Chapter Text
“Excuse me?!”
No.
There was no way.
There was absolutely no way this was happening right now.
“Yeah, Sion said that the music theory students were thinking of running a kissing booth for fundraising.”
Riku promptly fell to his knees, too shocked at the information his best friend, Yushi, had given him. The other Japanese exchange student just stared down at him before nudging him gently with his foot.
“I have a feeling you didn’t hear everything I said.”
Riku groaned and ignored Yushi, not listening to whatever he was saying now.
The music theory department was known for being the most talented in the small Korean university Riku and Yushi had transferred to. They were a strange group that mainly kept to themselves, but they were the most successful department when it came to how many awards they brought to their university.
And unfortunately, Riku had an tiny crush on someone in that department.
Daeyoung, who went by the name of Jaehee when performing for the school, was a second-year music theory student. Despite being younger than Riku, the music theory student was probably the most attractive person Riku had ever met.
Well, they had only ever met twice, but those two meetings were all it took for Riku to have tunnel vision whenever Daeyoung was in sight.
The first time they met, it was when Yushi was saying hello to his roommate, Sion, in the hallway. Sion had previously been a music theory student but had changed his major to engineering in the middle of a semester. He was still close friends with the other music theory students.
Daeyoung was taller than Riku, and even a bit taller than Sion. He had smiled politely at Riku and Yushi, but mostly kept to himself as Sion chatted with the two sports medicine students. Riku would be lying if he said he wasn’t attracted to Daeyoung’s appearance at first.
The second time they met, it was at a school festival. Technically, they didn’t interact with each other at all. Daeyoung was performing with his friends and Riku was in the audience, watching with starstruck eyes.
His voice was perfect. Riku could listen to it for days.
That school festival was three months ago. He hadn’t spoken to him since. He technically never spoke to him at all.
Of course, he would occasionally see him around campus, but Riku could never bring himself to approach the younger student. He had told Yushi once that his shyness was due to the language barrier, but Yushi countered that statement by saying that Riku spoke fine to his professors as well as his classmates, so the language wasn’t an excuse. It didn’t take long for Yushi to realize that Riku had a crush on Daeyoung. Yushi was too lazy to act on it, so Riku knew his secret was safe with him.
“How do I sign up for this kissing both?” Riku said as he stood up. He dusted off his knees and prayed no one saw his minor freak-out.
Yushi blinked, “So you really didn’t hear anything I said after the kissing both?”
“You already know I have a one-track mind when it comes to Daeyoung, so anything else you said after mentioning that is not important to me.” Riku waved his hand, dismissing Yushi’s question.
“Your loss. I need to hurry to my next class, so I’ll see you at practice tomorrow morning.”
“Wait, what about the kissing both?!” Riku called out as Yushi was already walking away.
Yushi turned around and just shrugged, “Go find Ryo.”
Later that day, Riku was hurrying down the hall, scanning his notes one last time before class, when he caught sight of Ryo by the campus bulletin board, pinning up a flyer. Riku hesitated, then walked over, his heart pounding a bit faster. He needed to act calm and collected so that Ryo would not suspect anything from him.
Unfortunately, he was neither calm nor collected.
“Ryo, please, I’m begging you for any information about this kissing booth!” Riku pleaded, giving the first-year student the best pout he could muster. He had practically thrown himself onto the shorter student in an attempt to trap him.
The younger student sighed and tried to push Riku away, but ultimately wasn’t strong enough.
“Sorry, but I don’t know anything about it. The music theory department hasn’t submitted anything to the university council for approval yet.” Ryo replied. He was a member of the university student council and typically would have information about any department’s fundraising events.
“Do you promise to text me as soon as you find out though?” Riku said as he took both of Ryo’s hands and held them in his own. He was getting desperate.
Ryo smiled nervously, “I guess? Why are you so determined right now? You only really get like this when you really want something.”
Riku did want something.
He wanted Daeyoung.
“I just want to see how they do it. Maybe the volleyball team will want to try doing it too when we need to raise some money for new jerseys.” Riku said as he dropped Ryo’s hands.
“Makes sense. I think the music theory department is raising money for a new piano. I heard from Sakuya who heard from Yushi who heard from Sion that Daeyoung was willing to be the one being kissed by everyone in order to make money.” Ryo said softly, as if he was speaking to himself.
“Wait, everyone is going to be kissing Daeyoung?!” Riku yelled, causing other students to stop and stare at him. Ryo just bowed his head apologetically to anyone that stared at them.
“I mean, that’s just what I heard! You know Sakuya only half-listens to everyone and Yushi is notorious for forgetting important details.” Ryo reasoned out, hoping that Riku would not have another outburst.
Riku sighed and ran a hand through his hair, frustrated at the fact that he was not getting any more information about this kissing booth. He didn’t know anyone personally in the music theory department, so it was going to be impossible to learn anything about what the plan was.
He could ask Sion, but he wasn’t that close to Yushi’s roommate besides saying hello occasionally when passing by each other. But at this point, Sion was probably his only chance.
“Okay, I’ll see you later Ryo! Don’t forget to text me if you hear anything!” Riku quickly waved goodbye to the younger student before running off to the one place on campus where he knew Sion would be.
────୨ৎ────
Riku found Sion, sitting in the library, buried under a stack of engineering textbooks. He took a deep breath, then slid into the seat across from him, trying to keep his tone casual.
“Hey, Sion,” he started, pretending to look over some notes in his hand. “I, uh, heard something about a kissing booth? For the music theory department?”
Sion looked up, raising an eyebrow with a slight smirk. “Yeah, you heard right. The department wants a new piano, so they thought, why not something… memorable?”
Riku’s pulse picked up, but he kept his tone even. “And... Daeyoung’s part of it?”
Sion leaned back, studying him with a knowing look. “Oh, yeah. They’re all convinced Daeyoung’s charm will bring in tons of donations. He wasn’t exactly thrilled, but he’s too nice to say no. Why?”
Riku felt a flush creeping up his neck. “No reason! Just... curious,” he stammered, fidgeting with his pen. He cleared his throat. “Do you know if they’re, uh, totally set on it? No other ideas?”
Sion’s smirk grew wider. “Riku, if you want to stop Daeyoung from sitting in a kissing booth, you’re gonna have to come up with something good to replace it.”
Riku sat up, determined. “Consider it done.”
“What do you have in mind? You know that piano’s aren’t cheap.” Sion replied, clearly amused at Riku’s determination.
“I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.”
“And I’m assuming Yushi already knows about your little crush on Daeyoung?”
Riku’s eyes widened, but he quickly tried to regain his composure, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sometimes, when I’m walking to class, I’ll see you staring at Daeyoung from spots where you think you’re hidden but really you’re being extreme obvious.” Sion said, chuckling softly.
Riku froze, caught off guard. “What—staring? I don’t—” He fumbled, his face turning pink as he tried to find an excuse.
Sion raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “Oh, yeah, you do. Like yesterday by the fountain? And last week outside the music hall?”
Riku opened his mouth to protest, but his words fell flat. “I was just… thinking,” he mumbled, looking down, suddenly interested in the notes he definitely was reading.
“Thinking, huh?” Sion grinned. “Well, if ‘thinking’ means watching Daeyoung like he’s the only person on campus, then yeah, I’d say you’re doing a lot of that.”
Riku sighed, shoulders slumping. “It’s not that simple, Sion.”
“Just go talk to him sometime. Who knows? Maybe he’s been looking back.”
────୨ৎ────
The next day, Riku couldn’t get Sion’s words out of his head.
Daeyoung? Looking back at him? He highly doubted that. There was no way the music theory student even remembered his name.
A whistle suddenly interrupted his thoughts and Riku remembered that he was at volleyball practice. They were doing well in the season with only one loss and five wins, so he was relaxed while at practice. Their next game wasn’t until next week.
Another player on the team called his name before setting the ball towards him. Riku faked a spike and instead sent a floater over the net.
“Stop doing that!” Sakuya, their youngest player, yelled from the other side of the net. Riku just stuck his tongue out at his teammate and laughed.
Volleyball was his sanctuary. He was always in his element whenever he was on the court. The sound of sneakers squeaking on the polished floor and the steady rhythm of the ball were the only things he paid attention to as he called out plays, directing his team with intense concentration.
He didn’t notice when a small group of students wandered into the gym, drawn by the energy of the practice. Among them was Daeyoung, holding his backpack over one shoulder as he quietly took a seat on the bleachers, his eyes following Riku’s every move.
Riku dove for a save, narrowly keeping the ball in play, earning cheers from his teammates. But he didn’t hear the applause that came from the bleachers, nor did he see the subtle, impressed smile on Daeyoung’s face. For Riku, the rest of the gym didn’t exist—just the game, the court, and the rhythm of his steps.
It wasn’t until the coach blew the whistle, signaling the end of practice, that Riku finally looked up, breathing heavily. He blinked in surprise at the small crowd that had gathered and caught sight of Daeyoung’s warm smile, sending his pulse racing.
“Oh? Daeyoung hyung!” Sakuya ran over to the music theory students, towel over his head as he tried to dry himself off.
Riku felt his stomach drop when he realized that Daeyoung had been there for who-knows how long. Did he do well in practice? Did he look weird during his plays?
Riku helped with gathering the volleyballs left around the court, trying his best not to eavesdrop or listen to the conversation Sakuya was having with the music theory students. However, they were talking quite loudly that Riku could hear bits and pieces of what they were saying.
The music theory students wanted to see if they wanted to have their fundraising event indoors or outdoors. If it was going to be held indoors, they wanted to use the court. if outdoors, it was going to be in the main courtyard on campus. They were aiming to have their fundraiser in one week.
The music theory students, along with Daeyoung, left the court after speaking with Sakuya. Riku resisted the urge to go bother the young player about what else they walked about, but instead, Sakuya made his way over to Riku with a grin on his face.
“Music theory is such a cool major. I wish I could change my major.” Sakuya said. He was a nutrition major, but had always mentioned liking music as well.
Riku smiled, “You seem close with the music theory department.”
“Daeyoung hyung is my neighbor in the dorm! He comes to all of our games too.” The younger player replied as the two walked over to the locker room.
Riku nearly tripped over his own feet. Daeyoung comes to all of the games?
“He’s always running late though, so he gets the worst seats. He’s normally all the way on the top of the bleachers!” Sakuya laughed and headed off to shower and get changed into his regular clothes.
Riku let out a sigh and went to his locker to freshen up. He only had one class where he had an exam before he could let his mind wander back to dealing with his non-existent Daeyoung situation. He needed to come up with a plan.
He was going to stop the kissing booth.
────୨ৎ────
Riku was deep in thought as he navigated the crowded hallway of the science building, his mind running through his notes for the upcoming exam. He barely noticed the students bustling around him until he suddenly collided with someone, jolting him back to reality.
“Whoa!” Riku exclaimed, stumbling slightly. He looked up to find Daeyoung standing there, wide-eyed and steadying himself against the wall.
“Oh, Riku! I’m so sorry!” Daeyoung said, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. “I wasn’t paying attention.”
Riku felt his cheeks heat up, momentarily speechless as he took in Daeyoung’s messy hair and the way his eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and concern. “No, it’s my fault,” Riku managed, adjusting his backpack nervously. “I was kind of lost in my thoughts.”
Daeyoung laughed softly, the sound warm and inviting. “Same here. I was trying to think of a new melody for a project. Guess we both need to watch where we’re going.”
Riku’s heart raced, not just from the bump but from the effortless way Daeyoung made a simple encounter feel significant. “Yeah, definitely,” he replied, a smile creeping onto his face.
For a moment, they stood there, just looking at each other, the noise of the hallway fading into the background. Riku felt a flutter in his stomach, wishing he could linger in this moment just a little longer.
“Um, I should probably get going,” Daeyoung finally said, breaking the spell. “But, uh, maybe I’ll see you around?”
“Yeah! Definitely!” Riku called after him as Daeyoung turned to leave, his heart soaring.
It took the sports medicine student a few moments to digest what had just happened.
Daeyoung knew his name. He knew who he was.
He also went to all of their games.
Riku took his phone out and quickly sent a text to Yushi to come to his dorm later after class. Maybe, just maybe, he was going to have a chance at stopping the kissing booth. Or at least get Daeyoung's attention.
────୨ৎ────
Later that day, Riku was sprawled on his bed, tossing a stress ball up in the air as Yushi rifled through his backpack on the floor. The late afternoon sun streamed in through the window, casting a warm glow over the room.
“So, tell me about this information you’ve gathered.”
“Well, for starters, Daeyoung comes to all of the volleyball games.” Riku said as he continued to toss the stress ball up into the air.
Yushi hummed, “I already knew that. Any other new information?”
“What?! How did you know that already?” Riku said, rolling his body over so that he could face Yushi.
“I go to your games too. I see him at them. And before you get mad about me not telling you, I didn’t want to tell you because I knew that you would end up overthinking while he was there and it might cost you a game.” Yushi replied and Riku just sighed because his best friend was right.
If he had known Daeyoung was attending the games, his performance may have changed.
“Also, he knows my name.” Riku stated and Yushi stared up at him.
“Of course he does. Everyone knows who you are, Mr. Star Player on the volleyball team.”
So maybe the new information he gathered was useless, but it was still important for him.
“Sion suggested that I should come up with a different idea to replace the kissing booth. I’m not sure what exactly I could suggest though. Piano’s are expensive.” Riku let out another sigh and went back to laying on his back, tossing the stress ball back up into the air.
“What if we organized a special volleyball game? Every time someone scores a point, the audience has to donate to the music department, or something similar to that.”
Riku burst out laughing, the idea catching him off guard. “That’s actually hilarious! But do you think they’d go for it?”
“Why not?” Yushi replied, waving his hands around. “It’s way more fun than a kissing booth. Plus, think of all the students who’d show up to support you. Daeyoung would definitely be there.”
Riku’s heart raced at the thought. “You really think so? It could work… but what if people don’t take it seriously?”
“Who cares? It’ll be a great way to get more people involved. Plus, we can throw in some snacks and drinks.”
Riku considered it, the idea growing on him. “Okay, but we’d have to make it super fun—like a mini-tournament with prizes or something.”
“Let’s make it a whole event. We can even get some of the other sports teams involved.” Yushi suggested even further, clearly getting excited at the idea.
Riku nodded, a smile spreading across his face as the plan began to take shape in his mind.
“Alright, let’s do it. We’ll pitch it to Sakuya and see how we can make this happen.”
Yushi grinned, “Maybe it’ll give you the perfect chance to talk to Daeyoung.”
Riku blushed because Yushi was right.
Maybe this was an opportunity for him.