Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Why am I here, I don’t even want a jello.” Hyeonjun sighed.

Wooje smiled at Hyeonjun. His cheeks looked so round that Hyeonjun no longer felt annoyed. “That’s not why you’re here. You’re here so that you can take a jello and give it to me.” Wooje said with the cheeky smile still on his face, “It’s bad manners for me to take two, so you’ll pick one up for me. Maybe I should’ve asked Minhyungie to come with us too….”

“He would’ve given his to Minseok.” Hyeonjun pointed out.

“And then Minseokie would give it to me.” Wooje said confidently.

Wooje was probably right, Hyeonjun thought. The kid got away with all too much when surrounded by doting older brothers. Hyeonjun supposed he was no better. After all, he was here with Wooje waiting in line to grab free jello probably meant for children. Hyeonjun surveyed the neatly woven wicker basket next to the host stand. The small cups of jello inside were quickly dwindling as more and more people poured into the restaurant. 

“Why are we even waiting in line?” Hyeonjun asked, nervously eyeing the alarmingly low jello count, “We have a reservation, we can just grab a jello while we walk past to get to our table. What do we do when we get to the front of the line? Put our names on the waiting list? Grab a jello and walk away while the hostess looks at us weird?”

“Oh. I didn’t think of that.” Wooje mumbled.

Hyeonjun rolled his eyes, “Idiot. Come on.”

He grabbed Wooje’s hand and dragged him along. He walked past the host stand and nodded in Sanghyeok’s direction, “We’re with them.”

The hostess nodded in acknowledgement and continued managing the line of waiting customers. Once her attention was back onto her tablet, Hyeonjun grabbed a jello and continued to walk towards their table. There were only three left. He was just in time. 

“Hyeonjun, jello.” Wooje demanded, making a grab for the jello in Hyeonjun’s hand, “What flavor did you get?”

Hyeonjun let Wooje have the jello despite his urge to be combative for no reason other than to see Wooje pout, “I got strawberry. Otherwise you would’ve whined about not getting to try it because you chose mango.”

“How did you know I chose mango? Your back was turned.”

“It was the brightest color jello and you’re a child.” Hyeonjun teased. 

“You’re just jealous.” Wooje huffed.

“Of what?” Hyeonjun asked incredulously.

“The attention I get from the others since I’m the youngest.” 

Hyeonjun rolled his eyes, “I think I’d lose it if they gave me any more attention. It’s bad enough that Minseokie tries to shove food down my throat every chance he gets.”

Hyeonjun froze as they approached the table. A lot more people had arrived since Wooje dragged Hyeonjun off to raid the free snacks at the front desk. Minseok and Minhyung paired off and were busy socializing with vaguely familiar faces. Sanghyeok was still sitting where they had left him, but who was that sitting next to him? She definitely wasn’t there before. That was Hyeonjun’s seat. Why did she sit there? Why didn’t Sanghyeok stop her?

“Hyeonjun hyung? What are you-”

“Shhhh.” Hyeonjun shushed him as he pulled them both behind a fancy looking partition. He peered around it to double check that his eyes hadn’t deceived him. “Who’s that? Next to Sanghyeok hyung?”

Wooje peeked his head out from behind the partition to take a look, “I don’t recognize her. It’s a company dinner though, so we won’t know everyone.”

“Yeah, but does she look important?” Hyeonjun asked. Wooje just shrugged. Hyeonjun felt agitated for some reason. The cogs and wheels in his brain whirred to life the way it did when he played games. A heightened alertness overtook him and he quickly noticed the unnaturally perfect posture of the woman. 

She was self-conscious. Both her posture and facial expression were curated so that she wouldn’t be caught looking less than perfect at any given moment. That could indicate that she was a new employee and overly paranoid of how she was perceived. However, no new employee would be so bold as to seat themselves right next to Sanghyeok. Hyeonjun noticed her cast a quick glance in Sanghyeok’s direction and the pieces fell together. She was trying to make a good impression on him in particular. She wanted to get close to him and saw this as her chance. But since she wasn’t talking to him it must mean her standing wasn’t high enough to give her the confidence to do so. Just a normal employee then. 

“Why are we hiding?” Wooje hissed under his breath.

“We’re not.” Hyeonjun grunted. He straightened up and walked out from behind the partition. He kept a confident posture, shoulders back and chin up. If only he decided to wear his jacket around his shoulders today. That would’ve completed the picture.

He tapped on the back of her chair to get her attention and leaned down to give her a polite smile, “I’m sorry, this is actually my seat.” 

She looked startled, glancing from Hyeonjun to Sanghyeok. Sanghyeok was too busy mixing the first round of ingredients into the hotpot broth to look their way. “O-oh,” she stammered, “I didn’t realize there was assigned seating.”

“That’s alright. It happens.” Hyeonjun said with a smile. 

“I mean, everyone else is all spread out…” She pointed out.

Hyeonjun’s friendly smile wavered slightly. She must’ve been referring to Minseok and Minhyung, who were currently sat at the other side of the table successfully entertaining a man in an expensive looking suit. Was she arguing with him right now? Why else would she point out that the rest of their team wasn’t sitting with them?

“Yeah, it must be easy to get confused.” Hyeonjun said, still smiling, “Don’t worry about it. No harm no foul.”

She glanced awkwardly from Hyeonjun to Sanghyeok again, looking confused. “Oh. I guess I’ll just…” she got up and gestured at the other side of the table, “I’ll find another seat.”

Hyeonjun felt slightly bad as she walked away but he shook off the feeling. If she wanted a chance to get closer to him maybe she should’ve sat on his other side. Or across from him. 

Once he reclaimed his rightful seat next to Sanghyeok he felt a twinge of nervousness. Hyeonjun stole a glance at his midlaner. Even doing something as mundane as adding radishes to hotpot, he was the picture of elegance and decorum. If you looked up the definition of politeness Sanghyeok’s photo would probably show up. Hyeonjun was most definitely going to get scolded for rudely asking the other employee to move. 

Hyeonjun stared down at his plate, thinking about what he should say. It wasn’t like he was sorry. This was his seat. That’s just how it was. He should probably pretend to be sorry though, otherwise Sanghyeok would give him that look of mild disappointment that hurt more than a slap to the face. 

A pair of chopsticks delivered a slice of meat, already dipped in sauce, onto Hyeonjun’s plate. Hyeonjun stared down at it blankly. For a moment he could hardly comprehend what happened. By the time he looked over at Sanghyeok, he was already busy cooking another slice of meat in the simmering broth. 

Sanghyeok swirled the thinly sliced piece of lamb through the broth three times before lifting it out. He gently shook off the excess broth and dipped it into a familiar smelling sauce before placing it onto Hyeonjun’s plate next to the other piece. Sanghyeok seemed oblivious to Hyeonjun’s astonishment as he continued to cook the delicately sliced meat in the spicy broth. This time he reached past Hyeonjun and placed it into Wooje’s plate.

Wooje’s eyes lit up and he stuffed the piece of meat into his mouth alongside a scoop of rice, “Thanks hyung!”

Sanghyeok glanced at the untouched food on Hyeonjun’s plate and gave him a curious look, “Not hungry?”

“You’re not going to scold me?” Hyeonjun blurted. It was just too weird. Instead of reprimanding Hyeonjun for being rude he was putting food on Hyeonjun’s plate and asking why he wasn’t eating. Maybe scold and reprimand were a bit too extreme of words, but a single disapproving word from Sanghyeok somehow felt heavier than if someone else were to yell at him. 

“Scold you?” Sanghyeok looked confused, “For not eating?”

“Nevermind.” Hyeonjun turned back to his plate and finally shoved a piece of meat into his mouth. The sauce was the perfect blend of sweet and savory. It tasted just like the mix Hyeonjun concocted last time they went out for hotpot. How did Sanghyeok recreate it?

Another piece of meat appeared onto his plate to replace the one he ate. Hyeonjun glanced up to see Sanghyeok cooking up another piece to give to Wooje. Hyeonjun rolled his eyes, “We’re not kids hyung, we can cook our own meat. You should eat too.”

Sanghyeok looked hesitant. 

“I’ll cook for Wooje too,” Hyeonjun added, “Before he gives himself food poisoning again.”

“Hey!” Wooje protested, “You’ve gotten food poisoning just as many times as me!”

“Not true.” Hyeonjun argued. 

Sanghyeok left them to their bickering and finally began to eat. His eyes lit up the way they always did when he ate hotpot and Hyeonjun found himself smiling. He picked up a slice of well marbled beef and cooked it in the spice filled broth, leaving it in for a second longer than he usually would just to make sure it was fully cooked. He eyed the different sauces laid out in front of Sanghyeok. Why did he have so many? Which one was the one he used earlier?

Sanghyeok wordlessly pushed one of the sauce filled bowls towards him. He picked up another one and slid it over to Wooje. 

“Thanks hyung!” Wooje chirped. 

Damn it. Hyeonjun should’ve said thank you too. It was too late to do it now since Wooje already did. It would just make it sound like he forgot. Sometimes he wished he were better with things like this. The thought stuck in Hyeonjun’s head as he continued to eat. Surely Sanghyeok knew how he felt even if he couldn’t express it the way the others did. He wasn’t touchy and affectionate the way Minhyung was or chatty and mischievous the way Wooje and Minseok were, but surely Sanghyeok knew anyway?

Minhyung knew, because he always knew. Nothing escaped his notice. Wooje knew of course, with how much Hyeonjun let him get away with it was impossible for him not to know. Minseok knew too. Otherwise why would he keep nagging and trying to feed him no matter how many times Hyeonjun grumbled and complained? 

“Hyung! I got you something!” Wooje’s bright voice pulled him out of his thoughts. Everyone was already finishing up their food and Hyeonjun had done absolutely no socializing despite that being the point of having a company dinner. Wooje held out a hand to Sanghyeok, the mango jello he acquired earlier sitting in his palm. The look on his face reminded Hyeonjun of an earnest puppy as he presented his gift. 

Sanghyeok smiled warmly and took the jello, “When did you get this?”

“Before we sat down, otherwise they’d all be taken.”

“Thank you.”

Hyeonjun put his head down and pretended to be resting. It was so much easier to express himself when they were playing together. The unspoken “I trust you” “I have your back” “You can always count on me”. He already missed that feeling. He missed being certain about the blind faith and trust they had. When they were playing together, Sanghyeok knew Hyeonjun was always there for him. Did he know that in real life? Did Hyeonjun do enough to let him know?

A gentle hand touched his shoulder, “Hyeonjunie? Are you tired?”

The touch was nice. It was different from the boundlessly affectionate hugs and jabs from Minhyung, but nice nonetheless. Sanghyeok gently shook him, “Hyeonjun?”

Hyeonjun lifted his head and the hand disappeared from his shoulder, “I’m awake.”

Sanghyeok smiled at him, “Come on, you can sleep on the ride back home. Let’s go.”

Hyeonjun fell into step on Sanghyeok’s right hand side, smiling, “Okay hyung, let’s go home.”

~

“We should get hotpot.”

The manager looked at Hyeonjun like he was crazy, “This is an important dinner with our company’s partners, we can’t go to haidilao.”

“It doesn’t have to be haidilao,” Hyeonjun argued, “There are fancy-ish hotpot places.”

“Do you really want hotpot that much? We just went for last week’s company dinner.”

‘But Sanghyeok hyung hasn’t had hotpot this week.’ The protest hovered at the tip of his tongue as Hyeonjun decided whether it was worth pushing the topic. Sanghyeok was definitely too polite to insist on getting hotpot if the manager said they should go somewhere different. Hyeonjun looked at the perplexed look on the manager’s face and decided to drop the argument. 

“Does that mean we have to dress nice?” Hyeonjun said.

“The stylist will be here shortly. Where are Sanghyeok and Wooje?”

“Late again.” Minseok piped up from across the room.

The manager sighed, “I made the reservation for 6pm. Be outside waiting by 5:30pm.”

“Okay.” They agreed. 

Minhyung nudged Minseok, “Wanna bet who arrives first?”

“Wooje.” Minseok said without missing a beat.

“Winner chooses where we go tomorrow?” Minhyung suggested.

“Deal.” 

The buzzing of his phone caught Hyeonjun’s attention. He glanced down at it to see a text from Wooje. He snorted, “Looks like you win Minhyung. Wooje’s lost his glasses. How does he even lose those? They’re on his face.”

A cheerful looking woman dragging a clothing rack walked into the room, “Hello everyone! Are we all here?”

“No.” They chorused. 

The stylist sighed and shook her head. “Those that are here, your clothing is in these garment bags. Get dressed while we set up for hair and makeup.”

Sanghyeok arrived just as everyone finished changing, and it wasn’t until everyone was through with hair and makeup that Wooje came barreling in through the door. Three different people fussed over Wooje all at once and managed to get him presentable and through the door in record time. 

The place they ended up going to appeared to be an upscale Korean barbecue restaurant. The furniture was all polished mahogany and ornate golden etchings. Before they could even get seated, Wooje was once again dragging Hyeonjun off to obtain some sort of free sweet they had at the front desk. His eyes shone brightly as he surveyed the delicately wrapped cubes of candy. 

“Wow! They’re so pretty.” Wooje said in awe

Hyeonjun nudged him, “Just grab one and go, we’re gonna look like weirdos if we stand here and stare.”

Wooje grabbed a candy and quickly ducked away as the person at the front desk finally noticed them standing there. Hyeonjun nodded at him and gestured towards their table, “We’re with them.”

Wooje had grabbed a green one, so Hyeonjun needed to get any color that was different. He snatched up a red one and was surprised to feel that it was soft. Cube shaped gummies then. They were so unnecessarily fancy for a candy so simple. Still, the cube of sugar glinted like a ruby in his palm and Hyeonjun impulsively turned around and scooped another one out of the bowl. He shoved it into his pocket quickly and made his way back to Wooje.

“Here.” Hyeonjun dropped the red candy into Wooje’s hand. 

“Thank you hyung~” Wooje said happily, “Can you get me pickled radishes while you’re all the side dish bar?”

“So it’s already decided that I’m the one going?” Hyeonjun said with a raise of his eyebrow, “Brat.”

“I’m coming too,” Minseok’s voice said from behind him. He tugged on Hyeonjun’s sleeve, “Come on, let’s go. This job is better than having to make small talk with our sponsors. We can leave that to Sanghyeok hyung and Minhyungie.”

“And if Wooje says something stupid they’ll think it’s cute because he’s a kid.” Hyeonjun snorted.

“Exactly.” Minseok laughed. He picked up a tray and began to pick out an assortment of pickled vegetables. Hyeonjun followed suit, piling up a dish with enough pickled radishes for a family of five. Well, that was the point he supposed. 

“Man, I was really hoping I’d get to sit next to Sanghyeok!”

The sound of Sanghyeok’s name caught Hyeonjun’s attention. 

“I guess the timing isn’t great at an event like this,” Another voice said. Hyeonjun resisted the urge to turn around and check who was talking.

“He said the seat next to him was already taken.” A glum voice said, “Probably one of the important sponsors or something.”

“Still, it’s impressive you even had the courage to ask!”

The rest of the conversation drowned into the background as a feeling of agitation buzzed in Hyeonjun’s head. He hastily filled another tray with a heap of kimchi and nudged Minseok to get his attention, “I’m heading back.”

He didn’t wait to hear Minseok’s answer before he made a beeline towards their table. His eye immediately caught sight of Sanghyeok and Minhyung striking up a conversation with someone in a fancy looking black dress. Minhyung said something that made everyone around them laugh and Sanghyeok said something that made them look at him in wonder. The seat next to him was empty. 

Not caring that the seat was apparently already taken, Hyeonjun walked up and sat down in it. Minhyung greeted him with a grin and Sanghyeok shifted to give him room to place the kimchi and radishes. Hyeonjun eyed Sanghyeok, who was busy flipping the quickly cooking pork belly on the grill. Would he tell Hyeonjun the seat was already taken? At least this time Hyeonjun could just pretend he didn’t know it was already claimed. It would’ve been a different story if he had to ask some important company partner to move. Would he even have done that? He wasn’t sure.

Sanghyeok cut the cooked pieces of pork belly into pieces and began to distribute them. The first two pieces went onto Hyeonjun’s plate and the next two onto Minhyung’s. Hyeonjun passed one of the pieces to Wooje and Minhyung passed both over to Minseok. Hyeonjun rolled his eyes, that man was absolutely smitten. 

Sanghyeok continued to pass the cooked pieces of pork onto other plates. He was met by delighted faces all around. If the flattered expressions were anything to go by, Sanghyeok was doing a great job impressing the people he needed to impress. It was lucky that Sanghyeok was used to doing the entertaining and Minhyung was naturally good at it, because it meant the rest of them could enjoy a fancy dinner with the occasional polite laugh. 

The meat definitely tasted expensive too. The way the beef fell apart in his mouth really was something to savor. “Hyung, you have to try this one. It’s so-”

Hyeonjun stopped mid sentence as he realized that Sanghyeok’s plate was still pristine white. There was not a speck of sauce or grease. It must’ve been over half an hour into dinner now, and he hadn’t eaten a thing. Hyeonjun was suddenly irritated by the jubilant smiles of the people sitting across from them. They probably hadn’t even noticed Sanghyeok was so busy with them that he left no time for himself to eat. 

Without a word, Hyeonjun took the tongs out of Sanghyeok’s hand and took over on the grill. Sanghyeok looked surprised but didn’t fight him. The exclamations of praise about what a good teammate Hyeonjun fell on deaf ears as Hyeonjun was just happy to finally get some food onto Sanghyeok’s plate. 

“I know, I’m so lucky.” Sanghyeok responded with a smile. Hyeonjun glanced at him. He lost track of what Sanghyeok was responding to, but the look of warmth on his face made Hyeonjun feel embarrassed anyway. And maybe just a little bit smug. 

Drinks arrived and Minhyung poured glasses of soju for everyone. The atmosphere relaxed a bit as everyone began to drink. It now felt less like a stuffy networking event and more like their usual company dinners. Hyeonjun snickered at Wooje’s expression when he tried a particularly strong shot of liquor. The lie could not have been more apparent when he turned to the man that poured the drink for him and said it was good. 

“Let me pour you a drink!”

“Of course. Thank you.”

Maybe it was the in game instincts spilling over, but Hyeonjun was always vaguely aware of Sanghyeok even if he wasn’t consciously paying attention. Despite not actually witnessing anything, Hyeonjun felt oddly certain that Sanghyeok was already almost two bottles of soju in. Despite not liking to drink, Sanghyeok only smiled politely and accepted the drink the other man poured for him. 

As ridiculous as it was, a scene from one of Minseok’s stupid k-dramas flashed in his mind. There was always the scene at the dinner table where people shoved drinks at some CEO in an attempt to get them drunk and vulnerable. In those scenes, it was always the trusty advisor that intercepted the drinks for him. When yet another person pushed a glass of alcohol towards Sanghyeok, Hyeonjun impulsively reached out and took it once they lowered their head to pour their own drink. He downed it in one gulp and pushed it back towards Sanghyeok. 

They chatted about menial things and Hyeonjun made sure to empty the glass discreetly every time the other man refilled it. Sanghyeok pretended not to notice and continued to make small talk with a steady smile. Once the other man left, Sanghyeok finally turned to Hyeonjun with a look of fond exasperation, “Hyeonjun, you don’t have to do that. You know I’m used to drinking. I can handle it.”

“You can act like you aren’t drunk,” Hyeonjun corrected, “You still get the hangover tomorrow.”

“At this rate we’ll both end up with a headache.” Sanghyeok chided, “It’s better if it’s only me.” 

Was the room spinning or was it just him? 

A jumble of words came out of his mouth and his head landed onto a bony shoulder. This is why Sanghyeok needed to eat more, Hyeonjun thought vaguely. He was all skin and bones. Minhyung made a much nicer pillow. Something cold touched his cheek and he leaned into it. That felt nice. 

“I’m going to take him home okay? Will you be okay here?” Sanghyeok’s voice sounded muffled.

“Of course.” Minhyung’s voice responded, “I can handle things.”

The coolness on his cheek disappeared and Hyeonjun groaned in protest. “Put it back.” He grumbled.

A soft laugh sounded close to his ear. “I need both hands for this. Come on.”

Hyeonjun felt Sanghyeok tuck himself under Hyeonjun’s arm. One hand grabbed Hyeonjun’s arm to keep it around his shoulders and the other wrapped around his waist to keep him steady. Hyeonjun fought against the fog in his best effort to stay upright. He didn’t want to put too much weight on Sanghyeok. 

Warm arm surrounded them as Sanghyeok maneuvered Hyeonjun into the backseat of a car. Something cold caressed his cheek as the car began to move. Was that Sanghyeok’s hand? It was so cold. Was he cold? Sanghyeok let out a yelp of surprise as Hyeonjun draped himself further over him. 

“What is it? Are you feeling sick?” Sanghyeok fretted.

“I’m keeping you warm.” Hyeonjun mumbled.

“I-” Sanghyeok seemed at a loss for words. A soft laugh escaped from his mouth as he gave up on forming an actual response. Hyeonjun could feel the movement as Sanghyeok laughed, but somehow it didn’t make him feel nauseous the way the bumping of the car did. 

Cold air greeted him once again as the car stopped and let them out. Hyeonjun stumbled through the door and let Sanghyeok guide him to a bed. He groaned as he hit the mattress. He couldn’t tell if he was getting more or less drunk as time went on. Maybe he drank too much too quickly. The world was still spinning around him as he laid in the dark. Something about the quiet darkness made him feel anxious. He clumsily reached for the nightstand and fumbled at the lamp. 

The light was blinding as it flickered on and a splitting pain shot through Hyeonjun’s head. Hyeonjun knocked the lamp to the floor as hastily tried to turn the light back off. It was so bright. His head hurt. 

“Hyeonjun!” Sanghyeok’s panicked voice rang in his ears moments before he was plunged back into the darkness. He breathed a sigh of relief as the ringing slowly faded away. Gentle hands helped him into a half sitting position. “Why did you do that?” Sanghyeok’s voice chided.

“I dunno.” Hyeonjun mumbled. 

“Here. Drink this.”

Hyeonjun opened his mouth as Sanghyeok held a mug to his lips. The drink was warm and tasted like honey and ginger. It eased the queasiness and filled him with warmth. He tipped the mug back to catch the remaining drops. “More.” 

A gentle hand brushed the hair out of Hyeonjun’s face, “I’ll go make more. Don’t try to get up again okay?”

The solid weight next to him began to move and Hyeonjun instinctively reached out and curled his arms around Sanghyeok’s waist. “Nevermind. I don’t want more. Stay here or I’ll try to get up again.”

Sanghyeok laughed. “You act like Wooje when you’re drunk.” he noted.

Hyeonjun felt the spike of anxiety fade as Sanghyeok sat back down next to him. “Was that an insult or a compliment?” Hyeonjun mumbled, words still slurring slightly, “I think itssaa compliment. ‘Cause Wooje’s your fav’rite.”

“I don’t have favorites.” Sanghyeok said in a tone of fond exasperation. He used that tone a lot with them. “You’re all the favorite.”

Sanghyeok began to move away again and Hyeonjun tightened his grip. Sanghyeok sighed and touched Hyeonjun’s hair, “I’m just putting the mug down on the nightstand. I’m not leaving.”

“Fine.” Hyeonjun allowed, loosening his grip. He could hear a soft clink as Sanghyeok placed the mug down. Hyeonjun automatically reached out expectantly and tugged on Sanghyeok’s shirt once he heard the sound. To his dismay, Sanghyeok ducked away from his reach.

“I’m just going to change out of this clothing,” Sanghyeok said before Hyeonjun could complain, “I’ll be quick.”

“You said you were just putting down the mug.” He said petulantly. 

Hyeonjun heard a soft laugh and felt the bed dip with Sanghyeok’s weight again. He reached out again only to have Sanghyeok catch his wrists and push his hands away. “Wait.” Sanghyeok said in a mildly reprimanding tone. He tugged at the blazer Hyeonjun was still wearing and did his best to ease Hyeonjun’s uncooperative limbs out of it.

“Wait.” Hyeonjun slurred, “Pocket. S’ for you.”

“A candy?” Sanghyeok sounded surprised.

“Issa gift for you.” Hyeonjun reiterated.

“Thank you.” The smile could be heard in Sanghyeok’s voice, “Come on, we need to get you into something more comfortable.”

“D’you like it?”

“I love it.” Sanghyeok assured, “I’ll make sure to eat it first thing in the morning tomorrow. For now you need to get ready for bed okay?”

Hyeonjun didn’t realize how uncomfortable his getup was until Sanghyeok loosened his tie and began to unbutton the stiff beige shirt they put him in. “Take it off.” Sanghyeok said once all the buttons were undone, “I’ll go get you a new shirt.”

Hyeonjun tugged the uncomfortable shirt off and tossed it carelessly onto the floor, “I don’t sleep with a shirt. S’uncomfortable.”

An article on clothing landed on Hyeonjun’s chest. “Change into this at least.” Sanghyeok said.

Hyeonjun reluctantly changed into the sweatpants Sanghyeok threw at him. His movements still felt clumsy and uncoordinated. By the time he was done, Sanghyeok returned with another mug of honey and ginger tea. “You said you weren’t leaving.” Hyeonjun accused childishly.

Sanghyeok held the mug to his lips and he drank it anyway. Hyeonjun could hear the smile in Sanghyeok’s voice when he spoke, “You didn’t even notice me leave.”

“Yes I did.” Hyeonjun insisted.

“Sure you did.” Sanghyeok set the now empty mug down on the nightstand again. 

Hyeonjun wrapped his arms around Sanghyeok’s waist and rested his head against his chest. “I’m serious.” He mumbled, “I always know where you are. I have great map awareness.”

“Do you?” Sanghyeok still sounded amused.

“Mhmm. The best.”

When Sanghyeok realized Hyeonjun wasn’t planning on moving from where he laid on Sanghyeok’s chest he tugged the blanket over both of them. Hyeonjun tucked his head under Sanghyeok’s chin and burrowed against his chest. His sweater felt soft. Hyeonjun idly traced the embroidery on the sweater and smiled when he realized Sanghyeok was indeed wearing his own merch again.

It was comfortable and warm. The ginger tea had chased away the last of the nausea and the sound of Sanghyeok’s steady heartbeat overshadowed the pounding in his head. Sanghyeok shifted slightly and panic shot through him once again. Sanghyeok must’ve felt his grip tighten because he let out a soft laugh, “I’m not going anywhere.”

“That’s what you said last time.” Hyeonjun grumbled, feeling petty.

“Holding grudges are we?” Sanghyeok teased lightly, “Any other grievances you’d like to air?”

Despite the fact that it was obviously a joke, Hyeonjun found himself speaking before his brain could catch up with his emotions. 

“Who was sitting next to you?” he blurted.

Hyeonjun could almost hear Sanghyeok’s confusion in the silence that followed. “At dinner? You were sitting next to me.” Sanghyeok reminded.

“No. Before me.” Hyeonjun huffed, “Someone else was sitting next to you.”

“No one else sat next to me.”

“You’re lying.” Hyeonjun insisted, “I overheard someone say it. They said the seat was taken.”

There was another beat of confused silence before Sanghyeok laughed again, louder this time. “Well, someone did come up to me and ask if the seat was taken. I said it was. No one was actually sitting there.”

“Yeah, but who were you saving the seat for?” Hyeonjun said, tone still accusatory.

Sanghyeok sighed, the sound filled with a familiar fond exasperation, “Who do you think I was saving it for?”

“Oh.” Hyeonjun felt embarrassed now. In his defense, the alcohol wasn’t helping his processing ability. “Why?”

“It’s your seat isn’t it?”

The matter of fact way Sanghyeok said it made a warm feeling bloom in Hyeonjun’s chest. Or maybe it was just the tea he drank earlier. He clutched Sanghyeok’s sweater even tighter and shifted closer. “Will you save it for me next time too?”

“Of course.” 

Hyeonjun felt Sanghyeok run his fingers gently through Hyeonjun’s hair. Usually he would shy away from the affection but he felt himself leaning into the touch instead, “It’s mine.” he mumbled, “Don’t give it away. Don’t replace me. I can protect you better than anyone else. I promise.”

“I know.” 

The feeling of gentle fingers running through his hair was making him feel drowsy. His entire body was filled with warmth from ginger and honey and maybe something else that he couldn’t find a name for. 

“I’ll always save a seat for you.” Sanghyeok’s voice was so quiet that Hyeonjun wasn’t sure if he was imagining it, “So don’t leave my side.”

Hyeonjun let his eyes slip closed, deciding that he must’ve imagined Sanghyeok speaking. There was no reason he would say something so ridiculous. After all, why would Hyeonjun ever leave his side?

~

Epilogue

~

[Minhyung sent a photo in the group chat]

Wooje: AWWWWWW

Wooje: theyre so cute

Wooje: (*´▽`*)❀.

Minseok: why is hyeonjun not wearing a shirt

Wooje: he never wears one when sleeping

Minseok: how do you know that

Minseok: ?

Wooje: ˙ᵕ˙