Work Text:
Xiao Zhan did not expect to see four youngsters when he opened their shared apartment. He thought that his lover may have something for him, as a surprise prepared for him before he left the country to go back to China to visit his family, pay respect and finally meet Xiao Zhan’s parents for the first time since their relationship was revealed.
“Hello Zhan-hyung! We came here to hang-out!” Sungjoo announced as he pushed his way inside the apartment. Entranced by their presence, Xiao Zhan couldn’t reply and just paved the way for them to enter. Li Wenhan greeted the older man, next was Zhou Yixuan bowing in respect for invading their home. Lastly, was Yibo’s Leo-twin; Cho Seungyeon. “Sorry for the intrusion, Zhan-hyung. We were given a week of day-off. These three decided that it would be best to come here."
"And also to be your support system since Wang-Laoshi isn’t here,” Sungjoo added, which irked Xiao Zhan’s annoyance. They didn’t really need to rub on his face that his lover wasn’t with him for two weeks and he already misses him. When they were all inside, Xiao Zhan closed the door and came back to his living room.
But first! He went to the studio room, closing its door so that no one could enter. He didn’t want anyone to snoop around in his studio. Even Wang Yibo wasn’t allowed to enter unless he gave him permission or if he would sometimes ask him to bring his eyeglasses towards his client’s meeting place because he — okay he always forgets his eyeglasses, sheesh, sorry for being an old man!
Xiao Zhan made a u-turn first in his kitchen, to see if he had enough to feed five people for dinner. Turns out that he didn’t have enough so he might need to make an unplanned trip to the nearest convenience store to buy food. He hopes that Sungjoo and the others wouldn’t mind instant noodles. Xiao Zhan grabbed his phone and texted his lover.
Zhanzhan: the kids are here in our apartment, they say that YH gave them a week’s day-off.
Yibo baobei: tf? why didn’t the mngmt told me about this? anyway, if they annoy u, ill face-time them to get out.
already here in Luoyang to visit Mom and Dad.
will stay with them for 3 days then go to Chongqing to meet your parents.
Zhanzhan: will contact Ma and Pa about your arrival. I’ll give them a call when ure there already.
miss you already
Yibo baobei: miss u too, baobei.
ig it’s a good thing that they’re there in case u need some company.
Zhanzhan: baobei, u know work is already making me occupied
Yibo baobei: i know, i know, that’s why its a good thing as well they’re there
can call them to check up on you
Zhanzhan: hmmmftt!! (insert pout emoji)
Yibo baobei: baobei, stop being so cute when im not der.
i might book the nearest flight i can to come back to Korea and kiss u.
Zhanzhan: dont u dare 😤
Yibo baobei: awwww ure so cute when u pout 😘😘😘
Zhanzhan: Wang Yibo!!!
Yibo baobei: gtg ttyl!
luv u ❤️❤️❤️
"This punk." Xiao Zhan muttered cursing his fiance for being such a gremlin but at the same time, he also misses him. He's just not going to admit it for now. He checked his watch; it was almost dinnertime and decided to call it a day for his work and will just continue doing the final touches of the magazine. His eyes were already straining from being with the computer for so long. He went back towards his studio to turn off his computer and lock-up.
It's not like he doesn't trust the boys for honoring his pleas not to snoop but they were boys. And boys will be boys, Xiao Zhan thought as he went back to their shared bedroom and got his wallet and phone. He asked the boys about him going out to get food and asked if they wanted anything else. "Ramyeon please!" Sunjoo and Wenhan said in unison then turned towards their Yixuan-hyung. "Ramyeon does sound good," he added, agreeing with Sungjoo that for once, he suggested something everyone would agree on. Xiao Zhan rolled his eyes then went his gaze towards Seungyeon.
"Seungyeon?" he asked. Calling his presence, he apologized for spacing and agreed aa well with the Ramyeon suggestion. Xiao Zhan nodded and indeed, a spicy ramyeon is kinda good on this cold night. He was about to leave his apartment when he heard a set of feet coming towards him. It was Seungyeon. "You don't mind some company, hyung? " Xiao Zhan didn’t mind. This can also be a good way to have good relationships with the boys as well.
Being their temporary dance instructor for 2 days wasn’t really much. Him meeting them when he’s fetching his fiance doesn’t count as well. The two of them bid farewell to the remaining UNIQ members, with strict instructions not to snoop around his studio room. No one would since he locked the door but they can be “sneaky little bastards” . Yibo’s words, not his. As they walked towards the nightly streetly, Xiao Zhan actually had time to examine Seungyeon.
He wasn't the talkative type of person, he preferred the quiet atmosphere. When Yibo would talk about the boys, he would always mention Seungyeon first, telling him that he's the first to memorize the dance steps he teaches. Yibo probably thinks it's because they were born on the same day and age that's why and he quote; "Leos are best at everything!" end of quote. Walking side by side, Xiao Zhan could understand why his fiance’s twin would be the same non-talkative type of person like his Yibo was when they first met.
Lighting up the mood and making the atmosphere soften up in hopes that this will actually make him and Seungyeon get close. He actually wanted all of them boys to get close since they will be a part of their lives for quite a long time. And Yibo — although he doesn't admit but he cares and worry about these boys that he taught (don’t tell Yibo ‘coz it will make him uncool in the eyes of others)
This reminds of the time Yibo first laid his eyes on him and told him his infatuation.
Gangnam-gu, South Korea
It’s been 2 years since Xiao Zhan was transferred from Chongqing, China to Gangnam-gu, South Korea. His advertising company assigned Xiao Zhan to be the Art Director from an entertainment agency owned by them since they lacked another Art Director. Xiao Zhan didn’t — or didn’t actually want to take the position and be far-away from his family but he was pushed by his colleagues and fellow employees about how he’s going to be an efficient Art Director based on his experiences as a Senior Graphic Designer.
Even his boss urged him to take the job saying that Xiao Zhan needs to find another muse and a new change of scenery.
“Who knows, you might meet your crush on the way, uh… what was his name again? Ow...Sii..Se...”
“Oh Sehun.”
“Yeah! That’s right you can meet him since it’s an idol company that you’ll be working on.” Everyone probably knows his big fat crush towards EXO's maknae; Oh Sehun. He, himself didn't know how his fellow colleagues found out but it was the one thing that he is embarrassed but will never deny that Sehun was definitely one or possibly the only one that Xiao Zhan liked.
He never knew that he would definitely liked EXO or even stan a Korean boy group whom he himself is having trouble memorizing the lyrics because of language barriers but that didn't stop him not to check every now and then the maknae and group’s twitter account (thank goodness for VPN and to the people who made it, he can actually access forbidden apps outside China but with its complications to boot!). He is always updated on news about them, or if one of the members would release singles, album teasers, etc, etc. “Please, Xiao Zhan.” persuading Xiao Zhan by his boss to accept the transfer.
There are perks in this transfer, Xiao Zhan can’t deny but...
“Is it really okay? I mean, for me to get this position?
There’s a lot of people who are much more fit, like Nie Huaisang, or Zhu Zanjin! Even Li Haikuan fits the criteria. I don’t think I can meet your expectations, boss.” He wasn’t really confident about changing to another environment, let alone to come to another country where language would be something he has trouble learning. "Nonsense my boy! I chose you because you're perfect and I know that you're not going to let me down but if you really don't like it, I understand.
I won't force you to do something that you really don't like but just try it. 6 months, Zhanzhan in Korea and if you really don't like it. I'll send Zhu Zanjin, instead. Deal?"
Boss sure knows how to make a hard bargain, he thought but he really did want to go to Korea.
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So here he is now, after 2 years of staying and actually migrating as a Korean citizen. Xiao Zhan didn't know that he would definitely like the place. It was very different from China and being from Chongqing; Xiao Zhan finally got to experience winter and snow!
It's almost winter time in Korea for Xiao Zhan and is still having the blues from the hot summer he once grew up with. His Korean was getting better and much more fluent but he could sometimes speak Chinese when he's frustrated with work. The most that he probably is confident and proud of was that he actually got to meet and saw in flesh and blood Oh Sehun in an EXO concert that was announced, Xiao Zhan actually stayed up all night to secure a VIP ticket.
When their twitter account announced that there's only 5,000 tickets Xiao Zhan alarmed his phone, checking their twitter every now and then just to see if they've already dropped the details. It was a long and a hard war but he persevered and secured his own with meet and greet with the members themselves!
And thus, he got a limited edition album with Sehun’s personal signature (inner fanboy Xiao Zhan screams inside). He blurted like a giant mess the words “Hello, Sehunnie. I am one of your fans from China. I hope you continue to flourish. Saranghaeyo EXO, fighting!” Said EXO member just smiled flashing towards Xiao Zhan that made him melt.
Oh god, Xiao Zhan you sneek! Internally scolding himself. “Thank you so much for your support. I hope to see you more in our future events and to make you proud. Xiexie!”
That was the best experience that he had received after living here in Korea.
After that, his company announced that they’ll be announcing and debuting their “own” boy group. Xiao Zhan being the art director had trouble coming up with the concept and theme of the boy group. The CEO only dropped “group name” and “will be consisting of Chinese and Korean members”.
His creative juices were not working.
Xiao Zhan is almost on the verge to quit because really, there was nothing! No designs or even a slightest idea on what would be the theme, color scheme, little background, nada. The art director just sighed in frustration. He didn’t want this kind of atmosphere when he was doing his work so decided to take a quick detour to the nearest convenient store to grab some snacks when he noticed the dance hall’s lights were open. “That’s weird.” Saying to himself because supposedly, no one should be in the building except for the housekeeping employees. Were they cleaning the dance hall? And why was it so late? Curious, Xiao Zhan went towards the dance hall and from there he saw a young man dancing. He was wearing tank tee, baggy shorts, his hair was bleached blonde with a short ponytail.
He couldn’t see the man’s face because he was moving all over the place but one thing for sure is that Xiao Zhan was mesmerized by the young man’s movement and was so occupied that he didn’t realize that he was watching for a long time. Lost in thought and Xiao Zhan snapped out of his daydreaming. “I’m sorry for sneaking and watching you practice.
I didn’t know that there would still be people practicing.” He apologized for disturbing him and supposedly will part ways until the young man spoke and turned.
Wow. He was lost with words because he couldn’t describe the beauty and the face of the person in front of him. If he could describe who is the most handsome man between the young man and Oh Sehun, although it breaks Xiao Zhan’s heart (so sorry Sehunnie) but this young man would win in a heartbeat. He didn’t know how long he was staring at the young man. “Sorry.” in Korean but the man didn’t respond.
“English?” No answer as well.
“Uh… Sorry?” in his Chongqing accent.
Said younger man was startled. “Chinese?” Xiao Zhan nodded. He must be one of those trainees for the upcoming boy group that they’re announcing. Examining the young man, he couldn’t help but get worried. Xiao Zhan asked for the man’s age and was shocked that the man — a kid, not to boot — is only seventeen years old and is alone here in Korea. He was baby-faced but he was built, Xiao Zhan was gonna lie. He apologized again for interrupting his dance practice and was on his way when he heard the kid scream; “Wait!” He turned and now the kid was looking intently at him. The kid was asking for his name. “Xiao Zhan. Anyways, if you’re done using the room please turn off the lights.
Have a great evening.
Fighting!”
“We’re back!” putting away their outdoor shoes. Their hands full, bags containing junk foods, drinks, beer, etc. on what teenage boys like. Xiao Zhan was sure that their era was not the same from what he had. In his teenage years, he only liked books, art materials, sketchbooks, more art materials, and so on, and so forth.
The two went straight to the kitchen to put the groceries. Seungyeon then excused himself to check on his fellow bandmates. Xiao Zhan nodded saying he’ll just prepare their dinner while they can snoop some more into their home.
Seungyeon went to the living room with the three of them bundled up together. “What are you guys doing?” he asked. Sungjoo turned and saw Seungyeon. “Welcome back,'Youn!” He greeted the young maknae then showed a photo album with lots of pictures of a child and assumed that was the photo album of Xiao Zhan-hyung in his childhood days. The photos were already discolored from being kept, plus it was a shot from a polaroid camera based on the photo style. The three pointed to Seungyoun - a child who's cheeks were so chubby that they wanted to pinch them cutely and wearing a yellow onesie with an expression that he was actually smiling at the camera.
The small dot below the lip was a giveaway that he was their Zhan-hyung. "Look at Zhan-hyung. He is such an adorable baby aiyah!!!
I just want to pinch those cute and chubby cheeks!" Sungjoo confessed while still looking at the photo of their Zhan-hyung. Seungyeon just rolled his eyes in annoyance while Wenhan and Yixuan (still have the poker face) agreed, regrettably complaining why their Zhan-hyung lived earlier than them. Seungyoun decided to join them, skimming through photos and photos of Xiao Zhan.
There were a lot of his childhood photos scattered across different places of the house. There were some Chinese that were written in the photos indicating these are probably owned by Xiao Zhan's family because the penmanship was different from their Zhan-hyung, they know his writing and from the base of style, this was more feminine. Probably his Mom? The four of them were still awestruck from all the baby photos of their hyung until they heard Zhan-hyung calling their name saying that dinner was ready. They put away the photo albums back in the drawer and walked towards the dining area.
It was already set-up; the utensils, plates, napkins, and even the food were already in place. They were a bit ashamed that Xiao Zhan had already finished preparing for dinner while they were busy goofing off and looking at his baby pictures. "We're sorry, Zhan-hyung." They all said in unison that Xiao Zhan didn't mind at all and just laughed. He told them to have a seat so they could have their dinner and sit.
“Zhan-hyung, can’t you tell us how Wang-Laoshi and you met?”
An innocent question asked by Sungjoo. The UNIQ members were given a whole week of a day-off and what better way to kill time than to visit the Wang-Xiao household. It was a good thing that Wang Yibo, his fiance of 2 years already, and the boy group’s dance choreographer since their training days were sent to China to visit his parents.
And also visit Xiao Zhan’s parents on his behalf. He couldn’t come to China with him because he had a lot of backlogs and client meetings to be met. So being with four youngsters wasn’t really so bad. “Hmm... where to begin though?”