Work Text:
“So… Sangwon, it has been 6 years since you debuted. You must have experienced a lot of things, right?”
“Yes, that's right. I’m always thankful for the support that our fans have given to us in these past 6 years. Ever since Boys II Planet, until now— they never fail to make us feel their undying love for our craft, and I’m always grateful for that.” Sangwon replied generously.
“What a fitting answer coming from our center. I’m sure your fans loved to hear how much you appreciated them,” the host enthusiastically said to Sangwon. He flipped his flashcards to see the next question he’d be asking the group. His expression suddenly became serious, which affected the mood of the whole studio. “Moving on, I know this is a sensitive topic, but since this is the last year of your contract as a group, we would like to know your insights about this.” Breathing halted. This is indeed a very sensitive topic for them. However, it is also inevitable to discuss this, knowing that from the start, they were clearly aware that the group would only be bound together temporarily for a few years.
“Indeed, it is the last year for our group, but certainly not the end yet. And though we’re all sad about it, the members are currently discussing what path each of us should take next, so we can deliver satisfying news for everyone. I hope the fans will understand and will continue to support whatever the final outcome may be.”
Loud claps erupted from the audience, some were tearful at the thought that the group was currently facing disbandment, and some gained hope through Sangwon’s words. Though still currently feeling the anxiousness in their hearts, these words were enough to reassure them.
The host shifted to other members to make them answer more questions before going back to Sangwon.
"To end our show, we’ll let the center, Sangwon, do this one. Anything you would like to say to your fans before we end the program?”
“Ah… yes, again, we would like to thank each one of you for everything that you’ve given us. We know the journey isn’t exactly the most ideal, but rest assured, we will continue to do our best to deliver a stage that everyone will enjoy. For our fans, for our family, and… for you as well. This is not yet the end.”
It took some time before everyone processed how his voice softened towards the end of his speech before the audience went hysterical. The other members were also smiling and sending him knowing looks, especially Sanghyeon, who couldn’t stop himself from laughing. Meanwhile, the man himself just stood there, he could feel his face burning at the thought of giving a hint about his current life. But what’s done has been done. He guessed he’d probably receive some teasing later on when he gets home.
—
After the show had finished wrapping up, Sangwon immediately bolted back to their waiting room. However, fate didn’t seem to side with him as someone immediately called his name, much to his disappointment. “Sangwon-hyung~ what was that, that you’re implying earlier?”
Feeling the exhaustion get through him, Sangwon replied. “Forget it, please.” His head is starting to ache just by thinking about the teaseful remarks that he’ll receive from his groupmates and other friends.
“Heh, sure— but I don’t think he will let you get away from that though. I’m kinda jealous. I should’ve tried to mention my hyung too.” He could hear the disappointment in Sanghyeon’s voice. He felt quite bad since he knew how much the younger one loves to spend his time with his hyung; unfortunately, they are currently bound by some restrictions coming from their company. Sangwon is just at an advantage because they share the same roof.
“Me too.” Another one suddenly butted in. Sanghyeon seemed to recover from his dejected look earlier at the sight of this person.
“Ah! Anxinie-hyung, you know you don’t have to be jealous of my hyung, right? Don’t worry, my eyes are already set on you.”
“Who said I’m jealous of him? I’m jealous of you. Can you tell him to hang out with me sometime?”
“Now… why are you also farming some affection points from my hyung. As if that fish, Woojin, wasn’t enough already.” The younger one seemed like he couldn’t believe what he heard. Although he clearly knew that this kind of occurrence is pretty normal. Who can even resist his hyung?
Before their argument gets any worse, Sangwon tries to intervene. “Ehem. I’m still here.”
“Oh… there goes another one.”
“Oh… the chosen one.”
“What do you two mean by that?”
“Nothing, Sangwon-hyung. I hope you’ll get teased a lot tonight. Let’s bounce here, Anxinie-hyung. Goodbye!” Sanghyeon took Anxin’s hand and they dashed. Just like that, they disappeared from his sight.
“...That much is already given.” Sangwon said exasperatedly, although he couldn’t hide the tiny smile that’s playing on his lips.
—
@sangwonglazer : did yall catch what he said?
@sngwnstn : why do i think he’s alr taken??????
@GODwon : maybe it’s for his pet?
@sangwonglazer : GIRL WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?%!?\?%
@sngwnstn : that’s just too much of a cope i’m crying lmaooo
@GODwon : WHO SAID U CANT THANK UR PET?????
@fredwontruther : FREDWON IS FUCKING REAL
@sangwonDNI : it’s been ages GIVE IT UP
@chuchuzenjoyer : here goes the fredwonists…
@fredwontruther : @chuchuzenjoyer you’re literally supposed to be on my side?
@chuchuzenjoyer : oomf it’s been 6 years 😭 do u think they still know each other????
@fredwontruther : that goes the same way for chuchuz???? 6 years remember???
@chuchuzenjoyer : THEY JUST WENT OUT YESTERDAY BRUHHHH
@sangwonyume : guys it’s actually for me. i’m his gf
@iLIKEsangwon : why do we have the same bf
@sangwonyume : BACK OFFFFF he’s literally beside me rn
@snghyn : no but . guys i think liyuwon is possible???? did you all saw how sanghyeon ijboled
@hyeonieeeeee : the correlation being?
@snghyn : sw hinted he has special someone, sh ijboled, sh is very close w liyu, sh knows something we don't know, liyuwon real!
@hyeonieeeeee : girlie is onto nothing…
@s4ngw0nlee : how are you guys sure that he’s hinting at liyu? there are other sangwon ships outside the group… like leejeong
@fredwontruther : leejeong all of a sudden?
@sangwonyume : oomf there are more believable ships out there
@s4ngw0nlee : the liyuwon shipper and the gf suddenly joined forces… these haters…
@1eesangw0n : guys i think we’re looking at it too much tbh…
—
A click can be heard as Sangwon turns the doorknob to their apartment. There, he saw the younger man wearing comfortable clothes hanging in his small frame while he was watching a show on the television diligently. The latter noticed his arrival as he turned towards the direction where Sangwon was standing.
“Welcome home.” The younger one gave him a sweet smile, which made the older's heart flutter. He really couldn’t get used to this, being greeted by someone he cherished so much even though they’ve been living together for years now.
“Baobao, come here. Can I get a hug, please.” The younger one immediately went to him and wrapped his arms around the older’s frame. “Have you eaten?”
“Hmm. Not yet— I was waiting for you. I already heated up the food before you arrived. How about you join me?”
“Sure, let me prepare the table for us.”
Sangwon gave the other a quick peck on the cheeks before he went to their kitchen to get the utensils. He set their table up. Meanwhile, the other put the dishes on it. Simple things like this really warm his heart. The two of them were both busy with their schedules filled to the brim. It’s a bit difficult to match, but both are quite understanding of each other's circumstances.
“You finished work early?” Sangwon started as he took a piece of shrimp and peeled it. After he finished doing that, he put it on the other’s plate, which the younger one gladly accepted.
He filled their glasses with water before replying to Sangwon. “Yeap, they also said they’ll give us a day off since the comeback is near.”
“Sounds like the calm before a storm. Anyway, that still works. More time with me then.”
“Sangwon-hyung, you’re literally busier than me.” The younger one really wasn’t lying. Sangwon’s schedule was so packed that he barely managed to catch the younger one awake while waiting for him. While he finds it adorable how soft his boyfriend looks while holding the bunny plushie that he gave on their anniversary last year, he can’t help but feel bad that he just missed the opportunity to talk about his day with him. He likes how the other focus his attention on him like he’s the only one that matters in the world, how he offers short replies with his low but gentle voice, and how he laughs whenever Sangwon tells him something amusing.
Feeling a bit reckless because of this, Sangwon thought of something. “I can just call sick leave for tomorrow, what do you think?”
The other stared at him, finding it a bit ridiculous. He knows Sangwon isn't someone who lies about being sick just so he can skip work. More than anyone, he’s well aware how passionate the older one is about being an idol. “Wait… you’re actually serious?” Sangwon gave him a sweet, with a hint of playfulness, smile before nodding at him. “Oh… well, it’s up to you, you’re the one who will get scolded anyway.” Although the younger one tried to be nonchalant about it, the other can feel that he’s also excited at the thought of spending his rest day with his lover.
Sangwon took the other’s hand with his own. “Don’t worry, it’s worth it.” Just one day without him— they’ll live.
The younger one shrugged, and then changed the topic. “By the way, hyung, I watched your live show today.” There was a sudden shift in his expression as naughtiness is evident in his eyes.
“Hmm,” Sangwon let out an elongated sound, clearly trying to avoid the eyes of the other, before continuing, “what do you think?”
“Aside from being attractive as always,” he started. With a playful smile painted on his face, “I think you’re not really being so subtle about the last line that you said.”
Sangwon laughed, “Thank you for the compliment.” He received a scoff because of that, the other knew that he’s trying to brush off the last part. Unfortunately for him, his boyfriend is currently on a mission to bother the hell out of him. Enjoying the flustered expression written across his face.
“That’s really the only thing you noticed?”
“You’re only going to tease me about it.”
“Why? I can’t find my boyfriend adorable because he just declared on national TV how special I am to him?”
“Liyu…” Sangwon uttered the other’s name, exasperation and adoration apparent in his voice. “Did you forget that you’re the one who had a crush on me first?”
“Are we really settling old accounts right now? Who was it that bribed Sanghyeon so he could set us up?” He really can’t win against him. One thing about Chuei Liyu that not many know, or so he thought, is that he can be stubborn in certain situations, like exactly at this moment. Now that he opened the topic, the younger one will continue to egg him on— he seriously finds it absurd how he seems to relish the beaming look on the other’s face, even if it’s at his own expense.
However, before anything else, he still needs to salvage his crumbling dignity. “Honestly, your best friend’s survival instincts worry me sometimes.” Let me use you for a bit, Sanghyeon.
A pang of enlightenment can be seen on Liyu’s face. It really worked. “Honestly, I keep thinking about how his relationship with Anxin will be.” He didn’t know when it started, but he suddenly noticed his best friend daydreaming whenever they’re hanging out. At first, he thought Sanghyeon had a problem with something; imagine Liyu’s surprise when the former started confiding about his blooming feelings for Anxin with him.
I should’ve expected it though. Liyu momentarily thought. It’s not like it’s that unbelievable for Sanghyeon to catch feelings for his same-aged friend inside the group. If anything, he’s kinda glad that it won’t be his relationship that will get picked on in their “Familyz” group chat anymore. It’s finally his turn to be on standby as he watches their youngest’s relationship get picked on.
Noticing the younger one being preoccupied with his thoughts, “That reminds me,” Sangwon grabbed his attention as he remembered something. “Anxin said he wants to hang out with you.”
The other grinned at him. “He had already messaged me about that. Hey, Sangwon-hyung, I think there will be progress on those two soon.”
Feeling a bit startled at Liyu’s bold assumption, the older one couldn’t help but want to inquire more. “How do you say so?”
It’s not like Anxin doesn’t care about Sanghyeon, he’s just feeling embarrassed to express his fondness towards the other. Quite the tsundere if one must say. “Anxin keeps asking me about what Sanghyeon likes and such. Maybe he’s planning to answer Sanghyeon soon,” Sangwon agreed to his statement. Those two kids were seriously dragging it for too long, it’s about time they stop their mutual pining and get together for real.
“About time those two will stop bothering us.”
“I don’t think that much will change.”
Bringing back to their previous conversation, Liyu started. “You know what, how about I give hints about us?”
“Suddenly feeling inspired?” Sangwon was surprised by this— he initially thought the younger one wanted to keep their relationship on a low profile. Oh well, he’s the one mainly at fault since he started it.
“I think the fans will enjoy digging through it.”
“Not satisfied with teasing me, now you want them to make them overthink as well?”
“I didn’t mean it like that, hyung...” Sangwon laughed at this, finding pleasure at the other’s annoyance. “I really can’t believe the shy and pure Chuei Liyu could be such a menace like this back then.” The older one recalled how meek the other seemed when they first met. Just like a bunny. But before he sunk into the memory lane, Liyu whined, feeling a little offended.
“Not that I hid it on purpose, though? We just didn’t have that much opportunity to interact back then. Remember when you forgot that I sat next to you in the first episode?”
“You really can’t let this go—”
“And I have all the right to feel so. How dare Sangwon-hyung break my darling heart like that?” He even gestured like his heart had been shot by an arrow.
“It was true when I said I was blinded by you back then!” He genuinely forgot. With over 20 hours of filming, his memory became mushy, too preoccupied about how he’d impress the judges knowing, that many people expect a lot from him. However, he will never forget how his heart jumped when he first saw how good-looking the younger was in that iconic hoodie of his when they both got featured on the monitor as visuals.
“Oh, what a loser thing to say…” Liyu rolled his eyes at the older one’s attempt to make an excuse.
“Liyu…” Finally, the younger one felt pity at Sangwon’s dejected appearance.
“Don’t worry, hyung, I still love you. Can we continue eating now and then let’s watch a movie later?”
“I love you too. And sure, let’s do what you want.”
—
“We’re honored to have Liyu in our magazine once again. It's been a long time since you had a solo interview like this, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. I have become more focused on our group activities lately, which has been a lot of fun. I’m also pleased that I was invited here again.”
“Seeing Liyu right now, our viewers couldn’t help but feel a little nostalgic.”
“It’s the same for me too. I remember when we just finished Boys II Planet, I was quite unsure about my future. Fortunately, opportunities came, and I got invited to magazine interviews like this. I am forever grateful for that.”
“Can you tell us about your upcoming comeback that will be released next week?”
“I am inviting everyone to tune in to our comeback next week, January 11. This album is extra special to us since every member participated in the production, especially dedicated to our fans. We really put all of our joint efforts and love into this album.”
“That sounds really impressive. By the way, may we know which part of the production you participated in? Pretty sure the fans are curious as to what our talented Liyu offered to them.”
“Of course, as everyone knows, I’m more inclined in doing art, so together with my fellow member Sen, we combined our ideas to create the cover design for our album.”
“Is it okay if you can describe it to us?”
“Sorry… that would be a spoiler. But I can tell you all that it was created with a very beautiful muse in mind.”
“Seems like we have no other choice but to wait for its release then. Aside from that, I heard your group had a day off since you’ll be busy after your comeback. Can you tell us how you spent your day?”
“It was a rather pretty normal day except I got to spend it with someone dear to me. I even had time to do something I really enjoy, which is painting. In fact, I even brought it here with me.”
“That painting, there’s really no doubt about you as an artist, but wait… why do I feel like the person here looks familiar?”
“Maybe it’s just a coincidence.”
—
@sangwonglazer : THATS CERTAINLY SANGWON I KNOW MY MAN ONCE I SEE HIM
@sangwonDNI : yeahhhh and apparently your man is someone else’s man rn
@sngwnstn : user sangwonglazer just fell to her knees
@fredwontruther : girl!!!! i told yall fredwon is real!!!!!
@snghyn : how does it feel that your schizo ship isn't schizo after all 😭
@fredwontruther : i really thought sangwon will fumble a baddie back then, i’m so glad he locked tf in
@iloveulibu : liyu if this isn’t real then u just succeeded in making me overthink
@libuyaya : he’s definitely a tease but i don’t think he’s a liar tho
@chueisism : okay so… are they the government ship now
@liyuchuuus : they’re literally canon????
@s4ngw0nlee : guys, let’s say those two are really in a relationship, we still shouldn’t pry on their lives especially since they didn’t explicitly say that they were *really* dating
@fredwontruther : couldn’t agree more
@sangwonyume : right! we should still respect their privacy
@liyuwuonz : my princess is dating my other princess…
@lalaliyu : are they omega x omega?
@sangwonzs : liyu alpha sangwon omega
@liyuwuonz : girl, what the hell?
@liyuluvr : true… who will bottom between them
@sangw0n143 : wdym who will bottom let’s ask WHO WILL TOP????