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They were all gathered around in the WakeOne practice room doing a laidback Instagram live for their fans. So far, they’ve been doing as many fan requests as they can. Zhanghao had brought out his violin, Taerae sang his iconic part in “Man in Love” featuring a screaming Gunwook and Yujin being obnoxious and blocking out Taerae’s voice, and they had all done an unofficial dance practice of “Here I Am”. The energy was high, and they enjoyed talking to ZEROSE. They didn’t even feel tired anymore.
“Ooh, look at this one,” Gyuvin started, as he read out a comment, face so close to the screen you could see his nostrils flaring repeatedly. It seemed to be one of his fun habits.
“Maechu-ssi! Which ZB1 member is your favorite?”
Matthew made a confused noise and leaned over from where they were both sitting on the floor to try looking for the comment as more and more came in. The words were moving so fast that his eyes were about to roll into the back of his head.
Zhanghao who was sitting right next to Matthew chuckled and half-jokingly said, “isn’t it obviously me?” patting Matthew on the shoulder to get his attention and did a little cute pouty face that made his eyes sparkle.
In true Matthew fashion, he cutely laughed and pushed Zhanghao away. He looked back at the screen to try and find another comment, thinking this conversation was over.
“No, I’m your favorite member, hyung!” Yujin yelled, running from the other side of the practice room and almost knocking Matthew over if he hadn’t turned quickly enough to catch the younger boy. How Yujin had even heard the conversation was beyond him as he chuckled and shook his head endearingly at the younger. Yujin nuzzled further into Matthew as he shot a quick smirk at Zhanghao.
Matthew was about to respond when he saw Gyuvin squint at him. He raised his hand and pointed to himself, asking Matthew as if there was no other option, “It’s me, right?” while goofily nodding his head over and over.
Matthew spluttered as he noticed everyone in the room had come closer to the phone and him. It was kind of terrifying having 8 pairs of eyes staring at him with mixed emotions. Especially with the way Jiwoong was looking at him.
“What’s your answer, Seokmae?” Hanbin asked expectantly with his arms crossed. He looked like he was going to apprehend Matthew if he didn’t say it was his beloved hyung.
Matthew really didn’t want to answer this question. He had to figure out a way to end this conversation somehow. So, he said the most eloquent thing he could think of.
“Umm…”
It was still silent as everyone came even closer to Matthew, daring him to call their name.
Blushing, he quickly turned back to the phone and clumsily pretended to answer a fan’s question, “O-oh! What’s a good midnight snack? Well, I actually recommend the triangle kimbap at the convenience stores! They taste so good when…” Matthew continued to ramble as he failed to notice the others turning their eyes towards each other.
In a silent nod of agreement, they will fight to be Matthew’s favorite. The game was on.