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“I’m going on a date tomorrow.” Changbin had randomly blurted out in the middle of eating breakfast with 3racha and Hyunjin at the kitchen island. Jisung dropped his chopsticks at those words, the metal utensils clattering onto the marble surface with a loud clang. Chan was completely unbothered, too focused on his phone, probably texting Felix to care. Meanwhile Hyunjin sat frozen in place trying to register what his hyung had said. There was just no possible way that Seo Changbin said he was going on a date? Because that would imply that he was going on a date with someone that wasn’t Hyunjin. And why would Hyunjin’s boyfriend, who technically wasn’t his boyfriend, be going on a date without him? And with who?
“Oh really?” Hyunjin’s voice went up a notch as he asked. “Oh, t-that’s cool. Um…who with?” He was trying to act nonchalant about it but judging by the not so subtle look of pity on Jisung’s face Hyunjin was failing miserably.
“Yeonjun.” Changbin shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal.
Hyunjin felt like he’d been struck over the head with a brick or like the world had collapsed from under him. Yeonjun? Changbin was going on a date? With…Yeonjun? As in one of the rapper’s best friends, Yeonjun? Extremely tall and devilishly handsome Yeonjun? The ‘You never have to worry about him, Hyunjin-ah. He’s just a friend, you know I only have eyes for you!’ Yeonjun?
That’s the man Changbin was going on a date with?!
What. The. Fuck.
Hyunjin was going to scream bloody murder! He and Changbin had been dancing around each other and flirting since the dawn of time. Sure they had never openly talked about their feelings but it seemed pretty damn obvious that they were both into each other! Like a simple unspoken thing that they were kinda sort of an item. Well apparently not since Changbin was now going on a date with Yeonjun .
“Oh, c-cool, cool. That’s awesome, Binnie hyung.” Hyunjin began to ramble. “Yeonjun-ssi is really nice. I’m happy for you. Where are you two going?”
“Yeonjun is taking me to a korean fusion michelin restaurant. I can’t remember the name of it. He’s been there before and thinks I will like it.”
“And I hope you do enjoy it,” Hyunjin pretended to glance down at his watch to check the time and gasped. “Oh my god, if I don’t leave now I’ll be late for dance practice and the last thing I want to do is piss off Minho hyung.” he rushed out getting up from his seat and grabbing his bag off the back of his chair.
“You’ve barely started eating, Jinnie-ah.” Changbin pointed out in concern. “I’m sure hyung won't mind if you’re a little late.”
“You’re probably right, but I don’t want to risk getting tissues shoved down my throat again.” He was trying desperately to keep himself from screaming at the top of his lungs but it was getting harder with every moment he stayed in the room with Changbin. “I’ll eat something at the company.” Hyunjin reassured him.
“Well if you’re sure.”
“I’m positive, hyung. I’ll be fine. I’ll see you tonight.” and because Hyunjin was in the mood to torture himself, he moved forward to give Changbin a quick squeeze before rushing towards the entrance. “See you guys later!” He called out as he put on his shoes and hightailed it out the door.
“He didn’t hug me before he left.” Jisung pouted.
“Well next time be Changbin.” Chan muttered, chopsticks in hand as he picked at his food, his eyes stayed glued on his phone. Jisung sniffed in annoyance.
If Hwang Hyunjin took the time to think about it. Which he really did not want to do, it was his own damn fault that he’d gotten himself in this situation. If he’d simply opened up and expressed his feelings then maybe he wouldn’t feel the need to claw the face off of one of the nicest people he’d ever met. Hyunjin had hung out with Yeonjun countless times before with Changbin, so he knew how awesome of a guy his fellow idol was. He honestly had no ill will against the guy, but right now Yeonjun was public enemy number one in Hyunjin’s books. Because right now the man was going on a date with the man of his dreams when it should have been him going on a date with Changbin instead! Hell, Hyunjin and Changbin should have been a couple years ago. The dancer was starting to realize that this has happened because both of them were being stupid.
So maybe Hyunjin had played just a little too hard to get and now it was all coming back to bite him in the ass. But in Hyunjin’s defense he thought it was painfully obvious that he was taking Changbin’s flirting seriously. By joking around and being just as dramatic as his friend, Hyunjin thought it was clear that he wanted Changbin just as much as the man wanted him. In Hyunjin’s mind Changbin was already his man, the two of them simply hadn’t put a label on things yet. The back and forth banter between the two of them was just extreme flirting. And well it was becoming very apparent that Hyunjin was the only one that thought of it that way. Considering Changbin was going on a date with someone that wasn’t him. Which was absolute bullshit.
Okay so here’s the thing: Hyunjin was beyond a shadow of a doubt stupidly, head over heels in love with Seo Changbin. Had been for years . He’d fallen for his friend when the rapper was practically a stick, so skinny that sometimes Hyunjin thought Changbin would blow away with the wind. So yeah, Hyunjin had loved Changbin all throughout his awkward teenage phase and beyond into the stocky and sexy as fuck man that he was today. There was just so much to adore about his friend that he honestly couldn’t put everything he liked about Changbin into words. Hyunjin just really fucking loved him.
Sure Hyunjin had pretended he was too cool for Changbin’s attention when in reality he thrived off of it. The constant flirting, the overly cheesy pickup lines, the loud shouts of his name. Goodness gracious Hyunjin lived for it! He always felt light as a feather and his cheeks always hurt from laughing. Changbin was like a happiness pill and Hyunjin was an addict with a constant supply. In short he was down extremely bad for the rapper. But in Hyunjin’s defense, he thought that it was very obvious to Changbin that he was just as obsessed with him as the man was with Hyunjin. Apparently that wasn’t the case. And no, Hyunjin wasn’t bitter about it at all (Yes he very much was).
Hyunjin honestly truly thought that he was painfully obvious with his adoration. Like there was a blaring neon sign on his forehead that read ‘Hwang Hyunjin is deeply in love with Seo Changbin’. His fellow members of danceracha were absolutely relentless in their teasing about Hyunjin’s infatuation with their fellow bandmate. Felix would always blurt out ‘Hearteyes Motherfucker’ just to get a rise out of him whenever he caught his best friend staring at Changbin from across the room. Hyunjin had no clue what the fuck his friend was talking about whenever he said it but he couldn’t deny that it was accurate.
“I can’t believe he’s going on a date. Can you believe it? And with Yeonjun of all people!” Hyunjin whined, overdramatically as he threw himself backwards onto the hardwood floor onto the practice room. And if Hyunjin kicked his feet like a petulant child then that was his business. Regardless of Minho hyung’s judgmental glares. It was only danceracha in the practice room today.
“You know that you can always simply tell him how you feel, right?” Minho drawled. “Like I’m a thousand percent sure that if you told Changbin you like him then he’d cancel his date with Yeonjun in a heartbeat.”
“Why do I have to tell Changbin that I’m utterly, completely and hopelessly in love with him? He should already know! I’ve been pretty damn obvious about it!”
“Have you though?” Minho asked, eyebrows raised with an expression that indicated that he clearly didn’t believe a word Hyunjin was saying.
“Yes!”
“Well…” Felix interjected “You really haven’t, Hyune. To be honest most of the time it looks like you’re not taking him seriously or you find it annoying but are too nice to outright say you hate it. Binnie hyung probably assumes you think he’s joking or you’re brushing off his flirting. I think he got tired of it and gave up.”
The thought of Changbin giving up on pursuing him didn’t sit right with Hyunjin at all. The idea of Changbin thinking Hyunjin hated his advances made him feel even worse. There wasn’t a single thing about Changbin that Hyunjin didn’t adore. How could his friend not see that?
“You really think Changbin doesn’t know I want him to be more than a friend?” Both of his fellow dancers shook their heads, causing Hyunjin to pout. “Then how am I supposed to make sure he knows that I’m in love with him?” he whined again.
“Tell him.” Minho deadpanned. It was a shame that Hyunjin was no longer listening to reason.
“I should sabotage their date.” He blurted out.
“What? Hyunjin, the fuck? No, just tell Changbin how you feel.”
“No way. Have you seen Yeonjun? That man is perfect, I don’t stand a chance.”
“Hyunjin, if you told Changbin how you feel, he’d probably whip out a wedding ring right on the spot. ” Felix teased. “He’s so gone for you that he probably already has your wedding planned out.”
“A beachfront villa with a lot of beautiful views. Preferably with a nice but large garden so we can take a gazillion photos. Our color theme will be rose gold and our centerpieces will have roses and rhinestones. Felix will be my best man and Chan hyung will probably be Binnie’s best man.” Hyunjin said nonchalantly as if he was talking about something so casual like the weather.
“Fuck you, Hyunjin, why am I not your best man?” Minho asked.
“Because you’ll be too bitter to be truly happy for us because we’ll have gotten married before you and Jisung.” Hyunjin grinned wickedly before sticking his tongue out. Minho retaliated by throwing his sweaty towel at his face. Hyunjin recoiled in disgust and Felix cackled.
“Oh please, Jisung and I are married in all but on paper.”
“That may be true but Binnie hyung and I will still get married officially before you.” He stuck his tongue out to tease his friend but Minho simply smirked.
“You’ll have to actually get together first.” the older man stated.
“Ya!” Hyunjin shouted, launching himself at his friend, the two of them ending up in a playful wrestling match on the hardwood floor. Minho managed to pin Hyunjin to the floor and started tickling him relentlessly. The younger dancer begged for mercy but it was no use. All the while Felix sat by and watched, not making one move to intervene.
The sound of the door opening caused the three of them to halt in their movements. All turning towards the door. Changbin stood in the doorway taking in the scene, amusement on his face clearly used to scenes like this.
“Looks like loverboy is here to save the day.” Minho chuckled lowly in his ear.
“Binnie hyung, save me!” Hyunjin cried out dramatically.
“Hyunjin-ah!” Changbin shouted, rushing over to his friends. He dropped to his knees next to them and yanked Hyunjin out of Minho’s hold and cradled the younger man against his chest. “Don’t worry Jinnie-ah. I’m here to save the day!” Hyunjin giggled, smiling so wide his face hurt.
“Thank you, hyung.” Felix and Minho rolled their eyes, used to Changbin and Hyunjin’s obnoxious displays of affection.
“Anything for my Hyunjinie.”
“I thought 3racha was going to be in the studio all day today?” Hyunjin asked, trying desperately to calm the butterflies in his chest from bursting. Yet he simultaneously leaned in closer to Changbin’s hold on him. “I expected to be alone all night when I got back to the dorms.”
“You know I’d never leave you alone. But I came here to snatch you away for dinner.” Changbin’s voice was so soft and affectionate. The way his friend was looking at him left Hyunjin momentarily speechless. The way Changbin gazed at him was an identical reflection of Hyunjin's own desires. There was something there between them. More intense than lightning, yet more peaceful than waves caressing the shore. The connection between them was undeniable. So why was Changbin going on dates with someone else? “I called it a night at the studio and knowing you, you’ve probably been dancing on little to no food and it’s getting late. How about we both call it a night and go back to the dorm. Maybe order some food and watch a movie to settle down for the night.”
“I know you won’t. And that all sounds perfect, hyung.” Hyunjin spoke softly, his entire demeanor melting into the older man’s touch.
“You two are disgusting.” Minho butted in, successfully shattering the moment. “Are you two leaving or not? Because Yongbok and I still have some moves we want to go over.” he quipped and Hyunjin scowled as Changbin helped him off the hard floor. Changbin took it all in stride and wrapped an arm around Hyunjin’s waist.
“Hyung, I’m all sweaty and gross.”
“Hyunjin, you know that I don’t care. Now come on and get your stuff so we can leave.” he ordered softly and Hyunjin moved out of Changbin’s hold to do what he was told. He grabbed his bag off of the sofa in the cover and was rushing back to the rapper’s side in an instant.
“See you guys tomorrow!” Hyunjin called out as Changbin took his free hand and led him out of the room so they could go home and snuggle up on the couch. “Hyung, I’m in the mood for pizza tonight. Can we get that?”
“Of course, Jinnie-ah.”Changbin told him, making the dancer grin. As they walked back home Hyunjin couldn’t help but to think that hanging out at home together was probably better than any date Yeonjun could have come up with.
-x-
“So what is it about Yeonjun-ssi that you actually like?” Hyunjin asked as he sat pretzel style on top of Changbin’s bed. He was supposed to be helping his friend get ready for his date, Changbin was leaving in less than an hour and wanted Hyunjin’s fashion advice. In actuality the dancer wasn’t being much help. Hyunjin grumbled off half-assed answers, with no enthusiasm in his voice. He was bitter that he wasn’t the one going on this date with the rapper. Instead he was helping the object of his desires get dressed up for someone else. Hyunjin was helping Changbin look good for Yeonjun . The name left a sour taste in his mouth and it made him feel slightly guilty because Yeonjun was just so nice. Hyunjin didn’t like that he was praying for the other man’s downfall but dammit he wanted Changbin all to himself!
Hyunjin had made Changbin try on at least eight different shirts just because he wanted to see the other man strip. It was a miracle that he hadn’t started drooling. Instead he tried to distract himself by focusing on his stretchbook while Changbin ranted on and on about how happy he was for his night out with his friend and how he was excited to see where this could lead to in the future. It left Hyunjin internally seething. There would be no future for Changbin and Yeonjun if he had anything to say about it. He would figure out one way or another to make Changbin leave his date and come running back to him.
“I can’t really describe it, Jinnie-ah.” Changbin shrugged as he gave himself a final once over in the mirror before turning around. “How do I look?” the rapper asked and it took everything in Hyunjin not to pounce on him. Changbin was wearing fitted light blue jeans and a simple black buttoned up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. It was a simple fit but goddamn did the outfit hug Changbin in all the right places. It made Hyunjin want to devour him. “He’s just awesome and we’ve known each other for so long. We both feel like there’s something between us and we want to explore it.”
“ You should be exploring with me .” Hyunjin murmured under his breath.
“What was that, Jinnie?”
“I said that’s great hyung! I’m really happy for you.” Hyunjin gave him a fake smile and Changbin raised an eyebrow.
“You sure about that?”
“Of course, Hyung!” Hyunjin’s voice went up as he spoke, a clear indication that he was lying. “I’m just butthurt that I’ll be home alone.”
“Oh, Hyunjinnie, you could always go to the cuties dorm and spend the night.” Hyunjin made a face at that. Both Jisung and Chan were over there already and the last thing Hyunjin wanted to see was the two of them fawning over their boyfriends. Hyunjin was used to Minho and Jisung but Chan and Felix together was a whole other level of sticky sweet that would just have him seething in envy. Him and Changbin should have been that stupid in love couple that drove their friends crazy, but they weren’t.
“And be around that lovey-dovey obnoxiousness? No thanks. I’ll just stay here and sketch. I was even thinking of baking. I found a recipe for cookies that I want to try.”
“You’re so cruel, Jinnie-ah!” Changbin exclaimed overdramatically. “Making yummy treats when I’m not here to try them.”
Hyunjin giggled, covering his mouth with his hand. “Don’t worry hyung, I’ll put some aside just for you.” he beamed. Changbin opened his mouth to say something but his phone started beeping in his pocket. He took it out and grinned, typed something quickly before putting the device back in his pocket.
“Junnie is outside in his car. I gotta go. You’ll probably be asleep by the time I get back so I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay, Binnie hyung. I’ll walk you out.”
“You don’t have to do that Hyunjin.”
“I know but I want to.” He said softly, trying to ignore the jolt of sadness that suddenly hit him. Changbin really was going out on a date tonight with someone that wasn’t him.
“You’re so sweet Hyunjinnie.” Changbin cooed as they walked down the hallway towards the front door. Hyunjin bit his lip to distract himself from his thoughts as he watched Changbin put on his shoes. He was dreading watching the other man walk out the door. Desperately wanting to stop him and confess but the words were caught in his throat. “Call me if you need me, alright? I’ll drop everything for you. You know that.”
“I know, hyung.” Hyunjin whispered, moving forward to hug his friend. “Have a fun time, Binnie.” The embrace was tight and lasted longer than Hyunjin had expected and both seemed reluctant to let go. Changbin was the one to pull away first.
“Remember to call me if you need me.”
“I will.” Hyunjin reassured him and with one final glance Changbin was out the door. The dancer didn’t know how long he’d stood there staring at the door but it was enough to let an ugly feeling settle in the pit of his stomach. Hyunjin felt disappointed in himself, he’d truly thought he’d made it obvious how he felt. Changbin knew him so well. As hopeless of a romantic as he was, Hyunjin was terrified to tell Changbin how he felt about him. He couldn’t explain why he was afraid to make the first move, Hyunjin just was. And now the love of his life was out on a romantic evening with someone else. Hyunjin felt a little unhinged about it.
He shook himself out of the nasty thoughts that were starting to manifest and headed towards the kitchen. Felix had told him before that baking always helped him to unwind and relieve his stress. Hyunjin decided to give it a try.
Hyunjin was going to make Changbin realize that he had romantic feelings for him. He might have missed his chance before when they’d gone out for lunch the other day but he’d just have to find another way to tell him how he felt. Hyunjin thought making something he knew Changbin would like would be a good start. Everyone loved it when Felix baked, and Changbin was very vocal about how much he loved their sunshine’s chocolate chip cookies. Hyunjin had never baked anything from scratch before but since he was trying to win his hyung’s affections he thought now was a good place to start. Changbin loved working out so Hyunjin had done some research and found a recipe for chocolate chip protein cookies.
It was perfect!
Changbin was going to see how thoughtful he was and fall for Hyunjin and then dump Yeonjun to profess his love for him. That’s what Hyunjin told himself as he started blending all of the ingredients together. The dancer was far too aggressive in his mixing.
“Stupid Changbin out on a stupid date with stupid Yeonjun at a stupid high end sushi restaurant. I hope something has a bone and he chokes.” Hyunjin hissed, beating the dough so hard that his movements rattled the countertop. “I would have taken hyung somewhere much more lowkey and probably so much better. Doesn’t matter if Yeonjun’s known Changbin before me, I know him better!”
Hyunjin turned the oven on borderline violently. Changbin didn’t know what he was missing. He could have been having a cute night indoors making cookies. But instead he was out with Yeonjun. Rude.
“I bet Yeonjun wouldn’t think to make Binnie hyung protein cookies.” Hyunjin grumbled to himself as he rolled the cookie dough in his glove-covered hands and placed them on a baking sheet. “If anything he’d probably just go out and buy them. I’m showing Changbin that I care enough to make them myself.” he giggled to himself wickedly before he started humming as he moved the backing sheet to the oven. He checked the temperature again before putting the cookies in the oven. Hyunjin set a timer on his phone and made his way back to his room. Looking at the time he realized it had been almost two hours since Changbin left and Hyunjin wanted him to come back home.
“Call me if you need me, alright? I’ll drop everything for you. You know that.”
His hyung’s words suddenly rang through his head and Hyunjin got the naughty idea to disrupt Changbin’s date and call him. The dancer’s wicked thoughts won him over and he was whipping out his phone and dialing Changbin’s number.
The older man answered his call within two rings.
“Hyunjin-ah? Is everything alright? Are you okay?”
“I was baking and accidentally set the kitchen on fire.”
“What!” Changbin hollered. Hyunjin instantly started cackling.
“I’m just joking, hyung. I’m just testing to see if you were serious about picking up whenever I call you.” The younger teased. He could hear Changbin sigh heavily on the other line and for a moment Hyunjin felt slightly guilty. But that dissolved quickly because for a moment, Changbin’s focus was on him instead of Yeonjun.
“Hyunjin, call me if there’s an actual emergency.” Changbin commanded and Hyunjin pouted.
“ Fine. I’ll only call if I really need you.” Hyunjin whined and Changbin ended the phone call. The dancer huffed and walked into his room and shut the door. Sitting down at his desk he groaned, knocking his head against the open notebook resting on the center. Despite the reprimand he’d just gotten, that didn’t stop Hyunjin from being a menace and texting Changbin a bunch of fire emojis.
Despite the situation Hyunjin was feeling inspired. He put on his headphones and started playing his classic rock playlist, jotting down notes in his notebook, random little thoughts. And if the majority of them were about his ragging jealousy then that was Hyunjin business. Maybe he could brainstorm with Chan hyung later and turn his thoughts into lyrics. Sure all of his thoughts were about Changbin but only Hyunjin needed to know that. He got sucked into his zone, jotting down word after word, hand running off the pages. He was so lost in his writing that he didn’t even notice that his timer that was supposed to be for fifteen minutes never went off. It was only when the smell of burnt chocolate and the off putting scent of protein powder crept in through the crack in his door. Hyunjin shot up from his seat at his desk and tapped his phone to check his timer. His heart instantly sank. There were still five minutes left on the not fifteen but fifty minute timer he had set. Hyunjin turned off the timer and shot up from his seat and rushed to the door.
As soon as he opened the door he was smacked in the face with dark smoke and the blaring sound of the smoke alarm. Instantly Hyunjin started coughing, holding the long sleeve of his shirt to his mouth. “Dammit! The cookies are ruined!” He whined, rushing towards the kitchen to take his disaster of pastries out of the oven. Hyunjin screamed in horror as he saw there was a fire blazing bright in the oven and thick smoke was seeming out from the oven and the stove top. Downright terrified and having no clue what to do, Hyunjin did the only thing he could think of.
He called Changbin.
Hyunjin nipped at his nails and paced around the hallway. “Come on pick up, pick up. Please hyung, pick up the phone.” He whimpered. He didn’t have to wait long because his hyung answered his call almost immediately despite Hyunjin’s previous bratty behavior.
“Hyunjin-ah, if this is another joke I’m going to hang up.” Changbin sighed.
“Hyung! Changbin hyung, please come home!” stammered out in a panic. “I-I need you.” he sobbed.
“What’s wrong are you alright?” his tone was instantly alert.
“The oven is on fire! I-I’m serious this time. I-I don’t know what to do and it’s getting bigger!” He whimpered, starting to choke from the thick smoke.
“I’m coming home right now, there’s a fire extinguisher under the kitchen sink. If you can get to it, use it then get out of the apartment and call the fire department. I’ll be right there baby. Call me back as soon as you’re done with the fire department.”
Hyunjin started coughing violently as the smoke filled his lungs. “O-okay.” He choked out. He ended the call and rushed to the sink, he was scared shitless because it was practically next to the stove. He was close enough that he could feel the intense heat. Hyunjin dropped to his knees and searched for the fire extinguisher and found it in the back of the cabinet. With trembling hands he managed to spray the oven and the stove using the entire container to extinguish the fire. Hyunjin was still afraid but he managed to turn off the stove and call the fire department and their manager. He was so embarrassed by his carelessness that he almost didn’t want to call Changbin back. But Hyunjin managed to call his hyung and Changbin stayed on the line while he waited for the fire department and their manager to come. He reassured Hyunjin that he was on his way and that he would be there soon.
Unfortunately for Hyunjin, Stray Kids manager had gotten there first. Hyunjin was too numb to pay any attention to the man berating him for his negligence. He didn’t even think he said a word to him. Hyunjin simply kept his phone close to his ear focused on Changbin trying to sooth him through the other line. Their manager stopped when firefighters eventually showed up and inspected the damage. Hyunjin only managed to feel a sense of relief when Changbin barreled through the door and instantly wrapped Hyunjin up in his arms.
Overwhelmed and embarrassed, the dancer allowed himself to cry into Changbin’s shoulder. His entire body was trembling and his hyung rubbed his back and whispered praises in his ears. Telling Hyunjin he was proud of him for handling the situation well. Personally he didn’t think that was the case at all but he let his friend reassure him regardless. As long as Changbin didn’t let him go then Hyunjin was fine. He had completely blocked out everything around him and focused on Changbin’s cologne. The combination of sandalwood and vanilla always put him at ease. But then again it was probably because the scent reminded him of his hyung. He heard the firefighters leave but Hyunjin really wasn’t paying attention.
“It seems like the fire was put out before it could grow worse. But it will still need to be inspected further for damages.” Their manager explained, sighing as he rubbed his temples. “For the night you’ll have to find somewhere else to sleep. I’ll book hotel rooms right now.”
“Can Changbin hyung and I room together?” Hyunjin blurted out, turning around in his hyung’s hold to face the other man. He wrapped his arms around himself, suddenly feeling vulnerable. “I-I really don’t want to be alone right now.” He hated to admit that he was shaken from the incident. Not to mention the utter embarrassment he felt from setting the stove on fire. Hyunjin needed Changbin to assure him that everything would be okay and that accidents can happen. Their manager's tone was so judgemental and Hyunjin didn’t want to admit it left him feeling raw and exposed. He felt like a fucking moron already, he didn’t need another added layer to that. Their manager looked like he wanted to say no to the request but before he could Changbin spoke up.
It was moments like this that shined a light on why Hyunjin loved Changbin so much. Without having to ask, his friend wrapped his arms around the dancer’s waist. Pulling Hyunjin back against his chest. “I think it would be best for the two of us to stay together right now.” Changbin’s tone was a clear indication that he would actually argue with the man until he agreed if he said no. Their manager looked agitated but sighed heavily before nodding his head in agreement.
“Alright, that’s fine. Go pack what you need and we’ll be on our way. I’ll call Chan and Jisung to inform them that the dorm is off limits tonight.”
“Chan hyung will probably be holed up in the studio all night anyways and Jisung is already spending the night at the cuties dorm. There won’t be a need to book them both hotel rooms as well.” Changbin informed their manager. His hold on Hyunjin tightened, making the younger man feel grounded and the trembles in his body were starting to recede. The rapper’s thumb gently caressed Hyunjin’s hand, the simple touch was enough to remind him that regardless of the circumstances Changbin would always be there for him.
“Come on Jinnie, let's get ready to leave.” Changbin released his hold around his waist but immediately took a hold of Hyunjin’s hand and guided them towards the hallway. Reluctantly they parted ways to enter their rooms. Hyunjin mindlessly packed a duffle bag quickly wanting to get out of the dorm as fast as possible. He was out of his room in less than ten minutes. He shut his door and leaned against as he waited in the hallway for Changbin. Hyunjin gnawed at his bottom lip, still feeling anxious with exhaustion seeping into every pore in his body. Between his poor emotional handling of Changbin and Yeonjun’s date and trying to impress said man by baking his favorite cookies going horribly wrong, all Hyunjin wanted to do was sleep.
When Changbin exited his room, he grabbed Hyunjin’s free hand and guided them out of their apartment. Everything after that was a blur for Hyunjin, he’d simply blanked out, too stressed to deal with everything. All he remembered was getting into a company van and the next Changbin was guiding Hyunjin through their hotel room door.
Changbin guided Hyunjin to sit down on the edge of the bed and he pressed a kiss to his forehead before going to inspect the bathroom. “Hyunjin-ah! There’s a tub and separate shower.” The man called out to him. “Do you want to take a shower or a bath to help you calm down?” Hyunjin almost started crying all over again. Changbin was always so caring and knew him so well. Why was this man not his already?
“I’ll take a bath.” Hyunjin called back softly.
“I’ll draw it up for you now. You know I know exactly how you like it.”
And that was true. Changbin had done it plenty of times before. He knew Hyunjin’s temperature preference, the scents he liked to soak in. His favorite bath bombs. Hyunjin had no doubts that the older man probably knew him better than he knew himself. It was why Hyunjin felt the most secure with himself whenever he was around Changbin. His hyung made him feel safe to completely let his guard down.
Hyunjin patiently waited while Changbin prepared his bath. He could feel himself dozing off and pinched himself to try and stay awake. He sent a quick text to the danceracha group chat explaining what happened and reassured them that he was fine. Informing them that he was going to turn off his phone to focus on sleeping and that to inform the others of what happened if their manager hadn’t already. Just as Hyunjin turned his phone off Changbin was walking back into the room.
“It’s ready for you.” Changbin told him, tone gentle as he ran his hands through the other’s long dark hair. Hyunjin leaned into the touch, practically melting at the sensation.
“Come with me?”
The entire group had been together long enough to not be shy or modest. Hyunjin had seen his members naked more times than he could count. Bathing together wasn’t anything new. Was it slightly inappropriate to ask Changbin to join him in his bath when the man had just had a romantic date? Yes. But Hyunjin had always been selfish when it came to Changbin so that wasn’t going to stop him from asking. The rapper looked at him hesitantly, wanting to say no but his expression betraying him indicating that he wanted to say yes.
“That tub is too small for that.” Changbin tried to reason, making Hyunjin pout.
“Then can you pull up a chair and just sit with me?” the younger asked softly. “I really don’t want to be alone right now.” Hyunjin’s voice came out more vulnerable than he’d meant to but he was with Changbin so it didn’t matter. He was safe with his hyung.
“If that’s what you really want, then of course I’ll stay with you, Hyunjin-ah.” Changbin reassured him. “Just let me text the group chat and then plug in my phone. Go make yourself comfortable.” Changbin guided him off the edge of the bed and gently pushed him towards the bathroom. Hyunjin watched his hyung rummage through his bag to try and find his phone for a brief second before heading to the bathroom as instructed. Once in the bathroom he was hit in the face with the strong scent of roses and the sight of a pristine pink marble tub overflowing with bubbles. Hyunjin grinned, Changbin knew him so well. His hyung was also right that both of them couldn't fit in the tub together comfortably. He giggled at the thought of having to sit on Changbin’s lap in order to do so as he stripped down and got into the water.
Hyunjin sank down into the steaming water completely, sighing in content when he came back up for air. His body immediately relieved some of the tension that had built up inside of him. He allowed his mind to go blank and no longer think about the fact that he’d set the kitchen on fire. The shame and embarrassment melted away as he closed his eyes and sank deeper into rose scented bliss. Hyunjin almost didn’t hear Changbin when he entered the room. The sound of a chair being placed next to the tub, gently shaking him out of his headspace. Hyunjin hummed in satisfaction as Changbin began to card his fingers through Hyunjin’s hair. The sensation made him melt into the older man’s touch.
“I’m sorry I ruined your date with Yeonjun, hyung.” Hyunjin turned, opening his eyes to face the older man.
“It’s alright Hyunjinie.” Changbin told him, caressing his wet cheek. “Whenever you need me I’ll come running. I meant it when I said that.”
“Still I’m really sorry. I know you were excited.” Hyunjin bit his lower lip debating himself before asking Changbin a question. “Did you have a good time? You know before you rushed back to the dorm.”
“It was nice.” Changbin shrugged nonchalantly. “We went to a michelin restaurant that I can’t remember the name of. Our food had been brought out probably ten minutes before you called. I don’t really remember what I ordered but I know the meat was good.”
“I’m sorry this interrupted your dinner.” Hyunjin said tone guilty. “Are you hungry? Maybe we can order room service?” Changbin simply grinned at him and massaged his scalp.
“That sounds like a great idea, Jinnie-ah. We can eat and watch a movie to help us fall asleep. I brought my laptop.”
“That sounds perfect, hyung.”
“Awesome, but for now just relax, you’ve had a stressful day. I am curious though. What were you trying to make that caused the oven to catch on fire?”
Hyunjin tilted his head back and groaned in mortification. Both of his pruned hands came up to hide his face. “I was trying to make you protein chocolate chip cookies. You’ve been cutting back on sweets recently and I was trying to make you something you liked that could also be beneficial.”
“Hyunjin-ah! You’re so sweet!” Changbin suddenly shouted, making Hyunjin giggle. “Why is my Jinnie so thoughtful?” he cooed before delivering small pecks on top of his damp hair and his forehead. Hyunjin started cackling, pretending to whine at the attention but it was painfully obvious that he was enjoying it. Changbin didn’t let up but this was exactly what Hyunjin needed to feel better about the situation. Changbin truly was his happiness pill and he allowed himself to relax with his hyung by his side. Hyunjin didn’t know how long the two of them stayed there but it was long enough for the water to turn cool.
They stared at each other for a long moment and for a split second Hyunjin’s delusional mind thought his hyung was about to lean down and kiss him. Instead Changbin cleared his throat and turned away from him.
“I’ll go check out the room service menu while you get dry.”Changbin told him, getting up from the chair.
“Okay, hyung.” Hyunjin whispered, watching as Changbin left the room. When he was gone Hyunjin was quick to dry off and change into the clothes that he’d brought into the bathroom with him, even taking the time to blow dry his hair. When Hyunjin was finished he walked back into the bedroom to the delectable sight of Changbin lounging over the covers at the head of the bed. His back was against the headboard, right knee bent while his other lay flat. His black sweatpants did nothing to hide how thick his thighs were. Hyunjin almost drooled. Even in a simple sweatpants and t-shirt combo Changbin was devilishly handsome.
“Hey, Jinnie. I just looked over the menu and there's a bunch of stuff that looked good so I ordered a little bit of everything for the both of us. I hope that’s alright.”
“That’s fine, hyung. You know what I like.” Hyunjin said as he walked over to the bed. He threw himself onto it, and wiggled around to get comfortable as he laid on his side next to Changbin. Gazing up at the older man with fond eyes, he tried to get as close as possible. “There better not be any eggplant.” He warned playfully, making the older man chuckle.
“Of course not, Hyunjin-ah.” Changbin reassured him. His hyung paused for a second as he looked at him. Giving Hyunjin a once over before laughing lowly to himself. “Well I’ve finally figured out where one of my favorite hoodies went. I thought I’d lost it. Turns out that my favorite person had it this entire time.” he teased, causing Hyunjn to blush. He had completely forgotten that he’d stolen Changbin’s zip up during a particularly chilly session in 3racha’s recording studio.
Changbin put his phone down and rested his arm against Hyunjin’s back. Pulling him closer so the younger could use his thigh as a pillow. He rubbed circles against him soothingly, while Hyunjin blinked up at him adoringly.
“It’s okay, Hyunjin-ah. You can keep it. My hoodie looks better on you anyways.”
-x-
“So you’re telling me that you spent the entire night alone with Changbin hyung in a hotel room and the only thing the two of you did was sleep?” Jisung said in disbelief.
It had been two days since Hyunjin had accidentally set the oven on fire and ruined Changbin’s date with Yeonjun and his friends had been teasing him relentlessly about it. Thankfully there wasn’t too much damage done to the kitchen. Just some light touch ups, but they did have to get a new stove. Everything had taken a day and 3racha and Hyunjin were able to return to their dorm with no issues. The only problem was that nobody was going to let Hyunjin live this down for the rest of his life. But in the end it was all lighthearted fun so he wasn’t truly offended or hurt by their teasing.
“...Yes.” Hyunjin grumbled as he sat on the practice room floor with danceracha and Jisung. “We did eat and watch movies too.” He omitted the part where Changbin was next to him in the bathroom when he took a bath. For Hyunjin it was a special moment that he wanted to keep between the two of them.
“Well it seemed like you were successful in sabotaging Changbin’s date.” Minho mused, as he ran his fingers through Jisung’s hair. Felix cackled as he pressed himself against Hyunjin’s side.
“You set the kitchen on fire on purpose!” Jisung yelped. “Wait…when did Binnie hyung go on a date? With who?”
“Of course not.” Hyunjin scoffed. “And Changbin hyung went on a date with Yeonjun, remember? He told us in the kitchen like four days ago.”
“Huh?” he said in confusion before his eyes went wide in some type of realization. “O-oh yeah. Sorry I forgot.” Hyunjin gave him a look but didn’t question his friend about it. He simply shrugged it off and chalked it up to Jisung being an oddball.
“Besides, it doesn't even matter if I managed to ruin his date. Changbin hyung said he’s going on another date with Yeojun tomorrow.” Hyunjin grumbled. “He texted me about it before I left the dorm to come here.” he explained and Jisung tilted his head in confusion.
“He didn’t tell me any of that and I’ve been with him all morning.” he said. “But good for him. I think the two of them would be cute together. The height difference is cute.”
“ Our height difference is cute.” Hyunjin retorted without a second thought. His tone drowned in bitterness. The three of them looked at him in amusement before falling all over themselves in laughter.
“Your jealousy is showing so badly right now Hyunjinie.” Felix teased.
“I’m not jealous!” he whined.
“Sure you’re not.”
“You know that you can simply just tell Changbin hyung how you feel right?” Jisung interjected. “Watching the two of you dance around each other is starting to become painful. If you told him that you’re in love with him, then he’d drop everything to be with you.”
Hyunjin snorted. “Sure he would.” voice dripping in sarcasm. “Why would he do that when he’s seeing someone as pretty as Yeonjun?”
“Because he’s been in love with you forever and the only reason he hasn’t made a move is because he thinks you don’t feel the same.”
“Oh really? And has Changbin told you that?”
“No. But both of your feelings for each other are extremely obvious and one of you needs to make a move soon because the rest of us are sick of the two of you not actually being together. We were even planning on staging an intervention soon if this continues.”
Minho swatted Jinsung for saying that. “Jagi, you’re not supposed to tell him that.”
Jisung looked up at his boyfriend with panicked eyes. “Sorry!”
“Guys! It’s fine. He’s going on another date with Yeonjun. I just have to accept the fact that I’ve missed my chance.”
“Oh, so what, you’re just going to continue to sabotage his dates instead of confessing?” Jisung asked. “That’s cowardly, Jinnie.”
“I never said I wasn’t one.” Hyunjin grumbled. “Can we just get back to dancing please?”
“Sure Hyune.” Felix interjected before anyone could say anything else that could possibly start an argument. “We should probably continue practicing anyway.”
Hyunjin was relieved that he no longer had to talk about his feelings. But Jisung’s words did get the cogs in his head turning. Did Changbin actually feel the same way for him?
-x-
“Why are you here again?” Jeongin whined at Hyunjin who was laying directly on top of him as they rested on the large couch in the cutie’s dorm. “Go back to your dorm.” There wasn’t any heat behind the youngest member’s words but he was still almost suffocating underneath his hyung.
“I can’t go back there. I’ll be alone! Everyone is out on a date. You two are the only ones that aren’t.”
“We technically are.” Seungmin retorted from the kitchen as he prepped ingredients for smoothies. “Home dates are a thing. We just don’t care if you’re third-wheeling.”
“Yeah, what he said.” Jeongin agreed, accepting his fate of being trapped under Hyunjin’s weight. The dancer started rubbing the maknae’s hair aggressively and cooing at how adorable his annoyance was.
“Aww is my Innie mad? So cute!” Hyunjin started shaking him in his rush of cute aggression. Having bulked up recently, Jeongin was able to toss his hyung off of his body. Hyunjin knew what their maknae was capable of now with his strength and bolted towards the kitchen. The distance wasn’t far and he could hear Jeongin gaining on his fast.
Unfortunately Hyunjin wasn’t paying better attention to where he was going and crashed right into the dining room table. Sheering pain shot up from his bare foot and like an electric shock went up to his head. He screamed in agony before dropping to the floor and leaning over to clutch his toes. A slew of curses left Hyunjin’s mouth and he whimpered. Jeongin was at his side in seconds and he could hear Seungmin rushing towards them.
“Oh my god, hyung are you okay?” Jeongin hovered over him trying to get a clear view to make sure Hyunjin wasn’t seriously injured. “Nothing looks broken, maybe you should still get checked out.”
“What happened?” Seungmin asked with an expression full of worry as he eyed them both.
“Hyung stubbed his toe, but it looks like he hit the leg of the table really hard. It's probably worse because his feet are bare. He ran off without his slippers.”
“Call Changbin!” Hyunjin blurted out, still clutching his foot.
“What? No I’m not calling him, hyung is on a date.” Seungmin retorted and Hyunjin whimpered.
“Please! I feel like I might have broken something.”
“Okay, so I’ll call our manager or Chan hyung.”
“No!” Hyunjin whined like a petulant child. “I want Binnie hyung! Besides, Felix will kill me if I interrupt his time with Chan hyung.”
Seungmin snorted. “Oh so you won’t ruin their date but you’ll sabotage Changbin’s?”
“Minnie, please just call him!”
“You are acting like such a brat right now.” He huffed.
“Seungmin hyung, just call him. We both know he won’t stop whining until Changbin hyung gets here.”
“Ugh fine.” Seungmin gave up the fight and stood up from his knees to go get his phone. “I’ll go grab an ice pack while I call him.” The two of them watched him go. Hyunjin was still rocking back and forth, clutching his foot. He let out a loud gasp of shock when Jeongin suddenly swatted his shoulder.
“You know there are other ways to sabotage Changbin hyung’s dates than doing this right? You’re so overly dramatic Hyunjin hyung. Why don’t you just tell hyung how you feel? That man worships the ground you walk on. He’s so whipped for you. You don’t have to do all of this to get his attention back on you. Just confess.” Hyunjin flushed crimson with embarrassment. The last person he expected to call him out on his bullshit was Jeongin. “I don’t understand why you’re so afraid. It’s just Changbin hyung.”
And that’s what made confessing so scary. It was Seo Changbin. The man that Hyunjin had been in love with since they were both awkward teenagers just trying to make it in a cut throat industry. They’d been through all the highs and lows together. Changbin was Hyunjin’s best friend and he was terrified that confessing would ruin their friendship. Which was something he valued more than anything in this world. All of his members were constantly telling him that Changbin was in love with him. Hyunjin desperately wanted to believe them but the fear of losing his hyung as a friend always festered in the back of his mind like a parasite. Paralyzing him from making the final step to confess.
“I’ll think about it. Innie-ah.”
“Well don’t take too long that he slips away, hyung.”
Before Hyunjin could respond to Jeongin’s profound words, the sudden sound of frantic footsteps could be heard and the booming voice of Changbin calling out for him.
“Hyunjin-ah are you alright?” Changbin asked frantically as he rushed to Hyunjin’s side. Dropped to his knees to inspect him. The dancer was baffled. It had to have been less than ten minutes since Seungmin had called him. How the fuck did Changbin get there so fast?
“Hyung? You got here…extremely fast.”
“I was walking out of the dorm when Seungmin called me.” Changbin explained.
Hyunjin was extremely confused by this considering Changbin had left the dorms before him to go out with Yeonjun.
“But you left before me?”
“I-I did but I forgot something and had to go back. You were already gone by the time I got back.”
Hyunjin wanted to point out that he left their dorm over an hour after Changbin had left. What could his hyung have forgotten that was so important he had to halt his date to go get it? He decided not to question him about it. Changbin had kept his promise to come to Hyunjin whenever he needed him and he did. His hyung had dropped everything, abandoned his date with Yeonjun again to run to his side.
Jeongin informed them that their manager was on the way and no Chan hyung wasn’t coming. Thankfully after a quick ride to the hospital it turned out that Hyunjin hadn’t broken anything. His toes were just extremely bruised and after a few hours on ice he'd been fine. For Hyunjin the pain had been long forgotten. He couldn’t feel it when Changbin was pampering him and refusing to let Hyunjin lift a finger to even get up from the sofa to do something simple like get a bottle of water. He didn’t care. Changbin was back at their dorm, spoiling him when he was supposed to be out with Yeonjun. That alone made Hyunjin content.
-x-
Changbin was getting ready to go on another date with Yeonjun and no , Hyunjin wasn’t bitter about it. He was simmering with underlying rage about it! Changbin should have been home with him. It would have been the perfect opportunity to be alone. Chan and Jisung were at the Cutie’s dorm with their boyfriends, leaving Hyunjin and Changbin alone in the apartment. This would have been the perfect opportunity to be together. Hyunjin could be lounging on the rapper’s bed while he worked on music at his desk. He’d have his sketchbook out, pretending to be working on a drawing but really it has always been an excuse to watch the other man when he was deep into his work. From the beginning of their careers, Hyunjin had always loved watching Changbin while he worked.
There was something so entrancing about watching Changbin in his zone. He was so handsome, his side profile so perfect. One of the reasons Hyunjin adored Changbin so much was because of how passionate he was. It was hot when Changbin would stick his tongue out in concentration with his headphones secured on his head as he nodded along to the beats he created. Watching him write down lyrics or whatever ramblings were in his mind always fascinated Hyunjin.
Simply watching Changbin be himself was Hyunjin’s favorite thing to do. It was the only time that he didn’t mind that the older man’s focus wasn’t on him. Hyunjin thrived off of Changbin’s attention. Which was why he was losing his mind knowing that all of Changbin’s attention was now on Yeonjun. It was ridiculous! Changbin’s attention should have been on Hyunjin.
Hence why Hyunjin was going to focus on taking his frustrations out on a canvas instead and blasting loud music. Why he decided that today was the day he was going to take out all of his anger on the canvas that was as large and just as wide as his bedroom was beyond him. Hyunjin should have been painting something this massive in an actual studio. Getting the large thing into the dorm had been a pain in the ass, but Changbin had helped him without Hyunjin even having to ask.
Currently Hyunjin was grumbling to himself as he used a roller brush covered in midnight blue paint to cover the entire canvas. His mind was filled with a cloudy night sky and he had just started the process of covering the entire canvas in paint. Changbin was still in the house while their other roommates were in the studio. Hyunjin had holed himself up in his room so he didn’t have to think about his hyung leaving to go out with Yeonjun again. He ranted quietly to himself about how life was unfair as he dipped the paintbrush in the thick paint and rolled it onto the canvas.
“Hey, Jinnie-ah.” Changbin called out to him, knocking on the doorframe to get his attention. Hyunjin turned to him and internally groaned. Why was this man so fucking hot? This time Changbin was wearing light blue jeans and a tucked in black t-shirt. His glasses were on and his hair looked extra fluffy.
“Hey hyung, are you leaving?”
“Yeah, I just wanted to let you know.”
“Thanks for letting me. What are you two doing today?”
“We’re going bowling.” Changbin told him and Hyunjin swore he almost saw red. Sure the two of them weren’t doing it anymore but bowling had been their thing. And now Changbin was going to do it with Yeonjun? This was so unfair! “Oh wow, you’re finally doing something with this canvas? It’s been taking up so much space in here and left blank that I thought you were never going to do anything with it. I won’t ask what you’re working on because I want to be surprised.” Changbin said that but he was moving closer to the canvas to inspect it. Hyunjin noticed that the rapper was moving closer to the large paint tin that was still open and more than half full. Hyunjin truly was not proud of what he did next. He ‘accidentally’ stumbled over the can, kicking it so it ended spilling all over the plastic covering he’d put on the floor.
The splash landed all over the bottom of Changbin’s jeans. Splattering right underneath his knees and soaking his socks completely. The rapper gasped and stepped back in shock, the move caused him to slip on the plastic and Changbin tumbled backwards. Hyunjin tried to grab him before he could fall but all he managed to was lurch forward as Changbin took him down with him. They landed hard with a loud splat as the paint sprayed underneath them. The rapper let out a loud huff as Hyunjin landed on top of his chest, knocking the air out of him.
“Binnie! Oh my god, hyung are you okay?” Hyunjin panicked, shooting from his chest by pushing himself up by his palms. His hands were still on top of Changbin’s pecks. “Are you hurt?” Guilt hit him like a truck, Hyunjin had simply meant to get his friend’s pants dirty. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Changbin.
“I’m fine Hyunjin-ah.” Changbin wheezed and he sat up, propping himself up on his palms. He slipped slightly but fixed himself before he could fall back again. Hyunjin gnawed at his bottom lip.
“I wasn’t paying attention to where I was moving. Do you have enough paint to finish your canvas?”
“Screw the paint Bin! I can just buy more. You’re more important than some stupid paint.”
Changbin laughed, still sounding out of breath as he held Hyunjin closer. They were already covered in paint so it didn’t really matter to him if they got messier. “I’m serious, Hyune. I’m alright, I might have a bruise later but other than that I’m okay.”
Hyunjin sighed in relief, dropping his head down to rest against Changbin’s chest, momentarily forgetting that it was covered in paint. He tilted his head back up to look at his hyung and the older man started cackling at Hyunjin's now dark blue forehead.
“You look so silly right now.”
Hyunjin smirked, dipping his fingers into the small paint puddle next to him and slapped his hands against Changbin’s cheeks, leaving handprints behind. “And now you look ridiculous.” he teased back. In a flash, Changbin had flipped them over and was pinning Hyunjin to the floor. For a moment all they could do was stare at each other. Hyunjin swore he could spend forever staring into those eyes. He glanced down at his hyung’s plush lips and there was nothing that Hyunjin wanted to do more in that moment than capture them with his own. He could have sworn that Changbin was looking down at his lips as well. Hyunjin gulped, feeling bold and cupping the rapper’s cheek with his paint covered hand.
Gazing at each other again, the pair started grinning with the dopiest expressions. Hyunjin couldn’t help it, a giggle bubbled up from his throat and escaped past his lips and another until he was howling with laughter. Changbin wasn’t fairing any better, he erupted into laughter alongside him, breaking into infectious chuckles that made Hyunjin’s face hurt from smiling. The two of them lay there on top of the plastic tarp as the paint slowly began to dry against their skin and laughed until their stomachs ached.
“I’m going to have to cancel my date with Yeonjun.” Changbin murmured but he didn’t sound upset about it. “There’s no way I’d make it in time now and there’s no way I’d leave you to clean this up by yourself.”
“I think the paint is only on the plastic which makes it ten times easier to clean.” Hyunjin almost wanted to tell Changbin that if he took a quick shower he would only be slightly late for his date. But he was unashamed to admit to himself that he was being selfish. He had Changbin all to himself, Hyunjin wasn’t about to let him go.
“I’m still not going to make you clean it up by yourself.” Changbin’s tone left no room for argument and Hyunjin was not complaining. Cleaning up this mess together meant he was here and not with Yeonjun. Hyunjin couldn’t ask for more.
“We should probably clean up first and then shower. No point in washing up when we’re just going to make a mess of ourselves by cleaning.”
“We should probably put these clothes in the wash and change into stuff we don’t care about.” Hyunjin suggested.
“That’s fine. I’ll go and call Yeonjun right now. Don’t start cleaning without me.”
“Don’t worry I will.” Hyunjin teased.
“You’re such a brat.” Changbin chuckled as he punched Hyunjin’s shoulder lightly before exiting the room.
“If only you knew, Binnie. If only you knew.” Hyunjin smiled deviously. He might have created a mess but at least for now he’d gotten what he wanted. Changbin wasn’t going on his date, yet Hyunjin still hadn’t opened his mouth to confess.
-x-
Hyunjin was on the sofa in the living room, pouting to himself as he sat with his feet up. He was curled up against Chan’s side practically in the man’s lap, while the man’s boyfriend sat completely unbothered on his opposite side. Felix was scrolling through tiktok, giggling occasionally at the screen while Chan and Hyunjin watched anime on the television. The leader hand fed the dancer snacks, while Hyunjin sulked. He was pouting because Changbin was on a spontaneous date with Yeonjun and there wasn’t anything he could do to stop it. Not like he wouldn’t have tried. Hyunjin would have found some way or another to try and disrupt their date if Chan hadn’t stolen his phone. Chan had shoved Hyunjin’s phone into his pocket and gave him a look that said ‘cut the shit’. The dancer grumbled but did as his friend instructed. So here Hyunjin was silently having a fit. He was still curled up against Chan because despite being annoyed with him the man was a great cuddle buddy. Hyunjin was not going to move away from his friend when he was this comfortable, no matter how miffed he currently was with the man.
“Babe, your’s or Hyunjin’s phone is buzzing.” Felix murmured, eyes still focused on his phone but feeling the vibrations from where he was pressed next to Chan. He continued to giggle at his phone without a single care in the world.
“Huh? Oh!” The oldest shifted to take the phones out of his pocket. He looked down at his own phone first, snorting at a message before giving Hyunjin back his phone. “I think Changbin texted you. You might want to respond back to him.” Chan snickered, handing Hyunjin his phone. The dancer gave his friend a curious glance before looking down at his phone. The way Chan had said it sounded so ominous. But he was correct, Hyunjin did have a few new texts from Changbin.
Hey Jinnie,
Would you mind coming to our favorite bowling alley?
Yeonjun stood me up and i could use some company
Want to help me take my mind off of it?
We can get BBQ later, my treat
Hyunjin shot up off the couch like a rocket, scrambling to his feet and racing towards his bedroom. He needed to find something nice to wear before running off to meet up with Changbin. Just this once Hyunjin was going to let it go that Changbin was going to take Yeonjun to their spot. Starting now there wasn’t going to be any more dates. By the end of the night Changbin was going to be his. Hyunjin couldn’t take anymore chances and risk his hyung going on more dates with other people. He might have been a coward before but this was the push Hyunjin needed to make it clear to Changbin that he was stupidly in love with him and that they were meant to be together. He couldn’t stand to see the rapper leave him behind to go out with someone else. Hyunjin refused to let that happen again.
“Yeonjun stood Binnie hyung, up so I’m going to meet him at the bowling alley right now.” Hyunjin explained to Felix and Chan in a rush as he stumbled to the front door to struggle into his sneakers. He rushed out the door and fumbled to put a mask over his mouth as he sprinted to the elevator. Hyunjin started pressing the button excessively as if continuing to do so would make the elevator come faster. Just as he thought about suffering and taking the stairs, the elevator arrived. As luck would have it, Hyunjin was the only one in it all the way down. He waved to the reception desk staff, giving a quick hello as he rushed out the front entrance. There was a row of taxis waiting out front and he hopped into the first one. He mumbled off the address to the driver and he was off. Hyunjin sent a text to Changbin to let him know that he was on his way and that he was going to be there soon. He sat back leg bouncing with nerves as he waited anxiously to arrive at the bowling alley.
As soon as the cab arrived in front of his destination, Hyunjin paid and was out in a flash. The second he stepped into the bowling alley Hyunjin halted in shock. The place was completely void of patrons. The only person inside of the alley besides the small amount of staff was Changbin. Hyunjin hadn’t thought that his friend would have rented out the entire place to have a date. Whenever the two of them came here they never rented out the place. They simply kept their masks on and went for the farthest lane away from the door.
What shocked Hyunjin the most was that Changbin was standing off to the side underneath the neon lights. His smile was so wide as he gazed fondly at Hyunjin and he was holding a large and beautiful wildflower bouquet. Hyunjin was baffled, what in the world was going on? Changbin claimed that Yeonjun had stood him up. But with how happy the man looked to see him it appeared that this entire date was never for Yeonjun in the first place but for Hyunjin.
“H-hyung? What’s going on?” Hyunjin’s voice was barely above a whisper as he questioned Changbin.
“You know, you’re not as slick as you think you are Jinnie-ah.” Changbin teased as he handed Hyunjin the bouquet. The younger man blinked at him in confusion, having no clue as to what he was talking about.
“What do you mean?”
“I know that you’ve been sabotaging my dates, Hyunjin-ah.” Changbin stated matter-of-factly. Hyunjin felt his stomach drop. Feeling like he might be sick, stammering over his words as he tried to explain himself. So terrified of what Changbin was going to do that he didn’t seem to realize that the man was smiling like the cat that got the cream.
“H-hyung, I’m so sorry.” Hyunjin’s lip wobbled as he tried to explain himself but he was downright embarrassed. “I-I know I shouldn’t have done it but I was just so jealous that you were going out on dates with Yeonjun when you should have been with me!” spoke rapidly, word vomiting every he’d been holding back for years. “I know what I’ve done has been extremely petty and unfair and I’m sorry. But it’s just that I see you going on dates with Yeonjun and it infuriates me. I can’t stand it, hyung! And I know that is unfair because he’s such a good person. But every time you leave with him means that I could lose you and the thought of that scares me.”
“You could never lose me, Hyunjinnie. What’s got you so terrified?”
Hyunjin huffed and rolled his eyes. “I just don’t understand how you can’t see that I’m in love with you! I thought it was obvious. The way that you flirt and tease me, it’s all so over the top and I adore it so fucking much. No one has ever made me feel as special as you do and I thought my reactions made that clear how I feel for you but according to others it doesn’t. I don’t find it annoying and the last thing I want you to do is stop. In fact I want nothing more than for you to tell me cheesy pickup lines for the rest of our lives. I, Hwang Hyunjin, love you, Seo Changbin. Can you give us a chance? Please don’t go on any more dates unless they’re with me.” Hyunjin pleaded.
Changbin’s miniscule smirk slowly grew wider and wider until he was grinning so hard that his face hurt and his eyes disappeared. He moved closer, reaching out to wrap a muscular arm around Hyunjin’s waist. He yanked the dancer against his chest and reached up to caress his cheek.
“You know, deep down I always hoped that you might feel the same as me but I was too afraid to get my hopes up.” Changbin confessed. “I just assumed you thought that I was joking.”
“Binnie hyung, I was so delusional about us that in my mind we were together but we technically weren’t officially. Well… up until you said that you were going on a date with Yeonjun.” Hyunjin huffed. “Hyung, I thrive off your flirting, if you ever stopped I’d probably die.”
Changbin snorted. “Okay, drama queen.”
“I will die , hyung!” Hyunjin reiterated, making the older man cackle.
“Okay, okay. I’ll never stop flirting with you.” Changbin wrapped an arm around Hyunjin to guide them towards the bowling lane that was farthest away from the entrance and made him sit down. The dancer’s eyes widened as he saw the setup that Changbin had arranged. All of Hyunjin’s favorite snacks and drinks were displayed on the table and in the center of it all was a sign that said ‘Hyunjin Be Mine?’ in Changbin’s handwriting surrounded by a border of flowers. Hyunjin thought his heart was going to skip right out of his chest. He turned so that he was facing Changbin completely and entwined their fingers, holding the older man’s hands as tightly as possible.
“Oh Binnie hyung, I’ve been yours for years.” Hyunjin confessed. “All you had to do was ask. When you told me to come tonight I was determined to tell you how I feel about you and ask you to be mine. Seems that you’ve officially beat me to it.” he joked. “But yes hyung, I want you in any way that I can have you. So if you’re asking me to be your boyfriend then my answer is yes. Hell you could propose to me right now and I would gladly accept being your husband.”
“Let me at least take you on a date first before we go shopping for rings, Jinnie-ah.” Changbin teased with adoration oozing out of his lips. “This doesn’t count, I want to take you on a proper date. You know, wine and dine you. Shit like that.” Hyunjin cackled, clapping his hands as he rocked back in laughter.
“Okay Binnie hyung. You can take me out on a proper date but as of this moment you’re my boyfriend.” He declared leaving no room for argument but it was obvious that Changbin was elated.
“Hyunjin-ah!” He shouted, throwing himself on top of the younger and squeezing him tight. Hyunjin choked out a laugh as he practically suffocated in Changbin’s hold. “My gorgeous, beautiful, breathtaking, god of a boyfriend!” Changbin was loud enough that the staff most likely heard him over the music playing from the speakers. “I love you so much and I’m going to tell you every hour on the hour.”
“Oh goodness, hyung stop!” he giggled.
“Nope, never. Especially since now I know how much you actually love it!” Changbin declared, a rapid rush of adoration coursed through Hyunjin and he lurched forward and kissed him. He poured all his passion into it. The rapper sat frozen at first before it sunk in that the object of his desire was in fact kissing him. Changbin returned the kiss in earnest, pulling Hyunjin close enough that he was practically in his lap. Fingers gripping tightly onto Hyunjin’s hips. The dancer tangled his fingers into the curls at the nap of Changbin’s neck to keep him close.
“I love you, Changbin.” Hyunjin declared against his lips. “So you don’t need to go on any more dates with Yeonjun.”
“Yeah…so about that…” Changbin trailed off, pulling back to rub at the back of his neck. For a moment Hyunjin panicked, thinking his new boyfriend was about to say something he was scared to hear. Changbin flushed a deep pink and avoided Hyunjin’s eyes. “I might have been going on fake dates with Yeonjun to make you jealous,” he confessed.
“You did what?!” Hyunjin hissed, mind flooded with shock before Changbin’s words fully “Wait…you were never actually dating Yeonjun-ssi?”
“Oh god no. I don’t see him like that at all. The two of us are strictly friends. But we were taking it as opportunities to hang out. We rarely get to nowadays since our schedules always clash.”
Hyunjin swatted Changbin’s arm. “Hyung, you’re so mean! Yeonjun is so nice and you had me plotting his demise in my head!” he pouted, making Changbin snicker. Hyunjin huffed but snuggled closer into the rapper’s arms.
“The night of our first ‘date’ I came running when you set the house on fire so I didn’t suspect anything.”
“I wouldn’t have set the apartment on fire to get you to leave your date. I’m not that insane!” Hyunjin defended himself. “I was just trying to make you cookies and it backfired.”
“I know, baby.” Changbin reassured him and Hyunjin wanted to scream from the sudden term of endearment. Changbin was no longer allowed to call him by his name. Only pet names from now on. “When you stubbed your toe I was a bit suspicious but there was no way that I wasn’t going to run to you when you needed me.”
“It really fucking hurt. That ice pack really did wonders. I thought I broke my toe.” Hyunjin grumbled, before tilting his head, curiosity sinking in. “Wait… that night how did you get to me so fast? Weren’t you out with Yeonjun?”
“Yeonjun got a call from his manager as soon as we got to his dorm. We were just going to chill and watch some anime and or play some games. His group had to go for a quick meeting about their upcoming tour. So I went back to the dorm, you were already gone when I got back. I figured you were busy so I didn’t want to disturb you by calling and asking where you were.”
“You would have been doing Seungmin and Innie a favor. I’d been third-wheeling their stay-in date. They would have loved it if you’d gotten rid of me.” Hyunjin giggled and Changbin laughed along with him.
“I’ll make sure to save them from you next time.”
“When did you figure out I was trying to sabotage your dates?”
“I picked up on what you were doing in your room that night you were painting. I saw you kick the paint tin right before I tripped over it.” Changbin snickered and Hyunjin buried his face in his hands.
“I’m still so sorry about that. That wasn’t one of my proudest moments.”
“It wasn’t but I’m sure you have no regrets.”
“Damn right I don’t!” Hyunjin huffed. “It got you to stay with me so no I don’t regret it.”
Changbin laughed loudly as he brought Hyunjin back into his arms. “Well you don’t have to worry about that anymore. You have me now and the only person I’ll be taking on dates from now on is you.”
Hyunjin pulled Changbin in close again and kissed him sweetly. “Good.”
“Now, I know I said this wasn’t our official date, but I did plan on kicking your ass at bowling tonight.” he declared and his boyfriend snorted.
“I’d like to see you try, babe.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you if you promise me one thing.”
“Oh really? And what’s that?”
“Promise not to set our kitchen on fire again.”
“Hyung!” Hyunjin whined, punching Changbin’s shoulder and pushing him away, while the older man laughed.
It was fine, eventually Hyunjin managed to shut his new boyfriend up with a kiss.