[TC3] The Circle
Title: The Circle
Word Count: 3886
Rating: PG
Pairing: Junhyung/Hyunseung
Summary: Everything looks as normal as it can be - Junhyung works, makes money, is satisfied with his life and with the reality he doesn't even want to think about, but the appearance of a certain stranger turns everything around. Things get complicated, he finds out nothing is as it seems and Junhyung's curiosity just jumps in joy.
A/N: Woah...I have nothing to say this time... O_O
Junhyung thought he must’ve been blind for not noticing him before. Totally blind and oblivious as everyone he asked from knew something, even a small detail about a man called Hyunseung and he couldn’t see how, why was he the only one that knew nothing.
“I heard he used to work here but then he got Bongchol’s ex-girlfriend pregnant,” Myungsoo said while handing Junhyung his coffee as they continued their way. The latter almost spit it out.
But then again he was slightly glad.
Junhyung took his usual seat and placed his papers on the table, Myungsoo removed his jacket before taking a seat beside him. This meeting smelled of pure boringness just like every other before it with such importance where no one ever, and Junhyung meant ever, dared to crack a joke. It always had unexpected consequences and he thanked luck he had found it out just in time.
He let out a lazy yawn which only triggered on another set of yawns throughout the room - most were still half-asleep, gulping down their last drops of caffeine while rubbing their sleepy eyes and trying to get rid of their bloated faces. Only some were frantically going through the notes.
The younger ones.
It was a sudden meeting, so sudden that he had received a call at 6am with an order to make his appearance by 8. No excuses. Junhyung wasn’t even annoyed, he didn’t have as many difficulties waking up as his colleagues who by now were straightening their ties and shirts - the last touch-ups. Only last couple of minutes were left before they had to get down to business and manage on their serious expressions with a working mind.
Junhyung felt like chuckling, he was feeling quite awake, a repayment for often having been called out early, even at nights if needed. Those memories of the midnight city in streetlights. No sympathy arose towards the others, he in a sense even enjoyed this - the hate on Doojoon, the words which hopelessly caught his ears but were never fulfilled, the sleepy bickering which didn’t even make sense.
It was amusing in some weird way.
His eyes fell on the stack of papers in front of him and if he had to pick on this situation, he would choose exactly that. They had to be prepared at all times, carrying all knowledge imprinted on documents on their backs like mules and to ensure that, only important details of the upcoming meeting were shared, but it was never enough. Like said before, excuses were never accepted.
It was heavy, tiring and a pure hassle but it was also a habit that grew on quickly. Everyone understood it and only some newcomers dared to open their mouths - another mistake they were going to learn. After all, working there was not an easy task. Getting the job is one thing but to keep it takes skill not everyone has.
And Junhyung didn’t find it unreasonable. Seeing the higher-ups do everything the same way and seeing his co-workers suffer, whine and being tortured made up for all that the company had missing.
Finally Doojoon entered and all the chatter subsided. Junhyung’s lips curved into a smirk seeing the rightful head of the department missing again and it fit him only more - Doojoon’s way of arranging things was more to his liking. Junhyung wasn’t given any specific leads, wasn’t squeezed behind the borders and told what to do and ever since Doojoon took majorly over, he only enjoyed his job a lot more.
He was given the desired freedom everyone yearned for.
But his smirk was short-lived when he caught Doojoon’s fast glance as the latter made his way forward. His eyes had flicked in a way Junhyung hoped he would’ve missed. It was a sign of warning and he was about to understand why.
And he noticed it, the swift movement of the door as another person stepped in. Junhyung blinked in surprise and it took Myungsoo’s nudge to make him come out of it.
“This is Jang Hyunseung, he’s just going to listen to get an overview of this project,” Doojoon’s voice sounded over the room and he turned on the projector while also sorting his documents. It was amazing how he managed to stay organized in the midst of everything that was placed all over his desk.
Junhyung took this time to glance at Hyunseung who sat down at the very back of the room, leaning against the backrest leisurely as his gaze was glued to the big screen on the opposite wall. His eyes were focused but cold, his face nonchalant. There was no sign of the warmth he was so used to seeing, it didn’t radiate from him like usually and Junhyung felt his insides grow pleasantly cold, hollow. He liked it.
And Hyunseung’s presence only seemed to get stronger with each curious whisper among his co-workers and with every nervous glance he was given.
He fed off of it.
“Ok, so let’s get started!” Doojoon’s voice sounded over the room and the mumbling died down. “As many of you know, we have a new addition to the company.”
Screen flashed and a picture popped up with details on the side. It was a familiar picture, more of a boy than a man, with blonde hair and face perfectly innocent to drive fans crazy and make even the thriftiest people open their wallets wide. His looks weren’t exceptional or anything to emphasize on but there was certain charm that had conquered everyone’s attention.
Even Junhyung knew who he was.
“He transferred over to us and...Who’s from the media department?” He asked, eyes glancing around the room and Junhyung saw from the corner of his eye a single hand rise, shaky and maybe even wavering but still there. Doojoon immediately continued, “Put together a team and take care of the scandal. We can’t allow it to get bigger.”
The woman squeaked and started writing down notes.
“Junhyung,” Doojoon’s firm voice made him straighten his back, “I want you to look over a song and the other two I want you to compose with Yoseob. We need it fast and we need quality.”
Junhyung nodded.
“Ok then, for the concept we thought on...”
The meeting dragged on longer than expected as it was obvious Doojoon put a lot of effort in it, at times encouraging them, at times making them down but he always kept pushing everyone to do their best. He said to complete the tasks fast, kept emphasizing how important it was and Junhyung could see anxiousness in the room grow. Doojoon knew what he was doing, knew what and how to say it to make this into a success and he had done it again - many phones appeared instantly after the final words and connections were dug up. Everything was arranged in one meeting, planned out and put in motion.
It was a skill on its own he sometimes regretted not having.
Junhyung pushed the chair away from the table and stood up lazily. Hyunseung had engaged in a conversation with Doojoon but soon the oldest nodded approvingly and Hyunseung passed him, exiting among other people.
He started gathering his papers fast, he needed to catch up with him. He didn’t know why but he had to and in a record time the papers were collected together and he made it towards the door. But just then, at that unfortunate moment something happened to bump into his chest and Junhyung barely managed to keep his balance.
“I’m sorry!” Apology was instantly heard and Junhyung fixed the stack of papers before looking before him. He was surprised, eyes widened seeing a familiar face.
“It’s nothing...“
“You’re late!” Doojoon’s voice sounded over the room, harsh and Junhyung turned to his side to see the older making his way over while Yoseob made out another apology with a low bow.
Doojoon just smacked the other against his head as he walked past him.
Junhyung awkwardly eyed the shorter, hair in a mess as his hand tried to smooth it out again and Junhyung just couldn’t see it, didn’t feel anything that would make the scandal so bad and blown out of proportions. All those rumours he didn’t know if to believe or not, all surrounded him and now was for Junhyung to handle too.
He reached out his hand and Yoseob shook it before apologizing again.
“Aah, I’m really sorry,” he bowed, “Could you give me an overview of the meeting?”
Junhyung glanced at his scrabbled papers before looking back. His eyes gave off a familiar innocence but the feeling was different. “There was quite a lot, you should be able to catch Doojoon on the third floor if you hurry.”
Yoseob’s eyes widened and he seemed to hesitate. He stepped from one leg to another, eyes shooting to the ground for just a moment before he thanked humbly and rushed off.
Junhyung sighed, there had his chance gone. Hyunseung had probably disappeared into thin air by now and his curiosity was still pounding on the door. His thoughts were running, but still he couldn’t come up with a suitable reason for Hyunseung’s presence, especially when composing had been given to Junhyung.
He was there to oversee a project but didn’t want to be involved. Where was the sense in that?
“Hey!” Junhyung snapped out of his thoughts hearing Gikwang’s voice. The choreographer was jogging towards him, slightly sweating from the long run and as he stopped his hands ended on his knees. He was breathing heavily.
“I’m late, aren’t I?”
“Don’t worry,” Junhyung said and slung his arm over his shoulders, “I’ll fill you in.”
He didn’t expect it, he really didn’t.
How could he expect something like this?
He had just finished filling Gikwang in beside a nice cup of strong but sweet coffee and they were walking towards the practice area to find the one they were supposed to work with for the next hours. All their former schedules had been cleared for this only and even though Junhyung wasn’t fond of cancelling things, he had not much of a choice.
He didn’t expect it and by the looks of it, so didn’t Gikwang who just stopped in his tracks, mouth falling apart slightly as he eyed the two before them. He just looked and gaped at the sight. Junhyung could only blink.
Dongwoon was with his back against the wall, eyes wide as Hyunseung mouth was near his ear, whispering things that made the youngest unable to move while his hand was under Dongwoon’s shirt, slowly dragging it up. The taller seemed paralyzed.
What the-
Junhyung coughed and both pair of eyes glanced in their direction. Hyunseung rolled his eyes as a sigh escaped his lips and he retrieved his hand. With a fast glance to Dongwoon he took a step back, letting the other take a deep breath.
“Thought you were working not fooling around,” he said as he stepped in.
“Junhyung!”
His eyes shot over to the direction of another voice and there he was, Yoseob, sitting on the couch with a music sheet and a pencil and even Gikwang’s face expressed pure confusion as he closed the door after him. Dongwoon glanced around nervously, flushed as he made his way over to Yoseob, sitting down and also getting back to work silently.
Yoseob started laughing, his hand hitting against Dongwoon’s thigh beside him as his another hand crumpled the paper, “You should see your faces. Oh my~”
Junhyung took no notice of it and walked past them, placing his things on the table before also taking a seat. Yoseob was right, they probably did look like lost sheep.
Hyunseung in the meantime stepped back, leaning against the wall, “I was just showing him how to handle obnoxious rookies.”
“You seem to know it well,” Junhyung commented before holding his hand out towards Yoseob who handed him his sheet. His eyes made over the notes and lyrics, his thoughts mixing in with Hyunseung’s chuckle.
“What brings you here anyway?” He asked absentmindedly, still focused on what was before him, scratching down some words and writing others in their place.
“Just had some business.” Hyunseung reasoned while walking over. He stopped behind Junhyung and looked over his shoulder while he placed his hand lightly on Junhyung’s back. He felt it, how each finger slowly pressed down one at a time.
And in all honesty, it was making him restless.
“Gikwang, catch,” Junhyung said and threw the younger a memory stick which was caught perfectly.
“And Hyunseung,” he continued, taking a deep breath,” Can you please not breathe down on my neck?” The short laughter sounded right beside him as he leaned even closer, making Junhyung have shivers run along his back. He hated it, hated how it felt when Hyunseung lightly blew air to his ear in the form of a goodbye, hated how it made him feel cold and warm at the same time. He hated finding himself wondering what else Hyunseung was capable of.
“Oh well, I guess it’s a cue for me to leave.” He looked like having accomplished something with that childish grin.
“And Dongwoon?” His voice was obviously amused. Dongwoon looked up.
“You’re not bad.” And he left with a laugh, leaving the youngest staring at the door and glancing at the others and even at Gikwang who was on the other side of the room, still looking for headphones. He was certainly lost and had no idea what to think of him.
“So,” Junhyung started and he could feel everyone’s eyes on him, “So tell me about the scandal, the little details I should know.” He looked straight at Yoseob whose face grimaced slightly as he pulled his eyes away. The way his eyebrow furrowed and gaze danced around on the ground made it easy to see he was searching for the right words.
Even his voice was hesitant, “There isn’t anything to say, the picture is true. I made a stupid mistake.”
Junhyung couldn’t help but snort.
“Who was he?” He asked straight out, trying to manage harshness in his voice to place pressure on the other.
“Doojoon strictly told me to not mention about it to anyone.”
Junhyung leaned back on his seat with a sigh, “I saw it, why didn’t you say it was a misunderstanding? No one could be sure as the angle sucked.”
Yoseob casted him a wary look, “Because there are more. They threatened to release those.”
“I see.”
“So why did you do it - the kiss I mean.” Junhyung eyed the blonde. He had to admit it, there was something intriguing about the blonde, something that made him want to protect him even though he looked perfectly capable of doing so himself. But he couldn’t see it, wouldn’t have thought that out of all the people, this blonde was enough to make Doojoon give in, that it would result in him making such a wide-scaled mistake.
It didn’t seem possible.
Yoseob muttered, “I was just angry an-“
“-and it made you forget you were in public,” Junhyung finished and Yoseob let his head fall forward in regret and with a loud sigh.
Junhyung had hoped Yoseob would’ve said out his name, just to be sure. The picture had been crappy, the other had his back to the camera, face not seen but Junhyung knew that shirt, that exact shirt which he thought was Doojoon’s favourite. But he couldn’t get how he still let it happen, how he allowed himself to get involved in such matters.
Doojoon who was known to be the best example of keeping his two lives apart.
But then again, there was probably a lot more he didn’t know.
“You know, don’t you?” Yoseob’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he looked up from the scribbled paper to see a pair of eyes looking back at him. He knew what they meant and Junhyung nodded lightly.
Yoseob groaned out of frustration.
The sky was far from being happy as clouds started to merge, turning even darker and more threatening than before. It was dark blue, so dark that it was obvious he should hurry.
He could even hear the thunder from miles away.
The sky-line came closer and closer, covering the view higher to the atmosphere. It came closer and wrapped over them like a blanket on a cold night.
But the difference was clear.
He had to hurry, had to make it as he had no umbrella, had nothing to cover himself with and he definitely wasn’t fond of the idea of getting soaked while his head was aching already. Only a good warm bath and enough sleep would help him now.
As much as he had or hadn’t hurried, he knew he wouldn’t have missed him. His gut feeling had alerted him before, good 2 minutes before when he was about to turn around the corner and he knew he couldn’t have missed him because even though at first he had seemed almost invisible, then now he screamed for his attention.
And he couldn’t also miss how he reached a box out to a person who thanked him before wholeheartedly loitering off, wearing a warm smile unusual among them.
But Hyunseung’s eyes were nonchalant. He had noticed it before, no matter what he did, no matter who he helped and what he got in return, Hyunseung didn’t seem to care. He didn’t seem to like seeing any of them, he didn’t look like someone you’d ask help from but they still did, the people came and went and without fail thanked him.
Their eyes met and Junhyung hadn’t even noticed when he had stopped. It was weird, he didn’t understand why and how Hyunseung kept up with it. He was not sure he even wanted to know why was it that when Hyunseung’s eyes landed on him, a spark suddenly appeared in his eyes, the coldness disappeared in a second and instead even though they stayed empty, his orbs still excluded warmth.
And there it was again. That glint that came along with everything else and suddenly he didn’t look so tired anymore, suddenly he seemed to brighten up as his lips curved into a grin and he shouted his name. Shouted loud enough so it was impossible to miss.
Junhyung really didn’t know.
He walked over, sparing a glance up towards the sky as the huge massive cloud was approaching fast. But he still continued and if he was to get soaked, he didn’t know if he would’ve minded it anymore.
“What’s up?” He asked as he crouched down next to the outside of Hyunseung’s left leg, his arm instinctively searching support on his knee. The other didn’t seem to mind the contact.
“Living,” The other replied in a serious tone and Junhyung couldn’t help but roll his eyes.
Hyunseung slowly brought his hand to Junhyung’s shirt, at first letting his fingers brush against the first two buttons before letting them grasp around the material. Junhyung looked down and that’s just when Hyunseung pulled him closer and Junhyung almost, was so close to losing his balance. There was good enough of space between them but only right now he noticed how doe-like his eyes were.
They were usually empty, from distance seeming like two blank orbs with nothing to tell but the closer he got, the nearer he was to him, he noticed that maybe, just maybe he understood him a little bit. He might not know the other, might not have any idea what had happened in his life and what was going on, but he hoped he understood the Hyunseung right before him, at that exact moment.
“Wha-“
He wanted to believe it was the truth.
“Can’t I?” Hyunseung said, sly smile on his lips and a playful glint in his eyes. His hand had made Junhyung move closer but it also supported against his chest. They both obviously weren’t interested in Junhyung falling over.
“I said nothing.” Junhyung pulled back and gained his balance again with his hand still on the other’s knee. He had unconsciously grabbed on to it stronger and his eyes glanced over, just now noticing how skinny he was. He could practically feel the bones, feel them under the material of his jeans.
Was it some weird instinct but he seriously wanted to feed the little boy until he could not even walk.
Could not even move.
Because then it would mean he’d maybe gain a few pounds.
“Are you...feeling up my leg?” Hyunseung asked with a laugh and Junhyung instantly pulled away, standing up but not replying.
“You should at least deny it, you know,” he continued and Junhyung’s leg slightly hit against the other’s ankle; Hyunseung’s eyes were smiling and he couldn’t help but note how sincere it was.
“So,” Junhyung turned his side to the other, his own eyes somewhere far away, “What was your business today? Should I be afraid?” He glanced back at the other.
He almost expected a confused face, something that would make him explain because he had chosen his words carefully, so carefully that if asked to explain, Hyunseung would have had no escape to avoid it.
But with Hyunseung things never went according to his plan.
“I guess you better run while you can,” his eyes squinted, “Gotta get a taste of Doojoon and then let him fire you for doing good music.”
Sarcastic but still an answer.
And even though he had nothing to reply, as expected, he still managed to shoot Hyunseung a look to which the other only smiled innocently. It tickled inside, tickled in a way when a laugh wanted to escape but he held it in.
“But I’m serious though.” His eyebrows disappeared behind the strands of hair falling on his forehead.
“Indeed, I better start packing,” he said and held out his hand. Hyunseung looked up and it took Junhyung leaning a bit closer before Hyunseung let himself to be pulled on his feet.
A dull pain shot through his head, making him grimace while letting him feel it still existed. Junhyung’s hand rose up to his head, gently massaging it - he just wanted to relax, he needed to relax, didn’t want to think about anything and maybe even listen to Hyunseung’s useless blabbering.
It might’ve not been a good idea but he just didn’t care at all. The other was still staring at him, almost as if waiting for what now because for him the wall behind his back was good, a good place to be.
“Let’s go get some tea,” Junhyung said, more like a fact than an offer as he started walking.
He heard no steps at first, nothing at all but then suddenly two pairs of hands made their way around his neck and a body launched himself against his back. Junhyung had to take a couple of steps forwards because even though the other was light, it was still a person. He tried to shake him off but Hyunseung’s grip only tightened as his legs also secured their place around the other’s waist.
“Just what I was hoping for,” The older said, sarcastically but still with that hidden hint of humour in it
Word Count: 3886
Rating: PG
Pairing: Junhyung/Hyunseung
Summary: Everything looks as normal as it can be - Junhyung works, makes money, is satisfied with his life and with the reality he doesn't even want to think about, but the appearance of a certain stranger turns everything around. Things get complicated, he finds out nothing is as it seems and Junhyung's curiosity just jumps in joy.
A/N: Woah...I have nothing to say this time... O_O
Junhyung thought he must’ve been blind for not noticing him before. Totally blind and oblivious as everyone he asked from knew something, even a small detail about a man called Hyunseung and he couldn’t see how, why was he the only one that knew nothing.
“I heard he used to work here but then he got Bongchol’s ex-girlfriend pregnant,” Myungsoo said while handing Junhyung his coffee as they continued their way. The latter almost spit it out.
But then again he was slightly glad.
Junhyung took his usual seat and placed his papers on the table, Myungsoo removed his jacket before taking a seat beside him. This meeting smelled of pure boringness just like every other before it with such importance where no one ever, and Junhyung meant ever, dared to crack a joke. It always had unexpected consequences and he thanked luck he had found it out just in time.
He let out a lazy yawn which only triggered on another set of yawns throughout the room - most were still half-asleep, gulping down their last drops of caffeine while rubbing their sleepy eyes and trying to get rid of their bloated faces. Only some were frantically going through the notes.
The younger ones.
It was a sudden meeting, so sudden that he had received a call at 6am with an order to make his appearance by 8. No excuses. Junhyung wasn’t even annoyed, he didn’t have as many difficulties waking up as his colleagues who by now were straightening their ties and shirts - the last touch-ups. Only last couple of minutes were left before they had to get down to business and manage on their serious expressions with a working mind.
Junhyung felt like chuckling, he was feeling quite awake, a repayment for often having been called out early, even at nights if needed. Those memories of the midnight city in streetlights. No sympathy arose towards the others, he in a sense even enjoyed this - the hate on Doojoon, the words which hopelessly caught his ears but were never fulfilled, the sleepy bickering which didn’t even make sense.
It was amusing in some weird way.
His eyes fell on the stack of papers in front of him and if he had to pick on this situation, he would choose exactly that. They had to be prepared at all times, carrying all knowledge imprinted on documents on their backs like mules and to ensure that, only important details of the upcoming meeting were shared, but it was never enough. Like said before, excuses were never accepted.
It was heavy, tiring and a pure hassle but it was also a habit that grew on quickly. Everyone understood it and only some newcomers dared to open their mouths - another mistake they were going to learn. After all, working there was not an easy task. Getting the job is one thing but to keep it takes skill not everyone has.
And Junhyung didn’t find it unreasonable. Seeing the higher-ups do everything the same way and seeing his co-workers suffer, whine and being tortured made up for all that the company had missing.
Finally Doojoon entered and all the chatter subsided. Junhyung’s lips curved into a smirk seeing the rightful head of the department missing again and it fit him only more - Doojoon’s way of arranging things was more to his liking. Junhyung wasn’t given any specific leads, wasn’t squeezed behind the borders and told what to do and ever since Doojoon took majorly over, he only enjoyed his job a lot more.
He was given the desired freedom everyone yearned for.
But his smirk was short-lived when he caught Doojoon’s fast glance as the latter made his way forward. His eyes had flicked in a way Junhyung hoped he would’ve missed. It was a sign of warning and he was about to understand why.
And he noticed it, the swift movement of the door as another person stepped in. Junhyung blinked in surprise and it took Myungsoo’s nudge to make him come out of it.
“This is Jang Hyunseung, he’s just going to listen to get an overview of this project,” Doojoon’s voice sounded over the room and he turned on the projector while also sorting his documents. It was amazing how he managed to stay organized in the midst of everything that was placed all over his desk.
Junhyung took this time to glance at Hyunseung who sat down at the very back of the room, leaning against the backrest leisurely as his gaze was glued to the big screen on the opposite wall. His eyes were focused but cold, his face nonchalant. There was no sign of the warmth he was so used to seeing, it didn’t radiate from him like usually and Junhyung felt his insides grow pleasantly cold, hollow. He liked it.
And Hyunseung’s presence only seemed to get stronger with each curious whisper among his co-workers and with every nervous glance he was given.
He fed off of it.
“Ok, so let’s get started!” Doojoon’s voice sounded over the room and the mumbling died down. “As many of you know, we have a new addition to the company.”
Screen flashed and a picture popped up with details on the side. It was a familiar picture, more of a boy than a man, with blonde hair and face perfectly innocent to drive fans crazy and make even the thriftiest people open their wallets wide. His looks weren’t exceptional or anything to emphasize on but there was certain charm that had conquered everyone’s attention.
Even Junhyung knew who he was.
“He transferred over to us and...Who’s from the media department?” He asked, eyes glancing around the room and Junhyung saw from the corner of his eye a single hand rise, shaky and maybe even wavering but still there. Doojoon immediately continued, “Put together a team and take care of the scandal. We can’t allow it to get bigger.”
The woman squeaked and started writing down notes.
“Junhyung,” Doojoon’s firm voice made him straighten his back, “I want you to look over a song and the other two I want you to compose with Yoseob. We need it fast and we need quality.”
Junhyung nodded.
“Ok then, for the concept we thought on...”
The meeting dragged on longer than expected as it was obvious Doojoon put a lot of effort in it, at times encouraging them, at times making them down but he always kept pushing everyone to do their best. He said to complete the tasks fast, kept emphasizing how important it was and Junhyung could see anxiousness in the room grow. Doojoon knew what he was doing, knew what and how to say it to make this into a success and he had done it again - many phones appeared instantly after the final words and connections were dug up. Everything was arranged in one meeting, planned out and put in motion.
It was a skill on its own he sometimes regretted not having.
Junhyung pushed the chair away from the table and stood up lazily. Hyunseung had engaged in a conversation with Doojoon but soon the oldest nodded approvingly and Hyunseung passed him, exiting among other people.
He started gathering his papers fast, he needed to catch up with him. He didn’t know why but he had to and in a record time the papers were collected together and he made it towards the door. But just then, at that unfortunate moment something happened to bump into his chest and Junhyung barely managed to keep his balance.
“I’m sorry!” Apology was instantly heard and Junhyung fixed the stack of papers before looking before him. He was surprised, eyes widened seeing a familiar face.
“It’s nothing...“
“You’re late!” Doojoon’s voice sounded over the room, harsh and Junhyung turned to his side to see the older making his way over while Yoseob made out another apology with a low bow.
Doojoon just smacked the other against his head as he walked past him.
Junhyung awkwardly eyed the shorter, hair in a mess as his hand tried to smooth it out again and Junhyung just couldn’t see it, didn’t feel anything that would make the scandal so bad and blown out of proportions. All those rumours he didn’t know if to believe or not, all surrounded him and now was for Junhyung to handle too.
He reached out his hand and Yoseob shook it before apologizing again.
“Aah, I’m really sorry,” he bowed, “Could you give me an overview of the meeting?”
Junhyung glanced at his scrabbled papers before looking back. His eyes gave off a familiar innocence but the feeling was different. “There was quite a lot, you should be able to catch Doojoon on the third floor if you hurry.”
Yoseob’s eyes widened and he seemed to hesitate. He stepped from one leg to another, eyes shooting to the ground for just a moment before he thanked humbly and rushed off.
Junhyung sighed, there had his chance gone. Hyunseung had probably disappeared into thin air by now and his curiosity was still pounding on the door. His thoughts were running, but still he couldn’t come up with a suitable reason for Hyunseung’s presence, especially when composing had been given to Junhyung.
He was there to oversee a project but didn’t want to be involved. Where was the sense in that?
“Hey!” Junhyung snapped out of his thoughts hearing Gikwang’s voice. The choreographer was jogging towards him, slightly sweating from the long run and as he stopped his hands ended on his knees. He was breathing heavily.
“I’m late, aren’t I?”
“Don’t worry,” Junhyung said and slung his arm over his shoulders, “I’ll fill you in.”
He didn’t expect it, he really didn’t.
How could he expect something like this?
He had just finished filling Gikwang in beside a nice cup of strong but sweet coffee and they were walking towards the practice area to find the one they were supposed to work with for the next hours. All their former schedules had been cleared for this only and even though Junhyung wasn’t fond of cancelling things, he had not much of a choice.
He didn’t expect it and by the looks of it, so didn’t Gikwang who just stopped in his tracks, mouth falling apart slightly as he eyed the two before them. He just looked and gaped at the sight. Junhyung could only blink.
Dongwoon was with his back against the wall, eyes wide as Hyunseung mouth was near his ear, whispering things that made the youngest unable to move while his hand was under Dongwoon’s shirt, slowly dragging it up. The taller seemed paralyzed.
What the-
Junhyung coughed and both pair of eyes glanced in their direction. Hyunseung rolled his eyes as a sigh escaped his lips and he retrieved his hand. With a fast glance to Dongwoon he took a step back, letting the other take a deep breath.
“Thought you were working not fooling around,” he said as he stepped in.
“Junhyung!”
His eyes shot over to the direction of another voice and there he was, Yoseob, sitting on the couch with a music sheet and a pencil and even Gikwang’s face expressed pure confusion as he closed the door after him. Dongwoon glanced around nervously, flushed as he made his way over to Yoseob, sitting down and also getting back to work silently.
Yoseob started laughing, his hand hitting against Dongwoon’s thigh beside him as his another hand crumpled the paper, “You should see your faces. Oh my~”
Junhyung took no notice of it and walked past them, placing his things on the table before also taking a seat. Yoseob was right, they probably did look like lost sheep.
Hyunseung in the meantime stepped back, leaning against the wall, “I was just showing him how to handle obnoxious rookies.”
“You seem to know it well,” Junhyung commented before holding his hand out towards Yoseob who handed him his sheet. His eyes made over the notes and lyrics, his thoughts mixing in with Hyunseung’s chuckle.
“What brings you here anyway?” He asked absentmindedly, still focused on what was before him, scratching down some words and writing others in their place.
“Just had some business.” Hyunseung reasoned while walking over. He stopped behind Junhyung and looked over his shoulder while he placed his hand lightly on Junhyung’s back. He felt it, how each finger slowly pressed down one at a time.
And in all honesty, it was making him restless.
“Gikwang, catch,” Junhyung said and threw the younger a memory stick which was caught perfectly.
“And Hyunseung,” he continued, taking a deep breath,” Can you please not breathe down on my neck?” The short laughter sounded right beside him as he leaned even closer, making Junhyung have shivers run along his back. He hated it, hated how it felt when Hyunseung lightly blew air to his ear in the form of a goodbye, hated how it made him feel cold and warm at the same time. He hated finding himself wondering what else Hyunseung was capable of.
“Oh well, I guess it’s a cue for me to leave.” He looked like having accomplished something with that childish grin.
“And Dongwoon?” His voice was obviously amused. Dongwoon looked up.
“You’re not bad.” And he left with a laugh, leaving the youngest staring at the door and glancing at the others and even at Gikwang who was on the other side of the room, still looking for headphones. He was certainly lost and had no idea what to think of him.
“So,” Junhyung started and he could feel everyone’s eyes on him, “So tell me about the scandal, the little details I should know.” He looked straight at Yoseob whose face grimaced slightly as he pulled his eyes away. The way his eyebrow furrowed and gaze danced around on the ground made it easy to see he was searching for the right words.
Even his voice was hesitant, “There isn’t anything to say, the picture is true. I made a stupid mistake.”
Junhyung couldn’t help but snort.
“Who was he?” He asked straight out, trying to manage harshness in his voice to place pressure on the other.
“Doojoon strictly told me to not mention about it to anyone.”
Junhyung leaned back on his seat with a sigh, “I saw it, why didn’t you say it was a misunderstanding? No one could be sure as the angle sucked.”
Yoseob casted him a wary look, “Because there are more. They threatened to release those.”
“I see.”
“So why did you do it - the kiss I mean.” Junhyung eyed the blonde. He had to admit it, there was something intriguing about the blonde, something that made him want to protect him even though he looked perfectly capable of doing so himself. But he couldn’t see it, wouldn’t have thought that out of all the people, this blonde was enough to make Doojoon give in, that it would result in him making such a wide-scaled mistake.
It didn’t seem possible.
Yoseob muttered, “I was just angry an-“
“-and it made you forget you were in public,” Junhyung finished and Yoseob let his head fall forward in regret and with a loud sigh.
Junhyung had hoped Yoseob would’ve said out his name, just to be sure. The picture had been crappy, the other had his back to the camera, face not seen but Junhyung knew that shirt, that exact shirt which he thought was Doojoon’s favourite. But he couldn’t get how he still let it happen, how he allowed himself to get involved in such matters.
Doojoon who was known to be the best example of keeping his two lives apart.
But then again, there was probably a lot more he didn’t know.
“You know, don’t you?” Yoseob’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he looked up from the scribbled paper to see a pair of eyes looking back at him. He knew what they meant and Junhyung nodded lightly.
Yoseob groaned out of frustration.
The sky was far from being happy as clouds started to merge, turning even darker and more threatening than before. It was dark blue, so dark that it was obvious he should hurry.
He could even hear the thunder from miles away.
The sky-line came closer and closer, covering the view higher to the atmosphere. It came closer and wrapped over them like a blanket on a cold night.
But the difference was clear.
He had to hurry, had to make it as he had no umbrella, had nothing to cover himself with and he definitely wasn’t fond of the idea of getting soaked while his head was aching already. Only a good warm bath and enough sleep would help him now.
As much as he had or hadn’t hurried, he knew he wouldn’t have missed him. His gut feeling had alerted him before, good 2 minutes before when he was about to turn around the corner and he knew he couldn’t have missed him because even though at first he had seemed almost invisible, then now he screamed for his attention.
And he couldn’t also miss how he reached a box out to a person who thanked him before wholeheartedly loitering off, wearing a warm smile unusual among them.
But Hyunseung’s eyes were nonchalant. He had noticed it before, no matter what he did, no matter who he helped and what he got in return, Hyunseung didn’t seem to care. He didn’t seem to like seeing any of them, he didn’t look like someone you’d ask help from but they still did, the people came and went and without fail thanked him.
Their eyes met and Junhyung hadn’t even noticed when he had stopped. It was weird, he didn’t understand why and how Hyunseung kept up with it. He was not sure he even wanted to know why was it that when Hyunseung’s eyes landed on him, a spark suddenly appeared in his eyes, the coldness disappeared in a second and instead even though they stayed empty, his orbs still excluded warmth.
And there it was again. That glint that came along with everything else and suddenly he didn’t look so tired anymore, suddenly he seemed to brighten up as his lips curved into a grin and he shouted his name. Shouted loud enough so it was impossible to miss.
Junhyung really didn’t know.
He walked over, sparing a glance up towards the sky as the huge massive cloud was approaching fast. But he still continued and if he was to get soaked, he didn’t know if he would’ve minded it anymore.
“What’s up?” He asked as he crouched down next to the outside of Hyunseung’s left leg, his arm instinctively searching support on his knee. The other didn’t seem to mind the contact.
“Living,” The other replied in a serious tone and Junhyung couldn’t help but roll his eyes.
Hyunseung slowly brought his hand to Junhyung’s shirt, at first letting his fingers brush against the first two buttons before letting them grasp around the material. Junhyung looked down and that’s just when Hyunseung pulled him closer and Junhyung almost, was so close to losing his balance. There was good enough of space between them but only right now he noticed how doe-like his eyes were.
They were usually empty, from distance seeming like two blank orbs with nothing to tell but the closer he got, the nearer he was to him, he noticed that maybe, just maybe he understood him a little bit. He might not know the other, might not have any idea what had happened in his life and what was going on, but he hoped he understood the Hyunseung right before him, at that exact moment.
“Wha-“
He wanted to believe it was the truth.
“Can’t I?” Hyunseung said, sly smile on his lips and a playful glint in his eyes. His hand had made Junhyung move closer but it also supported against his chest. They both obviously weren’t interested in Junhyung falling over.
“I said nothing.” Junhyung pulled back and gained his balance again with his hand still on the other’s knee. He had unconsciously grabbed on to it stronger and his eyes glanced over, just now noticing how skinny he was. He could practically feel the bones, feel them under the material of his jeans.
Was it some weird instinct but he seriously wanted to feed the little boy until he could not even walk.
Could not even move.
Because then it would mean he’d maybe gain a few pounds.
“Are you...feeling up my leg?” Hyunseung asked with a laugh and Junhyung instantly pulled away, standing up but not replying.
“You should at least deny it, you know,” he continued and Junhyung’s leg slightly hit against the other’s ankle; Hyunseung’s eyes were smiling and he couldn’t help but note how sincere it was.
“So,” Junhyung turned his side to the other, his own eyes somewhere far away, “What was your business today? Should I be afraid?” He glanced back at the other.
He almost expected a confused face, something that would make him explain because he had chosen his words carefully, so carefully that if asked to explain, Hyunseung would have had no escape to avoid it.
But with Hyunseung things never went according to his plan.
“I guess you better run while you can,” his eyes squinted, “Gotta get a taste of Doojoon and then let him fire you for doing good music.”
Sarcastic but still an answer.
And even though he had nothing to reply, as expected, he still managed to shoot Hyunseung a look to which the other only smiled innocently. It tickled inside, tickled in a way when a laugh wanted to escape but he held it in.
“But I’m serious though.” His eyebrows disappeared behind the strands of hair falling on his forehead.
“Indeed, I better start packing,” he said and held out his hand. Hyunseung looked up and it took Junhyung leaning a bit closer before Hyunseung let himself to be pulled on his feet.
A dull pain shot through his head, making him grimace while letting him feel it still existed. Junhyung’s hand rose up to his head, gently massaging it - he just wanted to relax, he needed to relax, didn’t want to think about anything and maybe even listen to Hyunseung’s useless blabbering.
It might’ve not been a good idea but he just didn’t care at all. The other was still staring at him, almost as if waiting for what now because for him the wall behind his back was good, a good place to be.
“Let’s go get some tea,” Junhyung said, more like a fact than an offer as he started walking.
He heard no steps at first, nothing at all but then suddenly two pairs of hands made their way around his neck and a body launched himself against his back. Junhyung had to take a couple of steps forwards because even though the other was light, it was still a person. He tried to shake him off but Hyunseung’s grip only tightened as his legs also secured their place around the other’s waist.
“Just what I was hoping for,” The older said, sarcastically but still with that hidden hint of humour in it