Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hyunjin could only stare at Chan, his eyes wide with shock. His hands tightened around the older man’s, clinging tightly as though that simple action could wash away the words his boyfriend of five years had just uttered. “You– you what?”

“I think we should break up.” Chan’s voice was firm and unwavering, but there was still a hint of sadness underneath it all.

Hyunjin couldn’t help but glance around at the crowded restaurant, feeling like everyone was watching him get his heart broken. Of course no one was actually paying attention to them, as they were tucked away in a corner at their usual table. He was suddenly struck with the ridiculous thought that this whole situation felt like a scene out of some old American movie that he had watched once with Felix, back when he was still just learning how to speak English.

His thoughts jerked back to the present situation. The weight of the ring box he had hidden in his coat pocket seemed to suddenly be unbearable. Did Chan even remember that it was their anniversary? The whole reason for going out tonight?

“Jinnie?”

Hyunjin’s attention snapped back to his boyfriend– no, ex-boyfriend now. He could feel his eyes start to fill with tears; but he couldn’t cry here. He wouldn’t make a scene. He could make a scene; he could absolutely embarrass Chan and maybe even get a free dessert out of having his heart broken. But one look at Chan’s concerned eyes threw any thought of trying to embarrass him out the window.

“Why?” He asked softly, pulling his hands away from the warm, safe, comforting grip of Chan’s strong hands. “Why are you breaking up with me? Is–” A sudden thought struck his mind, and his eyes widened. “Is there someone else?”

He knew Chan would never cheat on him, but his heart still seized in terror at the thought.

“No!” Chan replied sharply, louder than he meant to; a couple of heads turned towards them at the outburst. He flushed and lowered his voice, leaning in to speak softly. “Of course not. I just… You have to have felt the distance growing between us, right? Things are different. We aren’t the same as we were, even just six months ago.”

Of course Hyunjin knew things had changed about six months ago; that was when Chan and his friends had decided to seriously start pursuing their dream of opening their own production company. So in addition to the long hours that he already worked for the company he was currently with, Chan has been working on getting business licenses, equipment, and a space to actually house their new company.

A space, coincidentally, that Hyunjin had paid for and currently owned, since his own photography business was flourishing on top of the art he made and sold on the side.

But distance growing between them? Despite spending less time together while Chan focused on building his own company (which Hyunjin had absolutely no problem with and supported whole-heartedly), he didn’t feel any distance. They still lived together, they slept together in the same bed every night, they ate breakfast together every morning. They still cuddled on the couch when they were together, and they made time for intimacy.

Hyunjin never felt any distance; he felt comfortable. He felt happy. And wasn’t that how you were supposed to feel in a long term relationship?

“Do you not love me anymore?” Hyunjin asked, his voice wavering as he struggled to hold back tears. “I thought–”

He thought they would be together forever. He wanted to marry Chan, for god's sake. Once again, his thoughts drifted to the engagement ring he carried in his pocket.

Chan’s expression shifted slightly; from one of concern and sadness, to one tinged with guilt. “I do love you, Hyunjin,” he said softly. “I really do. But… I’m not in love with you. I think we just got too used to each other being there. Too comfortable. I just don’t think we’re a good match. We’re better off as friends.”

Hyunjin blinked rapidly to fight back the tears. He felt like his heart was shattering, and he still didn’t understand. “I didn’t– How are we not a good match?”

Chan sighed heavily, slumping back in his chair. “Jinnie… Come on. We barely make time for each other anymore.”

“Because you’re trying to start your own business while still working a full time job and it’s wedding season so of course my schedule is booked!” Hyunjin huffed out, ignoring the crack in his voice. “We’re busy with work! In a few weeks, it’ll slow down for me and I will only have to work on my commissions!”

Chan smiled sadly. “And then you’ll lose track of time, and stay at the studio painting until past midnight. Only to come home and find it empty because I also lost track of time and still am at the studio. Face it, Hyunjin. Two workaholics aren’t a good match. We both need someone to reign us in.”

Hyunjin dropped his gaze, clasping his hands together in his lap. He knew he needed to get out of the restaurant soon before he really started crying. At least Chan had waited until after they ate to break up with him.

“Look,” Chan rubbed a hand through his hair and sighed. “I’ve already talked to Jisung and Changbin, and they said I could stay with them until I find my own place. I’ll come over tomorrow to get my stuff while you’re at your gig.”

Hyunjin’s head snapped up, and he narrowed his eyes. “Jisung and Changbin knew you were going to break up with me?”

Chan winced a bit. “They… Yeah. Look, don’t be mad at them.”

Hyunjin pushed himself to his feet, pulling out his wallet. “They could have at least reminded you that breaking up on our anniversary is kind of a shitty thing to do.” He got a brief moment of vengeful satisfaction when he saw the look of shock and then guilt cross Chan’s face.

“Fuck. It’s our anniversary?”

“Why else would we have a reservation at our favorite restaurant for a random Tuesday?” Hyunjin threw a few bills down on the table, enough to cover the entire bill. “Especially when we’re apparently both too busy to make time for each other otherwise?”

Chan pursed his lips, looking down at the money. “You don’t have to pay–”

“I need to get out of here,” Hyunjin snapped, his voice rising and starting to draw attention. “Unless you want me to cause a scene. Because I will cause a scene, Bang Chan. You know my dramatic ass will make it as loud and as annoying as possible and embarrass us both!”

Chan frowned and pushed himself to his feet to grab Hyunjin’s arm, steering him out of the building. He only paused a moment to give the hosts a small bow and to thank them for the always impeccable service.

Hyunjin let himself be directed outside; usually when Chan got so aggressive, it meant they were going to have a fun, sex-filled night. But that definitely was not going to happen anymore.

“What is your problem?” Chan growled, stopping beside his car. “Why do you have to be so– so–” He ran a hand through his hair again, at a loss for words. “This is why we’re incompatible; every time we have a serious conversation, you have to get dramatic.”

“You knew I was dramatic before you started dating me,” Hyunjin spat back. “In fact, you used to say it was something you loved about me!” He held up a hand when Chan opened his mouth to speak. “I’m not done talking yet. Because I was, in fact, trying not to make a scene. It’s not my fault you decided the best time to break my heart was in a crowded restaurant on our anniversary that you forgot!”

Chan slumped a bit, the anger leaving him as quickly as it came. “I’m sorry. I just… I didn’t want to drag out the inevitable. And I’m sorry I forgot it was our anniversary.”

Hyunjin wrapped his arms around himself as though he were trying to physically hold himself together. “I love you, Chan,” he whispered after a long, tense moment. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Chan sighed, stepping forward to pull Hyunjin into a tight hug. “Just because we aren’t together, doesn’t mean you’ll lose me,” he murmured softly into his hair. “I meant it when I said I still do love you. Just not in the way you deserve. I still want to be friends.”

Hyunjin sniffled quietly, unable to stop himself from wrapping his arms around the older man’s waist. “Friends?”

Chan nodded, brushing a hand down Hyunjin’s back gently. “Friends. We were friends before we dated. We can be friends again, right?” His tone was almost desperate.

Hyunjin hesitated a moment before nodding. “We can still be friends,” he whispered, pulling away before he did something stupid. Well, something even more stupid; agreeing to remain friends was usually a stupid move. At least, it was in all the dramas he liked to watch. Maybe that was what he was secretly hoping for by remaining friends; for Chan to realize that they really did belong together, like in the dramas. Though in the dramas, a lot of pain and misunderstandings and jealousy happened before getting back together.

“Good.” Chan managed a weak smile, actually looking happy at the promise of remaining friends. “I don’t want to lose you, either.”

Hyunjin almost said that he couldn’t lose him since he still owned the building that would house Chan’s production company, but he felt that would be a low blow. A well deserved low blow, but he didn’t want to sink to that level.

Not yet, anyway. The building was something that should be dealt with when he was feeling more level headed and not… Dramatic.

“Will you drive me home?” He said instead, his voice wavering a bit. He was still on the verge of breaking down and he wanted to not be in public when that happened.

“Of course.” Chan pulled open the car door, and Hyunjin slipped inside.

The drive was silent and short; all too soon they were pulling up to the apartment building. Chan didn’t even get out of the car. He just looked at Hyunjin through the open door and offered a weak smile. “Still friends?”

Hyunjin nodded, not trusting his voice. There was so much he still wanted to say; that he didn’t want to break up, that he wanted to marry him, that he had planned to propose that night.

That he loved him with all his heart.

But instead he closed the door and watched Chan drive off into the night.

He moved like he was underwater, drifting into the building and to the elevator, up to his floor. As soon as the door to his apartment closed behind him, he collapsed on the ground and let the tears fall. He didn’t know how long he cried for, loud and ugly sobs racking through his body as he curled up in the entrance. Even when the sobs died down, he couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down his cheeks. He must have even fallen asleep there, right on the hard floor in front of the door, because the next thing he knew he was woken by his phone ringing.

When he opened his eyes, he could see sunlight streaming into his living room from the open curtains. He groaned, his head aching from crying so much and sleeping on the floor. He fumbled for his phone, answering without looking at the caller ID.

“Hello?”

“Hey! Finally awake? Were you guys up too late celebrating?” Felix’s deep voice was on the other line, bright and cheerful despite the early hour. “He did say yes, right? He had to have said yes!”

Hyunjin winced, reaching into his pocket to pull out the ring box. Felix was the only one he had told that he was planning to propose. He wanted to keep it a surprise, and secrets were hard to keep in their friend group. Someone always spilled, whether by accident or on purpose. The only reason he even told Felix was that he wanted help to pick out the ring.

“Hyunjin?”

Hyunjin popped open the small velvet box, looking at the simple white gold band inside. It looked plain, but on the inside was an inscription with their anniversary date and the words I will always love you.

“Did he actually say no?” The cheerfulness seeped out of Felix’s voice as Hyunjin didn’t answer. “Hyunjin?”

“I didn’t end up proposing,” he muttered after a moment, his voice raw. He snapped the box closed and threw it across the room. “He broke up with me instead.”

“He– What?”

“He broke up with me.” Hyunjin pushed himself to his feet with a groan, moving to the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

“I’ll be right over.” He could hear the sounds of Felix moving around and grabbing his keys.

“No, Lixie–” Hyunjin felt his voice crack. “I have to get to a wedding. It’s an all day gig, and if you come over now, I won’t be able to make myself go and do my fucking job.” He wiped at his eyes; he hated that he had to go and do the photography for a wedding the day after getting his heart broken. A part of him cursed Chan for being so selfish as to put Hyunjin’s career in jeopardy by breaking up with him in the middle of wedding season. He had so many weddings booked to photograph and he had a professional reputation to uphold. He couldn’t just cancel.

“Are you sure?”

Hyunjin laughed bitterly. “It wouldn't look good on me or my business to cancel the day of a job. I’ll be fine, Lixie. I have to be. But…” He hesitated a moment, chewing on his lip. “I should be home by midnight? At the latest.”

“I’ll be there when you get home,” Felix promised. “With wine and junk food and ice cream, and we can curse Channie Hyung to the moon and back for breaking your heart. Or if you don’t want to do that, I can tell you about the hot new guy at work.”

Hyunjin managed a weak smile; he could always count on Felix to be in his corner and to at least try to cheer him up. “Thanks, baby.”

“Anything for you, Jin. Just take deep breaths, and good luck today. I’ll see you tonight.”

“See you later.” Hyunjin finished his water and moved to pick up the ring box. It was useless to him now, but he didn’t want Chan to find it when he came to pick up his stuff. He tucked it into the back of his underwear drawer where he could hopefully, eventually, forget about its existence.

For now, he had to shower and change and gather his equipment to go do his job. As much as he wished he could fall apart and cry all day and eat a whole tub of ice cream, he couldn’t. He had a job to do, and he had to pretend to be happy for the lucky couple.

He just hoped he didn’t cry and ruin the day for the happy couple.

Chapter Text

It was late at night when Yeosang got back into Seoul; he was exhausted from the journey and he wanted nothing more than to drop off his archery equipment right at the front door of the apartment he shared with Wooyoung and San, and go straight to bed. Of course, knowing his roommates and best friends, that wouldn’t be able to happen for a long time.

He had just stepped inside the apartment and set his bow down before he was suddenly engulfed in a tight hug. He didn’t even have a chance to try to pull away before a loud, wet kiss was pressed to his cheek.

“Sangie! I missed you!” Wooyoung kissed his cheek again, grinning widely at his obvious discomfort.

“Get off, you weirdo,” Yeosang muttered in playful annoyance, squirming slightly since his arms were pinned to his sides by his best friend’s hug. “San-ah! Come get your pet!”

San stepped out from the kitchen, a wide smile that showed off his dimples crossing his face. Instead of pulling Wooyoung off of Yeosang, he wrapped his arms around both of them in a similarly tight hug. “And give up the chance for a hug? Never.”

Yeosang groaned playfully, rolling his eyes as he accepted his fate. Both San and Wooyoung were very tactile and affectionate people. Not that he wasn’t affectionate; he just preferred for affection to be on his own terms. He also just didn’t really like when Wooyoung kissed him.

Finally the two men pulled away, though Wooyoung still clung to Yeosang’s arm, grinning widely. “How was it? Did you have fun? Did you make any friends? Are any of your teammates hot? Did you get laid?”

“Are you hungry?” San cut into Wooyoung’s barrage of questions, moving away from the door to the kitchen. “I just finished making supper.”

“Isn’t it a little late for supper?” Yeosang asked, stumbling along as Wooyoung dragged him towards the kitchen after San. “Wait, you cooked? I don’t think I’m hungry.”

“Rude,” San huffed out, but the grin on his face made it clear he wasn’t offended. “I just reheated leftovers. We were at the gym late, since someone has been staying late at his new job to flirt with his new coworker.”

“Oh my god, Sangie!” Wooyoung shoved him into a seat and sat next to him as he started to gush. “He is so adorable! And also so hot. And beautiful! His looks could rival Seonghwa hyung! He has the most beautiful freckles! Real freckles, not make-up! And his smile can light up the room! He’s like a ball of sunshine! I think I’m in love!”

Yeosang felt his lips twitch into a grin, pulling Wooyoung’s plate towards himself to start eating. He glanced over at San with a raised eyebrow. “Wasn’t he in love with your coworker at the gym when I left? What was his name again?”

“Seo Changbin,” San replied with a snort. “But you know how he is. Next week it will be someone else he’s in love with.”

“Hey!” Wooyoung snapped indignantly, reaching across the table to smack San’s shoulder. “It turns out Changbin and I are too similar. We’d have never worked out in the long run. Though if he ever wanted to slam me up against the wall or pin me down with those muscles of his, I would not say no. You think he could hold me up while he fucks me? That would be hot.”

“Woo–” Yeosang rolled his eyes and shoved the plate away. “We’re trying to eat here.”

“You could always ask him,” San replied to Wooyoung, ignoring Yeosang’s playfully disgusted groan. “I don’t think he’ll be offended. Actually, I think he might be flattered.”

Wooyoung shook his head, his eyes filled with regret. “No, I’m in love with Felix now. And Felix deserves to be wooed with my undivided attention.” He turned back to Yeosang and grinned. “I haven’t even told you about his voice yet. He has the deepest voice ever. It's deeper than Mingi's! And he has a sexy accent! Australian, I think.”

Yeosang rolled his eyes, but leaned his elbows against the table and smiled as his friend continued to gush about his new coworker. His mind drifted, exhausted from the train ride back to Seoul and from his weeks of training. He had stumbled upon a talent for archery on a fun day out, and a coach happened to be at the practice range and offered him a position on the spot for the team he managed. It was obvious that he was the least experienced when they were practicing, but the coach assured him that with his raw talent, he would catch up quickly.

It didn’t pay much, being on the team and traveling to competitions; but it was better than being stuck in a dead end job while they looked for a production company that was willing to take on their whole group of eight members. They had all trained together and were even preparing to debut as idols when their original company decided that they didn’t want such a large group.

“Large groups are going out of style,” the managers had said. “Some of the members of your group aren’t good enough to debut with you.” Yeosang had known they were talking about him; while he was an amazing dancer, he knew his vocals were the weakest of the group and he couldn’t rap to save his life.

The company decided that they only wanted Hongjoong and Seonghwa to debut as a duo, and maybe Jongho to join a different, smaller, group that “better suited his vocal talents”.

Hongjoong, their leader, had told the company they all had to debut together or none of them would debut. The entire group left the company after the refusal, calling their bluff. Now most of the others ended up working in some sort of retail job to make ends meet and pay back their debt to the company for training them while Hongjoong searched for a company that would accept them as a full group.

“Sangie!”

Yeosang blinked, forced back to reality as Wooyoung shook him forcefully. “What? I’m listening.”

Wooyoung snorted. “No, you’re not. You have your ‘I’m pretending to listen but I’m actually half asleep’ face on. Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

Yeosang huffed out a playful groan, waving good night to San as he was dragged off and down the hall towards the bedrooms. It was a small apartment; since he would be out of town often with his new job, they had decided he would share a bedroom with Wooyoung and pay a smaller amount of rent.

“I think San likes Changbin,” Wooyoung whispered as he closed their bedroom door, a mischievous grin on his face. “I didn’t clue in until I already fell in love with Felix, but when I told him, he seemed… relieved that I didn’t like Changbin anymore. And you know he won't say anything because he is just that much of a sweetheart.”

Yeosang raised an eyebrow, moving to his bed to flop down. “So, what? Now you want to play matchmaker? You know that never works out. Remember what happened when you tried to convince Yunho to go out with that girl?”

Wooyoung rolled his eyes, crawling into bed with Yeosang even though he had his own. “Technically, my plan worked. The goal was to make Mingi jealous enough to ask Yunho out, and he did get very jealous. How was I supposed to know they were already dating?”

“By looking at them? Even I knew they were dating! Although…” Yeosang paused for a moment in thought. “I think they did explicitly tell me they were dating before that. But once they told me, it was pretty obvious by looking at them.” He couldn’t help but grin, wrapping his arms around Wooyoung and curling closer. They had been best friends for years, and he honestly missed just getting to cuddle with him sometimes. He buried his face into the younger man’s neck, breathing deeply. “I missed you, Woo.”

“I missed you too, Sangie.” Wooyoung brushed his fingers through Yeosang’s hair gently, holding him close. “I worry about you while you’re away. Who’s going to protect you?”

Yeosang snorted. “Aish, I’m older than you. I don’t need you to protect me.”

“Of course you do.” Wooyoung pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, ignoring his groan of disgust. “You’re too sweet and naive for this world, Sangie. I worry about your new teammates being mean or rude to you and you not realizing it.”

“Well, if I don’t realize it, then it isn’t really a problem for me, now is it? Anyway, this is all just temporary until we find a company, right? How’s Hongjoong’s search going?”

Wooyoung pursed his lips, the frustration clear in his eyes. “It seems like big groups really are going out of style. All the companies Hyung has been talking to want four members, at most. Maybe five, if we can push our luck. But you know he won’t give up. There’s got to be a company out there who will take us on. We’re all insanely talented.”

“Speak for yourself,” Yeosang muttered quietly, pressing his face against his friend’s shoulder. He felt a wave of guilt wash over him; he sometimes felt like he was holding the others back since he was the weakest link of the group.

“Hey!” Wooyoung pulled back slightly, gripping Yeosang’s jaw to make him look him in the eye. “We are all insanely talented. Don’t you dare go disparaging yourself. Eight makes one team, remember?”

Yeosang rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help the small smile crossing his face. “Eight makes one team,” he repeated softly. “I hope we find a home soon.”

“We will, don’t worry.” Wooyoung let go of his jaw and closed his eyes, pulling the blanket tighter around them. “Before I forget, Hongjoong and Seonghwa are hosting a party tomorrow night at their place. To celebrate your return. Just the eight of us. We all missed you.”

“Seonghwa travels for work too, and no one throws him a party.”

“Seonghwa is gone for a week, at most. Usually only two to three days. You’re gone for weeks at a time. Forgive us for missing you. And worrying about you being on your own. Seonghwa can handle himself, and he gets bodyguards.”

Yeosang groaned again, trying to pull away and ultimately failing to escape his friend’s tight grasp. “You guys don’t have to worry about me! May I remind you that I am a grown man? With muscles!”

Wooyoung just laughed, his grip tightening around Yeosang until he stopped struggling. “You’re cute, even with those muscles. Go to sleep.”

Yeosang huffed out indignantly, but relaxed back into the hug and closed his eyes. “Asshole.”

“You still love me.”

“Reluctantly.” But Yeosang couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face as he drifted off in Wooyoung’s arms.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin should have known better than to expect things to stay the same after the break up. Sure; Chan had said he wanted to stay friends the night they broke up, and he probably did mean it at the time. But that didn’t make things any less awkward the few times that the whole group managed to hang out.

The first time that Hyunjin had shown up to a gathering with Felix, he could feel the tension in the air. Chan had ignored him completely after saying hi, preferring to awkwardly avoid him the rest of the time. Jisung glared at him the entire time he was there, apparently angry he had showed up at all. Even Changbin, who had always been affectionate and friendly with Hyunjin, seemed to keep his distance and outright avoid talking to him. Minho and Seungmin seemed stuck in the middle, but both leaned towards standing with Chan and awkwardly avoiding his gaze.

Not that Hyunjin could really blame them; Chan was the one who technically brought them all together. He was the one who collected each of them, bringing them under his wing. They were all friends with Chan before they became friends with each other. Not just friends; they were more like a family. And Chan was the head of that little family.

Hyunjin just never really thought it would be so easy for any one of them to get cut out of the group. But as the days and weeks went by and he felt more and more cut off from the rest of the others… He realized that maybe they weren’t as close as he thought. He realized that they seemd to stop inviting him to things, sometimes only finding out about outings when Felix or Jeongin mentioned possibly going together. And if he did show up with either of them, the entire outing would feel awkward for everyone.

Hyunjin was thankful that at least he still had Felix and Jeongin, neither of whom ever made him feel like he didn’t belong there with everyone else. Felix would always stay by his side, no matter who tried to drag him away. And Jeongin would make sure to try to spend at least half the night with them.

A mean, viscous voice inside Hyunjin’s head told him that Jeongin was only putting on an act because he worked for Hyunjin at the moment, and that once he could get a better job, he would be gone too.

So Hyunjin slowly stopped going to the group gatherings. It broke his heart, but he hated feeling like he didn’t belong there anymore, and that the others didn’t want him there.

It was about three months after the break up, and he was bored and restless. He didn’t have any gigs booked for a couple of days; and while he knew he should probably be working on commissions or even just his own personal projects, he wanted to go out for a change.

He wanted to go dancing.

He knew that Jeongin already had plans that night; before leaving the studio, he had been talking about how he and Seungmin were going to have a night in and watch dramas and order takeout. (But it wasn’t a date; no matter how much it sounded like it, both men were adamant that they were not dating.)

It was also a weeknight, and Hyunjin knew Felix had to work at the daycare in the morning. He also knew that if he asked Felix would absolutely go out with him for a couple of hours at least, despite having to get up early the next morning. It made him feel guilty and like a bad friend to ask that of his best friend. He hated feeling like a burden.

Hyunjin stared at himself in the mirror, frowning slightly at the irrational nervousness he was feeling. He was an adult, he was fully capable of going out to a club on his own and having fun. He just wanted to have a night of dancing after all; he didn’t need other people to dance. He was allowed to go out by himself and relax. He didn’t even need to drink if he was going dancing, and he knew drinking by himself was probably not a good idea.

His eyes swept over his outfit once more; it was simple and comfortable, nice white jeans that clung to his legs in all the right ways and a black sleeveless shirt with a light blue, loose dress shirt over top. He looked nice, but not too eye-catching; he didn’t want to attract a lot of attention. He just wanted to have fun.

He was allowed to have fun by himself.

He finished putting on minimal make-up, just enough to look nice, and tied his hair up into a half ponytail. He looked at himself in the mirror one last time, pursing his lips. He looked good, and that made him feel good. It was exactly what he wanted.

He grabbed his phone and slipped it into his pocket before heading out to his favorite club. He would just go for a couple of hours. It would be fine.

And it was fine, for the first hour or two. Hyunjin loved dancing; he’d wanted to be a professional idol at one time in his life. He even trained with a company for two years, that was how he met Chan and the others. He had excelled at dancing, but ultimately decided against debuting. Not that he was actually offered the chance.

He’d decided to do something where his looks weren’t the main focus, and ended up in photography. Behind the camera, rather than in front of it.

But he still loved dancing.

He spent most of his time on the dance floor, moving to the rhythm as the music flowed through his soul. He knew that people danced with him; both men and women alike. He barely paid attention to them though, content to just dance. He only left the dance floor twice to buy a bottle of water and drink it down before returning to dance.

It was the second time Hyunjin had gotten water when the man approached him, a confident smirk crossing his face. “Hi.”

Hyunjin paused with the water bottle halfway to his mouth. He blinked as he lowered the bottle once more, and wiped the sweat off his face. “Hi?”

“I saw you on the dance floor. You look amazing.” The man’s smirk widened slightly and he held out his hand. “I’m Ji-Ho.”

“Hyunjin.” He hesitated a moment, a light flush crossing his cheeks at the compliment. But grasped the man’s hand in a shake. “Thank you.”

“Can I buy you a drink?”

Hyunjin held up his bottle of water. “This is all I’m drinking tonight. Thank you, though.”

Ji-Ho just smiled, not seeming put out at all. “Then can I dance with you for a bit? When you’re done your water, of course.”

Hyunjin hummed, but before he could answer someone ran right into him, shoving him closer to Ji-ho and making him almost drop his water bottle. Ji-Ho grabbed ahold of him, one arm wrapping securely around his waist while his other hand grabbed the top of the water bottle to prevent it from splashing.

“Hey! Watch it!” He yelled as the man who bumped into Hyunjin disappeared into the crowd, still holding Hyunjin close. “Are you okay?”

Hyunjin flushed, pulling away. “I’m fine,” he murmured, his voice barely barely rising above the music. “Thank you.”

“No problem, Gorgeous.” Ji-Ho let go of Hyunjin and the water bottle, smirking again. “So how about that dance?”

Hyunjin bit his lip. “I’m not looking to go home with anyone,” he said, forcing his voice to be firm. “We can dance, but don’t expect anything more.”

The man laughed. “That’s fine. Finish your water so we can get back on the floor.”

Hyunjin brought the bottle to his lips, drinking down the water. The way Ji-Ho’s eyes focused on his throat as he swallowed made him slightly uncomfortable. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why his gaze bothered him; but there was something whispering in the back of his mind that this man was dangerous.

He finished his water and set the empty bottle to the side; before he could even say a word, Ji-Ho took his hand and pulled him back to the dance floor. Hyunjin pursed his lips as Ji-Ho gripped his hips and started grinding against him. He usually didn’t have a problem with dancing with strangers; he had danced with several people already. But there was just something off-putting about this man. Everything about him felt too aggressive.

One dance couldn’t hurt; he didn’t want to be rude. One song, and then he would leave.

Hyunjin moved his hips along with Ji-Ho, trying to discreetly put a little space between them. But the man kept pulling him back against him. His discomfort grew as the grip on his hips tightened almost to the point of being painful. Warning bells were going off inside his head and he felt his chest tighten uncomfortably.

Hyunjin pulled away completely; he didn’t know how long they had been dancing, but he felt like he had to get away. He smiled weakly as Ji-Ho gave him a questioning look.

“Bathroom!” He shouted over the music, and without waiting for a response he started to push his way through the crowd of bodies.

As soon as he broke free of the crowded dance floor and started down the hall towards the bathrooms, Hyunjin realized that his head felt funny. He was starting to feel dizzy and nauseous. He took a few steps down the hall and stumbled against the wall.

“There you are!” Ji-Ho’s voice cut through the fog that was forming in his head, and he felt hands on his shoulders. “I was looking everywhere for you, babe. Are you not feeling well?”

His voice was too loud, like he was putting on a show.

“What–” Hyunjin felt like he couldn’t speak.

“I told you that you shouldn’t drink so much.” Ji-Ho’s arm wrapped around Hyunjin’s waist, and he felt himself being pulled away from the wall. “Let’s get you home.”

Hyunjin frowned as his head spun, realizing too late that the man was half dragging, half carrying him towards the emergency exit. He struggled, trying to pull away, but his limbs didn’t seem to want to work properly.

He heard a door open, and then the chill of the night air hit his face. Hyunjin blinked, the fog clearing for a brief second; just enough time for him to register that there was an unfamiliar man walking towards them.

“That stuff worked fast. We gonna get out of here?”

“Nah.” Ji-ho’s voice chuckled darkly near his ear. “He said he didn’t want to go home with anyone. We can have our fun right here and dump him.”

“Here?” The new voice sounded nervous. “What if someone comes out?”

“If you don’t want a turn, you can leave.”

Hyunjin felt his back hit the wall, and a hand gripped his jaw tightly. Before he could even register what the words meant, there was a pair of lips on his own, kissing him roughly. The fingers tightened against his jaw, forcing his mouth to open, and he felt a tongue slip inside. He whimpered, trying to pull his head away weakly.

The mouth and hand disappeared, before a sudden sharp pain blossomed across his cheek. He barely had a moment to realize that he had been hit, before there was a hand in his hair and he was thrown onto the ground.

“He sure is pretty. It would be a shame to mess him up too much.”

Hyunjin whimpered, trying to push himself up; but his limbs still wouldn’t listen. He felt hands on him, forcing him onto his stomach. The hands moved to pull off the dress shirt he wore; he heard a ripping sound and then he felt cool air on his back.

Wasn’t he wearing a tank top? Was that the ripping sound?

He felt the hands moving to his hips, sliding around the front to start unbuttoning his jeans. He realized what was happening, but he felt like he couldn’t move to stop it. Tears formed in his eyes.

“Stop–” He could barely get the words out of his throat. “Stop–”

There was another hand in his hair suddenly, pulling his head up roughly. He whimpered in pain as he felt another strike his face.

“He makes such nice noises.”

“He can’t be too loud, or someone might come see what’s going on.”

Hyunjin felt the cool night air on his legs and ass as his jeans and underwear were yanked down together. The panic grew in his chest and he tried to scream.

“Help–”

He was cut off by a hand wrapping around his throat tightly; he couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t make a sound.

There was a rustling sound behind him and then he felt something pressing against his hole, pressing inside him. It was two slick fingers, but they were moving too fast to be comfortable. It actually hurt with how fast they were scissoring in and out of him.

He let out a choked sob, and the hand tightened around his throat. He couldn’t breathe.

He felt tears spilling down his cheeks.

“I’ll keep him quiet.”

There was another rustling sound and Hyunjin felt something pressing forcefully against his lips. He whimpered as a cock was forced past his lips, into his mouth, and down his throat. The hand moved from his throat to his hair, and another held his jaw tightly, forcing it to stay open.

“Ready?”

The fingers were pulled out of him and two hands gripped his hips hard enough to bruise. Then he felt the head of a cock press against his entrance before being forced inside, hard and fast.

He would have screamed if the cock in his mouth hadn’t forced its way deeper into his throat at the same time.

The pace the men set was brutal and painful; both thrusting and fucking into his throat or ass at a rapid pace, pounding into him painfully. He was sobbing, the sound muffled by the cock in his throat as tears streamed down his face. And through it all, he felt like he couldn’t move. He couldn’t stop what was happening.

The man fucking his mouth finished first, spilling down his throat and choking him as he forced him to swallow. Then he pulled out, clapping a hand tightly over his mouth to stop the pained noises from falling from his lips.

He felt the man behind him falter, and then he felt him start to spill inside him. The man didn’t wait to finish; he pulled his cock out, letting his cum spill onto Hyunjin’s thighs and ass. Both the men finally released him, letting him fall to the ground in a crumpled heap.

“Let’s get out of here, before someone sees us.”

Hyunjin heard footsteps retreating. He still felt like he couldn’t move; he felt the cold night air seeping into his skin.

He didn’t know how long he laid there on the cold ground; it could have been minutes or it could have been hours. He felt numb. His throat burned; his hips and ass hurt. He could feel cum oozing out of him. But he eventually managed to fumble his phone out of his pocket.

He needed help.

He dialed the only number he could think of in that moment; the only person he knew would come no matter what. He knew Chan would help. Chan would always help. It didn’t matter if he hated him now. Chan would always help.

The phone rang five times before there was an answer.

“What do you want?”

The voice sounded wrong; cold and hard and off, somehow. But Hyunjin ignored the coldness. “Hyung–” He could hear his voice slurring; his voice sounded rough. “Hyung, please– I need–”

“Stop calling, Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin closed his eyes, whimpering in confusion. “Channie, I need–”

“Stop calling. No one wants you around, so just leave us alone.”

Hyunjin sobbed quietly as he heard the call disconnect. He curled up into a ball, shivering in the cold night air. He couldn’t believe that Chan wouldn’t help him. He felt his heart shatter all over again. He knew no one wanted him around. He knew… He knew…

He couldn’t keep his thoughts straight. He was cold. He was in pain. He knew what happened, but he couldn’t seem to move. He wanted to go home. He wanted to be safe and warm. He wished he had never gone out. He shouldn’t have gone out.

No one wants you around.

The voice kept repeating in his head. Over and over and over until he couldn’t think anymore.

Until he heard an unfamiliar voice, and felt gentle hands turning him over, and he thought for a moment he was looking into the face of an angel.

And then everything was black.

Chapter Text

Yeosang groaned quietly, rubbing at his tired eyes as he continued looking over the monthly finance books. When he had spare time, he spent a night or two looking over the books for an old friend of his parents. The man owned one of the most popular dance clubs in Seoul, and he liked to regularly make sure everything was good before sending the books off to his official accountant. Yeosang didn't mind doing the work because it was easy money for what usually was just a couple of hours of work.

Unfortunately, because of his new training schedule with the archery team, it had been a while since he had actually gotten a chance to help. It was almost two in the morning when the owner, Kim Seok, came into the office and ordered him to go home and get some rest.

Yeosang nodded, already exhausted, and gave the man a short bow before heading out the back exit to avoid the crowds of people still dancing and having fun in the club. The night air was cold when he stepped out into the alley and he pulled his jacket tighter around himself for warmth. He started walking towards the entrance of the alleyway when he heard the quiet noise.

He froze, holding his breath; he was stronger than he looked in his bulky jacket, but he still didn't want to get attacked. He heard the noise again; it sounded like a whimper or a quiet sob. He slowly stepped forward, looking around for what could be causing the sound. He thought maybe it could be a hurt animal or something.

Then he saw the mostly naked man curled up on the ground by the wall. He froze again, staring in shock. It was obvious that the man had been attacked; his clothes were ripped and his pants were around his knees. He could see wetness on the ground and on his thighs, and he felt sick.

The man whimpered again.

Yeosang hesitated a moment, but he knew he couldn't leave him like that. It was cold, and the man clearly was injured and probably scared out of his mind.

He moved forward slowly, glad for once that he didn't really look threatening at all. He crouched down by the man, reaching out hesitantly to turn him over onto his back.

“Hey,” he said softly, wincing as he saw bruises already forming on the man's face and throat. “Hey, are you–” He stopped himself from finishing the question; obviously the man wasn't okay. He was naked and barely conscious in an alley behind a club. “Can you stand?” He asked instead. “Or can I call someone for you?”

The man stared at him for a long moment, his face streaked with tears. Then his eyes fluttered closed and he whimpered again.

Yeosang pursed his lips; he figured he wouldn't be able to get any answers from the man. He was too out of it and too injured. He stood up for a moment, looking around as he tried to think of what to do. He couldn’t just leave the man there, alone and injured and scared. He had to help him.

Hongjoong and Seonghwa didn't live too far away; only three blocks. They would know what to do, and at least the man would be safe there.

He crouched down again, pressing a hand against the man’s cold cheek. “Hey, I'm going to– to fix your pants, okay?” He swallowed heavily, his hands shaking as he reached down carefully. Up close, he could see that both semen and blood caked the man’s thighs. “I'm going to try not to hurt you,” he said, forcing his voice to remain steady as he slowly tugged the jeans and underwear up.

The man whimpered again, and he saw a few more tears leak out of his eyes.

“You're safe now,” Yeosang said softly, his heart aching for the man. “I know it hurts, but you'll feel better when you're covered, right?” As he spoke he worked the man's pants back over his bruised hips, and carefully did them up. “See? Doesn't that feel better?”

The man whimpered softly once more, curling up into a ball again. “Didn’t–”

Yeosang blinked in surprise at hearing an actual word leave the man’s lips. He leaned in closer. “Didn’t what?” He asked gently.

“He didn’t come.” The words were weak and slurred. “I called him for help and he didn’t– He wouldn’t–”

Yeosang frowned, noticing for the first time that the man gripped a phone tightly in his hand. “It’s okay,” he said after a moment, keeping his voice soft even as anger grew in his chest. What kind of person wouldn’t come when called for help? He felt a wave of protectiveness wash him. “It’s okay. I’ll help you.”

He paused for a moment as he debated what to do next. Taking a taxi to Hongjoong’s and Seonghwa’s apartment seemed like a bad idea; he couldn’t imagine what the driver would think of him dragging a nearly unconscious man into the vehicle. It was late though, and it was only three blocks away.

“I’m going to pick you up, okay?” He said to the man, reaching out to slide his hands along his bare arm. The man’s skin was already cold to the touch. How long had he been out there? Yeosang pulled off his jacket and wrapped it around the man’s shoulders. He hesitated a moment before sliding the phone into his own pocket to make sure it wouldn’t get lost. Then he slid one arm under the man’s knees and the other around his shoulders, and carefully lifted him up into his arms.

The man whimpered, the sound broken. He curled slightly towards Yeosang though, seeming to chase his warmth.

“It’s okay,” Yeosang said softly, shifting his grip slightly so he was holding the man more firmly. “We’ll be somewhere safe and warm soon. I promise.”

The man didn’t answer, but gripped his shirt weakly in one fist.

He braced himself and started off down the street. He moved as fast as he dared while carrying the man; he didn’t want to jar him and cause more discomfort. He also didn’t want to risk dropping him. He was glad, not for the first time, that he worked out as often as he did; he wouldn’t have been able to carry the man the entire way if he didn’t.

Yeosang finally reached the apartment building that his friends lived in, and he was glad that Seonghwa had trusted them all enough to give them the code to open the front doors. It was a little awkward to punch in the numbers while not putting the man down, but he was fairly certain that he was fully unconscious at that point.

Then it was just a matter of taking the elevator up to the right floor, and then kicking on the door to his friends’ apartment repeatedly until one of them answered.

“What the fu– Yeosang?” Seonghwa pulled the door open, staring at him in shock. He was wearing a thick robe tied tightly around himself and clearly had just dragged himself out of bed. “What are you doing here at this hour? Who is that?”

Yeosang flushed slightly; he had forgotten just how late it actually was. “Can I come in? He’s been attacked.”

Seonghwa stepped back to let the pair inside, closing and locking the door behind them. “What happened?”

Yeosang struggled to kick off his shoes for a moment, still reluctant to put the man down. “I found him.”

“You– you found him?” Seonghwa huffed out incredulously, an expression of disbelief crossing his face. “Found him where?”

“What’s going on?” Hongjoong emerged from the hall leading to the bedrooms, tying his own robe tightly closed. He frowned at the scene before him. “Yeosang, who is that?”

“I don’t know.” Yeosang finally managed to get his shoes off and moved into the living room to lay the man gently down on the couch. “He was attacked though.”

“Why did you bring him here?” Hongjoong asked, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“I couldn’t just leave him there! He was freezing and injured!”

“I mean…” Hongjoong groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why didn’t you call an ambulance and have him taken to the hospital if he’s hurt?”

Yeosang bit his lip. “I… didn’t think of that?” He flushed and ran a hand through his hair. “I panicked, okay? I was leaving Kim Seok-nim’s club and he was just laying in the alley. He was…” He hesitated a moment, chewing on his lip as he looked down at the man. “He was… He was mostly naked, hyung,” he whispered. “I’m pretty sure he was drugged. I just knew I had to get him to safety and… you live nearby.”

Hongjoong sighed heavily and crossed his arms. “We should take him to the hospital.”

The man on the couch whimpered suddenly, shaking his head weakly. “N-no–”

Yeosang pursed his lips, feeling a pang in his heart as he looked down at the man. “I– He’s scared.”

“He’ll be fine here until morning,” Seonghwa cut in before Hongjoong could argue. “Come on, Sangie; we’ll put him in my bed for the night. Then in the morning, he can decide for himself if he wants to go to the hospital.”

“Where will you sleep, hyung?” Yeosang asked, even as he moved to pick the man up once more. The man curled against his chest again, hiding his face against his shoulder.

“Don’t worry about that,” Seonghwa replied with a coy smirk. “I wasn’t sleeping in my bed tonight, anyway.”

Yeosang snorted quietly, lifting the man into his arms and following the elder to his bedroom. Seonghwa pulled back the blanket and sheets, then moved towards his dresser to start pulling out clothes. Yeosang ignored him in favour of laying the man down gently on his side and arranging his limbs in a way that looked comfortable. After a moment, he pulled the blanket over him and tucked it in firmly around the man.

“You’re safe now,” he murmured softly, brushing a hand through the man’s soft but messy hair before he could stop himself.

“Cute.” Seonghwa’s voice beside his ear made him jump. “You’re a good person, Sangie. He is lucky you found him.’

Yeosang flushed. “Go to bed, hyung. I’ll keep an eye on him if he needs anything.”

“Mhmm.” Seonghwa pulled back, catching Yeosang’s hand to pull him away from the man in the bed. “He’s not going anywhere. And like you just told him, he’s safe here. Let’s go talk in the kitchen.”

Yeosang was about to argue, but he could tell by the older man’s expression that he wouldn’t let this go. He shot one more glance at the stranger before following Seonghwa out into the kitchen.

Hongjoong was already sitting at the kitchen table, a steaming cup of tea in his hands. Beside him were two more mugs ready to drink. “So, Yeosang; can you tell us why you brought a stranger to our home in the middle of the night?”

Yeosang sighed as his earlier exhaustion hit him like a freight train, sliding into the seat across from Hongjoong and pulling one of the mugs towards himself. He didn’t realize how chilly he was until he started sipping at the hot tea. “I already told you. I panicked.”

Seonghwa sat beside Hongjoong across from Yeosang, wrapping his hands around the remaining mug. “I know you were trying to help him and do a good thing, but don’t you think this might cause us some problems?”

Yeosang stared at the couple across from him, and he was struck by how much it felt like he was a child getting lectured by his parents. The only difference was that Hongjoong and Seonghwa looked worried, not disappointed. He dropped his gaze to his own cup of tea, chewing on his lip. “Problems?”

“You found him naked and injured in an alley after he was clearly attacked, by your own words,” Hongjoong said slowly. “We don’t know who he is. But more importantly, he doesn’t know who we are. What if he accuses us of being the people who hurt him?”

Yeosang blinked. “Why would he do that? We’re helping him.”

“You’re so sweet, Yeosang,” Seonghwa murmured. “It’s a good trait to have. But you know you can’t always trust people. Even if you think you know them. We don’t know him and he doesn’t know us. You think he was drugged; that can alter his memories.”

“We have to be careful,” Hongjoong added with a small sigh. “If he accuses us of being the ones who hurt him, then that could make it even harder for us to find a company willing to take us on. It could affect Seonghwa’s career now.”

Seonghwa gave Hongjoong’s wrist a gentle squeeze to calm him, but Yeosang could see the worry in the oldest’s eyes. He had been working hard to build a name for himself in the fashion industry and an accusation of sexual assault would likely ruin his career.

Yeosang bit his lip and looked away from his friends. “I couldn’t leave him there,” he said quietly. “I just couldn’t.”

Seonghwa pushed himself from his seat, moving around the table to wrap his arms around Yeosang in a loose hug. “Of course you couldn’t leave him there. You did a kind thing,” he said softly, brushing a hand through his hair. “And Hongjoong didn’t mean to upset you or make you feel like you did the wrong thing. But if you ever find an injured person in an alley, call an ambulance first so they can get the care that they need, okay?”

Yeosang nodded, letting out a little huff. “Okay. I may not think of it. But I’ll try to at least call you before bringing an injured person over. How’s that?”

Seonghwa smiled affectionately. “That sounds like a good compromise. Now why don’t you try to get some sleep? You’ve had a long night.”

Yeosang glanced over towards the hall leading to the bedrooms, and the man sleeping there. “I’ll just sit with him,” he said quietly. “In case he wakes up.”

“Okay. Just call if you need anything.” Seonghwa pulled away and reached for Hongjoong’s hand. “And we should go back to bed too.”

Hongjoong rolled his eyes, but obediently stood to follow the older man. “Good night, Yeosang. You did a good thing tonight.”

Yeosang watched the pair disappear into Hongjoong’s room down the hall, shaking his head. He finished his mug of tea and cleaned up the dishes, then headed into the bedroom with the stranger. He watched over him for a moment, taking a chance to brush some hair out of his face. The man still looked so scared, even in sleep. Then he moved to a chair in the corner and curled up, slowly drifting off to sleep.

Chapter Text

When Hyunjin woke up the next morning, his head was killing him. He felt hungover, but he knew he didn’t drink anything besides water the previous night. He groaned quietly, trying to remember what had happened as he buried his face in his pillow.

And then he realized that he was not in his own bed.

He sat up with a gasp, his chest tightening in fear. He was in an unfamiliar bedroom, and his whole body hurt. His memory was foggy on the faces, but he could remember being dragged out of the club and raped in the alley.

He could also remember trying to call Chan for help, but the older man had told him that no one wanted him around and then hung up on him.

“Oh! You’re awake!”

A low, unfamiliar voice came from the doorway, and Hyunjin turned to look with wide eyes. The man who stood there looked just as surprised as he was; but Hyunjin couldn’t help but think that somehow, he looked like a familiar angel. His shaggy hair was a mess and his clothes looked rumpled as though he slept in them. But what really drew his gaze was the genuine softness of his face and the pink, heart-shaped mark by his left eye.

He was beautiful.

The man shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his hair, somehow making him look even more beautiful. “I’ll be right back. Don’t– Don’t panic; you’re safe here.”

He disappeared down the hall, almost running to get away.

Hyunjin pulled the blanket up around himself, rubbing at his face. It was only then he realized that he seemed to be crying; he was terrified, and there were tears spilling down his cheeks. He barely had a chance to try to wipe the tears away when another figure appeared in the doorway. He could only stare in shock at the surprisingly familiar face.

“Hello,” the new man said, his voice soft and calming. “Don’t be afraid. I’m Park Seonghwa.”

“I know who you are,” Hyunjin’s voice rasped painfully and he winced. But he did recognize this man; they’d never met, but Park Seonghwa was the hottest new model in the country. Even with a bare face, he was recognizably beautiful. Anyone who was interested at all in fashion knew who Park Seonghwa was.

Seonghwa smiled softly. “I take it you like fashion? Will you tell me your name?”

Hyunjin hesitated, bringing a hand to his throat. It hurt to speak, but he didn’t want to be rude. “Hwang Hyunjin.”

“Well Hyunjin-ssi, it’s nice to meet you. Though I wish it were under better circumstances.” Seonghwa stepped into the room and clasped his hands together. “I want to assure you that you are safe here. You don’t have to be scared. No one in this apartment will hurt you. Do you remember what happened last night?”

Hyunjin chewed on his lip. “Vaguely,” he whispered. “I don’t remember how I got here, though.”

Seonghwa hummed softly. “We can explain in the kitchen. I’m just making breakfast. Would you like to get cleaned up, or would you prefer to go to the hospital?”

Hyunjin felt his chest tighten at the mention of going to the hospital. “I–” His voice cracked and his breath caught in his throat.

“It’s okay,” Seonghwa said soothingly. “You don’t have to go to the hospital if you don’t want to. If you would like to clean up, the bathroom is through that door.” He pointed to a closed door beside the entrance to the room. “There are fresh towels and washcloths, and a new toothbrush. You can use anything you want, okay? And since we look to be about the same height, I put some clean clothes in there.” He smiled softly. “You can take your time, and come out when you’re ready. I’ll keep breakfast warm. Okay?”

Hyunjin nodded and watched the man walk out of the room, closing the door behind himself. He waited a moment, listening to the footsteps fade, and soft voices down the hall. They were far enough away, or speaking softly enough, that he couldn’t quite catch the words.

He slowly slid out of the bed, wincing in pain as he limped into the bathroom. He stripped off his clothes without looking at himself in the mirror, grimacing at the dried, flaky mess between his legs and caked onto his jeans. He frowned a bit at the jacket that he had been wearing; it wasn’t his, and the shirts he had been wearing were nowhere to be seen. He folded the jacket carefully onto the counter rather than throw it in the corner with the rest of his ruined clothes.

When he was finally bare, he stepped into the shower and turned the water onto hot. He stood under the stream for long minutes, just letting the water wash over him. He wanted to cry; he wanted to be sick. He could feel the hands still on him; gripping his hips or wrapping around his throat. He could feel himself being ripped apart as he was fucked, and a cock forcing its way down his throat.

He felt the bile rising up his throat and he barely made it to the toilet before throwing up what little there was in his stomach. He couldn’t stop the tears at that point. He sobbed, trying to be quiet as he crawled back into the shower. He sat on the floor of the tub, his arms wrapped around his knees as he cried, hoping that the sound of the water drowned him out. He didn’t know how long he sat there, but when the water started to get cold he knew he had to finish cleaning up.

He pushed himself to his feet and grabbed the washcloth, grimacing in pain as he cleaned his thighs off. He bit his lip as he struggled to wash away the semen and blood still inside him, whimpering in pain as he had to use his fingers to make sure everything was out. Then finally he washed his hair quickly in the now freezing water.

He turned the water off and stepped out of the shower, wrapping the clean and soft towel around himself to dry off. He opened the toothbrush and brushed his teeth without looking in the mirror; he couldn’t bear to look at the bruises he knew would be on his face and throat. It was bad enough that he could see the bruises on his hips out of the corner of his eye. He hated that there was physical proof of what had happened to him when he just wanted to forget. He combed out his hair, again without looking at himself in the mirror, and pulled it back into a loose ponytail.

He didn’t want to admit that he was stalling having to leave the bathroom and face the real world.

Finally he took the clean clothes folded on the counter, unfolding them slowly. There was a soft pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt, and an oversized, warm looking hoodie. There was even a new pair of boxers and a pair of socks. He dressed slowly, still trying to avoid leaving the safety of the bathroom.

After he finished dressing, Hyunjin finally looked at himself in the mirror. There was a large bruise on his left cheek from being hit, and smaller bruises along his jaw from being gripped tightly. There were hand shaped bruises along his throat from being choked. But it was his eyes that really drew his attention; even to himself, his eyes were wide and looked terrified and close to tears.

He wiped his eyes and finally opened the door to the bathroom, stepping into the empty bedroom. He hesitated before grasping the handle to the bedroom door leading to the hallway. He pushed the door open slowly, trying to be as quiet as possible. He could hear the quiet voices still talking, getting more and more clear as he crept down the hall. As he came around the corner, the voices stopped speaking, and three faces turned to look at him.

Seonghwa smiled softly and stood from his seat at the table, taking a few steps closer. “Do you feel better now that you’ve cleaned up?”

Hyunjin nodded, chewing on his lip nervously. His eyes darted to the two other men sitting at the table; one was the pretty man with the pink heart on his face from before, the other was completely unfamiliar but still just as handsome as the other two.

Seonghwa waved him closer, guiding him to sit at the table without touching him. “I suppose I should introduce everyone. This is my partner, Kim Hongjoong.” He waved his hand at the new man, who gave him a nod. “And this is our friend, Kang Yeosang. He’s the one who found you and brought you here.”

The man with the pink heart nodded his head, giving a shy smile. “Hello.”

Hyunjin gave the man a short bow. “Thank you for helping me.”

Seonghwa nudged Hyunjin into a chair, pulling a covered plate closer. “I saved you some breakfast. You should eat. Our guest is Hwang Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin slid into the chair, keeping his eyes on the offered plate. He hesitated to start eating, but he was really hungry. So he pulled the cover off and dug in. He was pleasantly surprised at how good it was, and made a soft noise in contentment.

After a moment Hongjoong leaned across the table, propping his chin up on his hand. “Hwang Hyunjin. You’re an artist right? I think I’ve seen some of your work at a gallery downtown?”

Hyunjin blinked and swallowed the mouthful of food, staring at the man in surprise. “You saw the exhibit?”

Hongjoong nodded, sitting back. “It was really good. You’re really talented.”

“You’re an artist?” Seonghwa smiled slightly. “Impressive.”

Hyunjin shook his head. “I’m not really an artist. I mean, I love to paint and draw and stuff, but I actually run a photography business. Wedding photography, mostly. Though I do other events and family portraits. Any photography I can book. I do well enough.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” Hongjoong replied, his lips twitching into a smirk. “The paintings I saw in the gallery were beautiful.”

Hyunjin ducked his head to hide the light flush crossing his cheeks and the way his lips twitched into a pleased smile. “I do love to paint. And it’s actually a service I offer in my business; a painted portrait of a photo of their choice.”

Hongjoong nodded slowly. “And you say you run this business? That’s pretty impressive on its own.”

Hyunjin flushed deeper, biting his lip. He pushed his plate away, clasping his hands in his lap. Normally he loved being praised and having attention on him, and he was proud of his art and his business. But after last night… Hongjoong’s piercing gaze made him feel uncomfortable, like the man was trying to stare into his soul.

And his soul did not feel very good right now.

“Are you finished eating?” Seonghwa stood, moving to take away his plate. “Do you want anything else?”

Hyunjin shook his head. “No, thank you.”

Seonghwa smiled kindly and moved to wash off the plate. Hongjoong sat back in his chair, his eyes still on Hyunjin as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. Hyunjin squirmed awkwardly, flushing deeply.

“What do you want to do now?” Seonghwa asked, turning to lean against the counter. His voice was soft and gentle, as though he were speaking to a scared animal.

Hongjoong spoke before Hyunjin could answer. “You should go to the hospital.”

Hyunjin froze, his eyes widening in fear. He couldn’t say why going to the hospital terrified him so much; just that he didn’t want any more people knowing what had happened to him. How stupid he was.

“I–I–”

“If not the hospital, maybe a clinic?” Hongjoong sighed, finally averting his gaze away from Hyunjin. “I know you’re scared. But you should at least get looked at. Make sure any injuries aren’t too severe? And…” He hesitated a moment before sighing again. “Maybe get some tests done, to check for any STDs.”

Hyunjin felt his face pale; he honestly hadn’t even thought about the possibility of diseases. He knew the men who hurt him hadn’t used condoms; there was a high chance that he could have gotten something from one of them. He felt sick at the thought. A whimper slipped past his trembling lips, and he covered his mouth. He could feel his eyes filling with tears and he ducked his head to hide his reaction.

“Hongjoong!” He heard Seonghwa hiss, the man sounding annoyed. “We were going to ease him into the suggestion!”

“I didn’t think–”

“We’ll go with you.” A deeper, softer voice cut through the argument happening around him, and Hyunjin felt a gentle hand touch his shoulder. He lifted his head slightly to see Yeosang suddenly kneeling beside him, watching him with wide brown eyes that were filled with worry. “You don’t have to go to the clinic alone. We’ll go with you.”

Hyunjin bit his lip, unable to look away from those eyes. He was struck again at how much the man before him looked like an angel, and a quiet voice in his head said that this man must be his guardian angel. “You– you will?”

“Of course.” Seonghwa pushed himself away from the counter to move closer. “If that’s what you want? We don’t want to pressure you into anything.”

“Why?” Hyunjin whispered, his voice shaking as he tried to hold back even more tears. “Why would you do that? You don’t even know me.” He couldn’t believe that these strangers would want to help him when his friends wouldn’t. His memory of the previous night was hazy at best, but he did remember calling Chan for help after and being told that no one wants him around. His chest ached at the memory; he felt so alone and unwanted and dirty.

“Because you need help.” That sweet, soft, deep voice spoke again, and Yeosang reached out slowly to grasp his hands. He squeezed his hands gently, drawing Hyunjin’s attention towards him. “And we can help you, if you’ll let us.”

Hyunjin bit his lip, staring down at the hands holding his own; he couldn’t help but notice, in the back of his mind, that they were very nice hands. He wanted to draw those hands.

He wanted to draw the angelic face looking up at him with an expression of such earnest care, too.

He suddenly remembered that beautiful face from the night before, as well; leaning over him after everything that happened. It was the last thing he remembered.

“I want to go home,” he finally whispered, closing his eyes. He felt a few stray tears spill down his cheeks. “I just want to go home.”

“I’ll drive you.” Hongjoong stood up and moved to the front door to pull his shoes on. “I don’t know how far away you live, but you probably shouldn’t be walking anywhere.”

Hyunjin wanted to protest; the trio had done so much for him already and he didn’t want to impose anymore. But his body ached so much and it hurt to move and he really didn’t want to walk home.

He especially didn’t want to walk home alone.

“Thank you,” he whispered, wiping the tears off his face. “I don’t mean to be so much trouble.”

“It’s no trouble,” Seonghwa was quick to reassure him, his voice soft and comforting. He reached out, gripping Hyunjin’s shoulder lightly. “It’s never trouble to help someone in need.”

Yeosang stood and moved away, grabbing the wallet and the phone sitting on the counter. “I… Uh, I charged your phone. It was almost dead. And here is your wallet. We didn’t look in it.”

Hyunjin took the items, bowing low to the man at the waist. “Thank you again for helping me,” he said, his voice wavering as he tried to hold back the tears. He moved to follow Hongjoong out of the apartment, afraid to say anything else in case he burst into tears once again.

Hongjoong led him to the elevator, fidgeting with the keys in his hands as he waited. Hyunjin chewed on his lip nervously, trying to hide his little sniffles. He pulled the hoodie tighter around himself, trying to make himself appear smaller and less like a nuisance. He couldn’t help but feel like the other man was annoyed at having to drive him home; he should have refused and called a taxi or something. There was still time to do so.

But Hyunjin stayed quiet, following Hongjoong into the elevator and then into the parking garage without saying a word. The man didn’t speak either; at least, not until they were in the car.

Hongjoong gripped the steering wheel after starting the car up and sighed. “I didn’t mean to upset you before,” he said, his voice steady and calming. “I know you went through something terrible last night. And I know Seonghwa and Yeosang, as sweet and caring as they are, can be overwhelming with their compassion.” He turned slightly to look at Hyunjin seriously. “I will ask this one more time; do you want me to take you home? Or would you like me to take you to a small, discreet, clinic I know to get checked out? I’ll stay with you, and drive you home after.”

Hyunjin bit his lip hard, hissing quietly when he felt the skin break and he tasted a drop of blood on his tongue. “I– I’m scared. What if…”

“I understand you’re scared,” Hongjoong replied. “But wouldn’t it be scarier to not know?”

Hyunjin looked away, staring out the window as he tried to wipe away the small amount of blood pooling on his lip. The man was right; the thought of catching something from the men was scarier than not knowing. He wouldn’t be able to hide from it forever, and it would be better to find out sooner rather than later.

“I don’t want to be any trouble,” he whispered after a long moment. “Just drive me home, and I’ll go to a clinic myself.”

“You–” Hongjoong huffed out and pulled out of the parking garage, turning onto the street.

Hyunjin frowned. “I… didn’t tell you where I live? It’s in the opposite direction.”

“I’m not going to make you go to a clinic by yourself,” Hongjoong replied, his tone making it clear that he wouldn’t accept any argument. “No, I’m not going to let you go to a clinic by yourself. If you want to call someone else to go with you, then I will take you home and wait until they arrive.”

Hyunjin glanced down at his phone, brushing his thumb against the blank screen idly. He would normally call Chan for something like this; but after his ex’s response to him calling for help last night… He couldn’t bring himself to call. If Chan didn’t want him to call anymore, he wouldn’t call.

“I don’t want to be–”

“It’s not any trouble,” Hongjoong interrupted. “You’re not any trouble. Besides, I think Seonghwa has officially adopted you, and if I don’t bring you to the clinic and stay with you, I will never hear the end of it.” He shot a glance over, giving Hyunjin a cheeky grin. “You may never see us again, but it will make Seonghwa feel better to know you went. Yeosang, too.”

“They’re too nice,” Hyunjin said softly, staring out the window. “A little… Intense.”

Hongjoong barked out a laugh. “No one can say no to Yeosang. He’s a sweetheart. I’m impressed you managed to refuse going with him to a clinic.” His eyes darted over to look at Hyunjin before focusing on the road. “I’ve actually never seen him act like that to anyone outside our group.”

Hyunjin hummed, keeping his gaze focused out the window at the passing scenery. “Maybe he just thinks I’m pathetic.”

“I doubt it. It probably wouldn’t even occur to him to think of anyone as pathetic. Do you know how you got to our place?” Hongjoong glanced over, waiting until he saw Hyunjin shake his head. “Yeosang carried you. He carried you– what did he say? Three blocks? Three blocks from the club to our apartment to make sure you were safe. It didn’t even occur to him that he could have called an ambulance. He doesn’t think you’re pathetic.”

Hyunjin stared at the other man in surprise, blinking several times. “He… carried me?”

“He’s stronger than he looks in those baggy shirts he likes to wear.” Hongjoong pulled into the parking lot of a small nondescript building. “We’re here.”

Hyunjin hesitated, staring at the building with scared eyes. But he did want to know if he caught something, more than he was afraid of people finding out how stupid he was. He pushed the car door open and slid out of the vehicle, blinking when he heard the other door open. He looked over at Hongjoong questioningly.

“I said I wasn’t going to let you go by yourself, and I meant it.”

Hyunjin flushed and nodded, moving to follow the man inside the building. And Hongjoong did stay by his side the entire time he was in there, a surprisingly comforting presence as he got the tests done and a promise to have the results soon. Then Hongjoong drove him home, even waiting until he was inside the building before driving off.

As Hyunjin made his way inside his empty, dark, lonely apartment, he couldn’t help but think that these three strangers had shown him more care and kindness than most of his friends had since the break up.

He made sure to lock the door behind himself before curling up on the couch in the dark, his heart and body aching.

Chapter Text

Yeosang pulled his sweater tightly around himself as he walked down the street, heading home from a practice with his archery team; it wasn’t exactly cold out yet, but there was a chill in the air and he had yet to wash his jacket from his encounter the previous week.

Not for the first time, his mind drifted back to the injured and scared man he had found in the alley behind the club. It had only been a week since that night, and he hadn’t been able to get the man off his mind. He could still see the scared eyes filled with tears, the dark bruises marring pale skin. He was worried; even after Hongjoong had returned home from dropping the man off much later than expected, confirming that he had brought the man to a clinic and stayed with him before driving him home.

But still, Yeosang worried. He couldn’t get the sight of the man, laying in the alleyway, out of his head. He wasn’t used to feeling so protective of someone else, especially someone outside their little group. He was usually the one being protected, whether or not he needed (or wanted) it. But he found himself wanting to check in on the man, to make sure he was okay.

Unfortunately, he only knew the man’s name. Hwang Hyunjin. And, he supposed, he knew that the man had a photography business.

He stopped walking, almost groaning out loud at his own cluelessness. He knew the man’s name and what he did for work. It would be simple enough to look up the business.

He moved to the edge of the sidewalk, pulling out his phone to do a quick search. He was almost surprised at how easy it was to find the website; Hwang Photography and Portraits, with an address that was surprisingly close to his current location. He shoved his phone into his pocket and started moving again.

He didn’t usually make such impulsive decisions, but he felt like he had to see the man, to make sure he was okay.

It took less than half an hour to walk to the building; it was small and unassuming on the outside, but through the large front window he could see the brightly lit inside. There were pictures displayed prominently on the walls, photographs and paintings both. The quality looked amazing to his uneducated gaze.

Yeosang pushed open the front door, wincing a bit as a small bell jingled above his head. The young man behind the front counter looked up with a bright, friendly smile.

“Sorry, we’re closed now for the day. You’ll have to come back tomorrow during open hours. Or you can call to make an appointment. Again, during open hours.”

Yeosang froze, his eyes widening slightly; he hadn’t even thought of checking the hours of operation when he looked up the address. He glanced at the door, twisting his hands together as he noticed that the sign on the door did indeed say closed.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, giving a small bow of his head. “I– I didn’t realize it was so late.” He hesitated a moment before pushing on; he knew he wouldn’t be able to come back here if he left now. “I was just looking for Hwang Hyunjin? Is he here?”

The young man’s smile fell and his eyes narrowed, an expression of suspicion crossing his face. His gaze swept over Yeosang slowly, calculating. “We’re closed,” he said more firmly, straightening up. “If you wish to speak to Hyunjin, you can call during operating hours and make an appointment.”

Yeosang bit his lip, but before he could try to protest or, more accurately, run away in embarrassment, a hauntingly familiar voice called out from an open doorway behind the counter.

“Innie? Did I hear the front door? I thought you were locking up– Oh. It’s you.”

Hyunjin stepped out of the doorway, freezing when he saw Yeosang standing in the front room. Yeosang was struck by how beautiful the man was without being covered in bruises or looking terrified. His hair was pulled back in a half ponytail with a few strands hanging down to frame his flawless face. He was even dressed nicely; wearing a black dress shirt and slacks.

Yeosang flushed when he realized he was staring, ducking his head.

“I was about to lock up when this guy came in,” the young man, Innie, said, breaking him out of his thoughts. “Do you know him, Hyung?”

Hyunjin finally turned to the other man, hesitating before speaking. “Yeah, I met him last week. Uh, Kang Yeosang, right?” At Yeosang’s nod of confirmation, he continued. “Kang Yeosang, this is Yang Jeongin, my assistant and friend. Yeosang-ssi and his friends helped me after my accident last week.”

Jeongin’s eyes narrowed even more, and he shifted slightly as though he were trying to block Hyunjin from Yeosang’s view. “Oh, the accident where you told me you fell down some stairs even though your apartment doesn’t have any stairs and ended up with hand shaped bruises on your face? He helped you then?”

“Innie–”

Jeongin turned to Yeosang, suspicion and anger clear on his face. “What are you doing here? Why did you come when we are closed?”

Yeosang flushed, wringing his hands together nervously. “I– Uh, I just want to see how Hyunjin-ssi was doing?” He replied, his voice barely above a mumble. “I was worried after– after his accident, and I just didn’t check what time the business closed before coming. I didn’t mean any harm.”

“Innie, please.” Hyunjin gave Jeongin’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “It’s fine. Don’t you have plans? You can leave. I’ll be fine.”

Jeonging pursed his lips, still glaring at Yeosang. “I don’t think I should leave you alone.”

“I’ll come back another time,” Yeosang said quickly, wanting to get away from the angry gaze of the younger man. “I’m sorry–”

“It’s fine,” Hyunjin cut in firmly, squeezing Jeongin’s shoulder again. “I promise. You can stay, Yeosang-ssi. As long as you don’t mind if I do some work.”

Jeongin let out a little huff before turning back to Hyunjin. “Call me if anything happens,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He shot one last glare at Yeosang before grabbing a bag off the ground and marching out the front door. He paused beside Yeosang, though. “There are cameras everywhere.”

Then he was gone.

Yeosang bit his lip as silence stretched between them, watching the younger man disappear down the street. Suddenly Hyunjin appeared beside him, keys in hand to lock the door.

“I’m sorry about him,” he said quietly, turning to lean against the door. “He’s…”

“Protective,” Yeosang finished, nodding knowingly. “You looked pretty rough when I last saw you.” He hesitated a moment. “You look better now?”

Hyunjin huffed out. “It’s make-up. The clients prefer I don’t look like I got beat up. It makes me look unreliable. Or irresponsible.” He pushed himself away from the door. “Why are you here?”

Yeosang bit his lip; why was he there? It had been an impulse to check in on a man who he barely knew but couldn’t stop thinking about. He couldn’t really explain it because it made him sound kind of like a creep. Or a psychopath. Maybe even a stalker.

“I…” He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “I was thinking about you. I was worried. I– I know it makes me sound–”

“Sweet.” The word was a whisper, and there seemed to be a light flush creeping across Hyunjin’s face. “It makes you sound sweet.” He coughed awkwardly. “Um… I really do have some work to do. If you want to stay, you can?”

Yeosang nodded silently, moving to follow Hyunjin as the man turned out the lights in the front room and led him down a hall. He peeked through the open doors as they passed, seeing studios for taking pictures and a small office. There was even a door shut tightly and labelled as a dark room. But he followed Hyunjin into the last door at the end of the hall, pausing when he stepped inside what was clearly an art studio.

The room felt bigger than the others; it was well lit with bright lights, and there were windows along the back wall. There was a counter covered in various art supplies, though Yeosang didn’t really know enough to say what exactly anything was. There were also four easels set up in the room, each one with a canvas on it in various states of completion. Three of the canvases had pictures pinned to the corner; the fourth seemed to have no reference.

Yeosang approached the fourth canvas as Hyunjin grabbed an old, paint covered shirt off a hook on the wall. He didn’t notice the other man’s hesitation before he heard his voice.

“I’ll be right back,” Hyunjin said quietly before slipping out of the room.

Yeosang hummed in response, leaning in to examine the canvas. It was barely started; just light pencil lines drawn to outline a figure. He could make out what appeared to be wings coming out of the back of the drawn figure, but the face was blank. Except for a small heart on the left temple. He frowned, tilting his head as he studied the figure.

“I’m sorry if it’s weird.” Hyunjin’s voice beside him made him jump, and he turned to look at the other man in confusion. Hyunjin had changed his shirt from the nice dress shirt he had been wearing into the paint covered one, and he looked embarrassed for some reason.

“What?” Yeosang tilted his head, trying to figure out what he had missed. “Why would it be weird?” He turned back to the drawing. “It’s an angel, right?”

Hyunjin stayed silent for a moment. “My guardian angel,” he finally said, his voice trembling softly. “The one who saved me that night.”

Yeosang blinked in confusion before it hit him. “OH! Is that me?” He turned back to Hyunjin, who was staring at him with incredulity. “There’s no face?”

Hyunjin flushed a bit, turning away. “My memory of that night is fuzzy,” he admitted quietly. “Even the morning after is a little hazy. I remember– I remembered you, but…” He shrugged. “I was having trouble getting your face right.”

Yeosang turned back to the canvas, tilting his head. “Do you want me to… Pose? Or something? That’s something people do for artists, right?”

Hyunjin raised his eyebrows, clearly surprised. “You would do that?”

“I don’t mind.” He smiled shyly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I could do it now, if you want?”

Hyunjin bit his lip, shooting a glance at the other three easels before managing a small smile. “If it’s not too much trouble?”

“I have no plans tonight,” Yeosang replied, flushing slightly. He didn’t know why he was embarrassed; it wasn’t like he was trying to impress the artist. “How do you want me?”

Hyunjin blinked a few times. “Oh, um…” He let out an awkward laugh. “I wasn’t expecting to have a model tonight. I usually set up an area…”

Yeosang watched the man scurry around the studio, moving around the easels with great care to make a space in the middle of the room. It was cute; he loved watching people engaging in their passions. He could see how much Hyunjin cared about his art, with the way he handled the in-progress paintings so carefully.

“Do you paint models frequently?” He asked after a moment, as Hyunjin was setting up a stool in the middle of the room.

“Not really. Not at the moment, anyway. I don’t have much time for personal projects right now.” He stepped back, waving towards the stool. “You can sit here. Sorry I don’t have anything more comfortable.”

Yeosang moved to take a seat, settling down on the stool. “Is this good?”

Hyunjin stepped forward, hesitantly holding his hands out. “May I?” He waited for Yeosang’s nod of consent before gently gripping his chin to position his head slightly. “Is that okay? Do you think you can hold that position for a few minutes?”

“Yes,” Yeosang breathed out softly, feeling a flush color his cheeks as the hands drew away from his face. The light touch sent shivers down his spine. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Hyunjin moved to the canvas to start sketching.

The way the man concentrated on his canvas was beautiful; his dark eyes were focused intently on the lines he was drawing, his tongue poking out between his full lips. He paused only to pull all of his hair back into a messy ponytail to keep it out of his face.

“You moved.”

Yeosang blinked, realizing that he did indeed move his head so he was fully staring at the other man. He flushed deeply, ducking his head. “Sorry, I– I got distracted.”

Hyunjin snorted. “It’s not the first time I’ve heard that.” He sat back. “I think I have what I need, though. Thank you. For indulging me. I know it was a weird request, you don’t even know me–”

“It’s fine,” Yeosang said quickly, cutting him off. “It’s fine, I don’t mind. I offered, remember?” He slipped off the stool to go look at the rough sketch. It was recognizably his face now; his features. He tilted his head. “I think you made me… prettier.”

Hyunjin covered his face, but Yeosang could still see the blush. “I only draw what I see. You–”

“Are very pretty.” Yeosang nodded. “I’ve been told. Many times. Having a face like this is a curse sometimes. But,” he turned his body slightly toward Hyunjin, a small smirk on his lips, “you know all about that, don’t you?”

“Are– are you flirting with me?” Hyunjin’s face turned even redder as he peered between his fingers at him. There was a hint of a smile on his lips. “That was smooth.”

Yeosang laughed out, brushing a hand through his hair. “It’s the smoothest I’ve ever been,” he admitted sheepishly. “I’m usually not so… bold.”

Hyunjin lowered his hands, clasping them together in front of him. “I… I don’t mean any offense, but I recently got out of a serious relationship, and after– after last week–”

He smiled softly in response. “I don’t expect anything from you. I just… I flirt sometimes? When I’m comfortable with someone. It’s a habit of my best friend that rubbed off on me. I’m sorry that I made you uncomfortable.”

Hyunjin bit his lip, his eyes starting to fill with tears. “I have… had friends like that. I shouldn’t have assumed that you would want to– After what you saw–”

“Hey.” Yeosang reached out, hesitating a moment before grasping Hyunjin’s hands gently. “What happened to you was terrible, but it doesn’t make me think poorly of you. You know it wasn’t your fault, right?”

Hyunjin dropped his gaze, tears spilling down his cheeks. “I shouldn’t have gone out–”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Yeosang said firmly, giving his hands a squeeze. “Have you talked to anyone about what happened? I know your assistant friend seems to think you fell down some stairs.”

Hyunjin let out a weak laugh. “That’s what I told him what happened when he checked on me. He doesn’t believe a word of it. I just… I can’t talk about it. I can’t even say the word.”

“You don’t have to say it. You don’t have to say anything.” Yeosang took a step back, suddenly feeling like he was crowding the other man. “I’m willing to listen though. If you want?” He hesitated. “I can give you my number, if you ever want to talk about anything. I’m going out of town for work tomorrow for a few days, but you can call me anytime.”

Hyunjin looked up at him, his bright eyes shining in confusion. “Why would you do that?”

He shrugged. “It might be easier for you to talk to someone who already knows what happened. You don’t have to say the words. You don’t have to talk about what happened at all. But at least with me, you don’t have to worry about not saying anything, either. You don’t have to watch what you say. I can give you Hongjoong’s and Seonghwa’s numbers too. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind listening if you wanted to talk.”

Hyunjin ducked his head, but he could see a light flush on his cheeks. “You are incredibly smooth, Yeosang-ssi. I’ll take your number.”

Yeosang couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m really not. I’m awkward and shy and I usually don’t talk this much around new people. There just must be something special about you.”

“And you say you aren’t smooth.” Hyunjin held out his hand. “Give me your phone, I’ll add my number.” He waited until Yeosang dropped his phone into his waiting hand and quickly typed in his number before sending himself a text. “There, now we have each other’s numbers. There’s no going back now.”

Yeosang smiled softly as he slipped his phone back into his pocket. “I have no plans of turning you away. In fact, with how talkative I have been with you so far, you’ll probably get annoyed by me first.” He glanced at his watch and frowned. “It’s getting late, and I’m distracting you from work. But don’t hesitate to text or call me, okay?”

Hyunjin nodded, chewing on his lip. “Thank you for visiting. It means a lot to me.”

Yeosang couldn’t help but stare at the other man for a moment, just struck once more by how beautiful he was. He was tempted to reach out and brush a stray strand of hair that had fallen out of the messy ponytail out of his face. He shoved his hands into his pockets to stop himself from doing just that, rocking back on his heels.

“I’m just happy you don’t find it creepy because thinking back it was kind of creepy to look you up and turn up uninvited.” He smiled awkwardly, ducking his head as he willed himself to stop talking. “I’ll see myself out. Good night, Hyunjin-ssi.” He gave a small bow and turned to leave.

“You can drop the honorifics.” Hyunjin stood, moving to follow him out. “If you want. I don’t mind being casual. If you want.”

Yeosang glanced at Hyunjin; he could see a blush on the other man’s cheeks though he kept his gaze forward. “I don’t mind. I forget them half the time anyway. It drives Hongjoong crazy.”

Hyunjin huffed out a laugh as he moved to unlock the front door. It was a nice sound, and his eyes squinted closed into a crescent shape briefly as he smiled. Yeosang wanted to see that expression on his face more, and to hear the sound of his laughter again.

“Good night, Yeosang,” Hyunjin said, pulling the door open and leaning against the frame. “I’ll be in touch.”

Yeosang bowed slightly, his lips twitching into a soft smile. “I look forward to it. Good night, Hyunjin.” He couldn’t think of an excuse to linger any longer, besides he just wanted to watch him work. And that might actually be a little too creepy to admit out loud.

So he stepped out into the street, giving an awkward wave as the other man closed and locked the door behind him. He shoved his hands into his pockets and started the walk back home. He still had to pack for his trip, and he knew Wooyoung probably was getting worried that he hadn’t arrived yet. But his mind still drifted back to Hyunjin; to the way his smile seemed to light up his whole face, and how beautiful he looked when he was concentrating on his art.

Yeosang smiled to himself; he really couldn’t wait to hear from Hyunjin again.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin sat back on his stool, staring at the half-finished canvas in front of him. He couldn’t seem to get the color of the angel’s wings just right and it was driving him crazy. He frowned and dropped his paintbrush, letting out a groan. He needed to take a break. He stood and moved across his studio, glancing at one of the commissions that he should have been working on. And he was still working on the commissions; he was just spending more time on his personal project.

He let out a frustrated sigh and moved to the door, turning off the light before heading into his office. He had some paperwork to do anyway; he would work on his paintings later when he had a chance to clear his mind.

Just as he sat down at his desk, his phone chimed with a new message. He couldn’t help but smile when Yeosang’s name popped up as the notification. He opened it right away to see the other man had sent him a picture. It had obviously been taken by someone else; he was holding a large bow, the string pulled tight and an arrow notched as he aimed at a target.

Hyunjin sat back in his seat, a small smile playing on his lips. They had been texting back and forth for the past week while Yeosang was away at a competition; Hyunjin had learned that the other man was on an archery team, which seemed almost like a joke. He actually hadn’t believed him at first when he told him what he did for a living. Then the pictures started coming in.

Yeosang at practice, with his coach guiding him into the proper posture.

Yeosang notching an arrow to his bow.

Yeosang practicing aiming at the target.

Yeosang standing to the side, holding his bow as he watched his teammates.

And now, throughout the day, he had been getting pictures of Yeosang during the competition; his face focused as he took aim, and looking happy when he got a bullseye.

Another picture popped up in his messages; this newest picture was of Yeosang holding a trophy that said Third Place, while his teammates surrounded him and cheered.

“You look happy.”

Hyunjin jumped, letting out a squawk of surprise as he looked towards the door; Jeongin was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed against his chest and an eyebrow raised.

“You scared me,” Hyunjin replied, setting his phone down and awkwardly shuffling the papers strewn across his desk. “I thought you left already.”

“I was cleaning up the front.” Jeongin pushed himself away from the door and moved into the office. He seemed to hesitate before flopping down into the seat across the desk. “Was it from him?”

“Was what from who?” Hyunjin replied, tilting his head as he looked at the younger man; he was too tired to try to figure out any riddles.

Jeongin nodded towards the phone that now sat innocently dark on the desk between them. “The message you were just smiling so brightly at. Was it from that guy who showed up here last week? What was his name?”

“Yeosang?” Hyunjin flushed slightly when Jeongin raised an eyebrow again. “What? Yes, it was from him. What does it matter?”

“You’re already speaking of him so casually.” The younger man’s tone was pointedly neutral.

Hyunjin huffed out, his flush deepening. “We agreed to be casual. I could call him hyung, if that would make you feel better.” That was another thing he had learned in texting with Yeosang the past week; the other man was a year older than him.

“You look happy,” Jeongin repeated, finally dropping his gaze to look at his hands. “I haven’t seen you look so happy since… Well, since you and Chan hyung broke up.”

Hyunjin felt the familiar pang in his chest at the mention of Chan, though the ache of heartbreak was tinged with a new, different, feeling of hurt.

No one wants you around.

Stop calling.

Leave us alone.

The words Chan had said to him when he called for help still floated around his head, making him doubt his friendships with the others in their group. He had desperately hoped he had imagined the phone call in his drugged state; but he had checked his call history when he had finally gotten him that day and there it was.

One call to Chan, at 1:18 am, lasting less than a minute. It took less than a minute to destroy any trust he might have still had in the older man, as well as plant seeds of doubt in the rest of his friendships.

“Hyunjinnie?”

Hyunjin blinked, pulling himself back to the present as he looked up at Jeongin. The younger man looked worried. “I’m fine. I don’t want to talk about Chan.”

We weren’t talking about Chan,” Jeongin said slowly. “We were talking about your new… Boyfriend?”

Hyunjin stared at Jeongin in shock. “My– What?”

“You and this Yeosang. You’re dating, right? You have that new love look on your face. I just want you to be careful. We don’t know–”

“We’re not dating!” Hyunjin finally spluttered out, flushing deeply yet again. “We’re just friends!”

“Sure. Friends. I don’t see you giving your phone goofy smiles when Felix hyung texts you.” Jeongin leaned forward. “I’m glad you’re happy again, hyung. I want you to be happy. But if this guy breaks your heart, I will break his face.”

“You– what?”

Jeongin stood up, brushing imaginary dust off his dress pants. “I’m heading out. I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t forget you have that engagement photography session first thing in the morning.”

Hyunjin stared after Jeongin as the younger man walked out of his office, still in shock. “I don’t see you threatening to break Chan’s face for breaking my heart!” He managed to shout out, huffing indignantly when he heard a laugh and then the jingle of the front door opening and closing.

He had been serious, though; of course no one would hurt Chan for breaking his heart. Everyone loved Chan.

He slumped back, heaving out a big sigh. He was still confused about the whole conversation; Jeongin never took an interest in his personal life before. Of course, his personal life had been pretty public to the rest of their friend group since he and Chan had started dating; they had been like an old married couple by the end, so no one had any interest.

He pursed his lips, looking at his phone. He wanted to talk to someone, to try to figure things out. He didn’t want to work anymore, and he… He just wanted to talk to someone. He reached for his phone, biting his lip.

Stop calling.

No one wants you around.

He closed his eyes, feeling tears start to build. He wished he could ignore the words; but Chan was the leader. He knew everything about everyone. He always took care of everyone.

He knew how everyone felt.

No one wants you around.

Hyunjin dialled the number before he could stop himself, holding the phone up to his ear. He listened to it ring once… Twice…

“Hey, Hyune.”

The familiar low, soft voice of Yeosang answered quickly, and Hyunjin let out a slow sigh of relief.

“I see you got third place,” he said in a way of greeting, trying to sound upbeat and happy. “Congratulations!”

“Thanks.” He could hear the sound of Yeosang moving around. “Is everything okay?”

“I figured you would be out celebrating with your teammates.” Hyunjin ignored the question, rubbing at his face to wipe away the tears starting to trickle down his cheeks. “I’m surprised you answered.”

“We have an early train back to Seoul in the morning. We’re going to celebrate when we get back home. What’s wrong?”

Hyunjin let out a sad little laugh. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“You get the same whiny tone in your voice that my best friend does when he’s trying not to cry. What happened?”

Hyunjin couldn’t help but smile slightly; they had only known each other for a couple of weeks, and it already felt like Yeosang knew him so well. “Nothing’s wrong, really. I’m just…” He groaned, letting his head fall back. “I’m just pathetic, is all.”

“You’re not pathetic. Don’t say that about yourself.” Yeosang’s tone was scolding. “Now tell me what’s wrong.”

Hyunjin stayed quiet for a few seconds before sighing again. “Jeongin thinks we’re dating.”

“He… Why does he think you’re dating? Is dating him a bad thing?” Yeosang sounded adorably confused.

Hyunjin laughed, though. He couldn’t help it. “Not me and him, silly. He thinks you and I are dating.”

“Oh. Right. That makes more sense, I guess.” There was a pause. “I feel like I should be offended that you’re crying over someone thinking you’re dating me. I don’t think I’m that bad.”

Hyunjin laughed again because he could not believe how adorable and pouty Yeosang sounded. “That’s not why I’m crying! I’m not upset he thinks we’re dating. I’m not even upset he threatened to hurt you if you break my heart. I’m a little touched, honestly.”

“I think I’m a little upset that he threatened to hurt me.” Yeosang’s voice took on a teasing tone. “But if that’s not what upset you, then what is?”

Hyunjin bit his lip, hesitating again. “I told you I just got out of a serious relationship, right?”

“Mhmm.”

“Chan, my ex, is kind of… the leader of our friend group?” He winced slightly. “It’s hard to explain–”

“There’s no need to explain. I get it. Hongjoong is the leader of our friend group. We call him Captain.”

Hyunjin blinked. “Does he like being called Captain?”

“Yes. He prefers it.”

Hyunjin laughed. “Okay. Anyway, Chan is the leader of the group. He’s the one who brought us all together, he’s the one who– he’s like the dad, right? The dad friend. Chan and I were dating for five years. We lived together. I was helping him with starting up his production company. I wanted to propose to him. I even bought the ring.” He felt his voice crack and he took a deep breath.

“So what happened?” Yeosang asked, his voice soft.

“He broke up with me a few months ago.” Hyunjin let out a bitter laugh. “He felt we were just too comfortable, or just too used to each other? I– I don’t really understand why. Even after a few months, I don’t understand. I loved him. He broke my heart. And…” He hesitated again. “And it’s stupid, and it’s selfish and it’s pathetic–”

“Hyune–”

“No one threatened him. No one said they would hurt him for hurting me, when he broke my heart.” Hyunjin wiped away the tears that started to fall again. “In fact, it feels like most of our friends sided with him. Now I feel awkward, and out of place, when I go to group gatherings. I feel like I get invited to stuff less. And I just… I make a new friend, and the immediate response is to threaten you? I don’t know. It just hurts that this protectiveness didn’t come into play before.”

The other line was silent for a long moment and he felt immediately guilty for dumping everything on Yeosang like that. The older man should be having a good time, celebrating his achievement, not listening to him whine about his friends. He opened his mouth to apologize, but he didn’t need to.

“I don’t really understand how you are feeling,” Yeosang said slowly. “I haven’t dated inside my friend group. Sex, sure; but not dating. But I think your feelings are valid. I can’t imagine losing someone I love so much suddenly, and then feeling like I lost everyone else, too. I don’t blame you for being upset.”

“There’s more,” Hyunjin whispered quietly.

“More?”

“I– Chan said he wanted to stay friends. I mean…” Hyunjin sighed. “He’s a great guy. He just didn’t love me, I guess. But he’s always been dependable.”

“I don’t know where this is going?” Yeosang replied, his voice cautious.

“I called him that night, after.” Hyunjin waited until he heard Yeosang’s little gasp of understanding. “I remember calling him before you found me. I needed help, and he– Chan is the one we always called for help.”

“He wouldn’t come. You said that, when I found you.” Yeosang’s voice was low, sounding almost angry.

“He told me no one wanted me around and to stop calling.” Hyunjin felt his voice break. “I hadn’t called him since our break up, but I guess he didn’t really want to be friends, and I think–”

“Your ex is an asshole,” Yeosang cut in firmly. “Don’t try to defend him, because I know you’re about to. He’s an asshole, because any decent person would have realized something was wrong when you called and would have helped. You deserve better than someone like that.”

Hyunjin felt speechless and a little touched; he felt a warmth in his chest at Yeosang’s words. He felt like someone cared.

“And for what it’s worth, I want you around. You can call me anytime. Even in the middle of the night.”

“Yeosang–” Hyunjin’s voice cracked slightly, the warmth in his chest only growing. “Thank you. I– That means a lot to me.”

It really did mean a lot; he knew that Yeosang didn’t know Chan, and only really knew that he broke his heart, but having someone on his side felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest. Sure, Felix and Jeongin were on his side, but they were still friends with Chan too. And while he would never ask them to choose between them, hearing someone call Chan an asshole was oddly nice.

“You don’t have to thank me, Hyune. We’re friends. That’s what friends do, right?”

Hyunjin laughed softly. “You’re too sweet for this world, Yeosang.”

“I get told that a lot.”

He laughed again. “That doesn’t surprise me. I should let you go. I do have some work to do, and I really just wanted to congratulate you on your competition. I didn’t mean to dump a lot of baggage on you.”

“I can talk longer, if you want. I’m just hanging out in my hotel room.”

“No, I really should get to work. I’m behind on my commissions. But thanks again. Call me when you get back into town, and we’ll hang out?”

“I’ll do that. Good night, Hyune.”

“Good night, Yeosang.” Hyunjin hung up the phone, breathing out a slow sigh. He felt better after talking to Yeosang. He felt lighter. And maybe his heart hurt a little less.

Maybe Jeongin had a point; he and Yeosang weren’t dating, but he probably wouldn’t say no if the older man wanted to. He still thought it was a little too early for him to date after what happened that night, but maybe… Maybe down the line, he could see it happening. Yeosang was a great guy. Anyone would be lucky to date him.

Hyunjin pushed himself to his feet, suddenly feeling inspired to paint once more. He might even be able to finish one of his commissions. He moved back towards his studio, a happy smile on his lips.

At least Jeongin didn’t see that smile.

Chapter Text

Yeosang checked his watch again before glancing at Jongho out of the corner of his eye; while he always enjoyed hanging out with the maknae of the group and usually wasn’t in a rush to part ways, he did have plans tonight.

He was going to meet Hyunjin at his studio before heading to Hongjoong’s and Seonghwa’s place for dinner. When Seonghwa found that he was talking to Hyunjin again (or still), he had insisted on inviting him over for dinner. Yeosang knew it was because of what they affectionately called his “motherly” instincts, and that he had been silently worrying about the younger man since he had walked out of their apartment with Hongjoong that morning all those weeks ago.

Hyunjin, for his part, seemed confused by the invitation, but accepted it graciously and let him know what nights he was free. While being the go between was awkward, Yeosang managed to get a date set up.

Now, Yeosang was just waiting for Jongho to finish his ice cream so they could part ways, and he could go meet up with Hyunjin.

“You could always just let me meet him.”

Yeosang jerked his head towards Jongho, his brow furrowing in confusion. He felt like he had missed part of the conversation. “What are you talking about?”

“Your new guy.” Jongho took another tiny bite of ice cream and raised an eyebrow. “Wooyoung complains all the time lately that you have this new guy you’re keeping secret from everyone and won’t let anyone meet. I assume that’s why you keep checking your watch. You’re going to meet him, right?”

Yeosang huffed out, pulling his sleeve down to hide his watch. But he could feel a light flush on his cheeks at being caught. “I’m not keeping him a secret. Hongjoong and Seonghwa have met him.”

“But your best friend in the whole world hasn’t met him, and let me tell you Wooyoung is incredibly offended by that.”

Yeosang rolled his eyes. “Wooyoung can be a lot. Too much, even. I just don’t want to overwhelm him with Wooyoung too soon.”

“I can understand not exposing this guy to Wooyoung too soon,” Jongho replied. “I could even understand not letting him meet San right away, if you’re trying not to overwhelm him. But me? I’m the calmest of us all. And the most polite.”

“You can be as much a terror as anyone else.” Yeosang sighed though and stood from his seat. “Fine, you can meet him. But please, don’t be weird.”

“I’d argue that you’re the weirder one out of the two of us, but fine. I’ll be nice.” Jongho smirked and pushed himself to his feet, quickly finishing his ice cream. “Lead the way.”

Yeosang shook his head, a small but affectionate smile on his lips. He knew that the younger man had purposely been stalling for exactly this reason and he couldn’t even be mad about it. A part of him wanted to introduce Hyunjin to all of his friends, to give the other man new people to be friends with that would actually stand up for him.

Granted, all Yeosang knew about this ex-boyfriend was the little bit that Hyunjin had told him, and even then he seemed unable to stop defending him. Honestly, it made Yeosang a little angry; to hear Hyunjin keep insisting that this Chan was a great guy even after he broke his heart.

Even after Chan refused to help Hyunjin when he needed it most.

Yeosang hated that man with his whole being, despite never having met him before.

The walk to Hyunjin’s studio didn’t take long; he’d planned it that way. But now he was nervous because he hadn’t been prepared to start introducing Hyunjin to his friends yet. Not that he was planning to keep Hyunjin from them; in fact, he wanted to introduce the other man to all his friends so that he could have some support outside the friend group that sided with his ex.

Yeosang pushed into the studio, ignoring the jingle of the bells above his head; he’d made sure that he would arrive before the closing time so he wouldn’t make Jeongin angry again.

Jeongin was behind the counter when they came inside. He looked up and grinned brightly at Yeosang, which threw him off a little.

“Hi, hyung! Are you here to see Hyunjin?”

Yeosang blinked, looking at the man in confusion. “What did you call me?”

“Well, Hyunjin said you were his hyung, and since he’s my hyung, that makes you my hyung.” Jeongin waved a hand towards the door leading to the back. “He’s in his office if you want to go back.”

Yeosang hesitated a moment, glancing back at Jongho who was idly wandering around the waiting room and looking at the photos and paintings on the walls. He figured it would be safe to leave him alone for a minute and moved to walk into the back.

But right before he managed to step into the hall, Jeongin stepped in front of him, all traces of the friendly smile on his face gone. His expression was serious and a little scary.

“I just want you to know that if you hurt Hyunjin, it just won’t be me you’re dealing with,” he said in a low tone. “There are seven of us who will hunt you down if anything happens to him.”

Yeosang felt a wave of rage wash over him at the threat; he almost laughed in his incredulity because how dare Jeongin threaten him when they were the ones hurting Hyunjin? How dare he say that they will hunt him down for hurting Hyunjin, when Hyunjin was already hurt and they did nothing? Granted, Hyunjin didn’t tell them what happened, but it was still the principle. He managed to keep his composure, pressing his lips together in a thin line.

“Noted,” he replied coolly, brushing past Jeongin to go to the office.

Hyunjin was sitting behind the desk, looking just as beautiful as ever. His hair was down around his shoulders, and he was dressed nicely as always. He looked up when Yeosang knocked on the door, a bright smile on his face.

It made Yeosang’s heart skip a beat. All the rage he had been feeling previously melted away at seeing that smile.

“Hi!” Hyunjin pushed himself to his feet, moving around the desk to greet Yeosang. It looked like he was going to hug him, but pulled himself back. “You’re here!”

Yeosang couldn’t help but smile, reaching out to carefully pull Hyunjin into a loose hug, which was returned happily. “Of course. I said I would be here. I’m not even late, despite Jongho’s best attempts. Uh…” He pulled back, sliding his hands down Hyunjin’s arms to grasp his hands. “Speaking of my friend, he wanted to meet you. He’s in the waiting room now.”

Hyunjin blinked, raising an eyebrow. “Oh… Is he coming to dinner too? Not that I would mind, I just–”

“He’s not coming to dinner,” Yeosang replied firmly, even laughing a little. “He just wanted to meet you, so he will go his own way when we leave.”

“Oh. Okay.” Hyunjin breathed out a small sigh of relief. “Not that I don’t want to meet your friends! I do! I’m just nervous. What if they don’t like me?”

Yeosang smiled softly, reaching up to brush some hair out of the other man’s face. “They’ll love you. Just be your amazing self; how could they not?”

He was pleased to see the flush cross Hyunjin’s face as the man ducked his head, spluttering incoherently. “You are such a flirt, Kang Yeosang.”

He laughed and tugged Hyunjin out of the office gently. When they reached the front waiting room, he was surprised to see Jongho leaning against the front desk with a smirk on his face, while Jeongin looked a bit flustered. Yeosang chose to ignore the obvious flirting, instead reaching out to push Jongho slightly.

“I told you to behave.”

“You told me to be nice to your friend. I was being nice.” Jongho straightened up and turned to look at Hyunjin, giving the man a nod. “I’m Choi Jongho. You must be the famous Hyunjin that Sangie is hiding from us.”

“I’m not–” Yeosang huffed out, shaking his head. “Nevermind. Yes, Jongho. This is Hwang Hyunjin. My new friend.” He emphasised the word to make it clear they weren’t dating (yet), but it only made Jongho smirk wider.

Hyunjin, for his part, was friendly and gracious. “It’s nice to meet you, Jongho-ssi.”

Jongho waved a hand, his smirk softening into a smile. “Jongho is fine. Or Baby Bear. Hey You is acceptable, too.”

Hyunjin snorted before he could stop himself, covering his mouth. “I’m sorry, Baby Bear?”

“It’s what Yeosang calls me because I remind him of a teddy bear. And I’m big and strong enough to protect him.” The younger man shot a wink towards Yeosang, who groaned in embarrassment.

“I hate you.” He turned to Hyunjin. “Are you ready to go so I can escape being even more embarrassed?”

“I don’t know,” Hyunjin replied softly, a smirk playing at his lips. “You don’t strike me as the type to need protecting. You’re big and strong enough yourself.”

“Thank you!” Yeosang couldn’t help but smile brightly at Hyunjin. “I keep telling everyone that I am a grown man and I don’t need protecting, but they don’t believe me!”

“Hyung, you almost let someone steal your wallet because you didn’t want to be a bother. You need to be protected.” Jongho’s eyes drifted towards Jeongin when he made that statement; Yeosang was sure that it was because he had heard the young man threaten him earlier and was making a point.

It didn’t bother him either way.

“Let’s go, or else we’ll be late for dinner.” Yeosang turned to face Jongho fully. “You’ve met Hyunjin. You can go now.”

“Or you could stay and hang out with me while I close up,” Jeongin said quickly, shooting Jongho a coy smile. “I wouldn’t mind the company.”

“I can do that,” Jongho replied easily, smirking slightly. “As long as it’s okay with your boss.”

Hyunjin hummed softly. “I’m fine with it. Just know that if I get robbed, I will blame you.”

Yeosang shook his head, but he couldn’t stop himself from smiling; he was glad that Hyunjin and Jongho seemed to be getting along. Jongho was usually the slowest to warm up to new people. He reached out, pressing a hand to Hyunjin’s back to guide him forward. “We’ll really be late if we don’t leave now.”

Hyunjin nodded and waved at the two men still standing by the counter. “See you two later! Innie, remember there are cameras; no sex on the counter!”

“That was once!” Jeongin shouted in indignation as they walked out of the building, the echo of Jongho laughing following them out.

“I was not expecting them to hit it off like that,” Yeosang murmured quietly, a wry smile on his face. “Jongho takes a while to warm up to people.”

“Innie is usually pretty friendly,” Hyunjin replied, shoving his hands into his pockets as they walked. “And he’s very forward when he likes someone. He asked me out two days after we met. I already felt like he was a younger brother though, so I had to decline. I was also already crushing hard on Chan, so that played into it, as well.”

Yeosang’s smile dropped slightly at the mention of the ex, but he ducked his head to hide it. “He’s very protective of you. Jeongin, I mean.”

Hyunjin hummed softly. “His protectiveness ramped up a lot after… After that night. He– He came over the day after, after Hongjoong dropped me off. He was worried because I hadn’t come into the studio and hadn’t called to see how things were going. So he saw me in all that bruised glory. I told him I fell down the stairs. Of course he didn’t believe me, but now he thinks–”

“He thinks I’m the one who hurt you?” Yeosang cut in, his voice light. He could understand the line of thought.

“I’m sorry. I’ve tried assuring him that you didn’t do anything, but he is oddly suspicious of you.” Hyunjin sighed quietly. “He did promise to be nicer, though.”

“I think he was trying,” Yeosang admitted. “He called me hyung, which threw me off. He also threatened me, but–”

Hyunjin groaned loudly, halfway turning as though he meant to go back. “I’m going to kill him!”

Yeosang laughed, grabbing Hyunjin’s arm so he wouldn’t go storming back to the studio. “It’s fine. I mean, it’s annoying, but it’s fine. And if you go kill him now, then we have to hide the body, and then we would definitely be late for dinner. And if we’re late, Seonghwa would be sad. You don’t want Seonghwa to be sad, do you?”

Hyunjin flushed at the touch, a small smile crossing his face. “No, I don’t want to make Seonghwa-ssi sad.” They continued walking silently for a moment. “Would you really help me hide a body?”

Yeosang frowned in confusion, glancing over at the younger man. “What?”

“You said we would have to hide Innie’s body if I kill him, implying you would help me. Would you really?”

Yeosang blinked. “Of course. What else are friends for if not for help hiding bodies?”

Hyunjin laughed, his whole face lighting up at the small action. Yeosang smiled happily, just glad that he could bring joy to the other man. He was half tempted to grab Hyunjin’s hand and hold it while they walked; he refrained because he didn’t want to seem like he was pushing for anything. Even if he liked Hyunjin, there was no guarantee that Hyunjin liked him back.

Or, more importantly, he didn’t want to inadvertently push too fast before Hyunjin was ready.

The walk to Hongjoong’s and Seonghwa’s apartment seemed to go by fast; even just hanging out with Hyunjin was easy and fun. Time and space passed and before he even realized it, they were standing outside the door to the building. Yeosang grinned at the younger man, opening the door for him.

Hyunjin looked nervous as he stepped inside the building, waiting to follow Yeosang into the elevator.

“Relax,” Yeosang murmured, risking the chance to grab Hyunjin’s hand and give it a comforting squeeze. “They already like you. Seonghwa probably just wants to fret over you like the mother he is.”

Hyunjin squeezed his hand back and noticeably didn’t drop it when the elevator doors opened on the correct floor. Yeosang smiled softly, pulling Hyunjin towards the correct door. He knocked, giving Hyunjin’s hand a squeeze once more before reluctantly letting go.

The door opened to Seonghwa wearing an apron and a mildly disapproving expression. “You’re late.”

“Blame Jongho,” Yeosang said immediately, pushing past Seonghwa to enter the apartment. “Your youngest child is a menace. You should talk to him about that. Not tonight though. He’s probably getting laid.”

Seonghwa frowned, watching Yeosang. “How– you know what? I don’t want to know. Hyunjin, come in. I’m happy to see you. How are you doing?”

Hyunjin stepped inside, giving Seonghwa a small bow. “Thank you for inviting me, Seonghwa-ssi. I’m… I’m doing okay.”

Seonghwa smiled kindly as he closed the door. “Please, you can call me hyung. I was surprised that Yeosang reached out to you, only because he is the shyest of the children. But I’m glad he did. I’ve been worried.”

Hyunjin flushed slightly. “I was surprised when he showed up as well. But I’m happy he did. It’s been nice talking to him.”

Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, looking towards Yeosang with a clear question on his face. Yeosang shook his head slightly before reaching out to press a hand to Hyunjin’s back gently. “I was surprised I showed up too. Where’s Hongjoong? I thought he was joining us?”

Seonghwa chuckled. “He’s in his room, working on some songs. You know how he is. Always working unless he’s dragged away by force. Why don’t you go get him, Sangie? I’ll show Hyunjin to the dining room.”

Yeosang nodded, watching the pair move out of the entrance way towards the kitchen; he could see Hyunjin physically relaxing as Seonghwa started telling him about a recent photoshoot that he had covered. It was heartwarming to see Hyunjin coming out of his shell so easily around the older man.

Yeosang moved down the hall to the bedrooms, knocking on Hongjoong’s door before opening it. Hongjoong was sitting at his desk, headphones on and staring intently at his laptop screen as he worked on whatever track had his focus. Yeosang rolled his eyes, moving across the room to tap Hongjoong on the shoulder.

Hongjoong jumped, whipping off his headphones. “Sangie! You scared me!”

“I knocked.” Yeosang leaned against the edge of the desk, smiling slightly. “Seonghwa says dinner is ready.”

Hongjoong nodded, making sure he saved his work before closing his laptop. “Yeah, okay. I was just playing around, anyway.”

They made their way into the kitchen where the other two were just finishing getting everything to the table. The first few minutes of eating were silent and awkward. At least, it felt like it for Yeosang. He looked up to the couple across the table and judging from the looks they were giving him, they expected him to break the silence.

Assholes.

“So, Hongjoong hyung,” he said after a moment, focusing on the older man so Hyunjin wouldn’t feel obligated to break the silence. “How is the search going? Have you found a company yet?”

Hongjoong sighed heavily, pursing his lips. “No. I’m beginning to think we got blacklisted somehow. Even the smaller companies I’ve been visiting don’t want us.”

“Company?” Hyunjin looked between the two men.

Hongjoong shot Hyunjin a wry smile. “I don’t know if Yeosang has told you, but we all trained together at KQ Entertainment to debut as an idol group.”

Hyunjin blinked a few times and looked at Yeosang beside him. “I don’t think he mentioned it. What happened?”

“KQ decided they didn’t want all of us to debut,” Seonghwa answered, reaching out to grasp Hongjoong’s hand. It was obvious that Hongjoong was angry and frustrated. “So we left. And Hongjoong has been searching for a company willing to take all of us as one group since.”

Honjoong gripped Seonghwa’s hand, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m just frustrated. Do you know how upsetting it can be to train for years and not debut?”

“I do, actually.” Hyunjin bit his lip, dropping his gaze to his plate as the other three men focused on him. “I trained at JYPE for two years before ultimately deciding not to debut.” He twisted his lips into a bitter smile. “They only cared about how good looking I am, not any talent I may have had.”

Yeosang couldn’t help but grab Hyunjin’s hand and squeeze it tightly. It was news to him that Hyunjin trained with a company, but he wasn’t really surprised. He could see the dance training in the way the other man moved.

Hongjoong nodded approvingly. “I’m sorry you had to experience that.”

Hyunjin hummed. “I… I may know a company that you can look into? It’s new, I don’t know if they have officially opened yet, but I could give you the address to go talk to them?”

“How do you know about a company that may not have even opened?” Hongjoong asked, his tone simply curious.

“My…” Hyunjin made a face. “My ex-boyfriend, Chan, and his friends are starting their own company.”

Yeosang dropped his gaze to hide the frown that crossed his face at the mention of the ex-boyfriend. He knew that he didn’t know this Chan besides what Hyunjin vented to him, but he couldn’t get past this guy ignoring Hyunjin when he needed help.

“Like I said, I don’t know if they have actually opened for business yet,” Hyunjin continued, his voice soft. “I don’t even know if they have a phone line set up, but I know they have a building since I own it.”

“You–” Yeosang’s head snapped up and he stared at Hyunjin in shock. “You own the building your ex-boyfriend’s company is in?”

Hyunjin let out a little huff. “It’s complicated. I bought it before we broke up. But honestly,” he turned slightly to focus on Hongjoong, “Chan and the others are really good at what they do, and I think they could be a good fit for you.”

“I’m a little surprised you’re recommending your ex-boyfriend’s company,” Honjoong said slowly, tilting his head as he studied the younger man. “I’m guessing it didn’t end that badly.”

Yeosang couldn’t hold back a scoff, looking away and refusing to explain himself when Seonghwa and Hongjoong looked at him in surprise.

Hyunjin also shot him a look, his lips twitching slightly, before he focused back on Hongjoong. “Chan might not have loved me, but he loves music. He is good at what he does. I would even say he, and the others he’s working with, are the best in the industry. They work so hard all the time and I do want them to succeed. I think you should at least talk to them. They would be lucky to get you guys.”

Yeosang pursed his lips, forcing himself to keep quiet; he couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed at how Hyunjin seemed to keep on defending his ex-boyfriend. He supposed it was just a habit since they had been friends before they dated. But he couldn’t imagine defending someone who could ignore a call for help. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax.

When he managed to focus back on the conversation happening around him, Hongjoong was tucking a piece of paper into his pocket and Seonghwa was standing to gather up the empty plates. He blinked, realizing he missed more than he originally thought. But he stood, moving to help Seonghwa clean up.

As the pair set the dirty dishes on the counter, Seonghwa turned to Yeosang, a look of concern on his face. “Are you okay, Sang-ah?” He asked, his voice low and soft. “You seem angry.”

Yeosang sighed, leaning against the counter and looking towards Hyunjin and Hongjoong, still engaged in conversation. “I don’t know if I should tell you,” he replied slowly. “It’s not really my thing to tell. I will say that from what little I’ve been told, I don’t like Hyunjin’s ex.”

Seonghwa smiled knowingly. “Are you perhaps jealous?”

He huffed indignantly. “No. I don’t think he deserved Hyunjin and I just wish he would stop defending him.”

“You sound jealous. Are you and Hyunjin–”

“We’re not dating.” Yeosang rolled his eyes. “I wish everyone would stop asking. I’ll tell you if we start dating.”

Seonghwa patted his shoulder, smiling kindly. “When it happens, we’ll be happy for you. Even Hongjoong likes him, so everyone else will too.”

Yeosang sighed again, watching Hyunjin laugh with Hongjoong. “Do you like him, hyung?”

Seonghwa chuckled, wrapping an arm around him affectionately. “Of course I do. He’s sweet. And talented. And I think he’s good for you.”

Yeosang leaned against the older man and hummed. “Thanks, hyung.”

He was glad that his friends liked Hyunjin so much; at least the ones who have met him so far. He just wanted to make sure the younger man found people who would support him through anything, and side with him. It seemed like he was doing a good job so far. He only hoped that the rest of his friends would like Hyunjin too.

Chapter Text

The most boring part of Hyunjin’s job was editing the photos he took. Not that he didn’t enjoy the work anyway; it was just tedious to spend hours staring at a computer screen, making small adjustments to each photo (or big adjustments, depending on what the customer, usually a bride, wanted). But it was a part of the job and he did it with as much care as any other part.

Editing photos of a recent wedding shoot was what he was doing when Jeongin knocked on the door to his office before poking his head inside. Hyunjin was at his desk, his focus entirely on the computer screen.

“I’m heading out now,” Jeongin said, a small smirk on his face. “Jongho and I are meeting Seungmin and Minho hyung for karaoke. Do you want to join us?”

Hyunjin hummed, not taking his eyes off the computer. “I’m almost done with these and I’d like to finish before I leave. You and Jongho seem to have hit it off, though. Won’t Seungmin be jealous?”

Jeongin snorted, moving to lean against the doorframe. “Why would Seungmin be jealous? It’s a double date, hyung. Seungmin is going with Minho hyung.”

Hyunjin blinked, finally tearing his eyes away from the screen to look at the younger man. “Wait, Seungmin and Minho are dating? Since when?”

“I guess since shortly after you and Channie hyung broke up. They just didn’t tell anyone until Changbin hyung’s birthday party.”

Hyunjin froze, feeling a wave of icy rejection wash over him. “Changbin had a birthday party?” He asked, his voice soft. It had been a month since the older man’s birthday, and no one mentioned a party to him.

No one wants you around.

Chan’s words echoed in his head and he forced himself to focus back on the computer screen so Jeongin wouldn’t see how much the lack of an invite affected him.

“Yeah. You were shooting a wedding that day, though.” Jeongin stared at him for a moment. “Are you mad?”

“Am I mad about not being invited to my friend’s party?” He huffed out a surprisingly bitter laugh. “No.”

He wasn’t mad; he was hurt.

“I told them you wouldn’t be able to make it. It’s not like you weren’t invited.”

Hyunjin looked back at the younger man. “I wasn’t invited. I didn’t even know about it until this moment. If I was invited, I would have been able to decline myself if I had to.”

Jeongin winced slightly, biting his lip. “ I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just trying to be helpful.”

“It’s fine, Innie,” Hyunjin said, turning his focus back to the computer. “Have fun on your date.”

“I will.” But the younger man didn’t move, continuing to hover in the doorway.

“What is it now?”

“You should call Felix,” Jeongin said in a rush. “He thinks you’re mad at him.”

Hyunjin sighed heavily, looking over at the younger man once more. “Why does he think I’m mad at him?”

“You haven’t called him in a while.”

“Well, he hasn’t called me either.” None of the others had called him in a while. In fact, the only person he has spoken to on a regular basis from his friend group was Jeongin, and that was because they worked together every day.

No one wants you around.

“You know how Felix can get,” Jeongin said. “Just call him please? Let him know whether or not you're mad at him?”

“Fine.” Hyunjin rolled his eyes. “I’ll call him later. Is that everything?”

Jeongin grinned brightly and nodded. “Yep. Are you sure you don’t want to join us?”

Hyunjin shook his head. “And be a fifth wheel on a double date? No thanks. Go have fun.”

Again, Jeongin continued to hover in the doorway instead of leaving.

“What now?” Hyunjin looked back at the younger man. “I thought you had a date.”

“Are you going to see Yeosang-ssi later?”

Hyunjin wrinkled his nose in confusion. “No, he’s away at a competition this week. He won’t be back until Thursday morning. Why?”

Jeongin shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I thought maybe if you were going to see him later, you guys could meet up with us and we could make it a triple date.”

“That is weirdly sweet,” Hyunjin murmured, feeling touched that the younger man seemed to be making an effort to be nice. “But again, Yeosang and I are not dating. And he’s out of town.”

“Maybe another time, then. If you get bored, you know where to find us, though. No one will mind if you come out.” Jeongin ran a hand through his hair and gave an awkward wave before leaving.

Hyunjin sighed quietly, trying to focus back on editing the photos. But his concentration on that task had been lost; now all he could think about Jeongin’s odd insistence that he call Felix.

It wasn’t as though he were intentionally ignoring Felix. He wasn’t mad at him. He was just busy with work and…

No one wants you around.

Stop calling.

And maybe he was scared to try calling any of his friends. Maybe he didn’t want to be rejected again. And while he knew that Felix would never reject him, he was still scared. At least, he thought Felix would never reject him; they were best friends after all.

But he also had thought before that Chan would never abandon him when he needed help, even if the older man didn’t care about him anymore.

He wondered if he knew his friends at all, and if they only tolerated him because he was dating Chan for so long. And now that he isn't dating Chan anymore…

Maybe they didn’t want him around anymore at all.

No one wants you around.

Hyunjin groaned and slumped back in his chair, rubbing at his tired eyes. Chan’s words echoed in his mind, over and over and over again. He didn’t know what to think anymore.

And no one had been trying to call him either. They didn’t even tell him about Changbin’s birthday party.

But he did miss talking to Felix.

He pulled his phone out, staring at the blank screen. With a sigh, he dialled the number he knew by heart and waited for an answer as the other line rang.

“Jinnie? Hey! I missed you!”

Hyunjin felt his lips twitch into a smile; it was hard to stay sad when Felix always sounded so cheerful. “Hey, Lixie,” he replied softly. “I missed you too. How are you?”

“I’m good! Great, even. Just a second–” There was the sound of the mouth piece being covered and the indistinct sound of murmuring voices. Then after a moment, Felix was back on the line. “Sorry about that. How are you?”

“Are you busy?” Hyunjin felt a pang of guilt for disturbing whatever Felix was doing. “I can call back later–”

“No! Don’t hang up!” Felix let out a little laugh. “I’m not busy. Not really. I’m just… You remember that hot coworker I was telling you about a while ago? We’ve gone on a few dates, and we’re just hanging out tonight.”

Hyunjin winced. “If I’m interrupting–”

“It’s not a date! Really, we’re just hanging out at my place. Besides, even if it was a date, I’d still want to talk to you. How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Hyunjin bit his lip. “I’m sorry I haven’t called. I’ve just been busy with work and commissions and stuff.”

“And stuff?” The tone in Felix’s voice was meant to be teasing, but Hyunjin could hear tension behind it. “Innie says you have a new boyfriend?”

Hyunjin groaned. “Innie needs to mind his own business and stop spreading rumours. I have a new friend. We aren’t dating.”

“Innie says you want to, though.”

“Yang Jeongin is a busybody who should keep his nose out of my personal life.”

Felix laughed out, and Hyunjin was glad that the tension seemed to disappear. “He’s just worried about you. And you know he’s had a crush on you for ages. He’s probably just jealous.” There was a pause. “We’ve all been worried about you, you know. It feels like you’re pulling away from us.”

Hyunjin barely managed to suppress a scoff; communication was a two way street and no one had reached out to him lately either. But he didn’t say that. Felix was still his best friend and he didn’t want to upset him.

Even if he himself was upset.

“I’m not pulling away, Lixie. Not from you.” He sighed softly, deciding to tell a partial truth.. “It’s hard, you know? Being around Chan. It hurts.”

“Oh, Jinnie. I know. I’m sorry. But Chan misses you, too. He misses your friendship.”

Hyunjin did scoff at that; he didn’t believe that Chan missed him for a second. Not with those words still floating around in his head.

“Don’t be like that; it’s true. He was asking about you last week.”

“Lixie… I don’t want to talk about Chan. Tell me something good about you. Tell me about your new guy.”

Felix laughed. “Oh my god, Jinnie. You’ll love him! He’s just so charming. Actually… Are you busy Saturday night?”

Hyunjin hummed softly, opening his calendar. “I have an appointment to shoot some engagement photos in the morning, but the evening is free.”

“Jisung and I are having a joint birthday party at their company building. There will be a lot of people there, but I invited Wooyoung and you could meet him!”

Hyunjin felt his chest tighten at the thought of being around so many people in a not-working situation. Both Jisung and Felix were very popular and friendly and had a lot of friends outside the group. If they were having the party at the company building, then there would definitely be a lot of people there.

Chan would be there.

“I don’t know, Lixie–”

“Please?” He could practically hear the pout on Felix’s face. “You can bring your not-boyfriend, if you want. I would love to meet him. And I really want you to meet Wooyoung. Please, Jinnie. It would mean a lot to me.”

“You’re making the face, aren’t you? The puppy dog eyes no one can resist? I can’t even see you and I can feel them.” He groaned loudly. “Okay. Fine. I’ll come to your party. And I’ll see if Yeosang is free, too. I can’t wait to meet your new guy.”

Felix squealed in delight. “Thanks, Jinnie! I can’t wait to meet your new guy, either!” There was a pause. “Uh… I feel like I should warn you before the party, but Chan and Jisung… well, I don’t think they’re officially dating, but they’re definitely hooking up.”

Hyunjin froze; it didn’t exactly surprise him though. Maybe Chan moving on with Jisung was surprising, but it wasn’t surprising that the older man moved on. He was the one who fell out of love, after all. “Thanks for warning me.”

“Listen, I have to go. But I can’t wait to see you Saturday. Promise you’ll be there?”

“I promise. Now get back to your not-date.” He smiled softly. “I’ll see you Saturday.”

“Night, Jinnie!”

“Night, Lix.” Hyunjin sighed as he heard the line go dead. He slid down in his chair, glancing at the computer screen. He should finish editing the photos. He didn’t have the excuse of wanting to talk to Felix to distract him anymore.

No, now he just had the image of his ex-boyfriend fucking one of their friends floating around in his head.

No one wants you around.

He could go meet Jeongin, Jongho, Seungmin, and Minho at karaoke; it would be awkward to crash their double date, but at least he wouldn’t be stuck alone in his office. Or worse, alone at his apartment.

No one wants you around.

He rubbed his eyes and sent a quick text before he could stop himself. Call me when you get a chance?

He dropped his phone on his desk and covered his face with his hands, trying to stave off the incoming panic attack he could feel building in his chest. He didn’t even know why he felt like he was going to have a panic attack; he was fine. He wasn’t in any danger. He was just lonely.

His phone rang five minutes later.

He fumbled for it, answering without checking the caller ID. “Hello?”

“Hyune, are you okay?” Yeosang’s low voice felt like music to his ears; he immediately relaxed, sniffling quietly.

“Hey, Yeo. I didn’t mean to worry you. I’m fine. I just wanted to talk to you.”

“You sound like you’re crying?”

Hyunjin let out a watery laugh. “I don’t know why. Well, I know why, but it’s not important.”

“It’s important if it’s making you cry. Tell me what’s wrong?”

“It’s stupid.” Hyunjin sighed again. “I just found out my ex is hooking up with one of our friends, and… I don’t know; it just feels wrong that he was able to move on so easily? Then I think, how quickly did he actually move on? Was he fucking Jisung when I– When I called for help? Is that why he refused? Is that why he doesn’t want me around anymore? I was so easily replaceable?”

There was a moment of silence on the other line, only the sound of deep breaths coming through. “You’re irreplaceable, Hyune. Your ex is just an asshole.”

“But he’s really not–”

“Stop defending him!” Yeosang snapped before taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry. But this guy hurt you, Hyune. You, of all people, can call him an asshole. He’s not some saint. Please, stop trying to convince me that he’s a great guy because I will always hate him for what he did to you.”

Hyunjin chewed on his lip, feeling warmth growing in his chest. “I’m afraid you’ll meet him and like him more than me. Everyone likes him.”

“If I ever meet him, I’ll punch him in the face for you.”

He couldn’t help but laugh, a happy smile growing on his face. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Kang Yeosang.”

“I would never do that to you.”

He laughed again, relaxing in his chair and feeling a weight lift off his chest. “What are you doing Saturday night?”

“I have no plans on Saturday. Sunday I promised San I would go to the gym with him. Why?”

Hyunjin bit his lip. “My best friend Felix invited me to his birthday party Saturday night. Well, it’s for him and Jisung because their birthdays are a day apart, but he said I could bring you. He wants to meet you.”

“Am I going to have to punch your ex-boyfriend in the face at this party? Because I don’t want to ruin someone else’s birthday. That’s rude.”

He giggled quietly. “Chan will probably be there, but we can probably avoid him. Will you come with me? It would make me feel… Safer.”

“Of course I’ll go.” There was a pause. “I don’t know your friends. Is there a dress code? Like, should I dress formal? Casual? Sexy?”

Hyunjin nearly choked. “Is– is sexy really just an option for you? Just off the top of your head?”

“I own several crop tops and several pairs of leather pants.”

“Sexy, then. Dress sexy. I want to see you in a crop top.” Hyunjin could feel the blush spreading across his cheeks, and he was glad that Yeosang couldn’t see him. “Though I hope you won’t get offended if I don’t return the favor. I don’t really feel like being sexy after… What happened.”

“That’s fine. You’ll look good in whatever you wear, darling.”

“Charmer,” Hyunjin said, feeling the flush on his face deepen even more. “How are you so charming? It’s not fair. When I try to flirt, I sound awkward.”

“Am I flirting?” Yeosang sounded surprised. “I’m just telling the truth. But there is something I want to ask you anyway. What are you doing Thursday night?”

He hummed. “Nothing planned, but I am shooting a wedding Friday, so I can’t be out too late. What’s up? Does Seonghwa hyung want to cook for me again? He keeps texting me, asking if I’ve eaten.”

Yeosang chuckled quietly. “He does the same for all of us. You are officially one of his children now. But no. Well, he probably does want to cook for you, but that’s not– Two of my other friends wanted to know if we wanted to get dinner. They have Thursday off. Mingi and Yunho.”

“Dinner with your friends? At a restaurant or at someone’s place?” Hyunjin was a little reluctant to go to a stranger’s house, even if he trusted Yeosang.

“Restaurant. Just something casual at their favorite barbeque place downtown. It’s a really good place.”

He smiled. “Sure, I’d love to go. So far all your friends have been really nice. Jongho and Innie have hit it off.”

Yeosang snorted. “Of course they did.”

Hyunjin straightened up, feeling better than he did before talking to Yeosang. “I should go, though. I want to get some work done before I leave the office. And you should go hang out with your teammates instead of sitting alone in your hotel room.”

“Who said I was alone?” There was a pause. “Okay, fine; I’m alone. But only because I just got back to my room when you texted. I was hanging out with them before.”

“Good night, Yeo.”

“Good night, Hyune.”

Hyunjin hung up, shifting to focus on his computer once more. He would finish these photos and get them sent off to the newlyweds that had ordered them,and then he would go home and plan an outfit for Felix’s birthday. While he truly did not want to dress sexy, he could still dress nicely.

He was looking forward to spending time with Yeosang, whether it was meeting the older man’s friends or introducing him to some of his own friends. Maybe things were looking up for him.

Chapter Text

“Why do Yunho and Mingi get to meet your new boyfriend but I don’t?” Wooyoung whined, dropping down onto his bed and pouting at Yeosang.

Yeosang rolled his eyes, pushing through all the soft sweaters and hoodies, trying to decide what to wear. “Because you can be a lot to take in. Too much, at times. And we’re not dating.”

“You’re going on a double date with Mingi and Yunho! And how am I too much? I’m a fucking delight!”

“It’s not a date, and you are five handfuls on a good day.” He pulled one of his favorite light sweaters off the hanger and pulled it on. “Jongho is a delight. You’re a menace.”

Wooyoung huffed out. “Jongho said he met your boyfriend! Hongjoong hyung and Seonghwa hyung have met him! Now Mingi and Yunho! Why don’t you want me to meet him?”

“We aren’t dating, and I do want you to meet him.” Yeosang frowned as he looked at himself in the mirror. “Do I look casual enough? Do I look like I’m trying too hard?”

Wooyoung propped himself up on his elbows, pursing his lips. “You look great. Casual and effortless, as always. And if you’re not dating, why are you so worried about how you look? Why are you trying to impress him if he isn’t your boyfriend?”

Yeosang rolled his eyes again. “We’re not dating. Do you think I should wear a hat?”

Wooyoung rolled off his bed and grabbed a fuzzy white beret off their shared dresser, tugging it onto Yeosang’s head. Then he wrapped his arms around Yeosang’s waist from behind and dropped his chin to his shoulder, staring at their reflection in the mirror.

“You can tell me anything, Sangie. You know that, right?”

Yeosang sighed, wrapping his arms around Wooyoung’s and leaning back against his friend. “Of course I know that. I’m not hiding anything from you.”

“Except your boyfriend.” Wooyoung pulled away, moving back to sit on the bed again. “Even if you aren’t dating, you want to be. I can see it in your eyes, in the way you talk about him. But you’re too guarded about him, and it worries me. What are you hiding?”

Yeosang turned to look at Wooyoung, unable to keep himself from laughing at the exaggerated pout on his friend’s face. He leaned forward, pressing a quick, affectionate kiss to the younger man’s forehead. “You are ridiculous. I’m not hiding anything, and you will get to meet him. Soon, I promise. Next week. I’ll invite him over and you can cook for him. It will be fun.”

Wooyoung hummed, grabbing at Yeosang’s waist and pulling him down onto the bed. Yeosang yelped indignantly, struggling to pull free as Wooyoung rolled on top of him.

“Do you promise?” Wooyoung asked, a grin spreading across his face. “Next week? Do you promise?”

“Yes, yes!” Yeosang shoved at Wooyoung’s chest, easily dislodging him. “I promise.” He sat up, grabbing his hat that had fallen off in the scuffle and pulling it back on. “I’ll see you later. Don’t wait up.”

Wooyoung rolled his eyes. “Go have fun. And remember, you promised!”

Yeosang waved as he left the apartment, heading down the street. All four of them were meeting at the restaurant, and he was hoping to meet Hyunjin before the other two showed up. He was running a bit late, but that was nothing new. Wooyoung had a tendency to make him late when he was being whiny and needy.

He still loved the guy, though. No matter how annoying he could get.

Yeosang walked to the restaurant quickly, trying not to appear too eager; while he loved spending time with his friends and with Hyunjin separately, he was nervous at introducing them. Yunho and Mingi were a trial run of sorts for introducing Hyunjin to Wooyoung and San. Yunho and Mingi could be just as wild and rambunctious as Wooyoung and San, but they also knew when to reel it in.

Wooyoung often lacked that ability.

Yeosang saw Hyunjin standing outside the restaurant and he grinned happily, jogging to meet up with him. “Hey!”

Hyunjin turned, a smile breaking through the nervous expression on his face. “Yeo! I got here a little early, and I didn’t know if I should go in–”

Yeosang pulled Hyunjin into a hug, laughing at the other man’s rambling. “It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s good to see you. I missed you.”

Hyunjin frozen in the embrace briefly before relaxing and hugging him back. “I missed you too,” he murmured softly. “I’m just nervous. I’m always worried your friends won’t like me.”

“Impossible.” Yeosang pulled away, smiling. “You are adorable and I don’t understand how anyone could not like you.”

Hyunjin ducked his head, but not fast enough that Yeosang didn’t see the flash of hurt in his eyes; he knew the younger man was dealing with some feelings about how his own friends were treating him, and he mentally kicked himself for saying the wrong thing. He pushed those thoughts aside and linked his arm with Hyunjin’s.

“Yunho and Mingi are both friendly and easy to get along with. The one thing to remember about them is that while Mingi looks scarier, he is…” Yeosang pursed his lips, trying not to smirk. “Well, we call him Princess. He’s a sweetheart. They both are. But Yunho is a lot scarier if you make him angry.”

Hyunjin bit his lip. “What makes him angry? I don’t want to accidentally–”

“Honestly? I don’t think you can make him angry. Unless you flirt with Mingi. And a good way to make Mingi angry is to flirt with Yunho. They’re dating; did I mention that?” Yeosang glanced over at Hyunjin. “Don’t worry, this isn’t a date. It’s friends hanging out.”

Hyunjin blinked. “I didn’t think it was a date until you mentioned it.”

“Good, because it’s not a date.”

“Yeosang!”

The call came from behind them, and both men turned to see two taller men coming towards them. Yunho was wearing a simple hoodie and jeans, and a bright smile on his face as he waved to them.

Mingi was wearing his capybara sweater.

Yeosang pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting the smile threatening to cross his face. He had told the two men that it was a casual get together, and it didn’t get more casual than the capybara sweater.

“Hey!” He called out as the couple approached, pulling away from Hyunjin to hug them. He couldn’t help but laugh at the shocked looks on both their faces as he pulled away. “It’s good to see you. This is my friend, Hwang Hyunjin. Hyunjin, this is Jeong Yunho and Song Mingi.” He pointed to each man in turn as he introduced them.

Hyunjin gave a small bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

Yunho grinned, moving to automatically pull Hyunjin into a hug. “I like you already,” he declared, laughing at the other man’s startled expression. “Anyone who can somehow convince our dear Sangie to be more affectionate is good in my opinion.”

Yeosang rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t quite hide his blush; it was true that he wasn’t the most tactile person in the group, and it probably was Hyunjin’s influence that made him feel more affectionate towards everyone. He watched carefully as Hyunjin pulled away from Yunho, looking flustered but not at all upset by the sudden touch.

That was good.

Mingi stepped forward next, giving Hyunjin a polite bow in return. “It’s nice to meet you too,” he said with a smile. “Don’t mind Yunho; he’s just like a giant labrador. Affectionate and mostly harmless.”

“I don’t mind,” Hyunjin replied softly, flushing slightly as he ducked his head. “It’s kind of nice. My friends are usually pretty affectionate. I miss it.”

Yunho shot Yeosang a questioning look, and at his slight shake of a head, he wrapped his arm around Hyunjin’s shoulders. “Well, I don’t mind being affectionate with you. Mingi will take a few minutes to warm up, but he’ll be all over you soon too. You’ll never go without affection around us. And just wait until you meet Wooyoung and San. They will never let you go.”

Yeosang watched for a moment, his heart warming as he watched Yunho lead Hyunjin into the restaurant; he was glad they were getting along. He looked at Mingi and said just loud enough for the other two to hear, “I think you have been replaced.”

Mingi scoffed as the other two looked back, moving to Hyunjin’s other side and wrapping an arm around his waist. “I can never be replaced. But we don’t mind adding another to our dynamic.” He winked at Hyunjin, who blushed deeply and ducked his head.

“I– Uh–”

“No. Mine.” Yunho wrapped both his arms around Hyunjin, pulling him away from Mingi’s grasp with a playful grin. “You can have Yeosang.”

“Ouch,” Yeosang said flatly, fighting to keep the grin off his face as he followed the trio into the restaurant. “What am I? A consolation prize?”

Mingi wound an arm around Yeosang’s neck, pulling him into a hug. “You’re your own first prize,” he said, laughing as Yeosang squirmed to get free.

Yunho pulled away from Hyunjin once they reached the hostess stand, giving the woman standing there his most charming smile. “We have a reservation for four under Jeong Yunho.”

The hostess nodded and led them to their table. Once they had ordered and were left alone, Yunho leaned back in his seat and grinned. “So, Hyunjin. Yeosang said you’re an artist?”

Yeosang flushed slightly; he forgot that he had told the pair that Hyunjin was painting a picture of him. It had been an off-hand comment in response to something Mingi had said. He never meant to imply that it was the younger man’s full-time job.

Hyunjin blinked and tilted his head. “I– uh, well, it depends on your definition of artist, I guess? Professionally, I’m a photographer, mostly for weddings but I do other events or even just family type portraits too. I do have packages that include a hand drawn portrait in whatever medium the customer wants, though most do choose painting. I’ve also had a display at an art gallery downtown, but that was mostly older work. I don’t have much time for personal projects anymore. I have been trying to make more time for a personal project, though.”

“Sounds impressive,” Yunho replied. “It sounds like an artist to me. Photography itself is considered an art, isn’t it? I’ve gone to a few art shows with Hongjoong, and they feature photographs sometimes.”

Hyunjin smiled shyly. “It is considered art, I guess. That’s a good way to look at it.”

“I’m surprised you’re behind the camera instead of in front of it,” Mingi added. “You could probably make a killing at being a model.”

Yeosang kicked Mingi under the table, trying to get him to stop talking; he didn’t know how sensitive Hyunjin was about being seen as more than his looks and he didn’t want him to have a bad opinion of his friends.

Hyunjin just laughed though. “I’ve been told that since I was a teenager. I don’t know if Yeosang told you guys that I was a trainee for a couple of years? But that’s why I ultimately decided against becoming an idol. I was tired of being made to think my worth was only my looks.”

Mingi winced. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean–”

“It’s fine.” Hyunjin waved his hand. “I make a surprisingly good living off of my photography business.”

“He owns a building,” Yeosang added, smiling slightly. “That’s impressive.”

“You own a whole building?” Yunho raised his eyebrows. “Wow!”

Hyunjin coughed and flushed slightly. “I, uh, actually own two buildings? I think Yeosang is talking about the building my– my ex’s production company uses, but I also own the building my photography business uses.” He shrugged, shrinking in on himself at their stares. “I charge a lot of money for the paintings I do.”

Mingi let out a low whistle. “You really are doing well for yourself. That is seriously impressive.”

Yeosang could see that Hyunjin was still uncomfortable, and he reached under the table to grasp at his hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze, and grinned at the pair sitting across from them. “Why don’t you two tell Hyunjin what you guys do for a living?”

Yunho chuckled. “I know you’re trying to embarrass us, Sangie. But we are not ashamed of what we do.” He focused his attention on Hyunjin. “We both work at an establishment where we cater to women who need to relax.”

“A host bar,” Yeosang said when Hyunjin looked confused. “They work at a host bar. They tried to convince me to get a job there, but I’m not that good at talking to people.”

“You talk to me just fine,” Hyunjin replied softly, a small smile on his face. He turned back to Yunho and Mingi. “It sounds like a fun job. Do you enjoy it?”

Yunho nodded. “I think it’s a lot of fun. We don’t do anything besides serve the women drinks or food and sit and talk with them.”

“Sometimes we dance,” Mingi added. “Not like, stripping. And not with the customers. But a surprising number of the customers like watching us dance together.” He pointed between himself and Yunho. “We make better tips if we flirt with each other.”

“Which isn’t a hardship, since I’m sure Yeosang told you we are dating?” Yunho looked at Hyunjin with a questioning look, relaxing when the younger man nodded. “So it’s fun, and it’s easy. Hongjoong works there part time, too. Though he doesn’t like to admit it.”

“Hongjoong considers finding us a company to debut in his full time job,” Yeosang said to Hyunjin, smiling wryly. “He won’t give up. But he also refuses to let Seonghwa pay all the bills for their apartment.”

“Not that Seonghwa can’t afford it,” Mingi said with a chuckle. “I just think Hongjoong doesn’t want to feel like a trophy husband. Oh, did you hear that he might have found a company?”

Yeosang just shook his head. “I haven’t talked to Hongjoong yet. I pretty much got home and got ready for this.”

Yunho hummed, smiling slightly. “It’s a new company, I guess. Just getting off the ground. He has a meeting with the owners next week, but he seems hesitant about it. I don’t know why; the owners are pretty famous producers from JYPE.”

“Is it 3Racha Productions?” Hyunjin asked, his lips twitching into a wry smile as the other two men nodded. “That’s my exboyfriend’s company. I told Hongjoong hyung about it. He shouldn’t be hesitant about it. Chan and the others are great producers.”

Yeosang let out a derisive scoff before he could stop himself. He shrank back slightly when both Mingi and Yunho looked at him with matching expressions of surprise. He tried to pretend that he was clearing his throat, but it didn’t seem to make the situation any better.

“Do you have something to say about that, Sangie?” Yunho asked slowly, raising his eyebrows. “I’ve heard of 3Racha; they are really good.”

“He just doesn’t like my ex,” Hyunjin sighed quietly as an explanation.

“I believe I said I hate him,” Yeosang replied, crossing his arms. His feelings on the younger man’s ex hadn’t changed at all. He tried not to think about it much because it made him unreasonably angry. But he couldn’t imagine anyone hurting Hyunjin the way Chan hurt him.

“You haven’t met him–”

“And I don’t want to meet him!” Yeosang shot back. He deflated slightly when he saw Hyunjin flinch at his tone. “Sorry. Look, if Hongjoong decides that this company is the one for us, I will be civil. But I won’t like him.” He paused, then shot Hyunjin a small smile. “I’ll be civil after I punch him in the face. A promise is a promise, after all.”

“Stop, back up,” Yunho waved a hand in front of Yeosang’s face to pull his attention back to him. “You hate someone? You hate someone? Enough to punch them? Our sweet, kind, innocent Sangie?”

Yeosang flushed in embarrassment, kicking the older man under the table. “Shut up. I’ve hated people before.”

“I don’t think so.” Yunho shook his head. “This is a new look for you.”

“I like it,” Mingi declared with a grin. “It’s a good look. Let Wooyoung and Yunho be the sweet and innocent ones. We can be the angry scary ones!”

Yunho snorted. “In what world is Wooyoung innocent? He is a menace to society and that’s why we love him. Also, Mingi, sweetheart; you look more innocent than I do.”

“Do not!” Mingi huffed out, crossing his arms in front of his chest and pouting.

“Do too.”

“Do not!” Mingi turned his attention to Hyunjin. “Who do you think looks scarier? Yunho or me?”

“Uh…” Hyunjin glanced between the two men, a look of confusion on his face.

Yeosang couldn’t help but think he looked absolutely adorable. But he decided to save him and answered before either of the other men could press him for an answer. “Sorry, Yunho. Mingi is right. You look more innocent most of the time.”

Yunho let out a dramatic gasp, clutching at his chest as he stared at Yeosang in betrayal. “I am not innocent!”

“I think you look sweet,” Hyunjin cut in, his voice hesitant. “Not innocent, but… safe? Still hot, though.”

Yeosang blinked at Hyunjin as the other two stared in surprise. Safe; that was a good word to describe Yunho. Yeosang smiled softly, but then Mingi broke the silence.

“So I’m not hot? Is that it?”

“No,” Hyunjin shot back, a smirk on his face. “You’re sexy, even in that ridiculous sweater.”

Yeosang burst out laughing at the stunned looks on the other two men’s faces. It surprised him too; he wasn’t expecting Hyunjin to open up to playful banter so quickly. But he was glad that the other man was so comfortable with his friends. It was nice to see him smiling so easily, laughing and playfully teasing Yunho and Mingi. It was nice to see him relaxing and not shying away from touch.

It was nice to see the haunted look in his eyes disappear, even if only for a few hours.

Yeosang was happy that Hyunjin was getting along so well with everyone so far. He wanted to give the other man everything and take away all of his pain.

He wanted to keep him safe and make him laugh all the time.

He realized that Wooyoung was right; he wanted to be with Hyunjin, as more than a friend. He wanted to be the one to make Hyunjin feel safe and happy. And maybe those feelings were dangerous. It was something he would have to think about later, when he wasn’t surrounded by friends, and staring into the beautiful eyes of a man who made his heart skip a beat.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin stared at himself in the mirror, his lips pursed into a frown; he was trying to find an outfit that looked good for Felix’s birthday party. He knew that there was no dress code, and Felix would be happy even if he showed up wearing sweats and a hoodie. But it was his first time really going out with a lot of people since that night, not counting working weddings which he did not because he was invisible as a photographer, and he kind of wanted to look nice.

He was currently wearing a pair of tighter black jeans that showed off his ass nicely and a black sleeveless shirt with a loose white dress shirt over top. He looked nice. He looked–

He looked like he was wearing the same basic outfit that he had been wearing that night.

“He sure is pretty. It would be a shame to mess him up too much.”

One of the voices that haunted his nightmares seemed to whisper in his ear. He suddenly felt sick, darting to the bathroom just in time to throw up what little he had eaten that day. He felt tears in his eyes as he could feel phantom hands on his hips and his throat, and a ripping pain throughout his entire body.

He didn’t know how long he sat curled up on the bathroom floor after getting sick, trying to calm himself down. But he knew Yeosang would be arriving any minute to go to the party and he needed to change. He couldn’t go out like this.

Not again.

Hyunjin pushed himself to his feet and brushed his teeth, getting the acidic taste out of his mouth before heading back to his bedroom. He shed his clothes off quickly, barely even looking at where he threw them. He felt like he wouldn’t ever wear them again anyway. Instead, he pulled on his favorite pair of baggy, worn blue jeans and a loose, clean t-shirt. He looked fine; maybe not as dressed up as he should be, but he really didn’t think he would be able to stand people looking at him in a certain way. He really would rather just be ignored.

He could always change into what he considered work clothes; black dress pants and a dress shirt. Then he would still feel invisible and not feel underdressed.

He had just pulled off his t-shirt when his phone went off. He frowned, seeing the number for the entrance of his apartment building flash across the screen. He answered, still struggling to change. “Yes?”

“It’s me?” Yeosang’s voice came through, sounding a bit unsure. “I know I’m a bit early–”

“No, it’s fine. Come right up!” Hyunjin pressed the button to unlock the entrance door, dropping his phone as the line went dead. He knew it would take a minute for Yeosang to get to his apartment, so he quickly finished changing into his dressy work clothes.

He just managed to pull his hair back into a half ponytail when there was the knock at his door. He moved to open it, freezing as he stared at Yeosang in shock.

When the older man said that dressing sexy was an option, he wasn’t lying; he was wearing a tight, grey t-shirt that ended just below his ribs, showing off a several inches of smooth, perfect abs between it and the tight, black leather pants he was wearing. Even the black boots made the outfit look sexy.

Hyunjin’s eyes swept over Yeosang slowly, taking in everything as he felt like his brain was short-circuiting. The shirt was tight enough to show off his muscles and Hyunjin tried to remember if he had ever actually seen Yeosang’s arms before. Usually when they hung out, the older man was wearing cozy looking sweaters or jackets, or baggy shirts and jeans. He never imagined that something so sculpted and muscular was hiding underneath.

“Would you like to take a picture?”

Hyunjin’s eyes snapped back up to Yeosang’s face at the teasing tone, flushing deeply when he saw the amused smirk on the other man’s face. He was even wearing makeup, with his pretty birthmark covered, and his hair was styled into perfect waves that framed his face in a way that looked angelic.

Yeosang looked amazing.

“I’m sorry,” Hyunjin mumbled after another too long moment of staring, covering his face in embarrassment. “I just– You look great.”

“I know.” Yeosang stepped inside, the amusement still clear in his voice. “You look great, too. You look effortlessly beautiful. This?” He waved his hand at his own outfit. “This takes time to achieve. Are you ready to go?”

Hyunjin nodded, feeling unable to speak. He felt way underdressed next to Yeosang, but he knew no one would look at him with the older man by his side. And that was a surprisingly comforting thought. His eyes swept over the other man again as he stepped out of his apartment and closed the door, just taking in how amazing he looked in that outfit.

Yeosang laughed, wrapping a surprisingly muscular arm around his shoulders. “You’re adorable, Hyune. Are you really so surprised that I can look sexy?”

Hyunjin flushed slightly, leaning into the embrace slightly as they moved to the elevator. “No, I just– I don’t think I’ve seen your arms before. It’s the muscles that surprise me.”

Yeosang hummed softly, but there was a devilish smirk playing on his lips. “I do generally prefer to wear cosy clothes. But I also love to work out. Did I not tell you that?”

“You’ve mentioned going to the gym with a friend tomorrow morning, but I don’t think you explicitly said anything about enjoying it.” Hyunjin smiled wryly. “I used to go to the gym with Chan and other friends. I hated it.”

“Is that a hint to not invite you to the gym?”

“That is me explicitly saying I hate working out.” Hyunjin grinned. “I will do it, because I want to stay in shape. But I won’t enjoy it.”

“Noted.” Yeosang let go of Hyunjin as they reached the elevator, allowing him to get on first. “Maybe we could work out together sometime, though. Or, I could work out and you could watch.” The smirk that crossed his face was devilish. “You seem to like muscles.”

Hyunjin blinked, staring at Yeosang in shock, a blush creeping across his face as he couldn’t help but picture the older man lifting weights with no shirt on, muscles gleaming in sweat. “You keep telling me you don’t know how to flirt and then you say something like that. I’m beginning to think you’re a liar, Kang Yeosang.”

Yeosang laughed out loud. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to lie to you. You’re just so easy to flirt with. I honestly don’t think about what I’m saying most of the time. Not now, though; this time is intentional flirting.”

Hyunjin couldn’t help but giggle at that. He could feel his nervousness draining away just being near Yeosang, and he was glad the other man agreed to come with him. “I can’t intentionally flirt to save my life,” he murmured softly, sliding his arm through Yeosang’s. “I sound so awkward. I also haven’t had to flirt intentionally in years.”

“Well, when you meet Wooyoung, my best friend, he can give you pointers. He can’t not flirt. I think he will actually die if he tries not to.” Yeosang paused. “We’ll have to figure out a time for you to come over for dinner this week. I promised Wooyoung. He really wants to meet you.”

Hyunjin smiled. “I can’t wait to meet him, either. And fortunately, my evenings this week are mostly free. No weddings or late appointments. Let me know when he’s free.”

Yeosang nodded, a happy smile spreading across his face. Hyunjin wanted to see more of that smile; just so full of joy and happiness. It made him happy to see Yeosang so happy.

They took a taxi to the company building. It was actually pretty near to where Hyunjin’s studio was located; when he had bought it for Chan, he thought it would be nice to work so close together. He had imagined walking over to the building after finishing his work to collect Chan before going home for the night, because he knew that the older man wouldn’t stop working unless he was forced.

Now, the closeness was just a reminder of everything he lost.

The parking lot was full when they arrived; it wasn’t really surprising since both Felix and Jisung were very popular and it was a combined birthday party. There were a few people milling about outside the building that Hyunjin didn’t know, so he just took Yeosang’s hand and led him inside.

Inside the lobby was crowded with people; Hyunjin recognized a few faces as people that Chan and Jisung worked with back at JYPE, and he nodded politely. He looked around for any of the familiar faces of his friends, feeling slightly panicked at how many people were actually there. He could feel his chest tightening as his whole body tensed. There were too many people here, around him.

“Hey.” Yeosang’s voice was low as the man’s arm wrapped around his waist. “It’s okay. Relax. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Hyunjin let out a slow breath, closing his eyes as he leaned into the embrace slightly. He did feel safer, knowing that the older man was there with him. “Thank you,” he whispered softly.

“We can leave any time you want,” Yeosang said. “We can just go say hi to your friend, wish him a happy birthday, and then go.”

Hyunjin smiled softly, shaking his head. “I have to get used to going out again,” he said softly. “I can’t lock myself away. That would be bad for my health. I’ll be fine. Besides, I have other friends to introduce you to that should be here too.”

Yeosang smiled, leaving his arm around Hyunjin’s waist even as he straightened up. “Lead the way, then.”

Hyunjin smiled slightly; he liked the feeling of Yeosang’s arm around him. He really had been missing the comfort and affection of physical touch lately. He never realized how much he liked it until it was gone from his life.

He looked around the room, trying once more to find the familiar faces of his friends in the crowd. The people surrounding them shifted slightly, parting, and then he saw him.

Chan.

Hyunjin froze as he stared at his ex-boyfriend, feeling a wave of pain and longing and regret flood throughout his entire body. Chan looked as good as always; a bright smile on his stupid, perfect face, and his natural curly hair styled impeccably. He had an arm thrown around Jisung’s shoulders, pulling the younger man into a tight hug while talking to a fellow producer from JYPE.

Then Chan turned slightly and their eyes met. The older man’s smile dropped slightly when he saw him, and he pulled away from Jisung to take a step towards Hyunjin.

No one wants you around.

“Hyune?” Yeosang’s voice broke through the fog that invaded his head. “Are you okay?”

Hyunjin turned away from Chan, who was now pushing through the crowd towards them, and grabbed Yeosang’s hand. “Yeah, let’s look over there. I can usually find at least one of my friends by the food table. Usually Innie.” He pulled Yeosang away, hoping that they could lose Chan in the crowd.

He was not ready for that confrontation yet. He didn’t want to get in trouble for being here. Felix wanted him here, and that was what was important.

Just as he suspected, Jeongin was by the food table, a glass of wine in his hand as he picked at some of the treats set out. The younger man saw them at the same time and grinned, downing his wine to set the glass down and pushing his way through the crowd to pull Hyunjin into a tight hug.

“Hyungs! You came!” He squeezed Hyunjin for a moment before stepping back, then turned to pull Yeosang into a hug as well. “It’s good to see you both. You look great, Yeosang hyung. Jongho said you were strong, but I didn’t know those sweaters of yours were hiding all this.”

Yeosang looked bewildered at the sudden affection, and patted Jeongin awkwardly on the back before pulling away. “Thanks?” He replied slowly. “You look great, too. Though I already knew you had abs. Jongho won’t stop talking about them.”

“Thanks, but I always look great.” Jeongin shot Yeosang a cheeky wink. He did look amazing, though; he was wearing a sleeveless black shirt that lifted up to show off his toned abs every time he moved his arms.

Hyunjin giggled at the interaction between the two men; he was glad that Jeongin seemed to be warming up to Yeosang. He suspected some of that was Jongho’s influence, though he had to admit that he was slightly offended that his opinion on Yeosang didn’t seem to matter but Jongho’s did. Still, he was happy that Jeongin seemed to finally stop being suspicious.

Jeongin turned to Hyunjin, draping an arm around his shoulders. “I wasn’t sure if you would come,” he admitted with a wry smile. “Since you haven’t been coming to anything lately. But everyone will be really glad to see you. Seungmin wanted to talk to you, especially. Come on!” He pulled away, grabbing Hyunjin’s wrist to drag him through the crowd.

Hyunjin huffed out a surprised laugh, grabbing Yeosang’s hand to complete the chain and so that they wouldn’t leave him behind. Jeongin weaved through the crowd of people expertly until he found Seungmin standing near the wall. Minho was standing next to him, an arm wrapped around his shoulders in an almost possessive display.

Yeosang stopped suddenly, which made Hyunin jerk to a stop and break away from Jeongin’s grasp. Hyunjin turned slightly, looking at Yeosang in concern.

“Is something wrong?” He asked, looking around.

But Yeosang was staring at the couple they were heading towards. “You didn’t tell me you know Lee Know!” He hissed, something close to panic on his face. “The Lee Know! Famous dancer and choreographer Lee Know!”

Hyunjin blinked a few times and then started to laugh. “Are– Are you a fan?” he asked, still grinning. It was cute, he thought. While he knew that Minho was famous in idol circles for his dancing skills and choreography, he never really met anyone who knew who he was in the wild. He supposed it made sense, since Yeosang wanted to be an idol. “Come on. I’ll introduce you. He might even give you an autograph if you ask nicely.”

He grasped Yeosang’s hand in a better grip, squeezing gently in reassurance. Then he pulled him over to the couple (and Jeongin) standing by the wall.

“Hi Seungmin, hi Minho hyung,” Hyunjin said as he approached, smiling slightly. “It’s good to see you.”

“Hyunjinnie!” Minho pulled away from Seungmin to pull Hyunjin into a hug, patting him on the ass lightly. “Felix said you were coming, but I almost didn’t believe him. Where have you been hiding?”

Hyunjin rolled his eyes affectionately as he pulled away, but there was a flicker of annoyance; it felt like everyone forgot that communication was a two way street and that they could have called him any time.

Seungmin stepped forward, giving Hyunjin an awkward, but still affectionate, hug. “It’s good to see you,” he said quietly as he stepped back. “Is this the boyfriend we’ve heard so much about?”

“We’re not dating.” Both Hyunjin and Yeosang said it at the same time. They looked at each other and then laughed.

“This is Kang Yeosang, my friend. We aren’t dating,” Hyunjin introduced, pulling Yeosang forward slightly. “Yeo, this is Kim Seungmin, and Lee Minho.”

Yeosang bowed slightly to the men. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Minho’s eyes flickered over Yeosang, a sly smirk crossing his lips. “It’s a pleasure,” he purred, his tone teasing. “You look sexy. If you’re not dating our Hyunjinnie here, are you single? And how do you feel about threesomes?”

“Hyung!” Hyunjin yelled, his eyes wide. He looked at Seungmin, who had his head in his hands and was shaking slightly from laughter.

Yeosang blinked and tilted his head. Then, in the most innocent tone imaginable, replied, “I’m single, but in my experience threesomes aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Someone always ends up feeling left out. Are you propositioning me? Because I would hate for your boyfriend to be the one who feels left out.”

Minho blinked rapidly and then started to laugh. “I like him,” he said to Hyunjin, before turning to Jeongin. “Jongho was right; this guy does have a great sense of humor.”

“I’m sorry,” Hyunjin murmured, moving closer to Yeosang. “I should have warned you about Minho’s weird sense of humor. But he likes you, and that’s good. He is the scariest of my friends.”

“Good,” Yeosang replied, voice soft. He visibly relaxed, wrapping an arm around Hyunjin’s shoulders.

Hyunjin ignored Minho’s raised eyebrows at the affection, turning instead to Seungmin. “Innie said you wanted to talk to me about something?”

“Right.” Seungmin lifted his head out of his hands, regaining control of himself. “I was wondering what nights you were free this week. I’m planning my own birthday party, and I want you to be there.”

Hyunjin tilted his head. “What night were you thinking?”

Seungmin shook his head. “No, you tell me when you’re free. I want you at my party, so I need to know when you’re available.”

Hyunjin felt affection and warmth swell in his chest and he had to blink away sudden tears. After the past few weeks of no one calling him, or him thinking that no one wants him around anymore, Seungmin’s insistence about apparently planning his own birthday party around him was heartwarming. “But what about everyone else?”

Seungmin shrugged. “Minho already cleared his evenings for the whole week, and if you aren’t working I know Innie’s not working. Everyone else can figure it out.”

Hyunjin tried to discreetly wipe his eyes. “I’m free all week in the evening.”

“So Tuesday night would work for you?” Seungmin’s voice was hopeful. “It’s going to be a lot smaller than this. Just the core group and some extras. Jongho already agreed to come no matter what day, and Felix is going to invite his new boyfriend.” He turned slightly to look at Yeosang. “You can come, too. Any friend of Hyunjin’s is a friend of ours.”

Hyunjin glanced at Yeosang before nodding. “Tuesday works for me.”

“Me too,” Yeosang replied carefully. “Thank you for inviting me.”

Seungmin smiled happily. “Great! Tuesday it is, then! I’ll let everyone else know. Like I said, it will be small. Minho will be making the snacks, and Felix said he would make a cake. It will be more like a hang out than a party. But it should be fun.”

Hyunjin was overcome with sudden cuteness aggression for the younger man, and reached out to pull him into a tight, affectionate hug. “It will be great, Minnie.” He pulled back and ruffled Seungmin’s hair playfully. “Thanks for inviting me.”

Seungmin huffed out, trying to fix his hair. “I’ll always invite you.”

Hyunjin smiled and took Yeosang’s hand. “We should go find Felix. But we’ll catch up later, okay?”

He pulled Yeosang away, his heart still filled with happiness. Hearing that Seungmin wanted him especially at his birthday chased away some of the bad thoughts he had been having lately. Maybe Chan didn’t want him around, but at least one of his friends did.

He looked around, trying to find the familiar blond hair of his best friend. There were so many people, it was hard to recognize anyone from a distance. Then, a new voice cut through the crowd.

“Sangie?”

Both Hyunjin and Yeosang turned, watching as an unfamiliar man approached them. The man looked confused, all of his attention on Yeosang. Felix followed behind the man, looking just as confused as they all were.

Yeosang stared in shock at the man. “Wooyoung? What are you doing here?”

Wooyoung. Yeosang’s best friend.

Wooyoung. Felix’s hot coworker and new boyfriend.

They were the same Wooyoung.

“I’m here with Felix, the coworker I’ve been dating and whose birthday party it is,” Wooyoung said, responding to Yeosang and still looking confused. “What are you doing here? And looking like that?”

“I’m here with Hyunjin, my new friend?” Yeosang reached over to grab Hyunjin’s hand and pull him forward. “Who is… Felix’s best friend?” He looked at Hyunjin in confusion. “I didn’t know– I guess I should have realized your sunshine Felix from Australia was Wooyoung’s angel Felix from Australia. That’s my fault.”

Hyunjin flushed and laughed slightly. “It’s not your fault. I think we all just assumed there wasn’t any crossover between our friends.”

Felix stepped into the centre of their small group. “Since no one is making official introductions, I’ll do it,” he said with a bright grin. “Jung Wooyoung, this is Hwang Hyunjin. And I’m Lee Yongbok, though everyone calls me Felix.” He smiled brightly at Yeosang.

Yeosang bowed slightly. “Kang Yeosang. It’s nice to finally meet you. Both Wooyoung and Hyunjin only have good things to say about you.”

“Really?” Felix smiled brightly. “I hope I can live up to their praise.”

Hyunjin took a moment to step closer to Wooyoung as the other two chatted, smiling shyly. “Yeosang’s told me a lot about you,” he said, clasping his hands in front of him. “Felix has said good things too. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Mhmm.” Wooyoung’s gaze swept over him, and Hyunjin suddenly felt like he was being judged more harshly than he expected. Wooyoung finally gave a tight smile. “Yeosang hasn’t said much about you. But I’ve heard a lot from Felix. It’s good to finally meet you, too.”

Hyunjin shrank back, glancing towards Felix and wondering what his friend could have told the other man to make him seem so… distant. Everything Yeosang had told him about Wooyoung said that he would be friendly, cheerful, and affectionate. He hoped he was reading things wrong; looking too much into it.

Yeosang moved to Hyunjin again, pressing a hand to his back gently. “You okay?”

Hyunjin nodded, smiling at the other man. “Yeah. Why do you ask?”

“You just seem stressed.” Yeosang smiled slightly. “Do you want a drink? Something to eat?”

Hyunjin could see Wooyoung watching them out of the corner of his eye, a thoughtful look on his face. He bit his lip, turning to focus on Yeosang. “I’m fine. Thank you, though.”

Yeosang nodded. “I’m going to grab a drink for myself. Will you be okay alone?”

Before Hyunjin could reply, Wooyoung stepped forward and threw an arm around his shoulders. “I’ll keep him company while you get your drink. Wanna grab me a drink too, please?”

Yeosang frowned slightly, biting his lip before nodding. “I’ll be right back.”

Hyunjin nodded. “It’s okay, go ahead. I’ll wait right here.”

Yeosang hesitated a moment longer before following Felix through the crowd back towards the refreshment table.

Wooyoung watched the pair walk off, his arm tightening around Hyunjin’s shoulders slightly, almost as though he didn’t want him to try to escape. Hyunjin tensed slightly, feeling more uncomfortable than he had before with any of Yeosang’s other friends. Maybe it was because he was more nervous; he wanted to impress Wooyoung the most because he knew that the man was Yeosang’s best friend.

“So Felix has told me a lot about you,” Wooyoung said, his tone sounding almost too casual. “He says you just got out of a serious, long term relationship?”

Hyunjin pursed his lips, wondering just how much Felix had told the other man about his personal life. “It’s been a few months,” he replied carefully. “But yes.”

Wooyoung nodded thoughtfully. “He said that you’re on the rebound now.”

Hyunjin huffed out indignantly, jerking away from the other man. “I’m not–”

“You’re not using Yeosang as a rebound to mend your broken heart?”

“No!” Hyunjin crossed his arms. “Why would you even think something like that?”

Wooyoung shrugged. “Felix told me you were planning on proposing when Chan broke up with you. That kind of love doesn’t go away after a few months, even if you are avoiding seeing him. And you guys were together for a long time. I think Felix said something like five years? Pretty much any relationship you get in will be a rebound.”

Hyunjin frowned; he didn’t know how he felt about Felix telling a stranger all about his love life, but he wasn’t happy about it. “Yeosang and I are not dating.”

“Not yet,” Wooyoung replied, his voice soft. “But you guys are dancing around it in some sort of quasi-relationship that will likely turn romantic. I don’t blame you; Yeosang is one of the kindest, sweetest, most caring people in the world. Anyone would be lucky to have him.” His voice and eyes turned hard. “But he’s already fallen for you, and if he gets hurt because you’re leading him on, then nothing will save you from my wrath. Understand?”

Hyunjin stared at the other man. “I– I’m not leading him on?”

“No?” Wooyoung raised an eyebrow. “You don’t call him every time you’re upset so he can make you feel better? You don’t go out on dates with him, even if you both try to insist they aren’t dates? You don’t hug him, or hold his hand, or stare at him like he’s a whole meal and you’re starving? Like I said, Yeosang is the sweetest person in the world, but he can be a bit naive. He will get his heart broken when you decide that you want to date someone else, and when that happens… Well, everyone may like you now, but they won’t when he gets hurt.”

Hyunjin took a step back; he didn’t want to hurt Yeosang. He didn’t want to be leading him on. Was he leading him on? He thought they had both been clear that they aren’t dating, but the way Wooyoung was describing their relationship… It did sound like he was maybe relying on Yeosang too much for emotional support. He blinked, looking away as he felt tears in his eyes. He rubbed them away quickly, not wanting anyone to see him cry.

“Are you okay?” Yeosang’s deep voice was suddenly beside him. Hyunjin looked up to see the man looking at him in concern, a couple of bottles of water in his hand. “Did something happen?”

Hyunjin took a deep breath and forced a smile on his face. “No, everything’s fine. Just something in my eye.”

Yeosang shot Wooyoung a suspicious look as he passed over one of the waters, but Hyunjin didn’t have time to try to say anything; Felix grabbed his hand and Wooyoung’s hand, a bright smile on his face.

“We should all go dance! You too, Yeosang; I just don’t have enough hands to grab you too. Unless you don’t like to dance?” Felix blinked at Yeosang, still smiling.

Wooyoung laughed and reached out to wrap an arm around Yeosang’s shoulders, pulling him in close (and, maybe purposely, away from Hyunjin). “Oh, trust me; my Sangie loves to dance. He’s a performer. The way he moves is like magic!”

Yeosang huffed out, squirming in Wooyoung’s grasp, but not really trying to get away. “Get off.”

“Never.” Wooyoung leaned over to kiss Yeosang’s cheek before releasing his shoulders to grab his hand. “But yeah; let’s all go dance!”

Hyunjin let Felix pull him to the area where people were dancing, going through the motions of having fun. But he felt tense and anxious; he hadn’t really even danced since that night. Every time he felt someone brush up against his back, he would freeze for a brief moment. He didn’t want to disappoint Felix at his birthday party, but he felt like he was going to have a panic attack.

Then Yeosang moved behind him, wrapping his arms loosely around his waist, and swaying with him gently. “Relax,” he whispered softly into Hyunjin’s ear. “I won’t let anything happen to you. Just have fun.”

And Hyunjin did relax; he couldn’t help it. He felt safe in Yeosang’s arms. He could see the disapproving stare from Wooyoung, but Felix looked happy and that was what mattered. Eventually Minho, Seungmin, and Jeongin joined them and they all danced in a big group like they used to. Maybe it was a little awkward to dance with Yeosang plastered to his back all night, but Hyunjin had to admit he felt safer for it.

He felt wanted for the first time since Chan broke up with him.

And occasionally he would see Chan through the crowd, watching the group with a frown on his face. He found he didn’t really care if the older man didn’t want him there; he was having fun with his friends, and Felix was happy on his birthday. That was all that mattered.

Chapter Text

Yeosang wasn’t stupid, or blind. He could see that something had happened between Wooyoung and Hyunjin when he had gone to get water. He could see how Hyunjin seemed to shy away from Wooyoung whenever they got close to each other. He could see the way Wooyoung looked at Hyunjin with a hard, suspicious glare every time he touched him. And finally, he could see the way Hyunjin seemed to pull away from him more and more as the night continued.

He wanted to ask about it, but he knew it probably wasn’t a conversation to have while surrounded by Hyunjin’s friends, most of whom seemed nice. (He was still amazed that Hyunjin was friends with the famous Lee Know.)

He decided to wait until they finally left for the night, returning to Hyunjin’s apartment. Like the gentleman he was, he insisted on walking the younger man right to his door. Maybe it was just a ploy to spend more time with him, but he would never admit it. And Hyunjin didn’t seem to mind.

“I had a good time tonight,” Hyunjin murmured softly as they stood outside his apartment door. “Thank you for coming with me.”

Yeosang smiled. “I had fun too. Thanks for inviting me.” He hesitated a moment. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Hyunjin’s response was quick and automatic, but he could see pain in those eyes. “I should– I know you have plans tomorrow. I’ll talk to you later.” He turned away, opening the door to his apartment and stepping inside.

Yeosang knew that if he let Hyunjin walk away now, something would change between them, and not for the better. Whatever Wooyoung had said to Hyunjin was already making him pull away. He could feel it. So he took a deep breath and stepped forward, pressing his hand to the door before Hyunjin could close it on his face.

“Can we talk?”

Hyunjin stared at him in surprise before flushing. “Right now? It’s pretty late.”

“Right now.” Yeosang tilted his head and widened his eyes slightly to make his expression look more innocent; he knew very few people could resist his own puppy dog eyes. “I think it’s important.”

Hyunjin seemed to hesitate, but he nodded and pulled the door open further. “Okay. Come in.”

Yeosang breathed a sigh of relief and stepped inside. As he took off his boots, he noticed that the apartment was really nice. It seemed big. He could see the kitchen/dining area and living room, and a hall that he assumed led to the bedroom and bathroom. “Nice place.”

Hyunjin hummed softly as he kicked off his own shoes and moved to the kitchen. “Thanks. It’s too big for just me, though. I’ll probably have to move when the lease is up. Do you want something?”

“No thank you.” Yeosang finally got his boots off and moved to follow Hyunjin. “Why would you have to move?”

Hyunjin grabbed a glass out of the cupboard to get himself some water. “I’m… Struggling a bit.” He let out a humorless laugh. “I hate to admit it. But this place was great, perfect even, when I was sharing it with Chan. Now that he’s left, and I’m covering the full rent by myself… Well, on top of the two mortgages I have, I’m just struggling to cover everything. And it’s big. I don’t need three bedrooms alone.”

“Three bedrooms?” Yeosang blinked. “This is practically a full house! Why did you need three bedrooms in the first place?”

Hyunjin hummed softly. “Well, one room is my studio, one room was Chan’s office, and we shared the master bedroom.” He shrugged. “I could get a roommate, I guess, since there is an empty bedroom now, but all my friends already have their own places and the thought of sharing my home with strangers is terrifying right now. But enough about that.” He stood up straight. “You wanted to talk about something?”

Yeosang nodded, suddenly feeling nervous. “Uh, yeah. Can we sit?”

Hyunjin smiled, leading him to the living room to sit on the couch. “So what is so important that it couldn’t wait?” He asked once they made themselves comfortable.

Yeosang stared at his hands while he tried to figure out the best way to start. He finally settled on being direct; it was the best way to communicate. “What did Wooyoung say to you?”

He could see the shock on Hyunjin’s face before the younger man quickly looked away. “He… He didn’t say anything bad. He just–” Hyunjin pursed his lips; he seemed like he was struggling to find the words. “Do– do you think we’re dating?”

Yeosang blinked slowly, furrowing his brow in confusion. “Us? Like, you and me?” At Hyunjin’s nod, his confusion only grew because he was pretty certain they both said they aren’t dating. “No. Do– do you?”

Hyunjin shook his head. “I just… I don’t want to lead you on. I know I’m not ready to date right now, and I really like you, but I don’t want to use you as a rebound because you don’t deserve that, but I also don’t want to play with your feelings and I feel like I’ve been been relying on you too much and I don’t want to hurt you because Wooyoung said you like me and that if I hurt you everyone would hate me and–”

“Stop.” Yeosang held up a hand, and Hyunjin cut himself off from his rambling. He could see the pain and uncertainty in the younger man’s eyes, and he felt a small wave of anger at Wooyoung. He rubbed his eyes. “He told you that you’re leading me on?”

Hyunjin bit his lip. “He was being protective. And I can see where he’s coming from; I’ve been–”

“Stop,” Yeosang said again, slumping back against the couch with a sigh. “Look, Wooyoung is my best friend in the world. I would do anything for him and he would do anything for me. But he can also be kind of an idiot.”

Hyunjin blinked. “What?”

“He’s protective of me. All my friends are, but Wooyoung is the worst because we’ve known each other for a long time. And sometimes, that protectiveness makes him an idiot.” He sat up straight, looking Hyunjin in the eye. “I do like you. A lot. But I know you’re not exactly in the right place to even think about dating right now.”

Hyunjin bit his lip, dropping his gaze to his hands. “I– I don’t know when I’ll be ready to date. I don’t want to lead you on.”

Yeosang shifted closer, reaching out slowly to press a hand to Hyunjin’s cheek and lift his head so they were looking at each other. “You’re not leading me on. I know the things you are dealing with right now. I understand you aren’t ready to date. I’m not asking you to date. While I do have feelings for you, I’m happy to just be your friend. I don’t expect more.”

Hyunjin blinked a few times, his eyes wet with unshed tears. “I like you too,” he whispered after a moment. “I just–”

Yeosang smiled. “I understand you’re not ready,” he replied quietly. “And maybe when you are ready, we can have another discussion about our feelings. But for now, we can be friends.”

Hyunjin bit his lip, the tears starting to fall from his eyes. “Why are you so perfect? You’re so understanding.”

Yeosang couldn’t help but snort. “I’m not perfect. Eventually you’ll figure that out. But for now, remember that I know what you’re going through and I will never push you faster than you are ready for.”

Hyunjin hesitated a moment before throwing his arms around Yeosang’s neck, pulling him into a tight hug. “Thank you.”

Yeosang hugged him back, breathing out a small sigh of relief. At least he managed to fix things before they got worse. He pulled away, giving the younger man a wry smile. “I should get going,” he murmured. “It’s late.”

Hyunjin bit his lip. “Would– you could spend the night, if you want? Leave in the morning for your plans?”

Yeosang’s eyes widened slightly and he flushed. “Spend the night together?”

Hyunjin blushed deeply, covering his face. “Not– Not like that! I just– I don’t like being here, alone.” He sighed, dropping his hands and gaze. “I haven’t really spent any time here since Chan and I broke up. It’s too big, it’s too lonely. I usually only stay here to eat and sleep. Otherwise I’m at the studio. Or with you. Forget that I asked.”

Yeosang felt his heart ache for Hyunjin; he couldn’t imagine being uncomfortable or lonely in his own home. He reached out, grasping at the other man’s hand gently. “I’ll need to borrow something to sleep in,” he said. “Leather isn’t exactly comfortable in bed.”

Hyunjin’s lips twitched. “I mean, you can borrow pajamas, absolutely. But you keep saying things so knowledgeably and I have to ask… Have you tried sleeping in leather before?”

Yeosang snorted. “Not exactly? I’ve worn leather and accidentally fallen asleep. It’s not fun.”

“Makes sense.” Hyunjin bit his lip. “And… You mentioned something to Minho hyung about, uh, threesomes? Have you…?”

Yeosang winced slightly. “Have I participated in threesomes? Yes, but I’m bad at it.” At the other man’s surprised and curious stare, he elaborated. “There was a point in time, a few years ago, where Wooyoung and our friend San were dating. And they know they’re better off as friends now, but back then they thought maybe something was missing? And, well, casual sex has never been a problem for me, so we experimented with threesomes a few times. Turns out, I’m really bad at it. I can’t focus on more than one person at a time.”

Hyunjin blinked slowly. “You and Wooyoung have had sex?”

“Is that a problem?” Yeosanng tilted his head, frowning slightly. “If we’re both single and not pursuing anyone, then we sometimes have sex. It’s been probably over a year since we’ve slept together. Like I said, I don’t have a problem with casual sex. And Wooyoung’s love language is physical touch. It doesn’t really mean anything to either of us.”

Hyunjin hummed softly. “That is… I’m not trying to sound judgemental. Casual sex just seems so foreign to me. But I’ve only been with Chan, so I’m just inexperienced.” He paused for a moment, then dropped his gaze. “I guess I’ve been with more people now, since–”

“That doesn’t count,” Yeosang interrupted, his voice firm. “And there’s nothing wrong with inexperience. I mean, I don’t even think being with one person for years counts as inexperience? You just don’t have weirdly affectionate friends like Wooyoung and San. If anything, I’m the weird one for being so nonchalant about it.”

Hyunjin smiled softly, pushing himself to his feet. “I’ll get you something to sleep in,” he said softly. “Thank you for staying.”

“It’s no problem.” Yeosang stood as well. “Is there somewhere I can wash up?”

Hyunjin pointed down the hall. “The guest bathroom is the first door on the right. The bedroom is the last door.” He paused, hesitating. “We didn’t talk about sleeping arrangements. Do you want the bed? I can sleep on the couch or–”

Yeosang blinked then laughed. “I assumed we would share the bed, because I’m used to sharing a bed with Wooyoung. I can sleep on the couch though, if you don’t want to share.”

Hyunjin flushed, dropping his gaze. “I don’t mind sharing. The bed is big, anyway. There’s lots of room for two people.”

“The bed it is, then.” Yeosang started down the hall towards the bathroom.

Wait!” Hyunjin grabbed his arm, chewing on his lip nervously. “Are– are you sure you’re okay with this? I really don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to use you as– as a rebound.”

Yeosang took a deep breath, turning to face the younger man and pulling him into a tight hug. “I don’t know what’s wrong with your friends that you don’t think you can rely on them emotionally. I’ve done for Wooyoung the same things I do for you. The only difference is I’m not attracted to Wooyoung.”

Hyunjin leaned against him, slowly wrapping his arms around his waist. “But doesn’t that make this whole thing worse? I know you’re attracted to me now, and I still– I want you around all the time. You make me happy.”

Yeosang clicked his tongue, gently rubbing his hand along Hyunjin’s back. “Again, I don’t know what’s wrong with your friends that you think that spending time with them shouldn’t make you happy. If you can’t lean on your friends through times of trouble… Are they really friends?” He pulled back slightly. “You’re my friend, Hyunjin. I’ll be here for you as long as you want me to be.”

Hyunjin stared at him, tears filling his eyes. “You really are the sweetest person in the world,” he murmured softly. “I don’t deserve you.”

“You deserve the world,” Yeosang replied, his voice just as soft. “Now go get ready for bed. I have to be up early to meet San.” He pulled away fully, keeping an eye on Hyunjin until the other man nodded. “I’m going to get cleaned up.”

“I’ll get you something to wear.” Hyunjin wiped at his eyes. “Thanks for staying.”

“Anytime.” Yeosang moved down the hall again. He sent a text message to San, letting him know that he wouldn’t be home that night and he would meet him at the gym in the morning. Then he sent another message asking the other man to bring his work out gear as well. He set aside his phone and washed his face.

Hyunjin knocked on the doorframe, holding a bundle of clothes. “Here. Do you want to shower? I can grab you a towel?”

Yeosang smiled wryly. “I’ll shower at the gym in the morning. I’ll be right there, okay?”

Hyunjin nodded, biting his lip. “Okay. I’ll meet you in the bedroom.”

Yeosang watched him walk away before closing the door to change. The loose t-shirt and pajama pants were soft and smelled vaguely like Hyunjin. Maybe he was doing a stupid thing; spending the night, wearing Hyunjin’s clothes. But he had meant what he said about being Hyunjin’s friend and being there for him. He knew the younger man was going through a rough time, and he wouldn’t go back on his word.

When he finished changing and cleaning up, he moved slowly to the last door. It was open, and he could see the bed. It was big; bigger than his own bed that he often shared with Wooyoung when he was home. He stepped into the room, looking around idly. He could hear water running from what he assumed was the ensuite, so he assumed Hyunjin would be out soon.

He moved around the room slowly, looking at everything that was in plain view. There were pictures; a lot of them. There were a lot of photos of Felix, of Jeongin, of Lee Know and Seungmin. There were even pictures of another familiar face: Seo Changbin, who was a coworker of San’s at the gym. It was amazing that there were two crossovers of their friend groups, and they didn’t even know it.

The other two men in the pictures he didn’t recognize. One had round cheeks and wide eyes; a lot of the pictures of him seemed to be while he was eating, which only made the roundness of his cheeks more pronounced.

The second stranger had the most pictures. He was admittedly handsome, with plush lips and bright eyes, and a smile that was disarmingly charming. In all the group photos, this man was beside Hyunjin, usually with an arm around his shoulders, or holding hands, or holding Hyunjin on his lap.

“That’s Chan.” Hyunjin’s voice was right beside him.

Yeosang jumped slightly, turning away from the pictures with a slight flush. “I can see why you fell for him,” he said after a moment. “If I didn’t already hate him, I might think he’s handsome.”

Hyunjin laughed softly. “He is handsome. And charming, and nice.” He pointed at the man with round cheeks. “That’s Jisung. And that–”

“Changbin,” Yeosang said as Hyunjin pointed to the other man. “I’ve met him. He works with my friend, San. It’s a small world.”

Hyunjin chuckled softly. “Come on, let’s go to bed. What time do you have to be up?”

“Probably about eight, or so.” Yeosang watched Hyunjin move around the bed to set an alarm. He waited a moment to see which side the other man would choose before climbing in the other side. He laid on his side facing Hyunjin, smiling as Hyunjin laid on his side facing him.

“Good night, Yeo,” Hyunjin said softly.

“Good night, Hyune.” Yeosang reached out, grabbing Hyunjin’s hand to link their fingers together.

It felt like he had just closed his eyes to go to sleep when the loud, jarring sound of what seemed to be a siren was jolting him awake. He jerked up, disoriented and confused at the sound. He didn’t know where he was for a moment, until he saw Hyunjin rolling over with a groan to turn off his alarm.

Yeosang laughed breathlessly, running a hand through his hair. “That is some alarm you have there.”

Hyunjin sat up and stretched, groaning quietly. “It’s the only one I’ve found that will actually wake me up. Do you have time for breakfast, or do you have to get going?”

Yeosang hummed softly; he would love to have breakfast with Hyunjin. But he knew that if he agreed, he would end up canceling on San and that wasn’t fair. Besides, he enjoyed working out.

“I’d love to,” he said finally. “But I really have to get going.” He looked down at himself and frowned slightly. “I, uh, hate to impose even more, but can I borrow some clothes? I can put on the outfit I was wearing last night if I have to, but it will be uncomfortable.”

Hyunjin slipped out of bed and moved to open a door that led to a large walk-in closet. “You can borrow anything you like.”

Yeosang raised his eyebrows, looking at the surprising amount of clothing inside. “No wonder you and Seonghwa get along so well,” he murmured softly. He grabbed a clean t-shirt and a pair of jeans, changing quickly. When he finally exited the bedroom, Hyunjin was in the kitchen. He could smell coffee brewing and he was tempted to stay once more.

“I put your clothes from last night in a bag by the door. Do you want some coffee?” Hyunjin asked as he came into the kitchen. “For the road?”

Yeosang nodded, watching the other man bustle around the room, pouring the fresh coffee into a travel mug. He was struck once more just how beautiful Hyunjin was; even in rumpled pajamas and his hair in a mess, he was probably one of the most beautiful people he had ever seen.

“You’re staring,” Hyunjin murmured, sliding the travel mug across the counter.

“You’re beautiful,” Yeosang replied with a smirk as he picked up the mug. “I’ll call you later, okay?”

Hyunjin flushed deeply, ducking his head so his hair fell in front of his face. “Okay. Thanks again. For staying.”

Yeosang hummed softly, a soft smile crossing his face. “Of course. See you later.”

He grabbed the bag by the door, waving to the younger man as he pulled on his boots. Then he headed out. It took longer to get to the gym from Hyunjin’s apartment than he anticipated, so he was a few minutes late. He could see San waiting outside, two gym bags slung over his shoulder. He looked annoyed.

“Sorry, sorry!” Yeosang jogged up to his friend, smiling wryly. “I miscalculated the time to get here.”

San broke out into a grin, all annoyance wiped immediately from his face. “I thought you were going to bail on me,” he said with a chuckle, wrapping an arm around Yeosang’s shoulders. “Since you spent the night with your boyfriend.”

“We’re not dating,” Yeosang huffed, taking his gym bag from San.

“Woo says it’s only a matter of time. Speaking of Woo…” San glanced over as they walked into the gym. “He thinks you’re mad at him and that’s why you didn’t come home last night.”

“I am mad at him,” Yeosang replied, his voice casual. He assumed that Wooyoung told San about the party. “He was an asshole to Hyunjin last night. But that’s not why I didn’t go home.”

“So now I’m the only one who hasn’t met your new friend.” San sighed dramatically. “I have to say, I’m dying to meet him. Everyone else seems to love him, but Wooyoung. And I want to see the type of person who can make Jongho and Hongjoong like them but not Wooyoung. I promise I’ll be nicer than Wooyoung!”

Yeosang laughed, dropping the bags he was carrying once they reached the locker room. “Maybe we can do a group thing,” he said as he started to change into gym clothes. “He knows Changbin.”

San raised an eyebrow. “Like, my Changbin? I mean, Changbin that works here?”

Yeosang nodded. “Yep. That Changbin. I’ll talk to Hyunjin about it tonight and see if we can set something up. But first, can we workout? And not talk about Wooyoung or Hyunjin for a bit?”

San chuckled, dropping his own bag and starting to change as well. “Sounds like a plan.”

Yeosang headed out to the weights, ready to work out. He heard a bit of commotion behind him, but he didn’t pay any attention to it. He usually tried to stay out of any drama at the gym. He heard footsteps behind him, assuming it was just San catching up to him.

Then he felt a hand on his arm, jerking him around; before he could even react, there was a fist slamming hard into his mouth.

Yeosang stumbled back in shock, lifting a hand to touch his lip; when he pulled his hand back, there was a small streak of blood on his fingers. He lifted his gaze, staring at the vaguely familiar angry man before him.

“Chan! What the hell?!” Changbin appeared beside the man who Yeosang now recognized from the pictures in Hyunjin’s room.

Chan moved forward like he was going to hit Yeosang again, but Changbin grabbed his arm, pulling him back.

“Seriously, Chan! What–”

“This is the guy who was all over my– all over Hyunjin last night!” Chan growled, shaking Changbin’s hands off him. He glared at Yeosang, his hands clenching into fists. “Couldn’t keep his hands to himself!”

Yeosang looked between the blood on his fingers and the furious man. He blinked, then felt a sudden rage flood him. He had heard it; he heard Chan use the word my to describe Hyunjin. As though Hyunjin belonged to him, even after everything he had done.

A voice in the back of his mind, that sounded suspiciously like Wooyoung, whispered defend yourself.

And he had made a promise to Hyunjin, after all.

Yeosang let out a little deranged giggle that would make Hongjoong proud, narrowing his eyes at Chan and raising a single eyebrow. “Ah, you must be Hyune’s ex,” he said in a low tone, before swinging his fist and punching the other man in the jaw.

Chan reeled back as Yeosang shook his hand out; he had never actually punched someone before and it hurt more than expected. Both men remained tense for a moment, ready to attack.

Then San appeared in front of Yeosang, pushing him back. “What are you doing?!”

Changbin grabbed Chan at the same time, pulling him away. He was speaking too quietly for Yeosang to hear, but he could see the tenseness drain out of the man.

Yeosang pulled away from San, rubbing his quickly bruising knuckles. He licked his lip, hissing quietly at the stinging cut before he turned back to the other pair of men.

“Yeosang–” San said quietly, grabbing his arm.

Yeosang shook him off again, but didn’t approach Chan. Instead, he called out, “Hey asshole!”

Chan snarled, turning back to face him. “What did you call me?”

“Hyunjin doesn’t belong to you.” Yeosang shook his head, ignoring the man’s question. “You have no right to him. Not after what you did to him.”

Chan looked like he was going to reply, but Changbin grabbed his arm roughly and dragged him away. Changbin was speaking quietly again, forcefully pulling Chan across the gym.

Yeosang slumped back, feeling San’s arms catch him before he hit the ground. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before pulling away.

“What the fuck was that?” San demanded, holding his arms out in case Yeosang collapsed again. “I’ve never seen you be violent!”

“He hit me first,” Yeosang muttered, reaching up to touch his lip again. It seemed to have stopped bleeding already. “I was defending myself.”

San shook his head in disbelief and then started to laugh. Yeosang shot him a confused glance. “I’m sorry, it’s not funny. It was actually a pretty good hit. I just– Sangie, you defended yourself. I’m so proud of you!”

Yeosang huffed out, shoving San lightly as he blushed. “I keep telling you guys I can take care of myself– What are you doing?!” He stared in horror as San whipped out his phone and snapped a picture of him.

San just grinned, typing a message in their group chat. “I’m telling everyone about this! They’ll be so happy for you! I think this Hyunjin guy is good for you. Hey, hold up your hand so they can see the bruises!”

Yeosang shook his head, turning away from San as he moved to start lifting weights. But there was a part of him that felt proud of himself too. He wasn’t normally a violent person, but he could defend himself and the people he cared about if he had to.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin stared at himself in the mirror with a frown, a sense of deja vu washing over him. He was in the exact same situation as Saturday night; trying to find a suitable outfit for his friend’s birthday party. At least Seungmin’s birthday was smaller and more casual than Felix’s. He didn’t have to worry about dressing up. But he still wanted to look nice.

Especially if Chan would be there.

Not that he was trying to impress his ex-boyfriend; but he just didn’t want to appear like he was constantly on the verge of having a breakdown.

There was also a part of him that wanted to show Chan what he was missing, after hearing about how Chan had attacked Yeosang at the gym Sunday morning.

Hyunjin was still confused about that whole incident; Yeosang had said that Chan seemed jealous and possessive. But that didn’t make any sense, because Chan was the one who broke up with him. Chan was the one who didn’t want him around anymore. Why would he be jealous that he was spending time with Yeosang?

It didn’t make any sense.

Hyunjin pulled out his phone and scrolled back through his call log to that night. He had checked, repeatedly, in the days after; but he felt like he needed to check again. And it was still there; one call to Chan, at 1:18am, lasting less than a minute.

Stop calling.

No one wants you around.

He shook his head and slipped his phone back into his pocket. He didn’t have time to worry about whatever was going on inside Chan’s mind. He would just continue avoiding the older man to the best of his ability. Even though it would be hard at Seungmin’s party. At the very least, he would be civil, and try to make sure no more fights broke out.

(Though maybe, secretly, he wanted to see Chan get punched in the face.)

Hyunjin looked at himself in the mirror once more; the white t-shirt he was wearing was tight, but not too revealing, and he was wearing his favorite pair of jeans. He looked nice enough for a casual party. And it was comfortable enough if things got a little rowdy, as they tended to, he could move around.

There was a knock at the front door and he moved quickly to answer it; he had given Yeosang the code to get in the front door of the building to make things easier. He pulled open the door, smiling brightly at the other man. “Hey!”

Yeosang looked great, as always; he was wearing fitted dark jeans and a black sleeveless shirt under an open black hoodie. He wasn’t wearing any make-up today, but he was beautiful without it. The cut on his lip was healing, but still noticeable.

“Hey, Hyune.” Yeosang smiled, stepping inside. “You look beautiful. Are you ready to go?”

Hyunjin nodded, flushing slightly. “Charmer,” he murmured affectionately. “I just have to put on shoes.”

“I, uh, brought a present?” Yeosang flushed a bit, letting out an awkward chuckle. “It’s not from me. I was hanging out with Yunho and Mingi earlier, and mentioned you had been nervous before the last party, so Mingi sent you this.” He held out a fuzzy bundle.

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, taking the bundle and shaking it out. It was the capybara sweater Mingi had been wearing when they first met. He looked up, giving Yeosang a questioning look.

“Mingi says it always makes him feel better when he’s nervous, so he thought it might help you.” Yeosang shrugged. “You don’t have to wear it. I thought it was a nice gesture.”

“I appreciate it,” Hyunjin said softly, pulling it on immediately. It was a little big on him, but it was surprisingly cozy. “How do I look?”

“Adorable.” Yeosang smiled, reaching out to pull the hood up. “You look adorable. Does it make you feel less nervous?”

Hyunjin laughed, giving a small twirl. “You know what? I think it does. It’s hard to be nervous dressed as a capybara.”

“That is exactly what Mingi says!” Yeosang grinned, clapping his hands. “He’ll be so happy you agree with him. Let’s go.”

Hyunjin hesitated a moment before wrapping his arm around Yeosang as they headed out; he was still worried that he was using the older man, even unintentionally. Wooyoung’s harsh words still echoed in his mind. Even though Yeosang had assured him that he was happy just being friends, he couldn’t help but worry.

He didn’t want to hurt Yeosang.

“You’re thinking too hard.” Yeosang wrapped an arm around his shoulders, despite the slight awkwardness of their height difference, and pulled him in closer. “Stop it. We’re going to have a good time, okay? And if we don’t, we can leave.”

Hyunjin smiled, leaning against Yeosang’s side. “I think we’ll have a good time. Though it will be harder to avoid Chan with less people there.”

“If he gets too close, I’ll just punch him again.”

Hyunjin ducked his head to hide his smile; he knew he really shouldn’t be encouraging violence, but it felt nice that someone was willing to punch Chan for him. He glanced up, noticing the hand resting on his shoulder had bruised knuckles. His head moved before he could think about it, brushing his lips against Yeosang’s hand.

Yeosang froze for a brief moment, looking at Hyunjin with wide eyes. “What was that for?”

Hyunjin blushed, pulling away in embarrassment. “I– I don’t know. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t know why I did that–”

“Hyune, it’s fine. I was just surprised.” Yeosang smiled wryly. “I’m used to random kisses. Kissing is Wooyoung’s love language. He’s kissed my knuckles at least ten times since Sunday morning. To help them heal, he says. I think I prefer it when you do it, though.”

Hyunjin blushed deeper. “Kang Yeosang, you are a charmer. I think you should quit denying it at this point.” He linked his arm through the older man’s, trying to push away the guilt he felt. “I still can’t believe you punched Chan.”

Yeosang shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant even as a light blush tinged his cheeks. “I did promise you I would punch him in the face when I met him. He also hit me first, so I was defending myself.”

Hyunjin smiled softly, his chest swelling with affection for the older man; it was almost enough to wash away the lingering guilt. He leaned against Yeosang as they walked, dropping his head onto his shoulder. “Thank you,” he whispered softly. “I know I shouldn’t say that, but…”

“Hyune, you’re my friend. Of course I’m going to punch someone who has been such an asshole to you. It doesn’t matter who they are.” Yeosang tugged him a little closer. “I’d even punch Wooyoung for you if you want. He was an ass to you for no reason.”

Hyunjin just laughed. “Don’t punch Wooyoung. He was just being protective of you.”

“That doesn’t excuse him being an asshole to you,” Yeosang hummed softly. “Just tell me if he says anything else. I’ll deal with him.”

Hyunjin hummed wordlessly in response; he didn’t want to be the reason why the two friends fought. And he could see Wooyoung’s point as well, that he could be leading Yeosang on by relying on him all the time. The problem was that he didn’t want to stop; Yeosang made him feel good, and happy. He didn’t want to stop being happy.

“You’re thinking too hard again.” Yeosang’s voice broke into his thoughts again. “Just relax. We’ll have fun; as long as your ex remains civil, no one will get punched, and then we’ll go home.”

Hyunjin nodded, taking a deep breath. “We’ll have fun. Of course we will.” He slid his hand down Yeosang’s arm to grasp his hand, squeezing it gently. “I always have fun when you’re around.”

“Now who’s the charmer?” Yeosang teased lightly, squeezing his hand back.

It was a quick cab ride to Seungmin’s and Jeongin’s shared apartment. Hyunjin knocked on the door, blinking in surprise when Minho answered instead of one of the people who actually lived there. The older man looked perfectly comfortable though, wearing an apron with a towel thrown over his shoulder.

“Hyunjinnie!” Minho grinned, pulling Hyunjin into a hug. “You made it! It’s good to see you.”

“You just saw me on Saturday, hyung,” Hyunjin muttered, but he couldn’t help but smile. “It’s good to see you too. You remember Yeosang?”

“Of course.” Minho pulled away, grinning at Yeosang. “It’s good to see you again too, Yeosang-ssi. Did you reconsider the threesome idea?”

Yeosang blinked. “I– no?”

“Shame.” Minho shook his head, but the little smile betrayed his laughter. “Come in, come in. I’m just finishing the clean up. Everything is ready, and everyone is here.”

“Are we late?” Hyunjin frowned slightly as he stepped inside and took off his shoes.

“Nah. The others just got here a few minutes ago.” Minho just smiled. “Come on. Minnie will be happy to see you.”

Hyunjin grabbed Yeosang’s hand, squeezing it briefly before following Minho into the living room. Everyone was there, sitting on various surfaces. Felix and Wooyoung were tangled together, sprawling across one of the couches. Jeongin and Jongho were sitting on the floor a respectable distance apart in front of them. Changbin, Chan, and Jisung were on the other couch; Chan was in the middle and Jisung had his legs draped over the laps of the other two. Seungmin was sitting in the arm chair, though he stood when Hyunjin stepped into the room.

“Hey!” Seungmin grinned as he pulled Hyunjin into a warm hug. “I’m glad you came. Nice sweater. Where did you get it?”

“Isn’t that Mingi’s sweater?” Wooyoung asked from the couch.

“Mingi lent it to Hyune,” Yeosang said before Hyunjin could say anything. “Hello, Seungmin-ssi. Happy birthday.”

“Thank you. Thanks for coming.” Seungmin stepped back, moving back to sit in his chair. “We were trying to decide if we wanted to watch a movie or play video games. I voted for the movie because there are too many people to play a video game.”

“We can take turns!” Felix huffed out in playful indignation, swatting at Wooyoung’s chest until the other man sat up fully. Then he stood and pulled Hyunjin into a hug. “Hey Jinnie. You’ll vote for video games with me, right?”

Hyunjin couldn’t help but laugh, lifting Felix off his feet as he hugged him back. “What are the other votes so far?”

Felix gave a playful pout. “I’m the only vote for video games so far.”

Hyunjin clicked his tongue. “Then I’ll vote with you. That’s two against, what? Nine? I think we still lost.”

“Three against eight,” Wooyoung cut in, looking offended. “I didn’t get to vote yet. And Sangie will vote with us, won’t you?” He reached over Jongho’s head to pull Yeosang down onto the couch with him. “So that makes four against seven. We’re almost there!”

Jongho shoved Wooyoung’s legs. “Don’t be an ass, Woo. You guys shouldn’t be voting against the birthday boy.”

“I knew I liked you best,” Seungmin said to Jongho with a grin. “Jongho makes a good point. It’s my birthday, so I say we should watch a movie. No voting.”

“I love when you’re assertive.” Minho came into the living room and draped himself across Seungmin’s lap, leaning down to kiss him.

“Get a room,” Changbin called out in a teasing tone, throwing a pillow at the couple.

Minho caught it easily, throwing it right back. “We’re in a room.”

Hyunjin stopped paying attention to their bickering, twisting his fingers together as he tried to figure out where to sit. Then Felix grabbed his hand and pulled him down onto the couch. It was a little crowded, and he felt a little sad that Wooyoung seemed to be insistent at being between him and Yeosang. But he swung his legs over Felix’s lap and settled down as the others started arguing about what movie to watch. To his surprise (and happiness), Yeosang seemed to ignore Wooyoung and reached across him to rest his hand against Hyunjin’s shin.

Hyunjin lifted his gaze to the other couch, freezing as he met Chan’s eyes. The older man was watching him closely, his jaw clenched tightly. He could see the bruise on Chan’s jaw and he couldn’t help but feel his lips twitch slightly. He looked away quickly, not wanting to cause a scene. He reminded himself that Seungmin wanted him here, and it didn’t matter if Chan didn’t want him around.

The lights dimmed and some action movie started to play on the TV. Hyunjin tried to focus on the plot, on the actors; on anything besides the feeling of Chan’s eyes on him. He made it through half the movie before he got too uncomfortable. He stood up and whispered to Felix that he was just getting some water and headed into the kitchen.

He could still hear the sounds of the movie as he grabbed a glass out of the cupboard and filled it with water, taking his time to drink. He felt awkward being there, with Chan staring at him like it was his fault for daring to show up. While he missed his friends, and Seungmin had specifically said he wanted him there, Hyunjin couldn’t help but feel out of place.

Unwanted.

He sighed softly and put his empty glass by the sink before turning to head back to the living room with everyone else. Chan was standing silently a few feet behind him; he let out a surprised yelp, clutching at his chest.

“You scared me,” Hyunjin muttered softly, dropping his gaze.

“Sorry.” That was all Chan said, the silence stretching between them awkwardly.

Hyunjin finally huffed out and crossed his arms. “What do you want, Chan? Seungmin wanted me here.”

Chan blinked and then frowned, the confusion clear on his face. “What are you talking about? Of course Seungminnie wanted you here. I just wanted to say that it’s good to see you again. We’ve really missed you being around.”

Hyunjin rolled his eyes, ignoring the pang in his chest. “Yeah, okay. Whatever.”

Chan’s confused frown deepened. “We have. We– I’ve been worried about you.”

Hyunjin couldn’t help but scoff. “You don’t have to act like you’re happy to see me. I’ll be civil because like I said, Seungmin wants me here, but don’t pretend you care about me.”

The shock and hurt on Chan’s face made Hyunjin pause though; for the first time since the phone call, he felt doubt creep into his mind. But he had checked before coming to the party, he knew he called Chan that night. He knew Chan refused to help him. He remembered Chan’s words.

No one wants you around. Stop calling.

“I do care about you, Jinnie,” Chan said, his voice soft. “I’ll always care about you. You’re my friend. Why– why would you think I didn’t care?”

Hyunjin stared at Chan, at his earnest, confused expression, at his wide eyes, at his hands that seemed to be reaching out to him. He stepped back, flinching as his back hit the counter. His chest was starting to feel tight; he didn’t know if he wanted to cry or panic.

“Stop. Stop saying you care. You don’t care. You told me no one wants me around! You told me to stop calling! Stop pretending!” His voice was starting to raise, but he couldn’t help it.

Chan blinked several times, clearly shocked. “I– Jinnie, I’ve never said that to you. I would never say that to you. Of course I want you around. We all want you around. What are you talking about?”

Hyunjin shook his head, wrapping his arms around himself. “No, you did. I called you. I called you and you told me to stop calling.”

“You haven’t called me since we broke up,” Chan said slowly, frowning again. “Are you okay, Hyunjin?”

Hyunjin stared at Chan; he felt like he was going crazy. No, he felt like Chan was trying to make him think that he was crazy. “I checked,” he said firmly. “More than once. It’s in my call log. I called you and you told me that no one wants me around and to stop calling. Then you hung up on me. I checked! I can show you my phone to prove it to you!”

“Jinnie–” Chan looked genuinely confused and worried about him.

“It was me.” Jisung stepped into the kitchen, biting his lip as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “You talked to me.”

Hyunjin blinked, his breath catching in his throat as he stared at the younger man. “You– What?”

Chan turned to Jisung as well, staring at him in shock. “Jisung? What are you talking about?”

Jisung moved further into the room, standing beside Chan. He looked up at the older man, his eyes wide and full of regret. “It was that night we stayed up late talking after work. The night you told me– you told me that you may regret breaking up with him. You went to shower and go to bed, but you forgot your phone on the table. And then Hyunjin called, and he was obviously drunk out of his mind; I figured he wanted you to come over for sex or something. So I– I thought maybe if he wasn’t around, it would help you get over him? I didn’t think he would remember!”

“Jisung…” Chan pinched the bridge of his nose.

Hyunjin stared at the younger man; he felt sick and angry and hurt. The words came out before he could even think about them. “I was raped.”

It was the first time since it happened that he said the words out loud, and he felt like a dam had broken inside him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he struggled not to cry. He felt his voice shaking as he continued to speak.

“I was drugged, and I was raped, and I needed help. I was calling for help!”

Both Chan and Jisung were staring at him; Jisung’s face was pale and horrified, and Chan looked heartbroken. Chan stepped forward, his arms reaching out as though he wanted to pull him into a hug. Hyunjin shrank back against the counter, unable to back any further away.

Then Yeosang was there, standing between him and Chan. He shoved the older man back, glaring. “Don’t you dare touch him!”

Chan reeled back slightly, looking shocked for a moment. Then his expression morphed to anger, and he stepped right up to Yeosang, glaring back at him. “Stay out of this! This doesn’t involve you!”

Yeosang straightened up (Hyunjin distantly realized that Yeosang was a bit taller than Chan) and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “What are you going to do, hit me again? I’m not afraid of you.”

“Hey, hey, hey!” Changbin appeared beside Chan, gripping his arm and trying to pull him back. “There’s no need to fight here; we can talk about this like adults.”

Chan shook Changbin off, still glaring at Yeosang. “This doesn’t involve you,” he repeated firmly. “Get out of the way.”

Jisung moved, standing beside Chan and facing down Yeosang. “We’re trying to have a private conversation. What are you even doing here?”

“Hyunjin is my friend,” Yeosang replied in a low tone.

Jisung laughed. “Friend? We’re his friends. You’re just some pretty face he picked up.”

“You’re his friends?” Jongho suddenly appeared too, moving to stand beside Yeosang and strengthening the barrier between Hyunjin and the others. “You’re seriously calling yourself his friend after what you did?”

Hyunjin blinked, and then realized that he couldn’t hear the sounds of the movie anymore. He focused on the entrance to the kitchen and saw everyone standing there, looking either horrified or confused.

Everyone had heard what he said; everyone knew what had happened to him.

He felt his chest tightening as panic washed over him and his vision blurred. Everyone knew how stupid he was to let himself get drugged, to let himself get raped. Everyone knew how pathetic and disgusting he was. Everyone knew that he couldn’t even help himself–

He felt a hand on his arm; it slid up to his shoulder then to his back. Then he was pulled into a warm, but unfamiliar, embrace. A second hand slid into his hair, gently guiding his head to press against a neck.

“Shh, it’s okay.” It was Wooyoung’s voice in his ear, Wooyoung’s hands holding him close and stroking his hair. “It’s okay. You’re safe. We won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Hyunjin realized he was crying; and not quietly, either. His whole body was shaking with the force of his sobs. He gripped Wooyoung’s shirt as he tried to calm himself down, but the weeks of suppressed feelings were making themselves known. And the realization that Jisung really hated him that much felt shattering to his already wounded heart.

He thought they were friends. He thought that Jisung had gotten over his jealousy of him and Chan dating years ago.

He should have known better.

“Get out of the way!” Chan’s voice sounded muffled. Hyunjin assumed it was because his face was still buried in Wooyoung’s neck.

“Back off!” Jeongin’s voice rang out and then there was a sudden thud and silence.

Hyunjin glanced up, blinking at the confusing scene before him. Yeosang and Jongho were still between him and the others; but now Jeongin was standing in front of Yeosang, facing where Chan used to be standing. Jisung and Changbin were both staring at Jeongin in shock.

Hyunjin shifted slightly to peer between the bodies; Chan was sitting on the ground, also staring up at Jeongin in shock.

“Hey.” Wooyoung’s voice, surprisingly soft, drew his attention back to the man. “Do you want to leave? Hongjoong hyung is on his way to pick us up. He’ll be here any minute; we can wait outside.”

Hyunjin sniffled quietly, still trying to stop his tears. He had already ruined Seungmin’s party, and he felt like if he stayed it would only get worse. He nodded silently, chewing on his lip.

Wooyoung nodded back and pulled his head back against his neck. “Sangie, Jongho,” he said, his voice ringing out clearly above the cacophony of voices arguing. “We’re leaving.”

Yeosang turned back, his eyes widening when he saw Hyunjin curled against Wooyoung’s chest, still shaking from his sobbing. He moved towards the pair, sliding his hands down Hyunjin’s arms to gently pull him towards himself. “Hey, sweetheart,” he murmured softly. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

Hyunjin turned so he could wrap his arms around Yeosang’s neck, sinking into the comforting and safe embrace.

Yeosang gave Hyunjin a light squeeze. “Hold on, Hyune,” he murmured softly, before leaning down to scoop Hyunjin up into his arms. He made sure that he had a good grip before following Wooyoung towards the door.

Hyunjin let out a startled little gasp, his arms tightening around Yeosang’s neck. He remembered Hongjoong telling him that Yeosang carried him to their apartment, and he had seen the man’s arms; but somehow the fact that Yeosang could just so easily sweep him up into his arms was surprising.

It felt nice.

He saw that Chan had gotten back to his feet and was starting to follow them; but Jeongin stepped in his way.

“Let them go,” Jeongin said in a harsh tone. “Just– just let them go.”

Hyunjin buried his face against Yeosang’s neck once more, taking a slow breath as he tried to calm himself down. He felt the older man pause by the front door, a weird shift that he assumed meant that he was putting on his shoes, then they were outside. He felt the fresh, cool breeze blow through his hair, but he still didn’t dare lift his head from Yeosang’s neck. He felt ashamed that he couldn’t control himself better.

He also felt immense guilt over ruining Seungmin’s birthday party.

“What happened?” He heard Hongjoong’s voice. “The text Wooyoung sent just said S.O.S. come pick us up and this address.”

“Hyune’s friends are assholes,” Yeosang muttered in response, his grip tightening around Hyunjin slightly.

“Not all of them,” Wooyoung said. “But… Even I have to admit that was an asshole move Jisung pulled.”

“It turns out that when Hyune called for help, Jisung answered and said some not so nice stuff and hung up on him.” Yeosang’s voice was tense with anger.

“When he called for help. You mean… When you found him?” Hongjoong asked.

Yeosang nodded.

Hongjoong clicked his tongue and sighed. “Well, everyone get in.”

Yeosang slowly lowered Hyunjin’s legs down, making sure he was steady on his feet before pulling away. The car door was already open to the back seat, Wooyoung sitting on the far side. Jongho had already claimed the front seat.

“Do you want the middle or the window?” Yeosang asked softly.

Hyunjin just shrugged, then climbed into the back seat and slid all the way over beside Wooyoung. Yeosang climbed in after him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders once they were all settled and buckled in.

Hongjoong pulled away from the curb, starting down the street. “Seonghwa was worried that something bad happened. I think we’ll head back to our place so he can fret over everyone to his heart’s content.”

“OH!” Wooyoung straightened up slightly, an excited gleam in his eye as he pulled out his phone. “I’ll text Mingi and Yunho to come too! They can pick up San and we can have our own little party!”

“Woo,” Yeosang said in a warning tone. “Don’t go overboard.”

“Why not?” Wooyoung grinned and nudged Hyunjin’s shoulder with his own. “San has been dying to meet Hyunjin, and everyone else likes him. It’ll be fun!”

Hyunjin felt his lips twitch slightly as he wiped the tears off his face; somehow, Wooyoung’s enthusiasm was infectious. “It could be fun?” He replied in an uncertain voice.

“It will be fun,” Wooyoung asserted confidently. “You’ll see. You’ll love Sannie. He is a big old softie. Less of an asshole than me.”

Hyunjin sniffled quietly and leaned against Yeosang’s side. Maybe hanging out with Yeosang’s friends would make him feel better. Even Wooyoung seemed to be making an effort; he was still surprised that it was Wooyoung who comforted him first.

Maybe he just needed new friends?

Chapter Text

The drive back to Hongjoong and Seonghwa’s apartment went by quickly; Wooyoung filled the silence with mindless chatter in the way that only he was so good at. He had texted Yunho and Mingi, asking them to pick up San and some snacks and drinks on their way over. Hongjoong focused on driving, but kept glancing back in the rearview mirror, worry etched on his face. Jongho also stayed silent, staring out the window.

Yeosang kept his arm wrapped around Hyunjin’s shoulders; the younger man had shrunken into the capybara sweater, trying to hide from the world. He laid his head on Yeosang’s shoulder, the trembling in his shoulders slowly disappearing. He was still sniffling quietly, but the cascade of tears seemed to have stopped as well.

Wooyoung glanced over Hyunjin’s head to meet Yeosang’s eyes, his lips pursed. Yeosang couldn’t quite read his expression; it looked like a mixture of worry and guilt. But he didn’t want to delve too deep into that yet; his first concern was Hyunjin.

Hongjoong parked his car and everyone slid out, heading towards the elevator. The ride up was also silent; it felt far more awkward than it needed to be. Yeosang assumed it was because no one really wanted to ask, or answer, the question of what happened. Or he was reading the situation completely wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time.

Hongjoong swung the door open to the apartment and ushered everyone inside. Seonghwa appeared from the kitchen as they were all taking their shoes, worry etched on his face. His eyes swept over each of them quickly, looking for any injuries. He paused when he reached Hyunjin, taking in the younger man’s tear-streaked face. Then he stepped forward, pulling Hyunjin into a tight hug.

Hyunjin remained frozen for a brief moment before sinking into the embrace. He buried his face into Seonghwa’s shoulder, shaking with repressed sobs once more.

Yeosang watched as Seonghwa led the younger man to the couch, whispering gentle reassurances in his ear as they sat together. His heart ached; he felt like he should have protected Hyunjin better. He knew, logically, that he hadn’t even met Hyunjin before he was attacked, and he had no way of knowing that his friends were assholes. But he usually ignored his logical side.

He was startled out of his thoughts when a hand fell on his shoulders. He turned, looking at Hongjoong with a confused look.

“What happened?” Hongjoong asked, his voice low. “I thought you guys were all going to a birthday party.”

Yeosang sighed, rubbing his eyes. “It’s a whole thing that I probably shouldn’t get into. But Hyunjin ended up telling his so-called friends that he was… attacked.”

“Ah.” Hongjoong nodded thoughtfully. “And it’s the first time he’s talked about it, I take it?”

“It’s the first time I’ve heard him call it anything other than that night. I think he might be overwhelmed with repressed feelings or something.” Yeosang let his eyes drift back over to Seonghwa and Hyunjin on the couch, the younger curled up against the older’s chest. “I think he needs better friends.”

Hongjoong snorted quietly. “I mean, you’ve made your feelings about his ex perfectly clear. But his other friends?”

Yeosang pursed his lips. “None of them stepped in to help Hyunjin at the party.”

“Not true,” Jongho cut in; he was still standing beside them in the front hall. “Jeongin shoved Chan away, hard enough he hit the ground.”

“Maybe not all of them suck,” Yeosang admitted reluctantly, rubbing a hand through his hair. He glanced back into the living room, where Wooyoung was now sitting beside the other two, trying to urge Hyunjin to drink some water. “But that doesn’t change the fact that Hyunjin started crying and it was Wooyoung who went to comfort him first.”

“Wooyoung doesn’t like Hyunjin,” Jongho supplied helpfully when Hongjoong gave a confused look. “I don’t get it either; I think Hyunjin is sweet.”

Yeosang felt his lips twitch slightly in a small smile. He reached out, giving Jongho’s arm a light squeeze before turning his attention back to Hongjoong. “I just don’t like the way that they’ve treated him. Even if it wasn’t intentional, it was pretty crappy of them.”

Hongjoong hummed quietly, reaching out to pull Yeosang into a comforting hug. “You did good, Sangie. You protected him.”

Yeosang leaned against the older man, letting out a sigh. “Thanks, hyung.” He pulled away after a brief moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Hyunjin needed him to be strong right now; he could feel guilty later.

Even though he knew he really had no reason to feel guilty.

Yeosang moved to the couch, nudging Wooyoung over so he could sit beside Hyunjin. Hyunjin was still curled up against Seonghwa’s chest, practically sitting on the older man’s lap. The sobs had subsided once more, though he was still trembling from the tears. Yeosang didn’t know what to say, though; he didn’t know how to help Hyunjin feel better. He bit his lip, staring at Seonghwa above Hyunjin’s head and silently begging for help.

Seonghwa, to his credit, just gave him a soft smile before gently shifting Hyunjin to curl up against Yeosang. “Sangie will cuddle you while I go make some tea,” he said softly. “You need something to calm you down before the others get here and try to cheer you up.”

Hyunjin let out a weak, half-hearted snort, wrapping an arm around Yeosang’s waist so he could curl into his side. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice rough from the crying. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

Yeosang wrapped both arms around Hyunjin, pulling him closer and holding him tight. “Nothing is wrong with you,” he said firmly. “You went through something terrible. No one here is judging you.”

Hyunjin just hid his face against Yeosang’s neck, his hand curling into a fist around his shirt.

Yeosang sighed softly, brushing his fingers through the younger man’s hair gently as he tried to comfort him. He wanted to help, but he wasn’t sure how to do so. At least his embrace seemed to bring Hyunjin some comfort since the other man had finally stopped trembling.

He wanted to yell at Hyunjin’s so-called friends; he wanted to hit them and make them realize how terribly they had been treating him. Especially Chan and Jisung. Felix too. Felix was supposed to be Hyunjin’s best friend; Yeosang was still shocked that Felix hadn’t moved to comfort or defend Hyunjin when he started crying.

Hyunjin really just needed better friends.

There was a knock at the front door just as Seonghwa returned to the living room with a tray of mugs and a steaming teapot. Hongjoong moved to answer the door, letting Yunho, Mingi, and San into the apartment.

“We’re here. Woo said it was an emergency party, whatever that means?” Yunho said as they all moved into the living room with a bag full of snacks. “What happened? Do we need to kill someone?”

Mingi slipped in behind Yunho, his hands full of snacks as well. His eyes landed on Hyunjin curled up on Yeosang’s lap. “Did the sweater not help with the nervousness?”

Hyunjin actually managed a weak laugh, sitting up to offer the two men a watery smile. “No, the sweater was great for the nervousness. It didn’t help with accidentally telling my friends I was stupid enough to get myself raped, though.”

There was a moment of shocked silence; everyone stared at Hyunjin as they processed his words.

“You’re not stupid,” Seongwha said firmly, setting the teapot down before he overfilled one of the mugs.

Hyunjin’s lips trembled and he dropped his gaze. “I am,” he whispered softly, his voice breaking. “I’m stupid and I’m disgusting and–”

“You’re neither of those things!” Yeosang cut in, his own voice shaking with emotion. “Don’t talk about yourself that way! You’re wonderful, and you’re sweet, and you’re kind. And so, so talented and smart! You built a successful business on your own! You are so much more than what happened to you.”

“Sangie is right,” Wooyoung chimed in. “What– what happened to you could happen to anyone. It’s not a matter of being stupid, or not being careful, or whatever. You’re not stupid. You’re not disgusting. You’re a survivor.”

Hyunjin sniffled quietly. “You really think so?”

Wooyoung huffed out, sounding indignant. “Of course I think so. We all think so, right?”

There was a murmur of agreement from everyone else; they were all surrounding the couch, a sort of awkward circle of protection. Seonghwa held out a cup of tea towards Hyunjin and smiled. “We all know how strong you are, Hyune. Here, drink something.”

Hyunjin reluctantly pulled away from Yeosang, clasping both hands around the warm mug as he took a sip.

Wooyoung bit his lip and let out a groan. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for how I treated you. It wasn’t fair. Honestly, I’m just so used to having to protect Sangie–”

“You never ever had to protect me,” Yeosang interrupted, sounding annoyed.

Wooyoung carried on as though Yeosang hadn’t spoken. “--That I got a little over-zealous. I just saw him falling hard for you and I mean, now I realize why he was being so secretive about you, not wanting to accidentally say something too personal, but before I was concerned because he wasn’t telling me anything about you. Also, it felt like he didn’t want us to meet.”

“I did want you to meet each other!” Yeosang huffed out, his annoyance growing as he crossed his arms. “I was just worried you would be too much for him right away!”

Wooyoung’s lips twitched and he gave Yeosang a light shove. “I know that now. Add that Felix also mentioned that you were probably having a rebound relationship and I got protective. Anyway, Hyunjin. I sincerely apologize, and I hope you can forgive me.”

Hyunjin stared at Wooyoung for a minute before giving a small, tentative smile. “I can understand why you would be protective,” he said softly. “Though I don’t think I’ve seen a side of Yeosang that feels like he needs protecting. But I can be protective of my friends, too. Maybe we can start over?”

Wooyoung grinned and jumped up, sticking his hand out at Hyunjin. “Hi. I’m Wooyoung, Sangie’s bestest friend in the whole world. It’s nice to meet you.”

Hyunjin giggled quietly, shaking the other man’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

Wooyoung grinned again, and grabbed San’s hand from where he was standing behind Yunho and Mingi to pull him forward. “And this is San, Sangie’s other best friend.”

San smiled shyly, giving a small awkward wave. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you. Not the best circumstances, but I’ll take it. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Hyunjin blinked, flushing slightly. “I… I’m sure I’ve heard a lot about you too, but I can’t think of anything besides–”

San raised an eyebrow. “Besides what?”

“The threesomes, probably.” Yeosang decided to save Hyunjin from more awkwardness; it’s not like their sex lives were secret anyway.

“You told him about the threesomes?” Wooyoung looked both surprised and delighted. He turned to Hyunjin. “I hope he told you he was the one who was bad at them. Not sex in general; he’s great in bed. But threesomes, not so much. He can’t focus on more than one person at a time. In case you’re wondering.”

Hongjoong pinched his nose. “We don’t have to talk about sex, guys. Can we talk about something normal?”

“How was your meeting at that new company, hyung?” Yunho asked, expertly changing the subject as he sat down on the couch on Hyunjin’s free side. “3Racha Productions, right? The company owned by your friends, Hyunjin?”

Hyunjin relaxed a bit now that the conversation changed from sex. He looked at Hongjoong with interest. “Did you like them?”

Hongjoong sighed quietly. “I only really met with Chan,” he admitted. “The other two had other meetings; but since it was a preliminary meeting, I didn’t mind much. He seemed very professional, and he really liked the idea for our concept. He wants to meet the whole group, and to introduce us to the other producers.” He pursed his lips and sighed again. “I’m not sure if they will be a good match, though.”

“Why not?” Hyunjin asked, a small frown crossing his face. “I know they’re a new company, but they’ve all been producing for JYPE for years. Chan himself has been in the industry since he was thirteen. They’re all very talented and professional.”

Yeosang tensed beside Hyunjin, pressing his lips together firmly. He had an idea of why Hongjoong wouldn’t want to work with Chan, but he wouldn’t say anything. Everyone knew his opinion on Hyunjin’s ex-boyfriend and now the rest of his friends, so he didn’t need to speak.

Wooyoung, on the other hand, couldn’t keep his mouth shut. “Because they’ve been assholes to you, obviously. Why would we want to work with people who, for example, would tell someone they’re supposed to be friends with that no one wants them around?”

Hongjoong blinked and raised an eyebrow. “Who said what now?”

Hyunjin flushed slightly, ducking his head. “It’s nothing–”

“It absolutely is not nothing.” Yeosang couldn’t keep quiet anymore. He tried to keep his mouth shut; he really tried. But hearing Hyunjin still try to defend the people who were such assholes to him broke his heart. He honestly wanted better for the younger man. He looked up at Hongjoong. “Han Jisung, who I think is one of the producers Hyunjin is talking about, answered Chan’s phone when Hyunjin called for help after being attacked, and told him no one wants him around. I, for one, don’t want to work with someone like that.”

Hyunjin flushed deeper. “He was just– he wanted–”

“He was jealous.” Jongho interrupted, his voice oddly gentle. “He didn’t come out and say it, but Jeongin said that Jisung and Chan have been fucking recently. Jisung did say he wanted Chan to get over you, probably because he wanted Chan for himself.” He shrugged. “He hurt you because he was jealous. It’s that simple. I don’t want to work with someone like that, either.”

Yeosang pulled Hyunjin close once more, rubbing his back comfortingly. “You don’t have to defend people who treat you like crap. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been friends.”

Hongjoong sighed. “Does anyone else have something to say?”

San hesitated for a moment, glancing at Hyunjin. “Isn’t Changbin one of the owners? Maybe we could see if we could work exclusively with him? Unless he was also a jerk?” There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes, that Changbin wasn’t an asshole.

Hyunjin shook his head. “No, he wasn’t a jerk. Binnie is a good guy. And a great producer.”

Seonghwa hummed softly. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to meet with them even if we don’t ultimately decide to sign with them. They are the first company who is willing to take all of us as one group, after all. As long as it’s okay with Hyunjin?”

Hyunjin huffed out, a smile twitching on his lips. “I keep saying that it’s fine with me, but you guys don’t seem to believe me. If it makes you feel better, think of it as they owe me a lot of money for the building, and you signing with them will help them pay me back.”

There was another moment of silence as Hyunjin’s words sunk in, then Wooyoung burst out laughing.

“That is an interesting way to look at it; we would finally get a company, and Hyunjin gets his money back. Win-win!”

Hongjoong couldn’t help but smile too. “We’ll meet with them,” he conceded. “We can have another discussion about signing after hearing what they have to say.”

Talk started to dwindle after that; they put on a movie and everyone settled down to relax and have snacks. Hyunjin was sandwiched protectively between Yeosang and Yunho; Yeosang kept an arm around the younger man, holding him close.

Yeosang was feeling almost… possessive of Hyunjin. He knew it probably wasn’t a healthy reaction to the night, but he couldn’t help himself. He felt like he failed the younger man already once that night. He wouldn’t fail him again. He kept an eye on Hyunjin, watching him drift off as he finally succumbed to the emotional exhaustion of the night.

Seonghwa leaned over the back of the couch, a small smile on his face as he watched the two. “You can bring him to sleep in my bedroom, if you want.”

Yeosang glanced back at the eldest before nodding. He shifted slightly, nudging Hyunjin. “Let’s go to bed, sweetheart.”

Hyunjin just mumbled wordlessly, curling closer without really waking.

Yeosang chuckled quietly and slipped out from under Hyunjin. He ignored the other man’s sleepy whine, scooping him up into his arms to carry him down the hall to Seonghwa’s bedroom. As he laid him down on the bed, Hyunjin reached out and grabbed his arm.

“You’re going to stay with me, right?”

Yeosang smiled softly, brushing a hand through Hyunjin’s hair. “Of course,” he replied. “I’ll never leave you.”

“Okay.” Hyunjin’s hand dropped to bed and he curled up into a ball to drift off again.

Yeosang couldn’t help but chuckle; Hyunjin was too adorable. He brushed his hand through Hyunjin’s hair again, then pulled the blanket up and over him. Then he moved around to the other side of the bed and crawled in. He hesitated a moment before shifting closer to Hyunjin, wrapping an arm around his waist.

Hyunjin hummed softly and turned to face Yeosang, smiling softly as he blinked sleepily. He shifted even closer and wrapped both arms around his waist. “Thank you. For everything. I don’t know what I would do without you right now.”

Yeosang couldn’t help but blush; Hyunjin was so close and he was very tempted to kiss him. But he had promised not to push anything. “You’re my friend, Hyune. I’ll always be there for you.”

Hyunjin snuggled close, tucking his head against Yeosang’s shoulder. “Good night.”

“Good night, sweetheart,” Yeosang replied softly. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, holding Hyunjin close.