Work Text:
Jihoon was sitting down on his side of the bed, pen and paper on hand, writing some lyrics for a new song. It would have been a pretty productive time for him only if not because of a certain someone who kept on staring at him across the room.
"Stop staring, Cheol." Jihoon voiced out, looking at the other indifferently.
"Sorry. It's just that your hands are too pretty, it's hard not to stare at them." Seungcheol replied, looking at Jihoon's face and then back at Jihoon's hands.
Jihoon went back to writing the lyrics but unfortunately, he still can't find it to concentrate on writing them because this time, Seungcheol is staring at him, not at his hands but directly at his face. He set aside his pen and paper and looked at Seungcheol, his face clearly annoyed.
"What now? Please let me write the lyrics in peace." Jihoon said, his patience thinning.
"Oh, I was just thinking it would be a whole lot easier and more convenient to just type the lyrics in your MacBook than what you're doing."
"I like it better this way."
"Need some help?"
"You're asking that now? You've been staring at me for more than an hour already, and you just thought of helping me just now?" Jihoon remarked, shaking his head to his dismay. Seungcheol only chuckled at the statement which made Jihoon roll his eyes. He just continued writing the lyrics, not minding the pair of eyes that continued to gaze at him. He felt more comfortable when Seungcheol's phone rang. The other answered his phone and Jihoon suspected it was Jeonghan he was talking with. It was obvious, given by his laughter and the soft tone he used while speaking. Jihoon knows it. Every time someone calls Seungcheol on the phone, he can instantly know who of the members it is, he's perceptive like that, and it made him distressed as it was not the same with the other members. He felt like he was only overly perceptive when it comes to the leader, and it terrified him.
Jihoon may not admit it but he was actually kinda confused and frazzled when it comes to Seungcheol. He is well aware that the man may have a thing for Jeonghan, but what he can't understand is that the man's eyes were always on him, or his hands, or whatever. He hated the fact that the other would always gaze at him, and then be playful with the other members like it was the most natural thing for him. He hated the fact that Seungcheol's eyes were always on him, but he would then proceed to snug and be chummy with Jeonghan. He felt like a paradox in front of Seungcheol, which made him more confused. What he'd do is just push aside his sentiments and would try to avoid Seungcheol to pull himself out from whatever desirability he had for him. He kept it that way until the older requested to be his roommate, and it made it harder for him to cut those stupid emotions. He just thought that maybe he'll just get used to it, that those sentiments will just pass, that he'll get tired of being the roommate of a rather less temperate person. But what he did not expect is that everything he thought would be incorrect. Not only did he like sharing a room with the man, but he also finds the presence of the other very much agreeable. It doesn't seem that obvious but Jihoon is trying his best- always trying his best to not be shaken up by whatever advances the other man would give him.
He can still remember that one time when Seungcheol just out of the blue invited him to go to an animal cafe with him where he had fun petting the animals but the other man was just busy staring at him, or that time when he fell asleep on his desk due to finetuning their new single and when he woke up, he was already tucked on his bed, or that time where he just so casually went behind him and smelt his hair as he said, Your hair smells good, his lips slightly brushing his temples and his tender voice giving Jihoon goosebumps, which made Jihoon jump, hitting his head on Seungcheol's chin which made them both squirm in pain, though they just laughed afterward, or that time where he canceled his schedule just to take care of Jihoon when he received the news that he was sick. But the one that he would remember the most is those times where Seungcheol would try to hold his hands while telling him how pretty they were. There were a lot of instances already where he felt that Seungcheol may have considered him someone special, though he brushed those thoughts aside since Seungcheol is Seungcheol, he's known as the father of the group and what he did may have been normal for everyone. Also, he noticed that Seungcheol is very close to Jeonghan, which made him think that there was something more to them since he noticed that his face would always light up whenever Jeonghan is calling him or even when Jeonghan is just around. Well, whatever it is, he'll just have to wait for their announcement.
Jihoon decided to go out of the room. He decided to go to the kitchen to grab some snacks or whatever food there is to stuff his stomach as he was getting hungry from all those lyric-writing as well as thinking about something...or someone. He spotted Seokmin watching TV in the living room with Jisoo lying down on his lap, hands on his phone. Seokmin was laughing as he watched Hoshi and Dino imitate the advertisement being aired. He also saw Jun petting a stray cat outside, with Minghao on the veranda, a cup in his hand, which Jihoon suspects would be tea. He predicted that Vernon and Wonwoo may be in their own rooms, just having fun with their personal space. He proceeded to the kitchen and saw Mingyu cooking some jajangmyeon. How lucky! he thought. He made his way to the table and asked for some food from Mingyu which Mingyu happily shares.
"Oh hyung, Seungkwan said that he wants to drink with us later when he gets back here," Mingyu stated, taking a bite from the jajangmyeon he just cooked.
"You know that I don't drink so you guys have fun later," Jihoon replied, then stuffed his mouth.
"By the way hyung, where's Coups hyung? he was the one who asked me to cook jajangmyeon."
"Oh really? He's still in the room, I guess. He was just lying do-"
"Oh hyung! here's the food you asked."
Jihoon turned his head and found the person who caused the interruption of his reply. Seungcheol was lazily walking down the stairs, scratching his stomach, though Jihoon thought he still looked pretty handsome even with his unbrushed hair. He sat beside Jihoon and put his hand on top of the table, resting his chin on it. Jihoon just didn't mind him and continued eating. Mingyu placed a bowl of jajangmyeon in front of Seungcheol but the older one didn't seem to have any plans on eating it as he just stared at the food after saying thank you to Mingyu.
"Aren't you gonna eat? cause I'll eat your share if you won't," Jihoon said. Seungcheol instantly slid his bowl in front of Jihoon.
"Aren't you eating? But Mingyu said that you were the one who asked him to cook," Jihoon stated, raising his brow at the man beside him.
"Well, I had you in mind when I asked Mingyu. You looked like you were getting hungry. I can't have our producer getting hungry, after all our success is highly dependent on you," Seungcheol said, grinning widely at the shorter one. Jihoon just nodded since he doesn't really know how to react. He just mumbled a little "Thank you" before eating Seungcheol's share. When he was done eating and felt full, he laxedly leaned on the chair while holding his stomach. He felt a hand brushing his own before it totally clutched his. Jihoon was startled by the act which made him instantly retract his hand. He looked at the man beside him and saw Seungcheol pouting. Seungcheol tried to grasp his hand again, this time Jihoon did not object to it. He watched as Seungcheol started to play with his hands again.
"Your hands are really pretty," Seungcheol stated, smiling widely at Jihoon.
"Why are you always trying to hold my hand?" Jihoon retorted. They heard Mingyu coughed lightly.
"Will you two please stop flirting?" Mingyu said. Jihoon raised his head and looked at the younger man who's face was clearly sour.
"What are you saying? Seungcheol is just being a big baby as always," Jihoon replied and pointed a finger at Seungcheol who was still playing with his left hand, not minding Mingyu's or his' statement at all.
"Oh yeah? Doesn't seem that way to me. He's like, grumpy when it comes to us but he becomes a big baby when it comes to you," Mingyu stated, pointing at Seungcheol who now is looking at him menacingly. He looked at Seungcheol and deliberately exited the kitchen. Jihoon looked around and saw Jeonghan coming their way so he took away his hand from Seungcheol's grasp and stood up, leaving a sulking Seungcheol behind as he made his way back to their room again but Jeonghan called his name, and he did not have a choice but to face the man.
"Jihoon"
"Yes? What is it?"
"Can we talk later?" Jeonghan asked.
"Is it something important?" Jihoon asked back.
"Yes, very," Jeonghan replied and giggled a bit.
"Oh, ok sure"
"I'll just go to your room, is that fine with you?"
"I guess that's fine," Jihoon said, giving a small nod and smile at Jeonghan before proceeding to walk up the stairs. He looked back one last time and he felt a little pang seeing Seungcheol's beam when he saw Jeonghan approaching him. He hated it because he was bad at facing his feelings, and he dreaded accepting the fact that he really does like the leader. He did not ever want to admit it so he'll just keep on denying it until he'll be convinced. I don't like him was what Jihoon repeatedly said in his head. Say it until you believe it after all.
It had been two hours since Jihoon indulged himself in composing the songs for their new album. He was humming, singing, typing on his MacBook- he was so into his activity that he did not even notice their room door open, did not also notice the other man dragging another chair to sit beside Jihoon on his desk.
"Jihoon-ah," Jihoon snapped his head to his side and saw Seungcheol already sitting beside him.
"Oh, you're back already? Weren't you talking with Jeonghan?"
"Hmm, no. He told me he'll be here at 4 pm though. It's still 2 pm now. Do you want to take a rest first?" Seungcheol said, looking at him almost too gently which made Jihoon confused again.
"Nah, I'm good." A paper in hand, Seungcheol handed it to Jihoon.
"This is what we partially wrote for the rap part. We want to get approval from you," Seungcheol said, a little nervousness seen on his grinning face. Jihoon read it and the lines really caught his eyes.
Baby, why do you look so confused? You make me confuse too
I reach out my hand but you strengthen your walls
Your hands in mine but I can't feel the warmth
Almost had you but you get cold feet
And here I am freezing on your steps
"Hmm, I'll just modify this but I think this will suffice," Jihoon said, trying his best not to be curious on who made his teammates heart break.
"You're using the MacBook? I thought you liked it better using a pen and paper" Seungcheol remarked playfully which earned him a scowl from Jihoon.
"I thought you said it's more convenient typing it," Facing Seungcheol, Jihoon retorted sarcastically but Seungcheol just laughed at his words. He felt Seungcheol's hands reaching his own, but he did not avoid the touch at all.
"Your hands are really beautiful." Jihoon was preparing to retort when Seungcheol added,
"I actually like it better when you write. When I see you writing, it felt like all the letters in each word are carefully picked out and written. It was like all the lines that you were writing were very well taken of. Writing lyrics and producing songs were like your love lines, and I adore that side of you so much," Seungcheol stated while looking at Jihoon's eyes directly, his voice was as smooth as satin, and a soft smile plastered on his face. Jihoon felt his cheeks aflame and hoped the other did not notice it. He peered down at his hand that was still being held by Seungcheol. His emotions were spiraling, and he wished the other would not notice how his heartbeat was skyrocketing.
"Thank you Jihoon-ah. Also, I wish I can become one of your love lines too," Seungcheol continued with that velvety voice that Jihoon was so familiar with, brushing his lips at Jihoon's hands, giving it a small kiss. Jihoon quickly pulled his hands away, and he swore he saw Seungcheol looking as confused as he is. He felt like bursting. Confusion, delight, and other feelings were mixed inside him, but he knew better than to be led by those petty feelings. He quickly got up and was about to get out of the room when Seungcheol seized his wrist. He looked up and met coffee-colored eyes which seemed to be pleading him not to go.
"Seungcheol, please stop. You're making me confused!" Jihoon exclaimed. All those emotions suddenly flowing out, betraying his always calm demeanor. He saw Seungcheol's astounded face, and for a moment he was even able to think that he might be in trouble for shouting at the leader.
"I apologize. But Jihoon, are you really clueless?"
"About what?" This time Jihoon was calmer though his heart wasn't.
"About me always gazing at you, Isn't it obvious with the way I look at you? I even requested to be your roommate so that I can get closer to you. Jihoon, I am in love with you," Seungcheol stated, looking at Jihoon's eyes, searching for something that would assure him that Jihoon believes him. Jihoon's eyes widen at the confession, unable to really point out what he felt at the moment.
"I- You must be kidding. I mean, aren't you only looking at me or my hands rather because you think my hands are pretty? You always tell me how pretty my hands were"
"Why would you think that? That was one of my excuses to hold your hand!" Seungcheol proclaimed, desperate in convincing Jihoon how serious he was.
"Then, what about Jeonghan?"
"Jeonghan? He is like my brother and best friend!"
"But you're always so happy and so gentle when you're with him!"
"That's because he's been helping me figure you out!" Jihoon became speechless and he hated how relieved he felt. He stayed silent as Seungcheol continued,
"Why are we even talking about him? Wait... are you jealous?" Seungcheol asked slyly, a smirk forming on the corner of his mouth. Jihoon became beet-red from embarrassment like he was just exposed.
"Who said I'm jealous?" Jihoon replied, eyes distant from Seungcheol. He felt Seungcheol moving closer and enveloped him into a warm embrace. Jihoon's emotional control collapsing.
"I see. That's what you thought. Now I think I know why Jeonghan wanted to talk to you. Don't worry, he likes someone else." Seungcheol chuckled and placed his head above Jihoon's. Jihoon felt so embarrassed that he did not dare pull away from the hug, though he thought the contact wasn't that bad. He eventually yielded and returned the hug.
"Should I take this as you like me too or am I assuming things?" Seungcheol snickered which made Jihoon laugh a little.
"You're just assuming things," Jihoon replied, still not letting go of the other's embrace but it seemed like the older one doesn't want to pull away too.
"Really? How sad," Jihoon cackled at the statement before responding,
"Idiot. I love you too," Jihoon countered which made Seungcheol smile widely like an idiot.
"You're too cute. Can I kiss you?" Seungcheol asked as he pulled away from the hug. Jihoon tugged the older one closer and put his lips on the other man's own. Seungcheol was too stunned, though a smile formed on his lips and he pulled the shorter man closer to him, deepening the kiss. When they pulled away, out of breathe, the two wrapped their hands around each other, yearning for another hug. Jihoon thought that accepting things like how much he loves Seungcheol is a nice thing. Maybe he shouldn't be too strict on himself, with all that emotional control and stuff, maybe sometimes it's better to also be expressive.
~~~
Jeonghan knocked on Jihoon and Seungcheol's shared room for three times already, yet it seemed like the room was too quiet so he turned the knob and opened the door. He looked around the room and saw Seungcheol and Jihoon sleeping soundly, with both their hand on each other's waist. He exited the room as he felt like he was invading something, though he admitted the scene looked cute.
The house was as chaotic as always. The members were loud as always, but when Jihoon and Seungcheol came down, droopy eyes while holding each other's hands, everyone became quiet. The newcomers even got confused as to why the members got too silent. Mingyu was the one to ask.
"So, are you now a couple? You're even holding hands and we know Jihoon hyung doesn't like skinship," Mingyu stated. Even Joshua who was just leaning his head on Seokmin's shoulder turned around to look at the situation. Jihoon became wide awake at Mingyu's statement and was about to pull his hand away when he felt Seungcheol's grip tightened, so he let it that way. Seungcheol just gave a little nod which everyone understood. The reactions were hilarious as some members' faces can't be painted but more than that, they were thankful to all the "Congratulations" that they received.
"At last. God, I was so worried. There was this tension between you two, y'know." Seokmin commented.
"Yeah. I was so sick of seeing you two acting like idiots. If you two didn't figured it out sooner, I would've become your cupid." Seungkwan added which made the members laugh.
"I think it's a very unique pair. The leader and the producer. How nice," Dino stated further. The members just smiled, and the day was filled with the members asking questions at Jihoon and Seungcheol.