Roommate Problems; (Hoya/Sungjong)
Title: Roommate Problems
Pairing: Hoya/Sungjong
Summary: The problem with Sungjong’s roommates is that they’re not Howon.
Life as an idol is always a whirlwind of motion, a nonstop plethora of activity.
But even with a fast-paced life like an idol’s, there are constants.
For Howon, Sungjong being his overseas roommate is one of them.
-
INFINITE has a schedule in Japan, resulting in them having to spend three nights and four days away from home.
“I’m rooming with Sungjong,” Howon says this easily, like he has said it a million times before (which probably isn’t very off the mark). He declares this the moment they are notified of the trip to Japan.
Howon is ready to slip a casual arm over Sungjong’s shoulder, intent on packing the needed items for travel- and then Sunggyu says, “No you’re not.” This makes Howon stop abruptly, arm in mid-air and almost over Sungjong.
“Yes I am?” He’s so surprised that his statement comes out as a question. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Sungjong politely moves his arm back to his side so that it’s not awkwardly hovering over him.
“You’re actually not.” Sunggyu is all nonchalance and casual authority. It is, in most cases, how he rules INFINITE. But right now, Howon cannot stand for this type of ruling.
Because Howon knows what Sunggyu is doing.
Sunggyu is trying to upset the balance.
How dare he.
“Why not?” Howon blurts out, surprised. His constant is lost and he feels like he’s losing his ground.
“We’re trying a new thing,” Sunggyu shrugs. “Management thinks it will be a nice bonding exercise getting different roommates.”
Screw Sunggyu and management and “trying new things”- Howon wants Sungjong. He is ready to open his mouth and voice this when their manager walks in, whistling. He slings an arm around Sungjong and Howon is instantly suspicious. So is Sungjong.
Their manager explains to them that roommates have already been paired up according to people they normally don’t room with. As such- he is getting the maknae tonight.
Howon feels like this an injustice to the highest degree.
-
He packs his own bag of toiletries unhappily.
-
(But he feels like a minor victory has been given to him when he monopolizes Sungjong for the entirety of the plane ride.)
-
Sungyeol ends up being his roommate on the first night. And the first thing he says is, “Are you pouting.” It’s not actually a question because the pout on Howon’s face is obvious.
“No,” Howon scoffs, his mouth twisting downwards. He’s scowling. Sungyeol needs to get it right.
Sungyeol takes in the pout (he refuses to say it’s anything but a pout) and rolls his eyes. “Rooming with me for one night won’t be that bad, sheesh.” Howon knows that. He does. It’s not that Sungyeol himself is the problem- but his roommate is supposed to be Sungjong.
Howon’s gruff when he feels apologetic. “I know it won’t.”
But that still doesn’t change the fact that something feels wrong about this situation.
-
Howon’s sleeps fitfully, tossing and turning in his sleep. (Which annoys the shit out of Sungyeol, actually. He curses his sensitive hearing not for the first certainly not the last time.)
-
Their day is full of schedules and movement and being busy; by the time Howon knows it, it is nighttime once again. And he had been hoping to room with Sungjong tonight.
Unfortunately, they’re still trying the roommate-switchup-thing. For whatever reason, Howon doesn’t understand. One night in Japan without Sungjong was one night too many. But the manager doesn’t seem to care for any of Howon’s (many) complaints, because Sungjong is rooming with Sunggyu.
And Woohyun is his for the night. The feeling of injustice is still strong within Howon.
He couldn’t complain about the manager rooming with Sungjong-
But Sunggyu. This person, he can complain about. And to.
“Wasn’t one night enough?” Howon needs to ask him a serious question. “And do you hate me?”
Sunggyu looks expectant of this conversation. Or at the very least, not surprised. “No and no,” he replies, short and sweet.
“Hyung, you know I always room with Sungjong. Sungjong is my overseas roommate. And the fact that you’re rooming with him when you know it should be me is-” Howon is about to say the word injustice but Sunggyu cuts him off.
“If this is your way of guilting me into giving you maknae, it won’t work.” In all honesty, Sunggyu thought this experiment was good. (And maybe he wanted to room with Sungjong sometimes too.)
Howon hisses, low and grumpily.
-
The first time was excusable, but now that the maknae hasn’t been his roommate not once- but twice- Howon feels rather uncomfortable. It’s not like he had anything against Woohyun.
Howon realizes what it is when he has to use his own bottle of toothpaste, rather than just share with Sungjong.
Howon misses Sungjong.
They’re not always together in Korea, not anymore. They’ve been getting busy lately and with their dorms being separated, Howon barely sees Sungjong outside of schedules.
But Howon could rely on the fact that they always shared a room whether they went to Japan or America or wherever else. It was his time with Sungjong. And now time is being taken away. And he just misses Sungjong.
-
It’s the third night and Howon has given up on any hopes of him rooming with Sungjong.
But even if he no longer has hope, even still-
Howon draws the line at Myungsoo. “Really? Really?”
“What?” Myungsoo asks, sincerely confused and mildly offended. “There’s nothing wrong with me rooming with Sungjong.”
Howon has 47 reasons to back up why there is a lot wrong with Myungsoo rooming with Sungjong.
(All of which he probably wouldn’t be able to say to Myungsoo’s face. Or Sungjong’s.)
-
Maybe Howon has been going about this the wrong way.
He has complained all the while, but hasn’t sincerely asked. He goes up to Myungsoo when Sungjong is in the bathroom, brushing his teeth. “Can we switch roommates? You take Sunggyu, I take Sungjong.”
Myungsoo is already ready for bed, teeth brushed and jammies on. He’s laying on a bed when Howon walks in, but sits up to reply. “You want me to give up Sungjong for Sunggyu?” Myungsoo blinks, slow and confused.
There is an awkward bout of silence with the duo just staring at each other. Myungsoo processes as Howon remains hopeful- but then Howon laughs at the incredulousness.
“Yeah, you’re right, I shouldn’t have even asked.” It’s a playful, meaningless jibe towards their leader. Howon can survive a night rooming with Sunggyu. Probably.
“You shouldn’t have,” Myungsoo teases right back.
But it was still worth a try.
-
Howon stays up that night, laying in bed. It’s their last night in Japan. He sighs, looking over at where Sunggyu is sleeping. It’s not that he has a problem rooming with other members. He knows this.
Sungjong’s not even his roommate when they’re in Korea anymore- he knows he can live without rooming with Sungjong.
But the thing is, Sungjong has always been his roommate whenever they went outside of Korea. No matter how many roommate changes they went through back home, that aspect has always stayed the same.
Throughout change and homesickness, Howon depended on Sungjong the most. As his confidant, his friend, his roommate.
And Howon just wants his overseas roommate back.
-
Howon addresses this with Sungjong the next day, waltzing into Myungsoo and Sungjong’s room like he belongs there. (Because, to be fair, Howon thinks he belongs anywhere Sungjong is.) “All your roommates have been sucking as of late,” he announces, focusing solely on Sungjong.
“Rude,” Myungsoo mumbles, off to the side. Howon ignores him. Myungsoo understands.
“You’re one of my roommates,” Sungjong points out, neatly packing up his clothes. Howon eyes the bag of toiletries he sees with displeasure- if he was Sungjong’s roommate, they would be sharing that.
“I haven’t been your roommate as of late,” Howon snorts. “And that’s the problem.” Strange. This conversation sounded a lot less petty and jealous in his head.
Sungjong blinks owlishly at him. “I’m sorry?” he says, not sure if he should be apologizing but doing so anyway.
Howon waves him off with a quick, “It’s not your fault.” It can’t be Sungjong’s fault. “I’m just letting you know now though- I am fixing this roommate problem of yours.”
“You mean of yours?” Myungsoo asks. He knows that Howon has talked to everyone that Sungjong has roomed with- word gets around quickly in a band with only seven members.
Howon still ignores him.
“I mean it,” Howon promises.
Sungjong doesn’t doubt it.
-
Howon hogs Sungjong all that he can when they get back to Korea.
He sleeps in Sungjong’s room, stays over at their dorm instead of his, and can count the hours he has been away from Sungjong in the last three days on his hands. “Can you share the maknae?” Woohyun asks, not at all surprised that he has to ask. Woohyun figures Howon needs a reminder every once in a while. He supposes the Japan trip was a very big reminder- Howon has to share.
“Nope,” Howon replies, cheerful and content. (Apparently Howon doesn’t get the concept of sharing.) “Look at what happened last time I shared Sungjong- all of those roommate problems!”
“Only you had problems,” Sungyeol points out. It was obvious to everyone that Howon did not like their randomized roommate exercise. Even to Sungjong. Especially to Sungjong. (Which is why he takes the overload of Howon silently, only rolling his eyes on occasion.)
“But that’s because all of you suck.” Howon is serious.
“Rude,” someone mumbles.
Howon is making a terrible habit of ignoring Myungsoo.
Pairing: Hoya/Sungjong
Summary: The problem with Sungjong’s roommates is that they’re not Howon.
Life as an idol is always a whirlwind of motion, a nonstop plethora of activity.
But even with a fast-paced life like an idol’s, there are constants.
For Howon, Sungjong being his overseas roommate is one of them.
-
INFINITE has a schedule in Japan, resulting in them having to spend three nights and four days away from home.
“I’m rooming with Sungjong,” Howon says this easily, like he has said it a million times before (which probably isn’t very off the mark). He declares this the moment they are notified of the trip to Japan.
Howon is ready to slip a casual arm over Sungjong’s shoulder, intent on packing the needed items for travel- and then Sunggyu says, “No you’re not.” This makes Howon stop abruptly, arm in mid-air and almost over Sungjong.
“Yes I am?” He’s so surprised that his statement comes out as a question. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Sungjong politely moves his arm back to his side so that it’s not awkwardly hovering over him.
“You’re actually not.” Sunggyu is all nonchalance and casual authority. It is, in most cases, how he rules INFINITE. But right now, Howon cannot stand for this type of ruling.
Because Howon knows what Sunggyu is doing.
Sunggyu is trying to upset the balance.
How dare he.
“Why not?” Howon blurts out, surprised. His constant is lost and he feels like he’s losing his ground.
“We’re trying a new thing,” Sunggyu shrugs. “Management thinks it will be a nice bonding exercise getting different roommates.”
Screw Sunggyu and management and “trying new things”- Howon wants Sungjong. He is ready to open his mouth and voice this when their manager walks in, whistling. He slings an arm around Sungjong and Howon is instantly suspicious. So is Sungjong.
Their manager explains to them that roommates have already been paired up according to people they normally don’t room with. As such- he is getting the maknae tonight.
Howon feels like this an injustice to the highest degree.
-
He packs his own bag of toiletries unhappily.
-
(But he feels like a minor victory has been given to him when he monopolizes Sungjong for the entirety of the plane ride.)
-
Sungyeol ends up being his roommate on the first night. And the first thing he says is, “Are you pouting.” It’s not actually a question because the pout on Howon’s face is obvious.
“No,” Howon scoffs, his mouth twisting downwards. He’s scowling. Sungyeol needs to get it right.
Sungyeol takes in the pout (he refuses to say it’s anything but a pout) and rolls his eyes. “Rooming with me for one night won’t be that bad, sheesh.” Howon knows that. He does. It’s not that Sungyeol himself is the problem- but his roommate is supposed to be Sungjong.
Howon’s gruff when he feels apologetic. “I know it won’t.”
But that still doesn’t change the fact that something feels wrong about this situation.
-
Howon’s sleeps fitfully, tossing and turning in his sleep. (Which annoys the shit out of Sungyeol, actually. He curses his sensitive hearing not for the first certainly not the last time.)
-
Their day is full of schedules and movement and being busy; by the time Howon knows it, it is nighttime once again. And he had been hoping to room with Sungjong tonight.
Unfortunately, they’re still trying the roommate-switchup-thing. For whatever reason, Howon doesn’t understand. One night in Japan without Sungjong was one night too many. But the manager doesn’t seem to care for any of Howon’s (many) complaints, because Sungjong is rooming with Sunggyu.
And Woohyun is his for the night. The feeling of injustice is still strong within Howon.
He couldn’t complain about the manager rooming with Sungjong-
But Sunggyu. This person, he can complain about. And to.
“Wasn’t one night enough?” Howon needs to ask him a serious question. “And do you hate me?”
Sunggyu looks expectant of this conversation. Or at the very least, not surprised. “No and no,” he replies, short and sweet.
“Hyung, you know I always room with Sungjong. Sungjong is my overseas roommate. And the fact that you’re rooming with him when you know it should be me is-” Howon is about to say the word injustice but Sunggyu cuts him off.
“If this is your way of guilting me into giving you maknae, it won’t work.” In all honesty, Sunggyu thought this experiment was good. (And maybe he wanted to room with Sungjong sometimes too.)
Howon hisses, low and grumpily.
-
The first time was excusable, but now that the maknae hasn’t been his roommate not once- but twice- Howon feels rather uncomfortable. It’s not like he had anything against Woohyun.
Howon realizes what it is when he has to use his own bottle of toothpaste, rather than just share with Sungjong.
Howon misses Sungjong.
They’re not always together in Korea, not anymore. They’ve been getting busy lately and with their dorms being separated, Howon barely sees Sungjong outside of schedules.
But Howon could rely on the fact that they always shared a room whether they went to Japan or America or wherever else. It was his time with Sungjong. And now time is being taken away. And he just misses Sungjong.
-
It’s the third night and Howon has given up on any hopes of him rooming with Sungjong.
But even if he no longer has hope, even still-
Howon draws the line at Myungsoo. “Really? Really?”
“What?” Myungsoo asks, sincerely confused and mildly offended. “There’s nothing wrong with me rooming with Sungjong.”
Howon has 47 reasons to back up why there is a lot wrong with Myungsoo rooming with Sungjong.
(All of which he probably wouldn’t be able to say to Myungsoo’s face. Or Sungjong’s.)
-
Maybe Howon has been going about this the wrong way.
He has complained all the while, but hasn’t sincerely asked. He goes up to Myungsoo when Sungjong is in the bathroom, brushing his teeth. “Can we switch roommates? You take Sunggyu, I take Sungjong.”
Myungsoo is already ready for bed, teeth brushed and jammies on. He’s laying on a bed when Howon walks in, but sits up to reply. “You want me to give up Sungjong for Sunggyu?” Myungsoo blinks, slow and confused.
There is an awkward bout of silence with the duo just staring at each other. Myungsoo processes as Howon remains hopeful- but then Howon laughs at the incredulousness.
“Yeah, you’re right, I shouldn’t have even asked.” It’s a playful, meaningless jibe towards their leader. Howon can survive a night rooming with Sunggyu. Probably.
“You shouldn’t have,” Myungsoo teases right back.
But it was still worth a try.
-
Howon stays up that night, laying in bed. It’s their last night in Japan. He sighs, looking over at where Sunggyu is sleeping. It’s not that he has a problem rooming with other members. He knows this.
Sungjong’s not even his roommate when they’re in Korea anymore- he knows he can live without rooming with Sungjong.
But the thing is, Sungjong has always been his roommate whenever they went outside of Korea. No matter how many roommate changes they went through back home, that aspect has always stayed the same.
Throughout change and homesickness, Howon depended on Sungjong the most. As his confidant, his friend, his roommate.
And Howon just wants his overseas roommate back.
-
Howon addresses this with Sungjong the next day, waltzing into Myungsoo and Sungjong’s room like he belongs there. (Because, to be fair, Howon thinks he belongs anywhere Sungjong is.) “All your roommates have been sucking as of late,” he announces, focusing solely on Sungjong.
“Rude,” Myungsoo mumbles, off to the side. Howon ignores him. Myungsoo understands.
“You’re one of my roommates,” Sungjong points out, neatly packing up his clothes. Howon eyes the bag of toiletries he sees with displeasure- if he was Sungjong’s roommate, they would be sharing that.
“I haven’t been your roommate as of late,” Howon snorts. “And that’s the problem.” Strange. This conversation sounded a lot less petty and jealous in his head.
Sungjong blinks owlishly at him. “I’m sorry?” he says, not sure if he should be apologizing but doing so anyway.
Howon waves him off with a quick, “It’s not your fault.” It can’t be Sungjong’s fault. “I’m just letting you know now though- I am fixing this roommate problem of yours.”
“You mean of yours?” Myungsoo asks. He knows that Howon has talked to everyone that Sungjong has roomed with- word gets around quickly in a band with only seven members.
Howon still ignores him.
“I mean it,” Howon promises.
Sungjong doesn’t doubt it.
-
Howon hogs Sungjong all that he can when they get back to Korea.
He sleeps in Sungjong’s room, stays over at their dorm instead of his, and can count the hours he has been away from Sungjong in the last three days on his hands. “Can you share the maknae?” Woohyun asks, not at all surprised that he has to ask. Woohyun figures Howon needs a reminder every once in a while. He supposes the Japan trip was a very big reminder- Howon has to share.
“Nope,” Howon replies, cheerful and content. (Apparently Howon doesn’t get the concept of sharing.) “Look at what happened last time I shared Sungjong- all of those roommate problems!”
“Only you had problems,” Sungyeol points out. It was obvious to everyone that Howon did not like their randomized roommate exercise. Even to Sungjong. Especially to Sungjong. (Which is why he takes the overload of Howon silently, only rolling his eyes on occasion.)
“But that’s because all of you suck.” Howon is serious.
“Rude,” someone mumbles.
Howon is making a terrible habit of ignoring Myungsoo.