Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jeonghan knew there was something wrong the moment he set the ball to Seungkwan. A sharp pain immediately pierced his left wrist and he had to double over in a fit of panic. He vaguely heard the ball touching the ground after Seungkwan's spike because all he could think about was the pain he was feeling.

He found himself kneeling on the floor of the court, his right hand cradling his left wrist. Jeonghan almost passed out. The skin around his wrist was red. It was definitely inflamed. He tried to move it and regretted it right away because he was suddenly crying out in pain. 

"Stop playing!" someone shouted and Jeonghan focused on the voice. "Everyone, stop for a while!" 

The person who spoke stopped in front of him. Gentle hands started to hold onto him.

"Jeonghan, can you tell me what you're feeling right now?" he said.

"It hurts. It hurts. It hurts a lot," Jeonghan let out. 

He heard the person in front of him wince and that was enough for real tears to spill out of Jeonghan's eyes. 

"Oh god," Junhui exclaimed. "Seungcheol hyung, is he okay? Please tell us he's okay."

Seungcheol breathed out and finally decided to stare at Jeonghan. His hand made its way to Jeonghan's chin, which he used to tilt the blond's head up so that they could look at each other. Jeonghan was blinking amidst all the tears. He focused his eyes on Seungcheol's brown orbs. He saw the way his gaze softened as he checked on Jeonghan. It only made him cry more. 

"Jeonghan, it's going to be okay," Seungcheol told him, his voice soft and assuring. "Don't cry, please? I need you to be strong. We can do something about this. You trust me, right?" 

Jeonghan nodded. He trusted Seungcheol with all of his heart. He was their volleyball team's athletic trainer. He knew what to do in times like this. Jeonghan knew he was in good hands.

Well, even if Seungcheol wasn't that person for the team, Jeonghan would still trust him, anyway. He always did. 

Seungcheol guided him so that he could stand up. It took Jeonghan a second to realize that his teammates had surrounded them and were now watching them as well. They all looked worried. Jeonghan tried to smile but he knew it didn't reach his eyes.

"Hyung," Junhui called for him. "It's okay. We got you."

"We've beaten injuries before. It's going to be alright, hyung!" Seungkwan followed.

"Don't cry, Jeonghan hyung. Cheol hyung is going to heal you for sure!" Mingyu assured him. 

Jeonghan loved his team a lot. He was suddenly crying harder.

"I'm going to take your captain to the treatment room and then we're heading to the hospital, okay?" Seungcheol addressed the whole team. "Jihoon, I think you should still continue with practice until Coach gets here. I'll also call him to inform him about what happened."

Jihoon nodded. "Got it, hyung. Take care of our captain for us."

Seungcheol smiled and looked at Jeonghan, gesturing that they should go.

In the treatment room, Jeonghan was still harboring soft sobs in his chest as he watched Seungcheol apply the first aid on his wrist. He winced in pain from time to time but the trainer was quick to comfort him. Jeonghan was just eternally grateful. Seungcheol finished with the preliminary treatment and looked at him. He was still holding Jeonghan's hand.

"Is it bad?" Jeonghan asked. 

Seungcheol's thumb caressed his wrist gently. "I can't say it yet but that's why we're going to the hospital to get a full diagnosis.."

Jeonghan tried to reel in the tears. He called this on himself. Seungcheol had been warning him even before that he should take it easy with playing but he never listened. For the past few weeks, he had been working overtime with all the training plus the handling of his team. There were even times when Jeonghan was the only one left on the court as he tried perfecting his plays. It was no doubt that sooner or later, he would suffer from an injury such as this.

"Seungcheol," he said, glancing at the trainer who was still looking at him worriedly. "Are you mad at me?" 

He saw the change in emotion in Seungcheol's eyes due to the sudden question. Then, the next thing Jeonghan knew, there was a hand that cupped his cheek. Seungcheol's fingers brushed over his skin and Jeonghan's eyes almost fluttered close because of the touch. He leaned onto Seungcheol's hand.

"Why would I be, angel?" Seungcheol said, and Jeonghan was happy he called him that way. Hearing Seungcheol call him angel reduced some of the pain he was feeling. "I can't be mad at you, you know that. I'm more worried about you. I knew you were overworking yourself."

"I should have listened to you. I'm so stubborn, Cheol. Now, look where it got me."

"Hey, stop that. There's no use blaming yourself for this anymore. No one ever really succeeded at making you slow down when it comes to volleyball," Seungcheol told him with a fond smile on his face. "What you need to focus on is your recovery, okay?"

The volleyball player nodded with a pout on his face that made Seungcheol smile happily at him. Jeonghan wanted to hit him on the chest. Why was it so easy for Seungcheol to put Jeonghan's heart at ease? He honestly thought he would be mad. But all he saw in Seungcheol's eyes was warmth, fondness, and something that Jeonghan wouldn't dare say out loud.

The trainer brushed his wrist carefully again before letting go of it and standing up from the bench. They needed to go to the hospital now. He started collecting his and Jeonghan's things in one bag. Jeonghan stood up.

"Seungcheol."

"Hmm?"

"Hug, please."

Seungcheol chuckled at the request and put his bag down before walking toward Jeonghan. He wrapped him up in an embrace, careful not to touch his wrist. Jeonghan buried his face in Seungcheol's neck to revel in his warmth and Seungcheol caressed his hair. 

"It's going to be okay, baby."

Seungcheol held Jeonghan's face again, leaned in, and placed a soft kiss on his forehead.

—

"Have any of you heard from Jeonghan hyung or Cheol hyung yet?" Chan, the youngest member of the volleyball team, asked. 

They just finished practice. They were all tired and catching their breaths. Some of them were just resting all over the court while others were drinking water and changing their clothes. Still, they couldn't help but be worried about their captain. 

"No message on my end," Jihoon replied. "I do hope that the captain is fine."

"He's gonna be fine. Seungcheol is with him," Jisoo said. 

"Speaking of Seungcheol hyung," Soonyoung suddenly said while sitting up. There was an excited look on his face. "Have you seen him earlier? When Cap fell down?"

Wonwoo scoffed. "Oh, no, Soon. Not this again."

"Uh, I may have noticed it, too," Seokmin admitted.

"Yeah, he looked...more worried than the rest of us," Seungkwan added. 

Soonyoung clapped his hands and then pointed at Wonwoo. "See, Jeon? I'm not alone in this."

"That's because you, Seokmin, and Seungkwan share the same brain cell," Minghao teased them. "Stop it with your theory, Soonyoung. Let's focus more on the fact that Jeonghan hyung is injured, shall we?"

Soonyoung raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, Haohao. But I'm just saying, I still think it's possible that they're...you know?"

"Soonyoung!"

"Come on! You can't tell me that you're not curious, too! I know that all of you have a crush on our very, very handsome athletic trainer. You're all wondering if he's single or not," Soonyoung said with a playful smirk on his face that Mingyu had to slap him in the arm. Okay, that hurt. It was never a good idea to be slapped by a volleyball player, especially when the said player was the team's resident spiker. 

The others were now starting to spew out their comments about Soonyoung's last statement. All of them were trying to disagree with him but of course, it was all futile. 

Soonyoung was quite right. 

The very first day it was announced that the man named Choi Seungcheol was going to be their athletic trainer, all hell broke loose. 

First of all, Seungcheol was so freaking handsome. Every time he entered the court to observe during practice, it was like the room was in a different light. His smile was blinding, it was enough for every player to be inspired to play their best. 

Second, Seungcheol was such a kind soul who was very much dedicated to his profession. He took the time to study each of the members' conditions, carefully identifying what one needed and wanted the most. He took care of them in the best way possible. 

Third, Seungcheol was hot. His uniform was definitely not helping, not when it hugged his body and his biceps perfectly. 

Fourth, Seungcheol was very good-looking. Did they already say that? 

You get the point.

Setting the crushes and fantasies aside, it was without a doubt that the whole team adored their trainer very much. Seungcheol cared for them, too. He always made sure to take care of them and support them in any way that he could. He was patient with them even if all they ever did was tease him sometimes. They always asked him if he was single or not and all the trainer would do was give them a wide smile, dimple and all. Of course, they all swooned.

All of them except for their captain, who just laughed at them and watched them drool over Seungcheol without batting an eyelash. Every single time. 

So they thought that maybe Seungcheol wasn't Jeonghan's type. 

Until Hansol told the team that he spotted Jeonghan blushing real hard when Seungcheol joined them once for their practice game and the trainer turned out to be good at the sport. Hansol said, "Jeonghan hyung looked like he wanted to storm into the court to take Seungcheol hyung away from everyone and then ask Seungcheol hyung if they could just make out instead."

If Hansol was the one who observed and said something, the teammates knew for sure that whatever would come out of his mouth was true. So, it turned out that the captain wasn't really immune to the athletic trainer's charms. He was just like the rest of them. 

Not to mention, the fact that their captain and trainer were always bantering and bickering like children. They liked to tease and annoy each other a lot. One time, Jeonghan smacked Seungcheol playfully in the chest. Seungcheol just laughed and even caught Jeonghan's hand in his. They stared at each other for five whole seconds with soft smiles on their faces before Seungcheol cleared his throat and let go of the hand he was holding. 

They had a moment, that's for sure. 

The team—Soonyoung—concluded that the two might actually be flirting with each other.

Then, the annual get-together of the team happened. Seungcheol was invited. They were allowed to drink so they played drinking games along the way. Jeonghan and Seungcheol were sitting next to each other (as usual). In fact, they have their own little world. The other teammates were asking questions to each other that if not answered, the offending party had to drink as a penalty.

And then, Chan, their savior, asked the million-dollar question.

"Cheol hyung!" he called.

Seungcheol looked away from Jeonghan and acknowledged the youngest. "Yes, Chan?"

"I'll ask you something. You have to answer, okay? If you don't, you'll have to drink."

Jeonghan sipped on his drink so loudly that Seungcheol glanced at him before smiling to himself.

"Ask away."

Chan looked around the circle as if to add some dramatic effect. 

"Who's your favorite among the team?" 

Everybody whooped at that. Seungcheol only chuckled as each and every single volleyball player tried to convince him to choose them. All except Chan who was laughing at his teammates and Jeonghan who was smiling silently on his own.

"Calm down, everyone," Seungcheol said. He poured a drink into his shot glass.

"Oh?" Seokmin noticed. "So you do have a favorite player, hyung."

"It's me, isn't it?" Mingyu spoke up.

"No, it's me. I'm the most tolerable out of you all," Wonwoo countered and Mingyu looked at him incredulously.

"Hey! Let hyung talk!" Chan reprimanded them when the voices started to overlap with each other again. 

"Who is it, hyung?" Hansol asked, seemingly curious about it, too.

And suddenly Seungcheol smiled that wide smile that all of them liked, a fond look gracing his face, before downing the contents of his glass in one go. 

"What? No fair!" Seungkwan said.

"Hyung!" 

Seungcheol laughed at the enthusiasm of the whole team. He spared Jeonghan a glance, only to find that he was already looking at him. Jeonghan smiled shyly. He gestured with his glass at Seungcheol before drinking from it. Seungcheol laughed lightly before ruffling Jeonghan's hair. 

The others saw the interaction but they didn't really make something out of it.

Until Seungcheol spoke.

"Your captain's my favorite. Sorry, guys."

Chaos ensued. Jeonghan smacked Seungcheol on the chest again. Jisoo and Jihoon were laughing as if they already understood. Seokmin and Seungkwan were trying to question Jeonghan. Junhui, Minghao, Mingyu, and Wonwoo were all listening to the banters. Hansol and Chan were just watching them. 

And then there was Soonyoung. 

Soonyoung's thought process reached greater heights to the point where he was able to convince himself that the captain and trainer were dating. He already formed theories in his head—like how one fell in love with the other or how the two might have known each other even before their team was formed and even before Seungcheol joined them as their trainer.

It was all fun and games until Soonyoung started paying more attention and noticed the lingering stares, the subtle gestures, the fond smiles, and the obvious affection between the two.

"Just admit that I'm right, guys," Soonyoung addressed them again.

"Whatever," Wonwoo said.

The two were about to argue again when Hansol interrupted them as he perked up and showed his phone to the team.

"Cheol hyung messaged. Family group chat!"

Yes, they considered their volleyball team chat the "family group chat" and Seungcheol was included. 

"Oh, thank god!" Minghao sighed as they all read the message that Seungcheol sent.

Jeonghan was okay, at least for now. He was given medicines for the pain and inflammation of his wrist. Seungcheol was advised to help Jeonghan out with the follow-up treatment. He was also asked to monitor Jeonghan's wrist from time to time. Jeonghan's condition was not severe and with time, he could get the usual movements from his wrist back.

Jisoo watched his teammates talk amongst themselves happily after hearing the good news. The team morale was back upon knowing that their captain could get the entire road to recovery. Seungcheol was there to help and that's a bonus.

He smiled to himself and whipped out his phone to send a message.

Jisoo

Your kids are theorizing again 

Han

Oh, god. Cheol must have looked so devastated when I screamed in pain

Jisoo

You bet

Jisoo was not playing when Jeonghan encountered his injury. He was on the bench because he switched for a while with Junhui. Standing beside Seungcheol, he remembered the worried look on Seungcheol's face as if he already knew what Jeonghan was feeling at that time. Maybe he did.

"His sets are off," Seungcheol had muttered. "He's moving his wrists a lot, too. Is he hurt?"

Jisoo couldn't forget how Seungcheol's expression dropped when Jeonghan's cry of pain was heard all throughout the court, how he ran immediately to his side and cradled Jeonghan's hand. 

It was like he was in pain, too. 

Han

Well, their theory isn't exactly wrong 

Hehe

Cheol

Right, no more typing for you, Yoon Jeonghan

Sorry, Jisoo. I need to help this baby adjust in the meantime. He needs to rest

Jisoo

Hey, Cheol! Feel free to go and make Jeonghan suffer <3

Han

Bitch!

Cheol

Hahahaha we'll talk to you later, Hong. Take care of the kids for us!

Jisoo smiled at his phone. He couldn't help but be reminded of how Jeonghan and Seungcheol were back in the day. This was almost like deja vu.

He knew the two ever since they were in college. Well, he was friends with Jeonghan before they even met Choi Seungcheol. The two of them were part of the university's volleyball team. Jeonghan had always been a setter and Jisoo was an opposite hitter. They first met Seungcheol when he was doing his practicals. He got assigned to Jisoo and Jeonghan's team.

Jisoo could clearly remember how smitten Jeonghan was. He teased him endlessly about it.

"Don't laugh at me, Jisoo! I mean, look at him!" Jeonghan said. Seungcheol was observing around the court and helping out some of the players from time to time. Jeonghan, on the other hand, was doing his stretching while staring shamelessly at Seungcheol. 

"Yeah, I get it. You're crushing on him."

"I'm calling dibs, okay?" Jeonghan announced to him. 

Jisoo laughed again and gestured for Jeonghan to focus on their training. They were so engrossed in what they were doing that they didn't notice someone coming closer to them. When Jisoo looked up, he almost choked. He slapped Jeonghan's leg repeatedly to get his attention.

"What?" the setter asked, confused. Then, he looked up and he almost choked, too. God, look at them being a complete mess because of a hot guy. They really were best friends.

"Hey, guys," Seungcheol greeted them, eyes crinkling due to his smile. "Just checking on you both. Hong Jisoo and Yoon Jeonghan, right?"

Jeonghan whipped his head to look at Jisoo with a blushing face. It was like he was saying, "He knows my name!" Jisoo didn't want to burst his bubble and tell him that Seungcheol probably went through the players' files. He fought the urge to laugh again.

"That's us," Jisoo answered for both of them. Seungcheol smiled again, his dimple flashing, and Jisoo was sure that Jeonghan was internally screaming.

His best friend had always been weak for cute people with dimples. 

"Well, nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to working with all of you this year. And, oh," Seungcheol trailed off and crouched down beside Jeonghan who was still trying to do his stretches. He asked Jeonghan if it was okay to hold him and Jeonghan helplessly nodded as Seungcheol held his arm gently and positioned it the right way. The setter was so distracted that he was messing it up and Seungcheol noticed it. "Careful, Jeonghan. We don't want you getting hurt, do we?" 

Seungcheol patted Jeonghan's arm softly and then smiled that dazzling smile again before waving goodbye at the two.

Jeonghan flopped down on the floor. He had combusted. 

From then on, Jisoo was a witness to how those two skirted around each other even if it was plainly obvious to anyone with eyes that they actually liked each other. 

The first time Jeonghan got injured was their turning point. 

"Jeonghan, do you love volleyball that much?" Seungcheol asked Jeonghan softly. He was checking on Jeonghan's leg which was splayed across his lap. 

Seungcheol's touches were not doing Jeonghan any good. He was trying his best not to squeal every time the pads of Seungcheol's fingers grazed his skin. Seungcheol was being very gentle with him, it was making Jeonghan's heart flutter.

"Yeah, I do," he told him. "It's why I could never stop myself when playing, why I always give it my all. Volleyball is something I treasure deeply. I want to keep playing forever."

Seungcheol's hands stopped moving and rested on Jeonghan's leg. He faced the setter with a worried look on his face but Jeonghan could see something else there. He did not want to delude himself, though. 

It almost seemed like Seungcheol was fond of him. It almost seemed like Seungcheol felt the same way that Jeonghan did. Jeonghan was crushing on the soon-to-be athletic trainer for how many months now. He was convinced it was starting to become more than a crush. 

Especially when Seungcheol always seemed to gravitate toward him during training. Especially when Seungcheol would secretly give him a different flavored energy drink than the rest of the team because he liked that one better. Especially when Seungcheol would always take his time in helping him with applying the sports tape just so they could talk longer. Especially when Seungcheol would always whisper good luck for him only during their practice games.

Especially when, at this very moment, Seungcheol raised a hand to tuck a stray strand of hair that fell across Jeonghan's face.

Seungcheol had always been gentle with him but this touch was entirely different.

"When you cried out in pain earlier, it felt like my heart was about to burst in pain, too," Seungcheol suddenly said. Jeonghan couldn't help but notice the pink flush dotting his cheeks. "You have always been so bubbly and so strong whenever you're on the court but seeing you like that? I couldn't take it. I was so worried about you, Jeonghan. I didn't know why but I wanted to hold you right away when I heard you ask for help."

Seungcheol rambled and Jeonghan melted. His heart was the one that was going to burst! Seungcheol couldn't just say that while looking so worried and so handsome and so beautiful . Jeonghan wanted to reach out to him but he couldn't move that much because of his injury and also because he was just turning into a puddle. 

God, he was in love.

"Cheol," Jeonghan cried. "I really, really want to tackle you into a hug right now but my stupid leg is not permitting me." 

Seungcheol stilled at Jeonghan's words before it dawned on him completely and there was suddenly a soft smile on his face. Oh, how Jeonghan adored that smile. He was surprised when Seungcheol held his leg gently and placed it on the bench as he stood up. Jeonghan was confused when Seungcheol moved away from him. He got even more confused when he heard Seungcheol sitting again. He was sitting behind him? 

"Can I?" Seungcheol spoke from behind and Jeonghan finally understood. He reached out a hand backward and Seungcheol held it in his. He moved their hands forward as he wrapped his arms around Jeonghan's waist, engulfing him in a back hug. 

Jeonghan would very much like to scream because this couldn't possibly be real but all he did was lean back against Seungcheol, taking in his warmth. 

"I think I'm healed," Jeonghan mumbled.

Seungcheol chuckled beside his ear and Jeonghan wanted to scream again because that was so handsome of him but he stopped himself. Seungcheol snuggled closer, hugging him tighter and Jeonghan sighed in contentment.

"This is good?" Seungcheol asked.

"The best," Jeonghan said softly. "I could stay like this forever. I always knew you'd be a good hugger. Especially with those arms."

Seungcheol laughed at the playfulness in Jeonghan's voice before placing a kiss on the setter's temple. 

"I really like you, Yoon Jeonghan," Seungcheol said a few heartbeats later. "I like you so much that I want to take care of you all the time."

Jeonghan took the chance to intertwine their fingers. "I liked you the first time you appeared in front of our team, Choi Seungcheol. I have liked you since then and I like you even more now."

Jeonghan discovered that day that Seungcheol wasn't only a good hugger but a good kisser, too, if not the best.

—

It was during these times that Jeonghan would start to wonder what he did in his past life to deserve this kind of love.

What did he do in his past life to deserve this kind of love from Choi Seungcheol?

In the car ride to the hospital, Seungcheol made sure that Jeonghan had settled well on his seat. He even kissed him on the forehead before closing the door and walking toward the driver's seat. Whenever they were in the car, it was Seungcheol's habit to hold Jeonghan's hand while driving, but since it was Jeonghan's left hand that was affected, he couldn't do that. What he did instead was place a comforting hand on Jeonghan's thigh, just to make Jeonghan feel that he was there for him. 

In the hospital, Seungcheol stayed with him as they talked to the doctor. There was a hand placed on the small of Jeonghan's back as Seungcheol listened intently to the diagnosis and recommendations of the doctor. Seungcheol was sighing in relief with him when the doctor declared that Jeonghan's injury wasn't so severe, that conservative treatments were enough to heal it. They still made Jeonghan wear a wrist splint to ensure that the volleyball player would not use or overwork his wrist that much. Seungcheol also started to ask the doctor questions on how he could support Jeonghan's recovery.

The whole time they were there, Jeonghan was just growing overly fond of his boyfriend.

"Are you okay?" Seungcheol asked him after the doctor left them for a while to get something. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I love you," Jeonghan said softly. 

Seungcheol beamed. He touched Jeonghan's cheek lightly. "I love you, too."

On the way to Seungcheol's apartment, Jeonghan was feeling considerably lighter with his spirits quite lifted already. Seungcheol had also informed his teammates of what went down in the hospital and Jeonghan just couldn't help but feel touched by the messages he received from them. He and Seungcheol also decided to let Jeonghan stay in the latter's unit so that the trainer could monitor his injury better. At least he could spend more time with Seungcheol now. 

"Would you like to stay in my room or here on the couch while I go make us some food?" Seungcheol asked once they got home.

"I'm fine here."

Jeonghan sat on the sofa while Seungcheol went inside his room. When his boyfriend came back, he was carrying a blanket and several pillows with him. Seungcheol put them on the couch and fluffed them up beside Jeonghan. 

"Lay down for a while, Han. Take a rest. You've had a long day," he said with a voice that sounded so gentle. "You can take a nap, too, if you like."

Jeonghan followed his boyfriend's suggestion and laid down on the couch. He chuckled when Seungcheol tucked him in, raising the blanket all the way up to his neck. He also placed Jeonghan's wrist carefully over it. Seungcheol kissed the part of his arm that was not covered by the splint.

"You don't have to baby me that much, Cheol," Jeonghan said. He reached out with his free hand to ruffle Seungcheol's hair. "I don't want you getting tired, too."

Seungcheol shook his head while brushing Jeonghan's hair with his fingers. "Don't mind me. I like babying you, anyway. I like taking care of you."

Jeonghan smiled happily. "Then, I must be so lucky to have you."

"I guess you are," Seungcheol returned his smile. "Take a nap, babe. I'll wake you up when the food's ready."

Jeonghan woke up before Seungcheol could do so. He was surprised to find that the trainer was at the other end of the couch and reading a book. He was covered with the blanket, too, and both of Jeonghan's legs were laid across his lap. Jeonghan could smell the traces of Seungcheol's cooking from the kitchen. He must have finished cooking already but he didn't wake Jeonghan up so that he could let him sleep.

"Babe?" 

Seungcheol looked at him and placed his book down.

"Hey, baby," he greeted him. "Slept well?"

Jeonghan only nodded as he moved toward Seungcheol. He snuggled closer to him and used one hand to wrap the blanket around the both of them. Seungcheol's arms immediately enclosed him in a hug.

"You're done cooking. You didn't wake me up."

"You needed the sleep," Seungcheol said, his fingers starting to draw circles on Jeonghan's back. "Are you hungry? I can reheat the stew and rice for you."

The only answer he gave Seungcheol was a shake of his head as he tried to press himself closer to him without hurting his wrist. He needed his warmth. He needed Seungcheol. Jeonghan tilted his head up to look at his lover. 

"Can I get something else?"

Seungcheol blinked a couple of times at Jeonghan's request before a smile completely lit up his face. He leaned in and pecked Jeonghan on the lips. When Seungcheol pulled away, Jeonghan didn't give him a moment to rest. He caught Seungcheol's lips again, wanting to kiss him more.

Jeonghan smiled against the kiss, loving the way Seungcheol's mouth would press against his own. Every fiber in his body was awake now—electrified. He kissed Seungcheol harder, opening his mouth for him, letting their tongues clash against each other. It was amazing and Jeonghan was happy.

They could never be this close during training even if they were always together there. They could never do this. All their teammates knew that Jeonghan and Seungcheol have a good relationship with each other but they never really knew what was the real deal between the two of them. Except for the theories that Soonyoung has always had, the only people who knew about the truth were the team's higher-ups, Jisoo, and Jihoon.

The management knew because Seungcheol told them right away. When Seungcheol was looking for a job, he sent out his resume to a lot of teams all over the country. The first one to contact him back was Jeonghan's team. They were impressed by Seungcheol when they called him in for an interview. Seungcheol also liked the work experience he would get in supporting Jeonghan's team. When he received an offer, he just knew he couldn't pass it up. 

That was why he believed that it would be better to tell them that he was dating the team's captain, that he had been in a relationship with him for years now, and that he definitely had no intention of breaking up with the love of his life. He had to clarify that he didn't apply just because Jeonghan was there but because he really saw the value in working for such an amazing team like this. He told them that he would prove himself, that he would show what he was capable of. He told them that if they really thought it wouldn't be a good decision for the team to accept him, then he would understand and let go of the offer as well.

But the management liked Seungcheol and they couldn't let go of such talent so they took him in. He had to prove himself for the first few months if he could really do his job well. It was so easy for Seungcheol to click with the whole of Jeonghan's team. He understood all of them and communicated with them all the time to determine what was best for them. Then, he started helping out with their training regimens and the coach and the whole team appreciated his efforts. He and Jeonghan would exchange small smiles and subtle touches whenever they were near each other but that was just it. 

On the court, they were both professionals—the captain of the volleyball team and the athletic trainer—collaborating to help the team be in their best condition.

There was no doubt that Seungcheol would already be a permanent member of the team.

Jeonghan was so proud of him, of everything that he had done. Seungcheol had warmed up to the team so perfectly. When it was announced that Seungcheol was already a regular, he celebrated with the team by playing with them. Jeonghan almost fell apart. It was the first time he saw Seungcheol that way, so focused and determined on the court, that he felt like running toward him to kiss him like there's no tomorrow.

Jeonghan wanted to break the rules right then and there. It didn't help that Seungcheol was also wearing a jersey with Jeonghan's number on it.

So he did try to break the rules. When everyone was busy, he dragged Seungcheol to the empty locker rooms and kissed him. Seungcheol was surprised. It was not his first time seeing Jeonghan so enthusiastic and so hungry for him but it was his first time seeing Jeonghan breaking the rules for him. Seungcheol went crazy. He kept on telling himself they were crazy for doing this because this was what they had been trying to protect themselves from.

But Seungcheol was crazier for Jeonghan and soon enough, he was kissing him harder than the first time the blonde had kissed him. He had pressed Jeonghan to the lockers that time and he was sure it was loud enough that it might be heard from outside. Things were already getting heated if not for the knock on the door that brought them back to reality. Jeonghan was leaning his forehead against Seungcheol's shoulder when he called for the person on the other side to come in. It was Jihoon and he immediately knew what was happening before he entered the room. He laughed at that, told them he knew his hunch was right, got his things, and then told them they were free to continue and that he would keep the others away for them. Of course, the two already stopped and soon enough, they were both laughing, too.

Speaking of kissing, Jeonghan just couldn't stop himself from asking Seungcheol to wreck his mouth because, in a way, Jeonghan missed him. Jeonghan missed him when they couldn't touch each other like this or hold each other like this. The past weeks were all about intensive training and they couldn't spend time with each other that much because one of them was always too tired to function. So they kissed with all the love that they got, telling each other how much they missed being in each other's presence. Jeonghan was even partially on Seungcheol's lap now, the blanket slipping away from them and onto the floor.

"Jeonghan," Seungcheol said against his lips. "Your wrist."

Jeonghan reluctantly pulled away but still gave Seungcheol some kisses on the mouth as he went. 

"Freaking injury," Jeonghan complained, pouting in annoyance as he stared at his wrist. He rested it against Seungcheol's chest. 

"Sorry. Just worried again," Seungcheol told him, placing a soft kiss on his lips. Jeonghan almost whined when he pulled away. "But just so you know, you were still kissing me well despite that."

Jeonghan flushed red and pouted even more as he looked at Seungcheol. "But it would be so much better if I could hold you! I mean, you know how much I love holding you every time we kiss. I can't even hold your arms properly. Damn it."

Seungcheol laughed and this time he held Jeonghan's face in his hands and showered him with more kisses. "God, baby, why are you so adorable?"

He couldn't help himself. Jeonghan puckered his lips. He was still blushing. "Stop. I'm not adorable."

"You are," Seungcheol said, laughing slightly. "You're very adorable. Stop whining now. Just kiss me and let me be the one to hold you real close, okay?"

"Okay," Jeonghan leaned in. "I knew you liked my kisses, too."

"Of course, I do."

—

For the following days that arrived, Jeonghan just focused on his recovery with the help of Seungcheol. He made sure to be a disciplined kid to avoid giving a burden to his boyfriend and his teammates, too. He would also ask Seungcheol to still bring him to their training area so that he could still catch up with and monitor his teammates. Of course, they would act as if they didn't come together. 

The other volleyball players were very happy to see Jeonghan. They kept on fussing over him and treating him like a VIP by always offering him a seat, a snack, or a drink. Jeonghan secretly liked the treatment because he had always been the one to baby his teammates. Now, he was the one being taken care of. Seungcheol must have noticed his internal thoughts because he was suddenly teasing him when the players left Jeonghan one by one and started a game. 

"You're enjoying this," Seungcheol mused beside him. 

"Let me live, babe," Jeonghan said under his breath. "It's the first time they're not making my head spin because of their antics."

Seungcheol laughed at that and he almost ruffled Jeonghan's hair because his boyfriend was being too adorable again. He stopped himself and just stared at Jeonghan, loving the fond smile on the blond's face as he watched his teammates.

When Jeonghan got the go signal to forego his splint, he was ecstatic. He was still advised to minimize his wrist movements but all he knew was that he was happy. He was getting closer and closer to his full recovery. During his monitoring of the training, he felt like he could move more freely. He was standing a bit more and sending some suggestions and feedback to the team.

From time to time, Seungcheol would pull him aside to the benches beside the court. The athletic trainer would be applying a cold compress on his skin. They knew the others were watching but it was completely fine because Seungcheol was just doing his job. Jeonghan, again, was secretly loving this. He and Seungcheol could be close. He also liked Seungcheol's gentle touches. They were honestly very comforting. 

This went on for a couple of days and when Seungcheol went out to get supplies, his teammates were suddenly flocking toward him. 

"Hyung!" Soonyoung called him, mirth evident in his voice. "They're envious of you!"

Soonyoung was openly laughing, even hitting Junhui repeatedly on the arm because it was too funny for him. Junhui was swatting his hand away.

"What does he mean?" Jeonghan asked the others.

"Don't mind him, Cap," Seungkwan said.

"Really?" Junhui said after recovering from Soonyoung. "Seungkwan, you were the one that kept on telling us that—"

"Wen Junhui!" Seungkwan screamed it echoed all over the court.

Everyone was laughing now but still, Jeonghan didn't understand. Jisoo took the liberty to explain.

"Oh, come on, Han. It's not like you don't know that these people here all have a crush on Seungcheol," Jisoo said and Jeonghan almost snorted. Right. He had forgotten that every single one of them, one way or another, adored Seungcheol. "They were talking about how it must be so nice to be taken care of by Seungcheol as well."

"Jisoo!"

"Hyung, you're a snitch!"

"Soonyoung said it first!"

"What 'they'? You're part of it, too!"

Now, Jeonghan started to laugh as it dawned on him. He was getting too much attention from Seungcheol and his teammates wanted the attention from their trainer, too. They probably inherited this affection for Seungcheol from their captain. 

"Stop it, guys. I'll tell Seungcheol to start babying all of you when he comes back," Jeonghan said happily. "I'm getting better soon so his attention will be shifted elsewhere."

Soonyoung suddenly stepped forward, his scheming face on display.

"Are you sure you don't want Seungcheol hyung's attention all for yourself, Cap?" 

"Soonyoung!" someone from the team reprimanded him but Jeonghan only laughed again.

When Seungcheol came back, Jeonghan did tell him about how the kids were all vying for his attention. He could even see the other volleyball players stealing glances at them, probably checking if Jeonghan stayed true to his word. Seungcheol was laughing by the time Jeonghan finished explaining. He tapped him on the arm and told him he would be right back. 

When he went back to the playing area, Seungcheol had changed his clothes. He was wearing Jeonghan's jersey again. 

Oh no.

"Hyung! You're playing with us?" Mingyu asked, beaming with a huge smile on his face.

"Yeah," Seungcheol said as the players flocked towards him and tried to make teams with him. "It's been a long time since the last one and Jeonghan said I've been neglecting all of you so here we are."

Seokmin turned to Jeonghan who was sitting on one of the benches, looking flustered. "Hey, Cap! Neglecting is too much!"

"Don't mind him," Seungcheol chuckled. "Let's play."

Jeonghan was in trouble. He was sure of that. He was going to see Seungcheol play again. He was wearing his freaking jersey again and it was a bit small on him! Seungcheol even dared to turn around and face him with a wink before he gathered around with the volleyball players. Jeonghan wanted to kiss that smirk off of his face. He knew the effect he had on him.

As usual, Seungcheol was amazing on the court. He really knew how to play well and he matched perfectly with the members who teamed up with him. They huddled around the center every time they scored a point. For once in Jeonghan's life, he was jealous of his teammates, of how they could get to have Seungcheol like this while he was still stuck there with a bad wrist. But still, he couldn't help but be fond of all of them, of how they were treating Seungcheol like he was really part of the team, of how they cared for him like a brother and a comrade.

God, now he felt like tearing up. He just loved them all so much.

The day finished with Seungcheol playing with the team multiple times, all of them with huge smiles on their faces as the last point was scored. After everybody had freshened up, some of the members were clinging to the trainer and chatting with him animatedly. Seungcheol indulged them all, making sure to pay attention to everyone. After a while, the players started going home one by one. Jeonghan and Seungcheol were left alone.

"No dragging to the locker rooms this time?" Seungcheol teased him when everybody had left. Jeonghan slapped him on the arm.

"Let's go home so I can finally make out with you in peace," Jeonghan retorted.

Seungcheol laughed before dragging Jeonghan towards his car. Once inside, Jeonghan was surprised when his boyfriend suddenly pulled him close—careful not to hurt his wrist—and engulfed him in an embrace. The trainer buried his face in Jeonghan's neck, Jeonghan had no choice but to melt because of the sudden affection.

He ran his hand through Seungcheol's hair.

"Baby, are you okay?" 

"I'm so happy. I'm just so happy," Seungcheol gushed. "It's just that your team is so amazing. I'm grateful I got to be a part of it even if it's just like this. I love those kids so much, Jeonghan."

Damn, Jeonghan was really going to cry. This was the first time he heard Seungcheol talk about his team like this and it was making his heart burst with love. 

"They love you, too. I know they do because you are great to them, Cheol. You are the best with them. You always have been."

And Jeonghan just couldn't help himself, he had to kiss Seungcheol right then and there. 

"Thank you for loving them," Jeonghan said as he stared into Seungcheol's eyes. "I literally couldn't ask for anything else."

Seungcheol smiled as he kissed Jeonghan once more. "I love you, too, you know? I love you more."

Jeonghan laughed at that, trying to blink back the tears that he knew were already threatening to fall. Seungcheol knew how to tug at his heartstrings. And he would always love him for that.

—

Jeonghan finally got permission to step inside of the court. There was a skip in his step as they walked towards Seungcheol's car, as they arrived at the training center. He placed a kiss on Seungcheol's cheek before going out of the car so that he could go into the center first.

"Take it easy, baby," Seungcheol told him and Jeonghan nodded eagerly, sending him a flying kiss before going.

Seungcheol could only smile to himself because a cute Jeonghan never failed to make his heart flutter. 

He didn't follow his boyfriend inside of the center. He just dropped Jeonghan off because he still needed to pick up some of the supplies for the team. Once he finished with all of that, he went back to the center and finally went inside. Seungcheol smiled at the familiar sounds of shoes squeaking on the floor and of hands spiking the ball towards the other side of the net.

Seungcheol spotted Jeonghan already wearing his practice uniform, and a warm feeling immediately bloomed inside of the trainer's chest. He loved seeing Jeonghan be in his element. He had always belonged to the court, a volleyball in his hands, looking so confident and determined. 

But there was still a bit of hesitation in Jeonghan's eyes. Seungcheol could see it. He was still unsure if his wrist could handle the movements but he would never know if he wouldn't try. With that, Seungcheol stepped closer to the court to make his presence known, waving hello to the team. The other players greeted him enthusiastically, thanking him again for playing with them yesterday. Seungcheol grinned at them.

Then, he looked at Jeonghan, gave him a reassuring smile, and mouthed a "You can do this" which Jeonghan took in. Now, Seungcheol could see the change in the volleyball player's eyes. He knew he was ready.

Seungcheol sat down on one of the benches, the one with the backrest. He draped his arm over it as he watched the players go back and forth. Jeonghan was starting some drills and the players were quick to follow. From time to time, he could see the setter flexing his wrist and testing his movements. Seungcheol would never stray his eyes from Jeonghan when he did that, making sure that his boyfriend wasn't in pain. He would let out a breath when Jeonghan would start moving again.

A few moments later, Minghao suggested that Jeonghan should now try giving out sets to all of them to see if he could do it. Jeonghan's eyes sparkled at the suggestion so he positioned himself beside the net and waited for a ball to come to him. At first, everything was going well. He delivered a perfect set to Wonwoo and then to Jisoo and then to Chan. Then, he tried to give a slightly different set to Seungkwan to match one of their plays. It didn't come through.

"Sorry!" Jeonghan called. "Can I try it again, Kwan?"

"Sure, Cap! Whenever you're ready."

Jeonghan took a deep breath before signaling Mingyu to throw the ball. Mingyu did. Jeonghan waited for the perfect timing. Then, he set the ball. Seungkwan was able to spike it but Seungcheol knew from where he was sitting that that wasn't the end goal Jeonghan was aiming for.

"I'm gonna have to practice that again. Sorry, Kwannie! Minghao, substitute with me for a while."

Minghao went in to switch with Jeonghan as the captain stepped aside. Seungkwan clapped him on the back and told him that it was alright as he and Jeonghan talked about how they should go about with the play. Seungcheol saw that Jeonghan was slightly massaging his wrist. It must still be affecting him. He rummaged around his belongings and prepared a compress just in case. 

Jeonghan had now pushed his sleeves up to his shoulders, a habit he always had whenever he was in training. He just supported his teammates with the other drills and watched them play some practice games. He never tried to hold the ball again. Seungcheol knew Jeonghan was feeling bad. He still saw Jeonghan cradling his wrist once in a while so he knew he had to do something.

"Jeonghan," he called for him. The other teammates looked at him but he was still staring at Jeonghan. The setter had a sad smile on his lips. "Come sit with me here for a sec."

And Jeonghan followed. He almost looked grateful that Seungcheol called for him. He walked quickly to sit down next to him and Seungcheol was surprised when Jeonghan slotted himself in the crook of the trainer's arm that was still draped over the backrest of the bench. The volleyball player pressed closer to him, not leaving any space between them, and Seungcheol's reflex made him move his body towards Jeonghan to provide comfort.

He gently draped the compress over Jeonghan's wrist that was resting on Seungcheol's thigh.

"I'm useless today," Jeonghan muttered.

"What? No, baby," Seungcheol said softly, only for Jeonghan to hear. "Don't say that. You're not useless. You did good back there."

Jeonghan shook his head and looked at his wrist. "I'm still not in the best condition. I just feel sad."

"Hey, it's okay. That just means you need more time to heal. Look, babe. You still have a few weeks before the season starts. All you need to do is heal comfortably, support your teammates like what you've been doing for the past days, and then come back strong. You're one of the best volleyball players I know. You can get past this. I believe in you."

Jeonghan gave him a grateful smile and he smiled back, hoping that Jeonghan could see how much he believes in him and that he would always be there to support him.

To make his baby feel even better, Seungcheol dipped his head down to press soft kisses on Jeonghan's exposed shoulder. Jeonghan sighed in relief and melted against Seungcheol's side.

And then suddenly, the sound of a ball bouncing on the floor was heard echoing all over the training center.

"Fuck this shit!" Soonyoung screamed. "I was right!"

Oh. They had forgotten that they weren't alone. Both Jeonghan and Seungcheol froze in their seats as they stared at the other volleyball players. The kids all looked like they couldn't believe what they saw except for Jihoon, Jisoo, and Soonyoung.

Soonyoung was clapping his hands excitedly and jumping around on the court because finally, his theory was proven right and his subjects were even the ones who confirmed it.

"Stop it, Soonyoung," Jihoon said but he was laughing, too. 

"Ji, I was right! I had been right all along!" Soonyoung screamed again, walking towards Seungcheol and Jeonghan, and suddenly hugging them. "I hate you two! You guys are so cute!"

Jeonghan only smiled shyly as color started to flood his cheeks, his earlier predicament was forgotten because of Soonyoung's excitement. Seungcheol was trying his best not to laugh. Thank god it was just the players who were here and the coach wasn't. Or else they'd all be in big trouble.

Soon enough, every member of the team was surrounding them. Jeonghan just pressed himself closer to Seungcheol which the members noticed and they were squealing. ("They" pertains to Soonyoung, Seungkwan, Seokmin, and Junhui.)

"Can I ask how long you two have been, uh, dating?" Wonwoo was the first one to ask. This earned him a tease from Soonyoung because he really seemed eager to know the answer.

Jeonghan tapped Seungcheol's knee so that he could be the one to answer.

"7 years."

"Wow, all of Soonyoung's theories were right," Wonwoo muttered. Soonyoung smirked at him.

"And you've kept it a secret because of the management?" Mingyu asked.

"Yeah. We were advised to do so. Sorry, we had to keep it from you, guys."

Seungkwan perked up. "It's the whole team's secret now, hyung. You don't have to act all differently anymore when you're with us. We're all happy for you."

Murmurs of agreement went around the small circle that they've built. The training was forgotten and all the members did was talk to the couple about their relationship. It was also revealed that Jisoo and Jihoon knew about it before everyone else so they all got crazy with that. 

To Seungcheol, it was such a nice moment—talking and sharing with these people with who he treasured so much the memories he had with Jeonghan. 

To Jeonghan, it was all heartwarming how his teammates didn't even question anything and were just happy for them.

Seungcheol and Jeonghan were happy, too. Happier even.

When the coach arrived, he was confused because his team wasn't playing and were all just huddled around together and laughing among themselves. Jeonghan had to break their little bubble and told them to go back to training. As they stood up one by one, they shared small smiles with each other. 

Seungcheol glanced at everyone before sneaking a kiss at Jeonghan's temple. He earned a smile from the volleyball player.

"Thank you," he said. "I feel so much better now."

Seungcheol smiled at him. "It's all thanks to them, too."