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It was Lunar New Year, and as Daeyoung sat in his family’s cozy living room, he couldn’t help but reflect on how much had changed since the last one. A year ago, he hadn’t even debuted, constantly pushing himself through grueling rehearsals, unsure if it would all work out. But now, not only was he an idol, but the group he belonged to had already earned a Rookie Award, along with several other prestigious accolades. Their hard work had been recognized and their names were steadily rising in the industry.
He had toured Japan alongside his teammates, standing on grand stages. Sold out venues, thousands of waving light sticks, ecstatic fans singing their lyrics back to them. It was the kind of dream he had once thought was too far out of reach. When he was younger, he had loved singing, but he never dared to believe he could achieve something like this. It had always seemed like a fantasy meant for others, not for him.
Yet, despite all those achievements, despite the trophies and the roaring crowds, the most important thing in his life right now wasn’t any of that. It was the boy sitting beside him on the couch, laughing softly as he chatted with his mother as if he had known her forever.
Riku.
Daeyoung glanced at him, warmth blooming in his chest. He had brought Riku home for the holiday, introducing him to his family for the first time. He couldn’t tell them the truth, not yet. He couldn’t say "This is my boyfriend", but he had introduced him as a very good friend. And that had been enough. Because the moment Riku stepped through the door, his easy charm and gentle demeanor had won them over.
His mother had immediately doted on him, fussing over whether he had eaten enough, making sure he was comfortable, treating him like he was one of their own. His dad and older brothers had been quieter in their reception. They weren’t as openly affectionate, but Daeyoung could tell they had taken a liking to him.
Daeyoung wished he could be honest, that he could tell them exactly how much Riku meant to him. But for now, this was enough. Riku was here, sitting beside him after a long hiatus, fitting into his world so seamlessly it felt like he had always belonged there.
“Daeyoung told me you were the one who helped him adjust to the group at first” his mother said, her voice warm as she placed a hand on Riku’s arm. “I’m so thankful he found such a good friend in you.”
Riku smiled, his gaze flickering briefly toward Daeyoung.
“It was easy” he said. “He’s really nice. You raised him very well.”
His mother beamed at the praise. “He’s always been a good kid” she said. “He was very popular at school, you know. He was the class president. Did he tell you that?”
“Yes, he did! Now that he’s gotten closer to our teammates, everyone loves him. I can see why he was so popular” Riku replied, the corners of his lips curling playfully.
His mother chuckled. “He was popular, but he never had any girlfriend that I knew of. He cared too much about his studies.”
Daeyoung coughed lightly, but before he could say anything, his mother stood up from her chair, brushing her hands against her apron. “I’ll go check if the soup is ready. We should eat before it gets cold.”
As she left, Riku turned to Daeyoung, barely suppressing a laugh. Daeyoung met his gaze, equally amused, shaking his head slightly. He could already imagine the teasing that would come afterwards.
Moments later, they sat down for dinner together. The dining table was laden with traditional dishes, steaming tteokguk, japchae, bulgogi, and many more. His older brothers were clearly curious about Riku but too shy to ask anything directly, so they simply listened as their mother kept the conversation going. His father, however, was delighted to learn that Riku had played volleyball at school.
“You must have been quite skilled” his father said, nodding approvingly. “Athletes need strong discipline. That’s good.”
Riku smiled, setting down his chopsticks. “I tried my best.”
For Daeyoung, it was strange but heartwarming to have Riku here, eating with his family in his childhood home. He was aware of how different their upbringings were. Riku’s life had been far more lavish, his house in Fukui at least three times bigger than this one. And yet, he fit in effortlessly.
It was a good dinner, filled with laughter and stories. The warmth of home wrapped around Daeyoung, and for once, he didn’t feel the weight of what he couldn’t say.
After they had eaten their fill, Daeyoung leaned back with a contented sigh. “I’m going to take Riku to the Apsan Observatory” he announced, glancing at his parents. “I want to show him the full view of the city.”
His mother nodded in approval. “Yes, you two should go. The weather is clear tonight.”
After grabbing their coats and masks to conceal their identity, they stepped out into the evening air. The night was cool but not uncomfortably so, the streets quiet aside from the occasional passing car. It was just the two of them now, away from the curious eyes of his family.The things they hadn’t yet admitted to the rest of the world, lingered just beneath the surface.
Daeyoung reached out and took Riku’s hand, who glanced over at him, a tender smile playing on his lips.
“I like them” he said quietly.
“They like you too” Daeyoung responded, squeezing his hand gently. “Especially my mom.”
Riku chuckled softly. “I feel like she knows we’re together. And she’s okay with it.”
A knowing smile crossed Daeyoung’s lips. “She probably does.”
“My mom and sisters already know” Riku admitted. “I told them. We don’t really celebrate Lunar New Year, but they told me to bring you home with me if we hold a concert in Japan again.”
“I would love to meet them."
The walk up the hill was peaceful, the gentle incline forcing them to slow down, to savor the moment. The observatory stood at the peak, silent and still, a perfect vantage point for the breathtaking view that unfolded before them.
Finally reaching the top, they took in the sight. Below, the cityscape flickered like a sea of golden embers, and above them, stars glittered like diamonds scattered across the sky.
Daeyoung pulled out his phone and quickly adjusted the camera settings. “I should take a picture to post for our fans later” he murmured, tilting his head slightly as he framed the shot. After a few taps, he saved the photo, slipping the phone back into his pocket.
Riku sighed, wrapping his arms around Daeyoung’s waist and resting his head on his shoulder. “It’s so pretty…”
Daeyoung chuckled, hugging Riku in return. “Yes, but not as pretty as you.”
Riku let out a small laugh, nudging him playfully. “You’re so sappy.”
Daeyoung looked around, ensuring they were alone, before gently turning Riku to face him and cup his face. Without hesitation, he leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. Riku melted into it, responding in kind, his fingers gripping the fabric of Daeyoung’s coat as if anchoring himself to the moment.
When they finally pulled away, they stood there for a breathless second, gazing into each other’s eyes. The world around them felt distant, insignificant compared to the warmth between them.
“I missed you so much. I can’t believe you’re here with me now.”
Riku smiled. “I missed you too. I love you.”
Daeyoung pressed another gentle peck to his lips before whispering. “And I love you too. Now that we’re together again, I’m never letting you go. I promise, you’re mine forever.”
“I’m yours forever” Riku echoed, his voice unwavering.
Daeyoung exhaled, the weight of his next words settling in his chest before he spoke. “Next time I come to Daegu, I’m going to tell everyone in my family.”
Riku tilted his head slightly. “You don’t have to rush.”
“I want to” Daeyoung interrupted softly. “You’re right, my mom probably knows. My dad and brothers…I’m sure they already sense it anyway. I can’t fake the way I look at you."
A shy yet knowing smile curved Riku’s lips. “Yes, you look at me like I’m the love of your life.”
Daeyoung traced his fingers along Riku’s jawline, his touch featherlight. “That’s because you are.”
A lump formed in Riku’s throat, but it wasn’t sadness, just the overwhelming weight of love, of being seen so fully and cherished so deeply. “You’re the love of my life too.”
They kissed again, savoring the moment beneath the blanket of stars. In that quiet, beautiful space, there were no expectations, no pressures about idol life, just them, wrapped up in each other, grateful to be together.