Work Text:
On most days, Hanbin appreciated having Taerae as a roommate. They both maintained their shared living space well, they have similar schedules, and Hanbin considered Taerae to be one of his closest friends (and not just because he’s dating Hanbin’s closest and oldest friend). However, being roommates with Taerae also made Hanbin acutely aware of Taerae’s personality and habits. Specifically, Taerae’s stubbornness.
“No,” Taerae says, eyes not looking away from his computer screen.
“But-“
“Hanbin, under no circumstances are you to use the beetle zord for your own Valentine’s day plans with Hao,” Taerae insists.
“Come on,” Hanbin pleads.
“Haven’t you learned not to use work property for your own personal gain?”
“This is not a job!” Hanbin exclaims, flailing his arms around. “I am a volunteer!”
“And the zords are living, conscious beings. Not just some vehicles for you to use whenever you want.”
“You literally just called them property,” Hanbin deadpans.
Taerae rubs his eyes in frustration before saying, “Why can’t you drive like a normal person?”
“Come on,” Hanbin whines. “Beetle wants to meet Hao. Besides, a night under the stars is so romantic. Please?”
Taerae sighs. “Fine, but if there’s trouble during your date then your priority is getting to the battle.”
Hanbin gives Taerae a wide grin. “You’re the best roommate.”
“And I’m getting the apartment for the night! Your ass can go to Hao and Ricky’s place.”
“Deal,” Hanbin says, nodding. “And as a thank you, I will help Matthew plan the best Valentine’s day date for the both of you.”
Taerae groans. “Shouldn’t you be off to your actual job by now?”
Hanbin looks at the time and realizes that that though Taerae did absolutely want Hanbin to leave, Taerae is also correct. “Shit, thanks for reminding me!” He rushes out of the house and down to the dance studio, where there are a bunch of students already in the studio warming up. He turns to the front desk to see Matthew, sitting there, working on the computer. He walks over to Matthew and says, “I’m here! Sorry I’m late.”
“It’s fine. They just got in, anyway.” Matthew takes his eyes off his computer and says, “So, what did Taerae say?”
Hanbin gives him a smile. “Got him to agree. All I have to do is stay out of the apartment for the night.”
Matthew snorts at the comment. “Weren’t you already gonna do that?”
Hanbin smirks. “He doesn’t need to know.”
Contrary to popular belief, Hanbin has never spent a Valentine’s day with anyone. He’s been in some short-lived relationships before Hao, but never during Valentine’s day. Right now, he is absolutely sure that Hao is the person for him, especially after telling Hao about his ranger life, so he wanted to make this valentine’s day extra special for the both of them. And better way to do that than letting Hao in on one of Hanbin’s teammates that he doesn’t already know?
The beetle zord, or Beetle as Hanbin called him for short, is his partner on the field. When Hanbin had first gained his powers, Beetle immediately grew a liking to Hanbin, and Hanbin felt the same. Though he considers Hao to be his partner in life and he has the rangers as his teammates, Beetle is still an important part of the team. All the zords are. And to him, it was important that Hao get to know everyone he considers a teammate.
“Are you excited?” Matthew asks him.
“Yeah, but I’m also nervous,” Hanbin says. “What if Hao doesn’t like the date?”
Matthew laughs at the mere suggestion of Hao disliking anything Hanbin does for him. “I don’t think there’s anything you could do to let this man down. Now, can you please get to your class before another monster attacks the city?”
Hanbin smiles and quickly goes into his class that had been patiently waiting for him.
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
After the class ends, Gunwook decides to stay behind with Hanbin, who’s getting his things packed to leave. Gunwook walks over to Hanbin and says, “So did you ask Taerae about your little plan?”
“I did,” Hanbin replies. “He said yes.”
Gunwook snorts. “That must’ve been quite the conversation.”
“It was, trust me.” Hanbin looks at his communicator, somewhat fidgeting with it. “Hey, do you think we have another communicator? Or teleporter?”
“Uhh, not to my knowledge.” Gunwook thinks for a moment before continuing. “I don’t think Taerae would like the idea of you giving a communicator to Hao.”
“Just for the night! I need something to teleport us to the location I chose for the date.”
Gunwook raises an eybrow at the statement. “Don’t you know how to drive?”
“Please?”
Gunwook sighs. “There’s not another communicator that you can use for Hao, but I think I can make it so you can use your communicator to teleport the both of you. I just need the base computer and your communicator for the day. I’ll give it back to you when I’m done.”
Hanbin smiles at the younger ranger. “You’re the best.”
“And you’re the definition of an idiot in love.”
“Hey!” Hanbin says, lightly slapping Gunwook’s arm. “Show some respect! I’m still older, and I’m your leader!”
“Yeah well you don’t act like it when it comes to Hao.”
Though Hanbin would never admit it, he knows Gunwook is right. And truth be told: he doesn’t see anything wrong with that.
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
“Hanbin,” Hao says over the phone. “I told you, we could just spend Valentine’s day at my apartment watching a movie or something. It doesn’t have to be a big deal.”
“It is to me,” Hanbin replies, while looking at the screen of the computer at the base. As the video in the background plays, Hanbin continues by saying, “I just want to make you feel special.”
“You do that every day, my love.”
Something in Hanbin’s heart flutters as he hears Hao calls him that pet name. “Then let me make Valentine’s day especially wonderful for you. Plus, it’s in 2 days. Can’t cancel my plans last minute, unfortunately.”
Hao sighs. “Alright, fine.”
Hanbin beams with excitement before saying, “I love you. I can’t wait.”
“I love you, too. See you tomorrow.”
After Hanbin hangs up his phone, he hears someone behind him say, “Big Valentine’s day plans?”
He jumps and turns around, seeing Ricky, who seemed to have teleported quietly into the base. “Jesus, Ricky, warn someone the next time you teleport in.”
Ricky shrugs. “I don’t do it often. Anyway, back to my question.”
Hanbin smiles and says, “All you need to know is that Hao will be meeting Beetle. It’ll be a night to remember, for sure.”
Ricky’s face also brightens. “Oh yeah! You’ve been saying that Beetle wants to meet Hao. How did you get Taerae to agree?”
“Simple!” Hanbin says, though it had been the exact opposite. “I just asked and he said I could take Beetle out for the night as long as he can use the apartment for the night with Matthew.”
“So that’s why Hao asked if I could leave for the night,” Ricky says. “You’re lucky my wonderful boyfriend is letting me stay the night, too.”
“You know, it would be easier if you just…moved in.”
“And I will…once all the paperwork is in order,” Ricky replies quickly. “Anyway, you’re lucky. I know Papillon would love to meet Gyuvin.”
“Do you think you’ll ever tell him?”
Ricky hums. Hanbin knows that after he revealed his identity to Hao, Ricky was also debating about whether or not to tell Gyuvin.. In the end, he ultimately decided to wait, thinking it was the best choice for the both of them. “When I need to.”
Hanbin chuckles. “Well, I hope you and Gyuvin have a nice Valentine’s day. Now, let’s see where that heart landed from today’s fight.”
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
The night before Valentine’s day, Hanbin decides to go over to Jiwoong’s place to get help with the perfect outfit. The model was happy to agree to Hanbin’s request, wanting to help the younger out, considering his own schedule was free and his brother was out with friends. Though, what Jiwoong thought would be a 30 minute max consultation ends up bleeding into 2 hours.
“This one?” Hanbin asks, holding up another outfit.
“Nope,” Jiwoong replies, looking at the outfit in disdain.
“Ok, how about-“
“Hanbin,” Jiwoong interrupts. “I think that you have shown me your entire closet, which I didn’t even think was possible. How the hell did you get so much clothes up here?”
Hanbin sighs. “I just want to look good for Hao.”
Jiwoong laughs. “I don’t think Hao could hate anything you wear. You do know that man is madly in love with you right?:
“I just…I want everything to be perfect.” Though it doesn’t seem like much, Hanbin needed every detail to be perfect for the night, including his outfit. “Nothing feels right.”
“Just be yourself,” Jiwoong says, looking through the pile of clothes that Hanbin brought to his house. “I think the one thing that Hao appreciates about you is that you’re…you. So wear something that makes you feel comfortable. Hao will love it either way.”
Hanbin nods and starts looking through the pile with Jiwoong. Both settle on an outfit that Hanbin agrees would make him the most comfortable for the date. It was something that he thinks he’s worn before, but still makes him look presentable for tomorrow night. “This is good, I think.”
“Wait,” Jiwoong says, going to his room. He comes out with an accessory that makes Hanbin’s eyes glow. “This is going to pull the entire outfit together.”
Hanbin smiles at Jiwoong, agreeing. “I think you’re right.”
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
Hanbin stands nervously in front of Hao’s apartment building. It brings him back to their first date: one he took a week of planning and several negotiations with his family to pull off. It was worth having to clean the entire café for the whole week (which Hanbin would’ve done anyway had his mom asked him to). He still remembers the look in Hao’s eyes, looking at the stars in the night sky. To Hanbin, Hao was the brightest star that night.
Soon, Hanbin sees Hao exiting his apartment building. Every time they have these special dates, Hanbin is always amazed by how gorgeous Hao looks. Right now, Hao is standing in front of him, wearing a pink sweater and a lighter pink button up underneath paired with similar colored pants. Now, the outfit complimented Hao’s natural beauty well to Hanbin. But the look itself isn’t what’s making Hanbin’s brain short circuit. “Your hair,” Was all Hanbin could say when Hao sets himself next to him.
Hao, now blond, smiled. “You like it? I got it done today.”
Hanbin stared at hao, with his new blond hair, styled to make him look cuter than he already was. “I absolutely love it. You look amazing in anything.”
Hao smiles and gives him a small peck on the cheek. “You look amazing, too.”
Hanbin looks down at his own outfit, thinking that the stripped sweater and black pants are just the norm for himself. The only things that make the outfit look more than casual are the accessories: A small, red heart shaped necklace that Jiwoong picked out for him specifically for today. “I’ve worn this outfit before.”
“Oh, so you just always look amazing?”
Hanbin snorts at Hao’s attempt to flirt with him. “Come on. Let’s get going.”
“You still haven’t told me anything about where we’re going.”
Hanbin holds out his hand nervously, saying, “We have to teleport there.”
Hao raises an eyebrow. “I’ve never teleported before. How does it feel?”
“It just…looks like the area around you is changing.”
Hao hesitates for a moment before holding Hanbin’s hand. “Ok. I trust you.”
Hanbin smiles and presses the button on his communicator. The scenery around them slowly change from Hao’s apartment building to a secluded area. They are no longer in the city, as there were no buildings in site, and it seemed more like a grassy hill, surrounded by trees. “We’re here!”
Hao looks around and says, “In the middle of a secluded area? Are you sure you’re Hanbin?”
Hanbin rolls his eyes at the implication. “This is the only place far enough from the city where there isn’t any surveillance. Which means the Venosects won’t see you when you meet someone.”
Hao looks at Hanbin, confused. “Who?”
Hanbin smiles as he turns and says, “It’s ok, you can come out now.”
As soon as he says that, the wind in the area around them slowly starts picking up, with the grass and trees moving more than before in the calm winter night. It slowly lands next to them, and as the object does, it becomes clearer that it was Hanbin’s zord, landing beside the pair. Hao had seen it before from afar, fighting giant monsters as part of the mega zord, but Hao had never seen it up close before. “Woah.”
“Hao, meet Beetle,” Hanbin says. “He’s wanted to meet you for a while, but I assumed you didn’t know who I was.”
The zord, Beetle, made a somewhat robotic chirping noise, leaning down towards Hao. Hao looks at Beetle, then at Hanbin, gesturing towards the zord as he says, “Can I?”
Hanbin nods and watches as Hao slowly approaches Beetle and puts a hand on his head. Hanbin smiles at the sight, saying, “He was also kind enough to want to help me with this Valentine’s day date.”
Hao looks at Beetle intently and smiles softly, somewhat patting the Zord’s head. “Thank you for keeping Hanbin safe,” Hao whispers, barely loud enough for Hanbin to hear. But Beetle, in presumed agreement, chirps again at Hao. Hao then turns to Hanbin and says, “He seems to like me.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Hanbin asks. “Besides, Beetle here likes everyone. He’s a very social Zord when given the chance.”
“Sounds like someone I know.” Hao looks back at the Zord and says, “So where is he taking us? And this might be a stupid question but…how are we actually riding him?”
Hanbin chuckles and holds out his hand. “We’ll teleport into the pit. It’s surprisingly roomy in there.”
Hao takes Hanbin’s hand as he says, “Well then show me the way.”
Like before, after Hanbin presses a button on his communicator, the scenery changed around them from the grassy area they were into a room. The room itself was a giant screen, which made it seem like the outside still surrounded the pair. The only other thing in the room is an exoskeleton, and a place for what Hao thought to be Hanbin’s sword. As Hao looks around, he notes it, wondering, “Do you attach yourself to that thing?”
Hanbin nods. “It’s how we pilot the mega zord. It’s kind of uncomfortable, but you get used to it. Anyway, I’m not going to be using that thing right now. I’ll just let Beetle do the moving.”
The moment Hanbin says that, the ground beneath them shakes as Hao watches the screens around them. The scenery is moving, and Hao begins to realize that Beetle is taking off. He holds Hanbin for stability and says, “This is way cooler than a plane.”
Though Hao is looking at the screens, all Hanbin could do is watch Hao, smiling at the excitement Hao has. “Yeah, it is.”
Once Hao is able to take his eyes off the screens to look at Hanbin, he holds him tighter, saying, “I’m glad I have you here.”
“I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet,” Hanbin replies. “Close your eyes and sit down. I’ll be right here next to you.”
Hao nods and, without turning away from Hanbin, closes his eyes. He feels Hanbin slowly leading him to sit on the ground as Beetle continues rising and moving through the air. He waits patiently, knowing Hanbin is there next to him. Once he feels as though the ground beneath them stabilize, Hanbin whispers, “Open your eyes.”
Hao opens his eyes and looks around. The first thing that he notices is that in contrast to the take off, they’re cruising through the sky. But what catches Hao’s attention the most is the sky. They’re now above the clouds, Hao being able to see some below them despite a relatively clear skies previously. The stars in the night sky shown brighter than usual, nothing like he’s ever seen. Though he had been on plane rides at night, it wasn’t the same as the view in front of him. It feels like he is a part of the night sky, dancing with the stars with Hanbin. It’s one of the most beautiful things he’s ever seen. “Hanbin…”
Hanbin smiles softly as he gently holds Hao’s hand. “I remember what you said on our first date, and how you loved the night sky. Sometimes I go up here myself to clear my own head.”
“It’s amazing,” Hao replies, still dazed by the view in front of him. “I love it so much.”
“I’m glad.” Hanbin also stares around them as Hao leans on him. A comfortable silence falls onto them before Hanbin continues speaking. “It’s actually my first time spending Valentine’s day with a partner. I know this might seem like a little much, and I know you said we should just stay home but…you always deserve something special.”
“Oh Hanbin.” Hao holds Hanbin’s hand tighter, looking down at their intertwined fingers. “I’m not used to big Valentine’s day plans. Actually, Hyunwoo used to say he didn’t see a point in Valentine’s day, so we just did our own things. And I kinda bought into it cause I didn’t want to have the same conversation with him over and over again. And the last Valentine’s day we were together was the day I got that text telling me he was cheating on me. So I don’t really have good memories when it comes to today. Imagine finding out your boyfriend was cheating on you during Valentine’s day. It just made everything worse.”
Hanbin could never know how someone could do something like that, especially to Hao. He hid his own anger, trying to use it to support Hao instead. “You didn’t deserve that. Nobody deserves that. I’m sorry that happened to you.”
Hao chuckles, but Hanbin could hear his voice start shaking. “And then I met you. This…wonderful, almost dream-like guy. I thought ‘There has to be something about him.’ ‘I can’t be this lucky.’ And you kept proving me wrong over and over again. I don’t what I did to deserve you, but I’m so happy that you’re in my life.”
Hanbin lets out a small laugh. “You deserve all the good things that come to you, Hao. Even if it’s not from me, I just want you to be happy. You deserve happiness.”
Silence fell on them once again before Hao turned to face Hanbin. He whispers, “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“You too,” Hanbin whispers back, turning to face Hao. “I wanna marry you some day.”
“One day,” Hao agrees.
Another moment of silence falls on the pair. Both, looking at each other, taking in their presence. It’s calming for both of them, to have each other like this. Something about the night sky surrounding them as they sit with one another, being alone and talking: something so simple yet so powerful. They always cherish nights like this: nights where they know more about each other. Hanbin slowly places his hand on Hao’s cheek, gently holding Hao’s face as Hao leans more into his touch. The both of them get closer, like magnets pulling them together. “I love you, my prince.”
“I love you too,” Hao whispers before the pair close the gap between one another.
The kiss starts as a gentle one, Hanbin still holding Hao’s face in his hand. There’s no sign of roughness or desire for anything more. Hao’s lips on Habin’s felt soft: like he could kiss him forever. They both melt into the kiss, feeling the entirety of each other’s love. Hanbin wishes this moment could last forever: everything feels so perfect that he thinks this is a dream. But he knows it isn’t, and the man kissing him is truly the person he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
The pair slowly pull away from one another, smiling as they rest their foreheads on one another. They both let out a small laugh, both still close enough to feel each other’s breath. “Thank you for tonight.”
Hanbin closes his eyes as he whispers back, “Anything for you.”
(And soon they both decide to retire to Hao’s apartment, spending the rest of the night in each other’s arms.)