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Sunoo pouted. He knew exactly what he wanted to ask his members, but his thoughts once again got the best of him, leading him to overthink everything. What if his members hadn’t been sincere in their apology after all and were just saying things for the sake of them? What if they didn’t actually want to mend their relationship with Sunoo? He knew better than to just trust whatever people said sometimes.
But even if it was the other way around- Let’s say they actually did want to meet Sunoo halfway and fix their bond with him. That would be nice, right? But nowhere would that mean that they would also agree to Sunoo’s plan of joining him and Yeonjun for lunch later. That was a bit much for the beginning wasn’t it?
But the thing was, the boys of TXT were now a huge part of Sunoo’s life, if his members liked it or not. And he would spend time with them with or without the others joining. So really, wasn’t it just up to them if they wanted to join?
Sunoo would ask them. He could do it. He probably would be very disappointed if they turned him down, but there was only one way to find out.
“Hyung.” He tapped Jay’s shoulder a bit hesitantly. If there was someone he would go to in this case, it would definitely be Jay.
Said boy turned around, eyes widening at the sight of Sunoo. “Oh, Sunoo! What is it? How can I help you?” And it was the way he smiled at Sunoo a bit too widely, resulting in it looking somewhat strained, which told Sunoo that Jay was still upset about everything that had happened.
Even though he had told Jay that there was no reason for him to feel regretful or sad about anything since he had always felt safe and listened to with that particular boy, the other did not accept that. Sunoo thought it was something personal Jay had to battle with at this point, he had done everything he could think of to lessen the guilt for Jay.
Maybe it was because he himself found faults in the way he dealt and interacted with Sunoo. Maybe he was just a bit disappointed in himself, and there was nothing Sunoo could do against that.
“Uhm, I wanted to ask you something?” He smiled crookedly, his cheeks blushing the tiniest bit. Jay nodded understandingly, encouraging the younger to continue whatever he wanted to share. He would be listening.
“So, I was gonna head out for lunch later with Yeonjun hyung and the others.” He started and Jay’s smile faltered a bit. However, sunoo didn’t notice, so he continued talking. “And I double checked with them, and they wouldn’t mind you guys coming along.”
“So, you’re inviting us to join you at lunch with Tomorrow by Together sunbaenim?” Jay had to make sure. Sunoo nodded enthusiastically.
“Yes! I know you guys might not want to, but I wanted to at least make an effort of acquainting y’all with each other, since both groups mean a lot to me, you know?” Sun’s brows were furrowed in concern and hesitation, and Jay only hummed, looking sunken in thought.
He snapped out of it shortly after. “I see. Thank you for thinking about us, Sunoo. I’d love to join, and I think the others would too. I’ll just have to ask them first. When would we go anyways?”
Sunoo smiled very brightly at that, feeling his stomach erupt in an intensively warm feeling. They would join him? “Oh! It’s about nine am right now, and the scheduled lunch date would be at one pm. So we still have a lot of time left.”
And Jay suddenly realized how much he missed having such a bright smile directed to him. It had been ages since Sunoo had gotten excited around him, he couldn’t even remember the last time. It made his stomach tighten once again, he himself overcome by guilt. No matter what Sunoo said, even Jay had neglected him, though maybe not as obviously as the others.
There was a difference in the way he acted around Jungwon and Riki, and the way he acted around Sunoo. He tended to forget that Sunoo was also a member of the maknae line, even though he had matured a lot in the last years.
Matured to the point of even having a boyfriend…
Jay shook his head, not willing to let jealousy cloud over his mind once more. He had been through that more than enough recently. “That sounds great. I’ll tell the others, okay?” He looked Sunoo in the eyes, his own eyes softening at the sight of a happy Sunoo. His whisker dimples were visible too. Jay really wanted to reach out and hold the younger’s soft cheeks in his palms.
But he knew he couldn’t. So he hummed, turned around and headed for Heeseung’s room, where he knew the others had gathered. They were doing whatever, while Heeseung and Ni-ki were playing computer games. However they all turned around to him when he came through the door.
Jungwon and Jake visibly deflated after seeing him. “Aw man, I thought you were Sunoo-ya.” The older said, not able to hold the disappointment out of his voice. Jay faltered, not knowing how to feel about that.
“Sorry to disappoint..?” He asked, confused with everything.
“You better be.” Jungwon muttered from where he sat curled up under Heeseung’s blankets. Jay only rolled his eyes at that.
“I am here because of Sunoo though.” He declared, and at that they all turned around to look at him properly.
Sunghoon immediately jumped to the worst conclusions. “What do you mean? Did something happen to him? Was it that Yeonjun guy? Did he hurt Sun? I swear to god, I knew that fucker-“
“Shut up, Hoon!” Jay interrupted, irritation visible on his features. “Just shut up and listen for a second, will you.” And it wasn’t a question. Sunghoon pouted and leaned back in his seat.
“He asked me a few minutes ago, sounding very hesitant and conscious mind you, if you guys would be willing to join him and Tomorrow by Together sunbaenim at lunch later on.”
The others blinked, not wanting to believe their ears. They had always wanted to join Sunoo for lunch, since the younger quite literally just dipped around lunchtime for a few hours straight doing god knows what. They hadn’t had lunch with Sunoo for a long time now. But they had also been hesitant to ask, not wanting to overstep the boundaries.
They knew everything was still shaky as of now, and they’d hate to ruin it for Sunoo and themselves.
“Are you kidding me? Of course we’re joining!” Jake exclaimed happily, jumping up and down a bit. He smiled widely, already thinking about what he’d wear when they left.
“Hell yeah! Count me in too!” Riki yelled, partly because of excitement and partly because he just killed Heeseung in the game. Heeseung wailed in retaliation.
“No but jokes apart. I’m okay with it, as long as Sunoo is.” Sunghoon explained.
“Well, since the original idea came from him, I’d say he’s very much okay with it.” Jay shrugged, and the others nodded.
“So, when are we leaving?” Jungwon asked, not having digested all of that information just yet. He’d get to spend some time with Sunoo again outside of practice? He must’ve been a saint in his past life…
“He said they scheduled the hangout for one pm, so we’re gonna leave at sometime past twelve.” Jay explained for the others, and they nodded.
“Did he also tell you what type of restaurant we’re going to? As in, dress code and such?” Jungwon asked, entering full leader mode. But Jay only shook his head, having forgotten about that part himself.
“Don’t worry, I’ll ask him real quick!” Riki jumped out of his seat and ran out of the room faster than the others could comprehend. Heeseung stared a bit dumbly, since they had still been mid game actually.
“This kid, really…” he sighed.
Riki rounded the corner to their dining area, where he suspected sunoo to be at, and lo and behold- Sunoo sat all alone at their table, occupied with his phone. Riki was momentarily flooded with pity and sympathy at the sight of Sunoo sitting all alone even though they were seven members.
“Hyuuuung.” He whined, before he let himself drop into the seat next to Sunoo. Said boy blinked, before he perceived Riki, and turned to the youngest. A fond smile immediately graced his features at the sight of their maknae, and Riki pouted even more, not knowing how to handle such a cute and caring hyung.
“Riki-Chan, what is it?” Sunoo asked, immediately worrying after seeing Riki’s facial expression. Did the maknae not want to join him and the others for lunch and felt bad because of it?
“Is this about lunch?” He asked carefully and Riki nodded. Sunoo sighed. “It’s okay if you don’t want to join me, and there’s no need to feel bad about it, hm? There will always be other opportunities, don’t worry.” Sunoo ruffled Riki’s hair and Riki basked in it. Sunoo didn’t initiate skinship a lot, but he had a bonus, because he was the maknae. He also didn’t really like being babied, but when it came to Sunoo he didn’t mind.
He was really torn between letting himself be taken care of by sunoo and clearing up the mistake of him not joining, because right now- hell, he wanted the touches to last forever.
“Yah, Riki what are you doing!” Came Jungwon’s voice from behind him, and the maknae tensed. The leader sounded angry. “What’s all of this, why haven’t you asked hyung about the dress code!”
Riki flushed and ducked, wanting to hide from the scolding. Sunoo caught on and laughed. “Aigooo, is Riki getting shy?” He teased the youngest a bit, laughing more at the way Riki blushed.
“Hyung, I’m sorry he’s stupid. He was supposed to ask you about the type of restaurant we’re visiting and if we have to wear fancy clothes or not.” Jungwon massaged his temples and Sunoo chuckled, Riki’s head still nestled on Sunoo’s lap. He was playing with the strands of Ni-ki’ hair, too.
“Well, I don’t know. It is a restaurant with top security after all, since we’re idols. But I wouldn’t say you guys have to go all out and wear suits or so. Something nice would be enough, just in case we meet some fans or fan sites.”
“Okay, I understand, hyung. And thank you for inviting us.” Jungwon bowed briefly, though Sunoo waved it off. There was no reason and no need for the younger to thank him for anything.
Jungwon came a bit closer and started pulling Ni-ki off their hyung. “You idiot, let go of him!”
But Riki had planned on enjoying their previous position a little bit longer. At least five more minutes. “Leave me alone! Hyung, help me!”
The two maknaes started squabbling around and it made Sunoo snort. They were so adorable to him.
“Leave Sunoo hyung alone, he doesn’t want your dumb ass all over him!” Jungwon slapped Riki’s hands off him, and the taller flushed completely red at that. He lunged forwards, intending to pull at Jungown’s hair.
“Who are you calling a dumbass, dumbass! Leave me and Sunoo hyung alone, we were having a moment!”
Jungwon laughed and Sunoo did too. “Yeah right, a moment. You’re delusional. Leave hyung alone.”
“Guys, it’s okay. Stop fighting.” Sunoo spoke, not able to hold back the smile. They really entertained him a lot.
“But-“ Riki started, just as Sunoo’s phone rang. Sunoo immediately flushed upon seeing who was calling and disregarded his members. He picked up the phone call and left the dining area, searching his shared room for more privacy.
“Junie hyung, how are you?” He spoke, cheeks completely red. His stomach was feeling all light and jittery, as if there were butterflies in it. Him and Yeonjun had texted already earlier this morning, but this would be the first time he’d hear his boyfriend's voice for the day.
Jungwon and Ni-ki stared dumbfoundedly after their hyung, who had forgotten about them in the blink of a second.
“Ouch.” Jungwon murmured, once again overcome by that bitter feeling that had become second nature to him. Especially moments like these kept reminding him that it was his fault and his fault alone Sunoo hyung and him were no longer close.
“You can say that again..” Riki agreed, feeling even worse than their leader. At this point he just wanted this dumb crush he had on Sunoo to dissipate, because it hurt. It hurt like hell to see the person you like all happy in a relationship that wasn’t yours. He wanted all of this to stop, because he knew he stood no chance with his hyung.
And yet he still didn’t want it to stop. Because crushing on Sunoo was the best thing that had happened to him in a very long time and he’d take whatever he could get. Even when all that was left for him were crumbs and bits of Sunoo’s attention and affection, he’d take these and treasure them.
There were moments he thought he could count himself lucky to even receive any kind of acknowledgement from Sunoo.
“Do you think it’ll get better?” Jungwon asked, still staring into nothing. Riki looked at him a bit weirdly, not knowing what the older one was talking about, but at the same time exactly knowing what he was talking about.
“I don’t know. I can only hope so.” He ended up whispering, letting out an exhausted sigh right after.
“Shall we go and inform the others about the plans?” Jungwon asked, but without waiting for an answer he turned around and walked back to Heeseung’s room. Riki followed after him quickly.
“Are you guys ready to go? The car is already waiting for us!” Sunoo yelled impatiently through the flat. He already stood by the door, clad in his cutest clothes. But where the fuck were his members?
He had chosen black slacks paired with a white button down under a red sweater vest. A matching red beret and red Air Jordans to complete the look. He only took a black little tote bag with him, not wanting to do too much.
“One more minute!” Jake yelled through the dorm, while Heeseung and Jay already joined him at the door. He assessed their outfits real quick, before nodding and humming to himself, approving of the choice of clothes.
“We don’t have a minute! The others are already waiting!” Sunoo yelled back, teetering on his feet. He sighed out, checking his watch. Twenty minutes until it was one pm. He knew the others were already on their way.
“Did they tell you so?” Heeseung asked, wondering if they actually told the younger one.
“No, not directly.” Sunoo started, fiddling with his nails. “But everyone knows Soobin hyung and Taehyun hyung will have forced the others to leave, ready or not.” He said it so naturally, as if it was a matter of fact.
The two eldest did not know how to feel about that. Sunoo had gotten impossibly close with the other group. At this point it was only a matter of time until both their fans would get suspicious of this whole affair.
“Is that so?” Jay muttered, and Sunoo nodded.
“Yup, and even though he might not look like it, Beomgyu hyung is also very tidy and proper. It’s really only Kai hyung and Junie hyung that are chaos in person.” He snorted at that, looking into the dorm hallway once more. Where the hell were they?
“Y’all, we’re not going to an award show, get your asses here! Jungwonie, Ni-ki-chan, what’s taking y’all so long?” At this point he was even ready to leave without Jake and Sunghoon.
The leader came rushing out of his shared room, shoelaces still untied. He was panting, having miscalculated the time. He hadn’t expected to need that much time to get ready. “Sorry hyung, I’m done now.”
Sunoo rolled his eyes before kneeling down to tie Jungwon’s laces for him. “Where are you going with your shoes untied? Not to a restaurant, for sure..” Jungwon blushed a bit, feeling embarrassed at Sunoo having to baby him. But he also liked it, there was no need in denying that fact.
Somewhere behind them the three others arrived, so when Sunoo got back up they were all ready to go. “Freaking finally…” the 03 liner mumbled, already having enough for the day.
The seven boys left their dorm and headed for the elevator to get downstairs.
“Sunoo, you look good.” Sunghoon complimented, and Sunoo flushed a bit. He assessed the older’s outfit and wanted to give a sassy comeback, but Sunghoon looked great as always, so there was no need in trying to lie.
“Thanks hyung. You don’t look too bad yourself.” However, sunoo would also not feed the older’s immense and huge ego. Never.
“That’s me when I’m lying. Please, you know I look great. Flawless, even.” Sunghoon flexed his muscles, even though they were in a cramped elevator, and his elbow almost knocked into Jay’s face.
“You’re a douchebag. Stop behaving like an idiot too.” Jay deadpanned, whacking Sunghoon lightly upside down the head.
Sunghoon whined something incoherent, feeling betrayed but Sunoo giggled and he couldn’t be mad, even when he wanted to.
Soon enough they reached the parking lot. Their manager already stood there waiting for them, so when they finally came close enough, he opened the doors and let them in. In little to no time, the seven boys were on their way to the restaurant. Already at least ten minutes too late, but whatever.
“Is there anything we need to know?” Jungwon asked, letting the leader in him come out once again. Sunoo thought about it.
“Nothing I can think of for now. Though they’re rowdy, so beware of that. Although- the best you can do is not feed into their agendas. Especially Beomgyu hyung and Junie hyung.” Sunoo was unconsciously smiling, remembering all the fun times he has already had with the others.
His members didn’t like it. They had accepted Sunoo and Yeonjun’s relationship because of Sunoo. Not for anyone else. And they had accepted the rest of it so they could make up with Sunoo, but it didn’t seem like they were fully back in the younger’s life just yet. There were other men that had taken their spots.
“Okay, if you say so.” Riki shrugged, but the jealousy was audible in his voice. The other members looked at him a bit weirdly. While Sunoo was mainly concerned, the others were cursing the youngest for being so obvious.
No one said anything else after that, and the atmosphere was somewhat tense. Though not on Sunoo’s part, he was way more occupied with his phone once again. Their group chat was blowing up at the moment, since the others had actually already arrived and were wondering where Enhypen was at.
Yeonjun: babyyy where are you guys, I’m getting saddd :(
Taehyun: ew, hyung. This isn’t your private chat, keep it pg, will you?
Soobin: I hate to agree with Taehyun, but he’s right. I choked on my on saliva when i read this T-T
Taehyun: wdym, you hate to agree with me -.-
Yeonjun: but why do you lie, you’re literally right next to me, you didn’t even react T^T
Kai: So then why are we even texting when we’re all sitting right next to each other??
Beomgyu: LMAO we must look so weird from outside, five guys all occupied with their phones. Little do they know we’re texting each other HAHHAHHAH
Soobin: ….
Kai: the fact that he just started hysterically laughing omg…
Taehyun: Sunoo, stay away. It’s a good thing you haven’t arrived yet….
Yeonjun: this has been fun and all, but Sunny hasn’t said anything, are you there, bae?
Sunoo: I’m here ( ^ω^ )
Yeonjun: YAY where are you guys already?
Sunoo: I don't really know… we only left like ten minutes ago. Give us ten more maybe?
Beomgyu: sounds good to me!
Soobin: same, can’t wait to see you again, cutie
Sunoo: you’re making me blush hyuuung (≧∀≦)
Soobin: Why does the knowledge of that oddly please me…
Yeonjun: STOP! STOP THIS MADNESS! He’s my boyfriend so stay away! I should be the one to make him blush! Σ(-᷅_-᷄๑)
Kai: But Soobin hyung did not lie, Sunoo is cute… But I’m cuter! ;)
Taehyun: in your wildest dreams. You’re a 183 cm giant, that’s what you are.
Kai: awwww, Taehyunieee, admit that my aegyo is the best!
Beomgyu: Kai when are you going to give up this unfounded, self-inflicted brawl with Sunoo of who has the better aegyo…
Yeonjun: Right? That’s so not cute. And by the way, if any of you guys didn’t know it yet, my boyfriend is the cutest! Stay mad, suckers.
Sunoo: you guys… T^T
Beomgyu: how much longer until you arrive?? I’m getting jittery
Taehyun: he’s quite literally fidgeting around, help…
Sunoo: dwdw, I’ll be there to help soonnnn!
Yeonjun: can’t wait to see you again, love
Sunoo: me neitherrr
Soobin: Can both of you promise me one thing?
Yeonjun: Which is?
Sunoo: What is it?
Soobin: when you guys see each other in a few, please don’t gobble each other up for everyone to see.
Sunoo: …
Yeonjun: …
Yeonjun: I can’t promise that.
Soobin: fuck happy couples :(
Kai: #cancelcouples2022
Yeonjun: fuck you guys T_T
Sunoo snorted. These guys were a different kind of chaotic, really. But he also loved all of them so much. They had become his second (or third?) family in the matter of weeks, and he wouldn’t have wanted it any differently.
Unbeknownst to him, his members were all watching him closely, taking in every facial expression of his. They rarely got these directed to them, but the fact that they got to see them at all was already enough. They were still bummed out that it wasn’t them who were making Sunoo this happy.
They wanted it to be them, no matter what they said or did.
They wanted to have their part in Sunoo’s life back. They wanted the seven of them to grow closer than they have ever been before, and they’d do anything to achieve that. It might’ve seemed hopeless now, with the way Sunoo had already gotten so used to Tomorrow by Together, but nothing was impossible.
“We’re here.” The manager spoke as he turned off the car. The seven boys jumped out of the truck, straightening their outfits and making sure they were decent enough to be seen in public.
Then, they all left the parking lot and instead took the elevator up to the restaurant. It was just like Sunoo had described it. Not too elegant, but elegant enough. None of them were over or underdressed, and that relieved them all.
“Where are we sitting?” Riki asked, curiously looking around. He hadn’t ever been here, though he’s heard a lot about this eating place. There were actors, idols, hosts and other famous people all over, and he felt honored to be allowed in the same eating space as them.
“We’ll have to go to the reception first and announce our arrival.” Sunoo led them to said reception, where a young woman lingered, occupied with a book. Upon their arrival, she noticed them and gave them a friendly smile.
“Sunoo-ssi, it’s so nice to see you again! How are you?” She looked at Sunoo with sparkling eyes. He was the only regular that was her age mate and the both of them loved gossiping, so they immediately hit it off when they first met.
“Seoriii, I’m fine thank you! And you?” Sunoo smiled at her warmly, and she only nodded her head in response. She was doing okay. As okay as she could, while having to work a 12 hour shift.
“There have been better times..” she let out a sigh. “Anyways, the others are already inside. Table 35 and 36 this time around, because as I can see you guys have visitors..” She eyed the other enhypen members briefly, before she focused back on Sunoo.
“Yes! These are my members, they came to join us today.”
“That sounds nice! Well, I don’t wanna hold you guys up anymore, so shoo!” She fondly waved them off, and Sunoo laughed at that. He then led the others to their tables.
“That was Seori, we met here and became friends pretty quickly. We have similar interests and all.” He felt the need to explain to his members, who have been trailing behind him ever since, like baby ducks would follow their mother.
“I see.” Jungwon nodded, hating that he knew so little about Sunoo. It left a bitter taste on his tongue, but he had no time to dwell upon any of it, as they soon reached their two tables.
“Sunoo! Here we are!” Beomgyu yelled through the restaurant, making him receive dirty looks from other guests. Soobin lightly slapped his arm in embarrassment, but Sunoo giggled. He quickly walked the last few steps until he had reached the others.
“Hi guys!” He high-fived Beomgyu and Kai enthusiastically. Taehyun ruffled his hair fondly, which made him smile, and Soobin even went forward and hugged him.
“It’s good to see you again, love.” The leader whispered into his ears, and it made Sunoo blush. Soobin was a huge tease sometimes, but he knew he only did that to rile Yeonjun up. And it worked.
Said boy interrupted their hug impatiently, pulling Sunoo off the other. “This is cute and all, but he’s my boyfriend. Fuck off, Soobinie.” He pulled Sunoo to his chest and stuck out his tongue for Soobin. It made the leader laugh. He sat back down with an eye roll.
“Sunny, baby. You’re here.” Yeonjun turned Sunoo around to face him and pinched the younger’s cheeks. It made Sunoo smile so widely, Yeonjun feared getting blended. He let his hand caress Sunoo’s hair and forehead, all the while having an arm around the younger’s waist.
“I’m here. Missed you too.” Sunoo leaned forward and gave the older one a little peck on his cheeks. Yeonjun felt his heart beating out of his chest at that. He was so whipped.
“I missed you too, love. So much, I thought I was gonna die even.” Yeonjun exaggerated and Sunoo rolled his eyes, but laughed. He liked Yeonjun. He liked him really really really much.
“Well I’m here now, so you can revive.” Sunoo cheekily commented, and Yeonjun huffed fondly.
“That you are. Though it took you so long to arrive. I bet you stayed for a chat with Seori, didn’t you?” He raised a brow and Sunoo blushed. He had been caught.
“Shut up and kiss me, hyung.” He placed both his hands on Yeonjun’s cheeks and pulled the older one in, so their noses were touching. Yeonjun smirked.
“Now that is a request I can fulfill.” With that he leaned in and caught the younger’s lips with his own. Sunoo sighed at the feeling, having missed this more than he was aware of.
“You guys should take your seats, these two will be occupied with each other for a bit longer.” Taehyun spoke to the other six, who were still standing there, awkwardly. They didn’t want to stare openly at the reunited couple, but they didn’t know what else to do.
“Ah, right.” Jungwon bowed shortly, before he sat down at the second table. The others did the same, and soon they all sat around while the couple was still exchanging saliva, little noises slipping past here and there.
Riki had never been more uncomfortable.
“You’ll get used to it, I promise.” Beomgyu addressed the youngest, sympathy obvious on his features. Riki nodded, tight lipped. He wasn’t uncomfortable for the reasons they thought he was. He just really wanted to be Yeonjun at that moment.
“I tried to make them stop, I promise. But what can I say…” Soobin shrugged, and the others laughed a bit awkwardly.
“Love you, baby.” Yeonjun breathlessly whispered to Sunoo, whose heart swelled astronomically with love at that. He really wanted to leave this place and search for a more private room for him and his boyfriend.
“I love you too, hyung. So much.” His eyes were saying the same thing in a thousand languages. He was in love with Yeonjun. Fully, head over heels for the older.
“We knoooow. Sheesh, at least take a seat.” Kai groaned. These two really behaved like teenagers whenever they saw each other. And it had already been three months ever since they started dating. When would the honeymoon phase wear off?
Sunoo sheepishly grinned, before pulling Yeonjun back to their table. “Right, my bad.” He had been so caught in the moment he completely forgot about his members. Somehow when it came to Yeonjun all rationality left him.
“Don’t apologize, sunny. You know you’re not sorry.” Yeonjun whispered seductively in his ears and Sunoo blushed. He lightly slapped the older’s arm, before he sat down on his lap.
“Oh no, please no.” Taehyun groaned. The last time the couple had shared a seat they had almost witnessed them getting down to business. It had been positively messy, and Taehyun had wondered how two people could be this horny for each other.
“This is forbidden.” Soobin pushed Sunoo off of Yeonjun’s lap. The younger yelped. “This constellation is not allowed. Under no circumstances. Remember what happened the last time?” Soobin looked at Yeonjun knowingly, who started laughing.
“Fine.” Sunoo pouted, before he went to the seat across from Yeonjun. So he could still be close to the older.
“What happened the last time?” Jake asked, too nosy for his own good. Beomgyu and Kai looked at each other before they started laughing hysterically. Sunoo flushed a deep red.
“Trust me, you don’t want to know.” Soobin waved them off, and Jake nodded. He felt so awkward in his current position.
“So, what are you guys getting?” Taehyun asked, in an effort to make conversation. With that everyone grabbed their menus and read through it, trying to choose from the wide variety of meals.
“Hm, I’m thinking of Ramyeon.” Heeseung slowly said, and it made sunoo huff a bit.
“Hyung, we’re eating outside. You eat Ramyeon every other day already!”
“So? I can eat some more today then.” Heeseung fake pouted, and Sunoo giggled. He’d never understand their obsession with Ramyeon. Heeseung looked at Sunoo fondly, feeling light at seeing the younger smile.
“I’m getting myself some tteokbokki, I think.” Jungwon murmured, and Sunoo gasped.
“Copycat!” He accused Jungwon, who furrowed his brows in protest at that.
“What do you mean, copycat!” Came the leader's voice, sounding quite offended.
“It’s Sunoo’s go to meal.” Kai explained, and Jungwon pouted.
“I’m just kidding, Jungwonie. We can both get tteokbokki.” Sunoo smiled, but the leader shook his head.
“Now I don’t want no tteokbokki anymore.” Sunoo laughed at how pouty Jungwon was. Yeonjun grabbed his hand and intertwined them. That made Sunoo’s attention revert back to his boyfriend.
“Wanna share? I’m getting some Sushi. So we can have a meal and a snack. Well, two snacks for me.” He winked.
“You’re so cheesy.” Sunoo laughed.
“And you like it.” Yeonjun retorted, which made Sunoo shake his head. He couldn’t deny it.
The waitress soon came over and took their orders. It went surprisingly fast, regarding the fact that there were twelve grown men who wanted to order. But they got that done too, and soon their food arrived and they all happily dug in.
It was serene, really. Well- as serene as it could get, with almost all of Enhypen feeling uncomfortable in their own shoes. Nonetheless, the atmosphere was acceptable. Until someone had to ruin it.
“Sunny, you’re like my pinky toe, you know.” Yeonjun offhandedly commented, and Sunoo grimaced. He tried to pull his hand out of Yeonjun’s vice grip, but it didn’t work.
“What a nice comparison.” He murmured somewhat dejectedly.
“Aren’t you going to ask why?” Yeonjun looked up from his food.
“Do I really wanna know?” Sunoo sighed, having enough of Yeonjun’s agendas.
“I’m gonna tell you anyways. It’s because you’re small, cute and adorable.” He winked.
Sunoo raised a brow. “But why compare me to-“
“And I’m probably going to bang you on the coffee table later tonight.” Another wink.
“EW, oh my god no!” Soobin choked on his chicken, and Yeonjun broke into loud laughter. Even some of the enhypen boys started coughing at the remark.
“I still wanted to finish my food.” Kai complained, falling back in his seat.
“Your pinky toe is not cute and adorable at all, you liar!” Beomgyu yelled, and Yeonjun laughed even louder at that.
“Oh my god.” Sunoo whispered, pulling his hand out of his boyfriend’s. His face had taken over the color of a tomato.
“Come on, that was a good one, wasn’t it?” The oldest asked, looking around for approval, but all he got were either weirded out stares, or in Riki and Sunghoon’s case, jealous and disapproving stares.
“Junie hyung, I love you and all but…” Sunoo started, not even knowing what to say anymore.
“Stop making references like that. We have minors here.” Soobin reprimanded, nodding towards Jungwon and Riki. Yeonjun’s eyes widened at that.
“Oh right, my bad. Forgive me.” He bowed curtly and Sunoo snorted.
“Apologize for ruining my meal too!” Kai yelled out, offended to the max. The things he had to endure and see because of the couple were crazy.
“Nah, I’m good.” Yeonjun leaned back in his seat, grabbing Sunoo’s hand back in his. Suno’s cheeks were still tinted a pretty shade of pink, and Yeonjun winked upon noticing that. Maybe he would make that suggestion true after all. Soon.
Riki wanted to go home. Now.
Whatever he had thought earlier about being okay with only crumbs of Sunoo’s attention had been foolish and immature. That had been before, when he hadn’t seen Sunoo and Yeonjun interact as much. These two were abnormally cheesy and mushy and sappy and- and-
He wanted to leave.
He wasn’t even able to enjoy his katsudon, even though it reminded him a lot of his days at home back in Japan. His stomach felt heavy with regret, guilt, jealousy and anger. He didn’t know who these emotions were directed to, but he felt them all.
A look at his members told him they felt the same as him. Never ever had he felt more out of place than he did now. The six of them were regretting their actions now more than ever, and any last hopes of Sunoo and Yeonjun not being serious had been discarded. Especially after this lunch date.
The hangout continued with TxT sunbaenim and Sunoo interacting like close family, and the rest of Enhypen feeling left out. They did make some comments here and there, but no matter how hard they tried, they just knew this wasn’t and wouldn’t ever be their group.
To Enhypen’s relief, they ended up finishing sooner rather than later. The TxT boys still had content to film, so they would leave earlier than the rest.
“Bye bye, Sunoo.” Taehyun fondly said, before he pinched the younger’s cheeks. Sunoo yelped out an offended ‘hyung!’, because they could never leave his cheeks alone!
“Don’t mind him, Sunoo-ya. He’s a weirdo and an idiot.” Beomgyu said, ruffling through the younger’s hair. Taehyun’s eyes turned cold with bloodlust after that remark, and soon Beomgyu was sprinting out of the place screaming for help, while Taehyun chased him.
“Don’t mind both of them.” Soobin sighed out, before hugging Sunoo tightly, and waving to the other members. “I’m gonna go and make sure the both of them are still alive. It was nice to have spent today with all of you, let’s do this again sometime.”
Various hums and murmurs were heard from the other members, so Soobin rushed out of the place. It was only Kai and Yeonjun left.
“What are you waiting for, go ahead and say your goodbyes” Junie urged the younger, who stubbornly shook his head.
“If I leave before you, there’s a high chance of you not following after at all. You go first.” Kai motioned towards Sunoo, and Yeonjun cursed.
“Fuck you.” He mumbled, before he pulled his boyfriend in once more for a passionate kiss. Sunoo reciprocated, knowing very well this was going to be the last kiss in a while.
Once the couple had hit the three minute mark of making out, Kai forcefully pulled Yeonjun off. “That’s enough. Go now.” He pushed the older away, who tried to put up a fight.
“Nooo! Baby, I love you!” Yeonjun reached for Sunoo, who only smiled like the angel he was. He blew the older an air kiss as a goodbye, too.
“Love you too!” He waved at both of the boys, and Kai waved back with one hand. How was he a maknae instead of Yeonjun, who behaved like the actual maknae? Sunoo huffed out a sigh, before he turned back around to his members.
“Well, that was definitely something.” He sat back down, this time next to Jay. When none of them answered him, he looked into their faces, searching for any signs of discomfort. But he instead found all of them seemingly closed off, and he didn’t know how to interpret their expressions.
“Are you guys okay? Was today too much?” he asked nervously.
Jay regained his composure the quickest. He shook his head quickly. "No no, Sun. We’re glad you invited us out today. They were all really funny. Right guys?”
“Yeah, he’s right.” Heeseung agreed, putting on a brief smile. All he wanted was his bed.
Sunoo sighed out, relieved. “I’m glad.”
“Hyung, I want a hug.” Riki opened his arms widely, pouting. He needed his hyung close right now.
“Fine fineee.” Sunoo nodded, before he headed to where Riki was to take him into his arms. The maknae tightly wrapped his arms around sunoo’s waist and inhaled the older scent deeply. He never wanted to let go.
“Let him breathe, Riki.” Sunghoon complained, pushing the younger off to wrap Sunoo into his own arms. Sunoo just let them do as they pleased, not minding the sudden skinship.
“That’s enough, let’s get home first.” Jungwon spoke, grabbing Sunoo’s hand and pulling the older man out of the restaurant. The others followed, making sure to stay close to Sunoo.
“What’s up with y’all all of a sudden…?” Sunoo asked, letting himself be pulled away by Jungwon. The next few things happened pretty quickly after that. They got to the car and there was a discussion about who would sit next to Sunoo. It ended with Sunoo promising to sit in the middle between Riki and Sunghoon for today. they would rotate in the future.
The drive home was truly relaxing to the point Sunoo fell asleep, with his head lolled onto Sunghoon’s shoulder. Riki had grabbed the older’s hand to intertwine their fingers too. He didn’t mind any of the jealous stares he got from Jake and Jungwon.
Once they had reached back home, they were all adamant on not making the older awake. They let Sunghoon carry Sunoo bridal style, since he was the strongest, and entered the elevator as quietly as possible.
Soon they had reached their dorm.
“Jake hyung, prepare the blankets and pillows please. Jay hyung, you take care of the snacks. Heeseung hyung, can you choose the movie? And turn on the heater please. Sunghoon hyung, make sure Sunoo’s getting into comfortable clothes please.” The leader whispered out instructions for all of them, and they all got to work.
“What about me?” Riki asked, wanting to know what he was supposed to do. Jungwon looked at him, before smiling fondly.
“Today’s been a lot for you. Go take a bath and relax. Meet all of us in the living room after.” He patted the younger’s shoulder, before he left to join Jay hyung in the kitchen. Riki stood there, tense, before he left to do as he’s been told.
He blinked back any traces of tears that had welled up in his eyes. He was exhausted.
Twenty minutes later, all of Enhypen was huddled under blankets while watching a movie with a sleeping Sunoo in the middle. They had popcorn and other snacks there, and once it was only early in the evening, they had rolled down the shutters, so the atmosphere would be more cinema-like. The movie that was running was a rather funny one, so it was no surprise that Sunoo awoke as soon as Jake started laughing.
“What… what is going on…” the maknae croaked, still sleepy after all. He noticed the predicament he was in and wanted to get up, but he was held back by arms around his stomach.
“Let us have this on please.” Jay whispered, and Sunoo relaxed back into his hold. Riki had once more intertwined their fingers, and Sunoo exerted some pressure to let the younger one know he approved. Riki’s shoulders relaxed.
“Thank you.” Jake whispered, from where he sat on the floor next to Sunoo’s legs. The couch had already been full.
“We love you too, Sunoo. You know that, right?” Heeseung quipped, scared that the maknae did not know. Sunoo hummed though, very aware of that. They loved him, and the fact that they sat through two hours of lunch with people they didn’t really know for Sunoo’s sake told him so.
“I love you too. All of you.” he whispered back.