Kim Hongjoong

Despite rooming together for this vacation, Hongjoong had planned something special for Yunho. It wasn't like it was special-special, really. He'd planned something for each and every one of his members as a sort of thank you for putting up with him - The late nights. The times he never came home. The effort they all put into making sure he was fed, watered, and not dead in his studio, or after his many, many schedules, despite their own.

Yunho was top of the list. He was the first one to text, to show up, to have a meal ready and at his studio door without his asking, and he had become the soft landing spot Hongjoong didn't realize he'd needed. Truthfully, it was more like Yunho became the soft landing spot he'd been scared to look for.

And Joong was lucky enough to have stumbled right into the dancer's broad chest enough times, dead on his feet, to know that he was nurturing something special every time Yunho was his first call, or his late-night snack buddy. Hell, even just the fact that he willingly went into hugs with Yunho now was a modern miracle nobody would have expected.

2026 Bingo card? Not even on it.

Yet... Here they were, sharing a room, where Hongjoong was presently checking his phone for the latest weather update and raiding Yunho's luggage. "I know I packed it..." He grumbled softly to himself as the shower ran, his roommate preparing for the 'surprise' Joong had promised him after dinner. Then - A soft 'yes!' paired with one small hand, painted ring finger and all, wrapping around a hoodie that Hongjoong had customized for Yunho specifically. One made for this trip, in his signature avant-garde style, themed after the island chain they were on.

The black hoodie had been painted, stitched, and doodled over half the body in pastel hues with hibiscus flowers and monstera leaves, their team logo, waves, geometric patterns that were a tribute to the tribal details of their vacation spot, song lyrics - both released and unreleased - and so many other tiny details that it would take weeks to find every easter egg Hongjooong had hidden. It was very much a masterpiece in 'too much,' and it had been a pain to hide while they were working together. Now, however, it was the perfect piece to fight the cool breeze that was flowing in through the cracked-open balcony doors, and chilling the night around them.

Hongjoong laid it out on the bed next to Yunho's clothes, a silent gift as he got dressed himself, calling towards the bathroom: "Yuyu, the car will be here in twenty!" He'd ensured they had the stargazing expedition that would take them out to Makapu'u Beach with just a single guide, a high-powered telescope, and plenty of time alone to enjoy the atmosphere. His bag was packed with treats, blankets, and backup batteries for their phones, and Joong was practically buzzing out of his skin with the desire to get going already. The idea of a dark beach and spending time exploring with Yunho was almost too much to contain, and he had to force himself to sit down, and take a deep breath, waiting not-so-patiently for the dancer to be ready to go.

The packages that came with the resort they'd chosen were endless. It was overwhelming to look at each and every little outing and try to pick one special memory to make with each of his members - But Hongjoong was nothing if not stubborn. He felt like he had a lot to make up for with everyone, but he knew Seonghwa's experience had to be special. Classy. Dramatic in the softly cinematic way the elder favored. A hint of spoiling, all for his closest friend in the team. He'd chosen a premium spa package, made for two, which meant this was easy enough to call 'exclusive' and keep the others away for a couple of hours. Champagne. Fresh fruit. Massages with hot rocks and a body scrub featuring volcanic salts from the island specifically. It was indulgent, private, and relaxing. He could call it a gift, maybe - a make-up for his being so absent even in the midst of promotions to run off for every interview and guest spot he'd taken. Better yet, he'd treat it as an apology for overworking himself and making Seonghwa worry about him during his own schedules (and looking after the others' activities as well). He clicked the booking button without an ounce of hesitation. Telling Seonghwa had been an ordeal in and of itself, especially as they had shaken up their team pairings yet again for the stay in the luxury resort. Hongjoong had chosen to room with Yunho, and Seonghwa and Wooyoung somehow ended up together. It took several texts for him to finally admit he'd booked something special for just them, as the two eldest, and give Seonghwa only the pertinent details - "Dress comfy. Don't worry about hair and makeup. Be ready by 3pm sharp." It was enough to ensure the singer was ready to go on time, but not enough to reveal the surprise that Joong had prepared. Once they were on the island, Hongjoong settled himself in the room on the upper floor with Yunho. There was so much happening at once, and so much excitement around them on the top floor, that he found himself looking towards the experience with Seonghwa. He relished the idea of the quiet calm they could share, in a space where there was no pressure to be... Well, anything, aside from themselves. It was a break within the break, and Joong practically vibrated with nervous excitement as he made his way down to the room Seonghwa was sharing with Wooyoung. He checked the number placard twice before knocking on the door three times, rabbit-quick. Hongjoong then took a step back and tucked his hands into his pockets as he waited for someone to open the door for him - Either Wooyoung, who would absolutely roast his low-slung, hand-decorated shorts, or Seonghwa, who would be ideal just so the Captain could say he was on time for once. It was amazing what changes happened when Joong only had a laptop to work from and a golden retriever roommate reminding him this was a break, and he should use it as such.