Work Text:
"Shit, shit, shit, the last thing I need to hear is another one of Jinu's lectures."
Mismatched eyes lazily tracked the figure pacing back and forth at the end of the king-sized bed. Intermittently dropping from view to pick up one of the many articles of clothing scattered around.
Slowly pushing himself into a sitting position, Hyun-woo grunted. Squinting when one of the many sun rays filtering in from the large window layered over his face.
In a similar state near the window, Hyun-woo watched his lover raise his t-shirt over his head. The light filtering through from another break in the drapes outlining the other's lean frame.
Smoothing out the wrinkles in his shirt, Baby glanced over at the bed. A ghost of a smile gracing his lips. "You're usually still asleep," He remarked. Patting his jeans' pocket, Baby clicked his tongue in annoyance. Once again, scanning the floor.
Hyun-woo watched blue eyes zero in on the leather bi-fold wallet near the dresser. "You're not usually this loud," he yawned.
Making quick work of snatching up the wallet and also the cell phone only a foot away, Baby padded over.
Tossing the phone into Hyun-woo's comforter-covered lap, he lowered himself to sit at the edge of the bed. "I am. Usually, I fuck you good enough that you're passed out until noon," he smirked.
The corner of Hyun-woo's lips curled up, watching slender hands reach over and unplug the smartphone on the nightstand. "Maybe you're losing your touch," He bantered.
Smirk widening, Baby placed his cell phone into his lap. Plucking up the previously tossed phone, "Damn, I guess all your loud moaning last night was just for show?" he lamented. clicking his tongue playfully. Offering the now plugged-in device, "My apologies, babe. Guess I might be a little rusty being a top."
Hyun-woo took his cell phone, watching the logo illuminate the screen. "Don't worry. I have a month to write up some constructive feedback for you," He chuckled. Lifting his hand, Hyun-woo carded his fingers through his long bangs. Lingering on the areas near his crown to work out the tangles.
Baby frowned. expression turning unreadable "When did I say it'd be a month before we see each other again?" He objected.
Pausing, Hyun-woo let his ebony bangs fall into his face. Serving its purpose in helping him keep his own expression just as guarded, "I just...noticed you usually reach out once a month," he shrugged. Keeping his gaze low," it's not a big deal."
The logo disappeared, and Hyun-woo's home screen illuminated his face. Making quick work of thumbing in his passcode and navigating to his messaging app. If only to try and ignore the heat from the other's stare, threatening to ignite the side of his face.
Honestly, why do blue-eyed people have to stare so intensely?
Baby's gaze shifted to watch Hyun-woo scroll through his contacts. "We've been busy lately," he began. Stressing his bottom lip between his teeth. "With the tour coming up. Jinu and Bobby want us to schedule more rehearsals. And we plan to spend half of the tour with huntr/x. So we have to work around their schedule to-"
"I'm not complaining, Ji-hoon," Hyun-woo interjected. The end of the sheets noticeably bouncing from where he began anxiously flexing his toes.
"But you're keeping track of how often we see each other. Is it something you think about?"
Tapping on one of the contact names, Hyun-woo fished his other hand out of the covers to begin typing. He really needed to thank Zoey for agreeing to ask her manager if he could film his video at Huntr/x's next venue.
"Hyun-woo?"
It was a big ask. Most of his fanbase was back in the U.S. He wasn't sure if his popularity would carry weight here in South Korea. He'd most likely have to sign some NDA's but he wasn't in a position to argue if it meant saving money...
"Love, can you look at me, please?"
He hoped Zoey didn't think he was using her, too. Yeah, they've been friends since elementary school, but he knew she still struggled with her people-pleasing. The last thing he needed was for her to over-extend herself just for him-
Hyun-woo flinched. Blinking instinctively when his side bang was lifted off his face and gently tucked behind his ear.
Baby searched the other's face. His gaze lingering on the light patch of white pigmentation. The streak starting from hairline to end just below the other's silver eye. "When the tour is over. I want us to go out more," he breathed, "I...I want the others to meet you properly too."
Hyun-woo's exposed eye raised, Silver meeting apologetic blue.
Shifting his gaze over to the large open closet, the area still slightly shadowed by the room's unbalanced lighting, Hyun-woo took in the assortment of different clothing.
After a year of being around Baby, he knew it wasn't just the rapper's clothes. Some of the options were either too much of a 180 to fit his style or just blatantly the wrong size.
He took in the way they were placed in the large space, on top of one another, and mixed in. A very intimate display of 'what yours is mine and what's mine is yours.'
Swallowing over the lump in his throat, Hyun-woo weakly swatted away the hand caressing his cheek. "You should get going," He deadpanned. Untucking his hair to let his bangs once again cover his face.
After a moment of just the sound of Hyun-woo's thumbs against the phone's screen. Baby sighed, the mattress shifting as he stood.
Returning his focus to his phone, Hyun-woo tried not to pay much attention to the way Baby lingered near the open door. Once again, subjecting Hyun-woo's person to another beam of heat that rivaled the rays coming from the window.
"I'll see you later, jagiya."
The sound of his phone vibrating pulled Hyun-woo from his thoughts.
Setting down his pen, he retrieved the device from its place near the cafe table's edge. Unlocking it and navigating to the message app.
The afternoon sun aggressively illuminated the establishment's seating area. Outlining the left side of the occupants in its golden hour glow.
Hyun-woo's exposed brown eye squinted. Angling his phone slightly to properly read his screen against the glare
. . .
Zoe-Zo: Guess who's the greatest best friend in the whole wide world!?
. . .
Hyun-woo perked up. Sitting up straighter, he scrolled down, the corner of his lips slowly curling.
. . .
Zoe-Zo: Bobby said you can shoot your live performance video!!!
Zoe-Zo: he said you can only do one take because of time constraints
Zoe-Zo: But I told him no problem! They don't know my bestie is a pro!! 😈
"..."
This really means a lot to me, Zoey.
Thank You.
"..."
Zoe-Zo: 💙💙💙✨
. . .
Huffing in disbelief, Hyun-woo collapsed into his seat. Arm raising to run his fingers through his bangs, exposing his exasperation.
Well shit.
Something was going right this month!
Leaning forward, Hyun-woo traded his phone for his pen. Tapping the end insistently against the worn pages of his journal. He scooted closer, prepared to continue writing with renewed vigor-
'! ! !'
Brows furrowing, Hyun-woo redirected his attention to his phone. The screen lighting up.
Using his free hand, he retrieved the still buzzing device, only to frown.
The caller ID, once surrounded by emojis but now just a name, remained on the screen until the buzzing stopped. The name that's been haunting him these past few months, lingering for a few seconds before disappearing.
Against his better judgment, Hyun-woo thumbed in his passcode. Reopening the app, he hesitated for a moment before tapping the top contact. The thread highlighted from unread texts
. . .
2 months ago
Baby: I'm so sorry, woo. Jinu managed to book us for a last-minute signing. We might not be able to meet this month.
It's fine.
Baby: I'll make it up to you, love! Promise!
1 month ago
Baby: Hey, the photoshoot's running late. Can we talk on the phone later tonight instead?
Have to be up early to open the shop.
We can talk next time.
Baby: Okay...
Baby: I'm sorry.
It's fine.
2 weeks ago
Baby: Hey, Woo
Baby: Were you able to get the flowers I sent?
Baby: Ro helped me pick them out. Was worried I couldn't pick the right ones.
Yea.
They're pretty.
Thanks.
Baby: ... I'm sorry we couldn't meet.
Baby: Jinu feels bad for scheduling our meet and greet on your birthday.
Baby: He's annoying. It's not like he knew.
It's fine.
Baby: It really isn't Hyun-woo.
Baby: Can you at least tell me what I can do to make it up to you?
(Read 2 weeks ago)
Today
Baby: Hey
Baby: I've been fucking up a lot recently. I know it's not fair to you, Hyun-woo.
Baby: Can we please talk
Baby: I'm worried you're done with me
(Missed FaceTime call: 5 min. ago)
Baby: Hyun-woo, please
"..."
Hey
I've just been busy
Baby: Okay
Baby: Can we meet up in person soon?
"..."
When?
Baby: Let me know when you're able to.
Baby: Doesn't matter when!
Baby: I'll make time for you.
"..."
Hyun-woo's thumbs hovered over the keyboard.
Moments passed. Just his heart beat pounding in his ears and the cafe's ambiance surrounding his still form.
Glancing at the lyrics on his journal page. Hyun-woo sighed.
Locking his phone, he set it aside. Tucking himself closer to the table. Immersing himself once again in his writing.
Baby stared numbly at his reflection.
Hovering around him with a foundation brush was one of their many makeup artists. Patting at Baby's face, not unlike an artist would a painting they've been struggling with for the past few weeks.
Honestly, if he heard one more 'tsk' paired with a disapproving onceover with regards to Baby's eyebags. He was going to slam this pretentious idiot's skull into the mirror.
But given the disapproving looks Jinu was giving him through the reflection, as if reading his boyfriend's mind, Baby decided to restrain himself.
After what felt like hours, the stylist finally pulled away.
Unclipping the plastic poncho from around Baby's neck, the stylist nodded. Stepping back to let Baby stand from the chair.
The rapper gave his reflection a quick once-over before forcing a thankful smile. Maneuvering around the artist so they can begin gathering their belongings.
Readjusting his clothes, Baby trudged over to the sofa near the large dressing room's back wall. Currently occupied by the rest of his partners.
Pausing in front of Abby's sprawled out form, taking up most of the furniture's space, Baby fished out his cell phone from his pocket.
While navigating to the messaging app, he took note of the remaining stylists gathering their belongings and heading towards the door. The girls from their side of the room joined Jinu and Romance in happily thanking them for their help as they filed out.
Staring at one of the pinned contacts at the top of his screen, Baby tapped on it to open the text thread. Frowning when he saw the recent response.
(Read: 6 days ago)
Or lack thereof.
Groaning in frustration, Baby ran his fingers through his bangs, messing up the once neat bob. The action earning a disapproving look from Jinu from his spot at the end of the couch.
"Ji-hoon stop that."
Baby clicked his tongue, shuffling the rest of the way to the couch. "It's my hair, I can do whatever the fuck I want to it," he grumbled. Hovering over the group's choreographer's sprawled out form.
Abby, without glancing up from his phone, lifted his arm. A silent invitation.
Baby didn't hesitate to collapse into the other's lap. Letting the other's more muscular arm wrap protectively around his waist.
Glancing at the phone still hanging loosely in Baby's grip, Abby began rubbing soothing circles near his partner's hip. "Still no response?" he inquired.
Baby leaned back into the other's chest. "No," he huffed. Staring blankly out in the room's general direction. Watching Mira click the dressing room's door shut before returning to her seat between Rumi and Romance.
Romance looked away from their mirror at the question. Frowning, "I'm sure he'll respond soon, Jagiya," they soothed. Turning back to finish applying their mascara, "I think he just needs space."
Rumi perked up, leaning back in her seat to peer around Mira. "Are you guys talking about Baby's mystery lover?" she asked. The title making Mira huff as she turned her chair to face the boys as well.
Rumi smiled bashfully, playfully kicking the bottom of her girlfriend's chair. "What? Isn't that what we're calling him since Baby refuses to tell us his name?" she said matter-of-factly.
Baby shrugged, "He made me promise not to tell you guys," he muttered. Glancing at Romance, as they swapped their mascara for lip gloss.
Jinu's lips pursed, looking up from his laptop, "I still think that's weird. What does he have to hide?" he challenged.
Rolling his eyes, Baby picked up a nearby decorative pillow to toss at the other. "Hyung, I told you it's not like that!" he insisted. Glaring at Jinu, who easily caught the makeshift weapon.
Before the lead singer could respond, the door to the room flew open. An annoyed-looking Zoey stomped in with her phone in a death grip
The rapper collapsed in the seat between Romance and Mira. "I swear if Hayden doesn't get his butt here soon, I'm going to kick his ass!" she ranted. Her foot tapping impatiently as she brought her phone up. Glaring down at the screen.
Romance huffed in amusement. Recoating their lip gloss, "Seems all the resident rappers are in distress," they chortled. Only to click their tongue in annoyance when one of the decorative pillows hit the back of their head. Giving the glaring blue eyes in the mirror's reflection an unamused glance.
"I'm joking!"
"Not funny, Kyung-soo."
Zoey grunted, standing up from her chair to begin pacing. "Hayden said he'd be here 10 minutes ago! I don't want to ask Bobby to give us more time; he had to pull a lot of strings for this," she whined.
Rumi tilted her head in thought, "I'm sure Bobby wouldn't mind rescheduling," she flinched when Zoey groaned, "if it comes to that!" She added.
Mira shrugged, "If this friend of yours can't be on time, then it's on them to figure it out," she tacked on.
Zoey groaned again. Only to abruptly stop her pacing at the sound of her phone vibrating.
Whining, she accepted the call, bringing the device to her ear. "Heeeey Bobby!" she laughed nervously. "I swear he should be here in-" Zoey frowned, pulling the phone away as it buzzed again.
Eye lighting up, she squealed, cutting off Bobby's confused "hello? Hellooooo?" from the other end, "Never mind! He's here, Bobby, he's here!!' she cheered. Bouncing in place.
Everyone glanced amongst themselves in amusement. Watching Zoey fling the door open and book it down the hallway. Nearly knocking over one of the stagehands. Her voice echoing "He is so lucky I don't have to kick his ass!" in her wake.
Mira snorted, motioning for Rumi to stand up. "Come on, let's at least go watch. This is important to her. We should be there," she acknowledged.
Rumi nodded. Letting her girlfriend take her hand and lead her out of the room. Retracing Zoey's path at a more sedated pace.
Abby looked up from his phone at where the girls stood. "Should we go too?" He questioned.
Jinu shrugged, standing, "I don't see why not," he answered. Raising his arms to stretch, "I can't lie and say I'm not curious."
Romance stood up as well. Walking over to hover over Baby. who hadn't looked up from where he was staring numbly a his phone's black screen.
Smiling sympathetically, Romance leaned down and planted a peck on the corner of their boyfriend's frown. "Come, darling, it'll be a much-needed distraction' they assured. Offering their hand.
Baby stared at it for a moment before sighing, "Fine," he grumbled. Letting Abby gently pry the phone out of his grip to set it aside before also moving to get up.
Jinu shuffled closer, leaning down to plant a kiss on Baby's forehead. Exchanging glances with his other lovers before turning. Leading the way out of the dressing room.
Getting to the stage was a blur. Hyun-woo had sprinted out of his Uber to meet an annoyed-looking Zoey and a confused-looking security guard at one of the side entrances. His apology brushed off as she screamed for him to get his ass inside.
With a promise to record some footage for social media, Zoey had disappeared down another hallway, while a stagehand directed him the rest of the way.
Everything was set up exactly how Hyun-woo requested. Taking note of the right amount of lighting and space for him to move around.
Taking a deep breath, Hyun nodded his head along as the backing track began. Exchanging reassuring glances with the drummer and guitarist.
Paired with the building theatrical fog and lights, Hyun-woo felt his shoulders relax. A ghost of a smirk pulling at his lips. He strided towards one of the assigned cameramen, pulling the mic to his lips...
Baby, tell me lies
Whisper them on to my body, make me feel alive
Intertwinin' 'til I forget what's yours or mine
I can't see straight, I know we make one hell of a ride
Of a ride
Your love is somethin' spiritual
So unfaithful to the life I thought I wanted
I don't want it
And I can't see at all
There's no miracle to save me once I've fallen
Now I'm fallin'
Romance tilted their head, brows raising, "I didn't know he was American?" they asked from their spot between Mira and Abby.
They were too late catching up with Zoey, who managed to find a spot closer to the stage. Not wanting to get in the way of the camera crew, they decided to occupy one of the unused catwalks on the upper level.
Mira hummed, similar to them all, the edges of her expression had slowly shifted to interest at the man's vocals. "Apparently, he's a childhood friend Zoey had back when she lived in California," She explained. Her head bobbing to the rhythm.
Baby, tell me why doesn't lovin' you feel wrong?
Oh, it hurts until it don't
I can't stay away for long
I don't know how to get you off my mind
You make Hell our paradise
Lovin' you is suicide
And I do it every night
Every night
Every night
Oh
Baby felt like someone had punched him in the gut.
He was hallucinating, right?
This has to be a hallucination.
Hyun-woo ingrained himself so deeply into his mind and heart that now he was imagining he was the one singing this beautiful song.
This song...
That sounded like it was speaking directly to him.
Baby, I won't break
Give me your worst, but you're still the only one I crave
You don't love me right, but I still want it anyways
I'm addicted, need a fix, and you're the drug I take
Drug I take
To find somethin' spiritual
So unfaithful to the life I thought I wanted
I don't want it
And I can't see at all
There's no miracle to save me once I've fallen
And I'm fallin'
Hyun-woo smiled. Finally in his bubble.
Nothing else mattered. Just him, the musicians, and singing his heart out.
Legs striding across the stage and stopping at moments to interact with the camera ...
Baby, tell me why doesn't lovin' you feel wrong?
Oh, it hurts until it don't
I can't stay away for long
I don't know how to get you off my mind
You make Hell our paradise
Lovin' you is suicide
And I do it every night (oh)
Hyun-woo let the note stretch, nodding as the guitar carried through.
He thought of blue eyes. Blue eyes that always seemed to hold a mischievous glint, but somehow managed to hold just as much warmth when they were staring down at mystery in privacy.
He thought of the other's deep voice. How it would whisper reassurance into Hyun-woo's ears as he'd work his way inside of him. How all Hyun-woo could think about was them when they would make love...
Bringing the mic up, Hyun-woo smirked proudly as the guitarist continued their solo. Moving closer to share the stage's energy...
Oh, it's wrong, but I keep runnin' back to you (runnin' back)
Every night, my darlin' (every night)
Uh, every night, my angel, oh-oh-oh
Baby couldn't stop the tears.
His grip on the railing tightened. Knees starting to shake.
His heart rate sped up. Drowned out as the drums picked up. Indicating the song was coming to a finish.
Is this what Hyun-woo thought of their relationship?
That baby didn't really love him?
That he was just stringing Hyun-woo along this whole time?
I love the way you touch my body
Love the way you pull me in
I could stay right here forever
Until my last dyin' breath
I can taste the lies you tell me
Always fallin' from your lips
Why doesn't lovin' you feel wrong
Even if it's wrong?
Jinu clapped along with everyone else in the auditorium. Some of the stagehands had congregated near the wings. The small number of people somehow managed to make their applause sound like a packed house.
"That was really good!" Jinu approved. Smiling in amusement when Zoey's friend came back to the front of the stage to give an exaggerated bow in thanks.
Abby nodded in agreement, eyes following the man until he disappeared backstage. "What was his name again?" he queried.
Before Jinu could respond, his brows furrowed, feeling something brush heavily against his side.
Expecting to see Baby standing beside him, Jinu's eyes darted down. widening in shock to see his boyfriend on his knees. Hands covering his face, shoulders shaking violently as he sobbed.
"Ji-hoon!?"
Jinu crouched. Eyes scanning the other to see where he was hurt. "Ji-hoon, what happened? Are you hurt?"
It didn't take long for Abby and Romance to mirror Jinu in crouching around the younger. Frantically taking turns asking their lover what was wrong.
Mira and Rumi shared a worried glance. Hovering behind them anxiously.
Shakily, Baby finally lowered his hands away. Glancing sadly towards the now-empty stage.
Jinu's brows furrowed. "Ji-hoon?" he tried.
Baby sniffled. Turning back to face Jinu.
He took one look at Jinu's concerned eyes before crumbling. Collapsing into the other's chest.
Jinu didn't hesitate to pull him in closer. Exchanging worried looks with the others.
Mira glances at the nearby crew, giving them looks before motioning for them to stand. "Let's head back," she urged. Watching Jinu gather Baby into his arms, she took one of Rumi's hands. Trailing behind them as they made their way back to the dressing room.
Zoey squealed, enveloping her best friend in a hug. "Woo, that was amazing!" She pulled back to show her phone screen. "I've gotten so many likes already!" she grinned. jumping on the balls of her feet.
Chuckling, Hyun-woo nodded. "It felt amazing," he breathed. Running his fingers through his bangs.
"Zoey!'
Both turned to see Bobby jogging over, "Hayden, was it?" He smiled. Extending his hand, "That was a great performance. I have to admit I was not expecting that!'
Blushing, Hyun-woo returned the handshake, "I-I really appreciate you letting me shoot here. I understand it was a big ask." In afterthought, he stepped back to bow.
Bobby waved him off. "I'm always willing to help anyone who's good friends with my girls. Here-" Bobby reached into his pocket to pull out a card. "Lets keep in touch! I want to talk to you about maybe continuing a relationship to help you get more exposure?" he added.
Hyun-woo gaped, taking the card. "I-uh-yes! I would like that," he stammered.
Bobby smiled, "Great." Turning to Zoey, he tapped his watch. "Come on, Zoey, you girls have to start your rehearsal," he insisted. Taking Zoey's hand to pull her further backstage.
Zoey stumbled along, turning to wave over her shoulder, " Woo, I'll text you!" she promised before she and Bobby disappeared around the corner.
Hyun-woo smiled. Nodding as he watched the duo disappear.
Chuckling, he ran his fingers through his bangs. Eyes wide in exasperation.
What a way to end the month.
Romance sighed, pulling Baby closer to their chest from their spot on the couch. "Oh, Darling," they sighed. Running their fingers through the other's blue strands.
They all reconvened in the dressing room. Rumi requesting the nearby staff not to disturb them for the next 15 minutes while they sorted themselves out.
While they all had an idea of what could be wrong, they were not expecting the bombshell that Baby confessed to them.
Flanking their partners, Jinu and Abby sat wide-eyed. Letting the new information sink in.
Standing nearby, the girls blinked in shock. Mira shook her head, crossing her arms. "Shit, man, that's... a lot," she remarked. sharing a look with Rumi.
Nodding in agreement, Rumi looked at her friend sympathetically. "Baby, can I ask why you just didn't tell Hyun-woo you were in a relationship?" she puzzled. Watching Baby pull away from Romance's chest.
Sniffling, Baby sighed, holding his head in his hands, "I was worried I'd scare him away," he croaked, "It was bad enough I'm in a popular boy group."
Jinu frowned. "Why would that be bad?" he wondered.
"We could only meet up during those times I asked you guys to let us have the penthouse to ourselves," Baby sniffled. "We couldn't really do anything public without worrying about being seen by fans. And..."
Abby tilted his head. "And what, Jagiya?"
Baby cringed, "I think he had a suspicion that I wasn't being completely honest... about not seeing anybody else," he muttered. Gaze shifting numbly to the floor.
He noticed the way Hyun-woo would glance at some of the clothes in Baby's closet. Always lingering on the shoes that clearly weren't Baby's size or the much too different styles clashing with one another.
He would just claim it was for a concept Bobby wanted them to try or a commercial he needed to shoot. But each time he came up with an excuse, he recalls seeing the gears turning in Hyun-woo's head. How closed off he would get...
Everyone listened to him explain this. The silence stretched sans Baby's sniffling and Romance's soothing words as they continued to rub his back. No one knew how to respond.
The moment stretched, everyone left to their own thoughts on how to proceed.
Shifting closer, Jinu laid his hand on his boyfriend's thigh. "Ji-hoon, I think we should-"
Before Jinu could finish, the sound of the door flying open cut him off. The resulting bang as it hit the wall made everyone jump.
Bouncing in. Zoey clapped as she strided over, "Alright, gang! Bobby said we should head ...to...stage?"
faltering, Zoey's eyes shifting between everyone but lingered on Baby, who started to sob.
Brows furrowing in concern, Zoey turned to her girlfriends.
"...What did I miss?"