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Chapter Text

"To start with, I'll be using the Some By Mi Snail Truecica Gel Cleanser..."

Jongdae is currently shooting the famous Harper's Bazaar Go To Bed With Me content. No one predicted, even him, that in a span of one year, he'll have instant fame.

He's just a simple youtuber who loves to post skincare product reviews, mukbang videos, song and dance covers, at kanyang barista life. Nang biglang sumikat dahil sa 'Aanhin mo ang skincare kung hindi ka nagpapalit ng punda' remark niya sa kanyang 'A Day with Me' vlog, nagsunud-sunod ang video sponsorship at endorsement offers sa kanya.

Jongdae is a jack of all trades. And he's not mediocre in any of it. Magaling magluto, gumawa ng kape, sumayaw, kumanta (!!!), pati magfloor wax at bunot ng sahig nung elementary siya. Pansin din ang angking kagandahan at kaakit-akit na hubog ng katawan nito kaya no doubt, people will take a second look when he passes by. Head-turner, ika nga.

To highlight, he's got smooth, fair skin na agaw pansin that's why he was invited to shoot for this content.

"I make sure my face is a little damp before I put my Some By Mi AHA•BHA•PHA Toner. I love how peppermint-y this toner smells. This is a good exfoliant; it's very gentle on the skin."

"Then I'll be putting my Nacific Nutrition Herb Serum. I love this one so much! It smells citrusy and it has a light texture so it doesn't feel heavy on the skin when applied. Make sure to lightly shake the bottle first to mix the water and oil."

"Fun fact! This exact bottle is from the Nacific muse himself, my friend and Skyfall's drummer, Chanyeol. When we first met, he asked what I do with my face to maintain this glowy look and when he found out I use a product he endorses, he bought me five bottles the next time we met! Shout out to my homie!"

"Lastly, I put on Cosrx Snail 92 All in One Cream. It's my holy grail! Some people actually urged me to use eye cream first because I have dark circles and eyebags daw. Pero as someone with panda eyes in his genes, the only solution for my dark undereye is ✨acceptance✨."

"Anyway, I love this moisturizer so much! As someone with combination to dry skin, I need a good cream to hydrate and moisturize my skin. Good thing I found this! Downside is, it comes in a jar so I have to always bring a spatula with me. Also, the color and texture reminds me of tam-- uhh, a bodily fluid that I won't mention because it's R-18. Haha!"

"Done! Just a tip, glowing skin results from hydration and proper sleep, too! A wise philosopher once said, 'Drink your water, bitch!'"

The video ended with "So there you have it! Tara, go to bed with me?" and this caused an uproar towards fans and non-fans, gaining 3M views in just a day!

Bakit? Gumamit lang naman siya ng Some By Mi products, advertised by Sehun Oh, while wearing an Oh!Vivi pajama set! Isa pa, he mentioned Chanyeol Park din sa video na ito.

People are then speculating his relationship with the band members.

@lettheskyfall: He's using an Oh!Vivi x SPAO pjs and Somebymi products. Don't tell me...

@chanseturner: Somebymi vs Nacific, Sehun vs Chanyeol. Make up your mind, siz!

@sehunswife: Sana all may freebies from friends. User.

@jaedaeforever: Diba he's dating The Rose' Jaehyeong? They were seen pa nga biking sa Han River few months ago. Bilis magmove on to another guy, 'te?

@candiesandbobogom: No Bobbi Brown and Tirtir products? This bitch is an akgae, wbk.

Jongdae thinks hindi naman magkakagulo ng ganito if it weren't for Skyfall's extreme popularity. Ang Skyfall lang naman kasi ang most prominent band not just in South Korea, but in the world! Dahil sa hit song nilang "Growl" na may interesting lyrics and a good mix of sounds, nakilala ang banda sa iba't ibang parte ng mundo. Skyfall is comprised of four members: Baekhyun Byun on keyboards, Jongin Kim on electric guitar, Sehun Oh on bass guitar, and Chanyeol Park on drums. Lahat ng miyembro ay vocalists din ng banda. Mga gwapo na, multi-talented pa!

Jongdae first met the Skyfall bassist at the salon, one month after Jongdae and Jaehyeong's break-up. Opo, mga Marites. Tama ho ang tsismis. The JaeDae couple was real.

When Jongdae was recruited by a Korean streetwear label to do a photoshoot with the band The Rose for its new merch line, he got to know and become friends with its members - Sammy (vocals and electric guitar), Dojoon (vocals and keyboards), Hajoon (drums), and Jaehyeong (bass guitar). Ang nasabing banda na siguro ang masasabing katapatan sa kasikatan ng bandang Skyfall. Sa photoshoot na ito, kitang kita ang chemistry ng apat na miyembro kay Jongdae, earning the magazine its highest sales ever since its launch.

Naging trending pa ito sa social media kaya naman na-offeran sila ng isang mini webdrama, with Jongdae and Jaehyeong as the lead cast and the three bagged supporting roles. Jongdae dreamt of becoming an actor kaya he immediately grabbed the opportunity.

Pero syempre, sinigurado niya munang may uuwian pa rin siyang trabaho sa Pilipinas. He doesn't want to let his barista job go, passion niya yun eh. Pati yun ang stable job niya. Good thing the top management of the coffee shop he's working at are supportive of his new career, he let them take an indefinite (unpaid lol) leave. Free promo rin naman sa kumpanya, so win-win ang sitwasyon.

Sa two-month shoot pa lalong lumalim ang pagkakaibigan ng lima. Doj, Haj, and Dae were seen hanging out at samgyup places and restos. Sammy accompanies him in shopping for clothes and accessories. Jaehyeong was often seen visiting Dae's transient home in Seoul. Dito rin nagkapalagayang loob si Jongdae at ang bahista, with them immediately putting a label on it. Dun na rin naman daw papunta yun, bakit patatagalin pa.

The webdrama was released on Youtube, and it gained high number of views, with people expecting for more. The thing is, the Korean members are bound to do their mandatory military service, kaya naman wala nang sumunod pa rito.

No one knows kung magkaka-projects pa ba si Jongdae sa SoKor after the webdrama, idagdag mo pang Jaehyeong will enlist soon, kaya naging shaky ang relasyon nilang dalawa.

...until it reached a point na Jaehyeong asked for a break-up after four months of dating. Hindi daw siya equipped for a long distance relationship.

Kaya naman slightly basag pa ang ating bida when he first met Sehun. It's Jongdae's first time to visit the salon; kilala naman siya ng mga staff nito pero puro on-site kasi ang HMUA scheds niya, never niyang kinailangang pumunta sa mismong shop para magpaayos. He never does makeup naman on a normal day, eh. He had to go today though dahil kailangan niyang magpalit ng hair color for a photoshoot to be done three days after.

When he arrived, Sehun is already there reading a magazine with him on the cover. Sakto namang dun siya sa kalapit na upuan ipinwesto ng hair stylist/salon owner na si Minseok.

"Do you know him, Dae?"

"Of course I know him! Diba," he turned to look at him, "ikaw yung may rainbow hair sa Skyfall noon?"

Natawa naman ito kasi of all things na maaalala niya, bakit yun pa?

"Anyway, I'm Jongdae." sabay lahad ng kamay nito. Sehun took it and shook their hands. "Sehun."

Kunwari kalma lang si Jongdae, pero pumapalakpak na ang pwet niya! Crush niya 'to si Sehun!!!

Ewan ba niya, pero he's attracted to bands' bassists. His ex is one. He likes Jeongho of Cnema, Hyeongbin of Bandage, Cyan of Crackshot, Wonsang of Lucy... you get it!

At eto nga! Si Sehun of Skyfall! Grabeng hot talaga ng mga bahista sa paningin ni Jongdae, at hindi niya alam gaano siya magtatagal bago siya sumabog sa harapan ni Sehun Oh.

"Dae diba you like band music? Edi nakikinig ka rin sa Skyfall?" ani Minseok.

"Slight." Sinungaling. Nakipagbardahan ka nga para sa signed limited edition album nila noon.

"Sino bias mo? Si Sehun ba?" This question got Sehun staring at Dae, anticipating his response.

TANGINA NAMAN NETO NI MINSEOK NANLALAGLAG EH!!!

"Uhmm, hindi eh. Si ano... si..." Wala siyang maisip kingina talaga si Sehun ang number one sa puso niya eh. "...si Jongin Kim! Siya! Cute nu'n eh."

Hindi alam ni Jongdae kung namamalik-mata lang ba siya o dumilim talaga ang ekspresyon nitong isa. Is this... selos?

Pero naisip din niya agad na Wow, Jongdae, ganda ka? Selos agad, jowa ka ba?

"Sayang, it's not me. It's nice to meet a fan pa naman."

Hala! Nalungkot ata 'to!

"Naku, mahal ko naman kayo lahat! May edge lang siya mga 0.1% parang bacteriang hindi kaya patayin ng Safeguard."

Napangiti ito at nagpapasalamat si Jongdae sa kung sino mang nasa langit na lumikha sa tao sa harap niya kasi Lord Jesus mas bagay sa kanya 'to. Nakangiti. Masaya. Papable.

"Ano yung 0.1% edge niya?"

Nagpanic na naman si Jongdae kasi hala! Mahal naman niya talaga ang lahat ng miyembro in a fan-idol way, pero kada performance, sa bahista lang siya naka-focus.

"Ano! Ah! Magaling siyang ano... gumiling."

Ano ba namang bibig yan, Jongdae! Nag-internal tampal ng bibig si Dae kasi bakit giling? Eh gitarista si Jongin!

Natawa naman dito si Sehun. Ilang beses na niya ito napapatawa ha. Tawa ng tawa, naghahanap ng asawa! I volunteer myself as tribute chos.

"Sometimes, Jongin tend to sway his hips while performing nga. Very observant ka ha."

Sineswerte nga naman si Dae, nakalusot pa. Kaya naman sinakyan niya pa itong convo.

"Tama! Hahaha kada sway niya nga gusto ko na lang maging meme eh."

"Huh? Meme?" Sehun asked, eyebrows furrowed.

"Oo, meme-bro ng pamilya niya."

Sobrang lakas na ng halakhak ni Sehun, it radiates sa buong salon. Even Minseok and the other staff are laughing.

"Tawa ka ng tawa! Clown ba ako? Magpapabayad na ako!"

Bayad kiss. Emz.

Saktong tumawag naman ang manager ni Jongdae. "Oppa!"

Oppa?

"Yep, I want french vanilla! Teka, ask ko sila Seok." He covered the lower part of the phone and asked the salon owner, "Seok, coffee? Ask everyone na rin hehe."

Minseok even asked Sehun, who refused the free coffee. Out of instinct, Jongdae turned to his side and asked him, "Bubble tea?"

Napangiti si Sehun dito at tumango.

So much for hiding Jongdae's interest towards the bassist.

Dumating na ang mga drinks na binili ng manager ni Jongdae para sa mga kasama niya ngayon sa salon. Siya pa mismo ang nag-abot ng bubble tea kay Sehun.

Kilig na kilig naman ito when Sehun thanked him. He has the sweetest smile and Jongdae thinks he's the luckiest to be able to see this in person, up close.

Dinala si Jongdae sa kabilang side ng salon para mabanlawan ang buhok nito, at pagbalik niya, bumungad sa kanya ang ga-higanteng blonde na si Chanyeol.

Lord, hinay hinay naman, gusto mo na ba ako patayin ngayon?

"Ay taray, Mr. Sehun Oh. Skyfall performance ba ang babayad mo sa'kin? Very much willing naman ako!"

Napatingin si Chanyeol sa gawi nito, may halong lito dahil sino naman 'tong kutong lupa na 'to?

Sensing Yeol's confusion, Sehun said, "Yeol, he's Jongdae. He's a youtuber and model."

"Ops ops ops! Kulang!" Nilahad niya ang kamay niya sa harap ni Yeol. "Youtuber slash model slash barista slash full time tibak at," sabay silip kay Sehun, "bagong Sehun-anti. Mga ilang minutes ago lang."

Humagalpak ng tawa itong Narra tree na ito at nagitla si Jongdae ng hampasin siya ng sanga, ay kamay pala, ni Chanyeol dahil sa sobrang galak.

"I like you already. Welcome to the Sehun-antis club."

The two surprisingly got close in just a short amount of time, making them the odd Virgo-Sagittarius pair. Magaling na rin si Dae sa tamang timing ng pag-iwas kay Chanyeol kapag akmang manghahampas na ito sa saya.

"Kailangan ko yatang mag-aral ng self-defense kung trotropahin kita."

"Grabe! Eh bakit kasi ganun yung tawa mo, para kang hinihika! Nakakahawa tuloy."

"Tse! Pero sad to say, I need to leave now."

"You have to buy me coffee pa!" Chanyeol said. Napahalakhak naman si Jongdae dahil hindi nito mapalagpas na may libreng kape ang lahat maliban sa kanya.

"Pahulihin ka kasi!"

"How about coffee tomorrow?" Sehun butted in.

"Is this a date?" Jongdae made a hopeful joke pero kaagad niya ring binawi dahil baka kung anong isipin nito. He just used this as an opportunity to get the former's number. "Charot! Text me where to meet na lang!"

"Uhmm, I don't have your number yet."

Success.

Jongdae handed him his phone and asked for his. "Akina phone mo. Put your number here na rin para alam ko who's texting."

And so they went out the next day, meet-up and coffee sa isang high-end café, bruncher at a seafood buffet (oo, breakfast, lunch, dinner rolled in one kasi binge eaters sila) at diretso sa isang noraebang place na unlike the previous locations, ay sa tabi-tabi lang. Itsurahing karaoke sa may Aurora Boulevard sa Cubao, South Korea version.

They enjoyed every single moment of it, at si Jongdae na nga ang naging clown slash entertainer nila that day. Mas lalo silang nasiyahan noong karaoke na dahil aba ang kapal din talaga ng mukha ng slightly drunk na si Jongdae na pumili ng puro rap sa harap ng dalawang rapper ng Skyfall.

Namangha ang dalawa ng maka-100 points ito sa Love the way you lie - Eminem ft. Rihanna pero siya sa lahat ng parts. Bibirit tas biglang bubulusok ng rap? Only tipsy Jongdae can do that.

They ended the night with the two booking a ride home dahil puro nakainom na sila. Nauna na si Chanyeol, and when it's Sehun's turn, he brought Jongdae with him. Para ihatid? We don't know.

Back to the issue at hand, Jongdae is a bad liar, kaya hindi niya alam kung paano iaaddress ang mga tanong ng publiko tungkol sa relasyon niya sa dalawang miyembro ng bandang Skyfall.

Can he say the truth, though?

That Chanyeol's a friend.

And Sehun's a whore.

My whore.

Chapter Text

Jongdae is fucked.

Like, literally.

[From: Bubble tea-ti]

Dae. Earth hour. Now.

Earth hour is their code. Their booty call code.

It was an unexpected turn of events. Sehun rarely engages in the conversation, unlike Chanyeol who just talks and talks and talks, so Jongdae won't even get a clue that the man has been simping for him the moment they locked eyes the day before.

The pent-up sexual tension was only felt when Chanyeol went home, and it was as quick as lightning when Sehun, sitting beside Jongdae at the back of the car, held on to the latter and kissed the hell out of him.

Jongdae reciprocated the kiss, because fuck, he wants this. He badly wants the guy. And he knows he wants him as an idol, as a man he lusts over for many years, but to hell with it, he wants a taste of him.

So when Sehun said, "Come home with me." He nodded, enthusiastically at that.

He was fucked senselessly and boy, they can't get enough of each other. They wanted more. They crave more of each other's kisses, each other's touch, each other's taste. Hence, the fuck buddies label. Just a text of "Earth hour" (cos yeah, we turn the lights off during that hour, right?), and one comes running to get to savour and satisfy the other.

Now, Jongdae's being pounded by the ever-so horny Sehun. Bakit siya horny? It's all because of that recent video: Jongdae wearing his Oh!Vivi pajama set.

Yes. It's his. Sehun lent it to Dae one fuck night.

When Sehun saw the video, he can't help but imagine fucking Jongdae into oblivion wearing that pajama top.

So they did. And they did it hard. He just can't get enough of Dae's perky ass and slim body.

When Sehun's about to have his release, itinutok niya ito sa mukha ni Jongdae and smeared it all over. "That skincare routine is lacking, Dae. Nalimutan mo yatang tamod ko ang tunay na moisturizer mo."

And so Jongdae's taking back what he said.

Sehun's not my whore. I am his whore.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

Jongdae just finished a photoshoot for a sportwear brand at paalis na siya ng location with his manager when suddenly, he saw an Audi R8 parked beside his company van.

He very well knows this car. Nakasakay na siya dito a couple of times.

Nasakyan niya na rin nga yung owner in that same car.

"Oppa, may sundo yata ako."

Among all the people they know, only Manager Yixing and Chanyeol know about this set-up for four months now. Chanyeol laughed at it when he found out, halatang halata naman daw kasi yung pagnanasa nito sa isa habang nagbabonding silang tatlo noon.

Manager Yixing, however, is against the set-up. Jongdae is an up-and-coming artist, and Sehun is already thriving in the industry. One mistake at pwedeng mawala lahat na parang bula. Though of course, he won't prohibit Jongdae from doing it. He respects his decision, whatever it is.

Sehun opened his window and interrupted the two's conversation.

"Dae, are you not coming?"

Napatingin naman ang dalawa dito. "Wow, ang impatient ha!"

Jongdae picked his bag from the van and told Yixing, "Bye oppa! See you bukas!"

Nagpanting naman ang tenga ni Sehun kasi, Oppa na naman? Immediately after Jongdae closed the car door and placed a seatbelt, humarurot ito para wala ng time for more goodbyes and reminders from Yixing.

Things happened so fast and Jongdae's currently under Sehun on his bed. Yes, it's another Earth hour call. The latter is kissing the former with too much vigor, Jongdae thinks mapupudpod na ang labi niya dito.

Not that he hates it. He loves how forceful Sehun's kisses are right now. Parang sabik na sabik sa kanya.

Sehun's carressing Jongdae's body and while he's giving him feather-like kisses on his neck and chest, he asked Jongdae,

"Why do you keep calling that Yixing oppa?"

"Come on, now? Aahhh... Really? Oooh... Are you perhaps... ahhh... jealous?"

It's surprising how they can converse between every thrust and moan.

"I'm not! So, why?"

"Uhh, I like to call handsome people oppa-- AAAHH!!!"

One deep thrust.

"Now I'm jealous."

Truth be told, Sehun has been thinking for weeks now, there shouldn't be any emotional attachment, right? They only meet when their libido's up. Pero bakit he always has this urge to punch someone in the face when Jongdae gets even just a tiny bit intimate with another man?

Hindi niya alam if it really is jealousy. He hasn't felt that way all his life kaya wala siyang mapagbabasehan. If this is jealousy, at least now he knows it sucks. Big time.

But deep down, he hopes it's just his possessive nature. Sana. Because falling in love means breaking the fubu golden rule, diba? And breaking it means they have to stop.

At ayaw niya pa.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

Jongdae's all dressed up for Minseok's salon's anniversary. Maraming celebrities din ang invited, mostly their clients and friends. Sakto na lang talaga na it's the day after his sportswear brand photoshoot kaya makaka-attend siya.

On usual days, Jongdae goes back and forth Manila and Seoul. His barista job is in PH, his modeling career is in SK, and he does vlogging in both. Maraming beses na na pupuntang Seoul si Jongdae ng madaling araw for a shoot at diretso airport right after, then diretso pasok sa coffee shop.

It's tiring, but he enjoys it, nonetheless. It's a privilege to be able to do things you're passionate about while earning from all of it.

Ngayon na nga lang ulit makakapahinga, if you call this pahinga, at makakahang-out with his SK-based friends. When he arrived at the venue, the party's already starting. May kumakain, nagsasayawan, nag-iinuman. People are in small groups, depende na rin siguro sa set of friends na kasama nila.

Jongdae immediately saw Kyungsoo and Minseok and ran to them.

"Cheffy!!!"

Jongdae's a great singer, okay. Pero hindi niya ata kayang kontrolin ang boses niya kaya't napapasigaw ito, mapa-excitement man o galit o ano. Even the feeling of pleasure.

Well, excited naman kasi talaga siya to see Kyungsoo. He hasn't seen the man since the webdrama shoot ended. Ito ang stylist niya specific for the drama. Stylist ni Jaehyeong kasi ang role niya noon kaya he worked closely with Soo, trying to learn about his craft. Naging close sila because of their love for cookery, hence, the nickname Cheffy. The two, together with the hair stylist Minseok and The Rose members, became the best of friends during those times.

Jongdae's scream was heard all throughout the place, and everyone noticed this cute, petite man wearing a V-neck shirt cut too low under his pastel coat and paired with trousers oh-so fit, bakat na bakat ang thighs nito.

Hindi nakalagpas ang malalagkit na tingin ng mga tao sa nanlilisik na mata ng isang lalaki, animo'y pagmamay-ari niya ang binata. It's Sehun.

Sehun went with his band lingid sa kaalaman ni Jongdae. He badly wants to approach the tiny man but he chose to stick with his bandmates muna. He'd like to observe Jongdae outside their fubu relationship. This will be the first time kasi na they'll be in the same place without the primary purpose of fucking.

"Cheffy! I missed you!!"

"How about me?" the salon owner asked.

"Slight lang." Seok playfully glared at him kaya, "Haha! Charot! Of course I missed you! Congratulations on the salon's anniv!"

Jongdae hugged his two friends. They sat down and Jongdae removed his coat, showing a glimpse of his collar bones to the *predators* around. Sakto namang dumating ang bartender at inabutan ni Minseok si Dae ng isang bote ng malamig na malamig na red horse.

"Oh my God Seok!!! You bought red horse for me?"

He's in the land of soju, maekju, and makgeolli, of course Red Horse is a rare breed. Eh eto ang go-to drink ng baklang kanal na si Jongdae sa inuman.

"Isang case ng red horse! Para sa'yo talaga lahat yan!"

"Seok ang usapan inuman lang! Walang patayan!"

They were laughing so hard, not minding the looks people has been giving towards Dae. Sobrang glowing talaga nito. Halatang nadidiligan.

At one point, Jongdae checked his phone at nagulat siya when he got a dozen notifications from only one person.

[From: Bubble tea-ti]

Jongdae.

Hey, beautiful.

Can we meet later?

You look dashing.

All eyes are on you, babe.

Ugh. I want to rip everyone's eyes off.

Yes, even Jongin's. This fucker won't stop looking at your direction.

Can I tell them who am I to you? Naiinis na ako.

Baek said your skin's glowing daw? Baka dahil pinuputok ko sa mukha mo.

Dae, put your coat back on.

JONGDAE.

BABE, I SAID PUT THE FUCKIN' COAT ON.

Nagulat si Jongdae at nag-init ang pakiramdam nito. Is it because of the alcohol? The texts? The endearment? We never know.

Nagpalinga-linga ito to look for one specific man and when their eyes locked, he's filled with confusion. Is Sehun jealous?

Nilaklak nito ang natitirang laman ng bote niya ng Red Horse and excused himself to go to the person intently staring at him. Since Sehun is with his bandmates and their managers, he politely approached them.

"Hi! May I borrow Sehun for a while?" he then raised his right hand, "I swear I'll return him!"

Cute na cute naman dito si Baekhyun at Jongin, habang si Chanyeol ay natatawa because *insert the tiktok viral song He knows, I know he knows, I know he knows*. They didn't get the chance to reply back dahil hinila na ni Dae si Sehun, no destination in mind.

Dae only came to a halt when he saw the buffet table.

"Nagugutom na ako."

Cute.

"So hiniram mo ako para lang may kasama ka kumain?"

"Hmmm."

Sehun leaned in and whispered, "Jongdae, baka nakakalimutan mo. Fuck buddy ako, not food buddy."

Nasamid naman si Jongdae sa laway niya (kasi mars naman, not in front of my salad). "So bawal?"

He looked at Sehun with a pout.

Oh, the desire to kiss that protruding lips, ugh.

"What do you want to eat?"

A smile slowly creeped in Dae's face and for Sehun, that transition is a lot more beautiful than sunrise.

"Rice balls! Lots of rice balls!"

Eh balls ko kaya.

Sehun got a plate and placed rice balls (not his balls, unfortunately) for Jongdae to eat. They sat at the nearest table dahil sabi ni Dae, "baka mabitin ako. Dito lang tayo sa isang dipa away."

"Why are you here pala?" tanong ni Dae.

"Cos it's the salon's anniv?"

"You didn't tell me." bulong nito.

"You didn't ask."

They talked more about random, /non-sexual/ stuff until Dae got his fill. When he gave the plate to the roving bartender, he grabbed Sehun by the wrist and walked towards the three Skyfall members.

"As promised! Here's your Sehun, complete and no damage."

"Hala sinauli nga! Ang cute!" Jongin said.

Jongdae got shy not because of Jongin's remark but because of the fact that Sehun thinks Jongin is his bias. He turned to his side and saw Sehun with a weird expression. Anyone who sees Sehun right now would surely think he's jealous.

The tall man cleared his throat and said, "'Di mo pa sila kilala lahat diba?"

Jongdae nodded, so Sehun proceeded saying, "here's Baekhyun" sabay turo dito, "here's Jongin" while rolling his eyes, "and here's Chanyeol. You know him already."

"Hi!" He even shot a finger gun towards Yeol, who acted like he's hurt in the chest. Baekhyun slapped him for the overreaction.

"He's Jongdae. Youtuber, model, barista, ano pa nga?" Sehun turned to look at Jongdae straight in the eyes, but before he could speak, Yeol butted in.

"Sehun anti."

Sehun, again, rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Uh yeah. Sehun anti."

Everyone laughed at Sehun's annoyance and Jongdae thinks he could feel home with these people. He sees himself being with these guys for a long time.

Jongdae excused himself so he could go back to his friends, but before he could leave, Jongin whispered something, "Who's that friend of yours? The one with glasses, I mean. Not Minseok."

Huling huli naman nila Yeol ang sama ng ekspresyon ni Sehun dito.

Jongdae smiled and replied back in a whisper. "I'll tell Sehun his number and make him forward it to you."

They both giggled when a "Nice!" came out of Jongin's mouth. Bago pa makapagbulungang muli, ipinaglayo na sila ni Sehun and urged Jongdae to go back.

Hay. Bakod pa ho.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

Kyungsoo, Minseok, and Jongdae were on their fourth bottle when Dojoon, Hajoon, and Woosung showed up.

"Hey guys! You made it!"

This feels like the reunion of their webdrama. Hindi niya inexpect to see Haj and Doj because both are serving in the military. Even Jaehyeong is.

Turns out, they're all on vacation. Good thing Minseok still sent them an invitation because they all missed their gang back then.

They were laughing over old memories when Sehun approached their circle.

Inakbayan ni Sehun si Jongdae mid-conversation and suddenly (!!!) kissed him (!!!) on his temple (!!!). Gusto mang kiligin ni Jongdae sa gesture na ito ay hindi niya mapigilan ang pag-aalala na baka may makakita sa kanila.

Cameras are everywhere, dahil na rin sikat ang hair styling and makeup team ni Minseok, at kinakatakot ni Jongdae that in one click, both their careers and their unique relationship may end. He doesn't want both to end.

"May I borrow Jongdae for a while? Though I won't promise I'll return him."

Jongdae slapped him on his chest, and turned to his old friends. "Guys, I'll just talk to this giant. Nice to see you three again!"

They went somewhere more private and Jongdae blurted out, "What was that about?"

"Let's go home."

"Home? Sehun you know we're not supposed to leave together. People are watching."

"I don't care. Let's just go home."

"Sehun!" Jongdae's mad for this kind of negligence. Is Sehun not afraid of getting caught? Is it okay for him for this to end?

"Selos na selos na ako, Dae, putangina. Kay Jongin. Sa The Rose. Sa lahat."

Oh.

Sehun looks so defeated and lost, and Dae wants to kiss all those things away.

Pero hindi pwede.

"Y-you know w-we c-can't..."

"Please."

Just one 'Please' at natunaw si Jongdae. One 'Please' and he's now rushing to bid farewell to everyone and go home with this man.

He also said goodbye to Haj, Doj, and Sammy even though they said he shouldn't. Iniinsist nga nung tatlo na he should stay kahit konti pa. Ilang minutes pa.

Bakit ba ang lakas lakas ni Sehun sa kanya, pero itong tatlo na mas matagal na niyang kaibigan, nahihindian na niya?

Despite their protests, Jongdae left the venue. He went to the parking lot because that's where he'll meet Sehun.

Little did he know, he'll meet someone from the past, too.

"Oppa..."

It's Jaehyeong.

He calls him oppa, too?

Chapter Text

"Jaehyeong, w-why are you h-here?"

"Suddenly, I'm not oppa anymore?" Jaehyeong laughed, a bit bitterly.

Hindi na sumagot pa si Jongdae. To be honest, he just wants to run to Sehun, who he can see behind Jaehyeong waiting beside his car, intently looking at them and probably listening to their conversation.

"Woosung said you're here. Kaya I dropped everything I was doing to see you."

"W-why?"

"I came to say sorry. And... to hopefully have you back. I miss you, Jongdae."

Jongdae clearly saw how Sehun's hands formed into a fist, and though confused why the latter did that, he figured he might be mad in his stead.

Kung alam lang ni Jongdae ang magkahalong selos at galit ni Sehun ngayon. He just wants to grab Dae and bring him anywhere that would stop him from being the stuttering mess that he is right now... anywhere else but here.

"W-we can't."

"I'm sorry, love. I was just scared that time. I love you and it scared me that being in a committed relationship with you means I'm physically free yet emotionally locked up. I plan to end up with you, you know? But the thought of me moving to your country seems impossible because my life, my career... they're all here. And you moving to mine seems like something you won't agree on. But now I realized it's something I should've asked you. My fears, my doubts, it should've been something we discuss. So please, love. Just one more chance. Please."

Jongdae got that dubious look on Jaehyeong, still uncertain on how to respond to his ex. But then he sighed deeply and cleared his throat while staring at Sehun, as if gaining strength from the eye contact.

"Jaehyeong, you have a different priority and it shows. You want me to be a part of your life; you never wanted to be a part of mine. That's different. I don't deserve some half-assed love when I can get anything and everything from someone willing to give me the whole world. So no, Jaehyeong. We can't. And I'm not even sorry."

Jongdae walked past him, leaving a dumbfounded Jaehyeong in the middle of the parking lot. Ito na rin ang cue ni Sehun to start the car. When Dae entered, he just drove away to wherever Dae wants to.

"Home." he said.

Home, it is.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

The two arrived at Sehun's penthouse with no conversation at all. Sehun's giving Jongdae all the time and space he needs because he's still visibly tremulous from the unexpected confrontation.

After five months, Jongdae got his well-deserved closure. A proper one, not some long-ass message sent at 3AM just because he bugged him with texts and calls the entire day. This is the closure he needs to officially make Jaehyeong... history.

After a long while, Jongdae's the first to break the silence.

"Hey."

"Hmmm."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For taking me here."

"Nothing to be thankful for. Diba sabi ko, let's just go home. We just did."

"Still. Thank you."

Silence.

Hindi nagkikibuan ang dalawa, nanatiling magkatabi ng may distansya sa kama. Yet it doesn't feel awkward at all. Rather, it feels safe. It feels comfortable. It feels home.

This time, Sehun broke the silence.

"I can't give you the whole world, you know?"

Jongdae looked at Sehun, confused at how random he is right now. 'Til he realized what he said a while ago...

"Hey I'm not pertaining to y--"

"I can give you the best I can, instead. Not the whole world, but my whole being. My entirety, whatever you want to. Just not the whole world, Dae. I'm not God."

"Stop joking around, Sehun."

Sehun then leaned on his side to face Jongdae, who is staring at the ceiling. "Mukha ba akong nagjojoke? I'll give you the best I can. That, if you let me."

Silence.

Jongdae doesn't answer and Sehun respects it. The man has a lot on his plate and he probably needs more time to absorb all these information tonight.

The only thing Sehun is sure at is that tonight, he finally realized his feelings for Jongdae. It might not be love yet, but he's certain he's on his way there.

"Why do you have so many guys simping over you? Why do I have a lot of competitors?" Sehun started joking around.

"Mas pogi naman ako dun, no? Sa kanilang lahat?"

"Hay, kung may karapatan lang talaga akong magselos no?"

Jongdae leaned on his side so now the two are face-to-face. He reached for Sehun's hand and interlocked it with his. What Jongdae said next left Sehun gape-mouthed.

"I'm giving you the right to get jealous."
▪︎▪︎▪︎

Jongdae's scheduled to fly back home the day after the party, so the two had no choice but to part ways. He returned to his full-time job as a barista, while Sehun got photoshoots after photoshoots for different brands and magazines. He's also constantly composing songs for Skyfall and his solo.

It reached to a point where no one recruits Jongdae to model for them... He still does regular vlogging and video sponsorship, though. And thankful siya for whatever's coming. Besides, sideline niya lang naman talaga ang modeling.

It should be okay, diba? It should feel okay and normal... Kaya nga lang, Sehun and Jongdae doesn't get the chance to meet again. No Earth hour calls. Nothing. Kapag lang nagagawi sa SoKor si Jongdae saka nila ito nagagawa; Sehun can't visit him instead dahil sa sobrang kasikatan ng bahista at ang banda nito, he has to keep his movements limited.

They still kept constant communication. Akala mo magjowa sa daily Good morning! Kumain ka na? Eat your lunch na po. Good night! I miss you.... texts and calls. What surprised Jongdae is they were able to talk in a non-awkward way. Akala niya magiging pilit ang usapan nila dahil ano nga lang ba ang rason kapag nagkikita sila noon? Sex.

But now, they're able to talk about anything and everything under the sun. It felt new. It felt nice, too. Sehun shares a lot about his struggles before and how it changed when they got noticed and reached fame. He would also share the downside of their popularity - sasaengs, no me time, no vacations, and all.

Sehun would often bring Jongdae with him /virtually/ while walking Vivi and Monsieur. Sometimes, he video calls Dae when he's drinking with Chanyeol and Gaeko. When he knows Dae is at work, he would send him cute dog videos or memes just so when Dae gets a break, the first thing he'll see will make him smile automatically.

Jongdae saw another side of Sehun that he failed to look at before. Or maybe Sehun didn't just let him to see. Whatever it is, he's glad Sehun's finally opening up to him.

They somehow made it work. They tried sexting. They even get themselves off while video calling a couple of times. Though it leaves them craving for more, they'll get what they can have at the moment.

So long distance relationship works, huh?
▪︎▪︎▪︎

Nine months. Finally, Jongdae got a modeling gig. He was recruited to promote a newly-launched Extra Skincare Collection. He only knows it's a joint photoshoot, he barely read the contract for he's clouded by too much excitement. Manager Yixing will do that for him, anyway.

Since Japan is everybody's dream destination, Jongdae took a one-day leave para makapag-unwind naman siya day after the shoot. Coming from a country with only dry and wet season, he'd love to experience autumn and see the first autumn leaves in Japan.

He left PH on Friday first thing in the morning, and he'll just meet Yixing on site. SK-based kasi itong si Yixing dahil dun lang naman palagi ang modeling gigs ni Dae. Alangan namang maghanap pa siya ng PH-based manager, eh ang manager na kailangan niya lang naman sa Pinas ay yung sa coffee shop nila?

He's the first person to arrive sa site so he decided to stay sa nearby coffee shop. He bought a doppio espresso and sat next to the window. As a barista, Jongdae loves to compare it sa gawa niya kaya he orders a double shot espresso to keep it plain and simple. Barako pa rin talaga ang number one.

A group of people went inside, causing quite a stir for the seated customers who are having a quiet morning prior to their arrival. By the looks of it, one of those who recently entered is a celebrity. He figures this might be the person he'll do the photoshoot with. Jongdae doesn't bother to look and observe, tho. He'll meet them in a while, he'll just enjoy the peaceful morning as best as he can.

He was staring outside the window when someone approached his table.

"Jongdae-ssi?" That caught his attention so he looked at the man, who is currently pointing his index finger on him.

"Oh! It really is you!"

"Jongin Kim?"

"Right! We met at Minseok hyung's party, remember?"

"I kinda introduced you to Soo, how can I forget." Jongdae even rolled his eyes. Jongin, on the other hand, scratched his nape as if he's caught for doing something he shouldn't.

"Bakit ka pala nandito?"

"Bobbi Brown shoot. Ikaw?"

So siya nga.

"Same."

"Same?"

"I'll probably do it with you. 'Di mo alam?" As if alam niya beforehand.

"Oh! Exciting! Sabi lang kasi ni manager," he goes to imitating the old man's deep voice, "'Bobbi Brown. Japan. Friday.' so here I am."

"Hope to have a fun shoot with you."

With a smirk on his face, Jongin said, "I'm pretty sure about that."
▪︎▪︎▪︎

The two had the joint photoshoot in the morning and will take the solo shots after lunch. Sa ngayon, both are in their own assigned dressing room to eat and freshen up.

Kakatapos lang kumain ni Jongdae at nagliligpit na nang maisipang dalhan si Jongin at ang team nito ng macaroons na siya mismo ang nag-bake. He knocked on his dressing room door kahit bukas naman ito. Jongin is on a video call kasi so he needed to do it to get his attention.

Paglingon ni Jongin ay laking liwanag ng mukha nito when he saw Jongdae by the door. He turned back to his call muna and said,

"Guess who's my partner today!?" he sing-songs.

"Walang may pake, Nini." The voice is familiar to Jongdae, it gives him chills.

"Wala palang pake ha." He went to Jongdae's side and showed him on the video. "I'm with Jongdae!!!"

Kitang kita ni Jongdae ang pagbitaw ng phone ni Sehun at pag-snap ng ulo nito to look directly at the phone Chanyeol is holding. Bigla itong lumapit sa camera to fully confirm kung hindi ba siya namamalik-mata.

"Jongdae? Why... why are you there?"

"Photoshoot, duh? Hi, Yeol!" This made Sehun scoff kasi bakit ang sweet kay Yeol?

"Hi Dae! I miss you!" Sinamaan naman ni Sehun ito ng tingin na nakapagpatawa kay Dae. Iniabot naman ni Yeol ang phone sa kaibigan dahil baka mamaya masapak na siya nito kapag patuloy pa ang pagpapacute niya kay Dae.

"You didn't tell me you have a shoot today." Malungkot ang tono nito.

"You didn't ask."

Hindi nakasagot si Sehun dito dahil it's his line. Na-boomerang sa kanya yung sinabi niya noon.

Jongin then asked Jongdae bakit siya pumunta sa dressing room nito.

"Ah! Oo nga pala. I baked macaroons. Share it with your staff. Sana magustuhan niyo."

This caught Sehun's attention. "Huy Jongin! Magtira ka for me!"

Tumikim ng isang piraso si Jongin at may exaggerated na "Hmmmm" with wiggle wiggle pa ito. "Se! Ang sarap! Ubos na 'to dito panigurado!"

"Pupunta ako dyan mamaya, sige ka!"

Natatawa namang sumagot si Jongdae, "dahil lang sa macaroons? Sige nga, lipad ka na!"

Kunwari pang pabiro ang sinabi niya pero deep inside, gusto niya naman talagang makita ang binata. Nine months na silang hindi nagkikita ng personal. Kahit saglit lang sana...

"Talaga! Pupunta talaga ako! Mag-antay ka!"

As if namang tototohanin ni Sehun, diba? Napabuntung-hininga ito at sinakyan na lang ang trip nung isa. "Sige na nga! See you later!"
▪︎▪︎▪︎

The photoshoot came to an end when they had a redo of some couple shots with the eye cream and moisturizer. The Bobbi Brown team packed up and left already while Jongdae, Yixing, and Jongin's team remained because Jongin asked them to.

"Wait ka lang saglit. Mga two minutes."

Sehun finally got a glimpse of the two. Just a silhouette and he knows it's him. Like a vivid memory, that body is something he won't ever forget.

So he ran. He ran and he hugged Jongdae from behind, which surprised the latter. He's aware people might be looking and might create a rumor but fuck them all, he wants to savour this moment. He waited for so long and no amount of ogling eyes would make him stop from staying close to Dae. He won't let go. Not now, not ever.

True to his words, Sehun is like a gum stuck to Jongdae. He accompanied Dae to his AirBnB while Jongin and his staff, together with Yixing, head straight to the airport. Ang dami pa ngang paalala ni Yixing kanina but Sehun's glad he agreed to letting them stay for a day together.

Both are excited to spend the day with each other. Plano ni Jongdae maglibot and since Sehun has been here many times before, he volunteered to be the other's tour guide.

Nag-aalangan pa nga nung una si Dae because people might see them together, but Sehun assured him na no one will speculate lalo na't wala namang nakapansin sa kanya sa airport kanina. He used all his connections para makalipad siya ng walang nakakarecognize sa kanya along the way. Nagpaalam din siya nang maayos sa management kaya't may sure na backup siya when all things fail.

With that, the two went on with their trip around Japan. They have their face masks and caps on, yes, but it can't hide the smiles and happiness they have now that they're both within reach. It just feels nice to spend the day with the person special to you, without the flashes and shutters of cameras pointed at them.

Since they cannot afford to take off their disguise outside, they decided to buy takeouts and just Netflix and chill in Dae's AirBnB. They'll be having Japanese food to complete Jongdae's Japan experience.

"I have something to tell you." Sabay pa nga ang dalawa, but with different tone. One is giddy, one is serious.

"You go first, Dae."

"My birthday's on Monday ten days from now!"

"I know, of course! Yun yung sasabihin mo?"

"Hmmm. Pero meron pa. Request sana?"

"What's that?"

"Actually... there's a coffee convention in Seoul on my birth week. My bosses decided to send me there as a representative since I know my way na naman around Seoul... My request is... may I spend my birthday with you?"

Jongdae gave him a hopeful look, and Sehun just wants to punch himself for being the one to break the mood.

"Dae... I'm going to enlist..."

Pause.

"...on your birthday."

We can't have all the good things in life, can we?

Chapter Text

Sehun received his draft a few days before his Japan trip but he doesn't have the heart to tell Jongdae. He'll enlist as an active soldier and this might be the last time they'll see each other for a long time.

Jongin actually received his, too. The electric guitarist will enlist as a public service worker so he will start his training ten days after Sehun.

Sayang lang, because Jongdae has already booked a flight on Monday afternoon, the same time and day Sehun will enlist.

It breaks Jongdae's heart, he won't lie, dahil akala niya this is gonna be his chance to spend some time with his special someone after months of LDR, lalo pa't birthday niya.

Lumipad si Jongdae patungong SoKor with no hopes and expectations. Knowing Sehun will surely be inside the training camp the moment he lands, pinlano na lamang niyang dumiretso sa AirBnB niya at maghanda ng simpleng hapunan para sa kaarawan niya.

Kinabukasan, Jongdae dragged himself out of the bed to attend the coffee convention. He tried his best to clear his mind and not get distracted with the heaviness in his heart. Marami siyang matututunan sa convention na ito, and Sehun being unreachable shouldn't affect his daily life.

He should get used to this. It'll be 18 months without him around.

Jongdae went from one stall to another, observing different barista's techniques, getting samples from different coffee brands, meeting strangers who share the same passion as him.

Then, he spotted a familiar café stand. One that Sehun often visits with his members.

Kamong Café.

The memory made him miss Sehun more, so he sighed audibly, gaining the attention of the woman manning the booth.

"Coffee ain't enough to make you feel good, hon?" The woman chirped.

That startled Jongdae from his reverie. He looked at the woman and he saw how she changed her expression from amused to deadass shocked.

"Wait! Wait! You're the youtuber!" The woman went near her, and Jongdae's stood like a statue because he doesn't know how to react.

"Oh my God! I love your contents! All your barista tips! Plus, you had a shoot with my brother! That punk adores you!"

This seems like an information overload for Jongdae, who has 90% Sehun, 10% 'WTF is happening rn' in mind. What shoot? Who's the brother she's talking about?

"Brother?"

"Yes!" the woman shouted with so much glee, "you and Jongin went to Japan for Bobbi Brown, right?"

Now that makes sense. The woman looks like the guitarist, too.

"I didn't expect to see a celebrity's sister here. Hi!"

"Well, I didn't expect a celebrity here." She smiled lovingly at him. "I'm Jungah."

"I'm not a celebrity! I'm here as a barista."

"Nako, stop being so humble nga and brag about yourself. You're beautiful, you're talented, you're perfect!"

Jongdae could only smile at the compliment. Jungah then told him to sit at the stool while she prepares ice cream waffle for him.

"Bakit ka naman napapabuntung-hininga ka kanina? Not enjoying the event?"

Dae was quick to put both his hands up and wave, denying the accusation. "Nope! I'm enjoying! May naalala lang."

"Hmmm. Boyfriend?"

He paused for a while, hindi niya naman boyfriend si Sehun, diba?

"Hindi po."

"Hay naku, Jongdae. 'Wag kang showbiz. Artista rin ang kapatid ko. You can trust me with these things."

"Wala talaga, ate. Promise."

Jungah was half-convinced and luckily for Dae, she switched the topic to crafting coffee. Nag-usap sila at naging kumportable sa isa't isa, ni hindi nila namalayang mag-aalas singko na.

"Grabe I wasn't able to tour around the convention! Ikaw kasi, sarap mo kakwentuhan!"

"Hindi ko na rin natuloy. Bukas, sabay tayo?" Jongdae offered.

"Yes! Oh my gosh sobrang bitin nga today eh!"

Patuloy ang usapan ng dalawa habang nagliligpit sa booth. Jongdae even helped the other, akala mo taga-Kamong din siya.

He walked Jungah to her sundo, at ikinagulat nila pareho na lulan ng van ng ate niya ang dalawa niyang pamangkin, si Rahee at Raeon. Sabay na lumabas ang dalawang chikiting para yakapin ang kanilang tita Jungah.

"Imooooo!"

Sinalubong ni Jungah ng yakap at paulan ng halik ang dalawa. Nakatitig lamang si Jongdae sa eksenang ito na may ngiti sa mukha. Eventually, the two kids noticed his presence and asked their Aunt Jungah who is he.

"Jongdae." Sabay nito'y nag-squat si Jongdae para eye level sila ng mga bata. Jungah also told him their names.

"How old are you, Jongdae oppa?"

"Oppa? I look like an oppa?"

"Eung." sagot ni Rahee na may kasamang tango.

"I'm older than your Kaichun, Rahee."

"Kaichun? You know Kaichun, oppa?"

Natawa ang matatanda dahil hindi talaga nilelet go ni Rahee ang oppa. Mukha naman talagang younger than his age si Dae.

"Honey, he's Kaichun's friend."

"YOU'RE KAICHUN'S BOYFRIEND!?" Sigaw ni Raeon na nakapagpaalarma sa dalawa, lalo na kay Jongdae. People around might misunderstand.

"He's not, baby. Just a friend."

"Ahhhh. Just a friend. Sayang."

Natawa sila dito. "Why sayang?"

"I want a boyfriend for Kaichun! Please?"

"Raeon, stop! Jongdae oppa's mine! Oppa, will you have dinner with us?"

The little kids show their puppy eyes to Dae, of course he won't be able to say no. He rode the van with one kid in each side. For a stranger, Jongdae surely belonged too easily to this family. Jongin's sisters can only smile with the turn of events.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

To say Jongin's family is smitten towards Jongdae is an understatement. His pretty, approachable looks got Rahee. His kind nature got Raeon. His cooking skills got Jongin's mom and eldest sister while he got Jungah with his entirety. If this dinner is seen as a family portrait, you would think Jongdae's a part of it.

Jungah called Jongin, who currently stays in his own home a few blocks away while they were all having dessert. They're eating coffee jelly (and jelly salad for the kids), which he made both only for a few minutes, with just gelatin powder, coffee, sugar, cream, and condensed milk as ingredients. He added a few fresh fruits to the kids' salads to make it more flavorful.

Jongin picked up and was surprised to see Jongdae playing with his two pamangkin. "Bakit... bakit andyan si Jongdae?"

"We met at the convention!"

"Who's there?" A deep voice whispered, and it caught Jongdae's full attention. Jungah thought it's just Jongin, but he very well knows that voice.

He politely asked for Jungah's phone and distanced himself a little away from the family. In a safe distance, he asked, "Jongin, be honest with me. Si Kyungsoo yan, 'no?"

Jongin was suprised, eyes bawling and mouth opened widely. "H-how..."

"Come on, they won't hear you." Then Jongdae glanced a bit to the family. Yes, ni hindi sila nakatingin o nakikinig dito.

Jongin sighed in defeat. "Yes, it's Kyungsoo." Soo then showed himself and Jongdae almost jumped in glee. "This is my doing! I technically hooked you two up!"

"Keep this a secret, please?" Jongin begged. "I want to introduce Soo to my family and friends properly."

"You better hurry because I'll probably be with Jungah often, and I swear, walang preno 'tong bibig ko."

He returned the phone and Jungah talked a little more with Jongin. With that, they found out it was Jongdae's birthday yesterday. The kids sang him a happy birthday and gave him their treasured toy as a gift. Jongin's mom promised he'll cook more for him soon.

Jongdae finds it funny how he gets to experience how being part of a family feels from strangers.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

As promised, Jongdae and Jungah toured around the convention together. Jungah even invited him over at their house again, but Jongdae refused. Jongin invited him for his military send-off with friends later that day.

Jongdae met Jongin, Baekhyun, and Chanyeol for the second time. He also met Jongin's other celebrity friends, who made him feel welcome, too. He's with Kyungsoo the entire time, though. No one there knows his relationship with Jongin, they just know they became friends through Dae.

Laking gulat ni Jongdae ng makita ang cake sa hapag. It says, "Happy Birthday, Jongdae!" pero may cut-out ng mukha ni Baekhyun na nakatusok dito.

"Sure kayong birthday cake ko 'to? Bakit may mukha ni Baek?"

Natawa si Chanyeol kasi idea niya ito. "Para alam nila kanino magbabayad ng ambag. Si Baek bumili niyan eh."

Jongdae released his signature contagious laugh, and everyone followed suit. Hindi akalain ni Jongdae that that simple meetup with Sehun led him to this kind of happiness.

Ayan... Sehun na naman. Na-miss na naman niya ito na paniguradong pagod sa training camp. Ni hindi nga ito nakakausap kahit may maikling sandaling cellphone time. Baka ipinapahinga na lamang niya.

'Di kalaunan, bumalik ang sunud-sunod na modeling offers kay Jongdae, kaya't napapadalas ang bonding niya with Skyfall members. Public service worker si Jongin, kaya nakakauwi ito tuwing gabi at walang pasok tuwing weekend. Puro foodtrip, lokohan, kwelang bonding lang. Nakakatawa ngang napakatatalino nila, pero their average IQ decreases to 50 when they're together.

Fate just won't work for Jongdae and Sehun, though. Kada bakasyon nito ay saktong walang shoot sa SK si Dae. Biglaan din madalas ang lipad nito dito kaya't 'di na nairerequest pa ni Sehun ang bakasyon. Kaya naman laking selos pa lalo ni Sehun sa mga kaibigan, pero 'di naman niya hinahayaang malayo ang loob nila sa isa't isa. They often call and text when they have the chance.

Sa dalas ng pagkikita ni Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Jongin, at Jongdae, malimit din ang pagpost at interactions ng mga ito sa social media. Since Skyfall is the most prominent band right now despite the two maknaes' hiatus, their fans can't help but be curious about Jongdae.

...and that led to them gossiping over him.

Sure, there are a few positive comments. Some even ship Jongdae to every single member, and Jongdae swears he has read every fanfic of him and Sehun there is.

But most comments are targetting him and his personal life.

@lettheskyfall: I unsubscribed to Jongdae's youtube channel. The contents suck, anyway.

@jaedaeforever: He used The Rose for fame, now he's using Skyfall... who's next, honey

@sehunswife: The only good thing about Sehun enlisting in the military is he rarely interacts with this bitch of a feeling famous youtuber

@chanseturner: just found out, anak sa labas pala siya. And his dad didn't accept him so laking kalye. Kaya pala ugaling kalye.

@candiesandbobogom: Why would Skyfall waste their time with a bastard...

And when I say personal life, I mean this personal.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

"Dae, sabihin mo kaya kay Sehun? Maraming fans niya ang may below the belt comments eh?"

As usual, the three Skyfall members and Jongdae are hanging out at Chanyeol's studio. Napag-uusapan ngayon ang tungkol sa ulan ng batikos sa pagkakaibigan nila at sa buhay ni Jongdae.

Galit na galit nga itong si Baekhyun at nagpost sa twitter about how he despises people who invades people's privacy. The other two hinted this topic too quite a bit on their instagram lives.

"Dae, I think you should na nga. They'll know it's a serious topic when a member on hiatus suddenly comes back para lang pagsabihan sila. Pero, again, your call."

Sa totoo lang, matagal na niyang pinag-iisipan kung sasabihin nga ba niya kay Sehun ito. Ayaw niya lang naman itong mag-alala, at maikli lamang ang panahong nakakapag-usap sila kaya he'd rather cherish those moments than deal with this issue. Kaya niya naman sigurong harapin 'to mag-isa.

"Pero Dae, sana 'di ka ma-offend ha, is that true? Na you're... anak sa labas?"

Baekhyun slapped Chanyeol's chest for asking such ridiculous question. But deep inside, he wants to know, too.

Nakangiting sinagot siya ni Jongdae. "Hmmm. My biological father didn't treat me as his son. Nabuntis niya ang nanay ko nu'ng lasing siya, and he claims he can't remember anything. Naawa naman sa akin yung kapatid niya, pinag-aral at pinatira ako hanggang makatapos ako ng elementary. Pagkatapos nu'n, I looked for a job and rented a bedspace. I spent my school days coffee-driven. Sleeping and slacking may mean I lose the opportunity of living."

Hindi namalayan ni Jongdae na umaagos na pala ang kanyang luha. Even the three got emotional over his story.

"Where's your mom?"

"Oh. She passed away while giving birth."

"That... was unfortunate. I don't know what to say."

"You need not to say anything, Jongin. Okay naman ako. Surviving. And the present is so much better than what I've gone through before. I'm not saying okay lang yung mga bashing and all, nasasaktan din ako syempre. Pero sisiw na lang sa'kin yun. Walang makakatalo sa sakit na walang nag-aacknowledge sa'yo bilang pamilya."

They all fell silent after the revelation. They hugged Jongdae and he assured them everything's gonna be fine. Kaya niya 'to. Kakayanin niya 'to.

Jongdae broke the silence after wiping the last few tears. "Hoy grabe ha! Ang dami niyo nang nalalaman! Pwede ko na kayong ipatumba! Baka naman pwede mag-share din kayo ano?"

Bahagyang natawa ang tatlo pero may halong pag-aalala dahil halatang Dae's just trying to mask his real emotions. He's trying to be cheerful when they know old wounds have been opened.

"What kind of story do you want to know ba? Heartbreaking? Scary? Juicy?" Baekhyun asked.

"Ay! As a Marites, juicy syempre!"

"Hmmm, sige. Ah, ano..."

"Ano?"

"I'm Baekhyun's boyfriend. Even before debut." It was Chanyeol who spilled the tea.

Jongdae remained mum, which made the three confused.

"Dae? No reaction?"

"Anong gusto niyong reaction? Yung totoo o yung mas totoo?"

"Yung totoo."

Calmly, Jongdae said, "I know. Everyone knows. When you think you're being sneaky, you're not. You're not subtle at all."

Shock was evident in the couple's faces, while Jongin's amused by how fans and non-fans figured it out.

"At one point, you cling to each other. Tapos suddenly, you do skinship with everyone except to each other, parang biglang ayaw pahuli. You share clothes often, you have cryptic posts, your songs gave hints, too. Chanyeol," he points at the tall man, "Jetlag, seriously? You really think we won't figure it out eh halos isampal mo sa amin ang relasyon niyo gamit ang kantang yun?"

"I can give you a list of how you're literally screaming your relationship at us. Nakakatawa kayo, tingin niyo ba 'di ko macoconfirm eh kapag magkakasama tayo kulang na lang kumandong si Baekhyun sa'yo."

"Nakakatakot si Jongdae minsan, ano. Observant."

"So ano yung mas totoong reaction?"

"Ready ba kayo?"

"G."

Biglang tumayo si Jongdae at hinila rin patayo ang dalawa.

"AAAAAAH!!!! PUTANGINA!!! CHANBAEK IS REAL! CHANBAEK IS REAL! GAGO KAYA AKO NAG-STAN NG SKYFALL KAKABASA KO NG CHANBAEK FICS!!!! GRABE!!!!!"

Nagtatatalon si Jongdae habang yakap ang dalawa, na nakikitalon na rin dahil obvious ang sayang dulot ng balitang ito kay Jongdae. Parang bulang nawala yung lungkot kanina.

"Hala gago hinihingal na ako. Chanbaek is real puta hindi 'to panaginip ha."

Sana nga hindi 'to panaginip, dahil para kay Jongdae, having them as his confidante is the dream.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

Fast forward to November, Jongin called all his friends to have dinner at his place. May announcement daw siya in a while, and he looks giddy as ever kaya't 'di nila ito mahihindian.

Jongdae's with Jongin's sister, though. Nauna na niya itong napangakuan dahil ilang araw lang siya sa Seoul bago umuwi sa Manila. Sehun's in vacation and will surely be there, so of course, susunod na lamang siya.

Everyone came and before the dinner starts, Jongin told everyone, "I'm going to be a father."

"Tangina naman Jongin kung magkakaroon na ng kapatid si monggu 'di mo naman kailangan i-announce ng ganyan."

Sumubo na ng kanin si Baekhyun sa dismaya nang biglang, "No. Kyungsoo's pregnant. We're going to be dads."

Nabuga ni Baekhyun ang kanin sa mukha ni Chanyeol. Gulat na gulat ang lahat dahil wala namang may alam na magkasintahan pala itong dalawa.

Over dinner, they talked about the couple's relationship. Sehun figured out that Jongin's latest album released before enlistment was named after Kyungsoo. Jongdae once mentioned that Peach is Soo's nickname. Whenever he's asked about his ideal type, it's as if he's describing Soo. Jongin's obviously whipped.

Skyfall members proceeded to drinking whiskey sa living room. Syempre, 'di kasali si buntis sa tagay. Nagngangata na lamang ito ng pulutan.

"Nasaan na ba si Dae, bb ko?" Soo asked.

"Bb mo?" Pasalamat ka buntis ka, kundi nakapanakit na ako.

"Oo, bb ko! Crush ko kaya si Dae noon. Very eager to learn, approachable, ang galing pang magluto. Kaso, ano."

"Kaso ano?"

"Hindi kami sexually compatible. Pareho kaming bottom."

"Hahaha! Pucha, same! Diba unang kita ko sa kanya sa party ni Seok, luh glowing si mars. Sexy pa." Baekhyun said.

Binato ito ni Sehun ng throw pillow. "Hoy bakit ba si Jongdae ang topic!"

"Actually, Se, I got a crush on Jongdae, too. Kyungsoo knows, diba jagi? Kasi he's great in all things he does. Sobrang perfect niya as a person."

"Hala, tangina! Traydor! Ano lahat na lang kayo nagka-crush sa kanya! Hoy Chanyeol! 'Wag mong sabihing naging crush mo rin siya!"

"Aba, bakit bawal ba! He has my kind of humor eh! Kuhang kuha niya paano ako papatawanin!"

"Punyeta, unfriend! Unfriend kayong lahat!"

"Nako, unfriend unfriend ka pa dyan. Kung ako sa'yo, nilalagyan ko na ng label yan, baka makawala pa."

"Kabahan ka na, Se. 'Di mo alam baka may umaaligid pa dyan."

The night went on hanggang sa malasing ang apat. Sehun's calling Jongdae, telling him to come and cuddle him.

Kyungsoo opened the door for Dae and the latter halted his tracks when he saw the chaos that is Jongin's living room. Nakahiga ang tatlo sa couch at si Sehun sa sahig, may hawak pang bote ng alak. He squatted and poked Sehun by the arm.

"Se..."

Sehun recognized Dae's voice and immediately grabbed his hand.

"Mine."

"Ano 'to, live selling? Bakit may pag-mine?"

Natawa na lang si Kyungsoo. If only Jongdae knows how jealous Sehun was nang malamang ang daming nakapila sa kanya.

Jongdae cleaned up their mess. He escorted the Skyfall members one by one to the comfort room to wash their face and brush their teeth prior to slumber. Nasukahan pa siya ni Baekhyun so he grabbed a shirt from Jongin's walk-in closet. Bukas na lang siya magpapaalam.

After tucking them in bed, he decided to cook hangover soup so they can eat it when they wake up. Soo helped in the mise en place.

"So ano yung announcement?" Jongdae asked.

"I'm pregnant."

"What?!?"

Jongdae's the only one aware in their friend group about Jongin and Kyungsoo's relationship prior to this night, pero hindi naman niya alam na he got him knocked up.

"How did it happen?"

"Kasi ganito yan. Remember in an interview na Jongin was asked if single siya and he said yes? Nag-away kami nu'n. I mean, for me, okay lang namang he'll keep it a secret from the public, pero sana he consulted me first? Kasi dineny ako ni gago on live television! Eh kakasabi ko pa lang sa parents ko na kami na. Ano yun, ilusyon?"

"He knew I was dead mad. Kaya he rushed to my apartment pero I won't let him in. I was hurt, okay? So he waited. He's right outside my apartment waiting. Eh biglang bumuhos ang ulan. Diba sabi dun sa kanta ni D.O., 'You just need to either let me cum inside, or leave me standing in the rain.' eh ayaw ko naman siyang mabasa diba, magkasakit pa yun."

He's saying this with a serious expression kaya mas lalong natawa si Jongdae dito. "Tanga, c-o-m-e yun. Bobo neto."

"Ah, come ba! Eh wala, eto na eh. Buntis na ako ano pa bang magagawa natin."

Patuloy na nagtawanan habang nagluluto ang dalawa. Jongdae's glad he bridged the two. If he can't get the family he's been dreaming, at least he helped creating one.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

Swerte na lang talaga ni Jongdae na he got invited to a year-end party to perform song covers, kaya he'll be able to spend the holidays with Sehun.

Sehun picked him up from the party. He hopes and prays people didn't recognize the bassist, which he doubts kasi ba naman, yung red ferrari talaga ang dala.

"Can you believe it's only been 1.5 years since we met?" Sehun asked Jongdae, both already in their sleepwear, ready to wrap the day up.

"Hmmmm."

"That seems too short of a time for someone to be head over heels for one person. Then, there's me."

"Hmmmm."

Sehun noticed how Jongdae's half-awake, so he grabbed this golden opportunity to confess.

"You know I love you, right?"

"Hmmmm."

Sehun's all perked up.

"Do you love me, too?"

Jongdae's not responding and Sehun's starting to regret doing this now. Not until...

"Yes, I love you. Now shut up and let your boyfriend get his beauty rest."

B-boy-- what!?

Napabalikwas si Sehun sa narinig. Napaupo ito at halos pasigaw na tinanong si Jongdae, "BOYFRIEND!?"

"Hmmmm."

"Babe! You can't just say it like that! Bangon ka na, please?"

Jongdae squinted a bit and saw a grinning Sehun looking at him. Bumangon na rin ito and held the taller man's hands.

"Ayaw mo bang maging boyfriend ako?"

Sehun pulled him and now they're lying, Jongdae on top of Sehun. "Gusto, babe. Gustong gusto."

"Wow talaga nakapag-set ka na ng endearment agad, ano."

"Think one for me too, babe."

"Hmmmm. Bubba? Because you love bubble tea. And seafood, like the Bubba-Gump Shrimp."

"Bubba sounds good. I'd like to be called bubba by you alone, tho."

"Aba dapat lang! You shouldn't let anyone call you that!"

Natawa si Sehun nang hampasin siya nang mahina ni Jongdae sa dibdib. Selos agad itong boyfriend niya just by the thought of others calling him bubba.

Sehun kissed his pout away, and suddenly, serious mode ito. "Now that I'm your boyfriend, no secrets na ha?"

"What do you mean, bubba?"

Kikiligin na dapat si Sehun pero narealize niya agad na seryosong usapan ito. "Babe, I know those people calling you shits. And I know you keep it from me para 'di ako mag-worry. Truth be told, it makes me worry more. Inaantay ko lang talagang magsabi ka. Trust me, please?"

"I trust you, bubba. Pero like you said, ayoko ka mag-worry. Military life is stressful enough, ayoko lang makadagdag."

"But you have to know it makes me feel better when I know what's happening with you. Share your stress with me. Rant to me, cry to me, do whatever you want with me. I'll be here for you, babe. Kakampi mo ako. I'm now your family."

Tumulo ang luha ni Jongdae sa mention ng pamilya, dahil sa wakas, someone treats him as one. Sehun kissed his cheek, his nose, lahat ng nadaluyan ng luha niya. He knows Sehun got his back. He got his, too.

"Babe, I have all the shitty remarks about you compiled. I just need your go signal and we'll file a case."

Nabigla dito si Dae pero he thinks the comments are getting too much, he needs to do something about this. Tumango siya, "I love you, bubba. Thank you."

Sehun hugged him tighter. "Mahal kita. Pakasalan kita dyan ih."

"Okay."

What!?

"Babe, seryoso ba?"

"Hmmm."

"Babe naman eh! Kapag nga inalok kita ng kasal ngayon, papayag ka?"

"Kulit! Haha oo nga po." He then looked up to his boyfriend. "I see my future with you. Kaya when you ask me now, ask me later, bukas, next week, I'll say yes. With ring or not, I will marry you. Tulog na tayo ha?"

Jongdae went back to his previous position, with his side of the face on Sehun's chest, at ipinikit ang mata, handa nang matulog sa piling ng mahal niya.

Pero the beauty rest may not come as soon as he thinks. He felt Sehun repeatedly kissing his forehead, hands roaming around his body, then landed on his butt cheeks.

Jongdae looked up, and Sehun pecked him on his lips. Hindi nagpatalo si Jongdae, he moved a little up and kissed Sehun with so much passion and love. He wants this. He wants him. He loves the person under him.

The make-out session lasted for quite a while, and now, all their clothing got discarded, nothing in between them.

Sehun caresses his body as if he's playing harmony on his skin. He prepares Jongdae the same way he plays his bass. Madiin. Rhythmic. Sensual.

They made love that night, and it's satisfying to know this is no longer their fuck buddy setup. It's satisfying to know this night is filled with nothing but love.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

Jongdae woke up with the best feeling ever.

If spending the night with the person you love is considered beauty rest, he'll be the prettiest creature on Earth. Sehun was sleeping peacefully beside him, right arm wrapped in his waist while the other serves as his pillow. Then and there, he retracts what he said because this, right here, is the most beautiful creature to ever exist. And now, he can call him his. He never thought they'll end up like this.

Dae reached for his phone in the nightstand to snap a photo of this sleeping handsome guy but failed to do so when he saw a million notifications of people cursing the hell out of him.

Some news outlet posted a photo of him leaving Jongin's home wearing Jongin's shirt on the day Jongin and Kyungsoo announced the pregnancy. What horror can this possibly be?

(★BREAKING) Dispatch's 2022 New Year's Couple: Skyfall Lead Guitarist Kim Jongin and Youtuber/Model Kim Jongdae

What the actual fuck.

Chapter Text

It was a mess.

Dispatch got a cropped video recording of Raeon screaming "YOU'RE KAICHUN'S BOYFRIEND!" back when they first met outside the coffee convention. Ni hindi nahagip sa video ang pagdeny ng Ate ni Jongin sa isinigaw ng bata. To add to that, there's a series of photos of Jongin and Jongdae together taken in different occasions despite the former's enlistment. Nga naman, madalas magkita ang dalawa... pero madalas na with Kyungsoo, Baekhyun, and Chanyeol ito. It was never just the two of them.

And yes. The highlight of them all... The night Kyungsoo announced his pregnancy. The night he cleaned after Skyfall's mess. The night Baekhyun puked on him so he grabbed Jongin's oversized shirt, that he hasn't returned since and is now tucked on a brown paper bag, safe and sound inside Sehun's closet. The same night Sehun called him "mine".

Sehun woke up, alarmed, and kissed a crying Jongdae.

"Babe?!? What happened?"

Jongdae just cried, it even got louder and louder, it's deafening. Sehun's heart breaks every sigh, every bawl, every whimper of the love of his life.

"Babe, tell me please? Ano bang nangyayari?"

Jongdae still won't answer, but at least now humuhupa na ang iyak nito, all thanks to Sehun's hugs and carress.

Sehun saw Jongdae's phone, and caught a glimpse of his boyfriend's name together with his bandmate.

Is this the culprit of this tear-filled morning?

He briefly read the article, and everything made sense.

It was silent for a moment, until Jongdae spoke. "You were there, right? You know what happened... Bubba, this isn't true. Bubba, please don't leave me."

Jongdae bursted out crying again, and Sehun hugged him even tighter, whispering "shhh" while rubbing his back.

"I know, babe. I trust Jongin. I trust you. I hate how life's cruel to you that made you feel like people will leave you for one issue, a fake one at that. I won't. I'm here. I'll always be here for you, babe. I'm your family."

Tears of fear and sorrow turned into tears of relief. Dae kept on crying, and Sehun just lets him. They spent the entire New Year's Day tucked in their duvet, Jongdae shedding tears from time to time and Sehun wiping them all for him. They stared at each other, never breaking it, until Jongdae fell asleep from exhaustion.

First day as boyfriends was tough, but Sehun thinks the person sleeping beside him and their love for each other are much tougher.

Too bad, they have to part ways the next day. It's Jongdae's scheduled flight while Sehun needs to go back to camp.

Yixing was in a disguise when he picked Dae up from Sehun's penthouse. Syempre Dae had to do the same. Tiyak na pagkakaguluhan siya sa airport once people knew he's there.

For the first time since, Yixing accompanied him hanggang sa Pilipinas. It was a peaceful trip, minus the part that Jongdae cried in the plane's lavatory. He's still appalled and overwhelmed sa bungad ng 2022 sa kanya.

Jongdae's best (and only) friend, his half-brother Junmyeon, picked him up from the airport, and let's just say may instant spark between him and Dae's manager.

The two urged Dae to speak up, lalo na't Skyfall's management released a statement denying the issue.

It was Jongin who urged the company to do so. Para na rin sa kapakanan ng buntis niyang fiancé, he had to clear it up para wala nang gulo at hindi na ma-stress si Kyungsoo. All of them know the truth, anyway.

Jongdae denies it in an instagram post. At hindi siya nakuntento dito. He admitted he's deeply in love with his boyfriend he won't namedrop.

People speculate na si Jongin pa rin talaga yon, and they just let them be. Basta naibahagi na nila na hindi totoo ang issue, 'di na nila kargo ang gustong paniwalaan ng masa dito.

Sehun was in the camp when he got the chance to read Jongdae's statement, and it's no surprise na kinilig siya dito. He's deeply in love with his boyfriend, he said. Jongdae's deeply in love with Sehun, and he's sure he feels the same.

Months passed and the issue died down. Nagfull hiatus na rin si Jongin to focus on being a public service worker at soon-to-be tatay and husband.

Nanatili ring hiatus si Sehun, but every chance he gets while serving in the camp, he contacts and updates Jongdae.

Jongdae does the same. He would constantly update Sehun about his day kahit he won't receive an immediate reply. He would send him words of encouragement, of support, of love.

The overwhelming amount love can be felt in the brief exchanges they had, and it's more than enough.

Soon, it was March and everyone's anticipating Sehun's military discharge. 3/4 of Skyfall na ang tapos sa military service, and their fans can't wait sa paniguradong bonggang comeback.

Among all, Jongdae anticipates it the most. Not just because he misses his boyfriend, but also because he has something planned on Sehun's birthday, three weeks after his discharge.

Jongdae plans to propose to Sehun. Yes, people might say a year and a few months of a relationship is too short to decide whether to marry a person or not, pero para kay Jongdae, ito na. Siya na. Sigurado na siya.

He arranged everything that needs to be arranged. About sa transfer ng residence. Sa magiging livelihood niya sakaling lumipat na siya sa SoKor. Sa magiging buhay niya sa banyagang bansa that will soon be home to him because home is where Sehun is.

He even met Sehun's parents for the first time without Sehun knowing. Desidido talaga siyang mapa-oo ang nobyo, at kasama dito ay ang makuha ang matamis na oo ng pamilya nito.

Dae's not used to dealing with parents, he never felt he had one anyway, pero ngayon, alam na niya. Ganito pala. Sehun's parents treated him as family kahit unang kita palang nila. Mama Oh welcomed him with open arms at ipinagluto siya ng iba't ibang putahe (she even gave Dae the recipe to Sehun's favorite viands). Papa Oh happily showed him photos of Sehun back when he was a whiny, little kid (he's still whiny sometimes, nawala lang yung 'little' because boy, oh boy, Sehun and Sehun Jr. ain't little).

Dae had it all planned, pati Skyfall members at mga kaibigan nila'y naidawit na niya sa surprise birthday party aka surprise proposal day nila. Oras na lang ang inaantay, soon he'll be back, and soon, he'll be able to ask the question he's been wanting to ask Sehun: "Are you willing to be my housemate aka husband forever?"
▪︎▪︎▪︎

"I hate you!"

Jongdae's plan miserably failed.

"Is this a no, babe?"

It was Sehun's military discharge day. And they all went to a restaurant Mama Oh reserved for them to dine and celebrate today's event.

Little did Jongdae know, Sehun's one step ahead of him.

Now, Sehun, still in his camouflage uniform, knelt down on one knee and presented a sapphire-cladded ring to Jongdae.

"Nakakainis ka! I planned to propose on your birthday eh!! Kayo!", Dae now glaring at the Skyfall members around and pointing a finger at them, "alam niyo 'to 'no! Humingi na akong basbas sa inyo eh! Dapat pinigilan niyo 'tong ugok na 'to!"

Everyone laughed at his antics, and Sehun remained knelt there, waiting for his boyfriend's response. He might not show it but the bassist's hella nervous for today. He barely had time to prepare, but as soon as he got a vacation from military after they became official, he already bought the ring. The possibility of Jongdae not being with him in the future scared him the most, and he knows for sure he won't want that to happen.

"So? Will you marry me, babe?"

Jongdae smiled, contented and ecstatic yet playful and smug. "Far be it from me to turn down a sure thing, bubba."

Chapter Text

They say you should make your friends close, and your enemies closer. So Jongdae and Sehun did.

A week after Jongin's military discharge and Baekhyun and Chanyeol's 12th anniversary, Sehun and Jongdae had a peaceful wedding. A wedding hall cladded with stargazers and orchids, Dae's favorite flowers. A background music that feels like it was brought from the heavens, thanks to Isaac Hong's soothing voice. An entourage with just the closest people to them. A day filled with nothing but happiness and contentment.

No unsettling feeling of getting caught. No unfamiliar cameras around. Nothing to bother them on their special day.

All thanks to the deal they've sealed with Dispatch.

Dispatch. Remember? That fake news peddler. The news outlet who revealed their private lives, and twisted the situation into their own narrative.

Yes, that one. Sehun and Dae know na kahit anong tago nila, malalaman at malalaman ng Dispatch ang kasal nito. They have eyes everywhere, and this, for sure, will be the #1 trending when everyone finds out, at mabubulabog ang araw na pinakahihintay ng dalawa.

Kaya naman the couple decided to set a meeting with them, and promised to give them an exclusive scoop of the wedding, in exchange of releasing it two days after the event.

Who wouldn't want such an offer? The couple would provide them official photos from the wedding, even all the celebrities and other personalities who get to attend it.

The article has been released when Dae and Sehun are in Bali, relaxing in their rented villa, drinking piña colada by the pool. They'll only spend a week here because Sehun will be preparing for SC's anniversary concert as soon as they go back to Korea.

As expected, the wedding became the biggest news in both South Korea and Philippines that day. It even reached news shows in the West with how popular Sehun is. Who would have thought the youngest of Skyfall will announce his marriage first, right?

A lot of negative comments surfaced, lalo pa't Dispatch revealed before na si Jongin ang kasintahan ng model/youtuber. Ngunit marami ring real fans ang nagsilabasan, sharing stories and even showing them pictures of the couple on their random getaways. Sa mga paminsang nasa Korea si Jongdae at kinikita si Sehun for dinner, for a midnight stroll, for pocha/tent bar soju dates. Sa mga pagdalaw ni Jongdae sa kampo na may dalang lutong pagkain para sa boyfriend at mga kapwa sundalo nito. Sa mga pag-aantay ni Sehun sa labas ng hotel o AirBnB ni Jongdae na may dalang bouquet ng bulaklak o kaya nama'y supot na may lamang tubs ng ice cream sa loob. Tumaba ang puso ng ngayo'y mag-asawa dahil a lot of fans respect their privacy, and didn't put out these photos until now. They're beyond grateful to them.

Natapos ang honeymoon at naging abala si Sehun at Chanyeol sa concert preparations. Kaya naman ang mga kapwa carriers na sina Baekhyun at Kyungsoo ang madalas kasama ni Jongdae araw-araw.

Baek and Dae would visit Soo and Jongin at home, at tutulungang mag-alaga sa 11-month old baby nito. Taeyang looks a lot like his dad Jongin, and Soo, as the stylist that he is, would dress the father-and-son duo similarly. They get to have their mini-fashion show at home na ikinagagalak ng audience na si Baek at Dae.

But unlike his usual visit at Soo's, today, Jongdae visited somewhere else. At dahil busy nga si Sehun, he doesn't know where his husband is. He's not aware of Jongdae's current state.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

Jongdae, together with Baek, Soo, and Nini went to SC's dressing room to surprise the two. Soo's holding a cake Dae and him baked while Baek's holding a camera, as if filming a vlog.

SC thought it's a vlog they would upload on Skyfall's youtube channel, kaya they try to act as behave as possible and didn't cling to their respective partners. Even Jongin thinks the same way at ni-remind ang manager nila to blur Kyungsoo's face.

"We have a surprise for Sehun!" Baek yelled.

Chanyeol protested kasi bakit daw kay bunso lang, so Baek said he'll get his after the concert. Namula naman si Chanyeol dito ngunit hindi na nagsalita pa dahil Baekhyun's implying an R18 kind of surprise for him.

"What's the surprise?" Sehun asked.

Jongdae then went in front of him, sheepishly smiling, at hindi maintindihan ni Sehun bakit. Jongdae's getting closer, and ngayon hindi na niya magawang isipin ang camera na nakatutok sa kanila. He's sure their staff would edit it out of the vlog, anyway.

Jongdae's on his tiptoes, and whispers in Sehun's ear, "Close your eyes, bubba."

So he did, and he's surprised Jongdae placed his right hand on his belly and pecked him on his lips. When he opened his eyes, he saw a grinning Jongdae with a PT in hand.

A pregnancy test with two lines in it.

Sehun eyes grew wide, even wider than Chanyeol's, when he saw the item Jongdae is holding. He stuttered, "B-babe? Is that y-yours?"

"It's ours, bubba." Jongdae smiled, and that's his cue to hug Jongdae and kiss him repeatedly.

He the grabbed the PT and kissed it, too. "I'm going to be a daddy!"

"Kadiri ka bubba! 'Wag mo i-kiss! I peed on that!"

Nagawa pang asarin ni Sehun si buntis at ilang ulit pang hinalikan ang PT.

"Don't kiss me with that mouth, Oh Sehun."

Sehun performed at SC anniv concert at his best. He knows it. This is his best performance yet.

Pansin din ng lahat ang kakaibang glow ni Sehun on stage, and they give the credit to the ring on his left ring finger na para bang anyong agimat nito.

They didn't know, this glow is his happy hubby, soon-to-be-daddy glow.
▪︎▪︎▪︎

"Huy kakaloka! Engaged na daw si Hyuna. Sana all." They're lounging in the dressing room, five hours before Skyfall's 12th anniversary concert. They didn't know how they get to manage being in the industry for twelve years, at andyan pa rin ang mga fans nila to support them.

"Sinong Hyuna?" Jongdae asked.

Baekhyun felt offended with Jongdae's query. "How dare you not know Queen Hyuna!? 4minute, hello?!?"

"Required ba ha! 'Di naman ako dito lumaki paano ko sila makikilala! Kung sexbomb o viva hot babes kahit ipalista mo pa sa'kin lahat ng members kaya ko."

Natawa naman ito. Dae got a point. "So ayun na nga. Engaged nga si Hyuna at Dawn. Nako dapat si Hui ang best man niyan."

"True! Kainggit ha." It was Kyungsoo. Dala-dala nito ang ngayo'y madaldal ng si Taeyang. 1 year and 8 months na ang bata kaya't kaya na niyang magsalita ng kung anu-ano, at tuwang tuwa ang mga ama nito nang banggitin niya ang "Tata" at "Papa" as his first two words.

"Wow, nainggit eh ang tagal mo nang engaged. Sabi mo lang kay Nini pagka-kaya na maglakad ni Taeyang para siya rimg bearer niyo."

"Manahimik ka nga, buntis!" Jongdae stuck his tongue like a five-year old. You would think Kyungsoo won't do the same but he did. He deadass stuck his tongue out that made little Taeyang giggle.

"Ano nga palang ipapangalan niyo, Dae? Lapit na due mo ah." Baekhyun asked Dae.

"Wala pa nga! Bahala na paglabas."

"Parang timang 'to, paghandaan niyo na!"

"Sige nga, any suggestion?"

"Chen!"

"Kainis 'to si Soo, screen name ko as youtuber yon eh. 'Wag 'yun."

"Sedae!"

"Ano ba yan, Baekhyun, mas mabango pa yung Chen suggestion ko. Bakit Sedae? Sehun at Jongdae?"

"Tanga, hindi."

"Eh ano?"

"Si sedae, ang munting prinsipe."

"Gago, Cedie yun." At nabato pa siya ni Soo ng bib na may lungad.

Tawang tawa naman si Dae sa sinabi ni Baekhyun. Kahit kailan talaga, bentang benta sa kanya ang jokes ng Chanbaek.

Saktong natapos naman si Sehun sa final rehearsal sa solo performance nito. Jongdae rose from his seat to hug his husband, at pinunasan na rin ang pawis nito.

"Babe, don't mind me, okay? You sit lang. Diba namamaga na yung paa mo."

"Wow, sweet naman."

"I'll forever be sweet to you, babe. It's what you deserve. Sweet and faithful and loving. Gagawin ko lahat for you and our son."

Nagdapa-dapaan si Jongdae ng marinig ito, na ipinag-alala naman ni Sehun dahil akala niya ay kung napaano na ito.

"'Di na ako makaahon, bubba. Lunod na lunod na ako sa pagmamahal." Natawa naman ito nang samaan siya ng tingin ng asawa. Kinabahan si Sehun dun.

He was laughing so hard until he felt painful contractions.

Baekhyun and Kyungsoo looked at him in panic. They still have a concert in a few hours.

Mukhang lalabas na ang future konde ng Dorincourt.

Chapter Text

"Gago, Sehun. Baka gusto mong kumalma?"

It was Kyungsoo na nasa backseat ng car with a very pregnant, contracting Jongdae. Mukhang natuluyan na nga ang prank ni Jongdae at ngayon pa talaga concert day naisipan ng batang lumabas sa mundo. Talk about the perfect timing, right.

Pero parang siya ang kailangang isugod sa ospital sa bilis ng patakbo nito ni Sehun. Baka maharang pa sila ng traffic enforcers kasi feeling talaga niya nag-eexceed na sila sa speed limit. Wala pa naman siyang cash ngayon para kung sakaling need nilang... alam niyo na ('wag niyong gagayahin ang naiisip ni Soo dito, kids).

Ngunit kahit may kaba ay hindi ito napigilang video-han ang lahat ng pangyayari. This is his goal, after all. He wants to record everything ala-documentary para ma-update din ang remaining members ng Skyfall. Naiwan ang tatlo kasama ang anak niyang si Taeyang since may concert pa sila in a few hours.

"You should not be missing the concert, bubba." Jongdae shouted in between contractions, na kanina pa inoorasan ni Soo. 4-5 minutes apart. "Sold-out show yun. Baka ma-disappoint sila kung wala ka."

"Shunga neto ni Dae, bakit now mo lang sinabi. Ano, ipapa-U turn na ba natin?" Hinigpitan ni Dae ang hawak sa kamay ni Soo dahil sa sarcastic comment nito.

"Babe, the concert can wait. This is the main event. I care for you and our child the most."

Bago pa naka-react si Dae ay nauna na itong isa. "Shet, nakunan ko yun on cam! Ang sweet, sweet naman, our Sehunnie banini! Everyone's gonna love this evidence of you being an emotional wreck."

Sinubukang abutin ni Sehun ang camera pointed at him but magaling umilag si Soo. "Patayin mo yan sabe."

"Magfocus ka nga dyan! Yung asawa mo dito taeng tae na."

"Gago, anak ko yan."

Saktong nakarating din sila sa emergency room entrance, mayroon na ring nakaabang na wheelchair for Dae since naitawag naman na ni Soo ito kanina.

"Just breathe, Dae. Nice and slow," Sehun instructed him habang naluluha dahil kita niya ang pagod at hirap ng asawa. Pawis-pawisan na ito ang hindi maipinta ang mukha sa sakit.

Nag-video call naman sa gilid si Kyungsoo sa ibang members, at rinig na rinig dito ang hampas ng drums ni Chanyeol in his final rehearsal bago ang concert.

Tumigil ang tugtog at biglang kumanta ang tatlo na nasa call.

"Wee-hee-hee-hee, dee hee-hee-hee-hee
Wee-oh aweem away
Wee-hee-hee-hee, dee hee-hee-hee-hee
Wee-oh aweem away

A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh"

"Hoy ano ba! Ano yan!" Sigaw ni Jongdae na hirap na hirap na sa sitwasyon niya.

"Nagresearch kasi ako, best to listen to nature sounds daw kapag labor." It was Baekhyun.

"Parang tanga anong magagawa ng The Lion Sleeps Tonight dito! 'Di ako makaire nang ayos eh!" Gulat naman ang lahat dahil 'di naman madalas mag-lash out itong si Jongdae.

Sehun wiped a tear that escaped Jongdae's eye, and stepped closer to his ear. Habang hawak ang kamay ni Dae, he began to sing softly, a gentle melody. His voice was warm and calming para kay Dae, nalimutan na niya ang distracting song ng tatlong kaibigan over the phone.

"Hay nako! Sige bye na nga guys! Galingan niyo sa concert!" Paalam ni Soo.

"Huy, Se! Habol ka ha!" Habol ni Chanyeol bago ma-end ang call.

Dae glared at the clock. Isa't kalahating oras. "Bibilisan ko na lang, promise, bubba. Aabot ka pa."

Tawang tawa naman si Soo na kanina pa nirerecord ang iyak nang dalawa. Hindi ba nauubusan ng memory 'to sa phone?

"Wow naman, girl. Bibilisan mo talaga, choice mo yan? Depende yan sa bulinggit mo 'no."

Kyungsoo underestimated Jongdae's power. Ilang ire pa and he was able to push a human being out of him.

"Baby's out! It's a boy!" sigaw ng doctor.

Ang iyak ng sanggol ang cue ng mag-asawa to cry with him. Umiiyak si Dae out of exhaustion and happiness, habang si Sehun ay may tears of joy and relief dahil sa safe delivery.

"You did it, babe. You did it." sabay halik sa noo nito.

Huling huli ito ng camera ni Kyungsoo, na hindi rin napigilang maluha dahil bilang ama, he can vividly remember the moment Taeyang came out of the world. It was the best feeling.

Nang maiayos at mailipat si Dae sa isang private room, Kyungsoo told him na kaya na niya ritong magbantay. Pwede pa siyang humabol sa concert.

He was hesitant, but Jongdae urged him na he could still make it to the show.

"Go, bubba. I need to sleep for the next three days, and our son needs his dad to make some money. Leave now."

Napangiti si Sehun at hinagkan ang asawa, bago tumakbo palabas ng room. Dinaanan niya muna sa nursery ang anak bago tuluyang umalis patungong concert venue.

Speeding back towards the venue, Sehun was a whirlwind of emotions. Amoy ethyl alcohol at dugo at kung anong gamit sa hospital pa rin siya, pero wala siyang pakialam. The car smells like peace and relief. Happiness.

Habang nagdadrive ay nakabukas ang voice recorder nito, talking his thoughts into the app. He hummed a melody and it was perfect. So perfect. He poured out his emotions to this and he knows exactly what to do with it.

Nakarating si Sehun with just ten minutes to spare, and he took a quick shower and dressed up in his stage clothes. Pinasadahan na nga lang ang kanyang make-up at nag-cap na lang ito dahil wala ng time for hair styling.

The concert went as planned, at bakas sa bawat miyembro ang labindalawang taong experience sa pagtugtog. Kitang kita ang growth at individuality ng bawat isa. Skyfall grew famous for a reason. They strived and thrived and remained humble.

They have solo performances prepared and when Sehun came out of the stage, he was simply holding an acoustic guitar and nothing else. Just that.

"I was supposed to play a bass solo, like usual." A strum on his guitar and the audience roared with cheers. Hiyawan ang lahat because it is the first time na makita nila ang bassist na gumamit ng acoustic guitar.

"Pero on the way here, halo-halo yung nararamdaman ko. Iba yung saya, yung kaba, yung excitement." Another strum.

"Kaya sa unang pagkakataon, I'll sing you guys this song. A song I made just a few hours ago. Walang mangjajudge ha! Ngayon ko lang gagawin 'to."

The audience shouted Yes! in chorus. Damang dama ni Sehun ang suporta mula sa longtime fans nila.

Cars rushing, hearts pounding
Entire direction suddenly reorienting
Did we just realize, 'forever' now has a face and weight
Reality hits, there's no time to wait
In that moment, heartbeats sync, gazes intertwine
Couldn't believe you are mine

Nagpatuloy pa ang kanyang pagkanta and his raw vocals amazed the audience. Madalas kakaunti lamang ang lines nito, madalas ay rap pa. Pero to hear him now, singing a full song that he composed, their fans felt their hearts stung.

Hindi na lang nila namalayan, tumutulo na ang mga luha. Naiintindihan nila nang sabihin ni Sehun na saya, kaba, at excitement ang nadarama niya because they all felt it all at once. Dalang dala sila sa emosyong dulot ng kanta nito.

Even Sehun. The overwhelming possibilities and fears of parenthood, the sleepless nights, the mountains of responsibility, the endless love, everything came crashing down on him. It is terrifying, but he's more excited on what's to come.

He's excited because he has the best partner to go along in this journey. Andyan si Jongdae. They'll go through everything together, hand in hand.

He ended the song with a single tear rolling down his eye, thinking that there's this new little boy waiting patiently for his rockstar dad to finish his set.

After the concert, posts about the new song without a title were circulating. They wrote down the lyrics, inspected it, speculated who is it for. Sobrang curious ng lahat, that person must be so special for Sehun to change the planned performance to an unpracticed one.

Napansin na lang ng isang fan na ang lyrics ng kanta ay paulit-ulit na nagsisimula sa initials na ito. CEDRIC.

Who is Cedric?

And to answer this question? Sehun posts a heartfelt post in instagram with a photo of a small hand wrapped in his index finger.

Cedric, my forever, my universe, my muse.