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Chapter Text

ﾍ(￣▽￣*)ﾉ

Inspired by the movie When In Rome.

But I'm totally changing how everything goes. Not gonna completely based every scene, dialogue and character from the movie.

The main ship is Sukhoon.

If you don't like then don't read. Or you can pm me so we can discuss things that we may reach a peaceful compromise.

Thank youu!!!

Start: June 20, 2022
End: ??

ly trying to woo and proclaim their undying love to him?

Chapter Text

Jihoon is very passionate about his job. He is a photographer. He is very good at his job and many clients would drag him to their social events so they could have physical copies of their special moments captured in beautiful photos.

And because of this, Jihoon remains single.

Well, he had a boyfriend once, but they broke up. The reason was because the other didn't like how Jihoon was too dedicated with his job that there was barely anytime for them as a couple. His ex-boyfriend, Kim Junkyu, had enough and broke up with him.

Though Jihoon did spent his time in his work too much, he loved Junkyu. They were actually best friends since high school. They went to the same college, with different classes, and graduated together.

The two had always felt they liked each other but were too scared of ruining their friendship.

One day, Junkyu couldn't take it anymore and confessed his feelings to Jihoon. Jihoon confessed too and they started dating.

They lasted for at least a year.

When they broke up, Jihoon was absolutely devasted. It messed him up for a while, but because of that he became even more focused on working. He worked harder than before so he wouldn't have the time to think about it.

But whenever he is not working, he does think about it. And it breaks his heart everytime.

At this moment, Jihoon was working again as a photographer in a wedding event. His job was finished, everyone was now busy having fun on the dance floor and enjoying the food and drinks left.

"I'm so over him! That Kim Junkyu! He's not even that handsome! And he is so annoying! How can I be so stupid to date someone like him? Like why would he even break up with me? Just because I work nonstop? Isn't that something you should admire from your lover, that they're dedicated to work rather than go off cheating on other people? But you know what who cares about him?! I don't care! He can go and date other humans for all I care!" Jihoon rambled, already tipsy.

He took a another quick shot of his drink and looked at Jaehyuk, his friend and co-worker, hoping for some kind of response.

Jaehyuk didn't respond to his yapping, instead his eyes where simply looking somewhere behind Jihoon.

"He's behind me, isn't he?" Jihoon whispered.

Jaehyuk could only nod very slowly.

His eyes shut close, trying to compose his facial expressions. Then he did an elegant turn in his seat to face the one standing behind him.

Indeed behind him was Junkyu, his ex boyfriend and ex best friend.

"Junkyu." Jihoon acknowledged.

He suddenly burped because of all the alcohol he has been drinking. Jihoon looked away from Junkyu, cursing himself in his head of how embarrassing that was.

"Excuse me." he said after composing himself again.

"Jihoon, I came to talk to you." Junkyu said, he looked serious.

He heard everything Jihoon said but pretended to not know, for Jihoon's sake and his sanity.

When Junkyu said that, Jihoon waited for him to continue. Junkyu looked at Jaehyuk who was eager to listen as well.

"Privately." Junkyu kindly added.

Jihoon looked to Jaehyuk, the latter just nodded in understanding. So, he got up from his seat and followed Junkyu to some place that was a bit away from the crowd.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Jihoon asked.

He had his hands inside his pockets. They were sweaty and a bit shaky as he was nervous for whatever Junkyu had to say. Jihoon had an idea of what it could be but he didn't want to hope just yet.

"Jihoon, how are you?" Junkyu asked instead of answering his question.

"I'm good, you?" Jihoon said.

"I'm good too." Junkyu replied. He paused for a while, the atmosphere around them was awkward. Junkyu decided to stop beating around the bush and just say what he had to say. "Jihoon, about breaking up with you...I'm sorry. I know now I was wrong. It was really wrong to break up with you for such a petty reason." Junkyu said sighing.

Jihoon's heart raced a bit faster. He was anxious yet anticipating wherever this conversation was headed.

"It's okay Junkyu. I understand. And I'm sorry too. I was just really too focused in my work that I forgot to give us together some time." Jihoon said.

"Thank you Jihoon. It's because of you that I learned that even if the one I love works too much, it's just fine." Junkyu smiled at him.

Jihoon could feel his heart leap in excitement from his words.

"Thank you for making me realize that. And now that I am with Mashiho, I understand that now." Junkyu continued.

Jihoon had already began to smile wider, but hearing these words made him feel frozen on the spot. It took atleast a minute before he could respond. Yet what Junkyu had said didn't fully settle in his head.

"What?" Jihoon said still smiling. But the look in his eyes had become dull.

"I'm sorry if I'm just telling you now. I thought that you might still hate me after breaking up with you like that. But you said you've already moved on from me and I've actually met someone else. So I was hoping we could be friends again?" Junkyu looked hopeful, putting his hand out for Jihoon to accept.

"Uhh...yeah. Of course...friends."

Chapter Text

Jihoon arrived at his apartment.

He was tired and absolutely drained physically and emotionally. His heart was still terribly aching from the conversation he had with Junkyu.

He slammed his door shut, gently putting away his stuff and then letting himself flatly drop onto his couch.

He sighed as the words replayed in his head. He wanted to cry but somehow no tears would come out. His heart felt like it was bleeding from so much pain yet he felt numb from everything.

Jihoon sighed. He closed his eyes ready to sleep when he suddenly heard a knock on his door.

"Who could that be at this hour?" Jihoon wondered out loud.

He got off the couch and headed to his door. When he opened it, he was surprised to see his younger brother, Park Jeongwoo.

His brother was right outside his apartment, smiling like an idiot. It scared Jihoon a bit.

"Jeongwoo? What on earth are you doing here at this hour?" Jihoon asked confused.

"Hyung! You won't believe it! But I am getting married!" Jeongwoo loudly declared.

Jihoon had to block his ears with his hands as Jeongwoo almost pierced his hearing with his voice.

"Say what now?" Jihoon asked again. He heard him the first time but just could not believe it. He needed to hear it again if he heard right.

"I'm getting married!" Jeongwoo shouted louder.

Jihoon blinked two times before his eyes widened in understanding.

"Shut the fuck up! Park Jeongwoo! When is the wedding?" Jihoon exclaimed, pulling his brother inside and shutting the door.

"Next week and it's in Japan!" Jeongwoo answered.

"Next week!? Wait! Why am I just hearing about this now! Who are you even marrying?" Jihoon demanded, crossing his arms.

"You actually already met him. But it was a long time ago." Jeongwoo began. "You remember that exchanged student from Japan back in highschool?" he asked.

Jihoon tried to remember someone in his memories of that description.

"I remember a face, just vaguely. His name is...what was it again? Marutooo??" Jihoon guessed.

"Haruto. It's Haruto." Jeongwoo corrected him.

"Okay, but again, why am I only hearing about this now? And you're getting married? In Japan?" Jihoon shook Jeongwoo.

"'Hyung! Calm down! And stop shaking me! I was planning to tell you about us dating but you know....after your breakup with Junkyu Hyung, I just didn't think it would be good time to remind you about love and relationships." Jeongwoo said with a sad smile.

"Oh, yeah, that." Jihoon said.

"You were also too busy with work, so I really never got the time to talk to you." Jeongwoo added, making Jihoon even more guilty.

"Is that why you exactly came here unannounced at this late hour?" Jihoon asked rubbing his hands in his face.

"Yeah, also I thought it would be okay now that you and Junkyu hyung are back together." Jeongwoo said excited.

"Back together? What gave you the idea that we got back together?" Jihoon asked looking at Jeongwoo like he was crazy.

"Well, Jaehyuk hyung posted a story of you two hugging from the event you just worked at." Jeongwoo said, taking out his phone. "Let me find his story real quick." he took a few seconds to open his Instagram account and scroll through it. Then showed it to Jihoon. "Here!"

Jihoon quickly took the phone from his hands and looked at Jaehyuk's story. It was a stolen shot of Junkyu hugging him tightly. Jihoon remembered how Junkyu had embraced him when he agreed to be friends again after he revealed him being with someone else now. Jihoon also saw the heart stickers Jaehyuk edited into the photo.

"Jaehyuk...that bitch." Jihoon whispered.

"Hyung?" Jeongwoo asked a bit scared when he saw the angry look on Jihoon's face.

"Junkyu and I are not getting back together. We just talked and agreed to be friends again." Jihoon gave Jeongwoo his phone back. "Also, he's now with someone else." he added.

"Oh..." Jeongwoo looked down. "It looks like I still chose the wrong time to tell you about me getting married. I'm sorry hyung, I didn't want you to feel bad."

"Idiot. Don't feel bad for me at all. You shouldn't hesitate to tell me anything, okay? Besides, I'm way over Junkyu." Jihoon said to reassure him.

"You're really okay?" Jeongwoo asked.

"Yes." Jihoon smiled and ruffled his younger brother's hair. "Now, tell me about the wedding details. I hope you haven't gotten yourself a photographer for your wedding yet, because if you do, I will feel really bad." Jihoon said with a chuckle. Jeongwoo chuckled along too.

"I will even disown you as my brother, if you do already have a photographer that isn't me." Jihoon added with a somewhat serious look on his face.

Jeongwoo slowly stopped laughing and gulped looking at him in fear.

"I'm just kidding! Don't take it too serious. You can invite as many photographers as you want. They won't be able to compete with my skills anyway." Jihoon said cracking his knuckles.

"Hyung, don't worry. As soon as I got engaged I already and only thought of getting you to take pictures of my wedding." Jeongwoo said.

"Oh, really. Good." Jihoon laughed. He looked at the time on his watch, seeing how late it was already. "Are you going to sleep here? It's already past midnight." he said to Jeongwoo.

Jeongwoo yawned and nodded.

"Yeah, I hope you won't mind?" Jeongwoo said.

"You're my brother not a stranger. Of course I won't mind. Let me just get some pillows and blanket so you can sleep on the floor." Jihoon joked.

Jeongwoo's eyes widened.

"Kidding! You can sleep on the bed." Jihoon laughed after fooling him.

"What about you hyung? Aren't you gonna sleep yet?" Jeongwoo asked.

"I will, after I send Jaehyuk a strongly worded message about his unauthorized story post of me." Jihoon got his phone and began typing.

Chapter Text

The days went by fast.

Jihoon could still not believe that his younger brother was now getting married.

Well, not yet anyway. They just arrived in Japan where the wedding will be taking place. Right now, they got off the airplane and were in the moment of retrieving their luggage.

"Hyung!" Jeongwoo called.

Jihoon turned to look at him with a questioning look.

"We're going to Haruto's place now. I want you to meet him." Jeongwoo jumped excited.

Jihoon smiled at his childish display and nodded. It made him happy to see his brother happy.

"Shouldn't he atleast be waiting for you here at the airport?" Jihoon asked as he got their bags. "Isn't that how lovers should be like? Or at least that's what I see in movies." he added.

"He told me he can't come because of work." Jeongwoo said.

"Okay, so, how do we hail a taxi here? Do we call for one or..." Jihoon began, the two were walking out of the airport when a luxurious car parked itself in front of them.

Jihoon was quick to hold his arm out from keeping Jeongwoo to go any further.

"Careful, some dangerous people we don't know might come out of that car and kidnap either of us." Jihoon warned, glaring at the well dressed driver that came out.

Jeongwoo laughed at him.

"Hyung, don't be paranoid. This is the car that Haruto sent for us. He told me his driver will pick us up instead." Jeongwoo explained.

Jihoon looked at Jeongwoo, he looked at the driver then back to Jeongwoo and to the driver again. Before finally setting his eyes on Jeongwoo once more.

"You're not playing a prank on me are you?" Jihoon asked.

"What makes you think that?" Jeongwoo looked confused.

"Well, maybe because right now you're telling me that you're fiancee, Naruto." Jihoon said.

"Haruto." Jeongwoo corrected.

"Haruto." Jihoon nodded. "That he just sent you this freaking expensive looking limo, along with his sophisticated and also expensive looking driver to pick us up! Don't tell me your soon to be husband is some rich celebrity!" Jihoon yelled in a whisper. He stopped and looked around, he pointed at a taxi that parked nearby. "I think that's more of our ride and not this."

"Oh, right. I forgot to tell you. Haruto is actually the current successor of the Hilteum Hotels. His family owns about 5.5 trillion hotels around the world." Jeongwoo explained.

"What? So you're soon to be spouse is this rich! Like not just rich, but rich, rich, rich kind of rich?!" Jihoon felt ready to faint.

"Mr. Park." The driver spoke in Korean. He had now approached them and bowed in greeting.

Jihoon let out a small scream. He was caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the man behind him. He was also startled by the man's fluency in their language.

"Which one is he talking to?" Jihoon asked Jeongwoo in a whisper, as they both had 'Park' for their surnames. Jeongwoo could swear it was embarrassing and challenging to be around his older brother sometimes.

"Yes, Mr. Kato. Haruto sent you right?" Jeongwoo bowed to the driver in Japanese.

"Of course. He asked me to drive you and your brother to the hotel as soon as you got here." the driver replied in Japanese.

"Okay!" Jeongwoo smiled.

"Let me take your bags for you."

Jihoon learned Japanese but isn't very well at it yet. He couldn't react anymore and the driver, Mr. Kato, got their bags and put them into the car. He was also startled hearing Jeongwoo speak in Japanese. The younger said nothing more and just pulled the stunned Jihoon along to get inside.

The two brothers sat side by side, Jihoon couldn't help but look around and observe the internal structure of the car. It was something he thought he would only be able to either see in pictures or his imagination in this lifetime.

"And there I was back in Seoul getting us economy class tickets." Jihoon muttered.

He stopped ogling at the expensive car and let his eyes look out to the surrounding view of Japan through the tinted car windows.

As soon as they travelled around the landscape, Jihoon immediately fell in love with the cherry blossom trees.

They had those at home in South Korea, of course, and they were beautiful. But the feeling of seeing them in a foreign land, Jihoon felt like he was in an anime.

Their journey on wheels took almost an hour before they were soon parked in front of the hotel. Jihoon would describe it as a modernized castle of today. The driver brought their bags for them. Jihoon was like a lost puppy clinging to his younger brother as he was too in awe of the beauty of the architecture that he needed to be guided.

"Hyung, you'll break your neck if you keep looking up for that long." Jeongwoo said.

"And I'm gonna keep looking up coz I need a mental image of that ceiling and chandelier imprinted in my mind." Jihoon said squinting his eyes.

He couldn't see very well because he wasn't wearing his glasses. Though he is still able to admire the details of drawings carved and painted on the ceiling that were visible to the naked eye. He could also see the glimmering crystals that hung beautifully as a chandelier.

"Are those real diamonds?" Jihoon asked astonished like a child.

He then looked down, his nape feeling a bit of a small ache from looking up too long. He saw they were now headed for an elevator. Mr. Kato was already waiting there with their bags. They entered and went up. Soon, the elevator doors parted open to the highest floor of the building.

"Mr. Watanabe is still in his office. I'll deliver your luggage first and get him to meet you here." Mr. Kato said.

"Okay, thank you." Jeongwoo smiled in reply.

Mr. Kato got their bags into the room they will be staying in and left. The two brothers got in and observed the structure around, mostly Jihoon.

Jihoon went close to the wide windows that led to a beautiful balcony.

"Yah, Jeongwoo. Look at this height. I will surely die if I fall off from this balcony." Jihoon shared as he got out and looked down to see the view.

"Hyung, get away from there. I don't want you dying when I haven't even gotten married yet." Jeongwoo said shaking his head. He went to unpack their bags.

Jihoon didn't pay attention to him and just continued to be in awe over the majestic sight in front of him. He was already itching to get his camera and take so many photos.

Jeongwoo then heard knocking from the door. He went to see who it could be. When he saw who was behind the doors, he immediately hugged that person.

"You're here!"

Chapter Text

"Heyo man! What's up!!"

A man said in fluent English.

"Hyunsuk hyung, what are you doing here?" Haruto smiled. He spoke in Korean seeing the man with blonde hair walk in.

"What? Am I not allowed to visit my favorite friend?" Hyunsuk asked and sat on one of the comfy chairs inside the office.

"Well, it's very nice of my favorite friend as well, from South Korea to visit me all the way here to Japan." Haruto chuckled and continued typing on his computer.

"Hey, I came here because you're getting married. I can't miss that!" Hyunsuk argued.

"Hyung, you're an idol. Aren't you and your group like about to make a comeback and hold a concert like these next months?" Haruto said, looking at Hyunsuk.

"Next months." Hyunsuk pointed out. "Not this month. So I came here. And I'm gonna be your best man."

"And who told you, you're the best man for my wedding?" Haruto grinned.

"Me." Hyunsuk answered firmly. "Do I even need to explain?" he added smiling.

"No," Haruto laughed. "Not at all." he checked his watch to see the time.

A knock from the door suddenly came.

"Mr. Watanabe?"

It was Mr. Kato. Haruto's eyes widen in excitement. His arrival could only mean one thing. Haruto quickly got up from his seat and put on his suit coat.

"Going somewhere?" Hyunsuk asked curious.

"Yeah, my fiancee is now here with his brother, whom I am going to meet the first time." Haruto answered. He was busy fixing his hair and his clothes.

"Jeongwoo has a brother?" Hyunsuk asked, his expression showed that he was just hearing this for the first time.

"Yeah." Haruto said with a nod. "I'm kinda nervous." he added with a small laugh.

Hyunsuk laughed amused.

"You? Nervous? You faced crowds of people not only when you were a teen but also now." Hyunsuk said getting up from his seat.

"This is different. It's his brother. Jeongwoo's only family left." Haruto said with a sad look.

"Oh," Hyunsuk nodded in understanding. "Then I guess you do have the right to be nervous. Goodluck then! Hopefully his brother is not an asshole!" Hyunsuk said, ruffling Haruto's hair.

"Hyung! Now I have to fix it again!" Haruto whined.

"Alright, I'm off now too. I wanna look around since I haven't been here for a while. See you kid!"

"Stop calling me kid! I'm only 4 years younger than you!" Haruto glared.

"Still a kid to me!" Hyunsuk teased.

"At least I'm not 30 years old and still single." Haruto said, showing his tongue out to the older.

Hyunsuk gasped out so loud when he heard that, before he could say or do anything more, Haruto had already ran out of his office as fast as he could.

"That little..."

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

"I miss you."

"I miss you too." Jeongwoo replied.

Both were speaking in Korean language.

Haruto smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Is the room alright? Do you want a bigger one?" Haruto asked.

"It's fine. It's very nice." Jeongwoo smiled. "Though it is kinda too big for just me and my brother." he added with a chuckle.

"Right." Haruto sounded nervous. "Your brother's here. So where is he?" Haruto fixed his tie and hair, wanting to make a good impression on Jeongwoo's closest family member.

"He's at the balcony. Don't be nervous. He's a nice guy but he can be too overprotective. And a bit mean, he is kinda sassy too. Not to mention kinda savage...but he's really nice once you get to know each other." Jeongwoo said intertwining their hands together.

Haruto gulped getting only more anxious. He is the type who can be just as savage and mean too. But this was his soon to be brother-in-law, he wants Jihoon's approval and blessing. Although even if he doesn't get it, he will still marry Jeongwoo. Haruto now entered the room. Both of them were headed to where Jihoon was.

"I just don't want him to think I'm not good enough for you." Haruto said nervous.

"He won't, he's actually already very impressed by...Oh my God! Hyung! What are you doing?!" Jeongwoo screamed terrified.

Jihoon at the moment was standing on a chair at the balcony. He had his camera in his hands and he was using it to take photos of the view the elevated space provided him. It seems all normal. The reason why Jeongwoo was panicking was because Jihoon was taking photos with his camera downward and he was bent over while standing on the chair, not to mention one socked foot was actually stepping on the balcony railing. With one misstep he will be falling to his death.

Jihoon looked away from his camera to see Jeongwoo and the newcomer Haruto. He remained bent over, ready to fall.

"Oh, Jeongwoo. I'm just taking photos." Jihoon replied nonchalantly.

"Get down from there!" Jeongwoo demanded and got closer, Haruto was debating if he should follow or stay where he stood.

"Why?" Jihoon asked.

"Why?! Because you're already close to falling off. Are you suicidal or what?!" Jeongwoo said and started pulling Jihoon down from the chair and away from the edge.

"Wait! Wait! Wait! I'm still not done! I haven't found the right angle yet!" Jihoon protested.

"I'm worrying about your life and you're worrying about camera angles?" Jeongwoo then started pinching Jihoon by the ear.

"Ow! Do you have to pinch my ear that hard?!" Jihoon whined.

Haruto was so confused right now. Jeongwoo had shared to him in the past that Jihoon was his older brother and he was the younger one. Yet seeing the two Park brothers right now made him think if Jeongwoo had phrased it wrong.

"Oh, who's your friend here?" Jihoon asked when he finally took notice of Haruto.

"Hello, Mr. Park Jihoon, sir." Haruto bowed, almost stuttering with his Korean. "I am Watanabe Haruto."

"Ah, you're Jeongwoo's fiancee. You look really handsome, no wonder this brother of mine is in love with you." Jihoon teased as he looked at Jeongwoo.

Haruto smiled seeing Jeongwoo looked flustered from what his brother said.

"Also, don't call me Mr. Park, makes me sound already old. I'm not even 30 yet. Jihoon Hyung is just fine. We are going to be brothers-in-law." Jihoon smiled kindly at him.

Haruto nodded feeling his nerves ease.

"Yes, Jihoon Hyung. I apologize." Haruto replied with a slight bow.

"Aish, don't be so formal too." Jihoon lightly reprimanded.

"I'm sorry. I'm actually very nervous right now." Haruto honestly admitted.

"Ah, that's fine, Katuro." Jihoon said.

"Hyung! Haruto! Haruto!!" Jeongwoo corrected once again.

"I'm sorry! I just haven't really wrapped my head around everything that's happening. It's not everday your brother gets married."

Chapter Text

Jihoon had asked Jeongwoo that he would like to explore outside. And he said that he wanted to give Jeongwoo and Haruto time for themselves.

Right now, he was walking alone on a cemented pavement where the surrounding environment was abundant in trees of dark wood and its contrasting foliage of pale petal flowers.

He walked with his camera in his hands. He took a lot of photos of the trees in pink bloom along with some candid shots of anything he find aesthetically pleasing to his eyes. Jihoon was just mesmerized by the soft cherry blossom petals that got carried away by the wind and fell off its branches. It was beautiful how both sunlight and pink petals coated the plain ground.

The enthusiastic photographer had been too distracted and didn't notice someone up front who was riding a bike. When he finally looked to the front, he was caught off guard by the person that's ready to crash into him. The blonde hair rider was quick to turn his bike a few inches to the side and swiftly passed by Jihoon without hitting him. The two made brief eye contact and never looked back at each other again.

Jihoon stood there frozen for a few seconds. He was surprised by how loud he could hear his heart beating so fast under his chest. He put a hand over his raging heart. Then concluded the rapid beating have been due to the shock of almost getting run over by a bike.

He also realize how scared he had been that his camera would have also been run over.

He quickly checked his beautiful and expensive camera.

"Oh, my baby! You're alright!" he hugged his camera then gave it a kiss.

Jihoon sighed relieved and went back to taking photos and admiring the area.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Hyunsuk continued paddling his bike and only stopped once he was sure he was far away from the guy he almost crashed into. He remained on the bike, balancing it with both his legs.

He breathed out a sigh of relief and felt his heart beating so fast. Hyunsuk remained right there, almost in the middle of the way. People passing by paid no attention to him though.

Maybe because to them he looked like an ordinary random person. He was wearing a mask that covered his face. A precaution he had to take since he was a famous public figure.

Hyunsuk got off the bike and breathed in the air. He looked up and admired the beauty of the sun bleeding through gaps and petals of the cherry blossom branches above him. He sighed contented by the momentary freedom and peaceful moment he was granted right now.

"Wow, it's so beautiful here." he said.

His phone suddenly started ringing. He took it out of his pocket, checking to see who was calling him. The name of the contact was written in Korean words that spelled Yedam. Hyunsuk's eyebrow lifted. He was curious as to why Yedam was calling him and so he quickly answered it.

"Hello? Yedam?" Hyunsuk slowly pulled the bike along with him to the side of the path.

"Hyung!! Where are you right now?!" Yedam screeched.

Hyunsuk had to place the phone away from his ears as he thought he could go deaf from the loud noise. He could also hear the thundering voices of the other members in the background.

"Um, Japan?" Hyunsuk answered confused.

"Where exactly in Japan?" another voice came.

"Is that Doyoung?" Hyunsuk asked.

"Answer the question!" they demanded.

Hyunsuk playfully rolled his eyes at them. He looked around trying to remember the name of the place.

"Um, I'm at Hirosaki park." Hyunsuk answered.

"Stay there! We're coming for you!" Yoonbin said.

"Wait? What do you mean you guys are coming? Here? Are you all in Japan now?" Hyunsuk asked

"Yeah! We're actually now on our way to you!" Seunghun said.

"We also want to attend the wedding! How dare you leave without us?!" Doyoung's voice shouted from the other line.

"But I thought you guys wanted to spend your free time there in Seoul?" Hyunsuk questioned.

"We did. But knowing about Haruto getting married we want to be there too!" Byounggun answered this time.

Hyunsuk smiled under his mask and chuckled. He was happy that they were coming. While he was talking to them on the phone a group of teenage girls and boys were passing by enjoying the scenery around. They noticed the eyecatching blonde man that looked somehow familiar to them.

While Hyunsuk had worn a mask to cover his face, he has striking features that really made him standout. The blonde hair, the fashionable designer clothes, the clear skin, the swagger in his moves and appearance. There's only so much a mask can do to hide one's identity. And because these youngsters often familiarize the image of their idols it didn't take long before the group of teenagers recognized who he was.

"Oh my God! Is that Choi Hyunsuk!" they squealed in Japanese.

Hyunsuk was fortunately taught Japanese in their company as they would need the language to be able to interact with Japanese fans. He understood what they had said which made him panic. Not that he didn't want to meet their fans but he was in vacation right now, and if they find out that he was there it would only become difficult to freely walk around Japan without getting surrounded by a huge crowd.

"Um, guys, if you're coming to me right now, then come quick! Right now!" Hyunsuk whisper yelled to his phone.

"Why Hyunsuk hyung? Did something happen?" Doyoung asked.

"Nothing serious, really, just the possibility of being chased around." he answered jokingly.

He quickly got back on his bike.

"That is Choi Hyunsuk!"

After that one scream, the fans were now running after him. Hyunsuk shoved his phone back to his pocket and concentrated on riding the bike. He zoomed past people and trees, almost crashing himself a few times.

He looked back to see they were still following after him. Hyunsuk realized he needed to disappear or blend in. He made a sharp turn by some thick cherry blossom trees that shielded any sight of him. He abandoned the bike and got to running. The bike wasn't his anyway, he borrowed it from Haruto, he figured he can just pay him back for it.

Hyunsuk took off the jacket he was wearing which was a flashy color of red. He was left with a black graphic tee and held the jacket in his hands.

While running away, Hyunsuk saw a man up ahead his path. The man was sitting on the grassy ground with his head looking down. He was wearing a black baseball cap that covered his hair.

Hyunsuk doesn't know what came over him nor what spirit possessed him. All he could think at that moment was the Marvel movie of Captain America where he and the Black Widow had to kiss each other to avoid getting caught by unwanted pursuers.

So, Hyunsuk shoved his expensive jacket by a tree near to hide it. Then ran straight to the stranger that was wearing a plain white shirt and denim jeans along with converse shoes.

He took off the guy's hat, putting it on to hide his own blonde hair. He then pulled the shocked stranger to him and kissed his lips.

Chapter Text

Jihoon had never been so shocked in his entire life.

One minute he was looking through the photos he took with his camera. Then the next second he felt his hat being taken off from him. Next, he was abruptly held by shoulders and received an unexpected kiss from a guy he has never seen in his life.

He came face to face with a blonde hair stranger wearing a mask. After the stranger took his hat and wore it on himself, the stranger took his mask off next. Jihoon only saw the guy's face for a second before the guy placed a hand behind Jihoon's head and dived in to steal a kiss from him.

Jihoon's eyes widened from the shock. He just couldn't believe it! This was his first kiss. Junkyu and him never even kissed on the lips when they were together. It was always either on the cheeks, forehead or hands.

The two wanted to wait and respected each other too much, feeling it was too early to be kissing.

That or maybe then again, it was because Jihoon had been too caught up in his job for Junkyu and him to even begin to kiss each other on the lips.

Jihoon blinked his eyes, getting out of that train of thought. He was brought back to reality where he was frozen in his spot. Then he finally came back to his senses and pushed the guy off him. He couldn't push him far away as the guy held onto him tightly.

"What the fuck! Get away from me!" Jihoon screamed.

"Wait! Just bear with it more for a minute! Please! I need your help!" the guy pleaded.

"Help you with what?! If you want help then why are you kissing me?!" Jihoon tried pushing him away again.

Hyunsuk had looked behind Jihoon and saw the group that had been chasing him, they were running to his direction. They don't seem to be coming directly at him but just close enough to where he was. He was still prone to being caught.

"Act natural!" he stressed and kissed Jihoon again.

He even went as far as to pushing him down and pinning the panicking Jihoon to the ground full of grass. Jihoon's camera dropped to the side.

The younger protested and tried pushing him off again. While Jihoon struggled and writhed under Hyunsuk, the older was looking to see if the fans had avoided coming near.

Indeed, the public display of affection was enough to make them back off not wanting to intrude anyone's privacy. They could no longer spot the striking blonde hair and red jacket that they saw Hyunsuk wore. They also haven't confirmed if it was him yet so they went on to a different direction, still hoping to find the blonde idol.

While Hyunsuk began to feel relief, Jihoon had by now formulated in his head how this stranger was some sick pervert that randomly jumps on unknowing victims off the street. Jihoon felt violated as the kissed continued longer.

He hyped himself up in his head and finally got the courage to do something about the situation. Out of impulse, what he did was kick the man kissing him right where he knew it would hurt. Jihoon exactly did that. He kicked Hyunsuk. The poor blonde instantly felt the pain right in his private region. He got off Jihoon rolling to the ground in agony.

"Why would you do that?!" Hyunsuk squeezed out.

"Because you're a pervert! I hope we never meet each other again!" Jihoon got up with his camera and ran away from the guy, forgetting about his cap that the stranger still had on.

Jihoon didn't feel like staying outside any longer so he was heading back straight to the hotel.

Hyunsuk had watched Jihoon leave. He cursed as he felt the pain still there. He sat up putting his mask back on to avoid being seen any further. It surprised him how the guy he kissed was purely Korean and not someone from Japan. He was also surprised by how the guy didn't recognized him or atleast knew who he was.

"Hyung!"

Hyunsuk turned around hearing a familiar voice.

He saw Yedam, Doyoung, Seunghun, Byounggon and Yoonbin coming to him.

"Hyung! What happened?" Yedam asked seeing Hyunsuk's pained expression.

"I've been struck by an angel." Hyunsuk answered. He actually found the guy he kissed cute and attractive.

"More like a demon." Seunghun commented.

"What happened actually?" Yoonbin asked.

Seunghun and Byounggon went to help Hyunsuk up.

"I'll tell you. Just not right here coz' we might get swarmed. Especially with all of us six here." Hyunsuk said walking to get his jacket back and hopefully, the bike he borrowed.

All of them agreed to leave and went to a hotel they will be staying at.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Jeongwoo had expected to see his brother smiling with his crescent eyes the moment he got back from exploring outside. He didn't expect Jihoon would be fuming and cursing as he got back.

"Hyung?" Jeongwoo approached carefully.

They were at the room provided for them. Haruto had left a few minutes ago to get back to work and look at the preparations for the wedding.

As soon as Jihoon entered their room, he went straight to his bed and placed his camera at the nightstand beside him. He got a pillow and muffled his screams with it. He put it away from him and faced his brother.

"Jeongwoo! I'm never going out alone again!" Jihoon shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Why hyung? What happened?" Jeongwoo asked sitting on the bed too.

"Jeongwoo-ya! I've been violated! A pervert on the streets suddenly kissed me!" Jihoon answered, punching the pillow. He imagined it was the face of that guy.

"Kissed you?!" Jeongwoo asked in disbelief.

Jihoon nodded fast to him.

"I've reserved my lips from when I finally find my true love and now it's gone!!" Jihoon cried. "Taken by some random pervert!!"

Chapter Text

The awaited day finally came.

Jihoon was so happy for his brother. He was ready to cry but tried holding it back the best he could. The wedding hasn't even started yet. So instead of real tears bursting with genuine emotions, he opted for crocodile tears as to not show how emotional he can get in front of his younger brother.

"Jeongwoo, you're no longer my little baby brother. Now, you're a man! You're gonna live your married life and you're gonna forget about me! And leave me alone! I won't have anyone to celebrate Christmas or New Year anymore!" Jihoon said, dramatically shedding fake tears.

Jeongwoo patiently waited for Jihoon to finish. He let himself be embraced by the elder as he patted Jihoon's back in assurance.

"Hyung, stop crying. It's gonna be fine. I'll still be able to celebrate Christmas and New Year this year with you." Jeongwoo chuckled.

"Exactly! This year! Just this year! For the next coming years you won't be able to anymore!!" Jihoon cried harder.

"Hyung, don't cry anymore. You'll ruin your make up. Don't you want to attract some of the guests who can be your future-" Jeongwoo couldn't finish as Jihoon had shut him up by blocking his mouth with his hand.

"Let's not talk about my shitty love life today. Let's just focus on your wedding, okay?" Jihoon said, finally regaining his composure. (lol, that unintentionally rhymed 😂)

"Right, maybe it wouldn't be shitty if..." Jeongwoo coughed and whispered his next words. "If you had given time for it."

"Alright. I heard that." Jihoon pointed with a mild glare. He looked away and sighed.

A gloomy look crossed his face. He remembered Junkyu again and how he had forsaken their relationship. He remembers the times whenever he rejected Junkyu's offers to go out or simply spend time for each other.

"Hyung," Jeongwoo called again. "You okay?" he looked guilty and worried.

Jihoon coughed. He fixed his hair and the tie on his suit.

"Of course, I'm okay. Look, stop worrying about me and just think about your wedding today. You should be smiling. You're finally getting yourself someone who can love you your whole life." Jihoon turned to him and placed both his hands of the younger's shoulders. "I'm proud of you. Just know that even if you have Haruto now, I'll always be there for you whenever you need me." he gave Jeongwoo a smile and hugged him.

The two brothers shared a loving embrace. They stayed like that for a while before Jihoon finally decided to break free from the hug. He still had a smile on his face.

"Come on. Let's go now and get your ass married."

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

"Wow, Haruto is really rich!" Yoonbin exclaimed.

The group of friends were walking out of their rooms and heading out to the hotel lobby. They were on their way to wait there for the cars that will take them to the venue of the event. At the moment, the other members that have never been to Japan, specifically the hotel Haruto's family owns, were marveling over the grandness of the architecture.

"Look at that chandelier! It's made of diamonds and shaped like a diamond!" Doyoung pointed out, his mouth gaping while he was looking up.

As the group remained standing in the lobby, Jihoon and Jeongwoo had taken the elevator down to reach the lobby themselves.

"I think I forgot my phone." Hyunsuk said while putting his hands over the pockets of the tailored suit pants he was wearing. "Let me just go back and get it." he said to the others.

Hyunsuk ran for one of the elevators. And because he wasn't looking, when the doors opened he stepped in and bumped into someone so hard that he fell on top of that person. The two groaned from the impact. Hyunsuk quickly tried to get up while quickly saying his apologies.

The person he bumped into was also busy saying his apologies. Hyunsuk recognized the voice. The two made eye contact and Hyunsuk immediately realized who it was.

"You?" Hyunsuk questioned with widened eyes.

"You!" Jihoon also said in realization but with venom in his tone. His kind and gentle facial features turned bitter and furious. "What the fuck are you doing here?" Jihoon shouted out.

His loud voice immediately got the attention of Hyunsuk's friends. They quickly went to see what was happening, standing by his side in a blink.

Hyunsuk couldn't believe he was faced to faced with the same guy he met at the park.

"What am I doing here? What are you doing here?!" He blurted out, confused himself.

"Hyung, what's wrong?" Jeongwoo asked from behind Jihoon.

"It's him. That perverted man that kissed me!" Jihoon said to Jeongwoo.

"Pervert? I am not a pervert!" Hyunsuk defended.

"Who...oh! Hi, Hyunsuk Hyung!" Jeongwoo greeted when he sees the man.

"Hyung? Did you just address him as hyung? You know this guy?" Jihoon asked Jeongwoo. He was confused.

"Yes, he's one of Haruto's closests friends." Jeongwoo explained.

"No way. No way is sweet and kind Haruto friends with a pervert!" Jihoon furiously shook his head unable to believe the two were even something that could be considered as close friends.

"Our Hyunsuk hyung is not a pervert!" Yedam said, quickly defending Hyunsuk.

"That's right! Maybe it's you who is the pervert!" Doyoung added as he glared at the guy they have never met before.

The older members kept quiet, trying to understand the whole picture of the situation.

"Me? I was the one he violated at the park! He kissed me without my permission and I don't even know him!" Jihoon said, not wanting to back down.

"Hyunsuk hyung can never do such a thing!" Yoonbin said this time.

"His lips has never touched anyone in his entire life before." Seunghun inserted. He wasn't trying to pick up a fight with the guy as he said that.

"I'm not talking to any of you! I'm talking to this man right here!" Jihoon snapped at them.

"Hyung, why don't we calm down." Jeongwoo said, trying to hold back Jihoon who seemed ready to pounce on Hyunsuk.

"Later, let me first castrate this motherfucker!" Jihoon declared while clawing for Hyunsuk.

Jeongwoo laughed nervously as he struggled to hold Jihoon back. He knew very well just how much stronger Jihoon was than him. It was almost impossible to keep him from lunging at Hyunsuk.

The members of their group were already forming a wall themselves to keep Hyunsuk away from the enraged Jihoon.

Before any physical fight broke out, Mr. Kato had arrived just in time to inform the Park siblings that he will be now taking them to the venue of the wedding.

Jihoon finally composed himself but kept glaring at Hyunsuk. Jeongwoo quickly pulled him outside along with him and got them into the car. Mr. Kato drove them away. Soon after, Hyunsuk and his friends own transportation arrived to take them to the venue.

"Woah! Hyunsuk, that's the guy you told us about?" Seunghun asked amused.

They were now seated together in the car.

"He's not an angel at all." Doyoung commented. He didn't like how rude and impulsive Jihoon acted.

"I agree, the guy was like cursing up a storm." Yoonbin said.

"But he does look as cute as you described him Hyunsuk." Seunghun suddenly said.

"Did you really kiss him Hyunsuk?" Byounggun asked.

The second the question was asked everyone had turned to look at Hyunsuk, awaiting for his answer.

"I actually did." Hyunsuk admitted. He was looking at the tinted windows, with a small dreamy smile on his face.

"What?!" they all shouted in chorus.

"What the?! No way!"

Chapter Text

"How do you know him?" Jihoon interrogated Jeongwoo.

They were still being drove to the venue.

"Who? Hyunsuk hyung? I know him from a few years ago." Jeongwoo answered.

"Years?" Jihoon looked at him in disbelief. "Just how..." he wanted to ask more. But he calculated Jeongwoo had met Hyunsuk way back when Jihoon was busy with college. He could've known about this along with Jeongwoo's lovelife but after college Jihoon had immediately grinded himself into working on his career.

Jihoon sighed. He chose to keep quiet not wanting to know more. It would only ruin his mood the entire wedding. He didn't want to think about that Hyunsuk guy anymore.

It was quiet for a while and Jihoon tried calming his raging thoughts. Then he realized something.

"Wait....so, if that guy is Haruto's friend...that means...HE'S GOING TO BE AT THE WEDDING?!" Jihoon screamed looking at Jeongwoo.

His high pitched voice reached Mr. Kato's ears that the poor guy almost swerved their car into an accident.

"Hyung! Calm down!" Jeongwoo said, cluthing onto his seat. He almost had a heart attack in fear of getting killed in an accident on his wedding day.

Jihoon took a deep breath to calm down. The thought still infuriated him though. He groaned rubbing his face.

"Ugh...I can't believe I'm gonna have to see his face there again." Jihoon sulked. He tried to distract himself by getting his camera ready for taking pictures. "At least I won't have to take pictures of him since he's just a guest." he added.

Jeongwoo laughed nervously.

"Ah..about that..." he scratched his neck. "He's actually Haruto's best man."

Jihoon looked away from his camera with a blank face. He faced Jeongwoo, looked to the front and screamed at the top.of his lungs.

"WHAT?!"

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

The two arrived at the wedding venue safe. Minus the slight head injury Jihoon received from bumping his head against the car window. And that was because when he screamed, Mr. Kato had to step on the breaks to keep them from hitting a cat crossing the street when their car tried making a turn.

But atleast they were safe and alive.

Jihoon had began taking photos of the decorations and set up. He even explored the place further all around. Everything was just decorated beautifully and elegantly. The decorations all had a Korean and Japanese mixed style to them. However, there was something that fully caught Jihoon's attention.

Near the reception area there was a fountain. It was made of stone and it was totally something that made you look twice because the style of the fountain was looking very European rather than something Asian. Jihoon observed the statue to be a fine craftsmanship of the Roman god named Cupid. He was confused why it was like that but simply chose to shrug it off. He didn't want to bother the story behind why a Roman architecture fountain was there. Maybe because it looked beautiful and somewhat symbolic to be there. Anyway, he climbed up the small flight of stairs surrounding the fountain then got his camera and took photos of the fountain. He really liked how there were lotus pads and flowers floating on the water's surface. He also observed from beneath the clear water there were various coins that had sunk to the bottom of the fountain.

"Do people actually throw coins into this fountain?" Jihoon thought out loud.

He racked his brain and made a reference from videos and stories he'd seen on the internet where people actually throw coins into a fountain and make a wish. Most of the wishes were either asking for money or love.

"They throw them there wishing for love." someone answered him.

Jihoon turned around to see the unexpected newcomer. When he sees who it was he rolled his eyes and turned back to take photos of the fountain.

Despite the hostile and unwelcoming vibes Jihoon gave, Hyunsuk still approached him. He stood by Jihoon's side but kept his distance, just in case the other would decide on drowning him in the fountain. Hyunsuk knew Jihoon was still mad at him.

"So, are you a photographer or do you just like taking photos?" Hyunsuk started to make conversation.

Jihoon put his camera down and faced Hyunsuk.

"Why are you talking to me?"

"Am I not allowed to talk to you?" Hyunsuk asked.

"Of course. Didn't I tell you that I don't want to see your face ever again." Jihoon said and walked away from the fountain.

"Actually, you didn't say that. You just said you will castrate me." Hyunsuk said following after him.

Jihoon looked at him. He gave him a disgusted look.

"There you are again. You and your perverted side." Jihoon hissed.

"Hey, I'm not a pervert. Okay?"

"Okay, then why of all people at the park did you have to kiss me?!"

"I'm sorry! I was just trying to get away from some people." Hyunsuk reasoned.

"Some people, what are you an idol?" Jihoon scoffs.

"You could say that." Hyunsuk said with a grin.

He was honestly surprised by how Jihoon has no idea of who he was and his popularity. Their group was famous all throughout Seoul and even some parts of the globe. Yet this fiesty person in front of him was awfully clueless. However, Hyunsuk actually preferred it like this. Because it made him feel normal, Jihoon wasn't treating him like some untouchable persona. Rather, like he was just a random person he was openly being rude to, maybe, that's why he caught Hyunsuk's interest.

They stopped walking and talking as Jihoon saw a beautifully arranged group of flowers. There were many red roses and he focused on capturing them as he really likes the color red.

Hyunsuk took notice of this but said nothing.

When Jihoon finished he looked at Hyunsuk who was still there with him.

"Don't you have a friend group to be with?" Jihoon asked him.

"I do. I just came here to see the fountain and take some fresh air before the wedding starts." Hyunsuk said. That was a lie though.

When they arrived he wanted to talk to Jihoon and apologize for kissing him without permission. Then hopefully he can get to know him more.

Jihoon nodded to his answer.

"Well, I have a younger brother to talk to, so, bye!" he said with a quick wave and sprinted away from the blonde.

Hyunsuk was surprised by the quick exit and sighed. He then cheered himself up knowing there was still plenty of time to talk to Jihoon before the day ended.

The wedding soon began. Just as Jeongwoo shared indeed Hyunsuk was present all through out the ceremony, along with his group of friends. Jihoon even had to take pictures of him which he had been a bit reluctant to do so at first. Not that he was being a bitch, but he was still stingy about the kiss which had not receive it's proper explanation. Jihoon accepted the apology but not the shitty explanation Hyunsuk gave.

Jihoon realized he was being too distracted from actually prioritozing in focusing on his brother. He shook his messy thoughts away and went into professional mode with his photography.

He made sure to take the best photos he could capture, so whenever Jeongwoo wants to relive these exact moments again he could picture the scene and emotions to be as perfect as it was today.

Chapter Text

When the wedding ended, Jihoon had tears in his eyes and even tears trailing down his cheeks. He really tried holding them back but just watching his younger brother, Jeongwoo, looking so happy made him cry out of joy.

But Jihoon hated being too emotional around a lot people, especially people he isn't that close with. He carefully wiped his tears with his hands, trying to make sure he wouldn't smudge the make up foundation on his face.

Suddenly, a hand appeared in front of him holding out a handkerchief. Jihoon looked to see who it was and saw Hyunsuk once again.

"Here." Hyunsuk said.

"What?" Jihoon asked confused, but he did understand that Hyunsuk was trying to give the handkerchief for him to take.

"You can use it to wipe your face." Hyunsuk said with a gentle smile.

Jihoon reluctantly accepted the handkerchief and used it to wipe his tears.

"Thank you." Jihoon said in a low voice. He felt a bit embarrassed Hyunsuk was seeing him cry.

The smile on Hyunsuk's face became wider once he heard those words.

"Wow, you're being kind and not so rude to me. I actually got chills when you said 'Thank you'." Hyunsuk joked, wrapping his arms around himself.

"That's because I'm trying to be grateful. But now I feel like I should kick you right in your balls again. This time I'll make sure it will hurt enough to bring you to the hospital." Jihoon threatened.

"I'm just kidding!" Hyunsuk laughed, raising his hands up in surrender. "You're so cute when you get angry." he added.

Jihoon heard these words and looked at him wide eyed. His cheeks became tinted with pink. He couldn't think of something to say back.

"Hey, why are blushing? It makes you even cuter." Hyunsuk said to Jihoon. He unconsciously stepped closer which made Jihoon even more flustered.

"Oh, look! Jeongwoo and Haruto called me to take more pictures!" Jihoon lied as an excuse and quickly ran away from Hyunsuk.

"You're scaring him Hyunsuk." Seunghun said with a chuckle as he watched Jihoon stumble and trip himself on the flat marble floor.

Hyunsuk looked to him. Behind Seunghun, he could see the others coming to where he was standing.

"Hyung, there's a really beautiful fountain near the reception. Let's go and get a closer look at it." Yedam suggested looking excited.

Everyone else was busy taking photos anyway, so they agreed to go there. They went there and saw the same fountain Jihoon had seen.

"Guys, look! I think it's a wishing fountain." Yedam said seeing all the coins under the water.

"We can throw coins into it and make a wish." Doyoung smiled seeing the coins too.

"I heard stories about this fountain. Some say that the wishes made here actually come true." Yoonbin said. "Anyone that has thrown a coin and made a wish for love here got what they asked for or atleast that's what I heard." he finished with a shrug.

"I think it's just a waste of money." Byounggun commented.

"Don't be so cheap. You'll only be throwing a coin and not everything that's in your wallet." Hyunsuk laughed.

"I still think it's too childish. Besides I don't really believe in wishes." Byounggun shrugged.

"Well, I'm gonna throw a coin. I know it will just sink to the bottom, but like, it feels kinda magical, you know?" Yedam said, he took out a coin he was gonna throw.

"I'm gonna throw one too." Doyoung took out his own coin.

The two younger members went near the fountain. They kept quiet as the two made their wish. The atmosphere was surrounded by only the sound of water sprinkling out of the fountain. Once the two finished with their wish, they threw their coins into the fountain that both made a splash before sinking to the bottom.

"I want to make a wish too." Seunghun said.

He fished for his pocket for any coins but found none.

Hyunsuk had taken out a special coin of his own to make his own wish.

"Hey, Hyunsuk, you're gonna make a wish?" Seunghun asked.

"Yeah." Hyunsuk nodded with a smile.

Seunghun looked at the coin he had. He stepped closer to Hyunsuk.

"Can I have it instead?"

"No way. I want to make my own wish." Hyunsuk hid the coin close to him.

"Please. What would you want to wish for anyway?" Seunghun said.

"That's for me to know only."

"Okay. I didn't want to do this but..." Seunghun said.

Hyunsuk didn't understand what he meant by that, until he watched the other grab his hands and take his coin away. The round shiny object went flying into the air and rolling on the ground.

The two scrambled together to get the coin. Hyunsuk quickly got it back in his hands but Seunghun was trying hard to reach for it. He was obviously the stronger one between the two, yet Hyunsuk did his best to fight him off. They both had the coin in their hands but one of them pushed it off and the coin accidently dropped into the fountain. The two neither knows who got it into the fountain, they quickly said their wishes in silence.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Jihoon avoided Hyunsuk. He didn't know why he was doing it. He tried telling himself it was because he was still mad. But he didn't really feel mad at him anymore.

Jihoon sighed and drank from the glass of alcohol he had. He went away from the table filled with drinks and got his camera to take some more photos.

He had already taken Jeongwoo and Haruto's, along with all the other guests and staff that completed the wedding. There were also two other photographers present, not to steal Jihoon's job but to atleast help him be included in the wedding pictures himself.

The reception was loud with chattering and music. Jihoon went on taking candid shots. He was suddenly pulled by the arm and saw it was Jeongwoo holding him.

"Hyung, are you ready for your speech?" Jeongwoo asked smiling.

"Speech? What speech?" Jihoon asked confused.

"Your speech as my best man and as my older brother? Didn't I tell you to prepare?" Jeongwoo crossed his arms.

"Uh, no...not that I remember." Jihoon scratched his head.

"That's okay. You can do impromptu. You're good with words." Jeongwoo pulled him towards the stage.

"Wait, Jeongwoo, I-" Jihoon tried to argue his way out but Jeongwoo already brought him to the stage. He caught the people's attention, and introduced Jihoon.

"I can't speak Japanese." Jihoon finished saying as Jeongwoo left him on the stage.

"Um, hi!" Jihoon cleared his throat. "I'm Jihoon, Jeongwoo's older brother." he said in Korean. As he expected not many could understand him.

Hyunsuk, who was among the crowd, saw Jihoon struggling. He immediately went to his side. He took the microphone and translated what Jihoon said into Japanese. The guests around finally understood.

Jihoon looked at Hyunsuk carefully.

"You can speak Japanese?" Jihoon asked in a whisper.

"Not much, I know a bit. So, maybe just don't say something too complicated or too long to translate." Hyunsuk said.

"Okay." Jihoon nodded. "Again, hello everyone."

Hyunsuk repeated but in Japanese.

"Today, we have gathered to celebrate my brother's marriage with this kind young man Haruto."

Hyunsuk carefully translated it into Japanese. Jihoon nodded to him with a smile.

"I'm happy for my brother to have found someone he can love, someone he can cherish."

Hyunsuk translated.

Jihoon at this point was getting emotional again. He had always been a talker and didn't like taking such long pauses when talking so he got carried away.

"My brother has found someone he can share his laughs with and someone he can share his pain with. It's rare to find a love that can last and it is my wish that these two stay strong no matter what challenges come their way. I hope you two live happily together. Haruto, I hope I can trust you in taking good care of my brother. Good luck! He's your problem now."

Hyunsuk was now finding it really hard to translate what Jihoon had just said. He had been following through translating his words but it was too fast for him. He also wasn't that fluent in Japanese yet. Those that could only clearly understand the speech were those who understand Korean.

"Um, let's try clapping together now. Maybe then he can finally wrap up his speech." Hyunsuk said in Japanese.

The people all around did as he said. Jihoon who didn't understand, smiled thinking everyone got his message. He smiled at Hyunsuk as to thank him for the help.

Jeongwoo was forcing a smile and Haruto tried his best not to laugh. If only Jihoon knew what Hyunsuk really said he wouldn't be smiling at him right now.

Jeongwoo once again approached Jihoon who was just getting off the stage.

"Hyung, let's sing a song together." he suggested, holding a microphone in his hand.

"Jeongwoo, you just made me talk. I feel exhausted already." Jihoon said but Jeongwoo wasn't budging. "I can't. You know I can't. Not in front of these many people." Jihoon said backing away.

"Please, hyung." Jeongwoo pleaded like a child.

"Why don't you sing with your husband instead? I heard Haruto can rap. You can do the vocals. That'll be a perfect combination for you two." Jihoon put out, hoping to avoid singing.

"But I want to sing with you." Jeongwoo pleaded again, this time harder. He gave his older brother puppy eyes.

"No, not the eyes." Jihoon groaned looking away. He looked at Jeongwoo and still saw him pleading.

"Alright, alright. Stop doing the eyes they make you look ugly. I don't need people to see you like that and know I'm related to you." Jihoon sighed with a groan.

"Yes!!!" Jeongwoo jumped in celebration.

Jihoon immediately got the microphone shoved into his hands again. They trembled in fear as he looked up seeing the crowd again. Most were people he didn't know and that made him even more nervous.

Talking in front of a large crowd was one thing but singing was another thing.

Jeongwoo had already chosen a song. It was one of those songs that they often sang together. Jihoon closed his eyes and began singing.

(you guys pick in ur imaginations which duet song they did. I couldn't choose between the korean one they sang in a tmap episode or the english one they sang at the radio one. Or there might be another duet they did idk about. anyway just think it's about love or something like that)

Hyunsuk eyes widened in surprise when he heard his voice. If he were to describe how Jihoon sounded it was smooth and sexy. His friends had also gathered together watching in amazement how Jihoon had the talent to sing.

"Wow, that rude brother of Jeongwoo can actually sing." Doyoung said.

When the song ended Jihoon bowed down immediately and got down from the stage. He doesn't know if he did well or not but he was totally hiding away from Jeongwoo from now on. He can't have him pulling him to the stage to do another thing in front of the crowd again. Jihoon swear Jeongwoo might even want them to dance next.

"Wow, you have a nice voice."

Jihoon turned to see Hyunsuk.

"Uh, thank you." Jihoon smiled at him.

"You should sing more." Hyunsuk said smiling too.

"No thank you. I'm not really that confident about it. I only sang because Jeongwoo was pleading for me to do it." Jihoon chuckled. He avoided eye contact with him and pretended to check his camera.

"Well, you actually sing pretty good." Hyunsuk said.

"Are you now some singing expert?" Jihoon laughed.

"You could say that." Hyunsuk winked at him.

It was just a wink. A very quick and harmless wink. Yet Jihoon felt like someone shot him in his chest. He placed a hand above it as he felt it ridiculously tighten with his raging heart that's ready to jump out his rib cage.

"Oh, look! The food is running out. I still haven't taken pictures of them. Bye!"

Chapter Text

There Jihoon was, standing at the balcony. He can see everyone from up there, watching the crowd that gathered for the wedding. It was getting late at night. Almost everyone around were either stuffed with food or tipsy and drunk from the alcohol.

Jihoon took a sip from the wine glass he was drinking. He put it down on the balcony railing and let his eyes scan the crowd beneath him. He was looking for a particular someone among the guests. And there he spotted the one he was looking for. He saw Hyunsuk, the blonde appeared restless as he seemed to be looking for someone. Jihoon couldn't help but think that maybe Hyunsuk was looking for him.

Jihoon took another sip from his drink and sighed. He felt stupid. He just met the guy and even had a ridiculous first encounter with him yet he somehow feels an attraction towards him. Jihoon first shrugged it off as him just finding Hyunsuk as a nice and very attractive guy. Or that he was trying to mend his still broken heart from his failure of a past relationship. Regardless of whatever reason, Jihoon was interested in getting to know Hyunsuk more.

"You can do this. It's not like you have anything to lose." Jihoon exhaled, he took another sip from his drink and put on a smile.

He was about to take a step down the flight of stairs but hesitated and went back to the balcony overlooking the people around.

"Wait! What if he's just being friendly and I'm mistaking it for something more that friendship? What if he actually already likes someone? But what if it's me he likes?" this was one of his habits whenever he is nervous. He would talk to himself when making decisions.

"Oh, fuck it!" Jihoon declared.

He hurried down the stairs, got himself a bottle of wine and two glasses of champagne. His eyes scanned for Hyunsuk and he caught him going out through the doors of the reception area.

Jihoon immediately followed. When he looked outside, he saw Hyunsuk with his back turned to him facing the beautiful fountain of love from earlier.

Jihoon smiled seeing him. He took a deep breath and exhaled it out. He was trying to calm down as he was feeling absolutely nervous. Jihoon finally gathered the courage to approach Hyunsuk. Just as he took his first step he immediately stopped. He saw a beautiful girl who came close to Hyunsuk and suddenly kissed him. Jihoon saw and watched Hyunsuk didn't push the girl away. He wasn't aware the girl was very drunk, his head just formulated that the girl was somehow Hyunsuk's girlfriend and that he was not single at all. Jihoon quickly hid behind one of the thick pillars and kept quiet.

He didn't see how Hyunsuk peeled the girl off him. He talked some sense to her drunken state and sighed. He decided to assist the woman back inside.

Jihoon took a peek and caught the two walking back inside. He saw the girl placed her head on Hyunsuk's shoulder as they walked together. Jihoon swore he felt a painful pinch under his chest.

Hyunsuk passed by him with the girl, accompanying her back to her family or friends inside. He didn't saw Jihoon.

Once they were out of his sight, Jihoon bit his bottom lip and closed his eyes. He sighed feeling his heart slowly breaking once again. He cursed inside his head thinking of how stupid he was to even hope and dream that maybe Hyunsuk could finally be the one. It was a stupid thing, to fall in love so fast.

"Of course." he laughed bitterly.

Jihoon looked around and saw no one else outside. He got out from hiding and approached the fountain. He put down the bottle and glasses he had brought and sat there alone. Then he took off his shoes along with his socks. He faced away from the green landscape and dipped his bare feet into the cold water of the fountain. He was soaking his pants wet but he didn't care.

"Aigoo, Jihoonie." He said to himself, opening the wine bottle and drinking directly from it. "To think I was finally going to find love. Maybe, I'm just cursed to be single for now." he laughed dryly and took another sip from the bottle. "What an idiot." he told himself.

Jihoon looked towards the delicately and expertly carved statue that was the center piece of the water fountain. It was an image of a male with feathery wings holding a bow and arrow. He believed it was Cupid, the Roman god of love.

"What are you looking at?" Jihoon asked the statue he made eye contact with. "Must be funny to see me having terrible luck when it comes to love." He chuckled and drank again.

Jihoon sighed looking around the clear water and saw the coins that were submerged in the fountain. He laughed upon seeing so many of them.

"Look at you. All throwing your good coins wishing for love when you can use them to buy yourselves some coffee or I don't know, some doughnuts and milktea instead. We're all suckers for love aren't we?" he talked to no one in particular. "And you!" he pointed at the statue. "You're really pissing me off with that grin on your face." then he laughed out of drunkenness.

Jihoon sighed grasping his sanity. He put the wine down and stood up. He walked around the water making splashes.

"Each one of you is a desperate wish for love that's never gonna come true." Jihoon said shaking his head as if he was disappointed at the coins.

He then randomly picked up a coin and held it out into the cold night air. "So, I'm saving you." he said, showing the coin to the Cupid statue before putting it into his pocket.

Somewhere, on that exact moment he fished out the coin from the fountain, a person had his eyes glazed over. The person was holding a cup of coffee that was empty. He recently cleaned it and was just about to put it back with the other cups but it dropped to ground as he lost his hold on it. His facial expression became blank for a second before changing into a lovestruck smile.

"And I'm saving you." Jihoon picked up another coin and the same thing happened to another person from somewhere.

The person was face to face with a blank canvas and a paintbrush on his mouth. The brush dropped to the floor as his eyes also glazed over and became struck with the same lovestruck look.

Jihoon took another coin. Another person from somewhere was holding a guitar and singing a song he was trying to compose. He stopped strumming and got the same dreamy expression on his face.

Jihoon took out another coin and someone who was dancing freestyle somewhere stopped dancing to look up and smile happily.

Another coin was taken and its owner at that moment was having a YouTube livestream but stopped as he got the same lovestruck look, confusing his viewers of him being possessed.

It was like they were receiving a vision of something wonderful, that only they could see.

Jihoon had thought of stopping from there but then his eyes were caught by a unique coin.

"One more couldn't hurt." he told himself and picked out the last coin he was taking.

The coin was like handmade or customized and painted in metallic purple with gold designs. Jihoon smiled seeing the coin and put it into his pocket along the others.

He stopped from there and laughed as he looked at his surroundings. It was beautiful seeing the glowing candles and lantern lights around him. Yet it felt awful to be surrounded by such a romantic atmosphere with no one special to share it with. Jihoon twirled around the water, dancing without a care as he created large splashes. Tears were forming under his closed eyelids in the midst of him dancing around the fountain.

Jihoon didn't know that someone was watching him. He was looking at Jihoon with eyes of absolute admiration. In his perspective, the moment he saw Jihoon dancing around the fountain, it was like every thing was in slow motion.

Jihoon's drunken dance ended soon and he sat back. He got out of the fountain, feeling numb because of his intoxicated state.

The person that had watched him tried to approach him but hesitated. He had to turn around as he heard his friends call for him. When he turned around to the fountain again, Jihoon had already disappeared.

Chapter Text

Morning sunlight passed through the open windows. The bright light was hitting Jihoon's face and it made him wake up from his beloved slumber. He opens his eyes to feel the immediate hangover of a headache banging his head. He sat up to find himself alone in his bed at the hotel room.

He didn't bother looking for Jeongwoo since he knew he was with Haruto. They were now a married couple.

Jihoon yawned. He got out of bed and got himself ready. He wanted to explore more of Japan before he leaves in two days to go back to South Korea.

When Jihoon got down to the lobby, he caught sight one of Hyunsuk's friends. He was sitting alone on a bench and strumming a guitar in his hands. Jihoon could hear his melodic voice beautifully echoing throughout the room. The photographer couldn't help but stop to listen. The music he was making was sure to enthrall some hearts and ears nearby. Jihoon continued watching the guy from a distance. He wasn't planning on talking to him. The two hadn't been properly introduced to each other.

The guy had noticed Jihoon. The moment he saw him, he stopped singing as his eyes sparkled in excitement and he waved for Jihoon to come close.

Jihoon looked around confused. He was thinking that the guy was calling someone else that was probably standing behind him. But when he checked there was no one.

"Hey!" the guy had walk towards him instead.

"Oh, uhhh..." Jihoon trailed off as he still doesn't know his name.

"I'm Yedam." Yedam said smiling.

"Yedam! Yeah, Yedam. Hello!" Jihoon nodded, smiling in courtesy.

"What about you?" Yedam asked, the smile remained stuck on his face.

"What about me?" Jihoon asked confused.

"Your name?" Yedam chuckled.

"Oh, you still don't know? I thought Hyunsuk would have already told you." Jihoon chuckled too.

"He did but I just wanna hear it from you." Yedam said.

Jihoon looked at him confused again by his words. But he decided to not put much thought into it.

"Oh, well my name's Jihoon. I'm Jeongwoo's older brother, in case you didn't know that yet." Jihoon introduced himself.

"I do. You said it in your speech yesterday. By the way, you really have a smooth singing voice. I heard you sing last night." Yedam looked at him with a gaze that Jihoon find a bit weird.

"Oh, that." Jihoon laughed embarrassed. "I'm not really that much of a singer. It's more like something I just do for fun."

"Well, I'm actually composing a song right now. Would you like to listen and help me with it?" Yedam strummed his guitar. He looked at Jihoon with hopeful eyes.

"I'd love too. But I'm actually planning on heading out to explore today. Also, I'm not really good with writing or composing music. I'll probably just mess up your song." Jihoon kindly rejected.

"Oh, then maybe I can go with you?" Yedam asked looking expectant.

"No need. That's very kind of you but I think I'll be fine alone." Jihoon explained. He bowed in apology and waved him goodbye.

Yedam bowed and waved goodbye to him too, looking sad. But instead of further sulking he went to follow Jihoon from a stalking distance behind.

"What was that about? Yesterday he was very aggressive to me when I called Hyunsuk a pervert. Now it's like he's trying to be good friends with me." Jihoon shook his head, startled by this quick change of behavior.

"Hey, Jihoon!"

Another familiar person surprised him. The sudden loud voice made Jihoon turn around to see another one of Hyunsuk's friends.

"Hi! You're....?" Jihoon didn't know his name yet.

"Doyoung!" Doyoung said with a big smile.

"Yes, Doyoung. Can I help you with anything?" Jihoon asked confused again.

"I saw you pass by and I couldn't help but feel absolutely struck by your beauty in the morning." Doyoung winked.

Jihoon swear he could hear his mouth drop from what he just heard. He looked around trying to spot Hyunsuk and his friends hiding somewhere with a camera in their hands. He was a hundred percent sure they were trying to prank him.

"Are you okay?" Jihoon asked concerned and suspicious.

"I'm always okay, as long as you're here." Doyoung said and licked his lips with his tongue.

"Kid, you're freaking me out." Jihoon backed away with a nervous laugh.

"If out is the only way to your heart. Then I'll gladly go out with you." Doyoung said.

Jihoon was just speechless. He had a hand covering his mouth unable to comprehend anything else. First, was Yedam suddenly being nice to him then here's Doyoung being too flirty with him.

"Did I die last night?" Jihoon asked out loud.

"If you did die, well—" Doyoung couldn't finish as Jihoon clamped his mouth shut with his hand.

"Look, kid, I don't know what has gotten into you but you do not flirt with people you aren't serious in dating with." Jihoon said as he let go of Doyoung's mouth.

"I am not a kid to you. And what makes you think I am not serious about this." Doyoung said. He held one of Jihoon's hands. "If my words aren't enough to show you my love maybe my body can."

Jihoon thought, 'WTF?! That sounded so wrong.' He was about to run away when music came playing seemingly out of nowhere. He looked around trying to spot the source of the sound. But he got distracted as Doyoung stole his attention again through breaking into a dance.

They were at some place beside a busy street. People around didn't mind Doyoung dancing but soon a crowd gathered to watch him.

Jihoon observed Doyoung was an excellent dancer who not only does a good job moving his body but he also made use of his facial expressions. It was awesome how he moved well with the music.

Doyoung went on to show off his moves in dancing. The surrounding crowd grew and Jihoon took the chance to leave. Doyoung looked around the crowd searching for Jihoon. He wanted to see how impressed he was but he couldn't find him.

"Wait! I still have more songs for us to dance to. Let's make some tiktok dance videos together!!"

Jihoon ran through the streets, passing by and almost hitting some people along the way. He was sure he had gone far enough away from Doyoung but something in his gut just told him keep running.

Jihoon ran and ran until he felt exhausted and he stopped running to catch his breath. His eyes scanned to see where he was and a few distance in front of him was a cafe. Jihoon felt thirsty from all that physical exertion he did, so he was thinking of getting something to drink from the cafe.

He entered the shop. He was awed by the cozy atmosphere and minimalist interior designs from the inside. Jihoon noticed there were a few people around, seated by the tables, chattering and drinking from cups. And he also noticed the empty row of seats by the counter table.

What he didn't notice was the guy standing behind the counter that waited to greet incoming customers. When he saw Jihoon enter, his eyes widened and his heart started pounding by the sight of him.

Jihoon exhaled a breath of exhaustion. He chose to sit at those chairs placed directly by the counter.

(note: the cafe isn't like what's in the photo
(note: the cafe isn't like what's in the photo. imagine the cafe to be a bit bigger and the counter is longer. It's not designed exactly like what's in the picture. I'm just showing a reference of the chairs because I'm too lazy to describe it accurately at the moment. Anyway, that's where jihoon's sits.)

The exhausted photographer fixed his messy hair first before he could decided on what to order. But before be could look at the menu, a cup of coffee was suddenly placed in front of him. Jihoon observed the contents of the cup was carefully designed with heart shapes of white creamy foam on top the sugary light brown liquid.

"I didn't order this." Jihoon said in Japanese. He was thinking the employee of the cafe made a mistake of giving him someone else's order.

Jihoon looked up to the person who gave it.

It was a guy. He looked like a pure Japanese with his distinctive features. He wore a white collared button up polo and a cafe apron.

"It's on the house." the guy spoke in Korean.

"Oh," was Jihoon's only reply. He didn't know what to exactly say back to a stranger who gave him free coffee. "How much is it? I still would like to pay for it." he said.

"It's really fine. You looked like you needed something to drink. Maybe you wanted something cold instead?" the guy said.

Jihoon honestly did wanted something cold instead of a hot drink.

"Yeah, I just ran a marathon. So, yes I would like something cold to drink." Jihoon honestly admitted. "By the way, you speak fluent Korean. Yet, you look clearly Japanese." he added.

The guy chuckled at his remark.

"Well, I lived in South Korea when I was young and moved here to Japan when I got older." the guy explained. "I'm Yoshi."

Chapter Text

Jihoon waited patiently as he was sipping on the hot cup of coffee he received for free. The cafe owner, Yoshi, was busy preparing his cold drink. It was a mint chocolate chip flavored milkshake. Jihoon also added some donuts to be able to somewhat pay for the free coffee that Yoshi was insistent on not letting him pay.

While he waited, a guy entered the cafe. He wore glasses and was carrying a bag with him that was shaped like a tube. He walked towards the counter and sat by the same row of chairs near Jihoon.

Jihoon noticed the newcomer but didn't say anything. He saw the bag the guy carried to which he believed was the type of bag that artists carry around. It was designed like that for papers to not be folded or bent in order for them to fit into a bag and be carried around without the fear of destroying their art. Jihoon turned away from the guy and looked at the photos his camera captured from the wedding last night.

"Hey, Asahi." Yoshi greeted in Japanese.

The guy, Asahi, nodded in reply to Yoshi. Jihoon thought the barista would be upset by the lack of verbal response but he just smiled even more.

"Here, you go. A mint chocolate chip milkshake for..." Yoshi said as he placed down a beautifully decorated milkshake drink.

"Jihoon, my name is Jihoon." the photographer said with a courteous smile.

He looked at the milkshake and wanted to laugh or cry. It looked too expensive. It seemed Yoshi put too much effort into it than the price Jihoon was going to pay it with.

As the two conversed, Asahi took a quick glance at the guy Yoshi has befriended. When he looked at Jihoon, his eyes widened upon seeing his face. Jihoon felt someone was looking at him, so he turned to Asahi. Their eyes met and Asahi felt a jolt of electricity spark and tingle his fingertips. The sight of Jihoon made him want to take out his art supplies and paint him right there.

Jihoon smiled to the quiet person.

"Jihoon..." Asahi repeated his name in a whisper.

"Is there anything else you would like? Shall I ask the chef to make you some mint chocolate chip flavored donuts too?" Yoshi asked as he neatly placed the plate of donuts in front of Jihoon.

"Um, no, I'm good. But thank you for the kind offer." Jihoon said with a slight bow while seated.

He took a sip of the milkshake and his eyes widened over how delicious it tasted. Heck, he would even cry tears of joy. It tasted like heaven to him. He loved the mint chocolate chip flavor so much that he would always buy the same ice cream flavor of it back at South Korea, even though there were various of other delicious flavors.

Yoshi wanted to talk to Jihoon some more but he had to attend to Asahi's order too.

"What can I get you Asahi? The usual or are would you like to try to something new?" Yoshi asked.

Asahi was stuck in a daze gazing at Jihoon. He reluctantly tore his eyes away from him to answer the barista.

"The usual please." Asahi said.

"Okay, coming right up!" Yoshi said and quickly went to prepare his drink.

It wasn't long before Jihoon finished everything. He hadn't eaten breakfast when he left the hotel so he gobbled the milkshake and donuts fast. He was satisfied and stood up to pay for his food so he can leave.

Before he could do so, he felt a hand on his wrist. He looked down to see who was holding him suddenly. It was Asahi.

"Wait, can I paint you?" Asahi asked gripping onto Jihoon's hand.

"Uhh..." Jihoon didn't know how to reply to that.

First, he was a stranger and they just barely talked to each other. Second, it was the first time he was asked of such a request.

"I'm sorry." Jihoon managed to say. He decided to turn down the offer. "I have someplace to be so I can't stay here any longer. I'm sorry. Maybe next time?" Jihoon said and bowed in apology.

Asahi looked absolutely saddened by his words. His hold on Jihoon loosened to which the latter took the chance to gently step back and proceed to the cashier. He paid for his food and left the cafe.

Yoshi came back with Asahi's drink. When he placed it down he immediately noticed Jihoon's absence.

"Where's Jihoon?" Yoshi asked.

"He left." Asahi muttered.

"What?!" Yoshi looked at him in disbelief. "But he didn't even say goodbye. I didn't also got his number. Or asked where he lived." Yoshi sulked, he went to the cups and plates Jihoon left behind.

He picked up the glass that was once filled with milkshake and held it like he was hugging it.

Asahi said nothing to him as he sulked in his own way. He got out a sketchbook from his bag, along with a pencil and eraser. His eyes glanced back to the empty seat where Jihoon sat, the image of him drinking milkshake came to his mind and he started sketching him.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Jihoon breathed in the fresh air of the spring wind. He walked himself back into the same park filled with thousands of thriving cherry blossom trees. He started taking photos again, he even took photos of himself with his camera. Jihoon had been walking for a while and finally he ended up at a familiar spot. He recognized the lonely cherry tree by the grassy green ground with the beautiful view of the vast blue lake in front of him.

He stood there as the memory played through his head. He remembered Hyunsuk, how he was kissed by him. An unconscious blush spread across his face when he thinks of that memory. It was supposed to anger him yet he blushed like a teenage girl in love with her highschool crush.

Then, Jihoon remembered last night. He remembered how Hyunsuk wasn't his and could never be his. He shook his head to rid the cursed thoughts from his head.

He turned to leave that place and walked away. But from the corner of his eye he saw a color of blonde that quickly reminded him of someone.

"Hyunsuk?"

Chapter Text

A smile crossed his face before it became a frown as he recognized it wasn't the one he hoped to see.

"Hey, Jihoon. Whoa, don't be so sad to see me." Seunghun joked.

"Oh, sorry, I thought..." Jihoon said. He looked away feeling embarrassed.

"You thought I was Hyunsuk right?" Seunghun chuckled.

"I'm sorry." Jihoon bowed in apology.

"It's okay." Seunghun said to him. "I kinda get that a lot sometimes. I probably should have dyed my hair a different color instead of leaving it the same shade of blonde as Hyunsuk's." he joked.

As he talked, Jihoon remembered how the other two friends of Hyunsuk acted to him. He stared at the talking Seunghun and became wary of him. He was scared and preparing himself for the other to start creeping him out too.

"What brings you here to the park?" Seunghun asked.

Jihoon shook his train of thoughts away and focused on the question asked to him.

"I came here to take some more photos." Jihoon answered, emphasizing the camera in his hands.

"Oh, right! You're a photographer. You took the pictures at the wedding yesterday." Seunghun said. "I hope I look good in the photos."

"Hey, I told you to wait for me!" a voice suddenly came.

Jihoon turned around to see the one and only Hyunsuk. The former could feel his lips twitch as they threatened to smile but he force it to a thin line, remembering the scenario that broke his heart and hopes last night.

"Jihoon? What are you doing here?" Hyunsuk asked with a smile as soon as he sees him.

"Taking photos." Jihoon gave a short reply.

Hyunsuk looked to Seunghun. He was wondering why the two were here together, but he didn't ask any questions about it. He figured the two just bumped into each other.

"Hyuuuuunnggg!!" other more people came.

"Hyung! Let's go now! I want to watch the movie!!" Yoonbin came, dragging Byounggon behind him.

"Oh, hey, Jeongwoo's brother!" Yoonbin greeted.

"Hyunsuk I told you not to leave me with this big baby." Byounggon complained.

"Where is Yedam and Doyoung?" Hyunsuk asked them.

"Here!" Yedam and Doyoung suddenly popped out of nowhere. They've definitely not been spying on a certain someone.

"Have you two...been hiding in the bushes?" Seunghun asked.

"No, we were just counting the leaves." Doyoung answered with a straight face.

Everyone looked at him, perplexed by his answer but no one questioned him.

"We're watching the movie right? Oh! Why don't we bring Jihoon along with us?" Doyoung suggested and slung his arm over Jihoon.

"That's a great idea! Let's bring Jihoon with us!!" Yedam said and slipped his own arm to encase Jihoon's arm. He also intentionally pulled the latter closer to him.

Doyoung noticed and did it too. They started pulling on him like a tug of war.

"Guys! Guys! What are you doing?" Hyunsuk asked.

He quickly noticed the distressed look on Jihoon's face.

"Nothing hyung!!" Yedam said.

"We just want to get to know Jihoon more." Doyoung said pulling on him again.

Seunghun had enough and pushed the two away from him and pulled Jihoon to his side.

"I think we should ask Jihoon first and not pull on him like a tug of war." Seunghun said giving the two younger members a reprimanding look.

"Well, Jihoon would you like to join us?" Hyunsuk asked Jihoon.

Jihoon hesitated. He wanted to reject the offer because he was already tired and wanted to go rest back at the hotel. He was still exhausted from the wedding yesterday. But he looked at Hyunsuk and saw his hopeful eyes and smile.

"I guess I could go." Jihoon answered subconsciously.

Hyunsuk's heart leaped in excitement.
"Great!! Don't worry! You won't regret it! Let's go!"

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Jihoon regrets it. He hated himself for agreeing to come along. If he had known they were going to choose a horror movie, a Japanese horror movie, he would have deliberately declined coming.

He was seated in between Seunghun and Hyunsuk, much to Yedam and Doyoung's dismay.

All throughout the movie Jihoon unconsciously leaned himself closer to Hyunsuk. At first the jumpscares were bearable and he was able to expect them in time just to not scare him enough. He even chuckled seeing Hyunsuk unashamedly tremble and cower from every jumpscare. The older was using his hands to cover his eyes from witnessing the full picture of the horrific scenes on the big screen.

One jumpscare had Hyunsuk shaking like a phone vibrating with a notification. Jihoon had expected the jumpscare so he didn't tremble in fear like Hyunsuk.

"See, I don't get scared easily." Jihoon declared. He stretched out his arms and cracked his knuckles with an arrogant grin.

"You're very brave Jihoon hyung!" Doyoung whisper shouted to him. He was holding himself well, getting scared sometimes and sometimes not.

Yedam wasn't doing well and was close to losing his sanity from being terrified by the movie.

The praise made Jihoon confident enough to stare long without concealing his eyes. And so, when a very loud sound and very scary scenario appeared, Jihoon screamed so loud. The whole audience felt their ears would go deaf, others joined in screaming as well as it frightened them. Jihoon put himself into hiding. He didn't know but he had held onto Hyunsuk's hand. The latter noticed and simply lost all fear as he felt their hands clasped together. He smiled happily and somehow felt some sort of courage to finish the entire horror film. Jihoon didn't let go until the movie finished. He only noticed he'd been holding onto Hyunsuk once the credits finally rolled in.

"Sorry..." Jihoon muttered with an apologetic smile. He instantly let go.

"It's okay." Hyunsuk smiled at him. Though it was a sad smile as he felt a sense of lost from when Jihoon let go.

"You looked ready to faint." Seunghun teased Jihoon.

"No, I'm not. I wasn't scared of the horror movie at all." Jihoon hissed.

He turned away from them and tried not to be obvious of how he was having a hard time trying to stand upright and look not bothered. But his knees had become weak and his body was slightly shaking from all the fright he experienced.

"Why don't we go to the Labyrinth of Fear?" Yoonbin suggested.

"The Labyrinth of what now?" Jihoon asked.

"The Labyrinth of Fear, it's an old abandoned hospital here in Japan. It's been turned into a haunted house for people to come and enjoy a horror experience." Yoonbin explained.

Jihoon gulped down the lump in his throat when he heard that.

"What are you scared?" Yoonbin teased the older.

"N-no. Of course not. I don't get scared by such things." Jihoon declared.

"I bet when we get there, us two will scream the most." Hyunsuk said to Jihoon. "But don't worry, I'll do my best to protect you even if I get scared too." he said as he held Jihoon's hand.

Jihoon looked at their hands. He gently took his hand back from him.

"Thank you, but I can take care of my own." Jihoon said, not intending to sound rude.

Hyunsuk frowned a bit by his answer.

They rode to the destination using a car they borrowed from Haruto. When they reached there Jihoon really felt like he was regretting all of his life decisions.

"Welcome to the Labyrinth of Fear!!" Doyoung proclaimed loudly.

Jihoon watched wide eyed the massive old abandoned building. He hasn't even stepped foot inside yet he can already feel the fear crawling up to his spine. His hands turned moist and he could swear his skin turned cold as a corpse.

The building from the outside was already enough to make you feel scared. Jihoon unconsciously took a step back and gulped a lump in his throat.

"Are we really going to go in there?" he asked them.

"It looks really creepy and scary." Hyunsuk commented. He stepped back scared.

"I think we should go." Jihoon said.

"Don't worry. I'll protect you." Doyoung came again to his side.

"No, I'll be protecting Jihoon." Yedam said, also coming to Jihoon's other side.

Doyoung snorted a laugh.

"You'd probably be running back outside and not dare go back in to finish it." Doyoung said to him.

"You wanna bet on that?" Yedam challenged.

"What's that stall at the exit?" Jihoon inserted to distract them from starting a fight.

"Oh that? They sell underwear here." Yoonbin explained.

Jihoon looked at him in disbelief and wondered why so.

"Why are they selling underwear?" Jihoon asked confused and curious.

"Isn't it obvious why?" Seunghun laughed.

Jihoon scrunched his face in thought before it finally sank in why.

"Oh..."

Chapter Text

Hyunsuk stood all by himself at the wide terrace. He was humming a song to himself, smiling softly and gazing at the blue sky with gleaming eyes.

Yoonbin just woke up. He was holding a cup of coffee in his hands and yawning. He passed by the open terrace and caught sight of Hyunsuk. Yoonbin decided to go talk to him. He tried catching the older's attention but he wasn't responding to him.

"Hey! Hyung! Can't you hear me? Are you deaf now from all that screaming last night at the Labyrinth?" Yoonbin said waving his hand in front of Hyunsuk.

He caught sight of his lovestruck gaze and smile.

"Whoa. What's got you smiling like that?" Yoonbin asked him.

Hyunsuk finally snapped out of his day dreaming and chuckled from the question.

"Oh. Yoonbin!" Hyunsuk smiled. "It's uh...It's nothing." he chuckled nervously as he scratched his neck.

"Uh..huh..." Yoonbin took a sip of his coffee. "So, who is it?"

"Who is what?" Hyunsuk asked confused.

"You know...." Yoonbin wiggled his eyebrows. "Who's the special person that caught your heart?"

"What?! What are you saying?" Hyunsuk said avoiding his eyes.

"Come on hyung. I know you. You're obviously in love with someone." Yoonbin took another sip of his coffee.

"Alright! You're right! But I ain't telling you who is it." Hyunsuk admitted. He crossed his arms in defiance.

Yoonbin jumped from his confession.

"Can I atleast try guessing?" he asked smiling.

"Only if you keep it a secret from the others." Hyunsuk said.

"Okay! Is it someone I know!?" Yoonbin asked excited as he almost spilled his coffee.

"Yes."

"Is it someone older than you?"

"Um, no. Not that I know."

"Hmm....." Yoonbin went into deep thought as he carefully thinks of his next question. "Is it someone we just met?" He asked with a grin playing at his lips.

"Uh, yes." Hyunsuk looked scared at the younger from how close he was to knowing who is it. Scratch that, Hyunsuk could tell Yoonbin already knows who it is.

"Could it be...Jihoon hyung?" Yoonbin asked the question.

Hyunsuk was silent and he stared at him. He didn't know if he was going to answer truthfully or not.

"I knew it! You like Jihoon hyung!!" Yoonbin didn't wait and finally concluded.

"Shhh! Pipe it down! Someone could hear you!" Hyunsuk shushed him.

"Okay! Okay! But hyung, you actually like someone!!! After all these years! I thought you'd be single til' you're 40!!" Yoonbin squirmed excited, ready to jump around.

"I think you've had enough coffee." Hyunsuk took the half finished coffee mug from his hands.

"I feel like another wedding is coming!!" Yoonbin cheered.

"Whoa! Whoa! Slow down. I haven't even confessed to him. And it's too fast, I want us to at least get to know each other more." Hyunsuk explained.

"Ohh...slow burn romance. I see." Yoonbin said with an approving look shooting him finger guns.

Hyunsuk chuckled and ruffled his hair.

"Yeah, yeah. Call me old school." he said.

"You must really like him. No wonder you held his hand all the time even when you were trying to run for your life back at the Labyrinth of Fear!" Yoonbin nudged the older. He had a teasing grin on his face.

Hyunsuk blushed as he remembered the events from yesterday.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

They entered the building. It was eerily quiet. Well, that was expected as it was a haunted house or hospital in this case. The hallways were dark and long. It was messy and the place look evidently run down. They could see torn pieces of fabric hanging around and cobwebs decorating some surfaces.

Hyunsuk was already ready to run out. The flashlight in his hands trembled as he held it. Yedam and Doyoung clung onto Jihoon, who was too wary of his surroundings right now to mind the two grabbing him like a lifesaver.

They soon reached a turn, nothing spooky had come to attack them yet.

Around the corner were some torn curtains concealing something from behind. Just as they came to pass by that area, a figure came out from behind the curtains. It's black hair was tangled up and very unkempt. The person wore a white gown that was torn and stained with red. It slowly approached them in a wheel chair.

Everyone started making noises. Hyunsuk and Jihoon screamed together. Yedam let go of Jihoon to run back away from where they came from.

"Come on guys! Let's move forward!" Seunghun said and did his best to drive the scary paid actress away from the frightened others.

Jihoon crouched down, covering his ears and apologizing.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" he chanted.

Hyunsuk was cowering in fear. He stood still in his spot and dropped his flashlight. It rolled down and stopped to shine its light on Jihoon that trembled at the corner.

Hyunsuk saw him. He gulped down his fear, picked up his flashlight and ran towards him.

"Hey! Jihoon! I'm here. Just hold my hand, okay?" Hyunsuk soothed him.

Jihoon looked up to face him and quietly clasped his hand to Hyunsuk. He smiled at him gathering some courage, comfort and relief from the older's presence.

"Let's make it to the exit together." Hyunsuk said to him.

"Okay." Jihoon smiled.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Asahi finished his drawing. He sighed as he looked at his master piece that was a very realistic and well drawn image of Jihoon.

He got up from his seat and was about to leave when he saw something that caught his eye. It was on the stool Jihoon once sat at. There was a phone.

He checked and it was indeed Jihoon's phone. Judging from the screenlock wallpaper of Jihoon himself that was enough to say it was his. He must've dropped it from leaving in a hurry.

"Hey, Asahi. What ya got there?" Yoshi asked as he noticed his friend stopped from leaving.

"I think it's Jihoon's phone."

"What?! Let me see! Let me see!" Yoshi made grabby hands. "Let me have it! I can return to him once he comes back looking for it!"

Asahi was hesitating to give it to him as he himself wanted to return the phone. He wanted a chance to see Jihoon again.

He was about to give it when it suddenly started making noises. He checked and it was an alarm. There were Korean words posted on the screen. Asahi was trying to learn Korean but he isn't that fluent in it yet. He showed it to Yoshi and asked what was written.

"Don't forget to pack! Leaving for Seoul in 2 days." Yoshi translated to Japanese.

That's when the two of them looked at each other. They soon booked their own flights to leave for Seoul.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

"Where is it? Where is it?! Where is that stupid phone?!" Jihoon stressed. He was back at the grand hotel, in his room, rummaging through his stuff trying to look for his phone.

"Did I lose it at the Labyrinth?! Damn it! I don't want to go back there and look for it!" he punched the floor. "Urgh! God! Why am I getting so unlucky lately?" he questioned as he ruffled through his used pants to check the pockets.

"I feel like I am cursed or what?!" Jihoon said to himself.

He took out the pants he wore from the wedding and started picking on the pockets. Instead of finding his phone he found some coins instead.

"What the....how did...?" he took out each piece and looked at them. His brain searched for any memory of why they were there. Then he remembered how he stole them from the fountain.

"Right." Jihoon said. "Guess I'm keeping these as souvenirs." he put the coins into his wallet and went back to try and look for his phone.

If only he knew he was indeed cursed and it was because of these coins.

Chapter Text

It was another sunny morning. Jihoon was still asleep when a knock came through his hotel door. He immediately got up from the bed.

He yawned and stretched his body. He was only wearing a white shirt and some shorts. He headed to the door thinking it was Jeongwoo that finally decided to come visit him before he leaves. When he opened the door he was surprised to be immediately faced with beautifully arranged flower bouquets.

"Uh...."

"Are you Park Jihoon, sir?" the bellboy holding the flowers asked in Japanese.

Jihoon was able to understand it and answered 'yes' in Japanese.

"These are for you." the bellboy said.

Jihoon was so confused about who would even give him flowers. He subconsciously stood to the side and allowed him in to place the flowers carefully on the table inside his hotel room.

Before the bellboy could leave, Jihoon asked who the flowers were from.

"They're from Kim Doyoung and Bang Yedam. I'll be taking my leave now, sir." the bellboy answered, he then bowed politely and left.

"What the...?" Jihoon walked over to the flowers and checked for a tag or card that was probably attached.

Indeed it was from the two, their names were there, written in Korean. Along with some lovey dovey message that made Jihoon shudder.

He sighed, unable to think about what he should do about those two. They have been acting very weird to him lately. Jihoon just decided to ignore it as he will be leaving back to South Korea tomorrow.

Jihoon got ready for the day. He was going out again but this time without his camera. He was going to look for his phone. He had three places in mind where he could have left it. First is the cafe he visited, second is the movie theaters they went to and lastly, the Labyrinth of Fear.

Jihoon shuddered. He felt a chill run down his spine as he remembered that place. He almost had to buy an underwear from the stall from almost peeing himself from getting too scared.

When he was done taking a shower, he went out with only a towel covering his waist. There were still droplets of water on his chest and his hair was still dripping wet.

Jihoon then suddenly heard a knock from the door again.

"Finally." he said, thinking it was Jeongwoo.

Surely his younger brother must've texted him and worries how he wasn't responding to his messages.

When he opened the door he was face to face with someone he didn't expect to see.

Hyunsuk saw Jihoon was only wearing a towel and his hair was still soaking wet. He blushed from how hot the younger looked. He almost choked just by looking at his nice built. The older coughed, looking away to distract his thoughts from uncharted territory.

"Um...did I come at a bad time?" Hyunsuk asked.

Jihoon looked down at himself and finally felt self conscious.

"Oh, uh, let me just get ready real quick." Jihoon said. "You can come in. I'll be changing in the bedroom." he left the door open for Hyunsuk.

The older went inside. He saw the younger almost ran to the room.

Hyunsuk chuckled when he saw that.

Jihoon tried not to shut the bedroom door hard. He closed it and his face was red from all the blood rushing in.

"What the fuck! What the fuck!" he chanted as he covered his own face. "It's okay! It's okay, Jihoonie! There's nothing to worry about! He just saw you...half naked....only wearing a towel...FUCK!" he ran to his clothes but then he slipped to the floor creating a loud thud.

Hyunsuk from outside heard him and got worried.

"Hey! Jihoon! Are you okay in there?" Hyunsuk asked, standing just outside the bedroom door.

"I'm fine! Just looking for a t-shirt to wear!" Jihoon replied from behind the door.

Hyunsuk heard more noises on the other side but said nothing. He waited and soon Jihoon opened the door. He was now fully dressed but his hair was still wet.

"So, Hyunsuk, what brings you here?" Jihoon asked with a nervous smile.

Instead of giving Jihoon a reply, Hyunsuk said something else.

"Your hair is still wet. Aren't you gonna dry it?"

Before Jihoon could say anything, Hyunsuk gently but firmly grabbed his arm and led him to one of the chairs in the like living room space of the hotel room.

"You should dry your hair. You could get sick. Do you want to get sick?" Hyunsuk scolded.

(don't really know if u get sick from leaving your hair wet after taking a bath. But i think i saw it somewhere, like in a k-drama? Idk. I just remembered it and added the scene in to make it romantic ≧∇≦ )

He made Jihoon sit down. He then got a towel and started to carefully wipe or rub Jihoon's hair dry.

Jihoon stayed still as his hair was being dried by Hyunsuk. The older was standing behind him, so he couldn't see the blush all over Jihoon's face.

"I wanted to ask if you want me to accompany you around Japan?" Hyunsuk said after a short while of silence.

Jihoon turned his head to look up at him and meet his eyes.

"What?" he asked dumbfounded.

"I said that I want to join you if you plan on going out today." Hyunsuk rephrased.

He finished helping him dry his hair and neatly discarded the towel.

"Oh, I actually am gonna go out to look for my phone. I think I lost it somewhere outside yesterday." Jihoon said.

"You lost your phone?" Hyunsuk looked worried. "Well, I can join and help you look for it." he added.

"Don't you have other things to do?" Jihoon asked.

"No, at least not at the moment." Hyunsuk replied.

"Okay, then I guess you can tag along with me." Jihoon got up from his seat to prepare.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Just as Jihoon mentioned earlier, they were headed first to the cafe.

The two walked side by side. The sky was a clear bright blue decorated with sparse fluffy white clouds.

They walked in leisure pace and it was quiet. Both were desperately trying to think of something they can talk about to cut the awkward silence.

Hyunsuk finally thought of something but when he looked to the younger he saw a soft smile on his face.

They had entered into the park thriving with cherry blossom trees.

Jihoon smiled upon the scenery of the massive field flooding with the different hues of pink. Even though he has already seen it from the past few days of his visit, he still can't help but feel overwhelmed and awed by its beauty. His eyes gazed around and he turns in a circle to simply admire it all. He had never actually admired it fully because he had always been caught up with looking for the perfect shot to capture with his camera. No picture can beat what the eyes itself can capture right before it.

"Wow." Jihoon awed.

"You seem to like cherry blossoms so much." Hyunsuk commented.

"My favorite season is spring. When spring comes the cherry blossoms are in bloom. We have some of them back in South Korea but I've always wanted to see the cherry blossoms in Japan." Jihoon explained all while smiling.

"Then if you want, I can bring you here to Japan every time spring comes." Hyunsuk said.

Jihoon stopped gazing at his surroundings and turned to face him.

"You'll what?" he asked dumbfounded.

"You heard me. I'll take you here to see the cherry blossoms bloom every springtime." Hyunsuk repeated.

"Oh, that's..." Jihoon felt an overwhelming feeling of something so joyful sprout in his heart. But he pushed it deep down.

"No..." he muttered, to which he thought he only said in his head.

"No?" Hyunsuk asked confused and a bit hurt.

"Yes, no." Jihoon said without thinking.

Hyunsuk looked even more perplexed.

"I mean, I don't think we'll even see each other again." Jihoon corrected.

Hyunsuk chuckled from his words.

"We'll surely see each other again." he said gazing off to the falling pink petals.

Jihoon narrowed his eyes.

"How can you be so sure?" he asked.

"Jihoon, I'm obviously from South Korea myself." Hyunsuk put out.

"I know that." Jihoon argued. Actually he thought Hyunsuk lived here in Japan and just spoke Korean very well. But he wasn't gonna admit that he thought wrong. "I just meant you might be busy from whatever your job is." he added.

"Yeah, that's true. But I can try to make time for you." Hyunsuk smiled.

Chapter Text

Jihoon was now blushing a deep crimson color. Hyunsuk took notice and couldn't help but feel proud he had such an effect on the former.

He smiled and stood close to face him. Hyunsuk was close, very, very close. He even blushed himself from how bold he was being.

"Wh—what...are you doing?" Jihoon stuttered.

"You're blushing." Hyunsuk stated.

"WHAT?! Who said that? I am not! This is just because of the heat!" Jihoon pushed Hyunsuk's face away. "Wow, this park is getting hot. It must be summer now!" he fanned his face with his hands, which was a useless attempt to cool himself down.

Hyunsuk giggled.

"Hey, I'm just teasing ya." he said nudging the younger.

"Oh! Look! It's the cafe! Let's go look for my phone!" Jihoon pointed and scurried there immediately to escape from the older.

Yoshi heard a ring from the door opening. A customer arrived. He wiped his clothes and apron clean to look presentable. When he looked to see who came in, he was surprised and happy to see Jihoon.

"Jihoon! You came back!" Yoshi exclaimed.

Hyunsuk followed close behind. He heard Yoshi and became confused. The barista somehow knew Jihoon's name.

"Do you know each other?" Hyunsuk whispered to Jihoon's ear.

The other was a bit startled by the sudden close contact again, not to mention how the older's breath hit him, tingling his skin. Jihoon tried to hold his blush.

"Uh, we actually just met yesterday." Jihoon managed to answer without stuttering.

Hyunsuk nodded his head in understanding.

"What can I get you today? Another milkshake? Some coffee? Iced coffee or hot? More donuts? Some ice cream?" Yoshi blurted out.

Jihoon felt swamped by the dozens of choices offered. He couldn't say a word. Hyunsuk saw the troubled look on the younger's face. He stood by his side and subtly brushed a finger on Jihoon's hand.

Hyunsuk smiled at Jihoon to which the latter returned.

"What would you like Hyunsuk?" Jihoon asked to pick for them.

"Oh, hello sir! Could you please wait while I attend to him first?" Yoshi said once he realized there was someone else beside Jihoon.

"Actually, he's with me." Jihoon said to Yoshi.

"Oh, is that so?" Yoshi questioned, looking at Hyunsuk. "Is he with you like as a friend or a lover?" he added.

Hyunsuk and Jihoon choked on the air they were breathing. The two looked away from each other, both blushing.

"No! Not lovers. Just friends." Jihoon cleared up quickly.

With this answer, Hyunsuk looked a bit upset. But he can't fully feel hurt because they ARE just friends, at least at the moment.

"Yeah, just friends now." Hyunsuk added.

Jihoon turned his head to him to give Hyunsuk a questioning look.

He thought: 'What do you mean by 'just friends now?'

Hyunsuk saw him but pretended to not notice him.

"I see." Yoshi clicked his tongue. His eyes on Hyunsuk turned spiteful.

Hyunsuk noticed and raised a brow to question why the barista suddenly seemed hostile to him. The smile on Yoshi's face wasn't genuine towards him at all.

"Uh...Yoshi," Jihoon spoke.

And as soon as he did, Yoshi turned to him immediately like a puppy. His smile grew wider and actually turned authentic. Hyunsuk took notice of it too.

"I actually came here to ask if you've seen my phone?" Jihoon expressed.

"Your phone?" Yoshi repeated.

"Yeah, I think I left it here. By any chance did you see it?" Jihoon asked him.

"Actually I did! But it was Asahi who saw it. He's the one who has it. You can wait for him to come, he usually comes at this hour to drink his coffee." Yoshi answered him happily.

But that was a lie, he has Jihoon's phone hidden beneath the counters. He'd been waiting for him to come and retrieve it. He begged Asahi to give it to him. Telling him it would be more convenient to leave it with him because it was certain that Jihoon would come to the cafe to look for his phone. However, Yoshi didn't expect Jihoon to have a companion with him. What's worse is that the guy with Jihoon appears to fancy him too. Yoshi felt threatened by this unexpected rival. He didn't want to give the phone just yet because he felt Jihoon would immediately take his leave once he retrieves it.

"Oh, okay. I guess we can wait." Jihoon shrugged and sat down.

Hyunsuk sat down too. He sat near Jihoon where there is just a very tiny little gap between them. Yoshi glared at Hyunsuk but kept his smile.

"We should order while we wait." Hyunsuk said to Jihoon.

Jihoon nodded.

"Okay, let's look at the menu." Jihoon said.

"How about this?" Hyunsuk pointed at something. "It's a drink we can share together."

"I'm afraid were out of that drink today, sir." Yoshi inserted.

"Hmm, so suddenly?" Hyunsuk looked at him in the eye.

"Yes, I'm afraid so." Yoshi smiled.

"Do you drink coffee?" Jihoon asked Hyunsuk.

"Yeah, I do." Hyunsuk replied with a nod.

"Then let's order that, we won't be here for long anyway." Jihoon said. Then he turned to Yoshi. "Just two cups of coffee please." he said with a polite smile.

"Okay! Please wait for a while, I'll have your orders prepared." Yoshi said and went away.

"Do you like him?" Hyunsuk asked Jihoon as soon as Yoshi was out of earshot.

Jihoon turned to him so fast they almost bumped their heads into each other.

"What kind of question is that?" Jihoon responded, looking at Hyunsuk like he was insane. "I just met him yesterday."

"Don't believe in love at first sight?" Hyunsuk put his elbow against the counter and leaned on his hand while looking at Jihoon.

Jihoon snorted and shook his head.

"There's no way that people who just met could actually fall in love with each other that quick. If that were to happen they'd just be falling in love with how each other looks. When I fall in love, I want it to be because I love who that person is, what he does, how he acts and you know." Jihoon paused. "It's like falling in love with their soul." he finished. He then appeared embarrassed. "Sorry, I kinda rambled there."

Hyunsuk smiled, shaking his head.

"No, it's okay. I agree with you too. When I find love too, I want it to be the same as you described it." Hyunsuk expressed.

The two stared at each other for a long while, they were almost leaning towards each other. Hyunsuk was sure they were going to kiss. But Jihoon, he remembered Hyunsuk and that girl he was with back at the wedding night. The younger snapped himself out of the trance and pulled away. Hyunsuk was hurt but said nothing. He figured the other was not willing yet.

Just in time, Yoshi arrived with their drinks. Jihoon thanked Yoshi and drank his. Hyunsuk also thanked the barista before drinking his coffee.

But he soon stopped drinking and looked ready to spit it out. He held himself back from doing so as it would create a mess.

Yoshi smirked in triumph.

"Is something wrong with the drink sir?" Yoshi asked in concern, though it sounded a bit mocking.

Hyunsuk glared at him.

Damn right there was something wrong with the drink. It tasted like water scooped up from the ocean. Mixed that in with coffee and you could relate to how much Hyunsuk wanted to spit the drink right there.

Hyunsuk stood up and gestured for Jihoon to excuse him.

Jihoon nodded, unaware of the situation.

Hyunsuk went to the bathroom and spat the cursed liquid out his mouth.

"That little..." He cursed and cleaned his tongue with water.

While Jihoon waited for him, the doors to the cafe opened and who came in was Asahi himself.

The artist was surprised to quickly spot Jihoon sitting in the same seat yesterday. He approached the photographer.

"Jihoon." Asahi said to which was quickly noticed by the owner of the name.

"Asahi! You're here!" Jihoon cheered.

He was confused. Why did Jihoon seemed so happy to see him?

"I'm really sorry to bother you but I left my phone here by accident yesterday. And Yoshi tells me you have it?" Jihoon said.

Asahi looks to Yoshi.

"But Yoshi has..." he started only to be cut off with a hand on his shoulder.

"Asahi, can you first please help me which painting of yours should I hang on the walls today!" Yoshi said pulling Asahi with him.

When they were out of sight, Yoshi pulled out Jihoon's phone from his apron and handed it to Asahi.

"Why are you giving me this?" Asahi asked.

"I may have lied you had it instead of me. I'm sorry. If I told him I had it in the first place, he would've taken it and left already." Yoshi explained. "So, here you go!" he said and went back to Jihoon.

Hyunsuk had returned and was now sitting close again to Jihoon. He wasn't drinking his coffee anymore. He just focused on talking to Jihoon.

Asahi walked up to the latter and handed him his phone.

Jihoon smiled. He almost snatched it away, bowing and thanking Asahi for finding it and keeping it safe. Yoshi stared at them with a jealous gaze. He was pondering now that maybe he should have just lied to have forgotten he had it all along. Seeing Asahi receive the attention and credit made Yoshi wished it was his.

After Jihoon thanked Asahi, the artist took something out his bag and shyly handed Jihoon a piece of paper. When Jihoon held it in his hands he took a good look at it, he was surprised to see it was a drawing of him.

"Is this me?" Jihoon asked.

Asahi nodded.

"Wow, it almost looks like a photo." Jihoon marveled at the fine details done on it. "You're so talented." he added.

Asahi blushed and smiled.

Chapter Text

After Asahi gave the drawing, Jihoon thanked him. The two then paid for their coffee and left the cafe.

"You didn't finish your coffee." Jihoon put out.

"It wasn't to my liking." Hyunsuk simply replied.

Jihoon shrugged and took out his phone. He sighed relieved.

"I surely thought I lost my phone back at the Labyrinth. Thank goodness it was lost at the cafe instead." Jihoon sighed.

"If it was lost at the Labyrinth, you can always hold my hand again for support." Hyunsuk said.

Jihoon turned to him to say something. But his eyes caught sight of someone he at the very least expected to see in his stay here in Japan.

"Junkyu?" Jihoon whispered.

He saw Junkyu. And he also saw someone was with him.

He wasn't sure who it was, but Jihoon had an idea that the person could be none other than Mashiho.

"Shit." Jihoon muttered, he panicked looking for a place to hide. He doesn't want Junkyu to see him. He doesn't want to see Junkyu himself.

The words his ex said to him came rushing back and it made his heart ache.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Hyunsuk asked when he noticed the distressed look on his face.

"N-nothing...I just...we should go now. Like somewhere else that isn't here." Jihoon kept his eye on Junkyu who was walking towards their way. He grabbed Hyunsuk's arm and started running.

Until a person riding a bike suddenly appeared and Jihoon had to stepped to the side while pulling Hyunsuk along to keep them both safe.

"Watch where you're going!" Jihoon reprimanded to the biker in Korean.

Junkyu heard his voice and recognized the owner. He searched around and spotted Jihoon.

"Jihoon?" Junkyu looked to him.

Jihoon cursed in his head over how stupid he was.

"Hey! Junkyu..." Jihoon said holding up a smile.

"What a coincidence! What brings you here?" Junkyu clapped his hands.

"My brother, he got married to someone that lives here." Jihoon explained.

All while they were talking, he was still holding onto Hyunsuk. The older felt how the younger was slowly tightening his grasp on him and was trembling at the same time.

"What? Jeongwoo is now married?" Junkyu exclaimed in disbelief. He then felt a light tap on his shoulder and looked at Mashiho who was standing beside him. "Ah right! Jihoon I'd like you to meet Mashiho. Mashiho this is Jihoon he's...uh...my best friend!" Junkyu introduced.

"Yes, I'm Park Jihoon. I'm Junkyu's friend since we were in highschool." Jihoon said as he bowed.

Mashiho bowed as well.

"It's nice to meet you Jihoon." he genuinely smiled in greeting.

"Oh, speaking about getting married, look!" Junkyu raised Mashiho's hand and showed to Jihoon a beautiful silver ring. "We're engaged!"

"Congratulations." Jihoon said with a small smile.

"You can come to our wedding! Wait! You can be our photographer! He's really good." Junkyu rambled to Mashiho.

"Thanks Junkyu, but I'll first check my schedule if I can." Jihoon admitted honestly.

Junkyu frowned.

"Aigoo, there you are again. You're always too busy for anything." Junkyu pouted.

Jihoon blinked and his eye twitched when he heard those words. Memories came rushing back from past when it came exactly from that same voice.

"Oh! Who's your friend here Jihoon?" Junkyu interrupted his train of thoughts.

"Hello! I'm Hyunsuk." Hyunsuk introduced with a bow.

"Wait, you seem very familiar....oh my gosh! You're—" Junkyu couldn't finish.

"An old college friend! Yeah! I remember you too!" Hyunsuk interrupted.

Junkyu looked confused by this.

"That's not—" Junkyu tried to correct him.

Hyunsuk started coughing. Jihoon then looked to him worried.

"Hyunsuk, are you okay? Maybe, we should go back to the hotel." Jihoon said almost a whisper. "Junkyu, we'll be going now. It was nice seeing you and meeting you Mashiho." he bowed.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Hyunsuk was worried. The younger looked hurt from the encounter they had before they returned to the hotel. He felt that somehow, Jihoon would be doing something stupid because of it.

So he decided to visit to his hotel room. Hyunsuk knocked on the door and waited, but no one answered. He turned the knob and found it unlocked. He went inside and peeked in to see if Jihoon was in there. He saw no one. He stepped inside and closed the door. Hyunsuk wandered to the bedroom but he didn't see him in there either. He was now getting even more worried of where Jihoon could be.

He took out his phone and texted Haruto to ask Jeongwoo to call or text Jihoon where he could be. Hyunsuk still doesn't have Jihoon's number and he's sure the latter brought his phone because he couldn't find it anywhere in the room.

After waiting for a while, he received a call.

"Hello?" he answered.

"Hyunsuk hyung," it was Jeongwoo, he sounded worried. "Jihoon hyung is at the bar in the hotel. He's drunk."

"I'll go to him." Hyunsuk said and quickly ended the call.

Hyunsuk immediately rushed to the hotel bar and finally found Jihoon there. He was sitting at the counter and drinking a lot. Hyunsuk sighed and walked to him.

"Hey." he said and sat next to Jihoon.

"I said for millionth time! Stop flirting with me you perverted asshole!" Jihoon snapped. Once he sees who it was he rubbed his eyes and shook his head to regain some of his soberness. "Hyunsuk? Sorry. I thought you were someone else. What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I came to check on you. You seemed pretty upset. You weren't in your room." Hyunsuk replied.

"I'm fine. There's nothing wrong." Jihoon dismissed.

"It doesn't seem like there's nothing wrong." Hyunsuk ventured.

Jihoon didn't reply and just took a swig of his alcoholic beverage.

"You shouldn't surpress your emotions." Hyunsuk began softly.

"I am not!" Jihoon shouted. He banged his empty glass drink to the table.

Hyunsuk flinched from how he raised his voice.

"You should stop drinking. You're already drunk." he said.

"No." Jihoon picked up a another glass filled with strong alcohol and was about to drink it. But Hyunsuk snatched it away from him.

Jihoon looked dazed for a moment before he pouted and turned to Hyunsuk with an angry look.

"Give it back." he whined.

Hyunsuk tried to hold back his laugh and smile. The younger was acting too cute.

"You had enough already. It's not good for you." Hyunsuk explained.

"Then what is there that's good for me?" Jihoon whined and let his head fall to the counter top. "Is there something wrong with me? Why can't I just have what I want?" Jihoon mumbled and traced his finger upon the empty glasses.

Hyunsuk smiled sadly at him. Whatever it was that was making the younger sad, he still wasn't prepared to let anyone in and help him.

"Let's get you to bed, okay?" Hyunsuk said instead, and helped Jihoon up.

They quickly paid for the drinks before they left.

Hyunsuk carefully swung the younger's arm over his shoulder and accompanied Jihoon back to his hotel room.

When they reached there, he placed the younger on the bed. Hyunsuk helped him take off his shoes some of his clothes and left Jihoon with comfortable ones on. He was about to leave but then Jihoon asked him to stay.

"Don't leave, please." Jihoon whispered softly.

"Okay, I'll stay here." Hyunsuk assured him with a smile.

He sat there and watched him. Jihoon closed his eyes and tried to sleep. Hyunsuk reached out and started to gently caressing his black raven hair while he sleeps. The younger leaned into his touch and sighed contentedly.

Hyunsuk did this for a few more minutes before he thinks he was sure that Jihoon was finally asleep. He stopped touching his hair and stood up. He was about to leave when he felt a hand grab his wrist. He looked down to see Jihoon holding him.

Jihoon pulled him back down to the bed, he sat up and kissed Hyunsuk. The latter was surprised before he kissed back and pinned the younger down.

Chapter Text

The kiss became more heated and they soon had to part to breath for air.

Jihoon tried to capture Hyunsuk's lips again before the latter stopped him.

The younger whined annoyed.

"You're drunk." Hyunsuk stated.

"So what?" Jihoon retorted.

"It's not right." Hyunsuk said to him softly.

Jihoon looked away.

"Even you don't want me too." Jihoon muttered. Then he remembered again why perhaps Hyunsuk was stopping him.

'Right, he has a girlfriend. Fuck! What am I doing?' Jihoon thought, reprimanding himself.

"I...I'm sorry." He said to Hyunsuk and pushed him out of the bed. "You should go. It's late now."

"Jihoon..."

"I have to wake up early tomorrow. I have a flight back home." Jihoon interrupted him. He didn't want to hear him say something that would hurt.

"Jihoon..." Hyunsuk tried again.

"Please. Go."

"Okay." Hyunsuk nodded and slowly stood up.

He opened the door and looked back to the younger. Jihoon layed back on bed, with his back facing Hyunsuk. He wrapped himself with the covers to hide from the older. Hyunsuk looked away with a sigh and left.

Jihoon heard the door closed. He looked to check if Hyunsuk really did left. Seeing him finally gone, he hid himself back under the bed covers and started to silently cry.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Hyunsuk went back to his hotel room that he shared with the other members of his group.

He looked tired and conflicted.

When he got inside he saw the others were busy doing something. Just as he came in, he heard Byounggun complaining.

"No! Don't! I beg you!" he screeched.

"Uno." Yoonbin said smirking triumphantly.

"Noooooo!!!" Byounggun threw his cards up into the air and started cursing.

They all laughed at him.

Hyunsuk didn't laugh, he only smiled. He was still too disheartened. Yoonbin noticed his gloomy presence and left the game.

"Yeah! Don't come back you cheater!" Byounggun hissed.

"I didn't cheat. You're just upset you lost." Yoonbin grinned and proceeded back to Hyunsuk. "Hey." he said lightly nudging the older.

"Hey." Hyunsuk smiled and he walked out to the terrace on their room.

"What's bugging ya?" Yoonbin asked, he had followed him.

"You know already." Hyunsuk chuckled.

"What? You two just got together today and already had a couple's fight?" Yoonbin joked.

Hyunsuk laughed at what he said.

"No, it's just...I kinda may have...kissed him." Hyunsuk shared.

Yoonbin choked on the air he was breathing. He wanted to scream but he knew that if he did the others would hear and they would be asking questions. So he controlled his voice to a minimum level of whisper shouting.

"What?" Yoonbin whispered, cupping his mouth with his hands. "So you two are now a thing? Or is there some detail I should know of?"

"Well...you see." Hyunsuk began. "Today, I asked to join him with whatever he planned to do today. And he was going to look for his phone which he lost. And we walked around the park filled with cherry blossoms. And I found out he likes spring a lot. And that he likes looking at the cherry blossoms here in Japan, so I offered to bring him here whenever spring comes. And after that we went to a cafe, the barista there was very rude and awful at his job by the way. Did you know he put like maybe a cup of salt into my coffee?! It was like drinking from the ocean. Anyway, Jihoon actually left his phone there and it was found by this guy that did a drawing of Jihoon! Can you believe that? They didn't even know each other from what I could tell. After that, we left and we were walking and we saw a couple. I'm not a detective but I could assume that from the guys we met, one of them was Jihoon's ex boyfriend. And you want to know why I think that? It's because Jihoon got himself drunk and I was worried something bad would happen to him. Or he would do some thing stupid while he is drunk. So I assisted him back to his room and then put him to bed. I tried to leave but he made me stay and then the next thing I know is that we were kissing!!" Hyunsuk explained.

All while he rambled on his story, Yoonbin listened attentively. He nodded his head when ever it was necessary and made some reaction to what Hyunsuk told him. Yoonbin stared at the blushing Hyunsuk that looked happy, shy, confused and sad.

"Hmmm, interesting. I expected a summary of your day but this detailed explanation works too." Yoonbin nodded while rubbing on his chin. "So, why do you look sad?" he asked.

"I stopped the kiss. It was wrong. He was drunk and I can't take advantage of him when he isn't fully aware of what he is doing. I think he got offended by that." Hyunsuk said.

Yoonbin suddenly slapped him on the shoulder.

"Ow!" Hyunsuk complained.

"Then that proves it! He likes you! He likes you that he was willing to sleep with you or probably just make out with you. But like a drunk person is usually doing things that his sober self would be too scared to do!" Yoonbin exclaims.

"Woah! Wait! Maybe it's best not to get too ahead of ourselves. Also, where did you learn such things?!" Hyunsuk demanded.

"Hey, I am a Gen Z. The internet is there when I get bored." Yoonbin shrugged.

Hyunsuk sighed.

"Well what you're saying is....I don't know. Besides, he might have just kissed me out of frustration from seeing his ex again." Hyunsuk sulked.

That hurt him. He very much enjoyed the kiss. The feeling of Jihoon's lips on his was electrifying and magical. He wanted more but it struck his head that what if Jihoon was just doing it because he was frustrated. Hyunsuk didn't want that.

"Well, the advice I have left is for you two to talk things out tomorrow. When he is sober, ask him." Yoonbin said.

"What if he says he doesn't remember?" Hyunsuk asked.

"Impossible!" Yoonbin chuckled. "He might say that to avoid the topic but I don't think a few alcoholic drinks is enough to cause amnesia. And if he does forget, then make him remember." He winked at Hyunsuk who blushed.

"You know I'm kinda terrified at whatever things you see on the internet." Hyunsuk commented.

"What? I just watch movies and dramas!"

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

"Hyung! Hyung!"

Jihoon woke up to loud knocking and an annoying voice. He sat up and groaned from the hangover headache of getting drunk last night. He got up from the bed and wobbly went to the mirror to check his reflection. He sees that his eyes were puffy from crying, he could barely open them.

"I look like shit." Jihoon muttered and ruffled through his messy hair.

"Hyuuuuuunggggg!"

Jihoon jumped from where he stood. He was frightened by Jeongwoo who suddenly entered into the room with him slamming the door wide open.

"Jeongwoo! Oh my God! Do you not know how to knock like a normal person?!" Jihoon shouted.

"I have been knocking outside for the past 5 minutes and you wouldn't answer. And no, I am not a normal person." Jeongwoo retorted. He quickly noticed his brother's puffy eyes. "What happened to you? I don't remember your eyes getting puffy when you get drunk."

Jeongwoo went to Jihoon, holding the older's face to inspect him closer. He was squishing Jihoon's cheeks with his hands. Jihoon slapped his hands away.

"Stop that! It's just allergies from the dust in this room." Jihoon lied.

Jeongwoo didn't believe him. This was his husband's hotel and it was always clean, like very clean. No one will ever find a spec of dust around. But instead of arguing with his brother, he knew Jihoon didn't want to talk about it yet, so he chose to let him be for now.

"Well, atleast you're okay. Why did you even drink last night?" Jeongwoo asked instead.

"Nothing. Just felt like getting wasted." Jihoon replied yawning. His eyes widened as he realized something. "Had I not gotten drunk you might have never even thought of visiting me. You ungrateful brat! I partially raised you yet you didn't even bother to visit me the minute you got your ass married? What? Could you not walk for days after your wedding night?" he asked looking at his younger brother.

Jeongwoo blushed embarrassed by his words.

"Shut up! How can you say such things so out in the open!" Jeongwoo clamped his mouth shut.

"That was my most implicit way of saying that you and your hubby had been busy—" Jihoon tried to say.

"Aren't you suppose to be at the airport?" Jeongwoo asked to interrupt him.

"Shit! You're right!" Jihoon facepalmed and quickly zoomed past all over the room, trying to get everything he owns before he leaves.

"You should have bothered me sooner. I can't be late for my flight!!" Jihoon screamed.

"Hyung! Relax there's plenty of time." Jeongwoo said. "I just said that to see if you could still walk around." he added.

Jihoon stopped and stared at him.

"And what is that suppose to mean?" Jihoon questioned.

"Nothing hyung! Bye I love you!" Jeongwoo ran off.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

With Haruto as Jihoon's brother-in-law, he offered him first class. Jihoon refused but Haruto insisted. He just accepted it as the purchased had already been done and it would be a waste to cancel it.

Jihoon was now at the airport. He had done most procedures and was currently waiting for his turn to get inside the airplane. Once he is allowed in he hurried to find his seat so he can sleep his headache away. He was honestly feeling a bit out of place from looking at the luxurious seats of the first class but he was too tired to care about it.

However, when he was taking his seat he saw some familiar faces.

"What are you guys doing here?" Jihoon asked, more like demanded.

"Oh, Jihoon! You're here too!" Doyoung said happily smiling at him.

Jihoon's head throb from having to see and deal with this bunch of people again. And there was Hyunsuk, he really doesn't want to see Hyunsuk right now. Not after last night.

"Going back to Seoul?" Byounggun asked him.

"Where else am I going to? America?" Jihoon sassed.

Byounggun laughed.

"You can sit here with me Jihoon!" Doyoung quickly offers.

"No! Sit here with me! Doyoung sleeps during flights and he will spill drool on your shoulder." Yedam argued.

Jihoon tried to pay them no attention. But when he looked to his assigned seat, some other rich looking guy he doesn't know took his seat. Jihoon sighed. He turned to the group and checked what other seats around were available.

He cursed as to how and why there were little seats left and the choices were he can sit with Yedam, or he can sit with Doyoung, or he can sit with Seunghun or he can sit with Hyunsuk.

Jihoon made his decision and took a seat next to Seunghun.

Hyunsuk looked disappointed but said nothing.

The plane soon departs and they are now up within the clouds.

Jihoon tries to fight the drowsiness reigning over him. But he loses the battle and falls asleep. His head swayed to the side and rests on top of Seunghun's shoulder. The latter was surprised by the sudden contact. But he smiled and allowed it, then he went back to playing music through his head phones while looking out through the window.

Hyunsuk's frown had deepened. He had been eyeing Jihoon and seeing him in such close contact with someone else isn't sitting well with him. He didn't like it.

Chapter Text

"No, don't do it." Seunghun shook his head.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Hyunsuk asked. He looked worried.

"I am very sure." Byounggun replied.

"Let him do it. I wanna see what happens." Yoonbin encouraged and snickered.

"Surely you can think of some other way besides this." Hyunsuk tried to reason.

"If you guys want to wake him, this is the way to do it." Byounggun stated strongly.

"It's your funeral." Hyunsuk sighed defeated.

Byounggun simply paid no attention to their words of warnings. He got out a plastic bag and blew air into it to make it inflated. He placed it just over Jihoon who was still sleeping peacefully.

The plane was almost close to Seoul as the pilot informed them. So they will be landing soon.

Hyunsuk reminded himself of how crowded the airports can be when famous idols like them would be arriving. Even though they might have not gave any information about whether they are arriving or not, there will surely always be people waiting there. The blonde haired boy panicked that Jihoon may now find out about him being a famous idol. He wasn't ready to reveal that part of himself yet. There were pros and cons to consider.

Jihoon can either be impressed and would continue to be Hyunsuk's friend. But he could also distance himself away as he would seem to be the type of person that would want to avoid getting involve with famous people.

It is evident in reality that ordinary people who get involve with famous artists whom are raved over and almost worshipped by crazed fans, those people would get threatened and ruined.

Hyunsuk was in a dilemma.

"Yoonbin!" he called out to his friend who was seated in front of him.

"What is it hyung?" Yoonbin responded.

"We're close to home." Hyunsuk whispered.

"Yeah, and so?"

Hyunsuk pointed to Jihoon who is still sleeping with his head on Seunghun's shoulders.

"You're jealous? It's making you angry? Should we get rid of Seunghun hyung?" Yoonbin asked.

"No." Hyunsuk shook his head. "Okay, maybe I am jealous but what I am trying to say is were close to arriving at Incheon airport. You know already what it's like every time we get there." he explains.

Yoonbin's expression finally turned into understanding.

"Ah, that..." Yoonbin nods and goes into thought. "He might get crushed if he's seen with us."

"Exactly. What should we do?" Hyunsuk asked.

"I don't know. Should we blindfold him or keep him knocked out then have one of our body guards take him safely home?" Yoonbin suggested.

"The fu...Yoonbin, no." Hyunsuk said.

"Then maybe..." Yoonbin tried to give another suggestion but then the two focused their attention towards Byounggun and Seunghun's conversation.

And that is what brings them back to the present moment. With Byounggun who was more than eager to execute his act of how to wake Jihoon.

Byounggun did not think twice and he eagerly slapped the plastic bag hard. It created a loud popping sound to which immediately and effectively woke up Jihoon. However, his first reaction was to punch the air and his fist landed just right at Byounggun's chin.

"I'm up!" Jihoon shouted.

Hyunsuk, Seunghun and Yoonbin snorted before laughing out loud at the fate of their friend.

"Fuckk..." Byounggun cursed. "Man, that hurts like hell. Is your hand made of iron or what?" he rubbed on his chin that started to bruise.

"Ow, maybe your chin is made of iron itself. It felt like punching a rock." Jihoon rubbed on his own bruised knuckles.

Seunghun noticed how it turned red. He had the impulse to quickly take Jihoon's hand and check the bruise.

"Does it hurt?" Seunghun asked. He gently rubbed on it and blew on the wound.

Hyunsuk saw how careful and gentle the way Seunghun held Jihoon's hand. He fought the urge to slap his friend's hand and take Jihoon's hand away from him.

"It's fine. It doesn't really hurt that much." Jihoon replied.

"Are you sure?" Seunghun asked.

"He said he's fine Seunghun. Stop asking like you're his boyfriend." Byounggun said he was still rubbing on his chin.

Jihoon quickly took his hand back once he heard what Byounggun said. Seunghun awkwardly laughed and coughed. Hyunsuk noticed the blush that formed on the latter's face.

"Are we landing soon? Is that why you woke me up?" Jihoon asked Byounggun.

Hyunsuk also took notice of how Jihoon kept rubbing on his hand. He really wanted to take his hand and put something that could help sooth the pain. Also upon hearing the younger's words he was snapped back to the current dilemma he had. So, he pulled out a handkerchief from his bag and turned to Jihoon.

"Jihoon you will be needing this." Hyunsuk said giving the handkerchief to the younger.

"A handkerchief?" Jihoon.questioned.

"Yeah, now put it on."

"Put it on? Like a blindfold?" Jihoon asked to which Hyunsuk nodded. "Is there a reason I should atleast know why?"

"Uhh...it's because..." Hyunsuk tried to come up with a good reason.

"It's like tradition in our group." Yoonbin inserted. "When we meet someone new from a different place and when we get to ride with that person on the same plane they should wear a blindfold until they reach their home." he explained.

"We have a tradition?" Seunghun tried to ask more but Yoonbin clamped his mouth shut and smiled at him.

"Yes, of course we do. Silly hyung. How could you forget." Yoonbin laughed dryly.

Byounggun looked at the two who were suddenly acting weirdly.

Jihoon didn't really believe what Yoonbin said. He couldn't find any good reason why something as silly as this could be some weird friend tradition. But once he sees the expectant look on Hyunsuk's face, he felt the need to do what he was told.

"Okay, I guess." Jihoon said and placed the handkerchief over his eyes and tied them around his head.

Byounggun turned to Hyunsuk and asked.

"Um, why are you making him put a blindfold on?" he asked.

"Uh, safety purposes." Hyunsuk replied. "Why don't you also wake Doyoung and Yedam. They won't punch you if you wake them." he said to change the topic.

Byounggun just glared and said nothing more. But he did went to wake them.

"Alright, what else should I do?" Jihoon asked once he had the blindfold on. "Wait, how am I supposed to get home if I can't see?"

"Just trust us hyung. You'll get home safely." Yoonbin said.

"No offense, but somehow that doesn't really assures me." Jihoon put out.

"Too late we're here." Yoonbin annouced.

The flight attendants announced to them certain flight procedures and soon their plane had landed.

(Don't really know the stuff u do when riding a plane coz I have never ridden one ✈ ٩(●˙—˙●)۶)

Hyunsuk quickly gets up to hold Jihoon's hand.

Jihoon felt the touch. He somehow didn't shy away immediately. He even lightly squeezed on it. As if he was trying to feel or determine who the person was just by touching the hand. When Jihoon realized what he did and how he determined it was Hyunsuk holding him, he tried to let go but the older held him tighter.

"Don't let go. You don't want to go around blind, do you?" Hyunsuk said.

"My hand...you're touching the one that's..." Jihoon flinched.

Hyunsuk let go of his hand.

"Oh, sorry. Should I hold you here then?" Hyunsuk asked.

Jihoon almost jumped when he felt a hand on his waist.

"The other hand! You can hold my other hand!" Jihoon said panicked.

"Let's go! Let's go!" Yoonbin said.

Hyunsuk went to the other side to hold Jihoon's not bruised hand. He carefully guided Jihoon on the way out.

"Wait! My bag! I have my precious camera in there!" Jihoon said.

"Don't worry! I'll get it for you!" Doyoung quickly goes to rummage for which was Jihoon's bag from the compartments above their seats.

"No! I'll get it for you Jihoon!" Yedam said and ran after Doyoung to look for the bag as well.

"Wait, I can get it myself. I'll just take off this blindfold first." Jihoon said and began to untie it.

"No. They can get it for you." Hyunsuk stopped him.

"But–"

"I have it! I have it here!" Yedam said raising a black bag above him. He remembered well it was Jihoon's which he saw from earlier.

Doyoung turned to him and went to tackle him to take it away.

"Give me that!" Doyoung demanded.

"No, I found it first!"

"So what?" Doyoung pulled on it but Yedam won't let it go that easily.

"You can't take it!" Yedam protested and pulled it back to him.

"Give it!" Doyoung pulled it back.

So, they went back and forth, pulling on the poor bag like they were having a tug of war.

"I'll be taking that." Seunghun easily took the bag away from them.

"Hey!!" the two turned to him both.

"Jihoon's camera is in here. I don't think he'll be happy once he opens it and sees a scratch as a result from you two fighting over it." Seunghun explained and walked to Jihoon.

"Here, Jihoon." He said, handing it over to the blindfolded photographer.

"Thanks Seunghun." Jihoon said as he blindly reached for it.

"Yeah, thanks. Now let's go." Hyunsuk said taking the bag and pulling Jihoon away from the other.

Screams erupted instantly once one of them walked into the airport. Camera flashes and crowds of people quickly flooded their line of sight. Their ears could almost go deaf from how boisterous the screams were and their personal spaces were invaded without mercy.

Hyunsuk had Jihoon plugged his ears with earphones and told him to just trust him, don't ask anything and only take off the blind fold once he is at his home. Hyunsuk had asked a body guard he trusts to wait after they left and bring Jihoon home safely.

Jihoon did exactly as Hyunsuk told him.

Once Jihoon reached his apartment he took off the blindfold and the earphones the blonde gave him. His phone suddenly made a ding sound and he checked it was Hyunsuk.

"When did I save his contact number?" Jihoon asked himself confused.

He checked the message and read what it said.

'Did you get home safely?'

Jihoon smiled and then lightly slapped his cheeks to stop his mouth from smiling like an idiot.

'Yeah, I did. What about you?' he typed and sent it.

'Also, how do you have my number? And why was it so loud at the airport?' he sent too.

'I got home safe too.' Hyunsuk sent.

'And I don't know, maybe there was an event at the airport.'

'Jeongwoo gave me your number.'

"Jeongwoo, I should've strangled him before I left." Jihoon muttered after reading the message.

'I know you're still tired. So get some rest now.'

Hyunsuk sent to Jihoon.

Jihoon saw and smiled again.

Chapter Text

Jihoon was unpacking. He was neatly folding his clothes and putting away the stuff he brought into their proper places. He was almost finish when he knocked down his wallet from his bed and it fell to the floor. The wallet was left unzipped so the coins inside immediately fell out.

The coins made loud noises. Jihoon quickly crouched to pick them up. He sees the coins where the ones he took from the fountain back in Japan. Jihoon picked them all up and looked at them.

He sighed as he remembered the sad emotions from the memories that dwelled with the coins. He went near to one of his shelves and placed the coins in some ceramic decorative bowl. He simply went back to taking care of his remaining luggage.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Jihoon was walking on his way to work. He didn't get much sleep from thinking about a certain someone, so he has slight dark bags underneath his eyes. The blonde never sent him another text so he was feeling down and tired from hoping for any contact. Jihoon guessed Hyunsuk was busy with work. Then again, he hit himself in the head. He shouldn't be thinking of him, the guy already has a girlfriend.

But then why?

Why did he kiss Jihoon? Scratch that. Why the fuck did he make out with Jihoon?? Is this a red flag? Is he a cheater? Is he unfaithful to his lover? Was he just trying to be nice to him just so he could get in his pants? But Hyunsuk doesn't seem like the type that would do something like that! Then again, you can't always judge a book by its cover. So why?

These were the very thoughts that ran in circles through Jihoon's head all night. And they still continue to bother him as the dawn came.

Jihoon rubbed his tired eyes and sighed.

"I need some coffee." Jihoon grumbled.

He decided he will get some coffee first. He has enough time before he is late to work. So he is now walking to the nearest coffee shop he could find on his way.

While Jihoon was walking, there was suddenly a guy in front of him that was holding a tripod and a camera in his hands. The guy was vlogging from what Jihoon could decipher. The way the guy talked to the camera as if he had a massive audience listening to him made it clear he was some type of video content creator.

The guy stopped walking to talk some more and film the whole place surrounding him.

"This place here is famous for taking peaceful walks and its beautiful morning sun views." the guy said enthusiastically.

Jihoon didn't want to bother him and he especially didn't want to be bothered right now. So he minded his own business and proceeded to walk pass him.

The guy caught Jihoon's figure as he filmed with his camera. The guy noticed him. His eyes turned wide and a lovestruck gaze painted his face. He continued filming but it was now centered only on Jihoon.

Jihoon didn't noticed and simply passed by him.

"Hey, sir! Stop right there!!" the guy shouted.

"Yes? Is there a problem?" Jihoon turned to him.

"You stole something." the guy said, he looked very serious.

"I did?" Jihoon asked confused.

"You did!" the guy got closer to him.

Jihoon said nothing as he got tensed and even more confused. His thoughts rummage through his memories for any recollection of whatever he had stolen. But he remembers clearly well that he had done nothing illegal his whole life.

'Wait! I took away the coins from the fountain! Don't tell me he came all the way from Japan to arrest me for doing that?!" Jihoon panicked in his head.

He gulped and watched the stranger suddenly faced the lens of his camera in front of him.

"You stole my heart." the guy said.

Jihoon's frightened face quickly turned to annoyance. He breathed out a sigh of relief and frustration.

"I'm getting too old for this." Jihoon said. "The day just started." he sighed and rubbed his eyes. He really needed some coffee.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I'm a Youtuber. I'm filming some creative content for my channel." the guy explained and kept smiling.

"Oh, is that so?" Jihoon nods at him. He noted that this guy was younger than him since anyone could clearly tell the youthful air that surrounded this Youtuber.

"SuperKingCowBaby! That's my YouTube channel. It's in English letters; S, K, C and B are in caps lock. No spacing." the guy said smiling widely. "I'm Junghwan, by the way."

"Okay, Junghwan, I'm Jihoon. I think I'm older than you so you should address me with Hyung. I'll check your Youtube channel when I have the time." Jihoon said. He started stepping back so he can say goodbye and leave.

"Okay, Jihoon Hyung! I love your name! It suits you well!" Junghwan expressed.

"Uh, thanks. Well, I'll be going now." Jihoon waved and tried to leave.

"Oh! I see that you have a camera too. Are you a Youtuber too?" Junghwan got close and followed him.

"No, I'm a photographer." Jihoon put out.

"Really!? Then I can have you take some photos for me!" Junghwan skipped. "Can I have you in my video?" he asked excited.

Before Jihoon could refuse him, Junghwan already started filming with his camera again. It was his phone this time and it was a live video feed on Instagram.

"Hey guys! This is SuperKingCowBaby! What we're doing today is looking out for pretty and attractive persons we can find on the streets. But I think I already found the one." Junghwan faced the camera from him to Jihoon.

Jihoon froze on the spot, panicking. He didn't know what to do. He wasn't use to being on this side of the camera. He was always the one behind the camera and not in front it. He was wearing his glasses so he was able to read the many comments flooding the chats on the phone's screen.

"This is Jihoon. But he's older than me so he told me to call him Jihoon hyung!" Junghwan said. "So what do you guys think we should do with Jihoon hyung?"

Jihoon remained tongue tied and could only helplessly read the comments he could see.

'Challenge him to some sports game!'

'He looks cute! Why don't u take him on a date? ≧ω≦'

'Is he another YouTuber?'

'Do a tiktok challenge."

'Dance to BlackPink's latest song!'

'Karaoke 🎤'

'Who is that?'

'Mukbaaangggg"

'Spicy Mukbanggg Challenge!'

'Do you have a crush on him?? 👀'

"It seems everyone can't make up their minds. We can do a poll voting on my IG stories! Jihoon hyung's fate rests in your hands! Okay, that would be all guys! Wait for my next video and I'll see you! Byeee!" Junghwan said and stopped the live.

Jihoon still remained speechless as he couldn't process everything immediately.

"Can I have your number or any of your social media Hyung? That way I can easily contact you as soon as everyone of my viewers decides what video they want to see me with you." Junghwan happily said.

"Look, Junghwan." Jihoon sighed. "I'm not really into nor do I know much about any of this stuff. Also I have work so I'm busy and—"

A dramatic gasp stopped Jihoon from talking. He turned to look and see there were three girls that were giggling and ran over to them.

"You're SuperKingCowBaby, right?" one of the girls asked Junghwan.

"That's me!" Junghwan said proud.

"We're subscribers to your channel! Can we take a photo with you?" another one said.

"Sure!" Junghwan agreed and the girls started taking selfies with him.

Jihoon thought this would be the perfect opportunity to slip away but damn those girls take selfies fast.

"Jihoon hyung! Can you take a group photo of us?" Junghwan purposely calls him out to keep him there.

The girls finally noticed Jihoon and started giggling again.

"Is this Jihoon from the live on IG?" One of the girls asked Junghwan.

"Indeed he is." Junghwan put an arm over Jihoon's shoulder.

Jihoon then noticed the younger was actually taller than him.

"Is he your boyfriend?" the girls asked smiling and giggling.

"No! No! No! We just met." Jihoon quickly denied.

Their faces then turned a bit disappointed.

"Well, Jihoon Oppa can you take a photo of us with Oppa here?" the girl asked.

Jihoon didn't want to be rude so he agreed.

"Alright." he said and took the phone the girl handed to him.

They quickly gathered to Junghwan and Jihoon took atleast 5 photos of them. He handed them back the phone. The girls checked the photo and was astonished by how good they look.

"Wow! I look good here!" one of the girls asked.

"You're so good Jihoon Oppa! You must be a photographer or atleast like photography!" the girl exclaimed while clapping.

"Can we take a picture with you too?" they asked him.

Jihoon was tongue tied again.

"Sure you can. Can you also take a photo of us two?" Junghwan inserted.

The girls squealed and were more than happy to do so.

Jihoon awkwardly posed with the girls. He didn't want to look at the photos he took with them. Once it was Junghwan's turn he stood there like a statue.

"Here hyung. Just act natural and smile." Junghwan said and placed a hand over Jihoon's waist.

The girls quickly took many candid shots. Jihoon tried prying off Junghwan's hand but the girls would just keep asking them to stand closer together. They even request that Jihoon smile. The older did so, showing them a half hearted eye smile and clicked the final shot.

Chapter Text

"Hey, Jihoon! Welcome back! How was your brother's wedding? Woah! You look like....um....uhhh...you look..." Jaehyuk struggled to find the proper wording he can use. He was trekking dangerous waters. One wrong move and Jihoon could make his work life turn into hell.

"You look...tired." Jaehyuk carefully said.

"Shut it." Jihoon grumbled and sat on his chair.

Jaehyuk was silent. He observed the older rub his face and sigh heavily.

"You okay? You do look tired though." Jaehyuk said concerned.

"I'm fine. It's just...." Jihoon trailed off as the memories of his visit in Japan until today replayed all in his head. "These past few days have been just really tiring and... weird." he shared.

"Weird? Like what kind of weird?" Jaehyuk asked curious of what the other had just been through.

"I don't know. Like...there has just been...there were guys that acted weirdly to me." Jihoon tried to explain.

Jaehyuk looked at him and blinked.

Jihoon sighed. Jaehyuk won't be able to understand him unless he tells him the story. And that's what he did, he told Jaehyuk a somewhat detailed but also not detailed narrative of his visit in Japan. He mentioned Hyunsuk kissing him. He mentioned seeing him getting kissed by a girl who he still thinks is Hyunsuk's girlfriend. He didn't mentioned the coins he took from the fountain as he thought it was irrelevant. He mentioned Yedam, Doyoung, the barista and the artist that acted strangely all flirty to him. He mentioned Hyunsuk again and their somehow romantic moments. He mentioned seeing Junkyu, getting drunk, excluding the make out, he just shared they 'kissed' again. Then the awkward morning after and finally the influencer he encountered today.

All while he talked Jaehyuk looked so attentively and engrossed with the story.

"Wait! Shut up! You got kissed? Two times even?" Jaehyuk screamed once Jihoon finished.

The older had to clamp his mouth shut because their other co-workers might hear.

"Shhhh!!! Not so loud!" Jihoon hissed.

Jaehyuk nodded and made a gesture of zipping his mouth shut. He whispered his next words.

"So you got kissed? What does he look like? Is this Hyunsuk guy exactly your type? Wow, I thought you'd at least be crying over Junkyu hyung for a few more months before you move on to someone new. But like, wow, hyung." Jaehyuk looked at him in wonder and almost wanted to clap.

Jihoon slapped the back of his head.

"I said so many things and that's all you could takeaway from what I shared to you?" Jihoon said to him in disbelief.

"Right, right. Sorry, it's just I remember you told me that you and Junkyu hyung never kissed. So that makes Hyunsuk your first kiss." Jaehyuk expressed. "But seriously hyung, about the way those guys acted towards you it sounded like they're trying to woo or like court you."

Jaehyuk rubbed his chin going into deeper thought.

"It's almost kinda like you gave them a magical love potion." he added.

"Yeah, that's exactly what it feels like. But we know magic isn't real and stuff." Jihoon shrugged.

"You know, this might actually be a blessing for you. You were so heartbroken by your first relationship the heavens is granting you this chance to get you into your dating game, you know?" Jaehyuk wiggled his eyebrows.

"Blessing?" Jihoon laughed dryly. "It feels more like a curse than a blessing. And that's what it is, a curse. Love is a curse." he remarked and said nothing more.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

"Who has Junghwan's number?!" Doyoung shouted as he slammed the door open.

The members that were hanging around the main living area were startled from the abrupt loud noise.

"WTF, Doyoung?" Byounggon complained and rubbed his ears.

"Who has Junghwan's contact number?" Doyoung repeated.

"Why do you need his number?" Hyunsuk asked with one eyebrow raised.

"Because that man is a threat to my love life!" Doyoung said and walked around the room looking very distressed.

"Who has Junghwan's number!?" Yedam came in next, shouting louder than Doyoung.

"Why is everyone shouting today?!" Byounggun screamed back.

"Here! Here! I have it! Geez! Calm down you guys." Yoonbin said and handed Doyoung his phone.

The two bolted right towards him and quickly pulled on it to get the phone first.

"Hey! Hey! Careful with my phone!" Yoonbin stressed.

Doyoung successfully took the phone first and quickly copied the number to his phone.

"What happened? Why do you guys need Junghwan's contact number?" Hyunsuk asked again, he was getting worried with how the two were acting lately.

They're usually so close and only have playful verbal fights. But now they're like obsessing over something and at some point the fighting almost became physical.

"Hyung....I think you should see this." Yoonbin said and handed Hyunsuk his phone which he got back from Yedam.

Hyunsuk took hold of it and was shocked by what he saw.

Junghwan is their friend. He had wanted to become a trainee and debut as an idol with them in the same company but he realized his calling was different than theirs.

"How?..." Hyunsuk gawked and studied the photo closer. "Wait, this can't be..." he trailed off upon confirming who was also in the photo.

"How does Jihoon hyung know Junghwan? Such a small world we live in, right hyung?" Yoonbin chuckled and elbowed the older.

Hyunsuk was just unresponsive and started glaring at the photo. It was Jihoon and Junghwan.

"Hey! How in the world did you get that photo? Do you know Jihoon?!" Doyoung shouted at the speaker of his phone.

They couldn't hear what the person on the other line replied but they were sure it was Junghwan.

"You just met today? Oh, really?" Doyoung sassed.

"Hey!" Yedam took Doyoung's phone while pushing him away. "Junghwan stay away from him. And stop posting photos of him with you. People aren't suppose to be shipping you two!"

"Give me that! That's my phone! I'm talking to him!" Doyoung barked and reached for his phone back.

Yedam purposely ended the call and called Junghwan again with his number.

Hyunsuk looked to them and let Byounggun deal with them for now.

He pulled out his own phone and searched for Jihoon's number to text him.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

"Jihoon hyung!" Jaehyuk came running in. "This is you, right?!" he asked and showed him what was on the screen of his phone.

It was a photo on twitter. It was Jihoon smiling shyly next to the person he just met today, Junghwan.

"Holy shi-" Jaehyuk stopped himself from cursing. "You know SuperKingCowBaby?" he asked.

"I mentioned it to you already. I just met him today. I didn't even know he was a Youtuber." Jihoon calmly replied.

He proceeded working on his computer, checking and editing the photos he had to work on.

"How are you so calm? This guy has like over 8 million subscribers on Youtube, 9 million followers on Instagram and like over 5 million followers on Twitter!"

(question: do youtubers tend to have more subscribers? Or more followers on twitter?)

"W-what?" Jihoon asked. The sudden information of massive amount of numbers hurt his head.

"You're like trending on Twitter right now." Jaehyuk shoved his phone to Jihoon.

The latter took it and looked at what Jaehyuk meant.

"Shit. They actually posted it?" Jihoon mumbled.

"How do you not know this?" Jaehyuk asked again.

"I don't even use Twitter. I mean I did make an account but I forgot the password and never used it again." Jihoon stressed.

He scrolled down and looked at the many likes, comments and shares. He pressed on the comments to check what the netizens were spouting at him. Some were positive, others were neutral and of course there were negative remarks, which were unavoidable.

Jihoon was scrolling down to check more but then he saw his phone receive a notification.

He gave Jaehyuk his phone back and checked his own. He saw it was a message from Hyunsuk. Jihoon subconsciously smiled when he sees the name.

"Who's that?" Jaehyuk asked, trying to take a peek when he noticed the smile.

Jihoon quickly turned his phone off to prevent Jaehyuk from seeing who it was.

"None of your business. Get back to work." Jihoon shooed him away.

Jaehyuk pouted but still complied and went back to his work. Jihoon waited before he opened his phone again and read the message.

'Hey Jihoon!'

He read and typed in his reply. Then sent it.

'Hey Hyunsuk'

Jihoon thought he would have to wait a few seconds but another reply came in right after he sent his message.

'Jihoon'

Jihoon felt unnerved by reading his name. He felt in his gut something was coming after that and it would make him feel something, like butterflies in his stomach.

His phone then made another notification sound. He read the text.

'Let's go on a date.'

Chapter Text

Jihoon almost fell off his chair. But he caught himself in time before truly falling down to meet the floor.

"W–what?" he asked himself.

He read it again and again and again and had to slowly read it again just to make sure his eyesight wasn't failing him. He even wore his glasses.

"Holy s..." Jihoon whispered only to block his mouth with his hand.

The message was truly such a shocker for him.

'u and me? on a date? like a date? date? kind of date?'

Jihoon typed and was about to send it when he realized something.

"Wait, this must be for his girlfriend. He must've just accidentally sent it to me." Jihoon muttered.

His excitement and shy blush quickly turned to disappointment and embarrassment.

Jihoon hit himself on the head for hoping. He erased what he typed and started on a new one.

'lol i think u sent me a wrong message 😆'

Jihoon smiled bitterly and press sent.

'No I didn't.'

Hyunsuk immediately replied back.

'I'm serious Jihoon'

'I'm asking YOU on a date.'

'If you would say "yes" of course'

'It's okay if u don't want'

Jihoon blinked his eyes rapidly. He rubbed them as he just couldn't believe what he was reading. Instead of getting flustered again he became furious. He can't believe what Hyunsuk was texting him.

"Go on a date with me? While he has a girlfriend? What does he think of me? Some kind of play toy!" Jihoon seethed, standing up from his chair and almost slammed his phone on his table.

Jihoon left Hyunsuk on seen. He didn't reply to anymore of his messages.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

"Why isn't he replying to me?" Hyunsuk asked himself after it had been an hour since he texted Jihoon.

He checked his phone and sighed once he sees there was still no reply.

"Maybe, he's busy?" Hyunsuk asked himself. Jeongwoo did mention to him that Jihoon was a workaholic.

Seunghun just happened to pass by him when he heard him.

"Hey, Hyunsuk." Seunghun greeted him.

"Hey." Hyunsuk subconsciously replied.

"Is there anything wrong? You looked kind of spaced out." Seunghun pointed.

Hyunsuk snapped out his sulking and looked at him more clearly.

"What?" he said.

"Is someone giving you a hard time?" Seunghun asked him.

"You could say that." Hyunsuk chuckled. "I might've just gotten myself rejected." he added.

"Rejected? From what?" Seunghun asked.

Hyunsuk wasn't able to answer as he heard his phone ding. When he looked at the notification, a wide smile immediately plastered all over his once sad face.

Seunghun noticed the quick change of expression. He took a peek of Hyunsuk's phone screen to see what exactly made him so happy in just a matter of seconds. His eyes widened when he read Jihoon's name on it.

He also read what message Jihoon sent, it was a certain cafe shop's name. There was also a date and time.

"Are you meeting up with someone?" Seunghun asked.

Hyunsuk hid his phone from him. He didn't want Seunghun to see anything. He didn't like the thought of the him knowing he was planning on a date with Jihoon. Hyunsuk remembered exactly Seunghun's actions back at the airplane. The way he held Jihoon's hand and how he worried for him. It made Hyunsuk jealous.

"It's uh, just Yoonbin. We're planning on eating outside." Hyunsuk lied.

"Oh, can I come?" Seunghun asked.

"No!" Hyunsuk answered a bit too fast. He coughed and chuckled nervously. "I mean, sorry, you can't. We already made a reservation only for two. Maybe next time?" he got up and quickly left.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Hyunsuk smiled non stop as he prepared to go out. He was going on a date with Jihoon. He took a lot of time to prepare, trying to see what perfect outfit he should wear. He needed something simple but still good looking. It kind of hurt him to not fully go all out fashionista but as an idol, he can't have himself catch too much attention outside.

Once he decided on what to wear, he got a mask to put on his face. Jihoon still doesn't know he's an idol but Hyunsuk was planning on telling him today if their date goes well. He got some money and then went out with his heart leaping in joy.

By the time Hyunsuk reached the place Jihoon set up for them to meet, he saw that Jihoon was already there waiting for him.

The place looked nice and quite calm. There wasn't that much people around which Hyunsuk was grateful for. He wouldn't have a hard time trying to look out for his image to be seen.

Jihoon saw him and waved at him. Hyunsuk waved back and smiled. He felt nervous. He just can't believe it. This was actually now happening.

Hyunsuk walked to Jihoon with nervous strides. As he got closer, he eyed how Jihoon looked clean and professional looking with his outfit. He finds him quite attractive and cute, especially with Jihoon wearing glasses.

Hyunsuk sat down and took off his mask. He was confused and worried when he meets Jihoon's eyes. The other looked somewhat unhappy. Jihoon gave a serious expression like something heavy was on his mind.

"Are you okay?" Hyunsuk asked.

Jihoon first looked away. He smiled bitterly and put his eyes back to Hyunsuk.

"Are you cheating on your girlfriend over me?" Jihoon began. "Am I just some toy to you?" he asked.

Hyunsuk was shocked and confused by this unexpected question.

"Girlfriend? I don't understand." Hyunsuk chuckled.

"Don't play dumb Hyunsuk. I saw you back at the wedding, you kissed a girl outside by the fountain and you didn't push her away. Of course she's your girlfriend. If she wasn't then you would have pushed her away." Jihoon stated, trying to hold back his anger.

"Kissed a girl? I did not— ohhhh..." Hyunsuk finally remembered.

Jihoon scoffed at him and looked away. He stood up from his seat to leave. Hyunsuk quickly caught his wrist to stop him.

"Jihoon, please listen. I don't have a girlfriend. I don't know who that girl was. She was drunk and it caught me off guard. I am not even dating anyone." Hyunsuk explained, looking at him with begging eyes.

Jihoon didn't look convince.

"Jihoona please believe me. I was outside at the fountain waiting for you. I just helped that girl because someone else could have taken advantage of her." Hyunsuk added.

The two stared at each other for a while. With Jihoon still standing and looking down at Hyunsuk who was still sitting and kept a tight hold on the other's wrist.

"You were waiting for me?" Jihoon slowly asked.

Hyunsuk nodded eagerly. He stood up to face him. He even stepped closer. He also took hold on both of Jihoon's hands into his.

"I was." Hyunsuk smiled gently. "I even went out again to keep waiting for you. But the night ended and I didn't see you again." he said sadly.

"I'm sorry. I assumed things too quickly." Jihoon looked away embarrassed.

"It's okay. I know I would have assumed the same too if it was me." Hyunsuk smiled and chuckled.

Jihoon finally smiled back at him too. Then hit himself in the head.

"Then that means all this time...I have been thinking you had a girlfriend. When we...uh... kissed back at the hotel room I thought you stopped because of that." Jihoon blushed.

Hyunsuk chuckled from what he said.

"I stopped because you were drunk. I didn't want you to be sober the next day and think I took advantage of you." Hyunsuk clarified.

Jihoon smiled at him. It made his heart pound from how sweet and such a gentleman Hyunsuk was.

"Jihoon?"

They heard a voice and looked to see who it was.

"Seunghun?" Hyunsuk looked at him confused.

He questioned in his head why the other was here. Why here of all places? And why right now?

"Hyunsuk? You're here too. I thought you were going to eat out with Yoonbin?" Seunghun smiled

He smiled as if he doesn't understand the situation that was right in front of him.

Hyunsuk forced out a smile.

"We were, but he cancelled, so I'm meeting up with Jihoon instead." he replied. The two stared at each other.

Hyunsuk had a gut feeling that Seunghun actually saw Jihoon's message and purposely came to ruin their date.

"Ah," Seunghun nodded in understanding, keeping his smile. "Is that so? Well, I came to eat out too. I didn't expect to see you two here. Maybe I can join you two?" he asked.

Hyunsuk and Jihoon didn't immediately answer. It was kind of awkward.

"Uh..." Jihoon hesitated as he didn't know what to answer "Well, you see..."

"We don't want–" Hyunsuk tried to say.

"Oh, Jihoon, such a coindence. I didn't expect to see you here." another voice came.

The three turned to see who it was this time.

"Yoshi?" Jihoon acknowledge but he looked absolutely baffled to see him.

"You remember me." Yoshi smiled. He felt very happy about it.

Hyunsuk recognized him too. As soon as they made eye contact, his eyes narrowed on the Japanese. He still remembered how Yoshi deliberately made him salty coffee. Seunghun stood there lost and confused but kept a sharp gaze on the newcomer.

"What–what are you doing here? Don't you like run your business back in Japan?" Jihoon stated confused.

"Well, I came here to do research. I've been planning for a while to expand my product and services here in South Korea." Yoshi replied.

"Oh, wow." was all Jihoon could reply.

"What are you doing out here today? You look great by the way." Yoshi commented.

"Oh, um, thanks." Jihoon smiled awkwardly.

Hyunsuk cleared his throat to get their attention. He couldn't take it anymore, how Yoshi seemed to purposely exclude him from the conversation.

"Yeah, he does look great. He dressed up nicely and that's because we're in the middle of our date." Hyunsuk proudly proclaimed and held Jihoon closer to him.

Seunghun's eyes widen once he heard him.

"A date?" Seunghun couldn't help but question.

Jihoon blushed and laughed nervously. He pinched Hyunsuk from behind on the arm. The latter flinched from how much it stung.

"What are you saying?" Jihoon whispered to him.

"What? We are on a date remember? Didn't I ask you out?" Hyunsuk replied back loud enough for the other two to hear. "Now, if you two can excuse us we will get on with our date." Hyunsuk smiled at them.

He tried to guide Jihoon and him out of there. But then another obstacle came to stop them.

"Hyunsuk hyung? Jihoon? What are you guys doing here?" Doyoung asked holding a cup of coffee he ordered. "Seunghun hyung, you're here too." he said as he looked who was behind Jihoon and Hyunsuk.

Doyoung noticed how Hyunsuk and Jihoon had their hands clasped together like a couple.

"What are you guys all up to?" Doyoung faked a smile.

"Hyunsuk here says they're on a date." Seunghun replied crossing his arms.

When Doyoung heard that he was at first shock then he laughed.

"In you dreams hyung as if Jihoon here is interested in dating you." he said. "Jihoon should go on a date with me. I'm a better catch after all." he snaked an arm around Jihoon and pulled him close to his side.

"Hey! Get your hands off him!" Yedam suddenly appeared.

"Since when did you get here?" Doyoung asked glaring.

"Since I asked to meet up with Junghwan here." Yedam replied.

"Yedam." Junghwan called once he entered the cafe and sees the group. "Oh, Jihoon hyung, hello! Why are you here?" he greeted happily.

Hyunsuk saw how uncomfortable Jihoon was becoming.

"Stop it. You're making him uncomfortable." Hyunsuk took off Doyoung's arm from him, and enveloped Jihoon's hand back with his. He then pulled him away from the surrounding crowd.

"Jihoon you're making a mistake by dating Hyunsuk hyung instead of me." Doyoung said.

"What?! Hyunsuk and Jihoon are dating?" Yedam asked shocked.

Junghwan also reacted the same.

"Their not official yet. Just a meet up kind of date." Seunghun answered.

Yedam's face turned relieved.

"Oh, I still have my chances then." he said clapping his hands.

"You think you even have a chance to be with Jihoon hyung?" Junghwan laughed out loud.

"Why? You think he'd choose to be with a youtuber than a famous idol like me?" Yedam boasted.

"Shhh! Not so loud! Do you want to get caught by the paparazzi?" Seunghun scolded.

"Oh my gosh!" they all heard a squeal.

Everyone turned to see a group of young girls and boys that came into the cafe.

"It's Magnum!!!"

Chapter Text

"Magnum what?" Jihoon asked perplexed.

"It's Magnum! They're really here!"

"OMG! Even SuperKingCowBaby is here!!"

The youngsters quickly crowded around the famous idols and influencer. Jihoon was pushed away from Hyunsuk despite trying to hold onto each other.

Hyunsuk tried reaching back for Jihoon but the crowd started growing.

"Hyunsuk Oppa!! We're your biggest fans! We love your latest song!!"

Jihoon stood there at the back of the excited crowd. He kept hearing more and more claims or statements of this sudden information and revelation. His eyes met with Hyunsuk, Jihoon searched for an answer in them. He needed to know if what he was hearing was either true or false. When he saw the apologetic and worried look on Hyunsuk, it confirmed to him that the man he almost dated was a famous idol. He was a public figure and he didn't tell him anything.

"Ah, so they're actually K-pop idols. No wonder they seemed familiar." Yoshi said standing beside Jihoon.

Jihoon stood there looking lost for a few minutes. He tried keeping eye contact with Hyunsuk but was soon broken off from all the people that fought for the latter's attention. Jihoon slowly backed away and turned to leave.

"Hey, where are you going?" Yoshi asked.

"Don't follow me." Jihoon mumbled to which Yoshi obeyed. He was thankful for that.

Jihoon felt betrayed again. He was irritated and overwhelmed from the sudden turn of events.

He almost dated Hyunsuk. He almost dated an idol. That would be amazing from a surface level of thought, but to look at it from the many failed relationships of people working in that field, it was something Jihoon thought he wouldn't be able to handle.

If he couldn't keep Junkyu, how in the world was he going to keep Hyunsuk.

So, Jihoon ran out of the cafe.

"Jihoon! Wait!" Hyunsuk shouted. "Please excuse me." he kindly pleaded to their adoring fans and tried squeezing his way out of the crowd.

Jihoon kept walking in a fast pace, almost running. It was overwhelming him. Why was this happening? Why does he have such bad luck when it comes to love? Why did he have to foolishly fall for someone he didn't fully know? Why does Hyunsuk have to be an idol? Why was love such a curse?

He wiped away the tears that threatened to fall. Then he hit himself in the head.

"Stop it. You're overreacting Jihoon." he told himself.

Jihoon kept walking. All he could think about now was to just get home. He tried to hail a taxi when he felt a hand grab him.

"Jihoon." Hyunsuk said.

Jihoon didn't talk to him. He just ignored him. He took off the other's hold on him and proceeded to walk to the nearest bus stop.

"Hey! Jihoon! Jihoon!" a guy that passed by them on the street called.

"Leave me alone I don't know you!" Jihoon screamed frustrated at that person.

"It's just me your dentist." the man replied looking hurt.

"Oh, Mr. Lee, I'm sorry I didn't mean to yell. I thought you were someone else." Jihoon apologized.

"It's okay. You seem to be having a bad day." Mr. Lee said.

"Yeah, something like that. Again, I'm so sorry." Jihoon bowed down. "I'll be going now. I'm so sorry Mr. Lee." he said.

Hyunsuk still followed him from behind.

"Jihoon." Hyunsuk called. But the other didn't reply. "Jihoon." he called again and there was still no reply. "Jihoon, please talk to me."

"Were you even going to tell me?" Jihoon finally turned to him.

"I was planning on it." Hyunsuk replied. "I wasn't going to keep it from you."

Jihoon didn't say anything else and walked again.

"Hey, Jihoon, look at me." Hyunsuk said.

"Just go away. Please?" Jihoon stopped and turned to him again. "I want to be alone right now."

"No." Hyunsuk said firmly and held his hand. "If I let you go now, you might keep avoiding me and I might never see you again."

"Let go." Jihoon tried shaking Hyunsuk's hand off. "I said let go."

"No. I won't." Hyunsuk said.

"Why? Why are you even here? Shouldn't you go back in there? I'm just a nobody, okay? You...you're an idol. No wonder you always have such clear perfect skin and wear such expensive clothes and...shit. I should have seen it." Jihoon scolded himself. He felt so dumb.

"I never meant to keep it from you." Hyunsuk said. "Please, don't push me away. Don't push me out of your life just because you now know who I am." he pleaded.

"Even if you didn't keep it from me we're two very different people." Jihoon put out. "There's no reason for us to keep seeing each other."

"Jihoon, I like you." Hyunsuk confessed.

Jihoon heard him. He stopped struggling in trying to pry Hyunsuk off him and stood there frozen on the spot. He was simply left speechless.

"I like you Park Jihoon." Hyunsuk said again and smiled. "I like you so much. So please don't make me just let you go."

"I..." Jihoon tried to talk but couldn't find the right words to say.

Hyunsuk smiled from how cute Jihoon looked when he was confused and flustered.

"It's okay. You don't have to say you like me back right now." Hyunsuk said and got closer. "Cuz' whether you like it or not, I'll make sure you will like me back." he whispered into his ear.

Hyunsuk stepped back but not before leaving a light peck on Jihoon's cheek.

Jihoon gasped from the unexpected kiss. He put a hand over his cheek where Hyunsuk's lips touched it.

"You..." Jihoon whispered. He still felt too tongue tied to say anything.

Hyunsuk chuckled.

"What? You wanted one on the lips instead?" he asked.

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

"And then what happened?" Yoonbin eagerly asked.

"And then he slapped me hard on the cheek and ran away." Hyunsuk shared while rubbing his red cheek.

Yoonbin laughed.

"Dang. I never knew you could be so bold hyung." Yoonbin patted Hyunsuk on the shoulder and gave him a thumbs up.

"Well, I like him. Why hide it when I want him for myself?" Hyunsuk said.

"Okay, okay. I get it. He's all yours. But you seem to have a lot of competition. I never thought Yedam, Doyoung and Junghwan would also be after Jihoon." Yoonbin said.

"I think even Seunghun likes him too." Hyunsuk scoffed.

"What? Even Seunghun hyung? Wow." Yoonbin clapped his hands. "Jihoon hyung surely attracts a lot of people. Goodluck hyung. I just hope he picks you and that your heart doesn't get broken in the end." Yoonbin cheered playfully yet there was a hint of worry.

"Don't worry. I'm sure in the end he will end up with me."

ʕ•ﻌ•ʔ

Jihoon screamed into his pillow. After that, he took it off from him to reveal his face was dusted with a red blush. He lied down and rolled over his bed whining. Then he stopped to stay face down.

His thoughts replayed the memory of when Hyunsuk confessed to him up until the kiss on his cheek which caught him off guard.

Jihoon groaned when he remembered he slapped Hyunsuk out of impulse.

"He likes me?" he asked himself. "But why would he even like me? I'm not even handsome." he said sitting up. "He should be dating some hot model or another idol instead!" Jihoon plopped back down to lay on his bed. He stayed there overthinking everything.

He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard his phone ring.

Jihoon sat up and picked up his phone from his nightstand. He saw it was Jeongwoo that was calling him.

"Hello?" Jihoon answered.

"Hyung, how are you? You haven't called me since you left." Jeongwoo said. "Though I kind of expected it already since you're probably drowning in your work again."

"Jeongwoo...yeah. Sorry I kinda forgot. I actually have three new clients." Jihoon said and checked what time it was.

It was now 6:09 pm.

"Hyung." Jeongwoo called his attention.

"What?"

"I actually called to ask you something." Jeongwoo said sounding serious.

"Okay, I'm sorry." Jihoon sighed. "It was me. I asked Haruto to at least pull off a small prank on you as soon as I leave." he admitted.

"That's not—wait! You made him do that?" Jeongwoo asked sounding surprised.

"Oh, that's not what you were gonna ask about?" Jihoon asked confused.

"No, but still, thank you for letting me know." Jeongwoo said. "Anyway, what were you doing on the fountain back at the night of my wedding?" he asked.

Haruto came into the room and sat beside Jeongwoo.

"Who are you talking to?" Haruto whispered.

"My brother." Jeongwoo whispered back.

"Oh, that, I was just—" Jihoon got interrupted when he heard a knock from his door. "Hang on a sec." he said.

Jeongwoo heard and decided to put the call on speaker. Haruto seemed curious of what they were talking about.

Jihoon kept his phone with him and opened the door.

"Jaehyuk? What are you doing here?" Jihoon asked when he sees the younger.

"Well, it's a work day today but you called in sick. You never call in sick. Even when you had a cold or a cough you would still be working." Jaehyuk said. "So, I brought some medicine and some porridge for you. I worried you must be really sick. But looking at you now, I guess it's something else." he added.

"Hyung? Are you still alive?" Jeongwoo's voice came from the phone. He was still there.

"Yeah, I'm still alive." Jihoon replied.

"Is that Jeongwoo?" Jaehyuk asked.

"Yeah." Jihoon nodded and gave him his phone.

"Hi Jeongwoo." Jaehyuk excitedly greeted.

"Hello Jaehyuk hyung!" Jeongwoo greeted back.

"I'm sorry I couldn't go to your wedding." Jaehyuk apologized.

"It's okay. You can come to my first wedding anniversary instead." Jeongwoo said.

Haruto beside him smiled and kissed his cheek.

"I'll make sure to be able to attend this time." Jaehyuk said and gave Jihoon his phone back.

"Jeongwoo what was it you were asking me again?" Jihoon questioned.

"Oh, right. Hyung, what were you doing in the fountain the night of my wedding?" Jeongwoo asked.

"Who told you that?" Jihoon asked.

"Well, one of the other photographers we invited over already sent me some soft copies and some of them captured you in the fountain." Jeongwoo said.

When Haruto heard this, he paid close attention to what Jihoon had to say next.

"Oh that, I don't know. I just had a bit of champagne and the next thing I'm sitting in the fountain picking up coins." Jihoon replied truthfully.

"He picked up coins from the fountain? That's not so good." Haruto said to which Jihoon heard.

"Not so good? Why not so good?" Jihoon asked him.

"There is a legend, if you take someone's coin from that particular fountain they will fall in love with you." Haruto answered into the phone.

"Oh! Except that is ridiculous." Jihoon laughed.

"No, Jihoon hyung. It's true." Haruto said. Jeongwoo handed him the phone. "You need to believe what I say. Surely there had been some people that randomly confessed their love to you? Or atleast started acting very strangely all flirty towards you?" Haruto questioned.

"No." Jihoon answered quickly, but then he thought of it again. "Well, I have encountered a few weird experiences. But I'm sure they're all nothing related." Jihoon said.

"Whether you believe it or not hyung, you need to put those coins back into the fountain." Haruto said.

"Put them back? Well, I guess I can mail them to you guys..." Jihoon suggested.

"That's no good Jihoon hyung. You have to put them back in yourself. If not, then these people would still be chasing after you." Haruto added.

"Right, right. I still don't think some coins that got thrown into a fountain suddenly turn into some magic love coins." Jihoon laughed.

"Okay, it's on you hyung. Just know that I warned you." Haruto said seriously.

"Okay, okay. Don't worry about your brother-in-law Ruto. Just go on with your happy married life. Bye you two!" Jihoon ended the call.

"I totally believe in magic coins!" Jaehyuk screamed right next to Jihoon's ear.

"Did you heard everything?" Jihoon asked rubbing his ear.

"Love is finally at your doorstep, hyung. This must be it. This must be why all those guys have been coming to you since the wedding." Jaehyuk clapped.

"Jaehyuk this can't be true. Okay, magic isn't real." Jihoon stated firmly.

"There are some magical forces at work here." Jaehyuk said looking serious.

"I don't believe in magic. Know what I do believe in? Photography, art and my job."

Chapter Text

"An entertainment company just contacted ours and would like you to be one of the photographers for a jacket shoot. I heard it's a famous K-pop idol group that's making a comeback soon." Jaehyuk relayed to Jihoon.

"Okay." Jihoon simply nodded and kept typing on his computer. Not really processing the information into his head. "What time is it Jaehyuk?" he asked as he stretched his neck.

"It's 10:45 am." Jaehyuk answered. He finished arranging some files and neatly put them down on Jihoon's table.

"Okay, how's Mr. Han's photos coming? Did you send them the softcopies?" Jihoon got up from his chair and walked out his office. Jaehyuk quickly followed behind.

"Corrections and adjustments had been done and yes! I sent them already." Jaehyuk answered, looking at a clipboard he was holding.

"What about the Baek's?" Jihoon questioned.

"Done and printed." Jaehyuk answered.

"Okay." Jihoon smiled then his phone started ringing. He quickly fished it out his pocket.

"Hello." he answered without checking who it was. He didn't bother to do so because it was usually clients or business related transactions that called him throughout the day.

However, to his surprise he heard a particularly very familiar voice on the other line.

"Hey, Jihoon."

"Little busy right now. What do you want?" Jihoon said a bit annoyed.

"Like what I told you yesterday. I ain't letting you go." Hyunsuk said. He was riding an elevator upwards as he spoke.

"What's it gonna take for me to convince you that I'm not interested." Jihoon sighed and rubbed on his temples. He kept walking around the office, passing by other employees.

"What's it gonna take? Uhhh, it's gonna take you looking me in the eye to tell me that." Hyunsuk answered, he was getting out of the elevator and walked further down a hallway.

"That would require seeing you, and I don't have the time for that." Jihoon said. He stopped walking as to his surprise Hyunsuk stood right in front of him.

When they met eye to eye, Hyunsuk smiled waving at him. Jihoon pressed the button on his phone to end the call.

Jaehyuk stood behind Jihoon looking surprised as well. But he grinned behind the clipboard he was holding. He was excited to finally see Jihoon and Hyunsuk interact with each other right in front of him.

"Hi." Hyunsuk greeted with a sweet smile, stepping closer.

"Oh, so you're stalking me now?" Jihoon questioned, raising a brow at him.

"No, I'm just running into you in a premeditated manner." Hyunsuk grinned playfully.

"Hyunsuk, I'm very busy right now." Jihoon sighed.

"Jihoon." a man called. It was Jihoon's boss.

"Mr. Seungyoon." Jihoon addressed with a small bow.

"I see you've already met our latest client." Seungyoon said putting on a professional smile. "This is Mr. Choi Hyunsuk."

"What? Excuse me?" Jihoon was bewildered.

Hyunsuk? A client?

"Goodmorning sir. Thank you for letting me come here today." Hyunsuk bowed to the older.

"Good morning too Mr. Choi. It's a pleasure to have you here. Our company is honored to work with yours." Seungyoon greeted back. "This is Park Jihoon, the best photographer here in our company."

Jihoon's mouth was agape as he watched the two.

"Yes, I have already reviewed some of his work and he is indeed quite impressive and seem very dedicated in his work." Hyunsuk replied eyeing Jihoon.

Seungyoon laughed.

"Yes, indeed he is. He is actually what you can say a workaholic." He replied. "Jihoon, Mr. Choi here specifically asked to have you as a photographer for their jacket shoot in their upcoming comeback." Seungyoon said turning to Jihoon. "I'm sure you've heard of their group, Magnum, they're very popular and have made lots of hit songs." he added.

"Of course, I've just learned about them very recently." Jihoon smiled gritting his teeth in fake delight. Then he turned to Hyunsuk, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Choi." He held out a reluctant hand for Hyunsuk to shake.

"It's very nice to meet you too Mr. Park." Hyunsuk was grinning widely and happily held Jihoon's hand to shake with.

It had only been 3 seconds but Jihoon tried to already take his hand away. He couldn't handle the electrifying feeling that sent shivers down his spine when he held Hyunsuk's incredibly soft yet firm hand.

But Hyunsuk didn't want to let go of his hand just yet. Jihoon kept a professional smile on his face despite wanting to smack Hyunsuk in the head.

"Can I be allowed to discuss the details about the shoot with Mr. Park?" Hyunsuk asked to Seungyoon after finally letting go.

"Yes, of course. You can discuss it together in his office. I'm sure he's not busy at the moment." Seungyoon said turning to Jihoon with questioning eyes.

Jihoon wanted to complain but he decided against it. How was he supposed to explain the reason why he was unwilling. It would also be bad for their company if he refuses someone like Hyunsuk. He's not completely certain yet, but he can tell the company Hyunsuk works for is definitely much bigger than theirs. Jihoon didn't want to risk losing his job for such petty reasoning of wanting to avoid him.

"Of course not. I'm very much free to accommodate Mr. Choi at the moment." Jihoon smiled.

"Great! I'll leave you to it. I trust that you will do a good job as always." Seungyoon said patting Jihoon's shoulder and then he left them.

"Right this way." Jihoon said to Hyunsuk.

Jaehyuk followed behind. They reached Jihoon's office. Hyunsuk and Jihoon entered. Jaehyuk stayed behind his own desk outside, curious of how their conversation would go. But he knew he could pry on the details from Jihoon later.

As soon as Jihoon closed the door, he sharply turned to Hyunsuk. His cheerful crescent eyes and smile turned to a glare.

"What are you doing?" Jihoon questioned.

"Doing what? I'm a paying client." Hyunsuk answered.

"Don't play games with me Hyunsuk." Jihoon crossed his arms. "Just what exactly do you hope to accomplish from this?"

Hyunsuk couldn't answer immediately. He was distracted by the sight of Jihoon standing like that, arms crossed, eyebrows furrowed and looking like a cute angry puppy.

"You look cute when you're angry. Just like the first time we met." Hyunsuk said instead.

Jihoon's face turned red. He tried to open his mouth to retaliate. But all that came out were stuttering and incoherent words.

"Sh-shut up!" Jihoon managed to utter and turned away from the blonde.

Aside from the compliment, he felt embarrassed as the memories of his first kiss resurfaced in his head. He remembered it clearly. And how exactly he kicked Hyunsuk in the nuts. If any of his thousands of adoring fans saw that they would've surely petitioned for Jihoon to lose his job.

Jihoon coughed composing himself, he patted his cheeks to cool down the blood that rushed into them.

"Please be professional about this meeting Mr. Choi. You said you came here on business terms." Jihoon glared.

"Stop calling me that." Hyunsuk said.

"What else should I call you? Isn't that your name, Mr. Choi?" Jihoon raised a brow at him.

Hyunsuk pouted, he walked closer to Jihoon. The photographer raised a hand that was ready to attack Hyunsuk in case he takes another step closer.

Hyunsuk chuckled seeing his reaction.

"You're going to hit me? You shouldn't do that. Do you want your boss to come in here and see you harassing your clients?" Hyunsuk said playfully.

"Are you blackmailing me? Here in my office?" Jihoon got close to his face.

"No. I would never." Hyunsuk smiled. "I'm just stating facts."

Jihoon backed away still glaring.

"Just call me Hyunsuk, or if you want...you can call me Sukkie." Hyunsuk said, sounding more like a request.

"Hyunsuk. I'll call you Hyunsuk. There, happy?" Jihoon uttered immediately. No way was he calling him 'sukkie', it would surely bring some unwanted attention if he does that so. "Let's just start with discussing the details of your jacket shoot." He agonized and sat on his chair.

Hyunsuk kept on smiling and sat down too.

"Okay!" He said.

Jihoon started asking questions and he was grateful that Hyunsuk actually answered him seriously, though there was still some flirty phrases which he would throw at him. However, one glare from Jihoon is enough to make the other stop every often so. They soon finished talking about the details and such. Jihoon was excited to actually do this photoshoot.

"Thank you. I'll be there on the day of the shoot." Jihoon said typing on his computer.

"Make sure you arrive earlier than expected." Hyunsuk said, leaning onto the table to get closer to Jihoon.

"Okay, but why?" Jihoon nodded confused.

"Nothing, just want to have you for myself before we get started." Hyunsuk grinned.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Jihoon sputtered turning red.

"You know, we could talk. Eat some snacks, show you around the place, something like that." Hyunsuk noticed his reaction. "Why? You think I meant something else?" He smirked. "What did you think of Jihoonie?"

Jihoon got up from his seat, raising a hand that was ready to smack Hyunsuk. That was when a knock from the door came, followed by someone opening it. Jihoon quickly corrected himself and pretended to wipe off some imaginary dust on Hyunsuk's clothes.

"Aigoo, Mr. Choi, your clothes looks so fashionable and so expensive." Jihoon said. "Oh, Mr. Kang, what brings you here!"

"Hello, Jihoon, Mr. Choi," Seungyoon addressed. "I'm sorry to bother you two. I just came to check if everything is fine." He said walking in.

"Yes, of course, yes. Everything is great Mr. Kang." Jihoon smiled. "Mr. Choi and I just finished discussing the details about their jacket shoot. In fact, he's just about to leave."

Jihoon forced Hyunsuk out of the seat and tried to unnoticeably dragged him out of his office.

"He said he's very busy with whatever they do as idols. So he will now be on his way and meet some more of his lovely fans out of the building." Jihoon added.

"Wait, I didn't say-" Hyunsuk tried to talk but Jihoon cut him off.

"Thank you for coming Mr. Choi, goodbye!" Jihoon shut the door in his face. He turned around exhaling a breath of relief.

He realized Seungyoon was still inside his office and just witness the entire thing with a confused face.

"What?"

Chapter Text

The day shifted into night and Jihoon just got off work.

Jaehyuk had already left early. He would've stayed longer to ask Jihoon for the details from his supposed business meeting with Hyunsuk, but Jihoon would not budge on telling him. So, Jaehyuk decided if he can't get it out of from him today he would get it on another day.

Jihoon walked out their building and into the evening streets of the city. The sun had now left the sky in purple and pink shades. Streets lights had turned on to illuminate the darkened paths. Jihoon started walking to his apartment. He could've taken a bus or train to get home faster, but the pretty ambience of the evening air just enticed him to walk.

While he was walking, he felt like there was someone following him from behind. Jihoon felt a bit alarmed by this. When he turned around to see the person he was startled to find the guy already standing in close proximity to him.

"Ahhh!" Jihoon shrieked. "You scared me....Asahi? You're...you're here in Seoul too, of course." He sighed, remembering Yoshi who also came. He rubbed on his temples.

"Would you like to join me?" Asahi blurted out.

"What? Join what?" Jihoon asked confused and alarmed by the request.

"Art gallery." Asahi said.

"Oh, well..."Jihoon hesitated to answer.

Asahi didn't wait for his reply and simply started walking in front. Jihoon stood there for a second before deciding to just follow Asahi. He was curious of where he would take him. Jihoon himself loved visiting art galleries.

The walk was quiet and awkward. Asahi was in front and Jihoon was a feet distance behind. Jihoon realized it was kind of rude the way he was letting the other walk alone, so he picked up his pace to walk alongside Asahi.

Asahi noticed how Jihoon was now walking beside him. The photographer gave him a friendly smile. And to his surprise, Asahi gave back a small smile. Jihoon was caught off guard by it, he did not exactly expect the poker faced Japanese to smile back at him. But besides that, Jihoon found Asahi's smile actually quiet very handsome. He will not deny it, Asahi has quite the visuals. If he were a girl he'd fall for Asahi.

Their walk was filled with silence, excluding the minor noises they'd get from their surroundings like cars that would passed by or the rhythmic patterned beats from their footsteps against the pavement. It didn't felt that awkward when it first started. Jihoon actually found it calming.

However, it soon came to an end when they stopped by a building.

"This is it." Asahi said turning to Jihoon.

"Okay," Jihoon replied with a smile.

Asahi then his eyes back upfront and lead them inside the building, Jihoon followed after him. They soon reached the supposed art gallery Asahi mentioned.

Inside it was spacious. With white clean walls and various art pieces on display for viewers eyes to look at. There were occasional people around, just looking through the paintings on their own pace and time.

Asahi kept walking and didn't stop to look at the paintings. Jihoon continued to carefully follow behind with a confused mind. He was suspicious of his surroundings, with his instincts on high alert. Asahi invited him here and his first thoughts were to look at art pieces yet they weren't stopping to admire at any of them.

They walked through different turns and passed by exquisite art pieces that Jihoon had at most wanted to relish from up close. Yet somehow, he felt an anticipation for whatever Asahi had to show.

Finally, they stopped at a room devoid of any other human. It was normal looking, wide in space with the walls decorated with paintings gingerly encased in expensive frames.

Asahi stood there like a robot and didn't say anything. Jihoon just figured this is where he can finally admire the artworks.

Jihoon started looking around. It didn't take long for him to gasp as he looked at a portrait that hang on the vast expanse among the white wall. He was speechless. It was an oil painting that looked carefully and delicately crafted with such fine brush strokes. The art piece was a man. A man sitting somewhere that looked awfully quite familiar with the smile painted on his face. That's when Jihoon finally realized.

"Is that...me?" Jihoon was bewildered. He stumbled back. A hand covered his mouth, staring at the painted canvas with wide eyes.

"Mn." Asahi nodded. He proceeded to walk off to another painting which Jihoon followed along.

They stopped by another portrait. It was a different painting, a different angle with different colors and different brush strokes. Yet the subject of the painting still looked like Jihoon.

"Do you like it?" Asahi asked.

"It's amazing. I don't know what to really say." Jihoon commented in disbelief.

Hearing that made Asahi smile. He kept his eyes on Jihoon, watching him admire the paintings he had been working very hard on. Jihoon looked around and saw one more painting with him on it.

The last one he saw seemed to be drawn out of imagination as he does not recall ever posing himself in such way. With his whole side profile standing alone with a camera in his hands and cherry blossom trees for the background.

"This is all really beautiful." Jihoon breathed out.

Once again, Asahi smiled. He could feel his heart beating fast underneath his chest. It was such a wonderful moment that Jihoon liked the paintings.

"But..." Jihoon began, he sighed as he turned to face Asahi with a guilty expression. "Asahi, look...all these things you're doing...you should stop it. You're not yourself at the moment." Jihoon said.

"What do you mean by that?" Asahi's smile was gone now.

"How do I explain this..." Jihoon sighed rubbing on his temples. "What I'm saying is you don't really love me. You're just under like some kind of spell or curse. What you feel for me is not real." He tried to explain.

"No, what I feel and these things that I do, it's because I love you." Asahi said. "My feelings are true." He stepped closer and held his hands.

"Asahi..." Jihoon tried to talk.

"Don't tell me that they are not true. That what I feel is just fake." Asahi said holding onto Jihoon's hands.

"Look, Asahi..." Jihoon tried to remove Asahi's hold on him. "Even if they were true...I...I already like someone else." He admitted.

He let out a shaky breath. Jihoon could not believe the words that passed out his mouth. He let his eyes peek at Asahi and saw a pained look on his face.

"I'm sorry." Jihoon carefully pulled his hands away. "I'm sure there is someone out there for you. It's just not me."

Asahi did not move. He did not say anything. His head was down with his eyes on the ground. His face covered by the long fringes of his hair. Jihoon muttered one last apology before walking away from there.

"No."

"What?" Jihoon stopped in his tracks and turned back to Asahi.

"No." Asahi faced him with a determined look in his eyes. "You said like, not love. So, you're unsure."

Jihoon stepped back, unable to reply from his words.

"That means your heart is still not taken just yet." Asahi continued. "There's still many chances, and I will show to you just how real and true my feelings are for you."

"Asahi, no." Jihoon sighed feeling tired now. "Look, I think you may know but when I was in Japan I took some coins from a fountain and maybe one of those coins are yours-" he began to blabber but they fell on deaf ears.

He stopped talking when he was suddenly startled by hands grabbing his shoulders.

"I'll show you. I'll show you I can be better than those popular idols that surround themselves around you." Asahi said with great conviction.

"Wh...?" Jihoon was alarmed. How..? Does he know about Hyunsuk?

The artist let him go and left him there with his raging thoughts.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

Jihoon finally got back home.

Instead of enjoying more of his night walk, he took a bus to get home. He would be too occupied in his thoughts to be capable of not running into poles or walking through a red light. He'd be run over by cars.

Jihoon was now riding an elevator to get to his apartment floor, that's when he got a call from Jeongwoo. He answered it immediately.

"Hi, hyung. Sooooo....how's life so far? I hope you're enjoying getting so much attention from the guys trying to impress you and capture your heart." Jeongwoo teased. "Have you decided so far who you want to be with?" He added jokingly.

"Shut up! This situation of mine is no dream come true but a nightmare!" Jihoon sighed and groaned. "I don't know what to do. I don't know anymore okay? All I know is that this is crazy and it needs to stop." Jihoon stressed while talking over the phone with Jeongwoo.

"Then you shouldn't have took those coins hyung." Jeongwoo said to him. All while they talked Haruto was sitting beside Jeongwoo and listening as well.

"Okay, I get it alright. But how was I suppose to know it was a magical fountain? And I was drunk!" Jihoon defended.

"Then maybe don't drink anymore?" Jeongwoo responded.

"Just tell me, what is it gonna take for me to end this little nightmare?" Jihoon hissed. He walked out of the elevator and was heading to his apartment.

"Like what Haruto said, you have to return the coins to the fountain." Jeongwoo replied.

"That's it?" Jihoon walked faster trying to reach his apartment faster where he kept the coins. "And, spell broken, and these guys leave me alone? I'm overnighting the coins to you right now." He smiled getting some of his energy back.

"That's no good. He needs to return the coins himself." Haruto said through the phone which Jihoon heard.

"I cannot just fly back to Japan to put some magic coins back into a fountain. I have a very busy work schedule. There's got to be another way out of this." Jihoon explained looking stressed out.

"Um, try and enjoy the attention?" Jeongwoo suggested.

"Jeongwoo..." Jihoon whined. He reached his apartment only to gasp as he was greeted with an army of flower bouquets, chocolates and stuffed animals waiting by his door.

"What? What is it?? Hyung?" Jeongwoo asked worried.

"Uh, nothing. I'll call you back." Jihoon ended the call.

He carefully walked closer to the stuff placed by his door.

"Do you like them?"

Chapter Text

Jihoon shrieked and stumbled to the wall by his door, trying to avoid the sudden owner of the voice he heard from behind him. He quickly bounced back regaining his balance, turning back around with one raised fist and landed a strong punch at the intruder. The guy got hit directly in the face and staggered backwards, falling to the floor with a groan.

Jihoon glared at the guy but upon seeing the face of this person, he realized his mistake.

"Junghwan?! What the fuc-What are you doing here? How'd you find out where I live?" Jihoon kneeled down to him and checked the damage he inflicted on Junghwan's now bruised face. The skin already started to swell and turn purple. "Oh my God, your face. I'm so sorry! You idiot! You shouldn't have crept on me like that." Jihoon reprimanded.

"I'm sorry. I thought I'd surprise you. I didn't mean to scare you." Junghwan replied with a small smile but then had to grunt and groan from the pain.

Jihoon felt awful he'd punch him. Maybe he should have held back for a few seconds before he landed a strong blow at him. But his instincts just went on high alert and he couldn't help but strike first at what could have been danger right at his door step.

"Let's get you inside. I have some ice packs we can use for your bruise." Jihoon was looking at him worried. He helped Junghwan up and accompanied the younger into his apartment.

Jihoon unlocked the door first and guided Junghwan inside. He closed his door behind him and made the latter sit on his couch.

"Stay here. I'll just go and get the ice." Jihoon said to him.

"Okay hyung." Junghwan nodded like an obedient puppy.

Jihoon disappeared into his kitchen.

Once Jihoon was gone, Junghwan remained seated but allowed his eyes to gaze around the interior of the apartment. He can't believe it. He had planned to just drop by some flowers and gifts but instead he got the chance to get inside Jihoon's apartment. Despite the pain on his cheek, Junghwan felt this was a win-win situation for him. He's even getting cared and treated for by Jihoon himself. He smiled as his heart fluttered in joy. As much as he would like to happily jump around, he flinched from the reminder of the stinging pain on his cheek.

Jihoon came back with an ice pack in his hand. He sat down facing Junghwan and got close to examine the bruise.

"Here. Let me look at it." Jihoon gently said.

Junghwan let him do what he should. Jihoon frowned at the swollen purple bruise. He gently placed the cold ice pack to Junghwan's face, who flinched and hissed upon contact of the icy temperature.

"Does it hurt?" Jihoon asked upon instinct.

It was a stupid question to ask but he couldn't help it. He was really concerned. He just hit someone younger than him. He hit someone who meant no harm. And what's worse is that he hit someone who is almost like a celebrity. Jihoon felt the need to shout at the being above the clouds that why, just why was he being allowed to come into close contact with these supposedly famous and unreachable people. He is really tempted now to just go back to Japan and throw back all those coins he took from the fountain to end it all.

Junghwan smiled at the concern Jihoon showed to him. It made him all giddy. He lightly shook his head sideways to answer the older. He didn't want to make Jihoon feel bad.

"No, hyung. It hurt but now it doesn't hurt as much." Junghwan replied.

Jihoon nodded and sighed. He kept his hand placing the ice pack with great care and caution on the younger's face.

"What are you even doing here? How and why are you here?" Jihoon asked shifting from gentle to an authoritative tone.

"Um..." Junghwan first hesitated. "Would it be okay if I told you that some of my followers stalked you and told me where you live?" He said scratching his neck.

"WTF?!!" Jihoon shrieked. He stood up from where he sat.

His sudden quick movement caused Junghwan to flinch badly as Jihoon pressed on the ice pack too much and it hurt the younger's bruise. Jihoon realized his mistake again and breathed in and out to calm himself down.

"Just kidding! But it's kinda true though. But you know, they mean no harm." Junghwan tried to explain to calm him down.

Jihoon did not calm down at all. Well, how is anyone suppose to remain calm when they've just been told something like that?

"Mean no harm? Junghwan this is like a violation of my privacy and personal information!" Jihoon said getting upset. He sat back down and carefully pressed the ice pack back to Junghwan's cheek again. "This means that anyone of them could possibly just come right at my door and God only knows what they'll do to me the second they find out I did something like this to you?!" He expressed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you hyung." Junghwan said, he looked down.

Jihoon felt bad seeing the guilty expression that now crossed over the younger's face. First, he bruised him now he made him feel bad. Jihoon sighed frustrated and tired from the day he just had. He thought carefully of what he was supposed to say next.

"Junghwan look, can you tell your...followers or audience to please respect my privacy." Jihoon said.

Junghwan looked up to him nodding immediately.

"And next time, if you want to come to visit please tell me beforehand." Jihoon added. "That way we can avoid anymore stuff that would result to something like this." He said.

Junghwan nodded again.

"Okay, hyung. I promise I'll either call or text you." Junghwan said turning to face Jihoon and meet his eyes.

"Stop moving too much." Jihoon reprimanded looking angry. It was quiet for a while. "I'm so sorry for punching you. This bruise...do you live with your parents?" He asked.

"Um, no. I moved out from my hometown and live in my own apartment alone. I came to the city to do my YouTube channel." Junghwan explained.

Jihoon nodded to what he said. He was a bit relieved because he can't really handle explaining himself to an enraged mother and father who will see their son coming home with a bruised face. But then, there was Junghwan's viewers and followers.

Jihoon facepalmed.

Which was much worse? Angry parents or angry strangers from the internet who could hunt him down for revenge?

Junghwan seemed to have noticed the thoughts running through Jihoon's head. So he spoke up to dispel his growing anxiety.

"Don't worry hyung. I won't be posting on my social medias about you punching me." Junghwan chuckled.

Jihoon didn't find it funny though.

"I'll just take a break and wait until it heals." Junghwan added.

Jihoon sighed nodding.

"Does it still hurt?" He asked, removing the ice pack.

Junghwan held his cheek, he flinched but the pain wasn't as bad as before. He could still feel a sting but it also felt numb due to the cold ice.

"No, it feels better now. Especially since you took care of me." Junghwan smiled.

Jihoon ignored the last sentence. It was the coins curse anyway.

"Will you be able to go back to your apartment alone?" Jihoon asked him looking concerned again.

Junghwan thought carefully of his answer to the question.

"If I say no, would you let me stay here for the night?" He asked beaming.

"No." Jihoon stated immediately. "I'll take you back to your apartment if you can't." He got up from the couch to put the ice pack away.

Junghwan laughed.

"I'm just messing with you hyung. I can go on my own. I have my car anyway." He said.

"Wow, you have you're own car?" Jihoon asked.

"Of course, how else can I get around this big city. Don't you have your own car hyung?" Junghwan looked at him.

Jihoon shook his head, a bit embarrassed that he didn't have one.

"No, not that I thought I would really need one." He shared.

"Oh, then since you don't have your own car, maybe if you need a ride sometimes I can give you a lift whenever you need one." Junghwan suggested with a big smile.

"Uh, sure, I guess?" Jihoon replied.

He checked the clock he had on the wall and saw the time, it was getting late now. And he could feel the exhaustion from today's encounters already make him feel drowsy.

"Junghwan, I've had a tiring day at work and I would like to now get some rest. And uh...." Jihoon opened his door to see the amount of gifts that were still on the floor outside. "Thank you for these thoughtful gifts?..."

Junghwan nodded fast, smiling again.

"Okay, so I'll maybe see you again when you finally have time? Remember! We still have a video to film together." Junghwan reminded him.

"Oh, that, right! We'll see when I'm no longer busy." Jihoon smiled and waved, wanting him to leave already.

"Do you need help getting these inside?" Junghwan asked eagerly, already picking up some of the stuffed bears and flowers.

"Uh, no. I can handle these myself." Jihoon stopped Junghwan. "Thank you, but I really think you should go home and rest now." He tried not to sound too rude.

Junghwan looked like he really didn't want to leave yet but simply obeyed and finally left.

Once he was gone Jihoon sighed. Then he sighed again seeing all the stuff he had to move inside because the gifts Junghwan left were occupying a lot of space. So, he spent the next minutes getting everything inside.

Chapter Text

Jeongwoo was looking out the darkened landscape of the city glimmering with its thousand dotted lights upon a balcony from a high elevated space of a building. He breathed in the cool night air and let out a contented sigh. He reached into one of his pant pockets and took out his phone to look at some photos. Jeongwoo swiped and scrolled through photo after photo. His face changing from one emotion to another. His head swirling with deep nostalgia as he reminiscence through his youthful days.

He stopped and sighed again, this time it was hinted with sadness as he crossed upon one photo that was him and Jihoon. They were smiling happily together.

He missed his brother no matter how much he hated him sometimes.

They looked very much younger in the photo, a time when they were still highschool youths. He swiped to look at another one and this one was them both doing whacky faces. Jeongwoo chuckled upon seeing that. He swiped again to look at another. His eyes narrowed as he observed it was a photo of him taking a selfie but behind him he captured younger Jihoon and Junkyu looking at each other with shy glances. The time when the love between the two were slowly blooming.

He felt sad upon seeing that photo. He wondered how was his brother doing right now. How was he holding up to his break up with Junkyu? Now that he is thinking about it, he felt stupid he forgot to even ask Jihoon how was he? He had been too focused on his own happiness he forgot about his brother. But then again, it was Jihoon that kept pushing him away from talking about his feelings. He wished his brother would be able to be happy with someone again.

"Hey, Woo!! I'm back!" Haruto entered into the room with a happy smile.

"Ruto?" Jeongwoo turned to him. He walked away from the balcony and went inside. The warmth of the interior immediately replaced the cold he felt at the balcony. He went to hug his husband.

"Yeah, it's me." Haruto smiled, the two held each other in a gentle embrace.

"Just finished with work?" Jeongwoo asked, he kissed Haruto on the lips before he could reply.

"Yeah." Haruto replied, he smiled even wider. He then kissed the other on the cheek then on the lips too.

It was just a quick peck but it made him really happy. When he pulled away to look at the other's eyes he noticed the distracted gaze those black orbs held.

"What's on your mind?" Haruto asked.

Jeongwoo chuckled by the question. Haruto knew him too well to quickly notice his mind was floating somewhere else.

"I'm worried about my brother." Jeongwoo admitted. There were simply no secrets between the two.

"Me too." Haruto nodded.

"You too?" Jeongwoo asked.

Haruto nodded again. He took his hand and they walked together to face the wide glass window with the night city view below.

"It must be really stressful for him to have to deal with people chasing after him like he's some prize they have to win." Haruto continued.

"Oh, you mean that?" Jeongwoo said.

The two stood there together in silence for a while as they observe the city.

"I was actually worried about him being still probably broken hearted from his former, well, first and only relationship so far." Jeongwoo said. "But who knows, he might actually have already forgotten especially with all the attention he's getting because of this coin's curse you say." He added with a shrug and small laugh.

Jeongwoo didn't received any response from Haruto. He wondered why and looked at his husband that was being quiet. The soft glow from outside made the latter look all the more attractive with his already handsome face.

"You know what else would be worse than him getting chased around and bothered by pursuers?" Haruto finally spoke.

"What?" Jeongwoo asked confused. His eyes widened in the slightest bit by what was said.

So there's something else much worse than the curse of getting many people to fall in love with you?

Haruto looked at Jeongwoo from the corner of his eye and looked back to the window.

"What's worse is him falling in love with one of them." Haruto said. "That's the real curse. Because he loves that person, but that person doesn't really love him. It's just the curse and he knows it. The moment the coin gets put back into the fountain all that love will vanish."

Jeongwoo quickly processed his words and a look of worry etched itself to his face. His brother, Jihoon, he could go through another heartbreak again. And if that were to happen, he would work non stop even more. He would not look at the time, forget to eat, spend most of the time doing something, anything to keep himself busy. He would work himself to death.

"Is this fountain curse really true?" Jeongwoo asked.

Haruto turned to finally look at him in the eyes.

"Yes, it's true." He answered. "I've not really seen it happen but I believe it is true. It's one of the stories my mother used to tell me when I was a kid. I was even so tempted to try to see if it was real. But I'm glad I didn't, because then I wouldn't have met you and have you here with me right now." He squeezed Jeongwoo's hand.

Jeongwoo smiled.

"I'm really happy to be here with you too." He squeezed back Haruto's hand.

"Come on. My mom wants us to eat dinner with them." Haruto said, pulling them away from the window.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

They both reached a simple yet elegant dining room area where Haruto's other family members were already seated and waiting for them.

"Ugh, finally!...What took you two so long huh?" Haruto's younger sister glared at them in annoyance.

"Stop whining. We're here now, aren't we?" Haruto playfully talked back to her.

"Yeah just sit your butts already so I can stuff my mouth with food." She said.

Jeongwoo laughed at her antics.

The family now settled around the table. They received their meals, said their thanks for the food and started eating. There were chats and talks that circulated around the table. All while they were eating, Haruto's mother noticed the distracted Jeongwoo.

They soon finished eating, with Haruto's father and sister leaving the dining area to retreat to who knows where. The only ones left were Haruto, his mother and Jeongwoo.

"Jeongwoo, is there something wrong child? You seem worried about something." Haruto's mother asked before the couple could leave.

"Mom?" Jeongwoo said instead. He was confused by what she meant at first.

"Come on, you can tell me. Is there something wrong? Is it my son? Has he done something wrong to you dear child?" She asked him with motherly affection.

"Mom, I didn't do anything." Haruto whined, standing close to Jeongwoo.

"Shush! I wasn't talking to you." She said to Haruto.

Jeongwoo laughed at their interaction. It was cute to see mother and son be like that in front of him. His attention was then brought back by Haruto's mother holding his hand. Her eyes beckoned him to share his troubles with her.

"Well, it's..." Jeongwoo first looked at Haruto then back to his mother. "I'd like to ask about the fountain back at the wedding reception. Is it like magical in a way? Like if by any chance someone takes some coins from it will they be cursed?" He questioned.

He believed what Haruto said that the fountain was magical. But a part of him just wanted it to not be real because of what Haruto said earlier bothered him and made him worry. So if Haruto's mother would actually say it wasn't true, then Jeongwoo would feel a bit at ease that maybe, just maybe, Jihoon isn't being bombarded by people who are forcing their fake love on him.

"Yes it is true." Haruto's mother answered.

Jeongwoo felt even more worried than before. So, it is true. Then his brother...

"Is there any way to reverse it? To reverse the curse?" He asked immediately.

Haruto's mother didn't answer. She looked a bit shock by his next words and she seemed to be in thought.

"How did you know about this? About the fountain?" She questioned instead.

Jeongwoo heard her and hesitated to answer at first.

"It's because... because my brother took some coins from the fountain. He wants to return the coins back to be able to break the spell it has on the people those coins belonged to, but he's such a workaholic that he's planning on enduring it all until he finally has free time to come back to Japan." Jeongwoo said frustrated.

"Actually, it won't be necessary for him to fly back all the way here. There's another way for your brother to be able to reverse the effects of what he did." Haruto's mother said.

"What? There is? What is it?" Jeongwoo asked wide eyed, he stepped closer to her to listen to her next words.

"Mom, you didn't tell me there's actually another way to reverse the curse." Haruto said slightly pouting.

"Sorry, Ruto. I just never really thought that anyone would ever take some coins from the fountain." She giggled, then turned to Jeongwoo back again. "When your brother comes back to visit us here I'll be sure to ask him what it's like to be chased around by many people." She laughed.

"Anyway, another way he can break the curse is to return the coins to their rightful owners."

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

After Hyunsuk was kicked out of Jihoon's office, he went back to their company to work and practice. When he got to their practice room he was greeted by Yedam and Doyoung at the entrance. Both had their eyes narrowed on him with their arms crossed.

"Hello Hyunsuk hyung." Doyoung began.

"Hi?" Hyunsuk replied unsure.

"So...where have you been? Surely you haven't been bothering Jihoon today? Or that's exactly what you just did?" Yedam hissed.

"Where does he work? Do you also know where he lives?" Doyoung asked looking a bit eager for answers.

"I don't know what you two are talking about." Hyunsuk glared, crossing his arms in defense. "Now, if you'll excuse me, we need to continue practicing for today." He walked passed them.

"I heard from our manager, Hyunsuk hyung got us a new photographer for our jacket shoot." Doyoung said out loud. "Can you believe that Yedam? Our Hyunsuk hyung went out his way to personally getting us a new photographer. I wonder if it could be someone we just recently know." He said eyeing Hyunsuk's body language.

Hyunsuk stopped in his tracks for a second before proceeding to walk away to show he was not phased by his words.

"Hmmm...something tells me it's Jihoon." Yedam put out.

And that's when Hyunsuk almost tripped in his steps.

"What are you even planning Hyunsuk?" Doyoung walked to him.

"Nothing. I'm not planning on anything. He's a photographer. I saw his work was good and thought we can hire him." Hyunsuk turned back to face them.

"Hire him? Or try to get closer to him? Hmmm?" Yedam accused, his eyes going wide while stomping one foot down.

"But you know," Doyoung inserted, a hand tapping on his chin. "Did you really think you're the only one who was planning to get closer to him? As if like you're the only Magnum member who's going to be there in the jacket shoot?" He laughed maniacally.

Hyunsuk crossed his arms staring at him with one eyebrow raised.

"I'll be sure to look irresistible on our jacket shoot that Jihoon will not be able to take his eyes off me." Doyoung ran a hand through his hair, smiling and daydreaming.

Yedam laughed at him.

"As if Jihoon is the type that only focuses on outside looks. Last time I was making a song, he was immediately attracted. I have the best voice here among all of us. None of you can beat that and Jihoon will surely fall for me and none of you." Yedam said, smiling victoriously.

"What in the world are you guys all yapping about? We have practice to do today. Come on!" Seunghun came to them.

Yedam and Doyoung didn't bother sharing anything to him and just passed by him.

"What's their problem?" Seunghun asked Hyunsuk.

Hyunsuk shrugged and began following after them. He didn't want to share anything about Jihoon to Seunghun. Hyunsuk is already aware he also seems to have a liking to the photographer.

"Wait," Seunghun stopped him.

Hyunsuk did stop and looked to him to see what he had to say.

"Do you think you can handle it?" Seunghun asked him.

Hyunsuk was confused. He doesn't understand what he means.

"Handle what?" He asked.

"Losing." Seunghun stated.

Hyunsuk was still at loss.

"I think you're too confident that Jihoon would end up choosing you." Seunghun finally cleared up for him.

"And you're confident he would choose you?" Hyunsuk threw back with one eyebrow raised at him.

Seunghun only smirked patting Hyunsuk on the shoulder.

"May the best man win."

Chapter Text

Jihoon was already a few meters away from his apartment building when he realized he forgot to charge his phone.
He scratched his head trying to remember what exactly he'd done last night to forget something as important as charging his phone to use for the next day.

"Ah...I was busy putting inside the gifts Junghwan left behind." He muttered to himself.

His phone battery was currently 21% left. That obviously won't last him a day, he will need to charge it as soon as he reaches his office.

Jihoon sighed and put his phone away. He looked ahead and proceeded to head his way to the bus stop. He didn't realized there was a car tailing him from behind. It didn't take long before it made a sudden loud honking sound which caused Jihoon to jump from surprise.

"Hey, Jihoon!"

Jihoon sighed once he recovered from the shock.

"What are you doing here?" He turned around to face Hyunsuk, giving him an annoyed look.

"Um, photo shoot?" Hyunsuk smiled under the mask he was wearing.

It was there to conceal his face and a hat over his head to hide his hair. Lastly some high quality shades to completely obscure any of his facial features. He didn't want to catch any unwanted attention. However, his disguised seemed useless with how fashionable and expensive his clothes look. Hyunsuk was seated at the back seat of the black car that looked obviously sumptuous.

Jihoon didn't know whether to laugh or cry from how Hyunsuk appeared somewhat slow of mind to see that his disguise wasn't that convincing to fool anyone. He first had to look around the area, afraid of any paparazzi or fans forming around them and squishing him to death just because of Hyunsuk being carelessly out in the open like this. Once he saw that there was barely any people around and mostly were just elderly people, Jihoon finally faced back Hyunsuk to answer him.

"Are you serious? Right now? This is very unprofessional." Jihoon hissed at him, walking close to the car. "I haven't even reached my office yet. Is it really now your jacket photo shoot or are you just trying to take up my time?" He placed his hands on his hips.

Hyunsuk chuckled at him.

"You could say it could be both." He answered.

Jihoon sighed and rolled his eyes.

"At least let me tell my boss first." He took out his phone to type a message.

"Actually, I already told him." Hyunsuk said showing his own phone with a message from him and one to Jihoon's boss. Then the message of Seungyoon whom actually already approved.

Jihoon read it and almost couldn't believe it.

"What? Don't believe me?" Hyunsuk let out a playful grin.

"Yes, I mean, no. I mean, fine, let's now go to where the jacket shoot is." Jihoon grumbled unable to complain.

He didn't want to admit it, but he actually wanted to go with Hyunsuk. He wanted to see him and just be close to him. The thought of that made him feel happy yet also scared.

"Of course. Get in the car." Hyunsuk said and moved to make some space for Jihoon to take a seat beside him.

"This better not be attempted kidnapping. I know the emergency number and I'm not afraid to call the police on you."

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

"Woahhh! Doyoung!! New haircut, I see! Looks good on you! I also like the blue highlights you added in. It's so cool." Yoonbin exclaimed once he sees Doyoung.

Doyoung smiled, satisfied from the reaction he got.

"Really? Thanks! Do you think Jihoon will also like it too?" Doyoung asked eagerly.

Yoonbin looked at him for a second and hesitated to answer. He realized that his friend's sudden hair make over was because of Jihoon whom Hyunsuk was also trying to pursue. Yoonbin saw Doyoung's face still expecting an answer from him.

"Um...I think..." Before Yoonbin could finish, he was suddenly interrupted by a loud gasp that reached their ears.

It was Yedam. He was supposedly coming up to them to tell them to go now to their group's dance room and start stretching for their songs choreography but then his eyes laid on something outside the entrance's glass doors. Both of Yoonbin and Doyoung were confused until they finally noticed a familiar someone from outside as to why Yedam reacted the way he did.

"Jihoon's here." Doyoung whispered excited. "And he came with Hyunsuk." He glared and Yoonbin could swear he heard some venom dripping from the way the former uttered Hyunsuk's name.

Doyoung's death glare quickly shifted to a sweet smile and skipped his way to the two that entered the building through the sliding glass doors. He walked up to Jihoon and just before he could greet him, the latter beat him first.

"Good morning, sir." Jihoon greeted formally, leaning forward to bow down in respect to the guy he sees.

"Jihoon it's me." Doyoung said almost laughing.

"Huh?" Jihoon looked at him confused. Upon seeing Doyoung's face more clearly he finally realized who it was. "Oh, Doyoung! It's you. Sorry, I didn't recognize you immediately with this...new look." He looked at him up and down.

Doyoung smiled. "Do you like it? This new look of mine?" He asked while posing a bit.

"Well, it's certainly new. It does look good on you." Jihoon genuinely said.

Doyoung smiled wider.

"Alright, that's enough talking. There are some places we need to be. Come on Jihoon, I'll show you around." Hyunsuk grabbed onto Jihoon's wrist and pulled him away from there.

The photographer could only wave goodbye to them.

Doyoung and Yedam wanted to protest and be the ones to show Jihoon the way around their company. But Yoonbin held the two by the shoulders and kept them back from intruding.

"What are you doing Yoonbin? I need to go to Jihoon." Doyoung said prying Yoonbin's hand off him.

"Yeah, I need to go after him too." Yedam said along.

"But we have practice you guys." Yoonbin reasoned.

"Well, so does Hyunsuk. But you aren't calling on him to follow with us." Yedam put out.

"He's our leader." Yoonbin said.

"Then he's very irresponsible to be abandoning practice and just leaving his members behind." Doyoung crossed his arms, raising a brow.

"Well, maybe he's been specifically assigned to be doing this..?" Yoonbin uttered sounding unsure of his words.

"No way. There's no way. There is no way our company would let any of us just...unless....Hyunsuk specifically asked to be assigned to this?!" Yedam exclaimed as if like it was a great revolution he just thought of.

"Oh my God. Are you guys coming to practice or not?" Byounggun came to find them.

"Coming!!" Yoonbin replied and pulled on the two that tried to escape.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

"Wow." Jihoon muttered while his eyes gazed around the buildings interior.

They passed by a large led tv screen and just exactly at that moment the tv showed clips of Magnum from their music videos. Jihoon had to stop walking because he was curious to see it. His eyes were immediately caught and stuck on a certain someone that moved with stylish swag coolness. The more he stared the more he couldn't take his eyes off the person.

"What? Finally seeing how handsome I can be?" Hyunsuk asked, standing close to Jihoon as he watched him look at them being on the big screen.

Jihoon was quiet. He didn't answer immediately. He kept staring at the screen. It soon ended with a group photo of Magnum and their group logo.

"You're really famous, aren't you?" Jihoon muttered while keeping his eyes on Hyunsuk at the screen.

Hyunsuk kept his eyes on him and waited for what else Jihoon had to say. He could tell there were some words that still hung unspoken. However, the look in Jihoon's eyes shifted and the photographer let out a forced smile.

"Okay, so Mr. Choi, to where shall we now be going?" Jihoon asked.

"I told you to just call me Hyunsuk." Hyunsuk corrected him.

"Yeah, I know but I don't think it would be appropriate to address you like that while I'm working here in your company. We need to keep things professional. I don't want any unwanted rumors spreading how 'buddy-buddy' I may seem to you or your group." Jihoon explained, turning away from the screen.

Hyunsuk frowned from what he said.

"So, where to now?" Jihoon asked.

Hyunsuk smiled once again and an excited glee shimmered in his eyes.

"Before I show you where the shoot is, there's someplace else I want you to go first. And there's also something I want to show you." He said, taking Jihoon's hand into his.

Jihoon quickly pulled himself away.

"Um, can you not hold my hand? Please?" He said as to not sound too rude to Hyunsuk.

He just wanted to be careful enough not to lose this job opportunity. It would be bad for him and their own company if he were to lose it because of dangerous rumors or a scandal that could spread around and ruin both their reputations.

Hyunsuk understood his apprehension.

"Let's go." Hyunsuk walked ahead with Jihoon behind him.

The latter put a respectable gap between them as they walked together. Hyunsuk didn't like it but wanted to respect Jihoon's concern.

They reached an elevator and both went in. It was just the two of them inside. Jihoon stayed quiet and so did Hyunsuk. The elevator stopped at a certain floor and Hyunsuk walked out with Jihoon still following behind. All while they walked, it was making Jihoon curious why he never saw at least one staff or worker from the company. He didn't bother asking though, maybe they were busy somewhere else.

"We're here." Hyunsuk let Jihoon know.

"Wait...am I even allowed here?" Jihoon asked.

"It's my studio, so, yes." Hyunsuk smiled and let Jihoon enter first.

"Why did you bring me here?" Jihoon looked around the dark room wherein only purple light illuminated the room. "And why is it so dark? Don't you have a normal light bulb installed here?"

Hyunsuk laughed.

"Well, I like purple, also it helps sets the mood for me when I'm working here. And like I told you earlier, there's something I want to show you or more like something to hear." Hyunsuk took a seat in his chair. He also pulled a comfy chair for Jihoon to sit close to him.

Jihoon hesitated, a blush creeping up his cheeks. In this place, it was just him and Hyunsuk. How was he supposed to think and function well if they were alone together like this? He breathed in and out to calm down. He walked to him and took the seat. He realized the sooner they finished here the sooner he can escape and stop his heart that's about to explode.

"So, you maybe haven't heard any of our songs. But for our latest comeback, I want you to be the first to hear this song track I composed for our album." Hyunsuk said clicking on his computer. "We still haven't done the arrangements for each member, so that's why you'll only be hearing my voice." He explained.

Jihoon could only nod.

"Here." Hyunsuk clicked on the play button and an upbeat music started spilling all over the room.

Jihoon listened closely. He wasn't that much a fan of music since he's always been so focused on his work. But listening to this music that Hyunsuk composed, Jihoon might start listening to music again and put his abandoned headphones to use again.

While listening to the lyrics, Jihoon couldn't help but smile. It sounded like a song about falling in love. He couldn't help but assume in his head that maybe Hyunsuk wrote it for him. Well, that could be, especially with Hyunsuk smiling at him while he's watching Jihoon appreciate his music.

"It's good, like really good." Jihoon commented halfway through the song. "Is this even legal? For me to listen to this?" He added.

Hyunsuk only chuckled, he let Jihoon keep listening to it until the song finished.

"So, do you like it?" He asked.

"Like it? It's awesome! I love it. I forgot just how fun it is to listen to music and you being able to make one as good as this, it's just really amazing!" Jihoon said gushing over it.

"I'm happy you love it." Hyunsuk said. "I made it for you." He added, smiling and blushing.

There he said it. Jihoon fell off his chair. His face as red as a tomato and tried his best to keep his composure.

"Are you okay?" Hyunsuk asked as he helped Jihoon up.

"Yeah! I'm fine!" Jihoon replied. "Are we now done here? We should really be going to wherever the photo shoot is." He said turning to the door.

"Jihoon." Hyunsuk called to him which made Jihoon stop.

"Yes?" Jihoon turned to face him.

Hyunsuk walked to him and suddenly kissed Jihoon on the lips.

"Sorry, I can't help it. You just look so cute." Hyunsuk said once he pulled away. "Also, don't slap me. They may not believe my lie this time as to why my other cheek is red." He chuckled.

"Alright, let's now go." Hyunsuk said pulling a dazed Jihoon out the studio.

Chapter Text

"What was that?" Jihoon hissed as soon as he recovered.

He really had a strong urged to slap Hyunsuk, but like what the older said, he can't have a red slap mark on either sides of his face right now. Hyunsuk would have to put on a hefty amount of concealer if he were to have a red mark on his face on the day of their photo shoot. Jihoon can't have anyone thinking he just recklessly beats up the famous idol.

"A kiss?" Hyunsuk answered him. "Don't you know what a kiss is?" He turned to face Jihoon.

They were still walking, with Hyunsuk leading at the front. Both headed their way to the area that had been prepared for the shoot.

"Of course, I know what a kiss is! What I mean is what was that kiss for!?" Jihoon whisper shouted.

"Because you look so cute." Hyunsuk simply replied with a smile.

Jihoon felt blinded by that smile that kept flashing in front of him for numerous times already since his day started. It really annoyed him at first whenever Hyunsuk smiled. But now it was just making his stomach feel weird, like that common saying which a person can feel there are worms wriggling in your stomach or was it butterflies?

Jihoon glared at Hyunsuk in response to his smile. He couldn't let the handsome idol know he was already falling in love, scratch that, maybe he is already in love.

"What? You are cute!" Hyunsuk chuckled upon seeing Jihoon's glare. "Also, why are you acting like this is your first time being kissed? It's not like we've never kissed before. If I remember correctly this is the third time we kissed." Hyunsuk said grinning while looking up as to appear like he is in thought.

"Yeah, I remember clearly. You freaking pervert stole my first kiss." Jihoon blurted out.

His eyes widen once he realized what he just shared out loud. It was too late to take it back though. When he shifted his eyes to look at Hyunsuk, the latter appeared shocked yet thrilled at the same time.

"So, I'm your first kiss?" Hyunsuk questioned stepping closer to Jihoon.

"I didn't say that. You must have misheard me." Jihoon replied while avoiding eye contact with him.

"No, I'm sure I heard it right." Hyunsuk said.

"Mr. Choi, now you are just hearing things." Jihoon said walking faster.

Hyunsuk ran to catch up to him and blocked his way from continuing farther.

"What are you doing? You're blocking the way." Jihoon pushed Hyunsuk to the side.

However, Hyunsuk caught his wrist and pulled him close.

"I heard you just loud and clear, Mr. Park. Am I or am I not your first kiss?" Hyunsuk said almost in a whisper.

Jihoon felt a shiver run up his spine from the way how close their faces were again. Alarms were blaring in his head that this was such a dangerous position for them to be caught in while out in the open like this. Oh, how he really wanted to slap Hyunsuk and knock some sense into him right now.

"Alright! Fine! I admit it. You are my first kiss!" Jihoon agonized. He was praying in his head that he wasn't blushing right now.

"There. Was that so hard to admit?" Hyunsuk gently let go of his wrist and stepped away.

"You idiot someone could have seen us?!" Jihoon clenched his teeth. "I swear to God, if you aren't a popular idol right now I would've punched you in the face already." He threatened.

"Okay, okay. Calm down." Hyunsuk said to him. "We're here now, smile Mr. Park." He winked.

Jihoon watched Hyunsuk stopped by two doors. He opened them and they finally entered into the area prepared for the photo shoot. There were people all over around, all busy with decorations and the entire set up.

"So this is it?" Jihoon asked Hyunsuk while looking around.

"Yup. But this is only just for the first theme." Hyunsuk answered.

"Where are the others anyway? Why don't I see them here?" Jihoon questioned as he noticed he couldn't spot any other Magnum members. He expected them to already be here.

"Oh, that's because the shoot isn't today. We're still preparing the set. The others must be at our dance studio practicing right now." Hyunsuk replied.

"It's not today?! Then why did you tell me—wait, so you dragged me here away from my work, only to tell me your photo shoot isn't today? You made me come here just to waste my time?" Jihoon said, keeping his voice to a volume only him and Hyunsuk could hear.

"I wouldn't say it was a waste of your time." Hyunsuk turned to Jihoon. "Was your third kiss a waste of your time?" He added in a whisper.

Jihoon turned red. He wanted to shout at Hyunsuk but he knew that wouldn't be the appropriate thing to do with people around. What he did do was take out his eye glasses from the bag he carried. He put them on and then pushed them up using his middle finger while directing it to Hyunsuk. He looked around to see if anyone was watching, when there was no one looking at them, Jihoon mouthed 'Fuck you' to Hyunsuk.

"Mr. Choi Hyunsuk!" Someone called.

Jihoon quickly composed himself. Hyunsuk turned to the caller and recognized the man.

"Mr. Kang Himchan!" Hyunsuk smiled in acknowledgment to the man's presence.

The two bowed to each other while shaking hands. Jihoon kept quiet and observed their interaction.

"It's nice to be working with you and your group again, Mr. Choi." Himchan said while letting go of the handshake.

"Likewise Mr. Kang." Hyunsuk said still smiling politely.

"Oh, who is this?" Himchan asked kindly upon noticing Jihoon.

"Oh, right, this is Jihoon, Park Jihoon. Jihoon meet Kang Himchan. He will be the other photographer in the jacket shoot with you." Hyunsuk explained.

Jihoon turned a sharp glare at Hyunsuk for his slip up of using his given name rather his family name. He could only hope this Himchan guy didn't take notice.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you." Jihoon said bending over to do a simple bow in greeting.

"Hello, Mr. Park. It's also nice to meet you too. I've heard already that you will also be a photographer for Magnum's jacket shoot. I'm happy to know there will be now two photographers. The workload can now be lessened with you around." Himchan bowed with a kind smile while extending a hand for Jihoon to shake.

Jihoon took it and did a quick handshake with him. He sighed relieved in his head that Himchan may have not heard Hyunsuk call him 'Jihoon.' Or maybe he did hear and just made no comment on it.

"I hope we can work together." Himchan added.

"I hope we can work together too. Please take care of me." Jihoon said while doing another bow.

Just then Hyunsuk received a message from his phone. He checked and saw it was from Byounggun. He was asking Hyunsuk to come to their dance studio now to help fix a problem they were having about their choreography. Hyunsuk didn't want to leave Jihoon behind but he also can't just abandon his group.

"Hey, Ji—Mr. Park, I will now leave you with Mr. Kang to guide you around on what to do. I need to take my leave now." Hyunsuk said looking at Jihoon.

"Okay." Jihoon nodded at him.

"Don't worry Mr. Choi. Mr. Park is in good hands. I'll make sure he is well acquainted with everyone and everything here." Himchan said.

"Okay. Thank you." Hyunsuk said to Himchan. He turned to Jihoon again. "Bye, I'll see you later."

Hyunsuk reluctantly turned away from them and walked out the room to head to the others.

Jihoon stared at where Hyunsuk had been standing with a longing gaze. He snapped out of it immediately, remembering he came here to work, not to spend time with Hyunsuk.

"Alright, so let's get to work?" Himchan asked with a polite smile.

"Yes." Jihoon nodded politely and followed Himchan around the set.

He was introduced to the other staff members around and he got to know more of them, along with how the shoot would go. Jihoon totally had his professional mode on.

(note: i seriously don't really fecking know the exact procedures and rules on how kpop idols photo or jacket shoots goes and works, so I'm sorry for any wrong thing or detail u may find in my writing. I'm just winging it and basing it off my imagination of how things would go. Also, Himchan is not based off any real life character. I just added him there for the story. U can all just imagine him to look whatever u want.)

The two finished going around the set along with the equipment and other things Jihoon needed to know. He was even thankful Himchan informed him of the exact date of the photo shoot. Hyunsuk won't be able to fool him into coming again without notice next time. The two photographers were currently seated down, chatting about various things or topics that they could relate with each other. It started with photography, cameras, angles, lighting then so on.

"You know you have a nice figure. You could be a model. Why not try being one instead?" Himchan suddenly said.

"Oh, no. No way. Thank you for the complement but I'd rather be on this side of the camera rather than right in front of it." Jihoon said, showing his camera then waving his hands in refusal. He shook his head thinking how ridiculous the thought was.

"That's a bummer." Himchan said with a slight pout.

"Sorry, I'm just not used to getting my photo taken." Jihoon shrugged with a chuckle.

"Well, if you ever change your mind and try being a model in the future, I'd be happy to be your photographer." Himchan cheered.

"Sure." Was Jihoon's simple reply.

He laughed and nodded, not really taking it seriously as he would never venture into that career. He was contented with his work as a photographer at the company he works at.

"Mr. Park—" Himchan got cut off.

"Jihoon, you can call me Jihoon. Mr. Park feels too formal. I'm sure we're just about the same age." Jihoon said.

"Alright, you can call me Himchan too." Himchan said with a smile and bowing slightly. "By the way, how did you meet Mr. Choi Hyunsuk? You two seem to have known each other for a while." He added curiously.

Jihoon tensed up by the sudden question. But he pushed any anxiety down quickly as to avoid suspicion that Himchan could pinpoint from him.

"Oh, well, we've just met this year, a few weeks ago actually. I met him at an event I was working as a photographer." Jihoon explained as implicitly as he could.

He could only hope Himchan wouldn't pry further for details.

"Ah, I see. You two must've been well acquainted with each other since then." Himchan nodded with a smile.

"Yes, you could say that." Jihoon nodded along nervously.

"Anyway, it's lunchtime now. Will you be on your way or maybe you would like to join me for lunch first?" Himchan suggested standing up.

"What? It's lunchtime already?" Jihoon stood up checking the time on the wristwatch he wore. "I'm sorry. I can't join you. I think I'll head back to my office first." He said putting his camera back in his bag.

"Okay. Bye, Jihoon. I'll see you around." Himchan waved goodbye and turned to leave, but then he turned back to Jihoon. "Wait, do you know your way around the building already? You might get lost trying to find your way out." He added.

Jihoon scratched his head trying to think if he can still map out in his head the way he and Hyunsuk went through around the building.

"Uh, I may need your help. I don't remember it all quite well." Jihoon said sheepishly.

Himchan chuckled.

"Don't worry. I'll help you. Shall we go now?" Himchan asked.

"Yes." Jihoon said with a smile.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

"Still nothing?" Haruto asked Jeongwoo.

"Yeah, he's still not answering his phone." Jeongwoo said annoyed, he ran a hand through his hair, scratching on his scalp. "Of all days that he won't answer my calls or reply to my messages, it just had to be today where we could tell him there's another way to end the coins' curse."

"Maybe, he's just very busy right now. Like you said, he's a workaholic. Don't worry. He'll read your messages once he gets the time." Haruto said to ease his husband's worries.

Jeongwoo nodded to him.

"Yeah, you're right." He gave a weak smile. "I'm just really worried for him. It might be too late. I mean, what if he's fallen in love with one of them already? Then he will get another heartbreak! Or what if it's just like what your mother said?! You remember what she said Ruto!" He added getting more anxious the more he talked.

"Yeah, I remember." Haruto replied with a worried expression.

"She said that if the longer the curse stays unbroken the worse it could get. The owner of those coins fake love and adoration for my brother could become obsession and some people could get hurt." Jeongwoo recited the words he heeded from Haruto's mom.

Jeongwoo picked up his phone again to call Jihoon. He called and waited but no one would answer.

If only he knew, Jihoon dropped his phone back at Hyunsuk's music studio when he fell from his chair. The phone was on silent and was hidden underneath the furniture. Only 13% was left of the phone's battery life.

Chapter Text

Jihoon wanted to cry out loud, or maybe scream his lungs out to the world.

He lost his phone again. He can't find it anywhere in his apartment. He'd been searching through every corner and every nook. He even rummaged through his fridge because he thought maybe he put it there without realizing it. But alas, even in the fridge, his phone was not there.

"Where is it? Where?" Jihoon asked himself while looking through his shelves. "Just where did I lose it this time again?"

While searching through the shelves, he accidentally knocked over the decorative ceramic bowl containing the coins. It fell to the floor and shattered into pieces while the coins made loud clanging noises, scattering all over.

"Shit!" Jihoon cursed.

He quickly crouched down to fix the mess. He carefully pushed aside the sharpened pieces of the bowl and picked out the coins. He was only able to pick up two from the broken pile. Jihoon panicked. He frantically searched the area for the other coins, crawling around the floor and peeking under his furniture. When he heard his doorbell ring and then a series of knocks, he became distracted.

"Who is it?" Jihoon got up and went to the door to see who it was.

He wondered who or whatever it could be. It was already evening, and he doesn't recall anyone telling him they would be coming. Or maybe whoever was outside right now did inform him of their soon arrival through a text on his phone, but Jihoon couldn't have known because his phone is missing. He scanned the screen pad with a small monitor that showed who was outside via a camera.

It was a guy he didn't know, but the man was dressed as a delivery guy.

Jihoon opened his door, wondering what the guy could be there for.

"Delivery for Mr. Park Jihoon." The delivery guy announced, he was holding a beautifully arranged bouquet filled with red roses.

"Yes, that's me." Jihoon said while looking confused.

"Flowers from Mr. Choi Hyunsuk." The delivery guy said.

"Hyunsuk..." Jihoon couldn't help but utter his name.

He nodded to the guy and held out his hands to accept the bouquet.

"Here you go. Have a good evening, sir." Then the delivery guy did a small bow and finally left.

Jihoon closed his door, holding the bouquet dearly in his hands. A smile graced his face and tinged his cheeks with a pink blush. He smelled the roses and touched their dainty petals, feeling their soft and delicate texture. He found a note attached to the bouquet, tied with a golden ribbon. He flipped it open and saw a handwritten message. He read:

Sorry I couldn't meet up with you again after I left. We were swamped with practice. I hope to see you again Jihoon.

– Sukkie ;-)

Jihoon smiled even wider after reading the message. He walked over to his dining table. He took off the note and put it down on the table. He reached out for an empty vase and put some water inside. Jihoon carefully pulled the roses out of their wrapping and placed them in the vase so the beautiful red roses could last longer.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

Hyunsuk entered his bedroom with a tired sigh. He plopped down on his bed. He was exhausted physically from all the dancing, singing, and overall practices he did, along with having to deal with handling the other members.

Yedam and Doyoung were beginning to pose a challenge to him. Then there's Seunghun, who defies him more frequently now.

Though Hyunsuk's body was weary, his heart and mind were stirred vigorously by the memories and emotions he felt from his time with Jihoon. Hyunsuk laid down on his bed with a smile on his face, already forgetting the hardships he encountered for the day. He took out his phone and went to text Jihoon immediately. He wanted to know if he received his gift, which was a bouquet that caught his eye on his way home. The flowers reminded Hyunsuk of that fleeting yet wondrous moment he shared with Jihoon back in Japan. The one near the fountain, where they briefly conversed and he observed the younger's keen interest in those lovely red roses. Hyunsuk had wanted to be the one to give them to Jihoon, but he was strictly advised by their manager to go back to their dorms to rest. So he had it delivered by someone else instead.

Hyunsuk sent his message, asking Jihoon if he had received the bouquet and if he liked it. He waited for a reply. He waited for his phone to make a sound and notify him of Jihoon's reply. Hyunsuk waited, but he received nothing. He checked if the message was sent, and it was. He noticed Jihoon had not seen his message yet.

"I guess he must be busy." Hyunsuk said to himself.

He put his phone down and got up, heading out of his room to eat dinner.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

"Where have you been? I've been trying to call you. Mr. Seungyoon has been trying to call you. Your clients has been trying to call you." Jaehyuk relayed to Jihoon once the latter entered into their office.

"Yeah, about that, I lost my phone." Jihoon said, walking straight for his office.

A look of shock and disbelief crossed over Jaehyuk's face. He stopped in his tracks, trying to process it better.

"What do you mean you lost it?" Jaehyuk ran to catch up with Jihoon, after he recovered from his shock.

"Lost, like as in gone! Poof! No where to be seen." Jihoon explained while making gestures with his hands. He entered his office and sat down in his chair. He turned on his computer and immediately got to checking his emails.

"You just went to your boyfriend's company yesterday and now your phone is gone!" Jaehyuk expressed.

"He's not my boyfriend." Jihoon argued.

His words, however, planted an immediate seed of doubt as a shy blush made its way to his face. His head sprawled out the images of yesterday, especially the occurrences that played out back at Hyunsuk's private music studio.

Well, they definitely still aren't boyfriends but there is something going on between them.

Jaehyuk noticed the blush and the way Jihoon's eyes stared off at a distance as he appeared like he was recalling something in his head.

"I knew it!" Jaehyuk slammed his hands on Jihoon's table.

The action and noise immediately and effectively pulled Jihoon out of his thoughts.

"Something happened! Details. Give me details. Did you two kiss?" Jaehyuk leaned closer, smiling deviously from ear to ear.

"Kiss? Who said we kissed? Nothing happened." Jihoon denied, avoiding eye contact with his colleague and friend.

Albeit his words claimed denial, his body language only proved him wrong. Jaehyuk already knew it.

"Aha! So you two did kissed." Jaehyuk giggled.

"We did not." Jihoon denied again.

"Did not what?"

They heard a voice from a different source. Both of the two turned their attention towards the door to see who it was.

"Hyunsuk." Jihoon muttered wide eyed.

Jaehyuk eyed Jihoon and gave him a grin along with a thumbs up.

"I'll be going now." Jaehyuk said to Jihoon, already walking out of his office.

Jihoon's eyes however pleaded for him to stay. The last time Hyunsuk was here with him alone in his office he had been awfully flirty. His pleading eyes to his friend proved futile as he was returned with a teasing grin and a wave, then the door to his office shut close.

"Hey." Hyunsuk said once it was just him and Jihoon in the office once again.

"Hi." Jihoon breathed out. He stared at the blonde idol, seeing him dressed up again in stylish, trendy and luxury clothes and accessories. To him, Hyunsuk never fails to look good. The idol surely knows how to style himself. "What are you doing here?" He asked once he pulled himself out of his daydreaming.

"I just came to check on you since you didn't reply to any of my messages at all. I was worried something might have happened to you." Hyunsuk said looking serious. "But seeing you now, I'm relieved you're fine. Why didn't you reply to my messages?"

"Sorry. I lost my phone. I can't find it anywhere." Jihoon answered.

"Have you looked in your apartment?" Hyunsuk sat on one of the chairs.

"I have and it's not there. I think I must've lost it somewhere." Jihoon got back to checking his emails.

"You think you might have left it back at our company?"

"Maybe. But I don't remember taking out my phone there."

"You're right." Hyunsuk rubbed his chin in thought. "What will you do then while you're phoneless? Don't you have work related stuff which you'll need your phone for?" He asked.

"Guess I'll have to have Jaehyuk answer my work calls and texts for me for a while until I find it." Jihoon answered.

"Do you want me to call your phone? Maybe we could make it ring and have someone answer it." Hyunsuk suggested already taking out his phone.

"No need. I'm sure the battery is dead by now. I forgot to charge it." Jihoon said looking sheepish.

"How can you forget something like charging your phone?"

"I didn't forget. I was just pre-occupied with...things."

"Oh yeah? Like what?" Hyunsuk raised a brow, curious of what kept Jihoon occupied enough to forget about charging his phone.

"I had to put in all the gifts Junghwan...I mean someone brought for me." Jihoon corrected, thinking Hyunsuk might not know who Junghwan is.

"Whoa, whoa, wait, who?" Hyunsuk leaned over the table. His eyes wide from what he heard.

"Junghwan?" Jihoon answered.

"You know Junghwan?" Hyunsuk questioned.

He then remembered back when they had their disastrous date at a cafe. Junghwan had also been there to interrupt them, and he remembered how he acted just like Yedam and Doyoung.

"Yes? I mean, no, not really. He's like a YouTuber? I thought you met him already. You know, back at the cafe when we were supposed to be on a date." Jihoon avoided eye contact. He remembered that day. It was also when Hyunsuk confessed and how he also slapped him on the face.

"Right, our date that got ruined." Hyunsuk clicked his tongue. His face turned sour at the memory of it. "Would you like to go on another date?" He asked Jihoon.

Jihoon paused his computer mouse clicking and returned his gaze to the idol.

"Are you seriously asking me out? Right here? In my office?" Jihoon queried with one eyebrow raised.

"Oh, sorry. Do you want it to be more romantic? I can have someone deliver some flowers and chocolate, if you would like." Hyunsuk grinned, taking out his phone again, ready to dial someone that can get the job done.

"No, that's not what I meant." Jihoon argued quickly, stopping Hyunsuk from contacting anyone for such a task.

"Will you go on a date with me or not?" Hyunsuk asked again.

"Maybe." Jihoon replied, trying to ignore him.

Hyunsuk glared at him, not liking his answer. He got up from his chair and walked over to Jihoon's side of the table.

"What are you doing?" The younger asked, one eyebrow raised in question as he watched Hyunsuk walk over to him. The idol suddenly moved and turned Jihoon's swivel chair to face him and he sat on the photographer's lap.

"Hyunsuk! What the fu—!!?" Jihoon was silenced with Hyunsuk smashing his own lips against his.

Jihoon was so startled but kept his mouth clamped shut. Hyunsuk licked his lips, asking for entrance, yet Jihoon refused. He growled, annoyed at Jihoon's resistance. He then considered reaching into the younger's untucked collar shirt and unbuttoned two of the buttons below. He swept his hand inside and caressed Jihoon's stomach. The latter felt his warm hand invading him and gasped. Hyunsuk ceased the moment he opened his mouth and let his tongue wander inside Jihoon's mouth. The younger groaned, his cheeks flushed a stark red from hearing himself make such noises. Not to mention the image and thought of how they were positioned together in his office right now. What would any of his boss or colleagues think if they walked in and saw him with a client like this? And not just any client, but a well-known K-pop idol.

That thought got Jihoon to push Hyunsuk away from him, but not too hard to have the latter fall to the floor. Just a little distance was enough to keep Hyunsuk's lips away from him.

"Wait! W–what are you–!" Jihoon couldn't finish once again as Hyunsuk opted to prey on his neck next.

Jihoon whimpered and moaned from the foreign sensation that had draped itself all over his neck. Hyunsuk's lips placed gentle yet teasing kisses everywhere that had Jihoon biting his bottom lip to hold back his moans. A particular area on his neck that Hyunsuk licked had him arch his back and let out a grunt while clutching Hyunsuk's expensive jacket. Jihoon could feel the idol's triumphant smirk against his neck. The older moved his lips closer to Jihoon's ear and whispered.

"I'm asking you again. Will you go on a date with me?"

Jihoon let out a shaky breath.

Hyunsuk didn't like his silence. He lightly bit his earlobe and licked behind his ear.

"Okay! Okay! Nghh...Y-yes! I said yes! Now–ngh! Go!" Jihoon stuttered and pleaded.

"Great." Hyunsuk finally stood up, a triumphant grin on his lips, and walked back over to the other side of the table. "We can have our date after the day of the photoshoot." he added.

Hyunsuk blew Jihoon a kiss and waved goodbye at him.

"Fuck you!" Jihoon cursed out to him before he left through the door.

Once Hyunsuk was gone, he covered his face with his hands which was a shade of red.

Chapter Text

The day of the photoshoot finally arrived.

How did Jihoon survive five days without his phone? No one knows or that he had made himself busy with his work, along with preparations for Magnum's jacket photoshoot.

How did Hyunsuk survive five days of Jihoon not having his phone? He didn't, he kept coming to visit Jihoon in his office, bringing with him small gifts that slowly but surely grew and now occupied spaces in both Jihoon's office space and his apartment.

If anyone were to see and ask how Jihoon acquired almost every cute little purple Chilli product, the answer would be: Choi Hyunsuk.

Of course, with Hyunsuk visiting Jihoon often, it alerted the others as well.

In fear of Hyunsuk winning Jihoon's heart with his gift giving, they started doing the same as well.

The gift giving became a fierce competition. So, not only does Jihoon has many Chilli products, but also Som and Yedee.

The acts of love and courting did not limit to gift giving but also acts of service and words of affirmation.

Jihoon could say he was embarrassed and completely like a red tomato every time Doyoung came to visit with not only Som merchandise but with his flirting and endless pick up lines.

Jihoon was also worried that perhaps most of the songs in Magnum's latest album had been dedicated to him.

Yedam did sang to him whenever he came to visit with a stuffed Yedee in his arms.

Then there's articles that Jihoon read online on his computer that a new coffee shop opened just near where he works and the place is packed almost everyday because of how deliciously good and famous the drinks are to the people that frequent there. Jihoon wasn't surprised to find out that Yoshi was the owner. He even dedicated a few of the menu to his name.

And there's also online articles of art exhibits that a lot of people keep visiting, there's now a rumor speculating over who is the mystery person that is present in all of Asahi's paintings. Jihoon was thankful enough Asahi doesn't talk or express anything much so Jihoon's identity as Asahi's muse for his art remains protected.

Not to forget, there's also Junghwan whom now went back to doing YouTube since his bruise healed, and just as he said before he'd come by Jihoon's apartment to give him a ride to his office using his own car. Jihoon always refused but there had been a couple of times when the world seemed so against Jihoon that he was forced to accept the YouTuber's offer for a ride.

But it doesn't stop there, from the amount of beautiful yet excessive bouquets that Jihoon received from these people, he is sure they would contribute to the city's scarcity in flowers from flower shops. They are always trying to outdo the other, with the flowers and bouquets becoming more and more grandeur than the last. Funerals or funeral homes might have to come to Jihoon to at least ask for some to be donated. The flower giving did stop however, when one of them gave a bunch of flowers that caused Jihoon allergies. Then came them trying to come to a conclusion on who was responsible and who should be blamed.

Jihoon sighed tiredly from the events that transpired in just those short days. Again, he is really hoping to just throw the coins to the sky and pray that they go back to the magical fountain that cursed him.

"Hey."

Jihoon's train of thoughts were broken by a soft whisper he felt near his ear, and a hot breath tickle the back of his exposed neck. His first reaction to the owner of the voice was to quickly turn to see who it was. But he already knew exactly who it was even if he did not look.

"Hey." Hyunsuk greeted him again, a smile stretching his lips. "What are you thinking so deeply about with your pretty head?" He teased.

Jihoon's reaction this time was to shove Hyunsuk's face away from him. Since, the idol was so close to him he could feel the heat radiating from Hyunsuk's own body. It was dangerous for them to be seen at such a close distance for a photographer and an idol.

Hyunsuk felt the painful shove. Jihoon's hand remorselessly press to his face, making him step back a bit so Jihoon wouldn't snap his head off his neck.

"Ouch!" Hyunsuk cried out.

Jihoon heard him and instantly felt bad and guilty for his impulsive action.

"I'm sorry!" He apologized, carefully holding and looking at Hyunsuk's face to see if he had caused any serious damage. "Are you okay?"

He heard a groan from Hyunsuk. The idol hid his face, covering himself with his hands and pretended to be crying, like he was in so much pain. It made Jihoon panic and kept trying harder to have a look at his face.

"I'm so sorry. Please, Hyunsuk let me see. Did I hurt you? Are you okay?" Jihoon chanted, keeping his focus on Hyunsuk only.

All while he was feeling bad and worried, Hyunsuk was grinning from ear to ear while he concealed his face. He liked it how concerned Jihoon was all over him. It made him feel rapturous delight to know the photographer cared for him. Hyunsuk didn't want to make Jihoon worry any longer and so he finally revealed he was completely alright. He peeked at Jihoon with mischievous eyes and uncovered his entire face to show his smile.

"I'm okay. But I'll feel better once I get a kiss." Hyunsuk said puckering his lips.

Jihoon heard him loud and clear. His eye twitched once he realized he had been worried over nothing and was also immediately teased after it. He wanted to hit Hyunsuk again but had to refrain from doing so because it was now the day of the photoshoot and also there were people around. Thankfully, there was still very little people around and they haven't paid attention to them yet.

"You're such a child. Go away." Jihoon said to him annoyed.

Hyunsuk laughed and that's when Jihoon finally took the chance to look at Hyunsuk better. He didn't expect to see what he was now seeing. Hyunsuk looked different. He looked different in a completely good-looking and hot way. Jihoon's mouth couldn't help but gape at the sight of the undeniably handsome idol before him. He was probably even drooling from how hot Hyunsuk looked. His blonde hair wasn't blonde anymore but a shade of randomly placed pastel blue and purple colors. The top of his hair strands had been extended longer so they were tied together in a small knot, there were even small braids. While at the sides and behind his head were a constrasting black hair that really made the colorful hues above his head stand out. It wasn't a hair color nor hairstyle you would often see on many guys around. Hyunsuk pulled off the hairstyle really well. The clothes and accessories he paired with also added to the overall look, Jihoon find it hard to peel his eyes off from him. And Hyunsuk was still bare face, he has yet to put make up on.

"Close your mouth. I don't want anyone else to stare at your pretty lips." Hyunsuk ordered playfully.

Hearing that finally pulled Jihoon out of his thoughts.

"You're the one with pretty lips." Jihoon retaliated without thinking through his word choices carefully.

"Oh? How so? You think I have pretty lips too Jihoonie?" Hyunsuk grinned, inching closer to the photographer once again.

Hyunsuk had wanted to hold Jihoon's chin and make him look at him, to look only at him. However, they were now interrupted.

"Jihoon!"

Doyoung and Yedam came running towards them. Pushing at each other to get out of one's way and so the other could reach the photographer first.

"Hey Jihoon!"

"Hello Jihoon!"

The two said at the same time. They came closer with Doyoung purposely pushing Hyunsuk away. Now it was the two idols that stood close to the photographer.

"Hello, Yedam and Doyoung." Jihoon replied to the best he could, giving them a small smile.

"I'm really happy to have you here as our photographer today. I'm sure you will take great photos of me." Doyoung grinned, letting a hand go through his styled hair.

Jihoon noted how Doyoung was fully dressed in such a youthful and colorful fashion. He also noticed the tiny detail drawings on his face.

"I'm happier and excited to have you here as our photographer Jihoon." Yedam inserted quick so Jihoon's attention will focus on him instead. "I saw how passionate you were in taking photos back at your brother's wedding. I'm confident every photo you take today will turn out amazing, most especially my photos." He said.

Jihoon took in Yedam's appearance as well. Just like Doyoung, he was now dressed and his face decorated too, but instead had crystals on him. He also noted how Yedam's voice sounded so fruity and appealing. He couldn't tell if Yedam did that on purpose or if his voice is always like that, well he is the main vocalist of this group.

Jihoon could only think about how the visuals of each Magnum member were undeniably off the charts.

"Thank you both for your trust in me. I'll work hard to take good photos of you all." Jihoon said sounding professional.

His distant tone was not appreciated by the two. They both wanted him to act more than just someone they are working with.

Before the two could talk more to him, a staff member already called on them to film the TMI for their jacket shoot. Yedam and Doyoung were reluctant in leaving Jihoon, but one more call finally had them gone.

"We'll be back Jihoon." Doyoung smiled and winked.

'This kid...' Jihoon thought in his head.

"Don't go anywhere too far." Yedam said and they both left.

Jihoon let out a sigh once they were gone. His eyes immediately searched for Hyunsuk but he was no where to be seen. He sighed again, feeling lonely now from the absence of Hyunsuk.

"Hey Jihoon!" Himchan arrived to greet him.

"Hello Himchan." Jihoon greeted back.

"It's the first day of the photoshoot! Aren't you excited?" Himchan asked.

"Yes, of course. But I'm also nervous. This is my first time to take photos of K-pop idols." Jihoon admitted.

"Don't worry about it. I saw your portfolio. Your photography skills are great! Since this is your first time, I'll let you watch and observe first for a while, so you will know what to do once it's your turn." Himchan suggested with a wide smile, putting a hand over Jihoon's shoulder. He was taller than the latter.

Jihoon liked his suggestion and smiled at that. He felt his nerves eased.

They talked for a while, with Himchan helping out and instructing Jihoon on everything that will go down for the jacket shoot. He even explained that the members do a TMI video which will be edited and posted on their YouTube channel to show a bit to the fans what goes on behind the scenes.

It didn't take long before they finally started the individual shoot. Jihoon carefully watched Himchan worked and how the Magnum members posed for the camera.

Jihoon was astounded once again by the visuals of each member but it was all nothing compared to when it finally came to Hyunsuk.

When Hyunsuk came to the set, he never failed to not take his eyes off Jihoon all while posing for his shots. They were penetrating and so full of admiration, he even winked at Jihoon from time to time. It was the photographer whose eyes first pulled away from contact, wanting to pinch his cheeks that felt the blood rush in them and made them turn pink. Not even the air conditioner in the room could help him. He swore he heard Hyunsuk chuckle the moment he avoided him.

"Alright, your turn." Himchan said to Jihoon with a nod.

Jihoon nodded back. He put on a professional face with his camera at the ready in his hands. He worked efficiently and passionately in taking great shots of the kpop idol group. There was a certain thrill that rushed through his veins. He enjoyed the experience and the feeling of working, especially on something he liked doing. Though, there was a bit of a struggle during the shoot when it came to the group photo. Jihoon watched helplessly how Yedam and Doyoung silently fought to want to be in the center of the group photos. If it weren't for a staff telling them to put Hyunsuk at the center since he was the leader, then they would've been shooting until midnight.

The first day of the jacket shoot finally came to an end.

"Jihoon! The photos you took are astounding! I've never thought before these angles could make them look this good. The direction of the lighting is quite unique as well!" Himchan praised, looking at the monitor that displayed all the photos taken by the camera.

"Thank you for your kind words." Jihoon replied. "You did much better than me since you are more experienced in this field." He added genuinely.

"Thank you! Good work today! I'm sure we will both do great again for tomorrow. The concept is even better than today! You'll see!"

Chapter Text

The crowded studio started to get less and less crowded.

Jihoon began packing up his stuff as soon as the photoshoot ended. When he finished, Himchan asked him to come and check all the photos they have taken for today. The two were viewing through photo after photo, making comments from time to time about what to edit whenever the need for it came to. By the time the two finished, there was barely a living soul left in the room. It was now just the two of them.

The Magnum members have been long gone as well since the photoshoot ended. They've surely been tasked to take more selfie photos before they were allowed to change out of their outfits and removed their make up. Jihoon has no idea where Hyunsuk is but has a feeling he would appear soon.

"Okay, that's it for today. Great job today by the way. You were a natural and very professional with your work." Himchan praised Jihoon.

"Thank you. You did a very great job as well. I'll be learning more from you under your guidance." Jihoon replied with a smile. He then checked the tine on wristwatch and saw it was now past 6pm in the evening. "It's probably dark now outside. I'll be going home now." He added while picking up all his stuff.

"Okay, be safe on your way home. Bye!" Himchan said, waving at Jihoon while he packed up his own stuff.

"Alright, you too. Bye!" Jihoon waved at him and headed for the door.

He excited the studio room and started walking alone through the long lonely hallway. All he could hear were the clacking of his footsteps against the shiny floors of the building.

He felt an arm snake around his waist.

Hyunsuk caught him off guard and stole a chaste kiss on Jihoon's lips then also one on his cheeks.

"Hey, there." He smiled.

"Do you want to die?!" Jihoon replied in shock.

"If it's dying in your arms then yes. But I wouldn't want to die right now when we haven't yet spent a lifetime together." Hyunsuk countered.

"Jihooon!! Jihoon! Where is he?"

The two heard Doyoung's voice. Hyunsuk pulled Jihoon along with him to the closest room nearby. The door was unlocked but when they entered it was dark. Hyunsuk still pulled them inside and pinned Jihoon against the doorframe, the door had a glass window frame so he peeped through there to watch Doyoung and Yedam pass by them. Jihoon stayed still in his position, afraid to move that he might cause a sound and alert the incoming presence looking for him.

"I'm sure he would still be here. Mr. Kang said he just left." Another voice said, it was Yedam.

"Dang it!! Hyunsuk must've gotten to him first again!" Doyoung stomped his foot.

The two younger members stood just right at the door wherein Hyunsuk and Jihoon were hiding in.

Hyunsuk and Jihoon's eyes met in the dark. The former pressed his finger to his lips and made a silent noise of a shush to instruct Jihoon to stay silent. Jihoon only nodded in reply to him. Hyunsuk looked again and saw the two walk away from the door, still in search for Jihoon.

They two inside listened to hear the outside voices fade in the distance with each passing second. Jihoon sighed in relief once they could no longer be heard near. His attention forced him back to the man in front of him. The two stared intensely at each other. Each could hear the breathing of the other along with their heartbeats under their touching chests going faster with each second as they remained there.

"Did anyone ever tell you...just how handsome and adorable you are?" Hyunsuk blurted out.

Jihoon's eyes widened from the sudden praise and compliment. Usually before, he would push Hyunsuk away or maybe punch him for saying that, but now he had grown used to it and even come to like whatever words spew out of Hyunsuk.

Jihoon cheeks were coated with a faint blush. Hyunsuk couldn't see it in the dark but he knew what effect he had on the photographer.

"Sorry." Hyunsuk said. "Our date is postponed until tomorrow. I forgot to tell you the photoshoot for the concepts of these albums usually take more than just one day." He explained.

Jihoon realized and remembered Hyunsuk's invitation to him for a date after the photoshoot. He forgot about that.

"Oh, it's okay. I feel tired for today. So we can have it next time when we're both free." Jihoon could not believed those words just came out his mouth.

He saw Hyunsuk's frown curved into a grin. He looked astonished himself from what he heard. Jihoon waited for him to be teased about it but instead receive another peck of the idol's lips against his rosy cheeks.

"I'll be sure that our next date will be great this time." Hyunsuk said after pulling away.

Jihoon placed a hand against his cheek looking dumbfounded.

"By the way, am I still courting you or are we now a couple?" Hyunsuk asked.

"What? No! I mean, if you want...I guess? If you want maybe. I mean, are we a couple?" Jihoon stammered.

This time he received a kiss on his lips which stayed longer. He did not resist and kissed back. He could both hear their hearts pounding vividly strong from the emotions surging through them. They both soon pulled away as they they needed to breath.

"Yes, we're a couple now." Hyunsuk said smiling widely.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

The second day for the photoshoot came in fast. Jihoon entered the room surprised of the drastic change in what was before a colorful aesthetic vibe was now a darker room. He looked around curious if he came into the wrong room. As he looked around, he understood that this was perhaps what Himchan mentioned on the first day of the photoshoot.

Jihoon saw the Magnum members together at a distance and they were already dressed. The group was busy doing a behind the scenes kind of filming as one held a camera in his hands while talking about something. His jaw almost dropped when he saw the group in their outfits but most especially when he saw Hyunsuk.

Yesterday, his outfit and make up gave a colorful and cool hip-hop vibe. Today, however, was a 360 degree turn from that. He was wearing all black and he looked goddamn sexy. It was a tight fitting black suit which exposed Hyunsuk's chest due to the excessive v line at the front with it being left unbuttoned. His hair had no more of those cute small braids but was now slicked back and decorated with that slightly wet hair look.

Jihoon forced himself to look away. He turned as red as a tomato from looking at such a sight. Hyunsuk saw him and expected the reaction. A smirk was on his face as his now boyfriend avoided looking at him. Again, he liked how he always had an effect on him. He wanted to go to him and tease him but Jihoon would not like him doing that with this many people around.

Doyoung and Yedam caught sight of Jihoon's presence and was about to go to him. But the staff around instructed them to get ready for the shoot now. Hyunsuk cheered in his head with his mouth grinning how their attempt to go near to his boyfriend was blocked. He thought he would ask Jihoon later if he can atleast tell them that Jihoon is his now so they can finally back off and stop bothering them.

They're a couple now. They're boyfriends. Hyunsuk would love to gloat about it.

Jihoon walked away from where Hyunsuk stood and instead searched around for Himchan. His eyes caught him near a corn, talking with Seunghun. Jihoon approached them. He stopped a few feet away to wait for the two to finish their conversation. But as soon as he came close, Seunghun quickly took notice of him and smiled. He cut off his conversation with Himchan to greet Jihoon.

"Jihoon! Hi! How are you?" Seunghun asked. He walked over to him with a smile.

"Oh, hello! I'm fine." Jihoon replied back.

"Do you need anything?" Seunghun queried.

"No, well, actually I came for Himchan. But you two still seem to be talking about something so I can wait." Jihoon answered.

"No, it's fine." Seunghun's smile faltered once it was made known he wasn't the reason Jihoon approached yet a smile still lingered on his lips. "We're done talking anyway. So, I'll see you around!" He turned to Himchan. Seunghun nodded at him to which Himchan returned.

Seunghun looked at Jihoon one more time, his eyes travelled up and down then stopped at his face. He smiled at the photographer before he finally left.

"What was that about?" Jihoon mumbled to himself.

"Jihoon! You ready?" Himchan asked his colleague.

"Yes, I am." Jihoon answered sounding enthusiastic.

"Alright! Let's go!"

The flashing of cameras nonstop, the excessive changes of lighting ranging from extremely bright to extremely dim and the non stop chatter of the people working around started to give Jihoon a headache. Including how he cannot concentrate with his entire being over how Hyunsuk kept his eyes on him all the time while they shoot for the group photo. The strong make up on his face made Jihoon feel the idol was a predator and he was the prized prey he had been eyeing carefully.

First day as a couple and he is already doubting if he did right by agreeing to it.

Himchan noticed how Jihoon now started to lose pace with his work. His hold on to his camera appeared sloppy yet he could determine the latter tried his best to focus. But it was obvious Jihoon was preoccupied by something in his head.

"Hey, why don't you take a break and let me handle this." Himchan suggested as he walked over to him.

They stopped taking photos of Magnum as a group. Personnel assigned on make quickly fixed up and retouched the make up on the members faces.

Jihoon looked at him first startled then he looked as if he was offended.

"What?" He said.

"Take a break. I'll handle the shoot for a while. It's your first time so it's expected for you to feel a bit stressed out or easily exhausted. You're still trying to get acquainted with this new environment around you." Himchan said.

"Oh," Jihoon muttered in understanding. While it was true that he was getting a bit stressed out by the very fast phased workplace. Jihoon was really wanting to shout at Hyunsuk to stop staring at him. "Okay, I guess I can watch for a while."

"Good. There's water over that table there and other refreshments you might need." Himchan shared.

Jihoon gave a grateful nod and went over the direction he pointed. He took a bottle of water and drank it then stood there while watching people continue to work around.

Since they finished the group photo they were now proceeding to solo shots. The first one up was Seunghun. While Seunghun went to the set up where the photoshoot will take place the other members were required do some vlogging elsewhere. Hyunsuk had tried to escape by going to Jihoon but Doyoung forced him along knowing he was headed for the photographer.

Himchan was the one taking photos of Seunghun while the latter posed. His suit was similar to what Hyunsuk wore — black, tight fitting and some exposed skin. However, his collar bone area and chest were in a more revealing situation. He was the most muscular one in the group and therefore was most confident about his body.

"There's something missing." Himchan stopped taking photos while looking at his camera then Seunghun.

"I think for this concept since it's like, dark, sexy and all, why don't we put a lip mark on your chest?" Himchan suggested.

Seunghun nodded, he looked around the room searching for the perfect candidate. His eyes landed on someone who was oblivious to what was coming.

"Jihoon." Seunghun said, trying to hold back a smile.

Jihoon who was minding his own business, heard his name and looked around confused why he was called. He did however stepped forward towards the group huddled around Seunghun.

The staff looked at him for a few seconds before nodding their heads in agreement.

"Yup. It could work." One of the staff said.

"The shape is nice." The make up artist commented.

"It's beautiful." Another added.

Jihoon was confused which turned to surprise once he sees the staff, especially the group assigned for make up, suddenly circle around him. Then they started trying to place thick red lipstick on his lips.

"Wait! Wait! What's going on? Did I do something wrong?" Jihoon panicked.

"Stay still." The make up artist instructed him.

Jihoon did and tightened his lips as he felt the make product. His pinkish lips now stained with a crimson red color.
"There! Perfect!" They said and pushed Jihoon towards Seunghun.

Jihoon approached looking petrified and unsure. His eyes searched for Hyunsuk, afraid what his reaction would be if he sees him, his boyfriend, kissing another man's chest.

'No! No! No!' Jihoon thought repeatedly in his head.

"We need a lip mark to tie in the whole look for the concept of this photoshoot." Seunghun said, doing his best to hold back a grin. "Just kiss here. You have to kiss hard, not too lightly." He pointed at his exposed chest.

"What? Kiss? You...want me to kiss you?" Jihoon questioned, eyes wide in disbelief.

"This is work." Seunghun answered looking as if it wasn't a big deal.

"Come on Jihoon. This is just work." Himchan inserted.

Jihoon looked at him and then the crowd waiting. His eyes kept searching for Hyunsuk to come and swoop him from there but he can't see him at all.

He started to hear whispers from behind. Anxiety rose underneath his chest and clawed its way to him unpleasantly. Jihoon didn't want to prolong his agony any longer and slowly came closer. Jihoon leaned in with great reluctance.

Seunghun's heart was thundering inside him, raising his head to better accommodate Jihoon access to him. And then, he felt it, the soft yet shaking pair of lips marking him with a lipstick stain. Jihoon did it quick and only kissed lightly. Fortunately, the lipstick placed on his lips were thick so he didn't need to kiss hard as he was instructed.

"Is this okay?" Jihoon timidly asked once he pulled away and even stepped back. He wanted to run away from there.

"On the cheek, too." Seunghun said, then faced the said to let Jihoon know which cheek to imprint on.

Jihoon's eyes widened and his mouth agape. He cautiously leaned closer again, afraid that if he did it fast it might not be the cheek he kisses. He was scared Seunghun might suddenly face him and they would kiss on the lips instead. However, Seunghun remained perfectly still and showed no emotion, which made this process less agonizing for Jihoon but still tormented him. He kissed him lightly again. A red lipstick mark was left on Seunghun's cheek like a blank canvas before now painted on with color.

"I'm done." Jihoon said.

Seunghun stared at him directly in the eyes. His thinned lips curled at the corners revealing a smirk.

Chapter Text

Jaehyuk sat in his office swivel chair with his back hunched over. A display of bad posture but it couldn't be helped, it was tiring to sit in that confined space all day long.

The random yet rhythmic pattern of keyboard sounds filled his ears as he was busy typing on his keyboard computer. He was busy attending to emails of his superior and documents that needed to be finalized.

It was still a bright time of the day, the first moments of afternoon sunlight were filling in through the large glass windows of their humble office space. Jaehyuk then suddenly stopped typing, looking up from his computer for the first time in a while that day and moved his neck to stretch the dull ache that had formed around it. He heard the satisfying snap of his neck and groaned. A bit of relief came as he felt the nerves around there. Jaehyuk ran a hand to rub on his nape, he sighed and yawned while leaning on the back rest of his chair. The chair moved backward a few centimetres as the wheels carried away his weight. Jaehyuk stared momentarily at the ceiling before he straightened his range of sight to look around their office. His eyes examined the neutral tones of beige and white interior decor of the office. There was the occasional pop of green color coming from the small house plants placed on some areas. It was quiet with only the sounds of constant typing on keyboard and the occasional low murmurs from other office workers. Also, sometimes some of his colleagues would pass by his desk just minding their own businesses. It was just a regular day at the office, but something or rather someone was missing.

Jaehyuk turned himself and his chair to look over towards Jihoon's empty and locked office room. He sighed once again, this time sounding annoyed and impatient. It was boring without having the older around. Jaehyuk was close with his other colleagues but he was closest to Jihoon the most. The older always made office life more livelier and more bearable each day. The workaholic photographer would joke around and even prank the others, including Jaehyuk.

And so in his absence also came the absence of that lively atmosphere.

Jaehyuk sighed again and turned back to his computer to resume his work. However, he heard the familiar ding of the elevator opening and closing, what followed after were light footsteps. At first, he thought nothing of it. Since the elevator ding came first before the footsteps it meant that someone coming into the office and not someone leaving the office. After considering this, Jaehyuk's head popped the idea of the possibility that this incoming presence might be Jihoon. Jaehyuk smiled perking up in his seat. He was thinking maybe the older was returning early from his work at the company of Magnum. It was day two, so surely the job today wasn't loaded than that of yesterday on which Jihoon left the company late in the evening.

He heard the light footsteps becoming louder. They were getting close and once they turned the corner to Jaehyuk's side of the office he will finally see the person.

"Hyung?" Jaehyuk tried calling out.

To his surprise and shock, he laid his eyes not on Jihoon but a stranger.

But not just any stranger, it was a handsome platinum blonde haired man that appeared younger or just about his age. The blonde man was dressed quite professionally casual, wearing eyeglasses. The man's face held a neutral expression. Jaehyuk has never met this man. The stranger has a face he has never seen before in all his life here in South Korea and he was sure this man came from a different country due to his features that made him seem different, in a good way. Jaehyuk kept observing this man and noticed he held a beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers in his hands.

"I wonder who those are for?" Jaehyuk wandered out loud to himself.

The stranger was looking around the office. His eyes searching for something or someone.

"This man must be here to see his girlfriend or something." Jaehyuk muttered.

The stranger caught sight of Jaehyuk who had not stopped staring at him. The latter's eyes widened once he was caught staring. He immediately avoided eye contact and crouched over his desk to pretend he was going back to typing on his computer.

Too late, the man already caught him. The blonde walked over to his desk.

"Good afternoon, sir." The man bowed slightly once he stood in front of Jaehyuk.

"Oh, um, good afternoon to you too." Jaehyuk stuttered standing up to greet the stranger in return. He didn't expect for the blonde to come over his way, least of all greet him.

"My name is Asahi, Hamada Asahi." Asahi paused for a second as he made a small bow for his introduction. "Is Park Jihoon here?" He then added.

Jaehyuk didn't process the next sentence immediately. He had been too caught up with memorising the name of this attractive man right in front of him. He repeated the name in his head and almost giggled out loud how the name suited Asahi very well.

"Hello? Do you know Park Jihoon?" Asahi inquired again. He thought maybe this man didn't hear him well the first time.

Hearing Asahi talk again made Jaehyuk finally snap back to reality.

"Ah, oh! You're looking for Jihoon?—I mean, Mr. Park. Well he's currently not here at the moment. Mr. Park is doing work somewhere else." Jaehyuk answered quickly, giving a sheepish smile for not being professional.

"When will he be back?" Asahi asked as soon as Jaehyuk finished talking.

"Oh, um, well, I think he won't be coming back to the office today. But he will be here tomorrow." Jaehyuk answered.

"Okay, thank you." Asahi nodded, the neutral expression on his face turned sad.

Jaehyuk felt sad too when he saw it. He noticed how Asahi's eyes were on the flowers he held delicately in his care. He connected the situation and the words that were spoken, then got the idea that the flowers Asahi brought here were probably meant to be given to Jihoon. Jaehyuk became confused over what was Asahi's relationship with Jihoon. He questioned why would he be giving his senior a bouquet. Flowers as a gift could mean many things but right now the most prominent thought Jaehyuk had in his head was somehow causing an ache in his chest. He ignored that as maybe some harmless body condition he was just suddenly feeling at the moment.

"Are you here to give Mr. Park these flowers?" Jaehyuk couldn't help but ask the question.

Asahi's head snapped up to look at him in the eye.

Jaehyuk smiled at him.

"Yes." Asahi answered.

"You can leave them here and I can give them to him once he returns." Jaehyuk suggested. "Or maybe you would like to wait for him to give them yourself?" He added.

Asahi seemed to be thinking.

"However, I cannot be sure what time will Mr. Park return here to the office. He....well, he recently lost his phone and has yet to either find it or buy a new one." Jaehyuk explained still smiling.

Asahi's expression turned neutral once again. Jaehyuk couldn't read him quite well to understand what his next actions would be, so he waited for a response.

"For you." Asahi said, holding out the bouquet for Jaehyuk to take.

Asahi thought for a while, if he was going to give the flowers to this Jaehyuk person. It's supposedly meant for Jihoon. But because the recipient wasn't there and flowers would be put to waste. So he nodded, he was going to allow this person to have it instead.

"What?" Jaehyuk became wide eyed, unsure of what to make of the situation. He didn't process the words quite well. "You want me to give them to Mr. Park?" He asked.

"No." Asahi shook his head. "For you."

"For me?" Jaehyuk pointed at himself. His were widely open full of disbelief and confusion.

"Yes." Asahi nodded.

"Um, why? Aren't these for Ji—I mean Mr. Park?" Jaehyuk questioned, his hands just centimeters away from touching the delicate petals.

"Mn. But he's not here. The flowers would go to waste." Asahi said.

"Oh, okay. Um...Thank you." Jaehyuk, should supposedly feel a bit dismayed that he was only being given flowers for that reason. Yet he smiled so widely while the bouquet was transferred into his arms.

Asahi felt a slight tug in his heart seeing that smile. He felt a tickling sensation under his chest. Somehow his heart leapt from seeing that smile. He shook his thoughts and reeled himself back in to only think of one person in his heart and that was Jihoon.

"Well, I'll take my leave now." Asahi announced.

"Wait! Um, Mr. Hamada." Jaehyuk called out.

"You can call me Asahi." Asahi said softly to him.

"Oh, okay. Asahi, I was wondering...what—" Jaehyuk tried to question. He was absolutely curious over what sort of relationship Jihoon had with Asahi.
Every friend Jihoon knew, Jaehyuk also knew. So, how he and this man came to know each other made him very much intrigued.

"Um...are you and Mr. Park good friends?" Jaehyuk asked.

He didn't know why but his heart was suddenly pounding vigorously from asking that question. The way he first wanted to phrase his question was to bluntly ask if the two were more than friends—that were they lovers. However, that couldn't be because Jihoon had set his eyes and obviously his heart too on the K-pop idol Hyunsuk. Then Jaehyuk realized he was prying into his boss' personal affairs. He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

"Uh, nevermind. There's no need to tell me anything. I was just curious." Jaehyuk tried laughing it off to not appear suspicious or anything. "As his assistant and without a phone to personally contact him at the moment, I try to be updated as much as possible with people that look for him." He added, trying to explain himself.

Asahi gave him a small smile. Jaehyuk shut his mouth and blush tainted his cheeks.

"We are friends." Asahi answered.

"Oh, yes! I mean, okay." Jaehyuk looked down. He also smiled. The answer was short but it seemed to have eased the tightness of his chest.

"Goodbye." Asahi gave one final farewell.

"Goodbye, I hope to see you again soon."

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

Jihoon quickly stepped out from there. He turned his back and wiped out the residue of lipstick left on his lips. He wiped it using a handkerchief from his pant pocket. When he was sure there was none left, his lips were now a rosy red tint from all the rubbing he did. When he looked up, he was met with the face of an annoyed and angry looking Hyunsuk.

Jihoon's eyes widened from shock seeing the idol was now standing so close to him.

"H-Hyunsuk?" He stuttered.

Hyunsuk said nothing to him.

"Hyunsuk? Did...did you see that?" Jihoon asked sounding nervous and timid.

"Yes." Hyunsuk answered.

"Hyunsuk, it's not like...I was...they made me..." Jihoon stumbled on his words.

'Damn it! First day of us as boyfriends and it already looks like I cheated on him.' Jihoon thought in his head.

"I know." Hyunsuk sighed, his angry stare shifted to looking collected.

"I'm sorry..." Jihoon muttered sounding upset with himself.

"I know, it was just work. It meant nothing to you." Hyunsuk assured him.

'But it surely meant something to that scheming friend of mine.' he thought with a frown.

"Looks like I have to keep you always close so nothing like that would happen again. If only we were alone right now." Hyunsuk whispered close to Jihoon's ear.

The younger felt a shudder ran up his spine as his breath tickled his skin.

"I'd kiss your lips so you'd remember there's only me in your life right now." Hyunsuk said.

"Hyunsuk..." Jihoon looked at him intently in the eyes, almost forgetting they were in a public space right now.

"I WANT A KISS MARK TOO!!"

The two moved away from each other after hearing Yedam's demanding scream.

"I WANT A KISS FROM JIHOON TOO!!!"

Doyoung's voice immediately came after.

Jihoon groaned and slapped a hand over his face.

Chapter Text

The jacket photo shoot finally came to a close. The entire staff were busy cleaning up everything that were used in the making of the album jacket for Magnum. There were endless of grateful words thrown at each other and grateful smiles shone in appreciation for everyone's hard work.

As soon as Hyunsuk gave his own word of thanks to everyone around, he quickly booked it out of the area to switch out of the tight fitting clothes and wiped off the heavy dark make up. Now dressed in comfortable clothes, he ran back to look for Jihoon before he could leave.

Hyunsuk tried to not look or act too peculiar when he came back to the room where they had their jacket shoot. His eyes searched for Jihoon and he found him standing beside Himchan, wherein both were facing a monitor that showcased the photos taken from today's shoot.

Hyunsuk made his was through with leisure steps. He would greet the remaining staff he would pass by. A smile was constant on his face while he got closer. He was giddy with excitement as it was finally the end of their jacket shoot and just as he promised before, he would be taking Jihoon on a date. He didn't have a specific place in mind yet because he had been busy with practicing and also polished the finishing touches of their songs. Hyunsuk was a good thirteen feet away from the Jihoon when he got forcefully shoved by someone. He was caught off guard and tipped to the side almost falling to the floor but he caught himself just in time.

"Jihoon!" Yedam hollered, running past Hyunsuk and Doyoung was not far behind him.

"Sorry, Hyunsuk hyung. I couldn't stop them." Yoonbin appeared after the two. He was breathing heavily like he had just ran a marathon.

Jihoon heard his name and turned to face the one who called him.

"Jihoon, did you enjoy today's jacket shoot? Did you have fun? Will you continue to work as a photographer for our next jacket shoots and other photoshoots?" Yedam asked as he stood right in front of Jihoon.

"Um..." Jihoon tried to form an answer.

"Jihoon!" Doyoung shoved Yedam to the side so it was him that Jihoon was facing. "You're looking as lovely as always! Will you be heading straight to your home after you finish? Do you need a ride back?" He asked.

"No, it's okay. I can take the bus. I don't want to trouble you with that." Jihoon immediately refused, giving a polite smile to show.

"But it's no trouble! Our car is already waiting outside." Doyoung stepped closer, holding both of Jihoon's hands.

"There's really no need." Jihoon laughed nervously.

"He said there's no need." Hyunsuk finally came to his rescue. He pried off Doyoung's hands from his boyfriend, making sure to give a glare.

Doyoung quickly glared back at him too. Not wanting to back down so easily and quickly. Jihoon noticed the sudden silent competition between the two and thought hard of how to pull them all out the tense situation.

"You should all go rest early, I heard you're about to make your comeback in the next few days." Jihoon said which brought their attention back towards him. "Also, look at the time, let's all head home now." He announced and started to pack up his stuff.

"Woah, what's the rush Jihoon? Don't leave just yet. Our comeback isn't til next month." Seunghun suddenly appeared and inserted himself into the conversation. Just like the others, he changed into comfortable clothes.

"Oh, sorry, do we still have more work to do?" Jihoon asked looking at him.

"No, it's not that. I was just thinking of treating you and the guys out for some soju and meat. Everyone here all worked hard for the jacket shoot." Seunghun smiled, slinging an arm over Hyunsuk to shut him up for whatever the latter tried to say.

Hyunsuk was trying to oppose to the idea. He had planned for him and Jihoon to go out together-alone, but Seunghun was here to ruin it again just like before.

"That's a great idea Seunghun! Jihoon! Jihoon! You should come with us! Have a drink with us!" Doyoung jumped looking excited. He wanted to spend more time with the photographer. He'd been wanting to get close to Jihoon but couldn't do that much since they were busy needing to be in front of the camera all the time during the photoshoot.

"Drink? Right now?" Jihoon looked confused and panicked.

"It's a great idea indeed! We should all go now while it's still early!" Yedam nodded. He was also ecstatic of the idea to spend more time with Jihoon. He was going to take this chance to get to know him more and get closer with him.

"Wait-" Hyunsuk tried to say.

"Well, Jihoon? What do you say?" Seunghun asked, walking closer over to him and also pushing Hyunsuk to the back so Jihoon wouldn't see him.

"Please go, Jihoon!" Doyoung pleaded clinging onto him.

"Yeah, come with us!" Yedam added and also did the same.

"I don't know. Himchan and I still have work to do." Jihoon tried coming up with an excuse.

"It seems to me that you and Himchan are almost done anyway. Right, Himchan?" Seunghun looked over the other photographer.

"Yeah, just a few touches and they'll be submitted for choosing for the team that'll work on the album photos." Himchan said.

"See! Come on, Jihoon! Join us for a drink!" Doyoung pleaded to him.

"I...I guess I can go?" Jihoon surrendered after feeling quite pressured by them surrounding him. His eyes yearned for Hyunsuk, wanting to know and see what the other thought of his choice. But he couldn't see him since the three invaded most of the space around him.

There were cheers that erupted when he gave his affirmative answer to their request. Quickly, Doyoung and Yedam encased Jihoon's arms tighter and pulled him along with them to leave.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Hyunsuk called out trying to stop them.

"Himchan, you're coming along?" Seunghun asked.

"Sure, if it's okay with you guys." Himchan answered.

"I'll go get Byounggon." Yoonbin said walking away.

"Hey! Wait! I said WAIT!!" Hyunsuk ran after the two that were dragging his boyfriend away.

He cursed at how once again his date with Jihoon was ruined by them.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

"Cheers!"

They settled in a small restaurant wherein they can use rooms to drink and eat in private. The sliding doors were shut closed and so were the windows leading outside, so they didn't have to worry much about paparazzi or for any fans to spot them drinking out. They were glad their managers were kind enough to allow them to drink tonight. They did have to promise not to get too drunk or they might do something stupid that could ruin their reputation.

Jihoon was seated in between two idols. On his left was Seunghun and on his right was Doyoung, much to Hyunsuk's extreme distaste. He really tried to sit beside Jihoon but the other two were aggressively persistent. So, he was seated across from Jihoon instead. At least that gave him a front view to look after him in case the two that were beside him tried anything funny. Yedam also wanted to sit beside Jihoon but he stood no chance against the other two. He settled to sit next next to Doyoung instead since he would still be close to Jihoon.

Himchan sat beside Seunghun. Yoonbin sat on Hyunsuk's left and Byounggon sat on his right.

They ordered their soju and food. Their drinking glasses all filled with the alcohol and each were obliged to raise their glasses to a toast.

"Cheers!"

They each gulped down their drinks in their own way. Some of them downed it all in one go while the others took a sip. Hyunsuk was careful to not get drunk as he wanted to be mindful of everything that would transpire tonight. He needed to keep an eye on Jihoon to make sure none of the others would try to make a move on him. Nope, he wasn't going to allow that. They were now boyfriends. Hyunsuk badly wanted to shove that fact down everyone's throats right now but him and Jihoon haven't talked about that yet. He wanted Jihoon's approval first before he can finally let a few selected and trusted people know about their relationship.

Jihoon also took a small sip. He didn't want to get drunk. Last time he got too drunk, he ended up kissing, well, making out with Hyunsuk back when they were in Japan. His face turned red when he remembered that drunken memory.

"Hey, Jihoon, your face is already red. You barely drank your soju but you're already turning red." Doyoung pointed out with a giggle. "Don't tell me you're a lightweight drinker?" He asked.

"Oh, no, I'm not. I just...well..." Jihoon fumbled, trying to find the right words to say. His eyes crossed over to look at Hyunsuk. The latter was surprised and confused why the former was looking over him. Jihoon really wished he was seated next to Hyunsuk. "Just nothing." The answer he settled with.

"Just nothing?" Doyoung questioned.

"Yeah." Jihoon replied.

Doyoung didn't seem convinced. Before he could say more, someone interrupted him.

"Let's play a game." Seunghun proclaimed.

Their heads all turned towards him, eyes in question over what he had in mind.

"Let's play 'Never Have I Ever'. Do you guys know that game?" Seunghun inquired.

Some nodded their heads to confirm they do while others shook their heads meaning that they don't. Yedam, Doyoung and Yoonbin were the ones that shook their heads, the younger members in their group, but they're all at the age allowed to consume alcohol.

"Okay, let me explain. We play it by taking turns listing potential experiences we've never had. If someone has done the action in question, they take a shot of their drink. If no one has done the action in question, the person who posed the question takes a drink." Seunghun explained.

A look of understanding crossed the faces of those who don't know or have never played the game before.

"Okay, should we start now?" Seunghun asked while filling his glass with soju.

"Wait, there's someone I asked to come. He's almost here." Yoonbin said, looking at his phone.

"Someone's coming? Who?" Hyunsuk asked turning to him with wide eyes.

Just then the sliding door was opened and revealed Junghwan.

"Am I early or am I late?" Junghwan asked smiling widely as he stepped in and closed the door again.

"Junghwan! You're just in time! We're about to play a game. It's called Never Have I Ever." Yoonbin said, gesturing with his hand for Junghwan to come sit beside him.

"Cool! I've never played it before but I know how it is played." Junghwan walked over to their side, all while he did, his eyes were trained on Jihoon.

Junghwan knew the photographer was there. Yoonbin asked him to come over and have a drink with them. Junghwan was supposedly going to refuse the offer but he asked who were present and as soon as Yoonbin mentioned Jihoon's name, the Youtuber quickly made his way to his car. He drove fast just to get there, hoping to sit beside Jihoon. But both sides we're already taken.

Junghwan's shoulders slumped a bit, taking his seat next to Yoonbin instead.

Hyunsuk mentally face palmed himself and wanted to smack Yoonbin in the head.

'Not another one.' he sighed heavily upon seeing Junghwan.

He really fought the tempting urge of wanting to hit Yoonbin hard for bringing another person who was interested in taking his boyfriend away from him.

Chapter Text

"I can't believe Jihoon hyung is also here!" Junghwan exclaimed looking all giddy and excited. His eyes never leaving Jihoon's figure. He was given a glass and gratefully accepted the soju that was poured for him.

"Yeah, we're colleagues. I'm working as a photographer for their album jacket." Jihoon explained while taking a bite of his food.

"That's everyone? Any more sudden guests?" Seunghun asked around to see if anyone else invited someone over. When everyone confirmed there was no one else coming, Seunghun believed they can finally start. "Okay, I'll start first and then we end with Jihoon." He slung an arm over the photographer.

Jihoon turned frozen in his place as he felt the arm encase him. His eyes quickly strayed over to Hyunsuk who looked furious at the display right in front of him. The latter clutched his drinking glass in a tight hold, he looked ready to shatter it with his bare hand or maybe throw it hard at Seunghun's face. However, he can't do that and he's not the type that would do that. Also, they're about to make a comeback and it would be bad for their group if one of their members appear on stage and during their promotions with an injured face.

"Sure." Jihoon answered while trying to get Seunghun to let go. Fortunately, he did released his arm from Jihoon.

"Alright! Let's begin!! Never have I ever sang in public." Seunghun clapped, a knowing smirk plastered on his face.

"That's not fair. You know well enough we all sing in public we're freaking idols. Idiot." Byounggon immediately protested, he still gulped down his shot though.

"But dude what we do is rap, that doesn't count as singing." Hyunsuk argued with Byounggon.

"Hyunsuk, you idiot. We have a few songs and there are cover songs we've done in which we actually sang and not just rap." Byounggon threw back at him.

"Oh, right." Hyunsuk said nothing more and took his shot.

Yedam and Doyoung gulped down their shots without any complaints. Junghwan did so too. They were aware he would sometimes sing to the public especially to his subscribers on YouTube. They often complimented him for his voice that has a nice vibrato and is very stable. Jihoon also took a drink and that got Junghwan curious.

"Wait, Jihoon hyung, you sang in public?" Junghwan asked looking surprised.

"Yes, I did. Well, it was exclusively only at my younger brother's wedding back in Japan." Jihoon explained with a small smile. He felt embarrassed to share or even reminisce it, unsure if he really did sing well during that time.

"You can sing?! I didn't know!" Junghwan perked up in his seat.

"It's true. I heard it myself." Doyoung boasted. "It was like hearing the voice of an angel." He added, dreamily looking at Jihoon.

"I heard it too. His voice was a beautiful melody to my ears." Yedam said with a dreamy sigh himself. He put an elbow on the table and rested his chin on his palm to look at the photographer.

Jihoon laughed nervously. He tried to calm himself knowing it was just the coins curse and spell causing this to them again.

"I want to hear it too. Can you sing right now Jihoon!?" Junghwan looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Uhh, maybe not right now." Jihoon tried to evade the request.

"Jihoon can sing later. We're all still playing a game." Hyunsuk inserted. Junghwan heard him loud and clear and a dejected look crossed the younger's face. "It's Himchan's turn now." He quickly added to distract them. No one else is allowed to hear his Jihoon's singing voice except him.

"Oh, it's my turn now? Okay,...never have I ever.....faked sick from work." Himchan said looking around the group with a grin on his face.

"Shit." Byounggun cursed as he downed another drink. "I feel like I'm gonna be very drunk tonight."

Hyunsuk didn't take a shot. Yoonbin hesitated before taking it. Pairs of eyes from his fellow group looked at him questioningly.

"It was one time." Yoonbin defended.

Yedam didn't take a shot, so did Junghwan and Doyoung. Seunghun also didn't. Their heads turned over to Jihoon, surprised that he took a drink.

"Wait, Jihoon you faked sick from work?" Himchan asked looking at him in disbelief. To him, Jihoon already gave workaholic vibes so it came a bit of a surprise to him that he faked being sick to skip work.

"I did but only once because of...personal reasons." Jihoon said trying to be vague about it.

Indeed, never had he faked sick to escape work, but that was until the day that Hyunsuk and him scheduled to meet each other. It was supposed to be quick and he would still be able to go back to his office. However, the events that occured that day, such as learning about Magnum, Hyunsuk confessing to him and lastly Hyunsuk unexpectedly kissing him. His emotions were going haywire that's why he had to fake being sick even though he really wasn't actually sick.

But then, this was just a game and why is he being so honest with his answers. He's going to be drunk at this rate if every question thrown will have him taking a drink each turn.

"Okay, my turn. Never have I ever....been to a foreign country." Byounggon smirked knowing already who'll be taking their shots.

"Aish! You-we just went to Japan!" Yedam protested with an annoyed tone but still took a swig of his drink.

The idols all drank from their glasses. Junghwan didn't as he has never left their country yet. Himchan never left to any foreign country as well. Then there's Jihoon who was starting to think it was a bad idea coming along and playing this game. He said he wouldn't get drunk but here he was with his third shot. He scrunched his face taking his third and felt it burned his throat.

Hyunsuk looked at him concerned. He was worried Jihoon might get too drunk from always having to take a shot from each question. He was up next, he was already formulating what to ask wherein Jihoon wouldn't have to drink.

"Alright, never have I ever...had a wardrobe malfunction on stage." Hyunsuk said.

Hyunsuk heard Byounggon sigh loudly beside him before downing his drink once again.

"Are you guys targeting me or what?" Byounggon asked.

"Boo, boring." Yoonbin gestured with a thumbs down, referring to the question Hyunsuk threw.

Seunghun also took a drink and then no one else. Jihoon looked over Hyunsuk and gave him a grateful smile.

"My turn! My turn! Never have I ever sneezed on a stranger!" Yoonbin exclaimed. He waited for someone to take a drink but no one did. "What? No one here has at least accidentally sneezed on a stranger? Really? No one?"

"No, that's disgusting." Yedam scrunched his face.

"Yeah, I would at least look the other way before sneezing, or you know block my sneeze like a normal person." Byounggon added.

Yoonbin sulked as he was the only one to take a shot alone since no one else did.

"Your turn Junghwan." He said.

"Okay, um...never have I ever eaten an entire pizza alone." Junghwan smiled looking around who was gonna take a drink.

No one took a shot.

"What? Really? None of you guys have ever eaten a whole pizza all on your own?" Junghwan asked in disbelief.

"Well, we don't really get to do mukbangs like you do." Doyoung said.

Junghwan said nothing more and drank alone.

"My turn," Yedam said. "Never have I ever.... Googled myself." He snickered.

Around the table, Yedam wasn't surprised as he watched each of the Magnum members took a shot of their drinks. He laughed again.

"Seriously?" He said in between chuckles.

"Hey, you can't blame us. We at least want to know what results shows up when we Google ourselves." Doyoung defended.

"I haven't tried Googling myself. I'll try later when I get home." Junghwan said looking dead serious.

Jihoon himself looked astonished and chuckled a bit from learning that Hyunsuk Googled himself. Hyunsuk looked over to him, an eyebrow raised in question over what he was finding funny.

"Okay, it's my turn now. Never have I ever had an ex." Doyoung said, his eyes subtly shifting to look at Jihoon.

Jihoon gripped on his drinking glass and quickly took the shot. He emptied all its contents. He coughed as he choked a bit. Doyoung was quick to pat his back and so did Seunghun.

Hyunsuk frowned seeing that. He looked around the table, he noticed everyone's eyes were on Jihoon. It seemed like Jihoon was the only one in the group that drank. As young bloods wanting to debut as idols, dating was strictly discouraged and not allowed to them. Though, right now, they are old enough and somewhat allowed to start dating but because they're often busy, none has ever found the time to find love. Except for Hyunsuk.

Back to Jihoon, Hyunsuk knew exactly who this ex was. He'd been there to witness Jihoon get drunk after he stumbled upon him back in Japan.

"Jihoon, you had someone in your life before? Like someone you were engaged with in a romantic way?" Yoonbin asked, almost leaning on the table.

"Yeah." Jihoon answered.

"Can you tell us why you two broke up?" Doyoung pried, turning his body to face Jihoon.

Jihoon let out a bitter laugh. He was starting to get tipsy.

"We broke up because of me." He said.

They all looked at him confused and shocked by his answer. Mildly hazy heads questioned what ever reason made Jihoon and his ex broke up because of him. Hyunsuk listened attentively to what Jihoon had to say. He had an idea that the Junkyu guy they met back in Japan was surely someone of past significance to Jihoon. Just what exactly would Jihoon be spilling to the group.

"I worked too much and barely gave time to spend with him. So one day, he had enough and we...broke up." Jihoon simplified. "Anyway! Never have I ever..."

Chapter Text

A heavily drunk Byounggon slammed his empty glass to the table, making a loud sound of the glass hitting against the wooden surface. Nearby ears heard, alerted by the sound that it made their necks twist to turn and look over at the creator of the noise. Both drunken and tipsy eyes held pity and awe for the glass that didn't break upon impact.

"More! Drink more!! Play more!!!" Byounggon slurred, raising his empty glass to cheer. "Never have I ever gotten fucked in the—" he couldn't finish as Hyunsuk quickly clamped his mouth shut.

"Alright, I think you guys had enough." Hyunsuk said finally. He was still sober. He made sure to not get drunk so he could look after the members that would get drunk.

Jihoon was also one of those that didn't get drunk but he was a bit tipsy. Throughout the game, he felt too targetted with the never have I ever questions, especially by Seunghun, Doyoung and Yedam. He wasn't stupid nor too assuming. But to him, it felt like the three were trying to get him drunk. So even if the never have I ever applied to him, he wouldn't drink anymore in order to keep himself sober. Though he did take a few sips from time to time to not arouse suspicion from them.

And now, looking at the table, there were five drunk idols such as Byounggon, Yoonbin, Seunghun, Yedam and Doyoung. Himchan had left early due to a sudden phone call from his household. He excused himself, thanking them for the drinks and then he left. Junghwan was a bit drunk himself but not like the others. He minded his intake, as he didn't want to get too intoxicated. He was instead more focused on Jihoon's profile. He did not fail to stare and keep his eyes on the photographer. He looked at him like a lovesick puppy. But then he became a bit irritated as someone was being too touchy and clingy.

Doyoung was clinging to Jihoon like a baby koala. He embraced Jihoon by his waist in a tight hold and mumbled incoherent words that Jihoon couldn't understand. The younger's face was tinted red, eyes shut close and his breath thickly laced with the scent of the alcohol. Yedam also attempted to do the same to Jihoon. He tried climbing on top of Doyoung to reach for Jihoon but he got shove back by the former. He tried crawling around over but got pushed back too. He whined annoyed.

"Nooo!! You can't come near my precious Jihoon! He's mine! All mine!! Only I can hold him!" Doyoung slurred possessively.

Hyunsuk rolled his eyes at Doyoung's words but he then let a small smirk grace his face. His eyes held a knowing look as Jihoon didn't belong to any of them.

"Nooo!! He's mine! He can't be yours! Jihoon likes me better!!" Yedam retaliated. He grabbed Doyoung's shirt and began pulling him off from Jihoon.

"Noooooo!!" Doyoung clung tighter to Jihoon.

The photographer felt the breath getting knocked out of his lungs with Doyoung's sudden death grip on him. He grunted as a dull pain enveloped his body from being squeezed too hard. Jihoon looked over to his boyfriend for help.

Hyunsuk watched amused. Although the words and the way the two continued to fight over his boyfriend should make him jealous, he knew that no matter how hard they try they can't erase the fact that Jihoon only said yes to him in becoming his lover.

Besides the two, on one side of Jihoon, there was Seunghun who rested his head contentedly on Jihoon's shoulder. His face was flushed and slight heavy breathing was observable from the rising and falling of his chest. He seemed asleep.

Jihoon now carefully removed Doyoung's hold on him. The drunk idol was easy to pry off of him.

"Okay, I think it's time we should all be going home and call it a night." Jihoon announced.

Hyunsuk gave him a nod of agreement as he started to get up from his seat.

Jihoon followed, trying to stand himself but he was startled and stopped midway as he felt a light touch on his butt. He let out a gasp as his face morphed into one of shock, then embarrassment. He quickly stood up to get away from the eager hand. His knee hit the table and caused it to almost flipped over to the other side but Hyunsuk steadied it back also there was Yoonbin who had all his weight on it as he was knocked out and sleeping on the table. Jihoon's eyes were on Hyunsuk. He was reluctant to see and know whose hand it was that touched him. It could have just really been an honest mistake especially with the influence of the alcohol. Hyunsuk looked at him surprised yet concerned by his sudden hastiness.

"Jihoon? What's wrong?" Hyunsuk asked.

"I...I think someone just touched my butt." Jihoon admitted.

"WHAT!!?" Hyunsuk shrieked shocked and enraged. "Who?! Who did it?!!" He demanded. His eyes immediately glaring at the possible suspects.

He was trying to scare and get a response from Doyoung, Seunghun or Yedam as they were the ones sitting on Jihoon's side of the table. It could be any one from the three. They are relentlessly each other fighting for Jihoon, mostly Yedam and Doyoung.

"SOMEONE DID WHAT?!" Junghwan screamed along while standing up himself. He looked just as infuriated as Hyunsuk. "Which one of you did it? How dare you!? Which one dared touch Jihoon hyung's butt?!" He pointed a finger trying to pin on who was responsible.

"You two, calm down. It must've been just an honest mistake. They're all drunk." Jihoon tried to pacify them, regretting he even said the truth. He realized it now might cause an unwanted fight in the group.

"Honest mistake? How is someone touching your butt an honest mistake? No one else can touch your butt but me! I'm your boyfriend!" Hyunsuk declared without shame.

"Boyfriend?!" Junghwan repeated wanting clarification if he heard it right. "You can't be Jihoon hyung's boyfriend! Hyunsuk hyung, who are you to decide that right now?" He slammed his hand on the table.

"I'm sorry to be the one to break this to you Junghwan but it's true. Jihoon and I are now together. You all lose. He's mine now and none of you can do anything about it." Hyunsuk boasted and showed his tongue. He smirked confidently.

"Hyunsuk!" Jihoon tried to protest seeing what Hyunsuk was doing.

Junghwan's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Liar! I don't believe it! Jihoon hyung is not your boyfriend!" He barked.

"It's true! Ask Jihoon yourself! I am his boyfriend!" Hyunsuk walked over to Jihoon's side. He pulled the dumbfounded photographer away from the table.

Their chests collided with each other and Jihoon gasped surprised by Hyunsuk's bravery in intimately displaying themselves like this. He thought maybe the alcohol was now getting to Hyunsuk. Perhaps he wasn't sober at all.

"Hyunsuk!" Jihoon muttered his name again. He blushed embarrassed as the idol encased a hand around his waist.

"As his boyfriend I'm supposed to be the only one who can touch him....here." Hyunsuk had let his other hand wrapped around Jihoon's waist but it snaked down to his hip and then went lower.

Jihoon's face turned even more red when Hyunsuk's careful touch made him feel a firm squeeze. He had to bit his lip to avoid letting out a sound.

"Hyunsuk! What are you doing?!" Jihoon whispered in a panicked yell.

"Letting them know you're taken." Hyunsuk replied.

"Hey! Let him go! You're making him uncomfortable!" Junghwan stepped closer to them looking utterly furious by Hyunsuk's actions.

While all of this happened, the others were all to intoxicated to take in what they were hearing and most were already asleep. Not even the shouting could wake them up yet.

"This isn't true. It can't be. Jihoon hyung?" Junghwan asked in a small voice with a crack.

Jihoon was avoiding eye contact with him. He didn't expect to be confronted like this. He really thought he could have kept him and Hyunsuk a secret until Jihoon returned the coins to the fountain and they could live a not so cursed life. Jihoon sighed knowing it can't be helped. He at least needed to finally clarify it to Junghwan, maybe just maybe, his display of affection to someone else would break the curse of the coins. Jihoon looked at Junghwan feeling guilty as the younger male had glassy eyes. He seemed wholly hurt by this.

"It's true, Junghwan. Hyunsuk and I are together." Jihoon admitted with a serious look but then smiled to look at his beloved.

"No." Junghwan shook his head. "Unless you two kiss, I won't believe it." He dared as a last effort to try to convince himself it wasn't true all.

"Fine by me." Hyunsuk shrugged his shoulders.

"Hyunsuk wai—" Jihoon tried to protest.

Before he could do so, their lips connected. Hyunsuk pulled him closer to his body and Jihoon at first was hesitant but then responded to the kiss. He felt a lick on his lips and that took him aback but then he opened his mouth and allowed the idol to kiss him deeper. Junghwan's mouth hung open in complete utter incredulity along with a broken heart.

The two soon pulled away to catch their breaths. Both photographer and idol had pink tinted cheeks.

"I see." Junghwan nodded sounding defeated. "Jihoon hyung....I really like you. I don't think..that just because you're boyfriends now... I won't back down. It hurts..." Junghwan mumbled, closing his eyes and gripping on his chest area where underneath his shirt is his painfully beating heart.

Hyunsuk and Jihoon looked at each other, both taken aback by Junghwan's words. Jihoon squinted his eyes noticing the pained expression on Junghwan's face. It wasn't just emotional but somehow almost physical too.

"Junghwan." Jihoon worried for the younger boy.

"Jihoon hyung, please excuse me for tonight." Junghwan muttered. He bowed and quickly left there.

Jihoon looked at him worried.

"We should go after him. What if he hurts himself or gets into an accident. He seemed emotionally unstable." Jihoon fretted.

"Don't worry. I'll have one of our managers look after him. He's close with Junghwan so it won't be a problem." Hyunsuk said while typing on his phone.

"Why'd you have to go and tell him about us? We talked about this that it wasn't the right time." Jihoon scolded him.

"Then when is the right time Jihoonie? When should I let them know that they should stop making moves on you cause it's me that you already like? I don't like it everytime they try to get close to you or give you gifts and most of all touch you! And now because they aren't aware that we're together they might possibly force themselves on you." Hyunsuk turned his back to Jihoon. He scratched his head frustrated.

Jihoon stayed quiet. He looked down thinking if he should let Hyunsuk know about the coins and how the way the others acted towards him were all just maybe fake.

"I don't get it. I don't get why just...just like how many are after you?" Hyunsuk contemplated. "I mean I don't blame them because you're just so handsome and amazing and just so wonderful! I am so lucky to have you! Cuz' I love you so much! I know it hasn't been that long but I just have this feeling that...that I want to have a future with you. And I don't want them to take you from me. Do you understand?" He finished, placing a gentle hand on Jihoon's red cheek. It didn't end there, he also placed a simple kiss on his lips.

"I understand."

Chapter Text

A car stopped at a lonely street, in the middle of the night. The side door of the car slid open and two people came out, Hyunsuk and Jihoon.

Hyunsuk was the one who first got off the van like car. He had been holding Jihoon's hand throughout the car ride. He wasn't wary nor cared of whatever interpretations their manager or the driver at the front seats would think about them. Hyunsuk relished in Jihoon's warmth and presence close beside him. He even let his head rest on Jihoon's shoulder. Hyunsuk looked happy and contented. Jihoon let him be. Though he had been overthinking what thoughts the two at the front would now think of him once they realize and find out that their company's famous idol was dating a photographer with a humble background. Jihoon had been tensed and fidgety from every pair of eyes he'd catch looking through the rearview mirror. But as Hyunsuk laced their hands tighter together he allowed himself to push down his worries and insecurities and let his idol enjoy their time together. Both were unaware of the ireful eyes behind them, blindly thinking everyone were asleep from the alcohol they consumed.

And so, they arrived at the place where Jihoon lives. Hyunsuk had asked that Jihoon be dropped off home first. The photographer was the second one to get out of the car. Hyunsuk held out a gentle hand to carefully help him out.

"Hyunsuk, I'm not that drunk." Jihoon whispered to him and lightly pushed the hand away to reject it.

"I didn't say you were drunk. I just wanted to hold your hand." Hyunsuk replied back in a whisper as well.

Jihoon's eyes widened for a second, panicked that the not intoxicated others inside the car might've heard.

"Hyunsuk." Jihoon scolded.

"Alright. But don't blame me if you fall." Hyunsuk raised his hands in surrender.

Jihoon carefully stepped out. His legs feeling like noodles for a bit. He really didn't want to fall so he did his best to keep himself upright without needing Hyunsuk's assistance. Jihoon never thought the alcohol would be slowly affecting him now. He breathed in and out, feeling the cold breeze of the midnight air hit his skin. He sighed seeing the familiar structure of buildings and standing on the solid cement ground underneath him.

Jihoon turned back to the car and wholeheartedly thanked both driver and manager for letting him have a ride home. Once he thanked them he walked a few steps closer to the building he stayed at. Hyunsuk followed his footsteps along. They soon both stopped after five steps. The photographer turned to face the idol.

"Thank you for bringing me home." Jihoon thanked Hyunsuk.

"It's no problem. I'm always gonna be here whenever you need me." Hyunsuk said taking Jihoon's hand in his and squeezing it.

Jihoon stared at him as a guilty look crossed his face. Hyunsuk's words caused a jabbing sensation all over his chest and he remembered the dolorous line of thinking Hyunsuk had shared to him a while ago. Jihoon was contemplating on letting the truth be known to his boyfriend.

"Hyunsuk... there's something that-" Jihoon tried to say but got cut off.

"Hyunsuk, we need to go now." The manager said in a gentle tone yet it was laced with urgency.

Hyunsuk made eye contact with their manager. He gave the man a nod to relay the idea that he heard him and he would just tie the night with a farewell to Jihoon.

"I have to go now. What you want to tell me you can tell me on your phone-oh, wait, you lost it." Hyunsuk corrected and scratched his head. "Well, I guess you'll just have to tell me when we see each other again." He guessed to see if Jihoon would agree.

"But Hyunsuk..." Jihoon had wanted to object and argue that what he needed to say was important for Hyunsuk to know. But he knew better than to make a fuss and not make the others in the car wait. He sighed and nodded. "Goodnight Hyunsuk." He smiled, trying not to look worried.

"Goodnight Jihoonie." Hyunsuk smiled. He wanted to kiss him but he knew the existing audience nearby them.

He gave the photographer one last squeeze with his hand and reluctantly let go. Hyunsuk got back in to the car. He smiled at Jihoon once more, saying something in a silent whisper in which he hoped his lips had been able to convey to Jihoon. And finally he shut the door closed. The tinted windows blocked Jihoon's view of Hyunsuk inside. The engine roared and the wheels moved to take its passengers away.

Jihoon sighed once more. He didn't know when Hyunsuk and him would see each other again but he was going to make sure he would finally let Hyunsuk know about his curse.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

Jihoon was startled awake when he heard the sound of glass shattering to pieces. He had been in deep slumber but the noise was loud enough to wake him up and close enough for his senses to pick up. It caused major alarms to him. He quickly checked the time on the digital clock on his nightstand. The time was 6:31 am. He looked at the curtains that covered his windows, sunlight was already bursting through. This had him confused. The glass shattering sounded like someone had broken into his apartment but it wasn't night time. It was early in the morning. Jihoon questioned who would want to rob him so bad at this early hour.

Jihoon got off his bed quickly but quietly. He needed to know what was happening. From outside his bedroom, he could hear movement, there was someone outside. He could hear the shattered glasses being moved around. It's that sound when glass shards are being dragged around or sweeped away. Jihoon's heart beat quickened. He let his eyes scan his room for something he could use for self defense. The one thing that stood out to him was his camera's tripod standing near his closet. Jihoon tiptoed fast to pick up the tripod. He heard the glasses and footsteps again. They sounded like they were getting close. The next thing he heard from outside were whispers.

Jihoon held the tripod close to him. He breathed in and out trying to calm his heartbeat. A quick thought passed his brain that maybe, just maybe, whoever was or were outside were actually harmless people. He saw his door knob being turned. The photographer held back a squeak to not make the person aware he was awake and up. He was cursing in his head why did he not lock his doorknob.

The door started to be pushed open. Jihoon debated in his head for a quick second whether he should push the door back to close again, lock the door and then call the police or he should let the intruder come in and he'll deal with the intruder himself. He can fight. But then what if the intruder was a better fighter than him?

The intruder stepped in. Jihoon raised the tripod and was ready to strike the intruder on the face.

"Yoshi?!?!" Jihoon exclaimed full of shock and mortification.

"Hello, Jihoon!" Yoshi replied enthusiastically. His expression a stark contrast compared to Jihoon.

"How!? How are you here? Why are—how did you get into my apartment?!" Jihoon demanded. The tripod was still in his hands and raised above.

"You left your keys outside the door. Like it was left exactly still in the keyhole. You must have forgotten to pull it out and bring it in. It's a good thing no one else saw it. They could have entered your home while you were still asleep which is a very vulnerable state to—" Yoshi got cut off.

"What's this?" Jihoon asked seeing him with a cup full of some liquid on a tray.

"Oh, this? It's for you. I made you tea for your hangover. I smelled alcohol on you so I thought you might have been out drinking before you came home." Yoshi explained.

"Wha... wait. Smell me? Like..." Jihoon stopped himself not wanting to dwell on it. He didn't want to imagine he had been deeply asleep and there was Yoshi sniffing on him. He shuddered at the thought feeling creeped out by the image of the others who were cursed who were also capable of doing that.

"Why are you here?" Jihoon sighed, finally putting down the tripod to the floor. He rubbed on his face trying to get a better grasp of reality.

"I haven't seen you in a long time. I went to your office and they said you were busy somewhere else. And I waited for you here outside your apartment but then I..." Yoshi stopped and looked at Jihoon. "I saw you bring dropped off by that Hyunsuk idol. And...and you two seemed close." He forced a smile.

Jihoon stepped back. He was alarmed by the look in Yoshi's eyes and how the step he took closer made Jihoon feel uneasy. A cold feeling struck his chest and he missed a breath.

"Oh, yeah." Jihoon sputtered. "Hyunsuk and I are together now." He admitted to Yoshi.

"What?" Yoshi's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Hyunsuk and I are together now. He's my boyfriend." Jihoon said and smiled.

Yoshi was silent. Jihoon didn't know if that was a good or bad reaction. Then Yoshi suddenly started laughing.

"You're kidding with me right? I mean there's no way you said yes to that idol." Yoshi stated.

"No, it's true. He asked me and I said yes." Jihoon said.

"But..." Yoshi turned quiet for a few seconds. "There's somewhere I need to be. Here." He handed the cup of tea. "I've also already prepared some breakfast for you. I hope you'll eat well. I'll be going now. Bye Jihoon!" Yoshi exited out the room and his tone had been cheerful.

Jihoon was left confused yet he knew the way Yoshi acted after knowing about him and Hyunsuk, it was somewhat similar to how Junghwan reacted. Jihoon sighed and rubbed on his nose just wondering when will it all end. He still hasn't been able to find the time to look for the cursed coins he dropped in his apartment. He'll be exactly doing that once he gets home from work today.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

Jihoon walked out the building he lived in. When he was outside, he was greeted by the sight of a large crowd gathering around the streets. He was baffled by the sight of it as there has never been this much people around their area. It was usually peaceful and quiet and the only people he saw were those who lived here pr who lived nearby. The faces he saw, he didn't recognize most of them. He was curious as to why people were piling up here. He noticed the crowd was circling around a particular spot. Whatever it was, people seemed to be amazed by it. Jihoon looked at his wristwatch. He saw there was still enough time before he was late for work. So, he held on tight to his bag and camera. He carefully walked over to the crowd to try and see what was so amazing that it had passerby's stop to stay and watch.

Jihoon didn't have any trouble trying to peek through. The crowd wasn't that big to be tightly knit to each other. There were enough gaps to look at what they were looking at. Jihoon caught sight of the cemented road full of colors. An artist who used chalks had been drawing and coloring this portion of the street. Dread nipped at Jihoon's chest when he was slowly seeing the whole picture. The artwork was him. It was him and he was surrounded with fiery orange roses in the drawn image of him. He knew right then and there was only one person responsible for it.

"Jihoon." Someone whispered behind him.

Jihoon turned around to look at who was it and he wasn't surprise to see it was Asahi.

"Asahi!" Jihoon stepped back because of the close proximity between them.

He hit someone in the crowd and that person turned to look at him annoyed, ready to bark at him to be careful and to watch it.

"I'm sorry!" Jihoon quickly apologized.

"Watch it—Hey, wait a second." The person stopped. He closely observed Jihoon's face and turned back to the chalk drawing. Then he looked at Jihoon again. "The one in the drawing it's you." The person pointed out.

He said it out loud that it was caught by other ears. They heard him and many eyes started to stare at Jihoon. The photographer felt uncomfortable by the many pairs of eyes on him.

"Jihoon." Asahi called for his attention again.

Jihoon turned to look at him but didn't say anything. His lips were sealed as the pressure of people's watchful gazes slowly increased.

Asahi had been hiding something behind him. He carefully showed what he had been hiding and it was a bouquet of the same fiery orange roses from the drawing. Jihoon's eyes widened with his mouth hanging open. People saw and some started to get excited over what was happening right in front of them.

"Wait." Jihoon blurted.

But then Asahi got down on one knee and held and out the roses closer towards Jihoon.

"Jihoon, please accept these flowers. If you do then you're also accepting me to be yours and you as mine."

Chapter Text

"Umm..." Jihoon was left speechless. He didn't know what to say.

Actually, he did know what to say. But he was hesitant in saying it. Of course he was going to reject Asahi. He loved Hyunsuk and no one else. Jihoon would have already said that to Asahi but there was a crowd circling around them. They had heard, seen and got the context of what was happening at that moment between them. One was confessing his love to the other. The crowd around them started to whisper and bicker. Jihoon could hear them loud and clear despite turning to each other and cupping their mouths to spit out whatever they had to say.

"What's happening?"

"I think that guy is trying to confess his feelings?"

"How romantic!!"

"I wish my boyfriend was as good looking and puts as much effort as this guy."

"But they're both guys?"

"Shut up. It's the 21st century."

"That guy looks like he's not from here. I don't think he's Korean."

"Why is the other guy still not answering?"

"You're right. He's leaving the poor guy hanging. He must be really nervous now."

"Maybe he's just so shocked and surprised!"

"He does look like he's tongue tied."

"He should say Yes and accept the flowers!"

"Yes, yes! He should. I would say yes if someone did this for me!"

"Come on! Say yes!"

"Say yes!"

"Yeah! Say yes!"

"Accept the flowers!"

The people started to cheer for Asahi and urged Jihoon to accept. Jihoon looked around the people. He felt their stares and expectant eyes. They all were pressuring him to accept, if only they knew the whole picture or story.

"I...uh..." Jihoon tried to say.

Asahi still had his arm outstretched, with the beautiful flowers still waiting to go into Jihoon's arms. The look that Asahi gave him was a hopeful one yet as the seconds tick by, Jihoon could see a flicker of hopelessness in his eyes. The people continued to cheer for him to accept the flowers. Jihoon then saw some people in the crowd taking out their phones and started to film the scene of him and Asahi. They kept on cheering for him to accept. He panicked. He was now racking his brain to think of how he can escape the scene. Jihoon needed to think of something fast. If those videos get uploaded to the internet, Hyunsuk would surely see them. What would he think? He can't let that happen. He needed to explain to Hyunsuk everything soon.

"Guys!!! Look!! What's that?!!?!" Jihoon yelled out loud, exaggerating his shock.

Everyone, even Asahi, turned to the direction he was pointing at. They were all curious at what could have gotten him to look so surprised. Jihoon took that chance to sneak away from the crowd. He was careful not to alert them he was leaving. Everyone all made confused noises over where and what they should be looking at. Jihoon successfully got out of the crowd and ran away so fast to make sure they wouldn't see him the moment they realized he had fooled them.

"I don't know what I am suppose to see."

"Maybe it's the cloud?"

"No way like—hey! Where did the guy go?"

People in the crowd started to look back at the scene. Asahi turned his head back down as well, only to find that Jihoon was gone. Whispers, bickering and murmurs circulated within the crowd. Asahi heard their pity. He heard them feeling bad for him.

"Poor guy, the other guy just disappeared."

"Why did he leave?"

"He must've felt uncomfortable with a whole crowd witnessing them."

"You're right. Some of us are not used to being surrounded by people."

"But like still, he left the poor guy when he was just trying to get him to accept him."

"Oh, dear, I feel really bad for him."

Asahi heard them but their words didn't hurt nor bother him. What hurt him was Jihoon. He left. He had escaped. He didn't know why. Maybe, because of the person he liked which he mentioned back at the art gallery. Or maybe...Asahi didn't know. All he know was that his heart hurt at the moment. He closed his eyes, tightly holding the flowers. The crowd slowly start to fritter away. Words of encouragement and comfort were thrown Asahi's way. When all onlookers at the scene were gone, Asahi opened his eyes and stared at the sky. The blue was vibrant and the clouds were so white. He wondered over what was his next step.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

Jihoon panted hard from continuously running. He wanted to make sure he kept a good distance. He wanted to be sure that once he stopped, none of those people from the crowd would catch up to him, recognize him and then question him for leaving. His legs started to ache with pain. The sudden rush of adrenaline and abrupt strenuous activity made his whole body give out immediately. Jihoon almost tripped with his footing. He finally came to a halt to breath and to not risk injuring himself. He breathed heavily, trying hard to catch his breath. Large beads of sweat formed over his face. He wiped them off with his hand and hunched his back, his hands on his knees. He could feel his heart thumping loudly against his chest, its rhythmic best almost sounded angry at him. Probably reprimanding him from the unexpected exertion of his body.

He soon regained his normal breathing and his heart started to calm down. Jihoon finally looked around to see where he had ended up. He saw a bus station and walked over there to sit and wait for the bus. There was no one else sitting on the seats, he took advantage of that, wanting solitude to himself after a crazy morning. He checked his watch to see what time it was. Jihoon was relieved he still had time to go to his office before he would be deemed late. He rested his back to the wall and closed his eyes to rest. He would know when the bus arrives when he hears its familiar sounds.

It was peaceful for a while. He only heard the cars and motors that passed by the road in front of him. He heard footsteps of people that would walk by and didn't pay attention to him. Jihoon's thoughts were contemplating. He opened his eyes and saw the street, the bus has yet to come. He let his mind wander to Hyunsuk. Jihoon questioned in his head over what could Hyunsuk be doing now. He questioned if Hyunsuk was thinking of him too? Did Hyunsuk arrive safely to their dorms last night? Jihoon also thought of how he would tell Hyunsuk about his curse. He wondered how would Hyunsuk react when he told him. He wondered if Hyunsuk would believe him. Would Hyunsuk think he was crazy?

Jihoon's thoughts were cut off when he saw a group of teenagers in school uniforms coming his way. He didn't mind them. He first thought they were just gonna pass by him like the others. He was startled when they approached him.

"Hello, sir." One of them greeted him, she was a girl.

Jihoon looked at her surprised before he greeted back.

"Hello." He said confused. He didn't know them but he thought maybe these high schoolers were trying to do or ask something important, hopefully it was something related to school.

Then the group behind the girl started to mumble stuff, urging the girl who greeted Jihoon to be quick.

"Excuse us, but is your name Jihoon,  right?" The girl asked.

Jihoon's eyes turned wide, surprised by how she knew. He didn't know where this was going, also whether he was to lie or not. Maybe they were a cult trying to recruit him somewhere. He was ready to reject.

"Um, yes?" Jihoon still answered honestly.

Once he confirmed, there were a series of excited squeals from the group. He still didn't understand, until they finally kept talking.

"We're subscribers to Super King Cow Baby or Junghwan oppa's YouTube channel." The girl giggled. "We're still waiting for your appearance. When do you think that will be? Have you and Junghwan filmed the video yet?"

Jihoon's face slowly morphed into realization. He was cursing his luck.

Not again. He thought.

"Oh, that? Well...you see...um... I've just been busy...with work." Jihoon laughed nervously. "I don't exactly do what you kids do these days." He kept trying to look for what he could say to not offend the teenagers and be able to leave peacefully without any problem.

"Why aren't you filming it yet?"

"Yeah, we're excited to see what content you and Junghwan will make."

"Yes, I'm excited to see it too. I can't wait anymore!"

"Me too!"

"Can you give us a spoiler?"

Jihoon felt overwhelmed once again by the many voices. He had just escaped the crowd back with Asahi and here came another. Albeit, smaller he just didn't know what to say anymore.

All of a sudden, a hand gently grabbed his wrist and pulled him up to stand. Jihoon's body followed, not expecting or knowing who it was. He looked at the owner of the hand and he was met with a face covered behind a mask. However, the mask was useless. It didn't conceal who the person was, at least to Jihoon. The photographer noticed the familiar semi long curly locks of hair, the taller height and the piercing eyes that looked at him last night when they went drinking.

"Junghwan?" Jihoon muttered surprised.

"The bus is here." Junghwan said.

The group of teenagers heard them both and started to jump and scream all excited to see the YouTuber. Their squeals turned even more high pitched as Junghwan slid his hand over Jihoon's waist as he guided them to the bus. It all happened so fast Jihoon couldn't complain or refute. The group had been filming and caught everything on camera.

They got on the bus. It was packed and no seat was left unoccupied. The two stood along the others and waited as a few more people got on to the bus. The bus soon started to move.

"Wait, Junghwan what are you doing here?" Jihoon questioned, staying close by his side as there was no space left to put a distance between them.

"I just passed by here. I didn't expect to run into you." Junghwan answered, not looking at Jihoon.

Jihoon kept quiet. His eyes carefully observing Junghwan's expression. But it was hard with his mask on. He was doubting if Junghwan did just happen to pass by and not actually paid for those teenagers to come to him and bombard him with all those questions.

"What?" Junghwan said finally looking at him. "You think I hired those girls to go to you?" He added, placing his eyes back to the windows to see the sights outside.

"Well..." Jihoon drawled.

"After last night, I was hurt and didn't know what else to feel or think." Junghwan began.

Jihoon went silent and listened to him.

"It hurt. I don't want it to be real. I thought you'd be lying but you seemed genuinely resolute about it. I don't know what else to say. I want to fight Hyunsuk hyung. He can't have you." Junghwan expressed. His head dropped down as if in a defeated manner.

Jihoon didn't know what to say too. This curse was getting worse and out of hand now. He felt sorry for the victims. He was hurting them when that was not his intention. All Jihoon could think at that moment was getting those coins back to the fountain. He needed to stop this madness, this curse, this fake love that they feel for him.

Junghwan looked at him and the hurt was clear in his eyes. He carefully removed his mask and smiled sadly at Jihoon.

"I don't want to let you go Jihoonie hyung. I've never felt this way for anyone else. I really like you." Junghwan confessed.

Jihoon felt dizzy from all the confessions. So this is what it's like to be a heart-throb. Who said it was such a good feeling to be chased around like this? Getting numerous confessions here and there. Jihoon sighed feeling sorry for them again.

"Junghwan..." Jihoon called to catch his attention.

The younger looked at him, listening to him with outmost concentration.

"What you feel isn't real." Jihoon started, he remembered the same lines he said to Asahi once. It seemed futile to try but maybe Junghwan would react differently.

However, all while they were conversing a stray cat tried crossing the road all of a sudden. The bus driver saw and quickly stepped on the breaks to avoid running over the innocent animal. Jihoon was loosely holding the hanging strap at that moment. The momentum of the sudden halt of the vehicle caused him to go off balance. Junghwan acted quickly and caught him with one arm, while the other held on tightly to the hanging strap. He kept Jihoon from falling down. Now, he was holding him in his embrace and their faces were close together. Jihoon was looking at him wide eyed. Junghwan's eyes admired his boba eyes looking so round and then his eyes traveled down to Jihoon's lips. He couldn't help himself and simply leaned down to kiss him.

Jihoon was shocked frozen like a statue all while Junghwan's lips was against his. And then there was a flash of light.

Chapter Text

Feeling the flashing of the lights on his skin made Jihoon aware that someone had taken a photo. Junghwan was still carefully holding him with one strong arm clasped around his waist and his lips enjoyed every second it stayed on Jihoon's own. Panic crawled it's way to Jihoon once his head processed through what was happening. He placed his two hands against Junghwan's chest and prepared himself to push him away. But before Jihoon could do so, Junghwan pulled himself away to look at the photographer's reaction. Jihoon's face was lightly tinted with blush and his eyes wide from shock. He never expected to be kissed by Junghwan.

"Jihoon hyung?" Junghwan called, his voice shaky.

He looked fearful, scared of what would Jihoon do or say next. He never meant to kiss him but he could not hold himself back. The photographer's lips had been quite tempting. Junghwan carefully held Jihoon's body who has yet to regain his balance.

Jihoon didn't say anything. He instead removed himself from Junghwan and looked around. His eyes searching around the bus for the camera that captured him and Junghwan kissing. His heart was racing. If that picture gets uploaded to the internet Hyunsuk would surely see it. Jihoon wasn't sure what reaction would Hyunsuk have. His eyes kept searching but he didn't saw anyone who had their phone up, or was putting their phone away. There was no camera either.

Did he just imagine the flash? Was it a trick in the light? Did his eyes deceive him? Did no one really took a photo of them?

"Jihoon hyung." Junghwan called Jihoon's attention back to him.

Jihoon heard him. He looked at him. He avoided eye contact and faced his back towards him. Junghwan foresaw this was how he would react. He did kissed Jihoon who was already taken by someone, not to mention that someone was his close friend, his hyung, Hyunsuk.

"Excuse me, this is my stop." Jihoon said to him. He pushed the button on the side to indicate and signal to the driver he was getting off the bus. The vehicle came to a halt once again.

Junghwan frowned. He didn't stop the photographer from leaving. Jihoon squeezed through the other passengers blocking his way to the door. He reached the exit quick and he finally got off the bus. Junghwan looked at him through the windows. The bus started moving again and he felt an ache in his chest of having Jihoon far away from him again. Jihoon did not look back into the bus. The YouTuber frowned further.

Once Jihoon was out of his sight, Junghwan turned to the girl sitting in front of where they once stood together. He held a hand out and gestured she give him her phone. The girl looked confused and scared as she faced him.

"I know it was you." Junghwan said.

The girl put her head down.

"I don't know what you are talking about." The girl replied, she stuttered.

"I'm not mad. I just want to see it and have you send it to me." Junghwan smiled to ease her nervousness.

The girl's head snapped back up to look at him. She blushed not expecting his reaction nor the handsome smile on his face. She carefully took out her phone from her bag, unlocked it, showing three photos she took and handed it over to him.

"I'm guessing you're a subscriber." Junghwan said as he examined the photos. He smiled seeing the result that perfectly captured the moment between him and Jihoon. He took out his own phone to send the photos to his own device.

The girl nodded.

"I saw your livestream oppa. I thought you two would be cute together. I didn't expect I would see you two here, not to mention to catch you two kissing." The girl shared as she kept her head respectfully down, a small smile playing on her lips.

She saw them both get on the bus. The two, Jihoon and Junghwan, had stopped to stand where she was seated. Next to her was her sleeping friend that was unaware of the situation. She didn't wake her friend, afraid the other wouldn't be able to behave herself like she would.

The girl wanted to squeal in delight when she saw the YouTuber in front of her. She had tried her best to not be too obvious she was a fan girl. It might annoy the YouTuber who was probably trying to have a peaceful day and wanted to go somewhere. Junghwan did have his mask on to keep his identity. She saw the man Junghwan came along with. Her eyes widened when she recognized it was Jihoon from the livestream. He looked quite more attractive and charming in person. She almost gasped out loud but bit her lip and looked to the window to avoid being seen how her eyes went wide seeing them together. She pretended to ignore them when they started to talk. She realized there seemed to be a serious discussion between Jihoon and Junghwan. She behaved herself and kept quiet to not disturb them. She tried to be respectful but it could not be helped how she was easily eavesdropping their conversation since they were just right in front of her seat. She squirmed in her seat having a hard time containing herself from squealing over Junghwan's confession to Jihoon. She slowly got her phone out, knowing she can't miss this chance to take a photo of two handsome guys. Her hands sneakily opened her camera application and she waited for the perfect moment to capture the two. She waited until they were unaware or not looking at her.

To her shock, the bus suddenly screeched to a halt. She braced herself, putting a hand against the backrest in front of her to keep her from being thrown forward. Her friend was jolted awake, hitting and falling to the front of her seat. Her friend groaned annoyed. The girl ignored her and looked back to Jihoon and Junghwan whom had their faces inches close to each other. She really wanted to jump and squeal to the top of her lungs upon seeing their position. She didn't waste anymore time and quickly snapped the first photo with the two being so focused in each others' eyes. She squealed silently, trying not to be noticed but accidentally pressing on her flash. She snapped another photo when Junghwan leaned in to kiss Jihoon. The flash was on. She panicked but still did it. Quickly putting the flash off and then took one last photo when the two pulled apart. She quickly shoved her phone into her pocket, knowing well enough one of the two would look for the one who had taken their photo.

When Jihoon's eyes started to search around the bus, the girl did her best to act natural. She was giddily shaking with excitement and anxiety.

The second Jihoon got off the bus, the girl sighed in relief. Her friend had complained to her about not helping her out. She ignored her again and the friend simply went back to sleep, grumbling a bit.

Now, here she was, talking and sharing photos with a popular YouTuber.

"Well, you caught us." Junghwan chuckled as he finished sending the photos to his own phone. He was smiling happily, liking how she captured them perfectly almost like in a photoshoot. "Here you go." He handed her back her phone.

She accepted it back and saw the photos were still there. She had expected he would get the copies and delete hers.

"You didn't delete them?"

"You can keep them. I trust you won't upload them to the internet." Junghwan said, putting his phone away.

The girl smiled nodding. She was grateful for his trust.

"Of course oppa." She replied happily.

ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ

Jihoon had stopped the bus not so far away from his office. At first he thought he rode a random bus as he wasn't able to check the route with Junghwan dragging him to the vehicle. But he guessed with Junghwan having to have already drive him before to his office the YouTuber must've made sure they rode the right one so Jihoon could make it to his office on time.

He sighed being reminded again of what happened that morning. First Yoshi barging into his apartment, Asahi's street art with the crowd and then Junghwan kissing him. He felt like he was having a headache. He needed to remind himself to schedule a flight to Japan.

Jihoon stepped out the elevator and checked his watch. He made it on time. He passed by the cubicles and greeted his colleagues along his way to his office. He reached Jaehyuk going out his office and smiled widely upon seeing him.

"Goodmorning Jihoon hyung!" Jaehyuk greeted looking elated for the day.

"Goodmorning too Jaehyuk." Jihoon greeted but not as lively as Jaehyuk had done.

The two walked into Jihoon's office and which Jaehyuk closed the door behind them. Jihoon wasn't surprised when he saw two bouquets and a basket full of sweet pastries already perched on top of his table.

"The manager of Magnum dropped these off for you. He said they are from Kim Doyoung and Bang Yedam." Jaehyuk informed him. He snickered seeing these guys were still giving him gifts nonstop.

"Of course." Jihoon simply replied. He pulled out his swivel chair and plopped on to the chair. He slumped feeling tired from everything that happened just right before he got to his office. Half of the day hasn't even gone by yet he was already drained.

"So," Jaehyuk sang as he went over to Jihoon. "Tell me how was it? How is it like to work for your soon to be boyfriend?" He questioned, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Honestly, have I told you yet that Hyunsuk and I are now together?" Jihoon answered with his eyes closed, still trying to rest.

"WHAT!? WHAT?! SHUT UP!!! WHAT?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? WHEN DID THIS HAPPENED? WHY HAVE YOU NOT TOLD ME??! HYUNGGGG!!!" Jaehyuk screamed.

Their colleagues from outside heard his shouting. They were confused and even concerned for whatever was the cause. But they minded their own business thinking it wasn't probably anything bad. They knew there were moments when Jaehyuk would over react towards something Jihoon was doing or saying.

"Keep it down will you?" Jihoon scolded him halfheartedly. He was too tired to bother being full on reprimanding. "We're in the office." He added.

"You seduced an idol? How did you do it? Damn hyung! I expected you two would be dating but I didn't expect like right now. Maybe like after a month or a week. Did you two already fuck?" Jaehyuk rambled looking very interested.

And then that morning, the workers in the office saw Jaehyuk running out fast of Jihoon's office. Jihoon can be heard screaming something incoherent to their ears and a teddy bear, gifted by whoever, went flying over as it was aimed to hit Jaehyuk. The latter hid for cover under his cubicle outside.

"Get out of my office!"

Jaehyuk waved and smiled when he saw his coworkers looking at him from under his desk hiding.

As soon as Jaehyuk was out, Jihoon sighed and shut his door closed. He was finally alone. He went back over to his chair and laid his back against the backrest. He looked up the ceiling and stared at it for a while. He reminisced through what he had done and experienced so far. He regretted becoming drunk and taking those coins from the fountain. He had gained unwanted attention and now he needs to make it stop. He realized, although they were cursed, he was hurting them. He cursed when he remembered he dropped the bowl holding the coins and he has yet to find the other coins that went missing. He has been so busy he didn't have much time to go coin hunting in his apartment. He checked the time on his watch. It was still a long day before he would leave the office. He had work to do.

So, Jihoon put aside these thoughts for now and drowned himself in work for the next hours.