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Heeseung felt the thumping of the blasting pop music before he heard it; the vibrations having maneuvered from the large black speakers dragged to the front of the large living room and then hitting the hard wooden floor with a timely beat. It could be felt through the freshly painted white walls too, the fast tempo now not only striking his feet that had been trapped within newly bought sneakers, but massaging his back for as long as he leant against it. Occasionally goosebumps would prick at his tan skin whenever a certain bass note sounded a little too loud, forcing him to shift his weight in hopes of ridding the uncomfortable feeling. He didn't detest the idea of college parties—knowing that it could be one of the only times that he could freely ingest heavy amounts of alcohol and not a single adult scold him for destroying his body. But then again he wasn't too fond of them either. The sight of multiple strangers bouncing around an expensive house and then proclaiming it as dancing; those same people drinking and smoking until they could no longer remember what day it was; the disgusting smell and feeling of sweat that could either be from grinding against one another or doing the sinful act of sexual intercourse, Heeseung much rather stay trapped in a corner with a red solo cup dangling from the tips of his fingers while awaiting for any of his friends to come sweep him away by saying that they no longer had to be there.
So his apathetic attitude could be excused. The way his tall lean figure stayed detached from the many other partygoers, was understandable as well. A sigh heaved past his plump pink lips as he too darted his dull brown eyes across the dimmed room. Everything looked to be one color considering the host of such uncalled for celebrations decided to kill all lights and let the shades purple, magenta and blue blend together from some plastic projector. Heeseung hadn't been looking for anything or anyone in particular, but maybe if he searched through the large crowd hard enough he'll find at least something to capture his bored attention. But he didn't expect much. Everyone seemed to have blended into one, making his brain turn to mush and cause his already impassive expression to fall even further. Eventually he gave up looking for a familiar face, deciding that he'd just call a taxi back to the academy's dorms and spend the rest of his night streaming a drama that captured his attention after only ten minutes of episode one. So chugging what was left of his drink, he cringed at the burn when it trailed down his throat, to only seconds later grab for his cell phone that was stuffed within his pants pocket. The illuminated screen greeted his face with a blinding brightness; eyes temporarily squinting as they slowly grew used to what he could make out as his lock screen.
He'd gotten distracted by the picture he chose—no, Sunghoon chose. If it were Heeseung's decision, he would have kept it the default option due to not being one of those people who switched it out almost every month like his good friend Jay. But after taking notice that he was "probably the only one out of the whole campus who refuses to be fun and change the background" Sunghoon had done it for him. It was a recent photo, taken only a few weeks ago out on the campus football field. Jungwon had been the one to capture the intimate moment; managing to perfectly inherit the way the bright sun had beamed its rays upon the duo, giving their skin a soft glow. They sat on the freshly cut grass trying to dismiss the way that it was slightly wet from the sprinkles that had gone off the previous night. Or at least Heeseung tried to, Sunghoon didn't have to worry about wetting the light blue jeans he wore that day because he got all access pass to the older's lap. They were facing one another with eyes glistening from the natural light and lips tugging up into a faint grin. The taller with wavy black hair secured his arms around Sunghoon, while the other had his cupping Heeseung's jaw. If looked at briefly it might have seemed candid—a beautiful moment between two friends, lovers, but it wasn't. Asking the older about it he would bluntly explain that the entire thing was staged. He was told where the picture needed to be done, how he must sit, what expression he should be displaying. Because to him the entire relationship was a manipulative tactic done with the persuasion of being years long friends and adorable puppy dog eyes that too promised free lunch until who knows how long their shtick went on. Sunghoon explained that it would only be for a few months; three max and if they needed to continue then it would be determined.
They've been going strong for five months now. That is if "going strong" was them fooling literally everyone about how they're in love with one another. Except for Heeseung's best friend Jay that found out after the ravenette couldn't keep the secret to himself anymore without telling at least one person. Said it had to do with feeling as though he was going to explode if he didn't tell an actual human and not just his deer plushie that was gifted to him years ago. So after an outburst of everything he thought and felt and Sunghoon smacking him repeatedly for exposing them, Jay took it all in with a head nod and a promise not to say a word. Except within that same hour he was then texting the faux couple about how his own (and very much real) boyfriend managed to hoax it out of him. To which then led to a lecture sounding awfully a lot like a mother talking to their children.
"Why are you even doing this?" It had been asked by the youngest of the three. He sat crisscrossed on top of Heeseung's bed. His stare had softened from the authoritative perception, now being more curious and a little confused. His mouth even occupied the salty crunch of chips stolen from the ravenette's snack stash. The simple question led the other two to glance at one another, holding different faces. While Heeseung looked rather bothered, Sunghoon couldn't help his ears from tinting red and going awkwardly bashful.
"To get back at Jake."
It made no sense without context clues, so Sunghoon was given the unfortunate pleasure of explaining. After all, he was the one to conjure up the entire plan. It was sometime around three in the morning when the idea struck him, forcing him to quit his pitiful crying and wipe away the snot that dribbled down his nose. Instead of sadness he was now corrupted with a new sense of mischief. He hadn't slept that night actually, too busy figuring out the details. And when he approached Heeseung the next day, he didn't mention that he was running off of three energy drinks and a large coffee. He instead wiped at his droopy eyes before stating that they should fake a relationship in order to get Sim Jake jealous and make him dump his current girlfriend because he finally realized that Sunghoon was the one for him all along. But again, it's been five months. Five grueling months of pretending through delicate kisses and warm embraces and it seems as though the Australian male hasn't even bothered to look in their direction. Heeseung believes at one point Jake even indirectly congratulated them, saying something along the lines of how they look good together and that he scored when it came to finding someone genuine. Breaking the news that the Australian will probably never like him back only made Sunghoon more determined. Pitiful .
Glancing briefly at the time, Heeseung took in how late it was. He was only a few steps away from successfully dialing the number for a nearby taxi, but was interrupted before he could follow through. His neck was quick to snap up and catch sight of said fake boyfriend, not even steps behind him being a few others. Sunghoon wore a pretty smile—the one where it stretched so far that his cheeks rose and made the corners of his eyes crinkle—and the ravenette couldn't help but return it, but less enthusiastically. He may be happy that he finally found people he knew, but the want of going back to his dorm where his cozy bed was kept trumped everything else. So when his faux boyfriend slotted their lips together for a greeting, he didn't return it. He just let the taste of the other coat his mouth for a second or two, then allowed for their fingers to intertwine in a loose hold.
"Hey, I was talking with the guys and we were thinking about ditching. We were gonna head back to the dorms and have a movie night...you know, like old times" Their hands were being lightly swung back and forth, the slightest tug being done when it looked as though Heeseung wasn't even paying attention. But he was. Oh boy was he listening. He had been ready to leave the party the minute he got there. "You alright?"
The ravenette nodded, to then right after push off the wall.
"No yeah, I'm down to watch a movie or two."
"Okay cool, you ready to go now? Jake said he'd meet us there" After receiving yet another curt nod for confirmation, Sunghoon hadn't spent enough time to witness the way Heeseung rolled his eyes at the mention of the other male. He was already starting a new conversation with Sunoo and Ni-ki. Had to do with what snacks they were going to stuff their faces with, along with what films they wanted to watch. Jay exclaiming that they should probably start heading back to the dorms so they don't keep Jake waiting got everyone to agree and rush out of the massive house. No goodbyes were said to acquaintances, shot games were turned down, and owner of the house Christopher Bang was briefly notified that they were leaving (getting an: "okay, see you later!" in return). And through it all Heeseung let Sunghoon tug him along, only being freed once the group of six boys were stumbling through the long halls of the dorm building. Their once combined hands separated upon the younger spotting Jake waiting along a wall, the dark brunette being the first to greet him with a rather energetic tone. And it's not like the Australian was to deny someone he labeled as one of his closest friends, so it wasn't a shock to witness them easily fall into an engaging conversation. It also wasn't a shock to have a newfound loneliness wrap itself around Heeseung, it temporarily disappearing when Jay threw an arm over his shoulders with a dramatic sigh.
"You know you can always just tell him. It's not like he's going to hate you...probably ignore you for a few days-" He was shoved away with a scoff and eye roll. "I'm kidding. Sort of" Now he received a warning glare. "Okay, okay. In all seriousness, the worst that could happen is that he needs a little bit of space. You know, to think everything over. But I highly doubt your friendship will end" Both boys who strayed to the back of the group watched how Sunghoon giggled at whatever joke Jake said to him. Heeseung felt his heart swoon at the sight, but then he also felt it clench in agony.
"Nah, there's no point in risking it."
"Dude, are you serious?" Jay had to be nudged in order to bring his voice back down. "There's so many points! You're talking to someone who's been watching you two do nothing but act like a couple for months. I think I have all rights to say what's been real and what hasn't. And what you guys have-" The younger of the two halted his steps, hands being shoved within his jean pockets. "Heeseung, I would never try to give you false hope over something as life changing as this. He might not see it now, but maybe confessing will help that. Listen to me when I say that what you guys have is real" There was a pat given to the ravenette's shoulder, a sympathetic grin accompanying it. "But don't think you'd ever be better than Wonie and I."
The duo laughed at the comedic input, Heeseung using it as a way to silently thank the other for such insightful words.
"Jay baby, Seung! Let's go! We're waiting on you two" Jungwon yells while aggressively waving. Seems as though the group had officially made it to what looks as though Sunghoon and Sunoo's shared room, all collectively finding spots about the smaller version of a living room. And they would have begun to gather as many blankets as they could, collecting stashed chips and cookies from the cupboards, maybe even begin fighting over which movie should be played first, if they didn't notice two members missing—it leading to them picking up their pace and entering with lighter hearts than previously. Or that was before Heeseung caught sight of his faux boyfriend trying his hardest to snuggle as close to Jake as he could. So with a returning tightened chest, the ravenette tried his hardest to keep his head up before finding a seat somewhere on the floor between Ni-ki and Jungwon.
"Hey Heeseung, did you want to switch seats with me? So you can sit with Hoon? I don't mind moving" That's the thing with Jake (and one of the reasons why Sunghoon had found him so appealing), he was too nice. It was as if he was always putting himself before others. The ravenette hated disliking him for such a petty cognition. So he shook his head with a lipped smile.
"No, I'm okay down here" His gaze drifted to the dark brunette only inches away, breaking whatever intense stare they held only seconds later. "You can stay there. I don't mind."
"At least switch with Nishimura, baby" Now he says something . After forgetting that he was supposed to be clinging onto Heeseung whenever they're in the presence of the Australian, Sunghoon finally returned his attention to the ravenette. He was giving his best grin while motioning that he wanted the older to be sitting between his legs and not an exiguously muddled Ni-ki. And sue Heeseung for being a little bitter, but he was yet again shaking his head.
"I'm okay where I am" So maybe he sounded bitter too. Sunoo picked up on it and gave an airy chuckle.
"Are you two in some fight?" He raised his eyebrows with a wicked smirk following right after. "Because now that I think about it you're not as disgusting as usual. You'd guys be all over each other by now" His words had the others just as intrigued. Or that was except for Jay and Jungwon who frowned from sympathy.
"No" Sunghoon was quick to reply. "We're not fighting. We're just fine. Right, Heeseung?"
"Ah! He said his name instead of some stupid pet name!" Ni-ki encouraged. "They're definitely arguing about something! Spill. What happened? Did it happen at the party?" The blonde gasped. "Did one of you cheat on accident? Intentional?" Oh my gosh, I would have never seen that coming!" His ranting had not been any help; especially when none of it made sense. And Heeseung rolling his eyes didn't resolve anything.
"Nobody cheated. And nobody is fighting."
"Explain your-" Sunoo was interrupted.
"Heeseung, can I talk to you out in the hallway?" While Sunghoon got up from his spot, receiving interested stares from everyone, the ravenette stayed planted. " Please" They were staring again, and if the ravenette was being completely honest he wouldn't have stood to his feet if Jungwon hadn't tapped his thigh to signal that they should definitely speak. So they did. They took the few required steps that were needed in order to once again be stuck within the dorm hallway; an uncommon stillness surrounding them. Heeseung found himself leaning against a wall for the second time that night, hands shoved deep within his pockets awaiting for what the younger needed to say.
"What's your problem? You've been acting weird all day. You're going to make everyone suspicious of us" Sunghoon blurts. And he surely didn't hide his displeasure. The ravenette used his tongue to poke at his inner cheek, nodding along to prove that he was listening. But with the way he kept quiet seemed to have irked an already brewing storm within the younger. "Goodness Heeseung, just tell me what's wrong!"
A nonchalant shrug.
"Nothing's wrong. You're just assuming so because I'm not attached to you" He tracked a hand through his wavy locks, tongue now darting out to lick at his chapped lips. "It shouldn't matter anyway. If Jake would have never said anything, then you probably wouldn't have noticed I sat somewhere else. You would still be sitting beside him like you wish and I wouldn't be out here listening to you complain."
"I'm not complaining!"
"Oh, my bad" Heeseung held his hands up and surrendered. " Ranting."
"I'm not ranting either!" Sunghoon heaved a breath as if trying to relax all spiked nerves. "Look, I just want to know why you've been so distant lately. There's no reason for you to be acting like a douchebag right now. So if you could open up to me just this one time, this whole thing could be over" He got closer, reaching out to hopefully provide some comfort. "Seung, what's got you so sour?"
Heeseung knew that right now was the best time to take Jay's advice. He could confess everything— let the bone crushing weight be lifted from his shoulders. But as he stared at the younger, observing all of his gorgeous features under a dim yellow light; inhaled his fruity perfume; and witnessed how his posture looked ready to slump in defeat, he couldn't. All large arrows that shined with blinking light bulbs pointed in a direction that was evidently explaining that now wasn't the right time. So sucking in a gust of oxygen that filled his lungs, yet also seemingly began to suffocate him at the same time, he once again shoved all of his feelings back down his throat and into the pit of his stomach. A place where they've been stuck for years now. Maybe the right time will never come? Heeseung should just give up altogether. Find someone new to like, love. He slipped a finger through one of Sunghoon's belt loops, tugging to signal that the younger one should come closer. He did with a smile pulling at his lips.
"I've been thinking about breaking up" There goes the smile. And there goes the small proximity between them. Heeseung didn't even have a chance to explain himself before there was a thump against the dorm room door and Sunghoon spewing nonsense out of bewilderment. Of course their friends were listening in.
"I can't believe you're doing this to me-"
"If you'd relax and listen to what I have to say," The older removed himself from the wall, hands landing themselves upon the other's shoulders and ultimately cutting his tangent and hasty pacing short. "I'm trying to tell you that I'm not going to. I care about you too much to just let your efforts go down the drain" He began to back Sunghoon up against the opposite wall; hands sliding until they found a resting spot upon the younger's hips. And if the action caused a shiver to run up the dark brunette's spine, then he said nothing about it. He's never said anything about it actually. He just always assumed that it was a natural reaction from his body; his mind already making him believe that it was Jake holding him like so and giving him such subtle amounts of pleasure. "It's been five months Hoon. I've thought about it, but I can't let you go that easily" His voice dropped into a whisper. "I think the others are listening."
Craning his neck in just the slightest Sunghoon caught a glimpse of his room door. A smirk found its way to his face upon noticing that it had been cracked open. A few pairs of eyes could even be seen peeking through, trying to see what was happening. They've always been so nosey. The dark brunette chuckled while returning his attention back onto his fake boyfriend. If they have an audience then they might as well put on a show. So tracking his nimble fingers across Heeseung's biceps and shoulders, touching and caressing what he could, eventually they found themselves entangling within the small hairs found on the nape of his neck. It brought their faces so much closer, giving them a reason to soak in one another and have a frenzy of butterflies flutter about within their lower stomach. If they strained their ears then they could hear whispers being said. Sunghoon giggled while Heeseung smiled.
"How crazy do you think they're being?"
"Oh, Sunoo and Ni-ki are definitely fighting to get a better spot."
"Then shall we?" It was asked with a mischievous glint striking his beautiful brown eyes. And who was Heeseung to deny the younger. So with a matching expression he then dived in for a kiss. Their lips meshed into something rather sloppy until they were able to find a steady rhythm. And gosh did it feel amazing. It was too amazing actually. Heeseung couldn't stop the way he tilted his head in hopes of deepening what was already so intense, silently asking for permission to increase the heat of the moment by swiping his tongue against Sunghoon's bottom lip. But being the tease that he is, he smiled and denied any access. A low grumble didn't mean to sound from the bottom of the ravenette's throat, and him reaching his left hand down to grip at Sunghoon's thigh, lifting it and squeezing gently also wasn't originally planned. But the gasped response he got in return was oh so appreciated. He took the chance and could feel himself melting at the way the other tasted. He shouldn't want more—but he took it anyway. Departing his way from the dark brunette's lips, he planted them onto his neck instead. He pecked, sucked, bit. And it was all worth it. Hearing the way he moaned, grip tightening on Heeseung's hair and just barely arching his back off the wall; the older was mesmerized by everything that was Park Sunghoon. " Heeseung..."
Everything was getting hot. The air, their bodies.
"Okay, that's enough!" It was shouted by Jungwon, the cute boy having swung open the door and making himself known. His announcement startled the couple but they broke apart nonetheless. "None of us want to see you guys have sex. Especially in the hallway."
"Well actually..." Jay spoke up with a teasing grin. The smack he got upside his head was well deserved. He rubbed the sore spot with a pout. "You didn't have to hit me. Be lucky I didn't pop a boner like Ni-ki over there" All eyes glanced over to the blonde boy, him growing red in the face and hiding himself the best he could with his hands. And as the embarrassment settled in, he tried to cover it by glaring at Jay. "He's like a cute little pervert."
"Oh shut up will ya!" And with a wobble back into the dorm room, he didn't tell anyone that he was making his way towards the bathroom. He kept bashfully quiet with his escape, face matching one of a tomato as he heard the laughs of his friends.
Returning to their late night-early morning movie marathon, all boys found seats. Even Ni-ki who was wiping freshly washed hands upon the fabric of his pants; receiving amused yet disgusted looks in return. Jake even caused another round of laughter by shrieking while trying to move as far away from the youngest as possible. The blonde male in return narrowed his eyes, the irritation not lasting too long when he was now crossing his arms over his chest while pouting. A smidge of sympathy was given by Jungwon who reached out to pat at his shoulder.
"I'm a growing man with hormones. Get over yourselves!"
"Growing boy. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here" Jay replies while plopping a chip into his mouth. He smirked upon hearing Heeseung snicker with a nudge to his arm. Ni-ki frowned even further and couldn't help but seek comfort within the mother figure of the group—someone who was always willing to coddle the much taller boy.
"Alright guys, leave him alone. What movie are we watching?"
After a debate between Sunoo and Jake sounded in the room, all seven males eventually settled into a comfortable silence while the beginning credits flashed on the screen. It hadn't even been fifteen minutes and Heeseung was already fidgeting in his spot on the hard floor. He thought that maybe he could lean on Jay for some form of comfort, yet decided against it when seeing that he was already too busy cuddling his boyfriend, who was holding the youngest as a parent would their child. It was fouly domestic. Enough for the ravenette to drift his sight to the couch where the remaining three sat. He was thinking that he could maybe squeeze in, but there already was no more room and if he tried then all of them would be uncomfortable. So with a sigh he threw his head back. It landed on something rather firm and warm, causing his temporary closed eyes to reopen and take in the sight of his faux boyfriend. Right, in order to continue on with the impression that they've made up, he agreed to stay between Sunghoon's thighs. It gave him the upside down view of the gorgeous male that was already completely invested in the film. With all of the lights having been shut off and the only source being from the television, the pale skin of the dark brunette was given a different glow. He looked to be completely oblivious to the way Heeseung stared at him, sparkling dark eyes darting all over the lit screen.
It wasn't until the older reached out (with not a certain destination for his fingers in mind) did Sunghoon finally glance in his direction. Or well he flinched at the sudden hand being shoved in his face, but not too long after grabbing the other appendage with his own, he then grew curious as to why Heeseung bothered to stare at him than the movie that slowly but surely picked up its pace. The ravenette could give an explanation, but then confessions would have to be said and the revelation of them faking their entire relationship would have to be exposed— gosh why was he still staring? Thankfully Sunghoon wasn't creeped out by it and just gave a lipped-grin in return.
"Lean down," Heeseung whispered. The other creased his eyebrows at the command yet didn't oblige. He thought that maybe he had stray crumbs decorating his face and the ravenette was just being helpful by wiping them away. What he didn't expect was for the older to straighten his posture and eventually connect their lips in yet another kiss. It wasn't anything rushed or frisky. It was more-so still and enough to have each of their stomachs flutter. Or that was until Sunghoon grew too invested and tried to reach for more. Jake clearing his throat awkwardly had them separating. He had the displeasure of witnessing the entire thing due to sitting right beside the lewd couple.
"You guys literally just made out. There's no need to do it again."
Sunghoon could feel his cheeks heat and got ready to sit back up. Only Heeseung had other plans and captured his lips once again. This time it was just pecks given; each time stealing the breath right out of the other. He stopped upon hearing a gag from the Australian.
"You're just jealous that I get to kiss him and you don't."
"I'm literally dating someone idiot" Jake scoffed with a roll of his eyes. Heeseung shrugged.
"Everyone has their fantasies" To see the Australian shade a scarlet while avoiding his eyes should feel like a win. It could be a hint; referencing that he has thought about Sunghoon if not romantically than at least sexually. But the fire within him also hated the thought. It made him regret ever saying anything. Especially when the dark brunette also blushed.
"Oh shut up!" Jake hissed the words as to not disturb everyone else. It's not like he would though when Sunoo and Ni-ki already fell asleep, while Jungwon and Jay were on the brink.
"You're not denying it."