Chapter Text
Yushi doesn’t know whether it’s his lucky day or if he’s currently the butt of some sick joke. Don’t get him wrong, He may be humble- but is he completely unaware? Well no. Yushi can’t say that he isn’t conventionally attractive- a few people would even consider him pretty, or so he hopes. Which is why he’s still unable to comprehend why his love life has been going to shit for eighteen consecutive years. The thought of dying alone had finally started to settle- he had finally come to terms with the fact that dating just isn’t for him, until today that is. Yushi spots it first thing in the morning, a light at the end of the tunnel- or rather, a crumbled letter shoved carelessly into his locker. The sick joke in question.
“What are you waiting for?” Riku says before snapping his fingers in front of Yushi’s eyes, bringing the other back to earth in an instant.
“Read it! Preferably out loud thank-you-very-much”
“It’s a hallucination” Yushi mumbles after a moment of silence.
“Yushi.”
“Did i forget to take my meds?”
“Just read the love letter.”
His gaze stays locked on the envelope in his hand, he shuts his eyes- letting out a shaky exhale to ground the overwhelming amount of anxiety in his body before quickly slamming the letter onto Riku’s chest- completely knocking the air out of the other’s tiny body at the sudden urge to literally shit his pants in fear.
“You do it” Yushi rambles out in a rush, genuine sweat starting to fall down his neck.
“Gladly” His friend accepts easily- of course he does. Riku is nothing but a nosy little gremlin after all. “But I’ll stop to throw up if it gets sappy, I’m warning you right now”
“Just get on with it”
The only response Yushi gets is a tired sigh. Riku doesn’t give him time to brace himself- there’s barely a warning before his friend rips the envelope open without a second thought.
“Dear Yushi-“ He gulps, throat already going dry at the sole mention of his name. “-you’re cute, i like the way your eyes sparkle and how you watch our practice games in your abnormally oversized hoodies. I think about you a lot, so please, if you’re willing to give me a chance, meet me by the sweet sip coffee shop today after school-“
That’s when Riku gasps- the other grabs onto him, tugging Yushi’s shirt frantically.
“Holy shit- it’s signed”
His eyes go completely wide in shock. An anonymous letter is one thing, but a signed letter? There are only two possibilities, one- whoever his admirer is has balls of steel, or two- he’s a victim of a twisted hidden camera prank.
“By who?”
“I’m getting to it-“
“Get to it quicker” Yushi whispers through his teeth in a hurry, slowly becoming hyper aware of the curious stares they’re receiving from fellow students.
“Love Anton Lee- ANTON LEE????”
They gasp out at the same time- Yushi freezes, both his jaw and eyes are wide in genuine shock. Anton Lee? The Anton Lee? Anton Lee from Sion’s soccer team?
“Anton Lee asked me out….i’m going on a date with Anton” It feels like a fever dream, euphoric almost. He drowns in the feeling until Riku lifts a brow- giving him an unimpressed glare.
“This is great and all, but do you even like him like that?
It’s almost comical how quickly his face falls at the question. Yushi thinks about it- he reviews the question thoroughly in his head. Well, it’s not like Anton is ugly by any means, he’s cute, nice and smart. Does Yushi see him as a romantic catch however? That’s a conversation for another time.
“I’ll warm up to him“
“You can’t be this romantically deprived” Riku responds flatly.
“Oh but i am” Yushi shoots back confidently. “You know my track record”
Spoiler alert- it’s awful. Not that he’s absolutely unlovable. People have asked him out countless times before. The problem however? Yushi always ends up getting rejected- or worse, completely ghosted without any warning, something Riku is painfully aware of. All of those nights crying pathetically on the other’s shoulders should tell him enough.
“Fine, you’re going on a date”
Yushi shrieks before lacing their fingers together, he jumps up and down- almost like an overjoyed rabbit.
“I’m going on a date!”
“It was hand written Sion, that’s so sweet”
“I guess” His best friend mumbles out, completely disinterested as he tucks himself further into bed. The other has been like that since Yushi barged into his house unnanounced- overjoyed to tell him the news.
“Why Anton though? He’s obnoxious and loud-“
“He doesn’t say shit”
“-i mean quiet and boring, yeah, that’s what i meant”
Yushi squints his eyes- carefully inspecting Sion’s rather odd behaviour, he’s acting weird. Sure, it’s nothing new, his best friend has a tendency to shut down whenever the topic of his romantic life pops up. Maybe Sion is just emotionally constipated- or maybe the pressure of being the school’s beloved captain is finally starting to fry his brain. Yushi doesn’t take it personally however, knowing the other is willing to sit through the conversation regardless.
“Whatever, at least help me find a cute outfit”
“How about those oversized hoodies Anton jerks off to?” The snappy comment only earns an eye roll from Yushi. He crawls under the sheets- making sure to pull Sion into a warm hug before letting out a defeated sigh.
“So you think i look cute in the hoodies?”
“I think you look cute in everything” Sion says, voice soft and genuine. “Unlike Anton who only likes those hoodies“
“Sion please”
“Alright, sorry” The other sits up against the headboard- dragging Yushi with him until he’s properly positioned on his best friend’s lap.
“I just don’t think he’d be a nice fit”
“You don’t know Anton’s dick size”
“Personality wise Yushi.”
Right. Back to his earlier concern. Anton is- how do you put this? Rather timid. Meanwhile Yushi? Lets just say he has been through multiple psychological evaluations in both the past and present.
“I’ll warm up to him”
Sion only gives him an unimpressed glare- mirroring the same look of doubt as Riku had given him earlier.
“I just think you need someone who’s more…” His best friend starts, voice slowly dying out as he tries to find the right words. “Outgoing, energetic, mature yet knows how to have fun-“
“That sounds oddly familiar”
“-someone who knows you through and though”
Yushi bites his lips- suddenly going still from where he’s sitting on Sion’s lap. Maybe his best friend is right, maybe he should take it into consideration.
“I mean yeah but…..”
Someone outgoing, energetic, mature yet fun. Someone who knows him. Through and through.
“Daeyoung is just a friend”
“You know what, forget it” Sion says deadpan, barely allowing Yushi to finish his sentence. “Just wear that pretty smile of yours and I’m sure he’ll melt”
“Really?” Yushi asks before pushing his lips forward in a pout, a hint of insecurity peeping out through the words.
“Yeah” Sion responds in an airy exhale as Yushi continues to quietly sulk. “Really”
It’s the last thing he hears before Sion takes his chin between his fingers, pulling him closer ever so gently.
“Baby”
Yushi could die from how quickly his heart stops. Sion’s voice is deep and gentle- unwavering as if the word means something.
Fuck.
“You’re such a baby. Stop pouting for me ok?”
He nods hesitantly, trying not to lose his mind over the way Sion is gently tracing his bare waist in comfort.
“Ok”
Tall. Muscular. Sweaty in the best way possible. Those are the thoughts that flood Yushi’s brain as he watches- observes shamelessly from his usual spot by the bleachers.
“Staring at Sion again?” A familiar voice questions flatly making Yushi jump in shock. He smacks a hand over his chest as his face heats up rather quickly- as if he’s been caught red handed.
“Sorry kid, don’t shit your pants” Coach Kim apologizes.
She’s definitely not sorry.
“What happened to not killing students?” Yushi breathes out stressfully, hand still clutching onto Sion’s hoodie that’s draped over him like an oversized blanket.
“What happened to not watching other men before your date with Anton?” She shoots back, eyes never leaving the field as she takes a big barbaric-like bite out of her apple.
“What? When- how- wait, who told you?”
“Xiaojun”
Xiaojun.
Of course he did. That guy has a huge mouth for someone who only fits Hendery’s micro-penis after all.
“I don’t know kid” Coach Kim starts before slapping a hand on Yushi’s shoulder. “Anton is damn near mute and scared of everything under the sun, are you sure he’s- hey!” She suddenly screams towards the group of running players. “You better run like Millie Bobby Brown is chasing you with a car little gay boy!”
A trembling “yes ma’am” can be heard as Anton struggles to pick up his pace.
“Are you sure he’s a good fit?” Coach Kim continues as if nothing happened.
Not this again.
Yushi groans- head thrown back in annoyance at the words.
“I’ll warm up to him” He responds lazily.
“Maybe this is why your track record is awful”
“Please don’t bring that up” The words come out like a childish whine. “I visit you every week Coach Kim, at least act like you have some faith in me”
“You visit every week to admire Sion’s sweat and steal his clothes”
“His sweat smells nice” Yushi whispers under his breath.
“You didn’t even notice my freshly trimmed bob today”
“Sorry Dora, I’ll notice next time”
An amused smirk grows on Coach Kim’s face.
“Defensive” She teases in a whisper. “Awww poor little Yushi is nervous”
“I don’t get nervous”
Yushi is definitely nervous. It’s just Anton, sweet innocent Anton. What could go wrong? Well considering his luck- probably a lot. He can barely recall the last time someone didn’t cancel on him, or walk out mid-date with fearful eyes and trembling hands. Which is why Yushi decides to stay painfully negative- he prepares for the worst in fear of yet another disappointment.
The clock ticks and Anton is official one minute late. Yushi stirs in his chair almost anxiously as he sits there- looking out of the café window like a hawk.
Nothing.
He sighs, throat going dry at the slow realization that this might be yet another pathetic let down. Yushi can’t even be mad- it’s not necessarily Anton’s fault. Maybe he’s the one to blame for getting his hopes up. Yushi doesn’t think twice before his legs get up entirely on their own, he’s numb, too used to it by now to even give it a second thought before decoding to make his exit-
“Yushi?”
Wait what.
“Sorry for running a little late”
Yushi stops dead in his tracks- he’s almost scared to look up from where his gaze is glued to the ground.
“Here” The delicate voice says as a slice of lemon cheesecake is presented before his eyes. “I got it for us, lets eat”
Maybe there’s hope after all. Just maybe. They take a seat, Anton is surprisingly talkative, the other looks happy- almost carefree. It’s nice. Both the cake and the date if Yushi may say so himself, not that his standards are unreachable by any means- he’s just happy Anton showed up and stayed.
“So is it appropriate to ask why you love me in those huge hoodies now?” Yushi’s shameless question reduces Anton to a stuttering mess, the other laughs nervously making him form a menacing grin.
“I just- w-well they’re- you just look really-“
“-breedable?”
Hey at least it makes Anton let out genuine tear jerking laugh.
“You’re funny”
“Thanks” Yushi says, words muffled as he stuffs his mouth with the last piece of cheesecake on their shared plate. “Riku says it’s because i lack social awareness”
“It’s a good thing” The other shoots back. “I like that about you”
Yushi chuckles- slightly unsure of what response he should give the rather abnormal compliment.
“I’ve got something for you”
His eyebrows shoot up, eyes wide in curiosity as Anton pulls out a box of overly expensive-looking chocolate.
It’s such a sweet gesture. Absolutely devastating to Yushi’s weak hea-
“It’s an apology gift”
What.
“What?” He verbally asks to make sure his mind isn’t playing games with him.
“An apology gift” Anton states- almost unfazed. “I’m sorry for asking you out so suddenly and everything. I just didn’t know about that. It was probably hard for you to turn me down, you’re such an angel Yushi”
He doesn’t utter a single word- Yushi’s thought process completely shuts down at Anton’s explanation because genuinely, what the fuck is he talking about?
“An apology gift…..” He mumbles in disbelief. “This is compensation for rejecting me isn’t it?”
Anton looks at him a little idiotically- as if Yushi just uttered the funniest joke known to man.
“You’re so silly” The other says as he pushes off his chair in a loud creak. “This was honestly the best date I’ve had in a while. I like you a lot Yushi, but i also respect the situation you’re in. No hard feelings”
Situation? What situation? The almost-had-sex-with-Sion-in-the-dark-thinking-it-was-the-hot-guy-from-his-dance-class-situation? Because that only happened twice.
“Tell the captain i said hi!” It’s the last thing Anton says before making his rather unexpected exit.
The captain…….
What the fuck.
Did Sion just twinknap his date?
“This tastes like shit from the butt, did he even try?”
“You have no right to critique my pity gift after twinknapping my date!” Yushi cries into Daeyoung’s shoulders. They’re lazing around in Sion room- all four of them after Yushi called for an emergency meeting, aka he came bursting through his best friend’s door unannounced with Riku and Daeyoung in each hand after interrupting the pair’s friendly love making session.
“That’s not what happened, stop being dramatic” Riku responds as he continues to wipe Yushi’s tears.
“That’s exactly what happened” He wails. “What does he see in you anyway?” He wails again, this time clearly directed at Sion. “Your perfect face? Your perfectly defined abs? Your sweet and patient personality-“
Sion shoves a piece of chocolate in Yushi’s mouth, cutting off his ridiculous rambling.
Holy fuck. It does taste like shit from the butt.
“You’re just as perfect and sweet- and I’ve seen your abs Yushi, they’re defined. Trust me. You just need to stop giving these random guys a chance and choose someone who truly knows yo-“
“Anyone up for ice cream?”
“Shut up Jaehyun!” They all scream in unison, leaving Sion’s older brother to sulk for himself by the door.
“Damn ok” The older mumbles before wandering off.
“Look” Daeyoung starts. “It’s probably just a huge misunderstanding”
“Obviously because i didn’t understand what the fuck he was talking about-“
Yushi’s sentence is cut short yet again. Not by Jaehyun- or anyone’s voice for that matter, but a loud pling from Sion’s phone. He squints, trying to get a good glance of his best friend’s phone- and that’s when he gasps, dramatically and rightfully so.
Anton Lee.
“Why are you texting Anton” It’s not his words- but rather Riku’s who looks just as baffled as Yushi.
“I- uhm” Sion’s face goes completely red. Not in the way you’d expect however. His best friend doesn’t look embarrassed- or shy, no, he looks guilty. “I’m helping him with English, he’s falling behind”
“English is his first language” Daeyoung points out dryly, not buying the other’s excuse. “And the text says ‘sorry it was a mistake’ without any emojis”
“Yeah, crazy right” Sion chuckles out before looking down at his wrist- inspecting the clock that’s not there. “Wow it’s late, looks like I’ll have to leave-“
“It’s your house”
“I meant you guys, it looks like you guys have to leave”
That’s how they end up walking back home in the dark. Both cold and confused as they question Sion’s true mental state.
“There are genuinely some loose screws in there” Daeyoung says confidentially.
“Yeah” There isn’t even a hint of shock in the air when Riku immediately supports the other’s claim.
“I don’t know” Yushi adds, voice still weak from crying. “He’s acting so weird, it’s kinda hot” He says sheepishly, the words barely register in his brain- yet they don’t fail to register in his friend’s brains as they stare at him in absolute disbelief.
“You guys disgust me”
“Thanks Riku”
A week goes by and everything manages to turn even more odd than he’d initially anticipated. Yushi doesn’t expect for his love life to magically improve- or worsen for that matter. It’s been rather quiet and peaceful. Yushi starts to relax- he basks in the lack of chaos, and conveniently enough? That’s when it happens. That’s when chaos ensues. He’s yet again standing in front of his cursed locker- desperately trying to find his missing math book when he spots it, well not it- a man. He spots a man. The guy walks towards him, joyful and determined with a tulip bouquet in his hand- holy shit he’s heading towards Yushi with a tulip bouquet in his hands. He inspects the stranger, until he realizes that it’s not a complete stranger but rather Park Jisung who believe-it-or-not is also on Sion’s soccer team. Well, that’s a surprise.
The other stops in front of Yushi, a sweet smile washing over his face as he stretches out an arm- presenting Yushi with the flowers.
“Hi Yushi” Jisung says, voice small in clear anxiousness. “I just wanted to say that you’re cute and-“
The poor guy doesn’t get to finish before the flowers are snatched away from his grip. Yushi feels a familiar presence tower behind him- he doesn’t need to look before leaning backwards, sighing in defeat at the familiar feeling of Sion’s broad shoulders and sweet cologne as he falls back on his best friend’s chest.
“Tulips huh?” Sion says- almost condescending as Jisung trembles under his gaze. Yushi rolls his eyes, already fed up with the other’s weird antics.
“They’re beautiful Jisung. Thank you for getting my-“
“-his favourite flowers” His best friend adds, visibly not as overjoyed about the fact.
“No problem Yushi” Jisung says before slowly backing off like a frightened kitten. “I’ll just go to practice- i mean home…yeah, I’ll just go home and practice…kick a few balls and stuff”
Yushi watches pitifully as the poor guy damn near jogs away from Sion's overbearing presence.
“You’re awful” He mumbles through his teeth as Jisung fully disappears from their sight.
“He’s undisciplined and unfocused”
“He bought me flowers”
“Whatever” Sion shoots back dryly, failing miserably to hide the envy in his voice.
Weird. His best friend is being so fucking weird again.
Sion’s odd behaviour doesn’t stop. There’s another confession and of course, another rejection- except it’s worse this time. Because Park Wonbin, the school’s sweetheart- one of Sion’s star players decides to take it upon himself and humiliate Yushi in public, which is far from one of his favourite kinks if he may say so himself. They’re face to face in the cramped hallway as a crowd of curious students surround them. Yushi should be mad- in fact, the only thing stopping him from swinging a fist towards Wonbin’s face is the fact that he doesn’t want to be caught in an altercation with the school’s certified panty dropper, it would be dangerous for his reputation- social suicide if you will.
“Sorry it’s just- you’re not my type” Wonbin’s voice is trembling as he twirls his thumbs nervously, not once giving Yushi even the slightest glance.
“Then why did you ask me out?” He shoots back visibly irritated, causing the other to flinch.
“I don’t know” The other mumbles out quietly before finally looking up at Yushi- you’d think someone is making him walk the fucking plank with how hysterical he’s being. “Look, it was a m-mistake, you’re not what I’m looking for” Wonbin ends up rambling out in a rush.
He stands there, completely baffled by the words. Sure, Yushi would consider himself a silly guy- he doesn’t take things painfully seriously, but this? Wonbin might as well have called him a ugly ogre in front of the whole school,
Yushi doesn’t know why it’s getting to him. He doesn’t get why his knuckles are burning red- fists balled up in an attempt to fight his stupid tears.
All this over a man. It’s fucking ridiculous.
“I’m sorry-“
“Whatever” He interrupts in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Yushi turns his heel- already prepared to walk away before an uncomfortable feeling washes over him. Is it anger? No, it’s his damn pride. Yushi rotates his head in one swift motion like an angry owl before screaming out his final words.
“Come back to me when you’ve grown past the height of Sungchan’s kneecaps”
There’s an offended gasp. Yushi is met with a wave of outraged looks and incoherent whispers from Wonbin’s desperate little fan club.
“I’m not that short”
“You’re built like a compressed thumb”
His classmates are definitely not pleased with that one- the baffled scoffs and cheeky looks he’s receiving are a dead giveaway, but whatever. Yushi decides to die on that hill despite the predictable outcome, they can chase him with pitchforks for all he cares. He marches away with a heavy heart. He’s not furious, in fact- Yushi is barely angry, but rather sad as he shamefully holds back a pool of tears threading to release.
Fuck men. Fuck his stupid love life.
“It was so fucking humiliating”
Yushi cries- not into Sion’s shoulders, but Jaehyun’s this time. Sure, he isn’t met with the familiar feeling of reassurance his best friend usually provides, but at least they share enough of the same DNA to let Yushi cry his heart out pathetically in the older’s presence.
“He’s an asshole, you’re better than that”
Jaehyun adds before patting Yushi’s back as they patiently wait for Sion to come home. He sniffles- using the sleeves of Doyoung’s shirt to wipe away his tears as if he didn’t just abruptly interrupt the couple’s makeout session.
“I don’t get it” His throat is sore- voice small from all of the useless crying. “Why did he ask me out in the first place?”
“Men are disgusting” Doyoung responds lazily
“I should’ve been born lesbian”
“Or hetero”
“And what?” Yushi shoots back. “Get pegged every night?”
“Yushi.” The other warns, tone firm and unwavering. “This isn’t the end of the world”
Easy for Kim Doyoung to say, the guy is practically married to Sion’s big headed brother.
“He basically called me ugly in front of the whole school”
“He didn’t” Jaehyun interrupts this time.
“I’ll never find love”
“You will” The older says again in a rush before letting out a heavy sigh. “You’re not ugly- or undesirable. Do you even know how many people who’d pay to sniff a piece of your hair? Well no, you don’t because Sion is a loser who keeps- OW!”
Jaehyun ends up screeching as Doyoung cuts him off in a loud smack to the arm. Yushi brows shoot up in curiosity, he detaches himself from Jaehyun’s neck- gaze shifting between the pair as they avoid his eyes like the plague.
“Because Sion keeps what?” He whispers dramatically as if he’s in some kind of horror movie. Yushi isn’t met with an answer however, but rather a guilty silence.
“What? Why? Who? I need answers guys” Yushi is practically pleading at this point. He tries his best- giving the older men the look of a kicked puppy.
“Nothing” Jaehyun ends up settling with, the shaky sound of his words aren’t convincing in the slightest.
“Tell me”
“Tell you what?”
“You’re the one who knows what” He says through his teeth as the row of denials keeps flooding in.
“He sent me an NDA”
“I’ll send you to your grave”
“You’re not getting a date in jail”
That’s when Yushi grabs a pillow before continuously hitting Jaehyun with the cusion- it’s a torture method, an inconveniently soft one however.
“Tell me!”
“OW!” The older yelps out yet again, not due to Doyoung’s fist this time. “I’m not telling you shit-“
“Stop the violence” Doyoung calls out lazily from where he’s sitting as he scrolls through his phone- not bothering to give the situation a second glance.
Yushi hits again, and again, and again, allowing Jaehyun to feel the pillows of doom before stretching his arms out to the fullest, aiming for a brutal hit.
“Tell me or die”
“Who’s dying?”
They turn their heads at the same time- the familiar voice instantly makes Yushi drop all forms of a weapon. Sion looks at them, visibly horrified by the scene in front of him. The other lets his gym bag fall to the floor with a thud as Yushi’s face twists into a sad smile. Maybe it’s his shattered pride- or the bottled up emotions in his heart, but he rushes into Sion’s arms as an ugly sob escapes his throat.
“T-that bimbo Wonbin h-he- in front of the w-whole school-“
“I know” Sion cuts off Yushi’s incoherent rambling as he strokes his hair.
“So i went to Riku’s place but he and Daeng were busy-“
“-fucking, yeah i know”
“And then i ended up h-here but you weren’t home s-so i just cried to your *hiccup* bi-“
“-ig headed brother instead, i know Yushi”
He cries harder into the surface of Sion’s chest, completely soaking his already damp Nike jacket.
“Where were you?” Yushi asks after a while, not minding the way Jaehyun and Doyoung are watching them like they’re in the middle of a high school kdrama.
“Sorry” His best friend apologizes firmly before anything else. “Coach kept us overtime today”
“Don’t tire yourself too much captain” Jaehyun teases with a cheeky smirk. “You’ve still got practice tomorrow”
“I’m skipping”
A shocked silence fills the room. Yushi squints his eyes in disbelief- trying to look for signs of a joke but no, Sion is dead serious.
Weird.
“I’ve been feeling a little dizzy so…” His best friend tries to clarify after detecting the growing tension- it’s not convincing in the slightest.
Sion? Missing practice? Who is he trying to fool?
Yushi continues to eye his best friend suspiciously, the pressure eventually makes Sion crumble- the other clears his throat rather awkwardly before a familiar habit slips out. He scratches his neck nervously, and that’s when Yushi spots it- the row of bruises on his knuckles, did he punch a fucking rock?
“What the hell happened?” He yanks Sion’s arm, grabbing onto the other’s wrist a little harder than he initially intended to.
“Uhm” Sion is avoiding eye contact. Great. He’s definitely lying now. “Collided with Xiaojun, the fall was ugly”
“This-“
Yushi presents Sion’s own purple- damn near dislocated hand in front of him in disbelief.
“-happened during practice? On synthetic turf?”
His best friend nods dumbly, as if he’s afraid the simple action of opening his mouth will just lead to another wave of awful excuses. Sion bites his lips, gaze glued to the ground as he- holy shit, is he blushing? That’s when Doyoung chuckles- almost knowingly.
“Do you guys mind leaving now?” The older says before making himself comfortable on Jaehyun’s broad shoulders. “Jae and i are going to need some privacy”
“Ew” Sion gags out.
“Gross” Yushi mumbles, mirroring the same disgusted expression.
“And then he punched Wonbin- like out of nowhere” Ningning explains enthusiastically in front of Riku and Daeyoung. Yushi is shocked, both at the information and the fact that they’ve yet to notice his presence behind his classmate. The tray of food is growing heavier in his arms as he stands there- allowing Ningning to finish her gossip session.
“I heard he’s suspended from the team for a week”
“What?” Yushi eventually ends up gasping out. It doesn’t go unnoticed because their gazes shift towards him- mouths wide open in surprise.
“Suspended?” He asks, only receiving a row of panicked nods from Ningning.
“Elaborate”
“Well” She starts, voice a little higher than usual due to Yushi’s distress. “I kinda thought you’d know why”
“Why would i know?” The question isn’t answered however, because Daeyoung and Riku stay silent- playing with the cardboard like pieces of pizza on their trays instead of confessing to whatever sins they seem to be hiding.
“Hello?” He tries again, this time directed at his two best friends.
“Let’s just say” Daeyoung mumbles out sheepishly as he stuffs his face with their dry lunch. “If Sion ends up with a criminal record some day, just know it’s because of you”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
Riku chuckles, almost in amusement as Yushi stands there completely clueless.
“Sometimes, an answer doesn’t lie within other people, but rather within yourself” - Maeda Riku, modern day Socrates apparently.
Riku’s philosophy is quickly forgotten- because he ends up seeking answers within another person, Park Wonbin to be more specific. Sure, he’s aware the other would never willingly meet up with him again after their catastrophic fight- which is why Yushi decides to corner him in the locker room, not giving the other’s dangling balls any mind as he steps into the shower shamelessly.
“Boo” He adds playfully, making Wonbin jump before clutching onto his 5-in-1 shampoo, mouth agape in pure horror.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” The other asks through his teeth.
“Interrogating you”
“You’re sick”
“And proudly so”
Yushi reaches behind the naked man, arms stretching out to twist the knob- turning the water completely off.
“Why has Sion been acting so weird around me? No scratch that- why’d he hit you?” He tries, voice unmoving as he’s determined to get an answer. The words make Wonbin uncomfortable- clearly, because the other’s body tenses up completely.
“I- uhm….look-“ Wonbin stutters, the question making him completely forget about the bare state of his dick. “It was stupid of me to ask you out in the first place, i shouldn’t have disrespected the captain like that-“
“Why would it be disrespectful?” Yushi exclaims in utter defeat. “That’s what I don’t get- i don’t get any of this”
Silence falls upon them after that. Wonbin looks at him- eyes popping out of his skull as if Yushi just uttered the most heinous joke known to man kind.
“You’re telling me….” The other’s words die out for a few seconds, still visibly trying to process the information. “….that you don’t know?…..”
Know what? What the hell is he supposed to know? Yushi shakes his head naively- like a 5 year old being questioned about quantum physics.
“Look” Wonbin mutters out before putting an empathetic hand on Yushi’s shoulder, soaking his sweatshirt in the process. “Just talk to Sion, i'm begging you, for the safety of the whole school”
Another useless riddle. Seriously, why is everyone so weird today? Is the school going through collective psychosis? Is he the crazy one?
“I’ll try” Yushi eventually answers with a defeated sigh anyway. Well- he’ll definitely try.
He doesn’t try. Hours, days- weeks go by and Yushi has yet to sit Sion down for a conversation. Not that he’s avoiding his best friend, far from it. The curiosity is killing him in fact. However, the topic just doesn’t come up- there’s actually a few moments of peace after Sion’s suspension. No weird confessions, and certainty no weird rejections- well, that’s what he thinks for a while. Yushi is sitting by the bleachers, watching Sion practice just for the fun of it. There’s a new guy on the team- he doesn’t really notice at first. Yushi isn’t really the type of guy to be hyper-focused on his surroundings, but it’s hard, ignoring Lee Sohee’s presence as the other keeps glancing towards him, it’s almost nerve wrecking. The subtle looks grow more obvious by the minute, and suddenly, with the blink of an eye, Sohee is standing right in front of him with a pair of innocent eyes you wouldn’t even be able to see in a neglected kitten.
“H-hi” Sohee manages to awkwardly greet, making the entire team turn their heads in one collective motion. They’re looking- observing their new teammate in what seems like pure horror. “Yushi right?”
The question shocks him into silence. Yushi’s eyes are wide- more in panic than anything.
Not this again.
“Yeah….” Yushi responds, a little unsure.
“Sohee.” The other stretches out an arm, inviting Yushi to take his hand- he shakes it, cheeks completely red at the unnecessary attention given by the rest of the team.
“You’re pretty popular, the team keeps talking about you”
“Oh really?” Yushi raises a brow. “What have they told you about so far? That time i ambushed Wonbin with his testicles out? The day i fed Xiaojun dog food thinking it was beef jerky?”
Sohee giggles in amusement before letting out a shaky exhale, almost as if he’s bracing himself for what’s about to come next.
“You’re cute, wanna hang out sometime?”
There’s a loud scandalized gasp, whispers quickly start spreading between the team- a subtle ‘he’s so dead’ can be heard from where Hendery and Xiaojun are standing with eyes popping out of their skulls. Yushi isn’t in a much better state, he almost falls over- the question nearly knocks the air out of him.
“I- uhm- i don’t know I’m just-“
“Busy.” Sion interrupts sternly.
He doesn’t get to finish before the other creeps up behind him. Sion drapes his jacket over Yushi’s shoulders possessively as he gives Sohee a deadly stare.
“Yushi is busy” Sion repeats dryly as his grip on Yushi’s shoulders tightens.
“No I’m not” He shoots back, confused by his best friend’s words. “I don’t mind hanging out, here” Yushi grabs Sohee’s phone in a carefree manner before typing away on the other’s unlocked screen. “My number”
“Cool” Sohee gives him a content smirk. “I’ll text”
The atmosphere immediately turns sour after that. He watches as the others exchange concerned whispers and knowing glances- they’re not looking at him however, but rather behind him to where Sion is still standing. Yushi turns his head, confused as his best friend’s eyes follow Sohee’s figure like an angry eagle.
Weird.
“I can’t believe you said yes, you don’t even like him”
“I don’t even know him” Yushi shoots back from where he’s cuddled up in Sion’s bed. “That’s kinda the point of going out, getting to know each other and stuff”
Sion is being negative again- you know what? scratch that, he’s just straight up mad. His best friend being bitter while talking about Yushi’s tragic love life isn’t something new, but this? It’s unhinged- almost like Sion is actually spiralling this time.
“Sohee isn’t all that” The other mumbles out, a little too grumpy for Yushi’s liking. “You can do better”
“And what’s better?”
“Someone who knows you- who’s always there for you, who wouldn’t hesitate to take care of you even if it kills him-“
“You’re being weird”
“I’m being real”
“You’re writing fanfiction Sion, I’m talking about my real life here” Yushi ends up responding tiredly. “You don’t get it, everyone wants you. I’m not like that, i can’t just go around and pick who i want to date”
Sion doesn’t say anything for a while. The other’s body stiffens beside Yushi before he lets out a shaky exhale.
“That’s bullshit”
He scoffs, absolutely baffled. What the fuck is Sion’s problem?
“People would pay to make eye contact with you” Yushi explains desperately, body sitting up completely to meet his best friend’s gaze. “Meanwhile, I’d still get rejected if the human race was dying out and we’d need to repopulate”
“So you’re desperate?” Sion adds without thinking.
In his best friend’s defense- he’s stupid, the words were clearly not thought through as Sion gets a viseral reaction from his own comment. But it’s too late, Yushi is already furious. The words hurt- they cut deep. Which is why he immediately makes his way out of Sion’s bed, barely giving the other a chance to clarify before rushing towards the door.
“Yushi wait- t-that’s not…..I’m sorry-“
“No” He immediately rejects, brain too clouded with anger and sadness to think rationally. Yushi sprints down the stairs as Sion trails behind him, almost stumbling over his own feet.
“What the hell are you guys screaming abou-“
“SHUT UP JAEHYUN”
“Damn ok”
Sion continues to chase after him, sweat starting to drop down his neck in both exhaustion and anxiousness.
“Please just-“ Sion grabs his wrist in a moment of desperation. “I didn’t meant it like that. I just want the best for you, someone better than Sohee”
“I don’t need your opinion Sion” He cries out, almost childishly. “I need your support ok?”
It’s the last thing he says before slamming the door in his best friend’s face. Call Yushi difficult all you want but he doesn’t want to hear another panicked apology from Sion before the other has grown a pair of proper balls.
He ignores Sion. Point blank period. It’s not like his best friend hasn’t tried apologizing- the other seems rather desperate in fact. But it takes more than that to win Yushi’s heart back. He deserves a hand written apology- one that’s stained with Sion’s tears.
“Alright pair up and discuss the topic with your partner”
Yushi glances to the side, he stirs uncomfortably in his seat as he not-so subtly observes Sion’s pathetic stares. The other looks dejected- and rightfully so, because Yushi decides to do the unthinkable. He turns his head towards Chenle instead of walking towards Sion’s desk like he’d usually do.
“Any thoughts?” He asks his confused seat mate. That’s when he hears a loud thud, Yushi doesn’t need to turn around before realizing that it’s probably the sound of Sion’s head hitting his own desk in despair.
“Uhm” Chenle scratches his head, clearly weirded out that Yushi is talking to him. “Sure”
There’s another sound, this time a pitiful whimper- like a puppy who just lost his favourite toy.
Good. He feels awful.
Yushi thinks, like the little sadist he is.
dick head🍆
Sion: Yushi please
Sion: I’m sorry
Sion: I just think you deserve better
“You’re really not going to answer?”
“Nope” Yushi responds before throwing his phone on Daeyoung’s hopefully-not-cum-stained-bed. “A few texts won’t cut it, the plan is to keep ignoring him until he’s kneeling in front of me”
“You scare me sometimes” Daeyoung mumbles into Yushi’s hair. Yes, they’re cuddled up in the other’s bed- it’s not like Riku minds. Besides, he’s in a desperate need of a temporary cuddle buddy now that Sion has momentarily managed to piss him off.
“He just cares about you a lot Yushi, i hope you know that”
“Well then i want him to act like he cares instead of wishing for my downfall all the time” Yushi points out stubbornly, making the other sigh as a response.
“Maybe there’s a reason he hates seeing you on those dates”
He shoots up a brow at Daeyoung’s rather odd statement.
“What do you mean?”
“What i mean is, maybe he’s jealous?” His friend says before clearing his throat as he’s met with an expected silence. “Maybe he just likes y-“
Yushi smacks a hand over Daeyoung’s mouth before the other is able to utter another word. His eyes are wide- shocked that Daeyoung would even think of saying something so absurd. Sion has always been- well, Sion. Popular, handsome and loved by everyone. While Yushi? He has always just been Yushi. Known but not popular, cute but not handsome and barely loved by anyone. Sion would never like him, not in any lifetime. Yushi had already established the fact years ago, it’s impossible- more of a delusion than an actual possibility.
“No…” He ends up denying in a whisper. “That’s definitely not it”
“Bwut what if??” Daeyoung cries out, voice muffled by the surface of Yushi’s palm.
“No”
“Yushi-“
“Not possible”
The other manages to detach Yushi’s hand, freeing his mouth using- well, little to no strength if we’re being honest.
“It was just a thought” Daeyoung explains calmly in contrast to Yushi’s distressed state.
“There are medicines for thoughts like that Daeng”
That’s when the other’s bedroom door slams open. Yushi shifts his gaze- neck cracking as his head turns towards the sound in one swift motion. He falls deeper into Daeyoung’s bed, making sure he’s drowning in the other’s blanket before letting out a horrified screech at the sight.
It’s none other than Jaehyun and- what the fuck is Yuta doing here with a tub of popcorn?
“How-“
“Doie gave me the code” Jaehyun interrupts in the midst of Daeyoung’s confusion.
“Of course he did” The other sighs. “Mom is totally going to kill him”
“Please don’t snitch” Jaehyun begs, a little scared.
“You just kicked open my bedroom door Sion senior, of course I’m snitching”
“Sion senior” Jaehyun mumbles quietly to himself in disbelief. “He is Jaehyun junior mind you”
“You’re delusional, and you” Daeyoung shifts his attention before pointing an accusatory finger towards his boyfriend’s brother. “What are you doing here?”
“Riku has a fever-
“Yeah i gave it to him”
“-so he sent me to keep up with the drama” Yushi states unfazed before continuing to shove his face with a fist of freshly buttered popcorn. “Your bed’s nice though, no wonder Riku basically lives between your sheets”
The comment makes Daeyoung choke in his own spit. He bends over- hand hitting his own chest to stop the uncontrollable coughing as Yuta gives him a cheeky grin. That’s when Yushi finally pulls the blanket off his head dramatically before sitting up to give Daeyoung’s back a few smacks.
“Please don’t try to kill my only source of emotional support right now!” He pleads out.
“Look” Jaehyun starts before moving to take a seat in front of Yushi on the mattress. “Sion told me what happened and i just want to talk”
“No.” Yushi shoots back almost too quickly. “I can’t stand looking at you right now”
The older’s eyes widens in offence before he lets out a gasp.
“What did i do?” Jaehyun questions with a hand over his shattered heart.
“Nothing, but you look exactly like the marinated version of him” He states as if Sion is Voldemort.
“What-“
“He‘s saying you look like an older copy of Sion” Yuta explains despite the lack of need for his input. Jaehyun groans, eyes rolling to the back of his head as he throws a pillow at the other’s direction before turning back to Yushi.
“Please just hear me out”
“Wanna hear personally from him” Yushi plops back down- drowning himself in Daeyoung’s sheets stubbornly. “Not anyone else”
Yushi is pacing around his room like a madman. The house is empty- as always, leaving him trapped alone with his own thoughts. It’s stupid, what is a simple date going to do? Kill him? Well no, but getting brutally rejected yet again is basically the emotional equivalent of dying anyways. The wardrobe options are laid out neatly right in front of him. He’s ready- almost overly prepared, and yet? Yushi can’t help but mentally scream for help, he craves Sion’s comfort in a way that’s almost ridiculous.
He looks at his phone- stares as his best friend’s name lights up from the screen. Yushi’s thumb twitches in uncertainty, not sure wether to call or not. He lets out a shaky exhale, the phone in his hands suddenly starting to feel heavier by the minute.
And that’s when it happens. There’s a knock on his door, Yushi’s brows shoot up in confusion, genuinely unsure of who it possibly can be. The questions gets answered quickly however because Yushi’s jaw drops in shock as he opens his front door, revealing none other than Sion himself. The other is still in his soccer uniform, body drenched in rain as he pants as if his lungs are about to give out any minute now.
Did Sion just run here?
“Burgers” Is the first thing his best friend says, voice hoarse as he presents a take-away bag in front of Yushi.
“I’m not hungry”
“You haven’t eaten” Sion states without any room for disagreements. The growl from Yushi’s stomach that eventually echoes through his empty mansion only solidifies his best friend’s assumption in an instant. He takes the bag, a little shamefully as Sion’s lips twitches just slightly- trying to hold back a growing smirk.
“Your date’s tomorrow right?”
The other suddenly asks after a moment of silence.
“Yeah” Yushi’s words are quiet, not filled with unnecessary sass like they’d usually be due to his embarrassingly vulnerable state.
“So….”
“So?”
“Need help finding a cute outfit?”
It’s an offer, not an apology- far from it. Yushi’s initial plan was to make Sion kneel, to watch the other tearfully beg for forgiveness. Yet this is what breaks him. He sighs, breath trembling as he pretends to give the idea a second thought.
“Yeah” He gives in, almost too easily.
“It’s pretty” Sion says from where he’s sitting on a chair in Yushi’s walk-in closet. “But i don’t know, it’s not you”
He wants to roll his eyes at the other’s words- but he doesn’t, because Sion isn’t inherently wrong, far from it in fact.
“You hate tight clothing” His best friend points out. Yet again, not wrong.
“Well yeah but i can’t wear a baggy sweatshirt either. I need to look hot and stuff”
“You’re always hot and stuff”
“Ha-ha-ha” Yushi responds sarcastically, clearly not in the mood. “I shouldn’t have let you help me, you always respond with the same self loving shit”
“And I’m always right” Sion shoots back.
“That’s debatable”
“It’s not” The other doesn’t back down. “Just dress like yourself- be yourself”
“And what? Get rejected again?”
“Yushi.” Sion warns with a firm tone. “No one in their right mind would reject you”
“Anton-“
“That wasn’t a direct rejection”
“And Wonbin-“
“-is in dire need of a psychological evaluation, you know this”
Yushi wouldn’t normally get convinced this easily- and yet, like the weak man he is, almost reaches out for one of his favourite oversized sweatshirts at Sion’s words until he remembers why he was mad at his best friend in the first place.
“And you know that I’m desperate”
“You’re not desperate- i was being stupid ok?” Sion shoots up from his seat to stand in front of Yushi, never once breaking their eye contact. “I was being stupid and stubborn and just mean. You didn’t deserve it- you deserve so much more Yushi, I’m sorry”
There it is. The apology. Yushi should be jumping and clapping- celebrating. But he doesn’t, he barely smiles. Maybe it’s the result of anxiousness, the fear of going on another date and getting rejected yet again, but Yushi’s eyes get foggy as he holds back genuine tears at the other’s comforting words.
“And if Sohee doesn’t see how beautiful your genuine self is? Then he’s stupid too. It doesn’t matter what you wear. You’ll still have your pretty smile and those gorgeous eyes i could never say no to” Sion says in a rush before failing to contain himself from giving Yushi’s cheek an endearing pinch.
Yushi smiles shyly, body completely frozen as his heart speeds up, almost in an unhealthy way.
“Thank you”
He wears the outfit Sion eventually ends up picking out. Yushi is there- well, at least physically as his mind wanders to all the wrong places.
“So how was the captain when you were younger?” Sohee asks, almost like an ice breaker which makes Yushi chuckle softly.
“He was….popular” He answers, voice going small at the end. “Everyone wanted to be with him- in every sense”
“Did it make you feel lonely?”
“No” Yushi adds before smiling. “Everyone wanted to be with him but he never really left my sight for some reason”
It goes ok after that, not amazing but it’s definitely not his worst date either. Sohee is a sweetheart, too nice for his own good if Yushi may say so himself. But he’s just that- nice. They don’t take it any further. In fact, a whole week goes by without any sort of contact. Yushi doesn’t dwell on it, he barely even thinks about it, not even now as he observes the team’s panicked state- Sohee included of course.
It’s an important game. The ninety minutes are almost up, and the scores? 1-1, evenly divided in a way that he knows will haunt Sion for months if not fixed quickly.
“There are five minutes left, what the fuck are they doing?” Riku, the volleyball player, complaints. Yushi prays silently, maybe it’s corny but hey, Sion is his best friend after all- and no one wants to deal with a pissy best friend.
“HOLY SHIT- A PENALTY”
Daeyoung yanks his arm frantically, a little too invested in the game to take Yushi’s pain into consideration. Huh, maybe praying does work.
Five minutes.
He watches as sweat drips down Sion’s neck. The other observes- he calculates thoroughly before going for it, the last kick. Sion runs towards the ball determined and suddenly- it happens, he scores. The screams from Sion’s little fan club are loud, so loud Yushi barely manages do register his own screams before Coach Kim walks towards him. She drags him by the wrist until Yushi is left stumbling across the field. He hits Sion’s chest with a yelp- and coach Kim? She smirks knowingly, like it was intentional. They don’t get to exchange words before Sion lifts him up, spinning him around by the waist as the screams and shocked looks from the crowd only gets more apparent.
Sion doesn’t let go. His best friend’s grip only gets tighter. Yushi doesn’t complain, he hides deeper into the other’s chest- smile growing unbelievably wide as he takes in Sion’s familiar scent.
“Congrats captain” Yushi mumbles, words slightly incoherent, yet Sion hears him loud and clear.
They giggle their way to the locker room. The others don’t really mind, in fact, they’re used to Yushi barging in unannounced by now. Sion doesn’t shower right away- they talk and talk and talk until more than half of the exhausted team are out of the door.
“It genuinely felt like i was about to piss, it was nerve wrecking” Sion says into his palms as he recalls his last goal. “I shouldn’t have chugged that orange juice before the game”
“Yeah, poor you almost squirted on the field”
He revives a playful smack from the other’s sweaty towel. Yushi would usually be disguised out of his mind- but he can’t help but laugh.
“You’re nasty” Sion mutters out before putting an arm over his shoulders.
“Hey! What happened to liking my genuine self?” He teases softly as he leans back, head hitting the lockers gently. Sion mirrors the gesture- smiling drunkenly back at Yushi.
“Never said i didn’t like it”
The warmth around Yushi’s shoulders quickly disappears as Sion’s arms slowly make their way around his waist- pulling him towards his usual spot on the other’s lap.
“Thanks for being here today” His best friend whispers, like the words are only meant for them to hear. “I’m sorry i hurt you”
“Sion-“
“No” Sion interrupts sternly. “Let me apologize properly”
Yushi feels himself getting pulled closer towards the other’s chest.
“Don’t ever think you’re hard to love, because it’s the complete opposite. I could live a hundred lifetimes and still wouldn’t deserve you. I’m sorry for hurting you” His best friend says, voices laced with nothing but genuine care as he holds Yushi’s face dearly in his hands.
“You’re forgiven” Yushi mumbles back, lips brushing slightly against Sion’s. They’re close- dangerously close now. His best friend only gravitates closer. He tries to ignore it- he should stop it.
But Yushi doesn’t want to. It’s the last thing he wants. So he lets it happen. Yushi lets himself melt under Sion’s gaze- he submits to the other’s burning touch and leans in slowly, it’s as if he’s in some sort of trance.
He gasps into the kiss, hands immediately reaching up to pull Sion’s hair. His best friend doesn’t waste time, Sion is kissing him like he’s been deprived for years- eating him desperately. It’s scary how good it feels.
“Ah- Sion” Yushi whines, head thrown back as Sion’s lips make their way to his neck. He’s fully panting now- failing to keep still as the other drags his tongue against Yushi’s skin. It’s so fucking delicious. He shifts against Sion’s lap, making the other groan against his neck as their clothed cocks brush against each other. They separate, Sion looks up at him- eyes dark as he cups Yushi’s face gently.
He wants to protest- cry at the loss before his best friend does the unexpected. Sion’s thumbs move towards his lips, carefully gracing his skin before slowly pushing it in. Yushi’s eyes widens in shock but he obeys, sucking Sion’s finger in a low moan. His best friend looks at him as if he wants to devour Yushi whole, gaze clouded with lust.
“Fuck” Sion whispers out before pushing in further, enjoying the view of Yushi gagging around his finger.
“Shit baby”
The other grinds, rubbing his hard-on against Yushi’s thighs desperately.
Oh my god. Sion is getting off on this.
Yushi grabs Sion’s wrist, pulling the other’s hand away weakly. He watches as a string of saliva falls between them before leaning back in to catch his best friend’s li-
“What the fuck?”
They pull apart instantly, bodies jumping away from each other in shock.
“What are- d-did you guys…..did you just?” Wonbin questions in a rush as he points back and forth between them, a hand fisting his hair in panic as if he just walked into an active crime scene.
“No- i- we were looking for Sion’s phone” Yushi lies awkwardly.
“In his throat?”
“Yeah” Sion responds before reaching out to an abandoned ball on the floor, pulling it toward his lap in one quick motion to hide the obvious tent in his pants.
“No” Wonbin instantly denies. “You were humping each other, i saw that shit with my own two eyes”
“Wow would you look at that” Yushi gets up, eyes glued to the nonexistent watch on his wrist. “Looks like it’s time to feed the cat“
“You don’t have a cat”
“I mean Riku, it’s time to feed Riku”
“Time to feed Riku…” Wonbin repeats in a whisper to himself.
“I’ll see you guys later, bye” It’s the last thing Yushi says before rushing out of the door with a pair of red cheeks and swollen lips.
His knees immediately go weak as he shuts the front door. Yushi slides to the floor, head falling pathetically as panic starts to wash over him.
What the fuck just happened? What the fuck did they do?
“He kissed me….” Yushi whispers into his empty home, hands shooting up to grab his hair in panic.
“Sion kissed me.” He repeats, this time even more horrified.
The high pitched scream he lets out next is gut wrenching- you’d think someone died brutally in front of him.
Sion kissed him- no, they made out. Fingers in his mouth. Hands in each other’s hair.
Yushi digs into his pocket without a second thought, pulling out his phone in one quick motion.
Bottom
Yushi: don’t snitch
Wonbin: oh
The words spread rapidly like wildfire, Yushi isn’t shocked in the slightest. He tries to forget- but it’s hard as he’s met with a wave of knowing looks the moment he steps foot back on school grounds.
Damn you Wonbin.
Yushi walks- well, sprints towards his usual table, trying to avoid eye contact at all cost before settling in front of Riku and Daeyoung.
“So how was he?” Riku asks shamelessly, barely giving Yushi’s ass a second to hit the chair.
He shrugs, putting on an unfazed act he doubts is convincing enough for his friends to brush past.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about”
“Of course you don’t” Daeyoung smirks. “I always knew you were a freak but an oral fixation? Really?”
Yushi chokes on his own spit, the other’s words sending him into an unstoppable coughing fit.
“Who told you?” He manages to force out.
“The man himself” Riku adds, unable to hide the amusement in his voice.
Of course he did. They’re Sion’s friends too after all. But still, some privacy would be nice. Yushi opens his mouth, prepared to fight back at his friend’s claims before he feels a gentle poke on his shoulder.
“Yushi?”
“Oh, hi Eunji” Yushi greets as he turns around in genuine surprise. Don’t get him wrong, his classmate is a sweet girl. Have they exchanged more than five words prior to this however? Well that’s a question for another time
“Are you and Sion a thing? Like, officially?” She wastes no time, facial expression stone cold as if she’s simply asking about the weather. Yushi can’t help but roll his eyes before letting out a sigh in utter defeat.
“No”
“I heard you guys made out in front of Wonbin”
“First of all? it wasn’t in front of Wonbin, and second of all? God forbid a man gets a little homo erotic with his best friend once in a while” Yushi shoots back in a rush, loud enough to make the entire cafeteria turn their heads in curiosity.
“So it’s true?” Eunji ask, voice as monotone and shameless as ever.
“Obviously”
“But you’re just friends?”
“Yeah”
“So i can ask him out?”
As if the overly loud gasps that spread through the room isn’t enough, Daeyoung decides to drop his spoon in shock as well, adding to the dramatics of it all.
Not that Yushi’s reaction is any better- he freezes, clearly at a loss of words. It’s not like he has the right to be jealous. Hell, he doesn’t even have the right to hesitate before giving Eunji the approval she’s asking for.
They’re friends. Just that.
Best friends.
And yet the only word Yushi is able to form is a stiff
“No…”
His classmate doesn’t scream or cry- she barely gets mad for that matter. Eunji gives him a knowing shit-eating grin.
“It was worth a try” Is the last thing she says before quietly walking off, leaving Yushi with his jaw hanging in disbelief, he’s barely able to register the situation before his classmates start whispering- fully looking past his presence in the room.
“He said no”
“So they are a thing?”
“They’re so confusing man”
Yushi turns back slowly, and as expected, is met with two equally shocked expressions.
“What the fuck just happened?” He mutters out in genuine confusion.
Yushi stares at his friends- looking to them for answers they probably don’t even know the answer to until Riku’s face visibly falls, now seemingly more scared than confused as his gaze stays glued behind Yushi.
“What?”
Daeyoung shakes his head before clearing his throat awkwardly.
“Nothi-“
“What’s happening?”
A familiar pair of arms creeps up behind him, caging Yushi between the table and his chest. He knows that touch, that voice, that sweet candy-like scent. Sion.
Yushi sits there completely still, refusing to turn around. It doesn’t help however, because his best friend inches closer- too close, taking up all of Yushi’s space until they’re forced to lock eyes in a way that’s almost intimate.
He can’t help but gulp nervously.
“What’s everyone whispering about?” Sion asks innocently, definitely aware of what everyone is whispering about. “Hm? You keeping secrets baby?”
What the fuck.
Yushi gets up in a rush, chair scraping the floor as he scrambles to grab his backpack, unable to stop the heat that’s threatening to spread all over his face.
“Nothing it’s- uhm i actually have a headache so” He points towards the exit hurriedly before marching away. “I’ll see you guys later or whatever”
“Your sandwich” Sion tries to remind him but it’s already too late, Yushi would rather die than look back now.
“Just eat it!”
“What are you doing here?”
Yushi had expected a few things when Riku invited him to hang out- his friend opening his own bedroom door was definitely one of his expectations. What he couldn’t predict however? Wonbin opening the door, barely giving him the chance to knock.
“Come in” Is all the other says before stepping aside to make way for Yushi.
He takes a few suspicious steps into his friend’s room and the situation couldn’t be worse. Riku is seated on his bed, arms crossed with Daeyoung right beside him. Xiaojun is curled up on a chair holding a notebook with a pen tucked dramatically under his ear and Jaehyu- what the fuck is Jaehyun doing here?
“This is an intervention Yushi” Wonbin adds, voice tense as if he’s Batman.
“An interve- when did- why is he here?” He points towards Jaehyun, completely baffled. Yushi has a lot of questions- so many questions.
“You weren’t answering your phone, i wanted to check up on my brother in law”
“Don’t say that”
“He’s here for the intervention baby” Daeyoung mocks before smirking. “Alright, now to Sion’s list of crimes”
“What?”
Yushi doesn’t receive an answer- the only sound that comes out of his friends is an irritatingly loud click from Xiaojun’s pen which he’d use as a weapon to escape if he didn’t know any better.
“Did you guys watch weak hero?” He asks semi-jokingly.
“Stay on topic baby” Now it’s Riku’s turn to make fun of him. Great.
“Offence one” Xiaojun starts loudly, clearly reading from his neatly written notes. “Making Anton apologize on his knees for asking you out”
Wait what?
Yushi’s brows shoot up in surprise. He blinks rapidly once, twice, three thousand times before the information is properly marinated into his brain.
“Wait so the rejection gift-“
“He didn’t have a choice Yushi” Wonbin says into the void as if he’s shooting some kind of kdrama. One would think he’d drop the mysterious act by now.
“Offence two” It’s Jaehyun’s time to chime in now. “Scaring Wonbin into rejecting you then punching him for doing it publicly”
“Hold on, you were actually down for a date with me?”
“You’re alright i guess” Wonbin mutters out, gaze still glued to the nonexistent camera in front of him.
“Offence three” Daeyoung continues sternly. “Getting mad at Jisung for gifting you flowers”
“And finally, offence four” Riku adds loudly before Yushi is able to react any further. “Scaring poor Sohee into never reaching out to you again”
Yushi stands there- body frozen in place trying to make sense out of his friend’s words.
“Yeah….” He says quietly, the word comes out like a question. “He’s been acting weird, but i already knew that”
It gets a defeated sigh out of Wonbin. The other finally turns towards him, eye bags dark and heavy as if he has genuinely been losing sleep over this.
“So you actually don’t know?” The other questions in desperation. “You don’t know anything about the rumours?”
Yushi throws his head back as he groans in annoyance. Not this again.
“What rumours?”
“Why do you think your love life is going to shit? Why do you think all of your dates are scared to meet up with you?” Wonbin adds in a rush.
“I don’t know maybe I’m just unlucky-“
“No. It’s because of that rumour going around saying Sion scares away anyone who dares to ask you out- which turned out to be true by the way”
Yushi’s brain completely shuts down at the information. He can almost feel as his soul slowly leaves his body. The rumour, the odd dates- Sion’s behaviour. It all adds up. But why?
“Do you know what everyone at school calls you?” Riku says.
What? There’s more?
He shakes his head, heartbeat speeding up by the minute.
“Oh Sion‘s property”
There’s a heavy silence. Yushi’s mouth falls open, giving his friend a perplexed look. He almost forgets to breathe- the information suffocates him.
“Oh Sion’s property….” He repeats in a trembling whisper.
“You’re Sion’s bitch” Jaehyun chimes in with an unnecessary clarification. “Everyone thinks you’re Sion’s bitch, he’s trying to make it known that you’re his bitch, I’ve always had a feeling you were his bitch, you’re the only one who didn’t know you were Sion’s bitch”
Oh Sion’s bitch….he’s Oh Sion’s bi- no, he’s Oh Sion’s property.
“I’m Oh Sion’s bitch?”
Yushi can almost feel Riku and Daeyoung’s tired groans in his soul.
“Are you actually stupid?” Xiaojun asks in concern which he simply chooses to ignore.
“W-wait so do you guys think that he….you know….likes me?” Yushi says instead, head clouded in shock.
“YES” All five voices scream out simultaneously.
Yushi doesn't mean to rudely barge into Sion’s home while he clearly has guests over- oh who is he kidding, he totally means it, especially in a rude sense.
He flings the other’s bedroom door open as if it weighs nothing before making eye contact with Hendery, Yangyang and a speechless Sion.
“Damn” Yangyang chuckles out
“You ok?” Hendery asks, clearly talking about the dripping sweat on Yushi’s face. Yes, he ran over, sue him.
“Ask your boyfriend” He says through a row of heavy breaths before pointing a finger back and forth between Sion’s friends. “You two” Yushi shoots a thumb behind him, directing them towards the door. “Out. I need a minute with him”
The duo is out of the door without a question. But Yushi isn’t completely stupid, he doesn’t ignore the huge possibility that the pair’s ears are pressed against the surface- ready to hear the entire conversation. Not that he cares.
Sion looks at him, eyes huge mirroring the ones of a clueless puppy.
“Oh Sion’s property” Yushi starts, voice small.
The other shoots up from his bed as a response. He can see it- the panic in his best friend’s face as he starts scratching his neck frantically.
“I don’t- look- it’s not what it sounds like” Sion says in full panic. “I was going to tell you, i was going to ask you out but then people kept getting in the way so-“
“-you scared them away?”
The other gulps, pupils trembling under Yushi’s gaze.
“You made me think that i was undesirable and hopeless”
“I’m sorry” Sion says, voice desperate as if he’s begging for forgiveness.
“I went about my life thinking I’d never find love”
“I’m sorry. I’ll spend every lifetime making it up to you Yushi, I’m so fucking so-“
“I’d get on my knees for you if you just asked and you still went the extra mile, you’re so fucking stupid”
“-wait what?”
They fall into heavy silence. Sion’s ears are red- he’s getting shy as Yushi steps closer, finally being the one to invade the other’s space until his best friend is a blushing mess.
“When did you start liking me?” He dares to ask.
“Since forever. I don’t remember the last time you didn’t invade my mind” Sion is trembling, yet his voice is confident- genuine in every way.
“I’ve loved you since forever” Yushi is finally able to admit. “This body- this heart, it was always yours. All you had to do was ask”
The tension immediately gets lighter as Sion’s shoulders fall in relief. The other takes Yushi’s face in his hands- caressing his face as if he’s the most precious treasure on earth.
“I’m sorry” His best friend repeats, this time against his lips.
Yushi doesn’t say anything before closing the gap between them. Sion gasps into the kiss, hands immediately going to grab Yushi’s waist like his life depends on it. He’s kissing his best friend with no fear this time. Hands tangled in the other’s hair, moans filling the entire room, not holding back.
“Baby” Sion says, breathless as Yushi pushes him down the bed behind them. “Yangyang and Dery are still-“
“Let them hear” He doesn’t give the other a chance to finish moving down to sloppily kiss his best friend’s neck. “They’ll know i’m yours”
“Fuck”
Sion flips them over, now trapping Yushi underneath him possessively. The other traces a thumb against his lips, eyes hungry as he slowly pushes the finger against Yushi’s tongue.
“Mine”
Yushi can’t help but let out a desperate whine.
Oh Sion’s property. He could get used to this.
“It’s official by the way” Sion announces before lifting their intertwined hands for the entire classroom to see.
There’s a sudden silence and a few freakishly in-sync head turns before everyone shifts their attention away- not giving the couple a second glance.
“Hello?” Yushi tries again. “We’re together, like officially”
“Ok” Wonbin sighs.
“That’s crazy” Ningning pretends to gasp.
“We know” Riku says, face unmoving.