Work Text:
The stage lights had dimmed, and the thunderous applause from the comeback showcase was slowly fading into memory. ENHYPEN had just finished performing "Bad Desire" for the first time, and the energy backstage was electric. Staff members rushed around with equipment, stylists touched up makeup, and the seven members caught their breath after what had been an incredible performance.
Jake stood near the corner of the backstage area, his black hair slightly damp with sweat, chest still rising and falling from the intensity of their choreography. His heart was racing, but not entirely from the performance. During the showcase, there had been a segment where Heeseung had spoken to him, Ni-ki, Sunoo, and Sunghoon. It was supposed to be casual, light-hearted banter for the fans, but Heeseung's words had made Jake's pulse quicken in a way that had nothing to do with dancing.
"Jake is getting more handsome," Heeseung had said with that easy smile of his, his red hair catching the stage lights perfectly. Then, as if that wasn't enough to make Jake's heart skip, he had added, "My mom likes you."
Jake had managed to laugh it off on stage, playing along with the casual tone, but inside, his mind had been spinning. They were supposed to be careful. They were supposed to keep their relationship hidden. Yet there Heeseung was, saying things that felt far too real, too intimate for the cameras and the hundreds of fans watching.
Now, as the chaos of post-performance activities swirled around them, Jake found himself stealing glances at Heeseung, who was across the room talking to their manager. The older boy's red hair was tousled in that effortlessly attractive way, and every time he laughed at something someone said, Jake felt that familiar flutter in his chest.
"You're staring," Sunoo whispered as he passed by, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
Jake startled, looking away quickly. "I'm not—"
"Sure you're not," Sunoo said with a giggle, continuing on his way to grab a bottle of water.
Jake felt heat rise to his cheeks. Were they being that obvious? He thought they had been careful, keeping their touches brief and their looks subtle. But maybe—
"Jake," a familiar voice called softly from beside him.
Jake turned to find Heeseung standing there, having somehow crossed the room without Jake noticing. Up close, Jake could see the way Heeseung's eyes sparkled with something that looked suspiciously like mischief.
"Hyung," Jake said, his voice coming out slightly breathless.
"Come on," Heeseung said, nodding toward a quieter corner behind some equipment cases. "We need to talk."
Jake followed, his heart hammering against his ribs. As they moved away from the main group, he was hyper aware of how close Heeseung was walking beside him, how their hands almost brushed as they walked. It was torture, this constant need to be near each other while having to maintain a careful distance.
They found a small alcove behind some stacked equipment cases, partially hidden from the main backstage area. It wasn't completely private, but it was quieter, more intimate than the chaos they had left behind.
"You're worried," Heeseung observed, turning to face Jake fully. His red hair fell slightly into his eyes, and Jake had to resist the urge to reach up and brush it away.
"What you said up there..." Jake began, then stopped, glancing around to make sure no one was within earshot. "Heeseung, we almost—"
"Almost what?" Heeseung asked, stepping closer. Not close enough to look suspicious if someone saw them, but close enough that Jake could smell his cologne, could see the way his eyes crinkled slightly at the corners when he smiled.
"You know what," Jake said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You said I was getting handsome, and then that thing about your mom... People might think—"
"People might think what? That I find my group members attractive? That my mother has mentioned liking one of my friends?" Heeseung's voice was teasing, but there was something deeper in his eyes, something warm and affectionate that made Jake's knees feel weak.
Jake opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out. Instead, he found himself staring at Heeseung's lips, remembering the way they had felt against his own just that morning, stolen kisses in the early hours before anyone else was awake.
"You're overthinking," Heeseung said softly, and this time he did reach out, his fingers barely brushing against Jake's wrist. The touch was so brief, so subtle, that anyone watching would think it was accidental. But Jake felt it like electricity shooting up his arm.
"But what if someone figures it out?" Jake whispered, his eyes darting around again. "What if we get caught?"
Heeseung's expression softened, and for a moment, Jake saw not the confident performer who had just commanded a stage, but the boy who whispered sweet things to him in the dark, who held him close when they were alone, who made him feel like the most important person in the world.
"Hey," Heeseung said, his voice so gentle that Jake felt his anxiety begin to melt away. "Look at me."
Jake did, meeting those warm brown eyes that he had fallen in love with.
"We're not going to get caught," Heeseung said firmly. "And even if someone suspects something, what I said up there wasn't anything I wouldn't say about any of you guys. You are getting more handsome—that's just a fact. And my mom does like you. She asks about you every time I call home."
Jake felt his cheeks flush. "She does?"
"She does," Heeseung confirmed with a small smile. "She thinks you're sweet and funny, and she's always telling me to make sure you're eating enough."
The thought of Heeseung's mother worrying about him, caring about him, made something warm bloom in Jake's chest. It felt significant somehow, like a glimpse into a future where maybe they wouldn't have to hide, where their relationship could be something acknowledged and accepted.
"You're doing that thing again," Heeseung observed.
"What thing?"
"That thing where you get all soft and melty," Heeseung said, his eyes twinkling. "It's very cute, but also very dangerous if you want to keep this a secret."
Jake laughed despite himself, the sound coming out as a soft huff of breath. "I can't help it. You make me feel..."
"Feel what?" Heeseung prompted when Jake trailed off.
"Like I'm floating," Jake admitted, his voice barely audible. "Like I could take on the world, or like I might just dissolve into nothing. Both at the same time."
Heeseung's expression grew tender, and Jake saw his hand twitch like he wanted to reach out and touch Jake's face. Instead, he settled for another brief brush of their fingers, this one lasting just a second longer than the last.
"You're going to be the death of me, Sim Jaeyun," Heeseung murmured.
"That's my line," Jake replied, and they shared a look that was so loaded with affection and longing that Jake was sure anyone who saw it would know immediately that they were more than just group members.
"Guys!" Jungwon's voice called from across the backstage area. "They want us for some photos!"
Jake and Heeseung immediately stepped apart, not that they had been standing particularly close to begin with, but enough to ensure there was nothing suspicious about their positioning.
"Coming!" Heeseung called back, then looked at Jake. "You good?"
Jake nodded, feeling much calmer than he had a few minutes ago. There was something about Heeseung's presence, his quiet confidence and gentle reassurance, that always managed to settle Jake's nerves.
They walked back toward the group together, maintaining a careful distance but sharing small smiles when they thought no one was looking. As they rejoined the others, Jake caught Ni-ki watching them with an expression that was far too knowing for someone his age.
"What?" Jake asked, falling into step beside the youngest member.
"Nothing," Ni-ki said innocently, his silver hair catching the backstage lights. "Just thinking about how nice it is that Heeseung hyung's mom likes you so much."
Jake nearly stumbled. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing at all," Ni-ki replied with a grin that was absolutely not innocent. "Just that it's sweet, you know? Family approval is important."
They had reached the photo area before Jake could respond, where photographers were setting up for some post-showcase shots. Jake found himself positioned between Sunghoon and Jay, while Heeseung ended up on the opposite end of the group formation.
"Okay, everyone, look natural!" the photographer called out. "Big smiles!"
Jake smiled, but his attention kept drifting to Heeseung, who was making silly faces just outside the camera's view to make Sunghoon laugh. It was such a Heeseung thing to do. Always thinking of others, always trying to make sure everyone was comfortable and happy.
"Jake, can you look this way?" the photographer asked, and Jake quickly redirected his attention.
They took several shots in different configurations, and Jake found himself hyperaware every time he and Heeseung were positioned near each other. During one shot where they were standing next to each other, Heeseung's hand brushed against his, just for a second, and Jake had to fight to keep his expression neutral.
"That's a wrap!" the photographer announced after what felt like an eternity.
As the group began to disperse, Heeseung appeared at Jake's side again.
"You did good up there," he said quietly. "During the showcase, I mean. Your vocals were incredible."
Jake felt that familiar warmth spread through his chest. Heeseung was always so generous with his praise, always making sure to acknowledge when Jake did well. It was one of the things that had made Jake fall for him in the first place.
"Thanks," Jake said, glancing around before adding, "You looked amazing up there. The red hair with those stage lights... I could barely concentrate on my own parts."
Heeseung's cheeks flushed slightly, and Jake felt a surge of satisfaction at being able to affect him the same way Heeseung affected him.
"You're trouble, you know that?" Heeseung murmured.
"Good trouble or bad trouble?"
"The best kind of trouble," Heeseung replied, and the look he gave Jake was so full of affection that Jake felt his knees go weak again.
"Hyungs!" Jungwon called out. "Van's here!"
They gathered their things and prepared to leave, Jake found himself walking beside Heeseung toward the exit. The backstage area was still busy with staff cleaning up, but most of the immediate post-show chaos had died down.
"Tonight," Heeseung said quietly as they walked, "after everyone's asleep. My room."
Jake's heart skipped. "Heeseung..."
"Just to talk," Heeseung assured him with a small smile. "And maybe to properly celebrate our comeback where no one can see us."
The promise in his voice made Jake's stomach flutter. "Okay," he whispered.
The showcase had gone amazingly well. Their performance had been powerful and captivating, and the fan response had been incredible. But underneath all of that success, Jake couldn't stop thinking about those few moments with Heeseung, about the way he had looked at him, the gentle reassurance in his voice.
Back at the dorm, the usual post-performance routine kicked in. Everyone changed into comfortable clothes and gathered in the living room to decompress. Jake found himself on the couch next to Sunoo, while Heeseung sat on the floor with his back against Jay's legs.
"So," Jungwon said, stretching out on the other couch, "how do we think that went?"
"Amazing," Ni-ki said immediately. "The crowd was so into it. And our vocals sounded great."
"The choreography felt really good too," Sunghoon added. "All those hours of practice paid off."
"Heeseung hyung's stage presence was insane though," Jay said. "Especially during his solo lines. The fancams are going to be wild."
Jake tried not to react to that, but the thought of watching fancams of Heeseung performing, of seeing that confident, charismatic side of him that Jake got to witness up close, made his pulse quicken.
They talked for another hour or so, replaying highlights from the showcase and discussing their schedule for the next few days. Eventually, people began to drift off to their rooms. Sunoo was the first to go, followed by Sunghoon and then Jay. Ni-ki lingered for a while longer, playing on his phone, while Jungwon dozed on the couch.
"I'm going to shower," Heeseung announced, getting up from the floor and stretching. As he passed behind the couch where Jake was sitting, his hand briefly touched Jake's shoulder.
Jake waited until he heard the shower running before getting up as well. "I think I'm going to head to bed too," he said to the remaining members.
"Good idea," Jungwon mumbled sleepily.
Jake made his way to his room, his heart already starting to race. He changed into pajamas and tried to distract himself by scrolling through his phone, but his attention kept drifting to the sounds from the bathroom, waiting for Heeseung to finish his shower.
About thirty minutes later, when the dorm had settled into the quiet of near-sleep, Hee heard a soft knock on the door. He opened it to find Jake standing there in pajamas.
"Hey," Heeseung whispered.
"Hey," Jake whispered back, stepping inside the older’s room.
Heeseung closed the door quietly behind him and turned to face Jake. Then Heeseung smiled, that soft, private smile that Jake had come to treasure, and stepped closer.
"Come here," he said quietly.
Jake didn't need to be asked twice. He closed the distance between them, and suddenly Heeseung's arms were around him, pulling him into a hug that felt like coming home. Jake buried his face in Heeseung's neck, breathing in the familiar scent of his soap and shampoo.
"I missed this," Jake murmured against Heeseung's skin.
"It's been less than a day since we were alone together," Heeseung pointed out, but his voice was fond.
"Feels longer," Jake said, pulling back to look at him. "Especially after today. Having to pretend like touching you doesn't make my heart race, like looking at you doesn't make me want to kiss you until we both forget how to breathe."
Heeseung's eyes darkened slightly. "Jake..."
"I know we have to be careful," Jake continued, reaching up to trace the line of Heeseung's jaw with gentle fingers. "I know we can't let anyone find out. But sometimes it's so hard, you know? Like today, when you were talking about me on stage, I wanted so badly to just... react. To show everyone how happy it makes me when you say things like that."
"You did react," Heeseung said softly. "I saw it. That little smile you tried to hide, the way your eyes lit up. I almost broke character myself."
"Really?"
"Really," Heeseung confirmed, catching Jake's hand and pressing a soft kiss to his palm. "You have no idea how hard it was not to just kiss you right there on stage."
Jake laughed quietly. "That definitely would have blown our cover."
"Just slightly," Heeseung agreed with a grin.
They moved to sit on Hee’s bed, automatically positioning themselves so they could see each other clearly. Jake pulled his legs up under him and reached for Heeseung's hands, intertwining their fingers in a gesture that had become second nature.
"Your mom really likes me?" Jake asked, remembering their earlier conversation.
"She adores you," Heeseung said firmly. "She's always asking when you're going to visit again. Last time I called home, she spent twenty minutes telling me about some dish she wants to cook for you."
Jake felt that warm, fluttery feeling again. "What did you tell her?"
"That I'd bring you home with me next time we have a break," Heeseung said. "If you want to, that is."
"Of course I want to," Jake said immediately. "I love your family. And they don't... they don't suspect anything, do they?"
Heeseung shook his head. "No, I don't think so. My mom just thinks I talk about you a lot because we're close friends. She has no idea that I talk about you a lot because I'm completely head over heels for you."
Jake's cheeks flushed pink. Even after months of being together, Heeseung's casual declarations of love still made his heart skip beats.
"I love you too," Jake said softly. "So much that sometimes I think the others have to notice. Like today, I was so obvious about staring at you."
"Sunoo definitely noticed," Heeseung said with a laugh. "He kept giving me these looks like he knew exactly what was going through your head."
"Do you think..." Jake hesitated, then decided to voice the worry that had been nagging at him. "Do you think any of them know? Really know, I mean?"
Heeseung considered this seriously. "I think some of them suspect," he said finally. “But I don't think anyone knows for sure."
"What if they did know?" Jake asked quietly. "What if they found out?"
"Are you worried they wouldn't be okay with it?"
Jake shook his head. "No, that's not it. I think they'd be fine with us being together. I'm more worried about... what if it changes things? What if it makes everything weird?"
Heeseung squeezed his hands. "Nothing is going to change between us and the members," Heeseung said firmly. "These guys are our family. They love us, and they want us to be happy. If they found out about us, the only thing that would change is that we wouldn't have to sneak around anymore."
"You really think so?"
"I know so," Heeseung said. "But that doesn't mean we have to tell them before we're ready. This is our thing, our relationship. We get to decide when and how to share it."
Jake nodded, feeling some of his anxiety ease. There was something so comforting about Heeseung's confidence, his steady presence that made everything seem manageable.
"Now," Heeseung said, his tone shifting to something lighter, "can we please talk about how incredible you looked on stage tonight? Because I've been holding back all day, and I'm about to burst."
Jake laughed, the sound bubbling up from his chest. "You want to talk about how I looked? Have you seen yourself lately? That red hair, those stage outfits... I nearly forgot my choreography three different times just from watching you."
"Good," Heeseung said with a satisfied grin. "That was entirely intentional."
"You're ridiculous," Jake said fondly.
"Ridiculously in love with you," Heeseung replied, and before Jake could respond, he was leaning forward and pressing their lips together in a soft, sweet kiss.
Jake melted into it, his hands coming up to cup Heeseung's face as they kissed slowly, tenderly, with all the affection they had been forced to hold back all day. When they finally pulled apart, Jake rested his forehead against Heeseung's.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," Heeseung whispered back. "So much."
They stayed like that for a while, holding each other close, talking in quiet voices about the showcase, about their upcoming schedule, about everything and nothing. Eventually, Jake started to yawn, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with him.
"You should get some sleep," Heeseung said softly, pressing a kiss to Jake's temple.
"Can I stay?" Jake asked, his eyes already drooping.
"You know you can’t," Heeseung replied gently. "Not overnight. Too risky."
Jake nodded sleepily, understanding but disappointed. They had agreed early on that spending entire nights together was too dangerous—too much chance of someone noticing, of getting caught.
"Just a little longer?" Jake asked, settling more comfortably against Heeseung's side.
"A little longer," Heeseung agreed, his arms tightening around Jake.
Hee dozed against Jake's shoulder, feeling safe and content in a way that only happened when they were together like this. He was vaguely aware of Jake’s fingers running through his hair, of the steady rhythm of his breathing, of the quiet words of love being murmured against the top of his head.
When Heeseung woke up briefly sometime later, he was alone in his bed, tucked under his covers. On his nightstand was a small piece of paper with Jake’s handwriting: "Sweet dreams. Can't wait to secretly stare at you all day tomorrow. - J"
Heeseung smiled sleepily and tucked the note under his pillow before drifting back to sleep.
The next morning dawned bright and early. Jake woke up feeling more rested than he had in days, despite the late night. There was something about spending time with Heeseung, even just talking and holding each other, that always left him feeling recharged.
He found Heeseung in the kitchen when he went to grab breakfast, already dressed and looking effortlessly put-together despite the early hour. Their eyes met across the room, and Heeseung's face broke into a small, private smile that made Jake's heart skip.
"Morning," Heeseung said casually as Jake approached the counter where he was making coffee.
"Morning," Jake replied, reaching around him for a mug. As he did, Heeseung's hand briefly touched his back.
"Sleep well?" Heeseung asked, handing Jake the coffee he had just finished making.
"Really well, actually," Jake said, accepting the mug and letting their fingers brush as he did. "Thanks for the coffee."
"No problem," Heeseung replied, and the look in his eyes was so fond that Jake had to glance away before he did something stupid like lean in and kiss him right there in the kitchen.
"Are you guys ready?" Jungwon asked, appearing in the doorway with his black hair still messy from sleep. "Van's here in twenty minutes."
"Almost," Jake said, taking a quick sip of his coffee. "Just need to grab my jacket."
As he headed back to his room, he felt eyes on him and turned to see Sunoo watching him with that knowing look again. Jake tried to keep his expression neutral, but he could feel heat rising to his cheeks.
"What?" he asked.
Sunoo shook his head innocently. "Just noticed Heeseung hyung made your coffee exactly how you like it. With the exact amount of sugar and everything."
Jake's cheeks burned hotter. "He makes everyone's coffee how they like it. He's thoughtful like that."
"Mm-hmm," Sunoo said, clearly not buying it. "Very thoughtful."
What they didn't know was last night, down the hall, Sunoo was lying awake in his own bed, smiling softly at the confirmation of what he had suspected for months. And in the room next to his, Ni-ki was texting Jungwon about owing him money from a bet they had made weeks ago about when Heeseung and Jake would finally get together.
The secret wasn't quite as secret as they thought, but their friends loved them enough to let them figure that out in their own time. After all, some things were worth waiting for, and watching two people they cared about find happiness together was definitely one of them.
There would be more performances, more interviews, more careful distance and stolen glances. But for now, being too close in secret would be enough for Heeseung and Jake.