Work Text:
The boys greeted everyone with a smile, bowing to their staff as they made their way inside and settled down. They were divided into two groups for the interview: hyung line from Hyunsuk to Jaehyuk and maknae line from Asahi to Junghwan.
They were clueless as to what it was for and were surprised to hear it about being a new variety show they’d be doing, and even more surprised to hear it was a dating show.
After the initial talk, the boys are in a buzz about what’s happening. Weighing the pros and cons, whether to comply or be ready to go up to the 7th floor themselves, cause what in the world? But the staff gathered them and helped them understand why the company was determined to do it, and after careful consideration, they decided to trust the process.
They had mixed emotions while answering questions they’d been asked. Wondering if they should answer it by looking at what’s good for entertainment or being honest as a man because the interview will surely be used as reference for the show.
Before ending the interview, the staff asked a final question just for fun. “Say, if you were a girl, who would you date among the members?” They laughed it off as the eldest answered first. Hyunsuk laughs, saying it’s definitely not Junkyu who was pointing at himself, which the rest laughed at.
“Hmmm…” Hyunsuk thought and answered, “Dobby.”
“Eyy hyung! We know you have your favorites, but at least pick someone here,” Jaehyuk playfully whines.
“As if you won’t pick Asahi.” Hyunsuk laughs, then looks at everyone in the room with him and chuckles at the two cats Yoshi and Junkyu, and the two puppies, Jihoon and Jaehyuk. Among these four, who knows him best?
Junkyu was just smiling brightly, still pointing to himself. Yoshi wiggles his brows up and down. Jaehyuk sat up straight and fixes his fringe while Jihoon just stares at him.
“If I were a girl… hmm.. I’d choose to date, Jihoon.” He grins at the interviewer. “I bet he’ll get a lot of diamonds.”
“You don’t have to be a girl.” Jihoon suddenly blurted. Junkyu snorted while Jaehyuk and Yoshi were whispering to one another, giggling.
Hyunsuk didn’t get that, as he was busy elaborating to the staff noona why he chose Jihoon.
“You were saying?” He turns to his co-leader, who he hadn’t realized was moving closer to him.
“I said, you don’t have to be a girl to date me.” Hyunsuk’s lips parted, then he laughed out loud, smacking Jihoon on his chest now that he’s within arm’s reach. He pointed to him then turned back to the staff noona, “See what I mean?” They laughed, but Hyunsuk could feel his ears burning. Jihoon and his jokes . He shakes his head.
He took it as a joke, but when it was Jihoon’s turn, “Hyunsuk” was his firm answer, no beating around the bush while staring right into his soul.
“Ya!” Hyunsuk playfully scolds, “where’s your ‘hyung’?” Breaking whatever tension he suddenly felt. It’s bothering him, and he doesn’t know why. Is it because he’s straight and it felt awkward to have Jihoon of all people—his co-leader—make a pass at him? Nah, Jihoon’s gaze was just that convincing, and that’s how he’ll get the girl. But he’ll still need to talk to him later, just to clear everything out for his peace of mind.
💜❤️💜
Once they arrived at the dorm, Hyunsuk asked Jihoon to meet him on the rooftop later. When he went up, Jihoon was already there, staring out at the railings.
“Hey Mr. Treasure~” Hyunsuk greeted, chuckling while Jihoon snickered, turning to him “You really think I’ll win? We both know how Junkyu is.” They both laughed, knowing the guy’s pull on girls and boys alike.
“But I doubt that’s what you called me for?” Of course, it’s Jihoon he’s talking to.
“Yeah, I just want to get things straight—
“That won’t be me.” Jihoon steps away from the railing and meets Hyunsuk halfway, who slowly pauses on his steps. “Excuse me?”
Jihoon stops just a few inches away from him and slightly bends down to level his face with his. “You can’t make me straight.”
Jihoon looked at his pretty face, morphing into confusion, and then came to the realization of the correlation to his previous statement. “Wait, so you mean you’re—“ Jihoon cuts him off as he continues, ”in fact, you make me bend.” cutting him off—His speech, and his breath.
Hyunsuk’s knees gave up, and he fell on his bum in shock. Jihoon clicked his tongue and said, “I really gotta put you in a bubble wrap.”
Hyunsuk ignored his comment and stuttered, “Y-ya P-Park Jihoon, don’t joke around like that.”
Jihoon offers a hand, which Hyunsuk accepts, but he did not anticipate Jihoon would pull him up to his chest, put a hand on his hip to steady him in place, and whisper to his face, “I don’t joke around with feelings.” And Hyunsuk knows that’s true but still denies it.
Jihoon let him go as he moved back, laughing. But the laugh sounds forced to Jihoon. It eventually died down, and his smile faded. “You’re being serious?" Jihoon kept his silence.
“I.” Hyunsuk was at a loss for words. Did he unknowingly lead him on? He did not see that coming at all. “I’m straight.”
“I know.” Jihoon smiles faintly, putting his hands on his hoodie’s pockets. “That’s why I didn’t tell you.”
“Why tell me now? Was it because of the interview?” Did his answer urge him to confess? “It was if I were a girl.”
Jihoon smiles faintly, “Still a chance that in some way, you’ll have me in the same way I want to, and that was more than enough reason for me to gain courage.”
“Maybe you’re just confused. We've been together almost 24/7 for the past 8 years; we barely had time to meet the opposite sex out of work context—the show is very timely! It’ll help you make sense of what you really feel.” Hyunsuk’s heart thudded to his chest as Jihoon kept silent.
“Maybe you’re right.” Jihoon finally nods after a stretch of silence, and Hyunsuk heaves a sigh of relief. He grins and throws an arm around Jihoon, shaking his body. “Don’t worry, the show will straighten things out! Pun intended.” Jihoon laughs, and Hyunsuk smiles at that, but his heart still hammers against his ribcage.
❤️💜❤️
“Junkyuyaaa!” Yoshi whines as he wipes away the liquid that Junkyu splashed on his face from his mouth. Junkyu coughs and mutters an apology as he hands Yoshi napkins to wipe his face.
“Did you not sleep?” Yoshi turns to where Junkyu is looking and almost cussed. “Hyunsuk hyung!” Despite ending their conversation on a good note, Hyunsuk was unable to sleep that night. Mulling over things and wondering, when did Jihoon start to feel that way? It must’ve been hard for him to keep it to himself.
"Coffee, please.” He drowsily dragged himself to the chair next to Yoshi, slumping down as Junkyu filled him a cup.
“Hyung, are you that nervous to meet girls? Don’t be like that. What am I going to do? We were divided to make sure someone would initiate the conversation, and in our team, we need your guidance!”
Junkyu laughs, “I can only imagine if they really divided us between hyung line and maknae line.” Hyunsuk chuckles and shakes his head at the thought of leaving the maknaes alone. Those four would stick together, and only Doyoung would do the talking. He says a small thanks as Junkyu gives him his cup, and he sighs as the hot liquid warms his stomach.
“Yoshiya you’re lucky to be in the second group! They didn’t give us much time to prepare, and you get to take notes from us!” Junkyu says, cheering Yoshi up.
“Well, you get to watch us too! I can already hear you and Jihoon teasing me!!” Yoshi cutely whines with a pout, “Promise me you won't, Junkyuyaaa.” Junkyu chuckles at Yoshi’s cuteness while Hyunsuk laughs, picturing Jihoon impersonating Yoshi perfectly.
They hear their door opening, and speaking of the devil, the trio turns their heads to see Jihoon enter their unit.
“Good morning everyone.” He smiled and threw a wink to Hyunsuk’s way, making the older hiccup and Yoshi snicker. “Don’t do that in the show, you’ll make the ladies vomit.” He fakes a hurl.
“What’s that? I can’t hear you. You should remember to not whisper to yourself when you’re speaking with the ladies, Bang Jeon.”Junkyu laughs as the two begin to bicker but stops when the two drag him into their conversation.
Hyunsuk just listens to them, trying to stop his sudden hiccups while sipping on his coffee, staying unbothered by the daily occurrence.
His ears strained on their banters, his mouth loving the warmth of his coffee, and his eyes fixed on someone he thought he knew from the back of his head until last night. He tilts head thinking maybe it was all just a dream?
Jihoon meets his Hyung’s eyes who immediately look down on his cup. Jihoon smirks, “I’ll teach you a move, Yoshi.”
“Wait! That’s cof…” Hyunsuk was caught off guard when Jihoon unceremoniously took his cup from his hand and drank from where he drank. “fee…”
“What kind of tip is that? Are you teaching him to steal drinks? You don’t even drink coffee.” Hyunsuk chuckled, seeing Jihoon wince at the bitter taste, and took back his cup to finish it when Jihoon licks his own lips and casually says, “That’s how you get an indirect kiss.” making Hyunsuk choke on his coffee. Nope! It's definitely not a dream. His best friend, his confidant, and his co-leader confessed to having romantic feelings for him and is shamelessly flirting with him right now.
“Indirect kiss? What are you, seven? We’ve all been sharing water bottles since forever.” Hyunsuk wipes his mouth with the back of his hand after coughing up.
“Your blush says otherwise.” Jihoon tried to put a palm on his cheek and caress it, but Hyunsuk leaned away, scoffing. “My face is red because my airways got blocked.”
“I know something else that can block your airway.” Hyunsuk’s jaw dropped. He looked over to Yoshi and Junkyu to ask if they’re hearing the things that’s coming out of Jihoon’s mouth, only to be greeted by air. When did they leave?
“Jihoon-ah are you ok?” Jihoon grins and leans over to the table. “Never been better.”
“Did we speak in a different language last night or—?” Jihoon chuckles and shakes his head. “I’m just thinking; maybe you’re the one who’s confused, it was worth a try.” He shrugs.
"No, I'm pretty sure with myself." Hyunsuk tells him straight in the eye.
That’s what he said.
He was sure.
He had no doubts.
So why is he losing sleep for three consecutive nights because of Park freaking Jihoon?!
He frustratingly closes his eyes and tries to empty his mind so he can sleep. A scene replays in his head. He turns over, and another scene plays.
“Aiiish!” He kicked his blanket off and sat up, panting.
“Ya, Choi Hyunsuk! What the hell is wrong with you? Huh!?” He scolds himself. The show has started; it’s even the last day for Group 1 tomorrow. Unlike teumes, they can watch what’s happening in real-time with no cuts!
Was it because he had been conscious of Jihoon ever since that night? He had paid more attention to him, and it’s driving him insane to watch the guy on the screen, and he cannot help—for the love of Spider Man—stop comparing how Jihoon treats the girls to how Jihoon treats him!!
“Even teumes know he’s the cook among us! He even taught me how to slice the damn vegetable on Tmap so? There’s nothing special there. It’s a known fact! But did he really have to choose shopping for dates?! That’s our thing! What of the girls picked it? And so what if it is? It’s not exclusive for us…”
Feeling suffocated, he huffs and decides to go and get some fresh air on the rooftop.
Once there, he walked over to the railings and closed his eyes, breathing in and breathing out. When he opened his eyes, he almost got a heart attack, seeing a shadow in his peripheral view. He instictively jumped back and curled his fists up, ready to block and throw a punch.
The shadow chuckled and held his fist. “You’re going to hurt your finger like that.” He says as he untucks Hyunsuk’s thumb from his curled-up fingers, guiding it in the correct position to punch.
Hyunsuk cleared his throat, took back his hands, and shoved them in the pocket of his hoodie. Ignoring the way Jihoon’s hand completely covered his. “What are you doing up late? Don’t you still have a shoot tomorrow?” Jihoon’s hand twitched at the absence of Hyunsuk’s hand.
“When am I not up late?” Jihoon keeps his hands in his pockets before he pulls the guy in front of him into his arms.
“Touchè.” Hyunsuk nods in acknowledgment, knowing the guy’s struggle to sleep at night. He winced at the thought, having experienced consecutive sleepless nights. He shudders to think if it continues.
“The question is, What are you doing here? You also sleep late, but that’s only when you’re in front of your PC, working.” Hyunsuk wanted to laugh at the irony. He just got reminded of the reason why he’s up there in the first place by the reason himself.
"Nothing. I just want some fresh air." He eyes Jihoon, whom he almost glared at, because why is he staring the way he does? Like he’s the most precious thing in the world.
"So... did, uh, the show help you with your identity crisis?" Jihoon smiles positively, and Hyunsuk bites his tongue, stopping himself from interrogating him.
"Wh-what does that smile mean? Well, the ladies are gorgeous. They seem kind too."
"They are." Hyunsuk blinks. Why is his heart thudding in his chest like he just ran a marathon?
"I get along really well with Miho—
"You do! She actually feels like a girl version of you in terms of personality. She looks good with Haruto."
"Sowon's very bubbly and bright—
"Right? Her energy matches well with Junkyu!"
"Yewon's really pretty—
"She and Jaehyuk's a visual couple! I approve!"
"Jiyeon-sshi—
"Is perfect for Asahi!" Jihoon's amused at his hyung's reaction. It’s almost as if… he’s jealous.
"What? No one matches with me?" Jihoon faked a frown.
"Oh, did I mention everyone? Haha, well, there's more girls for you in tomorrow’s shoot..." Hyunsuk fakes a laugh, and Jihoon pouts, exaggeratedly slouching his shoulders.
"Aigooya~" Hyunsuk hesitantly puts a hand on his back and pats him when Jihoon wraps his arms around his waist, pulling him for a tight hug. "I'm sad, hyung." He mumbles, but a smile is stretched on his lips while Hyunsuk stands frozen, unaware. Busy battling over with his inner conscience and refuse to accept the way he’s feeling.
"T-there there..." he hums, slowly putting his arms around Jihoon, rubbing his back, consoling him. “You’ll find your match.”
💜❤️💜
“Hyunsuk-ssi?” Hyunsuk blinks and finds everyone staring at him. The maknaes, Yoshi, and the ladies.
“Oh sorry! I spaced out again, didn’t I?” The ladies giggled, and the boys chuckled at their hyung. They continued the shoot, and he managed to focus until the end of the day.
He’s supposed to be flirting; his heart is supposed to flutter being around pretty girls, but no, he often finds himself thinking about Jihoon.
If Jihoon was here, what would he do? What would he like to do? What does he want to eat?
“Hyung.” Hyunsuk was on the balcony when Jeongwoo came over.
“ Uri aegi .” He opens his arms for the big guy who gave him a hug, and Hyunsuk chuckles when Junghwan comes running and joins in, almost knocking him over.
“Aigoo, my babies.” He genuinely feels like he’s their mother. Never did he once feel offended to be dubbed a mom; in fact, he felt very proud, and so is his mom. It’s a huge compliment.
“You guys are surprisingly doing well, though, you should loosen up a bit. They don’t bite. Just follow your Appa —I mean, your Jihoonie hyung.”
The Iksan bros both snorted at the same time. “We can’t cook.” Hyunsuk laughs aloud.
“Hey! I don’t just cook.” Hyunsuk sat up straight and looked at the new arrival. “I serve.” He smirks.
“What are you doing here?” Hyunsuk kept his eyes on the younger as he pulled up a chair and sat adjacent to him and the kids.
“Picking up my children and their eomma .” Hyunsuk felt the heat crawl up from the back of his neck, spreading to his cheeks. He heard .
“Pannie! Your food is here!” Yoshi calls out from inside the shining solo house.
"Coming, Yoshi hyung!!” Junghwan stood up in a hurry. It’s food!
“Wait up! Let me have some!” Hyunsuk reached out to grab Jeongwoo’s jacket, but he only caught an inch of the hem, so when Jeongwoo ran, he was tugged and fell off his chair, but Jihoon was ready to catch his fall. Jeongwoo didn’t even notice—he just thought his jacket got caught by the backrest of the chair—and continued full speed after Hwannie.
“I’m surprised you didn’t trip yourself in front of the girls,” Jihoon teased, helping him back to the chair. “Don’t jinx it.” A scowl on his face made Jihoon laugh, and he moved to pinch his cheeks, but he blocked it. Jihoon wasn’t giving up though; knowing he had no chance when it came to Jihoon’s brute force, he pushed him on his chest, and even if it wasn’t that hard, Jihoon, being Jihoon, exaggeratedly backs away until his body slams back to his chair.
Both their eyes widen when the chair topples backwards upon impact, and Jihoon struggles to keep his balance. Instead, he instinctively protects his head, ducking down while covering it and preparing to fall back. Hyunsuk hurriedly reached out, and managed to grab his ankle just in time, and pulled him back down.
Hyunsuk on his knees, his hand still gripping Jihoon’s ankle. His heart hammered from all the sudden movement. He looked up to scold the younger one when he froze, noticing how close their faces were.
“You’re going to hurt your waist some more, you idiot.” Jihoon slowly removed his hands from covering his head but didn’t straighten his back.
Silence. They were just looking at each other. Many thoughts are swirling in Jihoon’s head. His hyung will 50% punch him, but only 50% because he’s that kind. He knows whatever he’ll do now won’t affect the way they’ll act around each other because, again, Hyunsuk is that kind. So fuck it, he’s taking advantage of his hyung’s kindness, but this might be his only chance, so it’s a risk he’s willing to take.
“You’re confused, aren’t you?” Jihoon whispers as he hesitantly inches closer, his nose brushing against Hyunsuk’s. “I’ll help you clear it out.”
Jihoon grips the arm chair tightly, turning his knuckles white as he closes the gap. He did it! He crossed the line and kissed Hyunsuk on the lips.
As much as he wants to move his lips, he doesn’t want to push it. So he lets go of Hyunsuk’s lips after a long peck, but before he can move back, Hyunsuk puts a hand on his knee to push himself up, and his other hand snakes on Jihoon’s nape, pulling it close to him and giving him a real proper kiss as he straddles the younger.
Jihoon did not see that coming, but he sure as hell won’t back down now that he has permission. He darts his tongue out, finally tasting his Hyung’s lips, who parted it open and gave him deeper access with his arms wrapped around his hyung.
He groans as their tongues collide, his mind in a haywire that something he’s been dreaming about is finally happening. Even if this is just a one time thing driven by lust, he didn’t mind.
Jihoon swirls his tongue around, tasting every inch of Hyunsuk’s mouth. He was so eager that he didn’t realize he’s squeezing the hell out of Hyunsuk, pulling him impossibly closer when there’s barely any gap between their bodies.
He was so focused and so eager to see how everything turned out that he couldn’t get enough, not noticing Hyunsuk’s struggle in trying to push him back. Hyunsuk had to bite his lips hard to make him wince and pull away.
“I’m...” Hyunsuk pants. “Out of breath! ”He huffs, his chest rising and falling. Jihoon can feel the heat in his ears and hear how loudly his heart is beating. Eyes zeroed in on his hyung’s lightly swollen lips. I did that.
“Park Jihoon.” Jihoon blinks and peels off his sight from the older’s lips to his eyes.
“I’m scared.” Hyunsuk confesses.
“All these things I’m feeling. It’s all new to me.” He continues, and Jihoon just listens. He’s been there. He understands.
“I’m afraid I’m just really really confused because of your confession, and I’m afraid I’ll hurt you. What if I can’t handle all these new emotions? What if I screw us up? our group could be affected, and I don’t want that.” Jihoon smiles and cups his cheeks.
“Take your time. I’ve been through that too, all your concerns, I’ve also pondered and I’m in no hurry. It took time for me too, just like it took time for me to tell you how I feel. You thought it was out of impulse just because of that interview? It was a trigger, yes, but I thought long and so hard about it. I’ve come up with multiple scenarios on how that would play out and prepared myself when I’m ready to face all of those possibilities especially in the career that we have and the society we live in. Just an advice, don’t worry about my feelings when trying to determine yours cause it’s what makes even more confused. Don’t decide for me. I have my feelings covered. And if everything aligns, then, prefect.”
“And if not?” Hyunsuk frowns.
“And if not, I’m still your Jihoon. Your best friend, your confidante and your co-leader.” Hyunsuk sighs in relief at the assurance. They hear Doyoung call his name. Gasping, he forgot he’s still straddling Jihoon. They both stumbled and quickly stood up straight when Doyoung appeared.
“Oh Jihoonie hyung! You’re here too. Manager hyung’s calling us, the car’s outside already.” Hyunsuk briskly followed Doyoung back in the house but before he can go inside, he paused and turned to back to the balcony.
“Let me just get something straight.” Hyunsuk walks back to Jihoon. “Everything’s confusing, but one thing’s for sure.”
Jihoon waited as Hyunsuk took a deep breath. “I like it.” He heaves a sigh. “I like your kiss and the way you hold me.” He gives Jihoon a peck before scurrying away, blushing, leaving a stunned Jihoon.
In all the scenarios Jihoon has thought about, they have flashed throughout his mind, and right now, the clearest possible outcome makes him bite his lips and smile. Then he finds himself giggling, feeling giddy as he jogs after his hyung. “Sukkie! I’m a member too, you know, and I’m riding the car too!”