Chapter Text
11 PM.
Leo stared blankly at the bright purple mnet ad. Boys planet II.
His solo career was all good and well but it couldn't ever be the same as back then. Trainee A. Moments that would never be erased- laughter, tears, sweat. Everything they built together and watched collapse together. As he gave his interviews alone, danced on the stage with backup dancers that were unable to fill the void in his heart, watched his friends debut together in groups one by one; his heart sunk more and more.
Leo was happy for them, truly, but the ache for company grew stronger and stronger. He had achieved his dream of debut sure, but without the people that he truly wanted beside him. He sighed deeply, eyes still fixated on the ad and contemplated it. Should he join?
Although he might not have been able to debut with them all, at least debuting with Sangwon would give him peace. Loyal, kind, supportive Sangwon who never left his side. Who always cherished him and never allowed their friendship to wither away.
Sangwon who always looked up to Leo and would softly call him hyung and reassure him. The Sangwon who never blamed him despite it all and cheered for him when he released his music.
He knew Sangwon wouldn't refuse if he suggested it so he had to think it through clearly. Could they really make it together?
Leo didn't doubt that Sangwon could do it. With his soft doe eyes, sharp angular jawline and porcelain features as well as his endearing personality and habits (like shaking his floppy hair cutely like a puppy) he would surely appeal to the audience, not to mention his skilled dancing and unique tone of voice that were equally as appealing.
But could he do it? Now this he wasn't too sure of. It's not as though his solo debut didn't succeed but attempting to debut as a part of a group on mnets survival show was something completely different. There would still be those blinded by hate who would wish the worst for him.
Debuting solo would mean he would suffer the repercussions alone, he's not sure he could put Sangwon through this. Not again.
But what does Sangwon want for himself? Leo chewed his lip anxiously and realised that, for the first time he genuinely didn't know. He had prided himself on being someone who knows everything about Sangwon- from his worries to his favourite foods to his style.
Yet this time he was truly stumped. Sangwon had spent time working many different jobs, as a DJ, barista and even waiter. Had he become accustomed to everyday life and given up on his dream? Was debuting something that he even wanted anymore?
Leo decided that the best thing to do would be to speak with Sangwon himself and find out what he thinks.
He tentatively pressed the call button, almost immediately Sangwon picked up.
"Hyung," he greeted. "Do you want to debut?" Leo suddenly asked, straight to the point.
"Ah, so suddenly?" Sangwon replied, his confusion evident. Leo explained the mnet ad to Sangwon and earnestly conveyed his hope of still debuting with Sangwon.
Silence.
Leo began to second-guess himself and was about to ask him to forget about it when Sangwon replied, filled with emotion that he truly did want to stand on stage with Leo. He just hadn't thought it would be possible so he quietly ignored how he felt and tried to forget about it.
Leo let out a sigh of relief. Together. Like they were always meant to be. They would go for their dream.
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The beautiful melody of No Doubt by EN- filled the practice room. Leo was sprawled on the light wooden floor and panting as Sangwon went through the choreography, perfecting every last detail before their performance in front of everyone tomorrow. This would be the first time they had performed together in years. It had to be perfect, they would make sure of it.
Despite spending those years working, Sangwon's dance was elegant and powerful as always. It was like nothing had ever changed. He belonged here. Belonged with Leo.
Sangwon took a secret glance as Leo gulped down water, exhausted after their practice session.
He often wondered what he really felt for Leo; whether it was simply admiration or feelings beyond that. But he was too scared to explore the latter possibility, he was certain that Leo was as straight as a ruler seeing as he had only dated women, and confessing would make things awkward between them. He didn't want to lose Leo.
So if that meant hiding whatever it was that he felt, he would do it.
But moving in with Leo made things a lot more difficult and feelings that he was doing his best to push down were slowly bubbling back up and threatening to expose him.
It was small things that he just couldn't help, like trying not to overthink Leo's normal teases such as grabbing at his waist, stupidly laughing at all of Leo's jokes (even the awful ones) like a sappy teenager in love and most obviously his gaze- his eyes betrayed him every single time.
Every glance he took at Leo filled with those unspoken words, every time they made eye contact and Leo grinned at him, the flutter of his heart was visible through his eyes.
Sangwon cursed himself as he scrolled baselessly through the internet trying to look for videos on how to act nonchalant around the love of your life but it was all useless. He sighed and grabbed a book to read, when suddenly Leo walked in.
"Are you nervous cause of filming beginning tomorrow?" Leo asked, lightheartedly smiling as he patted Sangwon's head in a gesture of comfort.
Sangwon tried his utmost not to melt into the touch and responded with "Yes, a little bit hyung.." acting like he hadn't completely forgotten about filming for Boys Planet II because of his stupid feelings.
"We'll both do our best for our performance and make a good impression!" Leo replied confidently, leaning in closer to make eye contact with Sangwon.
As Sangwon blushed at this close proximity to his hyung, he realised Leo was slightly drunk. The smell of soju on him was a dead giveaway, although Leo was here to calm Sangwon's nerves it seemed he had used alcohol to try and calm his own. The situation was quite unpredictable- Sangwon had never been around a drunk Leo as this wasn't a side Leo had ever wanted him to see.
Lost in his thoughts, he came back to reality to the sound of light snoring. Leo had quite literally fallen asleep whilst Sangwon was having his internal monologue. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of his hyung sleeping.
He traced Leo's sharp features with delicate fingers, his breath hitching as Leo mumbled something and turned the side of his face right into Sangwon's wandering palm.
A reminder that he should stop with these ridiculous intrusive thoughts and actions, and get some sleep. It was endearing to him that Leo was a sleepy drunk though, it was just so like him.
He carefully settled in next to Leo, being careful not to disturb him, and swiftly fell asleep.
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Sangwon awoke to warmth. Leo's arms wrapped gently around his waist and his jaw pressed in the junction between Sangwon's neck and shoulder, his soft breathing tickling Sangwon's neck and giving him goosebumps.
He wasn't sure if he was the luckiest or unluckiest person in the world at this point, sure he was cuddled up with his crush but at the price of there being absolutely nothing felt for him other than friendship. He was so deep in the friend zone that Leo would wake up after something like this and be completely unaffected, as though this was nothing for him.
Sangwon gently shook Leo awake, chuckling as Leo pouted and asked cutely for a few more minutes of sleep.
Today was the day. Today they would make the initial impression to the audience that would decide whether they deserved to make it. He prayed that there would be no mistakes and that they'd love them both.