Work Text:
So You Can Get Jealous?
The living room was quiet except for the low murmur of the movie playing on the television and the occasional crunch of popcorn.
Seonghyeon and Keonho had claimed the middle of the couch, sitting close enough that there was barely any space between them. Keonho was tucked comfortably against Seonghyeon's side, their shoulders pressed together beneath the soft glow of the TV. Every now and then, Keonho would reach into the bowl resting on Seonghyeon's lap without even looking, stealing a handful of popcorn as though it belonged to him by default.
Seonghyeon didn't complain.
He simply kept watching the movie, occasionally eating from the bowl himself.
The peaceful scene was interrupted when footsteps approached from the hallway.
Martin appeared in the living room, already dressed to go out, with Juhoon following behind him. Martin was checking something on his phone while Juhoon adjusted the sleeve of his jacket.
Keonho turned his head at the sound of them.
"Hyung, where are you two going?" he asked, his eyes moving between them. Then a teasing smile spread across his face. "A date?"
Martin immediately shook his head.
"Nah. We're going shopping. Jju wants some shirts."
Juhoon gave Martin an amused look. "I don't want some shirts. I need them."
"Same thing."
"It really isn't."
Keonho's eyes suddenly widened.
"Shopping?"
The excitement in his voice made Seonghyeon glance sideways at him.
"Wait," Keonho said, already sitting up straighter. "I have to buy some things too."
Martin rolled his eyes.
"Of course you do."
"What?" Keonho protested, grinning. "It's perfect timing."
Juhoon smiled, apparently far less bothered by the sudden addition to their plans.
"Okay, Keonho-ya. Go get ready, then. Just don't make us wait forever."
"I won't!"
Keonho hopped off the couch and hurried toward the hallway.
Seonghyeon watched him go for a moment before turning his attention back to the movie. He had barely settled into his previous position when he heard Keonho's footsteps stop.
Silence.
Then, "Seonghyeoniee..."
Seonghyeon slowly turned his head.
Keonho was standing a few steps away, looking at him with an expression that Seonghyeon already knew too well.
"What?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Instead of answering immediately, Keonho walked back and dropped onto the couch beside him.
"Let's go together."
Seonghyeon stared at him.
Then he shook his head.
"Nah. I'm good here." He gestured toward the television. "You go and enjoy."
Keonho's lips immediately pushed into a pout.
"Please, Seonghyeoniee."
Seonghyeon blinked.
There it was.
The dreaded pout.
It shouldn't have worked anymore. They had known each other for years. He should have developed some sort of immunity by now.
He hadn't.
Warmth crept slowly up the back of his neck as Keonho looked at him with those wide, pleading eyes. Seonghyeon tried to hold his ground for approximately three seconds.
Then he sighed.
"You're so annoying."
Keonho's pout deepened.
Seonghyeon couldn't help the tiny smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Fine."
Keonho's entire face brightened.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Yes!"
Before Seonghyeon could even react, Keonho grabbed his wrist and pulled him to his feet.
"Hey, slow down!"
"We're going shopping!"
"I heard you the first time."
Keonho was already dragging him toward their room, laughing under his breath.
Seonghyeon shook his head, but the smile remained on his face.
There really was no point trying to say no to him.
Martin shook his head while Juhoon smiled looking at the younger pair going away.
---
About ten minutes later, the two of them emerged from their room, finally ready to leave.
Keonho was pulling the zipper of his jacket up while Seonghyeon slipped his shoes on by the entrance.
Martin looked at them and immediately checked the time on his phone.
"Took you long enough, huh?"
Keonho stuck his tongue out at him.
"You could've left without us."
"Trust me, I considered it."
Juhoon laughed softly.
"Come on, you two. Let's just go before Martin starts complaining again."
"I don't complain."
"You absolutely do."
"I express my concerns."
"That's a fancy word for complaining."
Keonho snorted, and Seonghyeon laughed quietly beside him.
They were almost out the door when Seonghyeon paused.
"Wait."
Everyone looked at him.
"Let's take James with us too."
Martin nodded.
"Yeah, sure. I'll get him."
Before Martin could move, Juhoon was already heading down the hallway.
"I'll get him."
He disappeared into the room beside his own.
The others waited by the entrance, with Keonho absentmindedly rocking back and forth on his heels while Seonghyeon checked that he had his wallet and phone.
A few minutes later, the bedroom door opened.
Juhoon stepped out first, followed by James, who looked as though he'd been pulled away from whatever he had been doing.
James glanced around at the four of them.
"Why are all of you staring at me?"
"We're going shopping," Martin said.
James frowned. "And?"
"And you're coming."
James sighed.
“You guys only need a driver”
Martin rolled his eyes playfully.
“Just come dude.”
"Do I get a choice?"
"No."
"Then why did you ask?"
Martin grinned.
"Exactly."
Keonho laughed, and even Seonghyeon couldn't hold back a smile.
With everyone finally ready, the five boys gathered near the door, jackets on, shoes tied, wallets and phones tucked away.
What had started as Martin and Juhoon's simple shopping trip had somehow turned into a group outing.
___
The mall was already buzzing by the time the five of them stepped through the glass doors.
Cool air brushed against their faces, carrying the mixed scents of perfume, coffee, and freshly baked pastries from the shops scattered throughout the wide atrium. Bright signs hung above every storefront, and the polished floor reflected the warm overhead lights as crowds moved around them in every direction.
Naturally, the five of them didn't stay together for long.
Martin and Juhoon walked ahead, side by side, their conversation occasionally punctuated by quiet laughter. A few steps behind them came Seonghyeon and Keonho, walking close enough that their shoulders brushed every now and then.
Keonho had apparently decided that the entire walk was his personal storytelling session.
“And then I dived like an Olympic champion. You should've seen me.” Keonho said, already looking proud of his own story.
Seonghyeon smiled.
"You did?"
"Yes! I swear."
"You're exaggerating."
"I'm not!"
"You always exaggerate."
Keonho gasped dramatically. "You don't believe your own boyfriend?"
"I believe you," Seonghyeon said, smiling. "I just don't believe your version of events."
Keonho nudged him with his shoulder.
"You're so mean."
"And yet you're still walking beside me."
"Because I love you."
Seonghyeon's smile softened.
"I know."
A few steps behind them, James walked with his phone in one hand, only occasionally glancing up from the screen.
He had gotten used to this.
Being the only single one among his friends meant that outings like this often turned into a quiet reminder of his own status. Martin and Juhoon naturally gravitated toward each other. So did Keonho and Seonghyeon.
And then there was James.
The unofficial fifth wheel.
Whenever he mentioned it, the others immediately insisted he was being ridiculous.
You're not third-wheeling.
We're all friends.
Stop thinking like that.
James knew they meant it. He really did.
And he loved them for it.
Still, sometimes watching his friends walk beside the people they loved made him painfully aware of the empty space beside him.
He shoved the thought away and looked back at his phone.
"Whatever," he muttered quietly. "I'm perfectly happy."
He wasn't entirely convinced.
---
They eventually entered a large clothing store, and within minutes, the group naturally split up.
Martin and Juhoon disappeared toward one side of the store, already debating shirts and sizes, while Keonho dragged Seonghyeon toward another section.
James followed behind them, scanning the racks for a pair of pants he liked.
The store was bright and spacious, with rows of neatly arranged clothes stretching across the floor. Soft music played overhead, almost disappearing beneath the chatter of customers and the occasional beep from the registers.
Seonghyeon mostly followed Keonho rather than actively searching for anything himself.
Keonho, meanwhile, seemed determined to inspect every single item within reach.
Then his voice rang out.
"Seonghyeoniee."
Seonghyeon turned.
"What?"
Keonho was standing a few steps away with a T-shirt in his hands. He held it against his chest and looked at Seonghyeon expectantly, his eyes practically sparkling.
"How does it look?" he asked. "Should I buy this?"
Seonghyeon looked at the shirt.
Then at Keonho.
He nodded.
"It's nice."
Keonho tilted his head.
"Just nice?"
A small laugh escaped Seonghyeon.
"Okay. It looks good."
"Should I get it?"
"You don't have to ask me."
"I know, I know." Keonho grinned. "I just want to know what my boyfriend thinks."
There was something so sincere about the way he said it that Seonghyeon's expression softened.
He reached over and gently ruffled Keonho's hair.
"Everything looks good on you."
Keonho froze.
His grin disappeared for half a second, replaced by a startled expression.
Then his cheeks slowly turned pink.
"Seonghyeonie..."
He immediately lifted the shirt higher, hiding half his face behind it.
Seonghyeon laughed.
"What? You asked."
"Don't say things like that so casually."
"Why?"
"Because..."
Keonho peeked over the top of the shirt, his cheeks still warm.
"Because you make me embarrassed."
Seonghyeon's smile widened.
"You've known me for years."
"That doesn't mean I'm immune to you."
Seonghyeon chuckled and shook his head.
A few feet away, James glanced over his shoulder just in time to catch the scene.
He watched Keonho trying to hide his blush while Seonghyeon laughed at him.
James couldn't help smiling.
They were disgustingly cute.
He shook his head and returned to the rack.
"Get a room," he muttered under his breath, though there wasn't any real annoyance behind it.
If anything, he genuinely liked seeing them like this.
The way Seonghyeon always listened to Keonho.
The way Keonho automatically looked for Seonghyeon's opinion.
The small gestures, the teasing, the comfortable affection between them.
They took care of each other without even seeming to notice they were doing it.
James smiled to himself and moved farther down the rack, leaving the two of them to their little world.
---
Some time later, Seonghyeon found himself standing with Martin and Juhoon near the accessories section.
He ran his fingers along a row of belts, comparing the different colors.
"What do you think?" he asked, holding one up.
Martin glanced at it.
"Brown."
Seonghyeon frowned.
"I was thinking black."
"Then why did you ask me?"
Juhoon laughed.
"Don't ask Martin for fashion advice."
"Hey!"
Seonghyeon smiled and reached for another belt.
He was about to compare the two when he felt a small tug at the back of his shirt.
He turned around.
Keonho stood behind him.
Seonghyeon raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
Keonho smiled.
"I'm going to the other shop. I need to buy some shoes too."
Seonghyeon nodded slowly.
"Okay."
Then he glanced toward James, who was still somewhere nearby.
"Go with James, then."
"Okay."
Keonho gave him a small smile.
"You can find me here in this shop later, okay?"
"Yeah. Take your time."
Keonho nodded.
Then, almost as an afterthought, he leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to Seonghyeon's cheek.
It was so brief that Seonghyeon barely had time to register it.
Keonho was already walking away.
Seonghyeon remained completely still.
His fingers tightened slightly around the belt he was holding.
Martin noticed first.
A grin slowly spread across his face.
Juhoon looked between them and chuckled.
Seonghyeon finally touched his cheek, staring down at the floor with an embarrassed smile.
"Aish..."
Martin laughed.
"You're blushing."
"I'm not."
"You absolutely are."
Seonghyeon turned away, pretending to focus intensely on the belts.
But the smile on his face refused to disappear.
___
An hour passed before Seonghyeon noticed how much quieter the mall had become.
The lively crowd that had filled the walkways earlier had thinned considerably. Store employees were beginning to straighten the racks, distant announcements echoed through the wide halls, and the bright storefronts seemed almost too vivid against the increasingly empty corridors.
It was getting late.
Seonghyeon glanced toward the entrance of the clothing store for what had to be the third time.
Still nothing.
No Keonho.
No James.
He checked his phone again, though he wasn't sure what he expected to find.
Martin's voice broke through his thoughts.
"We're done, Seonghyeon-ah."
Seonghyeon looked over.
Martin and Juhoon were standing nearby, their shopping bags hanging from their hands. They looked ready to leave.
"Oh."
Seonghyeon nodded.
"I'll just call Keonho."
He tapped Keonho's name and lifted the phone to his ear.
The familiar ringing sounded.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Seonghyeon waited.
Nothing.
Eventually, the call ended.
He lowered the phone and frowned at the screen.
Maybe he didn't hear it.
He called again.
The ringing started once more.
Seonghyeon stared ahead, listening.
Still nothing.
His eyebrows drew together.
Keonho never ignored his calls.
Not normally.
Not even when he was busy.
Maybe his phone was on silent.
That had to be it.
Seonghyeon swallowed and tried again.
The same result.
No answer.
His thumb hovered over the screen for a moment before he opened James's contact.
"Come on..."
He pressed call.
The ringing began.
Again, nothing.
This time, something uncomfortable settled beneath his ribs.
It wasn't panic. Not yet.
It was a strange, creeping uneasiness, a warmth that had nothing to do with the temperature of the mall. His throat felt tight, and there was a faint burning sensation spreading through his chest.
Why aren't they picking up?
Seonghyeon stared at the call screen.
His expression hardened without him realizing it.
There was no reason to feel like this.
There was absolutely no reason.
He trusted James.
More than that, he trusted Keonho.
He wasn't the kind of boyfriend who became suspicious whenever Keonho spent time with someone else. He had never been controlling, never demanded to know where Keonho was or who he was with.
And he knew James.
James was his friend too.
There was nothing wrong.
Nothing.
So why did it bother him so much?
Seonghyeon locked his phone and shoved it into his pocket.
They're probably shopping.
That was all.
Keonho had said he wanted shoes. James had gone with him.
They were probably comparing things, wandering through the stores, talking, laughing...
Seonghyeon stopped himself.
He didn't want his thoughts going anywhere beyond that.
Don't.
He frowned slightly.
Don't even start.
He would never doubt Keonho.
Never.
But after another few seconds, his hand found his phone again almost on instinct.
He called Keonho one more time.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
No answer.
Seonghyeon's jaw tightened.
"Seriously..."
"Seonghyeon?"
He looked up.
Juhoon was approaching him, concern written across his face.
"What's wrong?"
Seonghyeon glanced down at his phone.
"They're not picking up."
He tried to sound casual.
He really did.
But the words came out strained, betraying the worry he'd been trying to keep under control.
Juhoon's expression softened immediately.
"Keonho and James?"
Seonghyeon nodded.
"I've called Keonho a few times. He isn't answering. James isn't either."
Juhoon glanced toward the stores around them before looking back at him.
"They must be busy shopping."
Seonghyeon remained quiet.
Juhoon smiled gently.
"You know how Keonho gets when he's excited. He forgets everything."
That earned the faintest twitch of Seonghyeon's lips.
"Yeah. I know."
"He probably found something he likes and completely lost track of time."
Seonghyeon nodded, though the knot in his chest hadn't completely loosened.
"I know."
He looked at his phone again.
"But I'm worried."
There was no accusation in his voice. Just a quiet admission.
Juhoon gave his shoulder a reassuring pat.
"It's okay. Let's wait a little."
Seonghyeon looked at him.
"They'll come back."
"I'm sure they will," Juhoon said. "They're probably somewhere arguing over which shoes to buy."
A small laugh escaped Seonghyeon despite himself.
"That sounds like them."
"Exactly."
Juhoon gave his shoulder another gentle squeeze before stepping away.
"I'll tell Martin. We'll wait here together."
Seonghyeon nodded.
"Thanks."
Juhoon walked back toward Martin and said something to him. Martin's expression changed as he listened, and he glanced briefly in Seonghyeon's direction.
Then he nodded.
The three of them remained near the entrance of the store, their shopping bags resting at their feet as they waited.
Seonghyeon tried to distract himself by looking through the glass storefront.
He tried to tell himself that everything was fine.
That Keonho was fine.
That James was fine.
That they were simply shopping and had lost track of time.
It was a perfectly reasonable explanation.
So why couldn't he shake the uneasy feeling sitting heavily in his chest?
His fingers curled around his phone again.
He resisted the urge to call.
___
Another ten minutes passed before Seonghyeon finally caught sight of two familiar figures approaching the store.
Keonho and James.
They were walking side by side, each carrying several shopping bags. Keonho was talking animatedly about something, his face bright with the same easy smile he'd worn all evening.
The moment Seonghyeon saw him, the tightness in his chest loosened.
He hadn't even realized how tense he'd been until then.
A quiet breath escaped him.
He's okay.
Without waiting, Seonghyeon pushed open the glass door and stepped outside, his own shopping bag swinging lightly from his hand.
Martin and Juhoon followed.
As Keonho came closer, Seonghyeon's eyes instinctively moved over him, checking for anything unusual.
He looked fine.
Perfectly fine.
And, as always, Keonho was smiling.
James noticed Seonghyeon's expression before Keonho did. He glanced at him, then past him toward Martin and Juhoon.
Something about the atmosphere felt strange.
Before the silence could become any more uncomfortable, Martin raised his voice.
"Okay, guys! Now that we're finally all together, can we go home? It's getting ridiculously late."
Juhoon smiled and nodded.
"Yeah. Let's head back."
Seonghyeon said nothing.
He simply turned and started walking toward the exit.
Keonho's smile slowly faded.
He stopped for half a second, watching Seonghyeon's retreating figure.
He didn't wait for me?
His fingers tightened around the shopping bags.
He didn't understand.
Seonghyeon had been perfectly fine earlier. So what had happened?
Keonho glanced helplessly at Juhoon.
Juhoon noticed immediately. He exchanged a quick look with Martin, who seemed equally confused.
James looked between them, his eyebrows slightly raised.
Nobody said anything.
They simply followed.
The walk to the parking lot felt strangely quiet.
Keonho kept glancing toward Seonghyeon, hoping he'd turn around.
He didn't.
By the time they reached the car, the uneasy feeling in Keonho's chest had grown into something heavier.
James unlocked the car and climbed into the driver's seat.
Seonghyeon immediately took the passenger seat without a word.
Keonho stood beside the open back door for a moment.
He looked at Seonghyeon's back.
Nothing.
Not even a glance.
Juhoon gently touched his arm.
"Come sit with us."
Keonho nodded.
"Okay."
He climbed into the back beside Juhoon and Martin.
The doors closed.
The engine started.
And the entire ride home was painfully quiet.
The soft hum of the car and the occasional sound of traffic outside filled the silence.
Martin tried once.
"So... did anyone find anything good?"
Nobody answered.
He cleared his throat.
"Nice."
Another few seconds passed.
He gave up.
"This is awkward."
Juhoon elbowed him lightly.
Martin sighed and looked out the window.
Keonho sat quietly beside Juhoon, his hands folded tightly in his lap.
His eyes had begun to sting.
He blinked rapidly.
He didn't understand what he'd done wrong.
Seonghyeon had never treated him like this before.
Sure, they teased each other. They had little arguments sometimes. But this was different.
This felt like being shut out.
Is it because I was with James hyung?
The thought made his stomach twist.
He lowered his head, pressing his lips together to keep them from trembling.
Juhoon noticed.
Without saying anything, he reached over and gave Keonho's hand a small reassuring squeeze.
Keonho looked at him.
Juhoon offered him a gentle smile.
Keonho nodded faintly.
But the tears still gathered in his eyes.
---
When they finally reached the dorm, Seonghyeon was the first one out.
He opened the door and walked inside without saying anything.
Keonho followed almost immediately.
Martin and Juhoon gathered their shopping bags while James stayed behind to park the car properly.
The dorm was quiet when they entered.
Seonghyeon slipped off his shoes and set them aside.
Still nothing.
He didn't even know what he was doing anymore.
The jealousy he'd felt at the mall had been irrational. He knew that.
Seeing Keonho and James walking together shouldn't have bothered him.
But it had.
And once it had started, he hadn't known how to stop himself from withdrawing.
He hated that.
Especially because he'd seen the hurt on Keonho's face.
Behind him, Keonho lingered near the entrance.
He looked down at his own shoes, a small pout settling over his lips.
His eyes were still shiny.
He wanted to ask what was wrong.
He wanted Seonghyeon to look at him.
Most of all, he wanted things to feel normal again.
Martin and Juhoon exchanged a brief glance. One look at the tense atmosphere was enough for them to understand. Without saying a word, they quietly retreated into their room, closing the door behind them with a soft thud.
Keonho finally opened his mouth.
"Seonghyeonie..."
The front door opened again.
James walked in carrying a couple of bags.
He stopped when he saw the two of them.
His eyes moved from Seonghyeon to Keonho.
Then back to Seonghyeon.
He sighed.
"You forgot your bag in the car, Keonho-ya."
Keonho quietly took it.
"Thanks, hyung."
Seonghyeon glanced between them.
His jaw tightened before he could stop it.
James caught the expression immediately.
"What, bro?"
Seonghyeon blinked.
"Nothing."
"Why were you glaring at me the whole ride, then?"
"I wasn't."
James gave him an unimpressed look.
"Sure."
Seonghyeon looked away.
Keonho's eyes darted between them.
James sighed and shook his head.
"I didn't do anything to your boyfriend. See? He's perfectly fine."
Seonghyeon's ears warmed.
"I didn't say anything."
"You didn't have to."
James pointed toward the hallway.
"Now stop making that face and go talk to him. It's late, and we've got a schedule tomorrow."
Seonghyeon rolled his eyes.
"You're annoying."
"And yet I'm right."
James picked up his remaining bags and headed toward his room.
"One good thing about being single," he muttered, "is that I don't have to deal with relationship drama."
A quiet laugh escaped him as he disappeared into his room and closed the door.
Silence returned.
Keonho slowly looked at Seonghyeon.
Seonghyeon was already looking at him.
For a moment, neither moved.
Then Seonghyeon stepped forward.
He gently took Keonho by the wrist.
"Come here."
Keonho followed without protest.
They entered their shared room, and Seonghyeon closed the door softly behind them.
He took the shopping bags from Keonho and placed them on the bed.
Then he turned back to him.
Keonho was still standing near the door.
His eyes were lowered.
Seonghyeon felt a pang of guilt.
He stepped closer and gently placed his hands on Keonho's shoulders, guiding him back until he was standing against the closed door.
Keonho looked up in surprise.
Seonghyeon's voice was quiet.
"Why didn't you pick up my calls?"
Keonho blinked.
"And why did you take so long?"
Keonho stared at him for a moment.
Then his expression changed.
"So that's why you were ignoring me?"
Seonghyeon immediately shook his head.
"I wasn't trying to ignore you."
"Then what was it?"
Seonghyeon hesitated.
His gaze dropped.
"I was..."
He sighed.
"Jealous."
Keonho's eyes widened.
For a second, he simply stared.
Then the tension melted from his face.
A smile slowly appeared.
"Awww."
Seonghyeon already knew what was coming.
"My boyfriend can get jealous too?"
“Aishhh..”
Keonho laughed softly and stepped closer.
"I've never seen you like this."
"It's embarrassing."
"It's cute."
"It's not."
"It is."
Seonghyeon groaned and looked away.
Keonho gently touched his chin, guiding his face back toward him.
His grin widened when he saw Seonghyeon's flushed cheeks.
"You're really jealous."
"Keonho..."
"I'm sorry, but this is new."
Seonghyeon tried to step back, but Keonho wrapped his arms around him first, hugging him.
"Aww. You're so cute when you're jealous."
Seonghyeon's arms instinctively came around him.
Keonho's voice softened.
"Although... I almost cried when you wouldn't talk to me."
The smile disappeared from Seonghyeon's face.
"I'm sorry."
He held Keonho a little tighter.
"I know it was stupid."
Keonho shook his head against his shoulder.
"It's okay."
After a moment, he added quietly,
"But don't do that again, okay?"
Seonghyeon nodded.
"Okay."
"Just talk to me next time."
"I will."
Keonho smiled faintly.
"Also, after I bought the shoes, I went to another shop."
Seonghyeon looked down at him.
"Another shop?"
"Yeah. I wanted to buy something for us."
He paused.
"And my phone was inside my bag. James hyung was holding it along with his things. He was busy buying something, so he probably didn't notice it ringing."
Seonghyeon's shoulders finally relaxed.
"So that's why..."
"Yeah."
He exhaled slowly.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to act like this, it's just…"
Keonho looked up.
"I know."
"I was just worried."
Keonho nodded.
"I know, Seonghyeoniee."
They stayed like that for a moment.
Then Keonho suddenly smiled.
"But I love this side of you."
Seonghyeon raised an eyebrow.
"You do?"
"Maybe a little."
"Don't encourage me."
Keonho laughed.
"But seriously, just talk to me next time."
"I promise."
Keonho pulled back slightly and looked at him with a small pout.
Seonghyeon stared at him for a second before chuckling.
"There it is again."
"What?"
"That pout."
Keonho's smile returned.
Seonghyeon leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.
It was brief and soft, enough to make Keonho smile against him.
When they pulled apart, they remained close, their foreheads resting together.
For the first time that evening, the heaviness between them was gone.
Keonho smiled.
"I'll show you what I bought."
Seonghyeon nodded.
"Okay."
Keonho walked over to the bed and picked up one of the bags.
Seonghyeon followed him, wrapping his arms loosely around him from behind and resting his chin on his shoulder.
Keonho giggled.
"You're still clingy."
"Keep talking."
"Okay, okay."
He reached into the bag and pulled out two small keychains.
"Look."
Seonghyeon looked down.
"They're matching."
One had a tiny moon and stars hanging from it, with their initials, S and K, attached beneath it.
The other had a little sun, with the same initials.
Seonghyeon's expression softened.
"The moon and the sun?"
Keonho nodded proudly.
"Because they're different, but they're still together."
Seonghyeon hummed.
"They're cute."
"So are we."
"You're really confident tonight."
"I bought gifts. I earned it."
Seonghyeon laughed quietly.
His breath brushed against Keonho's neck.
Keonho squirmed.
"Seonghyeonie, that tickles."
He tried to move away, but Seonghyeon only tightened his arms around him.
"Stay still."
"I'm trying to show you something!"
"Then show me."
Keonho laughed and carefully placed the keychains back on the mattress.
"Fine. Now look at this."
He picked up a small box.
Seonghyeon's curiosity immediately returned.
"What's in there?"
Keonho smiled.
"Open it."
Seonghyeon watched as Keonho lifted the lid.
Inside were two simple silver bands, resting side by side.
Seonghyeon went still.
"For us," Keonho said softly.
His arms loosened around Keonho.
He stepped back slightly, staring at the rings.
"You bought these?"
Keonho nodded.
A smile slowly spread across Seonghyeon's face, softer than the ones he'd worn earlier. His dimples deepened as he took the box from Keonho and picked up one of the rings.
Then he took Keonho's left hand.
Keonho watched as Seonghyeon gently slid the silver band onto his finger.
His cheeks warmed.
Then Keonho picked up the second ring.
He took Seonghyeon's hand and carefully slipped it onto his finger.
For a moment, they simply looked down at their hands.
Two identical silver bands catching the warm light of the room.
Seonghyeon smiled and lifted Keonho's hand, pressing a soft kiss to his knuckles.
Keonho giggled.
"So are we married now?"
Seonghyeon stared at him for a second.
Then they both burst into laughter.
"Seriously, though," Seonghyeon said once he'd calmed down, glancing at their hands again. "They look so good.”
“They do”
He looked up at Seonghyeon.
Their eyes met.
Seonghyeon leaned closer and kissed him again.
This time, the kiss lingered a little longer, still gentle and affectionate, carrying all the things they'd failed to say during the evening.
When they finally pulled apart, Keonho was smiling.
Seonghyeon glanced down at their hands once more.
The silver bands gleamed quietly beneath the room's soft light.
A small reminder that, despite one silly bout of jealousy and a few hours of unnecessary worry, they were still exactly where they belonged.
That night, they drifted off in each other’s arms, peaceful smiles resting on their faces. The worries and misunderstandings of the evening had finally faded, leaving nothing but warmth between them.
___
The next morning, the dorm was filled with the familiar sounds of breakfast.
The clinking of spoons against bowls, the scrape of chairs against the floor, and the quiet chatter of five sleepy voices blended together beneath the warm morning light pouring through the windows.
For the first time since yesterday evening, everything felt completely normal again.
Keonho sat beside Seonghyeon at the table, looking noticeably happier than he had the night before. Every now and then, he glanced down at his hand, where the simple silver band caught the sunlight.
Seonghyeon noticed.
A small smile tugged at his lips.
Then he looked down at his own hand.
The matching ring was there too.
Across the table, Juhoon noticed the rings almost immediately.
His eyes moved from Keonho's hand to Seonghyeon's.
Then he smiled to himself.
"New rings?"
Keonho looked up.
His cheeks immediately turned a little pink.
"Yeah."
Martin leaned forward to get a better look.
"Wait, when did you two buy those?"
"Yesterday," Keonho answered, unable to hide his smile.
James, who had been quietly eating his breakfast, looked over.
He noticed the rings.
Then he noticed the expressions on their faces.
He slowly put his spoon down.
"Finally."
Everyone looked at him.
James sighed dramatically, pressing a hand against his chest.
"Finally, you two talked it out."
Keonho blinked.
James shook his head as though he'd personally survived a great ordeal.
"The way Seonghyeon was glaring at me yesterday? I literally felt chills in my bones."
Martin burst out laughing.
Juhoon covered his mouth, trying unsuccessfully to suppress his laughter.
Even Keonho giggled.
Seonghyeon's eyes widened.
"I certainly didn't act like that."
Martin immediately pointed his spoon at him.
"You definitely did."
"I did not."
"You absolutely did."
James nodded solemnly.
"Bro, you looked at me like I'd committed a crime."
"I was just..."
Seonghyeon paused.
He glanced at Keonho.
"...worried."
James snorted.
"Yeah. Worried."
The sarcasm in his voice made everyone laugh again.
Seonghyeon rolled his eyes and returned his attention to his breakfast, though the faint flush spreading across his cheeks betrayed him.
Keonho, meanwhile, was smiling shyly beside him.
Under the table, his hand shifted closer.
Their fingers brushed.
Seonghyeon glanced at him.
Keonho smiled.
Seonghyeon smiled back.
Juhoon noticed the tiny exchange and shook his head fondly.
"Looks like we're finally back to normal."
"Obviously," Martin said. "Until the next unnecessary couple drama."
"Hey!" Keonho protested.
James laughed.
"Don't worry. I'll be prepared this time
."
The table erupted into laughter again.
And just like that, the awkwardness from the previous evening was gone.
The teasing was back.
The laughter was back.
And so were the two younger boys, sitting side by side with matching silver rings and matching smiles, as though yesterday's little storm had never happened at all.