#cafeshuaaa

Y/n l/n, a growing rookie solo artist under Pledis Entertainment but if anyone knew you well enough, they’d also know you as Joshua Hong of Seventeen’s partner. Joshua had long debuted by the time that you’d become a trainee under Pledis’ strict ways but he and Seventeen often visited you while you were practising. They remembered their trainee days well and they offered an array of support to you during the harsh times when they hit you. Pledis had already made it clear they had no intentions of debuting you in a group - they didn’t exactly have the trainees to debut a group and they also weren’t exactly scouting for any. You didn’t mind, perhaps being a solo artist would make your talents thrive even more. 

After your debut with a catchy, summery girl crush song in the month of June, you were quick to gain popularity as Pledis’ latest rookie. But it came as even a shock to Seventeen’s millions of fans when it was hinted in an interview with Seventeen that they’d be having a comeback soon - and even more of a shock when they let it slip that it was a collaboration with you. In the time leading up to it, you’d never spent more time with Seventeen’s members without Joshua around. Yet you had to work with both Soonyoung and Jihoon almost daily. 

“What if we add this part to the pre-chorus?” You mumbled from where you sat beside Jihoon in his studio. Jihoon made a soft noise, watching your finger trace the screen of his laptop where you were both working on the instrumental of the song. The track would be on their newest album they were preparing for and in all honestly, Jihoon had admitted to you that it was nice to have someone to share the work of writing music with for once. 

“I mean we can test it, definitely.” Jihoon nodded, dragging the part you were focusing on and letting you test where you were thinking of putting it. The two of you sat quiet as you listened to it play, tapping your feet quietly. 

“Opinion?” Your gaze glanced over to Jihoon’s furrowed brows. He nodded, running his hand through his hair just as the door to his studio opened and Joshua and Mingyu shuffled into the dark room. A smile crept upon your face, leaning your head back as Joshua leaned down to press a kiss to your lips.

“How’s it going in here?” Mingyu hummed, throwing himself onto the couch by the wall as Joshua continued to stay behind you, his hands on your shoulders. Jihoon sloped back in his chair, looking at his laptop screen.

“Well y/n might have just made a turning point in this, we moved a part from a verse to the pre-chorus and it’s not too shabby,” Jihoon chuckled, glancing over at you. You beamed with pride but you couldn’t help but falter under it, your cheeks turning red as Joshua’s hands squeezed your shoulders slightly and you thought it was out of reassurance, “I mean we can always get your opinions on it too?”

“Sure,” Joshua mused, looking over at Mingyu who nodded, “would love to see what my girlfriend’s brilliant mind is up to in here.”

You wasn’t stupid, you caught onto how Joshua emphasised the ‘my’ in his sentence and you slowly glanced up at him, trying to hide the fact your heart did mini backflips when he smiled his little bunny teeth down at you as Jihoon began to play the sample of the song. Pursing your lips, you looked away from him embarrassedly. Maybe he was just being proud of you and you were overthinking it. 

-

For a week straight, you had to spend time with Soonyoung and his handy choreographers in the dance studio trying to figure out how you could be incorporated into a Seventeen choreography. You’d figured that would be difficult enough, you were definitely not as skilled when it came to dance as Seventeen were and your dances as a solo artist were simple enough thanks to only having two back-up dances. 

Hence, you spent more time with Soonyoung trying to learn this dance he was setting up for all of you than you had spent in Jihoon’s studio writing a whole song with him. Of course, this left you aching and constantly exhausted.

“You look like you’re about to fall asleep,” the warm voice of your boyfriend hummed as he entered the living room, a towel around his neck since he’d not long emerged from the shower, “let me guess, Soonyoung?”

You whined, nodding gently as your whole body hurt to move while you shuffled on the couch to make room for Joshua to sit himself down.

“How the hell do you deal with his choreographies?” You mumbled, curling into his side as he wrapped an arm around you. He chuckled a little. 

“I’m used to it by now,” Joshua sighed, tilting his head back. You traced his jawline with your eyes and the way his eyelashes fluttered shut, “it’s almost like my girlfriend spends more time with my band than me.”

You snorted, sitting up to look at him as he turned his head, smirking a little.

“You rascal- I can’t believe you,” you laughed, hitting his shoulder as his grip tightened on your hip, “there’s no way you, Joshua Hong, are jealous right now?”

“I mean, why shouldn’t I be?” He whined, pulling you closer so you were borderline on his lap, “Jihoon and Soonyoung have seen you consecutively for two weeks now, every day.”

“Because they’re the most important two when it comes to releasing a comeback,” you huffed, shaking your head, “and now that we’ve done all the hard work, you get me all to yourself again - except for promotions... and the music video...”

“I get it, I get it.” Joshua scoffed, finally pulling you onto his lap as you rested against his chest. You could feel the heat of his body through his shirt and you just knew he’d cooked himself alive in his shower.

“I still can’t believe it,” you continued and Joshua groaned loudly, recognising you were never going to drop it, “you are so..”

Joshua cut you off, pressing his lips to yours. 

“Handsome?” He poked when you pulled apart. You scoffed, rolling your eyes. 

“Stupid.” You taunted, flicking his forehead. 

-

The time came where the fourteen of you crowded into Seventeen’s dance studio, vigorously learning the dance Soonyoung and yourself had concocted with the help of a few choreographers. The air was thick with tense energy as the lot of you focused heavily on not messing this up, the others learning intently from Soonyoung and yourself.

“You made it too difficult this time.” Seungcheol scoffed as they all fell to the dance studio floor in breathless pants and covered in sweat. Soonyoung chuckled as Seungcheol chugged his water from his bottle, the plastic crinkling even though you thought the water was probably lukewarm by now. 

“It was all down to y/n here, she’s a much better idol than us by far.” He gloated, his hand patting your shoulder and lingering as he flushed you in compliments. Heat rose to your ears, making you laugh nervously as you shook your head and waved your hands to brush off the compliment. Across the room, you’d noticed Joshua’s narrowed eyes on Soonyoung’s lingering hand. 

“No no no,” you laughed, a little awkward as you took a step away from Soonyoung so his hand fell, “this was all on you guys - the song especially, Jihoon.” 

The group chorused in soft compliments to you, some mimicking your debut song or doing some of the dance to it at least as you sauntered to the tense aura of your boyfriend by the wall. 

“Shua?” You whispered to try get his attention as you sat down and he didn’t raise his gaze from his food, “Josh? Joshu-”

“Yes?” He mumbled, finally raising his eyes to look at you. You pouted, puffing your cheeks as your arms folded across your chest and you threw yourself back against the wall. Joshua leaned back against the wall, much more calmer than you. 

“Can you stop acting like a toddler in a sulk just because one of them touched me?” You huffed under your breath, not turning to acknowledge your boyfriend as he turned to look at you. He sighed, looking away.

“It’s not that, baby,” Joshua cleared his throat gently, his long fingers fiddling with his empty plastic water bottle, “but maybe it’d be best to discuss it at home.”

Your tongue poked your cheek and Joshua knew you wasn’t happy with delaying this conversation until later that night but you settled for it when he hooked an arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his side as he pressed a kiss to your head. You could perhaps forgive him for moments like these. 

-

Joshua was reluctant to cook dinner and your whole body thrashed in pain whenever you moved, so you were more than reluctant to cook - especially if you’d be doing it alone. That meant that Joshua ordered takeaway again, running you a hot bath as he sat on the toilet seat lid and kept you company in the dim bathroom kept light by a few candles Joshua had lit. 

“Are you going to talk now on why it was so criminal for Soonyoung to touch me earlier?” You mumbled, your eyes closed as you tilted your head back and took in the way the bubbles tickled at your skin and the heat hugged you in comfort. 

“When you were still a trainee - before we got together - we spent a lot of time with you, right?” Joshua started, waiting for you to nod in confirmation as you finally opened your eyes to look over at him, “well the guys would always talk about you, like constantly. Soonyoung especially, man he was head over heels for you.”

“So you’re worried Soonyoung still likes me?” your voice was quiet after hours of yelling over the song you’d written with Jihoon to help teach the choreography with Soonyoung, “baby you know it doesn’t matter if he does - right? Who am I dating?”

“Me?” Joshua replied, almost uncertainly since he was quite confused why you’d asked it in the first place - of course you were dating him.

“Then why the fuck would I care about Soonyoung? I couldn’t give a shit if he came to me with hundreds of roses and a new car, Josh,” you laughed, shaking your head as you leaned onto the side of the bath, looking up at Joshua’s clear skin, “don’t be so silly, baby. You’re mine.”

A soft smile crept across Joshua’s face as he admired the way you folded your arms on the side on the bath, resting your chin on them as your eyes looked up at him ever so innocently. He had to laugh mentally over how the bubbles consumed your form in the bathtub and the way the ends of your hair was wet from soaking in the water but the top of your hair was dry. Joshua could stare at every blemish on your face and body and he’d still happily gloat that you were his. 

With that thought in mind, he leaned down to meet your face and pressed his lips to yours. You smiled into the kiss, reciprocating. 

“It’s funny that you were jealous though.” You whispered against his lips and he scoffed, pulling away. Your hand reached up, covered in bubbles as you blew them into his face.

You swirled the spoon around in your coffee, your best friend since you were ten sat opposite you. She let out a soft chuckle at the sour look of distaste on your face as you stared at your coffee, your head in your hand. 

“You know, this sort of comes with being separated parents,” Ji-ah hummed as she took a sip of her earl grey tea, pursing her lips as she looked out of the window you were seated at, “y/n, you act like this as if you don’t still think about him a lot.”

“I have no choice, Ji-ah,” you groaned in response, sitting back in your chair as you finally stopped swirling your coffee, “I have to see that stupid face of his every goddamn weekend just for Chanyeol. It’s getting me nowhere.”

“Then give him custody of Chanyeol, you’d never have to see him again.” Ji-ah laughed, tapping her nails on the vintage wooden table. She sighed when you didn’t respond to the joke. Ji-ah leaned forward on the table, reaching across to take hold of one of your hands in her considerably warmer hand. Your eyes lifted to meet hers, and she cracked a sympathetic tiny smile.

“Stupid to think I’d still feel things like this even after everything he’s put me through,” you let out a defeated sigh, using your spare hand to finally take a swig of your coffee, “he’d push me purposefully every time he saw me in the corridors once. I mean, he’s the whole ass reason I dropped being a trainee. I could have been doing something with my life by now.”

“Instead,” Ji-ah inhaled, giving your hand a squeeze, “you’re a wonderful single mother to a beautiful little boy and you help out my florist shop for your work.”

You cracked a weak smile at the thought of Chanyeol. Ji-ah was right, he certainly was a beautiful little boy - but that’s only because he was a mirror image of his father. You fought back the scowl that wanted to appear on your face at just the mere idea that you’d let yourself think of Seungcheol again. To say the least, the man had given you nothing but a rollercoaster since he’d walked into your life and even now, even if he was completely unaware of it, he was still doing so. 

Seungcheol and yourself had met on a fateful audition day at the Pledis building, both hoping for bright futures. He hadn’t even spared a glance in your direction at that point but you were the definition of a magnet to him, even if all signs pointed away from him. You couldn’t excuse your naive behaviour, you fell into pointless flings with multiple trainees during your time as a trainee, bouncing between boys because you’d never seen your own worth before - Seungcheol just happened to be one of these flings. He was to debut in a group of seventeen males, including himself and he became increasingly busy trying to prove they were worth a debut and a chance at being idols. This ultimately pushed you out and no amount of late night dance practises could distract you from feeling like a piece of trash to throw out once again. You finished it on rocky terms with the tall male, sealing your fate as his pin cushion if you managed to walk down the same corridor as him.

His group seemed lovely, they would acknowledge you kindly as if Seungcheol and you were never a thing and wouldn’t raise a hand in your direction unless they were opening a door for you. You couldn’t understand how he was their leader yet he treated you so much more differently to them. You put the blame on your terrible choice in men by this point. After enduring a few months of Seungcheol’s spiteful attitude and asshole ways, you dropped Pledis entirely and left that building for good. 

You thought that would be the end of it, you’d never see him again. You’d freed yourself from not only the tiring and pressuring ways of the industry but the sights of Seungcheol. When Ji-ah offered you to work with her at the florists, things were looking up. She’d been your friend for as long as you remember; and had certainly gave her opinions on your many bad choices in men. Seungcheol was one of them but she had a little faith that maybe, just maybe, you should speak it out. You scoffed when she spoke. You’d be caught dead in the same room as him after your experiences. Regardless, you stubbornly agreed as you met up with the freshly debuted Seungcheol, meeting his new idol attitude he maintained in the public and creasing at how different he was. You agreed to try again and things seemed perfect for once, he had genuinely changed, you thought to yourself. Four years later, Ji-ah made an appearance as your maid of honour at your wedding, where you were six months pregnant with a little boy that Seungcheol worshipped. 

Shortly after Chanyeol was born, you began drifting with Seungcheol because of his work schedule. You separated on the agreement that he would have Chanyeol every weekend and you would have him for the week. Despite how much you wished you could change the paths you took, the turns you took were how you ended up in the position you were.

A buzz came from your phone, its screen lighting up as you received a text notification. Almost exactly on 2pm, he’d text you to tell you where you would be picking up Chanyeol this weekend - their practise room in the Pledis building. You muffled a scream into your scrunched up cardigan as you threw it on the table before you so you could throw your head into it, deafening the sounds of your stress as Ji-ah awkwardly stroked your hair, assuring a concerned waitress that you were fine. You were not in fact fine, and you were convinced you would never be fine for as long as this was your situation. You bid your farewells to Ji-ah, picking up your cardigan and phone as you left the cafe’s warmth into the chilling autumn weather. 

You’d been purposefully lurking in a cafe near the Pledis building for this exact reason. It wasn’t your first time picking him up from the building and you figured you’d revisit your favourite spot when you was a trainee. It’s how you landed there every time. The reception staff greeted you politely as they recognised your still youthful face, even after all this stress. You acknowledged them with a warm smile back, heading towards the familiar elevators you took every time. Cursing under your breath, you told yourself this endless loop of parenting would end eventually. Either the puzzle pieces would slot together or the puzzle would be put back in its box. 

It didn’t take you long to find their practise room for the day, purely from the amount of noise they made. Amongst the noise of grown men yelling, you could hear the happy, excited squeals of Chanyeol. Slowly, as you stopped outside the door, a sad smile crossed your face. As much as you resented him, you thanked him for the life he gave your son whenever he had him. Apart from going to school and spending time at the florists with auntie Ji-ah, Chanyeol had no excitable stories to tell during the week compared to the ones he’d tell you when you picked him up every Sunday. You shook the thought from your head, knocking on the door that was hurriedly open.

“Mommy!” Chanyeol yelled in the background at your appearance and you smiled at who opened the door, Mingyu, one of Seungcheol’s fellow rappers. He smiled back, moving aside to let Chanyeol run into your arms as you crouched for him. You lifted him, brushing his dark hair from his sticky face.

“Look at you, so sweaty,” you teased, kissing his cheek as he rested his head on your shoulder, “you stink.”

Chanyeol giggled in your ear as your eyes landed on his father across the room, who acknowledged you with a smile. Surprised, it took you a few moments to register the scenario before you acknowledged him kindly back.

“Sorry, Soonyoung and Seungkwan tried to tire him out before you arrived.” He spoke as he walked over, a bottle of almost empty water in his hand. Their most recent song played faintly from the sound system in the back and you nodded, glancing at Chanyeol as he fought to keep his eyes open.

“I think they succeeded,” you exhaled, pressing another kiss to your son’s cheek as he drifted, “that’s fine, it gives me more time to cook dinner.”

“You haven’t eaten yet?” Jeonghan, Seungcheol’s younger by two months spoke up from where he was on his phone. You shook your head, ignoring the hunger pains in your stomach, “why don’t you stay and eat with us? We were about to order.”

Defensively your body tensed, your mouth opening to fling out some quick rejections at the thought of spending dinner with your son’s father. Yet nothing came out and as the group looked at you expectantly, the pressure began to gather on your shoulders quickly as you simply nodded in agreement, closing your mouth. 

-

They had made a bed for Chanyeol out of their jackets quite easily, leaving the sleeping child at one end of the practise room while you all gathered at the other end around the food. You ate quietly, trying not to stuff your face too quickly in front of the thirteen men. You did however, glance around at them often, admiring the ways that they’d aged since you were trainees. You would see them frequently thanks to Chanyeol and yet every time something about one of them would change. Seungcheol especially, as you admired the slight mullet the staff had got him to grow out. Your eyes fell down to your food, clearing your throat to stop you from choking on your mouthful as you reminded yourself not to gawk at the man. 

In hushed voices, the men spoke about their upcoming schedule, reminding each other the specifics for the upcoming weeks. You listened silently, suddenly not regretting dropping being a trainee as you listened to how extensive the ordeal was.

“Y/n,” Joshua spoke up and you raised your head at the sound of your name, “do you still work at that florists?”

The question threw you off but you nodded as you finished your mouthful, clearing your mouth with water before you spoke.

“Yeah, why?” You didn’t want your tone to come across as too defensive or rude, especially after they treated you to dinner. Joshua hummed, popping another rice cake into his mouth.

“I’ll contact you about it, I need some flowers doing.” He smiled simply, and you nodded in response again. You sat back against the wall, exhaling at the thought of how much you’d eaten. They ate so well it scared you sometimes - you were too mindful of your weight. As they dispersed to clean up and continue practising, a figure slid down the wall beside you, sitting with his legs straightened out as he sighed.

Your eyes flickered to identify who had joined you, your heartbeat racing in your throat as you quickly diverted your eyes. You noticed however, he wasn’t aware even if you were obvious, as he was looking over at Chanyeol. 

“Are we always going to go back and forth?” Seungcheol suddenly spoke and you rose a brow. He still hadn’t moved his eyes from Chanyeol, “for the rest of his life?”

“What do you suggest we do?” You bit back under your breath and it was then Seungcheol looked over at you, how you sat with your cardigan on your lap and hair framing your face. He exhaled, chewing the inside of his cheek.

“You’re still always so hostile,” he mumbled and you opened your mouth to argue but he was quick to interject, “y/n I need to come to a reality here. We separated four years ago now, we’ve been doing this for four years and every time I see your damn face I think the same goddamn thing - why was I so stupid? Where did I think prioritising my job would get me?”

You held your breath as you looked back down at your lap. Your hair fell routinely, hiding your face as you squeezed your eyes shut, trying to block out what was happening. 

“Y/n, I beg you let me have one more chance, it’ll be my last one - I promise.” You didn’t expect his words to come out so desperate and quiet, his voice meek as if he couldn’t let his group hear. Your teary eyes began to sting as you heard the boys coo and shush as Chanyeol woke up. 

“I should take him home now.”

- 

Weeks past with the heavy thought of Seungcheol on your mind 24/7. Every time you would pick Chanyeol up, he’d tell some wild story about what he got up to with the guys but then he’d always run his mouth about how off his father was. Daddy is quiet, Daddy doesn’t smile anymore, I think Daddy’s work is upsetting him. He’ll always follow it up with “I know my uncles will take care of him.”

Every time he’d tell you, it’d end with you curled up under the sheets of your bed, sobbing into the one thing you kept of Seungcheol - one of his hoodies that you refused to wash so the scent lingered and hit you in nostalgic waves of memory every time. Perhaps this would not help but you knew you never answered him back in that practise room and you felt nothing but guilt every time your son detailed that his daddy isn’t happy anymore. It was all your fault.

“Mommy,” Chanyeol spoke up from the kitchen table, his eyes still glued to the kids programme on TV, “why doesn’t Daddy live with us?”

You cleared your throat, pausing the spreading of jam on toast as you processed. This wasn’t the first time you’d heard him ask this - even to Ji-ah and you knew it would get worse now that he was getting older.

“Mommy will tell you another time, quick eat breakfast or you’ll be late.” You placed his toast in front of him on a cartoon character plate, his usual every morning. Chanyeol finally turned his head to look up at you, his cheeks puffed in a child’s frustration.

“You say that every time! You never tell me!” He huffed with a slight raise of his voice, his lower lip jutting out. That was the final straw, you decided.

- 

On this crucial day, Seungcheol had texted simply that the pick-up place was the apartment. A change of scenery compared to the last few weeks, you thought as you rode the elevator to their floor. Perhaps their schedule was over for now and they could rest. You were sure they’d appreciate some downtime. Your finger shakily reached up to press their doorbell and of course it ended up being Seungcheol who answered for you. You both froze, the air tense as Chanyeol suddenly brushed past his father’s legs and hugged yours.

“Y/n-” Seungcheol began softly but you cut him off, shaking your head as you placed one hand on your son’s fluffy hair.

You tapped your pen against the desk, staring amongst your team as they sat idly waiting your decisions for the upcoming tournament. You were to yet again play against enemy schools’ Overwatch teams as usual and that meant you were also once more going to face your rival - Jeon Wonwoo. He was the team captain for one of the enemy teams and you despised each other thoroughly. It always became more than a competition between the two of you.

“What roster are we going to start with?”  Mingyu spoke up from your left, where he was chewing a piece of gum. The others proceeded to raise their heads, as if remembering why they were there. You hummed, pausing the tapping of your pen.

“Well we’re against Yonsei first,” you uttered, tilting your head back, “they’re strong on their supports so we need to counter them with damage, focus their supports and cut off healing.”

Mingyu nodded at your response, his eyes drifting around the team.

“That means Chan and Minghao would be our ideal damage picks, right?” Seokmin spoke up and there was numerous agreements amongst your team as you nodded.

“Yeah. Gyu, can I put you on the bench for damage?” You turned back to the tall male and he flashed a bright grin at you, nodding, “Seokmin, I want you and Vernon on tank so we can maybe run a dive comp.” 

Your eyes fell to Seungkwan and the corners of your mouth turned up as so did his. He nodded his head before the words even needed to come out of your mouth, knowing the two of you would be the team’s supports. The group turned back to talking amongst themselves, discussing comps you could use and which damage you’d like to go for. You watched before your eyelashes fluttered shut and you considered what it would be like to win against Yonsei again, to see that look of defeat on Wonwoo’s usually cocky face. The way he’d hold a smirk so surely during your matches up until victory shines in your face.

You could almost scoff at the thought. His ego was huge for such a quiet man, one that you would find attractive if it wasn’t for the rivalry and asshole attitude. You tuned into your team making dinner plans, arguing over whether or not to go for Korean barbeque. 

“I say we go but we make Mingyu pay,” you teased, opening your eyes to see Mingyu’s shocked face. When he said nothing, you stood up, “thanks Gyu!”

-

You threw the hand warmer back and forth between your hands, admiring the crowds of students and families that had come to watch the tournament today. You glanced back over your shoulder at your team, adorning their team jerseys as they chatted idly - waiting for the caster to begin to introduce the teams. As the caster greeted the crowds, welcoming to the tournament, you felt a wave of nausea wash over you that you couldn’t explain. Your hand shot out to the bottle on the surface beside you, taking a gulp of water anxiously. Vernon patted your shoulder.

“Nerves?” He kept his voice low, knowing how much you valued your reputation as the team captain. You flashed a meek smile, nodding with a defeated sigh.

“I always get them, even if I’m confident we’ll do fine.” You admitted with an embarrassed laugh to which Vernon smiled at, bringing his arm around your shoulder as Yonsei’s team were introduced, walking onto the stage.

“We’ll do absolutely fine, y/n.” Vernon reassured you. You watched the enemy team closely, from their supports - Lee Jihoon and Joshua Hong -, their tanks - Jeon Wonwoo and Choi Seungcheol - and finally their damage - Kwon Soonyoung and Wen Junhui. -

Another pat was felt on your back as Mingyu joined you and Vernon. He smiled, listening to the caster.

“Time to meet your opponents; Seoul University!” The caster yelled excitedly, causing a booming round of applause from the audience. You held your breath, “starting with their damage today, Lee Chan and Xu Minghao.”

The two walked past you, heading up onto the stage to stand in front of the row of monitors and gaming computers you’d be using today. There was more reaction from the crowds and you thought about whether your family had actually turned up. The caster called for Lee Seokmin and Vernon Chwe next, meaning you were left with no warmth around your shoulders as Vernon left your side. Your breath was laboured as Seungkwan moved to take his place, holding your clammy hand in his as he tried to break a reassuring smile at you but it came out just as nervous as the two of you felt.

“And finally, their supports Boo Seungkwan and y/n l/n!” Your hands parted as you let Seungkwan head onto the stage first, his smile becoming bright as he waved. You followed his steps, ignoring that your legs were absolute jelly as you waved towards the audience with your most confident smile, standing beside Seungkwan once more with a different atmosphere between you both. The caster requested the team captains met at centre stage before the games began and your breath hitched in your throat. Seungkwan flashed you a look and you nodded.

Your legs didn’t have to carry you far, so you had to watch silently as Wonwoo approached you, already wearing that smirk.

“Already confident you’ll win?” You muttered as he stood before you, towering over you like Mingyu would. Wonwoo scoffed.

“Sure thing sweetheart, don’t let the nerves mess you up too much.” He threw back, causing you to raise a brow as you eyed him. 

“Don’t worry, you’ll be biting those words by the end of this.” The words didn’t mean to come out in such a condescending tone with a low hiss but you were tired of the cocky male belittling you when your win rate was higher than his. You parted, heading to your seats to begin.

-

Things were going more than well amongst your team, as you’d manage to take two of the maps so far and were only in need of one more map for your well deserved victory. It was Route 66, not your favourite payload map but you’d take any payload map that you had a chance to play Ana on - and so you did. Yonsei’s Soonyoung had chosen Genji, causing issues for you as he lowered your health drastically and began to chase.

“They’re targetting me,” you told your team through the team voice chat, “by spawn, it’s their Genji.”

Vernon appeared on Rein, shielding you as you used your nade to restore your health. Wonwoo had also appeared on Rein to protect his Genji as your team had gathered to defend you. In between hitting shots on Vernon to heal him, you’d managed to shoot past him and one of your shots landed on Wonwoo who was already inexplicably low on health. The shot killed him, coming up in the kill feed seconds later.

You could hear your team laughing through their mics in the voice chat, giving you small praises as you continued to defend. Blood roared in your ears and you slyly took a glance at Wonwoo, watching his tongue poke his cheek as he looked incredibly annoyed at his monitor. ‘Biting your words yet?’ You thought to yourself as you focused once more. 

-

Your team took Route 66 with ease, leaving you with a 3-0 win in your honour as you removed your headset. The volume of the crowds suddenly enhanced as you were faced with the noise of reality, making you wince as your team gathered around your chair to celebrate with a hug. You let out a relieved sigh, laughing as the sweaty men engulfed you.

-

Backstage you sat alone once more on one of the couches, tapping through social media on your phone. Your team had all gone to speak to their families, leaving you with some peace to process yet another victory. You hadn’t expected for your team to roll Yonsei this tournament but they didn’t even manage to reverse sweep and take a win from you. Lost in your thoughts, you didn’t hear as someone approached you, with an iced coffee in one of his hands and his other hand shoved into his jean pocket.

“Good game.” His deep voice suddenly spoke and you almost dropped your phone as you jumped, your body jolting a little as he caught you off guard. Your eyes turned to look up at Wonwoo, slightly bewildered. He’d never came to say anything to you after a game.

“Hm. You too.” Your voice was low as you sat up properly, eyeing him. He didn’t seem to carry the smug attitude he usually had and he wasn’t exactly smirking either but you didn’t know how to process his kindness without being hostile. Wonwoo rolled his eyes with a small smile.

“I suppose you made me bite my words, huh?” He looked around the room, which was a dressing room used for the theatre kids. Your team had used it to chill before and after the tournament today, leaving their stuff here with you while they disappeared, “I suppose I deserved it.”

Your fingers fumbled nervously as you looked down, unsure how to respond for some time. This was unlike the relationship the two of you had, cussing each other out before every match your teams played, death glares and smirks galore.

“We’re going for barbeque and drinks, my team wanted to know if you and your team wanted to join. We’ll pay, you did win after all.” Wonwoo chuckled, sipping his iced coffee. You chewed your lower lip, feeling unexpected heat rising to your cheeks.

“We’ll have to meet you there, they’re all talking to their families right now.” You surprised yourself taking Wonwoo’s offer. Yet as he stood there, his hair looking oddly soft and his skin borderline porcelain, you didn’t surprise yourself - did you?

-

Even your team doubted you when you told them what had happened but as they sat amongst Wonwoo’s team, stuffing their faces and playing drinking games, that doubt had definitely dissolved. With red faces and slurred words, you could only roll your eyes as you texted your flatmate to let her know you might need a ride back - with multiple males, that is. She agreed to pick you up before she scolded you to put your phone down and socialise for once.

An arm was slung around your shoulder, pulling you into the male’s side. Vernon beamed at you, popping some beef from the barbeque into his mouth. You creased, slapping his chest.

“You reek, Hansol.” You whined, pulling away from him and making the others laugh as he pouted.

“You don’t drink, y/n?” Joshua asked from opposite you on the table - you shook your head at the older male, “neither.”

It was comforting to know there was at least one other sober person sat at the table with you however you were outnumbered by the amount of horrifically smelling males and Joshua was very aware of that as he rubbed his temple. 

“Yah, y/n do you like anyone?” Jeonghan spoke up with a slight slur to his words. You were way too sober to answer that, you thought as you sent a small glance in Wonwoo’s direction where he was staring at Jeonghan. Scared he’ll get embarrassed by his team’s drunken antics? You didn’t exactly get a chance to open your mouth and evade the question as Mingyu opened his loud mouth, making you groan.

“Y/n never likes anyone,” he huffed like a child, taking another shot of soju, “she wouldn’t even tell us if she did!”

Your team nodded amongst each other as if their minds weren’t fuzz from all the alcohol and they could actually understand the conversation topic. Soonyoung let out flamboyant gasp, his hands flying to his face.

“Really? Wonwoo tells us everything-” he was cut off by the man, who looked like the conversation alone had sobered him up.

“That’s enough guys...” He chuckled awkwardly, patting Soonyoung’s shoulder who was pursing his lips.

“What’s wrong Woo? We won’t tell them you like y/n, silly.” Soonyoung voiced explicitly loud and yet you froze on the spot, your cheeks flushing a bright red as if you had been drinking as much as your team. Wonwoo cleared his throat, looking down with a small sigh as he hid his face. Your team gathered to you, compiled with wolf whistles and odd comments that you could only assume was the alcohol speaking. 

-

The night began to draw to an end, your flatmate parking her car in front of the restaurant as you herded your wasted team into the vehicle. Your flatmate would make comments occasionally, especially at how boisterous they was. 

“Oh my God you guys stink,” she laughed and you groaned, “bet you regret agreeing now, don’t you?”

“In more ways than one, give me a moment.” You flashed her a smile through her open passenger window where she was waiting for you as you closed the back door. She nodded, watching as you headed towards Yonsei’s slurring team.

Wonwoo and Joshua were the ones clambering them into the mini van, occasionally cursing under their breaths as a member would escape as they weren’t looking. Joshua caught you approaching first, clearing his throat as he excused himself to end up wrestling Seungcheol. Wonwoo rubbed the back of his neck, refusing to look at you.

“I am so sorry for them, I-” Wonwoo began to spurt out words in an embarrassed panic and you shook your head, cutting him off.

“No, it’s okay, I knew I would never hear it from your own mouth.” You mused, wrapping your jacket around your body some more as a harsh winter wind blew around the two of you. Wonwoo stared at you, unsure how to process your presence after he was outed so casually by his own team. Yet as he watched the wind whip your hair around, your body beginning to shake a little as your lower lip trembled in the cold, he knew this conversation was on limited time. Boldly, he stepped forward towards you, his body blocking the gusts of wind as he towered over you once more as he had done on the stage earlier that day. 

You stared up at him, smiling despite the weather’s harsh conditions in the restaurant’s car park. Wonwoo let out a small, breathy laugh before he leant down and pressed his lips to yours, his arms finding their way around you as the wind almost knocked your balance. Your sweater paws reached up, grabbing handfuls of his shirt until your knuckles were white as you lifted yourself to your tiptoes, bringing yourself closer to Wonwoo.

Jeonghan tapped his foot, his arms folded across his chest as they sat sprawled out across the dance studio’s floor. The room echoed with heavy pants for air after their practise and yet the conversation always seemed to find its way to him as he sat quietly, not even bothering the maknae of the group like usual. 

“How long is it going to take for you to find someone?” Seungcheol whined, pointing his finger at the other 95 line male. Seungcheol had been in a relationship for four years now with it not only being public but he was preparing for proposal now too. Mingyu hummed from where he was most likely also texting his partner - Jeonghan could tell from the stupid grin he was trying to hide while he typed. 

“Maybe hyung just likes to take his time.” Vernon tried to reason with the other members, who were adjusted to mocking Jeonghan these days over his lack of relationship. The group wasn’t even aware if the man was speaking to someone anymore since the last time Jeonghan was open about his dating life was when they were trainees and he was in the talking stage with a librarian of all people. 

They knew even then that Jeonghan wouldn’t pursue a relationship with her and after all these years since, it was clearly true. Yet what the members failed to notice was how the man was suddenly obsessed with boba tea, bringing them all milk teas to practise and even turning up to meetings with one in his hand instead of a coffee. Jeonghan was amazed every time that they’d start their taunting that they were so blind to the way that he was falling so heavily in love with a girl from the local boba tea shop near his apartment. 

He’d been speaking to you for months now - still minorly in the talking stage but the two of you were beginning to act like a couple amongst yourselves, bickering over small things like a married couple and bringing out pet names whenever one of you wanted something. He’d stop by at the shop you worked in on the way to the Pledis building almost every day - hence his ability to suddenly grab boba tea for all of the members. The two of you would claim you were in the talking stage if anybody ever questioned but thankfully the only person with a working braincell seemed to be one of your co-workers who was usually on shift with you and saw Jeonghan almost daily. 

On top of this, the two of you were borderline no longer in the talking stage. It was just that neither of you knew how to process the fact that every time you saw each other outside of the work place, you had the major urge to kiss each other like you’d been dating months - but that’s what it felt like to the two of you, so maybe it was a natural feeling. Amidst the silence from Jeonghan, the members finally decided to lay off their teasing and instead to plan a huge group date night - which would be expensive- and yet as Jeonghan listened to them, he knew it would be roped back around to him shortly. 

And so it did, as they reached the topics of their partners’ availability for the night they’d chosen, all of their heads turned in Jeonghan’s direction once more and he rolled his eyes, exhaling.

“We’ll be there.” He stated bluntly and his member’s eyes widened for it was the first time he’d even remotely hinted to his dating life again. 

“Have you been hiding something from us this whole time?” Seokmin raised his voice before quickly apologising under his breath when both Seungcheol and Jeonghan’s eyes landed on him. The members looked between each other in bewilderment.

“I guess you’ll find out,” he yawned as he stood up, grabbing his stuff, “text me the details, would you?”

-

You faltered the moment Jeonghan told you his group’s plans for a date night. He’d invited you specifically to his apartment, albeit not the first time you’d stepped into the strong scents of wood and flora. He’d made dinner for you like he’d usually do when he invited you over, sat across the dining table from you as you both ate. 

“Are you sure?” You whispered uncertainly at Jeonghan’s proposal that the two of you went together. The idea of even meeting his group was scary ever since you discovered Jeonghan’s identity without him even uttering anything but his name to you. You’d opened your social media to see headlines and posts plastered all over your feeds regarding a group called Seventeen, who was climbing quickly in popularity and as you stared at the group photos Dispatch had taken, you recognised the man on the far left with the mask on. 

“Only if you’re comfortable enough,” Jeonghan hummed as he leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink as he glanced over at your timid form, “don’t feel forced or anything - and they’re not that scary if that’s what you’re wondering, especially not with their partners there too.”

You inhaled, nodding as you played with your food a little while you debated this daunting situation heavily. You had grown seriously attached to Jeonghan in the time that you’d been talking and you didn’t want to admit that the thought of the two of you being seen as a couple felt like a fever dream to you, like pure ecstasy despite the anxiety you had from him being an idol. Maybe it was time to take that plunge.

“Alright,” you smiled as Jeonghan’s infamous smile crept upon his face from across the the table, “is there a dress code? I don’t know what to wear.”

“I’ll find that out, Sweetheart, don’t worry,” Jeonghan laughed lightly, watching you begin to eat again now that you had finished overthinking, “they’re supposed to be texting me details but you’ve got a week to go anyway.”

Heat rushed to your cheeks, your head feeling light as he once again called you Sweetheart. It was your favourite pet name he used for you and Jeonghan knew that very well from the way you’d curl into him even more if you were cuddling or hide your face while you were making his order. It was the small things that meant a lot to Jeonghan and knowing you felt that way was one of them as his foot brushed yours underneath the table and you once more shared a smile to each other. 

-

The idea of all thirteen group members turning up with all thirteen of the partners was an awful idea, now that the older members - specifically Joshua and Seungcheol, since Jeonghan hadn’t arrived yet - were witnessing it. It took a while to find a place big enough to hold everyone and in the end, the staff had to rent out half of a restaurant in order for the group to fit in and have their privacy as idols - to the extent of the restaurant staff.

“What’s the bets he wont turn up now?” Jihoon mused from beside his partner, most likely the only couple in the vicinity that were almost the same height as the rest of the members would either tower over their partners or leave a few inches to spare - like Joshua and Junhui with their partners. 

“Let’s not be so mean, Jihoon, you already bullied him for being the only single member.” His partner quipped from beside him, slapping his shoulder. He sighed, nodding as he kissed her head. 

“Maybe he had to find a partner in a week just to shut us up.” Chan hummed softly as he watched the traffic on the roads before a taxi pulled up along the curb they had all gathered on outside of the restaurant. Partners glanced at partners as Jeonghan stepped out first, his hand holding yours comfortingly as he held the door open for you to step out. Since the group had opted for a semi-formal approach to the dress code, you’d chosen a short black dress from your wardrobe paired with black heels and to match, Jeonghan had simply chosen a black dress shirt and slacks. 

You smiled shyly from beside Jeonghan as the members greeted the pair of you, with some of the partners flashing you a reassuring smile from where they stood next to the intimidating - in your eyes - males. 

“You actually-” Seungkwan gawked, his eyes landing on your small form beside Jeonghan before Jeonghan cut him off with a hum, nodding.

“Yes, yes.” He chuckled, glancing down at you. You looked back up at the taller male, feeling an urge of confidence as you tiptoed to press your lips to his. Your balance faltered but it didn’t take Jeonghan to find his arm around your waist to keep you stable - and it stayed there even after the kiss had parted. The bewildered group let out hoots and cheers, followed by a chorus of voices going “finally!”

-

The two of you had made it official after that night with almost no choice due to paparazzi catching your kiss outside of the restaurant. You didn’t mind as you yawned, stretching your aching body before curling back up again into a foetal position. A warm hand brushed hair from your face, pressing a kiss to your head as you stirred again, opening your eyes slowly to meet the man. He smiled, pressing another kiss to your skin but this time your nose. 

“Go back to sleep.” He whispered and you furrowed your brows, recognising that sunlight hadn’t even began to flood the room yet. 

“What time is it?” Your raspy voice croaked out and Jeonghan hummed, sitting up and passing you the glass of water he kept on his nightstand. You took it gratefully, sipping the cold liquid to ease the scratchiness you felt in your throat.

“3am,” Jeonghan informed you once you’d finished drinking, putting the glass back on the nightstand before he laid back down. You crawled up to him, placing one of your legs over his as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder, “I’ll wake you up for breakfast.”

You wanted to question as to why Jeonghan was even awake at that time too but as your eyelids began to feel heavy, all you could mumble out was an “I love you” before you drifted off once more. Jeonghan would smile at this, tracing light patterns onto your skin as he watched how peaceful you were while asleep.

You stared as your best friend fiddled with the saran wrap around his lower arm, wincing a little as it tugged on his now delicate skin. You’d both agreed to meet over a coffee after Chan’s tattoo appointment and merely an hour later he was excitedly unwrapping its protective covering to showcase his new ink to you. Albeit, you were quite excitedly awaiting to see the new art he’d littered to his body. Despite having tattoos of your own, you could never keep up with the pace of how many Chan seemed to acquire in a month - it’d been months since your last and you were craving the feeling of the tattoo gun again. 

It was simply because you went to two separate artists. Chan travelled further in Seoul than you and for this specific tattoo, even further than usual. He’d been to a tattoo artist a friend recommended to him - Chan didn’t state much else. Whereas you went to a dingy store in a side alley by your apartment complex. Everything was fine, professionally licensed and all but you couldn’t help but curse the prices he charged. You knew damn well the effort, time and costs going into it but it was the only thing holding you back from getting another one. You had to save up first. 

Chan’s saran wrap finally fell, albeit a little bloody and you could finally admire the ink on the pale skin of his arm. Fresh and yet to heal, Chan’s forearm was now decorated with his artist’s own version of The Great Wave off Kanagawa - one of your favourite art pieces by Hokusai. A gasp left your lips and Chan laughed, staring down in admiration at his tattoo too. 

“I knew you’d like it!” Chan exclaimed, watching you lean a little closer to glance at the shading and details his tattoo artist had put in. Your teeth tugged at your lower lip, chewing it as you leaned back in your chair.

“That’s sick, Chan!” You beamed, finally wording your amazement, “I bet it cost a bomb though.”

Chan shook his head, making you quirk a brow as you waited for him to explain.

“Nah, he’s such a chill guy - so reasonably priced too,” Chan hummed, taking a sip of the coke he’d ordered, “I told him how much I had and what ideas I had and he did this on the spot.”

With your mouth gaping, you leaned onto the table in front of you, holding your breath a little.

“Can I maybe get his instagram?”

-

Your eyes fell to your phone as you sat, curled up on your couch under a crocheted blanket watching your favourite movie for the hundredth time. You let out a noise - should you message the tattoo artist? You’d learnt from Chan that his name was Vernon. You should at least see his availability, right? If he’s this good he’s probably packed out on appointments for months. Groaning, you reached for your phone on the coffee table and pulled up instagram. 

y/n: hey, sorry i know this is late, a friend of mine came to you for a tattoo and recommended you y/n: i know you’re probably booked up, so could you let me know if you get a space?

You swallowed the lump in your throat, lowering your phone. Why had you been so nervous to message him? Perhaps because you’d stuck out with the same tattoo artist for years to the point where you’d reached a comfortable level with him. A sigh left your lips and you sipped at your hot cup of coffee as you awaited his response.

inkbyvernon: lol it’s not too late don’t worry  inkbyvernon: i got plenty of spaces rn here’s my schedule inkbyvernon: https://docs.google.com/document/2223schedule inkbyvernon: just let me know whenever (:

Slowly, you gaze drifted through the google document Vernon had sent in response to your enquiries. He was barely booked in, causing you to frown. His art and work were so good, why wasn’t he being appreciated for it? Humming, you leaned back on the couch. 

y/n: i can do tomorrow’s 10:30 for you inkbyvernon: neat, what’s the deal? y/n: i’m giving you full control, i have 395,000won rn y/n: maybe a little starry night by van gogh theme? inkbyvernon: nice taste inkbyvernon: i’ll draw up some sketches now and send you them in thats alright? y/n: yeah i don’t sleep yet haha

-

You hadn’t quite expected his studio to be so perfectly placed by the Han river, overlooking the views and scenery on the third floor of a nearby building. The studio itself was quaint and you could only note Vernon was the only tattoo artist who used it. It smelt of freshly ground coffee beans with the slightest floral aroma from the numerous plants he’d dotted around the place for colour. Other than that, he’d decorated it in a - majority - black and white aesthetic, with tints of gold. And the tattoo artist himself? You could have drooled when he answered the studio door. 

Dark, messy hair and a sharp jawline, his pasty skin was decorated in more tattoos than you could have imagined. Considering he was wearing a plain black t-shirt, part of you questioned whether he was hiding even more. He smiled, showing a set of straight, white pearly teeth as he stepped aside. 

“Y/n, right?” He hummed, not missing the tiny smile you cracked on your lips as you nodded in response, “nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too,” you mused, admiring how healthy his monstera plant looked, “this place is beautiful.”

“Costs a bomb on rent though,” Vernon chuckled, shutting the door behind you as he wandered over to the tattoo chair, where he’d already set up, “take a seat.”

Your legs wandered nervously to the black leather chair wrapped in sterilised saran wrap, watching as he fiddled with inks and needles. Humming, you turned your head to take in the view - which you admit was breath-taking from this height. 

“Can I get you a drink before we start?” Vernon piped up again, his eyes landing on you as he adored the angle he had on you sat above him. The way your hair fell over your shoulders and the side profile he had on you while you gazed out of the window, “of course, we can take breaks, if you need.”

“Can I have a coffee, please?”

-

It was like an addiction, you scoffed mentally as you scrolled through pinterest at tattoo ideas. Yet was it the feeling on the tattoo gun on your skin, needles massaging your skin as they painted permanent work into your skin like a canvas or was it him? Was he the addiction?

“Ain’t no way you’re thinking of another tattoo already,” Chan quipped as he returned from his apartment kitchen, two cups of coffee in his hands, “you’re catching up to me!”

“Maybe that’s the idea,” you teased, thanking him as he passed you your coffee, “his work is just too good.”

Chan’s eyes scanned over your face as you held out one of your arms, admiring the numerous inked works of Vernon that now littered your skin. Sometimes you were going at least once a week to his studio, you’d get a headache if you couldn’t smell the sanitiser he used for longer than eight days at the least.

“You’re down bad.” Chan mumbled, raising his mug to his lips. You scoffed, glaring over at him. 

“I do not like him!” You exclaimed defensively and Chain quirked a brow. You tensed, maybe you’d been too defensive. Chan smirked. He could read you like a book after all these years of being your best friend.

“Uh-huh,” Chan mused, flicking through the TV guide using the remote, “ain’t no way you’re just getting a tattoo a week casually - and he even touched up your older tattoos that were fading.”

Jutting your lower lip out, you knew there was no winning against Chan. But he was right, wasn’t he? Your glare softened as it fell to Vernon’s linework, the most recent one being on your wrist. It was just unrequited and you didn’t want another heartbreak so soon after the last one. 

-

His fingers drummed against the chair as Vernon worked on a piece he’d requested on his knee. He’d got free control again, just like y/n gave him - but Chan had chosen a shark theme and he knew damn well you would never give him that sort of theme in this art style. Chan’s eyes watched methodically of how the tattoo gun drifted around his skin, replaced with a trail of black ink that followed it. He also watched the way that Vernon’s brows furrowed in concentration as he followed his stencil. 

Vernon’s phone pinged by the counter on the far side of the room and Chan’s gaze moved to it. What harm would it be to bring you up? It was probably you who’d messaged, after all.

“I hear my friend comes here regularly now,” he chirped, leaning his head back in attempt to hide his wince as Vernon went over a certain spot, “hope she’s not being a nuisance.”

Vernon let out a light laugh, sitting up a little as he wiped away excess ink, his eyes momentarily flickering to his phone across the room. Chan smirked, jackpot. 

“I take it you’re the friend she heard about me from,” Vernon taunted, leaning back in to continue his linework, “she’s anything but a nuisance.”

Chan chewed his lip as shading began, still watching Vernon work methodically as he tried to think of his next words. 

“She’s my childhood best friend,” Chan choked out with a little laugh, checking his phone to see you’d messaged him, “she’s catching up to me in tattoos now.”

“She said,” Vernon mused, his eyes glancing at Chan’s phone as he replied to your text, “maybe she’s already surpassed you.”

Chan paused, looking down at Vernon as Vernon let a smirk cross his face, knowing he’d tickled Chan’s mischief in just the right place. 

“I know she hasn’t - this one makes me two ahead of her!” Chan huffed defensively, gesturing to his knee as Vernon sat up once more to wipe the ink, chuckling. 

“How would you know? I’m the one doing them when she sits in this chair, giving me the control.” Vernon jeered, dipping the needles once more into black ink. Chan scoffed, turning away from the male as he puffed his cheeks in defeat. 

-

Your hand pushed down the door’s handle, opening it and embracing the Seoul sun that shone through the large window on the other side of the room. Vernon glanced up from where he was setting up all the things he needed, chuckling a little. 

“You don’t even knock anymore, look at you.” He teased, making you roll your eyes as you sauntered to the chair, ditching your tote bag by his counter at the door. 

“I’ll start messaging you on instagram when I’m outside the building if it’s any better.” You huffed back sourly and Vernon raised his hands in a surrender.

“What’s got you all sour patch kids today?” Vernon quirked a brow, watching you flop back onto the chair with a loud groan.

“Just my work, my boss is such a fucking asshole,” you scoffed, punching the air momentarily, “I don’t care if he’s my ex or not, he just - ugh!”

Vernon gave you a moment before you sat up again, exhaling as if you were relieved to even have that small part off your chest. Vernon smiled a little, standing up and wandering to his coffee machine, already aware you’d be in need of one. 

“Didn’t realise you felt this comfortable,” Vernon teased again but he was quick to continue, “you can continue if you need to, you know? I’ll listen.”

“Helps when your tattoo artist is hot.” You mumbled subconsciously. Your eyes widened in response to your own words and Vernon tensed on the spot. You opened your mouth to speak but Vernon chuckled. 

“You speak better to therapists if they’re hot?” He mused, glancing at you. You were thumbing through your phone in a rushed way, probably telling Chan about your huge fuck-up. In response, you let out a nervous laugh, catching the smile he wore on his face as he approached with your coffee. 

“Maybe?” You responded meekly, taking the coffee from him without making eye contact. Vernon hummed, leaning onto the space you’d left on the chair you sat on. 

“Well, I think the next coffee is on you,” he smiled, catching your gaze as you looked at him in bewilderment, “at your place?” 

-

Sweat trickled in beads down the side of your face, your hair sticking to your skin in response to the rigorous routine you’d been repeating for your job. Exhaling a tired breath, your aching legs wandered to your belongings that you had left by the wall, chugging some now lukewarm water from your bottle with a grimace. You watched as the group you were working with continued to practise, heavy pants and sweaty bodies in the crammed dance studio. The group itself consisted of thirteen members and it came to no surprise once you discovered that as to why there was only four backup dancers, including yourself. 

“How are you doing?” One of them perked up as he looked in your direction, from where you stood admiring their hard work. You smiled tiredly in response.

“Okay,” you mused, taking another swig of your disgustingly warm water, “you’re the one who choreographs, right?”

His eyes disappeared into creases as he flashed a proud smile at you, nodding as he ran a hand through his hair, wet from sweat.

“Mhm,” he hummed, drinking from his own bottle as he stood beside, “you’re not straining anything? Please take breaks whenever you need to.”

Your heart fluttered somewhat simply at the attitude of the talented male, his concern for you as one of his backup dancers. You nodded in agreement to his words, continuing to watch his group practise. They were becoming tired, their movements less passionate than they were when you’d arrived earlier that day. With a little sigh, you tilted your head and stretched your arms. 

“My name’s Soonyoung, by the way.” Soonyoung introduced himself, his eyes on his members’ movements.

“Y/n.” You cracked a smile as you followed his eyes back to the group.

-

You watched silently as one of the choreographers that worked with Soonyoung scolded one of your fellow backup dancers, hanging your head slightly in worry that you would be his next target. Except nothing came of it, the music restarting as you prepared your main section. You’d learnt from Soonyoung that the people you danced with in this section were his team - the performance unit - that he headed as team leader. You simply stared at him, impressed as he introduced the three other performance members; Junhui and Minghao, the Chinese pair and Chan, the group’s maknae. 

The music cued and you stepped up to the four males, shadowing their movements to the music effortlessly. You were keen as to not make a mistake, especially after the scolding everyone had just witnessed and on top of that, you wanted to impress them all as a backup dancer. You had no idea that you’d already managed to pull that off.

-

“If you look at her anymore, you’ll look like a creep.” Chan taunted at the older member as the two sat against the wall, snacking quietly on their break. Soonyoung scoffed, looking down at the food with a huff.

“I can’t help it,” he yawned, stretching his legs momentarily, “she’s probably the best backup dancer they’ve ever hired for us.”

“Why? ‘Cause she can actually keep up with the paces you choreograph?” Chan laughed, pushing Soonyoung’s shoulder gently, “listen to yourself, hyung.”

“If I listen to myself anymore than I am doing, I’ll go insane.” The older male mused, ruffling his hair as he stood up with a stretch of his shoulders.

Chan clicked his tongue, creating a soft ‘tsk’ sound as he shook his head with a grin. There was no doubt that the whole group had learnt about Soonyoung’s lovebug attitude. He’d show it to them in the form of platonic love ever since they were trainees, treating them all as if they were his brothers but they knew there would be a day that they saw him trip over his own feet and fall head over heels for someone. He always managed to prove a gentlemanly appearance around females for the live press and the shows they’d appear on, yet to see it in person for a genuine purpose felt unreal and they were basking in the moment.

Specifically the makanes as they sneaked photos to send to the group chat of Soonyoung, creating memes out of the way he’d look at you. He’d roll his eyes at the messages, promising them they’d beat their asses once practise was over for good. With cocky hums and nods, the youngest three would nod and pretend like they took his threats seriously. 

“He’s really pushing his boat out, huh?” Joshua chuckled quietly as he seated himself beside the youngest member, Junhui and Seokmin not too far behind. Chan scoffed, grinning.

“Pretty sure the boat has been out for too long, someone’s gotta reel it in.” Chan joked as the group watched Soonyoung speak with you, the way his eyes creased up as he laughed at something you would say and the way you would lick your lips and hide your face in a feeble attempt to hide your reactions to his laugh. 

“She’s just as bad.” Seokmin grinned ear-to-ear as he shoved bibimbap into his mouth, chewing as they continued to watch. Soonyoung had always had a charming, charismatic attitude. Yes, he could be loud and boisterous but the guys were convinced he’d calm with someone on his arm. 

As the days past, they began to think maybe they were right. Soonyoung had exchanged phone numbers with you and promptly you began talking right away as if you hadn’t just parted ways outside of the Pledis building. It kept Soonyoung quiet as he typed away on his phone every waking second the moment you would send him a message, giving the members a new found peace as they watched the way he tried to hide the smile that crawled across his face at whatever you had sent. 

-

You felt an undeniable amount of anxiety as you stood backstage, swarmed by hair and makeup artists as they prepared you for the first performance of the dance you’d been practising so vividly to the point where you were most likely able to do it in your sleep. Despite this confidence of how well you’d learnt the dance, you still felt your nerves at the concept of the audience and cameras watching you. 

“First time performing?” Your favourite familiar voice chirped up as he approached, an almost finished bottle of water in his hand. You admired what the hair and makeup team had done to him, from the way his dark hair was styled to the smokey eyeshadow effect they’d given him and nobody should even get you started on that outfit - leather pants? They were trying to murder you.

“No,” you mused, shaking your head with a small anxious laugh, “just my first time performing to a crowd this big.”

Soonyoung flashed you a beaming smile, leaving you frozen on the spot for some time as your heart fluttered again, the exact way it had done when Soonyoung spoke to you on that first day, acknowledging your existence when nobody else would. Not wanting to be a complete creep, you admired his outfit once more before looking away.

“Y/n… can I ask you something?” His voice seemed uncertain and quiet, something you’d noticed to be unusual for the perky leader of the performance unit. Pursing your lips you took a swig from your bottle of water, nodding a little.

“Go ahead I guess.” You gave him a smile and in return he faltered one onto his face, replicating you. He exhaled, clearing his throat as he turned away from you, as if checking whether his members were around.

“After this performance, do you-uhh…” his voice trailed off and you rose an eyebrow expectantly, waiting for his next words, “do you want to go grab food?”

“Are you asking me on a date?” You hinted and Soonyoung’s face turned a rosy shade of pink as his smile turned shy, letting out an embarrassed laugh.

“Is it obvious?” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck carefully before nodding, “yeah, I am - it’s okay if you don’t want to.”

You rolled your eyes, passing your bottle to a nearby staff member who was checking you was ready. The performance was lingering around the corner and with it, your thoughts of how close you’d be to Soonyoung after he’d just asked you on a date. How his hands would be dancing over your body lightly as part of the choreography and the moment where you would press your backs to each other. Clearing your throat, you nodded at the anxious male.

“Sure - what food did you have in mind?” The answer to your question was never even uttered as you was both called to the stage, sparing glances at each other with stupid lovestruck smiles entailing.

-

Seventeen proceeded to tease Soonyoung for weeks after your date together - to which he took you to two more after that night - and even after you made it official together. They especially liked to remind him how he was begging on his knees to their staff to keep you as a full-time dancer.

“Colleagues aren’t supposed to fall in love, you know?” Joshua taunted from where he sat on his phone. Soonyoung was grinning stupidly at his own phone however it soon fell as his glare fell on Joshua.

“Who says?” He huffed, his cheeks puffed stubbornly as he awaited Joshua’s excuse - that never came, mind you as he stood up and came up with a petty lie that Seokmin needed him. Soonyoung rolled his eyes, looking back at the chat on his phone screen as he once more tried to fight the smile he felt. Nothing could explain in words the amount of happiness he’d feel just from being reminded of your existence - and of course your accent and the way you’d speak informally to him as a joke.

There was no debate that teasing aside, Seventeen loved you. Especially the rest of the performance unit, who would whine to you that you were a better dancer than them. You’d shake your head quickly, brushing off their low compliments with a nervous laugh. They were the idols, not you. Although they were convinced you could definitely debut as an idol if you put your mind to it. Soonyoung on the other hand, as much as he would praise you immensely every five seconds, didn’t want you to debut as an idol and go through the tough hardships being a trainee laid out for you, let alone a woman in the industry. He wanted to protect you as much as possible, even to his own fans. He’d post constant photos that hinted he was in a relationship but he never took himself far enough to physically post your face. The last thing on earth that he wanted was people finding your identity.

-

“Soonie,” you sighed from where you were watching him dance in the centre of the studio, “take a break will you please?”

The dancer groaned, beads of sweat trickling down his face as he turned on his heel, heading towards you so he could slump down against the wall beside you. His sticky head rested on your shoulder as he took deep breaths and you hummed, slicking back some of the hair that was glued to his forehead as he closed his eyes. 

“Don’t overwork yourself.” You kissed the damp skin, regardless of how disgusting it may have felt. Soonyoung had proven to be someone you were ever-so-thankful to have walked into your life, his endless praise and support encouraging you in more ways than one to continue your favourite hobby when no one else wanted you to. 

“You always make dancing this much look so effortless,” Soonyoung whined as he placed a sleepy kiss to the skin of your shoulder, “my girlfriend is a better dancer than me.”

“Far from it,” you scoffed, gently flicking his leg in annoyance, “don’t speak ill of yourself, Soonie. You don’t let me do it, why should I let you?”