Work Text:
Phone Rings*
“early in the morning?” Khaotung murmured. Cuddling himself in the blanket even more.
“First” Khaotung called out his name, the person sleeping beside him.
It was their thing since day one, taking the same room, asking som their manager to make sure they have a king size bed in their room, when traveling.
They find no issue with it, Khaotung loved the way first took half the side of his bed, like he owes it.
Phone rings* again
“firrrrrrr” Khaotung called out his name again, this time sulkily.
“Hmm” first replied, half dazed and unaware.
Turning on his back, Khaotung put his legs on the first’s lap , wrapping both his legs with his.
“fir pick up the call” Khaotung said, still his half eyes closed.
First opened his eyes to look for his phone, his hands reached to the table to pick up his phone, he looked at it for two seconds.
“Khaotung it's yours” first replied. Sounding irritated in the early morning.
Khaotung sighed. Trying to open his eyes, he looked towards the table beside him. He smiled
“Oh it's mine” Khaotung said, guilty.
First sighed, and rolling his eyes he replied.
“Yeah because you putted same ringtone as me, as if phone case were not enough”
Khaotung pouted. “blah blah blah” he murmured. Picking up the phone.
“Mix you know yesterday was hectic, we were on stage for straight 4 hours and I might need to sleep 2 days straight” Khaotung said, everything in one breath.
Mix chuckled, “Are you sure you need rest or just want be in same bed with first” he replied
Khaotung felt something tightening in his chest, “you are a pervert mix” Khaotung replied with annoyance.
“I got you, didn’t i?” mix replied, with obvious pride in his voice.
“Okay anyways, get up, we are going to explore the whole place” he continued.
“miixxxxxx” Khaotung whined. “it’s literally 9am, are you going to look at pigeons”
First was just laying there listening to Khaotung whine and sulky, first won't say he hated that.
“Give me the phone” first said, grabbing the phone from Khaotung’s hand.
“We will be ready in ten minutes,” first said
Khaotung was looking at him and did not believe he was fighting for not getting up, only to first say they will be up in ten minutes.
Can he say no to first anyways?
“Put the phone on speaker” mix replied.
And first did.
“Te, amo” mix said, and gave them an evil laugh before hanging up the phone.
Te, amo, yeah this word means “i love you” which made first question his existence yesterday.
yesterday during the event.
The MC was about to finish the fan meet, everything went well. Firstkhaotung took a breath of relief.
“You did friend,” first said, patting Khaotung's shoulder and then caressing it like he always did.
Khaotung smiled, “You to friend” he said.
Khaotung stood closer and hugged first by the side looking up at him with his endearing eyes. Like he always did
They were lost in each other's eyes yet again.
“So firstkhaotung, is there anything you want to say to the fans, they are cheering their lungs out for you hahaha” the MC questioned them.
“You go first,” Khaotung said.
“No, it's okay you go first,” first replied.
Can Khaotung say no to first?.
“Okay” Khaotung said, pouting as he smiled towards his fans, waving at them cheerfully. He adored his fans a lot, he would treasure them if he could.
“I hope you all are doing well” Khaotung started.
Fans cheered. They always did and Khaotung loved them happily cheering for them.
“Did you enjoy today?” he shoved his mic up in the air towards the crowd.
“Yesssss!!!” fans screamed.
“Thank you so much for coming here for us, I would like to thank you all”
“To First my friend” he looked towards first then at the crowd again. His cheeks were red.
”the mc and each of the staff who work hard for us” he said, giggling at the end.
The whole stadium was filled with applause and laughter. Everybody appreciated him as much as he appreciated everyone there.
“And also” Khaotung interrupted the cheers.
“te’amo” he said, but he subconsciously looked at first. With a wide smile, not realising what he did.
It was supposed to be for fans, what the fuck is wrong with you Khaotung? He cursed under his breath.
The whole stadium was filled with screams.
No, no, no, no, no.
But we said it lots of times, is it different? I hope not.
First nodded at first, “yes”. He replied.
First looked at Khaotung again, “huh?” he said. Not realising what just happened.
Why did his heart feel like it would jump if he spoke any other word? First couldn't stop but felt his cheeks in the heat, All flustered.
Yet he just decided to act shocked. Nonchalant, that he doesn't feel anything about it, reality was far different from it.
Meanwhile Khaotung wondered, why did he feel different from other days, was it because they were on stage?
Was it the first’s sudden expression?
Did first not like that?
Both of them were fighting their demons, they knew whatever they felt was special.
First mentioned during only friends era that, they treat and care for each other more than a would friend do.
Not that Khaotung didn't take first to the tilly birds concert for that specific song. Wishing first would relate to.
But first and Khaotung both of them would rather eat brick than to lose this friendship.
Is it worth risking it?
Present.
First cursed under his breath, so did Khaotung. The awkwardness was obvious enough.
“asshole mix” First cursed. Loud enough for Khaotung to hear.
Khaotung looked everywhere but at first’s face, scratching the back of his head Khaotung broke the silence.
“I will take shower first”
yeah after all he did all the mess.
Khaotung walked towards his wardrobe, removing first’s tee and joggers. Like it was his. It was normal for them after all.
“Wait, I thought we were going to shower together?” first teased. Smirking at Khaotung.
Khaotung didn't say anything, he just looked at first, for the first time he couldn't understand his eyes.
Or he didn't want to.
“Don’t joke around, not everything is a joke” Khaotung said, and walked towards the bathroom in a hurry like someone was chasing him.
“What's wrong Khaotung?” first asked.
He knew what was wrong.
“khaotung?” He called Khaotung again, this time louder.
No answer.
After Khaotung was done with the shower, first went to shower, both did breakfast with that silence sitting between them. What's wrong?
They both knew.
Was it worth it?
After they were done with the breakfast, they reached the decided place, they met mix and earth there. Bickering like an old married couple like they were.
“Heyyyyy firrrr” Mix screamed, as he saw them coming out of their car.
First wanted to kill him.
Khaotung waved back at them with a smile as they both walked towards earthmix.
First didn't, he was ready to throw hands, not wave.
Firstkhaotung both approached earthmix, Khaotung hugged earth first. He was not less salty about the call.
Then first approached earth too, mix just stood there watching both of them obviously sulking.
“Here here, I am here to” mix pouted. Squeezing his eyes he continued, “Or did you both took my teasing to heart”
First looked at first instantly with piercing eyes, “Mix come here” he replied.
First approached mix, forcely hugging him like he was trying to squeeze the soul out of him.
“I hope you are not too tired, friend” first said, with a sarcastic tone. Hugging him tighter.
Khaotung couldn't help but smile, he felt that first trying to not make it awkward. After the morning it was already hard enough for them to not touch each other in any way, not even interlocking their pinkies.
“ah, fir i know you love me but I can't breathe” mix replied, gasping for air.
Earth was standing there confused, not knowing what was actually happening and why Khaotung is red as a tomato.
“What did you do now mix” earth questioned, the curiosity was killing him.
Mix smirked as first stopped hugging him and stood beside Khaotung again. It was silent yet again.
“Tell me?” earth asked three of them again.
Firstkhaotung both of them looked at mix, with the eyes which was basically killing him.
Mix got closer to earth, holding earth’s arms he replied, “if i speak anymore i fear you will sleep alone tonight”
First smiled this time. His heart started to beat faster, the feeling was an adrenaline rush.
Looking at Khaotung, and how red he was himself.
Meanwhile Khaotung was one step closer to confessing all the pent up feelings, he hated the adrenaline rush in him. He was totally different from first, they knew this since day one.
Looking at opposite sides of each other, both of them tried to stop this madness. Whatever they have right now is enough.
It's enough.
But is it easy to not want more?.
Earth was still confused looking at three of them. but they decided to move towards their destination anyways. They had a big day ahead.
Little cafes, small shops which sell not too expensive clothes, around the streets, small stalls of food they discovered everything about the city they were in.
Firstkhaotung and earthmix splitted their ways during the shopping because they obviously shared different aesthetics.
It was cookie point for first and Khaotung both, they could finally spend some quality time together.
After walking for a while around the shops, Khaotung saw a cute shirt. His first thought wasn't about him but for the person beside him.
It will look good on him. Khaotung thought.
Khaotung walking faster than first got him dumbfounded.
“Fir, fir” Khaotung called first, caressing on the shirt looking back and forth at first and then the shirt.
“It will look good on you,” Khaotung continued.
first won't lie that he doesn't love when Khaotung picks up something for him.. he actually feels special.
First rolled his eyes, “tung it's not my style at all, and you will pull it better” he replied.
Khaotung looked at him with a pleading eyes, “teng.. na?” he said sulkily.
Oh shit.
Khaotung pulled corner of first’s t-shirt, “fir” making a pouty face.
Could first say no?.
“Okay” first replied, taking the shirt from khaotung’s hand.
Looking at the shirt first said in tease “take the matching one, so we match when we go to korea together”
Khaotung didn't take a second, “okay” he replied. Khaotung looked at the shopkeeper.
“this one” he took the shirt from first’s hand. Who was standing like he was frozen. “and another exactly the same one” he continued
First wondered, does Khaotung know what it means when two people wear matching stuff in korea?.
”Sure thing” the shopkeeper replied. Looking at both of them with doubtful eyes, “are you both dating?” he questioned, Still smiling.
First couldn't breathe. He felt his cheeks burning in the sensation he never felt before. His stomach felt the deep drop like it never did.
Khaotung looked at first instantly. He knew.
“No, we are best friends,” Khaotung replied.
First felt the drop again, this time it was his heart.
Friends.
Friends.
Friends.
The shopkeeper handed Khaotung the shirts, “okay, it's none of my business anyways” he smiled.
“Let's go?” Khaotung said.
First didn't reply, he just walked without saying anything.
Khaotung was confused as he saw first walking ahead without him, “what's wrong, fir” Khaotung called out.
First was still walking. faster this time, “first?” He called him again.
As Khaotung reached closer to first, first stopped walking, Khaotung rushed into first. Hitting his nose into first’s back.
“ouch,” Khaotung said, stepping back. “why you are running teng”
First turned around, facing Khaotung now. He had tears in his eyes.
“I am a bad friend” first said with a ragged voice, eyes filled with tears.
“no, no fir you are not, stop this” Khaotung replied.
The tears streamed down first’s cheeks now.
Khaotung took first’s face between his both hands. Caressing his cheeks, wiping down the tears.
“You are the best and only person I have in my life fir” he said, tears in his own eyes now.
“you are the only one I turn to” he continued, “so shut up”, he hugged first. Not asking any questions.
Closing his eyes, first hugged him back tighter, feeling the warmth gave him strength, the love he had in him wasn't going anywhere ever, he cannot take it anymore.
Fuck it.
“khaotung” first said, in a soft tone.
“Wow, you take my name when we are alone?” Khaotung replied.
“I want to tell you something” first replied, ignoring what Khaotung just asked.
Fuck it.
Khaotung felt a pang in his chest, “are you okay?” he asked.
“khaotung i-”
Before he could say anything, Khaotung’s phone rang.
Shit.
First stepped back, breaking the hug, wiping his tears down. “pick up, mae som would be worried” he said. Not making eye contact with Khaotung.
Khaotung was worried now. “Are you sure?” Khaotung questioned.
First, I just nodded.
Khaotung picked up the call.
Their manager told them that they have an interview in the colosseum with the company they were signed in with.
“Okay mae, we will be there in few” Khaotung replied, hanging up the phone.
Khaotung held first’s hands, caressing it gently, “ are you really okay?” he asked first again.
“Yes I am” first replied. “Let's go,” he continued.
Khaotung just smiled, still not assured and convinced if first is okay.
They both rushed to the location they were sent, did the photoshoots, and did small interviews. Clicked some pictures with the monuments.
Khaotung noticed that first was distracted. It was not him, he took his work seriously. Until it's something really bothering him. Khaotung was sickly worried. Only if he could take all the pain away from first.
End of the day, their manager left for the hotel, giving the boys some free time to explore. Around their last place to visit was Trevi fountain.
It was a place chosen by Khaotung. So it was the place first was most excited about, when first asked Khaotung why the fountain.
He replied saying I will tell you once we are there.
But first was not feeling anything anymore, all the guilt and emotions were too much for him at the moment.
Khaotung walked towards first, interlocking their arms he cheerfully started walking, “khao?” first said. Confused.
“what? You don't want to know why I chose that fountain?” Khaotung replied.
First just hummed. And let Khaotung take the lead anyways.
After an hour, they reached their destination. The ride was awfully silent. Mix must’ve felt the tension and mess he created after all.
The place was so beautiful that it made first feel better.
First took out his phone and started clicking pictures of his surroundings.
First walked near the fountain, it was full of coins. He wondered why it was there, do people make wishes here. And if they do, does it get true?
Khaotung was standing a little far from first, looking at him staring at the fountain, he adored first alot. It hurts the amount of love he holds for him.
What is first hiding from him, is it more hurtful than my hidden feelings for him. He cannot be a bad friend. I am the bad one who fell for him this much. In that depth.
He is mine.
As first was deep in thought, Khaotung approached him. Putting his hand on first’s shoulder. “Let's make a wish?” Khaotung said.
First looked turned his head to look for earthmix, they were nowhere to be found. “where are they?” he asked.
Khaotung chuckled, “I don't know”.
He's glad. They both are.
Khaotung reached his hand in his pocket, finding coins. He gave three to first and kept three to himself.
“Okay first, stand back and face me,” Khaotung instructed.
First was confused, “what?” he questioned.
“do what I say” Khaotung replied, and turned his face to the fountain.
First followed his instructions, now both were facing each other.
Khaotung gave him a soft smile. “so there’s saying if you throw one coin in the fountain, you will come back rome again”
He took a deep breath, “if you throw two coins, you will get an italian partner” Khaotung chuckled.
“if you throw three coins, you will marry the person you love” he finished his sentence.
First was confused, why Khaotung was telling him this.
Closing his eyes, Khaotung threw one coin.
First thought, that's it now it's his turn.
But Khaotung threw another.
First’s steps stopped.
Khaotung opened his eyes, looking at first. Not breaking eye contact, Khaotung threw the third one.
Both the hearts were beating fast.
“first, te’ amo” Khaotung said, still looking bare into first’s eyes. Like he wanted this for so long.
First felt like the surface had been taken away, the world wasn't real, his heart beat won't stop beating like crazy.
He couldn't form a word, “hm?” he replied, in a ragged voice.
“I freaking love you, and I am scared you will be taken away from me before I could tell you how my heart feels ever since I called you for the first time to eat out with me” Khaotung replied.
Khaotung approached first, holding both his hands, “i don't care if you don't like me back, i am sorry but don't leave me okay?” he said, holding back his tears.
Fuck it.
“i love you” first replied, tears building up in his own eyes, “i love you since day one tung” he hugged Khaotung, like he never did.
“it hurts, it hurts that I can't tell you everyday” first continued.
“So will you marry me?” Khaotung teased first.
First broke the hug first, “already?” he asked, pouting. With his big eyes with curiosity.
“I threw the coin, and you are the one I love. So you are stuck” he replied, smiling.
“At least ask me to be your boyfriend,” first said.
Khaotung took first’s hand in his, “would you be mine forever?”