Work Text:
You, who's dreaming while looking at me
I'm always here behind you, so don't worry too much
If you're afraid to crash, I'll willingly receive you
So you don't suffer like I did
You, who sacrifice your sleep for your dreams, it's okay to rest
For today, don't even dream
When you silently give me a light smile
Only then, I feel a little relieved
Snooze- AGUST D
They are carving their way through the pumping crowd. The cheers are relatively low as everyone is settling in, slowly. The place where they are being seated is close to the stage, a clear view of the screen in front of them along with the full stage. Being an artist attending another artist's concert definitely has its perks.
As they are taking their seats, they are greeted by their juniors, "Bonedo- boy next door," Soonyoung says in his ears when they're done bowing to them. Jihoon remembered some of their faces, he's glad Soonyoung is better at this - remembering people, socializing, helping him come out of his shell.
They sit and it doesn't take long for the show to start. Starting songs are pumped up, full of energy and high tempo. It starts with Haegeum, Soonyoung vibes to the song beside him. During the second chorus, Jihoon notices him doing the choreo. So, when the third chorus comes along, Jihoon joins him. They end up laughing because Jihoon forgets most of it.
The high tension continues to the next song- Daechwita. Jihoon doesn't stop Soonyoung from headbanging. He looks around and sees everyone enjoying the song. Some headbanging like Soonyoung and some bopping to the beat. After a bit, Jihoon's body automatically starts grooving to the music.
The show goes on with rap filled songs until Suga hyung sits down and takes up the guitar. Jihoon signals Soonyoung to also sit down. They do and what Jihoon hears next is possibly the most beautiful song ever made.
There's a spotlight on hyung with lights dancing above the stage. Pink, purple, blue. As if the crowd is waiting for something, holding their breath. Jihoon breathes in and takes this moment. He closes his eyes and focuses on the lyrics, on Suga hyung's voice singing. He strums on the guitar and sings about love, holding onto it, not letting go even though you've forgotten why you've loved in the first place. Dragging it on, waiting it out, not knowing how to end it. Hoping, wishing for the other to back out first. A repeated seesaw game.
He closes his eyes as the song comes to an end, hyung's voice fading slowly.
(Hol’ up Hol’ up) I walk on this seesaw that you aren’t on
(Hol’ up Hol’ up) Like that time in the beginning when you weren’t here
His voice drops to a whisper. With every syllable, Jihoon feels himself falling in a warm sun bed. He doesn't want the song to stop. It doesn't stop, not yet.
(Hol’ up Hol’ up) I walk on this seesaw that you aren’t on
He feels the sun bed engulfing in waves slowly. One more time.
(Hol’ up Hol’ up) I get off this seesaw that you aren’t on
Jihoon opens his eye as the spell break and the cheers pierce his daze.
"Wow."
Soonyoung is watching him, his soft gaze lingering on Jihoon's face. There's a shy smile slipping on his lips. Jihoon looks at Soonyoung, this close, he can see the sparkle in his eye. He can count individual lashes on them. Jihoon waits for Soonyoung to say something, but he doesn't. Jihoon turns away to the stage, his head too light from the last song. He needs to know the name of it, he has to make sure he listens to it again.
When People pt.2 starts, he sings along in places, just enjoying his time here.
A sudden increase in screams makes Jihoon ask Soonyoung, "What happened?"
Soonyoung is bopping his head to the music, eyes focused on the stage. Jihoon squints, he hears another voice, a melodic one, bouncing off the stadium. He makes out the outline of a person coming from the shadows towards the mainstage. They saunter towards the centre as the fog parts. "Is that-"
"Jimin sunbaenim." Soonyoung shouts. His eyes dance looking at the stage. He's screaming with the rest of the crowd. Jihoon finds it harder to remove his gaze from Soonyoung. His energy, his happiness is so potent in his eyes.
Jihoon vibes to the song, letting his body loose and groove to the rhythm. The song is rap focused with Jimin's sunbaenim's raspy vocals, he finds it scratchy and fun. Something you can scream to. Jihoon catches some of the lyrics from the fans. He looks to his side, Soonyoung is singing along to it every few seconds.
Jihoon considers his two seniors on stage, the fire in their eyes, their grainy voice in his ears. They look cool, matching each other's energies. He says that to Soonyoung.
"What?" Soonyoung shouts without looking at him. He leans in Jihoon's space.
"They have good chemistry, they look good on stage." He says a little louder.
Soonyoung nods before he straightens himself, smoothing the edges of his T-shirt.
"I love this song." Soonyoung's breath hitches and he catches Jihoon's wrist. His voice is uncharacteristically high, probably due to the suddenness of the song. It must really be one of his favourite songs.
Jihoon sees Soonyoung's calculated eyes focusing on Jimin sunbaenim. He knows it's the performance leader in him, making note of every possible thing he can learn from the concert. Soonyoung watches Jimin sunbaenim's dance with a tiger gaze. His brows furrowed and jaw wide. He doesn't smile when he's focused, sometimes he looks angry, sometimes his resting bitch face makes everyone scared of him. Back in the day, the members used to come to Seungcheol and him, when they thought Soonyoung was particularly angry. And now even Seungcheol pleads Jihoon to pull Soonyoung down from his sugar rush high.
Jihoon is staring at him, he knows it but he can't help it. There's something so magnetic about Soonyoung dousing his attention all at one place. Something so magical about witnessing this when he's by his side.
"The song's like crazy." Jihoon jumps when Soonyoung turns to him. "From his solo album, this song and set me free-" he gestures with his hand - good.
Jihoon decides to watch the performance instead of Soonyoung.
Soonyoung seems to be knowledgeable about some songs here and there, better than Jihoon can say he is.
Since a lot of songs are unfamiliar to Jihoon, he focuses on the lyrics. They're raw and real and once again his heart is filled with warmth acknowledging how good his Suga hyung is.
He remembers his rookie days, many people compared him to Suga sunbaenim. He wasn't aware of the whole extent of his sunbaenim's talent but now that he knows him, he feels proud. He feels grateful to be one of the people who is close to him, albeit it took time but it's nice to be able to talk to someone in the industry who understands his struggles and is here for him like an older brother.
"Jimin sunbaenim said that I was cute on Suchwita." Soonyoung states out of nowhere.
"He texted you?" Jihoon can't keep the surprise from his tone.
Soonyoung shakes his head. "Nah- he talked about it on Weverse."
"And how do you know?"
Soonyoung meets his eye and smiles mischievously.
"Soonyoung, seriously! Stop being on the internet so much. It's not good for you."
Soonyoung places a comforting hand on Jihoon's arm. "It's fine, Jihoon. You know I won't let myself be worked up about it. It's for monitoring and fun."
"Your fun shouldn't come back and bite you in your ass, that's all I'm saying." Jihoon flicks Soonyoung's forehead while Soonyoung stands there, his eyes scrunched up from smiling.
Suga hyung is singing while playing guitar, when Soonyoung says to him, "In the future, when you do your solo concert," His voice low, "You should invite me to perform like Suga hyung did."
Jihoon doesn't want to think about his future, Seventeen's future, he just wants to stay in the present as long as he can. He rolls his eyes not replying.
"We could perform bring it."
Jihoon can't stop a chuckle from escaping. It's been so long since they performed that song.
"Or a new song which we must have made by then."
Jihoon gives Soonyoung a stare. Soonyoung scoots closer, his hand on Jihoon's shoulder. He speaks in his ear, "We should make another song together."
Jihoon turns at him sharply but doesn't shake his hand off. "Was this your plan all along? To persuade me to write another song for you."
"For us. And besides, don't you think bring it needs a sister, Jihoonie?" Soonyoung's breaths hits his ear and this time he shrugs him off.
Jihoon tries to focus on the stage before Soonyoung is draped on his shoulders again. Predictable. But this time he's closer than he ever was, with his hand on his neck and the other lightly grazing at his wrist. Soonyoung's chest pressed against Jihoon's back, they're too close.
"Don't you want another daughter, Jihoonie?" Jihoon feels chills spread from his neck to his toe. Soonyoung's whispers making his knees weak.
Jihoon wills himself to look ahead. He blocks the Soonyoung shaped weight on his shoulder to listen to Suga hyung's voice. The song is slow and familiar like a ballad but with Suga hyung's soothing voice. Instead of rap, he sings with his usual talking voice just a bit of melody attached to it and before he knows it, he's swaying. Soonyoung sways with him not letting go of his body. Jihoon turns sideways, slightly, he watches thousands of Bts lightsticks- army bombs, if he remembers correctly, swaying along. Purple light emanating from all corners of stadium. They look like stars in the galaxy.
Life goes on.
Life goes on.
Life goes on.
"It's so pretty." Jihoon says quietly to no one in particular.
"Reminds me of your studio." Soonyoung replies, his chin perched on Jihoon's shoulder.
Jihoon smiles and wonders if their concerts also look this magical. If the rose quartz and serenity ocean flows as seamlessly as this purple one. "We should've brought a lightstick."
Soonyoung beams at him. "Yes."
The lights dim and the chants of the fans gradually start syncing up. Jihoon closes his eyes and revels in this feeling. He feels at peace with so close to music, with Soonyoung beside him. He thinks he'll thank Soonyoung later for asking him to accompany him. He's glad he didn't miss it. This feeling, this passion burning in his veins reminds him why he does music in the first place. For him, telling his story, his emotions through songs and lyrics and melodies, is everything. So, when he sees another individual mirroring his passion he feels validated.
Soonyoung lightly taps on his back, he motions towards their manager.
They maneuver their way down from the stairs, Soonyoung ahead and Jihoon closely falling behind. Jihoon sees Jimin sunbaenim getting up from his seat. He bows to him before walking away. Too shy to talk to him, he thinks, this is enough for now.