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Jeongwoo was never without his camera. From the moment he auditioned to now that he is a member of AHOF. He liked to take candid pictures of his friends, From Kyungho-hyung’s teasing Heejun to Hani’s doting on Juwonie. Like it was an extension of himself, a way to capture the world as he saw it, vibrant, chaotic, and filled with moments worth remembering. Among the many subjects he loved to photograph, his favorites were undoubtedly Steven, the charismatic leader of AHOF, and JL, their captivating center. Jeongwoo was their self-appointed documenter.
It all astarted innocently enough. Jeongwoo would snap candid shots during rehearsals, capturing Steven’s intense focus and JL's playful charm. He’d catch Steven offering a comforting word to JL after a difficult practice, or JL’s genuine laughter when Steven made a silly joke. Each photo felt like a little treasure, a glimpse into the unique bond between the two.
As time went on, Jeongwoo's interest evolved into a dedicated pursuit. He’d position himself strategically during downtime, waiting for those unguarded moments. He learned to read their silent language. The subtle glances, the shared smiles, the casual touches that spoke volumes. When Steve ruffled JL’s hair after a successful performance in their practice, Jeongwoo was there, camera in hand. When JL leaned on Steve’s shoulder during a late-night practice, Jeongwoo was there, capturing the tender moment.
He kept a secret folder on his laptop, filled with hundreds of photos from the pair. From the moment he was traded to Rhythm until now, their Dazed Magazine issue
**
“How do we look?” JL asked Jeongwoo after the pair posed for a shot.
“You look great. It has an American feel to it” Jeongwoo answered. You looked perfect for each other, he thought.
**
The AHOF Leader and Jeongwoo were playing with cards while waiting for other members to finish the shoot in their Dazed Magazine Issue. Then the door opened, revealing none other than their Center, JL. Jeongwoo’s mouth gaped open as JL entered the dressing room casually and sat next to Steve, as if it really was his place.
“So how was your shoot?” Steve asked, his attention all to the younger man, totally forgetting about the card game.
“Hmm, it’s going really well. The communication is easy. Hani-hyung was not uncomfortable with me anymore” JL answered as he removed his extra jacket, revealing his signature ringer shirt. “Never thought you asked that, didn’t you watch me in my solo part?”
“I did, But not with Hani.”
JL nodded, flashing Steve a warm smile. “Come on. Don’t worry. I think with both did just fine”
Jeongwoo blinked. The two were acting as if he wasn’t here, being in a world of their own. Well not that he minds. He was able to witness another SteJay scene! Jeongwoo placed his hand on his cheeks as he grinned in satisfaction.
“Jeongwoo?”
Steve’s voice interrupted his thoughts as he looked at the other in confusion.
“Let’s get back to our card game.”
Jeongwoo nodded but before continuing with it, he turned to JL, “Do you want to join in too?”
“No, it’s okay.” JL immediately rejected, closing his eyes and leaning on Steve’s shoulders to take a peek at the leader’s cards.
Jeongwoo didn’t know why but he suddenly felt that he was the intruder in their own dressing room. It is as if he should not be here, being alone with the pair. He tried to ignore the unusual atmosphere that surfaced the next second as he continued on playing. He watched JL’s movements from the corner of his eyes, catching his pout. He blinked.
“I win!!!” Steve exclaimed, flailing his arms in victory.
“Mwo?”
“I said I won! You lose, Jeongwoo!”
JL didn’t say anything in response to Steve’s winning but his smile was as bright as a sun, Jeongwoo noticed. He wondered if a person could smile that bright.
“Let’s play another round!” Steve suggested. He did not notice JL’s glare but Jeongwoo did, causing him to stand up abruptly.
“Uhhmmm… Sorry hyung., I think I better head back to see Hani. He probably was looking for me.”
“ why?”
“No reason. You can ask JL to play with you. Bye.” Within seconds, Jeongwoo was out of the door, leaving Steve and JL alone.
“Let’s play?” Steve showed the cards to JL, his eyes in question.
“Don’t want to.”
“Eh?” Steve looked at JL dumbfounded, surprised when JL suddenly embraced him.
“3-pick?”
“I said I don’t want to play those stupid cards. I’ve waited patiently to be in this position. I’ve missed this.” JL whispered, hugging the leader tight.
“You’re such a baby.”
“Only for you.” JL closed his eyes, breathing in Steve’s scent.
Steve chuckled, kissing the other on his forehead.
“I miss you too.”
Jeongwoo, who had been eavesdropping, ended up grinning like an idiot. He heaves out a dreamy sigh as he recalls the pair’s words. The two were definitely going out, there was no doubt! Finally, his dream of having SteJay going steady came true! He could not be any happier.
“Ah, SteJay…”
**
Jeongwoo was about to head in the direction of their room when he sees JL entering it, halting his movement. Instead of walking away, he quietly tiptoed in front of the door, thankful for the slightly adjacent gap of the door as he tried to listen into the conversation. He frowned when there was none at all.
Why is there no sound at all?
But then he heard a moan. Curiosity got into him as he carefully opened the door wider, his mouth opened wide as he saw the position his leader and their center were in, the two were sprawled on the floor, JL on the bottom, kissing.
“Steve …”
Jeongwoo did not know whether he should stay or not but he chose the first option, making himself comfortable as he sat on the floor by the door. To hell what other people would think, this was one hell of a show he couldn’t miss!
I’m watching SteJay making out! How great is this? Can’t wait to tell Hani about this
When things started to go even deeper, Jeongwoo decided that it was enough. It was time to tease the poor couple. He stood up, closing the door before knocking. He grinned when there was sudden movement coming from inside. Steve locked the door in panic, opening it moments later.
“Oh, it’s just you, Jeongwoo.” Steve felt relieved.
“Ah, JL is here too.”
JL nodded, trying to act as if nothing had happened at all. His hair was messy, his cheeks blushed in embarrassment, Jeongwoo noted, but chose to remain silent
.
“What were you two doing before I went in?” Jeongwoo asked in a nonchalant tone.
“Ki …”
JL quickly clamped Steve’s mouth, “We were just playing cards. That’s all.”
“But where’s the cards? I don’t see any …”
“That’s because we just finished playing when you knocked. We’ve already cleared the cards.” JL glanced at Steve’s eyes, asking for his help.
“Yeah, JL’s right. What are you doing here anyway?” Steve was annoyed that his moment with JL was interrupted.
“Did I interrupt something? I mean, you two were just playing cards, right?”
“Duh, we really were!”
JL glared at Steve. “I need to head back to practice. See you later.” He grabbed his jacket, and was out of their dressing room within seconds, causing Steve to pout at being left behind.
JL said ‘See you later’, and not ‘See you guys later’.
Jeongwoo placed his fist to his chin, and smiled.
**
JL knocked the door of their dance room later that evening, the older one was all prepared as he stood next to JL. The two walked side by side, heading towards the elevator, their eyes covered by their dark sunglasses. The couple waited in silence for the arrival of the elevator, entering it immediately once it had reached their level
.
The elevator’s door closed shut, and one certain person came out from his hiding place.
I was right. Another crumbs of SteJay
Jeongwoo smirked and pulled out his phone to chat with Hani
**
“Let’s take pictures!” Jeongwoo suggested. He once again barged in their dressing room, by luck, JL was there too. Thankfully the couple had not been doing something inappropriate.
“Pictures? What for?” Steve frowned, not in the mood for that.
“For memories sake, come on!” Jeongwoo took out his camera, and took a photo with Steve, followed by the poor JL who had no choice but to smile alongside his hyung. “Alright, now just the both of you!”
Steve and JL looked at each other in confusion, amused by that sudden request.
“Hurry up!” Jeongwoo pushed the two close to one another, warning them not to move apart. “Smile!!!”
JL’s smile was not forced, like it had been with Jeongwoo, it was that of pure happiness while Steve, his face was definitely glowing.
“Let’s take another one!” said Jeongwoo and the pair did different poses.
It seems JL was enjoying their mini-photoshoot. He even borrowed Jeongwoo’s camera and took photos of them as well.
And the last pose, JL grabbed Steve’s hand “Let’s do my shining star pose!” and Steve obeyed
“Here you go, Jeongwoo-hyung!” JL handed him his camera
“Ah, beautiful.” Jeongwoo whispered a tone so low only he could hear as he looked at the image on his camera. “Really beautiful …”
“Did you say something, Jeongwoo-ya?” Steve asked.
Jeongwoo shook his head, “I’m done. I’ll leave you two alone then."
Steve stared at Jeongwoo’s back, glancing at JL the moment they were alone again. There was a frown on JL’s face. Just when he was about to ask the reason, JL headed towards the door and locked it, a satisfied smile formed on his face.
“Now no one can disturb us anymore.”
Steve smiled, pulling JL into the comfort of his arms.
**
“Where’s JL?” Jeongwoo was disappointed when he discovered that Steve was alone in their dance room. He was hoping that he could catch more SteJay in action that day.
“His schedule is packed for today. He’s in his Korean class so he couldn’t come.” Steve answered, “Why are you asking anyway?”
“I wanted to give you two of these.” Jeongwoo handed Steve two copies of the photograph he had taken of SteJay a few days ago. “But since JLis not here, you give the other copy yourself.”
Steve took hold of the photos and looked at them in awe.
“You two make a nice couple, you know.”
Steve smirked at that but chose not to reply, glancing back to the photos. At that time, a familiar ringtone played, signalling that he had a new message. Putting the photos aside, Steve grabbed his phone and checked his message.
I will be finished at 11pm today. Can I still go to your condo?
- 3-pick
A smile appeared on Steve’s face causing Jeongwoo to wonder what was that that made him smile that bright. He was curious about the message the latter received so he inched closer to him, only to have Steve move all the way to the corner of the room.
You’re actually asking for permission, 3-pick? Since when?
- Sly fox
Well, I’m being courteous here. You probably would have gone to sleep by the time I arrived.
-3-pick
Then just cuddle next to me on the bed, and kiss me goodnight. Even asleep, I could sense your presence, jagiya. In no matter of time, I would instinctively wrap my arms around you.
-Sly fox
I’d love that! See you later, yeobo! <3
- 3-pick
*nods* 💘
-sly fox
“You’re smiling like an idiot.”
That voice brought Steve back to the real world. He ignored Jeongwoo’s words and re-read JL’s message, the smile did not disappear.
“Can you lend me your phone?” Jeongwoo asked suddenly.
“What for? You got your own phone!” Steve retorted. He looked at Jeongwoo in suspicion.
“I need to make a call urgently. I left my phone in the dressing room.”
“Then go back to our dressing room and get it! It takes less than five minutes to get there!”
“Please …?” Jeongwoo tried once again.
“No!!!”
Jeongwoo crossed his arms and pouted. It was unusual for him to do so but he did it anyway, leaving the dance room with an unsatisfied feeling. He had wanted to read the messages Steve had received which he was so sure that they were from Steve’s beloved JL.
Well, at least I tried….
**
Jeongwoo knocked on their dressing room, being polite for the first time ever. When he did not receive any response from inside, his hand reached for the door knob, he let out a surprised gasp when he realised that it was unlocked.
“That’s weird.” He muttered to himself.
Didn’t Steve learn from his past mistakes that he should lock the door, more importantly when his beloved lover would be there as well? Hasn't the leader suspected that he, Jeongwoo, had interrupted their moments TOO many times already?
“I guess he’ll never learn.” Jeongwoo chuckled, entering the dressing room. His steps however halted when he saw the scene in front of him, Steve and JL, or rather SteJay, snuggling up to each other on the floor, deep asleep.
Jeongwoo placed his hand on his chest, and smiled.
Awwwww, SteJay …
He wasted no time to take pictures of them sleeping. The couple was so deep in sleep that they didn’t sense his presence. Well, JL stirred only once but was not awoken instead he burrowed his head deeper into Steve’s chest. Jeongwoo grinned, and took that shot as well
**
Jeongwoo was alone in his room, scanning the pictures he had just taken. He had locked his door, preventing anyone from knowing his little secret. His lips formed into a big smile as he was engrossed in his task which is marveling at the beauty and authenticity of the pair connection. It wasn't just about documenting their relationship, it was about capturing the feeling, the unspoken understanding, the pure joy that radiated between them. At this moment of time, having witnessed with his own eyes how serene SteJay looked together, he declared that he would be a SteJayist forever.
He would always be there to support them, ready to capture the magic of SteJay, preserving their story one photo at a time. After all, it was a story worth telling, and he was more than happy to be its witness.
Behind the Scene 1:
“Hyung, why are you grinning like that?” Hani asked Jeongwoo while the two of them were walking to the set. They will be filming for a video as a group. “Is it because we will play a little game in the shoot later?
“No, Hani-ya” Jeongwoo answered
“Let me guess” said Hani. “SteJay”
“What the..”
Hani laughed “Are there any other crumbs?”
“Is there any day that we don’t have any crumbs?” Jeongwoo retorted
“Oh..” then Hani laughed. Of course, it’s SteJay.
“The producers told me the game will be truth or dare” Jeongwoo told the vocalist.
“Oh…” said Hani..
Three, two, one Jeongwoo counted in his mind.
“Oh!!” exclaimed Hani
Hani and Jeongwoo looked at each other and smirked as an idea formed in minds
Epilogue:
“Jeongwoo-Hyung! Can you send me a copy of the photos we took the last time? The ones in white tee?” JL asked “I will be posting some in our social media”
“Sure” Jeongwoo pulled up his phone and send the photos to JL
“Thank you, Hyung”
After the photos were sent. JL smiled looking at the pictures until he saw the last one he received. Jeongwoo saw JL’s brow arched and his smile disappeared and said, “ He’s too handsome in this picture. Why does he have to smile like that” JL stated, forgetting that Jeongwoo is near him and hearing his statement. “Nahh! I think I know what to do with this." JL left the room to get his tablet.
Oh, Someone’s in big trouble. Jeongwoo thought,