don't back down.

“Its keys to my apartment.” She breathed softly, sheepish and yet delicately embarrassed at the whole situation. “You know. For emergencies.” Of course, it was absolutely nothing of that sort, but the excuse made her feel a tad less embarrassed about the whole situation of her giving a key to her apartment to ryeohoon. Her words ended slightly in a mumble, her body shrinking further and further into herself in utter embarrassment as she tried to shyly note his reaction to her offering the keys to her apartment. For nothing but curiousity purposes, of course. 

ryeohoon is usually ready to expect anything. it is what they say, don’t they? “expect the unexpected” or something along those lines. but this? this is certainly something he didn’t expect at all, so much that it catches him completely off-guard, for a moment there making him lose his own mental balance and the calculations of his actions. 

this is big. 

especially for someone like alyssia. so sweet, innocent, naive and gentle. but now she’s doing this and ryeohoon wonders if there’s anyone truly as naive as alyssia. or could she be pretending? no, no, of course not, she’s not. but the situation is certainly enough to make him wonder if this is actually happening, if she’s actually fooling him, instead of him fooling her. 

he breathes out, fingers closing around the key. “yah... you...” he pauses, finally looking up at her. ‘oh darling, you really have no idea’, he thinks and he is glad. “for emergencies, of course.” he says, a soft nod of his head, a sweet, gentle smile on his features. 

he calculates again. one hand holding on to the key, the other reaching out to place itself on her cheek, coaxing her to look at him after she had pretty much turned away due to embarrassment. “emergencies and... hopefully this?” now, this moment, ironically enough, is key. he knows that he can lose all progress or advance and take a huge step forward. if his calculations are right, he’s moving forward, but isn’t so sure, anything can happen.

There was always a part of him in the back of his head that worried about giving Ryeohoon too much, that leaving himself wide open like this meant that he’d get himself hurt, make their situation feel like something it wasn’t. “Tell me what you’re looking for? Or are you going to make me play games?”

he laughs. it’s soft, almost quiet, but he laughs. so honest, with so much endearment. it’s almost terrifying how hanbyul can do this to him. because this is unlike ryeohoon, to be close to someone like this out pure pleasure? of course not. when ryeohoon approaches someone in a sweet manner it means he either wants something or to fool with someone. 

he doesn’t want any of that from hanbyul.

he just likes this. the quiet moments. the random conversations. there’s work in their words but there’s so much playfulness between the lines, he loves it. only his group mate can make him feel like this and it is absolutely and irremediably terrifying.

“hey, they really liked ‘hit’ and if that sound didn’t give them an aneurysm, i’m pretty certain nothing else will.” he closes his eyes, allows the other to trace his skin with his lips. ryeohoon can’t even hide the happy grin that spreads across his features. so soft and so real. “we’ll review it. though i’ll say i’m surprised; i actually feel pretty satisfied with that track but... we’ll review it.” and he wants to hold back from saying the next sentence, but doesn’t, “i trust your judgement.” any other time, ryeohoon would’ve put his foot down, throw a fit that could belong to any other three-year old and hold on to the idea that what he makes is perfect and no one should have a say in that. not anymore, that’s evident.

the word ‘unsavoury’ engraves itself in his brain. he knows why hanbyul is saying it and it’s because they have always butted heads. he knows it’s because ryeohoon has always been a prick to him, among many other things. and that’s fine, no reason to lie about it. but he also thinks about all of the bad things he does and says to other people, to his undying love for toying with people’s feelings. oh, if hanbyul knew... he would hate him. maybe.

his hands move up, placing themselves on his friend’s neck, pulling him back so he can look into his eyes, “that’s a loaded question, byullie. i usually look for a lot of things. not to worry, because i know you can give each and every single one of them to me.” he pauses, “but i’ll be honest and say i love games, so.” he leans down, pressing his lips against his lower one, gently biting down on it, “but sometimes, you need to understand that it’s not so much that i’m looking for something.” now he’s the one allowing his lips to lower themselves to his jaw, peppering his skin with soft kisses. 

“And yes, its definitely annoying.”  There’s a small pout of indignence upon her ruby lips as she huffs, recalling the night of the pool party with a slight grudge. “We couldn’t even do anything we wanted since everyone was staring.” She tilts her head slightly. “Also,” Her voice turned slightly soft. “I’ll be a bit busier the next few months. I will be acting in a drama.” She bites her lower lip, wondering if she had said a little too much, since the drama had yet to officially announce her participation, even if everything was pretty much set in stone. “ But you can always come and visit. I promise I won’t turn you away.” 

he doesn’t show any sign of feeling upset, and he isn’t. it’s even better, isn’t it? she can’t even pay attention to his words because she’s too focused on /him/, which is rather ironic on its own right. either way, any other person would be upset, thinking about how disrespectful that could be and how she should be more careful in not upsetting people like that. the thing here is; ryeohoon doesn’t mind. he loves it. he loves knowing that he can say so little, and really, maybe he could babble away about whatever and she’d still feel rather fascinated. 

“it’s alright, don’t worry about it.” he plays coy, shaking his head, as if he was the one feeling embarrassed about it. he’s not, but it’s okay, he plays the ‘shy’ boy role far too well. “but yes, it’s what’s supposed to happen when you try to find some privacy in a rather big party. i do know there was supposed to be a lot of privacy so people could feel more comfortable but.. you just never know.” wouldn’t be the first time he heard rumors of idols themselves selling information about their peers just for money.

and ryeohoon knows that above all, he has to be very, very careful with his doings.

he tilts his head, a smile spreading across her features at the announcement, “ah, really? that’s great! i mean, yeah, it’ll certainly restrict the time we’ll be able to see each other but, darling? that’s wonderful news. i’m sure you’re going to absolutely crush it.” one of his hands had slowly moves closer to hers, and now’s the perfect time for his index finger to place itself on the back of her hand, slowly drawing invisible shapes all over her skin. “i’m very happy and proud of you.” then there’s his free hand, coming up to take her chin between his fingers, eyes looking deep into her own, “a shame though, that i won’t be able to see you as often as i wish i could.” there’s a brief pause, and ryeohoon chooses his next words carefully, “it means i’ll have less chances to be with you, to...” he stops and shakes his head, “god, i’m being... too straightforward aren’t i? i’m sorry.”

he often wonders why does he do... the things that he does. what’s so entertaining about messing with someone that it somehow even becomes an addiction? the power it gives you, the pleasure you get from it. he can’t find an answer to that except for this, to the sort of euphoria his brain goes through when he knows he’s fooling around with someone, when he knows someone is looking at him like he’s the purest, nicest, kindest guy in the whole world. 

that’s exactly what alyssia park makes him feel. every time she looks at him he just knows he has everything locked down, like all of his pre-games had lead him up to this, to victory. 

and it’s sick and twisted. so much that a lot of people already know, that a lot of people are aware of that. but that’s the thing too, isn’t it? the rumors about him, rumors that alyssia has surely heard before but where is she? she’s right there, chair next to his, plates now empty. he sits there and he listens to everything she has to say, everything she has to share. he nods, smiles, makes comments where he has to make one. 

ryeohoon stretches his legs, tilts his right one a little towards hanbyul, who’s sitting right across in front of him. it’s subtle, but firm, wants the other to look up from his phone. 

days like this one are comfortable. the sun shines through ryeohoon’s curtains, the weather isn’t too cold, nor too warm, it feels okay, it feels nice. he often wonders if it’s just a coincidence or if destiny is trying to tell him something, because this perfect weather only happens when hanbyul is here, with him. 

“i made some changes to one of the songs,” he announces, because talking about work is clearly the best course of action to take to catch the other male’s attention, instead of straight up being vocal about how much he’s craving the physical intimacy; hilariously enough, as if he hadn’t gotten enough of it the prior night, and that morning too. “i’ll email it, though. then i guess you can tell me your thoughts about it and whatnot or whatever. figured those lyrics are more suitable than, you know, what i previously wrote.” 

work. it’s all supposed to be about work. 

but he gives in.

ryeohoon moves around until he finds himself crawling over to hanbyul, having zero shame when he takes his place on his lap, hands on his groupmate’s neck, “how satisfied are you?” he asks, and this is a question that requires two answers, but ryeohoon wants to play coy today, “with the new album, i mean.”

the ‘with me?’, he keeps to himself. 

one thing that yujin learned during her two years in this industry was that everybody seemed to have another side to them. it was inevitable with how exposed idols were all the time, and she understood the desire to hide behind a mask. sometimes she wonders if putting on a mask would be better for her as well, but then thinks about how important being genuine is. perhaps she’s still naive because she’s a rookie, but she likes appearing as herself at all times. 

the things that were said about ryeohoon were definitely… not pleasant. with how much she’s heard, she’s questioned his actions from time to time, but then he always appeared so sweet and kind in front of her that she ended up brushing it off. there was something about his eyes, and how they seem to speak the truth to her that she can’t help but fall for them—fall for him. 

“it’s the thought that counts. i would have been thankful if you sent a fern or something.” scrunching up her nose, she turned her body to face him. “parties really aren’t my thing. especially ones like this were it’s clearly only being held so someone can show off their wealth. i don’t mind the free food though. and the free drinks, i guess,” she stated while raising the glass she was holding up. “are you enjoying this extravagant party?” 

her first comment makes him laugh; genuinely. it’s sometimes like that, isn’t it? not so much what you give, but the fact that you give. he’s learned this since a long time ago, his parents always adamant on showing him that certain actions speak much louder than words. the thing is, ryeohoon has learned all about it but instead of using it for something good, he uses it to hurt people and it’s horrible.

“that is true. then again, aren’t all parties all about it? sure, it’s to celebrate whatever, but everything always comes down to whoever organized it.” he leans back, arms crossing in front of his chest, “but i’m right there with you. not so much because i dislike parties in general; i just prefer being at home. quiet surroundings. some... peace, i suppose.” this is true, and it feels natural when he shares this information with her, doesn’t feel like he has to lie too much. 

It isn’t like Hanbyul is completely impervious to the adrenaline rush that going against the rules gives him. It just so happens that the stress amount of stress it puts him in outweighs the positives. It’s funny how different he and Ryeohoon are in that regard. “I’d rather keep this to myself,” he presses back and it’s only in part out of fear of the consequences. Another, maybe smaller but just as vivid side of him wants to keep it private because it feels special, something that only belongs to the two of them. 

He has no smart comeback to the other’s accusation and it makes his face flush in embarrassment. He has no patience when it comes to Ryeohoon, be it in the bad or the good. Hanbyul might’ve tried to reply anyway hadn’t the next part thrown him off so badly, startling him into sudden sobriety. For a moment he stood breathless, trying to slow down his heartbeat, will the goosebumps away again. He was safe. Ryeohoon had a big mouth but he’d never, never hurt him, he knew that. “No, please ask me,” he repeated shakily. He hadn’t meant his original remark to be like that, a formal request rather than a throwaway statement to rile the other up a bit, but now he needed the reassurance that the limits he set would be respected no matter what. “Please. I need this right now,” he added in a softer voice, staring at the other’s lips when he couldn’t find it in himself to look him in the eye. “Ask me and I’ll give you what I want, I just– I’m sorry.”

it hits him late. way too late. it’s only until the words leave his mouth and the way hanbyul’s expression changes that ryeohoon knows he fucked up. he swallows and tries to downplay the annoying feeling in the pit of his stomach. the thing here is: ryeohoon hates making hanbyul feel like shit. time ago, it was fine and dandy, as long as it was about minimal small things; like fighting over a bedroom or over the last bowl of their favorite cereal. small disagreements music wise, little things and more.

“Dumb– You never know what could happen!” Hanbyul bristled at Ryeohoon brushing off his worries so easily. It was principle, more than anything else, at least these days. They were good at this, a push and pull, the one paranoid, overly cautious, the other bold and sharp and almost reckless in his words. Hanbyul held him carefully anyway, this beautiful, infuriating mess of a boy, because if he didn’t in this exact moment his worries might overtake him again, steal his breath, drown him inside his own head.

“Shut up,” he hissed, punctuating his words with yet another kiss. Sure, they’d been careful but even being careful secrets like theirs were hard to keep in a group of thirteen, especially having shared their space for the past four years. He wasn’t sure how many of the others were aware of their strange relationship (other than maybe Jinsun who had always been unfortunate enough to be stuck with the two of them and their limbo between anger and attraction) but surely there had to be a few who knew something. “What’s so fun about this anyway?” His complain drifted into a soft whine. “We keep going behind people’s back when all you could do is be a little more patient. I can easily go home with you once I get Yuanjun back to the flat.” He carded his fingers through Ryeohoon’s hair. “All you have to do is ask. Nicely.”

there’s a very happy and pleased smile on ryeohoon’s face, because this is exactly what he likes the most about their dynamic, just how easily he can get a reaction out of hanbyul. but the thing is, there are times he genuinely does it just so they can laugh together and just have a good moment. sometimes yeah, he actually do it to piss him off. but tonight he knows he shouldn’t play that card, not when he knows just how nervous hanbyul can get. that’s why he holds him, and holds him tight; with certainty and need and greed.

oh, so much greed.

“Need anything?” She murmurs, deeply contented in simply enjoying the presence of the male there. Ryeohoon never pushed Alyssia to do anything that she didn’t want in this relationship that they had–or was it even called a relationship? Alyssia often liked to think that it was. He was kind, and yet gentle towards her. Understanding. Everything she needed as a support when she desperately needed one. “Perhaps a kiss or something?” Its a joke, but still, Alyssia’s cheeks flush a deep red as she turns her eyes away from Ryeohoon, purposely looking across the pool and away from the male. “I was just kidding.” She adds quickly, feeling her heart slam in her ribcage, her fingers twining with each other. 

no one can ever beat ryeohoon at this game. he doesn’t even call it a ‘cat and mouse’ thing. it’s literally just a cat thing that he does. he’s always ready to attack, to find its pray and not letting go. cats though, they usually hunt and tear their victims to shreds, they destroy them with claws and sharp teeth. they destroy them with fast, agile, calculated movements. 

ko ryeohoon just happens to do the exact same and as alyssia fidgets around, he simply looks at her. he could stare at her body, but he doesn’t. rule number one: not showing vulnerability. so he looks at her face, her delicate features, mostly. when she comes to sit next to him, his eyes divert from her face, down to his hands. in case he couldn’t practically smell how nervous she is? her fingers would tell him everything right away.

“parties are the perfect moments that we have to share some time together. ah, it’s a bit annoying, isn’t it? wanting to be with someone and having to be... so careful? paranoid even.” not him, obviously. but he needs to show just how afraid he would be if they were to get caught. 

from the producers of: i bring you an emotionally available hyung to CHARM. here’s the new production of: i bring you now a non-emotionally available hyung to CHARM.

so yeah! rip jeongsoo, he will be missed because i LOVED my son. but now i bring you ryeohoon in his place. some of you already know him, he’s an asshole, sometimes lovable, sometimes not at all! he’s essentially the same boy you all know (if you read him before & whatnot) except for the fact he’s now in CHARM, that’s basically the only thing that changed! i will message people back, if we had on-going messages??? before the revamp.

but perhaps there’s new people i haven’t plotted with yet or even people in the group i didn’t get the chance to chat with? so please do feel free to like this post so i can dive back in your dms (or even if we were messaging already, please do it so i don’t miss you!) i can be very stupid to reply to messages sometimes, so better make sure! we can either plot on ims or discord (since it’s way easier finding me there), but i can adapt to whichever y’all babs prefer.

i’m just going to leave his links over here; PROFILE | BIOGRAPHY | SUMMARY (aka a tl;dr of everything). just like i said before, i would like to try a different approach to plotting, in which i’m not going to work on premade plots for him, so everything is up to whatever we can brainstorm & come up with or if you guys have any plots you think could fit him, throw ‘em my way!