stray love

“Hyunggg,'' feigning impatience, Jisung was practically bubbling with happiness, hearing the silliness of the older.

Minho wasn’t one to share much about himself. But the last few weeks had made him feel hopeful for his future, maybe just a bit. Jisung brought out creativity Minho didn’t know had been in him, and he found himself becoming more passionate during their dance practices, and in his downtime. He was always choreographing something mentally when he heard a new song on the radio, or when he was scrolling through his “Liked Songs” on the way home from work.

“Yes okay I'll get on with it. SO Yellow Wood Dance Academy. Known for their most prestigious courses and instructors. Literally, any dancer who is anyone has gone there at some point. I, Lee Minho, have been dreaming about going there for literal decades.” the sounds of one of his roommates returning sounds on the other side of the line and there’s a brief pause before Minho continues his dramatics,

“Okay not actually, BUT this year is terrifyingly one of my last chances to get in since I’ve graduated university already.” the end of his sentence trails off quietly, probably out of nervousness.   

“So I sent in an audition tape this year like always. Always, as in I have been sending them for years and have been rejected every time, but It's fine I’m DEFINITELY not salty”

“No?”

“NO! BECAUSE I just passed the first stage of the audition! Now I just gotta fucking ace the second part and I can finally say I didn't waste the last ten years of my life on an occupation I have no guarantee in.” His enthusiasm was bright and excited, but even though the determined tone in his voice, Jisung could sense Minho's apprehensions and fears

“Its fine”

Jisung did his best to respond in the way Minho would have wanted, as in to NOT acknowledge the other’s fears, and instead attempt to be supportive, “Well....CONGRATULATIONS MINNIE HYUNGGGG.” Minho’s adorable laugh was enough to reaffirm Jisung. Damn he's so cute.

“Thank you Sungie. OKAY to my second matter of business”

“Second?”

“Yes listen up Han Jisung. A little birdie with a blatant unnecessary obsession with prada shoes, told me that you may have a free night tonight.” Minho’s depiction of Changbin was Jisung’s new

“And I was wondering if You would want to go out tonight, ya know finally have that date I promised”

“Yes I would love to… I’m just kinda worried I mean last time I left I got hounded by the press and Chan about smothered me when I got back”

“You see my sweet Sung. I have a plan that even single father bear Bang will approve of”

---

Jisung is sitting anxiously in their car, fidgeting his fingers. Unsurprisingly Minho was right and Chan had nodded approvingly when Jisung asked if he could go out that night. Sure, it took a bit of support and reassurance from Changbin of all people, but Chan’s trust in Minho and Changbin’s opinion was apparently enough to have him convinced.

Changbin vouching for the Sweet Lotus’ security did more than raise their eyebrows but the dark rapper was usering Jisung quickly into the bathroom to do his makeup before either of his members could further their questioning glances. Changbin, although largely inexperienced, took it upon himself to make sure the youngest was looking his best for his ~date~ (yes. he said “date” with the obligated teasing tone of an older brother, every single time. Much to Jisung’s embarrassment).

Changbin managed to brush up Jisung’s makeup with something their stylists wouldn’t have cringed at, and Chan even forced his way into the room to help guide the youngest into an outfit he was satisfied with. Jisung was thankful to that since his indecisive ass would probably have been debating for hours over a pair of shoes.  

The car pulled up to the back of the Sweet Lotus , and Jisung was led from the back entrance into a private room with the help of one of the uniformed staff. He was dressed up in a semi-formal fit, complete with his trusty black jeans and a button-up shirt he's pretty sure was actually Chan’s. With the addition of a small bouquet of flowers in hand, courtesy of an insisting Changbin, Jisung felt like he looked like the epitome of a boy on a nervous first date. He tried his best to appear casual and confident but even with his mask and sunglasses, he couldn't hide the red flush that overtook his face.

“This is you, sir. Please let us know when you are ready to be served.” The host gestured to a closed sliding door. The hallway he had been led too was lined with them, somewhat expected from a host club. The neon pink light of the club's main room shone from the other end of the hall from which he had entered. The familiar sweet scent of the place calmed any lingering nerves he may have had, or as much as they could be calmed at this point.  

--

Minho hadn’t been waiting long when Jisung opened up the door of their reserved private room. Minho was fiddling with the silky fabric that was tied around his neck. Hyunjin had practically forced the older to wear it, and with Felix holding him down doing his hair, there wasn't much opportunity for him to object. It was practically torture having his roommates dust his cheeks with powder and forcefully play dress up with him, but a part of him knew their enthusiasm was only out of goodwill. If Felix’s ever dramatic fond clinging was enough to go by. He could never say no to those two, even if he would quite literally never admit it to another breathing soul.

As Jisung entered the room, Minho’s smile started growing.

“I don't know if I’ve ever said this before, but you clean up good”  

“You haven't, but I thought that if you were gonna lie to my face you would have held off,” Jisung stated matter-a-factly but fully red in the face. Before Minho could object the younger was waving him off, offering up a small bouquet of dainty flowers. “These are for you by the way.”

“Oh? Who would've thought you would be such a gentleman.”

“I'm not, You can thank Changbin for the flowers as he practically forced me to take them. He’s the hopeless romantic not me... I mean I still wanted to bring them to you, and I thought that the little white flowers reminded me of you, but I didn't know what they were called so Changbin had to look it up and I guess he ordered them without me knowing an-”

“They’re lovely Jisung. You look lovely too~” The older man sent a wink his way. Jisung groaned loudly in embarrassment.

“It hasn't even been two minutes and I’m already flustered being here. Great…” The pout Jisung put on only made Minho’s smile grow. There's nothing quite like teasing Jisung one on one.

“You're cute when you're flustered I can't help it”

“Hmmm what is there to eat in this place” JIsung pulled up the menu to block the older’s prying eyes. Minho laughs

---

It isn't long until the two settle back into their comfortable bubble, talking back and forth like they always do. They order food all recommended by Minho and share a glass or two of a sweet bubbly drink Jisung forgot the name of again.

“Looks like I was right again when I called you a rap star when we first met then huh?”

“I wasn't then! We barely had a thousand listeners-”

“So you admit you are one now!?”

“Hyungggg”

“Don't play humble with me Han Jisung, you guys are huge now. You blew up almost everywhere, there’s no way you guys will go anywhere but up!” Minho was bubbly and warm and it only flooded Jisung’s chest every time the older man complimented him.

“Thanks, hyungie, It's just so unbelievable. We have an interview coming up for an international magazine, that shall remain nameless . And I literally can’t believe it.” Jisung’s drink got swirled around in its glass a few more times, as he tried to distract himself from being overwhelmed.

“Well I can, I'll never NOT be a 3RACHA fan. It's ingrained in me now.” Minho placed his hand on the other's fidgeting fingers and Jisung matched the smile blossoming on Minho's face. Crescent eyes. Cute.

Minho felt the younger slip momentarily into worry and fear and decided he couldn’t let that happen. Pulling out his phone he scrolled until he found the video he was looking for.

“What is this hyung?”

“Just watch it Sungie, it's for you.” Jisung looked up confused but pressed play obediently.

Immediately the sounds of a song being recorded played through the room. Soon footsteps and shoe scuffs added another layer of depth to the video’s sounds. Minho let the boy across from him watch the video in peace, having memorized it per millisecond already.

Heavy breathing and the music ended signified the end of the dance practice. Jisung was surprisingly silent, still staring at the screen. Minho’s instinct was to clearly fill the growing silence.

“It’s still in the early stages of being choreographed but I’ve been working on it for a while, and I realized I never sent you a dance video before, and I just thought tonight would be best. I mean, first date, passed the first audition, dance video, it all kinda comes to-”

“Hyung how are you so beautiful.” Jiung had interrupted Minho’s rambling for once, and looking up Minho found two swirling galaxies staring back at him. Jisung’s eyes were sparkling with wonder and something Minho wasn’t quite ready to name. He was looking at him with unrestricted awe. And Minho was speechless, and suddenly emotional.

A part of Minho felt choked up looking back at Jisung, and it was a feeling he realized had always been there. The wave of emotion had always been inside of his chest, slowly building momentum every time Jisung would laugh at his joke or hold his hand. Apparently, all it took was the sweet boy to call Minho “beautiful” for the floodgates to open.

Currently fighting the sudden rush of emotion and the threat of his watering eyes Minho looked away. Thankfully Jisung had returned to earth momentarily to break their brief silence.

“Just wow Hyung, you're phenomenal in everything you do. That was amazing. Thank you so much for showing me. How are you real, sometimes I can hardly believe you're actually standing in front of me or that you're actually holding my hand.” “Jisung please, you don't have to say that.” Minho was already fighting the waterworks and now had to battle Jisung’s onslaught of praise. No one had ever held him or praised him like Jisung does before.

“But I mean it. Every word so much You’ll never know how much I mean it when I say you're breathtaking. You dance with such passion, a-and to a piece you've created!” Jisung’s smile was hurting his face but he couldn't help it. The song was even one that Jisung had impulsively sent the older in the early morning. Minho danced to the song like it was meant for him. And Jisung was so infatuated with the other that he's pretty sure that every song in the whole world was meant for Minho to dance to.

“Hyung you have to perform that for your next audition. I may know literally zero details or requirements for your academy audition but Min, if you do something you choreograph like that, there is literally no way you won't get in.”

Minho knew Jisung’s words and promises were dangerous, but for once a part of him felt hopeful. Jisung’s enthusiasm was something he didn't realize he had been missing. Someone on his side, cheering him on, believing in him, that wasn't something Minho had the luxury of having. It's the risk of never opening yourself up, Minho has always done it to stay safe, but allowing the younger in has given Minho more life than he ever thought he could gain.

Minho never was one for words, he’ll leave that to Jisung, but his smile and the reach for the other’s hand are enough to say “thanks”, then Minho would ever be able to say. Minho was going to pursue his dreams and do it with Jisung’s hand in his.

Knock Knock.

The gentle knock at the door interrupted the two’s soft hand-holding session. The door opened to reveal their server for the night with a bottle and two glasses in hand.

“Sorry to interrupt gentlemen, the owner wanted to send her appreciation with a gift.”

The handsome host motioned to a bottle of expensive-looking champagne that had Minho rolling his eyes at his noona’s shenanigans. Jisung couldn’t help but laugh and nodded to accept the gift.

Before the server left he spoke up, “The Owner also wants to send her blessing for you both.” Even he sounded reluctant to relay the message, discreetly rolling his eyes to himself.

Minho joined him, “Be sure to let her know we appreciate her sentiment. I hope she's paying you extra for this though Mingi-ssi.” Their server, Mingi apparently, blushes slightly but smiles at the older host’s requests.

“Wait so you know him too?”

“He started right when I was wrapping up my shifts here, but I remember him being a young tall guy. I'm sure Momo-noona recruited him off of that alone.” picking up his glass he offered the other to Jisung.

“Noona does have a tendency to meddle with her employees' personal lives, so we all kinda relate. She means well though, plus she likes gifting free bottles of champagne so I can't complain.”

Jisung giggles. He can definitely see what Minho means, especially after she had personally pulled him aside that one night. Jisung tries to brush it off as not being that serious but he still has her warning properly burned in his brain.

“To having my Momo-noona’s blessing to drink with the world’s newest star boy.” Jisung blushed at the nickname because of course he did, and raised his glass to meet the older’s.

“And here's to the sweetest thing on the menu, Lee Minho.”

Clink.

“Han that was so cheesy, I have to call you out.”

“I’m trying my best here babe.”

---

Jisung returned from the Sweet Lotus a smile plastered across his face. Unsurprisingly Chan had been texting him to make sure he had gotten to and from the Sweet Lotus alright. Knowing Chan’s tendency to worry over him, Jisung was almost expecting to find his older brother waiting for him in their living room when he got home.

“Hey Ji, how was your night?” Chan was doing his best to be casual and cover up his apprehension for the younger, but he wasn't doing a very good job at it. Jisung gently sighed at the older’s insistence but responded innocently.

“It was really nice hyung! Got to eat and talk to Minho in person for a whole night. What more could I ask for.” Jisung was enjoying his time on Cloud 9 for as long as he could.

“That’s g-great Ji, I uh am really glad.” Chan’s protective nature was on full display at this point and Jisung was starting to get anxious just listening to his hyung pretending to be casual about it.

“D-did you have any trouble? Do you think anyone saw you?”

Jisung pulled a heavy eye roll this time, his smile from earlier starting to pull down from his mouth. “No Hyung. I told you I would let you know if anything happened and it was all fine. No one saw me but our server and Minho. It was a really nice night, can I please enjoy it.”

Chan frowned slightly having been caught in his prodding, “I know, I’m sorry Ji. We’re really glad you finally got to have a nice night out and I know Minho would never do anything to threaten your safety. There are just a lot more dangers out there than heartbreak now. And we just want to prote-”

“Why can't you JUST trust me.”

“What do you mean? Of course we trust you.” The confused look on Chan’s face didn't keep Jisung from continuing with the full force of his emotions.

“You keep talking to me like a fragile teenager! I’m not Hyung, I'm an adult now. I learned my lesson about going out when there's press outside, so why can't you trust me to just be smart?”

“We know you aren’t! We trust you, we just want to protect you. The media can be insane and I know you aren’t the biggest fan of that attention. There is only so much the company can do if they run with a story about any of us. You know they aren't especially gentle with dating rumors. And definitely not same-sex couples, they would be relentless-”

“PLease stop Hyung. Okay, I get it. I’ve thought about all of this before, do you really think I don't know that! I will be safe okay. Just freaking trust me for ONCE.”

Jisung was tired of always being treated like 3RACHA’s stupid younger brother. Of course, he was thankful for all his hyungs had done for him, even Chan, but being TOLD constantly about how he should be careful and everything made him feel patronized at best.

“We trust you Ji… Just don't go out on your own without telling us, okay? I just don't want to see you get hurt.” It was more of an order than a suggestion and they both knew it.

“Fine, hyung.”

“I’m glad you had a nice date Ji.” Chan looked tired and sheepish at their argument, but he didn't regret it if it meant Jisung would be safer.

“Thanks hyung, goodnight.”

“Night.” Chan made his way up to his room, leaving Jisung to sulk on his own in the kitchen. Jisung was flooded with frustration, feeling like he couldn't enjoy anything without the consequences of being reminded that he wasn’t like every other “normal” twenty-year-old his age. What absolute bullshit .

---

Despite his promise to Chan to not sneak, that's exactly what Jisung found himself doing throughout the week. Of course, he does his best to be discreet and careful. Average clothes? Check. Face mask and hat? Check. Turning off his phone location? Check.

At this point Jisung felt almost like an average rebellious teen, disobeying their parents, except of course, Jisung was merely down dressing to avoid the eyes of the media and the disappointment of his hyung. Still, the ability to blend in with the crowd on the bus to Minho’s house was enough for him to feel like he could go back to being faceless and catch his breath.

JJP ent. had just debuted a new girl band group that was gaining a lot of media attention, and luckily for Jisung and the company, the media’s searching eyes seemed to be lifted from 3RACHA for the moment. Jisung’s small quests to his unofficial boyfriend's apartment across town had only become more frequent, as Jisung felt the gazes on them lift.

-

“Jisungie!”

“Hey Lixie!” Felix opened the door for Jisung for probably the fourth time that week. Both of Minho’s roommates didn't seem to mind his presence in their space, and in fact, always seemed to have their spirits lifted if they happened to intercept him.

“I’m glad you made it safely Sung.” Minho always greeted him with a hug that felt the weight of the day’s stress was taken off his shoulders. Escaping to the small apartment had become Jisung’s therapy almost. Trading the cold expansive space of the loft for the warm homey gentleness of Minho’s arms around him was the healing he couldn't get anywhere else.

-

The general business of 3RACHA’s schedule allowed for Jisung to sneak around without his hyungs noticing. Well, accept for one night when Changbin was returning from the gym as Jisung slipped out of their loft door. Jisung tried his best to hide his guilt but Changbin simply gave him a raised eyebrow and a well wish to be safe.

Jisung pushed away at the guilt of having been caught, but Changbin let him go without any questions. The older had the philosophy that Han would have to learn on his own, and his judgment wouldn’t have any more authority than what Chan had already told him. Also, there was such a thing as a healthy amount of secrets. An amount of personal information they keep to themselves. It is rare for them but permits a level of freedom necessary for the trio to remain the hard-working coordinated group that they have been for years. They all had their own demons and Changbin wasn’t one to judge his younger friend's. He knew that at the end of the day anything that hurt Jisung would, in turn, hurt him and Chan, but they would never falter from giving Jisung the support he might need.

-

Jisung found his way into Minho’s arms more nights than not. Minho’s “I'll always protect you Jisung” was a lullaby that he drifted off to sleep to. As much as he wished he could take the older out in public without fear of repercussion, that wasn't a realistic possibility. Not with the budding musician's career. Minho knew that the press would be relentless and the damage on 3RACHA’s career would be unredeemable if it got out to the press and out of hand. The privilege to have Jisung spend his free time with him was enough. Ramen and movie nights that went into the late mornings, if their schedules allowed, left Minho feeling more refreshed and content with every passing sunrise.

Minho’s hopefulness in himself had only grown since he had met the younger. And as he worked meticulously to prepare for his second audition for his Dream academy, Jisung was always there with encouraging words and smiles that pushed him to not give up just yet. The sun would rise shining through the bedroom window bathing the room with warm clear light. Minho would wake up to a heart-shaped smile to match his heart's own contentedness, and for a moment Jisung made him feel invincible.

---

“What are you doing here?!” Jisung somehow didn’t think he would be seeing the older this weekend, they had shared similar sentiment over the past week that they were looking forward to a no-plan-weekend.

“What do you mean I work here.” Hyunjin mused sarcastically. Felix hit him, and got up enthusiastically to greet them. 

“WE’RE BIRTHDAY TWINS, we HAVE to celebrate” Felix hugged him immediately. Jisung was surprisingly comfortable in his clingy embrace. Something about the disarming nature of the boy made it feel almost natural, and maybe it was. Clearly a bit tipsy already the freckled boy talked animatedly about how excited he was to finally have a friend that was “LITERALLY” his age. Jisung admittedly could relate, and found himself beaming right back at his new companion.

---

Minho hadn’t taken his eyes off the youngest rapper since he ‘walked’, stumbled, through the door. He was initially afraid that Jisung would feel sore about celebrating his birthday with Felix but the bright look in his eyes when they met his, smoothed any of those anxieties. 

Last week, Minho was more than surprised to get a text from an unknown number. It turned out just to be Bang Chan looking to plan a get together between the lot of them for the youngest’s birthday. Tragic backstory and all, Chan was sure to elaborate on Jisung’s dreams of going out with his friends.

“He really just wants to be a normal kid ya know, well not a kid exactly, and not normal by any means, but you get my point. To be honest, as hyungs we feel bad for taking that away from him. He's so pure at heart really, and he works so hard, and I know he doesn't sleep enough, but does anyone really? hahaha, anyway...” Minho found that Chan rambled just like Jisung, it was painfully endearing. 

Of course, Minho had agreed to let them help coordinate a get together. It was mostly Chan who had his own work cut out for him. Negotiating with their company about last minute free time was a challenge but he just had to reassure their management that everything was in place and promise that they wouldn't do anything “newsworthy” to potentially hurt their debut. Minho reassured them that dispute the host club’s reputation, Sweet Lotus was probably the most secure club in town.

Chan had been frantically messaging Minho just an hour ago, about how they couldn't find Jisung, only to get a message ten minute later apologizing and reassuring him that he was actually just buried on the couch. Chan gave off single parent vibes so strongly, Minho can’t help but let his guard down, and found himself warming up to the 3RACHA leader quickly. He looks rather relieved to have made it to the Sweet Lotus with Jisung in tow. Jisung’s loud but warm laugh filled the air and Chan’s shoulders visibly relaxed with a gentle smile stretched across his face. Minho found his heart settled comfortably in his chest as well. 

---

“EXCUSE ME EVERYONE.” Although the statement was only for the ears of the six of them, a few surrounding victims were pulled in by Hyunjin’s dramatic exclamation. “I require a toast for this evening! Even though we haven’t known each other long. THIS night, is a night of celebration, of birthdays, of new friendships, of potential one nigh-” 

“Hyunjin!” 

“Sorry… Anyway, first ones on me boys lets get it.” dramatically distributing shots of clear liquid they all did a inaugural cheers simultaneously downing the shot. Jisung made a disgusted face that triggered some subtle harassment from Changbin, who pinched his cheeks fondly. 

The night now officially blessed by Hyunjin standards, Minho decided it was probably time to actually begin the night’s planned festivities. “While I do enjoy shots of free soju, that's not exactly why we're here. Is it?”

“It's not?” Granted Jisung had no clue why he was in most situations, but he was especially lost having been told nothing prior. 

“Come on Sungie, it’ll be fun” Minho took his hand subtly, and led them up a set of stairs near the back of the bar. Soft magenta light flooded the stairwell as they made their way to the second floor. Minho nodded at the tall handsome host at the entrance, allowing them to enter the lounge freely. Upbeat music flooded the room, bodies dancing under other multicolor lights seemed so content it was almost like a scene out of a movie. Pairs of couches laided with expensive looking fabric, and even more expensive looking patrons lined the walls. A light fog dusted the floor, and everything about the room felt intoxicating and indulgent.

Jisung looked up to find Minho’s gaze already on him, warm and inviting as ever. He looked like a perfect match to the pink haze and sweet scents that surrounded him. Minho led the group with such confidence and grace he matched his beautiful environment, it was very clear why he was so popular when he had worked at the Sweet Lotus. He embodied the very image. The self conscious part of his brain wouldn’t let him enjoy the image long though.  

Something about him couldn't help but feel like he stuck out. Sure Changbin had dressed him up for their outing, but he still couldn’t help but feel like he didn't belong to be surrounded by people as beautiful as his new friends. 3RACHA wasn’t exactly known for their beautiful charms or dainty visuals. Minho, Felix with his whimsical smile, and Hyunjin with his undaunting charisma were all in their element here. Jisung always had a rough time figuring out his image outside of 3RACHA.

Apparently sensing his anxiety he felt Minho's hand hold on to his firmer, and even Chan left a gentle pat on his head. Already situated themselves in a secluded booth near the back, Changbin had already gone off to order drinks for their table with Hyunjin, Felix was talking to Chan about their shared home town, Sydney. And then there was Minho. Looking at him with a raised eyebrow and a questioning look. 

“What, is there something on my face?” 

Minho’s giggles somehow sound like bells, Jisung can’t explain why. “No, no you just seem uneasy. I just want to make sure you're actually happy to be here”

“I am I promise! I'm just really surprised, I had a long day and I didn't really know what was happening until we got here, and I’ve never been to a place like this before, and I haven't seen you in a while and, wow let me tell you it's really good to see you.” Suddenly he felt like his face and hands were on fire. His connected hand with Minho’s burned with the realization. 

“Also you're still holding my hand! Did you know that? In case you didn't know I just wanted to make sure you knew. Not that I want you to stop I actually really enjoy it, but just in case you like forgot or somet-”

“You're adorable Sungie.” Minho’s eyes remained locked on Jisung with overwhelming fondness. Just ask Jisung, he was definitely overwhelmed. His face continued growing hotter until he saw a hand outstretched with a glass of liquor in front of his face.

“Ji, take the drink and close your jaw you'll thank me later.” Chanbin coaxed the flustered brunette to drink the bitter alcohol he had brought. Tearing away from Minho’s intense stare, he accepted the drink and took a sizable sip from the glass.

“LEE MINHO.” The 3RACHA boys all practically jumped out of their skins at the booming voice. While subtle grins formed on the unbothered roomates.

“Ope, Who told on me?” Minho asked, completely unfazed, looking at his roommate accusingly.

“It wasn't me….” Hyunjin’s lists of excuses died in his throat, as a woman dressed in a sparkling purple dress made her way over to their corner booth, finger already pointing accusingly at Minho. 

“How dare you show your face in this place after 3 months, without a WORD.” The woman almost sounded betrayed and hurt through her voice. Still it was obvious that the threatening woman immediately demanded respect with the way she held herself. Although her words were sharp her graceful features didn't deliver much real malice other than signs irritation at the oldest dancer.

“I’m sorry, Noona time got away from me~” Minho flashed his innocent puppy eyes and added a subtle charm to his words that the beautiful woman seemed to be completely immune to.

“Uh huh, and I'll pretend I believe that excuse.” Something akin to a standoff seemed to be occurring between the two. 

“But ONLY because I missed seeing your pretty face around here.” 

“...Guys, this is Momo-noona she owns Sweet Lotus.” Hyunjin’s attempt to provide the bystanders with some context broke the light tension in the air. Momo shifted her expression to a bright smile that suddenly screamed gentle kindness, void of all the intensity it had previously held at Minho.

Seemingly hoping to aid in the situation Chan jumped in to respond, “Oh well, it's great to meet you, I’m Ch-”

“Oh, don't worry, I know exactly who you are.” The eldest member’s eyes widened and a nervous laugh escaped his lips, not expecting to be recognized. Especially by the semi-threatening woman.

“You're the hometown heroes around here, the next big thing in the music industry hmmm?” 

The trio seemed to only be more cemented in their stunned silence. Momo’s smug expression did not last long before transforming into a large smile and welcoming expression. Her aura radiated a welcoming feeling, unmatched, even by her employed hosts.

“Truly, it's my pleasure that I get to host the 3RACHA boys, you'll always be welcomed here.”  

“I- uh um, Were flattered really, Thank-” Changbin stumbled out.

“You don't have to Thank me any sweet Changbinnie~ as long as you enjoy yourselves and promise to visit again. I’m happy.” Changbin’s ears glowed red at that, thankfully hidden by the colored lights.

“How do you know us so well? Is Hyunjin gossiping more than he should be?” Jisung poked some fun at the bartender.

“Hey! Confidentiality is our highest priority. I would NEVER!” Hyunjin crossed his arms defensively, sinking further into their booth.

Momo giggled, content with her employee’s loyalty, “Thank you for that Jinnie, but no a friend of  Sana is a friend of mine”

“Wait you know Sana-noona?” Jisung was surprised that Sana actually talked about them to her friends, a part of him hoped she was proud to be associated with them.

“Mhm, believe it or not your sweet Sana-nonna is my closest friend. We’re thick as thieves, we were even roommates for a few years when we first arrive in Korea” 

“Woah” Changbin was definitely glowing with some pride now at the implied indirect compliments and recognition. Meanwhile Chan was still trying to connect the dots in his head from all of the new information, a cute confused look on his face.

Momo took a moment to lean closer to Jisung’s face. Acknowledging their hands that were still joined. Directing her attention back on Minho with a smirk, “He’s a cutie Lee Know. I’ll give you a pass on abandoning me for months, if this one is the one stealing away from my establishment.”

  Minho grew red at the use of his past host name, and personal nickname from Momo. Minho’s nervous laugh erupted out of him. “Aaahhhhh okay Momo-noona thanks! it was great seeing you, ah would you look at that I need another drink. Come with me Hannie.” 

Minho was slightly scrambling to escape the booth in embarrassment at Momo’s dramatic encounter with them all. Jisung was pulled in tow from their joined hands. 

“Oh okay, it was nice meeting you Momo-ssi.” Jisung used his free hand to wave at their booth before they disappeared into the dancing crowd. 

Hyunjin had revived himself from the booth, giggling at his retreating roommate. Felix joined in too, and enjoyed seeing the flustered side of their hyung.

“Is he always that precious. I just have the urge to pinch his cheeks.” Alluding to Jisung, Momo turned to the remaining 3RACHA boys for confirmation.

“We all do.” Chan’s full charming smile and older brother's pride visible on full display.

---

The night continued as “planned”, once the unofficial couple returned from the bar. More alcohol was ordered to sustain the drinking games that Hyunjin had spearheaded into teaching the rest of them. Being the current university student apparently was enough qualification for the rest of them to follow without any resistance. 

“Okay and so once your turn is done you pass your glass to the next person and they have to go.” Although full of enthusiasm the rules didn't make sense, nor could anyone properly follow them, so it ended up just being Hyunjin yelling at the each of them when they should or shouldn't drink. 

“CHANGBIN they won on your turn, so that means you do a shot!” 

“What I- Okay hand me the bottle.” Without even pouring a glass, he shot back an acceptable amount of soju for Felix to drunkenly cheer from beside him. 

“Yay Changbin!!! Join me on my journey to blackout.”

“Lix baby, that should not be your goal.”

“It never is.” Felix sighed at his hyungs concerns, but not before taking a sip from his fruity cocktail he had ordered earlier. Jisung had an identical cocktail one that he had finished quickly. Felix had originally ordered them so they could “match for their celebration”. No one could ever say no to Felix, and that remains the only thing that makes him truly dangerous.

Overall, it was a mess, but all of them finished the game substantially more tipsy when they started. Jisung was definitely starting to feel the effects of the empty bottles and glasses around him. He felt a little numb but just enough to be more comfortable and accepting of the new atmosphere. Having not expected any of this tonight, he definitely found himself surprised that they all had gotten through the large number of bottles that the uniformed waitress had brought them not even an hour ago. 

The buzzed feeling in his body didn't make him any less aware of his company though. Felix's bubbly personality comforted and uplifted the whole group. Changbin ended up being a  relatively heavy drinker, having lost the most rounds during their games, and became more animated as the night went on. Chan was smiling almost non-stop and it made Jisung glad to see his oldest hyung relax and enjoy a night out, after working so hard for so long. Hyunjin’s laugh would echo through each conversation making the environment warm and fun. Jisung never would have thought that the fabled “night out” trope would actually feel relaxing. He couldn't help but smile to see his hyungs and his new friends become closer. So much of his life has shifted since meeting Minho.

Minho’s hand had been disconnected from his still they returned but they still sat knee to knee in the booth. The shared warmth of their legs and the mindless fiddling of fingers when Minho would reach over to play with the frayed strings on the holes of his jeans, kept the content feeling of butterfly wings steadily in his stomach. Jisung felt full of bliss as well as soju. 

-

Minho was mostly focused on all the group’s conversations and the liquid level of his glass, but every so often would sneak glances beside him to make sure Jisung was still smiling. Sometimes staring back, sometimes not but Minho wanted to make sure the other was enjoying his birthday celebration. The smile that had been plastered on Jisung’s face and his infectious laugh that flooded the room, was enough to reassure the older. 

Minho managed to stay just relatively tipsy for most of the night but the rest of his roommates did not seem to be as in control of their drinking as he was tonight. Hyunjin had descended into his sleepy contemplative state of drunk while Felix was practically buzzing with electricity as he talked off the 3RACHA members’, and anyone who would listen’s, ear off. 

Drawing back in to see how Jisung was doing he found that the younger boy’s eyes were already on him. A heart shaped smile spread across his face as their eyes met. 

“Before you give me those dopey eyes again. Yes, Minho-hyung I am having  a good time and have been since the last time you checked.”

Minho forced his mouth to close after being caught. He was about to deny his accusation when Jisung just reached for his hand and held it smiling, actively shutting the other up. Suddenly very distracted by the way the neon lights bounced off the others' faces to leave it practically glowing. Minho had always found himself curious of how Jisung could be so breathtaking and still act like he didn't know it. Jisung laughed at Minho’s expression, and who was he to not join him. He would never be able to deny that the younger’s laugh was irresistible. 

“Oh my god I love this song, come dance with meeee” A loud, very drunk Felix shouts, as the sunshine boy practically pulls Changbin, also a rather enthusiastic drunk, and Minho toward the dance floor. The inhuman strength of the younger when he is intoxicated is enough to somehow get his other two companions to their feet. Minho flashes an apologetic glance and an extra squeeze to Jisung’s hand at being physically yanked from their little moment. 

Jisung, understanding enough, just laughs at Felix’s drunk antics and motions for them to go ahead. Leaving him at the booth with a drunk Chan who is currently holding some “deep” conversation with a very tipsy Hyunjin. Seems Chan’s dad-like charms had gotten the princely boy to open up to him. This night had definitely ended up different than Jisung had first though but he'd be lying to say he wasn’t enjoying all of it.

“Han Jisung.”

Jisung looked up to find Sweet Lotus’s owner giving him an inviting expression. He couldn’t lie that Momo did not scare him a little. But he would say that if anything he just respectfully found her to be intimidating. 

“Oh hai.” Jisung tried his best to sober up and put on a friendly face. 

“Would you come with me for a moment?” Jisung nodded and got up from their table following the woman to a somewhat quieter area of the clubs open concept near some standing tables.

“So. I’m happy to see you are what's keeping my Lino so busy.” Her friendly smile grew wide.

“What me? No Minho has just been working hard on his other job. He also has auditions and dance and everything.” 

“Hmmm, I don't know. Minho has always had a lot on his plate, but I’ve never seen him actually look this happy.” 

“Really?” Jisung had never really considered how much Minho could have changed because of him. He didn't know much of Minho’s past. Before they had talked he was simply the nice attractive waiter he had given his number to. 

Jisung’s shock was clearly evident on his face, and Momo’s eyes softened at the confused, small, and slightly tipsy boy in front of her.

“Really I mean it, and if anyone would know it's me.” Jisung relaxed visibly, but still held on to  his apprehension. 

“Jisung, I know you're a good kid. Sana’s told me a lot about you boys and she really swears by it. That you're something special, and I can see it too.” Jisung’s heart lifted in his chest a little with pride for his group. But Momo’s expression remained serious. 

“But to me, Minho is truly something special, and I feel like you already know that”

“I knew immediately.” He nodded aggressively, and spoke freely with his filters gone due to the alcohol. Momo giggled at Jisung’s honesty.

“You're such a sweetheart Jisung, but I want to give you some advice about Minho.”

Jisung nodded enthusiastically.

“Minho may be the shining gem he seems to be, but he's also fragile. He's not always as confident as he appears, and can be really stubborn.” 

Momo’s expression grew somber for a moment before continuing, “What I’m trying to say is look out for him. Please. He’s placed a lot of faith in you already. So be sure to take care of him, and don't let him push you away. He's a fool with his emotions, especially when he's scared.”

Jisung could feel the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, but it was a weight he wanted to be worthy of bearing for Minho.

“I’m trusting you here Jisung-ah, Minho stopped letting me take care of him a long time ago, and I'm afraid he's been on his own for longer than he should to be. I would love to see you continue to make him happy.” Momo’s smile was full of fondness now, but something about it was still slightly somber.

Jisung didn't want to let her trust in him go to waste. “I always want to be by Minho-hyung’s side, I promise to do my best Momo-ssi” 

Momo laughs with her slightly disarming giggles, her expression visibly relaxing back into a friendly smile. “Sana’s right you really don’t know how powerful you are.” 

“What do you mean?” Jisung was confused at the sudden change in conversation but he found Momo’s change in demeanor to be comforting that she believed in him, at least a little bit, to heed her warnings. 

“She means you're too cute for your own good.” Minho voiced from just behind Jisung, making his head turn quick enough to catch Minho draping his arm around the younger’s shoulders.

“Noona are you done terrorizing my Sungie now?”

“I would never! Right Jisung~” Momo winked her eyes playfully in response.

Jisung tried his best to cover up his confusion, and flashed his most convincing innocent puppy dog eyes, “Yeah hyung we were just talking.” 

“About me I hope.” Minho giggled at them both, only slurring his words slightly. Turning his head toward Jisung, leaving barely two inches between their faces. But alcohol has a funny way of erasing their usual personal boundaries.

“Well I'm stealing you away now, less talky and more dancy for the birthday boy.” Minho giggled more and Jisung felt his heart leap in response, as he moved the two of them toward the dance floor.

“Have fun boys~” Momo waved and watched them disappear into the crowd with a hopeful smile on her face.

---

The night progressed full of dancing, longing stares, and being too close to each other for it to be considered friendly. Eventually the pair’s roommates had headed home or disappeared off for the night, leaving Minho and Jisung alone in the pink neon lights of the Sweet Lotus. Jisung’s night out had been everything he could’ve hoped for and more. It took more effort than either of them would like to admit to let go of each other's hand once they had to depart for the night. 

Almost every part of Jisung was screaming for him to not let the other leave, and that he should stay. But both of them knew that the morning would just bring them more work, that sadly didn't leave room for long morning’s together. 

But If Jisung was only able to let go of Minho’s hand after the older had to let it go in order to cup his cheek instead, and give him with a gentle kiss goodnight, that was between the two of them as far as Jisung was concerned. And if Jisung went to bed smiling like a fool with red cheeks and red lips then that was for only him to know. And if Minho’s smile mirrored Jisung’s while he stayed up thinking about pink lights and heart shaped smiles, then that was only his to know. 

-----

Thank you for reading ily <3

[Rich Boy Han Jisung]

2:50 pm

Minho-hyung!

I hope your day has been going well~

Sadly, no updates on when ill be free :/ 

They’re working us hard for the debut

It’s alright Ji, work hard!

You better be taking care of yourself tho...

4:03 pm (new)

Have you heard this song? Made me think of you :)

{link attached}

I hope you like it!!!!

Oh, no i havent

I’ll give it a listen ^-^

As of late it wasn’t uncommon for Jisung to send the older songs he thought he would like. Always saying some cheesy line that was so blatantly sweet it made Minho flustered everytime. This time of course was no exception. 

Ping.

HYUNG THAT EMOJI

Asjdnjsfma

I knew I was rubbin goffon you 

Kkkkk

Dont get too ahead of yourself 

atleast I can still type coherent sentences

~goffon~ 

Boo :p

Why Jisung was so persistent about sending him songs was lost on the older, but it was a sweet reminder that someone was thinking about him. It had been a while since Minho had even imagined that someone took a few minutes of their day to actually consider how he was doing. It didn't quite make sense to him that suddenly out of nowhere, there was his boy, man, person, who purposefully took the time to dedicate brain cells to his existence. Wild. 

Minho hurriedly clicked the link to the song that Jisung had sent. It was an upbeat song, with a strong but subtle strumming of a guitar to keep the song’s pace just quick enough to be comfortable. “There's no one else that could ever hold me like you do.” The lyrics were in the realm of positive longing and companionship, but the dips into minor chords and tone of the singer created a mood of desperation. More than anything, the song brought forth a story to Minho. One that he could see with his eyes close and feel his body wanting to move to. 

A smile stretched across his face, as he rose from his spot on the floor, dusting off the dull ache and pressure in his shoulders from having just finished a routine not even 10 minutes ago. 

“But I know that I'd be crazy, Not to wanna be the one to keep you up all night”

Woah there Jisung, at least take me out to dinner first. He made a mental note to tease the younger later about his “Made me think of you :)” line later. Already stretching and drawing a plan in his head, Minho took his phone and saved the song, pressing the repeat button twice, to allow the guitar chords and chorus harmonies to carry on endlessly. A smirk stretched into an excited smile. Not wanting to jinx himself, a shy “finally” was whispered in the back of Minho’s mind at the surge of inspiration, but not spoken aloud just yet.

---

Flashing lights, heavy makeup, hot clothing, and too much fog from the smoke machine is all Jisung had thought about for the last couple hours. 3RAHCHA was in their last photo shoot for their debut. The concept photos would be released later through the week, slowly revealing the three members and their group as officially signed with JJP ent. 

The multicolor lights had been running through his vision for so long that as soon as he walked into their Green Room, he had almost forgotten what color everything actually was. Looking in the mirror he saw the blonde highlighted streaks in his hair had settled nicely, slightly slicked back. The stylist had surely done their jobs well. Painting the three rappers up to look less like the nightcrawlers they were, and into something that leather and fishnet clad superstars might look like was definitely a challenge. Jisung had his makeup done just enough to give his eyes a smoky look to them, and grey contacts to emphasize his gaze. The ensemble he had on looked like something that had come straight from a catwalk. Fishnets crawling up his arms from his gloved hands and an asymmetrical shit he for sure would not have been able to put on without the help of his stylist-noona. All that plus some leather pants and combat boots, he definitely looked more like his persona J.One than the notorious hoodie clad couch potato named Jisung he usually found himself as. 

Having just finished his own solo shoot, he signaled Changbin to head on to the set as he returned. The older nodded from his chair in front of the makeup station, as the artist finished the final touches to his eyeliner. Jisung watched as the shorter rapper walked out to the set in a white puffer jacket that he somehow pulled off, even with the bright red pants he wore. A part of Jisung was thankful his stylist hadn’t taken that many liberties with his outfit, but the makeup and outfit Changbin wore really only emphasized his intimidating stare and the wideness of his shoulders. It was undeniable that their concept photos would come out well. 

Chan, who was seated on a couch, eating some of the provided sandwiches, was already hunched over his computer and mixing equipment again, airpods in. Probably working on tracks for their third comeback knowing him. Not wanting to jump right back into work Jisung snagged a few snacks from the buffet and found a chair he could lay on. Listening to music that wasn't work had become a rarity for Jisung in the years he had been with 3RACHA. Of course he always tried to stay on top of the recent pop and hip hop trends, but straying any farther than his trusty morning and workout playlists was more than unlikely. 

Lately though, Jisung found himself looking through a lot of random indie, alternative, “western” pop, and especially dance music. The versatility of the genres was comforting to Jisung in the rather turbulent state his emotions and mental state have been in, as the debut approached. Also Minho. Meeting Minho definitely had introduced a whole new set of feelings Jisung was still working on navigating. As he listened to the different songs that populated this radio, he told himself he was just looking for some inspiration for his lyrics and 3RACHA’s new music, but even he knew that was mostly a lie. 

Ever since that night at the bar with Minho he found himself always considering the older and what he would think of a song or how he would dance to it, or if he would even like it. After pointing out that he liked a particularly upbeat pop song with melancholic lyrics, during their impromptu karaoke session, Jisung had been delvinging into all related categories to find songs he thought the older might enjoy. He wanted more than anything to inspire his older companion? Partner? (that was a later Jisung question.) but he wanted to repay the man who had allowed him to get out of his creative slump. That night, as soon as the youngest rapper had returned to the 3RACHA “house” he felt the start of at least 5 separate tracks and choruses appear in his brain. His two hyungs jumped into action along with him as Jisung desperately tried to write and record everything that was jumping out of his brain at once. 

Jisung remembered Chan’s smile and encouraging words as he fitted a few of his new verses to songs they had previously put on the shelf. After finding a particularly emotional but upbeat song he immediately wanted to send it to Minho. He always got hung up on what to say with the link. Other than the thought vomit that occurred every time he chooses to send him a potentially good song: “Found this song? U Like???” No Jisung, what are you five?? “I think you will enjoy this song. Please give it a listen? :0” No that just sounds desperate. 

“You doing alright there Ji, I can hear you sighing through my earbuds?” Chan peeked out from under his styled bangs with a raised eyebrow, sending Jisung into a red embarrassed mess that he had been caught. He hoped his layers of foundation would cover it up. 

“Yeah fine fine, don't worry. I’m FINE.” Attempting to hide Jisung curled up tighter into his arm chair. Just be casual Jisung it's a song not a marriage proposal dear god. “Have you heard this song? Made me think of you :)” Good, yes fine. Send.

Minho responded immediately and cutely with an emoji that made his heart jump a little. Minho would respond always with a variation of a “Thanks! I’ll go listen”, but Jisung had yet to receive any confirmation that the older actually enjoyed the links he sent, much less had found some inspiration in them. At this point the only thing he could do was hope. He wanted nothing more than Minho to be smiling because of him.

--

Officially exhausted, it wasn’t until late when the 3RACHA boys had finally made it back to their apartment. The day Jisung had, had been anything but short. Almost collapsing immediately on the couch. Sana notified them that she had already ordered food to be delivered for dinner and that they should go to bed as soon as they had finished eating. Chan looked like he was about to pass out on the couch before the food even arrived, which was more than likely at this point. After their shoot they were immediately sent to a few other meetings laying out their marketing and schedule plans for the upcoming weeks. Although glad they were able to part with their artistic and career decisions with their company, it did add a lot of work and responsibilities to the trio. 

Jisung’s phone had died somewhere after meeting 3 of 5 and he had submitted to having to carry the lifeless brick with him anyway. Not ideal for his wandering mind and anxiety that comes with a few too many stressful meetings. Once finally arriving home he went and plugged his phone in at the charger on the kitchen counter. Lighting up with notification buzzes as it rebooted back to life. 

[ 5 new messages from Lee Minho hyungie]

Immediately cursing himself internally for not bringing his charger with him, he opened his messages from Minho ignoring all others. 

[Lee Minho hyungie]

5:45 pm

Hey Jisungie, just finished up practice!

Actually may or may not have danced to the song u sent…

Maybe I’ll show you some day hehehehehehehehe ;)

7:21 pm

Han Jisung, did you forget your charger again >:/ 

Well I’m off to my late shift, I hope you have a good night~

Jisung always found himself smiling at Minho’s before work texts. They were always so cute. Either some sort of sweet well wishing or some other Minho-esque goodbye, along the lines of “don’t die mysteriously while i'm gone ;p” or “Have a good night, try not to miss my WONDERFUL company too much <3”. (The hearts always made Jisung grin hard, even if they were sarcastic)

This night though, Jisung found him almost jumping in victory at Minho’s text. 

[Lee Minho hyungie]

12:35 am

YOU DANCED TO THE SONG

Really?!?!?!

What did you like about it? 

When can I see????

You better not leave me on read after work!

Jisung tried to imagine what kind of dance Minho would do to the track he sent,and suddenly found himself flush at the thought of watching the other dance. Somehow, watching Minho dance, felt more intimate than any other situation that they’ve shared. Thankfully Minho seemed to want to hold off, so at least of the time being Jisung’s heart was safe. The exhaustion and stress from the day faded ever so slightly as soon as he thought of Minho with coordinating blush to match. 

Jisung you lovestruck fool.

“Jisung! Food’s here!!! If you don't hurry Chan’ll eat your portion again.”

“HEY! It was one time.” Laughter filled the apartment gently as they all respectively fought gravity to get up and make their way to collect the food from the delivery man.  

---

Minho tore up the stairs and through their apartment door as quickly as he could without spilling the carry out food he had in his arms. The clock was ticking a little past midnight and fear set in that the older would miss their planned celebrations. 

Bursting through the door, “Did I beat him?!” The oldest was frazzled from rushing in order to beat their third roommate home from work.

“Barely! I was afraid you wouldn’t make it, with having to bring the carry out.” Hyunjin’s sigh of relief was visible throughout the boy's now relaxed body. He had spent the last ten minutes hoping that they would still be able to pull off their surprise party for the youngest. Pacing around and failing to come up with any backup plans if Minho had been later than Felix. Thankfully for them both, Minho had a way of always being on time. 

“Hey all that matters is I made it. Is everything else ready?” Looking around Minho could see that Hyunjin’s bed was transitioned back into the couch setting and that the floors had been tidied up. A couple stray balloons littered the floor as well as a home made “happy birthday felix” sign hung from their living room screen divider. 

“Yep, I've just been waiting anxiously for you to get home for the past half hour.”

The door handle of their apartment began to jiggle, signaling the two boys to spring into action. Minho setting down the carry out, and Hyunjin frantically lights candles on the small cake on the coffee table. The door swung open, revealing a disheveled after-work Felix wandering through the door. As soon as the boy turned toward their living room, he was accosted with shouts and the flailing limbs of his hyungs. 

“Surprise!!!” “Happy Birthday!!!” 

Felix’s smile erased any of the signs of exhaustion off his face immediately as soon as he spotted his hyungs excited expressions. The cake, the streamers, the balloons, and sign all sparked some joyful tearing of his eyes as he set down his things and made his way to the small cake with a few random lit candles on top. The clock had crossed over into the next day as Felix had made his way home, that he had almost forgotten that it was now technically the early morning hours of his birthday. Coming home to joyful cheers instead of their usual exhausted silence had given him a certain happiness that he hadn’t realized he was missing. 

For all of three of the roommates this was their first time having a celebration in their small home together. By now the sense of home was undeniable and without realizing it all of them had begun to consider each other and their shared 3 room apartment, home. 

The disjointed singing of happy birthday followed by the laughter and conversation surrounded their coffee table as the three enjoyed their small carryout feast and cake. The warmth that their company gave each other lasted well into the night.

“Hyung! It's my birthday, stop eating all the cake!!!” 

“I have no idea what youre talking about Lixie.” Minho says while actively taking another bite of their 2 person sized cake. 

“Hyung!” The laughter of the oldest filled the room followed by the other two’s not too long after.

“Happy Birthday Lixie~” The smile hadn’t left the freckled boys faces since he had sat down, and remained as he pulled his two roommates into a forceful hug. It was his birthday so the boys both submitted to the clingy nature of their third roommate, as always.

---

It was late into the early morning by the time Minho had checked his phone. 

[ 5 new messages from Rich Boy Han Jisung]

A soft pang of guilt hits his chest after reading the younger’s texts and realizing that he did in fact leave the other on read for the better part of the last two hours.  

2:43 am 

I’m so sorry Sungie!

We were celebrating Felix’s birthday, and I didnt check my phone…. 

Look at the cute cake we got him!

{photo attached}

Minho sent the selfie of the three of them with Felix’s cake, if anything just to lessen the guilt in his chest. Hoping that the cuteness of Felix’s smile would be enough to forgive him for low key ghosting him for a few hours. Minho knows that on the days Jisung has the most schedules are the hardest for him mentally, and he always tries his best to be there for him and send him a message or two to lessen the load on those nights. The fact that he hadn’t been there tonight filled him with some worry. A part of him hoped that the younger would’ve been asleep by now but their late night track record did not exactly support that. 

---

Jisung had been lying painfully awake in his bed for an hour when he heard the buzz of his phone. Slightly upset with his body for not giving into the exhaustion he had gathered from the day, and just letting him sleep, he turned to the side table to check the messages. Awake fully ,but only mentally half conscious, he read through his messages:

Minho. Oh, yay, it's Minho.

Felix’s Birthday. Oh right he had mentioned that coming up.

Cute cake. Aw that cake is really cute… wait. 

Birthday.

I have one of those, around this time to- 

I missed my birthday. I forgot my birthday. Everyone forgot.

The cute picture Minho had sent was so filled with happiness that Jisung almost let the pain slide and pass the moment by. But something just didn't feel right in letting himself forget his own birthday. The fact that the others hadn’t remembered didn’t bother him too much. Chan, Changbin, they were all busy with schedules and he can't blame them. Especially since he, himself had forgotten. No birthday text from his family either. Unsurprising though since he rarely got in contact with them since moving to Korea in high school. He forgot though. 

He wasn’t quite sure why this was bothering him so much. Some people don't even celebrate their birthday, or remember how old they are, but Jisung had always prided himself on never letting his work take over entirely who he was. To exhausted-Jisung, he couldn’t help but feel like this was one step toward losing the grip on who he was, and that was in itself, terrifying. 

The coldness of his bed and the dark expanse of his room seemed to only perpetuate the way Jisung felt. Floating, alone, lost. His insecurity was starting to come into focus, and no wonder it had been keeping him up. He had been spiraling for days probably, without even knowing it. The buzz of his phone lit up his face, snapping him out of his own thoughts for a moment. 

[Lee Minho hyungie]

2:50 pm 

You okay Jisung? 

I hope I didn't wake you

Jisung noticed that the app had revealed that he had read the messages and was indeed awake. Unfortunately, exhausted-and--spirling-Jisung was the only one present enough to send a response. Hopefully Minho wouldn’t mind him too much. 

You didn’t wake me, was already up :/ 

It looks really fun hyung

I just realized something too

My birthday was yesterday

I forgot it

Jisung found himself fighting the watering of his eyes as he sent those messages. Why was he crying? He just forgot, he was busy. It was okay. Right? The tears seemed to only cloud his vision more, blocking him from reading the messages from Minho that were buzzing and populating the screen. Not bothering to wipe his eyes, he let them blurr.

Wh- do you- mea- ???

Jis--ng ar- y-- ok--?

I-- sorry i- di-nt -----

---- wa-t --- ca-l?

--sung?

A few moments passed, without him realizing it, as his phone buzzed some more, screen changing to the incoming call screen. Sucking up his tears and drying his damp screen, it took a few tries before answering the call.

---

“Jisung!?” Jisung nearly flinched, just nearly. 

“Hi hyung, How was work?” hoping to cover up his tears by changing the subject. Jisung thought it was a pretty good attempt.

“How wa- what, no. Jisung are you okay?” There it was again. The undeniable worry in Minho’s voice. Ow. 

“Yeah I’m okay.” Despite Jisung’s efforts it was obvious to Minho that the other had in fact been crying. Not wanting to push the younger though, he allowed him to change the subject

“.... okay, I just want to check in on you. I worry you know, Sung!” 

“About me? that's silly hyung.” The distance in his tone replaced Jisung’s usual brightness, and it hurt Minho to hear it. 

“I don't think so. How am I to know what my favorite customer is up to? You may be a soon to be rap star but that doesn’t keep you from ignoring your hyung.” Even though Jisung giggled at that, the irony of the statement wasn’t lost on Minho. A wave of guilt washed over his chest as soon as he said it. 

“I am sorry though. For not answering sooner and everything.” 

And for reminding you of your birthday, and making you cry, and not being there to make you smile.

“No don’t be sorry! That’ll only make me feel worse for bothering you… I think the exhaustion was just making me delirious, I haven't been sleeping well these past few nights.” Minho had to fight his initial protective instincts that told him to scold the younger for not taking care of himself, because a part of him knew that the younger was certainly trying his best to do so. 

“Well if you can’t sleep ever, just call me okay? I’m usually up from my shifts anyway. Plus if I'm not up surely one of my roommates is. Felix will probably never let go of you once he finds your birthday brothers." Hearing Minho's laugh lightened the tight pressure that Jisung hadn't realized had been settled in his chest.

"Okay hyung, i'd like that I think."

"You better. My time rarely comes free, and this is a limited time offer." Jisung’s laugh is a little bit more enthusiastic this time. 

“Of course hyung.” A silence came over them for a moment. Not an awkward one, more of a point of realization and relief. Like the feeling after having a good cry, in Jisung’s case. 

“Happy belated birthday Jisung.” 

“Thanks hyung… Did you have a fun time with Felix?” 

“Yeah! It was actually a lot of fun. Just some carry out and cake after work, but it was good to relax with them. We don't always have free time together, and haven’t had the chance to celebrate anything until now. Hyunnie luckily found a cake on sale at the mart today, sparking this whole thing.” 

Minho remembered the frantic call from the younger as he delved into his plans for giving Felix the “perfect surprise birthday celebration” because he had “found the perfect cake to match Felix’s cuteness.” It was on sale. Also because “Come on Min-hyung Felix would absolutely do the same for us.” Explaining the situation to Jisung really did solidify the fact that Minho knew Felix, would in fact, plan some adorable birthday celebration for the older two if given the opportunity. 

“What would you guys have done if he hadn't found the cake?”

“I’m not sure maybe it would’ve just been a carry-out celebration.”

“Still sounds really nice hyungie. You and your roommates seem so close.” 

“I suppose shared rent does that to people.” Minho laughed it off but he had begun to cherish the brotherly bond that had grown between his roommates. 

Not having ever considered it before, the fact that the roommates were only able to buy a cake because it happened to be on sale, revealed to Jisung that their financial situations may have been farther apart than he realized. Money had never been a barrier that Jisung had to face, always having family (or honestly Changbin) help pay for his living and pursuit of his dreams. Sure he’s had part time jobs in the past but he never found himself worrying about not making enough each month. Not going to university definitely was a large factor in maintaining his “affordable” lifestyle.

“It's nice you do things for each other. I can't remember the last time my hyungs and I have done something together that didn't have to do with our music.” Jisung started to feel some sort of jealousy at the closeness that Minho and his roommate had found in each other. Financial guilt and emotional jealousy are a strange combination for a half conscious Jisung to say the least. 

“Are those fools not taking care of my Sung properly? Illegal, tell them to call me I have to yell at them too. They better not be working you too hard.” 

‘My Sung’ Jisung almost choked. Almost. 

“Nonono Hyung! They take care of me fine, we're all just exhausted with work.”

“Hmmmm okay they get a pass this time, but please relay my threat.”

“Okay okay I will.” 

“You should probably get some rest soon. You're busy tomorrow right?” 

Jisung yawned in response, which was enough convincing for Minho that he needed to rest. 

“Okay looks like it's sleepy time for hardworking Jisung~”

“Wait hyung!” Jisung wasn’t quite ready to sleep yet, even though his body was actively fighting him.

“Yes belated birthday boy?”

“Thank you for not letting me be a sad gremlin all night. It would've been nice to have spent my birthday with you, but you still made me feel better.”

The musings of sleepy Jisung were just about enough to let the fondness burst from Minho’s chest. As much as he continues to hide it, the fondness still seeps into his voice, “Of course, Jisung we always have next year.” A promise he wasn’t sure he could keep but Jisung always made him want to try new things. 

“Next year?” The sleepiness had definitely taken over, making his voice much softer than his usual bright edge. 

“Yes next year... Goodnight Sungie, call me back if you can't sleep okay.”

“Mmkay, G’night hyungie.” Already half asleep by the time he hung up, Minho was glad that the younger was finally able to rest. Glancing at his roommates huddled together on the couch already drifting off, Minho accepted that it was his turn to finally rest knowing that all his younger companions were all safely sleeping. Hyung instincts he supposes.

-----

Getting to see his face was almost an added bonus to getting to be with Minho again. No one would deny that his features were beautiful. His face was set with delicate features that were contrasted by the strong and confident way he held himself. His eyes were large and curious in a way that would be described as innocent looking, if Jisung hadn’t already witnessed the mischievous glint they could also hold. He took his time to take in Minho’s details, in order to commit them to memory. Why? He didn’t really know all he knew was that it felt important, and that if he didn't he would regret it later. 

“You know, if you take a picture it'll last longer.” Minho said, having just ordered some random mixed drink Jisung didn’t recognize, before returning the younger’s not so subtle stares. 

“Maybe but I feel like most people are against having their picture taken without their consent”

“Well you have mine now.” The smirk already returned to his face, causing Jisung’s ears to glow red.  Despite his embarrassment Jisung fumbled to retrieve his phone, loading up the camera.  

“Alright Hyung ready for your close up?” Minho only responded with a seemingly fond chuckle while settling into a nonchalant pose, allowing Jisung to take a couple of flattering shots.

“Dang hyung, why aren’t you a model. Look at this one.” Jisung waved his phone in front of the other’s face scrolling to a specifically nice photo of Minho’s side profile. 

Minho scoffed. “Oh I’m so much more than just a pretty face. Don't you know that already Jisungie~” Jisung looks like we were about to object before Minho softly waved him off with a chuckle.

"I’m just joking. And I don't know, I suppose my career just never swung that way.” 

“I find it hard to believe you’ve never been scouted before.” 

“I suppose you are right, I have been. I just chose to finish school instead." Minho stared at his newly acquired drink with THAT expression Jisung still couldn't quite read.

Jisung remembered Minho talking about having graduated university recently, but other than that and his job at the restaurant, much of Minho's career is somewhat of a mystery to him.   

Minho sipped his drink at the brief pause before asking, "How are you doing Jisung? I know its been a while since we last actually talked” 

The sigh Jisung let out told much of the busy week he's had. 

Debut clean up, photo shoots, meetings, and practice, and late night producing before sleep. 

The audible groan and head on the table was answer enough that the week he was having had been rough.

“I suppose I’m fine. Just overwhelmed. But I also feel bad for being so overwhelmed, I should be excited. I mean I’m so lucky…”  Minho nodded along although confused as to what exactly the other was referencing. Jisung mumbled more before pausing. Jisung felt somewhat conflicted on if he should be spilling his groups practically secret debut preparations, but the kind look on Minho's face felt like reason enough to defy his agreement with his company. 

"Okay so, we're preparing for debut right? And I should be SOO thankful that I even get to and be excited about it. But I don't know what it is about this week. I just feel so ridiculously over my head and exhausted.” Jisung sighed again loudly, "Oh shit I'm not supposed to tell anyone that…." 

Minho laughs at the younger's surprised puppy eyes before promising not to tell anyone. 

“Here, pinky promise.” Extending his hand to offer his finger felt a little juvenile for them, but either way it got Jisung to smile and feel comfortable so that's all that mattered. He would do anything to ease Jisung’s mind even for a moment. “Well congratulations Jisung. If anyone deserves the recognition it's you three.”

Jisung smiles softly at his drink, “Thanks hyung, that means a lot… Just these past few weeks I’ve felt pretty useless. We're still busy making songs like everyday, but I’m just not coming up with lyrics as quickly as I usually do. And I’m always confused during our meetings with the company. I guess I just am having some rough writer’s block or something."

"I suppose I can understand, except honestly I feel like I've had a creative block for the past few months." Minho’s laugh still sounded as soft as ever, but the unreadable expression on his face made it hard to believe. That expression was slowly becoming Jisung’s least favorite thing.

"What you stuck on?" 

"Just in a rut. Lately I have been feeling like I’m just moving to move, working to get by. Even with dancing, I feel like I’m just doing it for the crew. I haven't been creative in MONTHS." Minho’s smile didn't reach his eyes that time, and it may or may not have broken Jisung’s heart a little. 

Determined to bring back the crescent eyed expression, Jisung decided that he would find a way to inspire Minho again. The older had been close to his only muse during his writer’s block and it seemed only fair to try and return the favor.

"Do you ever choreograph then?”

"In college I did, and when the other members ask for help, but not really"

"WELL, I don't know anything about dancing BUT I know that when I freestyle or when I write something really good, it reminds me of why I love creating so much. Maybe you just need a reminder."

"Yeah…. Maybe I do" The expression Minho wore now was something closer to contemplative than the somber expression he had been wearing, so Jisung took that as a small victory. 

A new determined expression stretched across Minho’s face, "Okay no more sad talk Han Jisung. Let's make our weeks better right here, right now"

Jisung liked this new side of Minho much more, "How do we do that hyung?" Puppy eyes on full display.

Minho downed the rest of his drink, prompting Jisung to follow. Which he did although much more tentatively, "Well honestly, I don’t know but that karaoke machine’s looking pretty tempting right about now."

“I didn't know you sang hyung?” 

“I definitely don't willingly, but after this week, give me one more drink and I’m game.”

 ---

A few more drinks and few poorly sung karaoke songs later the two were back to sitting at the bar. More times than either of them could count they had found themselves smiling at each other without the other noticing. It was obvious that both of them hadn't been this happy in a while. Minho was on maybe his fourth drink and Jisung on his third. 

“I can’t believe that Felix saw Binnie-hyung the other night? And he talked to him?? Like willingly?” Jisung seemingly was in disbelief that his elder groupmate would actually talk to a stranger willingly. 

“Yeah, Lix about had a heart attack when he saw it was Changbin though. Felix is not exactly subtle with his emotions, and hes like your guy’s biggest fan.”

“He seemed so chill when we met him at busking though” 

“Yeah I’m pretty sure he was holding his breath the entire time.” Jisung’s laugh filled the bar with such a bright sound that Minho couldn’t help but laugh along too. That seems to be happening a lot. Jisung’s laugh must just do that, Minho supposes.

“You’re roommates seem really cool though. I’d love to meet them and get to spend time with you again.” The lazy, probably tipsy grin that was plastered on Jisung’s face, as well as his request to spend more time with him turned Minho’s cheeks red. But if anyone would have asked, he would have blamed it on the alcohol. 

“They’d love that we don't get out much as a trio. And Hyun and Lix love new prey- I mean people.” The mischievous grin reappeared on his face at the chance to tease his roommates some more.

“Oh come on I’m sure they’re not that bad hyung. Me, Chan and Bin-hyung are like the opposite. We never go out and rarely meet new people our age. I think Sana-noona is the first new person we’ve collectively interacted with since like 2018.”

“Well now you can say you’ve interacted with three more people your age, with me and my roommates. Although I have a feelin the whole of us together would be a chaotic affair”

“That sounds so fun!” Jisung couldn’t help but perk up at the idea of hanging out with people his age other than Chan and Changbin. He still want to experience the ‘normal’ and ‘cliche’ hangouts of those in their twenties. Much of which he feels he has already lost due to 3RACHA’s continual pursuit of a career. Having not even finished high school in pursuit of his dreams, Jisung couldn’t help but yearn just a bit for the lives of his peers, and to experience all the things he had missed. Jisung, even more unfiltered than usual due to a few drinks in his system, sighed loudly. 

“You sure? That sigh sounded a little heavy for you. You tired of me already?” Minho couldn’t keep the concern and anxiety from peaking out even just a bit. Alcohol had always made him a bit more emotionally sensitive and transparent. 

“Oh! NO No no, I would totally love to spend more time with you. Honestly more than anything else.” Jisungs tried to hide his embarrassment of getting sentimental out of nowhere.

“I uh- I just don’t get out much. I wasn’t kidding when I said we never go out. If we didn't have our performances, all three of us would probably never leave our apartment, and it’s just always been like that since we formed our group.” It took all his will not to let another sigh slip from his mouth. 

Minho’s smile softened along with his eyes. Jisung had been nothing but kind and charming to him, seeing another side of the boy, the more troubled and emotional side, only made the boy more endearing to him. Minho couldn’t help but want to keep him close. In a way it was similar to how he felt for Felix and Hyunjin, but there was something more than just the hyung mentality kicking in. 

“Well you have me now, right? I mean plus Felix and Hyunjin I guess. They're kinda freebies, and tag along whether you want them or not.” 

“Yeah, I guess I do have you now.” The heart, although smaller, reappeared on Jisungs face, and it was a victory enough. Minho hoped that Jisung would accept whatever bizarre friendship they had. Somehow their friendship, although came out of nowhere, really felt like it was what both of them were needing. 

“Also I don't know what professional rapper Han Jisung will be up too once he debuts, but Felix’s birthday is coming up and he loves making a whole night of it. Dressing up, going out, dancing, getting wasted off fruity drinks, he loves it. Anyway I’m sure he’d love it if you wanted to come, you could probably even bring your plus twos.”

“REally?!” Jisung’s eyes brightened and his smile grew to stretch the full length across his face. 

“Of course, really! I just invited you, dummy.” Minho was sure Felix really wouldn’t mind. If anything he could frame it as a birthday present that he got 3RACHA to come to his birthday party. Win-win. Minho couldn’t help but notice the brightness of the smile on Jisung’s face when he mentioned it. Just shows how much the idea of spreading time with them really meant to Jisung. Adorable. That may have been the real win. 

The two sat in silence for sometime. Nursing their unfinished drinks and fighting the uncontrollable grins from fully forming on their faces. Comfortable silence is a rare occurrence for the pair, but somehow they found it with each other on their first date? Outing? Minho didn't know what this was, and something told him Jisung had no idea either.

“Soooo is this that date I was promised or are we gonna ambiguously hang out for a bit longer?” Jisung looked a bit taken aback but commenced rambling to make up for it.

“I kinda had hoped that our first date would be more exciting than me visiting you after work on a whim. I honestly just came in hoping to see you. To be honest I didn't think I would get this far, also I don't even know when your free next, or when I’m free next, and our schedules lining up seems kinda unlikely, But more than anything I would love to take you out a real unambiguous date, ya know so you dont think im some unromantic fool whos all talk and no walk- ” 

“Jisung.” As endearing as Jisung’s unbridled rambling was, it did make the boy a little hard to handle. Not that Minho minded at all.

“Yes?...” Jisung’s puppy dog eye forever making a reappearance.

“Would you like to go get dinner with me the next time you are free?” 

“Yes I would like that very much.” He even nodded enthusiastically.

“Good then our first date is set, you just tell me when and where.” Minho shot a wink the younger’s way. Jisung’s joyful smile didn't seem to have left his face anytime in the past hour. 

---

Exiting the bar the pair walked side by side, hands brushing past each other in almost every step, remaining just tipsy enough for physical boundaries to blurr, but for the most part sobering up for their journeys home.

“I’m going to call a car to get home, do you need a ride?” Jisung offered hoping to spend even a few more minutes with the other boy. Seeing as their next meeting date was still only a concept. 

Minho hesitated a second, “No, it's alright I can walk, it's not that much further to my bus stop.” He flashed the younger a smile, that was probably meant to be reassuring, but the grin didn’t reach his eyes. 

“Please, I’d feel better knowing you got home safe. And its really no problem.”

“Are you saying that I can’t make it home on my own Han Jisung? Don’t forget whos the hyung here. I usually walk home even later on my closing shifts!”

“Nonono, I am just concerned and feel like it would be the “gentleman” thing to do.” Jisung put heavy finger quotes over ‘gentleman’.

“Oh and since when have you every cared about being a gentleman? Hm?” Minho’s smirk made Jisung laugh, and it seemed the older man wouldn’t easily accept his ride offer. 

“Pah. I am always a gentleman. Thank you very much. And since you won’t accept my offer please at least let me know when you get home safely.” Jisung pulled his puppy eyes out one more time, and even grabbed Minho’s hand for emphasis. 

Minho couldn't deny that the others' soft hold on his own hand and his soft expression, had made his heart skip a couple beats. 

“I’ll text you when I get home, Jisung. Promise.” Squeezing his hand softly for reassurance, he smiled, before having to actively pry his hand away from the warmth and comfort of Jisung’s hand. “Goodnight Jisung.” 

“G-Goodnight Minho-hyung.” Jisung stood and watched as the older man rounded the corner, to his supposed bus stop, trying his hardest not to miss the warmth that his presence had emitted next to him for the past couple hours. 

Damn it I really am gone huh. Jisung’s smile only grew though, at the surprising realization that he had somehow gained a real relationship from his serendipitous run in with the waiter. Thanking past-Jisung for whatever he had done to deserve getting to spend the last few hours with a man that was like something out of his dreams. 

---

Minho walked home with a smile on his face, but couldn't fight the slight guilt of having to turn down another one of Jisung’s generous offers. Minho wished the part of him that wanted to hide who he was would die off, but sadly the fear of Jisung seeing how small, and honestly shitty, the place he lived was, kept him from letting the sweet boy give him a ride. The more rational part of his brain knew that Jisung wouldn’t care about how he lived or how much money he had, but the fear still won. At least for now. 

Minho climbed up the stairs to their apartment, and unlocked the door, with a small shake. The lock was sticky most days. With the door secured behind him he found a Hyunjin stretched out on their pull out couch, as some western cartoon played on the TV. Minho switched off the screen and threw a blanket over his roommate so he wouldn’t wake up freezing in the middle of the night. Their heating and cooling was anything but consistent. 

Checking the clock on the stove told him that it was already close to the middle of the night anyway. He could hear his second roommate rustle around in his own bed behind their living room screen, as Minho made his way to his own bed. Often being the last come home, he made sure to be quiet as he got ready for bed. Even with the three boys' collective late night shifts, they tended to still have early mornings together, for dance and other performances.  Sleep was their time and it was usually limited time. 

Before officially climbing in bed Minho remembered to text, as he promised, to let Jisung know he was safe. 

Rich boy Han Jisung

12:34am 

Home safe, as expected :]

HYUNG! 

You’re safe!

I’m so glad :]

I had a great time tonight

As soon as I know I will let you know when I am free 

Ya know

For dinner 

:)

I had fun tonight too Jisung~

Can’t wait 

Gn :)

Sleep tight hyung! ^u^

 ---

Jisung attempted to enter his apartment quiet and inconspicuously, but sadly forgot to take into account the fact that his roommates seldom sleep like normal human beings. He entered their loft to Chan currently raiding the kitchen, and Changbin glued to his laptop in their connected living room. As soon as he walked into the well lit hallway, his two flatmates threw him a few raised eyebrows and subtle smirks. 

Jisung hadn’t exactly announced his leaving. The three of them were originally working on a track when the youngest had gotten frustrated and left with not much more than a mumble that usually signified that he was “taking a walk”. Clearly that walk had taken him close to 4 more hours than usual, hence the raised eyebrows. In attempts to fight the awkward and accusing silence that filled the room, Jisung hoped to lighten the mood. Or atleast get his hyungs to avoid teasing him for now. 

“...I brought take out.” Did Jisung purposely stop at a take out restaurant just to potentially bribe his hyungs not to tease him? Maybe. 

It worked, at least partially as Chan made his way from his spot in front of the opened fridge to Jisung to eagerly collect the bribe. The oldest rapper always had a soft spot. It was his stomach. 

Changbin on the other hand, still kept his questioning look on his face that seemed to say Where have you been for the last 4 hours Han Jisung? Clearly Jisung was avoiding that look, and decided the chicken he had brought was suddenly the most interesting food ever. He was happy, happy and his hyungs knew him well enough that four hours walking around and fried chicken weren’t the reason he was practically giddy. 

“So Sungie, find anything else exciting on your little walk? Other than fried chicken?” Still actively avoiding Changbin’s gaze. Jisung simply shrugged, but the wide grin on his face or the pink tint to his ears, were enough to confirm whatever Changbin’s assumptions had been. 

“Wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain waiter at Menu 98, perhaps?”

Before Jisung could answer his phone lit up with a text from the aforementioned waiter. Jisung immediately picked up his phone and responded with a wide smile, that practically spillied all the ‘secrets’ of his night to his hyungs. 

“Sorry hyung what was that?”

Changbin shook his head fondly at the innocent glow on the youngest’s face. 

“Nothing, Sung just glad to see you happy.”

Jisung squinted his eyes happily at that and continued to type away. Chan couldn’t help but feel his heart strings tug at the happiness that Jisung emitted in the moment. He always found himself worried about their youngest member. Jisung’s smile had begun to become progressively rare throughout the years that they had been a group, and he couldn’t help but feel guilty for pulling their youngest member into their life as a music group so young. There was also a part of him that was afraid of losing that smile once they debuted. It was their biggest goal by far, but Chan had seen what being in the public eye could do to souls as pure as Jisung. 

If Jisung really was getting involved with and even potentially dating another boy, not everyone was as kind and understanding about one’s sexual orientation as he wished they were. A warning about it was on the tip of Chan’s tongue but he couldn’t speak up as soon as he saw the way Jisung’s entire face lit up at a new text notification.  

“Thanks for the late night snack, Sungie.”

“Oh, Of course Channie-hyung! It's the most I could do for disappearing for such a long time.” 

Jisung’s heart smile reached his eyes, and Chan couldn’t help but return it. He mentally promised to do anything to protect that trademarked heart as they debuted.

----

Felix always liked to make guesses as to what lives his especially mysterious customers lived. He had already imagined the black hoodied regular as a b-list idol group member. Then a gym instructor, but mostly due to the one time he came in with a cut off shirt and Felix was taken aback by the size of the man’s arms. Most recently he imagined that the other could’ve been a bartender, because of the pretty consistent time he arrives in the late am on weekends. 

This random Thursday night though, the dark figure, back in his usual hoodie, gathered various energy drinks and cup ramens from the back shelves, and brought them out to the check out. 

“Is this all for tonight?”

“Oh yeah thats all” 

Felix began ringing up his purchases when the other spoke up suddenly.

“We’ve met before, I’m not crazy or anything right?”

“Huh?” Felix looked up confused as the man usually seldom said anything during his late night purchases.

“Yeah I thought I recognized your name, You’re Minho”s, Jisung’s friend’s, roommate, right?” Felix nodded in return but the confused look on his face sparked the other to remember that he was wearing a mask and hat that covered most of his features. Removing the mask revealed that behind it were the sharp features of Changbin, one of three artists that formed 3RACHA, that Yes, Felix had actually just met that past weekend.

Felix’s eyes widened at the sudden realization that one of his regulars was actually a member of his favorite group of artists. ‘Holy fucking shit, I am actually blind, godamn it Felix’

“Y-Yes, thats me. Sorry I didn't recognize you, I-uh didn’t realize that you, were uh- you.” ‘Smooth Lix wow’

Changbin chuckled at the freckled boys stutter. “That’s alright, I tend to forget that I'm wearing my mask sometimes. Anyway I recognized you when you were dancing last weekend, and when you had introduced yourself.” Felix was trying his best to internalize his anxious starstruck feelings. “We watched your performance, and I was trying to find a day to come here and tell you that your crew’s performance was really good.” 

Okay yeah that was it, Felix’s eyes were practically falling out of his head with how wide his expression was. “Really? You liked it? That’s really awesome. Thank you so much. That really means a lot coming from you not gonna lie.” Felix’s pride for his crew was nothing small and the validation and praise from someone he is a fan of himself, makes his heart soar. 

The smile on his face is so wide and genuine and the light that flickers in his eyes lit up the whole store, even in the middle of the night. Changbin thought that his smile felt something like sunshine, and reminded him of the warmth Jisung emitted when he was at his happiest, but of course he would never tell the other that. Changbin caught himself smiling back involuntarily. 

“Yeah, we’ll have to come watch you guys again sometime.” 

Felix nodded vigorously at that and finished checking out the items the older had brought to the counter. Neither of the twos smiles seemed to completely fade from their faces. 

“Thank you Felix-ssi, have a good night.” 

“You too!” Felix replied and bowed respectively to the older. 

Changbin replaced the mask on his face but found himself still smiling at the encounter with the boy as he walked bac home. 

[~roomies uwu~]

3:25 am

Lixie:

someone please fuking tell me how stupid i am 

Minnie hyung:

we usually dont, to spare your feelings 

Lixie:

I just embarrassed myself in front of CHangbin-ssi!!!

ALSO since when did 3RACHA live in this neighborhood

Hes been coming into the store for months 

But i never recognized him until now???

I must be idiotic

Someone change my name to ‘blind fool’ 

It is now the only title i deserve ;^;

Jinnie bby:

It is way to early for you to be this dramatic luv~

Lixie:

The overnight shift drama sleeps for no one >:}

---

“Alright, I’ll put that right in for you. I hope you enjoy your cocktails in the mean time.” Minho flashes his sickening sweet server smile at the couple, before heading to his station to input the orders. There had been a steady flow of customers at Menu 98 keeping Minho busy for his dinner shift. Thankful to not be closing, Minho was doing his best to maintain his polite persona without glancing at his watch too often. Time always passed slower, when he found himself counting his hours. 

Before moving on to check on a previous table, Seungmin waves him down letting him know he has a new table to wait, but not before catching his arm. Usually he would find a Seungmin attached to his elbow if the other wanted to share some gossip about a recent customer, or something of the sort. Expecting the same Minho’s ears peaked with interest. 

“You got a new table.” That’s unsurprising. “And they’re asking specifically for you.” That’s more surprising.

“Wait, what?”

“I don't know, you tell me. Any rich, wide-eyed, twenty-somethings, you forgot to tell me about, hyung?” 

Minho thought the eyebrow raise from the younger was a little much given the circumstances. The few seconds of silence that pass between them gave Seungmin all the information he was looking for but a sigh still escapes his lips at the stubbornness of the other. 

“Well one, Han Jisung, is waiting in section B for you.” Seungmin scurries off to return to the front, a suspicious look in his expression. Minho hadn’t really brought up much of his personal life to Seungmin, but the host hadn’t stopped his prodding ever since he had turned up to work, as Seungmin says it, glowing and smiling like a newlywed. Minho wasn’t sure if he was actually acting much different since beginning to talk to Jisung, but apparently the shift in his mood was enough to confirm to his coworker that something was up. Minho already knew that Seungmin would have a field day if he found out that he had actually first met Jisung at the restaurant and hadn’t told him. But keeping his work friend on his toes, spices up his otherwise monotonous job. 

---

“Good evening sir, would you like to order any appetizers or drinks to start off?” Minho found himself instinctually throwing on his polite grin and playing the part of a perfect waiter. Well, at least for the time being. 

“Hm idk Min-hyung, you ordered for me last time, got any suggestions.” Jisung, seemingly unphased by Minho’s generic opening line, barely looked up from the menu as the older had approached him. Being sure to make direct eye contact, Jisung then smiled cheekily, “but I think we both know I didn’t come here for the fancy food and fruity drinks.”

Minho tried not to roll his eyes too obviously, as his smile morphed into a smirk to match the younger’s, “Perhaps, but if you don't order anything, I'll have to ask you to leave, because sadly, you can not pay just to look at my pretty face.”  

“That's a shame I would've ordered five hours of that up front if it was on the menu.” The chuckle coming from Minho was enough to already ease the nerves that Jisung had been feeling since he last saw him. 

“Well, Lucky for me, sad for you, I’m not working for five more hours, sorry to disappoint.” 

“When do you get off then kind sir?” The goofy voice he used brought back the smile he had been aching to see, and made any of the embarrassment he may have felt worth it. 

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“I would yes.” JIsung smiled, batting his eyelashes, a part of him knew it probably wouldn’t be that easy. 

“Well not to worry, it looks like I can start you off with some water, and complimentary sides, while I give you some more time to look over the menu.”

“Hyung wai-” Minho walked off but not before sending a subtle wink the other’s way. Jisung ears may or may not have turned bright red, but thankfully, there was no one there to tease this time.

---

Jisung ended up ordering another one of Minho’s suggestions, this time it was a marinated sea bass filet that came with a similar fried potato side to the burger he had chosen the first time. Although the fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned, to Jisung it still felt like a fancy version of fish and chips. Minho had giggled at that when Jisung suggested they rename it some bass-related pun, ‘for the kids, ya know.’

“So are you going to tell me how what time you get off, or are really gonna let my dumb ass sit outside the restaurant and wait for how many hours it is until you’re done”

Minho laughed at the image of Jisung waiting for him like a stray outside. “Tempting I'm not gonna lie, but It's not for much longer. AND if you're interested there's a bar next door that may or may not be my usual after dinner shift destination.” 

Jisung couldn’t help but smile at that. “REally? That sounds great.” He couldn’t lie that he had spent most of his free time thinking about when he could see MInho next. Probably not the best timing granted that 3RACHA has been busy preparing for their album debut, but a part of him couldn't help but feel all warm inside at the prospect of getting to know Minho better in person.

“Okay, well then i'll see you there? Yeah?”

Minho nods gently with his own giddy smile to match.

The infamous heart-shaped grin was in its full form once Minho had suggested their next meeting place, and Minho could feel his heart leaping at that happiness that Jisung’s smile emitted. Jisung about leaped out of his chair after paying. Practically dancing his way next door to said bar, and for the first time that week Jisung felt like a song was writing itself in his head.

---

“It's him isn't it”

“Who?”

“The reason that your smiling so much, but like actually, not that dead inside expression you give me when I tell you ‘cheer up’”

“Hmmm” Minho’s ability to play dumb? Top tier. Sadly Minho’s ability to lie to Seungmin? Absolute trash.

“Come on Hyung! Just tell me!!!” Seungmin was exasperated. This wasn’t the first time he had confronted Minho about what was going on, and maybe one too many times had resulted in Minho’s signature move, the ‘I don’t want to tell you, so instead will change the subject’.

Fine. “HMM hmmmmmmm….ok….maybe we’ve been talking for a while-”

“OH MY GOD FINALLY! I knew it as soon as he walked in the door. He was all heart-eyes asking for you, and for when you get off.”

“Wait, did you tell him when my shift was over?” 

“God no, that's gotta be against some employee code.”

“Oh okay good.”

“But you're off now anyways right? Is he going to wait for you? Are you going out- oh my god he's definitely waiting for you. Have you seen how much he tipped? You sure he isn't some bizarre 20 year old sugar daddy?”

“Seungmin!”

“Okay Sorry, I'm just excited for you. You never tell me anything. All I know about you is that you’re a dancer and you worked in a bar before here.”

“Its was a host bar actually”

“Wait what?!” 

“Well, if you look at the time. As you’ve said I have a sugar daddy waiting for me, bye bye now” 

“Wait hyung what the fuck!” 

---

“Innie said after one so we should still make it before he starts his set.” Changbin was leading them through the crowds, which was probably not ideal as the inches Bin lacked he made up in speed. Making 2racha’s life slightly harder as they attempted to not lose the shorter boy in the more crowded areas of the walkway. Passing countless acts and performers displaying their talents, reminiscent of how the rap trio had started out when they were still just high school students.

“I didn't think your brother would still be busking after highschool.” Chan mused from the back of the pack.

“I mean he got scouted from busking, so I guess it all paid off in the end.” Changbin mentioned the fact casually, but the proud ‘older brother’ smile on his face revealed his actual excitement. The three were poorly navigating the busy streets to support Changbin’s younger brother who had just been signed with an entertainment company and was on his way to enter their trainee program.

“Nah I get it, there's a different kind of energy performing in this setting. Sometimes I really do be missing busking every weekend.” Jisung had always been the one to only do what made him feel alive, and his first time busking in front of a crowd had him addicted to the feeling. It had given him something to look forward to in high school. And even now, years later he still anticipated the high that the applause from a crowd gives him.

“Oh, we should buy Jeongin a meal to congratulate him. I imagine he'll be training day and night soon.”

By the time they had made it to the area where Jeongin was set up he was already performing a popular ballad for a small crowd. Emotion flowing through the youngest’s voice as it surrounded all that listened. It wasn't a surprise that his passionate voice had been sought after by companies. The boy’s voice, light and dynamic, pulling the attention of all that were within earshot. And by the time the last note was released the three boys clapped and cheered as much as they could without completely making a fool of themselves.

Although 3RACHA weren’t exactly well known personalities to most of the public, the boys had found themselves getting recognized more and more, especially after their last concert. Their following had definitely expanded and those in the area had begun recognizing the rappers on the rare occasions they left their loft.

But even with their masks and hats on to somewhat hide their identities, the young singer still smiled with recognition and slight embarrassment at boys enthusiastic cheers.

---

Minho thinks that overall his week was pretty unextraordinary. Not much had changed, still working his same job, still spending his mornings practicing for their crew’s upcoming performances. Nothing felt specifically special in the way he performed and worked on the routines for their busking performance that weekend. Just following the choreographies he needs to. Going through the motions. This week seemingly identical to the last.

Almost identical. Minho couldn’t overlook how the addition of Han Jisung had improved his daily mood. Even with their respective busy schedules, the banter they were able to exchange lifted the weight of monotony on Minho’s heart. Jisung loved to tell him jokes and stories, in addition to their casual flirty conversations. The lightness of their conversations and the smile that was always lingering on Minho’s face was evidence enough that his encounters with the other had become the highlight of his day.

Even during practice, his roommates had begun to find the older more energetic and enthusiastic. Although the choreo they had been practicing had been the same for the past month, Minho’s movements had become even more fluid and dynamic, as if he was walking on air.

To Minho, dancing always felt like what he was meant to do. He couldn’t imagine living a life standing still or sitting at a desk job. Dancing was as natural as breathing, so natural that he often forgets to tell people that he dances. To him it was just assumed. He was human; he breathed. He was human, so he danced. Obvious right? But with his natural association he had with dance, and his desire to contain the complicated history he had with his dreams, Minho was not one to share his passions easily.

The Saturday morning had begun with the three dancers packed in their bathroom, all attempting to get ready in the closet size space they called a bathroom. Getting ready for their performances in the crowded bathroom had become a dance within itself for the boys, as they position themselves in front of the mirror so each has enough space to carry out their routines. Trading makeup brushes and hair dryers and hairspray cans in a way that, according to Felix, could win them Olympic medals.

“Hyung, will you pass me the hair spray?”

Minho obliged, handing the can to cross-eyed Felix that had been attempting to tame his bangs for the last 15 minutes.

“Damn, do you think there’ll be company scouts out today?” Hyunjin mused while trying to not smudge his eyeliner from his spot on the toilet seat.

“It's always a possibility, there'll be a lot of acts out today, so there is probably going to be some floating around.” Minho knew there were always some scouts in the audiences on busking days, but maybe the years of seemingly no company interest had numbed him to that fact. If anything, he was hoping to pick up a few bucks from the audience, and give their crew some more exposure.

“I guess it is a weekend, the crowds are always bigger these days. Lixie did you send in your tape for Shipstar Ent. that you were working on?”

“Yeah, I’m going to wait for their response before working on the JJP one”

“Those are small companies Lix, you got a strategy you aren’t sharing with us??” Minho nudged his elbow in his ribs, eliciting a giggle from the younger.

“Nothing special hyung, I just thought smaller companies might have smaller audition pools, more chance of landing a spot.” Even though the freckled boy had come to Korea for university, he was hoping to extend his stay as long as he could by landing a career as a dancer.

“You’ve always been the better strategist out of us. Minho-hyung usually only sends in like one tape a year.”

“There’s only one program I actually want to join anyway. But lately money is money, and I may just need to find a gig to pay our water bill.” Minho's smile reaches his eyes, but a part of his heart drops at the mention of his consistent re-submitted audition tapes.

“Are you going to send another tape for the academy this year, hyung? You got to the second round last time.”

Hyunjin asked an innocent question really, but Minho can't help but feel the wave of disappointment all over again. The first round of auditions was always a taped routine sent in by all the applicants, the second was an in person performance. A performance that last year, despite what he thought was a perfect execution of his chosen routine, had been met with a ‘Thank you, but-’ letter a week later.

“It’s a tradition at this point, and who am I to break a tradition.” The sarcasm drips from the statement fueled by Minho's bitterness toward his broken dream. But as always, as if just on queue with Minho’s declining mood, a series of notifications from his phone pulls him out of his thoughts.

[Rich Boy Han Jisung] 11:47 am Hyung guess what SANA LOCKED US OUT And Now were gonna end up getting lost Changbin is leading us somewhere :< His navigation skills are horrible If you dont hear from me, I was led to an untimely death by Seo Changbin Dont cry too much at my funeral :((

Oh no I'll remember you fondly And all the dates we never got to go on

najsdkkgfnadds Hold up you actually want to go on a date …... I will survive for you

Wait then I can't live that grieving widow aesthetic how am i supposed to grieve my not dead not husband now

we'll work something out but I get to take u on that date first not-husband >:)

---

The members of 3RACHA had listened to the rest of Changbin’s brother’s set. The young boy’s audience had grown to include highschool girls fawning over the boys adorable features and melodic voice. As well as older and middle aged women and men that were drawn to the nostalgic tambour of his voice as Jeongin performed trot and other crowd pleasing ballads. His youthful glow and image contrasting the maturity of his sound. After applause and ending statements, much of the crowd had dispersed to other surrounding acts. 3RACHA focused on congratulating and helping the younger tear down.

“You did great as always Innie” Chan awarded him with a pat on the back. Jisung echoed the sentiment with his busy rambling about how emotional the last performance felt.

“Thanks hyungs, I’m glad you were able to make it.”

“Of course! We wouldn't miss it”

“Yeah, it absolutely has nothing to do with our manager locking us out of our apartment.” Jisung earned himself a punch in the shoulder with that one. Jeongin laughed just the same, and looked grateful to have some familiar faces in the crowd.

“Don’t mind the idiot, we’ll always be here for you. If anyone tries to mess with you in training just tell them your older brother will beat them up.”

“But Hyung, you're shorter than me.”

“Doesn’t mean I won't bust some kneecaps for my baby bro though,” said Changbin, brushing off the obvious jab at his height.

“Yeah! No one’s touching our baby bread.” Chan looped his arm over Jeongin's shoulders, hand going for the boy's cheeks only to be swatted away.

“3RACHA aka the Kneecap Destroyers,ROLL OUT!!!” Jisung struck a couple vague superhero poses while making a swinging motion that was probably meant to symbolize some sort of lower leg destruction.

“Jisung, were not the Transformers please.” Still the smile on Jeongin’s face was worth any of the embarrassment Jisung could’ve felt from his shenanigans. -- A cheer erupted nearby from a large crowd that seemed to have just gathered. Loud upbeat music filled the air and the confident melody of a popular song began. The four boys, overcome with mutual curiosity, made their way to the edge of the crowd. A dance crew populated the middle of the crowd. Confident charisma and perfectly timed movements flowed from each of the dancers, as they pulled off a complicated and synchronized routine. Full of hip thrusts and body rolls, the cheers from the crowd solidified how each of the dancers grasped the attention of on-lookers without warrant.

The whole audience was entranced by the crew of a dozen dancers taking over the street. All of the dancers dressed in variations of a black and white ‘uniform’ full of leather, silk and lace, pulling off a look that was elegant, sexy, and powerful. Dressed to accentuate their body movements and draw in the attention of bypassers.

It was mid-song when Jisung was surprised to spot the familiar brown hair and sharp eyes of his current favorite waiter of Menu 98. Minho being a dancer had never crossed his mind as a possibility, but now that he has seen the older dance, Jisung couldn’t imagine anything more natural. Minho seemed to dance purely with charisma. The goofy and cute side of Minho that he had occasionally witnessed over text, seemed to be non-existent as the man in front of him performed to the crowd with raw charm and confidence.

Minho caught Jisung’s blatant stare, and a flash of recognition and something else appeared on his face, before a smirk overcame his features as he sent a wink the younger’s way. The confidence of the older overwhelming Jisung’s system as usual. Sure, they had been ceaselessly flirting over text for the past week, but as soon as he had to witness Minho’s confidence in person, there was no screen to hide the fact that Jisung was a blushing mess. As the heat of embarrassment rose up his neck, he continued to watch as the dancers ended their routine in a formation that elicited a loud cheer from the audience.

“Wow these guys are really good”

“Have they performed before?”

“Did you see the guy in the middle his shirts practically see through”

“Damn do you think he’d give me his number if I asked”

The voices from the crowd surrounded Jisung but his eyes were locked on his newly discovered dancer, Minho.

“Hey Ji, see something you like?” Changbin’s teasing was left unanswered as he followed Jisung’s gaze.

“Hey hyung, do you know that guy?”

“Yeah, He kinda looks familiar.” Jisung guessed he was familiar. Considering that, even though Chan and Changbin hadn’t recognized him as their waiter, the dancer in front of them had been the subject of his attention for the past week or so. Seeing him in person was nothing short of breathtaking. Being a little dramatic, as he often is, Jisung found him almost speechless. His breath only continued to fail him as Minho made his way over to Jisung and their small group.

“Hey Sungie, long time no see.” a shameless smirk spread across his face. Minho seemed to know exactly how he affected the younger.

Before Jisung could think of a more eloquent greeting he found himself blurting out the first thought that had crossed his mind, “I didn’t know you were- that you did- the- uh dancing.”

Minho laughed freely at the wide eyed expression that Jisung wore. Soft and cute and full of the same awe as a kid seeing his favorite TV character I person for the first time. “Seems I forgot to mention that in our introductions, Not gonna lie I didn’t think you would see me dance already...”

An expression Jisung couldn’t quite read fell over Minho’s face, along with the red tint of embarrassment. “Nononono, don’t worry really. I never asked! But I mean you looke- i mean were amazing, at dancing. Really you’re seriously talented. I can't believe you’ve never mentioned it before.”

The red on Minho’s ears grew to his face. “Oh, I’m sure you say that to all your drunken accidents.” Smirk returns in an attempt by Minho to regain his smug attitude.

“You weren't an accident! I was completely sober at the bar when I told you to hit me up.”

“I’m sorry Jisung what?” Chan seemed to be tired of trying to deduce who exactly the other was.

“Oh right, this is Minho-Hyung, he was the waiter I TIPSY-ily gave my number to that one time. But we both completely forgot about it, and then by some string for fate bullshit I ran into him before last week’s gig and the rest is history!” Some degree of understanding flashes across the other two rappers' faces, while the youngest is just listening intently to Jisung’s entertaining shenanigans.

“Mhm, ‘Ran into’, definitely not saw-and-followed,” said Minho, getting more smug by the minute.

Taking the obvious opportunity to tease the youngest Changbin’s eyes held a mischievous glint. “Hold on a second, is this who you’ve been texting non-stop all week. No wonder you’ve been so happy.”

“Hyung!”

“Yeah, your usual chaotic gay energies have been replaced with giggly soft Jisung, and its honestly been worrying me, but I mean the ballad came out really good so can’t complain” Chan added. The smug faces of the older two, only grew as Jisung groaned loudly, flailing his arms to hopefully silence them. Minho’s grin just met his eyes as he chuckled.

“Glad to hear that I’m inspiring you Sungie. Also, It’s nice to finally meet you, Chan and Changbin-ssi I’m guessing?” Minho bows slightly to them as they all exchange pleasantries. Jeongin adds on, introducing himself as Changbin's brother. Minho seems to recognize him, and is about to praise his earlier performance when a yell erupts nearby.

“Minho-hyung!!! There you are, Lixie was looking for you. Looks like I beat him though.” Realizing he seemed to have interrupted something, Hyunjin bowed to the others shyly. Introducing himself to the others until his eyes laid on Jisung. “Wait, hyung! Isn’t he the cutie you’ve been talking to all week! Jisung-ah~ you remember me rightttt?”

Minho’s face deadpans at record speeds. “Yes Jinnie thank you. Shouldn't you be looking for Felix”

“Nope I’m right here.” Felix, seeming out of nowhere, emerges right behind his eldest roommate. “Hi everyone, I’m Felix.” Freckles out, smile bright, cute little wave, the classic Felix introduction that makes everyone fall for him. No one can resist the boy’s eye-smile-and-freckled-cheek combo.

“Felix!” Hyunjin wrapped himself around his roommate, pointed animatedly to introduce the others, even though he himself had just learned of their names seconds ago. “Hehe, and that’s Jisung! He’s the one who came into Sweet Lotus asking for Min-hyung’s number.”

“Sweet Lotus, huh?” Chan’s eyebrows rose at the name of the notorious bar, glacing at Jisung for an explanation.

“Hyung, what’s that?” Jeongin whispers quietly to his brother, only to be immediately answered by Hyunjin.

“Oh! It’s the host bar/club not too far from here. Nothing special, a normal bar really, just with prettier bartenders and some nice company if you can afford it.” Hyunjin threw a wink at the youngest, earning a glare from his brother.

“Jinnie’s a bartender, can you tell,” Felix giggles along with the others' antics.

"Hehehe. I’m sure you all would love it.” Hyunjin directed his attention to Jisung, “Hey, you should bring your friends next time Jisung-ah. I'd love to be able to have served all the members of 3RACHA. Ya know when you’re famous, I’ll have a story to tell the tourists.” Leaning in to ‘whisper’, “If you do, I'll let you know when Minho-hyung is working~” Jisung went full red at that comment. Hyunjin smirked so hard it looked like it would hurt.

“Jin, you have no shame.” Minho, after glaring at his roommate, turned toward Jisung and the other members of 3RACHA. “I’d apologize that this is how you had to be introduced to my roommates, but they’re like this all the time. Anyway, as he was saying, you guys are always welcomed to the bar, and it's really not as promiscuous as Hyunjin over here is insinuating. He enjoys being a tad over-dramatic.” His eye roll obvious.

Chan laughs, “No worries, Minho-ssi we’re honored by the invitation, truly. And It's nice to finally meet you properly-"

"Or at all. If we hadn't run into you, we probably would never be introduced. You've been Jisung's best kept secret. He's always hiding away his phone whenever we ask him what he's doing. All we hear is him giggling in his little corner and- "

"Okay!! Would you look at the TIME. It appears that 'Embarrass Jisung Time' has officially passed, and we should be on our way." About ready to turn away and hide his face further into his hoodie, Jisung's eyes catch Minho’s. He finds it is hard for him to believe the face on the other side of their conversations could actually be more beautiful than he remembered. Jisung knew that if they had been talking face to face and not over text, he would've had a pretty hard time forming sentences with the way Minho's soft but intense gaze was directed at him.

“Well it was good to see you again, even if it wasn’t planned.” A full blinding smile interrupts the gaze Minho held with Jisung.

“Yeah, likewise. It was nice getting to meet your roommates too.”The sweet gaze between the two is anything but subtle, but if any of their respective friends noticed the shift in atmosphere, it went unacknowledged.

“I’ll text you later okay?”

“Ye-yeah, okay”

They exchange ‘goodbyes’ and Minho attempts to wrangle his roommates away from the others, before they find more ways to embarrass him.

Out of earshot, “Holy shit, Minho-hyung we just met 3RACHA. I’m losing my mind. I hope they think we’re cool. Wait did they see our performance then? Oh my god. They definitely saw our performance.” An embarrassed look flashed across his face.

“Lix chill, your performance was perfect as always. Just try and not embarrass me so much next time”

“Aw hyungie~ did we embarrass you in front of your crush.”

“Hold up NEXT TIME?” ---

“...Well how about we’ll pretend that your heart eyes weren’t painfully obvious, and you pay for chicken?” Jeongin purposes cheekily.

“...mhm deal.” Clearly still in some state of shock still, Chan starts to lead Jisung and the rest of the group toward the nearest restaurant.

“Bro, you're so gone already.” Changbin shakes his head but holds a fond smile for the other. It had been awhile since their youngest trio member had smiled so much, and in turn had been equally inspired. Both of his hyungs had noticed the uptick of Jisung’s productivity, and, if anything, were glad to finally have met the reason for his smile.

-----