Work Text:
Daeyoung knew something was off with Riku the moment they had left the dorms.
To his defence, the sun had not even properly come up, all of their hair looked a mess and their faces were hidden behind masks. Then they had to rush to their van at 3 am in the morning for a pre-recording, had a fitting that took much longer than they had planned and did two interviews and a photoshoot where everyone had been told to look cute, bright and energetic while their souls begged for rest.
Normally, Riku would show at least a little bit of his tiredness and mood changes in the cutest way possible. He would lean over whoever sat next to him, whine about sweating, ask for snacks and then feed the same thing to the others while having a giggle.
Today, Daeyoung noticed Riku pushed his breakfast away after taking a couple of bites, how he stood quietly and watched them behind while the others had their usual chatty break. He was not that responsive even when Sakuya fell asleep with his mouth open and Yushi took three photos of him giggling and Riku’s laugh had been very small, disappearing almost as soon as it came out of his lips.
Daeyoung didn’t want to push him further when they were already so busy, he already knew some days were harder for Riku than others so, he did his best to be there for him when he could.
Riku might even tell him when he wanted to. Or sometimes, he wouldn’t and Daeyoung would stay close to him anyway.
By the time they returned to the company building, everyone looked dead tired. And unfortunately, their day wasn’t even over.
Sion clapped his hands once in the practice room to gather their attention and set the motivation a little bit, trying his best to sound encouraging. Ryo groaned from the couch next to Sakuya. Riku stood in front of the mirror beside them, rolling his shoulders and stretching his body before the music started rolling.
Once they all settled in, Daeyoung stayed for a brief warming up session, then slipped away to the small piano room down the hall. He wanted to work on his breathing and technique a little bit while also playing a little bit of piano to calm his nerves.
The room he usually used was dim and he liked turning on the lamp next to the piano as well. He sat down, stretched his fingers and slowly began playing simple scales, letting the notes fill his ringing ears with its calming tone.
He was on a run until his tenth song, that’s when the door opened behind him.
Riku entered the room, he was a little sweaty and breathing heavier from all the dancing. His hair stuck to his forehead a little bit, he didn't have his glasses on and the oversized shirt he was wearing had gone darker around the collar. He didn't say anything and his face looked expressionless.
Daeyoung didn’t really question his sudden presence, this wasn’t new. He then shifted on the bench, making space for Riku like he always did.
Riku closed the door and walked over to him slowly. He sat close enough that their thighs pressed together. Daeyoung could still feel the heat coming off his body, warm and familiar. Even the scent of Riku’s body felt comforting to Daeyoung after such a long, exhausting day.
For a while, Riku only watched his hands move and didn’t say anything. Daeyoung started playing “When The Love Falls” by Yiruma, one of their favorites.
Once Daeyoung was done playing, “Play the one I love the most, please” Riku whispered from his side.
His voice was so quiet and stagnant that Daeyoung almost missed it. Still, he nodded with a kind smile: “Of course.”
The moment Daeyoung’s fingers touched the piano keys, it felt as if the melody began to surround both of them in a warm embrace. Riku always requested him to play “Do You?” by Yiruma whenever they were alone together. It was his quiet, calming getaway song played only by Daeyoung.
Riku’s shoulder touched his first, then his warm hand held onto Daeyoung’s right leg. Little by little, as the keys kept on being played, he leaned closer until half of his weight rested against Daeyoung’s side.
Daeyoung didn’t mind, he in fact, loved it so much. So, he kept playing.
He could feel Riku’s breath against his neck, still slightly uneven from practice. It was as if he was trying to regulate his mood. A few seconds later, Riku’s hand curled loosely around his shirt. It was not exactly a hug but the implications were enough. Almost like a cute koala, Daeyoung thought fondly and Riku clinged on him without even realizing it.
Daeyoung felt his cheeks getting redder but it was okay. Riku had always been like this with him. Affectionate and shameless about crawling into Daeyoung’s space, trusting that there would always be room for him there.
And there was one, always.
The song continued, slower now because Daeyoung didn't want the moment to end too quickly. Riku’s body softened more with every note. His head settled fully on Daeyoung’s shoulder, his warm cheek was felt through the fabric of his shirt.
Daeyoung smiled down at the keys as he finished the song but he didn’t stop, his fingers just moved onto another song they both like called “Wait There”.
To at least have a small chat with Riku, he did his best to not press on the keys sharply.
“Long day, wasn’t it?” he whispered, a smile forming on his lips.
There was no answer.
He glanced to his side and finally realized that Riku had fallen asleep. His eyes were closed, his lips parted just slightly. All the tension that had followed him since the morning had disappeared from his face. He had gone completely pliant against Daeyoung, trusting him with the weight of his tired body.
He looked peaceful. So beautiful.
Daeyoung thought there could be nothing more intimate than this: having the person he loved so close, warm and unguarded next to him. He knew he would never forget the way Riku held onto him while sleeping.
He only shifted a little closer, careful not to wake him and stayed still so Riku could keep sleeping against his shoulder while the next notes quietly filled the room.