Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The envelope arrived after their dates set-up by an anonymous caller. They were all finishing up their dinner, talking about the activities they did with the person they were set up with. Almost everyone went out with someone they hadn’t had one-on-one time with yet: Shohei and Matthew went sailing, Eunseok and Hao went shopping, Shotaro and Chanyoung went swimming, while Sungchan and Wonbin went on a winery tour. Only Jaehyun and Hanbin were matched up again, and the two ended up having a meal together after watching a game at Gocheok.

When the doorbell rang, Jaehyun got up to check. He came back to the table with an envelope, amid everyone’s cheering. He lets Hanbin open it.

Hanbin gasps before he even reads it. What is it? What is it?? Finally, Hanbin announces, “We’re going to Jeju!”

The whole table erupts with excited shouts. 

It cuts to the panel. Sehun is already leaning forward in his seat, rubbing his palms together. Alright, here we go! This is my favorite part of the show, says Seungkwan. Me too, me too, everyone agrees. This is the part of the show where these new relationships get tested. And old flames can get rekindled. 

In their confessional, the boys echo the same sentiments.

Eunseok says he’s looking forward to the trip. Chanyoung is already talking about the beach. How badly he wants to swim in the sea, after his date with Shotaro. Hanbin wonders how the trip is going to affect them. 

“I’ve seen this show, of course. I know how crucial this week in Jeju is.” He smiles thinly. “I wonder—what’s going to happen in Jeju?”

Jaehyun is practically vibrating in his seat. “This is that part, right? When my ex shows up?”

Matthew groans. “Please, please, hurry.”

It’s 11:49 PM. The screen splits into the four rooms and we can see them packing their bags. Someone is busily running to the laundry room. Wait, wait, shouts Hao with his basket of clothes. He stops though when he sees it’s Hanbin in there. And that he’s with Sungchan and Eunseok. These too? Hanbin asks without looking at him. Hao nods. Sungchan and Eunseok help with Hao’s load. Quietly, he mutters his thanks and then turns to go.

Meanwhile, Chanyoung is going around the rooms in his pajamas telling everyone good night. Shohei whispers, yah, are you done packing? Chanyoung cheekily ignores him.

At 1:00 AM, all the lights are out.

Matthew is in the yard, smoking. Upstairs, in the balcony, Wonbin is watching him. Then the screen dims until it’s pitch black.

Then, a shaky camera footage. It’s the inside of a dark car. Someone says in English, “I’m so nervous, why am I so nervous, I’ve been on a plane before!” We hear his laughter and then the camera pans to the window where we see the dark outline of the city, slowly getting drenched in the first rays of the morning sun.

Cut to another footage, from another handheld camera. Less shaky but it also does not reveal the identity or the location of the one holding it. We only see his legs as he walks. We can also hear him dragging what sounds like his suitcase. He’s humming as he walks. Then after a moment, he says, “Everyone, we’re here.”

It’s 07:00 AM. Everyone is getting ready to leave the house. There are three cars. Shohei is behind the wheel on one, with Shotaro beside him. Sungchan joins them with Eunseok’s bags. They wait for him to get in.

In another, we see Hanbin helping Jaehyun load their bags. They look at Matthew, Wonbin and Hao. Wonbin looks back at the house. Eunseok emerges, looking at all of them there, waiting. Sungchan calls his name. Eunseok heads to the first car.

Then, Chanyoung is rushing out of the door, his two bags hanging messily around his shoulders.

It briefly cuts to the panel. Oho, this is awkward. How come the other car sorted its group so smoothly, while this is…? They can’t help but laugh. Just get in the car! It’s just a quick drive to the airport!

“So, um…” mutters Hanbin awkwardly.

Jaehyun clears his throat and speaks up. “I drive fast, so whoever wants to get there the quickest can join us.” 

Matthew and Wonbin look at each other, then at the last remaining car. Matthew then raises his hand. “Well, I drive slow. Whoever wants to take the scenic route can join me.”

Chanyoung is already walking towards the last car. He opens the side opposite the driver’s. Dibs! Chanyoung singsongs as he hops on. 

Wonbin laughs and follows.

Jaehyun turns to Hanbin and Hao. “Well, shall we?”

Hao puts on a big smile. “We shall. I’ll take the back seat.”

Hanbin opens the door for Hao before sitting in front beside Jaehyun. They put on a song and then start driving.

Then: gorgeous drone shots of Jeju island. Clear skies. Bright blue-green waters, pristine sea foam against fine sand. Locals in their bikes going down a beautiful trail. Fresh seafood pulled out of the water. The most orange hallabongs. A sped-up clip of the sun going down. And then a star-studded sky. The caption: What’s going to happen in Jeju?