Chapter Text
Since greeting each other backstage, Hyunwook’s gaze has never strayed from Jihoon. His eyes follow every move Jihoon makes, tracing across his face and slender frame. It’s been a while since they saw each other. Their schedules were a mismatch of late nights and too early mornings. But if asked, Hyunwook could tell you exactly how many hours, days, and seconds have passed since he last stared into Jihoon’s twinkling eyes.
Those same eyes that are now looking right at him.
Hyunwook’s breath catches and somewhere between the loud music, applause and flashing cameras, he finds his composure. He manages to acknowledge the other actors and smiles at the directors without making a complete fool of himself, even though his mind is reeling.
Wow…he looks so good.
When they finally stand shoulder to shoulder, the thought nearly knocks the wind out of him. Jihoon looks stunning in a Dickies t-shirt and denim jacket with his auburn hair framing his face. Dainty. Lovely. Like everything about him. For a beat, Hyunwook forgets to speak and then finds his footing. He slips on a charming smile, which flusters Jihoon.
One point for me.
Hyunwook mentally starts a game that Jihoon always won behind closed doors. It’s a game that requires patience, lingering stares and subtle confessions. Jihoon would win the game during their late-night walks or random meet-ups. He’d pin Hyunwook with his deep, knowing eyes and from those plush lips, he’d fill Hyunwook in on his day. Hyunwook always fumbled during those times, unsure of what to say and how to react when he only wanted to melt their lips together. He did once, but it’s been so long since then. Too long.
The event starts with the emcee asking everyone to introduce themselves. Jihoon starts first and for a second time, Hyunwook nearly forgets to introduce himself, too caught up in Jihoon’s side profile.
“Hi, I’m Choi Hyunwook and I played Ahn Suho.”
The moment he introduces himself and his character, the memories from three years ago come rushing in like Si-eun had come rushing to Suho at the end of season two. The nostalgic feeling makes Hyunwook’s heart race and flutter. After the greetings, they take their seats, answering a few questions about returning as Class 1 and sharing stories of their characters.
When Kyung brings up a distant memory of the three of them walking around Hongdae, Hyunwook recalls the scent and sounds that filled the streets. The bustling groups of high schoolers in oversized coats, the steaming stalls of street food and Jihoon’s smile.
“Honestly, I just remember the two of you smiling so happily,” Hyunwook says. “Like, full-on gum smiles.”
Kyung laughs at that comment, his shoulders jumping with amusement, “You saw their gums showing?”
Hyunwook wants to say no. To say that his eyes were only on Jihoon, but he laughs it off, feigning ignorance, as the conversation delves into what they ate and who remembers what. Honestly, Hyunwook doesn’t remember that night as vividly as he would like. He was tired back then and fumbling with feelings for his co-star.
“Honestly, I don’t even know.” Hyunwook confesses, turning to Jihoon with a nervous laugh.
Jihoon laughs too, bright and twinkling like the stars Hyunwook often finds in his eyes, and slaps Hyunwook’s arm. He nearly jumps out of his skin at the contact. His body buzzes with electricity and the urge to steal Jihoon away, to clutch his waist and thread a hand through his hair.
Fuck, one point for Jihoon.
Hyunwook remains calm, though, answering the question and squeezing in a breath when the emcee cuts in. She says something about how Si-eun might’ve felt at that moment, but Hyunwook’s heart is in his throat and his nape is hot with the need to return Jihoon’s touch.
Another point for him.
“From what I remember, it just felt like we were real high schoolers in Hongdae,” Hyunwook adds. “Just walking around, chatting while walking. That’s the kind of feeling I remember from that night.”
He wants to give himself a pat on the shoulder for managing that response while feeling out of sorts, but the thought fades when he meets Jihoon’s mildly amused gaze. They share a smile and Hyunwook bites his bottom lip. He doesn’t miss the way Jihoon gulps or the nervous back and forth of his eyes or the adorable double-take he does when shy.
Hyunwook smirks. Two points for me.
The GV continues with bubbly yet solemn feelings as the directors and actors open up about their time with the series. Hyunwook manages to keep it together, stealing glances when he can at Jihoon who… is he blushing? Hyunwook's chest balloons with pride. When the emcee asks about his gestures and habit of winking as Suho, he decides to pop it, filling the theater with butterflies of adoration.
“Those little hearts and gestures, honestly, they just came out when I saw Si-eun.” He pauses. “They were real emotions.”
Jihoon stares at him with a disbelieving look. He’s so gorgeous with his wide eyes and hands clutched between his thighs. I want to put him in my pocket. I want to pinch his cheeks. Hyunwook grasps the mic tightly to stop himself.
Jihoon’s expression encourages Hyunwook to do more to make him blush. He throws in a few gestures and barely-there touches, talking about how lonely Si-eun looked and Suho’s desire to reach out more. Eventually, he touches Jihoon’s jacket and the swiftness with which Jihoon looks down at Hyunwook’s daring hand causes Hyunwook to chuckle.
Yes, that’s four points for me , he thinks as Jihoon shyly laughs.
Smiling knowingly, Hyunwook flashes a finger heart, “So those things just came out naturally.”
He wants to say more. He wants to talk about how most of those actions were for Jihoon. Sometimes Jihoon got too into character, taking his method acting to a new level when on set. During those times, Hyunwook wanted to bring him back to Earth—back to him. So he’d joke around and tease him. He’d even flirt a little. Hyunwook restrains himself and tosses the question to the directors, who eventually expand on Suho’s thought process as a character and his feelings for Si-eun.
“Like it’s his first love or something,” Su-min, the writer and director of the series, explains. “It’s been a while now, so I guess I can say it.”
A hush falls across the theater. Hyunwook stifles a smile as memories of Jihoon from that time fill his thoughts. Jihoon was cute like boba pearls swirling in milk tea. He had full cheeks and a smile only for Hyunwook.
“When you keep looking at someone with that kind of affection, the hearts and winks just come out naturally.” The emcee interprets.
As he glances toward the directors, the smile Hyunwook was holding back breaks free, but he quickly realizes he needs to be careful with his response, “I can’t…really remember.” His eyes meet Jihoon’s again and his heart stutters upon seeing Jihoon’s expression. He quickly clarifies, “But honestly—”
“He looks so disappointed.” The emcee interjects with a laugh.
And Jihoon does. He’s pouting, which is cute and tempting. Hyunwook can’t wait for this to be over so he can express himself with more than just intense eye contact and lingering touches.
“No, no, that’s not what I meant,” He touches Jihoon’s arm again. Reassuring. Needy. “It’s just, it really was almost like love. Like high school—” Sensing that he probably shouldn’t finish that sentence, Hyunwook cuts himself off and turns to the directors again. “Okay, I think we need to stop there.”
Laughter ripples around the theater as Hyunwook brings his mic to his lap before he fucks up and says something he shouldn’t. As the conversation with Class 1 ends, Hyunwook glances at Jihoon again and a lightbulb goes off.
He’s beyond flustered, dancing between the lines of bashful and overwhelmed.
Hyunwook’s eyes light up at the realization. The way Jihoon was fidgeting, the stares, the laughter. Jihoon is just as flustered as he is. If not more. Sure, Hyunwook might’ve spent more time in the make-up chair this morning to look good. He also might’ve sprayed his neck with the cologne Jihoon told him he liked.
“You smell nice,” Jihoon said between a kiss. “I like it.”
But Jihoon has always managed to keep it together in front of the cameras, only flashing a shy smile or avoiding Hyunwook’s loving gaze during interviews. But this was different. Jihoon was fidgeting more, laughing more, and suppressing his smiles more. Those cute actions only furthered Hyunwook’s desire to get more out of him. If he’s fidgeting and blushing now, what’ll happen if I say this or touch him? Such thoughts dance around Hyunwook’s mind like jesters at a show, taunting him with a good time.
During the intermission between switching to Class 2, Hyunwook briefly talks to Ryeoun backstage before sauntering to a preoccupied Jihoon, who's deep in conversation with Su-min. While discussing the ring scene from season two, Jihoon notices Hyunwook from the corner of his eye. The moment their gazes meet, Jihoon bows, politely excusing himself to walk over.
“Hey, that was—” Hyunwook starts to say, but Jihoon grabs his wrist and drags him down the hall.
Wide-eyed and stunned into silence, Hyunwook allows himself to be dragged. They pass Ryeoun, who points between them, his expression the embodiment of “???”. Hyunwook shrugs, hair bouncing with each step. His skin burns where Jihoon touches him and he feels giddy with anticipation.
“Did I do something wrong?” Hyunwook asks. A smug grin quirks the corner of his mouth.
Jihoon doesn't speak.
“Hm, hyung?” Hyunwook’s tone shifts and drops to the teasing octave he often uses when it's just them.
Even though Jihoon doesn't speak, Hyunwook knows it's working by the red tinge of his ears.
Cute .
When they reach Jihoon’s dressing room, Jihoon shoves Hyunwook inside. He slams the door shut, grips Hyunwook’s biceps and pushes him against it with a resounding thud .
“What were you thinking?” Jihoon asks, eyes darting across Hyunwook’s face in search of an answer.
Hyunwook arches a curious brow.
“I’m serious.”
“I missed you,” Hyunwook blurts. “And when I saw you looking like…like that , I had to do something.”
“Looking like what?” Jihoon loosens his grip.
“Like you usually do. Handsome and pretty. That denim looks good on you and the hair,” Hyunwook sighs dazedly. “It’s unfair, really. We haven’t seen each other and then you show up like—”
“What about you?” Jihoon interrupts. “What’s with your hair? And why did you have to stare at me like that.”
It’s not a question. Jihoon seems like he’s still reeling from Hyunwook’s appearance and actions. His cheeks have taken on a pretty blush and he’s looking up at Hyunwook as if he’s waiting for him to do something.
So Hyunwook teases him even more, “Like what?”
Jihoon frowns.
Hyunwook laughs, endeared. He gently brushes Jihoon’s hair out of his face, “Like I wanted to take you backstage or to my place and…” He leans down to whisper the rest of his thoughts into Jihoon’s reddening ears. “Now you’ve brought me here, pinned me to the door and it’s just us, and what else am I supposed to think?” He grips Jihoon’s hips and tugs him closer. “Hm?”
Jihoon scoffs, “You still like to test the waters.”
“I think I’ve gotten to the point where I just dive in now,” Hyunwook mimics diving with his hands. “You know, like a lifeguard on duty. I’m always ready to swoop in an—”
Jihoon cuts him off by gently cupping Hyunwook’s face and kissing him deeply. Startled, Hyunwook’s eyes widen, but he recovers quickly and melts into Jihoon’s touch. His fingers curl into the crisp fabric of Jihoon’s shirt. Jihoon kisses like the way he talks. Intentional and with such depth, Hyunwook loses his breath. When Jihoon uses his teeth to tug at Hyunwook’s bottom lip, a violent shiver runs down his spine. Shit . It doesn’t take long for Hyunwook to get hard. He's waited for this moment. Ached for it.
“I missed you, too,” Jihoon says softly. He moves to kiss Hyunwook again, but with a wavering amount of self-control, Hyunwook gently pushes him away.
“Jihoon, we can’t.” His gaze latches onto Jihoon’s mouth. He wants to kiss him again and see how far his blush travels. He remembers where it skittered across Jihoon’s skin like fairy dust, but it’s been so long…maybe the blush has found a new place. “You need to go back on stage.”
“We have ten minutes,” Jihoon says, matter-of-factly.
“And you want to make out?”
“Of course,” Jihoon’s expression twists with confusion. “I thought I made that obvious. Unless you want me to do something about the problem poking me.”
Hyunwook flushes. Sometimes he's taken aback by the 180 his boyfriend does in moments like this. He's confident, honest and knows exactly what he wants, and he wants Hyunwook.
‘It's just kissing, actor Hyunwook,” Jihoon murmurs, his voice low like when he used to host Stay the Night. “I'm not saying we sleep together.”
“Is that on the table?” Hyunwook's swift response is comical.
Jihoon laughs, “No, at least not yet. Not here.”
“Later?” His voice strains over the word and his jaw tightens as he stares down at Jihoon, whose eyes are wet with want, and his cheeks are as red as Hyunwook feels. Hot. Burning like the summer in Busan.
A tense moment of silence passes as they hold eye contact. Hyunwook’s hands wander from Jihoon’s hips to rest on his ass. He squeezes and an aroused glint fills his eyes when Jihoon shudders against him.
“Is that a yes?” Hyunwook asks, an amused smirk tugging at his lips, but he doesn't give Jihoon a chance to respond as he kisses him again.
The kiss is desperate this time. Hyunwook kisses him forcefully, conveying how much he's wanted this. Their teeth knock together as their mouths move quickly against each other's. Jihoon tastes as sweet as he looks and Hyunwook wants to eat him. Swallow him whole until Jihoon’s cute actions from earlier become nothing but desperate whimpers and twitches.
“Hyunwook,” Jihoon huffs between a kiss. “Hyun–”
Hyunwook kisses Jihoon until his mouth is raw and spit-slicked, tilting his head and groaning deeply when their tongues brush, and then he kisses his neck, which is a mistake because Jihoon does what Hyunwook was hoping for. He whimpers.
Hyunwook freezes at the slightly pitchy sound, his heart rate spiking and gaze darkening. I haven't heard that in a while . The last time was too long ago and as the sensations of that time come filtering in, Hyunwook swallows thickly.
“What's wrong?” Jihoon’s fingers dig into Hyunwook’s shoulders and he looks up at Hyunwook with round, pleading eyes.
Ten points for Jihoon. He had racked up several points the moment they walked into the room.
Hyunwook’s heart is pounding so loudly he swears it’s playing from a Bluetooth speaker in the room. He can't seem to find his breath either, as ragged puffs of air escape him.
“Hyunwook?”
11 points for Jihoon.
“Should we stop?” Concern fills Jihoon’s eyes as Hyunwook remains silent.
Hyunwook’s grip on Jihoon’s backside tightens, the veins in his hands pulsing with self-restraint. He wants to hear more of those sounds. He wants to do more. He wants to rip off that jacket and touch Jihoon’s skin. He wants and wants.
“No, I uhm…” Hyunwook groans exasperatedly, leaning forward to rest his head on the intersection of Jihoon's chest and shoulder. “I…”
“What?” Jihoon’s tone softens.
“I need this to be over so we can do everything we want to.”
Hyunwook’s slightly childish, whiny tone catches Jihoon off guard, but he laughs and reassuringly pats Hyunwook’s back. “Aigoo, are you turned on now?”
“It's your fault,” Hyunwook blames. “How am I supposed to only make out with you when you sound like that!?” He straightens up to study Jihoon’s face, There, he sees playfulness dancing in Jihoon’s eyes. Hyunwook’s eyebrows furrow with frustration and longing, “You're so cocky now.”
Jihoon pokes Hyunwook’s cheek, “It’s fun teasing you.”
“I guess we’re even now.”
Jihoon tilts his head confusedly.
“You win.” Hyunwook says with a loving smile.
Jihoon blinks, “Huh? Win what?”
“Nothing,” Hyunwook intertwines their fingers, bringing the back of Jihoon’s hand to his lips. “Nothing at all.”