infinite ; clumsy, lovely post-it notes
clumsy, lovely post-it notes
dongwoo/everyone, dongwoo/woohyun | pg13 | ~9k
where dongwoo is clumsy and reminds everyone of their manly instincts.
a/n: written for the infinite secret santa, for chunonew_rx. basically, this was supposed to be posted ages ago, but i simply forgot about it. it's slightly edited (more like i changed most mistakes/mistypings), however the story stays the same.
3 December, Saturday
It's three weeks before Christmas. Dongwoo's schedule is filled with assignments and projects that need to be finished. He still needs to buy Christmas presents for his family, practice the new routine for their dancing class and clean the house because his sister is coming over in fifteen days. Dongwoo thinks he won't be getting a lot of sleep the next couple of weeks.
He makes a schedule of everything he still needs to do and pastes it onto the fridge, while removing Sungyeol's schedule from October and throwing it in the rubbish bin. Satisfied with himself, he goes to bed. His schedule will only start tomorrow.
* * *
4 December, Sunday
A post-it is pasted over Dongwoo's schedule. It says: 'buy christmas gifts for friends, x sungjong'. Dongwoo sighs and writes the words somewhere in between dance practice and cleaning the house.
He grabs some leftovers from yesterday out of the fridge and walks back to his room. Dongwoo raises his eyebrows when he sees something shiny underneath his bed. Putting his plate down on his desk, he walks over and grabs it. It's a small package, wrapped in green paper, his favorite color, tied up in a glittery ribbon. He might be raising an eyebrow at the clumsy way of folding, but most of all he's excited because he has found a present that's probably from one of his flat mates, but still: it’s a present!
At the same time he can’t help but think how it couldn’t possibly be a gift from one of his dorm mates. They were all just as busy as he was; schedules filled with school projects and private matters that were oh so important (if the gaming match between Myungsoo and Sungyeol could be considered as important, that is). Sunggyu was busy writing his song for the Christmas show. Sungyeol was still working out how to finish his history essay that he hadn't started on. Sungjong was busy with his fashion project and anything else that went through his mind that involves girl groups and weird dancing.
Dongwoo sits down on his bed, the green package screaming to be opened in his hands. He hesitates a little, then carefully pulls the ribbon. He's sure that some fan girl must have thought Sunggyu slept in this room, so he can't damage the wrapping paper too much - who knows if the package is for him. Although the thought of some fan girl slipping into their flat scares him a little, he knows it's the only logical reason to why there's a small package under his bed.
A post-it in the shape of a star is pasted to the object, so he doesn't see what it is at first. Dongwoo is surprised to see his name on there, since he was sure the package would be for Sunggyu. He leans closer to read the small handwriting.
Dongwoo,
It might be a little early, but here is your first Christmas gift.
I hope you like the gift, I think they would look good on you.
H
He can't help but grin after reading it, having an idea from who this gift might be. He slowly pulls the post-it off the object, revealing a little box. Dongwoo recognizes it as a jewelry box and he wonders what might be in it. He lifts the lid to find a pair of earrings shining back at him. The symbol for infinite, little silver eights which are shining brightly. It wasn't all that special, but to Dongwoo they are the most special earrings anyone has ever gotten him.
- - -
“Do you think we'll ever be good enough to actual stand on that stage?” Dongwoo asked him, looking up at the stage in awe.
“Of course we will. We're probably better than them already. We just don't know the right people to stand on that stage,” he answered.
Dongwoo laughed. “We're not better than them. Look at them, they're so synchronized and every move is so natural. We have a long way to go before we're as good as them.”
“Let's practice harder then, instead of lazying around here!”
They both laughed and Dongwoo stood up, reaching out to pull him up. “Once were good enough and know the right people, everyone will know us.”
“Exactly,” he answered. “They'll remember us forever and even when we're long gone, they'll talk about us. We're infinite, everyone will know us and never forget us.”
“Infinite, huh?” Dongwoo mused as they walked back to the campus. “That's a new goal.”
- - -
Dongwoo isn't completely sure it's him though. He grabs the post it and looks at the initial again. He doesn't know that many people whose name started with H. Pushing the most obvious name out of his mind, he only comes up with Hoonmin (but they only knew each other through Sunggyu and they hardly talked), Ha Minwoo (except the rumor was the boy was dating Bora), Hara (who was happily engaged to Junhyung) and Hyukjae (who didn't like Dongwoo so much after he beat him in a dance competition).
He goes through the list again, but the more he thinks about it, the more it leads to him. It wouldn't surprise him if that was true, because they've been best friends since first year and it's very like him to give an early Christmas gift.
Smiling again, Dongwoo shakes anymore thoughts about it out of his head. He doesn't want to over think this, because he's sure this is just a nice gift from a friend. Nothing more, because they don't want things to get complicated again. Besides, they're seeing each other in class tomorrow anyway, so if anything is going on, Dongwoo will find out then.
* * *
5 December, Monday
He doesn't hear his alarm go off that morning, so when he finally wakes up he finds out it's 9.20 and he has ten minutes before his class starts. He jumps out of bed and grabs the first clean clothes he can find, grabbing a baseball cap and his bag and then rushes out the front door. He's already halfway down the building, before he realizes he isn't wearing any shoes and he yells in frustration.
It's 9.33 when he runs into to classroom in the meantime throwing out apologies to the teacher, to have everyone staring at him like he has grown a second head. Other students stumble into the classroom after him and Dongwoo thinks he could die of embarrassment.
Then he hears someone calling his name and when he looks up he sees Howon waving at him. Dongwoo can't help but smile at Howon and he quickly makes his way over. Sitting down beside him, he tries to get out a good morning, but he finds he's still out of breath.
Once he has calmed down enough, he stammers something about his alarm and forgetting his shoes, to which Howon just laughs.
Dongwoo actually really likes the sound of Howon laughing. It always cheers up his day and it makes everything a little brighter. Sometimes Dongwoo thinks making Howon laugh as often as possible is his daily goal. Dongwoo realizes he's staring at Howon when the boy raises an eyebrow, but somehow Howon doesn't seem to mind and he just steals Dongwoo's baseball cap and puts it on his own head.
Dongwoo ruffles his hair, but Howon ensures him he's looking just fine.
“Hey, are those new?” Howon asks, pointing at Dongwoo's earrings.
Dongwoo hand reaches up to touch them, the corners of his lips automatically turning up and he laughs. “Yeah, just got them yesterday.”
“They suit you.”
“Thanks,” Dongwoo says. He thinks it's almost hundred percent sure that Howon is the secret H. He forces himself not to think about the motive and instead focuses on the lecture for once. He can't help but sneak glances at Howon every once in a while though and he's pleased to see Howon pulling silly faces at him every time he's caught. At least that didn't change, he thinks.
-
When they walk over to the cafeteria for lunch, Sunggyu calls Dongwoo.
“Hey, you're still eating lunch at the cafeteria, right?”
“Yeah, yeah, don't worry,” Dongwoo assures.
“Are you sure you can make it there safely? I could meet you at the main building if you want.”
Dongwoo lets out a small laugh at the worried Sunggyu.
“Don't worry, 'Gyu. I'm pretty sure I can make it there myself without getting lost or hurting myself. I only need to walk hundred meters and I'll be there.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Sunggyu. Besides, if anything were to happen, I've got Howon with me to help me out and warn you. And I'm already in the cafeteria, I'm now waving at you. Do you see -”
“Dongwoo watch out!” Sunggyu yells through the phone and Dongwoo feels his elbow hitting something hard. He turns around and sees a student covered in ketchup and macaroni.
“Oh my god, I'm so sorry,” Dongwoo says and he takes a step closer to the student. Unfortunately he doesn't see the fallen dinner-tray, resulting in him slipping. He reaches out for something or someone to stay upright and thus grabs the unfortunate student covered in food. They both fall in the puddle of macaroni and Dongwoo can't help but think this is definitely not his lucky day.
He feels someone pulling him up and he tries to apologize to the other student, but the students only glares at him before stomping away. He focuses his attention on the person who pulled him up, which turns out to be either Howon, Sunggyu or Woohyun. They're all looking at him worriedly and he giggles.
“I don't need your help getting to the cafeteria safely, but I do think I need your help inside the cafeteria,” Dongwoo says to Sunggyu, bursting out in laughter.
The worried look makes place for something Dongwoo associates with fondness, and Sunggyu gives him a small smile. “One of these days...”
Woohyun just shakes his head and reaches out to wipe away the food. “The others will be so pissed they missed this. It was one of your best falls yet. I'm not sure how much I'm liking the food though, this stuff smells.”
Sunggyu shoves Woohyun aside and takes over the cleaning. “He doesn't mean it like that, Dongwoo. Your falling is in no way amusing to us, it only makes us worry like crazy. We never know when the day will come where you will fall and we're not there.”
“Hey, I'm not that bad,” Dongwoo protests. At Howon's muttered you are, Dongwoo sticks out his tongue. “At least I'm prepared for these situations.”
Dongwoo reaches for his back and pulls out his dancing clothes. “How lucky I am to be a dancer.”
“It always makes me wonder how you can be so graceful and not-clumsy when you're dancing, while you're a disaster on legs in real life,” Howon says, pushing Dongwoo towards the restroom.
“I'm not a disaster on legs,” Dongwoo answers. He does some difficult dance move and gives them a triumphant smile. Then he attempts to open the restroom door and he hits his head on it when it finally opens.
When he looks back, he sees three people raising their eyebrows.
“I'm not.”
-
The walk to the dance studio feels awkward to Dongwoo and he doesn't know if it's just him, or if Howon is feeling awkward too.
“Listen, about the present -”
“Let's not talk about that now, alright?” Howon interrupts. “We'll talk about that some other time, alright?”
Dongwoo nods. His heart thumps in his chest and he doesn't know if he's feeling nervous because the present might mean something more, or if he's dreading the conversation. They walk into the building and Dongwoo decides to not think about it until Howon brings it up again.
* * *
7 December, Wednesday
Right when he has pushed every thought about presents and conversations out of his mind, another green package appears. This time it isn't under his bed, but it's delivered during his English lecture by a first-year student. The teacher is looking at him disapprovingly, but Dongwoo doesn't really notice, because Howon is right next to him and isn't this weird?
His teacher and fellow students press him to open it right there, but Dongwoo kindly refuses, glancing at Howon and saying it is a private thing. He sets the little box down in the middle of his table and he watches it the whole time.
Once class is over, he picks the present up and cradles it to his chest. He's lucky he doesn't have anymore classes that day, so he quickly makes his way home with the excuse that he's busy. Which is true, because he still needs to finish most of his assignments, but most of all he wants to be alone when he opens the present.
Dongwoo walks into the flat, only to be greeted with Sungyeol and Myungsoo sitting in the living room. Knowing he can't actually get past them without talking to them, he greets them, holding the package behind his back.
“So, survived the day without any accidents this time?” Sungyeol grins, a hint of worry in his voice.
Dongwoo scoffs. “It's not like I fall everyday.”
“But you fall at least twice a week,” Myungsoo retorts.
Rolling his eyes, Dongwoo takes a step towards his room. “I'm going to work on some assignments, see you guys later.”
“Alright.”
Dongwoo sighs in relief when the door to his room is within reach and he already lifts his head to pull the handle and he's almost there -
“What's that package you're holding?”
He groans. He was so close.
“A present,” he says as he turns around. “Someone gave it to me during my English lecture.”
“Someone?” Sungyeol says, frowning. “Who?”
“A...first-year, I think. Said someone asked to give it to me.”
“Are you sure it's not some sort of joke?” Myungsoo says, eyeing the package warily. “The thing might explode in your face while you're unwrapping it.”
Dongwoo lets out a little laugh. “I don't think anyone would make the effort to wrap something like that up nicely.”
Myungsoo shrugged. “You never know.”
“Why don't you open it here?” Sungyeol asks.
“I - I'm busy. So I was thinking...about...opening it later. So, maybe later?”
“I guess,” Sungyeol nods slowly. “You aren't hiding something from us, are you?”
“What? No, of course not. Trust me, if I had a secret admirer I'd tell you right away,” Dongwoo says awkwardly. Seeing the others widening their eyes, he continues. “Not that this might be from a secret admirer. Because it definitely isn't. Not that I know for sure of course, because this is the first time receiving something like this, but I think I would know if it was from a secret admirer.”
Myungsoo and Sungyeol keep staring at him and it sort of freaks him out. “I'm just going to my room now.”
-
Once he's sure Myungsoo and Sungyeol aren't going to burst into his room, he sits down at his desk. He sets the package down and slowly pulls the ribbon off. He carefully unfolds the package and soon he sees a little book. He picks it up and turns it around, but there's no post-it attached to it.
Pouting a little in disappointment, Dongwoo opens the book. On the first page there's written a little message.
For all those times when you can't gather your thoughts.
Don't consider this as a diary, because I know you don't like that word.
Just call this a book for ordering thoughts, I hope it brings you peace.
H
Dongwoo smiles and strokes the cover of the book.
* * *
10 December, Saturday
Because of his busy schedule, Dongwoo doesn't even have the time to think about the presents. He wakes up, goes to his classes, works on assignments during free periods, goes to some more classes, finishes the choreography, sleep. The next day he repeats the same schedule. Saturday was normally spent sleeping in, playing video games in the afternoon and then have a movie-night that lasted until the early hours of Sunday.
Dongwoo knows he can't spend another Saturday doing nothing, especially not when his English assignment needs to be finished by Tuesday and he still hasn't started on it yet.
“Are you sure this is healthy?” Sunggyu asks him, looking at him worriedly.
“I'm sure it's not healthy, but I'm also sure that this needs to be done for me to pass this year,” Dongwoo answers, not looking up from his book. He types some lines down on his computer, then grabs another book from the pile beside his desk.
“Dongwoo....” Sunggyu trails off. “At least take a break and eat with us, will you?”
“Yeah yeah, in a bit,” Dongwoo says, waving Sunggyu away.
Sunggyu heaves a deep sigh. “You promise, Dongwoo?”
“Hmm.”
-
“This is not healthy for him!” Sunggyu exclaims when he walks into the living room. “He's been locking himself up for days and he has barely eaten. And from the looks of it, he has barely slept either.”
“Can't we just...drag him out of his room or something?” Sungjong asks, staring at Dongwoo's bedroom door longingly.
Seeing Sungyeol's expression change, Howon sighs. “I'm sure kidnapping him isn't the answer, Sungyeol. And no, we're not camping inside his room either.”
Myungsoo hits Sungyeol's head playfully, shaking his head. “We all know nothing's going to work when Dongwoo is in this mood. Let's just keep an eye on him and try to feed him around dinner time.”
“We could also turn the power off in the evening. That way he won't be able to work and he'll have to go to sleep eventually,” Woohyun offers.
Howon rolls his eyes. “And then what? We won't be able to work on our assignments either.”
“Well, that's the price we have to pay then, don't you think?” Woohyun shoots back. They glare at each other challengingly and Sungjong shrinks back into the couch.
“This is not about you guys, this is about Dongwoo,” Sunggyu interferes. “And yes, I know what Woohyun is doing Howon, and I don't agree on it either, but we can't protect Dongwoo forever.”
“Should I know what he's talking about?” Sungyeol whispers to Myungsoo.
Sungjong shoots Sungyeol a look. “Don't tell me you haven't noticed Woohyun's attempt of woo-”
At that moment Dongwoo's bedroom door creaks open. “Dongwoo!” Everyone yells.
Ignoring the calling of his name, Dongwoo walks to the bathroom. He returns a couple of minutes later and walks over to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water. He mutters something about staying hydrated, then he disappears into his room again.
“Not healthy!” Sunggyu whines.
-
It's almost midnight when Dongwoo's done with his assignment. He knows there are still three more waiting for him, but at least he has everything finished for the beginning of the week. He stretches and groans in satisfaction, then he gets up and walks to the kitchen. He's surprised to find it's empty, he didn't expect the members to give up that quickly. Sulking slightly he grabs a plate covered with foil out of the fridge. Pulling the foil off, he licks his lips. It looks like Woohyun has cooked dinner and Dongwoo feels like drooling just thinking about it.
He quickly heats the food, hopping on his feet impatiently. When it's finally done, he grabs the plate and walks over to the kitchen table. He stops midway when he sees a green package standing in the middle of the table. He sets his plate down on the table and grabs the package.
It's softer than the other packages he received and he wonders what's in store for him now. He's feeling impatient and instead of pulling the ribbon off, he just rips the paper. He pulls the thing out of the package, to reveal a fluffy, leather, brown hat with ear flaps. He rubs the material and sighs, because it feels so soft and warm and he just knows he will wear this hat the whole winter.
“Hey, you're out of your room.”
Dongwoo jumps up in shock and turns to his right to see a sleepy Sungyeol standing in the doorway. Dongwoo clutches his chest and heaves a deep sigh. “You scared me.”
“Sorry, I thought you heard me coming.” Sungyeol looks from the green paper on the table to the hat in Dongwoo's hands and the corner of his lips turn downwards. “Received another present?”
“I - yeah.” Dongwoo holds up the hat in his hands. “Someone wants me to keep warm this winter.”
“Hmm. That person must care about you then, don't you think?”
Dongwoo feels himself blush. “I think so.”
“Any idea who is giving you these presents?”
“Maybe. I think I know but...I don't know the meaning behind it.”
“You should ask them then. Maybe it will clear things up.”
Dongwoo nods, turning the idea over in his head. “Maybe I should.”
-
When he has dragged himself to bed, Dongwoo is still holding the hat. He experimentally puts the hat on, but he feels something sharp against his head. Taking the hat off again, he inspects the inside. He pulls a post-it out of the hat and he shakes his head. He should have expected this.
Because you're always complaining about cold ears.
H
This H person was surely listening well to what he said. He didn't expect less from his best friend.
* * *
11 December, Sunday
Despite being done with his assignment, thus the opportunity to sleep in, Dongwoo finds himself standing in the kitchen at 9 o'clock. Apparently Sunggyu had found it necessary for the two of them to learn how to cook. Something about being the perfect husbands in the future and trying not to use their friends for things they could do themselves. Dongwoo was sure Woohyun didn't mind cooking for them, but he still agreed to it, thus found himself in the kitchen with Sunggyu.
Dongwoo rubs his eyes once again, forcing back a yawn and scratching his belly. He looks up when he hears a soft giggle from Sunggyu.
“You're so cute.” Sunggyu pinches his cheek before turning back to watch his eggs. “Isn't it nice to cook together? Making a Christmas meal for our children - just imagine how happy they will be to see their parents cooking for them!”
Alright, Dongwoo thinks, Sunggyu might have lost it. “We're not their parents, Sunggyu.”
“Well, not their real parents, no.” Sunggyu pouts. “But - there needs to be someone they can run to, someone that take cares of them. We're the same as a family. You and me are the parents, Woohyun is our handsome oldest, Howon is our dance machine, he must have been given your genes. Then there's Sungyeol and Myungsoo, our mischievous twins and then we have our adorable daughter, Sungjong.”
Resist. Resist. Resist. Dongwoo keeps repeating the chant, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. Maybe Sunggyu hit his head on the lamp in the bathroom again, Dongwoo reasons. Or he must have forgotten to take his medicine. Or there must be another very logical reason why Sunggyu is acting like this, because it feels like his friend has really lost his mind.
“Don't you think so, Dongwoo?” And Sunggyu is still talking.
“I guess...” Dongwoo answers not sure if that was the right answer. But from the big smile Sunggyu is giving him, he guesses it's alright. Or not, he thinks when Sunggyu pulls him into a tight hug. I didn't answer to a proposal, did I?
-
Sungjong decides to appear right when Dongwoo turns on the blender, without putting the lid on top. Needless to say, Sunggyu pushed Dongwoo towards the kitchen table saying he should rest for a while. Sungjong's protests seem to die on his tongue when he looks over to Dongwoo, who stares back at him apologetically.
When Sungyeol finally wakes up around one o'clock, he's forced to go to the other flat to wake everyone up. “It's not often Dongwoo and me get to cook for our children, so the whole family should be here to enjoy dinner.”
Dongwoo is glad to see similar looks of surprise on Sungyeol and Sungjong's faces.
-
“This actually tastes quite decent,” Woohyun says, taking a bite of the turkey.
Sunggyu beams and looks around the table in delight. “Dongwoo made it,” he says happily.
Dongwoo raises an eyebrow. “I didn't actually. I only cut the vegetables. And your cooking is still much better, 'Hyun.”
“Oh, don't be shy. He's actually a great cook. You do need to pay attention when he's around the fire or the blender, but he's really good at it. We're going to cook together a lot, right Dongwoo?”
Dongwoo just smiles.
“Don't you think Dongwoo is busy enough as it is?” Howon scowls. “Cooking every Sunday surely doesn't fit into his schedule.”
“Exactly. Besides, he already promised to help me out with my fashion show next semester, didn't you Dongwoo?” Sungjong quips up.
“Right,” Dongwoo answers. “I guess I'm pretty busy next semester too, but that doesn't mean we can't cook every once in a while.”
Sungyeol frowns. “What happened to you helping me and Myungsoo out with our history assignment?”
“I - I'll fit that in somewhere?”
“I think we need to make a schedule so we can all hang out with Dongwoo next semester,” Myungsoo mutters.
Dongwoo hears it and looks confused. “It's not like I can't spend time with all of you. We could all hang out together, right?”
He ignores the looks everyone is giving each other and instead takes another bite of his food. “I really am a good cook.”
* * *
13 December, Tuesday
After a long day of classes, he returns to the dorm with Sunggyu, Sungyeol and Sungjong. A large green package is standing in front of their door. Sungjong starts getting all excited and picks it up, twirling around with it. Sunggyu stops him and hands the package over to Dongwoo with a frown. Sungjong and Sungyeol chatter to him excitedly when they walk inside the flat and tell him to open it in front of them, but Dongwoo just shakes his head and walks over to his room.
Sunggyu walks after him and Dongwoo turns around.
“I'm not going to stand here and watch you open it, don't worry,” Sunggyu smiles at him. “I just...do you like those presents you're getting, Dongwoo?”
Dongwoo looks down at the package in his hands and he feels himself smiling automatically. “I do. They make me feel...special?”
Sunggyu sighs, but it's not like he didn't expect the answer after seeing Dongwoo's face. He just whispers a soft okay, then leaves Dongwoo alone.
Dongwoo pulls the ribbon off and his hands trembling in anticipation make the paper tear. A large bear is looking back at him. He resists the urge to giggle, instead he picks it up and cuddles it close to him. He searches for the little post-it, but he can't find it. Sighing and being just a little disappointed, Dongwoo falls down on his bed.
He realizes those little post-its were more important to him than he thought.
* * *
16 December, Friday
8AM
Dongwoo's woken up by the smell of food. He sniffs a little and when he recognizes the smell of pancakes, a big grin appears on his face. He hears a giggle coming from the right and he lazily opens one eye to see Sungjong smiling at him.
“Good morning sunshine, are you ready for the big day?”
Dongwoo nods, butterflies erupting in his stomach when he thinks about the dance exam. He knows he doesn't have to be nervous, because he can do this and he knows the routine perfectly, but this is important since it could determine his future. He lets himself get pulled out of the bed and dragged into the kitchen, where Sunggyu is waiting for him, wearing an apron.
“Good morning, Dongwoo. Did you sleep well?”
“Are those pancakes?” Dongwoo ignores the question and walks over to the kitchen table. “I love pancakes!”
11AM
Apparently his friends decided that exam day meant 'treat Dongwoo nicely'. He had protested at first, pointing out that Howon had his dance exam yesterday and they didn't do anything special for him so it wasn't fair, but no one was listening to him.
“I can make my own coffee,” Dongwoo says to Myungsoo, who walks into the kitchen followed by Sungyeol.
“I'm sure you can,” Myungsoo answers. “We're just here to make sure you don't get hurt.”
Dongwoo glares. “How many times do I have to tell you that I don't get hurt every single minute?” He bumps into the kitchen counter and almost drops his cup. “I didn't get hurt,” he says at the pointed looks thrown at him.
1PM
“Just move your left arm up a little at that part - yeah, right there. That looks much better,” Howon says, clapping in satisfaction.
Sungjong runs over and gives Dongwoo a hug. “You're going to be perfect!”
Howon raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, you will. After this we can form a dance team, together.”
“I'll come and cheer you on whenever you have to dance.” Sungjong shoots a look at Howon. “And I will make all your clothing for your performances.”
“Yeah that would be -”
“I'm sure Dongwoo will be too busy to wear your clothes, right Dongwoo?” Howon cuts him off.
“I'm sure -”
“Why would he form a dance team with you, when he has enough talent to go solo, right Dongwoo?”
Dongwoo's pretty sure he's seeing steam coming from Howon and Sungjong. “Just relax, I'm sure everything will be fine and we'll all be happy, right?”
They ignore him.
“Right?”
-
“Don't worry so much, you'll be fine,” Sunggyu says, massaging his shoulders.
He looks up and gives Sunggyu a small smile. “I think you're more stressed about this than I am.”
“Well, it's important!” Sunggyu whines.
Woohyun rolls his eyes and pulls Dongwoo into a headlock. “As long as you don't fall before the exam, everything will be fine.”
“Don't do that to him, it hurts him.” Sunggyu pushes Woohyun away. “Are you alright, Dongwoo?”
“Yeah, it's fine.”
“See, nothing to worry about,” Woohyun says, pulling Dongwoo closer to him.
Sunggyu wraps an arm around Dongwoo's waist and pulls him back towards him. Woohyun frowns and wraps an arm around Dongwoo's shoulder. Dongwoo's stuck in the middle and he sort of wants to say something about it, but the pushing and pulling is making his head spin.
“Guys...” He gets out, but Woohyun and Sunggyu aren't listening. “Guys?” He tries again.
“What are you doing?”
Dongwoo looks up and sees Myungsoo and Sungyeol looking at them. He looks at them relieved, happy to know he will be saved now.
“Can't you see you're almost suffocating Dongwoo?” Sungyeol walks over and pries Woohyun's hand from Dongwoo's shoulder. He gives Sunggyu a glare and the older boy reluctantly lets go. Sungyeol then grabs Dongwoo's hand and pulls him over to Myungsoo.
“Don't you think he has enough stress because of his exam? He doesn't need you two fighting over him.”
“They weren't necessarily fighting over me...” Dongwoo trails off when Myungsoo glares at him.
“At least Myungsoo and me know how to share,” Sungyeol says. Myungsoo grabs Dongwoo's other hand and they both smile at Dongwoo, who can't help but feel a little threatened.
He feels highly uncomfortable standing in between Myungsoo and Sungyeol, because he sees Woohyun and Sunggyu glaring at them and that feels a bit scary because he can feel the anger in the air.
He sneaks a glance at the clock and sees it's already 1.30PM. “Why don't we meet up in front of the pond at two o'clock. I'll just step by the dance studio to hand in my CD and then we'll have something to drink and you guys can wait while I'll do the exam at 2.30.”
He waits until everyone has nodded and he takes a step towards the door. “Sungyeol, you have to let go of my hand.”
Sungyeol looks down at their hands, then he lets go. “Oh, right. Sorry.”
Leaving them together in the same room might not be the best idea, but Dongwoo feels like he'll suffocate if he stays there any longer. He doesn't understand why they're suddenly so possessive over him. They're all friends, there's no need to fight for attention.
2PM
“Why are you fighting?” Dongwoo yells.
Woohyun gets pushed to the ground by Howon and Sungjong is pulling on Sungyeol's hair. He figures Myungsoo and Sunggyu are just pretending to fight or they're fighting through arguments, since he doesn't really see them doing any harm to each other.
“Guys, stop!” Dongwoo makes his way in between Howon and Woohyun. He forgets that they're fighting though and before he knows it he's pushed aside. He stumbles and tries to stay upright. He sees six pair of eyes turn to him and he reaches out for someone, but he's already too late. He falls into the pond and the only thing he notices is how terribly cold the water is. He also notices the pond is a lot deeper than he expected and he feels himself sinking down.
Splashing around he tries to get back to the side, really regretting he didn't learn how to swim. He hears Sungjong yell he can't swim and he laughs, because he just thought that, but laughing is stupid because it means he's wasting energy he should use to get himself out of the pond and he's in panic-mode now.
He feels strong arms circling his waste and before he knows it he's out of the water, taking big gulps of air that make him choke. He distantly hears someone yelling they need towels and that's when he realizes it's really cold. He shivers and his teeth start to clatter, making the person next to him looking at him worriedly. Suddenly he's lifted of the ground and he barely has time to hold on to Woohyun, then he sees Woohyun is wet too and Dongwoo wants to thank him, but the only thing that comes out of his mouth are weird sounds that make Sunggyu yell at Woohyun in panic.
They meet Myungsoo and Sungjong down the hallway and towels are wrapped around him. He lets his head fall on Woohyun's shoulder and notices he's still wet and he shifts in protest, trying to move his towel around Woohyun's neck, and he almost falls while doing so. Woohyun mutters don't move, you idiot and Dongwoo complies, because he's really cold and he doesn't feel too good.
Soon they reach the flat and Dongwoo's put down on the couch.
“Stay there,” Woohyun tells him.
Dongwoo nods, not planning on going anywhere except for his bed maybe. Sungyeol pulls him up after a minute or so, ushering him to the bathroom. Sungyeol softly pushes him towards the shower, but when he doesn't move, he sighs. “You need to warm up, 'Woo. Just take your clothes off and go shower, alright?”
He nods, slowly removing his clothes. Sungyeol waits until he's actually moving under the spray of water, then walks out of the bathroom. “Shout when you need help.”
4PM
“I missed my exam,” he croaks.
“Who cares about the exam now?” Myungsoo mutters, stroking Dongwoo's hair.
“I do,” Dongwoo whispers. He sniffs a little, playing with the blankets. “It's my future we're talking about.”
“And that future will be perfectly fine,” Sunggyu says, patting his leg. “We'll just go and reschedule the exam, explaining what happened.”
“It's all your fault,” Dongwoo says, glaring around the room. “If you guys wouldn't have been so stupid to fight over nothing -”
“You're not nothing,” Sungjong says.
“That's not the - why would you fight over me?”
Myungsoo pushes him back into the couch. “You just bring out our manly instincts.”
“What?”
“Yeah, you know, feeling the need to protect you, claiming you as ours. The manly instincts.”
“I feel weird.”
“You need to throw up?” Sunggyu holds out a bucket for him.
“No - where did you hide that bucket?” Dongwoo stares at the bucket in confusion. “I just meant weird as in you make me feel like a girl.”
“You make a lovely girl,” Sungjong quips. “I still have that red dress laying around for Halloween. You can have it if - gerrofme!” Sungjong struggles to get Howon's hand from his mouth. “I was just trying to help!”
6PM
After finding out his friends somehow saw him as a damsel in distress, Dongwoo retreated to his room to sulk. He doesn't even know why he's sulking, because if he thinks about it, he should be flattered. He actually has six guys looking out for him and caring about him. And they're still his friends.
He sighs. He didn't know being a student was this difficult.
9PM
A knock on his door wakes him from his nap.
Woohyun opens the door and waves. “Can I come in?”
Dongwoo nods, pulling himself up in a seating position. Woohyun walks over and sits down on his bed.
“Are you feeling a little better?”
“Yeah, just a little dizzy now and then.”
“I'm sorry for pushing you into the pond,” Woohyun says, looking at his hands guiltily.
“It's alright. I know you didn't do it on purpose.”
“You could have drowned.”
“But I didn't.” Dongwoo holds Woohyun's hand. “I didn't, because you jumped in and saved me, 'Hyun. Which I'm really grateful for. Thanks.”
Woohyun squeezes his hand. “We were all really worried about you. Especially Howon. Even though he doesn't say say it that often, he really cares about you.”
Dongwoo blushes and prays Woohyun can't see it. “I know.”
“I'm sorry for fighting with him. Or with any of the others for that matter.” Woohyun sighs. “I know he's your best friend and all, but sometimes I wish we were that close too, you know. I wish you'd tell me everything you tell him.”
“Sometimes it's better not to know everything,” Dongwoo says, poking Woohyun with his toes.
“I know.”
- - -
“This is embarrassing.”
“It's only embarrassing because you said it was.”
It's silent for a while and Dongwoo is sure the other must feel the heat from his cheeks.
“So, you like him,” he said.
Dongwoo nodded, then realized the other couldn't see him in the dark he added “Hmm.”
“For how long?”
“Can't we just not talk about this?” Dongwoo groaned.
“No, now tell me.”
“I don't know. I've realized it for four months, but I might have liked him before that.”
“You should have told me sooner. You can trust me, you know.”
“I know. I just - it just feels weird to like him.”
“It feels weird knowing you like him.”
“Shut up.”
- - -
“You will forgive us, right?” Woohyun says softly and Dongwoo thinks it's very unlike him.
“Of course I will. You're my friends, silly.”
* * *
17 December, Saturday
He doesn't really expect to find another package so soon, especially because he knows Howon is too busy with finishing the choreography on his own, since Dongwoo can't help him because Sunggyu has grounded him until he's feeling better. But when he walks out of his room that morning, he almost falls over the green package in front of his door.
Making sure no one is around to see him, he picks up the package and walks back into his room. He's surprised by the size and weight from the package. Pulling the paper off, he sees a large box, similar to a shoebox. Shaking his head, because he couldn't possibly get shoes, he lifts the lid. He gasps when he sees a pair of green shoes.
Since your shoes got lost in the pond...
H
Well, that is nice. He puts the shoes on to find they fit perfectly. He walks over to the kitchen with a skip and his step and scrapes buy new shoes off his schedule.
* * *
19 December, Monday
He knows he told himself not to talk about it until Howon wants to talk about it, but after receiving another present, he knows they need to talk, as soon as possible.
He finds the package on his desk, on top of his laptop and in between the pages of his English History book. He tears the paper and finds a CD. There's a post-it pasted on the cover.
A mix tape made for you.
Do you really know who I am?
H
Dongwoo wonders what Howon means with that, so he turns his laptop on and plays the CD. It's nothing like Howon's normal music taste, no rapping, hip hop or anything manly. Instead there's ballads and slightly rock songs, which makes Dongwoo question the meaning behind this. As soon as he thinks about, he regrets it.
It wasn't that he didn't expect it, no, in fact he had dreaded it for weeks. So it was really his own fault that he let this thing go on for so long. But there was this tiny bit of hope in him that told him they changed and they wouldn't make the same mistake as last year. He knew it wasn't a guarantee, but Howon had promised him over a year ago, and promises meant something. Right?
So this definitely doesn't mean that Howon has feelings for him and he wants to try something again. No, definitely not. Dongwoo heaves a deep sigh. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he quickly types a message.
Can you come over?
Yeah sure. Need to bring anything with me?
No, not really.
-
They sit awkwardly beside each other on the couch. Dongwoo feels like he's going to explode from awkwardness soon, but he doesn't know how to begin this conversation.
“So...the presents,” Dongwoo starts.
“What about them?”
“I just...what do you mean by them?”
“What do I mean by them? As in, the hidden meaning behind those presents?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay. Well, they're early christmas presents.”
Dongwoo looks at Howon and wants to scold him for playing dumb, but then he sees the seriousness on Howon's face.
“They're early Christmas presents?”
“Yes.”
“Oh.” That changes everything. “So...that's all?”
“Yes. There's no hidden meaning from me, behind those presents.”
He really doesn't know what to think about that.
“Listen,” Howon turns to him and grabs his hand. “You know I care about you a lot, right?”
Dongwoo nods.
“And so do the others. We always worry about you, knowing there are evil doors and little stones out there that might harm you.”
Dongwoo glares at Howon, but he still nods.
“We all care about you, a lot, but we also know we can't protect you from everything and everyone forever. And we know there will be someone out there for you, who can protect you and who will love you...so we know we have to let you go at one point.”
“I'm not following you.”
“What I'm trying to say is....you don't have to think about all six of us before making a decision.”
“Still not following you.”
“You're so dumb sometimes,” Howon sighs, shaking his head.
“I - what?”
“I'm trying to say that I lo-”
“Wait. No, don't finish that sentence. Just...don't. You promised we wouldn't go there.”
“No, I don't mean - I mean. This is so frustrating! If you weren't so clueless, none of this would have happened and I just don't know what to do with you anymore.”
“I don't even know what's going on, but you're saying it's my fault?” Dongwoo feels himself becoming angry now. Howon was the one that send those presents, making him think that it meant something more. He didn't start this.
“Yes, it's your fault. You and your clumsiness and making us feel like we should take care of you all the time.”
“I never asked for that!”
“But you needed it!”
“I don't know what's going on, but it doesn't make me feel all that great!” Dongwoo yells.
“I'm not H, Dongwoo,” Howon yells back. “Just think!”
“And now you're lying to me too? I don't know what's wrong with you, Howon. Just tell me what's going on.”
“I just did!”
“No you didn't.”
“Argh,” Howon groans, standing up. “I'm going to go now, because this fight is completely useless. Just think about it and I'll see you tomorrow.”
“What? You can't just leave in the middle of -”
“Good luck with your exam,” Howon yells and before Dongwoo knows what happens, Howon left.
Dongwoo kicks the table in frustration and yelps when he hits his toe. That conversation didn't go well.
* * *
20 December, Tuesday
Dongwoo wakes from a deep sleep, feeling perfectly content and relaxed. Once he's slightly more awake, he realizes two things. One: his exam, two: his weird conversation with Howon yesterday. He figures the first matter is more important, so he heaves himself out of bed. Stretching, he reaches for his phone.
“Oh shit,” he mutters. He has overslept, again, and he only has thirty minutes to shower, eat and do some last minute practicing before his exam starts. After panicking for a couple of minutes and doing absolutely nothing, Dongwoo decides that skipping the shower wasn't that big of a deal when he has some clean clothes laying around. He ruffles his hair for good measures and walks over to the kitchen.
He rummages through the fridge and decides on leftover pizza from last night for breakfast. He runs back to his bedroom and gets his bag and CD, then moves through a the list with movements inside his head. Trying to remember and practice the moves as best as he can, he gulps the pizza down. A glance at the clock tells him he has twenty minutes left.
Dongwoo chokes on the pizza and he quickly stands up to get a glass of water. Finally calming down, he grabs the bottle of water and puts it back in the fridge. He shakes his head in confusion and slowly closes the door, to find layers of post-its pasted on it. Knowing this is probably Sungjong's work, he's ready to barge into the younger boys' room, but then a post-it catches his eye.
HOW COULD YOU BE SO DUMB?
That could be counted as an insult, right?
YOU ACTUALLY YELLED AT HOWON?
HE DID NOTHING WRONG
HE ONLY TRIED TO HELP
THEY ALL TRIED TO HELP
LIKE THEY ALWAYS DO
Dongwoo gapes at the post-its. He has absolutely no idea what Sungjong is talking about and he doesn't even know if he is reading them in order. It seems like Sungjong has just pasted them randomly, but knowing Sungjong there was probably some logic behind it all.
Deciding he won't get any peace if he doesn't read them all, he pulls the post-its off one by one. There are some encouraging ones that say 'good luck with your exam' and 'you can do it', but most of them tell him about the last couple of weeks and things he has done from a different point of view.
After about fifty post-its, there is only one layer of post-its left. Seeing as he covered the floor with all the others, Dongwoo doesn't pull the last ones off. He takes a step forward to get a closer look, then leans back in the blink of an eye.
“What?” He takes another look, but he still sees the same thing. He wants to hit himself in the head, but instead he groans and stamps in frustration. How could he have missed the signs? Howon had even told him last night and he just shoved it off and yelled at him.
He takes one last look at the post-its, smiling widely at the last one because it confirms everything for him and then he looks at his watch and sees he has lost ten minutes already, by just trying to read every post-it and he's so stupid and he needs to rush. He runs out the flat, pulling on his shoes while slamming the door behind him.
He's almost at the other flat when he realizes he has forgotten his bag and he doesn't know if he should get it and be on time for his exam or forget about it and go to the other flat and still try to be on time for his exam.
He decides the latter and he picks up his speed, almost crashing into the building and making his way up the stairs as fast as he can. He collapses against a door and when he's sure he has reached the right door, he knocks on it. Catching his breath, he hears some curses coming from inside and the sound of keys make him stand back, because he doesn't want to fall into the flat first thing in the morning.
The door opens and reveals Howon, who's rubbing his eyes sleepily. “Dongwoo? What are you doing here? Don't you have that rescheduled exam now?”
Dongwoo just nods, pushing Howon back inside and he makes his way into the flat. Inside he nearly collides with Woohyun in the hall, who is just walking out of his room in pyjamas with his hair messed up and Dongwoo resists the urge to snort.
“Why are you here? You have an exam, you idiot, you only have ten minutes to get there...” Woohyun mutters.
There are tons of words and sentences going through his mind, all mixed with the terror of missing his exam. Small yellow pieces of paper are flying through his head, telling him things he should have seen if he had just paid attention and right now he needs to run to the campus, he needs to tell Sunggyu he doesn't need to worry about him failing, but most of all he really needs to kiss Woohyun.
So that's what he does.
He ignores the catcalling from behind him, he ignores the gasps coming from Myungsoo, but he definitely doesn't ignore the little mewl he gets when he bites on Woohyun's lip, instead storing that piece of information in the back of his head for later use. He pulls back reluctantly, out of breath, but with a big smile on his face.
“You actually read them all?” Woohyun whispers.
“Hyun,” Dongwoo answers fondly, moving in for another kiss. When he pulls back again, he looks Woohyun in the eye. “I'm sorry for not realizing it sooner.”
“ 's Alright,” Woohyun says, pushing his hair out of his eyes. Dongwoo can't help but think that Woohyun looks really cute in the morning.
Howon coughs. “Not to interrupt your lovely moment or something, but your exam starts in six minutes.”
“My exam, wish me luck!” Dongwoo yells, then spins around and dashes out of the flat.
-
Sungjong lets out a shriek as he walks into the kitchen. “Who did this?” He yells.
Sunggyu stumbles out of his room. “Did Dongwoo get hurt?”
“Look at this!” Sungjong pointed at the floor. “Whoever did this can go and clean it!”
“It's messy here,” Sungyeol says, pushing his way past Sunggyu into the kitchen. “I didn't know you loved post-its that much, Sungjong.”
“I don't.”
“Oh.”
Sunggyu blinks. “Do you think Dongwoo did it?”
Sungjong hesitates for a while. “No?”
Walking over to the fridge, Sungyeol smirks. “I think he did, actually.” He motions for the others to get closer. “He must have pulled all the other post-its down to get to this.”
The three of them read the post-its, Sungjong letting out a dreamy sigh. “You have to admit, this is kind of romantic. I didn't know he had it in him.”
“He can't rely on his good looks only, he needs to do more to win Dongwoo over.”
“I can't believe we trust Dongwoo with him.”
“Shut up. You're over the moon that it's Woohyun and not that Hoonmin guy.”
“We should take a picture of it,” Sungyeol says, walking to his room to get his phone. “Dongwoo will love the memory.”
“It's not like Woohyun isn't going to rub it into our face for the next couple of months,” Sunggyu mutters.
“We'll just tease him with 'Hyun forever.” Sungjong snorts. “He's never going to live this down.”
* * *
24 December, Saturday
It's Christmas Eve. Dongwoo's schedule is filled with stripes and hearts. All assignments and projects are finished, he has bought Christmas presents for his family and friends and he has aced his dance exam. He doesn't need to clean the house, because Sungyeol and Myungsoo are doing that for him, even though they don't need to, since his sister can't come over. He will tell them. After they're done.
He rips the schedule into pieces and throws it in the rubbish bin. Satisfied with himself, he walks back to his room and plops down next to Woohyun. Curling himself into the boy, he sighs in content.
Closing his eyes, he feels himself lured to sleep. The last thing he thinks is how wonderful it will be to wake up next to Woohyun tomorrow morning.
Merry Christmas, Woohyun will whisper against his lips.
And Dongwoo will smile and press their lips together. Merry Christmas, indeed.
dongwoo/everyone, dongwoo/woohyun | pg13 | ~9k
where dongwoo is clumsy and reminds everyone of their manly instincts.
a/n: written for the infinite secret santa, for chunonew_rx. basically, this was supposed to be posted ages ago, but i simply forgot about it. it's slightly edited (more like i changed most mistakes/mistypings), however the story stays the same.
3 December, Saturday
It's three weeks before Christmas. Dongwoo's schedule is filled with assignments and projects that need to be finished. He still needs to buy Christmas presents for his family, practice the new routine for their dancing class and clean the house because his sister is coming over in fifteen days. Dongwoo thinks he won't be getting a lot of sleep the next couple of weeks.
He makes a schedule of everything he still needs to do and pastes it onto the fridge, while removing Sungyeol's schedule from October and throwing it in the rubbish bin. Satisfied with himself, he goes to bed. His schedule will only start tomorrow.
* * *
4 December, Sunday
A post-it is pasted over Dongwoo's schedule. It says: 'buy christmas gifts for friends, x sungjong'. Dongwoo sighs and writes the words somewhere in between dance practice and cleaning the house.
He grabs some leftovers from yesterday out of the fridge and walks back to his room. Dongwoo raises his eyebrows when he sees something shiny underneath his bed. Putting his plate down on his desk, he walks over and grabs it. It's a small package, wrapped in green paper, his favorite color, tied up in a glittery ribbon. He might be raising an eyebrow at the clumsy way of folding, but most of all he's excited because he has found a present that's probably from one of his flat mates, but still: it’s a present!
At the same time he can’t help but think how it couldn’t possibly be a gift from one of his dorm mates. They were all just as busy as he was; schedules filled with school projects and private matters that were oh so important (if the gaming match between Myungsoo and Sungyeol could be considered as important, that is). Sunggyu was busy writing his song for the Christmas show. Sungyeol was still working out how to finish his history essay that he hadn't started on. Sungjong was busy with his fashion project and anything else that went through his mind that involves girl groups and weird dancing.
Dongwoo sits down on his bed, the green package screaming to be opened in his hands. He hesitates a little, then carefully pulls the ribbon. He's sure that some fan girl must have thought Sunggyu slept in this room, so he can't damage the wrapping paper too much - who knows if the package is for him. Although the thought of some fan girl slipping into their flat scares him a little, he knows it's the only logical reason to why there's a small package under his bed.
A post-it in the shape of a star is pasted to the object, so he doesn't see what it is at first. Dongwoo is surprised to see his name on there, since he was sure the package would be for Sunggyu. He leans closer to read the small handwriting.
Dongwoo,
It might be a little early, but here is your first Christmas gift.
I hope you like the gift, I think they would look good on you.
H
He can't help but grin after reading it, having an idea from who this gift might be. He slowly pulls the post-it off the object, revealing a little box. Dongwoo recognizes it as a jewelry box and he wonders what might be in it. He lifts the lid to find a pair of earrings shining back at him. The symbol for infinite, little silver eights which are shining brightly. It wasn't all that special, but to Dongwoo they are the most special earrings anyone has ever gotten him.
- - -
“Do you think we'll ever be good enough to actual stand on that stage?” Dongwoo asked him, looking up at the stage in awe.
“Of course we will. We're probably better than them already. We just don't know the right people to stand on that stage,” he answered.
Dongwoo laughed. “We're not better than them. Look at them, they're so synchronized and every move is so natural. We have a long way to go before we're as good as them.”
“Let's practice harder then, instead of lazying around here!”
They both laughed and Dongwoo stood up, reaching out to pull him up. “Once were good enough and know the right people, everyone will know us.”
“Exactly,” he answered. “They'll remember us forever and even when we're long gone, they'll talk about us. We're infinite, everyone will know us and never forget us.”
“Infinite, huh?” Dongwoo mused as they walked back to the campus. “That's a new goal.”
- - -
Dongwoo isn't completely sure it's him though. He grabs the post it and looks at the initial again. He doesn't know that many people whose name started with H. Pushing the most obvious name out of his mind, he only comes up with Hoonmin (but they only knew each other through Sunggyu and they hardly talked), Ha Minwoo (except the rumor was the boy was dating Bora), Hara (who was happily engaged to Junhyung) and Hyukjae (who didn't like Dongwoo so much after he beat him in a dance competition).
He goes through the list again, but the more he thinks about it, the more it leads to him. It wouldn't surprise him if that was true, because they've been best friends since first year and it's very like him to give an early Christmas gift.
Smiling again, Dongwoo shakes anymore thoughts about it out of his head. He doesn't want to over think this, because he's sure this is just a nice gift from a friend. Nothing more, because they don't want things to get complicated again. Besides, they're seeing each other in class tomorrow anyway, so if anything is going on, Dongwoo will find out then.
* * *
5 December, Monday
He doesn't hear his alarm go off that morning, so when he finally wakes up he finds out it's 9.20 and he has ten minutes before his class starts. He jumps out of bed and grabs the first clean clothes he can find, grabbing a baseball cap and his bag and then rushes out the front door. He's already halfway down the building, before he realizes he isn't wearing any shoes and he yells in frustration.
It's 9.33 when he runs into to classroom in the meantime throwing out apologies to the teacher, to have everyone staring at him like he has grown a second head. Other students stumble into the classroom after him and Dongwoo thinks he could die of embarrassment.
Then he hears someone calling his name and when he looks up he sees Howon waving at him. Dongwoo can't help but smile at Howon and he quickly makes his way over. Sitting down beside him, he tries to get out a good morning, but he finds he's still out of breath.
Once he has calmed down enough, he stammers something about his alarm and forgetting his shoes, to which Howon just laughs.
Dongwoo actually really likes the sound of Howon laughing. It always cheers up his day and it makes everything a little brighter. Sometimes Dongwoo thinks making Howon laugh as often as possible is his daily goal. Dongwoo realizes he's staring at Howon when the boy raises an eyebrow, but somehow Howon doesn't seem to mind and he just steals Dongwoo's baseball cap and puts it on his own head.
Dongwoo ruffles his hair, but Howon ensures him he's looking just fine.
“Hey, are those new?” Howon asks, pointing at Dongwoo's earrings.
Dongwoo hand reaches up to touch them, the corners of his lips automatically turning up and he laughs. “Yeah, just got them yesterday.”
“They suit you.”
“Thanks,” Dongwoo says. He thinks it's almost hundred percent sure that Howon is the secret H. He forces himself not to think about the motive and instead focuses on the lecture for once. He can't help but sneak glances at Howon every once in a while though and he's pleased to see Howon pulling silly faces at him every time he's caught. At least that didn't change, he thinks.
-
When they walk over to the cafeteria for lunch, Sunggyu calls Dongwoo.
“Hey, you're still eating lunch at the cafeteria, right?”
“Yeah, yeah, don't worry,” Dongwoo assures.
“Are you sure you can make it there safely? I could meet you at the main building if you want.”
Dongwoo lets out a small laugh at the worried Sunggyu.
“Don't worry, 'Gyu. I'm pretty sure I can make it there myself without getting lost or hurting myself. I only need to walk hundred meters and I'll be there.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Sunggyu. Besides, if anything were to happen, I've got Howon with me to help me out and warn you. And I'm already in the cafeteria, I'm now waving at you. Do you see -”
“Dongwoo watch out!” Sunggyu yells through the phone and Dongwoo feels his elbow hitting something hard. He turns around and sees a student covered in ketchup and macaroni.
“Oh my god, I'm so sorry,” Dongwoo says and he takes a step closer to the student. Unfortunately he doesn't see the fallen dinner-tray, resulting in him slipping. He reaches out for something or someone to stay upright and thus grabs the unfortunate student covered in food. They both fall in the puddle of macaroni and Dongwoo can't help but think this is definitely not his lucky day.
He feels someone pulling him up and he tries to apologize to the other student, but the students only glares at him before stomping away. He focuses his attention on the person who pulled him up, which turns out to be either Howon, Sunggyu or Woohyun. They're all looking at him worriedly and he giggles.
“I don't need your help getting to the cafeteria safely, but I do think I need your help inside the cafeteria,” Dongwoo says to Sunggyu, bursting out in laughter.
The worried look makes place for something Dongwoo associates with fondness, and Sunggyu gives him a small smile. “One of these days...”
Woohyun just shakes his head and reaches out to wipe away the food. “The others will be so pissed they missed this. It was one of your best falls yet. I'm not sure how much I'm liking the food though, this stuff smells.”
Sunggyu shoves Woohyun aside and takes over the cleaning. “He doesn't mean it like that, Dongwoo. Your falling is in no way amusing to us, it only makes us worry like crazy. We never know when the day will come where you will fall and we're not there.”
“Hey, I'm not that bad,” Dongwoo protests. At Howon's muttered you are, Dongwoo sticks out his tongue. “At least I'm prepared for these situations.”
Dongwoo reaches for his back and pulls out his dancing clothes. “How lucky I am to be a dancer.”
“It always makes me wonder how you can be so graceful and not-clumsy when you're dancing, while you're a disaster on legs in real life,” Howon says, pushing Dongwoo towards the restroom.
“I'm not a disaster on legs,” Dongwoo answers. He does some difficult dance move and gives them a triumphant smile. Then he attempts to open the restroom door and he hits his head on it when it finally opens.
When he looks back, he sees three people raising their eyebrows.
“I'm not.”
-
The walk to the dance studio feels awkward to Dongwoo and he doesn't know if it's just him, or if Howon is feeling awkward too.
“Listen, about the present -”
“Let's not talk about that now, alright?” Howon interrupts. “We'll talk about that some other time, alright?”
Dongwoo nods. His heart thumps in his chest and he doesn't know if he's feeling nervous because the present might mean something more, or if he's dreading the conversation. They walk into the building and Dongwoo decides to not think about it until Howon brings it up again.
* * *
7 December, Wednesday
Right when he has pushed every thought about presents and conversations out of his mind, another green package appears. This time it isn't under his bed, but it's delivered during his English lecture by a first-year student. The teacher is looking at him disapprovingly, but Dongwoo doesn't really notice, because Howon is right next to him and isn't this weird?
His teacher and fellow students press him to open it right there, but Dongwoo kindly refuses, glancing at Howon and saying it is a private thing. He sets the little box down in the middle of his table and he watches it the whole time.
Once class is over, he picks the present up and cradles it to his chest. He's lucky he doesn't have anymore classes that day, so he quickly makes his way home with the excuse that he's busy. Which is true, because he still needs to finish most of his assignments, but most of all he wants to be alone when he opens the present.
Dongwoo walks into the flat, only to be greeted with Sungyeol and Myungsoo sitting in the living room. Knowing he can't actually get past them without talking to them, he greets them, holding the package behind his back.
“So, survived the day without any accidents this time?” Sungyeol grins, a hint of worry in his voice.
Dongwoo scoffs. “It's not like I fall everyday.”
“But you fall at least twice a week,” Myungsoo retorts.
Rolling his eyes, Dongwoo takes a step towards his room. “I'm going to work on some assignments, see you guys later.”
“Alright.”
Dongwoo sighs in relief when the door to his room is within reach and he already lifts his head to pull the handle and he's almost there -
“What's that package you're holding?”
He groans. He was so close.
“A present,” he says as he turns around. “Someone gave it to me during my English lecture.”
“Someone?” Sungyeol says, frowning. “Who?”
“A...first-year, I think. Said someone asked to give it to me.”
“Are you sure it's not some sort of joke?” Myungsoo says, eyeing the package warily. “The thing might explode in your face while you're unwrapping it.”
Dongwoo lets out a little laugh. “I don't think anyone would make the effort to wrap something like that up nicely.”
Myungsoo shrugged. “You never know.”
“Why don't you open it here?” Sungyeol asks.
“I - I'm busy. So I was thinking...about...opening it later. So, maybe later?”
“I guess,” Sungyeol nods slowly. “You aren't hiding something from us, are you?”
“What? No, of course not. Trust me, if I had a secret admirer I'd tell you right away,” Dongwoo says awkwardly. Seeing the others widening their eyes, he continues. “Not that this might be from a secret admirer. Because it definitely isn't. Not that I know for sure of course, because this is the first time receiving something like this, but I think I would know if it was from a secret admirer.”
Myungsoo and Sungyeol keep staring at him and it sort of freaks him out. “I'm just going to my room now.”
-
Once he's sure Myungsoo and Sungyeol aren't going to burst into his room, he sits down at his desk. He sets the package down and slowly pulls the ribbon off. He carefully unfolds the package and soon he sees a little book. He picks it up and turns it around, but there's no post-it attached to it.
Pouting a little in disappointment, Dongwoo opens the book. On the first page there's written a little message.
For all those times when you can't gather your thoughts.
Don't consider this as a diary, because I know you don't like that word.
Just call this a book for ordering thoughts, I hope it brings you peace.
H
Dongwoo smiles and strokes the cover of the book.
* * *
10 December, Saturday
Because of his busy schedule, Dongwoo doesn't even have the time to think about the presents. He wakes up, goes to his classes, works on assignments during free periods, goes to some more classes, finishes the choreography, sleep. The next day he repeats the same schedule. Saturday was normally spent sleeping in, playing video games in the afternoon and then have a movie-night that lasted until the early hours of Sunday.
Dongwoo knows he can't spend another Saturday doing nothing, especially not when his English assignment needs to be finished by Tuesday and he still hasn't started on it yet.
“Are you sure this is healthy?” Sunggyu asks him, looking at him worriedly.
“I'm sure it's not healthy, but I'm also sure that this needs to be done for me to pass this year,” Dongwoo answers, not looking up from his book. He types some lines down on his computer, then grabs another book from the pile beside his desk.
“Dongwoo....” Sunggyu trails off. “At least take a break and eat with us, will you?”
“Yeah yeah, in a bit,” Dongwoo says, waving Sunggyu away.
Sunggyu heaves a deep sigh. “You promise, Dongwoo?”
“Hmm.”
-
“This is not healthy for him!” Sunggyu exclaims when he walks into the living room. “He's been locking himself up for days and he has barely eaten. And from the looks of it, he has barely slept either.”
“Can't we just...drag him out of his room or something?” Sungjong asks, staring at Dongwoo's bedroom door longingly.
Seeing Sungyeol's expression change, Howon sighs. “I'm sure kidnapping him isn't the answer, Sungyeol. And no, we're not camping inside his room either.”
Myungsoo hits Sungyeol's head playfully, shaking his head. “We all know nothing's going to work when Dongwoo is in this mood. Let's just keep an eye on him and try to feed him around dinner time.”
“We could also turn the power off in the evening. That way he won't be able to work and he'll have to go to sleep eventually,” Woohyun offers.
Howon rolls his eyes. “And then what? We won't be able to work on our assignments either.”
“Well, that's the price we have to pay then, don't you think?” Woohyun shoots back. They glare at each other challengingly and Sungjong shrinks back into the couch.
“This is not about you guys, this is about Dongwoo,” Sunggyu interferes. “And yes, I know what Woohyun is doing Howon, and I don't agree on it either, but we can't protect Dongwoo forever.”
“Should I know what he's talking about?” Sungyeol whispers to Myungsoo.
Sungjong shoots Sungyeol a look. “Don't tell me you haven't noticed Woohyun's attempt of woo-”
At that moment Dongwoo's bedroom door creaks open. “Dongwoo!” Everyone yells.
Ignoring the calling of his name, Dongwoo walks to the bathroom. He returns a couple of minutes later and walks over to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water. He mutters something about staying hydrated, then he disappears into his room again.
“Not healthy!” Sunggyu whines.
-
It's almost midnight when Dongwoo's done with his assignment. He knows there are still three more waiting for him, but at least he has everything finished for the beginning of the week. He stretches and groans in satisfaction, then he gets up and walks to the kitchen. He's surprised to find it's empty, he didn't expect the members to give up that quickly. Sulking slightly he grabs a plate covered with foil out of the fridge. Pulling the foil off, he licks his lips. It looks like Woohyun has cooked dinner and Dongwoo feels like drooling just thinking about it.
He quickly heats the food, hopping on his feet impatiently. When it's finally done, he grabs the plate and walks over to the kitchen table. He stops midway when he sees a green package standing in the middle of the table. He sets his plate down on the table and grabs the package.
It's softer than the other packages he received and he wonders what's in store for him now. He's feeling impatient and instead of pulling the ribbon off, he just rips the paper. He pulls the thing out of the package, to reveal a fluffy, leather, brown hat with ear flaps. He rubs the material and sighs, because it feels so soft and warm and he just knows he will wear this hat the whole winter.
“Hey, you're out of your room.”
Dongwoo jumps up in shock and turns to his right to see a sleepy Sungyeol standing in the doorway. Dongwoo clutches his chest and heaves a deep sigh. “You scared me.”
“Sorry, I thought you heard me coming.” Sungyeol looks from the green paper on the table to the hat in Dongwoo's hands and the corner of his lips turn downwards. “Received another present?”
“I - yeah.” Dongwoo holds up the hat in his hands. “Someone wants me to keep warm this winter.”
“Hmm. That person must care about you then, don't you think?”
Dongwoo feels himself blush. “I think so.”
“Any idea who is giving you these presents?”
“Maybe. I think I know but...I don't know the meaning behind it.”
“You should ask them then. Maybe it will clear things up.”
Dongwoo nods, turning the idea over in his head. “Maybe I should.”
-
When he has dragged himself to bed, Dongwoo is still holding the hat. He experimentally puts the hat on, but he feels something sharp against his head. Taking the hat off again, he inspects the inside. He pulls a post-it out of the hat and he shakes his head. He should have expected this.
Because you're always complaining about cold ears.
H
This H person was surely listening well to what he said. He didn't expect less from his best friend.
* * *
11 December, Sunday
Despite being done with his assignment, thus the opportunity to sleep in, Dongwoo finds himself standing in the kitchen at 9 o'clock. Apparently Sunggyu had found it necessary for the two of them to learn how to cook. Something about being the perfect husbands in the future and trying not to use their friends for things they could do themselves. Dongwoo was sure Woohyun didn't mind cooking for them, but he still agreed to it, thus found himself in the kitchen with Sunggyu.
Dongwoo rubs his eyes once again, forcing back a yawn and scratching his belly. He looks up when he hears a soft giggle from Sunggyu.
“You're so cute.” Sunggyu pinches his cheek before turning back to watch his eggs. “Isn't it nice to cook together? Making a Christmas meal for our children - just imagine how happy they will be to see their parents cooking for them!”
Alright, Dongwoo thinks, Sunggyu might have lost it. “We're not their parents, Sunggyu.”
“Well, not their real parents, no.” Sunggyu pouts. “But - there needs to be someone they can run to, someone that take cares of them. We're the same as a family. You and me are the parents, Woohyun is our handsome oldest, Howon is our dance machine, he must have been given your genes. Then there's Sungyeol and Myungsoo, our mischievous twins and then we have our adorable daughter, Sungjong.”
Resist. Resist. Resist. Dongwoo keeps repeating the chant, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. Maybe Sunggyu hit his head on the lamp in the bathroom again, Dongwoo reasons. Or he must have forgotten to take his medicine. Or there must be another very logical reason why Sunggyu is acting like this, because it feels like his friend has really lost his mind.
“Don't you think so, Dongwoo?” And Sunggyu is still talking.
“I guess...” Dongwoo answers not sure if that was the right answer. But from the big smile Sunggyu is giving him, he guesses it's alright. Or not, he thinks when Sunggyu pulls him into a tight hug. I didn't answer to a proposal, did I?
-
Sungjong decides to appear right when Dongwoo turns on the blender, without putting the lid on top. Needless to say, Sunggyu pushed Dongwoo towards the kitchen table saying he should rest for a while. Sungjong's protests seem to die on his tongue when he looks over to Dongwoo, who stares back at him apologetically.
When Sungyeol finally wakes up around one o'clock, he's forced to go to the other flat to wake everyone up. “It's not often Dongwoo and me get to cook for our children, so the whole family should be here to enjoy dinner.”
Dongwoo is glad to see similar looks of surprise on Sungyeol and Sungjong's faces.
-
“This actually tastes quite decent,” Woohyun says, taking a bite of the turkey.
Sunggyu beams and looks around the table in delight. “Dongwoo made it,” he says happily.
Dongwoo raises an eyebrow. “I didn't actually. I only cut the vegetables. And your cooking is still much better, 'Hyun.”
“Oh, don't be shy. He's actually a great cook. You do need to pay attention when he's around the fire or the blender, but he's really good at it. We're going to cook together a lot, right Dongwoo?”
Dongwoo just smiles.
“Don't you think Dongwoo is busy enough as it is?” Howon scowls. “Cooking every Sunday surely doesn't fit into his schedule.”
“Exactly. Besides, he already promised to help me out with my fashion show next semester, didn't you Dongwoo?” Sungjong quips up.
“Right,” Dongwoo answers. “I guess I'm pretty busy next semester too, but that doesn't mean we can't cook every once in a while.”
Sungyeol frowns. “What happened to you helping me and Myungsoo out with our history assignment?”
“I - I'll fit that in somewhere?”
“I think we need to make a schedule so we can all hang out with Dongwoo next semester,” Myungsoo mutters.
Dongwoo hears it and looks confused. “It's not like I can't spend time with all of you. We could all hang out together, right?”
He ignores the looks everyone is giving each other and instead takes another bite of his food. “I really am a good cook.”
* * *
13 December, Tuesday
After a long day of classes, he returns to the dorm with Sunggyu, Sungyeol and Sungjong. A large green package is standing in front of their door. Sungjong starts getting all excited and picks it up, twirling around with it. Sunggyu stops him and hands the package over to Dongwoo with a frown. Sungjong and Sungyeol chatter to him excitedly when they walk inside the flat and tell him to open it in front of them, but Dongwoo just shakes his head and walks over to his room.
Sunggyu walks after him and Dongwoo turns around.
“I'm not going to stand here and watch you open it, don't worry,” Sunggyu smiles at him. “I just...do you like those presents you're getting, Dongwoo?”
Dongwoo looks down at the package in his hands and he feels himself smiling automatically. “I do. They make me feel...special?”
Sunggyu sighs, but it's not like he didn't expect the answer after seeing Dongwoo's face. He just whispers a soft okay, then leaves Dongwoo alone.
Dongwoo pulls the ribbon off and his hands trembling in anticipation make the paper tear. A large bear is looking back at him. He resists the urge to giggle, instead he picks it up and cuddles it close to him. He searches for the little post-it, but he can't find it. Sighing and being just a little disappointed, Dongwoo falls down on his bed.
He realizes those little post-its were more important to him than he thought.
* * *
16 December, Friday
8AM
Dongwoo's woken up by the smell of food. He sniffs a little and when he recognizes the smell of pancakes, a big grin appears on his face. He hears a giggle coming from the right and he lazily opens one eye to see Sungjong smiling at him.
“Good morning sunshine, are you ready for the big day?”
Dongwoo nods, butterflies erupting in his stomach when he thinks about the dance exam. He knows he doesn't have to be nervous, because he can do this and he knows the routine perfectly, but this is important since it could determine his future. He lets himself get pulled out of the bed and dragged into the kitchen, where Sunggyu is waiting for him, wearing an apron.
“Good morning, Dongwoo. Did you sleep well?”
“Are those pancakes?” Dongwoo ignores the question and walks over to the kitchen table. “I love pancakes!”
11AM
Apparently his friends decided that exam day meant 'treat Dongwoo nicely'. He had protested at first, pointing out that Howon had his dance exam yesterday and they didn't do anything special for him so it wasn't fair, but no one was listening to him.
“I can make my own coffee,” Dongwoo says to Myungsoo, who walks into the kitchen followed by Sungyeol.
“I'm sure you can,” Myungsoo answers. “We're just here to make sure you don't get hurt.”
Dongwoo glares. “How many times do I have to tell you that I don't get hurt every single minute?” He bumps into the kitchen counter and almost drops his cup. “I didn't get hurt,” he says at the pointed looks thrown at him.
1PM
“Just move your left arm up a little at that part - yeah, right there. That looks much better,” Howon says, clapping in satisfaction.
Sungjong runs over and gives Dongwoo a hug. “You're going to be perfect!”
Howon raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, you will. After this we can form a dance team, together.”
“I'll come and cheer you on whenever you have to dance.” Sungjong shoots a look at Howon. “And I will make all your clothing for your performances.”
“Yeah that would be -”
“I'm sure Dongwoo will be too busy to wear your clothes, right Dongwoo?” Howon cuts him off.
“I'm sure -”
“Why would he form a dance team with you, when he has enough talent to go solo, right Dongwoo?”
Dongwoo's pretty sure he's seeing steam coming from Howon and Sungjong. “Just relax, I'm sure everything will be fine and we'll all be happy, right?”
They ignore him.
“Right?”
-
“Don't worry so much, you'll be fine,” Sunggyu says, massaging his shoulders.
He looks up and gives Sunggyu a small smile. “I think you're more stressed about this than I am.”
“Well, it's important!” Sunggyu whines.
Woohyun rolls his eyes and pulls Dongwoo into a headlock. “As long as you don't fall before the exam, everything will be fine.”
“Don't do that to him, it hurts him.” Sunggyu pushes Woohyun away. “Are you alright, Dongwoo?”
“Yeah, it's fine.”
“See, nothing to worry about,” Woohyun says, pulling Dongwoo closer to him.
Sunggyu wraps an arm around Dongwoo's waist and pulls him back towards him. Woohyun frowns and wraps an arm around Dongwoo's shoulder. Dongwoo's stuck in the middle and he sort of wants to say something about it, but the pushing and pulling is making his head spin.
“Guys...” He gets out, but Woohyun and Sunggyu aren't listening. “Guys?” He tries again.
“What are you doing?”
Dongwoo looks up and sees Myungsoo and Sungyeol looking at them. He looks at them relieved, happy to know he will be saved now.
“Can't you see you're almost suffocating Dongwoo?” Sungyeol walks over and pries Woohyun's hand from Dongwoo's shoulder. He gives Sunggyu a glare and the older boy reluctantly lets go. Sungyeol then grabs Dongwoo's hand and pulls him over to Myungsoo.
“Don't you think he has enough stress because of his exam? He doesn't need you two fighting over him.”
“They weren't necessarily fighting over me...” Dongwoo trails off when Myungsoo glares at him.
“At least Myungsoo and me know how to share,” Sungyeol says. Myungsoo grabs Dongwoo's other hand and they both smile at Dongwoo, who can't help but feel a little threatened.
He feels highly uncomfortable standing in between Myungsoo and Sungyeol, because he sees Woohyun and Sunggyu glaring at them and that feels a bit scary because he can feel the anger in the air.
He sneaks a glance at the clock and sees it's already 1.30PM. “Why don't we meet up in front of the pond at two o'clock. I'll just step by the dance studio to hand in my CD and then we'll have something to drink and you guys can wait while I'll do the exam at 2.30.”
He waits until everyone has nodded and he takes a step towards the door. “Sungyeol, you have to let go of my hand.”
Sungyeol looks down at their hands, then he lets go. “Oh, right. Sorry.”
Leaving them together in the same room might not be the best idea, but Dongwoo feels like he'll suffocate if he stays there any longer. He doesn't understand why they're suddenly so possessive over him. They're all friends, there's no need to fight for attention.
2PM
“Why are you fighting?” Dongwoo yells.
Woohyun gets pushed to the ground by Howon and Sungjong is pulling on Sungyeol's hair. He figures Myungsoo and Sunggyu are just pretending to fight or they're fighting through arguments, since he doesn't really see them doing any harm to each other.
“Guys, stop!” Dongwoo makes his way in between Howon and Woohyun. He forgets that they're fighting though and before he knows it he's pushed aside. He stumbles and tries to stay upright. He sees six pair of eyes turn to him and he reaches out for someone, but he's already too late. He falls into the pond and the only thing he notices is how terribly cold the water is. He also notices the pond is a lot deeper than he expected and he feels himself sinking down.
Splashing around he tries to get back to the side, really regretting he didn't learn how to swim. He hears Sungjong yell he can't swim and he laughs, because he just thought that, but laughing is stupid because it means he's wasting energy he should use to get himself out of the pond and he's in panic-mode now.
He feels strong arms circling his waste and before he knows it he's out of the water, taking big gulps of air that make him choke. He distantly hears someone yelling they need towels and that's when he realizes it's really cold. He shivers and his teeth start to clatter, making the person next to him looking at him worriedly. Suddenly he's lifted of the ground and he barely has time to hold on to Woohyun, then he sees Woohyun is wet too and Dongwoo wants to thank him, but the only thing that comes out of his mouth are weird sounds that make Sunggyu yell at Woohyun in panic.
They meet Myungsoo and Sungjong down the hallway and towels are wrapped around him. He lets his head fall on Woohyun's shoulder and notices he's still wet and he shifts in protest, trying to move his towel around Woohyun's neck, and he almost falls while doing so. Woohyun mutters don't move, you idiot and Dongwoo complies, because he's really cold and he doesn't feel too good.
Soon they reach the flat and Dongwoo's put down on the couch.
“Stay there,” Woohyun tells him.
Dongwoo nods, not planning on going anywhere except for his bed maybe. Sungyeol pulls him up after a minute or so, ushering him to the bathroom. Sungyeol softly pushes him towards the shower, but when he doesn't move, he sighs. “You need to warm up, 'Woo. Just take your clothes off and go shower, alright?”
He nods, slowly removing his clothes. Sungyeol waits until he's actually moving under the spray of water, then walks out of the bathroom. “Shout when you need help.”
4PM
“I missed my exam,” he croaks.
“Who cares about the exam now?” Myungsoo mutters, stroking Dongwoo's hair.
“I do,” Dongwoo whispers. He sniffs a little, playing with the blankets. “It's my future we're talking about.”
“And that future will be perfectly fine,” Sunggyu says, patting his leg. “We'll just go and reschedule the exam, explaining what happened.”
“It's all your fault,” Dongwoo says, glaring around the room. “If you guys wouldn't have been so stupid to fight over nothing -”
“You're not nothing,” Sungjong says.
“That's not the - why would you fight over me?”
Myungsoo pushes him back into the couch. “You just bring out our manly instincts.”
“What?”
“Yeah, you know, feeling the need to protect you, claiming you as ours. The manly instincts.”
“I feel weird.”
“You need to throw up?” Sunggyu holds out a bucket for him.
“No - where did you hide that bucket?” Dongwoo stares at the bucket in confusion. “I just meant weird as in you make me feel like a girl.”
“You make a lovely girl,” Sungjong quips. “I still have that red dress laying around for Halloween. You can have it if - gerrofme!” Sungjong struggles to get Howon's hand from his mouth. “I was just trying to help!”
6PM
After finding out his friends somehow saw him as a damsel in distress, Dongwoo retreated to his room to sulk. He doesn't even know why he's sulking, because if he thinks about it, he should be flattered. He actually has six guys looking out for him and caring about him. And they're still his friends.
He sighs. He didn't know being a student was this difficult.
9PM
A knock on his door wakes him from his nap.
Woohyun opens the door and waves. “Can I come in?”
Dongwoo nods, pulling himself up in a seating position. Woohyun walks over and sits down on his bed.
“Are you feeling a little better?”
“Yeah, just a little dizzy now and then.”
“I'm sorry for pushing you into the pond,” Woohyun says, looking at his hands guiltily.
“It's alright. I know you didn't do it on purpose.”
“You could have drowned.”
“But I didn't.” Dongwoo holds Woohyun's hand. “I didn't, because you jumped in and saved me, 'Hyun. Which I'm really grateful for. Thanks.”
Woohyun squeezes his hand. “We were all really worried about you. Especially Howon. Even though he doesn't say say it that often, he really cares about you.”
Dongwoo blushes and prays Woohyun can't see it. “I know.”
“I'm sorry for fighting with him. Or with any of the others for that matter.” Woohyun sighs. “I know he's your best friend and all, but sometimes I wish we were that close too, you know. I wish you'd tell me everything you tell him.”
“Sometimes it's better not to know everything,” Dongwoo says, poking Woohyun with his toes.
“I know.”
- - -
“This is embarrassing.”
“It's only embarrassing because you said it was.”
It's silent for a while and Dongwoo is sure the other must feel the heat from his cheeks.
“So, you like him,” he said.
Dongwoo nodded, then realized the other couldn't see him in the dark he added “Hmm.”
“For how long?”
“Can't we just not talk about this?” Dongwoo groaned.
“No, now tell me.”
“I don't know. I've realized it for four months, but I might have liked him before that.”
“You should have told me sooner. You can trust me, you know.”
“I know. I just - it just feels weird to like him.”
“It feels weird knowing you like him.”
“Shut up.”
- - -
“You will forgive us, right?” Woohyun says softly and Dongwoo thinks it's very unlike him.
“Of course I will. You're my friends, silly.”
* * *
17 December, Saturday
He doesn't really expect to find another package so soon, especially because he knows Howon is too busy with finishing the choreography on his own, since Dongwoo can't help him because Sunggyu has grounded him until he's feeling better. But when he walks out of his room that morning, he almost falls over the green package in front of his door.
Making sure no one is around to see him, he picks up the package and walks back into his room. He's surprised by the size and weight from the package. Pulling the paper off, he sees a large box, similar to a shoebox. Shaking his head, because he couldn't possibly get shoes, he lifts the lid. He gasps when he sees a pair of green shoes.
Since your shoes got lost in the pond...
H
Well, that is nice. He puts the shoes on to find they fit perfectly. He walks over to the kitchen with a skip and his step and scrapes buy new shoes off his schedule.
* * *
19 December, Monday
He knows he told himself not to talk about it until Howon wants to talk about it, but after receiving another present, he knows they need to talk, as soon as possible.
He finds the package on his desk, on top of his laptop and in between the pages of his English History book. He tears the paper and finds a CD. There's a post-it pasted on the cover.
A mix tape made for you.
Do you really know who I am?
H
Dongwoo wonders what Howon means with that, so he turns his laptop on and plays the CD. It's nothing like Howon's normal music taste, no rapping, hip hop or anything manly. Instead there's ballads and slightly rock songs, which makes Dongwoo question the meaning behind this. As soon as he thinks about, he regrets it.
It wasn't that he didn't expect it, no, in fact he had dreaded it for weeks. So it was really his own fault that he let this thing go on for so long. But there was this tiny bit of hope in him that told him they changed and they wouldn't make the same mistake as last year. He knew it wasn't a guarantee, but Howon had promised him over a year ago, and promises meant something. Right?
So this definitely doesn't mean that Howon has feelings for him and he wants to try something again. No, definitely not. Dongwoo heaves a deep sigh. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he quickly types a message.
Can you come over?
Yeah sure. Need to bring anything with me?
No, not really.
-
They sit awkwardly beside each other on the couch. Dongwoo feels like he's going to explode from awkwardness soon, but he doesn't know how to begin this conversation.
“So...the presents,” Dongwoo starts.
“What about them?”
“I just...what do you mean by them?”
“What do I mean by them? As in, the hidden meaning behind those presents?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay. Well, they're early christmas presents.”
Dongwoo looks at Howon and wants to scold him for playing dumb, but then he sees the seriousness on Howon's face.
“They're early Christmas presents?”
“Yes.”
“Oh.” That changes everything. “So...that's all?”
“Yes. There's no hidden meaning from me, behind those presents.”
He really doesn't know what to think about that.
“Listen,” Howon turns to him and grabs his hand. “You know I care about you a lot, right?”
Dongwoo nods.
“And so do the others. We always worry about you, knowing there are evil doors and little stones out there that might harm you.”
Dongwoo glares at Howon, but he still nods.
“We all care about you, a lot, but we also know we can't protect you from everything and everyone forever. And we know there will be someone out there for you, who can protect you and who will love you...so we know we have to let you go at one point.”
“I'm not following you.”
“What I'm trying to say is....you don't have to think about all six of us before making a decision.”
“Still not following you.”
“You're so dumb sometimes,” Howon sighs, shaking his head.
“I - what?”
“I'm trying to say that I lo-”
“Wait. No, don't finish that sentence. Just...don't. You promised we wouldn't go there.”
“No, I don't mean - I mean. This is so frustrating! If you weren't so clueless, none of this would have happened and I just don't know what to do with you anymore.”
“I don't even know what's going on, but you're saying it's my fault?” Dongwoo feels himself becoming angry now. Howon was the one that send those presents, making him think that it meant something more. He didn't start this.
“Yes, it's your fault. You and your clumsiness and making us feel like we should take care of you all the time.”
“I never asked for that!”
“But you needed it!”
“I don't know what's going on, but it doesn't make me feel all that great!” Dongwoo yells.
“I'm not H, Dongwoo,” Howon yells back. “Just think!”
“And now you're lying to me too? I don't know what's wrong with you, Howon. Just tell me what's going on.”
“I just did!”
“No you didn't.”
“Argh,” Howon groans, standing up. “I'm going to go now, because this fight is completely useless. Just think about it and I'll see you tomorrow.”
“What? You can't just leave in the middle of -”
“Good luck with your exam,” Howon yells and before Dongwoo knows what happens, Howon left.
Dongwoo kicks the table in frustration and yelps when he hits his toe. That conversation didn't go well.
* * *
20 December, Tuesday
Dongwoo wakes from a deep sleep, feeling perfectly content and relaxed. Once he's slightly more awake, he realizes two things. One: his exam, two: his weird conversation with Howon yesterday. He figures the first matter is more important, so he heaves himself out of bed. Stretching, he reaches for his phone.
“Oh shit,” he mutters. He has overslept, again, and he only has thirty minutes to shower, eat and do some last minute practicing before his exam starts. After panicking for a couple of minutes and doing absolutely nothing, Dongwoo decides that skipping the shower wasn't that big of a deal when he has some clean clothes laying around. He ruffles his hair for good measures and walks over to the kitchen.
He rummages through the fridge and decides on leftover pizza from last night for breakfast. He runs back to his bedroom and gets his bag and CD, then moves through a the list with movements inside his head. Trying to remember and practice the moves as best as he can, he gulps the pizza down. A glance at the clock tells him he has twenty minutes left.
Dongwoo chokes on the pizza and he quickly stands up to get a glass of water. Finally calming down, he grabs the bottle of water and puts it back in the fridge. He shakes his head in confusion and slowly closes the door, to find layers of post-its pasted on it. Knowing this is probably Sungjong's work, he's ready to barge into the younger boys' room, but then a post-it catches his eye.
HOW COULD YOU BE SO DUMB?
That could be counted as an insult, right?
YOU ACTUALLY YELLED AT HOWON?
HE DID NOTHING WRONG
HE ONLY TRIED TO HELP
THEY ALL TRIED TO HELP
LIKE THEY ALWAYS DO
Dongwoo gapes at the post-its. He has absolutely no idea what Sungjong is talking about and he doesn't even know if he is reading them in order. It seems like Sungjong has just pasted them randomly, but knowing Sungjong there was probably some logic behind it all.
Deciding he won't get any peace if he doesn't read them all, he pulls the post-its off one by one. There are some encouraging ones that say 'good luck with your exam' and 'you can do it', but most of them tell him about the last couple of weeks and things he has done from a different point of view.
After about fifty post-its, there is only one layer of post-its left. Seeing as he covered the floor with all the others, Dongwoo doesn't pull the last ones off. He takes a step forward to get a closer look, then leans back in the blink of an eye.
“What?” He takes another look, but he still sees the same thing. He wants to hit himself in the head, but instead he groans and stamps in frustration. How could he have missed the signs? Howon had even told him last night and he just shoved it off and yelled at him.
He takes one last look at the post-its, smiling widely at the last one because it confirms everything for him and then he looks at his watch and sees he has lost ten minutes already, by just trying to read every post-it and he's so stupid and he needs to rush. He runs out the flat, pulling on his shoes while slamming the door behind him.
He's almost at the other flat when he realizes he has forgotten his bag and he doesn't know if he should get it and be on time for his exam or forget about it and go to the other flat and still try to be on time for his exam.
He decides the latter and he picks up his speed, almost crashing into the building and making his way up the stairs as fast as he can. He collapses against a door and when he's sure he has reached the right door, he knocks on it. Catching his breath, he hears some curses coming from inside and the sound of keys make him stand back, because he doesn't want to fall into the flat first thing in the morning.
The door opens and reveals Howon, who's rubbing his eyes sleepily. “Dongwoo? What are you doing here? Don't you have that rescheduled exam now?”
Dongwoo just nods, pushing Howon back inside and he makes his way into the flat. Inside he nearly collides with Woohyun in the hall, who is just walking out of his room in pyjamas with his hair messed up and Dongwoo resists the urge to snort.
“Why are you here? You have an exam, you idiot, you only have ten minutes to get there...” Woohyun mutters.
There are tons of words and sentences going through his mind, all mixed with the terror of missing his exam. Small yellow pieces of paper are flying through his head, telling him things he should have seen if he had just paid attention and right now he needs to run to the campus, he needs to tell Sunggyu he doesn't need to worry about him failing, but most of all he really needs to kiss Woohyun.
So that's what he does.
He ignores the catcalling from behind him, he ignores the gasps coming from Myungsoo, but he definitely doesn't ignore the little mewl he gets when he bites on Woohyun's lip, instead storing that piece of information in the back of his head for later use. He pulls back reluctantly, out of breath, but with a big smile on his face.
“You actually read them all?” Woohyun whispers.
“Hyun,” Dongwoo answers fondly, moving in for another kiss. When he pulls back again, he looks Woohyun in the eye. “I'm sorry for not realizing it sooner.”
“ 's Alright,” Woohyun says, pushing his hair out of his eyes. Dongwoo can't help but think that Woohyun looks really cute in the morning.
Howon coughs. “Not to interrupt your lovely moment or something, but your exam starts in six minutes.”
“My exam, wish me luck!” Dongwoo yells, then spins around and dashes out of the flat.
-
Sungjong lets out a shriek as he walks into the kitchen. “Who did this?” He yells.
Sunggyu stumbles out of his room. “Did Dongwoo get hurt?”
“Look at this!” Sungjong pointed at the floor. “Whoever did this can go and clean it!”
“It's messy here,” Sungyeol says, pushing his way past Sunggyu into the kitchen. “I didn't know you loved post-its that much, Sungjong.”
“I don't.”
“Oh.”
Sunggyu blinks. “Do you think Dongwoo did it?”
Sungjong hesitates for a while. “No?”
Walking over to the fridge, Sungyeol smirks. “I think he did, actually.” He motions for the others to get closer. “He must have pulled all the other post-its down to get to this.”
The three of them read the post-its, Sungjong letting out a dreamy sigh. “You have to admit, this is kind of romantic. I didn't know he had it in him.”
“He can't rely on his good looks only, he needs to do more to win Dongwoo over.”
“I can't believe we trust Dongwoo with him.”
“Shut up. You're over the moon that it's Woohyun and not that Hoonmin guy.”
“We should take a picture of it,” Sungyeol says, walking to his room to get his phone. “Dongwoo will love the memory.”
“It's not like Woohyun isn't going to rub it into our face for the next couple of months,” Sunggyu mutters.
“We'll just tease him with 'Hyun forever.” Sungjong snorts. “He's never going to live this down.”
* * *
24 December, Saturday
It's Christmas Eve. Dongwoo's schedule is filled with stripes and hearts. All assignments and projects are finished, he has bought Christmas presents for his family and friends and he has aced his dance exam. He doesn't need to clean the house, because Sungyeol and Myungsoo are doing that for him, even though they don't need to, since his sister can't come over. He will tell them. After they're done.
He rips the schedule into pieces and throws it in the rubbish bin. Satisfied with himself, he walks back to his room and plops down next to Woohyun. Curling himself into the boy, he sighs in content.
Closing his eyes, he feels himself lured to sleep. The last thing he thinks is how wonderful it will be to wake up next to Woohyun tomorrow morning.
Merry Christmas, Woohyun will whisper against his lips.
And Dongwoo will smile and press their lips together. Merry Christmas, indeed.