At least, that’s what he tells himself for the first few weeks it starts small. A text from you saying you’ll be late because you’re helping jungwon review his english notes. heeseung sends a heart emoji and “No rush, baby ❤️” even as he stares at the ceiling of the practice room, phone still in hand. It’s just studying, he thinks. You’re smart you like helping people. That’s one of the things I love about you. But then it happens again and again.

He asks if you’re free for dinner after a long schedule, and your reply comes almost instantly “Sorry, already promised Jungwon we’d grab ramen. Rain check?” He stares at the message until the screen dims, a faint knot forming in his stomach. Rain check sure. He ends up eating alone in the dorm, scrolling through his feed only to see a new story you posted you and Jungwon making silly faces over steaming bowls, your head tilted toward his shoulder as you both laugh.

The irritation is tiny at first, like a pebble in his shoe. He shakes it off deletes the screenshots he accidentally took. Tells himself he’s being ridiculous. But the pebble turns into a rock.

Every time he wants to spend time with you, you’re already with Jungwon. If he suggests a movie night, you’re already halfway through a drama marathon with him. If he tries to surprise you with coffee between schedules, Jungwon is already there, holding your favorite order and making you smile that bright, easy smile Heeseung thought was reserved mostly for him. Social media is the worst every other day there’s another photo you two at the arcade, you two walking the Han River at night, you two in matching hoodies because “Jungwon lost a bet and had to wear what I picked.”

Heeseung starts noticing things he never paid attention to before. The way Jungwon’s hand brushes your arm when he’s excited about something. The way you save the best bites of your food for him without thinking. The private jokes that make you burst into laughter at the dinner table while Heeseung sits across from you, pretending to scroll on his phone so no one sees the tightness in his jaw.

One evening, after a particularly grueling practice, he walks into the dorm common room hoping to finally steal you away for some quiet time. Instead, he finds you sitting cross legged on the couch beside Jungwon, laughing so hard you’re clutching your stomach, tears in your eyes. Jungwon is leaning into you, nudging your shoulder with his own, recounting some story with that mischievous leader grin of his. Neither of you even notices Heeseung standing in the doorway.

He stands there longer than necessary, watching. The way Jungwon’s eyes soften when he looks at you. The way you lean back into him so naturally, like it’s the most comfortable place in the world. Something ugly twists in Heeseung’s chest sharp and hot. He clears his throat, louder than needed.You both look up. Your face lights up instantly. “Heeseung! Come sit, you have to hear this—”

“I’m good,” he says, forcing a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Looks like you’re busy.”Jungwon tilts his head, sensing something but not pushing. “Hyung, join us. It’s funny, I swear.”Heeseung just shakes his head and heads to his room, the sound of your laughter following him down the hall like an accusation.

That night, when you finally slip into bed beside him, he’s unusually quiet. You cuddle up against his chest like always, but instead of relaxing into it, Heeseung wraps one arm tightly around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer. His face buries into the crook of your neck, breathing you in like he’s afraid you might disappear. His other hand finds yours, fingers lacing together almost desperately.

“You know,” he murmurs against your skin, voice low and rough, “I think you’ve spent more time with Jungwon this week than with your actual boyfriend.”You laugh softly, assuming he’s teasing like he sometimes does. “Babe, are you counting?”He doesn’t laugh back. His hold on you tightens, almost possessive. “I’m serious i miss you.” The words hang heavy in the dark. “Every time I turn around, it’s Jungwon this, Jungwon that. I get it he’s important to you. He’s important to me too but lately… it feels like I’m the one on the outside.”

You shift to look at him, surprised by the raw edge in his voice. Heeseung’s eyes are shadowed, but the vulnerability there is unmistakable. He’s not angry exactly just aching. Jealous in a way he clearly hates admitting.“I didn’t realize…” you start, but he shakes his head, pressing a kiss to your collarbone.

“I keep telling myself it’s stupid,” he admits, voice barely above a whisper. “He’s like my brother. You’re allowed to have friends but then I see the way he makes you laugh like he knows exactly how to light you up and I just…” He exhales shakily, nuzzling closer. “I want to be the one who makes you laugh like that. I want to be the one you’re running to after a long day. Not feeling like I have to schedule time with my own girlfriend around someone else.”

His fingers trace slow, absent patterns on your hip, but there’s tension in every line of his body. “I hate feeling like this. Jealous of Jungwon, of all people. But I can’t help it anymore. You’re mine, you know? Or at least… I thought you were.” The confession lingers between you, heavy with weeks of unspoken insecurity. Heeseung holds you like he’s afraid letting go even a little will make the distance permanent. In the quiet of the room, his heartbeat is fast against your cheek proof that the easygoing, confident Heeseung has been quietly unraveling for longer than he’s let on.

You press closer, and for the first time in weeks, he lets out a small, relieved breath, though the jealousy still simmers just beneath the surface, waiting.

◟✿ jay ˒

Jay’s jealousy doesn’t look like insecurity or quiet pouting. It looks like competition. He doesn’t even realize he’s doing it at first. Jay has always been the type to handle things head on cool, collected, a little cocky when he knows what he wants. And what he wants is you. So when Jake starts spending more time around you, Jay’s response is automatic step up match him beat him.

It starts small. Jake brings you your favorite iced coffee on a hot filming day? Jay appears twenty minutes later with the full meal your favorite pasta from that place across town, still warm, plus dessert because “you might get hungry later.” Jake offers to carry your heavy bag after practice? Jay is suddenly right there, taking your bag, your jacket, your water bottle, and the extra hoodie you forgot. He does it so smoothly that you barely notice the shift, just smile up at him with that grateful look that makes his chest tighten.

The other members catch on almost immediately. Sunghoon raises an eyebrow the third time it happens in one week. “Jay’s on a mission,” he mutters to Heeseung during dinner. Jungwon just smirks into his rice. They start placing bets on how long it’ll take before Jay cracks. One lazy afternoon in the dorm, you’re curled up on the couch beside Jake, both of you focused on his laptop. Jake is helping you pick out a birthday gift for your sibling, scrolling through pages of options with that easy, playful commentary that always makes you laugh. “This one? Nah, too boring. What about this ridiculous plushie? Your sibling would lose it.”

You lean in closer to see the screen, giggling. Jake shifts, his shoulder brushing yours as he points at something. “Wait, look at this—”The air changes.Jay, who had been quietly playing a game on his phone across the room, suddenly stands up. Without a word, he crosses the space in long strides, wedges himself directly between you and Jake on the couch, and sits down like it’s the most natural thing in the world. His thigh presses firmly against yours. One arm drapes casually along the back of the couch behind your shoulders.

Jake nearly chokes on his water. “ yo jay what are you doing?”Jay shrugs, eyes locked on the laptop screen like he’s been part of this conversation the whole time. “Watching.”“You weren’t interested five seconds ago,” Jake says, half laughing, half bewildered.“I am now.”You glance between them, amused but starting to sense the tension. Jay’s jaw is tight, even as he forces a charming smile and points at the screen. “That one’s cute but this—” He reaches over and scrolls to a different item, his hand brushing yours deliberately. “This matches their vibe better trust me.”

Jake stares at him for a second, then grins like a cat who just found the cream. “Ohhh. I see what’s happening here.”From then on, the teasing is relentless. Whenever you’re with Jake whether it’s practicing choreo, playing games in the living room, or even just chatting in the kitchen Jay materializes. He inserts himself into every conversation. If Jake makes you laugh, Jay immediately counters with a funnier story. If Jake compliments your new hairstyle, Jay is already pulling you closer and murmuring, “You look good in anything, but this color? Yeah, it’s my favorite on you.”

The members are merciless.“Jay-hyung is in full rivalry mode,” Sunoo teases one evening, watching Jay practically hover while you and Jake debate over snacks.“Careful, Jake he might challenge you to a dance battle next,” Jungwon adds with a straight face.Jay just rolls his eyes and pulls you into his lap on the couch, ignoring the chorus of groans and laughter. “Mind your business.”But inside, it’s eating at him more than he wants to admit.

He hates how natural you and Jake are together. Jake’s bright, easy energy complements yours so well. they share the same chaotic humor, and worst of all Jake never has to try it just flows. Meanwhile Jay feels like he’s constantly performing, constantly proving he’s the better choice.One night, after another long day of Jay “accidentally” showing up during your hangout with Jake, you finally corner him in his room.“Alright, spill it,” you say, closing the door behind you. “What’s going on?”

Jay sighs dramatically and flops back onto his bed, dragging you down with him. He wraps a strong arm around your shoulders, pulling you flush against his chest. His fingers play with the hem of your shirt, a little restless.“Can you blame me?” he mutters, voice low and laced with that signature Jay charm mixed with genuine frustration. “Jake’s funny he’s handsome annoyingly charming good with people and everyone loves him.” ( is he lying though 🤤 ₹You stare at him, trying not to laugh. “Jay you’re literally describing yourself.”

“Exactly.” He turns his head to look at you, dark eyes serious despite the smirk. “That’s why he’s a threat.”You blink. “A threat?”He nods, tightening his hold on you. “Yeah he gets to be around you all the time without even trying. Making you laugh, helping you with stuff, being all Jake. And I’m over here having to one up him just to remind you I exist.” His voice drops, the playful tone fading into something more vulnerable. “I know it’s stupid he’s my brother. But seeing you two together like that it makes me want to win every single time.”

He presses a kiss to your temple, then another to your cheek, his competitive edge softening into quiet possessiveness. “You’re mine, baby. I just hate feeling like I have to compete for your attention.”You cuddle closer, running your fingers through his hair. “You don’t have to compete, Jay ichose you.”He exhales, some of the tension finally leaving his shoulders, though the glint of rivalry still lingers in his eyes. “Good because I’m not planning on losing.”And from the determined way he holds you that night kissing you a little harder, touching you a little longer you know he means it.

◟✿ jake ˒

Jake is embarrassingly obvious when he’s jealous. He doesn’t even try to hide it his face is an open book, big brown eyes and all. The second he notices you spending more time with Sunghoon, his entire mood shifts. Not in an angry or possessive way, but like a giant sad puppy who just got told he’s being replaced by a shinier, cooler version of himself.It starts subtly, but everyone notices within days.

You and Sunghoon have always been close best friends who can spend hours talking about books, fashion, or just roasting each other without it ever feeling forced. Lately, with the group’s busy schedule, those hangouts have increased. Sunghoon’s calm, dry humor pairs perfectly with yours, and Jake watches it all unfold with growing dismay.

During a rare movie night in the dorm, you end up sitting beside Sunghoon on the big couch. The two of you are sharing a big bowl of popcorn, shoulders brushing every time you reach for snacks, laughing at the same ridiculous scenes. Sunghoon leans over to whisper a sarcastic comment in your ear, and you nearly choke on your drink from giggling.

Across the room, Jake sits on the opposite couch, knees drawn up, looking like someone just canceled Christmas, his birthday, and every future cuddle session all at once. His usual bright energy is nowhere to be found. Every few minutes he glances over at you two, then sighs loudly and looks away with dramatic flair, lips pushed into a full pout. He tries to focus on the movie but keeps failing miserably.

“Jake, come sit with us,” you call out at one point, patting the small space beside you. He perks up instantly, practically teleporting over only for Sunghoon to already be in the middle of explaining the plot twist to you. Jake ends up squeezed on your other side, but the damage is done. He keeps stealing glances, his hand subtly finding yours under the blanket, holding on a little tighter than usual.

When you finally shift fully to his side later in the night, curling against him, Jake lights up like the sun breaking through clouds. His arm wraps around you immediately, nose nuzzling into your hair.

“You okay?” you whisper.

“Yep,” he says, voice overly cheerful.

“You don’t seem okay.”

“I’m fine totally fine. Why wouldn’t I be fine?”

He isn’t. The members catch on fast and have zero mercy. Sunoo starts mimicking Jake’s sad puppy eyes whenever you and Sunghoon are together. Jungwon keeps “accidentally” pointing out how good you and Sunghoon look as a duo just to watch Jake’s face fall. Even Heeseung teases him gently “Jake, if you stare any harder you’re going to burn a hole through the couch.” Jake just whines and buries his face in a pillow.

The jealousy builds over the week. You help Sunghoon pick out new clothes for an upcoming schedule? Jake shows up later wearing the exact hoodie you once said you loved on him, casually flexing in front of the mirror while asking your opinion every five minutes. Sunghoon teaches you a simple ice skating trick on a day off? Jake spends the entire next day sending you videos of himself trying ( and failing ) the same move, captioning them “I can do it better if you teach me instead 🥺”.

It all comes to a head one quiet evening.You’re both alone in his room, the lights dimmed. Jake has his head resting on your lap, legs sprawled across the bed, playing with your fingers absentmindedly. His usual playful energy is muted, replaced by soft sighs and lingering touches like he needs constant reassurance.“Sometimes…” he starts quietly, eyes fixed on your intertwined hands, “I get jealous of how easy it is for you and Sunghoon to hang out.”

You blink, gently brushing his hair back. “Jake, he’s my best friend.”“I know.” His voice is small.“You’re my boyfriend.” “I know that too.” He turns his face into your stomach, muffling his next words. “But what if one day you realize he’s cooler? He’s all mysterious and stylish and good at everything without even trying. You two have so much in common. You laugh at the same things, finish each other’s sentences sometimes… What if you wake up one morning and think, ‘Wow, Sunghoon would be a better match’?”

You stare down at him in disbelief before bursting into laughter. The genuine, heartfelt worry in his voice paired with that dramatic puppy-dog expression is too much. Jake lifts his head, looking deeply offended. “Don’t laugh! This is serious my heart is breaking here.”That only makes you laugh harder. You lean down and cup his cheeks, squishing them gently. “Baby, you’re the one who’s ridiculously charming, affectionate, and makes me smile every single day. Sunghoon is my friend. You’re the one I’m in love with.”

He pouts harder, but his ears turn pink and the corners of his mouth twitch upward. “Yeah?”“Yeah.” You kiss the tip of his nose. “No one could ever replace you. Especially not when you make jealous faces like a sad golden retriever.” Jake groans but finally cracks a smile, wrapping both arms around your waist and pulling you down so you’re half lying on top of him. “I can’t help it I just… really like you alot. The idea of anyone else getting your attention that easily makes me feel all weird and empty inside.”

He buries his face in your neck, peppering soft kisses there while his hold stays tight and clingy. “Promise you’ll sit next to me for the next ten movie nights? And maybe let me be the one to teach you dumb tricks instead of Hoon?”You smile into his hair. “Deal.” Jake lets out a content little hum, all the earlier sadness melting away as he snuggles impossibly closer. Even though the jealousy still simmers whenever Sunghoon makes you laugh too hard, he’s reassured for now clinging to you like the lovesick, obvious boyfriend he is. And honestly? You wouldn’t have him any other way.

◟✿ sunghoon ˒

Sunghoon becomes quieter when he’s jealous, which somehow makes it more obvious than if he were loud about it. Most people expect jealousy to look like possessiveness or sharp words, but Sunghoon turns inward instead retreating into that cool, icy shell he wears so well. The silence stretches longer. His usual subtle affection cools off. And because he’s normally so composed, the shift is impossible to miss.It starts after you spend an entire day with Jungwon.

The two of you had gone out for a casual shopping trip that turned into lunch, then a café stop, then wandering around a bookstore for hours. Jungwon’s easy energy and gentle teasing always make time fly. You come back to the dorm laughing about something he said, cheeks flushed from the cold air and the fun.Sunghoon is sitting on the couch when you walk in. He looks up, offers a small smile, and says, “You’re back.” That’s it. No playful comment about how you ditched him all day. No asking for details. Just two quiet words before he goes back to staring at his phone.

You notice immediately.Throughout the evening, his replies get shorter. When you sit next to him and lean against his shoulder, he doesn’t wrap an arm around you like usual. He just lets you stay there, stiff and distant. You ask if something’s wrong and he shakes his head.“Everything’s fine.”But it isn’t. You can feel the tension radiating off him.

Sunghoon hates feeling jealous. He thinks it’s irrational, immature, and beneath him. Jungwon is his member his dongsaeng, the responsible leader he respects deeply. You’re allowed to have friends. He knows this. So he tries to suppress it, pushing the ugly feeling down until it festers quietly inside his chest.Unfortunately, he’s terrible at hiding it from you.

The next day it continues. You mention needing help with some lyrics and Jungwon offers first. You guys spend an hour in the practice room together, heads close over a notebook. Sunghoon walks past the door once, sees you laughing at one of Jungwon’s jokes, and keeps walking without saying anything. Later, when you text him asking if he wants to grab dinner together, his reply is a single “Busy with schedule.” No emoji. No “miss you.” By evening, the members have started noticing.

Jake nudges him during dinner. “you’ve been weirdly quiet. Everything okay?”Sunghoon just shrugs. “Tired.”Heeseung raises an eyebrow but doesn’t push. Jay smirks knowingly, like he’s seen this before. Sunoo whispers something to Jungwon that makes the younger boy glance at Sunghoon with a slightly guilty look.You wait until you’re finally alone.The moment the door to his room clicks shut, Sunghoon reaches for you without a word. He pulls you gently but firmly onto his lap, arms wrapping around your waist like a lifeline. His face presses into the curve of your neck, breathing you in. You can feel how tightly he’s holding on.

“You’re clingy today,” you tease softly, running your fingers through his dark hair.“Maybe,” he murmurs against your skin. His voice is low, almost reluctant.“Why?”He stays silent for a long moment, chin resting on your shoulder. You feel him tense, like he’s fighting with himself. Sunghoon has never been good at voicing feelings like this he’d rather skate around them elegantly.“Because…” he finally says, so quietly you almost miss it, “everyone gets your attention before I do lately.”

The honesty catches you completely off guard. You turn in his lap to look at him, but he refuses to meet your eyes, cheeks faintly pink with embarrassment. His ears are red too the telltale sign that Sunghoon is mortified by his own emotions.You cup his face gently, thumbs brushing his cheeks. “Hoon…” “I know it’s stupid,” he continues, voice barely above a whisper. His hands stay locked around your waist, fingers tracing small, anxious circles. “Jungwon’s your best friend. He’s my member ishouldn’t feel like this. But today watching you two together all day, laughing so easily, making plans for next week it felt like I was waiting in line for you again.”

He finally lifts his gaze, those sharp, beautiful eyes softer than usual, filled with quiet vulnerability. “I hate this feeling. I told myself to stop being ridiculous. But then I see how comfortable you are with him and I just withdraw. Because if I say something, it makes me sound pathetic.”You lean in and press a soft kiss to his forehead. “You’re not pathetic. You’re human. And honestly? This quiet, pouty version of you is adorable.”Sunghoon groans, hiding his face in your shoulder again. “Don’t call it adorable. I’m trying to be cool about this.”

“You’re failing,” you say with a smile, hugging him tighter. “But I love you for it.”He exhales shakily, the tension in his body slowly melting as he pulls you even closer. His hands slide under your shirt to rest against your lower back, skin warm and grounding. “I just miss you,” he admits. “I miss being the one you run to first. The one who gets all your random thoughts and inside jokes. Lately it feels like Jungwon gets the daylight version of you, and I get whatever’s left at night.”You tilt his chin up and kiss him properly slow and reassuring. Sunghoon kisses back like he’s been starving for it, one hand coming up to cradle the back of your head.

When you pull away, you rest your forehead against his. “No one could ever replace you, Hoon. Jungwon is my best friend, but you’re my person my favorite person. I’ll make sure you get more of my attention, okay? Starting right now.” A tiny, shy smile finally breaks through his expression. He nods once, still a little embarrassed, and nuzzles back into your neck. For the rest of the night he stays glued to you arms around your waist, legs tangled together, stealing soft kisses every few minutes like he’s making up for all the distance he put between you earlier.

The jealousy doesn’t vanish overnight. Sunghoon still gets quieter whenever he sees you and Jungwon deep in conversation but now he lets you notice. And instead of withdrawing completely, he’ll eventually reach for your hand or pull you into his lap again, murmuring a quiet “I need you for a bit” that makes your heart melt every single time.Because even when he’s jealous, Sunghoon’s love is steady, deep, and impossibly sweet.

◟✿ jungwon ˒

Jungwon likes to think he’s mature, rational and secure in the relationship. As the leader, he’s spent years perfecting the art of staying calm under pressure, keeping his emotions in check for the sake of the group. He would never get jealous over something harmless.At least, that’s what he tells himself.Then Heeseung decides to become your best friend. The worst part is that Jungwon can’t even complain. Heeseung isn’t doing anything wrong. He’s naturally affectionate, ridiculously funny, and incredibly easy to get along with the kind of hyung everyone gravitates toward. Before long, you and Heeseung are constantly together. It starts innocently late night talks after schedules, Heeseung teaching you silly dance moves in the practice room, the two of you bonding over shared playlists and bad dad jokes.

Jungwon laughs it off at first. “It’s good you get along with the members,” he tells you with a dimpled smile, ruffling your hair. Inside, he repeats the mantra He’s my hyung, you’re allowed to have friends this is normal.But the little things start piling up. Inside jokes he doesn’t understand. You’ll say something random like “pineapple on pizza” and Heeseung will burst out laughing, referencing some conversation Jungwon wasn’t part of. Long conversations that stretch for hours sometimes in the dorm living room while Jungwon pretends to focus on his laptop across from you. The way you instinctively glance toward Heeseung whenever something funny happens in a group setting, like your eyes automatically seek him out for that shared spark of amusement.

Jungwon notices everything. He starts keeping a mental scoreboard he hates himself for. Heeseung made you laugh three times today and i only got two. He catches himself staring when Heeseung casually slings an arm around your shoulders during a break, or when the older boy brings you your favorite snack without being asked. Jungwon tells himself it’s fine. He’s secure. He’s the one who gets to kiss you goodnight, the one you curl up with when the day gets too heavy.Until the night it boils over.

The whole group is hanging out in the common room after a long day of filming. You’re sitting on the couch, and Heeseung plops down right beside you. The conversation flows easily, laughter filling the space. At one point, Heeseung leans back and casually drapes his arm over the back of your chair nothing more than friendly comfort, fingers lightly brushing your shoulder as he gestures while telling a story. Jungwon, seated across from you, feels his stomach twist. His jaw tightens the rational part of his brain screams at him to stay quiet, but the words slip out before he can stop them.

“You know you don’t have to sit that close.”The entire room falls silent.Heeseung slowly turns his head toward him, eyebrows raised in surprise. You blink, turning to look at Jungwon with wide eyes. Sunoo’s mouth drops open mid bite of his snack. Jake freezes with his drink halfway to his lips. Jungwon wants the floor to open up and swallow him whole. His ears burn red, and he forces a weak laugh, trying to play it off. “I mean… there’s plenty of space on the couch.”Heeseung’s lips twitch into an amused, knowing smile. “Jealous, Wonie?”

“I’m not—” Jungwon starts, but the denial dies in his throat under everyone’s stares. He stands up abruptly. “Never mind im going to get water.”He escapes to the kitchen, heart pounding. You follow a minute later, concern written all over your face.“Wonnie…” you say softly, reaching for his hand.He sighs, leaning back against the counter and pulling you into a hug. His chin rests on top of your head. “I’m sorry that was stupid. I don’t know why I said that.”

For weeks afterward, the teasing is merciless.Every time Heeseung even stands near you, someone pipes up. “Jungwon, do you need a minute to calm down?” Sunghoon asks with a straight face during dinner one night. Jake starts dramatically draping his arm around random objects while mimicking Heeseung’s voice: “Just being friendly, leader-nim~” Sunoo takes it further by creating a group chat called “Protect Jungwon’s Girl” and spamming it with edited photos of Heeseung with heart emojis.Jungwon endures it with forced smiles and threats to assign extra chores, but inside it stings. He hates how small it makes him feel.

The jealousy builds quietly after that. He becomes extra attentive bringing you coffee exactly how you like it before Heeseung can offer, suggesting couple activities on days off that conveniently exclude the older members, finding excuses to pull you into his lap during movie nights while shooting subtle glances at Heeseung. He still laughs along with the group’s jokes about it, but at night when you’re alone, the mask slips.One evening after another long day, you find him sitting on the edge of his bed, staring at the floor. You climb into his lap without asking, straddling his thighs and cupping his face.

“Talk to me,” you whisper.Jungwon wraps his arms around your waist, burying his face in your chest for a long moment. When he finally speaks, his voice is muffled and embarrassed. “I hate this i keep telling myself I’m being immature. Heeseung hyung is…he’s great. He makes you happy, and I should be glad about that. But seeing you two together, laughing at things I don’t get, sharing those easy moments it feels like I’m losing you. Even though I know I’m not.”He pulls back just enough to look at you, his usually confident eyes soft with vulnerability. “I’m supposed to be the mature one the leader. But sometimes I just want to be selfish and keep all your attention for myself.”

You smile gently and kiss his forehead, then the tip of his nose. “You’re not losing me, baby. Heeseung is a good friend to both of us. But you’re my boyfriend my favorite person. The one I want at the end of every day.” Jungwon exhales shakily, his grip tightening as he leans up to kiss you properly slow, deep, and a little desperate, like he’s pouring all the bottled up feelings into it. When you pull away, he rests his forehead against yours. “I’ll try to be better about it,” he murmurs. “But maybe sit a little farther from him next time? For my heart’s sake.”

You laugh softly and nod, threading your fingers through his hair. “Deal and maybe we can make some new inside jokes that are just ours.” His dimples finally appear again as he smiles, the earlier tension melting. From then on, the jealousy doesn’t disappear completely Jungwon still stiffens a little when Heeseung gets too cuddly but he handles it better. He reaches for your hand in public more often, steals you away for quiet moments, and even joins some of the hangouts so he can be part of the laughter instead of watching from the sidelines.

And when the members tease him, he just rolls his eyes with a shy grin, knowing that at the end of the night, you’re the one curled up in his arms, whispering that he’s the only one you need.

◟✿ sunoo ˒

Sunoo’s jealousy is dramatic in the most entertaining way possible. He doesn’t get angry or cold. He gets theatrical like the lead in a tragic kdrama who’s been tragically abandoned in the rain. Complete with sighs, longing stares, and dialogue that belongs on a stage. The moment he realizes you’ve been spending most of your free time with riki lately, the performance begins.It starts with the texts. You wake up to a string of messages from him

“I hope you and your new best friend are happy together ❤️”

You blink sleepily and type back “What are you talking about?”

He replies instantly with a screenshot a detailed timestamp log ( he definitely went through your KakaoTalk chat history ) showing you spent six hours with riki yesterday arcade, late lunch, and then practicing some choreography.“You counted?” you reply, half amused, halfbaffled. “That’s not important.”It absolutely is important to him. He even color-coded the hours in the screenshot.The members think it’s the funniest thing they’ve ever seen.

Jake saves the screenshots and makes them his wallpaper. Jay starts narrating Sunoo’s sighs in a deep movie trailer voice whenever he walks by. “In a world where one girl forgot her boyfriend existed…” Jungwon tries ( and fails ) to hide his laughter behind his hand every time Sunoo launches into another monologue. Even riki—oblivious at first starts playing along, dramatically bowing to you and calling you “Noona, my favorite shopping partner” just to watch Sunoo clutch his chest like he’s been stabbed.

One afternoon you go shopping with riki for new sneakers and a couple of hoodies. The maknae is great company energetic, funny, and always down for whatever chaotic idea you have. You come back to the dorm laughing, bags in hand, only to find Sunoo sprawled dramatically across the entire couch like a Victorian era nobleman who’s just received tragic news. He’s lying on his back, one arm draped over his forehead, eyes closed in mock despair. The tv is playing some sad ballad on low volume for maximum effect.

“There she is,” he says in a mournful, trembling voice. “The woman who forgot I exist. Off gallivanting with the tall, flexible dancer while I waste away here alone unloved.”You roll your eyes, biting back a laugh, and drop your bags before sitting beside him. “Sunoo, you’re so extra.”Immediately, his entire mood flips like a switch. He sits up, wraps himself around your arm like a koala who’s been separated from its tree for years, and nuzzles into your shoulder. His legs even swing over your lap a little.

“Missed me?” you ask, poking his cheek.“No.” A long pause. “Maybe a little.”Another dramatic pause, during which he squeezes your arm tighter. “Okay, a lot terribly and devastatingly.” You laugh and run your fingers through his soft hair. “You know riki is just a friend, right? He’s like a little brother to me.”Sunoo lets out a theatrical sigh and buries his face deeper into your neck. “I know b he gets to see you in daylight hours. Laughing at his dumb jokes trying on clothes together taking pictures. While I’m stuck in vocal lessons or schedules, wondering if you’ve replaced me with someone who can do flips.”

He pulls back just enough to give you the biggest, sparkliest puppy eyes. “Do you still like me more than him? Be honest i can take it probably maybe I’ll cry, but I can take it.”The members, who have been eavesdropping from the kitchen, lose it. Sunghoon wheezes. “you’re hopeless” “Sunoo’s in his tragic heroine era again,” Heeseung calls out. Sunoo doesn’t even care. He just flips them off lazily and pulls you closer, practically climbing into your lap now. “Ignore them. They don’t understand the pain of being second to a maknae with endless energy.”

For the rest of the evening, he’s glued to you. He insists on sitting in your lap during game night ( much to everyone’s fake groans ), feeds you snacks by hand, and keeps up a running commentary of dramatic sighs every time riki says something funny.Later that night, when you’re alone in his room, the theatrics soften into something more genuine. Sunoo lies with his head on your chest, arms wrapped tightly around your waist as if you might vanish.

“I know I’m being ridiculous,” he admits quietly, voice losing the dramatic flair. “Riki’s cool he’s fun and you two have that chaotic bestie energy. But I miss being your favorite person the one you text first when something happens the one you want to spend all your free time with.” You tilt his chin up and kiss him softly. “You are my favorite person, Sunoo always. Riki is fun for a day out, but you’re the one I want to come home to. The one who makes me laugh the hardest and feel the safest.”His cheeks flush pink, but a bright, genuine smile finally breaks through the dramatics. “Good because I was prepared to write a whole musical about this heartbreak.”

You snort. “Please don’t.” “Too late Act One is already titled ‘The Boyfriend Who Was Replaced by Skate Shoes.’” He giggles at his own joke and cuddles impossibly closer, legs tangled with yours. The jealousy doesn’t disappear overnight he still sends the occasional overly dramatic text when you’re out with riki but it becomes part of your dynamic. A silly, adorable ritual. And every time he gets like that, you know exactly how to fix it sit down beside him, let him koala-cling to you, and remind him ( with words and kisses ) that no one could ever take his place. Because dramatic or not, Sunoo’s love is bright, warm, and impossible not to adore.

◟✿ riki ˒

Riki would rather die than openly admit he’s jealous. He’s the maknae, the cool, confident one who teases everyone else mercilessly. Showing vulnerability? Not his style. So instead of saying anything, he becomes weirdly competitive like he’s in a silent, one sided war that only he knows about. The second he notices how much time you’ve been spending with Sunoo lately, the scoreboard in his head starts ticking. Sunoo is easy to like bright, funny, and always down for aesthetic photos, café hopping, or just vibing with music. You two have that effortless best friend chemistry that makes everything look fun. Riki tells himself it’s whatever. He’s busy with dance practice anyway. But the mental tally keeps growing.

How many photos do you have together?How many texts do you exchange in a day?How many times do you casually mention “Sunoo said this” or “Sunoo did that” in conversation?One lazy afternoon, while you’re cuddled up in his room, riki “borrows” your phone to pick a song. He opens the camera roll by accident and freezes. Hundreds of pictures with Sunoo selfies, mirror shots, candid laughs, aesthetic couple style photos ( platonic, but still ), even silly filters. The betrayal is immediate and dramatic in riki’s mind.“Why are there so many?” he asks, voice flat as he scrolls slowly.

You glance over. “Because he steals my phone and takes selfies constantly.” “So you’re saying this isn’t your fault?” Riki narrows his eyes suspiciously, as if you’ve been caught red handed in a crime. “Exactly it’s Sunoo’s fault,” you laugh, trying to grab the phone back. He holds it higher, still scrolling with a deepening frown. “There’s like three hundred of these we don’t even have one fifty.” The competition begins that same day.

Over the next few weeks, riki launches a full scale, completely one sided campaign. Suddenly he’s asking for pictures together every single chance he gets. “Take one with me right now,” he says during breakfast, pulling you into his side and snapping a mirror selfie before you can protest. He insists on recording random dance videos where he teaches you moves ( even though you’re terrible ), then makes you watch them back together. He starts stealing your phone on purpose just to fill the gallery with hundreds of his own selfies riki making funny faces, riki doing aegyo ( reluctantly ), riki kissing your cheek while you’re not looking, riki with his arms wrapped around you from behind captioned “better than Sunoo hyung.”

He even starts keeping count out loud sometimes, though he pretends it’s casual.“We should go to that new arcade again just us. We need more content.”The members notice immediately and find it hilarious. Sunoo, the target of the rivalry, teases him the most. “Riki-yah, are you trying to break my record? That’s cute.”Jake shows everyone the rapidly growing folder titled “Me & Y/N ❤️” that riki created.Jay just smirks “lil bro is in his competitive era.”Even Jungwon joins in “Should we make a group ranking for best photos with Y/N?”

Riki denies everything with a straight face and a shrug. “I just like taking pictures. What’s the big deal?” When you finally corner him about it one night, he’s sprawled across his bed, pretending to scroll through his own ( now massively expanded ) camera roll. You climb onto the bed and straddle his waist, pinning his phone down. “Okay, spill what are you doing?”“Nothing,” he says, too quickly. He tries to look bored, but his ears are turning bright red.

You raise an eyebrow. “Riki you’ve tripled the number of photos we have together in like two weeks. You made a whole new album. You even took that ridiculous one where you’re lifting me up in the practice room.”He avoids your eyes, cheeks flushing darker. “So? I thought it looked cool.”

“Were you competing with Sunoo?” Silence and then “No.” The denial is instant, but the bright red blush spreading across his face and neck gives him away completely. He groans and covers his face with both hands, mumbling through his fingers, “This is so embarrassing don’t look at me.” You laugh softly and pull his hands away, leaning down to kiss his warm cheek. “You’re so cute when you’re jealous.”

“I’m not jealous,” he protests weakly, but his arms slide around your waist anyway, holding you in place. “I just don’t like that you have more memories with him it feels unfair. I’m supposed to be the one you make the most memories with im your boyfriend.”His voice gets quieter on the last part, a rare moment of honesty slipping through the competitive armor.You smile and rest your forehead against his. “You are, dummy. Sunoo is my friend, but you’re my favorite always.”

Riki exhales, the tension melting as he flips you over so he’s hovering above you. “Good then we’re taking more pictures right now.” He grabs his phone again, but this time he’s smiling soft and a little shy as he pulls you close for a candid kiss on the cheek. From then on, the “competition” becomes less about beating Sunoo and more of an excuse for riki to shower you with extra attention. He still denies being jealous every time someone teases him, but the way he clings to you a little tighter, steals more kisses, and proudly shows off your ever growing photo album says everything.

And honestly? You don’t mind one bit. Because a competitive niki is adorable, and he always makes sure you know you’re his number one.