Chapter Text
Two of Cups.
Note from the author:
I am not an expert in tarot, I only go by what various pages say. Besides that, the interpretations are each person's own, so clearly these will be shaped to fit the story.
The Seventeen guys don't belong to me, a story by fans for fans.
Chapter 01: Throwing cards.
Those brown orbs filled with curiosity watched as all of their classmates slowly left the practice room. Hansol had always been a perceptive person, however, this all changed about... Two months ago?
Two months ago.
Why? Simple, Xú Minghao was learning to read tarot cards next to a book, leaving the boy who belonged to the HipHop Unit in limbo. Just in the moment after the boy from China gave him his reading.
—I'm not an expert yet..." muttered Minghao stretching his lips to emphasize his words, he seemed to want to add something else.
—But...?
Hansol already knew the tone of voice of his companions when they wanted to add something, unlike him who always speaks with a tone that seemed like he was going to add other words, however, he almost always added a "Nothing more".
—...I know these cards are very good.
The China boy nodded, tapping one of the cards he had taken from his movements with the deck. As if he were a businessman.
—Mh?
That sound from the minor gave Minghao the emphasis to start explaining the cards that were in front of the rapper. In front of both of their eyes were the following cards: Judgment, Wheel of Fortune, Temperance, Lovers and the Two of Cups. In that order.
—Let's see, the first two reflect your past; judgment and the wheel of fortune. I think it speaks of job development... I'm sure you've seen it reflected in your bank account.
The rapper flashed an innocent smile and nodded, biting his lower lip. Although that was something all the Seventeen boys had achieved due to their efforts and recognition.
—I think I understand the middle card?
The taller one flashed a smile. He understood and was happy that his partner finally felt reassured. Many times she had the impression that he was worried about how to better develop his skills, or how to perform better with others. However, it seemed that was no longer an issue for Chwe Hansol.
Now the tarotist's fingers went to the last two cards.
—What do you think about this card?— when MInghao asked, he flashed a mischievous smile—Is there something you want to say...?
—What do you mean, hyung?
The future tarotist rolled his eyes.
—The lovers.
Hansol gave no sign with his expression.
—Love.
For his friends and family, clearly. He cocked his head to one side and shrugged.
—Guys...!
At that moment into the dorm room came DK, Seungkwan, Seungheol and Dino with a few bags. The leader had taken them to the supermarket.
—We bring alcohol...!— the leader said in a high tone of voice, smiling.
—We're celebrating something?— Jeonghan appeared next to Joshua from the stairs.
Minghao looked at Hansol and shrugged his arms. He bowed in front of him and whispered, "You can ask me later."
—What are you doing, what are you doing?—the youngest of the group appeared with his curious tone, handing them both a chocolate bar.
—Woah, thanks, Dino—Hansol thanked with a friendly smile and proceeded to open the treat.
Minghao looked at Chan, who leaned over and pointed to the chocolate bar he had given the Chinese boy.
—It's a matcha and nut flavored chocolate bar—the maknae added.
—Really? Wah...!
Xú Minghao showed an excited expression as he heard the ingredients. Vernon had gotten up to go see the other boys, but before leaving he broke the chocolate to offer some to the youngest.
—Huh...? Do you want to give me some...?—Lee Chan looked at him curiously. Hansol insisted without taking the candy from the front.
With a small smile the child took a bite and the rapper left him next to the dancer of the group. Who at no time stopped looking at the two boys.
—Were you summoning spirits, hyung?
Dino's question made the older boy laugh. He shook his head and reached for the deck of cards, but stopped short. An idea came into his head and he looked at the younger man.
—Do you want me to read the cards for you?
—Can you read the cards? —Dino raised his eyebrows in surprise.
—Of course I can!
Proudly the taller boy began to shuffle. But he couldn't accomplish much, some hands had been placed over his own. The dancer looked up to find a small Lee Chan shaking his head.
—Really…?—Now the tone Minghao used had a mixture of concern and surprise.
The younger boy nodded and showed a rather tense smile. Without further ado Dino stood up, bowed and went upstairs to his bedroom.
The afternoon passed while the older ones were preparing some pork on the electric grill, those who weren't cooking were drinking, singing or playing games. Everyone shared as they did when they had nothing left to do but keep on schedule, and when they didn't want to sleep anymore of course.
—WOH, DINO...! You're already drinking...! — Seungcheol pointed at him laughing as he used to do when he was excited.
—I can't resist the Soju, we are destined-Dino smiled with slightly flushed cheeks.
—Cheers ....!—Mingyu shouted next to the grill. So whoever had something in his hand drank.
-When we're drinking, Vernon, Woozi and Joshua are always the shyest to start-Seungkwan said crossing one leg while drinking some soju.
—Don't name me today-Jihoon said, raising a beer he had in his hand—I'm done with the preparations for the upcoming comeback, so I can rest.
—I'm excited to know…— Hansol commented, but the Seventeen producer shook his head.
—When it's time for you and the others to help me with the rap, you'll know.
And so the time went by until the night came. The food, the smell of alcohol, the confidence and the laughter of the thirteen guys created a feeling that counteracted the January chill on the streets of Seoul.
—Ah... I think I drank too early again—Hoshi sighed, sitting down on the couch.
—Do you feel well…?— Dino asked next to the tiger boy.
The dancer closed his eyes and shook his head.
—Sooyoung, it's time to go to bed—Jeonghan said with a laugh.
—Let me get some rest…— the elder grumbled and leaned on the shoulder of the group's mother.
—He's going to fall asleep…—Dino commented with a small laugh.
—I brought food…—Hansol said, appearing with a few salty snacks.
—Oh, that, Hoshi hyung should eat— Dino said, turning to look at his companion, but he had already fallen asleep.
—I expected that.
Jeonghan sighed and took out his phone to start taking pictures of the tiger boy dozing on his shoulder.
—Do you want something to eat?
Hansol asked Dino, who raised his eyebrows with a small smile and nodded as he took his place beside him. In front of them, Minghao who was talking to Jun watched them out of the corner of his eye.
—Are you feeling okay?— Jun asked his roommate.
—Oh, yes, I just feel that the soju has affected me a little…— Minghao muttered and pursed his lips.
—Oh, oh, I'll go get some food, I'll be right back…—the boy who also hailed from China got up, going for some meat to where the others were laughing their heads off watching Seungkwan and Dokyeom.
The chinese dancer settled back to watch the scene in front of him, not really caring what the guys thought. Most of them were drunk out of their minds.
—Can you even take a potato chip right without breaking it?— Vernon had that big grin that appeared when he was having fun.
—Oh, don't bother...! I can barely move my hands well—Chan complained laughing, lowered his head and when he raised it he closed his eyes and opened his mouth.
—What?
—Give it to me, or I'll starve to death—Dino said with a capricious tone with his eyes closed.
—You won't die of hunger…—Hansol laughed and brought one of the french fries closer to place it on the child's lips.
At that moment Minghao could see it. The American's expression, his lips parted as he played at not giving the potato to the youngest, was the same as Dino's.
—Yah, Hansol Vernon Chwe!— Dino howled with laughter, opened his eyes and grabbed his friend's wrist to finally get the potato in his mouth.
—You never said please, so I wasn't going to give it to you.
—Huh? If I ask you to please, will you always agree?—Chan let out a laugh and messed up the taller man's hair.
—Food...!
Wen Jun Hui interrupted Minghao's spectator role at that moment by leaving a plate of meat on his lap.
—A-Ah...! T-Thank you...!—Minghao said somewhat surprised, now his friend was blocking the whole visual of his hunch—T-Take a seat...!
—W-Wait, I have something else in my pocket…—the sleepy-eyed boy pulled out some spicy snacks, he had a happy and friendly drunken smile on his face.
When Minghao finally got his friend to sit down, the next thing he saw was Dino resting on Hansol's shoulder, the latter gently patting his thighs. However, although everything seemed perfect, complete and calm... it was the American boy himself who broke that scene.
—I'll go talk to Wonwoo hyung, you make sure you eat, okay? I don't want you to end up like Hoshi-hyung.
Minghao saw the younger man's expression crack and pull himself together in a split second. Seeing thus a Lee Chan who kept nodding even when his friend was gone.
The minor picked up a French fry, took barely a bite and went for the bottle of beer in front of him on the table.
He understood it all, completely. It was all in the way Dino sought contact with the rapper, how he cared about him, how he smiled at him or how he joked with him. It wasn't enough, though... and he knew the problem wasn't Dino, it was Vernon.
A month ago.
Days passed, and the group prepared their return to perform in Japan and on their music shows. The video was released, the meetings with parties were over, they would be back when they finished promoting. Soon the performances would come.
—Hi, we are Seventeen...!
The guys did their typical greeting in front of the cameras and the interview began.
Everyone is always responding with their different shades and personalities. Some more cheerful, others more serious, but all with the same thought: to succeed.
The interviewer was a Japanese woman who looked young, she was a pretty woman with straight hair and without much makeup. Something not very common in Japan, since they usually wear more make-up than usual.
—What are your plans once you are no longer together?—the woman asked.
—Invite them to my wedding—-Dokyeom said with a huge smile and small eyes.
—As if anyone would marry you— Seungkwan laughed. Everyone laughed too.
—Have they thought about marriage?—the presenter looked surprised, some made confused expressions, some denied and some just nodded.
—It's something that has to happen eventually— Mingyu said with a shrug.
—Do any of you have a girlfriend?
At that question they all shook their heads and laughed. The presenter joined them laughing and took her papers to look at the youngest of the group.
—Dino, right? You are the maknae, however, when you wear makeup you show a different, even bigger presence... Have you received any message from any girl who wants to start dating you...?
Lee Chan tilted his head to one side and clicked his tongue.
—Should I feel bad that I don't have time to look for a girlfriend or that I just don't get any of those messages?
The others laughed, and next the interviewer went for Vernon.
—Most would think Hansol has a partner.
They all laughed in denial.
—When you see him... you think, "Oh, he's so handsome, he must have a girlfriend....” —Hoshi started laughing.
—But then you meet him and say "May a miracle happen and he'll have a girlfriend someday”—Seungkwan added.
—We hope so for you too, hyung— Dino attacked with a smile.
Again everyone laughed and when the volume of laughter subsided the interviewer focused on Vernon. Who hadn't even been able to say anything.
—The truth... right now it's not something I have in mind, because of the group, my own projects and because I just feel at ease like this…— Hansol smiled.
—Oh, I see, but if you could pick somebody…— she said.
—Are you interested in Vernon, Miss?—Jeonghan asked with the greatest sympathy in the world.
Everyone laughed and the presenter covered her face in embarrassment. When the interview was over, the same woman approached the American rapper with a small smile.
—There she goes…— Jeonghan folded his arms. A few feet away.
—Even though you spotted her, you didn't manage to stop her…—Joshua said as he drank from the water bottle.
—Has Hansol had any girlfriends or girls lately?— Hoshi asked with a cocked head.
—Why do you say that?—Jeonghan was curious.
—I've seen him happier or talkative .... maybe something puts him in a good mood. Oh yes, Dino, you spend a lot of time with him, have you heard if he has a girlfriend...?
The younger boy was staring at the boy who was now bowing in front of the Japanese girl. Hoshi came up behind the younger boy and leaned on his shoulder.
—Do you know if he has any relationship with any girl or...any guy?— the dancer asked in a honeyed tone and Dino jumped at the word "any guy".
—Oh, hyung...! You scared me...!—Lee Chan looked down and turned his face away from the others.
—But I was already talking to you...! Now tell me, is there any relation or...?
—What a Casanova...!— Dk joined in as he saw Vernon approaching with a somewhat stiff smile.
—It's just... wah, I really get nervous when someone gives me their number— the American sighed.
—If you don't want it, I want it—-Dk winked.
—Ten, you dropped it—Seungkwan mimed, dropping his friend's dignity.
Minghao could only look at the one person who didn't have a happy expression on his face. And that person disappeared in the direction of the building's restrooms.
"The Magician, the Ace of Spades, nine of clubs, the lovers and the two of cups."
That's what the amateur tarotist got the time he received a message in the wee hours of the morning from Chan, who had contacted him via Kakaotalk. However, no sooner had the novice had his reading ready than a panicked message arrived, from his friend, who begged him not to read anything to him.
"Nine of Wands in the present: You will receive support from a friend or loved one to overcome a challenge you are facing."
Minghao really felt as if he was the person who could help Dino. The cards told him that he would be happy, because his surprised face when he saw that he had exactly the two cards that Vernon had in the same position was masterful.
The dancer followed his sub-unit mate into the bathroom. He paused in the doorway, pursing his lips and standing erect.
He knew it wasn't right to tell him "The cards have told me you'll do well, do it", he knew that if he said that it might happen that if things didn't work out somehow or other, it would be his fault. He waited, being attentive to his friend's steps.
He knew he couldn't tell him that he understood everything, that he couldn't mention how he saw the rapper, how he cared about him, how he hugged him at night in the moments they had the chance to sleep near each other and how they just laughed.
The sound of water running from the faucet was heard, the Chinese man glanced sideways inside to find Dino letting out a sigh in front of the mirror. Minghao turned to see where his companions were, they were beginning to put on their jackets to leave.
—Myeongho, Dino...! We're leaving...!—Seungcheol raised his voice.
—Oh, hyung...
Minghao saw the expression on his friend's face, and without further ado threw his arm over his friend's shoulder, hugging him in that way. Inviting Chan to walk over to where the others were.
With the word "confusion" on his face, Lee Chan nodded following the taller one.
That day, after the bitter moment the maknae surely had, the Chinese man invited him to eat spicy food. That situation and those feelings vanished in a plate of lip-swelling food.
Presently.
Hansol saw how almost everyone had left the practice room. Only he and Minghao remained.
—What's wrong?" the dancer asked.
—Are you sure my cards were really all right?
The American's question made the novice tarotist smile.
—Is there anything you want to ask...? In particular, not in broad strokes.
Vernon looked out, checking that no one was around, nodded and ran to stand in front of The 8, beside which was his bag.
Minghao was shuffling and shuffling the cards while Vernon was watching him carefully.
—I don't know what to ask, really.
—Physical appearance?
—Can you do that?
Hansol's eyes widened like saucers, as if he were a child at a fair or carnival at the sight of a magician.
Minghao smiled when he saw that innocent expression on his face, he continued with his maneuvers until two cards managed to fall.
—Huh…—the American exclaimed dryly when he saw one of the cards that had fallen uncovered.
—Oh... let's see, we have the Knight of Golds and the Magician. In physical appearance... he is said to be someone young and attractive. His person can be said to be someone trustworthy, loyal, honorable, ambitious... that, you are probably someone with these qualities as well.
—O-Oh...I see...-Hansol nodded, looking at the cards in front of him. His lips were pursed, as if he wanted to probe further.
Minghao could sense his desire to ask more, his desire to know more about the next stage that would be their future. He could feel the urge to say it, so he looked up as his long fingers grasped “The Magician” card.
—Did I mention that The Magician means “Young and attractive guy”?
While that rookie tarot reader smiled, Hansol had forgotten how to breathe.