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It was like a chain of unfortunate events, one unlucky domino knocking down the next in a series that only seemed to increase the stress forming in Sion’s mind. Their flight to Mexico for the SMTOWN concert was very last minute leaving the team essentially no time to arrive and immediately reroute to the venue in time for rehearsals. Jetlagged and tired, the six boys trudged to the waiting room just for their manager to announce the next looming domino.
“We were unable to secure your visas for SMTOWN LA so unfortunately we cannot enter the country and your performance will have to be cancelled. I know that this is super last minute and disappointing, but this is what the management just called me to tell you all.”
Sion’s shocked expression mirrored his teammates around him. “W-what do you mean? We can’t perform in LA?” “But… it was going to be our first performance in the United States…” “And it was going to be on Sion-hyung’s birthday…”, the last sentence murmured by Sakuya. Five heads turned towards their leader, who quickly neutralized his previously disappointed expression in order to reassure his teammates.
“Don’t worry about me guys, I’ll be fine. I’m not one to make my birthday a huge celebration anyways. And I know this is disappointing, especially to the fans who have been waiting for us, but we must reassure them and keep in mind that there will be chances to perform there in the future.” Sion looked at each of them encouragingly. “Now let’s focus on performing for our fans today and make the most of our situation. I know we are all tired but I also know that we are strong and can get through this together.”
The group nodded and determination flared up in their eyes, slowly regaining their spirit. Yushi, however, stared at Sion, ever the one to observe how his hyung really feels. Years of practicing and growing up together made it possible to read each other’s feelings no matter how much they tried to hide it. I’ll have to talk to him later, Yushi mused.
Pushing their disappointment aside, the team managed to get through all their performances successfully. All of the NCT members gathered backstage for a picture where Doyoung and Johnny surprised Sion with a cake. Surrounded by his caring hyungs and lovely dongsaengs, Sion felt warmth bloom in his chest. This is all I need. I can’t ask for anything more than to have my team with me always. Even though things didn’t go as originally planned, he was more than satisfied to have his friends with him.
However, the celebrations didn’t end there. Since they were already in Mexico, the team decided to go out for a dinner to celebrate their leader. Yushi smiled to himself as he watched Sion’s surprised expression as Sakuya and Ryo brought out the unicorn cake they had bought for him earlier. He seems to be doing better now. Laughter and chatter filled the room as the evening passed, Riku and Jaehee teasing Sion about the unicorn themed gifts and Sakuya and Ryo munching on the endless desserts that slowly piled up on their table.
Later that night, Sion lay on his bed in the hotel room, staring up at the ceiling and reminiscing on the day’s activities. They’d been so busy that he barely had time to be left alone with his thoughts. While he was still disappointed at not being able to be in LA for the concert, he felt so much gratitude to his members and the entire team for cheering him up and just being together. Lost in his thoughts, he almost missed the three faint knocks on his door.
“Hyung, can I come in?” Sion called out, “Yes, it’s unlocked.” He tilted his head to the side as the door opened to reveal Yushi in an oversized hoodie that covered his hands fully and sweatpants. He was holding a bag in his hands, slipping off his shoes and padding over to where Sion lay lazily on the bed. Yushi sat down next to the older and stretched out his legs, like a sleepy cat, Sion smiled. A comfortable silence followed before Yushi spoke up.
“How are you holding up, hyung? And be honest”, he said while narrowing his eyes at the boy next to him. Sion grinned. “Did Ushi come here just to check on hyung? How cute.” Yushi glanced away, blushing and grumbling under his breath. “Should I leave then?”, he turned away, but Sion caught his arm and tugged the younger closer next to him, so they were arm to arm and leg to leg. “Nope, you’re stuck with me now, you can’t leave.” Yushi rolled his eyes but shifted closer to Sion and turned to face him. Sion’s expression turned more serious as he said, “I had a great day today and I really loved spending it with everyone, I just wish we could’ve had our first US performance but I know what happened has happened.” Yushi nodded in understanding.
“Hyung, I have something for you.” He reached over to the bag and pulled out a colorful box, placing it in the older’s hands. “What is this, Yushi?”, Sion questioned as he opened the box. Inside lay a heart-shaped container, the exterior decorated with pictures of all of them together, from pre-debut to now. The center of the container had a label that read “My Wishes” .
“You can fill the container with paper slips that you can write your dreams and wishes on, and who knows, they might come true.” Yushi smiled. “And if you think of something that we can do together, let me know and I will make it come true myself.” Sion gazed at the younger, a swirl of emotions of warmth and affection filling his heart.
“Yushi… this is so precious. I love it so much. Did you make this yourself?” Yushi nodded bashfully, fidgeting his hands. “Hyung will make sure to fill this up with whatever wish comes to mind, okay? And some of these I will definitely do with you.” The older smiled, his expression turning mischievous. “I can actually think of one right now.” “What is it?”
“I wish for a birthday kiss from my Ushi” , he said aloud as he wrote down the wish on the first slip of paper, placing it inside the box and looking back at the younger expectantly. Yushi’s face turned red. “Hey, I didn’t mean for you to use it like that!” Sion grinned and tapped his cheek, waiting. Yushi groaned. “Fine, since it’s your birthday.” He reached over and pressed his lips to the older’s cheek. Sion's smile grew wider as he started to turn to look at him, but feeling bold, Yushi reached one hand up to grip the side of the older’s face and pressed three more kisses to his cheek. He whispered into Sion’s ear, “ Happy birthday, hyung.”
Yushi could hear the other’s sharp intake of breath and watched as Sion’s cheeks colored a faint pink. Sion sat looking at Yushi, momentarily stunned, before turning his body and pinning the other down to the bed and grinned down at him. “When did you get so bold, Ushi? Huh?”, he questioned as he started to tickle the younger. This quickly turned into a play-fighting war that lasted a couple minutes, ending with both boys collapsing next to each other, hair tousled and chests rising up and down.
“But seriously, thank you for the gift and for just everything. You’ve been such a supportive and comforting person to me and I don’t know what I would do without you.” Yushi smiled, affection filling his eyes. “I’m always here for you, hyung. Whether you wish for it or not.”