Work Text:
[10:05 am]
"Zhang Shuaibo! What is in this thing?" Woongki grunted, struggling to maneuver one of Shuaibo's luggages through the doorway.
The dorm's living room was already a minefield of luggage–fragments of their move-in, the air thick with mingled scents of travel and new beginnings. Juwon, Daisuke, and JL sprawled on the sofa, phones glued to their hands, occasionally erupting in laughter at shared memes.
Jeongwoo and Han, abandoning their unfinished snacks at the dining table, joined the luggage wrangling, heaving Shuaibo and Woongki's bags toward the large window at the living room.
"It's called fashion , Woongki," Shuaibo retorted, finally dropping his duffel bag near the sofa with a thud. "And unlike some people, I can't exactly borrow your clothes. Remember the height difference?"
Their playful bickering filled the room, a familiar soundtrack to the members. JL, intrigued by Steven and Chih En's activity at the center table, peered over.
"What are you doing with those chopsticks, hyung?" Nine sticks lay scattered, their ends daubed with different colors.
"Room assignments," Steven explained. "Four bedrooms – three upstairs, one down here. Gotta figure out who goes where before we can even think about unpacking."
JL's eyes darted toward Han, a fleeting connection that didn't escape Juwon's notice. Han was already looking at him, and JL's gaze snapped away, a warmth spreading across his cheeks. Juwon sensed the unspoken tension between them, but he wisely kept his curiosity in check – for the moment . He reminded himself to force answers from his best friend later.
"Okay, gather 'round, everyone!" Steven announced, clapping his hands. "Four bedrooms, nine of us. The math is simple: two per room for three rooms, and the lucky three get the master suite. We're drawing chopsticks. If the color on your stick matches someone else's, you're roommates. Got it?"
The others murmured their agreement, a mix of excitement and anticipation in their voices. But JL's heart pounded in his chest. He closed his eyes for a moment, a silent plea forming in his mind: Please, anyone but Han.
Please refer to these photos for the overview / floor plan of their dorm:
Disclaimer: I am not good in drawing hehe :P
[10:27 am]
"Aw, hyung, I wanted to room with you!" Juwon teased, then leaned in and whispered, "Be honest, you were kind of hoping for this, weren't you?"
The room assignments had been decided: Steven and Shuaibo in one bedroom upstairs (bedroom 2), Jeongwoo and Daisuke in another (bedroom 4), and the spacious third bedroom going to Chih En, Juwon, and Woongki (bedroom 3). The remaining room, the only one on the first floor, was JL's… with Han.
JL felt a heat rise in his cheeks, a mix of surprise and something else he couldn't quite name. He nudged Juwon, trying to hide his reaction. "I was not !" he whispered, a little too defensively.
"Sure you weren't," Juwon chuckled, but JL knew this wasn't over. He knew his best friend wouldn't let it go that easily. The inevitable interrogation was coming.
Their silent exchange was cut short when Han tapped JL's shoulder. "Let me help you with your things," he offered.
There it was again—that smile. The one that stretched across Han's face, reaching his eyes whenever JL met his gaze. A smile that stirred butterflies in JL's stomach, a feeling he tried to ignore, yet secretly looked forward to.
For the past few weeks, Han's intentions toward JL had been anything but subtle. He bombarded JL with "good morning" and "good night" texts, frequently approached him in the guise of teaching him Korean, and even checked up on him during his two trips back to the Philippines, making sure he was taking care of himself.
It was all so new for JL.
Back in Universe League, their interactions had been minimal: a few greetings, brief chats with mutual friends, and that one time Han had opened JL's sandwich for him (a small gesture, but it was enough to capture JL's attention). Their longest stretch together had been preparing for their Holiday episode performance, but since they were both so good at their game, their rehearsals were too quick and easy.
Unbeknownst to each other, they'd harbored secret admirations. JL admired Han's talent—not just his powerful singing voice, but also his dynamic dance moves, a side of himself he couldn't fully express within Team Groove's concept. Han, in turn, was drawn to JL. He was more than just a pretty face; he was hardworking, talented, and kind. Han had witnessed JL's efforts to teach and coach his teammates despite the language barrier.
Their stolen glances were a familiar dance. JL would catch Han watching him, and vice versa. Each time, they'd quickly avert their eyes, feigning sudden interest in conversations with those nearby, as if nothing had happened.
But after their joint debut was announced, Han's demeanor shifted. He would position himself next to JL during photoshoots, offered casual touches, and looked at him more frequently, a change that left JL both confused and secretly pleased.
"I'll head up first, JL hyung," Juwon said, sensing the moment. "I need to take my things to the second floor." He didn't wait for a response before heading upstairs, leaving JL and Han alone.
[10:35 am]
As soon as JL opened the door to their room, he immediately wanted to flee.
One king-size bed dominated the space. It was plenty big enough for both of them, but the thought of sharing it—the same mattress, the same blanket—with Han sent his mind into overdrive.
"Oh," Han said from behind him.
"I can sleep on the floor, hyung," JL blurted out, grasping for something to say.
"What are you talking about? I wouldn't let you do that. This bed is more than big enough for both of us," Han replied, pulling their luggage into the room. "Do you want the side against the wall, or the one by the nightstand?"
JL was still reeling from the realization that he'd be sleeping in the same bed as Han starting today. He couldn't form a coherent response. Han's gentle "Hmm?" finally broke through his thoughts.
Which side should I choose? JL wondered. Would it be better near the nightstand, where he could easily get up and down without disturbing Han? Or against the wall, where there is a possibility of Han closing their distance, with JL nowhere to run to…
Yep. He cut off that train of thought. Definitely the nightstand.
"I-I'll take the one near the table," he stammered.
"Okay," Han chuckled softly, noticing the faint blush creeping up JL's ears. He found it endearing, how JL blushed when he was caught thinking of something potentially embarrassing. Han wondered if he'd get to see more of that side of him.
Oh, there will be plenty of opportunities, Han thought, a private smile playing on his lips.
“Let’s unpack our things, JL.”
[9:40 pm]
Exhausted after a long day of unpacking and settling into their dorm, the members had ordered a mountain of food and eaten until they were stuffed. One by one, they'd stumbled off to bed after cleaning up, leaving JL alone in the living room. Since he and Han had exclusive use of the downstairs bathroom, while the others shared the one upstairs, JL gestured for Han to go first. He planned to let Han fall asleep before he himself slipped into the other side of the bed. That way, Han wouldn't see his nervousness and embarrassment about sharing a bed.
"You can use the bathroom now," Han said. JL turned to see Han in his pajamas, hair still damp from the shower.
Damn it, JL thought, why does he still look so good even without makeup?
"Thanks, hyung," JL tried to compose himself. "You can go ahead and rest. I'll try not to wake you when I come in later." He offered a reassuring smile.
"No worries, JL. I don't mind," Han smiled back, then disappeared into their shared room.
[10:32pm]
JL lingered in the bathroom, soaking in the tub until he felt dizzy from the heat. Maybe Hanie hyung is already asleep, he thought, finally emerging. He meticulously went through his evening routine—changing clothes, brushing his teeth, applying his skincare—dragging out every step. He was certain Han wouldn't wait up this long.
An hour later, he finally left the bathroom.
He found Han asleep on the bed, facing the wall. His breathing was slow and even, a sure sign he was deep in slumber. JL let out a sigh of relief.
He switched off the light, leaving only the soft glow of the nightstand lamp. He then carefully slipped under the blanket, his back to Han. Exhaustion quickly claimed him. JL had just returned from his fan meeting in the Philippines yesterday, and today had been consumed by moving into the dorm. The constant undercurrent of tension from Han's recent behavior and advances hadn't helped. JL hadn't had a moment to recharge.
Just as he was drifting off, he felt Han shift behind him. He almost squealed when the other’s arms wrapped around his waist.
"H-hyung?" JL's voice was barely a whisper. "S-sorry, did I wake you?"
"Mhmm…" Han murmured, his breath tickling JL's ear. "I was waiting for you. You sure took your time, huh?" A soft chuckle followed.
JL's mind went blank. Was Han always this touchy? All he could register was the feel of Han's arms around his waist, the warmth of his breath on his neck, and his scent— oh, his scent —which sent his stomach into a flurry of butterflies.
"Uhm… sorry?" was all he managed to say.
Han giggled, a sound that was like music to JL's ears.
"I'm not mad, JL. Do you know how happy I was when I saw that our colors matched earlier? I'm so glad you're my roommate," he confessed.
JL was speechless. He understood what Han was implying. He wasn't oblivious to the possibility that Han reciprocated his feelings. He tried to speak, to form a coherent sentence, but the words wouldn't come.
"Are you uncomfortable?" Han asked, a note of worry in his voice. He was concerned he was being too forward, that he might be overwhelming JL. He was about to pull back when JL finally spoke.
"N-no… I'm fine, hyung," he managed, trying to sound composed.
JL, still nestled in Han's embrace, kept his back to him, extremely aware of the heat creeping up his neck and ears. His heart hammered against his ribs, its beating going faster every second.
"Then that's good," Han replied. He gently pulled JL closer, closing the remaining gap between them. JL's breath hitched. He wasn't the only one. He could feel and hear Han's heart pounding against his back. A small smile touched JL's lips.
"Good night, JL…" Han murmured.
Then, his voice even softer, he whispered, "Dream of me," his breath warm against JL's ear.
They both closed their eyes, their hearts racing in the quiet darkness.
[4:10 am]
Han woke to the pins and needles in his right arm. He didn't mind. He was having the time of his life. The person he liked was sleeping peacefully beside him, their breathing and heartbeats seemingly in sync. He couldn't be happier.
Just as he was about to drift back to sleep, JL stirred and turned to face him. Han barely had time to adjust his arms before JL's head came to rest on his right arm, one hand instinctively draping across JL’s back.
Han's breath hitched as JL snuggled closer, his arms wrapping around Han's waist, likely mistaking him for a familiar pillow.
Han was sure his heart was about to burst.
JL remained blissfully asleep, unaware of the chaos he was causing at 4 in the morning.
Han took deep, steadying breaths, trying desperately to calm himself without waking JL.
He painfully regretted every life decision that had led him to this moment.
[8:48 am]
The next morning, the other members gradually filled the kitchen, dining area, and living room. The older members were at the dining table, enjoying breakfast, while the younger ones preferred to eat while entertaining themselves with a morning TV show.
Steven noticed that JL and Han were still absent. It was getting late, and he didn't want them to skip breakfast.
He turned to Juwon. "Could you go wake those two up?" he asked. Juwon readily agreed, a mischievous glint in his eye. He was already anticipating JL's reaction after sharing a bed with his crush. (Yes, Juwon knew about JL's feelings for Han, even though he hadn't explicitly confessed. Well, JL wasn't exactly subtle.)
Juwon approached their room and gave a brief, almost silent knock—he knew it wouldn't wake them. He slowly opened the door a crack and peeked inside.
The sight that greeted him made a playful smile spread across his face. JL and Han were sleeping peacefully, wrapped in each other's arms.
Juwon quietly closed the door, click— locking it before shutting it completely.
Upon returning to the dining area, Juwon put on a convincingly worried expression. "Hyung," he said to Steven, "I think we should let them sleep a little longer. JL hyung just got back from the Philippines two days ago; he probably hasn't had a chance to rest. And if I wake Hanie hyung, JL hyung will probably wake up too. Let's just leave their breakfast for them later."
“Okay,” Steven nodded, and Juwon barely suppressed a triumphant grin.
He made a mental note to drag JL to his room later. He was determined to get some answers today, no matter what.