Work Text:
–——
The thing about Dongmin is that he knew when to quit.
When he was in sixth grade, he along with his baby brother managed to convince their parents to let them try out for the local soccer team in which the coach pulled their dad aside afterwards to say that Dongmin wasn’t all that good and that Seunghoon should continue playing instead. Just like that, he gave up his soccer dream despite being so passionate about it.
Then in high school, when he and Donghyun were persuaded to join taekwondo because their school lacked the members to participate in the competitions, Donghyun eventually became a permanent team member. Of course Dongmin quit because his best friend was actually much better at it than him and realized it wasn’t really what he wanted to dedicate his time for.
And now, here he was sitting inside the solo studio room he rented, contemplating whether or not to finally let go of trying to make it big as a music producer. He can always go back to university as a full-time student after all. One can’t really say he was being hasty either. It’s been a whole semester since he enrolled in half of the units required in his degree to dedicate the rest of his time for music. Where was this all going anyway?
He spun around his work chair aimlessly and Dongmin would’ve stewed more in his thoughts if it weren’t for his phone ringing.
He answers the call with one swipe, not even bothering to glance at the caller name. “What’s up?”
“Han Dongsan.” He immediately picks up the low voice from the other line.
“I told you to stop calling me that.” Dongmin rolls his eyes.
“Not the point,” Donghyun snorts. “Listen. I know you’re probably busy and swamped with music stuff but I need you to work with me here.”
“Donghyun, what’s going on?”
“You know how I said one of my seniors in class is a singer, right?”
Dongmin tries to recall it, chewing on the inside of his cheek thoughtfully. “Sure. That seems familiar.”
“Right. Well, they’re actually recording in your building right now and they happen to have been locked up. There’s no one around to help them.”
Dongmin raises his eyebrow. “What are you saying right now?”
“I’m saying,” Donghyun sighs loudly. “You should rescue them.”
“Is this serious, Kim Donghyun?”
“Yes! They’re on the fifth floor, room fifteen. It’s a solo recording room, probably like yours.”
“What is happening right now…” He wonders aloud.
“Dongmin, are you going? You should be going.” Donghyun clicks his tongue. “Who knows, they might pass out in there.”
“Geez, fine. I’m going.” It was his turn to sigh. “You seriously owe me one.”
“I should be feeding you to my fish.”
“None of your fish eat meat. Be realistic.”
“I’m hanging up. I snuck out of a meeting for this specific emergency. Keep me posted.”
“I don’t want to,” he teases.
“I’m feeding you to a colossal squid next time.” He unfortunately knows what kind of creature that is, has seen some horrible pictures of it, and nearly shudders at the empty threat from his best friend.
He heard the click which meant Donghyun already dropped their call, leaving him to deal with a sudden rescue mission. Dongmin quickly shuts off his laptop, grabbing his phone and keys to his studio room. Fortunately for him, his room was located on the floor where the front desk was. It won’t be difficult to ask the staff for some help for Donghyun’s stuck senior.
He makes it a point to fix his hoodie before going outside.
“Jaehyun hyung,” Dongmin immediately greets the man behind the front desk.
“Taesan. What’s up?” He dapped him up.
“My friend’s senior got stuck inside their recording room. It’s on the fifth floor.”
“Oh, shoot. Which room? I’m sure we’ve got the spare key around here.”
Dongmin thinks for a moment. “It’s room fifteen.”
“Let’s see.” Jaehyun then starts looking through the entire wall of key holders behind him. “Ah! Lucky day. Found the key, go and rescue the poor soul.”
“Thanks, Hyung.” Dongmin flashes him a smile.
“Just give them that key, don’t bother returning it if they rented the room long term. I remember it’s one of those rooms that gets stuck out of nowhere.”
Dongmin frowns. “Someone should probably check up on that though.”
“I know,” Jaehyun chuckles. “I should call the door guys soon.”
“Yup. Thanks again, Hyung. Gonna rescue them now.” He waves goodbye before jogging to the elevator at the end of the hall.
Dongmin hums a nameless tune on his way up. He tries to think of a face for this senior of Donghyun’s and fails. He can’t even recall a name. Donghyun hasn’t probably shown him a picture of the person or maybe he did and he just wasn’t paying attention.
The elevator dings and Dongmin exits. It doesn’t take long for him to find the room and immediately knock.
“Hello?” Dongmin presses his ear on the door.
He hears something like ‘oh my god’ before knocking is heard from the other side. Dongmin can’t help but be impressed with the soundproof they’ve got going in these rooms, all he can make out are muffled sounds and even that you'd have to pay enough attention to understand.
“Alright. I’ve got the key! Maybe you should step back from the door.” Dongmin announces loudly. He probably looked stupid talking to himself and can only hope that the person on the other side understood what he just said.
Dongmin inserts the key in the knob. It doesn’t budge though.
He tries again. Nothing.
This time he shakes the doorknob as he twists the key. Still nothing.
“Shit.” Dongmin is starting to get frustrated. He doesn’t even know if the person is still conscious inside. Damn Kim Donghyun for making him overthink this. “Hello?!”
“Hey! Can you hear me now?” For the first time he hears their voice clearly.
“Can you step away from the door? I’m going to try and push it open!” Dongmin shouts into the space of the opening.
“Got it!” He hears them say.
Dongmin sucks in a breath. Holding the turned key, he takes a step back before slamming his entire body on the door.
He hears the door click and the sound of it swinging open. Dongmin opens his eyes.
Whatever Dongmin was expecting to see inside, well, it wasn’t what or who he thought it would be.
He was greeted by eyes widened in surprise, blonde hair, and perhaps the prettiest face he has ever seen in his entire conscious life. Dongmin fights the urge to stare at him.
“Are you okay?” The blonde guy asks, snapping him out of it.
“All good. Are you?” Dongmin asks in return.
“I would’ve passed out if you hadn’t arrived when you did.” The guy clutches his chest before breaking into a smile. “I’m Sungho, by the way. Park Sungho.”
He acknowledges him with a nod. “Han Dongmin.”
“Thank you, Dongmin. I know you’re probably busy, I even had Leehan bother you for this. I’m sorry.” Dongmin slightly raises an eyebrow in surprise. Sungho just referred to Donghyun using Leehan. Not everyone has that privilege to call his best friend by his childhood nickname which means they must be really close.
“It’s no problem at all.” Well, maybe if it had been someone else Dongmin wouldn’t have meant what he said. But because it’s Sungho who was easy to the eyes, no, he’s so fucking pretty, so it was totally fine.
“Right. I have to go.” Sungho speaks up, before he turns around and Dongmin watches him gather his things in a hurry. “I wouldn’t have minded getting stuck here but I actually have a class I need to get to.”
Then both of them start exiting the recording room. Sungho turns off the lights before locking it.
“Here is the spare key.” Dongmin hands it to him. “You should start using that next time.”
“Think it’s a key problem?” Sungho tilts his head as he takes it from Dongmin’s hand.
“I think they should get the actual door checked.” Dongmin shrugs.
Sungho laughs, which startles Dongmin, but he tries to keep his composure. “Exactly. Anyway, I really have to go. I owe you one, Dongmin. If you have anything in mind, let me know how I can make it up to you. Just tell Leehan about it.”
“Sure thing.” Dongmin nods absently.
Just before Sungho eventually disappears from his sight who was going to take the stairs, Dongmin can’t help but open his mouth. “Can I call you Hyung?”
He hears Sungho laugh again, making his head spin. “You sure can. See you around, Dongmin!”
And so, maybe Dongmin isn’t going to quit music just yet.
…
It turns out life is as busy and chaotic for everyone and not just for Dongmin. He has not seen Sungho since their encounter in the studio and has not even bothered to ask for his number from Donghyun, even if he desperately wanted to.
So maybe he’s got a crush. At least it was something to look forward to. Maybe that was enough.
He was hanging out in the university cafe by himself doom scrolling on his phone when someone tapped on the table in front of him breaking Dongmin from his bubble of thoughts. “Taesan-ah.”
It was none other than Donghyun and he brought Woonhak with him. He watches the two of them slide into their seats. The once empty table is now occupied with their things and Dongmin wasn’t all that bothered.
“Hyung, we’re honestly disappointed.” Woonhak speaks up, pouting as he looks directly at him.
Dongmin points to himself. “Me? What did I do?”
“Have you just been pretending to see us as your friends all this time?”
“Huh?” Dongmin eyes Donghyun but he was only smirking, feigning innocence. “Of course you’re my friends. You think I’d be seen with this guy if he wasn’t?” He then points to Donghyun.
That earns a squawk from Woonhak. “Then what was that whole deal I heard from Han Seunghoon?”
Dongmin gets confused by this, he tries to recall their last conversation to no avail. “You’ve been talking to my baby brother?”
“They share classes, man.” Donghyun tells him like he’s an idiot.
“That and how else can we know how you’re doing when you’re not around?” Woonhak scrunches his face.
“By asking me yourself?”
Donghyun snorts in disbelief. “Yeah, right.”
Dongmin still has no idea what he and his brother talked about the last time but there is one thing he knows. “You are making a big deal out of whatever it is. Everything’s fine.”
“Fine, fine. I’m dropping it.” Woonhak dramatically puts his hands up. “Do you guys want pizza instead?”
Donghyun shrugs. “I could go for pizza right now.”
“Then let’s go.” Dongmin felt some kind of relief once he stood up, stretched his arms and legs, and he probably wouldn’t have done so for another hour if his friends didn’t show up.
They arrived at a pizza chain nearby and Donghyun was more than happy to look for a table while Dongmin accompanied Woonhak to the counter as they lined up.
“Tell me something, Hyung. Why is Seunghoon getting a tutor again? He’s doing pretty well in class.”
“A what?” Dongmin looks at Woonhak in confusion.
“Oh, he happened to mention last time that he’s getting tutoring.”
“He never tells me these things. I don’t know.”
“Huh. You think Leehan hyung knows why?”
“Doubt that. Remember when he invited Seunghoon to the aquarium? Donghyun assured him the fish in the petting station wouldn't bite but it did. Their relationship hasn't been the same since.” Dongmin recalls animatedly.
“Yikes.” Woonhak winces.
“Let me know if you find out why Seunghoon’s getting tutoring though.”
“Worried are you, Hyung?”
Dongmin rolls his eyes. “Of course I am. But don’t tell him that.”
Woonhak nudges him playfully. “You’re such a tsun, Taesan hyung.”
They spend his free time eating and pretty much talking about whatever until it was time for Dongmin’s class. Woonhak then headed straight home while Donghyun parted ways with him in the building entrance for his taekwondo training.
Dongmin had music entrepreneurship class and it went not as bad as he thought. After class, he stayed for a bit to discuss a group work they have been assigned to before saying goodbye to his classmates.
On his way out, Dongmin thinks of what he was going to do for the afternoon. It’s not like he had any other class that day. He could always go to the studio to get something done but he doesn’t really feel like taking the bus.
He wanders around before beginning his walk by the grounds.
“Dongmin hyung! Hyung!”
Dongmin turns around to see who was calling his name, only to find his little brother running to him in his sweats.
“Yo. What’s wrong?”
Seunghoon stops in front of him and catches his breath. “I need you to deliver a message.”
“What is this, the Joseon period?”
Seunghoon pouts. “Come on, Hyung. Please? We have an urgent meeting and my tutor’s probably waiting for me in the library. Just tell him I won’t make it today and that I’m really sorry.”
“Why don’t you just message him then?”
“I can’t.” Seunghoon waves his hand. “I broke my phone a week ago, don’t tell Mom yet. Please, just go? I owe you one, Dongmin hyung.”
Dongmin sighs. “Fine. Can I know who I’m looking for in the library?”
“Park Sungho hyung.” That gets Dongmin’s full attention. “And give him these, too.” Seunghoon takes something out of his pocket only to hand him two bars of chocolate.
“Make sure you tell him okay, Hyung? Thanks, love you!” And just like that Seunghoon is already jogging away from him.
“Ew. Be careful, don’t trip!” He calls to him and watches as his brother disappears into the gym.
This now leaves him with an errand. And he shouldn’t be doing this, since when did he become a pushover. But maybe he'll treat his little brother to a barbecue one of these days. He's the reason Dongmin is going to see Sungho now. It's been weeks and he knew he wanted to see that pretty face soon or he'll go crazy.
Just like that, Dongmin began making his way to the library.
He gets there and manages to hide the chocolate bars into his bag before the librarian catches him smuggling food.
Dongmin was unsure where to look so he just started wandering around the library. He makes it to the rows of shelves, passes through it, only to reveal the hall where the study tables are.
“Han Dongmin?” By luck, Sungho noticed him first which made this whole deal easier. The grin on Dongmin's face naturally makes its way up and he struts to the table he was occupying.
“Sungho hyung, hey.” He greets him.
“What brings you here?” Sungho smiles at him.
“I'm here to deliver a message.” Dongmin smirks.
“Oh?”
“Han Seunghoon asked me to tell you he won't make it today. They have an urgent meeting or something.”
Dongmin watches as recognition and surprise grace Sungho's face. “Oh my. You're Seunghoon's brother?”
“He told me to give you these also.” Dongmin then opens his bag and places the two chocolate bars in front of Sungho.
“I should've known. Looking at you now, I can see the resemblance.” Sungho chuckles. “I'll make sure to tell him thank you.”
“Are you busy, Sungho hyung?”
“Well since Seunghoon isn't coming, not really.” Sungho shrugs.
This gives Dongmin an idea. And for now, for now he chooses to be brave. “Then can I take you up on what you said last time?”
“Yeah? What have you got in mind?” Sungho looks at him curiously.
“Do you like coffee, Sungho hyung?”
“I love coffee.” Sungho nods enthusiastically before he begins moving. “Let me just clear up my things.”
It was all that Dongmin needed and he inwardly cheered.
They make their way out of the library together. Sungho was more than happy to share about his day to which Dongmin happily listened.
Just when he was beginning to realize how abrupt this all feels as Dongmin forgot about every single cafe he knows around the area, Sungho suggests a place he has been wanting to try and so they head there.
Dongmin orders for them while Sungho finds them a table in the corner by the window.
He arrived with their order and added a sampler plate of desserts that the shop was offering because Dongmin didn't know yet what sweets Sungho preferred.
“So, how'd you and Leehan meet?” Sungho inquires before taking a sip of his drink.
“We've been friends since we were kids. He said the two of you share a class?” Dongmin replies casually.
“Yeah, we got close because of group work and because of my roommate.”
“Wait. Don't tell me you're Sanghyuk hyung's roommate?” Something in his brain started to click.
“Oh, totally. Him and Leehan are seeing each other, right?”
“I'd say yes but Donghyun always tells me it's complicated between the two of them.”
Sungho snorts. “You said it. What about you then, I heard you're pursuing music.”
Dongmin gives a half-smile. “I'm trying. But I haven't gotten anywhere yet. Are you also pursuing music or is that a hobby of yours, Hyung?”
“A bit of both.” Sungho shrugs. “If it doesn't get anywhere, maybe I'll ask you to produce me a song.”
Without a beat Dongmin says, “I'll do it.”
“You're pretty straightforward aren't you, Dongmin?” Sungho raises his eyebrows, studying him, almost fondly if Dongmin was delusional enough.
“That's just how I am. What about Hyung then, are you the straightforward kind or…”
Sungho hums thoughtfully. “I'd say I'm trying to be. What do you think?”
“Well, you're being brave about it.”
“I'll take that as a compliment.” Sungho grins and Dongmin just can't help but fall for the guy.
He's slowly going down. No. He's down bad. And Dongmin doesn't mind it one bit. All because it's Sungho.
“Hyung, you should try the desserts.” Dongmin pushes the plate to him.
“Hang on, I thought I was treating us both.”
“It's fine, Sungho hyung.”
“But what about how I owe you?” Sungho pouts.
“Your company is enough. Don't mind it.” Dongmin reassures him.
“Come on. There's gotta be something else I can do.” Sungho pushes.
“No, this is fine. You're fine.” Dongmin waves him off.
“Are you sure?”
“Well, there is one thing.”
Sungho nods encouragingly. “Tell me.”
Dongmin wonders how far he can get away with this and so he tests it. “Go on a date with me.”
“Oh?” Sungho tilts his head. “So, this wasn't a date?” He then gestures to the space between them.
Dongmin gapes. “Sungho hyung, you can't just assume things like that. I mean, yes, sure this is a date. But what if you were with someone else and it wasn't?”
“Oh!” Sungho clasps his hand and starts laughing which confuses Dongmin. “So you do admit this is a date for you.”
“Shit.” Dongmin mutters in his breath.
Silence passes them by.
“Sure I'll go on a date with you, Dongmin.”
“What? Why?” Dongmin blurts.
Sungho doubles over with laughter. “Now I think you're just very cute. You're not as smooth as you think you are, Han Dongmin.”
“I'm not cute…”
“So, are you taking me out on a date or what?”
Dongmin felt the heat rise in his cheeks and thought fuck it. He was winning at life right now. “After we finish this one, Hyung.”
“Whatever you say, Dongmin.” He looks up at him only to find Sungho already looking at Dongmin with fondness. He swears his eyes are also smiling at him. And Dongmin can't help but thank the heavens once Sungho reaches out on the table to hold one of his hands.
That's when he knew it's going to be difficult to quit this one. They'd have to take him out for that to happen in this life.