Archive of Our Own

Jiung was running through the hallways of the huge college campus. It was so easy to get lost in it, especially when you're in your first year, but even after being here for a while, you could still feel the long hallways stretching and suddenly make a sharp turn to the left, even though yesterday it was to the right. 

Jiung was late to his last lecture of the day, Chinese Literature. He had only been informed today that the Classroom had changed to one at the other end of the campus, which took him an extra 10 minutes to get around to where he was supposed to go now. He was pissed off at that, especially because his best friend, Taeyang, could have at least informed him about this whole ordeal, since they take most of their classes together. Still, Taeyang was a little shit, hidden behind that oh-so-innocent facade the older always kept up around others. 

Oof-!

Jiung was so busy with his thoughts, that he didn't even realize that he had bumped into someone in his rush and was now on the floor, having fallen flat on his ass. When he snapped out of his thoughts, Jiung looked up at the person he had bumped into and was met with someone he seemed to have never seen on campus. The more Jiung stared, the more he noticed about the Guy. He was thin, not in the way that it looked like he missed a couple of meals, but in the way that a ballet dancer was, with muscle stretched over a beautiful figure, although his baggy clothes often concealed that fact. He had big eyes akin to a puppy, and his ears stuck out from his face in a way that made them endearing.

Jiung didn't even realize that he was talking to him. Shaking his head, Jiung was finally able to hear the voice of the unknown man towering above him, holding out a hand to him. Jiung gladly took it and couldn't help but keep staring at how smoothly the man's lips moved. 

“...’m so sorry! I didn't see you at all. I had my back turned towards you and I uh, I think I'm lost.” The black-haired man spoke; his voice had this rough yet soft tone to it. Jiung thought about how he could listen to his voice all the time, how he probably fell in love with some guy's voice. Jiung really couldn't take his eyes off of him, his eyes glued to his lips, and then his eyes, the way his hair falls perfectly laid out on his forehead. 

Jiung shook his head and looked around, finally being able to tear himself away from his captivating features. He dusted himself off and sighed, hearing the bell ring. He was late to his class now anyway. For a moment, Jiung thought about just saying thank you and leaving the lost puppy in the hallway, but for some reason two guys from his PE class were rushing through the hallway, bumping into Jiung, almost knocking him over again, but his savior came to catch him just in time before Jiung made contact with the floor again. 

For a moment, Jiung's head was pressed against the guy's face, his ginger hair pressed against his lip,s and Jiung could have sworn he heard a long inhale from above him. When the coast was clear again, Jiung pulled away from him and glanced up at him. 

“Thank you. I'm sorry about all that. I don't even know what's going on today.” Jiung mumbled and sighed softly, looking around the now-empty hallway. He just wanted to get out of this situation. His cheeks heated up, thinking about how he had just been pressed against this very attractive guy. 

“Ah-! No, don't be sorry! By the way, you smell really good. What kind of hair products do you use? Your hair feels super soft,” The black-haired stranger spoke, probably realizing what he had said just now, his cheeks turning slightly pink, making Jiung want to sink even further into the ground. 

“I don't think you should tell someone you just met that,” Jiung mumbled and looked back up at him, chuckling softly. He found it amusing how they barely knew each other, and yet he still felt the need to compliment him most weirdly. It didn't take long before the puppy spoke up again. 

“By the way, my name is Hwang Intak! What's your name? I don't believe we met before!” He spoke. Hwang Intak. Jiung thought the name somehow suited him in the silliest way, his thoughts wandering off again, not listening to if Intak said something afterward. 

“Not as straight as I thought, apparently.” Jiung spoke, widening his eyes. He just said that out loud. He looked over at Intak, his eyes panicked and trying to read the other one, if he understood what he had just said. 

“What?”

“What?”

Jiung shook his head and sighed softly, hoping that both of them would just forget about this whole ordeal. Jiung still hadn't introduced himself to Intak, so he looked up at him and bowed his head. 

“I’m Choi Jiung, sorry about that earlier. I need to get to my class now. I am already late because I ran into you.” Jiung mumbled and was about to walk past him, but Intak stepped in front of him, his eyes curious and happy; Jiung could almost see a tail behind Intak, wagging in anticipation. 

“What class? I am also late to mine now, but I couldn't find my way towards the other end of the Campus.” Intak said, his voice cheerful and observant of Jiung's body language. Maybe they were on the way to the same class and got held up together. Jiung stared at him for a moment, frowning. 

“Chinese Literature.” He said, his answer short and snappy, making Intak gasp out loud and Jiung flinched at the sudden louder noise in the now quiet hallway. Intak's eyes had doubled in size, and he quickly grabbed hold of Jiung's wrist. 

“No way! Me too! I can't believe we are in the same class, but now that I know that, how come I never heard your name being called?” Intak exclaimed first, then his voice turned quieter and into a mumble. Jiung was just as surprised that they shared the same class; he had never seen Intak walk in or out of the room, not even his name. 

Then again, Jiung had a habit of being in his own World most of the time, not paying attention to anything. Sometimes he barely registers Taeyang around him and then gets jumpscared when he looks to the side, and his friend is suddenly sitting next to him. Jiung was mostly in his own World because he was busy writing music, song texts, and making beats. They were mostly for himself for now, but when he finally graduates, he wants to join a company together with Taeyang and his stupidly annoying boyfriend, Yoon Keeho. He was the embodiment of annoying and loud, especially when he was around Taeyang and his self-proclaimed son, Haku Shota.

There he goes again, Jiung was back in his own thoughts, not even realizing that he was being pulled along by Intak, toward where they needed to be. Intak seemed to have given up trying to talk to Jiung right now and just pulled him along, trying to at least still get there, even though it wasn't on time anymore. Jiung just followed him, not caring about anything, hoping that a certain someone wouldn't be in today. 

–

“Which is why our next lecture will be 'To live', by Yu-”

The door to the classroom opened with a loud thud as it bounced off the wall. Intak basically threw the door open, all eyes on him and Jiung, who was partially hiding behind the human puppy, trying to stay away from the line of sight of literally everyone. He was way too embarrassed to be late. If he hadn't run into Intak, he would have just gone back to his and Taeyang’s shared dorm room, where he never turned up to Classes, where he knew he would be late anyway. 

“Sorry, we are late! We could not find the classroom at all!” Intak smiled. His voice was loud and clear, confident. Jiung kind of admired him; he wished to have such a confident voice sometimes, especially towards Taeyang, because he was a little shit. Not that Jiung minded, it was kind of funny to watch him get into trouble all the time because Taeyang just couldn't keep his mouth shut. 

The teacher just sighed, nodding his head and motioning towards the rest of the class, asking them to take their seats. Jiung immediately made a B-line towards the empty seat next to Taeyang, who was looking at him with a smirk that made Jiung want to punch the daylight out of him. Jiung took a seat and sighed softly, resting his head on the table, wanting to sink into the ground once again. He didn't look for Intak; he just couldn't bear to look at him anymore. 

He was very attractive and cute. 

“Hwang Intak? Seriously, Jiung-ah?” He heard Taeyang comment from the side. He could hear the smirk in his voice, and Jiung just wanted to throw him out of the window. Not only for that comment, but also for not giving him the information about the Classroom change. Jiung turned his head and shot him a glare, making Taeyang chuckle. 

“You are dead to me, Choi. Why didn't you let me know about the stupid classroom change in the morning? I wouldn't have run into him if you did.” Jiung snapped back at him, making Taeyang only smirk even more. The older knew that Jiung was only messing around, and no serious anger lingered between them. 

Taeyang and Jiung have been friends since Kindergarten, Their parents met on a Parents' Evening one day, and the two were introduced the next day for a playdate. They have been inseparable ever since and practically begged their Parents to always put them in the same Classes and activities. They were kind of like brothers from another mother; you could never meet them by themselves. Taeyang and Jiung have been attached at the hip ever since they met. 

“I thought I did, Jiung. I'm sorry, but at least you met Hwang Intak now,” Taeyang started and looked over to where Intak was sitting, the latter staring at Jiung’s ginger hair. When he made eye contact with Taeyang, he turned around immediately, knowing he had been caught staring at him. Taeyang snorted and glanced back at Jiung, “Did he offer to play soccer with him while you two talked?” He asked and ruffled up Jiung's hair. 

“No, he didn't. Don't make it weird, Taeyang.” Jiung huffed and swatted his hand away from his head and sat up straight, taking out his Laptop and books before he finally got ready for the rest of the Lesson. 

—

When the Bell rang, marking the end of the Day and the beginning of a longer weekend, they had next Monday and Tuesday off. Jiung took that as an opportunity to head to his rented Studio and finalize some of his music. Jiung packed his things and waited for Taeyang, so they could go back home together or maybe do some light shopping before they went to their dorm. 

The two friends made their way towards the Classroom door. Jiung had almost forgotten about Intak altogether when, suddenly, someone jumped in front of both him and Taeyang. Jiung let out a yelp and took a step back before he looked up and saw that it was Intak, smiling at him. 

“Hi again! I was wondering if I could tag along until we are back in the main building? I keep getting lost in these parts of the Campus.” Intak asked, his voice still radiating warmth and comfort towards Jiung. He didn't know why, but he just felt like Intak’s voice was made by the Gods themselves. 

Jiung had no time to answer, not wanting to engage in more small talk with Intak, because the comments he had earlier about Jiung smelling good left him a little confused, but Taeyang stepped in, smiling softly at Intak before he just nodded and invited him to join them. 

“Oh my god, of course, you can join us! Good ol’ Jiung and I were just on our way back there anyway, so we could go to the store and get some groceries! I'm Choi Taeyang, by the way!” Taeyang explained, smiling innocently at Jiung, who just gave him a death glare. Intak's eyes lit up, and he smiled so brightly that you could see his teeth and the Star-shaped gem that was glued to his canine. Jiung couldn't believe what he was seeing, despite Intak having the personality of a puppy, he just looked so insanely hot with everything he did, his clothes and now his goddamn canine gem?? 

“Alright, sweet, thank you!! It's nice to meet you, Choi Taeyang. I'm Hwang Intak.” He explained and walked next to Jiung, so he was sandwiched between the two, listening to their small talk as they walked back to the main Campus. 

Jiung was in his world again, thinking about his Song texts and how he would execute them into songs, wanting them to be perfect. He liked singing and occasionally dancing to some K-pop songs he liked. Sometimes, Taeyang, Keeho, and Shota would join him as well to dance to certain choreographies in their free time. He would be lying if he said it wasn't fun and he enjoyed the company of the bunch, but sometimes being alone was just something he preferred. 

Jiung wondered if Intak danced as well and if he liked music just as much as he did. His figure certainly showed that he was athletic. Jiung imagined Intak dancing to hip-hop beats, the way his body would probably move so smoothly, almost like the way Shota's body did when he was in his element and dancing like his life depended on it. Jiung didn't know why he had started to think about Intak, but now he couldn't stop anymore, and his face certainly showed that. His cheeks were tinted in a light pink, and his ears were just as flushed as his cheeks. 

Taeyang noticed that Jiung’s cheeks were tinted pink and couldn't help but smile. He knew exactly what was going on, but he was not going to egg him on about it. At least not yet, he probably would when they got home and Intak was not with them anymore. For now, he was just gonna keep quiet and maybe distract Intak from the fact that his best friend was a blushy mess. 

When the trio arrived back at the main Campus, Intak walked forward a little and turned around to face both Taeyang and Jiung with a smile. He was about to thank them for letting them walk with them when someone interrupted them. 

“Taeyangieeee!~” The voice called, and a black-haired guy hurried over to them and captured Taeyang in a hug. It was Keeho, his arms wrapped around Jiung’s best friend, and his lips pressed against his temple. The moment Keeho had engulfed Taeyang in a hug, the latter relaxed immediately, closing his eyes and leaning into his touch. 

“Hi Keeho, I was just about to text you,” Taeyang mumbled, smiling at his boyfriend softly. The two had been dating for almost the entire time they started college. Jiung always knew that Taeyang was going to end up with Keeho at some point, the two had been pining for each other for all of High school, and Jiung was getting pretty sick and tired of it. 

Jiung looked behind Intak, where a young boy was standing, his hair was longer than Taeyang's, blonde, and loosely tied up in a half ponytail. Shota. However, the more Jiung looked, the more he noticed a second boy, half-heartedly hiding behind Shota. His hair was also blonde, but it wasn't as long as Shota’s. It was a little curled, his eyes almost hidden behind some glasses, as he stared at the floor. Jiung didn't know who he was, but if he was with Shota, both Keeho and he must know him. 

“Yah, Keeho! I told you not to bring Shota to Campus!” Jiung snapped out of his thoughts and looked over to Keeho and Taeyang, who were arguing like a married couple. Jiung rolled his eyes and looked back towards Shota.

“Hey! He asked me if we could hang out! I wasn't gonna say no to him,” Keeho protested and looked over to Shota and his friend before smiling, “By the way, this is Kim Jongseob. He and Shota go to the same High school and applied there together, and guess what! They both got in and will be attending most classes together~” Keeho cooed and walked over to the two youngest and smiled, ruffling up Jongseob's hair. 

The younger of the two blondes just nodded and bowed his head a little, introducing himself, before hiding behind Shota again. Jiung sighed and smiled softly, telling him his name as well before his eyes darted towards Intak, who looked just as lost as he was. Intak frowned and looked toward Jiung, now smiling. 

“No way, you guys met Intak!” Keeho exclaimed and walked over to him, patting his shoulder. Keeho was a person who literally knew everyone. It kind of scared Jiung, knowing so many people would probably overwhelm him to the max. He watched as Keeho and Intak got caught up in small talk, sighing softly before he walked towards Taeyang and leaned a bit closer to his ear. 

“I'm gonna go ahead. I will send you the shopping list, but I need to get back to my songs. Sorry, Taeyang.” Jiung whispered and earned a nod from Taeyang. Taeyang knew how important songwriting was for Jiung, so he let him go. Jiung then took off after saying his quiet goodbyes to everyone, but Keeho and Intak, who were just so caught up in their conversations about literally anything. 

Jiung quietly slipped past them and made his way outside of the Building, trying to get his headphones out of his bag. When he finally managed that, he placed them around his neck and slowly walked down the few steps that connected the building to the rest of the campus. The day was nice, it was sunny, no clouds in the sky, and it wasn't too cold. It was just the perfect Spring day, a perfect day to be alone and write songs. 

“Hey, wait-!” 

Jiung stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the familiar voice of Intak behind him. He turned around and watched as Intak hurried over to him with a big smile, his eyes sparkling. When he arrived, he stood in front of Jiung, his eyes not leaving how beautifully his ginger hair shone in the sun and how his skin was glowing, like it had been kissed by an angel. 

“What is it?” Jiung asked him and looked at Intak, only now noticing that his eyes weren't just dark brown, but also had this hint of hazel, and that his jet-black hair shimmered in the sun like it was obsidian. Jiung really didn't want to stare, but Intak was just so annoyingly attractive that he couldn't stop. 

“I wanted to give this to you! I really want to be your friend, Jiung-hyung!” Intak smiled and handed him a piece of paper. Jiung was a little taken aback by the sudden addition of “-hyung” behind his name; he hadn't told Intak his age, so he wondered how he knew that he was older. Taeyang probably told him, of course, he did. 

When Jiung wanted to open the folded piece of paper, Intak grabbed his hand and kept it closed, shaking his head. “Don't open it yet! Please do it when you get home!” Intak begged him and smiled softly. Jiung just nodded dumbfoundedly and looked up at Intak, returning his smile with a small one. 

“Alright then. I will be going home now. I have some things to do. I'll see you, Intak-ah.” Jiung said and watched as Intak slowly let go of his hands, nodding. He noticed that Intak had hesitated to let him go, not wanting to let go of the warmth of Jiung’s hands. Jiung bowed his head and then turned away from Intak before he continued to walk off campus and towards his and Taeyang’s dorm. 

When Jiung opened the door, he sighed softly and walked inside, closing the door behind himself. He took off his shoes and walked into the living room, where he had heard a small meow. A small ginger kitten was lying on the couch, bathing in the sunny spot it was lying in. Jiung smiled and leaned against the doorframe, watching the cat be a cat before he decided to speak up. 

“Mandu-yah~” Jiung cooed and knelt down as the kitten sat up and hurried over to him, immediately rubbing her tiny head against his knee. She is Jiung’s cat, despite him being allergic to most cat breeds. Mandu, however, was hypoallergenic, so her fur didn't give Jiung any reactions. When Taeyang met Mandu, he fell in love with her almost immediately, and the three of them lived a happy life together. 

Jiung picked up the small kitten and placed her on his shoulder, where she clung as Jiung walked into his room to put his bag down and finally take a shower and get changed out of his outdoor clothing. Mandu jumped down from his shoulder onto the bed and curled up in his sheets, meowing quietly. Jiung knew that she was going to wait for him while he showered, so he grabbed his home clothes (consisting of some sweats, a wide shirt, some socks, and his specs) before he made his way into the bathroom to take a shower. 

After his shower and after he got dressed, Jiung walked back into his room and sighed, throwing his outdoor clothing into the laundry bin in his room. He sat down at his desk, watching as Mandu jumped onto his lap and curled up again, purring softly. Jiung gently rubbed her head and smiled, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes. He would have to get to work on his songs soon, but for now, he just wanted to rest a little. He heard his phone buzz on the table and opened his eyes again, grabbing his phone to see what was disturbing his peace. It was Taeyang. 

sunnytheo: I totally forgot I had volleyball practice today, I sent Intak to bring the groceries ;) He’s part of our friend group now, so be nice, you rat. <3 

Jiung glared at the message and decided to ignore him. Taeyang always had the “best” ideas when it came to matchmaking, and Jiung hated it. He didn't even know Intak that well, and he was already sending him over to deliver groceries? Jiung couldn't believe it. Jiung sighed and turned to face his pc, turning it on and getting his stuff ready to make more beats. He reached for his lyrics notebook and placed it on the desk. While he was waiting for Intak to bring the groceries, he could at least kill time by writing. Before that, however, he remembered that Intak had given him something. Jiung reached for his bag and grabbed the piece of paper out of it, unfolding it. 

HI JIUNG-HYUNG! HERE'S MY NUMBER JUST IN CASE :D 

[XXX XXX XXXX]

-INTAKIE 

Jiung couldn't help but smile at that note. He hummed softly and saved Intak’s number into his phone and then turned back to his notebook, his mind going blank again.

Jiung really thought hard about what to write, but nothing came up. It felt as if the moment he grabbed a Pen, his mind went blank and he couldn't think anymore. Jiung sighed, leaning back into his chair once more and trying to think of at least something to start writing his songs. 

“I really want to be your friend, Jiung-hyung!”

Suddenly, Intak popped into his head again. The way his hair had shimmered in the sun and the way his eyes sparkled when he looked at Jiung. No matter how hard Jiung tries, he can’t shake the thought of Intak. Every moment is filled with a quiet ache, his smile, his hair, his eyes. It’s as if his presence lingers in every corner of Jiung’s mind, and no matter how many distractions he tries to find, they keep coming back to Intak and his puppy-like behavior. It's a constant tug, a soft pull Jiung can't seem to escape, like a melody that plays on repeat, leaving him yearning for something Jiung can't quite place.

Jiung shook his head, trying to get rid of Intak clouding his mind; he needed to think about something else. He barely knew Intak, and yet he was on his mind constantly, despite only knowing of his existence for a few hours. This was all too much for his poor introverted brain, and Jiung had no idea that it was about to get even worse. 

Ding! Dong! 

Ding! Dong!

Jiung sighed and slowly got up, letting Mandu waddle behind him towards the front door. That must be Intak, Jiung was sure of it. Jiung put on some slippers and hurried towards the door before opening it. He was staring at the ground for a moment before he heard a voice that was all too familiar to him, making him freeze up immediately. 

“Long time no see, Jiung.” 

Jiung's head shot up immediately. In front of him stood none other than his ex-boyfriend. Junseo. The two had separated a few months ago, due to Junseo’s massive toxic behavior and manipulative ways to get Jiung to stay with him. Taeyang had told Jiung to stay away from him from the start, but he didn't listen and got with him anyway. Jiung was stuck in this toxic and abusive relationship for almost 2 years before he finally broke it off. 

Jiung tried to close the door immediately, but Junseo’s foot was standing between the door and the doorframe as he pushed the door back open, forcing himself into the apartment and closing the door behind him. 

—

When Intak had been given the mission to take the groceries Taeyang bought to his and Jiung’s shared apartment, who was he to say no? He was happy to help out his new friends, so he made his way to the address that Taeyang had sent him in DMS, headphones in while he walked with the bags in his hands. He was kind of excited to see him again, even though it had only been a few hours since Intak couldn't stop staring at Jiung’s soft ginger hair. 

Intak had just arrived at the Apartment Complex when his phone vibrated. He shook it off as his walking was finished and his phone notified him about it, but when Intak was about to walk up the stairs to Jiung and Taeyang’s apartment, his phone started to buzz again, and again. Intak frowned and took his phone out of his pocket, looking down at the messages he had received, making his blood run cold. 

Jiungie-hyung: He

Jiungie-hyung: help

Jiungie-hyung: inta

Jiungie-hyung: k

Intak quickly dropped the grocery bags on the floor and hurried up the stairs. Jiung was still online, so he was not passed out somewhere. Intak’s heart was racing, his mind running wild with scenarios of what could have happened to Jiung. He didn't want to imagine the worst, but when his phone vibrated again, he couldn't help it. 

Jiungie-hyung: he's got a knife.

Intak stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the message. A knife. The adrenaline in his body just doubled, and Intak sprinted the rest of the stairs and towards the Apartment door. The number was right, just like Taeyang’s message said. Intak knocked on the door. 

“Jiung-hyung? It’s Intak!” He called out, but there was no answer. Intak knocked again and was about to call out to Jiung again when he heard a loud crash and a thud, causing Intak to knock again, this time more aggressively. 

“Jiung-hyung?! What happened?!” Intak grabbed onto the doorknob and rattled on it, trying to get the door open, but it was locked. Intak panicked and quickly texted Taeyang for the passcode. The latter was suspicious, asking him why he needed it when Jiung could just open the door, but Intak insisted that he needed the code, telling Taeyang that something was wrong. 

281020.

Intak basically punched the code into the number pad before he heard the door unlock. Intak pushed open the door and looked around. The hallway was empty, but he saw that the living room light was turned on and he could hear muffled voices. Intak took off his shoes and slowly made his way towards the living room door. 

He stayed quiet, not wanting to draw attention to himself, flinching when he heard another thud and a whimper. Intak stood close to the living room door, his hand on the doorknob. He didn't know if he should go inside by himself or wait for Taeyang to get there, but then again, he didn't know what happened to Jiung and if he was in any immediate danger. This wasn't how he thought their second meeting would go. 

Fuck it. Intak opened the door with one swift motion and was shocked to see the living room in a mess. Jiung was lying on the floor, curled up. Someone Intak didn't know was standing a little further away from Jiung, staring down at him and cursing him out. Intak scanned the room for the knife and spotted it lying on the coffee table, away from the stranger. Intak knew he could easily jump the guy to save Jiung, but he didn't know if he was armed with another knife or worse. 

“You should have just stayed with me, Jiung!! None of this fucking bullshit would have happened, if you had just stayed with me!” The guy yelled, still not having registered Intak, standing behind him. Good, Intak could sneak up on him without the guy noticing. Intak listened to him degrade Jiung more and more, and quite frankly, Intak didn't like the way he was talking to Jiung. 

“You are such a whore, Jiung!” 

Alright, that was it. Intak had heard enough, and he didn't want to wait for Taeyang any longer. He balled his fists and took a deep breath before he spoke up. 

“Hey, asshole.” He called out, and the guy turned around before his face was met with Intak's fist. Despite looking lost and cute all the time, Intak was strong. He was muscular because of his dancing and soccer practice. One punch seemed to be enough to knock Junseo out. Intak looked towards Jiung, his face softening immediately as he hurried over. 

As Intak walked towards Jiung, the devastated boy curled up even more, trying with great effort to hide his flowing tears, the small wound under his right eye, and his bleeding lip, but his sobs betrayed him. His soft hair was now messy and tangled. His slippers were upside down, somewhere in front of the bedroom door. Intak, heart beating faster by the minute, immediately knelt and reached down for Jiung's shoulder after he heard the older whimper in fear as Intak stepped closer. “Hey, Jiung-hyung.. It's me, Intak... please. Look at me, it's all okay now, and Taeyang-hyung is on his way too.”

As Jiung noticeably melted under his words and let his guard down, Intak's eyes started to well up with tears, because no matter how strong he looked, he still was a very emotional guy, and to see Jiung at his worst after thinking he was a worry-free, smart, introverted boy, hurt. A lot. He slowly put his hand under Jiung's chin, and oh so softly, made him look up. He was shaking. As soon as Jiung opened his teary, tired eyes and looked at Intak, his gaze softened, and god, it was as if the younger one's heart couldn't beat louder, and the echoes of the beats reflected in Jiung's sparkly eyes.

“Hey, hyung.. can I?” Intak asked, his fingers brushing Jiung's hand again.

Jiung nodded faintly, holding Intak's hand to slowly let himself be pulled up. Intak felt the softness of Jiung's grasp, and he was dying inside. He was holding his hand. And he was the one Jiung trusted at the moment. Taeyang was still not here, and Intak seemed the best alternative. 

In the meantime, Intak looked at the knife, saw a tiny bit of blood on the tip, and shivered. He looked at Jiung's face and saw the small cut that was still bleeding a lot, having created a small puddle of blood where he had been lying down, and Intak physically reacted. This fucker hurt Jiung. He placed the knife somewhere far away so that Mandu, who'd just shown up from the bedroom door, wouldn't injure her paws if she jumped on the counter.

As soon as Jiung could lean back on the couch, Intak swiftly looked back at the guy he had punched and decided to give him one last strike to his solar plexus, making his diaphragm lose control. Jiung flinched, seeing Intak like this. Junseo wasn't breathing, unconscious, but Intak didn't care. He cared about Jiung. And only him, because fuck, it was painful seeing him like this. Jiung was vulnerable, and he hated it, but he had to be. Intak's heart sank, aching. Jiung tried to make the effort to get up and drop onto the couch, but he just let everything go and started sobbing.

Intak carefully sat down next to Jiung, still giving him the space that he clearly needed. Intak’s eyes darted towards the door, hoping that Taeyang would get here soon. Intak didn't know how to approach Jiung in such a vulnerable state, and he was way too overwhelmed right now. 

Intak let Jiung cry, scooting closer from time to time, until he was sitting next to him. He looked down at Jiung, who was curled up into a ball on the couch, covering his face not to get even more blood everywhere. Intak’s heart bled just looking at how vulnerable he was, just because of some guy. Carefully, Intak made Jiung sit up, grabbing a tissue and gently moving his hands away from Jiung's face. 

“I'm going to help you with that little wound, okay, Hyung?” Intak whispered, barely hearable, only for Jiung to hear. Jiung nodded, watching as Intak moved closer to him and carefully started wiping away Jiung’s tears, as well as the dried blood that had coagulated on his little wound. Intak always had Band-Aids in his pocket in case he ever got injured, because his childhood coach had constantly been telling him to do so. He pulled a little one out, and as Jiung’s tears calmed down, he smiled softly and held up the small band-aid.

“I'm going to put this on the wound, okay? It won't get infected this way, Jiung-hyung.” Intak mumbled and gently grabbed Jiung's chin, making him hold still. He then carefully placed the band-aid on the wound and subconsciously moved closer to press a small kiss onto the band-aid, just like his mother would do when he had gotten injured as a kid. 

Intak stopped in his tracks, his eyes meeting Jiung’s, who seemed just as shocked as Intak was. He moved on autopilot, not paying attention to who was sitting in front of him. Intak moved away immediately and felt his cheeks heating up, trying to explain himself. “I-i im so sorry, hyung!! I was moving on autopilot, and I thought you were my little brother, and I just..! I didn't mean to-” 

Jiung let out a quiet chuckle and shook his head. It was adorable how Intak’s cheeks and ears were tinted red, his eyes were wide, and he was trying to explain himself with hand gestures. Intak was really just adorable, dorky, and very attractive. When Intak heard him chuckle, he stopped talking and tilted his head to the side, just like a puppy would. “Why.. why why are you laughin’!!” 

“I don't mind, Intak. It's okay, I didn't mind at all.” Jiung explained and sighed softly, closing his eyes for a moment. This day had already started badly, and now it had gotten worse in the span of literally only a few hours. “Seriously, I don't min-” 

“JIUNG?!”

Jiung looked over to the living room door. Taeyang was standing in the doorframe, his black hair was tied into a half ponytail (with a headband), just like Shota earlier today, still wearing his practice clothing. He was panting, having run all this way from the campus to the dormitories and then up the stairs. Behind him was Keeho, who was just as out of breath as Taeyang was. 

When Taeyang spotted Jiung on the couch, he dropped his bag and ran over, engulfing the other in a tight hug, and letting out a loud sob. Jiung hugged him back, burying his face into his shoulder. Even though Jiung has never been a big fan of physical interactions, when it was Taeyang or Shota, he allowed it, and now he might even allow Intak to. 

“Oh my god... Are you okay?! I was so worried!! Intak texted me and asked me for the door code, and said something was wrong! I immediately called Keeho and the police! What happ- Did Junseo hurt you?!” Taeyang started his ramble, his voice was frantic, and you could hear that he was close to crying. Taeyang never cried, only when it was affecting him a lot mentally, especially when his friends were involved.

Jiung sighed and shook his head. He didn't want to worry him even more, but the small band-aid under his eye betrayed him greatly. When Taeyang had pulled away from the hug, he gently cupped Jiung’s face and frowned. He noticed the band-aid immediately and shook his head, looking towards Intak, who was still sitting on the couch. He seemed to be calm now. Taeyang was glad that no one else had gotten hurt. 

For a moment, they all sat in silence. Keeho had left to lead the police to their apartment, so it was just Taeyang, Jiung, Intak, and Mandu. Junseo was sitting up in a corner, still passed out, but at least he was breathing. Taeyang didn't want Intak to go to jail for second-degree murder. Jiung was leaning against Taeyang, the latter having joined them on the couch after a while. Jiung was exhausted, upset, and scared; he didn't want to move from his spot. He was afraid that Junseo would get up and drag him along with him. 

They sat in silence until Keeho returned with the police. Intak watched as two officers took Junseo away, and one stayed behind to question Jiung. For the first time, Intak heard about what had happened to Jiung when he was with Junseo and how he had broken it off, Taeyang heard information that he had never known before and was equally shocked as Intak and Keeho were, but there wasn't time to question Jiung about it and quite frankly, it was such a touchy subject that neither of them wanted to push him about it. They were all just glad that Jiung was alright and not harmed in any other way. 

They all decided to stay together that night. Keeho and Taeyang disappeared into Taeyang’s room, Intak stayed on the couch, and Jiung returned to his room with Mandu. Jiung sighed and lay on his bed, one hand resting behind his head, the other gently petting Mandu, who was lying on his chest and purring. His mind wandered back to Intak, how messy his black hair had been earlier today, how his eyes showed worry and anger at the same time, and how Intak saved him. Intak wouldn't leave Jiung’s mind; he couldn't get him out of his head, his smooth skin and his gentle hands holding his face with such delicacy, as if Jiung was made out of glass, and then he thought about the kiss on the band-aid. It had felt so good, so intimate and so natural to Jiung; he wanted more. 

The stress was eating at Jiung, and he sat up again, ruffling up his hair with his free hand. Mandu had curled up on the bed and was sleeping soundly, letting Jiung get up and quietly rummage through his room for something he had promised Taeyang he would never do again. 

When he had found what he had been searching for, he quietly made his way downstairs and towards the living room, when he suddenly stopped. Intak was in there; he couldn't possibly go in right now. Jiung cursed under his breath and shook his head, quietly opening the living room door. The room was quiet and dark, and Jiung could hear the faint noise of snoring, so Intak was probably asleep. Jiung crept past the couch and stopped, looking down at Intak. The moonlight shone perfectly onto his face, and he looked so peaceful sleeping, like all of his worries had been washed away and were not bothering his pretty head anymore. Jiung smiled softly, almost wanting to lean down and brush the hair out of Intak’s face, but he stopped himself and shook his head. 

Jiung then made his way towards the balcony and quietly opened the door, before stepping outside and closing it behind himself so he was completely alone, just him and the city nightlife beneath him. Jiung opened the small pack he held in his hands and grabbed a cigarette and his lighter, placing the stick between his lips and lighting it. He took a long inhale, blowing the smoke into the sky, as he leaned against the railing of the balcony. Jiung watched the cars drive on the streets, and from up here, they kind of looked like ants. It was a beautiful night, no clouds in the sky, the moon was shining, and if the lights of the city were not as loud and annoying, you could probably see the stars as well. 

While Jiung was lost in his thoughts, Intak was slowly waking up after hearing the clicking of a lighter. He rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up, looking around to see where the noise had come from. As Intak’s eyes fell on the balcony, his eyes widened at the sight of Jiung. He didn't know that Jiung smoked. Intak slowly got up and opened the balcony door quietly, slipping outside as well and closing it behind himself. Jiung glanced towards him, before he stared back at the sky, watching the moon. 

The glow of the cigarette flickers as Jiung brings it to his lips, fingers resting effortlessly against the filter. His eyes, half lidded, catching the moonlight, reflecting something unreadable, calm, controlled, maybe a hint of mischief. A slow inhale, the ember burning brighter, casting a warm hue over Jiung’s sharp jawline. And then, the exhale, smoke curling lazily from his lips, swirling in the air between him and Intak, like a whispered secret.

Jiung doesn't rush. Every movement is deliberate, each drag a quiet act of confidence. The way his fingers linger near his mouth, the subtle tilt of his head, it’s mesmerizing. The scent of tobacco lingers in the air, mixing with whatever cologne clings to Jiung’s skin. It suits him, Intak thinks, this quiet defiance, this effortless cool.

Jiung glances at Intak, exhaling another stream of smoke, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. And just like that, Intak forgot what he was going to say.

“Y- you smoke?” Intak finally managed to get out, still amazed by Jiung’s beauty. Jiung shook his head and sighed softly, looking back at Intak. He did before, and Taeyang always hated it, always complaining about the smell and how it would one day stain his fingers yellow. 

“I did once, I don't smoke anymore... Well, not as much as I used to. Taeyang hated it and used to whine about it all the time, so I stopped.” Jiung explained and took another long drag of the cigarette. Jiung kind of liked the way Intak was looking at him, how attentive he was watching him blow the smoke out and into the air. Jiung watched how Intak looked around nervously, trying to avoid looking at him, but Jiung's smoking didn't seem to be the only reason he did that. 

Jiung frowned, his eyes staring right into his soul. He wanted to know why Intak looked at him like they had known each other for years; there was so much familiarity in Intak’s eyes. It made Jiung’s heart race. They had never spoken before, nor did they know each other from anywhere else, but Intak just gave him the feeling that they had known each other for years. 

“You know..” Intak started, leaning against the railing of the balcony, looking up at the sky, “I always wanted to be your friend, but I was just too shy to approach you. Despite being an extrovert, I hate talking to people first.” He chuckled and glanced back at Jiung, whose eyes were observing him. 

Jiung leaned against the wall, sighing softly. His eyes were still focused on Intak, watching his every move, how he looked at the sky, and how beautifully the moon shone on his perfectly tanned skin. Jiung couldn't help but blush a little, knowing that Intak wanted to be his friend, while looking like someone God had sent personally to him. “Why? Like, I don't get why you would want to be my friend in the first place. I'm not that special.” 

“Are you kidding? Your style is absolutely immaculate, the things you say in class are super smart, and you know so much about Chinese Literature. Not to mention, your friends all seem so super cool like you!” Intak protested, listing off things that he had noticed about Jiung, just by observing him. He also noticed Jiung sitting on the bleachers after school sometimes, while Intak had soccer practice. Intak never could make out what exactly the other was doing there, but he always looked so cool, and Intak had gotten distracted a few times, watching Jiung sitting there, his hair shining in the setting sun, headphones hiding his ears, while he was writing something in his notebook. 

“Oh. Well, thank you..” Jiung mumbled and finally finished his cigarette. He sighed softly, pushing himself away from the wall and walking towards the door. He was about to open the door when he felt Intak grab his wrist. His hand was a little rough, but still soft to the touch. Jiung wondered if he took care of his hands, like clipping his fingernails and using lotion. 

While Jiung was lost in thought for a moment, he snapped out of it when Intak pulled him back into the Moonlight. He was gentle, not too rough, but also not too gentle, so he could actually pull Jiung back. Jiung turned around to face Intak, who was dangerously close to his own face, a hand finding Jiung's cheek. Intak’s thumb gently caressed over the small Band-Aid he had placed under his eye after Junseo had injured him. Jiung could feel his face heating up. 

“Does it still hurt, Hyung?” Intak whispered; his voice, despite being a mere whisper, was still confident and gentle to the ears. Jiung’s eyes met Intak’s as he nodded and felt his cheeks heating up. As much as Jiung wanted to step back, he couldn't. Intak’s eyes had him locked where he was standing, watching him so intently and studying his face like he was a book. They didn't need to speak; looks alone gave them the confirmation that they both needed. 

Intak carefully leaned down to press another kiss onto the bandaid; it was short but nonetheless enjoyed by both parties. Jiung closed his eyes and for a moment, all his worries were gone, and he relaxed into Intak’s touch. 

After a short moment, Intak pulled away from Jiung’s face, his hands slowly dropping back to his sides. Jiung wanted to grab hold of them and keep them in place, but he stopped himself. Jiung looked up at Intak, a small smile on his lips, which Intak could only return to him. “We should go back inside, Hyung.” 

=

After that night, Intak continued to hang around with the rest of the group. He was now an official member of their group. Sometimes, he would hang out with Keeho, talking about all sorts of things, or sometimes, he would hang around Shota and Jongseob. The three of them were dubbed the “maknae-line”, due to them being the three youngest of the now six-member friend group. 

However, Jiung stayed mostly by himself. Well, of course, he would hang out with Taeyang and sometimes even Shota, but he barely interacted with the other three. Intak always thought he had done something wrong that night, which is why he usually kept his distance. Intak always watched Jiung, hoping that he would one day look back and remember the night on the balcony. 

The more time passed, the more Intak realized that he was head over heels for Jiung. Whenever they spent time together as a group, or when Taeyang, Intak, and Jiung walked to Chinese Literature together, Intak’s hand would always brush against Jiung’s, and he would catch himself staring at the washed-out ginger color of Jiung's hair. 

Every little detail about Jiung felt mesmerizing to Intak. His warm, coppery-orange hair catches the light just right, making him seem to glow. His eyes, deep and gentle, always carry a quiet understanding, as if they see right through Intak’s heart. His soft yet confident smile is the kind that makes the world slow down for just a moment. His way of dressing and accessorizing adds to his effortlessly stylish charm, making him look both approachable and breathtakingly handsome. The silver rings and necklaces Jiung always wears are subtle details that make him even more captivating, small pieces of him that feel personal and intimate.

And then there’s the way he exists in the space around him; it all seems to complement his presence perfectly. It’s hard not to get lost in watching Jiung, in admiring the quiet beauty of someone who feels like home. 

What Intak didn't know was that Jiung had been quietly falling for him. He was always watching from a distance, too afraid to say anything, in case he messed it up. He was always observant, picking up on the smallest details in Intak’s life and habits, dropping small hints from time to time. More than once did Jiung buy something “extra” that Intak coincidentally liked. Intak didn't seem to pick up on what was happening around him, too focused on Jiung’s beauty. 

In Jiung’s eyes, the more he watched Intak, the more he realized how effortlessly cool, in a way that felt completely natural, Intak was. His clear glasses always rest on his face just right, giving him that slightly nerdy but undeniably charming look that only he can pull off.

His expressions, always a playful pout paired with a relaxed stance, make it impossible not to smile. He’s always exuding this effortlessly confident energy like he doesn’t even have to try to be magnetic. The layered necklaces, the edgy rings on his fingers, and that slightly messy, yet perfect, dark hair only add to his appeal. In Jiung’s eyes, Intak is the kind of person who makes casual street style look like high fashion and who makes the simplest accessories feel like an extension of his personality.

And then there’s the way Intak carries himself, so unbothered, so undeniably himself. The way his Converse sneakers are slightly scuffed only adds to his charm. The way his cargo pants always sit just right, casually stylish without even trying. He’s the kind of person who can turn a messy dorm room into a personal runway, making every moment feel like something out of a movie.

And honestly? There’s nothing that Jiungs likes better than watching Intak exist, completely himself, completely captivating.

Jiung was head over heels for him, but he would never admit that to anyone. Not even Taeyang. He would just tease the hell out of him and never let it go. He hated having a literal toddler as his best friend, but I guess you can't pick who you want to spend the rest of your life with. 

Of course, Taeyang noticed. He noticed the subtle glances towards Intak and back. It only made him want to be a little shit even more. Taeyang always tried bringing them closer together and hoped that they would finally talk about their feelings, but neither of them ever did. Taeyang was getting fed up with it, ranting to Keeho about it almost daily for about 2 months. 

“Maybe you should lock them up in a room together and let them talk it out. Don't let them out until they resolve it.” Keeho suggested after he had pulled away from a kiss he and Taeyang had shared. It was Friday after school, and the two of them had barely made it to Taeyang’s room when Keeho grabbed Taeyang by the waist and kissed him. They made out for a while after that, ending up on the bed in the end and not on the floor like last time.

“Maybe... But I'm just worried. Jiung’s last relationship ended horribly. You saw what happened a few months ago.”  Taeyang sighed softly and looked up at Keeho. Jiung’s safety and comfort were very important to him; they were close like that. They have been inseparable since they were at Daycare together, never far away from each other. Where Jiung was, Taeyang was always nearby. 

“I know, Taeyang. Trust me, I'm just as worried as you are.” Keeho mumbled and nuzzled his nose into Taeyang’s neck, leaving small butterfly kisses. 

Taeyang sighed against him and closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of Keeho kissing his neck. There was nothing that Taeyang dreaded more than Jiung getting a new partner.  

“Maybe bring it up with him? Ask him? You have always been very straightforward with him,” Keeho suggested. He wasn't wrong. Taeyang had always been like that with Jiung, calling him out on his bullshit takes or his horrible dating history, but this was different. Intak was a friend now, not some stranger that only Jiung knew. 

“I don't know, Keeho.. We all know Intak, we know he wouldn't hurt him at all, but I just can't forget Junseo, he was so horrible to him.” Taeyang mumbled and sighed softly, closing his eyes as Keeho continued his soft kisses along his neck and jawline. 

—

Jiung, on the other hand, was busy in his Studio. Since it was a Friday, he had two whole days to work on his music. 

Jiung leaned back in his swivel chair, the blue light of his dual monitors reflecting in his glasses. The beat he had been working on for the last four hours was crisp, a low-fi, rhythmic pulse that mirrored the steady thumping in his own chest whenever a certain black-haired "puppy" was around.

He picked up his pen, hovering it over his lyric notebook. For the first time in months, the words didn't feel like they were being pulled from stone. They flowed.

Moonlight on the balcony, smoke in the air, A kiss on a bandage, a ghost of a prayer.

He groaned, tossing the pen down. "Too sappy," he muttered to the empty room. "You're turning into Taeyang, Jiung. Get it together."

But the silence of the studio was interrupted by his phone buzzing on the desk. He expected a meme from Keeho or a check-in from Taeyang. Instead, it was a message from the contact he’d saved months ago and rarely dared to text first.

Intakie :D: Hey Hyung! I know you're probably deep in 'producer mode,' but I'm standing outside the studio building... I brought some iced Americanos? And maybe some snacks? Taeyang said you haven't eaten since breakfast.

Jiung felt that familiar heat rise to his ears. He looked at the door, then back at his screen. He should say no. He should stay focused. But the memory of Intak’s thumb brushing his cheek that night on the balcony was a magnetic force he couldn't fight.

He stood up, stretched until his joints popped, and headed for the door.

When the heavy soundproof door swung open, Intak was leaning against the opposite wall, two coffee carriers in one hand and a paper bag of pastries in the other. He looked up, his star-shaped canine gem catching the overhead fluorescent light as he beamed.

"You actually came out!" Intak chirped, pushing off the wall. "I thought I might have to start singing loudly in the hallway to lure you out."

"Please don't. The acoustics in here are terrible for your brand of chaos," Jiung joked, though his voice lacked any real bite. He stepped aside, gesturing for Intak to enter. "Come in. But if you touch the soundboard without permission, I’m kicking you out."

Intak stepped into the dim, neon-lit sanctuary. He set the food down on the small coffee table in the corner and looked around in awe. "So this is where the magic happens. It smells like... expensive coffee and genius."

"It smells like sleep deprivation," Jiung corrected, sitting back in his chair but turning it to face Intak.

They sat in a comfortable, slightly charged silence for a while, sipping their drinks. Intak watched Jiung out of the corner of his eye, noticing the way the producer's eyes crinkled when he looked at his work.

"Hyung?" Intak said suddenly, his voice dropping that cheerful mask for a second.

"Yeah?"

"That night... after the balcony. I felt like I overstepped. You've been kind of quiet around me since then." Intak fiddled with the plastic straw of his drink, his eyes fixed on the floor. "I just wanted to make sure we're actually okay. I don't want to be the guy who makes you feel uncomfortable in your own space."

Jiung froze. He realized then that his introverted retreat had been interpreted as rejection. He felt a pang of guilt. He reached out, his fingers hovering over Intak’s sleeve before he finally took the plunge and rested his hand on the younger boy’s forearm.

"Intak-ah. Look at me." Intak looked up, his big eyes searching Jiung’s face.

"I wasn't uncomfortable because of you," Jiung said softly, his voice steady despite the racing of his heart. "I was uncomfortable because for the first time in a long time, I actually felt safe. And that scared me. I've spent so long waiting for the other shoe to drop that I forgot what it’s like to just... breathe."

Intak’s expression softened, his gaze dropping to Jiung’s lips before snapping back up to his eyes. "You can breathe around me, Hyung. I’m not going anywhere.”

Jiung felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He let out a breathy laugh and turned back to his monitors. "Good. Because if you’re staying, you’re going to help me. I need a guide for this hook, and your 'rough yet soft' voice is exactly what I need."

Intak’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Wait, really? You want me on a Jiung original?"

"Don't make me regret it," Jiung smirked, handing Intak a spare set of headphones.

The studio, which was usually Jiung’s fortress of solitude, transformed over the weekend into a collaborative fever dream.

Once Intak stepped into the recording booth, the "puppy" persona vanished. In its place was a professional, sharp, rhythmic, and intensely focused. Jiung watched through the glass, his fingers hovering over the faders as Intak began to flow over the beat he’d been struggling with for weeks.

It wasn't just good; it was perfect. Intak’s rap style had this gritty, percussive edge that sliced through the low-fi atmosphere of the track, yet he maintained that "rough yet soft" tone that had captivated Jiung since their first meeting. Every time Intak hit a clever rhyme, he’d glance at Jiung through the glass and wink, causing the producer to mess up his notes and hide behind his monitor to conceal his flaming red cheeks.

They lost track of time. They survived on lukewarm lattes, shared bags of spicy chips, and the adrenaline of creating something new. By Sunday morning, they were slumped on the studio couch, Jiung’s head resting on Intak’s shoulder as they listened to the final master on repeat.

–

The bubble burst on Monday morning in the main campus cafeteria. Jiung and Intak walked in together, a rare sight, looking slightly disheveled but wearing identical, sleepy smirks. Taeyang was already at their usual table, nursing a green smoothie and looking like he’d been up since dawn for a workout. Beside him, Keeho was busy scrolling through his phone, but both of them stopped dead when the duo approached.

"You two," Taeyang said, pointing a finger at them, his eyes narrowed like a detective. "Jiung, you didn't come home all weekend. Intak, you've been 'MIA' in the group chat since Friday night."

Jiung sat down, trying to look nonchalant. "We were working, Taeyang. Don't make it a thing."

"Working?" Keeho chimed in, leaning forward with a devious grin. "On what? The mysteries of the universe? Or perhaps the anatomy of a kiss on the balcony?"

Intak choked on his water, coughing into his hand, while Jiung suddenly became very interested in the label on his coffee cup. "I finished the track," Jiung muttered, pulling out his phone and sliding it across the table. "Intak did the verses."

Taeyang grabbed the phone, plugged in his earbuds, and gestured for Keeho to take the other one. For three minutes, the two sat in total silence, their expressions shifting from skeptical to genuinely impressed.When the song ended, Taeyang pulled the earbud out, looking at Jiung with a mixture of pride and absolute mischief.

"The lyrics, Jiung-ah," Taeyang started, his voice dripping with mock-innocence. "‘The scent of tobacco and the weight of a gaze’? ‘Finding my rhythm in your heartbeat’? You didn't write those about the Chinese Literature midterm, did you?"

"Shut up," Jiung groaned, burying his face in his hands.

"He’s a romantic!" Keeho shouted, drawing looks from the nearby tables. "Our cold-hearted producer has been defeated by a puppy with a canine gem! I knew it!"

Intak laughed, his ears turning pink, but he didn't pull away when his arm brushed against Jiung’s. Instead, he leaned in closer. "I think the lyrics were great, Hyung. Very... accurate." Taeyang cackled, leaning back in his chair. "Well, since you two are officially a 'unit' now, you can both help me with the grocery shopping this week. No excuses."

–

The sky over the campus had turned a bruised, heavy purple by late afternoon, the kind of oppressive atmosphere that signaled a storm was more than just a threat. By the time the first heavy droplets began to drum against the windows of the shared dorm, the power had flickered once, twice, and then surrendered entirely, plunging the apartment into a thick, velvety darkness. 

Jiung was standing in the kitchen, paralyzed for a moment by the sudden silence of the refrigerator’s hum and the death of his laptop in the other room. But then, he felt a familiar presence, a warmth that didn't belong to the cooling air. 

Intak had been over to help "study," though they’d spent most of the time sharing headphones, and now, in the shadow-drenched room, the younger boy was a steady anchor. They moved to the living room, lighting a few scattered candles that cast flickering, amber glows against the walls, creating a sanctuary that felt miles away from the howling wind outside. Mandu, sensing the energy shift, curled herself into a tight ginger ball between them on the couch, her purring the only sound competing with the rain.

For a long time, they just sat there, the flickering candlelight dancing in the reflection of Intak’s glasses. The lack of electronic distraction made the space feel smaller, more intimate, and eventually, the conversation drifted away from music and toward the things they usually kept buried. Jiung found himself talking about Junseo, not with the panicked gasps of that terrible afternoon, but with a weary, quiet honesty. He spoke about how the manipulation had felt like a slow fog, settling in until he couldn't see his own worth anymore, and how even now, a loud knock or a sharp tone could make his heart stutter. 

Intak listened with a gravity that made him look older than his years, his hand finding Jiung’s in the dark and squeezing firmly. There were no jokes, no puppy-like distractions; just a silent promise held in the pressure of his palm. "You’re not glass, Hyung," Intak whispered, his voice vibrating in the quiet room. "You’re the music you write. You’re strong, and you’re loud, even when you’re being quiet. He couldn't break that, and I won't let anyone else even try."

The peace of their rainy retreat was still lingering in Jiung’s mind a few days later when they headed toward the campus sports complex. The storm had passed, leaving the air crisp, but a different kind of tension was brewing. Intak had a practice match with the soccer team, and Jiung had promised to watch from the sidelines, tucked away in his usual spot with a notebook. However, as they approached the field, a group of older students from the senior athletics department intercepted them. Among them was a guy Jiung recognized, a friend of Junseo’s named Minho, who had always shared that same arrogant, predatory smirk. 

Minho stepped into their path, eyes dragging over Jiung with a sneer before landing on Intak. "So this is the replacement?" Minho laughed, a sharp, ugly sound that made Jiung’s blood run cold. "Junseo said you were always looking for a new leash to wear, Jiung. I didn't think you'd pick a freshman puppy who probably still needs help tying his cleats."

The insult hit Jiung like a physical blow, the old instinct to shrink away and apologize bubbling up in his throat. He felt the familiar chill of humiliation starting to seep into his bones, but before he could retreat, he felt a hand on his shoulder, not a heavy, controlling grip, but a protective, grounding one. Intak stepped forward, his entire demeanor shifting. The cheerful, star-gem grinning boy was gone, replaced by someone with a cold, sharp edge that Jiung had only caught glimpses of during their recording sessions. 

Intak didn't raise his voice; instead, he stepped directly into Minho’s space, his height and athletic build suddenly feeling very imposing. "I don't know who you think you’re talking to," Intak said, his voice low and dangerous, "but if you ever mention Junseo’s name to him again, or if you even look in his direction with that pathetic look on your face, you’re going to find out exactly how much 'help' I don't need."

The silence that followed was heavy, the surrounding seniors looking uncomfortable as they realized the puppy had teeth. Minho opened his mouth to retort, but the sheer, unwavering intensity in Intak’s hazel eyes silenced him. He scoffed, trying to save face, and signaled for his friends to keep moving, but the bravado was gone.

 When they were finally out of earshot, Intak turned back to Jiung, the hard lines of his face softening instantly back into the boy who bought iced Americanos and worried about Mandu’s paws. He reached out, gently tucking a stray lock of ginger hair behind Jiung’s ear, his touch lingering. "You okay?" he asked, his voice returning to that soft, rough melody. Jiung breathed out a breath he felt like he’d been holding for years, looking at Intak and seeing not just a friend or a crush, but a partner. He realized then that he didn't need to be afraid of the shadows anymore, because the light Intak brought wasn't just bright, it was fierce.

Word of the confrontation at the soccer field spread through the campus grapevine with the speed of a wildfire, and by the time Jiung and Intak reached the student lounge, Taeyang was already waiting, pacing a frantic circle around a bewildered Keeho. The moment the lounge doors swung open, Taeyang was on them like a hawk, his eyes wide and vibrating with a mixture of protective fury and sheer pride.

He didn't even give them a chance to set their bags down before he was checking Jiung over for any signs of distress, his hands fluttering around Jiung’s shoulders. "I heard! I heard what happened with Minho! That absolute bottom feeder," Taeyang hissed, though a triumphant grin was beginning to break through his worry.

He turned his gaze toward Intak, clapping him on the back so hard the younger boy stumbled forward. "And you! Intak-ah, I knew you were the right choice! Keeho said you’d be too soft, but I told him, I told him you’ve got that spark! To think you actually shut Minho up in front of the whole athletics department... I wish I’d been there to film it for the group chat!"

The atmosphere of victory was short-lived, however, as the lounge doors creaked open again, and Shota and Jongseob walked in, looking unusually small. Behind them, lingering in the hallway like a bad omen, stood Minho and two other seniors, their faces twisted with the bitter resentment of people who hadn't expected to be challenged. It was clear they had targeted the two youngest members of the group as a way to regain their bruised egos. 

Minho was leaning against the doorframe, throwing a casual, biting remark at Jongseob about how "the little blondes" shouldn't be hanging around with "trash like Choi Jiung" if they wanted to keep their reputations intact. Shota’s jaw was clenched, his hand trembling slightly as he pulled Jongseob closer to him, but the intimidation was working; the power dynamic was shifting back toward the seniors as they loomed over the high schoolers.

Something in Jiung snapped. It wasn't the cold, paralyzing fear that usually gripped him when faced with his past; it was a hot, white-blazed protective instinct that burned away every lingering trace of Junseo’s influence. He didn't wait for Intak or Taeyang to intervene this time. Jiung stepped forward, his strides long and purposeful, placing himself directly between his "younger brothers" and the seniors. 

The room went silent, even Taeyang holding his breath as Jiung stood his ground, his gaze level and freezing. "Get out," Jiung said, his voice not a shout, but a low, resonant command that carried the weight of every silent year he’d endured. 

He looked Minho dead in the eye, seeing the bully for exactly what he was, a coward hiding behind a loud mouth. "You, and whatever message Junseo sent you to deliver. It’s over. If you so much as breathe in Shota or Jongseob’s direction again, I won't just tell you to stop. I’ll make sure the dean sees the harassment reports I’ve been sitting on for months. Don't test me, Minho. I’m not the person you remember."

The sheer authority in Jiung’s voice was staggering, a metamorphosis that left the seniors blinking in genuine shock. Minho opened his mouth, searching for a witty comeback, but found nothing but the cold reality of a man who was no longer afraid of him. Realizing the tide had completely turned and that the lounge was now filled with students watching the exchange, the seniors grumbled and retreated into the hallway, their presence finally vanishing like smoke in the wind. 

Shota exhaled a shaky breath, throwing his arms around Jiung’s waist in a silent thank you, while Jongseob looked up at him with newfound awe. Taeyang was speechless for the first time in his life, wiping a mock tear from his eye while Keeho simply nodded in solemn respect. Jiung felt a strange, light sensation in his chest; the chains hadn't just loosened; they had shattered.

Later that night, the adrenaline had finally ebbed away, replaced by a deep, soulful exhaustion that only felt right to share in the quiet of the dorm. With Taeyang and Keeho out celebrating their "victory" with the younger boys, the apartment was a sanctuary of soft shadows and the distant hum of the city. Jiung beckoned Intak into his room, the atmosphere thick with a comfortable, unspoken tension.

He sat Intak down in his desk chair, handing him the high-quality studio headphones with a hand that was finally, truly steady. "I finished it," Jiung whispered, the moonlight catching the silver of his rings as he clicked the play button on his monitor. "The song about the balcony. About everything." He stood behind Intak, his hands resting tentatively on the younger boy’s shoulders as the first notes of the track began to bleed into the silence, a melody that was haunting, rhythmic, and undeniably filled with the warmth Intak had brought into his life.

As the song reached the bridge, the part where the lyrics spoke of healing wounds with soft kisses and finding a voice in the middle of a storm, Jiung felt Intak’s body go still. The younger boy closed his eyes, his head tilting back slightly against Jiung’s stomach as he absorbed every layer of the production. When the final, lingering note faded into a heartbeat rhythm and silence returned, Intak didn't move for a long moment. He slowly took off the headphones, his eyes shimmering with a raw, emotional vulnerability as he looked up at Jiung. 

He didn't say a word at first; he simply reached up, grabbing the collar of Jiung’s shirt and pulling him down into a kiss that tasted like relief and new beginnings. It wasn't a tentative peck like the one on the bandage; it was deep, sure, and filled with the promise that they were no longer just a "unit" or a project, but something permanent. Jiung melted into the touch, his fingers tangling in Intak's black hair, finally realizing that the music wasn't just in his head anymore, it was right here, in the quiet, breathing space between them.

–

The transition from "friends who were clearly pining" to "officially dating" happened with a quiet, mutual understanding that felt less like a leap and more like finally coming home. It was on a Tuesday evening, a week after the balcony song had been shared, when Jiung simply reached across the library table and laced his fingers through Intak’s. There was no grand speech, just a shared look of profound relief. When they finally broke the news to Taeyang and Keeho over dinner, the reaction was predictably chaotic. 

Taeyang had shrieked so loudly he nearly tipped over his chair, claiming he was the "architect of their love," while Keeho simply smirked and handed Taeyang a 7000 Won bill, grumbling about losing a bet on how long it would take them to make it official. But beneath the teasing, there was a palpable sense of peace; the group was whole, and for the first time in years, Jiung felt like he was standing on solid ground.

As the weeks bled into months, Jiung found himself sitting in his studio, staring at a project file that felt too big for just two people. He had this vision, a song that captured the feeling of being an outsider, of finding a different rhythm in a world that demanded conformity. He realized that while his and Intak’s bond was the spark, the fire belonged to all of them. It took a lot of late-night pacing and three discarded drafts before Jiung finally gathered everyone in the living room of the dorm.

With a nervous flutter in his chest, he asked them to join him. He wanted Taeyang’s soulful clarity, Keeho’s powerful, emotive range, and Shota’s hidden, sweet vocal color to flesh out the harmonies. But for the heartbeat of the track, he turned to the rappers. He asked Intak and Jongseob to co-write the verses, wanting to blend Intak’s rhythmic aggression with Jongseob’s precocious, sharp lyrical wit.

The production of "Different Song for Me" became the soundtrack of their semester. It was a labor of love that stretched over the winter months, the dorm becoming a makeshift recording studio where the air was constantly thick with the scent of takeout and the sound of vocal warm-ups. 

Jiung acted as the perfectionist anchor, meticulously layering Keeho and Taeyang’s ad-libs until they shimmered like silk, while Intak and Jongseob spent hours huddled over notebooks, debating the placement of a single syllable. Even Shota, who had been shy at first, found his confidence, his voice adding a hauntingly beautiful layer to the chorus that made Jiung’s hair stand on end.

They worked through disagreements, through vocal fatigue, and through the stress of midterms, but the song acted as their glue, a collective piece of their souls poured into a digital file.

They decided on the name P1Harmony, a nod to the "plus" they all brought to one another and the "harmony" that kept them afloat. When the final master was finally finished, they didn't just upload it; they felt as though they were releasing a piece of their history. The song was a mid-tempo masterpiece, a blend of melancholic guitar strings and a booming, modern hip-hop undertone that perfectly bridged the gap between Jiung’s introversion and Intak’s energy. The lyrics spoke of walking a lonely path only to find others walking beside you, a message that resonated deeply with the "Different" in all of them.

The morning after they posted the track to the campus forums and music sharing platforms, the reaction was nothing short of a tidal wave. By the time they walked into the main building for their afternoon lectures, the song was echoing from student lounge speakers and being shared on every social media story. People who had once whispered about Jiung’s past were now stopping him in the hallway, eyes wide with genuine admiration for the art he had created. P1Harmony wasn't just a project anymore; they were the campus sensation.

Walking through the quad with the sun warming his face, Jiung felt Intak’s hand slide into his, firm and steady. He looked around at Taeyang and Keeho bickering over their new "fame," and Shota and Jongseob laughing as they checked the rising stream counts on their phones. For the first time, the long, winding hallways of the campus didn't feel like a labyrinth where he could get lost. They felt like a stage. Jiung squeezed Intak’s hand, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips as he realized that the "different song" he had been writing his whole life finally had the perfect voices to sing it.

–

The air in the rented studio was thick with the scent of cheap takeout and the lingering warmth of six people who had spent the better part of three years becoming a family. It was their final night before the graduation ceremony, a quiet bridge between the chaos of their college years and the uncertain brilliance of the future. The room was bathed in the familiar amber glow of the monitors and a few scattered fairy lights Taeyang had insisted on stringing up to "set the mood."

On the floor, Shota and Jongseob were out cold, their heads resting on a pile of discarded lyric sheets and hoodies, the rhythmic rise and fall of their breathing a testament to the exhaustion of their final semester. 

Taeyang and Keeho were squeezed into a single armchair, Taeyang’s head lolling onto Keeho’s shoulder as they scrolled through the comments on their latest music video, whispering in low, tired giggles.

Jiung stood by the soundboard, his fingers tracing the faders he had mastered over the years. He felt a presence behind him, followed by the familiar, grounding weight of arms wrapping around his waist. He leaned back into Intak’s chest, closing his eyes as the younger boy rested his chin on Jiung’s shoulder.

“It’s quiet in here for once,” Intak whispered, his voice vibrating through Jiung’s back. “I almost don't know what to do with the silence.”

Jiung let out a soft, breathy laugh, turning his head just enough to catch the moonlight reflecting in Intak’s dark eyes. “We used to have to shout over the noise of our own thoughts, Intak-ah. Now, the music says it all for us.”

Intak hummed in agreement, his hands tightening slightly around Jiung. “Do you remember the day you fell flat on your ass in the hallway? You looked so pissed off. I thought you were going to hex me.”

“I was going to,” Jiung admitted, a smirk playing on his lips. “But then you opened your mouth and started talking about my hair smelling good, and I realized I was dealing with a complete dork. It’s hard to stay mad at a puppy.”

Intak chuckled, the sound rich and warm. He nudged Jiung toward the small balcony door, and they stepped out into the cool night air. The city of Seoul stretched out beneath them, a sea of flickering lights and distant sirens, but up here, it felt like they were the only two people left in the world. Jiung leaned against the railing, the silver of his rings glinting as he reached into his pocket. He didn't pull out a cigarette this time; instead, he pulled out a small, worn-out guitar pick that Intak had given him during their first week of dating.

“Taeyang told me today that he’s scared,” Jiung said, looking out at the horizon. “Scared that once we leave this campus, the 'harmony' will break. That we’ll all drift into our own separate songs.”

Intak stepped up beside him, leaning his hip against the railing and looking at Jiung with an intensity that made the older boy’s heart skip. “Taeyang worries because he loves us. But he’s wrong, Hyung. Look at us. We didn't just make a song; we made a home. You can't just 'drift away' from home.”

Intak reached out, taking Jiung’s hand and lacing their fingers together, their palms fitting perfectly like two pieces of a puzzle. “Wherever we go next, whether it’s a big stage or another tiny studio, I’m following your lead. You’re the melody, Jiung. I’m just here to keep the beat.”

Jiung felt a lump form in his throat, a rare wave of pure, unadulterated happiness washing over him. He thought back to the boy who used to hide in the long, shifting hallways of the campus, afraid of his own shadow and the ghosts of people like Junseo. That boy was gone. In his place stood someone who had found his voice, his brothers, and his soulmate.

“I love you, Hwang Intak,” Jiung whispered, the words finally feeling light and easy to say.

Intak smiled, that bright, teeth-showing grin that still made Jiung’s knees weak, the star-gem on his tooth sparkling under the moon. “I know, Hyung. I love you too.”

They stayed there for a long time, watching the stars struggle to compete with the city lights, knowing that tomorrow would bring a new hallway, a new turn, and a new challenge. But as they stood there together, the silent melody of their shared life playing in the air between them, Jiung realized he wasn't afraid of getting lost anymore.

Because no matter how the hallways turned, he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

–

One year later

The campus was just as vast and labyrinthine as it had always been, its long hallways still prone to making those sharp, inexplicable turns that had once disoriented Jiung. But for Shota and Jongseob, now comfortably settled into their second year, the college grounds didn't feel like a maze; they felt like a kingdom. 

As they walked toward the music wing, the sound of their own voices occasionally drifted from the headphones of passing students. It had been a year since the original group graduated, but the legacy of P1Harmony had only intensified, growing from a campus phenomenon into a digital powerhouse with a global fanbase that hung on every beat Jiung produced.

Shota adjusted the strap of his dance bag, his blonde hair caught in a messy knot, while Jongseob walked beside him, eyes glued to a tablet as he tweaked a verse for their upcoming comeback. 

Even though they were the only two still physically attending classes on campus, the six-member bond hadn't frayed; it had simply expanded. They were the "campus ambassadors" for the group, a bridge between their academic lives and the professional world they inhabited every weekend.

"Do you remember when Jiung-hyung used to hide in this specific hallway because he didn't want to run into the athletics seniors?" Shota asked, pointing to the corridor where the confrontation with Minho had once taken place.

Jongseob looked up from his lyrics and chuckled, a nostalgic glint in his eyes behind his glasses. "Yeah. Now, the athletics department plays 'Different Song for Me' during their warm-ups. It’s funny how much things change when you stop being afraid. I saw a freshman today wearing a P1Harmony hoodie, the one Keeho-hyung designed. I almost wanted to tell him I was the one who wrote the second verse."

"You're too shy for that," Shota teased, nudging him. "But you're right. It feels different being here without the others, but it also feels like they never really left."

Their phones buzzed simultaneously, a synchronized vibration that could only mean one thing: the group chat was exploding. They sat down on a stone bench in the quad, the very spot where Intak and Jiung used to share iced Americanos, and opened the messages.

STEPH: GUYS! Look at the streaming numbers for the 'Siren' remix! We just hit 10 million on the global chart! 

Taeyangieeee!~: [Insert video of him doing a celebratory backflip in a practice room] I TOLD YOU! P1Harmony is world domination! Jiung-ah, buy me meat tonight! 

Jiung-ibnidaaAAA: Taeyang, I literally bought you meat yesterday. And the day before. Stop using my credit card as a gym membership. 

Intakie :D: He’s just happy, Hyung! Also, Shota, Jongseob, how’s the campus? Tell the music department I miss the vending machine coffee. Not the taste, just the memories.

Jiung’s name appeared at the bottom of the screen, followed by a voice note. Jongseob pressed play, and the familiar, calm, yet authoritative voice of their hyunf filled the air between them.

"Hey, kids. Hope the lectures aren't killing you. I just finished the rough mix for the new title track. It’s got that gritty bass Intak likes and a high-note section for Keeho that might actually burst a lung. I left a space in the bridge for a Jongseob-Shota trade-off. Come to the studio after your last class? Intak is already here 'helping', which means he’s currently dancing in front of the monitors while I try to work."

In the background of the voice note, they could hear Intak’s distinct, melodic laughter and the faint sound of a soccer ball bouncing against a wall, followed by a muffled "Hey! Watch the equipment!" from Jiung.

Shota and Jongseob shared a look of pure, unadulterated content. They were still students, still navigating the stress of exams and the politics of campus life, but they were also part of something legendary. The "different song" that Jiung had started writing in a lonely studio had become a symphony that spanned across the city.

As they stood up to head to their next lecture, Shota caught sight of their reflection in the glass doors of the library. They looked older, surer of themselves. The puppy-like energy of the younger years had matured into a quiet confidence. They weren't just the "maknae-line" anymore; they were the pillars holding up the campus end of the dream.

"Let's finish this lecture and get to the studio," Jongseob said, tucking his tablet into his bag with a grin. "Jiung-hyung’s waiting, and I have a rhyme for that bridge that’s going to make him lose his mind."

They walked through the sun-drenched quad, two figures among thousands, yet carrying a rhythm that belonged only to them. The hallways of the college were still huge, and the turns were still sharp, but they never got lost anymore. They knew exactly where they were going, and more importantly, they knew exactly who was waiting for them at the end of the road.

P1Harmony wasn't just a group; it was a promise kept. And as the wind carried the faint sound of their music from a nearby dormitory window, it was clear that the song was far from over.

Fin.