Of hints and phone calls.
Title: Of hints and phone calls.
Genre: fluff; romance.
Rating: PG-13.
Pairing: Zico x Yukwon
Summary: Zico has been spending a lot of nights in the studio again. He does miss his members and friends. They miss him too, but everyone's used to it. And then there's Yukwon.
A/N: Took me months to finish this one-shot, but it's finally done!
- - - - - - - - - -
Cap low on his face, Woo Jiho was sitting on a bench, waiting for the first bus of the morning to take him back to the dorm. He has been working once again all night at the studio - always searching for more sounds, more lyrics, more, more. He wasn't counting the hours producing, writing, composing, he never did anyway.
Kyung had given up a few hours earlier, was it after midnight or before, Jiho didn't remember. Hearing the familiar sound of the bus coming closer on the still empty road, few taxis only passing by, he stood up then climbed in, greeting the old driver quietly before making his way to the back of the bus.
The city was barely awake, lights still bright on the empty streets. Even if he liked the busy streets of Hongdae or the unstopping chatters of Myungdong's market, there was something about Seoul in the early morning, a rare quietness that Jiho was fond of. His thoughts wandered aimlessly as he looked through the window, a yawn threatening to come out his mouth, eyelids heavy on his face.
A few stops later and a break at the convenience store to buy breakfast - not because he was feeling guilty of being rarely at the dorm, not at all, he was just being a thoughtful the leader - and Jiho was opening the door of the dorm, quiet, peaceful.
Chuckling at the thought of that, Jiho took his shoes off, swinging the plastic bag in his hand before he made his way further inside. He only wanted to crawl under his blanket and sleep the whole day then he'd leave for the studio again. So, Jiho quickly put the bag on the kitchen's table, drank a bit of water - the taste of caffeine still strong on his tongue, and walked to the bedroom he was sharing with his members.
At first, it was with Kyung and Jihoon. But then they all fell asleep where it felt convenient and sometimes, rarely but it happened, they were all seven, sleeping in the same little room. As he slowly opened the door of the bedroom, Jiho grinned a little at the sight of Kyung, snoring and limbs spread widely. On the other bed, curled up on a side was someone he didn't at first recognized, body hidden under the blanket, but then it moved and Jiho's smile softened, Yukwon's face appearing.
Quickly changing into a pair of large shorts and an old shirt, his worn clothes thrown in a corner, Jiho climbed on his bed, a content sigh escaping his lips as all the tension and stress of the past few days were slowly leaving his body. He rolled on his side, half of his face buried in the cold pillow and closed his eyes.
Sleep was about to take over him when Jiho felt the mattress dip under someone's weight and his eyes opened in confusion when a body pressed against his, arm tight around his waist. Jiho tilted his head and was met with fluffy, messy hair.
"Kwon?" He mumbled sleepily, his mind too slow and too tired to understand what was happening.
"You're never at the dorm anymore." The reply came a few seconds later, quietly, words almost inaudible. "I...We miss you."
Jiho sighed, face back on his pillow as he gazed at the wall. "I'm sorry." What other words could he say? He missed hanging out with them too, but he was like this, addicted, music running through his veins.
They all complained about it at least once, playfully and loudly and just like the dorks that they are. The quiet voice of Yukwon admitting it though, was a first. It made Jiho's heart clench painfully. Yukwon was always smiling, agreeing, he didn't mind Jiho's long nights and days spent in the studio. He did not mind, did he?
The arm around his waist tightened a little before the body shifted again and left the bed, leaving the leader wide awake and even more confused. He never thought that Yukwon could be affected. Jiho did notice his worried gazes when he was leaving, the slight biting of his lower lip but he wasn't thinking too much about it, usually.
But now... Jiho groaned, laying on his stomach. He didn't like this, knowing that Yukwon was upset because of him. Of course, he didn't like it when any of his members was feeling bad. But there was something about making Yukwon sad or upset, a little something that triggered at Jiho's heart.
It was just like that day when they were watching the first episode of Match Up Returns, all together in the living room. Seeing Yukwon tear up, his voice shaking, his words hesitating, Jiho had just wanted to take him in his arms and hold him tightly. But he did not, he did not because he couldn't and after the cameras left, Yukwon and the others were all laughing and joking and even though Jiho never really forgot about that feeling, he brushed it away.
Until that morning. So he climbed out of bed slowly and made his way to Yukwon's. He crawled under the blanket and felt the other boy stiffen. What he should do, he had no idea. Jiho just needed Yukwon to smile again, to not worry. Carefully, he snaked his arm around the waist of the dancer and pulled him closer, the warmth of his back right against his chest. It felt good.
And if he dared, it felt...right. Yukwon relaxed slowly and Jiho, too. He was inhaling the scent of the boy with each of his breathes and, without noticing, he fell asleep, face buried against Yukwon's nape.
When he woke up because of Jihoon's laughter, Jiho was alone in the bed. There was no one in the bedroom and he could hear Jaehyo's whining about some facial masks being wasted or something. He slowly sat up, running a hand through his hair- he needed a long shower, but that'll wait. He was wondering if Yukwon was feeling better.
"The sleeping beauty is awake!" Kyung grinned while Jiho was making his way in the living room.
"Shut up, idiot." He laughed, opening a water bottle and taking a sip. In response, Kyung threw him a pillow but it hit Jaehyo instead, who squeaked and instantly stood up, complaining about flying objects and stolen facial masks.
There was nothing unusual around him, the maknae was bugging Taeil with his aegyo while Minhyuk was on his phone, glancing up every now and then. Kyung and Jaehyo were still arguing playfully but Jiho wasn't really paying attention as he leaned towards Minhyuk.
"Hey, hyung. Where's Yukwon?" He asked nonchalantly, trying to hide his worry and disappointment in not finding him with everyone else.
"Oh, he went to practice. Like two or three hours ago?" Minhyuk replied, not even bothering to look up from the game on his phone- he was trying to beat his best score and Jiho was kind of distracting him.
The leader nodded slowly. The dance practice room was on his way to the studio, he thought, it wouldn't hurt to stop by and...And what? Ask Yukwon about what happened? Comfort him? Jiho didn't really know.
It had been nice, to fall asleep while holding the dancer in his arms. While they were all close like brothers or close friends, Jiho knew that it was a bit different with Yukwon. He couldn't really explain it, they were close, but it was not like a best friend way or a sibling one. As he stared at his reflection in the bathroom's mirror, Jiho thought about the meals shared quietly in front of the tv, legs touching. He thought about the amused gazes shared when Kyung or Jihoon said something funny. A comforting hand pressed against his back, or his fingers ruffling through Yukwon's already messy hair.
Jiho chuckled and shook his head. He had nothing against liking a boy, no, but they already had enough problems. He didn't want to add this one, and he wasn't even sure if Yukwon liked him back anyway. Confessing like in those stupid dramas and movies was also out of question.
The water falling on his body, Jiho closed his eyes and sighed. He didn't really want things to change anyway, so for now, he'd keep his feelings for himself. That was the best thing to do, until things were sorted out and that he made sure it wasn't just him being confused. Maybe it was just because he was exhausted and that Yukwon's embrace confused him a bit. He was probably thinking too much, yeah.
About one hour later and after convincing Kyung that he wanted to spend some time alone, Jiho left the dorm and made his way to the studio, music blasting through his headphones. Even though he appeared calm while walking, his mind was restless. What could he say to Yukwon? "Hey man, thanks for the hug this morning" or something more like "Your concern made me realize that I might consider you more than a friend." Jiho blinked and laughed, earning questioning glare from the people around him. There was no way he could say something like this, and if he did, Yukwon would probably ask him if he is drunk.
Reaching the dance practice room first, he peeked in through the room, eyes instantly falling on Yukwon's body. He was dancing, his moves quick and intense. Like always, Jiho couldn't tear his gaze away and soundlessly walked further in, leaning against the wall facing the mirror.
Yukwon stopped dancing once their gazes met, and Jiho noticed something flick through his eyes but he couldn't quite decipher it.
"We could add some of your moves for the song I'm composing." He grinned a bit, heartbeat increasing against his chest. The sight of Yukwon sweating, white tank top stuck to his upper body was something not unusual, then why could he not look at the dancer without feeling his cheeks burn?
Yukwon didn't seem to notice it and took a sip of water before looking back at Jiho who tried to stay composed. "Why are you here?"
There was no accusation in his voice, just genuine curiosity but it still took the leader by surprise who found himself stuttering as he replied. "A-ah, uhm. Just...you know. You weren't at the dorm, so. Yeah."
Yukwon raised an eyebrow, chuckling. "What, did you miss me, Woo Jiho?"
"Shut up." Jiho laughed in return, not denying. He did miss him a little- and then a thought struck him: if
he missed Yukwon that has been away for a few hours only then the dancer must have been really missing him when he was away for days. His smile weakening, Jiho stared at Yukwon and sighed heavily, leaning down against the wall. "I'm sorry, Kwon-ah."
"What for?" Joining him on the floor, Yukwon sat down, leg brushing against Jiho's.
For everything, for being myself, for being a failure to the group, Jiho thought but only quietly said, "For being always so busy."
The dancer smiled slightly and pressed his shoulder against Jiho's before shaking his head, patting his hand. "It's fine, I guess I was just really tired this morning. I didn't want you to apologize, you did it enough times already. And we know how hard you're worki-" Yukwon's speech suddenly stopped. Unlike the movies, Jiho didn't kiss him to shut him up, no- he would never dare, but instead, he took his hand and laced their fingers, tightly holding onto it.
His gaze meeting with Yukwon's surprised eyes, Jiho smiled, a hint of sadness across his face. None of them dared to talk nor break the eye-contact until Yukwon leaned in boldly, resting his forehead against the other boy's.
"Woo Jiho, you think too much." They both smiled a little, and Jiho wondered for a second if it was Yukwon's hint to make him stop thinking and instead, make a move towards him. He was searching for the answer, his free hand reaching to cup the dancer's cheek when a phone suddenly rang in the wide room, snapping them both off their little world they had created for a few minutes.
Jiho stood up and cleared his throat, a blush on his round cheeks as he answered the phone, a noisy Jaehyo on the other side, still complaining about being bullied and Jiho, why the hell are you never here, what kind of leader are you!
The said boy rolled his eyes, catching Yukwon's shy smile and flustered face through the mirror. Maybe that was it, maybe he really was thinking too much and Yukwon was only waiting for him to make the first step. Jiho didn't know.
"I'll go to the studio, don't stay here too late." He said after hanging up on Jaehyo. Yukwon stood up, his cheeks puffed as he looked at Jiho. "I know, I know. The studio again." He raised his hands in defense, his smile faltering at the sight of Yukwon who had sighed heavily, shaking his head. "Kwon-ah, I'll be back, I..."
The dancer smiled his usual wide grin and chuckled, but it sounded so wrong to Jiho's ears. "Yah, it's fine. Just go, and don't forget to eat." He then moved forward, past Jiho and turned the music back on which Jiho took as his cue to leave.
But he couldn't move. He just couldn't bring himself to leave, Yukwon needed him even though he didn't say it. Jiho knew that it would be a mistake to end things here, whatever these things were.
"Yukwon." He turned around, grabbing the other's wrist to make him stop dancing. "Let's go eat." Blinking in confusion, Yukwon tilted his head, and Jiho let himself think that he was too cute for his own good. He squeezed the wrist that he was holding gently, trying to convince the boy to follow him outside. "But...the stu-"
"I changed my mind. Just come, yeah?" Jiho asked, unable to hide the nervosity in his voice. What if he had been wrong all along? What if he misread Yukwon and there wasn't any romantic feelings involved? What if, what if, fuck all of this, Jiho wasn't sure any more and the panic must have shown on his face because Yukwon chuckled quietly and took Jiho's hand in his.
"Jiho-ah, I'd be glad to go out with you." Jiho's eyes widened as he looked up at Yukwon whose face was mirrored his. "To go eat. Going outside to go eat."
They both stared at each other for a few seconds before they started laughing, Jiho tugging on Yukwon's hand. He couldn't help but to wonder if his friend had said that on purpose, if it could have been another hint for him to make a move.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, Jiho not letting go of the hand he was holding as they were looking for a place to eat. Finally, they settled in a small traditional restaurant, sitting in front of each other, the faint sound of the old tv filling the place.
The two boys started eating comfortably- like they always did, until Jiho put his spoon and chopsticks down, looking up at Yukwon whose cheeks were stuffed with meat and rice.
"Kwon-ah. Thank y-" A groan left the leader's lips as his phone rang again. God dammit, he thought. He would never be able to have a serious talk if these idiots keep calling him. Jiho noticed Yukwon's amused smile while he was picking up, closing his eyes when hearing Kyung's laugh. "No. I did n- Jesus, Kyung! I was about to confess and you fucking call to talk about your stupid face?! Just go to Jaehyo hyung, dammit!"
Another silence followed Jiho's outburst. Even the TV seemed quieter. Someone giggled but the only thing Jiho could register as he opened his eyes was Yukwon's bright red face. He muttered a "fuck" and rubbed his eyes: that was it, he ruined everything. It's not even like he was about to confess!
"Look, Yukwon. That's not what I meant, I, just, I, you. Fuck." He repeated, only wanting to dig a hole into the ground and disappear forever.
"You're terrible with words for a producer, Woo Jiho." The said boy looked up, eyes widening at the sight of Yukwon's eye-smile. He seemed really happy, and Jiho's heart skipped a beat. "To be honest, I was expecting our first date to happen in your studio. So, it isn't so bad."
"...What." Yukwon laughed. He laughed and a blush crept up on Jiho's cheeks. He wasn't really understanding what was happening right now. "Our first date?" He croaked, blinking.
Yukwon rolled his eyes and reached out for Jiho's hand, lacing their fingers. "Do you understand now or do I have to get even cheesier? Because I'm already embarrassed enough."
"Embarrassed? You're not the one who half-confessed while shouting at this idiot of Park Kyung." Jiho laughed, suddenly feeling lighter as he glanced at his hand in Yukwon's. It fit perfectly, he grinned.
"When are we not embarrassing anyway?" They both chuckled, Jiho humming in agreement before they finished their food.
After a while, they were both sitting on a bench, facing the Han River. Jiho was playing with Yukwon's fingers, the same smile on their faces. The day did not went like Jiho would have imagined, but it was far better than he could have been expecting. He also made a mental note to thank Kyung: if it wasn't for his call, he wasn't sure he would have been able to confess to Yukwon.
"So...you like me?" Jiho asked, a childish grin on his face. Yukwon turned his head to him and laughed quietly, nodding. "As in, like like me?" He insisted, leaning in to bump his forehead against the other's.
"Yes, Jiho-ah. I like like you." Both grinned, and after Jiho replied with a quiet "Well, I like like you too" they looked back at the scenery, a content sigh leaving them both almost at the same time.
They looked back at each other and Jiho felt his heart flutter when Yukwon squeezed his hand and he thought about all the time he lost, over-thinking when everything he has ever wanted was just right here, in front of him and waiting for him.
"I swear, if my phone rings when I'm about to kiss you, you can be sure that I'm going to kill them all." Jiho mumbled as he leaned his face closer to Yukwon's, the latter laughing quietly as Jiho added a "I'm serious" before closing the gap between their faces.
(Jiho did almost kill Park Kyung when they came back to the dorm when he threw condoms at the couple.)
Genre: fluff; romance.
Rating: PG-13.
Pairing: Zico x Yukwon
Summary: Zico has been spending a lot of nights in the studio again. He does miss his members and friends. They miss him too, but everyone's used to it. And then there's Yukwon.
A/N: Took me months to finish this one-shot, but it's finally done!
- - - - - - - - - -
Cap low on his face, Woo Jiho was sitting on a bench, waiting for the first bus of the morning to take him back to the dorm. He has been working once again all night at the studio - always searching for more sounds, more lyrics, more, more. He wasn't counting the hours producing, writing, composing, he never did anyway.
Kyung had given up a few hours earlier, was it after midnight or before, Jiho didn't remember. Hearing the familiar sound of the bus coming closer on the still empty road, few taxis only passing by, he stood up then climbed in, greeting the old driver quietly before making his way to the back of the bus.
The city was barely awake, lights still bright on the empty streets. Even if he liked the busy streets of Hongdae or the unstopping chatters of Myungdong's market, there was something about Seoul in the early morning, a rare quietness that Jiho was fond of. His thoughts wandered aimlessly as he looked through the window, a yawn threatening to come out his mouth, eyelids heavy on his face.
A few stops later and a break at the convenience store to buy breakfast - not because he was feeling guilty of being rarely at the dorm, not at all, he was just being a thoughtful the leader - and Jiho was opening the door of the dorm, quiet, peaceful.
Chuckling at the thought of that, Jiho took his shoes off, swinging the plastic bag in his hand before he made his way further inside. He only wanted to crawl under his blanket and sleep the whole day then he'd leave for the studio again. So, Jiho quickly put the bag on the kitchen's table, drank a bit of water - the taste of caffeine still strong on his tongue, and walked to the bedroom he was sharing with his members.
At first, it was with Kyung and Jihoon. But then they all fell asleep where it felt convenient and sometimes, rarely but it happened, they were all seven, sleeping in the same little room. As he slowly opened the door of the bedroom, Jiho grinned a little at the sight of Kyung, snoring and limbs spread widely. On the other bed, curled up on a side was someone he didn't at first recognized, body hidden under the blanket, but then it moved and Jiho's smile softened, Yukwon's face appearing.
Quickly changing into a pair of large shorts and an old shirt, his worn clothes thrown in a corner, Jiho climbed on his bed, a content sigh escaping his lips as all the tension and stress of the past few days were slowly leaving his body. He rolled on his side, half of his face buried in the cold pillow and closed his eyes.
Sleep was about to take over him when Jiho felt the mattress dip under someone's weight and his eyes opened in confusion when a body pressed against his, arm tight around his waist. Jiho tilted his head and was met with fluffy, messy hair.
"Kwon?" He mumbled sleepily, his mind too slow and too tired to understand what was happening.
"You're never at the dorm anymore." The reply came a few seconds later, quietly, words almost inaudible. "I...We miss you."
Jiho sighed, face back on his pillow as he gazed at the wall. "I'm sorry." What other words could he say? He missed hanging out with them too, but he was like this, addicted, music running through his veins.
They all complained about it at least once, playfully and loudly and just like the dorks that they are. The quiet voice of Yukwon admitting it though, was a first. It made Jiho's heart clench painfully. Yukwon was always smiling, agreeing, he didn't mind Jiho's long nights and days spent in the studio. He did not mind, did he?
The arm around his waist tightened a little before the body shifted again and left the bed, leaving the leader wide awake and even more confused. He never thought that Yukwon could be affected. Jiho did notice his worried gazes when he was leaving, the slight biting of his lower lip but he wasn't thinking too much about it, usually.
But now... Jiho groaned, laying on his stomach. He didn't like this, knowing that Yukwon was upset because of him. Of course, he didn't like it when any of his members was feeling bad. But there was something about making Yukwon sad or upset, a little something that triggered at Jiho's heart.
It was just like that day when they were watching the first episode of Match Up Returns, all together in the living room. Seeing Yukwon tear up, his voice shaking, his words hesitating, Jiho had just wanted to take him in his arms and hold him tightly. But he did not, he did not because he couldn't and after the cameras left, Yukwon and the others were all laughing and joking and even though Jiho never really forgot about that feeling, he brushed it away.
Until that morning. So he climbed out of bed slowly and made his way to Yukwon's. He crawled under the blanket and felt the other boy stiffen. What he should do, he had no idea. Jiho just needed Yukwon to smile again, to not worry. Carefully, he snaked his arm around the waist of the dancer and pulled him closer, the warmth of his back right against his chest. It felt good.
And if he dared, it felt...right. Yukwon relaxed slowly and Jiho, too. He was inhaling the scent of the boy with each of his breathes and, without noticing, he fell asleep, face buried against Yukwon's nape.
When he woke up because of Jihoon's laughter, Jiho was alone in the bed. There was no one in the bedroom and he could hear Jaehyo's whining about some facial masks being wasted or something. He slowly sat up, running a hand through his hair- he needed a long shower, but that'll wait. He was wondering if Yukwon was feeling better.
"The sleeping beauty is awake!" Kyung grinned while Jiho was making his way in the living room.
"Shut up, idiot." He laughed, opening a water bottle and taking a sip. In response, Kyung threw him a pillow but it hit Jaehyo instead, who squeaked and instantly stood up, complaining about flying objects and stolen facial masks.
There was nothing unusual around him, the maknae was bugging Taeil with his aegyo while Minhyuk was on his phone, glancing up every now and then. Kyung and Jaehyo were still arguing playfully but Jiho wasn't really paying attention as he leaned towards Minhyuk.
"Hey, hyung. Where's Yukwon?" He asked nonchalantly, trying to hide his worry and disappointment in not finding him with everyone else.
"Oh, he went to practice. Like two or three hours ago?" Minhyuk replied, not even bothering to look up from the game on his phone- he was trying to beat his best score and Jiho was kind of distracting him.
The leader nodded slowly. The dance practice room was on his way to the studio, he thought, it wouldn't hurt to stop by and...And what? Ask Yukwon about what happened? Comfort him? Jiho didn't really know.
It had been nice, to fall asleep while holding the dancer in his arms. While they were all close like brothers or close friends, Jiho knew that it was a bit different with Yukwon. He couldn't really explain it, they were close, but it was not like a best friend way or a sibling one. As he stared at his reflection in the bathroom's mirror, Jiho thought about the meals shared quietly in front of the tv, legs touching. He thought about the amused gazes shared when Kyung or Jihoon said something funny. A comforting hand pressed against his back, or his fingers ruffling through Yukwon's already messy hair.
Jiho chuckled and shook his head. He had nothing against liking a boy, no, but they already had enough problems. He didn't want to add this one, and he wasn't even sure if Yukwon liked him back anyway. Confessing like in those stupid dramas and movies was also out of question.
The water falling on his body, Jiho closed his eyes and sighed. He didn't really want things to change anyway, so for now, he'd keep his feelings for himself. That was the best thing to do, until things were sorted out and that he made sure it wasn't just him being confused. Maybe it was just because he was exhausted and that Yukwon's embrace confused him a bit. He was probably thinking too much, yeah.
About one hour later and after convincing Kyung that he wanted to spend some time alone, Jiho left the dorm and made his way to the studio, music blasting through his headphones. Even though he appeared calm while walking, his mind was restless. What could he say to Yukwon? "Hey man, thanks for the hug this morning" or something more like "Your concern made me realize that I might consider you more than a friend." Jiho blinked and laughed, earning questioning glare from the people around him. There was no way he could say something like this, and if he did, Yukwon would probably ask him if he is drunk.
Reaching the dance practice room first, he peeked in through the room, eyes instantly falling on Yukwon's body. He was dancing, his moves quick and intense. Like always, Jiho couldn't tear his gaze away and soundlessly walked further in, leaning against the wall facing the mirror.
Yukwon stopped dancing once their gazes met, and Jiho noticed something flick through his eyes but he couldn't quite decipher it.
"We could add some of your moves for the song I'm composing." He grinned a bit, heartbeat increasing against his chest. The sight of Yukwon sweating, white tank top stuck to his upper body was something not unusual, then why could he not look at the dancer without feeling his cheeks burn?
Yukwon didn't seem to notice it and took a sip of water before looking back at Jiho who tried to stay composed. "Why are you here?"
There was no accusation in his voice, just genuine curiosity but it still took the leader by surprise who found himself stuttering as he replied. "A-ah, uhm. Just...you know. You weren't at the dorm, so. Yeah."
Yukwon raised an eyebrow, chuckling. "What, did you miss me, Woo Jiho?"
"Shut up." Jiho laughed in return, not denying. He did miss him a little- and then a thought struck him: if
he missed Yukwon that has been away for a few hours only then the dancer must have been really missing him when he was away for days. His smile weakening, Jiho stared at Yukwon and sighed heavily, leaning down against the wall. "I'm sorry, Kwon-ah."
"What for?" Joining him on the floor, Yukwon sat down, leg brushing against Jiho's.
For everything, for being myself, for being a failure to the group, Jiho thought but only quietly said, "For being always so busy."
The dancer smiled slightly and pressed his shoulder against Jiho's before shaking his head, patting his hand. "It's fine, I guess I was just really tired this morning. I didn't want you to apologize, you did it enough times already. And we know how hard you're worki-" Yukwon's speech suddenly stopped. Unlike the movies, Jiho didn't kiss him to shut him up, no- he would never dare, but instead, he took his hand and laced their fingers, tightly holding onto it.
His gaze meeting with Yukwon's surprised eyes, Jiho smiled, a hint of sadness across his face. None of them dared to talk nor break the eye-contact until Yukwon leaned in boldly, resting his forehead against the other boy's.
"Woo Jiho, you think too much." They both smiled a little, and Jiho wondered for a second if it was Yukwon's hint to make him stop thinking and instead, make a move towards him. He was searching for the answer, his free hand reaching to cup the dancer's cheek when a phone suddenly rang in the wide room, snapping them both off their little world they had created for a few minutes.
Jiho stood up and cleared his throat, a blush on his round cheeks as he answered the phone, a noisy Jaehyo on the other side, still complaining about being bullied and Jiho, why the hell are you never here, what kind of leader are you!
The said boy rolled his eyes, catching Yukwon's shy smile and flustered face through the mirror. Maybe that was it, maybe he really was thinking too much and Yukwon was only waiting for him to make the first step. Jiho didn't know.
"I'll go to the studio, don't stay here too late." He said after hanging up on Jaehyo. Yukwon stood up, his cheeks puffed as he looked at Jiho. "I know, I know. The studio again." He raised his hands in defense, his smile faltering at the sight of Yukwon who had sighed heavily, shaking his head. "Kwon-ah, I'll be back, I..."
The dancer smiled his usual wide grin and chuckled, but it sounded so wrong to Jiho's ears. "Yah, it's fine. Just go, and don't forget to eat." He then moved forward, past Jiho and turned the music back on which Jiho took as his cue to leave.
But he couldn't move. He just couldn't bring himself to leave, Yukwon needed him even though he didn't say it. Jiho knew that it would be a mistake to end things here, whatever these things were.
"Yukwon." He turned around, grabbing the other's wrist to make him stop dancing. "Let's go eat." Blinking in confusion, Yukwon tilted his head, and Jiho let himself think that he was too cute for his own good. He squeezed the wrist that he was holding gently, trying to convince the boy to follow him outside. "But...the stu-"
"I changed my mind. Just come, yeah?" Jiho asked, unable to hide the nervosity in his voice. What if he had been wrong all along? What if he misread Yukwon and there wasn't any romantic feelings involved? What if, what if, fuck all of this, Jiho wasn't sure any more and the panic must have shown on his face because Yukwon chuckled quietly and took Jiho's hand in his.
"Jiho-ah, I'd be glad to go out with you." Jiho's eyes widened as he looked up at Yukwon whose face was mirrored his. "To go eat. Going outside to go eat."
They both stared at each other for a few seconds before they started laughing, Jiho tugging on Yukwon's hand. He couldn't help but to wonder if his friend had said that on purpose, if it could have been another hint for him to make a move.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, Jiho not letting go of the hand he was holding as they were looking for a place to eat. Finally, they settled in a small traditional restaurant, sitting in front of each other, the faint sound of the old tv filling the place.
The two boys started eating comfortably- like they always did, until Jiho put his spoon and chopsticks down, looking up at Yukwon whose cheeks were stuffed with meat and rice.
"Kwon-ah. Thank y-" A groan left the leader's lips as his phone rang again. God dammit, he thought. He would never be able to have a serious talk if these idiots keep calling him. Jiho noticed Yukwon's amused smile while he was picking up, closing his eyes when hearing Kyung's laugh. "No. I did n- Jesus, Kyung! I was about to confess and you fucking call to talk about your stupid face?! Just go to Jaehyo hyung, dammit!"
Another silence followed Jiho's outburst. Even the TV seemed quieter. Someone giggled but the only thing Jiho could register as he opened his eyes was Yukwon's bright red face. He muttered a "fuck" and rubbed his eyes: that was it, he ruined everything. It's not even like he was about to confess!
"Look, Yukwon. That's not what I meant, I, just, I, you. Fuck." He repeated, only wanting to dig a hole into the ground and disappear forever.
"You're terrible with words for a producer, Woo Jiho." The said boy looked up, eyes widening at the sight of Yukwon's eye-smile. He seemed really happy, and Jiho's heart skipped a beat. "To be honest, I was expecting our first date to happen in your studio. So, it isn't so bad."
"...What." Yukwon laughed. He laughed and a blush crept up on Jiho's cheeks. He wasn't really understanding what was happening right now. "Our first date?" He croaked, blinking.
Yukwon rolled his eyes and reached out for Jiho's hand, lacing their fingers. "Do you understand now or do I have to get even cheesier? Because I'm already embarrassed enough."
"Embarrassed? You're not the one who half-confessed while shouting at this idiot of Park Kyung." Jiho laughed, suddenly feeling lighter as he glanced at his hand in Yukwon's. It fit perfectly, he grinned.
"When are we not embarrassing anyway?" They both chuckled, Jiho humming in agreement before they finished their food.
After a while, they were both sitting on a bench, facing the Han River. Jiho was playing with Yukwon's fingers, the same smile on their faces. The day did not went like Jiho would have imagined, but it was far better than he could have been expecting. He also made a mental note to thank Kyung: if it wasn't for his call, he wasn't sure he would have been able to confess to Yukwon.
"So...you like me?" Jiho asked, a childish grin on his face. Yukwon turned his head to him and laughed quietly, nodding. "As in, like like me?" He insisted, leaning in to bump his forehead against the other's.
"Yes, Jiho-ah. I like like you." Both grinned, and after Jiho replied with a quiet "Well, I like like you too" they looked back at the scenery, a content sigh leaving them both almost at the same time.
They looked back at each other and Jiho felt his heart flutter when Yukwon squeezed his hand and he thought about all the time he lost, over-thinking when everything he has ever wanted was just right here, in front of him and waiting for him.
"I swear, if my phone rings when I'm about to kiss you, you can be sure that I'm going to kill them all." Jiho mumbled as he leaned his face closer to Yukwon's, the latter laughing quietly as Jiho added a "I'm serious" before closing the gap between their faces.
(Jiho did almost kill Park Kyung when they came back to the dorm when he threw condoms at the couple.)