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"Suhwan's head might get a hole if you keep staring at him like that,”
Minseok's focus shattered as Hyeonjoon's voice came and he sat down casually beside him. Minseok pouted. His gaming partner had been so busy lately, he had no idea what he was up to. Just last week, Suhwan had told him he'd take him on a sweet treat hunt at that new dessert shop that just opened on the outskirts of town.
"Ah, hyung… what is Sanghyeok hyung giving him? Homework? Like he's a school kid," he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his phone. He made himself comfortable, just like Hyeonjoon on the sofa in the common room.
"We learn something new every day, which means we go to school every day," Hyeonjoon quipped with a small laugh.
"That's not what I meant!"
"Minseok, your voice is too loud. Suhwan is trying to focus on his reading," his body shrank even more as Sanghyeok suddenly appeared from behind the door, walked in, and sat down beside him. Filling the sofa that was just enough for three people.
"Hyung? Are you poisoning Suhwan into reading?"
"Why? Reading isn't a bad thing,"
Sanghyeok shrugged nonchalantly. So it was true. Leaving Sanghyeok and Suhwan alone together right before and right after matches could influence Suhwan's habits.
Well… it was definitely better than gossiping with him. Huh? Wait, could it be because the last gossip topic he and Suhwan discussed was about Jihoon, and that's why Sanghyeok was influencing Suhwan?
"Hyung,"
Sanghyeok didn't turn his head, only clearing his throat in acknowledgment.
"You're not getting revenge on me, are you?"
Finally, Sanghyeok looked at him, flashing his sly smile.
"Who knows? You picked the wrong opponent, Minseokie."
Ah, he was doomed.
"Hyung? I was just joking when I said you looked really small standing next to Jihoon hyung?"
"But it was the truth," Hyeonjoon replied indifferently. Minseok shot him a sharp glare. Shut up if you're not going to help me.
"But you have such a strong aura! No one here could beat you! No one!"
He reached for Sanghyeok's arm that was holding the book. "Hyung… please let me go with Suhwan, okay? Pretty please?"
"Why does it have to be Suhwan? What about me?"
Minseok deflated. Here we go, Sanghyeok's schedule of teasing him for today. Earlier than usual, huh?
"Where are you going with Suhwan? Why not just take me instead?"
"What's your relationship with Suhwan anyway? These past few weeks, you two have been like a mama kangaroo and her joey—inseparable."
"What kind of relationship? Obviously, we're gaming partners?"
Suddenly, the room went dead silent. Sanghyeok and Hyeonjoon stared at him. Suhwan's body, which had been hunched over reading, seemed to straighten slightly right after Minseok spoke. Had Suhwan been listening the whole time?
The sound of a page turning came from Suhwan's direction. He wasn't just pretending to read, was he?
"You really are clueless. Look around you more carefully, Minseok."
Sanghyeok smirked before closing his book and walking over to Suhwan, leading him out of the room. Hyeonjoon let out a heavy sigh.
"You're so dense about this stuff, aren't you? I thought you'd have realized by now," Hyeonjoon also got up and left the room, leaving Min-seok and Suhwan alone in silence.
Minseok was confused. What? What was so dense about him? He was super perceptive about other people, especially in-game! Were they drunk or something?
Meanwhile, Suhwan on the other side of the room could only let out a long sigh of his own. Hah… his hyung and that obliviousness of his was going to kill him before he could ever get the chance to date that small, cute guy.
Suhwan had realized his feelings the moment he saw how adorable Minseok was when he tried to scold him for not paying attention during a meeting. No. Way before that. Way before he even joined the team.
Who didn't know Ryu Minseok? The support every ADC dreamed of. That small body with that fierce determination? Of course everyone wanted to meet him and be friends with him.
Suhwan wasn't oblivious about showing that he had a crush on Minseok, but at least Jihoon knew. Oh come on, Jihoon probably saw his old self in Suhwan. Or… maybe he still was?
After hearing that Suhwan would be joining T1, he only got three bubble chats from Jihoon. Congratulations. Hope you settle in well. And. I'm jealous of you, you brat. Before Suhwan pressed the call button and spent the whole night reliving their nostalgia from when they were on the same team.
And how surprised he was to find out that the news of Minseok still being single was still floating around right before he joined the team. Everyone in the world must know about the Gumayusi-Keria chemistry, but Minseok had repeatedly and very openly denied it whenever people said he and Minhyun had something else going on. He even got annoyed by those rumors. So, Suhwan wasn't about to make the wrong move.
Hesitant, he had even asked Hyeonjoon to double-check, to make sure it wasn't just some fabricated image he'd created on social media. Hyeonjoon's answer—if Min-seok hears this, your life as his ADC will never be peaceful—was enough for Suhwan to never bring up the topic again.
Hyeonjun actually played a part in supporting the development of their relationship, his reason being that he didn't want his teammate to marry the game, again. Sanghyeok hyung was enough. Well, Sanghyeok and Minseok were actually very similar, but for now, it seemed like helping Minseok realize his feelings was easier.
Minseok wasn't the type to say, "Ah, I'll marry Seraphine if I don't find the right person in the next 20 years," Minseok was more like, "I've been looking too, but why am I the only one looking? Where's the person looking for me?" when asked why he still didn't have a partner.
Okay, at least he was hoping for someone, even though the someone who was also hoping for him was right in front of his eyes right now. And he was acting like a fool who had no one in the world.
"Hey Hyeonjun. If you want to get all lovey-dovey with Hyeonjoon hyung, go to the other end of the room. My patience is wearing thin."
"Hyung, I respect you, but can you two stop whispering like mosquitoes next to me?"
Or
"Why does everyone seem to be flaunting their partners in front of me? What did I ever do to you guys? I want to be loved too!"
Not seeing how sour Suhwan's face was at his spot.
Everyone knew how much Suhwan had a crush on Minseok—you could see it with the naked eye. The problem was Minseok, whose sensitivity nerves seemed to be broken.
It wasn't that Minseok kept his distance from Suhwan; it was the opposite. Minseok clung to Suhwan excessively for someone who didn't realize his teammate's feelings? It was torture for Suhwan.
"Are you really not going to confess your feelings further?" Hyeonjun came leaning against the doorframe of Suhwan's room while he was cleaning up. Sanghyeok, Hyeonjoon, and Minseok had been dragged off by the youngest to hunt for the latest pastries after that debate a while back. Leaving Suhwan with the understanding that Minseok's feelings changed quickly.
"Hyung. I've lost count of how many times I've confessed my feelings to Minseok hyung, whether directly or just implied." Suhwan sat down, holding his head.
"Hyung," Hyeonjun turned. "Is he really that oblivious? All this time? A lot of people must have approached him before me, right?"
Hyeonjun walked closer. "A lot, and yeah… just like you? Minseok is like possessed, you know? He's incredibly aware of his opponents differences in competitions, but after that, anyone who flirts with him, he acts like a newborn baby who has no clue what the other person is saying. Besides you, I'm frustrated too."
"He's so desperate for romance in his life, but why is he like that? AHHH!"
Hyeonjun patted his chest in frustration. What was he supposed to do with his peer? The maknae in front of him looked so resigned to the possibility.
Hyeonjun seemed to have a lightbulb moment, slapping Suhwan's shoulder. "Hey," Suhwan turned. "I know this is basic, but have you ever tried to make him jealous?"
Suhwan furrowed his brows. He replayed his memories of how he'd acted toward Minseok all this time. "I don't think so. Besides, who would I even approach? Jihoon hyung? I don't think he'd see anyone Jihoon hyung gets close to as a threat. You? No way."
"Hey, I'm offended?"
"No offense, hyung. There's no chemistry beyond friendship between us."
"You're right."
Hyeonjun clapped his hands together, startling Suhwan. "What?"
"Do you remember when you first joined this team and you always stuck close to Hyeonjoon hyung?"
"Of course I remember. You stared at me like lasers were about to shoot out and cut me down every second."
"That's an exaggeration."
"You weren't in my shoes back then, hyung."
"You're right."
They both nodded. "And do you know how unsettled Minseok's face looked when you always sat next to Hyeonjoon hyung?"
Suhwan turned quickly, "Minseok hyung saw us like that?"
"Seems like you didn't notice because I was staring at you too intently, huh?"
"That wasn't a joke, hyung."
"But is it true? His face was unsettled? Maybe that's just your imagination."
"Hey, I've known him longer than you?"
"Okay, I apologize, hyung."
Hyeonjun moved closer to Suhwan's face, pushing him back slightly. "Well then… I have an idea."
Minseok's mood was amazing today after successfully dragging two of his teammates to spend half the day chasing down the latest pastries he'd been eyeing since last month. Sanghyeok covered his eyes with his arm, signaling he was drained of energy by the youngest. Hyeonjoon had been quiet the whole ride back. His hands were busy with his phone, his lips curved to the side. Oh?
"The moment you got in the car and on the way home, you're already texting Hyeonjun? Unbelievable."
"If you're jealous, just say so."
"You're right, I am jealous."
Minseok spoke up again. "Later, let's all eat together? All five of us? It's been a while since we had a meal together."
"Call." Sanghyeok said, still with his eyes closed. Waiting for Hyeonjoon's answer, Minseok got a response with a raised hand.
"Ah, sorry, I don't think I can make it. I have plans to go out tonight with Suhwan."
"Oh, as usual."
"..."
"You mean with Hyeonjun?"
"Am I not confirming my sentence?"
"Why? Why with Suhwan?"
"Why do you want to know?"
Hyeonjoon shifted his attention to Minseok. His gaze was challenging.
Minseok fell silent. Yeah, why did he want to know?
"I want to come."
"You said you wanted to have dinner together at the dorm? And no. I'm also meeting up with Jihoon, the three of us."
Minseok quickly turned to Sanghyeok. "Hyung, you don't want to come?"
"I'm tired. Let's just eat at the dorm."
Minseok pouted.
"Next time you'll have to be quicker, Minseokie. Suhwan won't be free for long."
What did he mean by that?
Lately, things have felt strange for Minseok. Every time he tried to get close to Suhwan, Hyeonjoon would already be there beside him. What was going on? Aside from talking about the game, it felt impossible to approach Suhwan. And Suhwan wasn't seeking him out either? Hey, what was this?
And Hyeonjun looked way too relaxed for someone who used to challenge Suhwan to fights every day when Suhwan first joined the team.
Like right now. Minseok was sitting with Hyeonjun because the spot next to Suhwan was already occupied by Hyeonjoon. He failed again today.
The next day, Suhwan was already asleep in his seat in the car before Minseok even realized that Hyeonjoon was already beside him. Failed.
For two weeks now, he'd completely failed to get close to Suhwan. The closest he could get was during competitions, where the seating arrangements were obviously planned from the start. Minseok was starting to get frustrated. Something felt off about not being near Suhwan. What was this feeling?
"Hyung. Have you ever felt anxious when you're not near a certain person?"
Minseok started the conversation when he visited Sanghyeok's streaming room.
"I change partners often. That feeling's long gone."
"Even with Jihoon hyung?"
"If that name comes out of your mouth again, I'll pretend you're not here."
"Hey, you're so sensitive."
"This is about Suhwan, isn't it?"
Sanghyeok spun his gaming chair around, facing Minseok who was leaning against the door.
"...Maybe?"
Sanghyeok gestured for Minseok to come in and close the door. Letting him lean against the wall of the room. Seeing his uncomfortable expression.
"It feels weird. I've only been working with him for a little while. It's not like I've known him that long. But now I just... want to be near Suhwan."
"But?"
"But he's always next to Hyeonjoon hyung."
Minseok crossed his arms. "It's not like he's avoiding me, but it feels strange seeing him close to someone else."
Sanghyeok smiled slightly. "That's called jealousy, Minseokie."
His face turned bright red. His eyes went wide.
"Me? Jealous of Hyeonjoon hyung and Suhwan?"
"That's impossible."
"Then elaborate—why do you feel like you want to be near Suhwan and that Hyeonjoon shouldn't be close to him?"
"I'm not saying he shouldn't be!"
"But?"
"But... they're... together too often..."
"And you? Who are you?"
Sanghyeok cut off Minseok's answer. "Don't say 'gaming partner.'"
Sanghyeok crossed his arms in turn, looking proud of his question.
"Minseok, do you have any idea what you've been doing to Suhwan all this time while clinging to him? To you, is pressing your body against your gaming partner, dragging him to whisper in the corner of the room—is that just normal friend behavior?"
"Honestly,"
"Do you really not feel anything?"
Minseok's breath caught in his throat.
It would be a lie to say all the physical closeness he'd experienced with Suhwan meant nothing to him. But Minseok thought it was normal. But did other social beings feel what Minseok felt with Suhwan?
"I... feel comfortable with Suhwan."
"That's good. It means you're no longer awkward with each other. It won't affect our team dynamics."
"But that's not the answer you're looking for, Minseok-ah."
"Hyung. Just tell me directly, my brain can't think of any—"
"You like Suhwan, Minseok-ah."
"You like him as more than just a gaming partner. More than just as your ADC."
Minseok's heart stopped for a second. His breathing was heavy. Him... liking Suhwan as more than a friend?
"The feeling of not being able to accept Suhwan being close to someone else. The feeling of always wanting to be near him. I think that's enough for you to reconsider what decision you want to make."
Sanghyeok stood up and gently stroked Minseok's black hair. "Maybe this is your first time feeling this. But it could also be Suhwan's first time. I support whatever choice you make, Minseokie. I'll be streaming in a few minutes. Call me if you still need help."
Minseok hugged Sanghyeok before leaving the room with a blank stare.
Now, what was the first thing he was going to do?
On the other side, Sanghyeok typed something on his phone.
Sanghyeok : I got fed up and told him directly. Sue me.
Hyeonjoon : It's fine, I was sick of hinting at him too.
Hyeonjun : I want to stick close to hyung again already…
Sanghyeok : Me?
Hyeonjun : No offense, hyung.
Sanghyeok : Rude.
Suhwan was alone in his room. Of course, obviously, who else would he be with in his room?
So would Minseok take this opportunity? Possibly. Would Minseok gather his resolve? Possibly. Had it already been 10 minutes since Minseok had been standing in front of Suhwan's door? That was the fact currently happening.
Minseok roughly ran his hands through his hair. Come on, Minseok. This isn't like you. This is what you wanted, right? A moment alone with Suhwan to talk about something?
A rustling sound came from inside the room. Minseok panicked, but his feet seemed frozen solid still in front of Suhwan's door. Click. The door in front of him opened.
"Ah. Minseok hyung?"
"Hello, Suhwan-ah,"
Okay, this was awkward. Say something, Minseok.
"Want to... hang out together, hyung?"
Minseok looked up hopefully. "Can I?"
A warm smile appeared on Suhwan's lips. "Of course." His hand scratched the back of his neck, which wasn't even itchy. "Want to go out or—"
"Just in your room."
Okay, that sounded weird if anyone outside heard it.
Minseok scrambled, "No! I meant—"
Suhwan let out a small laugh.
"I know. Relax, hyung. Come in, sorry it's a little messy."
Minseok wanted to disappear right now.
His room looked neat. What mess was Suhwan talking about?
His eyes inadvertently scanned every corner of the room. This was the same room that had previously belonged to his close friend. But it felt different.
Hey, what was Minseok's main purpose here? To talk. Yes. He was going to do it right now.
"Suhwan-ah. We need to talk."
As if knowing what was on Minseok's mind, Suhwan grabbed another chair from the corner of the room and gave it to Minseok. Both of them were silent for about two minutes before Minseok spoke.
"How are you, Suhwan-ah?"
Minseok was an idiot. What kind of stupid question was that? They'd clearly been together all this time?
Suhwan smiled, "I'm good. How about you, hyung?"
Enough fooling around.
"I'm not okay."
Suhwan raised an eyebrow. His gaming chair rolled closer to Minseok. "What's wrong, hyung?"
"Suhwan... I'm sorry." His head hung down, his hands clasped together.
Suhwan reached out and took Minseok's hands, still confused about what the older one meant.
"I've been pushing you too much, haven't I?"
Suhwan remained silent.
"You've been uncomfortable with me clinging to you all this time, right? That's why you're clinging to Hyeonjoon now."
Ah. Minseok still didn't get it. What was going through his head when Sanghyeok told him to think about Suhwan too? Did he think Suhwan had been uncomfortable with him all this time? This was going to be a long night, right?
"Hyung. That's not the issue."
Minseok looked up, his round eyes staring at Suhwan.
"What do you mean? Wasn't I pushing you to do things you didn't like?"
"Who said I didn't like it? I like being near hyung."
Hey hey, this was too sudden for Minseok.
"Hyung. It's going to take longer if you lead this conversation. Let me say it."
"Hyung, do you like me?"
He wanted to pull his hands away from Suhwan's grip. But Suhwan wasn't going to give him that chance.
"There's no time to run. You said you were going to talk about all of this. This is what you wanted, right, hyung?"
"Suhwan-ah, wait a second,"
His mouth felt itchy. Did he have to say this now? Suhwan's gaze was too fixed on him.
"Why, hyung?"
"Too close... your face..."
"So what?"
"Don't you know how handsome you are? Stop teasing me!"
Suhwan was stunned. What was this little human in front of him talking about? Ah, Suhwan wanted to bite him right now.
"I'm handsome?"
"Huh?"
"Am I handsome to you, hyung?"
Shit, this cursed mouth.
"That's not the main topic, Suhwan-ah."
"Then answer my previous question? Do you like me or not, hyung? You just have to say yes or no."
Minseok took a deep breath. "If this is how it is,"
"If I don't want you near anyone but me. If I only want your attention directed at me. If I only want to always be by your side. If this is how it is, do I like you, Suhwan-ah?"
A proud smile adorned the handsome face of the little prince in front of him.
"I'd rate that as, yes."
Their gazes were locked too intensely.
"Okay, this is done. The topic has been successfully resolved. I'll go back to my room since you already know my feelings."
"What are you talking about, hyung? What about my feelings?"
"Huh? What about your feelings? Didn't you just—"
"I want to always be near hyung. I love seeing your smiling face. I only want happiness that clings to you."
His grip tightened, his body moved closer. And Minseok's breathing grew shorter.
"I want to hold this hand forever."
His right hand reached for Minseok's cheek and stroked it. Oh god, Minseok needed oxygen. "I want to caress this beautiful face."
"Suhwan-ah,"
"I'm not done yet,"
"Hyung, I want to kiss you,"
Huh?
What did this kid just say?
"That confused face.. I'm not joking. I really want to kiss—"
Suhwan's words were cut off the moment his finger gently brushed Minseok's bottom lip.
"—these pink lips."
Hey, think about my heart, Suhwan-ah?
Minseok quickly pushed Suhwan's body away, causing the gaming chair he was sitting on to roll backward. Suhwan's hands rested on the armrests with that sly look on his face.
"You! You're messing with me!"
Minseok stood up and wanted to flee out of Suhwan's room. This wasn't good.
But before his hand could reach the doorknob, Suhwan's taller body blocked him.
"Where are you going, hyung? Didn't we establish our feelings are mutual?"
Minseok's brain couldn't process things properly. Without him realizing it, Suhwan's broad hands were already resting on his waist, turning his body around so he was leaning against the door.
"H-hey, Suhwan-ah. Too close,"
"Why? Don't you want to see this handsome face up close?"
"Stop teasing me."
"You're the one teasing me with your adorable behavior, hyung. I want to eat you up right now."
Minseok was sure if he were a bomb, he'd have exploded the moment he stepped into Suhwan's room.
"Don't talk like that..."
"Why? Are you embarrassed?"
Their breaths raced to enter each other's space. The AC in the room wasn't helping at all since both of them were now drenched in sweat from the tension they'd created themselves.
Regulating his heartbeat, Minseok spoke.
"Suhwan-ah,"
"Yes, hyung?"
He lowered his head. But his feet tiptoed to try and place his head in the crook of Suhwan's neck. Okay, this was also too sudden for Suhwan. The adorable human in front of him seemed completely unaware that he held Suhwan's life in one hand.
With heavy breathing, Minseok spoke, pushing air out of his mouth onto Suhwan's neck. Suhwan felt a ticklish sensation. Minseok turned to look at him.
"Suhwan-ah... when are you going to kiss me?"
Then he hid his head back in Suhwan's neck before adding, "I can't wait anymore..."
Suhwan died on the spot.
His hand reached for Minseok's nape, which had been hidden, to reveal the older one's pink face. "Hyung, that's dangerous."
Minseok smiled slightly as he also reached for Suhwan's nape.
"A danger that exists only for you, Suhwan-ah."
Without further ado, their mouths explored each other. Soft and unhurried. As if curious about each other's taste. Suhwan frequently stroked Minseok's black hair. It tasted sweet, it felt warm. As if everything he'd been thinking about these past few weeks vanished the moment their mouths met.
Minseok didn't want to lose. His hands fumbled for support. His waist was still firmly held by Suhwan, so Minseok could only hold onto Suhwan's biceps, which seemed to be developing since he'd started working out. Dangerous, very dangerous. The gym should be closed (Minseok was lying, don't close it).
Breaths exhaled, the sounds of their kisses filled every corner of the room. It went on for about fifteen minutes before Minseok's legs felt too weak to support his body. His hands gently squeezed Suhwan's arm.
"Suhwan-ah.. wait a moment. My legs... my legs are weak,"
Without hesitation, Suhwan picked Minseok up and sat him on his lap while he sat on the bed. Hey, this wasn't too fast, was it?
"Better?"
"Much better. You're a good boy, Suhwan-ah,"
Like pouring oil on a fire, Suhwan pulled Minseok's small waist on his lap, drawing him close until their bodies were pressed together without any gap.
"You're going to be the death of me, hyung,"
Minseok smirked slyly.
"Be my guest, Suhwan-ah."
Before Suhwan pulled Minseok back into his warm kiss that night, Suhwan pressed his forehead against the older one's.
"I love you, hyung."
"I love you too, Suhwan-ah."