Whatever happened to the signed ones?"

Wonpil shrugged as he ate another strawberry slice. "Sweetie, it's been a year and a half. For all I know it could be on the moon."

"How would it have gotten on the moon?"

Wonpil cooed as he pinched his cheek playfully. "Entertain me."

Sungjin chuckled before swooping down and stealing a quick kiss before pulling away from the table with the last strawberry.

"Mm, I would, but I barely finished putting the new sheets on our bed."

Wonpil kicked the floor slightly as he used his rolling chair to get close to Sungjin again. He wrapped his arms around Sungjin's waist and looked up at him.

"It's time, don't you think?" He fiddled with the fabric of his shirt. "We've talked it over extensively ever since we agreed to move in together."

"Well, we always said it'd happen once we started living together," Sungjin whispered as he tucked a stray hair behind Wonpil's ear. "We've already completed the major step of moving in together so it's only natural, I suppose. I don't want to rush you, but I'm ready when you are."

Wonpil nervously bit his bottom lip. So much had happened since they met to before they actually started dating and now…there wasn't anyone else he could imagine doing it with.

He nodded and tugged Sungjin's shirt with his fists.

"I'm ready." He shyly pressed his cheek against Sungjin's torso. "Take care of me."

Sungjin chuckled before patting his head.

"Of course." He helped him stand up and led them to their room. "Taxes seem daunting, but we should be able to knock them out quickly."

Wonpil giggled before he abruptly paused. "Oh, wait."

"Hm?"

"Just a moment."

Wonpil rushed back into their office, shoving his rolling chair out of the way as he stared at the blinking document. He grinned as he highlighted and clicked delete on a word until the changed title blinked up at him.

My Boyfriend.

He giggled at the absurdity of it all.

"I'm going to start without you, honey!"

"Wait!" Wonpil quickly shut his laptop and ran towards their bedroom. "I'm coming!"

He slammed their bedroom door open and Sungjin dorkily grinned at him. "Wow, someone sure is excited to do taxes together."

Wonpil found his place in Sungjin's arms as he kissed him, the faint taste of strawberries lingered on his lips. Sungjin hummed and Wonpil broke away with an equally dopey grin.

"You're the only one I want to do taxes with, hyung." He rubbed their noses together. "I love you."

"Oh?" Sungjin chuckled and kissed him softly. "I love you too. Now then…"

Wonpil closed the door with his foot and their giggles filled their new home.