Round 24: Fly High
Title: Fly High
Team: Canon
Rating: PG
Fandom: Infinite
Pairing: Hoya/Dongwoo
Summary: Hoya didn’t believe in super heroes, but he believed in Dongwoo
Author's Note: Many thanks to my always wonderful beta, who forever listens to my whining and MY TEAM!!! You guys are the best forever, Team Cry FTW.
Prompt Used: Fiestar - Vista
Hoya didn’t believe in super heroes.
They were an idea, an ideal, to only exist in ink on the countless pages of manhwa and comic books on shelves. Too perfect for real life.
Hoya didn’t believe in perfection. He believed in near-perfection through hard work, but never absolute perfection. There was always one thing wrong, one thing off; one thing that couldn’t be solved like a super hero easily battles his one weakness.
No matter how hard he tried, practiced, sweat, cried, and pushed and pushed and pushed- he was never perfect. Never thought that he truly was good enough.
That was his life.
So Hoya didn’t believe in perfection. And despite all the comics and manhwa lining the walls of his old room, Hoya didn’t believe in super heroes.
-
The dorm was quiet for once.
It was a rare day that they all had been given off. And, obviously, were all taking advantage of immediately. Myungsoo was out shopping with one of their managers, Woohyun and Sunggyu were at the movies, while Sungjong had gotten up early and gone...somewhere with Sungyeol.
He wasn’t quite sure where Dongwoo was, but his room was quiet and shut, so Hoya just assumed he had left somewhere on his own. So Hoya was left by himself, which he was fine with, really. He needed some time to himself.
It was rather warm for a September day, but not warm enough to turn the AC on. The wood floor in their main room along with just his shorts was enough to keep him cool as he lay with his eyes closed.
Filming for Ranking King was over, as well as Reply 1997. Chaser promotions were done. It was a rare lull in their schedules. But to be honest, Hoya wasn’t quite sure what to do with it.
Over the past months, when they had time, he and Dongwoo had been writing together, here and there, trying to make new things for Infinite H. They had had their stages at Infinite’s concerts, but the two of them wanted more. At some point, Hoya couldn’t even remember when, they were told that they were going to be able to promote as Infinite H. Then they recorded and recorded...and just recorded. Nothing else.
It was great that they were able to work with some of their sunbaes that they really looked up to but...what did it amount to? There was still no info on when they would promote (if they would promote at this rate, the voice at the back of his head whispered) and just a few weeks ago, Sunggyu announced his solo project.
Would they ever get their turn to try something new?
Sighing, Hoya turned onto his stomach. He felt a little bad thinking this way. He was happy to simply be in Infinite. He really was. Obviously he had been good enough for that. And now look where they were. Trend idols with a few awards under their belts and some singles in Japan. It wasn’t amazing like some of their sunbaes like Dong Bang Shin Ki or Big Bang, but it wasn’t terrible either.
Throughout his training, he quickly learned that this life wasn’t the fairy tale life that it seemed. A company didn’t just wave pixie dust or dump radioactive slime on you to make you perfect and talented, a lot of hard work had to be put in. And that’s exactly what Hoya did. So now he was Infinite’s Hoya and not just Lee Howon.
But still...Sometimes he wondered...If he hadn’t been picked and put in Infinite ...after just leaving Busan like that-
Hoya rolled over again and covered his face, frustrated. He liked his alone time, but his mind wasn’t always the safest place for him. After everything that he’d accomplished, after everything that Infinite had accomplished, there was no reason for him to be thinking like this. But even so, those dark thoughts loved to crawl through the walls built by his success, passing through to remind him that this wouldn’t be forever.
Nothing would ever be good enough for him, in his mind.
It was terrible to think this way, but with the countless doubt and disbelief that he’d had to deal with, it was something that had become a part of Hoya. Sometimes he wondered what it would be like to be one of the other members. More carefree and happy, not more serious and awkward like he felt.
Dongwoo was the one he envied the most. He lived his life to the fullest, loving that he was living his dream; doing exactly what he wished he could do and doing it well. Every smile of his, or at least the ones aimed at Hoya, was 100% honest and genuine and seemed so...easy. He flew through their schedules and routines and sleepless nights like it was nothing, never saying anything negative or losing his temper. But then sobbed like a baby when they succeeded. He was pure...in the way that he gave everything his 110% and didn’t slack off, despite what his image on tv showed.
Dongwoo was everything that Hoya wasn’t. And that was the number one reason that he hated him. And envied him. And. And.
And.
It was better when he was always distracted by something else like practice or different schedules. Then, he could push any and all the negative thoughts to that small, dark corner of his mind and forget about them for a while.
Suddenly, he wanted to do just that. Wanted to do...something. Anything. Go for a run until his muscles were sore, dance until his shirt was soaked, move until his mind was clear.
Yes, a run. That was perfect. He let out one last sigh, letting his hands slip away from his face and opened his eyes.
...Only to let out a scream as Dongwoo hovered over him.
“Hyung!?”
Dongwoo smiled and poked Hoya in the forehead. “Hey. What’re you doing home? I thought that you had gone out with the others?”
Heart still racing, Hoya shook his head. “No...I stayed behind. I thought you had gone out?” He sat up, shifting a bit away from Dongwoo. “I even knocked on your door and everything.”
Dongwoo tilted his head in thought, the silver wing in his ear glinting in the sunlight. Hoya wasn’t quite sure where he had gotten the earring, but with how often Dongwoo wore it, the earring had almost become a part of him.
“Oh...well. I was sleeping.” He smiled again at Hoya, like that explained everything. Which it did. Shaking his head at the absurdity of his hyung’s dead-to-the-world sleep style, Hoya sighed.
“I should have guessed that one. Maybe I’m more tired than I thought.” He leaned back on his hands, staring at the bright colored socks Dongwoo wore. His bare feet curled a bit, feeling a little naked. “So why aren’t you going out today? You’re never one to pass up a free day.”
“I am going out! I’m meeting up with my parents for dinner. It’s just not until later.”
“Oh.”
They fell into a comfortable silence, or what should have been a comfortable silence if Hoya wasn’t fidgeting so much. Dinner with his family...he couldn’t even remember the last time he spoke with them, let alone ate a meal with them. Things had been better with them in the past couple years, but still...Add yet another check on the list of things that he envied about Dongwoo.
Glancing over at his hyung, Hoya found Dongwoo staring right at him. Or rather his chest. He crossed an arm over his chest, scratching his shoulder to make it seem more random than purposeful.
“You’re staring...” He mumbled. It was something he was used to (you had to be in this career), but sitting in their apartment with nothing but shorts on, Hoya felt more naked than ever.
Dongwoo simply blinked before realizing what he was doing. He leaned back on his arms, nearly mimicking Hoya’s position. “Ah- sorry. It’s just...you work so hard on your body. It’s a shame you don’t get to show it off as much like Woohyun.”
“Oh. Um...thanks.” The comment shouldn’t have embarrassed him but...it did. Dongwoo had that effect on him. His face felt a little warmer, but suddenly his body felt colder. Hoya wanted a shirt. Instead, he pulled his legs up and wrapped his arms around them.
“So...shouldn’t you be getting ready or something? You don’t want to make your family wait. I don’t want to hold you up or anything...I’m fine here by myself!”
Dongwoo looked up at him and Hoya held his breath.
Sometimes, and only sometimes, Dongwoo got this look in his eye and Hoya knew that something big was going to happen. He never knew what it would be, but he always knew that it would be great. Seeing that look now, Hoya wasn’t sure whether to be excited or afraid.
Then, Dongwoo smiled. Or rather, grinned.
Afraid. Hoya decided that he was definitely afraid.
-
“Oh! What about this hat?”
Hoya sighed as Dongwoo tried on yet another hat at the small sidewalk stall that they had stop at. A few hours ago, he’d been shoved into his room to change and then dragged out of their dorm for “adventures”.
So far Dongwoo had beat Hoya in multiple games at the arcade, lost to Hoya in quite a sweaty and close one-on-one match of basketball, and then lost again in an ice cream eating race. Hoya was still confused as to why he agreed to the last one, but Dongwoo and his damn smile could be damn convincing.
Now, they were just wasting time away walking around, poking at the few little shops set up on the street. They’d been stuck at the one hat table for over twenty minutes and Hoya noticed that the owner was getting a little annoyed.
“Ahhh, hyung, I don’t think that that yellow goes with your hair color. Here, let me-” He pulled the Pikachu hat off of Dongwoo’s head and quickly searched for one that he knew Dongwoo would buy. Hoya felt the eyes staring at his back, but ignored them as he searched the table.
His hand seemed to gravitate right to a black hat with a red Superman symbol and the moment he put in on Dongwoo, he knew it was the right choice. Hoya wasn’t a fan of superheroes, but if they were real, Dongwoo would be a great one. His clothes already fit the role.
“There. That one is perfect.”
Dongwoo slid a hand along the brim, tilting the hat a bit as he looked in the small mirror on the table. “Superman, huh? I always thought I was more of a Spiderman kind of guy, to be honest.” He mimed shooting web at Hoya and even the table’s owner couldn’t help laughing a bit.
They paid the owner and finally walked away, searching for a place to eat. The sun hadn’t full set, but a nice breeze had lowered the temperature. Dongwoo was humming as they walked, messing around and flipping his new hat on and off, making Hoya smile and shake his head. He was happy that Dongwoo had dragged him out of their dorm, he needed the night out more than he-
Wait.
Hoya stopped in his tracks and yanked on Dongwoo’s sleeve. “Wait. Hey. Why are we...” Weren’t you supposed to go be with your family instead of me? is what he wanted to say, but couldn’t seem to. Did Dongwoo forget? He must have, it was the only logical explanation. “Your family...” He started, but then was cut off by a flick to his forehead.
“Are you really thinking about that right now? I texted them hours ago.” Dongwoo stated, gently pulling Hoya’s hand off his shirt. “You needed me. It’s okay.”
“But. I.” Hoya needed him more? He hadn’t said a single thing or implied anything. . How could he, simple Howon, no, Hoya, be more important than seeing his family? It was- “OW, HEY! Stop flicking me!”
“Then stop thinking so hard!” Dongwoo laughed, like it was nothing, and continued down the sidewalk. He’d turned the hat backwards and the Superman symbol stood out strongly against the black fabric.
You needed me, echoed in Hoya’s mind. It was true.
Suddenly, he could see a cape billowing out behind Dongwoo, bright red like the symbol on his hat.
You needed me. It’s okay.
Shaking his head to himself, Hoya jogged to catch up.
“Hey, hyung.” He called out as he caught up. “I think you should stick to Superman from now on. It really suits you.” Because in Hoya’s book, Dongwoo now was Superman.
“Really? I’m not sure.” Dongwoo took the hat off and stared at it. “I still think that I’m more like Spiderman. Maaaybe Flash”
Laughing, really truly laughing, Hoya stole the hat out of his hands and danced away, sliding it on his own head. “Nope. Definitely Superman. You already have the tights!”
Frowning, Dongwoo chased after him. “Those aren’t tights! They’re leggings!! I mean...Yah, Howon!”
Smiling, Hoya ran down the street, Dongwoo’s shouts in his ears.
He needed someone today.
No.
He needed Dongwoo today. And Dongwoo...he knew that.
Dongwoo didn’t save his life like superheroes did on a page-by-page basis, but he saved Hoya from something much worse.
Himself.
Poll Round 24: Fly High
Team: Canon
Rating: PG
Fandom: Infinite
Pairing: Hoya/Dongwoo
Summary: Hoya didn’t believe in super heroes, but he believed in Dongwoo
Author's Note: Many thanks to my always wonderful beta, who forever listens to my whining and MY TEAM!!! You guys are the best forever, Team Cry FTW.
Prompt Used: Fiestar - Vista
Hoya didn’t believe in super heroes.
They were an idea, an ideal, to only exist in ink on the countless pages of manhwa and comic books on shelves. Too perfect for real life.
Hoya didn’t believe in perfection. He believed in near-perfection through hard work, but never absolute perfection. There was always one thing wrong, one thing off; one thing that couldn’t be solved like a super hero easily battles his one weakness.
No matter how hard he tried, practiced, sweat, cried, and pushed and pushed and pushed- he was never perfect. Never thought that he truly was good enough.
That was his life.
So Hoya didn’t believe in perfection. And despite all the comics and manhwa lining the walls of his old room, Hoya didn’t believe in super heroes.
-
The dorm was quiet for once.
It was a rare day that they all had been given off. And, obviously, were all taking advantage of immediately. Myungsoo was out shopping with one of their managers, Woohyun and Sunggyu were at the movies, while Sungjong had gotten up early and gone...somewhere with Sungyeol.
He wasn’t quite sure where Dongwoo was, but his room was quiet and shut, so Hoya just assumed he had left somewhere on his own. So Hoya was left by himself, which he was fine with, really. He needed some time to himself.
It was rather warm for a September day, but not warm enough to turn the AC on. The wood floor in their main room along with just his shorts was enough to keep him cool as he lay with his eyes closed.
Filming for Ranking King was over, as well as Reply 1997. Chaser promotions were done. It was a rare lull in their schedules. But to be honest, Hoya wasn’t quite sure what to do with it.
Over the past months, when they had time, he and Dongwoo had been writing together, here and there, trying to make new things for Infinite H. They had had their stages at Infinite’s concerts, but the two of them wanted more. At some point, Hoya couldn’t even remember when, they were told that they were going to be able to promote as Infinite H. Then they recorded and recorded...and just recorded. Nothing else.
It was great that they were able to work with some of their sunbaes that they really looked up to but...what did it amount to? There was still no info on when they would promote (if they would promote at this rate, the voice at the back of his head whispered) and just a few weeks ago, Sunggyu announced his solo project.
Would they ever get their turn to try something new?
Sighing, Hoya turned onto his stomach. He felt a little bad thinking this way. He was happy to simply be in Infinite. He really was. Obviously he had been good enough for that. And now look where they were. Trend idols with a few awards under their belts and some singles in Japan. It wasn’t amazing like some of their sunbaes like Dong Bang Shin Ki or Big Bang, but it wasn’t terrible either.
Throughout his training, he quickly learned that this life wasn’t the fairy tale life that it seemed. A company didn’t just wave pixie dust or dump radioactive slime on you to make you perfect and talented, a lot of hard work had to be put in. And that’s exactly what Hoya did. So now he was Infinite’s Hoya and not just Lee Howon.
But still...Sometimes he wondered...If he hadn’t been picked and put in Infinite ...after just leaving Busan like that-
Hoya rolled over again and covered his face, frustrated. He liked his alone time, but his mind wasn’t always the safest place for him. After everything that he’d accomplished, after everything that Infinite had accomplished, there was no reason for him to be thinking like this. But even so, those dark thoughts loved to crawl through the walls built by his success, passing through to remind him that this wouldn’t be forever.
Nothing would ever be good enough for him, in his mind.
It was terrible to think this way, but with the countless doubt and disbelief that he’d had to deal with, it was something that had become a part of Hoya. Sometimes he wondered what it would be like to be one of the other members. More carefree and happy, not more serious and awkward like he felt.
Dongwoo was the one he envied the most. He lived his life to the fullest, loving that he was living his dream; doing exactly what he wished he could do and doing it well. Every smile of his, or at least the ones aimed at Hoya, was 100% honest and genuine and seemed so...easy. He flew through their schedules and routines and sleepless nights like it was nothing, never saying anything negative or losing his temper. But then sobbed like a baby when they succeeded. He was pure...in the way that he gave everything his 110% and didn’t slack off, despite what his image on tv showed.
Dongwoo was everything that Hoya wasn’t. And that was the number one reason that he hated him. And envied him. And. And.
And.
It was better when he was always distracted by something else like practice or different schedules. Then, he could push any and all the negative thoughts to that small, dark corner of his mind and forget about them for a while.
Suddenly, he wanted to do just that. Wanted to do...something. Anything. Go for a run until his muscles were sore, dance until his shirt was soaked, move until his mind was clear.
Yes, a run. That was perfect. He let out one last sigh, letting his hands slip away from his face and opened his eyes.
...Only to let out a scream as Dongwoo hovered over him.
“Hyung!?”
Dongwoo smiled and poked Hoya in the forehead. “Hey. What’re you doing home? I thought that you had gone out with the others?”
Heart still racing, Hoya shook his head. “No...I stayed behind. I thought you had gone out?” He sat up, shifting a bit away from Dongwoo. “I even knocked on your door and everything.”
Dongwoo tilted his head in thought, the silver wing in his ear glinting in the sunlight. Hoya wasn’t quite sure where he had gotten the earring, but with how often Dongwoo wore it, the earring had almost become a part of him.
“Oh...well. I was sleeping.” He smiled again at Hoya, like that explained everything. Which it did. Shaking his head at the absurdity of his hyung’s dead-to-the-world sleep style, Hoya sighed.
“I should have guessed that one. Maybe I’m more tired than I thought.” He leaned back on his hands, staring at the bright colored socks Dongwoo wore. His bare feet curled a bit, feeling a little naked. “So why aren’t you going out today? You’re never one to pass up a free day.”
“I am going out! I’m meeting up with my parents for dinner. It’s just not until later.”
“Oh.”
They fell into a comfortable silence, or what should have been a comfortable silence if Hoya wasn’t fidgeting so much. Dinner with his family...he couldn’t even remember the last time he spoke with them, let alone ate a meal with them. Things had been better with them in the past couple years, but still...Add yet another check on the list of things that he envied about Dongwoo.
Glancing over at his hyung, Hoya found Dongwoo staring right at him. Or rather his chest. He crossed an arm over his chest, scratching his shoulder to make it seem more random than purposeful.
“You’re staring...” He mumbled. It was something he was used to (you had to be in this career), but sitting in their apartment with nothing but shorts on, Hoya felt more naked than ever.
Dongwoo simply blinked before realizing what he was doing. He leaned back on his arms, nearly mimicking Hoya’s position. “Ah- sorry. It’s just...you work so hard on your body. It’s a shame you don’t get to show it off as much like Woohyun.”
“Oh. Um...thanks.” The comment shouldn’t have embarrassed him but...it did. Dongwoo had that effect on him. His face felt a little warmer, but suddenly his body felt colder. Hoya wanted a shirt. Instead, he pulled his legs up and wrapped his arms around them.
“So...shouldn’t you be getting ready or something? You don’t want to make your family wait. I don’t want to hold you up or anything...I’m fine here by myself!”
Dongwoo looked up at him and Hoya held his breath.
Sometimes, and only sometimes, Dongwoo got this look in his eye and Hoya knew that something big was going to happen. He never knew what it would be, but he always knew that it would be great. Seeing that look now, Hoya wasn’t sure whether to be excited or afraid.
Then, Dongwoo smiled. Or rather, grinned.
Afraid. Hoya decided that he was definitely afraid.
-
“Oh! What about this hat?”
Hoya sighed as Dongwoo tried on yet another hat at the small sidewalk stall that they had stop at. A few hours ago, he’d been shoved into his room to change and then dragged out of their dorm for “adventures”.
So far Dongwoo had beat Hoya in multiple games at the arcade, lost to Hoya in quite a sweaty and close one-on-one match of basketball, and then lost again in an ice cream eating race. Hoya was still confused as to why he agreed to the last one, but Dongwoo and his damn smile could be damn convincing.
Now, they were just wasting time away walking around, poking at the few little shops set up on the street. They’d been stuck at the one hat table for over twenty minutes and Hoya noticed that the owner was getting a little annoyed.
“Ahhh, hyung, I don’t think that that yellow goes with your hair color. Here, let me-” He pulled the Pikachu hat off of Dongwoo’s head and quickly searched for one that he knew Dongwoo would buy. Hoya felt the eyes staring at his back, but ignored them as he searched the table.
His hand seemed to gravitate right to a black hat with a red Superman symbol and the moment he put in on Dongwoo, he knew it was the right choice. Hoya wasn’t a fan of superheroes, but if they were real, Dongwoo would be a great one. His clothes already fit the role.
“There. That one is perfect.”
Dongwoo slid a hand along the brim, tilting the hat a bit as he looked in the small mirror on the table. “Superman, huh? I always thought I was more of a Spiderman kind of guy, to be honest.” He mimed shooting web at Hoya and even the table’s owner couldn’t help laughing a bit.
They paid the owner and finally walked away, searching for a place to eat. The sun hadn’t full set, but a nice breeze had lowered the temperature. Dongwoo was humming as they walked, messing around and flipping his new hat on and off, making Hoya smile and shake his head. He was happy that Dongwoo had dragged him out of their dorm, he needed the night out more than he-
Wait.
Hoya stopped in his tracks and yanked on Dongwoo’s sleeve. “Wait. Hey. Why are we...” Weren’t you supposed to go be with your family instead of me? is what he wanted to say, but couldn’t seem to. Did Dongwoo forget? He must have, it was the only logical explanation. “Your family...” He started, but then was cut off by a flick to his forehead.
“Are you really thinking about that right now? I texted them hours ago.” Dongwoo stated, gently pulling Hoya’s hand off his shirt. “You needed me. It’s okay.”
“But. I.” Hoya needed him more? He hadn’t said a single thing or implied anything. . How could he, simple Howon, no, Hoya, be more important than seeing his family? It was- “OW, HEY! Stop flicking me!”
“Then stop thinking so hard!” Dongwoo laughed, like it was nothing, and continued down the sidewalk. He’d turned the hat backwards and the Superman symbol stood out strongly against the black fabric.
You needed me, echoed in Hoya’s mind. It was true.
Suddenly, he could see a cape billowing out behind Dongwoo, bright red like the symbol on his hat.
You needed me. It’s okay.
Shaking his head to himself, Hoya jogged to catch up.
“Hey, hyung.” He called out as he caught up. “I think you should stick to Superman from now on. It really suits you.” Because in Hoya’s book, Dongwoo now was Superman.
“Really? I’m not sure.” Dongwoo took the hat off and stared at it. “I still think that I’m more like Spiderman. Maaaybe Flash”
Laughing, really truly laughing, Hoya stole the hat out of his hands and danced away, sliding it on his own head. “Nope. Definitely Superman. You already have the tights!”
Frowning, Dongwoo chased after him. “Those aren’t tights! They’re leggings!! I mean...Yah, Howon!”
Smiling, Hoya ran down the street, Dongwoo’s shouts in his ears.
He needed someone today.
No.
He needed Dongwoo today. And Dongwoo...he knew that.
Dongwoo didn’t save his life like superheroes did on a page-by-page basis, but he saved Hoya from something much worse.
Himself.
Poll Round 24: Fly High