Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

At Busan, a beautiful place in South Korea, known for its beauty of sea, mountain, and scenery.

At Busan where it all started, Five students who started to make and released their own song.

At Busan were a group of boys who heard it and felt the same sentiments that the singer and composer feel.

It all started in Busan, different stories, different problems, and different people tend to meet each other. In the beautiful place of Busan.

The band was a starting band, no one knows who they are, they only release in the streaming app, without any social media accounts, and even without revealing their face.

One Time

Aim1st

Minseok sighs, as he watches the wave of his feet getting hit by the cold wave, “What's the problem, hyung?” Wooje asked, as he heard him sighing. “Nothing.” Minseok answered and looked at him. “Just curious who they are… I mean the last time they released the song was almost five months ago, and I can't get enough of it.”

Wooje chuckled and snatched his phone, “Let's see.”

Minseok watched him touring the streaming app. The artist had already released one songs but the listener count was only 15, maybe because Minseok listened to it on repeat.

“This is their email account, maybe try to message and beg them to release it again.” Wooje proudly said as he gave back Minseok's phone to him.

“Fine, maybe try to listen to it too, it's so good.”

“Not my type.” Wooje shrugged, but deep inside him he was listening to it, even downloading the file on his computer to listen on repeat.

“Minseok, Wooje!” A stern voice called them, and they looked at the owner of the voice.

“Hyung!” They both run to him.

“Why are you here, is your class already finished?” He asked, watching the two boys in their school uniform.

“Hyukkyu hyung forgot our schedule.” Minseok said dramatically.

“Yeah, I forgot.” Hyukkyu nonchalantly said, “So?”

“We are not sneaking out, class hours are already finished.” Wooje explained.

“So what are you doing here?” They both grab their bags and their shoes before following Hyukkyu, “Nothing, just watching the scene.” Minseok answered.

They went to the coffee shop that Hyukkyu's family owned. Hyukkyu is the one who is managing it, he can do whatever he wants.

The interior of the shop was vintage, brown, woods, and black things. There are also cats, and dogs, almost like a pet cafe.

But as soon as you enter the shop, the one thing in the center can catch your eyes. A little stage. Three chairs, guitar on the side, and the spotlight pointing on it. 

“Do you want me to perform?” Minseok jokingly said, making the two laugh, “Nevermind, Minseok.” Hyukkyu shook his head, “But thanks for the offer.”

So no one was actually performing on it, Hyukkyu just put it on just for the aesthetic. He imagines a place where everyone can forget what they have outside, the deep thoughts, the tiredness. Exchanging it with the beautiful music that someone will play, or right now it's just too quiet, the machine of the brewing coffee and the scratches of the cats. It's already paradise, quiet paradise along with the aroma of bitter and strong coffee beans, or maybe the sweetness of any fresh fruit shake.

“Hey, I want to give this to you.” Another set of Compact Disc of a song, “What's that? That singer again?” Hyukkyu sighs but accepts it anyway.

One Time

Aim1st

Hyukkyu put it on the player, waiting for the song to hit his ear, and a soft hum started, as his mind left his body again. Reminiscing the good old days, but also being blessed to live like this not wanting to change anything anymore.

One time, we met where freedom lies,

With our own plans and dreams in life

Hyukkyu's family isn't wealthy, his father is only a fisherman, his mother is a cook in the one seafood restaurant.

He has a younger brother, who is five years younger than him. Everything was still good, academically intelligent, competing in different academic competitions.

Not until his father got sick, he only graduated in High School that time and was ready to choose a computer program in College.

But everything collapsed, when he heard his parents saying, “Can you stop first? We both can't afford the tuition fee, your father is having a disease you know that, and your brother wants to finish High School. You understand that right?”

Hyukkyu isn't selfish, he can understand everything even if it's an exchange of his happiness.

“Remember our lot in the front of the sea? Do you want to renovate it and do whatever you want?”

“Where should I get money to renovate it? Where should I get the capital to start it?” His mind isn't even working anymore, wanting to beg for them to just let him study for four years but he doesn't, he understands them.

“At the student loan, and after that we will help you to pay it.”

He was given days to think, and he is already determined to just do business even though he knows how many competitors he has.

At the beach, sitting at the sand watching the waves hitting the sand, and the sun setting down.

And then he heard a yell, “Hey help!” From a boy. He looked at it, and saw a little boy kabedoning the taller boy, but the taller boy seemed like he was younger, or maybe he is just a cry baby.

“What's that?” He asked and bravely went to them.

“I don't know!” The small boy said, giving him space.

“What's your name?” Hyukkyu asked, they are around middle school.

“Ryu Minseok.” He said, “I am just teasing him with nothing to worry about.”

“Teasing and bullying is something to worry about.” Hyukkyu said a stern voice appeared.

“I— well—” Minseok stutters, stepping back.

“What's your name?” Hyukkyu looks at the little taller boy, who is too shy, chubby cheeks and has those square eyeglasses.

“Choi Wooje.”

“How about this, you say sorry to him and he has the right to refuse your apology, be sincere.”

If he didn't scold them that day, he might have no customers in his freshly opened coffee shop.

The two entered the unfamiliar coffee shop and spotted Hyukkyu experimenting with a beverage.

“Yah! It's Mister!” Minseok goes in front of him to watch, and Hyukkyu look at him. “Ohh you are here?” He looked around and spotted the shy Wooje. “With him? Are you bullying him again?”

“No!” Minseok frowned, “We are friends now.” Showing him the friendship bracelet he makes.

“Do you own this mister?” Wooje asked.

“Yes I do, want to taste?”

“Hey! Why is he only getting the offer, why not me?” Minseok frowned once again, clearly getting his attention.

“You too, Minseok. Sit down so you can grow taller.” That defeated the nosy Minseok.

“We actually went to give you something.” Minseok said sipping the imperfect milkshake but at least it's free.

“What?”

“This.” The same friendship bracelet that has “Mister Alpaca.” written on it. 

“Why does it have Alpacas?” Hyukkyu asked as he received it. “And why am I involved with your friendship bracelets?” 

“Because Minseok hyung said that you look like an alpaca.” Wooje said, eating the donut that Hyukkyu gave.

“Is he your hyung?” Hyukkyu can't help but to close his mouth. “Yeah, two years older…” He heard him answering and now he is more unbelievably reacting.

“And besides, you make us realize that it's better to be friends than to fight.” Minseok sighs, “So I offer a friendship bracelet for apology.”

Well that's how they became friends for five years now. And Hyukkyu doesn't have any choice because they are always finding him, and he also used to find them if it's starting to get night and knowing that their parents will search for them.

Maybe he just got carried away by the memories again, or maybe the song is actually good to begin with. But he won't compliment it loudly, he knows Minseok will tease him.

The song was already ending, and it hit him more.

But if ever I pass by,

I might give you a call,

Because there was a time

When we were true friends.

“Do you think someone is even listening to our music?” Hyeonjun asks, the lead vocalist of the band.

“I think so.” Minhyung said he is the composer, and lead guitarist.

The door opened and revealed two boys in their school uniform, “What's the question again?” Han Wangho, the fourth year college student, the drummer.

“Hyung!” The two quickly bowed to show respect, “What the hell!” Wangho laughed, “Stop that, we are not in school anymore.” He said he is the president of the department and that's why they're giving him a lot of respect.

“That's so unbelievable.” Jinseong sighs, as he watches them, the bassist, good with his finger— good with his mouth.

“Stop, someone emailed us.” Sanghyeok pushes the two to enter their shared apartment, it's a studio type, instruments scattered, mics, headset, speaker, and the studio recorder.

“What did they say?” Almost drowning Sanghyeok down when they went to him.

“Can you give me a place to breathe? Too clingy.” Sanghyeok said and sighs. He is the backing vocalist and the pianist of the band.

Dear Aim1st,

We are happy to introduce ourselves as your fans. We think that to stay updated to the band, we requested for each member to make a social media. It gives many ways to promote your songs and be paid by how good your works are. Spirit of work, Aim1st!

From: Keria

“What a demanding boy?” Sanghyeok rolled his eyes.

“I mean, hyung it's true though. We are afraid that no one is listening to us, but we don't even promote ourselves right.”

Sanghyeok sighs, he is the leader, he must do something good to aim for their goals. “Whatever you want, you can reveal who you are as long as you don't get involved in bad things.” Sanghyeok warned.

The four boys smiled and nodded, “You too! You must create one too!”

And then that's it, the individual social media of the members of Aim1st band was created.

Lee Sanghyeok used the username, Faker . That's his stage name, he likes it no one will ever change his mind. He is using a blank profile picture, and the bio only says, Pianist of Aim1st.

Park Jinseong, under his name Teddy, profile picture is a teddy bear, and has a bio My fingers might be on the bass, but my heartstrings are playing for you.

Han Wangho, username Peanut , his profile picture is himself showing his back and jersey name with his username. His bio is too simple, 🥁 aim1st.

Lee Minhyung, stage name and username Gumayusi . Has his profile picture set with his dog. His bio— well— he knows Sanghyeok will comment on it, but that's it he is living to the fullest with the fan service. I can produce a hit, but with you, I want to create a masterpiece—your voice and my guitar.

Moon Hyeonjun, under the name Oner , without any profile picture, and his bio is also normal, O(w)ner of the best vocal.

But how did they build this band? Well it goes unexpectedly, from different courses of college— Sanghyeok has even graduated now.

Lee Minhyung and Lee Sanghyeok are siblings. They are gifted by the creator a good amount of talent in different ways, but not in sports, unlike Hyeonjun they're not sports people.

Hyeonjun and Minhyung have been classmates since they were kids, they are close to each other.

Hyeonjun is a Taekwondo athlete, and due to the pressure of the people since Minhyung isn't fond of any sports, he just studies how to play different instruments.

From a toddler Sanghyeok who pleased their parents to let him learn Piano, and when he turned eight Minhyung went to him begging him to teach him. He is a good brother so he did teach him.

Until Minhyung was in middle school, he had been friends with many boys, and that's how he developed other skills. The guitars, electric guitars. He is so good that he saved up to buy an electric guitar.

And that's also when he learned that Hyeonjun has a good vocal, they joined a music club, and he heard him singing a soft and love song.

Well— On Wangho's side, he is friend with Sanghyeok since High School, he is just younger than him. Sanghyeok watches him playing drums because of a school event, he is handsome and cool… Well that's the reason why Sanghyeok makes him a friend.

When they entered the same university in college, they met Jinseong, the most flirty boy towards boys but he claimed himself as a straight guy. 

They discovered his talent when they came over to Sanghyeok's family house. He met Minhyung there who is currently playing his new bought guitar, luckily Jinseong bringing his bass, and said that they can duet.

They performed again when it's Minhyung's birthday. He invited Hyeonjun and Sanghyeok invited his two friends. When Minhyung jokingly requested that they play a song since they can play instruments…

So they did, Wangho using his phone with the drum app, Sanghyeok the pianist, Minhyung with his precious electric guitar, and then Jinseong with his bass. Hyeonjun sings the song, while Sanghyeok humming and singing the second voice…

Until one day, when Minhyung and Hyeonjun is first year college and Wangho and Jinseong turned third year, while Sanghyeok in his last year in civil engineering five years course.

Minhyung gave a proposal to Sanghyeok saying, “What if we build a band? I mean— just for fun, no pressure at all.”

“We can, but what's the song? Cover song? Viewers will get sick of it if it's always cover songs.”

“No…” Minhyung passed him a notebook, and said, “Think about that, and tell me a comment.”

It was released three months ago, after Sanghyeok graduated, now Wangho and Jinseong are in fifth year, Minhyung and Hyeonjun are in second year… still hard to believe that someone is actually listening to their song. That song is One Time.

Sanghyeok visited the beach, it's not like they are far away from it, but since he needs to go to Seoul to take the licensure exam for his career. He needs to search for a job to support Minhyung's studies, and also to have a share to his family because that's the reason why he strives to graduate.

And then suddenly it rains. He doesn't have an umbrella. The only store that opened is a coffee shop.

He doesn't drink coffee, but he sighs and has no choice.

Running towards it, his arms carrying the one strap of his bag as the rain hits him he is half soak because of the heavy rain.

He pushed the door and entered, “Good—” Hyukkyu looked at the boy who entered. “What can I do?”

“Uhh… Can I buy…” His eyes quickly searched for the menu but then stopped when he heard the familiar instruments playing. He tried not to smile when he heard the piano, it's so familiar… “Maybe… a tea…” he said.

“What type of tea?” Hyukku asks while watching him, shivering but has a little smile on his face.

“Chamomile tea.” He answered.

Hyukkyu nodded and got something on the pocket of his pants, “I don't have any towel but I don't use that… You can dry off yourself.”

Sanghyeok wanted to decline but he is also embarassed to make this shop wet because of him. “Thank you!” He whispered.

Hyeonjun's voice fills the shop, while Hyukkyu is making the tea for him.

Sanghyeok can't stand it anymore he says, “Do you like the song, by any chance?”

Hyukkyu blink and nodded softly, “I like the lyrics.”

“How about the instrument or singer?” Hyukkyu looked at him, making him stop.

“This is your tea.” He served hot tea.

Sanghyeok kept quiet, softly blowing the tea. Hyukkyu takes a deep breath and puts the volume down.

“I like the performance itself. They are good, but my friend said they don't release other songs, and there is no even social media, so I think it will be a lost masterpiece if they don't release anymore.”

Sanghyeok stops half mid, listening to him as his mind tells him that it's a thing he wants to hear… maybe it's true that they need to promote and interact in social media even if they don't have any fans or what. Hearing the compliment assured him that they are on the right track… and it made him crave for more.

After the tea and the rain stopped but the sky hadn't brightened yet, he paid for it and said, “I will return this handkerchief once I wash it… See you again then.”

“No need.” Hyukkyu said and added, “See you again, thank you for coming!”

But before Sanghyeok can leave the shop he asks, “If you don't mind, what's your name?”

Hyukkyu blink, before answering, “I am Hyukkyu…”

“And I am Sanghyeok.” Sanghyeok bowed, “Then I will go?”

“Uhh… Yeah take care.” Hyukkyu can't help but smile watching him.

Chapter Text

Minseok literally shouted in high pitch when he saw that Aim1st emailed him back after he sent the mail… yed he is the one who sent that. But he used his email account where he used to troll, sign up with game apps, and so on. It's not his main account.

The email that was sent to him saying that they already created an individual social media and thanking him about the suggestion, even asking for more support from him.

He wanted to reply but remember that it's just a formal letter and no need to reply and make the conversation longer.

“What's that?” Wooje frowned, he is graduating students from High School, while Minseok is already a second year college.

“Aim1st make social media accounts now!” He showed it.

Wooje was so happy too that he stalked it but secretly followed only one member.

“Hoping for an update to assure myself that they're not ghosts or what?” Wooje sighs as he closes his phone.

“Hoping for it too.” Minseok follows Minhyung first, before he follows others.

“Did you use your real account to follow them?” Wooje asked.

“Yeah, why?”

“Oh, nothing.” Wooje shook his head, “They won't judge us right?”

“Why would they? Because we followed them? I think they are not like that.”

“What are you talking about?” 

Hyukkyu, Wooje and Minseok are living together, because Minseok can't find a dorm since he enrolled late and now the only choice left is to live in an apartment. But apartments are too expensive for him to just pay for it, so he asks Wooje to join him and break down the payment. The apartment is also near the middle school where Wooje is enrolled.

But again they are students and it's still heavy on the pocket to pay, so he asks Hyukkyu, it's not that far from the shop too, and Hyukkyu has a motorcycle to use every day or he can walk by it.

“Well, Aim1st make individual social media accounts… follow them too hyung!”

Hyukkyu shook his head and said, “No I don't want to, I'm not a fan after all.”

Minseok sighs and playfully rolls his eyes, “Yeah, say it to someone who is always repeating the song in his coffee shop.”

Wooje laughs at them but only watching. He is brat in front of Minseok but not in front of Hyukkyu.

“Nevermind.” Hyukkyu left Minseok laughing when he was already in the trap.

“Minseok, do you have class tomorrow?” Hyukkyu said, suddenly barging inside Minseok's room. He rarely does it unless it's an emergency.

“Hyung, why?” Minseok asks, sitting up on his bed.

“I need to go back to our house due to a family matter. Can you take care of the shop first? I promise you there won't be many customers.” Hyukkyu explained in such a hurry.

Minseok nodded, “Yes, the key then.”

Hyukkyu gives him the key and dash outside the room as fast as he can.

“Oh gosh.” Minseok, hoping that there are no customers tomorrow, he doesn't make any perfect coffee, and he doesn't want to make a bad reputation for Hyukkyu's coffee shop.

When the morning rolls around, he doesn't have class. He wished Wooje good luck for his class even though he knows that Wooje is just sleeping in their classroom, but at least he is present.

He walks half an hour to arrive at the shop, he is used to it, he has short legs but at least he can walk a long road.

The same music was on repeat, he doesn't know why he doesn't get sick by it. He just loves it.

Sitting at the chair, scrolling on his phone when a customer entered the shop.

“Good morning, what can I get for you?” He greets.

“Uhh… Is…”

“Hyung?” Another boy entered, and Sanghyeok, who was speaking, looked at his behind. “Ahh! Sorry!” He smiles shyly and looks at the barista.

And their eyes meet, and everything stops… it's cliché and dramatic to say, but when their eyes meet, it feels the second of time become slower.

“You forgot this.” He broke their eye contact, and gave a paper bag to Sanghyeok. “Oh that's right, thanks.”

“I'm asking if the boy yesterday is here… or maybe his shift is at night. Sorry for the disturbance.”

“You mean Hyukkyu hyung?”

“Oh yes! Him!” Sanghyeok grinned shyly.

“It's his day off today, if you want to give something or say something, I can lend it to him.”

Sanghyeok nodded and passed the paper bag and the handkerchief, “It's his handkerchief that I borrowed yesterday, just tell him that I'm really grateful, and because of his kindness… this is a disk of Aim1st that my friend gave me… a music disc” Minhyung blinked at him while listening, but Sanghyeok seemed like he didn't see him there.

“It's unreleased so… I hope he likes it…” He said.

Minseok was blushing now maybe because of this good looking boy or because of the unreleased music that they have the privilege to listen to.

“So I will go now… Let's go Minhyung.” He grabbed Minhyung's arm but his brother stayed there.

“I… will go home alone. I will just buy a cup of coffee.”

Sanghyeok sighs and nodded, “Yes of course go on. I will go now then.”

Leaving them alone, Minseok still has the blush on his face as he looks inside the paper bag.

“Can I have a cappuccino, and a chocolate donut?” He asks, sitting at the close table in the barista table.

“Oh yes. Wait a minute then.” Minseok rummage through the cabinets searching for the steps to make it… or maybe searching for a reason to make it slower and so he can watch him longer.

“Do you like Aim1st song?” Minhyung asked, walking to the stage and grabbing the acoustic guitar.

“Yes, ever since they released their first song. How about you? Do you know them?”

Minhyung looks at him, he is talking about Aim1st with a smile on his face, a tint of blush, and even shiny eyes.

“Yes, I love them too.” He chuckled.

“I wish they could be famous, but first I want to see them.” Minseok is literally a social butterfly, and can easily bring up conversation between strangers.

Minhyung laughed and just said, “Yes me too.” Instead of, “You saw the two members now.”

While preparing the cappuccino, Misneok heard a strumming guitar, he looked at him back, he seemed serious while playing the guitar.

“Do you mind if I sing?” He only nodded in agreement, hoping that he has a good vocal if not he will literally kick him out of this shop.

“This title is named, Museum .” He even plugged in the mic first before going back to his original position. “This song is… something that I make out of nowhere without any inspiration. Now, I think I found it.” The gulp can hear from the mic.

Minseok is too weak by that, he doesn't know if this boy is just imagining that he is helding an own concert or what.

I can't help but gaze at your picture,

Even if you don’t notice, you're the only one I want to look at.

Though I may not be able to say it, even if it’s not possible, can I stay a little longer?

You're the only one I want to admire.

The sweet but deep voice echoed throughout Minseok's ears, and he is now shaking while holding the cup. It's so addicting, he wants to admit that it's so addicting, he wants to say that he wants to hear more.

“Well… Did I get too carried away?” Minhyung laughed embarrassedly.

“No… You did well.” Minseok commented, “Well this is your order.”

“Uhh… Thank you.” He dropped the guitar and went back to the table where he was sitting earlier.

“How did you know about Aim1st?” Minhyung asks while eating and sipping his order.

“Their one and only song was played randomly at the streaming app, and then I got to admit that they are good, so I have it on repeat since the day they published it.” Minseok explained, watching him. “How about you?”

Minhyung hummed, choosing to keep his profile low-key, “Well… as my hyung said earlier he has a friend there, and that's why I listen to them.”

“So have you already seen them?” Minseok can't help but to be curious.

Minhyung laughed and shook his head, “No, not yet… I mean I hope so. But now they're living in too low profile for their privacy.”

“I hope they— don't get weird when I email them saying that they need a social media account.” Minseok admitted.

Minhyung formed an Ohh , in substitute of saying “I see that's you.” And then replied, “Well at least they can promote their songs now, it's useless if they don't have any social media to interact with their fans. Who is going to listen to their songs, right?”

“Yes and I'm glad that they did!” He exclaimed happily, making Minhyung chuckled.

“Did you follow them?”

“Yes I did.” Minseok proudly answers, with a confident nod and wide smile.

“I see his name is Ryu Minseok.” Minhyung looks at the one and only account who is following him, and it's indeed Minseok, by the face on his Instagram.

He chuckled and listened again to the new masterpiece that Sanghyeok pushed them to publish in one night. Gladly Minhyung produced it completely before that night. But he was kind of not satisfied because of the under one night recording. But at least he knows someone who likes the song.

“Who’s that?” Hyeonjun asked, appearing after his class, they don’t take the same course because Minhyung said he is already sick seeing him again and again, as well as vice versa.

“Ahh, I found him in one coffee shop and we talked a little, but I didn't ask for his name.”

“How slow you are bro.” Hyeonjun rolled his eyes, “If I were you I would add him.”

Minhyung shrugged, he is using his main account to stalk, “Do I look like Gumayusi?”

“Why are you asking? of course.” Hyeonjun frowned and sat in front of him.

“I mean- he knows Aim1st and I don’t know how he is going to react if he knows about it.”

Hyeonjun sighs and says, “ It will only get noticed if you will post something in your Gumayusi account and to your main account if ever.”

“You have a point there.” Minhyung said.

“And I don’t have a friend who is acting so cowardly, get your ass to add him.”

Lee Minhyung followed you

He received the notification as the disc of music was playing, it seemed so familiar to him, the beat, the lyrics and all… His brain doesn’t recognize where he heard the music, how long that happened, two days ago? Why can't he even remember it?

He looked at the notification again and remembered the boy, leading him to remember where he heard the song… But how did the boy already memorize it? Did he already listen to it?

Gumayusi posted in his story for the first time.

He shakily clicked the notification and it showed their studio with a caption, "A little surprise.”

The streaming app showed that Aim1st released another song, and the title is the same as the title in the track. He was so shocked, he thought that they were trolling about being friends with Aim1st.

Back to the person who followed him, he also noticed that this man following the Aim1st member, he is indeed a fan . That's what he thought.

Hyukkyu is also back, he mentally thanks Sanghyeok for returning his handkerchief even if he said he doesn’t mind it.But deep inside him- he wishes that he is the one who caters to Sanghyeok that night. 

“Look. Are you not happy? He gives you the piece before it gets uploaded.” Minseok sighs, his legs swinging at the wooden bar stool, it's a little high for him.

“I mean it feels so illegal.”

“It won’t, they are not famous, it’s like a gift from the artist.” Wooje said eating his favorite donut again.

Hyukkyu rolled his eyes and wanted to say, “I think he is a member, he won’t get that for free, how did he copy it on disc without posting it online. And if I am Aim1st friend I won’t give it to a person I just met.”

But then it all disappeared when someone entered the shop.

They whipped their heads towards the door, a tall boy in a university jacket that is unopened, a little long hair that is on bun, using neatly white shirt, and a denim jeans, wearing wired earphone, his one arm carrying the strap of his bag, while the other one is the guitar case.

“Hi Minseok, nice to meet you again!” Minhyung said to Minseok who is literally jaw dropped and staring at him, it’s the least thing he imagined from this stranger boy, but the most needed thing to keep him alive at the moment.

When Minseok didn’t reply and was literally being washed off, Hyukkyu coughed to bring the environment abc again to its place, “What can we do for you?”

“A cup of cappuccino, please.” He grinned and bowed to Wooje and Hyukkyu.

“Then I will make it for you.” Minseok quickly gets down to the tall stool.

Wooje and Hyukkyu look at each other, mouthing something like, “Never saw him engaging here with excitement like that.” and Hyukkyu nodded like they were talking in telepathy.

“So uhm… how did you find our coffee shop… and it seemed like you knew Minseok?” Hyukkyu asked, when he noticed Minhyung watching Minseok in a way he couldn't explain.

Minhyung quickly looked at Hyukkyu, “My brother went here and said that the coffee is good as well as the service and the people. I bet you know him mister.”

Hyukkyu thinks of it, he does resemble Sanghyeok but he doesn’t want to jump to conclusions and judge.

“My brother is Sanghyeok.”

Hyukkyu nodded, trying not to smile, and suddenly imagined Sanghyeok having the same aura with this boy, isn’t it cool?

Wooje is clearly confused about what’s happening. But then he looked at the door that was being opened again, another boy, “Minhyung.” It’s so stern. His voice is cold but… kind of warm.

Now Wooje can feel what Minseok felt earlier when he saw this boy. He is tall, has a good body build that shows because of his tight black shirt and a basketball short.

Hyeonjun, who was with Minhyung earlier, lost his patience when he waited for Minhyung to buy his cappuccino. He doesn’t drink that but why is he even buying it? So he just went to fetch him, and now he is immersed by how good the interior is.

Oh honestly not only the interior but this boy. So white, so fluffy and he is so soft. Those innocent eyes, those chubby cheeks, rosy plump lips, like a beautiful piece of art. Oh god Hyeonjun loves it so much that he got so addicted.

When they got home, they quickly ran to Sanghyeok, saying. “You said that it’s a coffee shop, but why did it seemed like a museum of beautiful and perfect arts?”

Chapter Text

Hyeonjun was seated on the bus, at the window seat, after his class schedule. He will go home to their family house, yesterday his mother actually yapping to him about how he rarely goes home now. It's not his fault, their studio is much better in terms of air conditioning and the peace. Well except when Minhyung is there…

“Hey you! Can I sit here?” pointing at his seat. Hyeonjun raised his eyebrow, “But I am sitting, no?”

“But I want a window seat.” He said, maybe Wooje is just like this, or maybe it's him pulling his— cute facecard privilege.

Pouting as he holds at the side of the seat, still standing there not minding the eyes of others. While Hyeonjun who sighs and feels embarrassed, as they get the attention of the others. “Fine.”

He moved to the side, while Wooje smiled happily at Hyeonjun, “That's right.” taking the window seat.

“So… what's your name?” Hyeonjun takes the first move, it's not traffic though, maybe one bus stop before he can arrive at his destination.

Wooje looks at him, and blink, before smiling and answering, “My name is Zeus .”

Hyeonjun raised his eyebrows again, “Zeus? An English name?” Wooje nodded to that, “Yes, and why not?”

Hyeonjun can't help but to chuckle, “I see… Nice to meet you, Zeus.”

Wooje's eyes lighten up, he also laughs at his own nonsense, but now he needs to live with that lie.

“Why do you need my name though?” He leaned at the window, one of his ears having the earpods while the other was removed to hear Hyeonjun clearly.

“I might make a song under your name.”

Wooje just laughed once again, eyes closing and then said, “Whatever you said.” Not taking anything serious, he doesn't know this man, only meeting him twice.

“What do you want me to do to make a song that is related to an Aphrodite?” Minhyung curses wanted to end the call, they are far away now but Hyeonjun is still pestering him.

“Yeah, why not? Then use this…” Hyeonjun quickly types something on the chat box.

I swear to Zeus, you are Aphrodite in disguise.

“How about the beat?” Minhyung asks, Sanghyeok has already gone to Seoul and he said he will be back maybe once in a month to limit the expenses.

“Bro, we don't need to rush. I am not like hyung who produced a whole song in just one night.” Hyeonjun sighs, and taps his ballpen looking at one line.

“I'll try to make it then.” Minhyung shrugged, he will still be able to make it after all, he just needs the best inspiration to make it.

“And don't worry, I know you can play different instruments.”

“But not as good as them.”

“Believe yourself, Minhyung.”

Using his social media that was named under Oner he posted a story, just the shining star and the view of the sea.

That's normal, but the most uncommon is his captions.

Stars, they dance though late in the night, don't you know they dance just for you.

“Hey bro, add it to the lyrics too.” He forwarded it to Minhyung. As he sip his milkshake.

Minhyung Lee

“Where are you?”

Most soft tiger

“Coffee shop.”

Minhyung Lee

“Where exactly?”

He didn't reply anymore, he looked at the door that had just been opened, “Hi Zeus!” He greeted him in English.

Hyukkyu, who is also there, raised his eyebrows. He doesn't interrupt someone's business, but it doesn't mean that he isn't listening actively.

Wooje smile, eyes shining, very shining like the star above, like the star above the darkest cloud or sky. 

“Hi!” He doesn't know his name yet, but here he is smiling more than how he smiles towards his Minseok hyung and Hyukkyu hyung.

Hyeonjun nodded and asked, “Just went from school?”

“Hmm, no.” Why is this so easy for him? Smiling like he knew the boy, smiling from ear to ear.

Hyukkyu is just watching them, he won't comment now but maybe later, not in front of Hyeonjun.

“Well, yeah.” Who knows that the great Hyeonjun in his department is a coward towards a boy who is younger than him? No, no one knows.

“Anyway, Hyeonjun.” Hyukkyu stops the unnamed air between the coffee shop right now, he already knows his name because of the introduction earlier.

“Yes, hyung?” Hyeonjun looks at him, even calling him hyung now. It's also the time that Wooje knew his name, Hyeonjun.

“I heard that… Sanghyeok knew… Nevermind.”

“What is it hyung, you know you can tell me.” Hyeonjun said, still trying to smile without having to feel nervous.

“Do you know by any chance a band that can sing— I mean you know… like the busking kind.”

“Why, hyung? Are you going to use that now?” Pointing at the stage, Wooje asked.

“Yeah, for the light festival, it's the season again of many people here in Busan, and so I want to make it special to the customers.” He explained.

“Yes, yes we knew— if you trust us hyung…”

“What do you mean?”

“What? Hyukkyu wanted a band to play in his coffee shop?” Sanghyeok asks, frowning in front of the camera.

“Hmm, but I think it's possible for us to perform without you.” it's indeed possible but it will be like a broken piece if one of them isn't there.

“When was it?” Sanghyeok looks at his calendar.

“This Sunday, actually.”

“Do you mean you are coming home just because of that?” Minhyung was on call with his hyung. “Why not? It's Sunday after all.”

“But the schedule will start on Friday evening, due to him being considerate to our schedule.”

“And so?” Sanghyeok sighs, “I can drive after my class.”

“Why are you even invested in it?”

“It's not like you're not invested with that Minseok boy.” Sanghyeok rebutt, making Minhyung raised his eyebrows. “Fine if you said so.”

Back at the coffee shop, Hyeonjun literally made the 10 kilometer distance shorter. Just to taste his milkshake— and watch Wooje.

“So you are agreeing that your circle of friends will play for us?”

“Yes, and they said even if you won't pay—”

“No, I will pay for it, entertainment isn't easy, as well as free.” Hyukkyu shook his head, “How about the song, are you going to choose it or should I make a list?”

“Well…”

“No need, we can sing it.” Minhyung said, “and if you want to request it, you can, as well as the customer.”

Minseok watching him, there's something about Minhyung that he can literally say that he is shining.

“Then let's just put a tip box, and you can get all the tips.”

Sanghyeok coughs, he is actually on the phone listening to them, “No, we can split it.” He said, he doesn't talk but he is still present… it doesn't like he doesn't trust the two boys he sent to the meeting, he just needs to assure things— and to hear Hyukkyu's voice. “Why not?”

“The payment is too much for someone who is in an unofficial band.” Sanghyeok said, still keeping the fact that they are the Aim1st, or maybe after this they can reveal it.

“But—”

“And also, they tip because your menus are good, and everything not just because of the band.”

Hyukkyu kept silent after that, hiding his face in his arms, he was blushing, he didn't know how to handle compliments after all. “Ohh… if you said so then okay…”

“How about the instrument, when can we transfer it?”

“Oh right transferring…”

“I can't help them to transfer because I have a schedule.” Minhyung said, he doesn't make excuses because of his laziness, Sanghyeok knew his younger brother more than the judgment.

“Me too. It's so embarrassing if they will only transfer it by themselves, right?” Minseok sighs.

“Well I can transfer it, no need to—”

“Wooje go with him.” Hyukkyu said, pointing at Hyeonjun.

“Hyung!” The reveal of his real Korean name makes him whine.

Hyeonjun can't help but to laugh quietly, hiding his face behind Minhyung's back.

“That’s it, he can help you.” Hyukkyu smiles a little.

So on the day of transferring the instrument to the coffee shop, Hyeonjun borrowed their family car, he didn't want to travel the heavy stuff by the bus.

“Hi there, Zeus.” He said, still calling him Zeus, like he didn't hear Hyukkyu saying his name.

Wooje sighs and joins him, sitting beside him, “Wear your seatbelt, mr. Zeus.”

It made Wooje laugh and he did, buckling up his seatbelt. “Okay, mister.” The cute tone in the word okay makes Hyeonjun's eyes closed, he can't endure the cuteness anymore.

Hyeonjun just keeps his eyes straight to the road and drives quietly.

It's not suffocating, it's now an awkward silence. Wooje loves it. Having Hyeonjun beside him doesn't even drain his battery.

“No Wooje, why are you thinking about that? He is still strange.”

“Zeus, are you a fan of Aim1st? Because I heard that Minseok is a fan. Are you a fan too?”

“Yes, I mean how can I not? The singer's voice hits my standards.”

Hyeonjun didn't even expect that answer, making him suddenly break the car because of a cat that is crossing. His hand quickly went Wooje's chest, protecting him quickly.

“Sorry, Zeus.” He said, looking at him making sure that he is alright.

But Wooje is just chuckling, eyes closing again, “What are you laughing at?”

“Nothing…” He answered, “Just wanted to laugh.” 

Hyeonjun watches how his hand quickly covers his mouth and tries not to laugh.

Hyeonjun should be annoyed, he should have shouted or hissed right now. But no, he is dazed watching him laughing, watching him trying to be serious.

“He is so beautiful.” It keeps repeating in his mind. He doesn't know why, he doesn't know when…

“Did I annoy you?” Wooje asked, eyes blinking, his long eyelashes fitting in his white under eye skin.

“Oh no, I just remembered something, sorry.” He hopes that it's not good one minute that he has been staring at him.

Wooje looked at the window, “Why did you ask tho?”

“The question? I wanted to let you listen to their hidden song.”

“Why do these three have so many hidden songs from Aim1st?” Wooje asked, trying not to be loud.

“Because… you will know it soon.” Hyeonjun said, keeping him on a cliffhanger.

“Then let me hear it.”

“Oh maybe later? We are here.” Parking it to the one old modeled apartment. Many plants, different shirts that are on the clothesline.

“Hyung… tsk.” He heard him saying.

“Hyung?”

“I know I'm younger than you.” He said. “How old are you?” He asked to close the car's engine.

“Secret.”

Aim1st house. It's indeed just a studio type. When they decided to move into one house to release a song, Sanghyeok is the one who makes the downpayment, and the other members just pay him monthly.

Sanghyeok is the only member who had a stable job back then. From his tutoring, to being a youth leader, and even being a driver.

This apartment and lot has a discount, because Jinseong's aunt owns this and gave a discount to them.

Once you enter the apartment the shoes of the boys are there, it's not neat, shoes, unopened parcels, forgotten umbrella and all. 

There is also a little kitchen, and as well not clean, perfume above the small kitchen island, unpeeled fruits, unfinished junk food, and even the sink that is full of used utensils and plates.

There is a two bunk bed and one sofa bed, on the other side of the apartment. The cabinets are full of bed sheets, pillow cover, and blanket.

They don't have any clothes because it's not a house, it's just a resting place.

And then the other side is full of recording equipment, the instrument that is now unpacked because Sanghyeok said to Wangho and Jinseong.

The most clean part of the apartment is the bathroom, since no one is sleeping there— unless overnight, they rarely use it.

“Uhm! Well we forgot to clean it, sorry.” Hyeonjun said, kicking the pieces of paper. 

“Well— yeah my room is more of a disaster than this.” Looking around and smiling shyly.

“Yeah.” Hyeonjun just chuckled and started to carry the boxes.

Wooje tried to lift up, but shame on him the thing he lifted up is a box of the drum.

“No not that, it's heavy just— sit down there and be the princess that you are.” Of course he never continues to say that but instead, “You can open the door for me since it's closing automatically.”

Wooje walked faster than him to open the door.

“How close are you with Aim1st?” Wooje asks as they finish putting the instrument in the car.

“Super close.” Hyeonjun said, “I want to show you the pictures but of course as you know they keep themselves secret, I don't want to ruin the flow.”

“I understand that though. But isn't it cool?”

“Cool? Why?” He asked for seating at the bunk bed, while Wooje was on the sofa across from him.

“Because you are close with them, I think it's cool.” Wooje said with that same smile in his eyes again, Hyeonjun watched it. 

“You know what's cooler?” Hyeonjun leans back, leaning at his arms as he looks at the wooden bed that is supporting the upper part of it.

“What?”

“I am close with someone who is divine.” He whispered. 

Chapter Text

The hidden song that Hyeonjun's talking about is a request from Wangho, he just got his first heartbreak that time, when he mistakenly called Minhyung instead of his ex boyfriend— Kang Sungu.

It's a drunk call, he is too drunk to read the contact name properly.

Minhyung still picks that call up, even though it's already an ungodly hour of the day.

The sentence that welcomed him is, “I love you so much Sungu, I will make everything better, I will change now. Please come back to me.” between his hiccups, between his sobs.

“Hyung?” Minhyung whispered, and didn't know how to react nor words to say.

“Please, give me another chance. I still love you.”

“Shh, hyung. It's me, Minhyung.” He said, taking a deep breath, “What's wrong?”

Wangho leaned at the telephone booth. It was raining, so he left his friends at that bar.

“Sungu and I broke up, it's my fault. I want him back.”

Minhyung closes his eyes, “Take a rest hyung. Are you drunk?”

“I miss him, Minhyung.” Actually it's not a fresh break up, it's been three months and Wangho is living in hell without him.

“But hyung—”

“To be honest, it's hard to lie if I say I don't love him anymore. It's just like— denying him even though we are no longer together.”

Minhyung, who is inexperienced in love, feels pity, and he hears him again saying. “Because I know that deeply inside me, still loving and cherishing him.”

Wangho closes his eyes, fisting his phone tightly. Remembering the last three months, I clearly remembered what happened.

“So are you going to Japan?” Wangho asked, watching Sungu after he said what his plan was.

“Yes, you know I've been waiting for it. Now I get it.” Sungu said, holding his shoulders.

“Are you going to leave me?” Wangho asked, he is still young, well he doesn't want to admit that he is wrong. He should not be like this.

“Physically yes, but I won't mentally and emotionally, Wangho.” He even caressed his cheeks softly.

“I think—”

“Wangho.” Those tones he knows what those tones mean.

“I think I can't stand it if we are apart…” If it's not Sungu, maybe he is alone now, maybe he is watching a person's back walking away, but no. Sungu is understanding that even though he knows that it's Wangho's fault he always wears his big patience. “Can you not go?”

Sungu only patted his cheeks, softly that it made Wangho's tears roll down.

“Baby, I do not mean to leave you, but I need it for our future.” It makes even Wangho more broken, until like this scene Sungu still thinks that he is part of his life and future, his dream and his goal… and here he is breaking his opportunity and hope.

“I will still going back every holiday, just four years baby—”

“What if you find someone out there and realize that you don't love me as much as you love them.”

Sungu should curse and hit him, but now he still talks to him softly, “Don't you trust me?” Sungu is also broken, it's just like Wangho doesn't trust him, and more likely he is not happy with it.

“It's not like that.” Wangho said, fisting his hand, “It will never be like that.”

“Then explain to me why you are like that? Why don't you like it? I thought when I passed the paper, we were good at it?” Not even a high pitch tone was left in his mouth.

“I can't do this anymore.” He whispered, hand went to Sungu's wrist and removed it from him. “Let's break up.”

“I want you to think for one week, if that's what you want then I won't stop you anymore.” Sungu said, still respecting him, still believing that he will take that back.

But Wangho has already decided, saying. “I don't need time, that's my final decision now.” 

He wanted to feel the hurt more, to be hurt until it won't hurt anymore.

Shame on him, it's still hurt until now that he is calling Minhyung for an hour and listening to him saying that he should talk to Sungu if he already can and not in a drunken state.

“But what if he hates me?” Wangho asked, “What did he make of you, that you really think something like that?” Minhyung said, looking at his screen, looking at the ID name.

🥜

1:59:09

Oh it's now near two hours and he is still crying. Minhyung blink on it.

“I don't know.” He whispered, voice was resigned now. “He even hugged me before I left him.” That warm hug, he still remembers those… If he only remained in his arms and agreed to be in a long distance relationship, it won't be hard… or it will be hard too?

“Shall we write a song?” Just to cheer him up, “Random sentences and let me arrange it. Want me to pick you up?”

“No… Don't go here… we can do it while calling right?” He asked. 

“Yes, if you are comfortable, hyung.” Standing up, opening the lamp and getting his expensive pen.

“Actually hyung, I want to say something but I'm afraid that it will just cause another misunderstanding to your mind.” Minhyung said, sketching different objects in the piece of paper.

“What? You can say it now.” Wangho seemed to calm down a little now.

“What if you don't need to talk to him, because… he might be having peace of mind right now and because you will say sorry and tell him that, it might cause an argument.”

“But Minhyung, even in what state of scenario I should still apologize, because it's my fault and… he deserves it.”

Minhyung nodded and said, “That's right.” After.

“Maybe put it— like—”

Staring at the ceiling,

Wondering how to tell you

That I really, really like you.

He started crying again when he saw those, the image of Sungu, the unsaid words, the unnoticed feelings. Him missing Sungu— He still loves him and it's obvious…

It’s okay even if you don’t notice me,

I can handle all the pain,

As long as it’s for you.

That's the only one percent of things that Wangho wants to say. He just needs to blurt all these feelings, without getting a judgment. He doesn't need to hear words, he just needs someone to listen.

Maybe— five hours under five hours Minhyung finished it all, from beats, from the lyrics and him singing the song. He can't let Wangho sing it because— no that's not the point here.

The point is that is also one of the reasons why Wangho also agreed to be part of the band.

Almost seven hours of calls, just Minhyung listening to him sobbing, hiccups, and his repeated words telling how much he misses and loves Sungu. He keep that secret, always prioritizing Wangho's privacy, like how Sungu—

“Oh not him again.” Wangho whispered, how long was it? Six months? Six months and he is still in the past. He is still reminiscing.

“Heard that Sungu is back for vacation, maybe because of the festival.” Jinseong said.

“What?” Ending his reminiscing, his eyes opened widely, “Hmm. Yeah.” Jinseong said.

“You are lying.” He rolled his eyes, trying not to believe, trying to gaslight himself.

Jinseong removed his eyeglasses and said, “He is a friend of my friend, are you dumb?”

“Kwanghee? Is he calling your friend? Up until now.”

“What? He is my friend after all, what’s wrong with that?”

Wangho sighs and looks down, but also looks at him again when he said, “Anyway I am just saying about him, just in case you might bump into him or what.”

“And then if he did, what should I do?”

“I don’t know, but always remember that every path here in Busan will always lead to the center- that means even if you don’t like it, you will still see him.”

Maybe today isn’t the same as that night, he isn’t drunk, not crying, but he still contacted Minhyung’s phone number.

“Minhyung.” He whispered as soon as Minhyung answered it.

Minhyung who is watching the paper like it will miraculously do his homework without him humming when he hears his name on the other side of the phone.

“He is back.”

No need for context, no need to mention the name, by Wangho’s tone he knew who it was. “He is back in Busan.”

“Why are you telling me about it, hyung?” He asked, sighing as he leaned at his chair, eyes closing.

“What if we meet each other?” Wangho asked, walking on the cold night, street lights accompanying him.

Minhyung chewed the skin of his inside cheeks, “Are you going to greet him, or just act like you did not see him?”

“But I want to make sure how he is doing now.” No he won’t admit that, and he will never. Instead he said, “Is it bad to say hi?”

“But hyung let me ask you again, what if you don’t need him anymore- I mean you are just use that he is there, but what if- only what if-” Minhyung take a deep breath, letting the pen roll out off his hand before continuing, “You just love the experience and memories but not the person anymore?”

“Maybe you are right, maybe I am just missing what is between us rather than missing him in general, because all of this it’s my fault, I am the one who broke what we had… And maybe that’s all, that is all.”

Minhyung shrugged but still listened to him, this is the second time he heard him bringing this up, and unlike before he can talk about him without crying. “If we might see each other, I will just live my life without bothering him.”

What a joke, Minhyung whispered to himself when he saw Wangho standing up in front of Sungu, indeed they bump into each other, and now, Wangho seemed like he lost his self respect, he looks like he will beg for him to be back again.

The music was on the spot too, flowing on Minhyung’s earphone while watching the drama.

Wangho just wanted to buy something but then he spotted Sungu- no- literally they bump into each other, he is with the boys but now he couldn’t seem to find them… well, because his eyes are focused on this familiar pair of eyes, the shining eyes, the calmness, and patience. Should I cry?

But then Sungu smiled, and said, “It’s been a while.”

The hope, when Wangho heard his voice, some butterflies in his stomach started to be alive, his head playing some soft electric guitar. “Hi, Wangho.”

“Yeah- It’s been awhile…”

“Do you want to catch up today?” The self discipline of Wangho literally left his body when he heard Sungu inviting him.

“I am with my-” He looks behind, Minhyung and Jinseong isn’t there anymore.

“Well maybe not now, are you free on the day of the festival?”

“I am sorry but I am going to have a part time job by that day.” He explained.

“Where what job?” Sungu excitedly asked.

“Uhh… I will play drums for commissions with you know.” He knows that they are releasing songs, that he is part of a band. “But, you can watch it if you want.”

This time Sungu chuckled, looking fondly at Wangho who was looking in a different direction. If the boys are only here, they will instantly be able to tell that Sungu is still in love with Wangho.

“Then just send me the details… Still the same number…” He shyly said, made Wangho’s eyes widen.

“Can I go now?” Minhyung really feels a little intimidated by Kwanghee. Of course, he is a cold boy with a cold look and now Minhyung is asking why he is living the same era as this boy.

“I am really sorry if he is here.” Jinseong said with an apologetic smile.

“I understand it… So I will go now.” Jinseong nodded and said, “Take care then.’

“Hyung.” Jinseong rolled his eyes looking at Kwanghee.

“ As I said I just walked in and spotted you. What do you think about me stalking you?” Kwanghee hissed.

“Do you think I will believe that?” He looks at him and it feels like he was hit by a silent spell.

Those eyes of Kwanghee, the possessiveness, the eagerness. But it feels so wrong, Kwanghee said he is straight, and so is Jinseong but since he is flirting and he tried to use Kwanghee as his victim, they started to be like this, and Kwanghee knows that he can dominate Jinseong out of his character. Like this moment, looking at him straight to his soul, like Kwanghee reading him.

It is Jinseong’s best mistake, he can’t run away from it,and he also can’t ask him, “What are we?” After all of these things.

Chapter Text

Kwanghee and Jinseong literally bloomed out of nowhere. They don't even know what they are doing in each other's lives. It feels like they just sprouted and chose to label themselves, “Friend.”

Technically, they are indeed friends. Jinseong should not just do that if he doesn't want to be in this kind of situationship thingy… no it's just satire, it's just an inside joke. They are not gay .

It just started when Jinseong visited the campus where Kwanghee is studying. And God really had a plan, that he gave Jinseong and Kwanghee a mutual friends to introduce them to each other.

“This is Kwanghee, and this is Jinseong.” 

The small introduction to each other, it's nothing special, until Jinseong asks for his contact number after that. Kwanghee agreed and even said, “Text me once you arrive at your house okay?”

He should not text him, he should not send the text telling, “I just arrived home, I hope you are taking yourself there.”

Because that's where they started to keep in touch, and even Jinseong traveled from his campus to Kwanghee's school just to take him out for friendly catching up.

Not even the distance, not minding the thirty minutes of travel time.

Until, Kwanghee is the one who comes to Jinseong's school. It was the time when Jinseong was too busy with his homework, the piled papers above the library table. He can't even eat properly, that's why Kwanghee is here.

And when he did that, Jinseong didn't want to show any malice, but he started to call him “Baby” or even “Darling” sometimes, too casual, too normal to him.

Kwanghee didn't even think of any deeper reason, he already heard him calling his other friends with such an endearment, so he answered when he first time call him with that pet sign, “Since call me like that, can you not call other with the same pet name you used with me?”

Like what they believe, it's just a joke. 

But now, Jinseong believes that Kwanghee as a possessive man isn't a joke.

It was even deeper when Jinseong invited Kwanghee to his apartment. He lives alone near the school. He just invited him because he felt lonely, and he wanted to show his gratitude to Kwanghee when he bought him food at a time when he was busy.

“So hyung want to go to internet cafe later? Let's play some games!” If it's not schoolworks, or maybe playing some guitar, he is playing an online game, making a bet with his last coins on his wallet.

“Hmm, if you want.” Kwanghee said eating the food that he packed from his mother's kitchen just to share with Jinseong.

“Then let's go later, it's more fun if we play at night and maybe stop at the arcade, and buy some ramen, let's eat ramen hyung!”

Kwanghee just nodded all along, like he is listening to a kid making a plan, he even sounds so excited that he can't help but to smile while listening to him.

They did according to the plan, but the weather isn't the plan. Now they are stuck inside the convenience store where they buy a pack of ramen to cook.

“Let's just go hyung.” 

Kwanghee raised his eyebrows and said, “But it's raining, no?”

“And it's more fun.” Putting the items he bought on the top of the table along with his phone, as he stepped in the rain. “Let's go, let's play a little.”

Kwanghee's hand held by Jinseong, he shrugged and joined him, running and circling in the rain, getting wet. Kwanghee watches him, he can't help but to look at him closer, his body is now wet, he is wearing white polo, unbuttoned three buttons of it.

“Are you enjoying it?” Jinseong chuckled and looked at Kwanghee. He can admit that he is handsome, like an actor in the pouring rain. His precious eyeglasses are now wet.

“It's your fault.” Kwanghee kicked the puddle of water, and so Jinseong kicked it back.

He is so happy that he can feel that later he will fall into sickness.

He doesn't know why, but he suddenly holds him again and shoves him in his arms, “To be close like this with you, darling.”

With that sweetness again, how casual it was. “You are so dying to hold me like this, aren't you?” He whispered.

Jinseong just laughed and did not even bother to answer, he just cupped his face and giggled right in front of it.

Kwanghee wants to be annoyed, but how can he? Jinseong is too precious.

This time, it became deeper. Deeper than what they thought. It becomes addictive, and it becomes more than just a friend.

How shameful it was when they did something wrong— in Kwanghee's family house.

Jinseong doesn't know how, he just went there to watch Kwanghee's basketball league, and it was late to catch the last bus trip. So he agreed to stay there.

He doesn't know why he even hugged him playfully, the whispering and the chuckles that needed to be quiet— how romantic.

To the point that Kwanghee couldn't stand it, he kissed him, Jinseong should stop him but no, he even led the action. He even led the wrong deed that they both enjoyed.

Until the chuckle turns out into a low moan, quiet whimper, and the quiet dirty talks.

Oh God, it was so addicting. They both know that they will search for this every time they meet.

Up until now, they are still doing it… Casually.

“What are you thinking?” Kwanghee asks, sipping his straw from his iced coffee.

Jinseong who has been staring for a good whole minutes there blink, “Ah, my schedule.”

“What schedule?” Kwanghee put down his iced coffee.

“This festival— on the weekend we will play in a café.”

“Play as in?”

Jinseong shrugged and said, “Band.”

“Thought— you know games.”

Jinseong can't help but to laugh, “Indeed a dumb soul that is trapped inside a human's hot body.”

“Hey! You should just say it clearly, you know.”

“So, are you going to watch hyung?” He asked.

“I’ll think about it, if I'm not busy.” Kwanghee answered, in return Jinseong pouted, making Kwanghee raise his eyebrows, “What’s with that attitude?”

“Nothing.” He answered, maybe acting a little cute.

“Fine! I will come.” Kwanghee surrendered, it made Jinseong clap his hand and even hug him.

“I know you can't say no, I know you babe.”

Here he goes again. It's driving Kwanghee crazy, there's something inside him that he wants to dominate Jinseong. There's an ego that is building inside him. 

He stares at him, the triangle method that is played in front of Jinseong, he wants to kiss him but he needs to stop himself.

“Do you think so?” From a minute of silence, Kwanghee sipped his coffee before asking.

“Of course, I mean—”

“Maybe you are right.” But of course the ego is still there, the pride that he does not want to gulp and just admit that he is indeed submitting too fast to Jinseong's request. “No! I just feel sorry for you, no one can support you more than I do.” Maybe it's a yes, but he just said it in more complicated ways.

Jinseong smiles, and Kwanghee watches it. He loves it when he smiles, he loves it so much.

“Ahh! I need to go now!” He stands up, he stands up before he melts, he stands up before he kneels and down bad before him.

“Oh? That's all? I mean—” The disappointment appears in Jinseong's tone, “Okay, take care hyung.” He said, because after all he doesn't own him, he should stop stopping him from doing what he wants.

“Yeah.” The awkward air, as he leaves the table. “what the fuck you are thinking, Kwanghee?” His feet want to turn around and back to where Jinseong is, but his mind walks carelessly towards the exit.

Jinseong

“Sorry for leaving you earlier, I forgot that I have an appointment.”

At the bus, he typed it but didn't send it, should he really lie? Of course, he just can't say that he is already recognizing his feelings to him, it will be more awkward and he will lose what they have.

He just watched the sudden raindrops fall into the window of the bus, putting his earphones on and even closing his phone, leaving the unsent message there.

“Great, Jinseong loves this season…” Jinseong loves rainy days, because he said that it's comforting him, and just feels safe because all the time when it's raining he is just in his room cuddling to the bed… 

well not when he met Kwanghee, his routine isn't the same anymore. He is always cuddling with him now and turning into— “enough with Jinseong, Kwanghee. Leave it the idea of him. Rest your mind.”

He closed his eyes when he realized the lyrics he was listening to. He is listening to the national radio, but then why does it feel like it's just for him?

After this moment

I’m not sure if we can go back

To being natural

But I have to

I Like you

I tried holding it back

But I can’t anymore

Now I can tell you

I want to love

Jinseong who is still on where he was left alone is also listening to the radio that the establishment is playing. “Should I confess? But I am afraid that he will be disgusted… but he won't… if he is disgusted by this, we don't repeat what we should not do… but what if…”

He just shrugged and said, “No Jinseong, you are like Minhyung, you can literally say you like him and then do whatever will happen. A man of words.”

?Aim1st members?

Gayssist : Can we play some cover on the festival day? I actually want to play something… I think it will be good for us!

Penguinist : What?

Gayssist: I like you by day6

Oner Lee Sin user warning he might kick you: Are you confessing to hyung in a smooth and not noticeable way?

Gayssist: So Dumb.

Gayssist: well maybe yeah maybe no.

The peanut who can't move on: ???

Gayssist: I will confess with that song, but not with Sanghyeok hyung, it's for different hyung.

Beware Dumb bear: Good luck my man!

Chapter Text

On the weekend, a day before they are going to perform, Sanghyeok is already back at Busan. The first thing he did was to arrange their schedule. He is a person who needs a concrete schedule to follow.

Second is to practice what they will perform. He doesn't want to make the audience unsatisfied by their performance— he doesn't want to make Hyukkyu disappointed.

Aphrodite, It's Hyeonjun's request, it will be their second time to perform this, the first is when they published it.

I like you, Sanghyeok rolled his eyes, but still approved of it due to Jinseong's sanity.

Museum, he looked at the cover of the album, but they didn't push it. It's a coffee painting of boys, looking afar, looking at the unrecognized sea.

You were beautiful, Sanghyeok said this is the second Day6 song on their playlist, and it's even requested by his own brother. “Is he in love?”

And the last is the Ceiling, they even arrange this one because of Wangho's pleasing… Who can't say no, though?

“And the rest?” Hyukkyu holds the paper. Of course it's full of Aim1st songs, he knew it. But he still respects their decisions if they want to disguise themselves.

“Your choice, anything you want.” Sanghyeok said, his hair almost covering his eyes, but it's so obvious for Hyukkyu that he is looking into his eyes.

Hyukkyu looked away, “Me? I don't have any particular song that I want.” Sanghyeok just sipped his coffee like a child, “I will ask the two kids if what they want then I will say it to you.”

Sanghyeok looked at him again, “Fine.” A quiet that is not awkward, but too cold, 

“Are you going somewhere?” Hyukkyu looked at him, and nodded. “hmm.” He hummed instead of saying the word yes.

“Can I go with you?”

Hyukkyu felt like he was a little shocked by that, “Why?” He asks, they are not close, he can't even label him as a friend, they are just maybe a colleague— or simply just Hyukkyu's customer.

“I mean you don't—” Sanghyeok read the room, he is good at feeling if someone is hesitant, or if they really want it.

“It's fine.” Hyukkyu nodded, “Let's go then? Take your coffee.”

Sanghyeok's eyes lighten up, he is indeed like a kid… “He even looks more like a kid than Wooje.” But it's not like Hyukkyu doesn't like it, he kind of finds it as— cute?

Even when I turn around, it’s all you

I guess it's love

When I see you happy

I laugh along without realizing it

“What do you think about the song?” Minhyung asks, his left side of earphones is on his one ear, while the right side is on Minseok's ear. When he looks down, it's also the time that Minseok looks up. The unique thing that made Minhyung always remember him is the way he needs to look down or bend down to watch him or maybe to listen.

“It's good, are you going to perform that?” Minseok asks, looking away when their eyes meet. There's some reason why he can't look at him a little long.

Minhyung shook his head, “No, we won't.”

“But why?” Minseok closes his mouth, “Ahh I see.” He mumbled, ears red now.

Minhyung chuckled, “Well… If you say so, then I will try?”

“Oh no, don't mind me.”

Minhyung watches him, he is just a small and tiny boy, everything is perfect. His lips, eyes, his beauty mark in his eyes, and even his eyelashes. Never thought someone is beautiful like this, this man is so beautiful.

With the longing look, Minseok can't help but to look up again, looking at him. They are both seated, but why is Minhyung still standing? He looks away, he just can't have a staring contest with him, he can't hold a look in his eyes for more than milliseconds. How overreacting, but it feels like if he looks more, he will be hypnotized. He is afraid to admit that Minhyung is the standard.

They actually meet today, because Minseok is shameless asking him to accompany him into the shopping mall to find a good outfit for the festival.

And Minhyung agreed right away. Now he is here. Literally just from his school, with the backpack hanging on his shoulder, and again the guitar back on the other side. The news about him today is how his hair is perfectly tied above… “Like a palm tree.”

Minseok literally laughed out loud, “What's funny?” Minhyung asked.

“Ohh nothing, just remembered something funny. Sorry.” Minseok is a boy who can't read the room, if he wants to laugh without even a reason, he will laugh, he hardly stops himself. 

“You are watching me, then you will laugh like that…” Minhyung pouted a little, “I feel so offended.” It's sarcasm, to make Minseok laugh. He wants to hear him laughing again.

“Hey, can you teach me how to play guitar?” It makes Minhyung look at Minseok's finger. It's not short— but not long too. It's indeed his finger.

“Okay, if you want.” Minhyung smiled.

“After the festival?” He excitedly asks, and even almost slapping Minhyung's arm but also remembering that he isn't Wooje nor Hyukkyu hyung.

“Yes, anytime you want.”

Jinseong sighs, looking at the one day last chat of his Kwanghee hyung. He is rolling on his bed, he feels crazy right now, “Should I text him?” “Should I just go to their house?” “Or should I call him?”

He stares at the contact profile, “Or maybe just accept and it will be better for us?” but at the same time, he wants closure… they don't have any relationship label, but he still needs closure.

Then suddenly his phone rang, showing Kwanghee's contact name. Is he dreaming? Kwanghee is calling him first?

Maybe fifth or almost the half of the ring when he answered it, thinking that it's not a dream as well as not mistakenly clicking.

“What took you so long to answer?” Kwanghee asks, his face flash on the screen— no not only his face but as well as his chest.

“Huh? Me?” Jinseong gulped, still reloading his brain when he saw Kwanghee's chest.

“Hmm, what are you doing?” Kwanghee raises his eyebrows.

“I'm on Kakaotalk.” he answered, putting the phone comfortably on the pillow and him laying on his side.

“So, is kakaotalk more important than me?”

Jinseong stares at the screen, sometimes it’s his fault why he is agreeing in this kind of set up, but most of the time, it’s Kwanghee’s fault. Who can not agree if Kwanghee is giving him mixed signals. He is always worried, he always shows possessiveness to him that no one can have Jinseong other than him, even support. Kwanghee can deny it, but he always finds time to watch Jinseong in an event, or just watch him doing his parts in their band. The deeds in bed are just a plus points, but overall, Jinseong wants him because of this attitude, he hates it, but also he loves it so much.

“Ya? What are you thinking?”

Jinseong blinked, “Ahh, is hyung busy tomorrow?” Maybe he is the one who must take the first move, because he is also the one who shows motives, in just one call of an endearment which he also does with his other friends, their relationship went to another unrecognized relationship.

“I told you, I will be able to watch you.” Kwanghee answered.

“No, I mean after it. Shall we walk near the beach? Or grab some drinks while watching the waves?”

This time, Kwanghee isn’t able to answer, especially when Jinseong added, “I need to tell you something.” Why does it feel so heavy and painful in Kwanghee’s heart? He closes his eyes, what will Jinseong be talking about? The idea of him bidding goodby won’t fit in his heart. The idea of him leaving isn't satisfying to be imagined. He loves him so dearly

Do I really love him? Or I am just loving what we are doing, not him?

“Yes.” he gulped, his voice getting hoarse. “Why not, I love that.” he answered, looking at him. But Jinseong's eyes were already closed, so he fell asleep. He always likes that, maybe because of the trust and comfort of Kwanghee that he can sleep easily, hearing Kwanghee’s breath, hearing his voice, feeling his presence.

Kwanghee takes his time to watch him, he feels so foolish setting up this kind of relationship, he feels so dumb that he can not identify which true feelings he has inside.

“Good night, Jinseong.” Kwanghee blinked, if he was only on his side, maybe he already planted a kiss in his face. “I love you!” he wanted to say, but his throat felt itchy, something stopping him. Before the three words could even leave, he had already ended the call.

“Fuck Jinseong. Why am I like this with you?”

Wangho finds himself at their backyard, while Sungu is on his motorcycle, he just passed by and spotted Wangho in their own built swing that he owned when he was a kid. Nothing changed.

“I heard Kwanghee really likes your friend.” Sungu said, snitching his own friend. “As well as Jinseong, I don’t know why they are still not dating.” Wangho said.

“Well, maybe they are a little coward to admit what they feel.” Sungu said.

Wangho shrugged and chuckled, And so did I. “Hey, it's not easy to admit you are in love with someone that easily tho.”

“Why?” Sungu asked.

He looks at him and looks away, feet pushing himself to swing him, “Because it has consequences especially if you are both not on the same page.”

“How will you know if you won't say it?”

“Some people just don't want to throw the friendship aside.” Wangho almost whispered.

Sungu just nodded and looked at him, and say unconsciously, the sentence leaving in his mouth before he can even stop himself.

“You did not change at all.”

Maybe because he still loves him, or maybe he knew him damn well that he can notice small details, but nothing changes, even how much Wangho bitterly speaks and curses. It is still Wangho he loves and continues loving.

“Are you dumb?” He narrowed his eyebrows, but his cheek told differently as he fluttered, as he blushed with the sudden change of topic.

And then, suddenly Wangho said mumbling almost incoherent words, “Do you still love me?”

Sungu startled, he did not expect anything like that, it is not that he doesn't love him. He is just afraid, afraid in terms of repeating the scenario when he needs to go back again.

“Just joking, sorry.” Wangho sighs, cursing himself, and can't bring himself to look at him anymore. He wanted  to bury himself in the ground. But he was still shameless when he said jokingly, sarcastically, 

“If you do, come to our gig tomorrow.”

Hyeonjun sigh, he was just called by Wooje right now, now this boy is eating Fish Cake Skewer in his high school uniform. The typical uniform of high school. Hyeonjun rolled his eyes while carrying Wooje’s backpack.

“So why did you call me?” Hyeonjun said he doesn’t know why he agreed to this, asking for a free food, free ride, and free backpack carrier.

Wooje sighs, sipping his coke zero, “I wanted to roam around… With you.” But he can’t say it, his ego doesn’t let him.

“Where do you want to go?”

Wooje's eyes sparkled, and pulled his hand as soon as he finished eating.

Hyeonjun was dragged willingly, just nodding and his own feet following the younger boy. He even buys clothes that Wooje thinks suit him. Not only that, Wooje dragged him into a self photo studio. Looking at his eyes, oh god he is happy .

“Can we visit Dalmaji Hill?” Wooje asked, and because of happiness, Hyeonjun agreed. He is satisfied when he sees Wooje being happy. “Yes, why not?”

Hyeonjun already adjusted, waiting for Wooje to sit on the window side, leaning a little closer because Wooje gets sleepy so fast when they are traveling, offering his broad shoulder for him to be more comfortable.

Watching the overview of the Busan ocean. The beautiful water reflects the sky. The soft talks of people around. The excitement. Hyeonjun doesn’t need this nor plan, but this is the most enjoyable thing he ever did… Or maybe because of Wooje?

“I don’t want to go home yet.”

Hyeonjun sighs and nodded, “Take your time, no one is pressuring you to go home.”

“Next time we go do something like this, I will be the one who pays.” Hyeonjun got amused. He thinks there will be next time. “With your allowance from your parents, no thanks. Keep it to yourself.”

Wooje pouted and looked away, the air blowing his fluffy hair, and said. “If the next time we come here, I promise you I will have a gift.” he looked at him, he already knew that he is the vocalist of the Aim1st, his circle of friends knew because of Hyukkyu, but he can’t just say it. But, after all, he admired him, as an older brother, a friend, and more than, more than the stage name, more than being just the vocalist. He smiles, he just can’t conclude and admit it, he thinks and afraid that it is just a show, his kind, and his attitude is just good in the first meet or maybe everything about him will change.

“I hope we can come back here, once we know each other more deeply.” He was shocked when Hyeonjun put a flower on his ear, “We might not know each other now, but I am willing to show myself more, I hope you too, Zeus - Wooje.”

Wooje’s eyes covered by his hair, back leaning at the barrier. Hyeonjun takes his phone out and captures him, beach at the back, messy hair, clueless soft face, and the flower that tucked behind his ear. Wooje is so Ethereal, he is such a goddess.

Chapter Text

The stick that is beating the drum, the fingers that are smoothly pressing the strings of the guitars, plucking the bass, voices echoed throughout the café.

Their first gig, their first interactive gigs, it's their first time playing on stage, not big, but their heart is beating so fast that they feel like they will forget the correct tune, the correct chords and so on.

“Good luck!” Hyukkyu mouthed, before turning to the barista corner, making the customer's orders.

Maybe because it's a festival since the customer number has become huge right now.

Minhyung looked at Sanghyeok, giving some cues. Then Sanghyeok played the first key note of his piano, giving a cue to Hyeonjun. The first song is Hyeonjun's request, the freshly made song of Aim1st.

I swear to Zeus you're Aphrodite in disguise

He should not look at Wooje when he sings that line, he should not make it too obvious he is pertaining to him. But as soon as he sang, Wooje knew him… Know him as Oner, know him as the vocalist he is idolizing. And when he started to sing, he knew that it's for him. 

Don't think that you can hide it from me

He wanted to leave, it's not like he doesn't like Hyeonjun, it's so confusing to a young boy like him. He didn't know that he likes boys, he can't even imagine, but also he isn't disgusted by the thoughts.

Oh no I never thought I'd get this close to someone so divine.

That one seemed familiar, he felt like he heard before, he chuckled. Wooje chuckled when he caught himself, all when they were together, he wasn't actively listening, but he knew every detail of him physically. 

Oh I can't breathe no I can't breathe at all

Aphrodite could you could you please be mine oh

Could you please be mine oh mine

Hyeonjun can't help but to glue his eyes on him, trying to interact with the audience but ending watching him. He wants to cry, thinking that it will be the end of him, there is no reason for them to continue their sudden roam, or just their random conversation. He can say that Wooje will hate him after this. And then, he will hate himself after this. 

The first song ended, and Sanghyeok leaned at the microphone, “As we proceed to the second song, we would like to introduce ourselves first.”

It feels like they are busking there, some of the customers just went to watch this rare thing, and some just to feel cozy feelings.

“We are— Aim first!”

Hyukkyu's hand almost trembled but he knew it. He wasn't surprised but he was just thrilled. He looks at the two younger boys, their faces literally showing how shocked they are.

Do they hate them because they hide it? I hope they don't. He shrugged, why did he even care what they felt? He looked at Sanghyeok, he saw how trembled his hand was against the piano keys.

“I am Lee Sanghyeok… Stage name Faker, the pianist and the leader of the group.”

He smiles proudly, oh God, Hyukkyu is smiling so proudly, what is he doing?

Minseok who noticed it nudged Wooje and pointed at their hyung, “What the hell is that? Why do I feel like something fishy?”

“Maybe because they are friends.” Wooje said as he continued to listen.

“Stop talking behind my back.” Hyukkyu said, still eyeing Sanghyeok.

“I'm Han Wangho… Also known as Peanut, the drummer of the band.” He tried not to sigh, he didn't see the person he was waiting for, maybe because he doesn't love me anymore. I should not have my hopes get too high. 

“I am Park “Teddy” Jinseong. The bassist.” He even showed a bass skill, and they all laughed and were in awe of the skill.

“I'm Lee “Gumayusi” Minhyung. The composer and the guitarist of the band. I hope you listen to our music in the streaming app!” He showed his gummy smile, the perfect smile he has.

And the two look at Minseok, he now likes a puppy that is blushing, a puppy that his ears soften because of his owner. “What are you looking at?” He hissed and the two just laughed about it.

“I'm—” He looks at the people, oh he is getting shy and nervous now. “Hyeonjun hyung.” He heard someone's whispering, and looked at Wooje. Is he imagining things? Is he having this image to cope with how nervous he is? “Fighting.” Wooje said with his hand signaling him to fight.

“I'm Mun Hyeonjun, known as Oner on Instagram. The vocalist. Thank you.” He shyly said.

The audience gladly clapped their hands and indeed watched like it's a concert.

They proceed to the next song, Jinseong's request, but he sighs when Kwanghee is busy talking to another customer, a pretty girl, he can tell that it's Kwanghee's type.

His heart felt something unrecognizable, he felt disgusted about how he looked with different people, he felt disgusted watching him smiling like that with different people.

“Can I sing the bridge part?” Sanghyeok looked at Jinseong, “Before the last chorus?” He added in a whisper.

“Uhh…” Sanghyeok looked at Hyeonjun, and Hyeonjun nodded. “Go on, why not?”

Minhyung raised his eyebrows, “But he only sings eyes, nose and lips always?”

“I think it will be a joke time if he doesn't nail this one, it's fine. No need to be serious.” Hyeonjun said.

As the time approach, Jinseong went near at Hyeonjun he is singing the song like he mean it, he is hoping that Kwanghee is listening, Kwanghee is watching him. But no, still immerse with the conversation he is having.

I like you. I tried holding back but I can't anymore.

Now I can tell you, I want to love.

And that's the cue for him to step back and give the spotlight to their bassist. 

Jinseong has his eyes glued to Kwanghee, like he isn't ashamed to call him out, like at the end of the song he will scream how much he loves him— that this time, he wishes, he has him more than friends.

I have thought you like this, but if you don't feel the same.

You just need to say, “I am sorry.” and I will be fine.

Kwanghee knows it, his attention is still on him, regardless if he is talking to this girl that he wants to vanish, or if he is watching. At the end, his attention is still attentive towards him.

And he knows that Jinseong is telling that to him, he means it, it's more than just a part of the song, it's more than the lyrics of the song.

And Jinseong, who finished that part, bounces back, showing his back to the stage, head looking above, tears threatening to fall, but he still needs to be professional. No matter what Kwanghee will be going to answer.

As he turns around, Kwanghee has already left the coffee shop.

They continue to perform, getting many donations from the customer, getting many requests, heart broken songs or even a falling in love song.

And the last is their favorite song, Confession Song. They always sing it every Valentine's when they become friends, even if almost all of them are single— Except for Wangho at that time.

With this song let me open my heart to you.

They sang in the chorus, even Wangho who is really sucky with singing skill, he still did it just to make them happy.

But not until Hyeonjun played around the stage, holding the mic for him signaling him to continue to sing the next lyrics.

I may never see you again anymore, and that's what I am afraid of. 

Don't have the courage to tell you.

With this song let me open up my heart to you.

There are some distinguished claps, and he looks at them. From the door, the one he is waiting for, carrying a bouquet of flowers, Sungu appears.

He smiles softly. Like they are the people inside the shop, he smiles so much like his life is depending on Sungu's appearance. God, he loves him so much.

And the busking was already finished, they sang almost straight for three hours, luckily they had time to drink some water and also interact with people inside it.

“I am really thankful, Sanghyeok.” These two people were left behind, they don't know where the others went but it's fine.

“I'm really glad that they enjoyed it.” He said helping him to clean, especially the stage part.

“Sanghyeok…” Hyukkyu felt hesitant, so Sanghyeok looked at him.

And then there's a box, Sanghyeok’s judgment making him say that Hyukkyu made it. “What is that?” He asks, accepting the box with his two hands while bowing.

“Well, I think uhm..” Hyukkyu even gets shy now, looking away. “You somewhat- deserve a token of appreciation?” 

Sanghyeok smiled and said, “Thank you, Hyukkyu.”

“And don’t open it right now, maybe when you are in your own house.” he said walking away to hide how red he is, just try to focus on the chores they need to do.

Once they finished, Hyukkyu walked with him, it was already near dawn but there were still so many people. 

“Well-” Sanghyeok broke the silence. So, Hyukkyu turns to look at him, he is just looking straight at the road before speaking again, “Do you want to go to dinner with me next time, just for exchange with this.” He said pointing at Hyukkyu's gift.

Hyukkyu smiles shyly, for how many times in this night he is blushing because of Sanghyeok again, “If Sanghyeok is not busy anymore, then I will agree.”

It makes Sanghyeok sigh in relief, deep inside him he is already preparing to hear an apology and taking his offer down. “If that is so, then I will work hard in Seoul to get back here as soon as possible.”

Sanghyeok stopped walking as he said those, looking right those eyes, eyes smiling, tired but happy. Hyukkyu nodded, reciprocating the smile, before saying.

“Then I will wait for you.”

Since it is a light festival, the seaside is full of different colors in different forms. Wooje, Hyeonjun, Minseok and Minhyung are watching it. 

“Minhyung, can you teach me how to play a guitar?” Minseok asks, his little fingers digging at the sand where they are sitting.

“If we are not busy, why not?” Minhyung said, a smile appeared on his face.

Hyeonjun was too shocked when he heard it, Minhyung doesn't like teaching someone especially when it comes to a guitar, so when he heard him agreeing it's unusual. The smile on his face. He gets what it means.

There's a pair of eyes looking at him, so he looked beside him and saw this cute human duckling, cheeks red because of the cold breeze, “Do you feel cold?” He asked.

“No.” Wooje asks, shaking his head, shaking his almost nest-look-like hair.

“Then, why?” He asked again, attention almost into him.

“Hyung is amazing, he is amazing on the stage.”

Hyeonjun blinked, never heard that before. The phrase he thought he wouldn't crave. The affirmation he thought was nothing.

“Thank you?” He said, eyes watering but he looked at the lights at the water, reflecting it to his eyes.

Wooje feels like watching the stars, watching the whole constellation in Hyeonjun's eyes, becoming his favorite thing to do.

“Hyung.” He whispered, Hyeonjun hummed looking back at him. “Hyung.” The younger boy snuggled on his arm, and Hyeonjun let him, he hates it but— anyway Wooje gets a pass.

“I don’t want to go home yet.” Wooje suddenly said out loud.

“Why? Are you not tired? Hyeonjun asked. “I am- It’s just comfortable here.”

Hyeonjun just nodded. He doesn't know what to say or to react. He is afraid to make him uncomfortable. 

“Uhm…” Wangho awkwardly walked beside Sungu.

“I well- you know what we talked about last time..” Sungu said as he shyly looked away.

“I thought you-”

Sungu shyly stopped a little walking behind him and said.

“I am late because I am still figuring out my feelings. I don’t want to hurt you- hurt us because of my sudden decisions. But, the time that I lose you- I know something is missing, and I know that something isn’t just a memory, it will not just be a memory…”

Wangho stopped in his tracks as he listened to him, up until now he is still blaming himself. “So when you said that, I showed myself… I showed up because until now I still love you… Because-”

Wangho turned around and quickly hugged him, “I do too, until now I still love you.” Breaking down there, crying in his arms like when they were young. “Give me a chance, Sungu. I will change everything… Just come back to me.” Sungu smiles and locks him in his arms, nodding numerously, “Yes, yes I will. No need to cry anymore.”

Jinseong re-read the last message Kwanghee sent him, “I am sorry, Jinseong-ah.” Tears pricked down in his eyes, he felt so cold, he felt so dumb, he should not just say that. He does love him.

“You should eat.” Sanghyeok said, morning sun kissed his face, tracing the window blinds lines. “Ever since yesterday you have not eaten.” He scolded.

“I want him.” Sanghyeok feels pity and annoyed. That is the only thing Jinseong is saying, “Is he gone crazy?”

Sanghyeok sat down beside him, putting the hot cup noodles on the floor and the chopsticks above it. “What do you want me to do?”

Jinseong shakes his head, knuckles already white as his nails dig on his knees. “Do you want me to call him and say that you are not fine?” He added, Jinseong just stayed like that… since last night. “You look so pitiful, help yourself. The only one who can help you- is the one who hurt you .”

“Does he still care?” Jinseong looked up at Sanghyeok, “You don’t understand it.”

Sanghyeok almost hissed and wanted to fight but instead he stand up and walk towards the door, before leaving he said.

“You are still young. Don’t waste your time and life with someone who can’t commit to a stable relationship. You deserve what you tolerate, Jinseong.”

Jinseong watches him walk away, heart becomes heavy- more heavy.