Work Text:
“This is a very dangerous game.” Kevin immediately comments after Sangyeon wraps up their weekly meeting. Sunwoo is just weakly snickering beside him, probably thinking his hyungs are not serious about the last-minute addition to their holiday agenda.
“It’s the season of giving, Kevin!” Changmin wheels his chair closer to hit Kevin, almost jarringly throwing him off his own chair at the collision. “And we are giving kisses!”
Kevin’s eyes widen at the potential loophole, but Sangyeon is quick to pinch the flames of hope out.
“No, the chocolate does not count.”
“Okay, but it's going to make things awkward.” Haknyeon raises his hand. Kevin wants to hug his friend– probably the only other sane person in this group left. Kevin thinks they’ve had whatever brain cells they’ve had lobotomized by the forced keg stands from their impromptu party at Younghoon’s last night.
Kevin still has not recovered; so does most of the group. Sangyeon, Hyunjae and Changmin on the other hand…
“It’s a team building exercise to make us all closer, Hak.” Hyunjae slides a water bottle over to their main dancer. “Also, don’t lean forward like that if you’re violently hungover, dude. You’ll end up puking on the carpet!”
The mention of vomit makes Kevin’s own nausea act up. He groans, unexpectedly vocalizing with Haknyeon’s own moan of absolute suffering.
“Okay, well… that’s it for our weekly meeting.” Sangyeon gathers his paper, pen, and phone. “I heard there's hangover soup in the company cafeteria. Apparently, we weren't the only ones having a very Merry Christmas last night.”
Kevin lays his cheek on the cool glass of the table, watching his friends file out slowly. He thinks he can stay there forever, or at least wait out the hungover symptoms.
“Kevin, come on! You need to get something in your system to flush the alcohol out.” Younghoon calls out to him as the older man assists a very green-looking Chanhee from the boardroom. There's some panicked yelling right after, and Kevin warily pulls himself up to check on his friends.
Hyunjae is standing in the doorway, eyes fixed on Younghoon and Sunwoo fanning Chanhee with their hands. Kevin hears Haknyeon asking if they should get Juyeon because his hands are bigger and thus can fan better, and the stupid consequences of their actions from the night before makes Kevin chuckle.
“Can you guys get him away from the Christmas tree at least?” Hyunjae calls out.
“Can't move him!” Sunwoo shouts back. “He’ll hurl if we do.”
Jacob runs to them with a plastic bag and all is saved. Kevin leans against the door frame, watching Younghoon put the white plastic bag on Chanhee by hanging the straps on his tiny ears. Chanhee looks like a 100 ₩ Santa Claus.
“Kevin.” Hyunjae touches his shoulder.
“Hm?”
“Mistletoe.”
Kevin’s eyebrows furrow. He looks up and sure enough, a plastic leaf cluster is haphazardly sticking on the doorframe. It looks a little bent out of shape and Kevin is around 60% sure it wasn't there a few seconds ago.
He narrows his eyes at Hyunjae, suspicious. Before he can argue, Eric catches wind of the two members trapped under mistletoe and whips his phone out.
“Eric, put that away!” Kevin swats.
“Uh-uh.” Their youngest grinned. “Evidence. Our manager placed 10 of those mistletoe bunches around the building. You gotta kiss. It's team building.”
Chanhee must have already hurled, because he suddenly looks very okay and very interested in what’s happening. He still has the plastic bag hanging by the ears, but he whips his own phone out and oh my god, what is happening?
Kevin is starving. He hasn't eaten anything since waking up because of his hangover, so the cafeteria sounds really good right now.
“Just a kiss, right?” Kevin sighs, turning to Hyunjae. The older man is silent, staring him down with an unreadable look in his eyes. “Come here, hyung.”
There's some squealing over by where their members are huddling and Kevin ignores the loud noise. He holds Hyunjae’s chin, oblivious to the way the other man’s breath hitches in anticipation.
Kevin leans in and presses his lips on the high part of Hyunjae’s cheekbone for a solid 5 seconds.
It feels… weird. There are sparks blooming under his fingertips on Hyunjae’s chin and from where his lips are on Hyunjae’s cheek. Kevin quickly pulls away.
“That’s a kiss. Can we go now?” He addresses the huddle of members, hands on hips. “I’m starving, guys. If I’m going to throw up, can we at least get something in my stomach for me to actually puke up?”
He’s met with a confused silence before loud, disappointed complaining starts. Changmin is saying something about how that wasn't how kisses under a mistletoe go. Jacob is insisting Kevin cheated.
“There were no specifics from earlier.” Kevin reminds them dryly. His head is hurting from how loud they’re being.
“Fine, we’ll amend it later via our group chat. Let's go to the cafeteria first.” Sangyeon finally concludes, giving Kevin and Hyunjae the green light to leave the doorway.
Hyunjae watches Kevin leave, still frozen under the doorway and mistletoe. Juyeon walks closer to him, mindful to keep some distance away from the mistletoe. There's a rare, mischievous smile on the main dancer’s lips.
“I know where you can place the mistletoe next, hyung.”
🎄
Kevin sighs with contentment as his fingers wrap around an iced matcha latte. He burrows further into the soft beanie bag of their new studio, only half-listening to Jacob and Sangyeon discuss vocal arrangements for a cover they’re making.
He can vaguely make out the thumping bass of festive Christmas music from the adjoining practice room– the other members are making the choreography to go with the cover already.
And Kevin knows he should be helping one way or another, but the drink in his hands and the warm beanie bag…
“Kev, Chanhee wants to get your input on something.” Hyunjae pops his head into the studio. “Changmin’s making us all do this one dance move but Chanhee is protesting that it seems weird with the song lyrics.”
“Get Eric.” Kevin is reluctant to leave his nest.
“He said it's not his part to dance so he doesn't care.” Hyunjae then turns to their eldest members still listening to the vocal recordings. “Hyung, is it almost done?”
“Almost. Go over there, Kev.” Jacob waves them off and Kevin feels betrayed. He pouts, wiggling up from the bean bag while keeping a tight grip on his matcha latte. Hyunjae leads him to the dance studio next door and wow, Chanhee is about to claw Changmin’s throat out and vice versa.
Suspiciously, Juyeon is not paying attention to the argument. Instead of being at the center to mediate fights like he always does, he’s looking at Kevin with twinkling eyes, reminding the vocalist of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.
Then, Kevin picks up on how stupid the fight is. He raises an eyebrow when Chanhee says something about having better English skills than the English line and Changmin is biting back laughter. More so, Haknyeon is failing to hide his giggling from behind Sunwoo’s shoulders.
Maybe they forgot to brief Sunwoo on the idea, because their main rapper genuinely looks terrified at the fight. But Eric is beside them, already holding his phone— and Younghoon isn't even bothering to pull his friends away from each other.
So, Kevin looks up.
Lo and behold, a mistletoe has been taped right above him. He slowly lowers his gaze back to Hyunjae, who has a blank expression on.
“Was this–”
“I didn't know–”
“Oh, look!” Juyeon claps, his big hands making a resounding echo off the studio walls. “How unlucky, Kevin. You know the rules.”
Kevin frowns. Hyunjae sighs, and it sounds genuine enough for Kevin to believe that his hyung is also a victim.
“Let’s just–”
“Stay still.” Kevin tells him. Eric lets out a loud hoot that's quickly disguised as a whooping cough when Kevin whips his head around to glare at their youngest. Eric sheepishly inches away until he’s safely hidden behind Juyeon’s tall frame.
Kevin thinks back to Sangyeon’s rushed additional rules sent to their group chat earlier. The no-chocolates rule has been put into writing, along with an emphasized caveat that lips should be in contact.
Got it. Kevin suddenly pressed the palm of his hand to his own lips, making sure the cherry lip balm smears on his skin. Hyunjae blinks at the action, confused.
But Kevin doesn't give him time to ask as he flips his palm and places it over Hyunjae’s lips. The older man lets out a small noise of surprise that doesn't deter Kevin from making sure his lip balm gets on Hyunjae’s lips.
“Oh, that's smart.” Haknyeon begrudgingly acknowledges.
“Are we done? What’s the lyric you need help with?” Kevin pulls his hand away from Hyunjae, not liking how nice it feels for him to have Hyunjae’s soft lips on his skin. He glares at the mistletoe hanging above them.
Kevin puts his drink down on the floor and jumps up, snagging part of the twig and successfully removing the stupid cluster of leaves from the ceiling. He takes a closer look at it and resists the urge to roll his eyes.
“We didn't even get real mistletoe? It’s plastic!”
“Well, mistletoe doesn't grow in Korea.” Hyunjae answers him, scratching his neck. He looks flustered. Kevin feels sorry that he's being dragged into whatever antic their team is up to.
“Did anything happ– oh.” Sangyeon and Jacob join them in the studio, USB flash drive in hand. Sangyeon actually sounds disappointed. “Did I miss anything?”
“No.” Chanhee groans.
Kevin snaps his fingers. “Hey, what's the lyric? I got dragged away from my bean bag and latte time to solve a supposed conflict. What's the conflict?”
He finally gets dragged over by Changmin and finds out there is actually an awkward part. As Kevin explains the meaning of the phrase to work out a better choreography, Juyeon stands next to Hyunjae and pats his shoulder.
“Third time will be the charm.” He says, resolute.
“He’s gonna hate me by the end of this.” Hyunjae mutters, running a distressed hand through his hair.
“No, no! Trust me.” Juyeon shakes him gently. “This will work. Not only because you like Kevin, but because he likes you too! I swear on my life, hyung.”
Hyunjae narrows his eyes at his friend. “You and Chanhee keep saying that ever since you nosy fucks found out I’ve liked him for years now. What makes you so sure?”
Juyeon grins. “I’ll tell you later.” He slightly nods his head towards Kevin, who’s looking at them weirdly as they stand around by the back of the room. “See, the evidence is already in front of you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’ll figure it out.” Juyeon waves himself off, coming to stand beside Changmin to formally start their choreography lesson.
Kevin tears his gaze away from Hyunjae, troubled at the feelings of a simple kiss on the cheek and palm somehow forced to resurface. He gulps down what’s left of his latte and forces himself to listen to Changmin point out their spots for the short dance.
Even as he moves along, his mind is drifting to a time from way back in the past– when they were still filming Flower Boyz Snack Shop; and the feelings he swore to bury almost a decade ago now.
“Then for the ending, we dogpile to the center!” Changmin is saying. Kevin hums, looking at their formation via the mirror. That means he has to throw himself on top of Haknyeon, who’s in front of him. Okay, no problem. He doesn't have any injuries to be mindful of.
Behind him is Sangyeon. Still good. I’d have to shoulder some of his weight so Hak doesn't get crushed.
“Actually,” Juyeon puts a hand up. “Haknyeon, can you be at the center instead? Switch with Hyunjae-hyung right before the last count of 8 to make the ending formation height look like a W.”
“You’re calling me short!” Haknyeon complains light-heartedly, but rolls over to his new spot as Hyunjae gracefully moves to be in front of Kevin.
Kevin sends Juyeon a stink-eye that the main dancer definitely missed.
Well, if it’s Hyunjae-hyung, then I can throw my entire weight and Sangyeon-hyung’s on him. Kevin thinks. He nods to himself, satisfied.
“Okay, break time!” Changmin announces, clapping happily. He grabs Chanhee, already chummy again and further fueling Kevin’s suspicions that something else was happening during their ‘fight’ earlier. “Be back here in 10 minutes so we can get some styling before recording.”
“C’mon, I’m starving. Kev, you wanna get some hotdogs?” Jacob asks him in English, distracting Kevin from his murderous thoughts. Jacob loops their arms together, already dragging the younger Canadian away from the group. “What’s up with you? You’re so distracted.”
“Because I am! Wait, Jake. Here.” Kevin pulls him aside as a wandering Sunwoo walks past them. He doubts Sunwoo would be so audacious as to listen in, but better safe than sorry. “I think Juyeon is trying to set me up with Hyunjae. Well, not just Juyeon. It’s–”
“They are.” Jacob pauses, then grins. “We are.”
Kevin’s blood heats up. His cheeks turn into tiny cherry bombs at the confession. “What?”
“Okay, here me out.” They reach the cafeteria and Jacob grabs a paper bag with corndogs for them to share before sitting at a table on the far end of the cafeteria for maximum privacy. “Binnie, you’ve been pining over the guy for literal years now.”
“You don't have to remind me.” Kevin bitterly mutters. He aggressively bites a corndog, frowning as he chews and thinks back to when he realized he was in deep.
🌟
The tiny camera was sat in front of them, and Kevin is still new to this idol, variety show thing. He wanted to show his best side only– even if he himself isn't sure what that is. Their CEO told him to just be authentic. He has a lovely personality, whatever that means.
Beside him, Hyunjae was staring at the coloring pencils in Kevin’s hold. He insisted on joining Kevin with making the menu for their pop-up store, despite being probably the least artistically inclined in their group.
Kevin’s kind of anxious, actually. Hyunjae is so good looking and effortlessly charming. Sure, their media training still gives Hyunjae some notes to work on, but overall, he seems to already be a perfect idol in the making.
Meanwhile, Kevin was still struggling to keep up with the dancing.
“What’s the plan?” Hyunjae asked him. The camera was still off and they’re just sitting on the floor of the living room. Sunwoo had been bullied into sleeping in his original room with Younghoon and Juyeon for the duration of filming so the group can film in their living room.
“I’m not entirely sure either.” Kevin admitted.
“It’s okay. We’ll figure it out.” Hyunjae smiled at him. Kevin suddenly felt… strange. His chest was blooming at the comfort Hyunjae offered.
His skin was literally lighting up where their thighs were touching because the camera scope was small and–
“I’m very bad with art, just so you know.”
“I know.” Kevin joked. Hyunjae laughed, liquefying Kevin’s heart even further. He was certain his ribs were about to melt with how hot his heart and chest were becoming.
Hyunjae bumped their shoulders together. “You get a pass for rubbing it in my face because you’re cute, Hyungseo.”
God, Kevin was going to hurl. Hyunjae was grinning at him, so adorable and handsome at the same time that it was taking all of Kevin’s willpower to look away and ask if they were ready to start filming.
Hyunjae’s coloring skills were sort of stressing Kevin out, but the older boy made up for it by making Kevin laugh so much until he himself colored over the lines. Hyunjae teased him for it, and Kevin was 100% sure that he had a crush on Hyunjae at that point.
After filming their little segment, Hyunjae insisted on cleaning up. He waved Kevin off to sleep early, and Kevin all but scurried to his room. Changmin and Hyunjoon were already sound asleep, so Kevin had to bite one of his stuffed toys as he sent a very panicky text to Jacob.
Kev 🍯: i like him, jake. i really, really like him.
He wasn’t expecting Jacob to still be awake, but Kevin surprisingly received a reply not even 5 seconds later.
Jake 🍁: Who?
Kev 🍯: Hyunjae
Jake 🍁: OH?
Kevin swallowed. His shaking fingers started to type an entire opera about how he had always been struggling to look away from Hyunjae– mistakenly chalking it up to wanting to learn how to be perfect like him at first; getting excited chills whenever Hyunjae acknowledged him being good at dancing…
He even told Jacob about how Hyunjae told him that their voices were really good together when harmonizing.
Jake 🍁: ThAT’S SO CUTE!!1!
Jake 🍁: But we’re strangers to this culture, right?
Jake 🍁: Is there any chance he’s just being nice?
Kev 🍯: 😔 big ooof
Jake 🍁: Sorry!!
Kev 🍯: it’s OK… not like i was expecting him to like me back.
Kev 🍯: HAH. perfect him? with little ol’ me??
Jake 🍁: Kev…
But that was fine with Kevin. After all, he still gets to hang out with Hyunjae.
🌟
“Point is, this is a set up. Everyone supports it and wants it– meaning you and him, to happen!” Jacob then pauses. “Hm. That’s all I can and will say. I’ve been sworn to secrecy.”
Kevin gasps, sounding as exaggerated as he can possibly be. “What about our friendship, Jake?”
“You’d trade me for a Beyoncé album.”
“No, that's not true.” Kevin grins as he lays his head on Jacob’s shoulder. “I’d trade you for at least two signed Beyoncé albums, Jacob. You’re worth more than just one!”
From across the cafeteria, Hyunjae is having a hard time looking away from Kevin getting physically chummy yet again with Jacob. While the older Canadian has assured Hyunjae countless times that he and Kevin are just best friends the same way Hyunjae is with Juyeon, he really can't help the jealousy he feels; especially when he really can't do that with Kevin so liberally.
“We found him, we found the Grinch who stole Christmas!” Juyeon half-yelled, pointing at Hyunjae with his big hands. They catch a bit of attention from the few people already in the area and Hyunjae blushes.
He weakly slaps Juyeon’s offensively large hands down. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re green with jealousy.” Chanhee tells him, smug. Hyunjae fights the urge to revert on his promise of not annoying Chanhee so much anymore in exchange for them keeping Hyunjae’s absolutely-more-than-just-a-crush thing for Kevin a secret. “And the Grinch is green, so…”
“Thank you, Captain Obvious.”
Chanhee threatens to stomp on his foot and Juyeon smoothly slides between them before a fight breaks out. “Hyung, what do you think of my plan for the third mistletoe?” Juyeon asks, not even subtle with the way he’s protecting Chanhee behind him.
“It's a horrible idea. Kevin might get injured.” Hyunjae frowns.
“Then take care of him!” Chanhee rolls his eyes. Hyunjae reaches around Juyeon to pinch Chanhee, who yelps and grabs onto Juyeon to use him as a body shield. “We already told Sangyeon-hyung to be gentle. But he needs to put some weight on Kevin so he topples on you. Just catch him when he does.”
Hyunjae feels a headache start to come on. He’s really appreciative that his friends are encouraging him to be with Kevin, but Hyunjae thinks Juyeon has been reading too many romantic novels lately and it's added yet another pair of rose-tinted glasses to Juyeon’s already romantic perception of the world.
Not to mention Chanhee seemingly using Hyunjae’s feelings for Kevin as a way to annoy the fuck out of the older boy.
He remembers how Juyeon and Chanhee found out about his predicament a few years ago.
🌟
They were about to perform Whiplash in outfits of what they wanted to be when they grew up as kids. Hyunjae didn't really know what to be, considering his plan was to just let his mom decide when he was a kid.
In the end, he settled for being a corporate office worker. It was easier to dance in a pressed tweed suit than in… maybe an astronaut suit. Hyunjae submitted his costume idea and went about his day.
Then, as they were preparing for their stage, Kevin approached him with a small, shy smile. Hyunjae couldn't help his own smile, widening against his will when he pieced together what Kevin’s costume was: a preschool teacher?
That's so fucking adorable. Hyunjae was still stupidly grinning as Kevin sat beside him and asked if he could decorate his office ID.
“Look, the stickers are so pretty!” Kevin showed him the sticker page. “I plan to put this little baby bear on your card and some stars.”
Hyunjae didn't even hesitate to take his ID off. He kept his eyes on Kevin, unblinking even. He had a hand resting on the back of the sofa, hovering near Kevin just enough that Hyunjae could imagine what it would be like to not give a fuck anymore and just pull him close.
“Ta-da~” Kevin suddenly leaned back, resting against his arm. Hyunjae’s cheeks turned just the slightest shade of pink, heart hammering at the warmth and weight of Kevin on his arm.
Kevin showed him the ID.
“What do you think?” He asked.
“I think you missed a spot here.” Hyunjae tried to joke, pointing with his free hand at a small space that wasn't covered with stickers. Kevin flashed him a fake frown, but he dissolved into a fit of giggles as he added one more sticker on the card. “Thanks, Kev. This looks really nice.”
He didn't want the moment to end yet, so Hyunjae held onto Kevin’s arm and asked, “Do you want to decorate the front too?”
“You sure?” Kevin’s eyes lit up and god, Hyunjae is about to melt into a puddle of goo for him. “I wouldn't wanna cover up your handsome ID photo.”
“Just put them on the corners.”
Their stylists were busy running around for the final touches and some members were going around with the camera to film behind the scenes, but Hyunjae couldn't move from the couch. He was just there, sat beside Kevin, possibly with stars in his eyes.
But he suddenly spotted some suspicious movement from his peripheral vision.
Juyeon, dressed as a very stylish pilot, was rubbing his hands together like an annoying mosquito. Chanhee beside him, dressed in a very bright The Little Prince outfit, is gawking openly and clutching at his nonexistent pearls.
Both of them were staring right at Hyunjae and Kevin from the opposite side of the room.
Hyunjae glared at them both and shuffled slightly to protect Kevin from their scrutinizing eyes.
“Here, all done!” Kevin beamed. He held it up for Hyunjae to see, very proud of himself. “Look at this, hyung! I added a little moon.”
“There's no bigger moon? Maybe you can put one on my face.” Hyunjae teased. Kevin laughed it off, getting up to have his hair touched up one last time. “Wait, Kevin. Put it on me?”
That made Kevin pause and earned Hyunjae some very loud gasps from the two nosy mosquitos across the room. Thankfully, Kevin didn't seem to have heard.
“Why? What’s wrong with your hands all of the sudden?” Kevin’s eyebrow arched. Hyunjae’s brain has been fully fried at the action and he almost, almost grabbed Kevin by the waist to make out right there on the couch with all the members and stylists hanging around them.
“You’re so mean to me.” Hyunjae pouted instead. “And after I let you deface company property?”
“Willingly.” Kevin pointed out, but he shook his head and took the ID anyway. He smoothed the lanyard and looped it over Hyunjae, tucking the thick bands under his collar and smoothing it over his chest.
Hyunjae had never been so thankful for clothes that day– the goosebumps that appeared and trailed after Kevin’s touch would have given Hyunjae away if he wasn't wearing his shirt. Now that would be something…
“There, Mr. Lee. Is everything good now?”
“Mhm. No complaints, Teacher Moon.” Hyunjae smirked. Kevin rolled his eyes at him, tugging lightly at the ID one last time before going away. Kevin left after that, quickly dodging Hyunjae’s attempt to slap his butt with a loud laugh.
“Oh, that is amazing. Juyeon, did you see that? I feel so sick! I feel like we weren't supposed to have seen that.” Chanhee disrupted the lovestruck staring Hyunjae knew he was doing. The main vocalist had dragged Juyeon all the way to Hyunjae just to be nosy.
And Juyeon, Hyunjae’s so-called best friend, actually had the audacity to say, “Hyung, since when?”
“Go away.”
“Hyung,” Chanhee let go of Juyeon and both of Hyunjae’s annoying pain in the asses plopped down on either side of him on the couch. He’s trapped. “That was amazing! We’ve never seen you like someone before– the way you looked at Kevin just now is the same as when you watch IU’s fancams!”
Hyunjae cursed.
“Okay, we won’t bother you if you at least answer this question–”
“I doubt you’ll stop bothering me.”
“Do you like Kevin?” Chanhee ignored the jibe.
“Chanhee, what kind of question is that? Juyeon scolded him. “We both saw what just happened. Hyung doesn't like Kevin!”
Hyunjae let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in. Thank god my friends are morons.
“Hyung is absolutely fucking in love with him!”
Oh, fuck.
🌟
Hyunjae tries to keep his cool. Chanhee has appointed himself, Younghoon, Changmin and Kevin as stylists and are running around with hair brushes and lip tints. Kevin is thankfully trying to fix up Sunwoo’s hair and is very far from Hyunjae, but Juyeon isn't being subtle at all by loudly proclaiming that Sunwoo’s good to go already and Kevin should help someone else.
“He has curly hair! Go help him, Kevin.” Chanhee is handing over a mini flat iron to Kevin, who looks absolutely miffed.
“What about my creative liberties and rights, Chanhee?”
“Hyung, don't fight him anymore. A lot has happened today already.” Sunwoo is pouting. Kevin feels bad for him– their main rapper really has no clue what's going on. He pats Sunwoo’s cheek to reassure him before heading towards a visibly stressed Hyunjae.
“I am so sorry.” Hyunjae tells him as Kevin plugs the mini iron in and waits for it to heat up.
Kevin feels himself melting already. He wonders if he's the one that's been plugged into the socket instead of the flat iron.
“No, don’t be. I like your curly hair, hyung.” Kevin assures him. He tests the temperature before starting to card his fingers through Hyunjae’s hair the way Kevin remembers his stylists do. He feels like he’s taking advantage of Hyunjae by doing this, but Kevin tries to reason with himself that he is being forced to do this.
“You do?”
“Yeah. Natural is always better, you know? And straightening it everyday damages the strands.” Kevin starts his work. He tries to ignore how Hyunjae doesn't look away from him, how the attention is making Kevin all fluttery and warm on the inside. How he really, really wants Hyunjae’s hands on his hips.
Jacob walks by then and drops the concealer bottle into Hyunjae’s lap. He gives Kevin a cheeky wink before running away to help Sunwoo find the color to correct his dark circles.
“This isn't even my shade, Chanhee.” Kevin overhears Juyeon complain beside Hyunjae, where Chanhee has him sat down since the start of their impromptu styling session. Chanhee glares at Juyeon, muttering something about how his tan shouldn't be covered anyway.
“Hyung, move away a bit.” Kevin whispers to Hyunjae. “I don't feel safe being near them.”
Hyunjae cracks a smile and discreetly inches away from a pouting Juyeon. “You think they’re gonna fight?”
“Or something.” Kevin chances one last glance at their friends. Chanhee is telling Juyeon to fuck the concealer while Juyeon is petulantly whining that he needs his acne scars covered. Chanhee looks ready to strangle the main dancer.
Kevin nudges Hyunjae to move slightly farther away.
“I like your natural hair too.” Hyunjae tells him all of a sudden. “Especially the hairstyles that part your hair and show your forehead. You have a really nice forehead.”
“That's a very weird compliment but I’ll take it.” Kevin laughs, finishing up with his hair. He turns the iron off and fluffs Hyunjae’s hair, fingers brushing the older man’s earlobe and neck as Kevin fusses over the styling.
“It’s not gonna show, Juyeon! I can't even see your acne!” Chanhee finally explodes, spooking Kevin so much that he jumps and Hyunjae has to steady him with a firm hold on his hips. They turn their heads towards the shouting a few feet away from them, surprised at how much it has escalated during the time they were in their own little bubble.
“Why are you shouting?” Juyeon asks him, confused and still maintaining a gentle tone. He reaches out as Chanhee crosses his arms to add, “What’s gotten into you?”
Chanhee must have realized they suddenly got the entire group’s attention because he blushes. “Nothing! I’m going to the bathroom.”
Juyeon’s eyebrows knit together but he jumps to his feet and all but runs after Chanhee too. The remaining members exchange pointed looks, left in the aftermath of whatever that was.
“I think they need a mistletoe moment too.” Eric breaks the silence. He gets shushed by Younghoon, whispering something while looking at Kevin and the lead vocalist stares back. Younghoon coughs and awkwardly breaks eye contact.
“Let’s leave them alone for a while.” Hyunjae suggests, a gentle hand closing around Kevin’s arm and bringing him back to the present.
“Yeah, nuh-uh.” Changmin shakes his head. “We’re about to film! Sunwoo, go get them.”
Sunwoo points at himself in disbelief, earning loud laughter from their team. He begrudgingly walks away to get his hyungs. Kevin’s spidey senses are tingling and his nosy ass really wants to fuck around and find out, but Hyunjae’s thumb is stroking the sensitive skin on Kevin’s inner elbow.
And it feels so good.
“Look up.” Kevin tells him, dabbing some concealer on his under eye area. Hyunjae complies, eyes fixed on Kevin obediently.
“What do you think happened with Juyeon and Chanhee?” Hyunjae asks.
“I’m not sure.” Kevin murmurs, trying to not think about the times he caught Juyeon just staring adoringly at Chanhee. He continues his work in silence, basking in Hyunjae’s undivided attention until he’s done fixing his hyung up.
Haknyeon collects their equipment and Sunwoo finally comes back with Juyeon and Chanhee. The rapper looks confused as hell, while Chanhee’s ears are red and Juyeon’s sporting a smug look.
Hmm. Kevin notes to ask his housemate what happened later.
“Is the phone good to go? Can someone stand in the center and I’ll check the angles?” Eric moves everyone around. Hyunjae smiles at Kevin, so sweet and cute, one last time before Changmin is dragging Kevin away to stand in his place.
“Ok, ok! Let’s go!” Haknyeon shouts just as the intro music plays through Jacob’s speakers.
They perform the choreography twice more after the first, because Younghoon missed a beat, Sunwoo tripped over a small bump on the carpet, and Juyeon accidentally stepped on Changmin’s foot. For their fourth take, Sangyeon dials down the room temperature so they won't sweat their styling off.
“Can we do that again?” Changmin wheezes out after their successful 4th take. They had piled onto the phone to review their performance, and it looked perfect– why do it again?
“Yeah, one last.” Eric shakes himself head to toe like a wet dog. Kevin feels himself wilting, but they’ve been through more grueling choreographies and practice sessions before. This is fine.
As the music plays again, Kevin’s mind is wandering around. He moves on autopilot as the dance is already hardwired into him at this point.
He thinks about what to have for dinner. Shredded chicken breast and salad sounds nice. Maybe he’ll even treat himself with a helping of the decadent cheesecake Mrs. Bae dropped off at their dorm a few days ago…
Kevin is so lost in thought, he doesn't realize it's the end of the routine. He still moves, but there's little thought behind his actions.
And he feels hands push him forward.
“What–” Kevin sputters out. Before he knows it, he’s sprawled over Hyunjae on the floor of the practice room, their members’ screams drowning out to white noise as their gazes lock and all coherent thought is wiped away from Kevin’s brain.
Hyunjae must have twisted in an attempt to catch him when he fell, because his hyung’s hands are on Kevin’s waist and oh my god, what is happening?
“You okay?” Hyunjae asks him.
“Yeah. Yeah.” Kevin swallows around nothing, hyper focused on the feel of Hyunjae’s hands squeezing his waist. “What happened?”
Before Hyunjae can reply, Eric’s loud scream permeates the air: “Mistletoe!”
Kevin freezes.
“Mistletoe! You know the rules, guys~” Sangyeon sings somewhere above them. Kevin is mesmerized, watching Hyunjae’s adam’s apple bob nervously. Oh god, oh god–
There's a gentle hand making its way up from his waist, up the curve of his back, settling on his nape.
Kevin can only blink. He can't think of a loophole for this one; hell, he can't even think! His mind is buzzing pleasantly, like he's drunk and sober at the same time.
And then, Hyunjae pushes himself up and leans closer.
Their lips brush, sending jolts of electricity all over Kevin. His arms give out and Hyunjae lets himself be crushed with the vocalist’s weight, bringing their kiss deeper, wilder, and–
“Um, okay. Maybe we should leave?” Jacob’s voice is small as he asks.
Kevin’s eyes shoot open and he almost scrambles out of Hyunjae’s hold, but his hyung has a tight grip. He can only turn his head up in disbelief and watch the rest of the members file out of the practice room while giggling and high-fiving each other.
Was there even a goddamn mistletoe?
“I am… so sorry, hyung!” Kevin starts, biting his bottom lip. He can feel how swollen it is already.
“For what?” Hyunjae asks, ever the tease. Kevin’s sure he's red as a tomato at that point, turning even darker when he realizes Hyunjae’s gaze is fixed on the lip he’s holding hostage between his teeth.
Hyunjae suddenly flips them over, earning a surprised shriek from Kevin. The older man latches onto his lips again, taking ownership of Kevin’s lips and mouth and oh my god.
“Hyung. Hyung!” Kevin cries out, panicked. Hyunjae briefly pulls away, pupils blown wide. “What are we doing?”
“I need to tell you something.” Hyunjae breathes out, still so close to Kevin. He sits back, between Kevin’s legs, and digs a hand into the pocket of his jacket.
Hyunjae pulls out a bunch of squashed, sorry-looking, plastic mistletoe. They spill from his fingers and onto the practice room floor.
Kevin’s jaw drops.
“You… Did you…?” Kevin chokes on air. “How many of those do you even have?”
“This is Juyeon’s idea.” Hyunjae quickly explains, eyebrows scrunched in worry. “He pitched it to the members. I… I’ve liked you for so long, Kevin. Juyeon was tired of me crying about it, so he planned this gimmick and the entire day… I swear I’d be content with just being friends still so please don't hate me–”
“The members know?” Kevin echoes. That explains what Jacob said earlier. He then remembers Sunwoo. “Wait, what about Sunwoo? He looked genuinely frightened…?”
Hyunjae shook his head. “I don't know. I left the group chat Juyeon made after I read his plan. He’s only forcibly updating me in real life about it now. Sunwoo probably hasn't even opened the group chat at all.”
Kevin is silent after that. Hyunjae's worried that he might have upset Kevin– which has always been the risk with Juyeon’s stupid plan– and he's starting to draft up plans of moving to a different country. Mexico? Brazil sounds good. He’s have to learn Portuguese but that's nothing a few weeks on Duolingo can't help with…
Maybe even New York? He does miss the burgers from that one shop at–
Hyunjae feels Kevin near him again, leaning closer. Kevin brushes their lips, almost shyly, and Hyunjae's plans of moving continents are all wiped clean out.
He returns the kiss with more fervor, chest feeling lighter when Kevin laughed into their kiss at his sudden eagerness. Hyunjae can taste that sweet laughter and god, he wants it again and again.
“How many of those do you have left?” Kevin asks when they break apart for air. He points at the cheap mistletoe on the floor.
Hyunjae frowns. “Around five or seven, maybe. Why? We don't need those to kiss anymore.”
Kevin’s lips pull into an evil grin that makes Hyunjae’s knees weak. “You're right, but it's not for us.” He pecks Hyunjae’s cheek before whispering, “It’s for revenge.”
🎄
“Oh, we don't need it.” Chanhee quickly tells Kevin when the Canadian showed him the crushed mistletoe.
Kevin arches an eyebrow. “What do you mean, ‘we don’t need it’? What– oh.”
“Yup.” Chanhee awkwardly scratches his neck. Kevin’s eyes widen at a light hickey that Chanhee quickly covers up by pulling on his hood. “Anyway, congratulations on finally getting together with Hyunjae-hyung!”
“We’re gonna talk about that.” Kevin tells him, pointing at his neck.
“Let’s not.” Chanhee laughs in panic. “Please.”
“I am absolutely not letting this go. We will.” Kevin reiterates, then breaks into a big grin when he sees Hyunjae walking towards them. Chanhee quickly runs away to leave them alone.
Hyunjae stops in front of Kevin with a shy smile. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself.” Kevin matches his stance. “Apparently, Chanhee and Juyeon don't need their own mistletoe moment.”
“I gathered. Juyeon is so stingy with details, though. He won't tell me how it happened.” Hyunjae pouts. Kevin can't help but zero in on his lips, and he raises his hand.
“Well, let's not have this mistletoe go to waste!” He beams. Hyunjae notices the crushed plastic mistletoe and chuckles, reaching out to hold Kevin’s waist with one hand and the other going up to hold the vocalist’s wrist.
He gently guides Kevin’s wrist so the mistletoe is hanging above them.
“Merry Christmas, Kev.”