Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

. Omegaverse
*mattiethebaddie changed the group chat's name*

Hanbangme: Now why would you do that

mattiethebaddie: god forbid a man have free will???

Liltaeahh: fuck yeah let it be forbidden

Hanbangme: ^^

mattiethebaddie: y'all hating on a kid bro

kinguvin: bro you’re a grown senior citizen… Hope this helps!

mattiethebaddie: oh who is you

zhangiewangie: cunt ass groupchat name

Hanbangme: right?? I literally love it lmao.

G00nwook: im shaking Is he real

mattiethebaddie: spinless ass kisser this shit got me
fucked up

kingyuvin: you could've just said he's a glazer

yumomma: can yall shut up I have school tomorrow, it’s flipping 2 am

zhangiewangie: put?? the phone?? down??

yumomma: god forbid a kid have free time

G00nwook: what can you possibly be doing at 2 at
the morning yujin

yumomma: yo momma
Yumomma: no hate lol

G00nwook: take that back rn I cant stop shaking.

Kingyuvin: Matthew take note, this is a kid

mattiethebaddie: not a single soul asked
mattiethebaddie: anyways
mattiethebaddie: die today all of you

yumomma: caught a stray for no reason

liltaeahh: stay mad lil bro

seen by cuntwoong

mattiethebaddie: Jiwoong hyung you have a keyboard, please participate in
communicating in the gc instead of leaving us on seen

liltaeahh: he’s just lazy to answer your bs

Cuntwoong: i’m not lazy, I selectively choose participation

yumomma: holy flipping yap

Hanbangme: okay guys please go to sleep. My
Baby needs to sleep!!

Liltaeahh: does yujin really wanna sleep?

Hanbangme: who said this is about yujin?

zhangiewangie: :p

Liltaeahh: ykw yeah that’s mb I forgot y'all rolling with the lgbt

G00nwook: both guns bright fucking pink

yumomma: gay people die in a ditch DIEDIEDIEDIE
*yumomma deleted 1 message*

Kingyuvin: thank fuck you deleted that

mattiethebaddie: I smell the vanilla eos lotion from a mile away

Cuntwoong: on a real note tho, what is omegaverse?

Liltaeahh: …
Liltaeahh: so basically

Kingyuvin: then like

G00nwook: but it depends

yumomma: at yo big flipping age?

Cuntwoong: ???

mattiethebaddie: that you girl

zhangiewangie: male pregnancy.

Hanbangme: WHERE??

Liltaeahh: DIE BOTH OF YOU

Cuntwoong: so basically male pregnancy?…

Kingyuvin: nah they're trippin hyung. it's a tree full of
nicknames

Cuntwoong: ohh

G00nwook: yeah so it’s alpha, omega, and beta
It depends on your height though

Mattiebaddie: seriously, out of all fucking traits?

Kingyuvin: like ricky is an omega because of
His height

Cuntwoong: so im a beta? Or what

Liltaeahh: oh baby never that… never ever that…

G00nwook: BRO.

Kingyuvin: alrighttttt let’s change the subject chat haha

mattiethebaddie: no no, tell Jiwoong his fate.

G00nwook: I no no wanna :/

yumomma: god bless unc

Kingyuvin: youre still awake???

yumomma: no im sleep texting

…

yumomma: well yeah no crap im still awake

Kingyuvin: you know, sometimes I do regret
Letting Ricky babysit you
Kingyuvin: I dont like yalls sarcasm

Liltaeahh: yujin is litr 18, why would he get babysat

Kingyuvin: why would yujin be left unsupervised
In the first place??

Liltaeahh: alr gagged, point given

yumomma: free me til its backwards

Cuntwoong: me too :/

Liltaeahh: from what?? Hello?

Cuntwoong: from the dark lord

yumomma: nurse he needs his meds

G00nwook: as much as I love you guys,
Ima head to sleep

mattiethebaddie: starve while youre at it

G00nwook: i’ve done jackshit to you bro

yumomma: enemies to lovers

Kingyuvin: goodnight bro, don’t let the bug bites bed

Cuntwoong: I think you said it wrong

Kingyuvin: I think no one asked?

Cuntwoong: sorry? Here damn

Liltaeahh: yeah goodnight wookie pookie

yumomma: nights of the good

……

quiquidoyouloveme: boy I aint no omega go kys

zhangwangie: denial is a river in Egypt…

Hanbangme: GO TO SLEEP.

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Liltaeahh: good morning cunts, and yujin bear

yumomma: wsg gang

zhangwangie: good morning cunts and gentleman we have
an announcement

Hanbangme: pls like men pls like menplslikemen

quiquidoyouloveme: why is bro even doubting that
in the first place

Kingyuvin: I get it tbh

quiquidoyouloveme: wrap it up

G00nwook: yes whats the announcement?

Cuntwoong: yeah im on the edge of knowing

yumomma: what the hell did you js say to me??

Mattiebaddie: jump off while youre at it

Liltaeahh: seriously what's up your ass

Kingyuvin: a 16-inch bright pink

G00nwook: I might kms pls don’t

Hanbangme: pls say the announcement before someone
dies

quiquidoyouloveme: nah y'all can take your time
quiquidoyouloveme: No worries

Cuntwoong: :/

zhangwangie: OKAY SORRY IM BACK
zhangiewangie: apparently, yujin is going on a field trip :D

Hanbangme: … that’s it?

Liltaeahh: no
Lilttaeahh: his school needs chaperones

mattiethebaddie: that’s nice Katie

zhangiewangie: the point issss
zhangiewangie: I signed all of us up to take care of his class :p

yumomma: do not come to my town.

Kingyuvin: wait that sounds fun

yumomma: wait no guys

quiquidoyouloveme: you’re just an extra kid we’d need
to take care of

Kingyuvin: so??

yumomma: guys do not come by me house

G00nwook: do we haveeee to go? I mean I got shit to do

mattiethebaddie: like what

G00nwook: … a fuck to give idk

Hanbangme: guys I think we should participate

Kingyuvin: obviously you’d want to

yumomma: is my mic on bro

Cuntwoong: do they really need 8 people tho?

zhangwangie: why? Can you not go?

Hanbangme: I can!!

G00nwook: no

quiquidoyouloveme: no

Kingyuvin: yes
*edited*
Kingyuvin: no

yumomma: please stay away

Hanbangme: when would it be?

Liltaeahh: this friday!!

Cuntwoong: so tomorrow…?

mattiethebaddie: no fucking way chat he knows his days of the week

yumomma: i’m crying

G00nwook: shouldn’t we ask yujin if he wants us to come hao hyung?

Kingyuvin: yeah, what if bros crying right now

Yumomma: im

Zhangiewangie: well… I already said yes to his teacher
But I can always cancel
Zhangwangie: but that would make me really upset

Hanbangme: @yumomma do you want us to accompany you and your class?
Or is it death you want.

YOUNGSHITZZ

Yujinthehouse: guys
Yujinthehouse: chat my older friends might be chaperones im fucking cooked

Saksakasealv: now why

Hakie: it can’t be that bad yujin

Yujinthehouse: imagine your older friends but gay

Hakie: your point is?

kyungyohoe: god forbid

Hooniewoonie: ???
Hooniewoonie: wtf is that supposed to mean?

Saksakasealv: anyway, nothing can weird us out atp yujin, let them be chaperones

Yujinthehouse: are you guys sure

Hakie: yeah bro

Yujinthehouse: okay…

omegaverse:

G00nwook: great yall made him kill himself

Cuntwoong: death got to him before Hanbin did

Kingyuvin: NAWLLLLLLLL

quiquidoyouloveme: rip yujin. ima griddy on his grave

yumomma: okay

quiquidoyoulove: well nevermind :/

zhangiewangie: omg yay hi baby

Hanbangme: haiiii

quiquidoyouloveme: he was NAWT talking to you
quiquidoyouloveme: no hate x

yumomma: I will, unfortunately, let you guys be chaperones..

zhangiewangie: YAYYYYYYY

Cuntwoong: yayy…

zhangiewangie: It’s like having more kids

Hanbangme: I can give you kids

yumomma: pls don’t

Liltaeahh: dw it’s not scientifically possible

Hanbangme: I’ll make it possible.

Kingyuvin: update me if so

mattiethebaddie: wrap it the fuck up

G00nwook: so it’s Friday, at what time?

yumomma: 8 am…

quiquidoyouloveme: absolutely the fuck not

Liltaeahh: I’m gonna need 3 coffees and a cig

G00nwook: why a cig…

Liltaeahh: just cuz

G00nwook: alr gagged

Kingyuvin: I do not miss being in high school

mattiethebaddie: where are we even going bruh

yumomma: the zoo :D

G00nwook: the fucking zoo.

yumomma: ya :D

quiquidoyouloveme: god bless him

yumomma: no because I’ve always wanted to see the penguins and koalas and
The flipping lions. Omg the tigers!!! Im super excired im shaking
yumomma: OH MY GOD THE STRING RAYS TOO

mattiethebaddie: chill, he’s probably going for the food
mattiethebaddie: oh.

G00nwook: is bro feasting upon the penguins??

Liltaeahh: I hope the fuck not

zhangiewangie: that’s my son

yumomma: :D

Cuntwoong: I’m not ready for this.

mattiethebaddie: sigh.

…

Kingyuvin: chat I lost yujin.

Cuntwoong: we just fucking got here???

Chapter Text

omegaverse

zhangiewangie: how the fuck do you lose a 5’9 foot tall CHILD.

kingyuvin: correction, he is 5'11, know your facts
Kingyuvin: IT’S NOT MY FAULT

quiquidoyouloveme: kinda is

Kingyuvin: You're not helping.

G00nwook: how tf did you lose him

Liltaeahh: yall gon lose your shit i'm on the floor hollering

Kingyuvin: HE LITR POINTED AT SOMETHING AND SAID “omg look” AND I ALMOST BROKE MY NECK TO SEE WHAT HE WAS POINTING AT AND THERE WAS NOTHING AND I LOOKED BACK AND MY WHOLE PACK WAS GONE.

mattiethebaddie: ah yes curious critter

quiquidoyouloveme: we are down 2 kids only

Cuntwoong: oh yeah no big deal

Hanbangme: THEY'RE KIDS. WHY WOULDN'T IT BE A BIG DEAL??

Cuntwoong: L + ratio

G00nwook: I'm gonna cry where did he learn that from

Cuntwoong: +i’m older

Liltaeahh: help me

yumomma: @kingyuvin me and sakuya want ice cream.
yumomma: buy us ice cream.

Kingyuvin: when I fucking catch you.

mattiethebaddie: hey so have y'all seen jihoon and woonhak

Hanbangme: are you deadass

mattiethebaddie: im alive silly rn
mattiethebaddie: we are not the same.

G00nwook: can't believe I was paired with this mf

mattiethebaddie: stay mad

G00nwook: Matthew is playing. woonhak and jihoon are here with us

yumomma: can I still get the ice cream

quiquidoyouloveme: I'll give you both ice cream and 5 five bucks if you find us in 1 minute

Yumomma: word?

Cuntwoong: how are you gonna bribe this kid with ice cream and five bucks

Kingyuvin: RICKY IS MAKING US RUN AWA Y BEFORE THEY FIND SU

quiquidoyouloveme: HUSTLE HUSTLE

Cuntwoong: why am I even here if I don't have a kid to take care of

G00nwook: what happened to Ryo??

Cuntwoong: lmfao wait

G00nwook: We're going to jail I'm gonna cry.

mattiethebaddie: I wanna go home

zhangiewangie: kyungmin is being a well-behaved kid rn

yumomma: not for long

zhangiewangie: take that back before faint

Hanbangme: hao babe i love you but can we last minute cancel this shit im on the verge of tears

G00nwook: dawg we’re already here be so fr

mattiethebaddie: this is what you get for glazing

Liltaeahh: yo this pretzel is fucking bomb

zhangiewangie: are you deadass alone doing jackshit?

Liltaeahh: no I got uhh
Liltaeahh: lemme ask his name hollon

G00nwook: rocking back and forth in a fetal position

Liltaeahh: his name is Ryo
Liltaeahh: sweet kid, he gave me the rest of his m&ms

Cuntwoong: oh look Gunwook I found him

G00nwook: i’m shaking

mattiethebaddie: I just saw gyuvin and ricky dash in front of me
mattiethebaddie: yujin mad ash

Kingyuvin: PLE HEL ME

yumomma: that’s right… call for your momma

quiquidoyouloveme: okay I forfeit, ic ant fucking breathe

yumomma: :D

Kingyuvin: ricky babe we got owned by an 18-year-old

quiquidoyouloveme: we?? And don't call me babe

Kingyuvin: sorry babe

yumomma: thanks for ice cream :D

zhangiewangie: we got kyungmin a balloon

Hanbangme: he’s so cute I crode.

G00nwook: we gave our kids nothing

Cuntwoong: my ideal parenting

mattiethebaddie: they're just on their phones like if a whole elephant isn't in front of them

Liltaeahh: and next to them

mattiethebaddie: excuse me??

YOUNGSHITZZ

kyungyohoe: yo yujin, why didn’t you tell me your older friends were rich I'm having the time of my life right now

Hakie: litr what I'm saying

Hooniewoonie: they haven’t bought us shit woonhak

Hakie: just the vibes of these lovers in denial are enough for me

Hooniewoonie: what are their names again?

Hakie: Matthew and goonwook I think

Saksaksealv: mine got me a balloon
Saksaksealv: i’m fighting every fiber in my body to not pop it

ryoyomommasofat: quit promoting

Yujinthehouse: they gon crash out any minute now

Kyungyohoe: who exactly

Yujinthehouse: bets are on Gunwook hyung, but then again, gyuvin hyung is like about to cry

Shen ricky: it’s funny huh

Hakie: …
Hooniewoonie: …

Saksaksealv: heyyy….. how yall doin…

Shen ricky: how you confuse my contact with minje

Omegaverse

Liltaeahh: can we go to Dennys after this?

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: I can win NNN.

Liltaeahh: hey i’m doin fine thanks for asking

G00nwook: it’s May bruh what are you on

Kingyuvin: not on ricky that’s what

quiquidoyouloveme: well thank fucking god

mattiethebaddie: ricky what have you done to gyuvin

quiquidoyoulove: ykw yeah let’s all blame me

mattiethebaddie: that’s my main motive

quiquidoyouloveme: god forbid being ethereal???

Liltaeahh: yeah god forbid!!!

mattiethebaddie: slut
mattiethebaddie: no homo

yumomma: you seriously need to know when to say crap like that

quiquidoyoulove: tryna take this outside lil bro?

Kingyuvin: god #needthat

mattiethebaddie: no thanks I don’t wanna seem like I'm walking a dog

Liltaeahh: can yall stop before gyuvin gets off to this shit

yumomma: I’d personally take this to a mudpit

Cuntwoong: yujin shut up please the girls are fighting

Liltaeahh: guys haha joke is over

G00nwook: Matthew pipe down brah

mattiethebaddie: boy ain’t no one speaking to you
mattiethebaddie: you can come outside too, don’t think i’m afraid of you

G00nwook: again, I've done jackshit for you to be loud
G00nwook: barking like a damn dog

mattiethebaddie: you calling me a bitch??

G00nwook: didn’t think you’d run with being a female dog
G00nwook: but if you genuienly take it up the ass, the shoe must have fit perfectly huh?

quiquidoyouloveme: wait gagged

Cuntwoong: name of bl?

yumomma: REF DO SOMETHING

Kingyuvin: alr guys chill before I nuke you both

Liltaeahh: do y'all really want me to bring the big guns

Hanbangme: no need i’m invested ash

Liltaeahh: ??? Can you do something they're going to litr eat each other

Cuntwoong: Consider it progress

quiquidoyouloveme: but i’m the slut? Alr bruh

Kingyuvin: One chance?

quiquidoyouloveme: fuck off

yumomma: okay drake, I need a one chanceee
yumomma: “where the fac the function” ahh jit

zhangiewangie: corner.

yumomma: WHAT
yumomma: I FUCKING CENSORED IT THOUGH

zhangiewangie: ?

yumomma: hating on a kid

….
inbox

p.gunwook: What’s been up your fucking ass?

s.matt: nothing

p.gunwook: I’m pretty sure there's a problem if you’ve been nothing but a bitch to me

s.matt: don’t overthink it

p.gunwook: Stop being an asshole and grow some balls, I’ve already apologized for what for what we did in the past and I ignored what happened after you said it wasn’t genuine.

s.matt: it's funny that you even believed that

p.gunwook: What?

omegaverse

Cuntwoong: and then she fell in front of the whole class LMFAOO that’s what her old ass gets

Liltaeahh: Jiwoong being petty was the last thing I thought I’d ever experience

Cuntwoong: I hate college.

Hanbangme: understandable, I have this teacher who says assignments are “pass or fail”
Hanbangme: like what do you even mean bro just give me a letter damn

Kingyuvin: she’s grading your assignment smash or pass basically

Liltaeahh: ^^

yumomma: can I please leave the corner

zhangiewangie: idk, can you?

yumomma: you know what? Yeah I can

Zhangiewangie: oh word?

Yumomma: lol sike i'm scared

quiquidoyouloveme: let him go and I'll make a deal with you hao hyung

zhangiewangie: oh?
zhangiewangie: and what shall thou propose?

Hanbangme: hao

zhangiewangie: what’s the fucking deal then here damn

quiquidoyouloveme: shit idk I have nothing

Cuntwoong: make him wear a bunny suit and dance

Liltaeahh: shi i’d rather see you in that

Cuntwoong: what?

Liltaeahh: what

Kingyuvin: oh but i’m freaky? Alr bro

yumomma: where’s Matthew and Gunwook hyung?

zhangiwangie: no phones.

yumomma: drowning myself.

Liltaeahh: wait yeah where are they

quiquidoyouloveme: does Gunwook know that Matthew and I joke around like that lmao

Kingyuvin: … YALL WERE JOKING?

Cuntwoong: they can stab each other and say they were joking gyuvin cmon

Kingyuvin: i’m best buds with Gunwook and we don’t even joke like that

quiquidoyouloveme: sorry we’re cunt like that

Kingyuvin: ???

yumomma: y'all completely gave up on me and the deal you guys offered to the man that has me locked up (in the corner), and starved (been here for 20 minutes)

quiquidoyouloveme: how did this conversation go from Gyuvin losing NNN cuz of me, mind you, it's May, for it to shift to this poor kid in timeout at the big age of 18

Kingyuvin: I still #needthat

……

liltaeahh: wait run it back, did you mean “one dance” by Drake??

yumomma: no??
yumomma: die today!! no hate lol

Chapter Text

omegaverse

yumomma: Dear Jiwoong,
yumomma: I know that’s right.

Cuntwoong: well uh oh

Liltaeahh: wtf did you do this time bruh

G00nwook: praying for bro

Kingyuvin: he done stole his pistachio mochi ice cream… again.

yumomma: im on yo backaroni and cheese head ass boy. yo big lip head ass. Macaroni cheese head ass. food stamp of cheese head ass boy you eat all the food stamp out yo mommas fridge. On yo big greedy head ass

quiquidoyouloveme: valid crashout

mattiethebaddie: oh wait, that was his mochi??

yumomma: did you flipping eat it?…
yumomma: deadass?

Mattiethebaddie: ye

Kingyuvin: why tf would you admit to that shit bro

quiquidoyouloveme: you could’ve let jiwoong take the fall brah

Liltaeahh: being hot don’t stop you from being a fucking dumbass unfortunately

G00nwook: jiwoong hyung done caught a stray for no reason im crying

Cuntwoong: free me :(

mattiethebaddie: chill it was just one

yumomma: was it good? :)

mattiethebaddie: yeah actually it was very soft

yumomma: really? describe it for me :)

mattiethebaddie: well since you've asked nicely

Liltaeahh: DONT FUCKING TELL HIM AND SAVE YOUR LIFE??

mattiethebaddie: oh

Kingyuvin: he might be airing your house rn

quiquidoyoulove: Kim gyuvin

Kingyuvin: yes princess?

quiquidoyouloveme: we live in the same fucking house

Kingyuvin: talkin bout Romeo and Juliet

Liltaeahh: you really need to know your Shakespeare

G00nwook: he only knows about the guy that got hit by the apple

Kingyuvin: YEAH JIMMY NEUTRON!!

g00nwook: good answer nephew

kingyuvin: wahhhhhh

quiquidoyouloveme: and you expect me to let you hit??

Cuntwoong: guys where’s Matthew??

Liltaeahh: up yo ahh
Liltaeahh: I take that back, I envy.

Inbox

Yujinhan: come outside hoe.

s.matt: yo chill it was just one

Yujinhan: yk what else is just one?

s.matt: … no but do tell

Yujinhan: your life

s.matt: okay i giggled

Yujinhan: You're lucky Gunwook is my favorite

s.matt: what does that fucker have to do with this
s.matt: just name my punishment jeez

Yujinhan: boy ik y’all fucking
Yujinhan: thinking y'all slick be so fr
Yujinhan: greedy and fucking stupid you pmo

s.matt: LEMME GET UP?? HERE DAMN
s.matt: wait
s.matt: DID HE FUCKING TELL YOU?

Yujinhan: wait did I just guess it right

s.matt: oh

Yujinhan: ... :)

Omegaverse

zhangiewangie: AND THEN HE LITR FELL ASLEEP WITH A BADDIE IN HIS BED??
zhangiewangie: My bf wants me to die.

Liltaeahh: gasp girl he was a bitch anyway

quiquidoyoulove: men aint shit girl

Hanbangme: I am right here?

G00nwook: why did you do that to hao papa

Hanbangme: SLEEPING???

Kingyuvin: that's such a dick move bro

Hanbangme: again, SLEEPING???

Cuntwoong: jojo have you learned nothing

……..

yumomma: on dat enemies-to-lovers agenda

mattiethebaddie: I'm begging you to kys

G00nwook: ?

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: what would you do if when you okay and he said yes would go

Hanbangme: ignoring that.
Hanbangme: hi guys, how is school going for y’all?
Hanbangme: It's exam season, so I wanted to know how you’re doing

Liltaeahh: aw how sweet
Liltaeahh: my grade is up to fate I think

yumomma: jumping off the cliff

Cuntwoong: I have a degree, so idk

Kingyuvin: and yet, no job

Cuntwoong: Shut your mouth.

quiquidoyoulove: it’s lowkey going good i’m almost done with this shit

G00nwook: I hate college.

hanbangme: I have a psychology exam this Tuesday :D

mattiethebaddie: WE have a psychology exam

Hanbangme: oh right, you're in my class

mattiethebaddie: we have a study guide but that shit is too much to memorize

Kingyuvin: You need someone to study with?

mattiethebaddie: yeah sure why not

Kingyuvin: The frontal lobe is
Kingyuvin: uhm
Kingyuvin: … is that what you're doing

mattiethebaddie: I'm so cooked

quiquidoyouloveme: yeah no doubt

Hanbangme: yujin hbu, how’s school going?

yumomma: did the jumping off the cliff not mean anything

G00nwook: lil bro is almost graduating

yumomma: No I'm not

G00nwook: ?

yumomma: not if I kms first

Liltaeahh: you wouldn't dare

yumomma: say I won't

Liltaeahh: …

yumomma: no, say it you flipper

Hanbangme: DONT???

mattiethebaddie: you won't

yumomma: alright, no. I dont think you have the right to tell me that… I know things… people here don't…

mattiethebaddie: spare me??? I fucking hate you im gonna cry

Kingyuvin: yujin what do you know

quiquidoyouloveme: yujin do tell

yumomma: what’s in it for me

mattiethebaddie: DONT FUCKING TELL THEM

yumomma: again, what’s in it for me

G00nwook: tell us what?

Cuntwoong: Curiosity is killing me, please tell us

Kingyuvin: the cat is killing the curiosity pls tell us

Liltaeahh: is that even how you

quiquidoyouloveme: no just shh

Liltaeahh: but

quiquidoyouloveme: I know, trust me I know

zhangiewangie: what’s the fucking situationnnnnn

mattiethebaddie: can you please control your fucking kid? i’m getting threatened

Hanbangme: is the secret that bad?

Liltaeahh: oh so it's secret? And you haven't told me??

mattiethebaddie: is no one on my fucking side im shaking

G00nwook: a secret about what

Kingyuvin: it’s prolly not that of a shady secret and yall nosy as shit

mattiethebaddie: ykw yeah it isn't even that bad

yumomma: word? So I can tell them?

mattiethebaddie: so you want me to die?
mattiethebaddie: My career is on the line bro

zhangiewangie: guys stop being fucking nosy
zhangiewangie: and you too yujin stop blackmailing

mattiethebaddie: THANK YOU, GOD IS REAL

yumomma: :/

zhangiewangie: come to papa and whisper it in my ear

mattiethebaddie: a devil in disguise.

yumomma: :D

mattiethebaddie: ykw yeah you can tell hao

Liltaeahh: so I can't know??

mattiethebaddie: I feel like you're gonna kill me

G00nwook: What can possibly make Taerae kill you?

yumomma: Wouldn't you like to know Weatherboy

quiquidoyouloveme: Matthew, can I know too, please

zhangiewangie: holy fucking shit????

mattiethebaddie: covering my ears

zhangiewangie: ARE YOU DEADASS???

mattiethebaddie: looks around

zhangiewangie: IS THAT WORD TO YOUR MOTHER????

mattiethebaddie: whistles

Cuntwoong: sharing is caring, please tell me I'm on my knees begging

Liltaeahh: proof?

Kingyuvin: PLEASE TELL MEEE

Inbox

zhang._.hao: wait are you fr?

s.matt: please don’t tell anyone

zhang._.hao: when did you even
zhang._.hao: wait no, how did
zhang._.hao: WHY??

s.matt: like 2 months ago
s.matt: do I really need to explain how?… I mean, I'm sure you're familiar with all that
s.matt: and why? Who the hell asks why?

zhang._.hao: point given

s.matt: right

zhang._.hao: answer me this though…

s.matt: …

zhang._.hao: would you do it again?…

s.matt: yeah bro no doubt LMFAOOO

zhang._.hao: HELP MEEEE

…..

omegaverse

yumomma: I'm tired of being well-behaved. I wanna cause problems on purpose

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Cuntwoong: hiii

yumomma: bet you are…

Cuntwoong: okay well

G00nwook: do you hate jiwoong, yujin?

yumomma: no

Liltaeahh: then why are you on his ass all the time im crying

yumomma: y'all think I only hate on him??
yumomma: im an equal oppurtunity ass hater, no one is safe

Kingyuvin: what about me :p

yumomma: I have a big project for you dw

quiquidoyouloveme: what about me? :)

zhangiewangie: me?

yumomma: …
yumomma: why y’all gotta be gay bro
yumomma: now I just seem homophobic

zhangiewangie: right.

mattiethebaddie: it’s not my fault I was born this way

Kingyuvin: Don't you bring Lady Gaga into this

quiquidoyouloveme: wait I giggled

Kingyuvin: he wants me so bad holy shit Im shaking

quiquidoyouloveme: smile faded

G00nwook: you were so close gyuvin

Kingyuvin: progress bro trust the process

yumomma: but I really love Frank Ocean, so I deny those homophobia accusations

Cuntwoong: me but with travis scott
...

Liltaeahh: ?? He’s not fucking gay

G00nwook: im crying is he real

Cuntwoong: wait are you for reals rn

quiquidoyouloveme: the visible tears

mattiethebaddie: Travis Scott… out of all artists

Cuntwoong: Wait no guys, I got confused. I meant asap rocky

mattiethebaddie: pls, jiwoong stop talking

Liltaeahh: HE HAS KIDS AND A WIFE IM CRYINHGG

G00nwook: IS HE REAL
G00nwook: YUJIN GO HOME AND GET THE GUN

yumomma: On my way!

zhangiewangie: lawd have mercy, even I know the gay artists

Cuntwoong: WAIT GUYS NO IT'S FLO RIDA

G00nwook: FLO RIDAHAAAA

quiquidoyouloveme: DIE
quiquidoyouloveme: DIE TODAY

Hanbangme: guys stop before he leaves

*cuntwoong has left the group chat*

Hanbangme: welp

mattiethebaddie: WAIT LMFAOOOOO

Kingyuvin: NAWLLLL

quiquidoyouloveme: poor dude was just tryna side with yujin and supporting gay artists I can't breathe

G00nwook: as long as he didn’t think 21 savage was gay, I would’ve crashed out

Hanbangme: who’s admin guys pls add jiwoong back

Liltaeahh: wait no, before I do, who do y'all think he was lowkey talking about

quiquidoyouloveme: probably Lil Nas X

G00nwook: nah it had to be Tyler, the creator

zhangiewangie: Khalid??

Kingyuvin: Sam Smith?…

Hanbangme: Lady Gaga cmon now
Hanbangme: no matter gay straight or bi

mattiethebaddie: nah it’s Troye Sivan

quiquidoyoulove: im in love with him. That man is my girl.

Kingyuvin: I can’t even be jealous about that, bros gorgeous

G00nwook: too god damn fine it makes me so overwhelmed

Liltaeahh: any more guesses?

yumomma: NLE Choppa.

*liltaeahh added jiwoong to the group chat*

J.woong: …

mattiethebaddie: was it Troye Sivan?

J.woong: Drake…

yumomma: close enough, I win

Kingyuvin: HE’S NOT EVEN GAY BRO

G00nwook: well, not yet

*liltaeahh changed J.woong’s nickname*

……

Modern Family

papavin: Dear Frank Ocean,

mamarick: I would listen to your music

sonnyujin: but you like boys :/

Chapter Text

omegaverse

yumomma: I fucking hate science class.

zhangiewangie: ?

yumomma: flipping*
yumomma: mb gang

Kingyuvin: who the fuck likes science

quiquidoyouloveme: Science is kinda fun to me idk

Kingyuvin: no way?? Me too lmao

Hanbangme: but im down bad? Alright.

mattiethebaddie: I don't like science, there are too many laws
mattiethebaddie: And who’s the judge??? God??

yumomma: well

G00nwook: Are the Transformers considered science?

Liltaeahh: yeah cuz it isn't real, and yk what else isn't real? Science.

juicycuntour: You know what’s iffy tho? Pigeons.

yumomma: Wait

zhangiewangie: While we're here, I’m not sure I believe the moon landing happened

quiquidoyouloveme: I don't believe in the moon

mattiethebaddie: I believe that peanut allergies are just internalized white guilt

yumomma: You're not even white???

Kingyuvin: Gluten has a price. it’s not free.

zhangiewangie: gluten isn't real

Hanbangme: Stevie wonder aint blind

G00nwook: why do men?

Kingyuvin: is it gay to like your friend??

Liltaeahh: is it
Liltaeahh: dawg what

yumomma: what?? Yes? I don't know
yumomma: why do I have to guide yall back to the conversation
yumomma: can someone just help me with my science hw

….

yumomma: Thanks for the help

Kingyuvin: you're welcome :D

mattiethebaddie: now yk damn well he’s thanking ricky

quiquidoyouloveme: you're welcome yujin!!

zhangiewangie: Sorry I couldn't help. I am not happy seeing Punnett squares

G00nwook: why did bro almost cry seeing that shit tho im

Hanbangme: Hao thinks it’s unfair that we look like our dads

zhangiewangie: shaking my fucking fist

quiquidoyouloveme: ykw I agree, my mom is very beautiful. I'd be mad if I were to look like my dad

juicycuntour: I love my dad

Liltaeahh: shi I love your dad too

juicycuntour: ???

mattiethebaddie: wait lowkey smash tho

G00nwook: ?!?!

zhangiewangie: real

Hanbangme: oh hell nah

quiquidoyouloveme: his dad is so holy bazinga

Kingyuvin: you take that back.

mattiethebaddie: it's true tho, his dad is mad fine

G00nwook: alr bro let's change the topic

juicycuntour: yeah…

Liltaeahh: May I be the one to continue your dad’s legacy?

yumomma: daily reminder that men can't get pregnant

mattiethebaddie: I volunteer as tribute

G00nwook: word

….

Inbox

rwicksgyuvin: do you think I'm holy bazinga? :/

shen.ricky: No, you're so freakalicious

rwicksgyuvin: are you calling me a freak and delicious

shen.ricky: maybe

rwicksgyuvin: let me hit already damn

shen.ricky: okay

rwicksgyuvin: PLLEAAAASEEEE
rwicksgyuvin: O

…..

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: HE LET ME HIT CUZ IM WEIRDDDDDDD
Kingyuvin: I BEHAVE STRANGELYYYYY

juicycuntour: who the fuck changed my username

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Liltaeahh: one day, I will commit acts of unfathomable violence.

Kingyuvin: me too bro, me too

quiquidoyouloveme: good morning to you too

Hanbangme: hi guys, I hope you guys have a great day today!

Liltaeahh: dont tell me what kind of day to have
Liltaeahh: getting all presumptuous and rude

mattiethebadie: ooh!

juicycuntour: honey…

Quiquidoyouloveme: gurl

yumomma: security

G00nwook: taerae, is something wrong?…

Liltaeahh: something's wrong alright

G00nwook: gulps

zhangiewangie: what happened?

Liltaeahh: some bum ass bitch got my fucking mic on roblox suspended

mattiethebaddie: who’d you cuss out now

Liltaeahh: NO ONE??

mattiethebaddie: was it crispy?

Liltaeahh: … no

mattiethebaddie: right right

Kingyuvin: plead the fifth brah idk

quiquidoyouloveme: Don't ever step into law school

G00nwook: they done silenced bro
G00nwook: shaking my head

Hanbangme: on a real note, who did you offend?

Liltaeahh: … I was playing natural disasters and this son of a bitch didnt want to get out of the way and they were blocking the fuck ass basement KNOWING that there was a tornado warning and we all died because of their fatass
Liltaeahh: like max 9 of us cussed that fat bitch

quiquidoyouloveme: what did you tell them…

Liltaeahh: told it that it had no purpose in life and that god should kill it now

zhangiwangie: IT. LMFAOOO

mattiethebaddie: do you now see the consequences of your actions?

Liltaeahh: in my defense, what I said was far less offensive than what I thought

Kingyuvin: nah free twin, bro aint do nun wrong

Hanbangme: he told an 8-year-old to die??

Kingyuvin: deserved.

Liltaeahh: fucking fat bitch
Liltaeahh: weird ass build
Liltaeahh: lemme find their bitch ass again ima doxx him

yumomma: ong find them and I'll show them wsg too

…

Inbox

Yujinhan: is this a safe place

Hanbin0725: yes

Yujinhan: I was the kid who got his mic suspended

Hanbin0725: …
Hanbin0725: are you okay?

Yujinhan: I got js fat shamed, fym if I'm okay

…

omegaverse

mattiethebaddie: chat im bored :/

Hanbangme: bro we’re in class, just pay attention

mattiethebaddie: no, thats why I'm bored

Hanbangme: alright bro

mattiethebaddie: this fucking hater just switched his seat im gonna kms

…

yumomma: can someone pick me up from school :/

zhangiewangie: did school end already?

yumomma: no, but I remembered that I have free will, so I want to leave

G00nwook: That's not very responsible of you

yumomma: not a single soul asked lol
yumomma: no hate

G00nwook: I aint picking you up

yumomma: okay? Lmfao ill go kms and record it
yumomma: @mattiethebaddie can you pick me up

mattiethebaddie: what’s in it for me

yumomma: a safe secret

mattiethebaddie: On my way!

quiquidoyouloveme: how bad is this secret dawg

mattiethebaddie: can we not bring this shit up again

quiquidoyouloveme: did you kill someone

yumomma: Oh, I'm sure he hoped he did

mattiethebaddie: sighhhh

quiquidoyouloveme: girl you can kill somebody and I wouldnt care please tell me

mattiethebaddie: no ricky im not telling you

quiquidoyouloveme: fuck you hater cunt flipper bitch ass fucker

inbox

shen.ricky: gyuvin

Rwicksgyuvin: yes berry

shen.ricky: aren’t you also curious as to what Matthew is hiding or is it just me :/

Rwicksgyuvin: oh most definitely
Rwicksgyuvin: I fight every fiber in my body to not snatch his phone and run for my life whenever I'm near him

shen.ricky: should we try that…

Rwicksgyuvin: for you? Yeah I’m down

shen.ricky: we can make a deal
shen.ricky: if you manage to steal his phone, I'll date you. Flip the future dinners

Rwicksgyuvin: im shaking

shen.ricky: but if you don't, uhm
shen.ricky: I got nothing, I like you too, so

Rwicksgyuvin: if I lose, you can expect free strawberries for the next month

shen.ricky: gasp…

Rwicksgyuvin: deal?

shen.ricky: deal

……..

Rwicksgyuvin: I failed so fucking miserably

shen.ricky: there was an attempt. Good job soldier

Chapter Text

omegaverse

mattiethebaddie: hello??? Have y'all seen my story? why aren't you guys liking it

quiquidoyouloveme: like your story for a tbh?? what are we bruh middle schoolers?

yumomma: hell nah, I don't even do that

mattiethebaddie: cmon now I look like a bum please like it I'm begging

Kingyuvin: I liked it

mattiethebaddie: thank you

…

mattiethebaddie: Gunwook please take back that like, I am not doing you

yumomma: well you quite litr did, yeah

mattiethebaddie: what.

G00nwook: hello I thought that message was for the general public? Be specific next time

mattiethebaddie: yk our fucking status bruh why would you even follow me in the first place

Liltaeahh: give bro the tbh he ain't do nothing wrong

quiquidoyouloveme: yeah or I'll tell gyuvin to take his like back too

mattiethebaddie: fucking annoying bruh damn
mattiethebaddie: FINE I'll do the tbhs on here then

mattiethebaddie: @kingyuvin you're so cool and nice, you're twinem fr

Kingyuvin: YAYAY

mattiethebaddie: @g00nwook fucking stupid bitch

G00nwook: Fangirl behavior

mattiethebaddie: kys

Liltaeahh: What's up with you two

zhangiewangie: yeah whats the fucking situationnnnn

yumomma: yeah do y'all wanna fill us in on the problem

mattiethebaddie: I hate you both.

G00nwook: nothing is wrong

Liltaeahh: honestly, I feel like you guys should
Liltaeahh: whats the word uhm

Kingyuvin: js fuck it out

mattiethebaddie: WHAT

G00nwook: WHAT

Liltaeahh: might as well. Y'all are always fighting every time we text on here

Kingyuvin: I need my parents together, please

juicycuntour: I'm a child of divorce

mattiethebaddie: youre fucking millennial.

yumomma: ref that's outta pocket im sick

G00nwook: nothing is happening, nor will there ever be SOMETHING happening between me and Matthew

Kingyuvin: and my balls aint blue

Hanbangme: Well, if that’s the case, I'd like you both to get along. I know there was a rough start between you two, but I think we've matured enough over the past year. So make up or fuck. Hope this helps

quiquidoyouloveme: bars

yumomma: what even happened for them to be fucking
yumomma: I mean, fighting like this

Hanbangme: school rivalry

zhangiewangie: Wasn't it because of a misunderstanding

hanbangme: both, but bullying was involved at some point

yumomma: wait deadass

quiquidoyouloveme: who was getting bullied i’m wheezing

Liltaeahh: …

yumomma: dawg was it you

Liltaeahh: yeahhh

quiquidoyoulove: i’m wheezing so bad

Liltaeahh: QUIT LAUGHING
Liltaeahh: it was wrong timing bro lemme explain

Kingyuvin: question before you explain

Liltaeahh: what is it

Kingyuvin: did Gunwook catch a stray

Liltaeahh: yeah dawg Matthew was mad ash

Inbox

p.gunwook: Hanbin is right

s.matt: good thing I'm left
s.matt: bye

p.gunwook: quit being childish

s.matt: here damn

p.gunwook: can you please just forgive me?
p.gunwook: I don't want this bs affecting our friend group

s.matt: are you deadass telling me to let go wtf happened? You bullied my best friend
s.matt: and now you dare to tell me to “forgive” you?

p.gunwook: and you dare hook up with your best friend's bully??

s.matt: … well, if you put it that way

p.gunwook: No. because it WAS meant to be put that way, you've misunderstood everything.

s.matt: then tell me the fucking story. Oh and, leave your sorry ass apologizes at home. Because I can guarantee you that I will walk away

p.gunwook: okay fine
p.gunwook: do I come over?

s.matt: yk how that ended last time
s.matt: do not come by me house.

p.gunwook: right. Sorry
p.gunwook: the playground?

s.matt: just meet me at the cafe near yujin’s school

p.gunwook: okay
p.gunwook: thank you

s.matt: thumbs up

……

cunts and yujin bear

cubyujin: HOLY FUCKING SHIT I JUST SAW MATTHEW AND GUNWOOK AT A CAFE NEAR MY SCHOOL

cubvin: PUT THAT ON YOUR MOM

cubhao: DONT BRING ME INTO THIS

cubrick: photo or fake

Cubyujin: [photo]

Cubtae: hope they fuck again

Cubhao: …
Cubhao: This is equivalent to drag men pulling off their wigs. YOU FUCKING KNEW?

Cubtae: yeah bruh

Cubwoong: victor you actually did this

Cubbin: Matthew looks mad ash bro

Cubhao: are you stalking them too??

Cubbin: babe I work here?? And fuck you mean by “too”

Cubrick: we’re on our way lmao

Chapter Text

Cunts and yujin bear

cubWoong: wait pause
cubWoong: THEY’VE FUCKED??

cubRick: my brain decided to skip over that insane information

cubBin: guys I don't think they've spotted me
cubBin: WAIT THEY FUCKED?

cubYujin: yeah… me and hao hyung already knewww :/ oops!

cubHao: I only know cuz Yujin kept blackmailing Matthew

cubTae: I know because I went through their messages :p

cubRick: well, are you gonna kill him?

cubTae: who? Matthew?

cubRick: well yeah he claimed that you will “kill” him and that's why he hasn't told you

cubYujin: please don't kill him, I'm tryna know how they turn out
cubYujin: I'm currently hiding behind a bush

cubwoong: wait, which bush

cubYujin: next to the bikes. Where you at

cubWoong: Oh, I'm inside

cubHao: WHAT

cubYujin: ???

cubWoong: Yeah I was already here before they were

cubRick: and you decided to tell us now??

cubWoong: you guys never asked

cubBin: Yeah he’s in the corner

cubTae: PLEASE DON'T GET CAUGHT I'M ALMOST THERE

cubHao: me and Ricky are in the outside area

cubRick: where’s gyuvin though

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: GUYS I'M RIGHT NEXT TO THEM I WENT INSIDE
Kingyuvin: O
*kingyuvin deleted 2 messages*

Cunts and yujin bear

cubYujin: are you fucking deadass rn

cubVin: hey……

cubTae: how could you be so stupid

cubVin: well, you know what. It's really not that hard

cubyYujin: @cubrick this is your man?

cubRick: yeah

cubTae: look at the screen

cubRick: that's minee

cubWoong: guys they didn't check their phones when he sent the message were good

cubBin: guys I'm about to clock out

cubHao: no, you're not

cubBin: ??

cubHao: youre doing overtime

cubBin: okay!

cubYujin: man wtf am I doing
cubYujin: I'm heading inside

cubHao: NO

cubYujin: WHY NOT

cubTae: you're gonna make them run bruh

cubYujin: I think it's unfair that I can't go into my local cafe, mind you, that is NEAR my school. If anything, they're at fault for making me feel unsafe. This is child endangerment
cubYujin: plus I can't hear and I want 4K hd audio going through my eardrums

cubVin: I'm currently behind their booth

cubBin: wait I can't see you

cubVin: wait hold

cubBin: holds

cubHao: ….

cubBin: this dumbass just raised his hand and waved
cubBin: this man is quite literally behind their fucking booth.

cubRick: gyuvin record that joint.

cubVin: I'm recording, but I can't text a lot

cubTae: guys, I'm here

cubWoong: come inside and join me

cubTae: woah?

cubYujin: die.

cubBin: wait, don't do that, they're really near jiwoong

cubHao: how have they not spotted him

cubWoong: I'm just as surprised

…

cubHao: I look stupid as hell ducking down behind this tree

cubRick: you think

cubHao: ima switch places, yujin where are you

cubYujin: inside

cubTae: ??
cubTae: we’re so cooked

cubYujin: y'all really think I'm Horton Hears a Who??

cubBin: you’d make a really cute dumbo

cubHao: wait aww

cubTae: guys focus

cubVin: GUSY

cubBin: THEY STOOD UP

cubWoong: oh crap

cubYujin: GYUVIN DIED OH MY FOD IM CRYINGGGGG

cubHao: WHAT’S HAPPENING

cubVin: MY ELBWO
cubVin: MY ELBOW

cubBin: HE LAUNCHED HIMSELF

cubWoong: I’M UNDER THE TABLE
cubWoong: SOMEONE GET GYUVIN HE’S STILL ON THE FLOOR

cubYujin: OH BINGO I GOT ACTION. SLIP N FALL!
cubYujin: OUHHH PIMP DOWN PIMP IN DISTRESS

cubrRck: THEY'RE OUTSIDE
cubRick: THEY’RE RIGHT BEHIND ME AREN'T THEY

cubVin: MY ELBOWWWW

cubHao: CHAT CAN THEY SEE ME

cubTae: NO GIRL YOU FLAT ASH

cubHao: alright wrap it up bro that wasnt necessary

cubBin: HE IS VERY GORGEOUS TO ME

cubRick: gasp guys

cubYujin: gyuvin is still on the floor

cubRick: guys

cubBin: my poor kid, I'll take him to the hospital after this

cubWoong: he can't stop crying

cubRick: GUYS

cubTae: WHAT BRUH

cubRick: MATTHEW JUST

cubTae: HELLO YES?? CONTINUE DAMN IT

cubHao: THEY DONE CAUGHT RICKY

cubWoong: great, so we’re down two

…

As Ricky glanced up from his phone, still trying to find more scenarios to lock into his brain and share with the others later. His vision suddenly gets blocked by two familiar faces. Ricky slowly looked up as he was still crouched down, he met eyes with Matthew, both of his arms crossed and, well, clearly not amused. Ricky let out a nervous laugh and looked at Gunwook, who was just standing there, smiling and giving a little wave.

“Oh my god heyyy…” Ricky said, dragging it out like that would somehow make it less awkward, let alone suspicious. That obviously didn't work out.

“What the fuck are you doing crouching behind a bush?” Matthew asked, raising an eyebrow. Then he glanced down at Ricky’s phone. “And what are you reporting back to headquarters?” He sarcastically smiled.

“Listen, I'm here alone, alright? I won't tell the others anything. Just…“Ricky presses his hands together. “Spare me, man, I'm too young and nosy to die.”

Matthew sighed dramatically,
“Fine. You’ll live. But if I see one word of this in the group chat, you’re done.”

Gunwook grinned, “We know where you sit at lunch, Ricky.”

Ricky shot them boys an exaggerated thumbs-up.

“Catch you later!!”

Ricky jolted out of there and made a turn, disappearing into the crowd of people.

…

Cunts and yujin bear

cubHao: I'm still behind the tree
cubHao: he was so close to dying holy shit

cubWoong: gyuvin is still knocked down

cubYujin: dw guys I got his reboot card

…

Inbox

shen.ricky: but like… just out of curiosity, what were you two doing? Purely academic interest!
shen.ricky: status update? :D

s.matt: I still hate him

Chapter Text

omegaverse

G00nwook: @kingyuvin yo bro are you good?

Kingyuvin: prfctly fnie

G00nwook: ?

quiquidoyouloveme: he said he's perfectly fine

G00nwook: ah, well only reason im asking is because I saw him wiith a cast in between lectures… What happened to your arm?

Kingyuvin: o

yumomma: I broke it

G00nwook: you? Broke his arm?

yumomma: thats right

G00nwook: how?

yumomma: he dared himsellf to uhhh
yumomma: to backflip! Yeah off the couch. And I said “do it”
yumomma: he said “watch this”

Kingyuvin: and thn i wathced teh floor

quiquidoyouloveme: the floor watched you back alright

mattiethebaddie: HOLD ON.
mattiethebaddie: YOU BROKE HIS ARM??
mattiethebaddie: did you at least win the dare??

Lilltaeahh: depends on your definition of “win”

quiquidoyouloveme: he lost the use of an arm but gained our attention

Kingyuvin: and a date with ricky :D

quiquidoyouloveme: surprisingly

Liltaeahh: only couple I can probably tolerate

zhangiewangie: hey :(

mattiethebaddie: yall are like Bonnie and Clyde

Liltaeahh: both yall almost died from bad decisions

Cunts and yujin bear

cubYujin: do you guys think they have a clue

cubVin: nah

cubRick: let's somehow change the topic

cubTae: bold of you to assume I won't derail the entire convo in 0.3 seconds. Watch this

omegaverse

Liltaeah: so what yall think about pineapple on pizza

quiquidoyouloveme: thats not what I had in mind but alr

yumomma: thats a war crime and ill fight you about it

G00nwook: I like pineapple pizza

yumomma: expect a SWAT team to take you down

juicycuntour: im so hungry please dont speak about food

mattiethebaddie: I can lowkey agree with gunwook on this one

yumomma: ofc you would

quiquidoyouloveme: yall are literally the worst if you think pineapple belongs on pizza

Kingyuvin: …

quiquidoyouloveme: im sparing you

Kingyuvin: :D

G00nwook: youre all so basic bruh its called expanding your horizons

yumomma: youre js a weirdo
yumomma: whats next? Sushi with chocolate sauce?

Liltaeahh: audibly gagged
Liltaeahh: pls dont even speak that into existence im fucking shaking

G00nwook: okay fine, we’ll start with pineapple on sushi
G00nwook: baby steps

quiquidoyouloveme: yall are gonna start blending milkshake with garlic bread next, I js know it

Kingyuvin: wait do you actually have a problem with sushi and chocolate sauce tho? It could be innovative… just saying

yumomma: I will fight you in the street.

Kingyuvin: ref this is an unfair match. I have a broken elbow
Kingyuvin: my battle skills are currently limited

Hanbangme: im officially just observing this madness from a distance, I can't even comment on the levels of wrong happening here

yumomma: see? Even hanbin papa is in his right mind, and he's gay

Hanbangme: ???
Hanbangme: you didn't have to mention my entire identity

Liltaeahh: hanbin- 5 stars
Liltaeahh: would trust his taste in food and men

Kingyuvin: bro got outed as a reliable source

mattiethebaddie: man's just trying to live and now he's the standard for culinary sanity

quiquidoyouloveme: okay but if Hanbin disapproves, that's gospel to me

zhangiewangie: hanbin doesn't even like salads

Hanbangme: It makes me feel unsafe.

Inbox

p.gunwook: do you wanna go out for pineapple pizza?

s.matt: are you asking out a boy who still hates you

p.gunwook: bold of you to assume I'm scared of rejection

s.matt: well, that's great, because you're definitely going to be rejected on principle

p.gunwook: I fear nothing, hate is just spicy love

s.matt: hate is hate bro

p.gunwook: I dont think someone who hates another would stare at the others lips. Dont think I didnt catch that in the cafe

s.matt: you were seeing things, I did no such thing

p.gunwook: im seeing a future with you, thats what

s.matt: stick to the pizza, not the dreams

p.gunwook: :(

Inbox

shen.ricky: in my dreamsssss

Rwicksgyuvin: you love me backkkk

Chapter Text

omegaverse

zhangiewangie: my bf hates me and wants me to die

Liltaeahh: not this shit again

yumomma: ughhhhhhh

quiquidoyouloveme: what did that male species do this time

Hanbangme: please don't aim for my throat when I'm right here

mattiethebaddie: go for his throat girl

zhangiewangie: I asked when we can FaceTime right

Liltaeahh: uh huh

zhangiewangie: he told me he was watching white chicks and eating chips and that his phone was charging. Telling me to give it 30 mins, and I'm like alright. Well, I said alright mentally cuz I never answered him lmao
zhangiewangie: …. This fucking hater almost gave it an hour

Hanbangme: I GOT DISTRACTEDDDD

yumomma: “give me 30 mins” then casually disappears like a deadbeat dad

zhangiewangie: I watched his lil dot on Find My Friends move to the KITCHEN. He had time.
zhangiewangie: js say you hate me and go

Liltaeahh: THE GPS SURVIELLANCE IS INSANE IM CRYINH

Hanbangme: bro im literally being cyberbullied

quiquidoyouloveme: and yet your phone charged just fine, interesting

Kingyuvin: very interesting

Hanbangme: YOU WERE LITR WITH ME WATCHING THE MOVIE GYUVIN

Kingyuvin: but I wouldn't ignore ricky

Hanbangme: I WASN'T IGNORING HIM

Liltaeahh: break up with him girl

Hanbangme: pls don't

juicycuntour: first you fell asleep on him, and then this? I can't keep defending you

Hanbangme: GOD FORBID A GUY GET SLEEP??
Hanbangme: please you guys are acting like I ghosted him for 3 business days
Hanbangme: IT WAS 47 MINUTES. RELAX.

zhangiewangie: oh so you did check the time. So you knew. You chose violence.

Liltaeahh: “give me 30 mins” and then watched white chicks like it was an assigned documentary for his class

yumomma: you took longer than my amazon package, and at least that sends me updates

G00nwook: shaking my head

juicycuntour: I want to defend you bro but you're making it really hard, and I already used my monthly “maybe he's just tired” coupon

Hanbangme: HE DIDN'T EVEN REPLY??? How tf am I the villain when I got left on read before I could even mess up??

juicycuntour: ah yes, the “if he didn't reply, I didn't ignore him” defense. Strong move. Good luck soldier

mattiethebaddie: so both y'all are at fault

zhangiewangie: sorry my emotional breakdown didn't fit your viewing schedule

Hanbangme: im coming over

mattiethebaddie: wait, unrelated, but would y'all still be friends with me if I barked at people in public

Liltaeahh: no context??

mattiethebaddie: like not aggressive. Just a warning bark. Like if someone got too close in line

yumomma: nah cuz if im next to you in the cafe and you go “ruff” im uppercutting your shit and walking out

Kingyuvin: I wouldn't even flinch. I’d bark back at you

G00nwook: yall are not normal

juicycuntour: what breed tho. I need to know the vibe. Pug? Chihuahua?

mattiethebaddie: more like a Shiba. A little unhinged and elegant tye shi

quiquidoyouloveme: elegant where. You just woofed at a grandma for standing too close bro

Hanbangme: so it isn't just my bf that's weird

quiquidoyouloveme: nope

G00nwook: no :(

mattiethebaddie: like imagine someone bumps into me in line and I just bark. not even mad. It's just policy

Liltaeahh: policy??? Like if it's your employee handbook??

Liltaeahh: what’s your response if they bark back

mattiethebaddie: gotta assert dominance. no choice. We bark until someone backs down or mall security arrives

quiquidoyouloveme: imagine you're in fucking target and suddenly it’s two grown adults growling over an album

yumomma: nah the worst part is I wouldn’t even be surprised anymore. Life’s too weird now.

Liltaeahh: and then the cashier just keeps ringing things up like “do you need a bag for that?”

yumomma: “do you want your receipt emailed or barked at?”

quiquidoyouloveme: emailed please. I’m not feral

Lilltaeahh: this is why we can’t have brunch. You’d bark at the waiter for giving someone else pancakes first

mattiethebaddie: i WOULD

Liltaeahh: imagine dating someone and warning them like “hey just so you know, my best friend might bark at you if you stand too close, it’s not personal”

mattiethebaddie: if my future man flinches, he’s weak. bark back or leave

G00nwook: noted!!

quiquidoyouloveme: y’all need a leash, not therapy

inbox

Hanbin0725: hey beautiful what time do you plan on being done grieving
zhang._.hao: … the door is open

Hanbin0725: YAYYYY

inbox

s.matt: please dont make it seem that we’re more than acquaintances in the gc

p.gunwook: one chance?

s.matt: die today x

One piece!!!! Maknaes + woongie

luffywook: guys he sent me an “x", he basically sent me kisses. does he want me

zoroyuji: bro he might kill you
zoroyuji: hope this helps!

sanjigyu: YOU GOT THIS

namirick: Gyuvin, we both know this won't end well

Chopperwoong: godspeed soldier

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: y'all ever wanna

yumomma: yes

Kingyuvin: damn lemme finish

Hanbangme: go on

Kingyuvin: it's cuz
Kingyuvin: sigh ima sound really mean but like y'all ever wanna hate on someone

mattiethebaddie: always bruh

Liltaeahh: oh definitely

zhangiewangie: That's my favorite subject

quiquidoyouloveme: it's my specialty

yumomma: that’s my whole identity, yes

Kingyuvin: oh

G00nwook: what happened tho?

Kingyuvin: well, this dude I was lab partners with, I kept trying to help, but he just kept shoving my hands, and there was a point where he slapped my hands, calling me spoiled?.. Don't ask why he told me that, but I just got picked on most of the time.

quiquidoyouloveme: yujin.

yumomma: on it.

Hanbangme: Did you tell him that it bothered you, Gyuvin? Want me to talk to him?

zhangiewangie: I'll talk to him alright

Liltaeahh: I'll come with

juicycuntour: Is your hand okay?

mattiethebaddie: I'll get the dog

G00nwook: ??
G00nwook: what fucking dog?? Wait, what the hell are y'all planning

quiquidoyouloveme: yujin update us

yumomma: yeah this fucker lives on campus

G00nwook: wait pause

Kingyuvin: My hand is okay, and it's fine guys, I'll try to confront him next class

quiquidoyouloveme: next class? Oh, baby he won't be attending xx

G00nwook: WHAT IS THE MOTIVE HERE I'M SCARED

Liltaeahh: did you say anything when he slapped your hands?

Kingyuvin: … no

Liltaeahh: alright. Yujin?

yumomma: he's 20, an only child, he's white. From the mountains Caucasus

zhangiewangie: who's god damn white baby is that

G00nwook: WHERE ARE YOU GETTING THIS FROM

mattiethebaddie: height??

yumomma: 6’0

mattiethebaddie: alright I got the bat

G00nwook: MATTHEW??

zhangiewangie: do parent-teacher conferences exist in college

Hanbangme: gunwook there’s nothing you can do, unfortunately, this has happened once

juicycuntour: this is the boy's fate. Do not interfere with god’s nature

G00nwook: THIS HAPPENED BEFORE?

Kingyuvin: guys please don't do anything. I can handle it, I promise

quiquidoyouloveme: I'll walk you to class from now on

Kingyuvin: … okay I'll allow that but please don't jump him

yumomma: he majors in marine biology

mattiethebaddie: great, let's drown him

G00nwook: You're a little fucked up but it's really hot

Hanbangme: anything else, yujin?

yumomma: he listens to Kanye

zhangiewangie: ohhhh

liltaeahh: I figured

juicycuntour: that makes sense

Kingyuvin: guys please don't do anything. I have class with him tomorrow, I'll try confronting him

quiquidoyouloveme: are you sure? I will personally contact a hitman

yumomma: I know one, I have a discount

G00nwook: ???

Kingyuvin: I'm very sure! I promise

Liltaeahh: but this isn't vengeance, it's community care

yumomma: exactly, it's not violence, it's preventative hand management

zhangiewangie: I'm not planning revenge. I'm curating character development

Hanbangme: We’re not the problem. Society is. We're just the solution

mattiethebaddie: We’re not jumping him. We’re introducing consequences gently, with a bat.

G00nwook: there's no way y'all typing ts with straight faces

juicycuntour: your honor, it was a soft assault. Emotionally supportive aggression perchance

G00nwook: YOU CAN’T JUST SAY PERCHANCE

Kingyuvin: I SAID I GOT THIS

Liltaeahh: and we said group effort matters

zhangiewangie: no offense, but your definition of “got it” is too peaceful

mattiethebaddie: and not enough public humiliation

…

Inbox

Yujinhan: are we doing something or are we letting him handle it

shen.ricky: ofc we are, no one gets near my bf, let alone bully him
shen.ricky: but since he wants to do it this time, I will give him a chance to defend himself

Yujinhan: oh so yall dating

shen.ricky: … not yet, no

Yujinhan: chop chop bruh

shen.ricky: We're taking it slow, leave us alone

Yujinhan: I think killing someone for your situationship isn’t considered “taking it slow.”

shen.ricky: and I think it isn't that hard for you to mind your business

Yujinhan: okay you got me there, but it is not a crime.

shen.ricky: yet.

omegaverse

G00nwook: if we get banned from campus, I'm blaming all of you

Chapter Text

omegaverse

mattiethebaddie: is Gyuvin in class now?

quiquidoyouloveme: yeah, I just dropped him off
quiquidoyouloveme: my poor boy really wanted me to stay in class with him, but I have a class right now :(

Kingyuvin: I miss my ricky
Kingyuvin: but! I will update if he shows up :D

yumomma: chat I have an exam
yumomma: they're taking away my phone
yummoma: shakes fist

juicycuntour: good luck with that

G00nwook: everyone's just in school, and I'm at home

mattiethebaddie: good, don't come out

G00nwook: im on my way to your place

mattiethebaddie: ew no

Kingyuvin: guys, he walked in

Liltaeahh: get his ass
Liltaeahh: woop out the blicky
Liltaeahh: aim and shoot

Kingyuvin: like the water gun?

Liltaeahh: yeahhh just like a water gun

Hanbangme: Gyuvin please refrain from shooting someone

zhangiewangie: wait vinnie look outside

Kingyuvin: O
Kingyuvin: now, why are you waiting outside my class

zhangiewangie: waves
zhangiewangie: I am now your personal bodyguard

Kingyuvin: So I'm under supervision now

Liltaeahh: nooo were protecting you

G00nwook: pls don't lie to the boy and say you're gonna grab the white dude by the neck and drag him

Liltaeahh: were gonna grab the white dude by the neck and drag him, Gyuvin

Kingyuvin: oh well
Kingyuvin: I give you guys permission if he wants to put up a fight

G00nwook: but you can easily knock him out?…

juicycuntour: yeah you're strong Vinnie

quiquidoyouloveme: my mind is blank, im heart eyes
quiquidoyouloveme: proof pls

zhangiewangie: I understand. You and me both.

Liltaeahh: I'm nodding and smiling cuz real

Hanbangme: Please don't turn Ricky into one of you.

G00nwook: well it would be out of self-defense this time, gyuvin

Hanbangme: nothing is wrong with that yeah

juicycuntour: or just scare him with the gun you have

mattiethebaddie: do you actually have a gun

Liltaeahh: yeah a bibi gun

Hanbangme: let's refrain from using that, please!!
Hanbangme: but if he does try fighting you, try defending yourself until, well

zhangiewangie: UNTIL I COME AND KNOCK THAT FUCKER DOWN

Liltaeahh: YEAHHHHHH

mattiethebaddie: LET HIM GET UP LET HIM GET UP

Kingyuvin: I'll put my career first
Kingyuvin: anyway, class is about to start, I be back

G00nwook: alright bro good luck
…

quiquidyouloveme: everything alright vin?

zhangiewangie: I can see that theyre doing lab shit rn so he’s not on his phone

Hanbangme: are you seriously outside of his class

zhangiewangie: well yes

Liltaeahh: OH MY GOD HE SLAPPED HIS HANDS

G00nwook: OH WORD.

Hanbangme: wait are you deadass

zhangiewangie: GYUVIN BETTER TELL HIM TO PIPE DOWN BEFORE I GO IN THERE

Liltaeahh: HE’S FROWNING IM GONNA KMS

quiquidoyoulove: im on my way

zhangiewangie: HOLD MY POODLE
zhangiewangie: LEMME AT HIM

Hanbangme: Now hold on hao let him handle it

Liltaeahh: where’s Matthew with the bat and dog

mattiethebaddie: I'm zooming ova there bro dw

G00nwook: I’M NEAR BRO TAKE ME WITH

mattiethebaddie: fuck no i’ll make the dog target you

Liltaeahh: uhm guys

juicycuntour: I'm currently picking up yujin from school, he's not gonna be happy

yumomma: IM SENDING AN AIR STRIKE TO HIS FUCK ASS

juicycuntour: !

Liltaeahh: GUYS THERE IS COMMOTION

quiquidoyouloveme: please give me context, im gonna faint

zhangiewangie: BRO IS SWINGING FOR THE LORD

Liltaeahh: white boy doesn't stand a chance, im giggling
Liltaeahh: oh shit wait he landed one

zhangiewangie: our cue
zhangiewangie: bye guys we will be back

yumomma: YOU CAN'T JUST SAY THAT AND LEAVE
yumomma: AT LEAST RECORD IT

Hanbangme: IS ANYONE NEAR THE BUILDING

yumomma: FACETIME ME TAERAEEEE

G00nwook: yeah im near

mattiethebaddie: im in this jawn already
mattiethebaddie: wait, what’s the room number

Hanbangme: are you deadass

mattiethebaddie: im silly alive Hanbin, I thought we've been through this

quiquidoyouloveme: 2nd floor room a216

mattiethebaddie: thumbs up

G00nwook: WAIT MATT WAIT FOR ME

mattiethebaddie: ew no

quiquidoyouloveme: I'm here now, I'll update you hanbin

Hanbangme: thank you, my class ends in 20 minutes

…

As Ricky impatiently pressed the elevator button, headed for the second floor, he spotted Gunwook slipping through the halls, clearly trying to get to the same place. Ricky held the door for him, and Gunwook jogged over hurriedly.

Ricky continued spamming the button until the elevator finally started to move. He let out a heavy, worried sigh, and Gunwook noticed.

“Hyung, he’ll be okay,” Gunwook said, patting Ricky’s back. “I mean, bro is 6’2, how could he not win? Plus, he’s got Hao and Tae,” he paused, then added with a half-smile, “and Matthew… with a bat. And a dog”

Ricky only nodded.

The elevator doors opened, and he jolted out before they had fully parted. Hao, Taerae, and Gyuvin were outside the class, standing with campus security, a professor, and the kid they had probably jumped.

Ricky sprinted down the hallway, his eyes locking with the others. Gyuvin had a small cut near his eye and nose, along with a bruised lip. But nothing compared to what the other kid had. Ricky didn't say a word. He just hugged the boy he had a massive crush on.

Gyuvin stiffened for a second in Ricky’s arm, then let himself relax, resting his chin lightly on Ricky’s shoulder.

“I told you I’ll be okay,” he muttered, voice muffled.

Behind them, Gunwook arrived, slowing his run to a walk as he took in the scene.

“Damn, you guys really went off” Gunwook exhaled, stepping up beside Taerae.

Hao crossed his arms. “He swung first.”

“And then Matthew swung last,” Taerae added, nodding toward the leash clutched in his hand, a leash attached to a golden retriever, “and in the middle.”

Gunwook’s eyes widened. “Wait, where is Matthew?”
“Got pulled into the professor's office,” Hao said, brushing the small cut he had on his cheek.
“They're trying to figure out if ‘bat diplomacy’ counts as self-defense.”

Gunwook only scoffed. “I'm sorry, what?”

“He named it,” Gyuvin mumbled from Ricky’s shoulder. “He actually yelled that before he swung.”

Ricky finally. Pulled back, checking Gyuvin’s face. “You sure you're okay?”

“I'm fine,” Gyuvin said, and despite the blood dried under his nose, the way he said it almost made Ricky kiss every little cut on his face. “You should see the other guy.”

“I am seeing him,” Ricky deadpanned, glaring toward the kid. “Come over? I want to treat your wounds.” Ricky held onto Gyuvin’s cheek, and Gyuvin only nodded.

Taerae snorted. “What now?”
“Now we wait for Matthew, and maybe a lawyer,” Hao said, glancing toward the building

“Good thing I'm majoring in law, I'll go get him,” Gunwook said, making his way towards the professor's office.

…

omegaverse

quiquidoyoulove: everything is okay, I'm gonna treat Gyuvin’s wounds

Hanbangme: oh, thank goodness
Hanbangme: sung zhanghao get your ass home. You're in so much trouble

zhangiewangie: uh oh

yumomma: did anyone record :(

Liltaeahh: it’s sending hold on

yumomma: I prayed for moments like these

…

Inbox

s.matt: Hey so thanks for kind of bailing me out
s.matt: ig

p.gunwook: You guess? I think I deserve more than a thanks, don't you think?

s.matt: uhm, I can give you the dog?…

p.gunwook: I'd rather raise it with you

s.matt: can you stop shooting your shot

p.gunwook: stop being so irresistible then

s.matt: you make it hard for me not to walk into traffic

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Liltaeahh: has anyone seen Matthew today, or did he finally get sick of Gunwook and move to the mountains

mattiethebaddie: don't tempt me
mattiethebaddie: he’s on thin fucking ice I hate him GOD PLEASE KILL IT NOW

G00nwook: isn't he so dreamy

zhangiewangie: he lives!!

yumomma: what did gunwook do now

mattiethebaddie: he called me and said “good morning sunshine” at four in the fucking morning

quiquidoyouloveme: romantic

mattiethebaddie: We’re not in a romance. We’re in a war. This is real hatred

G00nwook: I just wanted you to start your day with joy

mattiethebaddie: I wanted to start my day WITHOUT A SENSE OF DREAD.

Hanbangme: Matthew, be honest
Hanbangme: How many times a day do you threaten to block him

mattiethebaddie: depends on how many times a day he breathes

G00nwook: he says this with so much passion
G00nwook: it's kind of hot ngl

mattiethebaddie: I’m not kidding, I literally think you should kill yourself

Liltaeahh: gunwook, what’s your game plan bro
Liltaeahh: elaborate

G00nwook: patience, persistence, and pretty privilege.

yumomma: unfortunatly bro, you only got one of those

zhangiewangie: yeah and it’s not patience

juicycuntour: be honest matt… do you hate him, but like… do you hate, hate him or enemies-to-lovers-wattpad-hate him

Hanbangme: ou ou yes answer this please

mattiethebaddie: hate.
mattiethebaddie: pure
mattiethebaddie: unfiltered
mattiethebaddie: hate

G00nwook: and yet, you still text me back. Everytime!!

mattiethebaddie: out of fucking pity and legal obligation yeah

G00nwook: and love

mattiethebaddie: no. DIEDIEDIEDIEDIE

yumomma: Mayor of Frown Town over here

juicycuntour: what if we just… locked them in a room and didn't let them out until they resolved the tension

mattiethebaddie: ill somehow set myself on fire

G00nwook: That's so hot of you

mattiethebaddie: I am so lightheaded from rage

yumomma: so close! That's called butterflies!

mattiethebaddie: that’s called internal bleeding

Kingyuvin: GOOD MORNING AMERICA RAHHHHHHHHH

quiquidoyouloveme: rahhhhhh!!

zhangiewangie: god it just got louder

Kingyuvin: what's happening :p I just woke up from a 12-hour nap and I'm full of juice

juicycuntour: what kind of juice

Kingyuvin: emotional

mattiethebaddie: log out

Liltaeahh: Anyway Matthew is spiraling because Gunwook called him at four in the morning to say good morning

Kingyuvin: that’s cute tho

mattiethebaddie: IT’S FAN GIRL BEHAVIOR. STALKER BEHAVIOR.

G00nwook: It was a romantic stalk. Like Romeo

mattiethebaddie: Romeo DIED, and so should you

Liltaeahh: The giggle that came out of me was diabolical

G00wook: but Juliet dies with him, so basically we’re meant to be

mattiethebaddie: yeah, we're better off dead rather than together

G00nwook: our trope is in another life

quiquidoyouloveme: okay Katy Perry we love to see it

Kingyuvin: wait what's our trope

quiquidoyouloveme: ouu good question

Liltaeahh: it’s giving puppy love

zhangiewangie: nuh uh it’s giving golden retriever x black cat

juicycuntour: critters in love

Hanbangme: I
Hanbangme: ???

G00nwook: well it’s the opposite of “I'm going to set myself on fire” energy, that's for sure

yumomma: Ricky and gyuvin are my parents, that is their trope for me

juicycuntour: Matthew and Gunwook are my divorced parents

mattiethebaddie: how is tHAT FUCKING POSSIBLE

G00nwook: it's really simple babe

mattiethebaddie: no it's not

Liltaeahh: ouuu he ignored the pet name…

mattiethebaddie: shut your mouth fucker

Liltaeahh: unfortunately for all of us i cannot shut the fuck up

mattiethebaddie: die in a ditch, all of you

G00nwook: whatever you say beautiful

….

inbox

Rwicksgyuvin: berry

gyuvins.ricky: yes

Rwicksgyuvin: wanna go to the strawberry farm tomorrow? :D

gyuvins.ricky: I thought you’d never ask
gyuvins.ricky: I would love to

Rwicksgyuvin: it’s a date then?

gyuvins.ricky: yes :D

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Liltaeahh: I gotta romanticize my silly little life so I won't romanticize killing my silly little self

yumomma: bars

mattiethebaddie: What happened now

Liltaeahh: Oh, nothing. I just saw Ricky and Gyuvin on a date at the strawberry farm
Liltaeahh: wearing matching bucket hats, oh I'm killing myself

zhangiewangie: I'm clenching my heart are you fr

Liltaeahh: I'm literally sobbing atm I don't think I'd be lying about this

G00nwook: that's so cute stop it

mattiethebaddie: Gyuvin fell first, but Ricky fell harder

Liltaeahh: I NEED TO KILL MY SELFFFFF I’m fine I'm fine

zhangiewangie: I haven't gone on a date in a long time

Hanbangme: Hey so! We’re sitting at the cafe together? Does it not mean anything

zhangiewangie: okay, but I would've appreciated going to a durian farm or smth

Hanbangme: hao, I love you, but absolutely not

zhangiewangie: he hatesme

yumomma: Can I join you guys

Hanbangme: But you always join Yujin, maybe next time?

yumomma: Oh so you want me to die? Alright

Hanbangme: I didn't say that, stop it

zhangiewangie: I'm leaving Hanbin and picking you up, yujin

yumomma: yay!

Hanbangme: YOU'RE DITCHING ME??

zhangiewangie: I'm not ditching, I'm pivoting

yumomma: father-son time!

Hanbangme: BUT IM THE DAD :(

yumomma: shuh tuh fuh uh

Hanbangme: Alright

yumomma: Wait no come back, we need someone to pay

Liltaeahh: I just opened my fridge and started sobbing. Why are there strawberries in here
Liltaeahh: Is this a threat

mattiethebaddie: Those are mine.
mattiethebaddie: pls don’t kys youre too sexy

Liltaeahh: if Gyuvin and Ricky drop a selfie in those bucket hats, I'm defenestrating myself

yumomma: alr what’s that in yujin words

mattiethebaddie: he’s jumping out of the window

yumomma: do a flip and record it

G00nwook: would yall act like this if Matthew and I finally go out

mattiethebaddie: I fucking gagged
mattiethebaddie: please refrain from giving them scenarios

juicycuntour: I have been summoned

mattiethebaddie: can you fucking die NOWWW KILLITNOWW

G00nwook: he’s so happy, look at him

Hanbangme: uhm I hate to break it to you bro but he’s mad ash

yumomma: HE MAD AS HELLLLLLLLLL

G00nwook: trust bro he's gonna want me

yumomma: so close! He's gonna want you dead

G00nwook: sigh I need tips guys
G00nwook: what can I do for him to like me at least a little

mattiethebaddie: nothing! Hope this helps

juicycuntour: Matthew likes the gym, so maybe go with him?

mattiethebaddie: ?? DON’T EXPOSE MY HOBBIES

zhangiewangie: wait hold on

*zhangiewangie removed mattiethebaddie from the chat*

Hanbangme: WAS THAT NECESSARY

zhangiewangie: cmon I'm actually trying to help gunwook

Hanbangme: WE COULD'VE MADE ANOTHER GC BABE

zhangiewangie: oh
zhangiewangie: see im not the brightest please quit yelling at me

G00nwook: Well I can finally go all out without getting possibly blocked now
G00nwook: so what can I do guys

Liltaeahh: Gunwook, please be patient with Matthew
Liltaeahh: You know what our situation was
liltaeahh: it won't be easy

G00nwook: yes I know, and I thought us being friends would also make me and Matthew good too

Liltaeahh: well your old friend group really did damage to both of us

G00nwook: and I apologized on their behalf :(

Liltaeahh: gunwook :(

yumomma: is this finally the lore drop im shaking

Hanbangme: shut the fuck up

yumomma: ?? DAMN HERE

Liltaeahh: Matthew had to go into physical therapy for the time your friend group confronted him

G00nwook: what?

Liltaeahh: please don't tell him I told you

G00nwook: Never that, please. I just want to understand him

Liltaeahh: the same goes for the 8 of you
Liltaeahh: Well, 7 because Matthew isn't here

yumomma: I promise
yumomma: pinkie

juicycuntour: I also do the pinkie promise

zhangiewangie: I’m already aware of this kind of so

Hanbangme: I was there

G00nwook: oh

Liltaeahh: So, when Matthew really couldn't tolerate how your friend group treated me, he pushed their hands away whenever they tried to get close to me. They were obv mad, those boys always got their way. Matthew and I had already been living together since it was easier for us to get to school, but that day, he came back bruised and limping. That’s basically how I came back home whenever I was caught without him on the street, because Matthew was always the one to defend me.

Liltaeahh: But he ended up having to go to physical therapy for a while after what happened that night. His leg was worse than I thought, but he didn't complain, not once. He just kept going, as if it was no big deal, until, well, when we finally graduated.

yumomma: is this why he always declined playing soccer with me? I'm gonna kill myself
yumomma: GUYS I'M GONNA KILLMTSELF

juicycuntour: he always declined going on morning jogs with me

zhangiewangie: he declined doing the WAP tiktok dance with me :(

Hanbangme: ???

G00nwook: Well, I see why he hates me

zhangiewangie: But I doubt you were in the scenario when he got hurt, right?

Liltaeahh: That's where the misunderstanding stands
Liltaeahh: Gunwook approached me the next day to give Matthew healing cream
liltaeahh: he only acted out of defense when gunwook approached us

G00nwook: Matthew thought I was going to pick on Taerae when I have already apologized. And I do admit that I was at the scene but I only tried helping.

Liltaeahh: he had already seen you as someone bad since you hung out with the other boys

Hanbangme: You've got a long way to go, wook

G00nwook: I'm willing to be patient

zhangiewangie: Can we add Matthew again?

Liltaeahh: wait, one more question
Liltaeahh: Do you actually like him, or are you bantering

G00nwook: you seriously have no idea how he makes me feel

juicycuntour: good luck soldier

*liltaeahh added s.matt to the group chat*

s.matt: YOU FUCKERS

*g00nwook changed s.matt’s nickname*

…

Ricky scrolls through the messages and sighs into his hand, thumb pausing over Taerae’s long message. The screen casts a soft glow on his face in the dusky evening.

Gyuvin walks backs from the food truck, holding a small plastic cup filled with straweberries and cream. He hands it to ricky without saying anything at first, then steals a bite with the same fork.

“You okay?” He asks, grabbing another strawberry, but this time trying to feed Ricky.

Ricky takes a slow bite, eyes still on the phone. “Just hoping they get together despite their history,” he mumbles.

Gyuvin leans in a bit. “You mean Matthew and Gunwook hyung?”

Ricky nods. “Yeah. It's been hella weird with them both, it's like a slow burn drama in real time.”

Gyuvin only laughs softly, bumping shoulders against Ricky’s. “Kinda sounds familiar, doesn't it?”

Ricky glances at him, “Are you saying we’re the drama?”

Gyuvin smiles, “Yes, but it’d be the 14 episode for us.”

Ricky only blinks in confusion.

“I really want to be your boyfriend, Ricky,” Gyuvin says, quietly but clearly.

The air stills between them for a second. Ricky’s phone screen dims in his hand, forgotten.

Chapter Text

…

Ricky’s phone dims to black in his hand, but he doesn't notice. His eyes are locked on the boy who casually said he wanted to be his boyfriend. Like, HIS boyfriend. He was searching for the usual teasing glint. But theres none, just something open, something honest.

“You're not joking,” Ricky says, not quite a question, more like he’s trying to make sense of it aloud.

Gyuvin shakes his head. “Not this time.”

A breeze passes between them, soft and warm. Ricky shifts in place, heart louder than he wants to admit. God, can he hear it pounding?

“Why now?”

Gyuvin only shrugs, but there’s a nervous edge in the way he licks his bottom lip before speaking. “Because I got tired of waiting for the perfect moment. And because watching you get all emotional over someone else’s slow-burn made me realize that I don't want to be a background character in ours.”

Ricky blinks, speechless. A laugh bubbles up in his chest, half-disbelieving, half-relieved. “You're so dramatic.”

“You love that about me, though.”

Ricky exhales, glancing down at the strawberries between them, then back up. “Okay,” he says quietly.

Gyuvin leans in just slightly. “Okay?”

Ricky nods, a small smile forming. “Okay, I want to be your boyfriend too.”

…

omegaverse

Wookiesfav: PLEASEEE GIVE ME ADMIN I CAN'T HAVE THIS USERNAME FOREVER

Liltaeahh: i'm sorry but in honor of Gunwook’s bday soon, this is his bday present

Wookiesfav: BITCH IT'S MY BIRTHDAY MONTH?? HIS IS IN JANUARY

G00nwook: aww he remembers my birthday

Wookiesfav: GIVE ME TO ME RACHELLLL

Liltaeahh: no!

G00nwook: :D

Wookiesfav: i'm getting microaggressive

Yumomma: you're always microaggressive

Wookiesfav: I will commit a macrocrime

yumomma: can we do that in writing for legal reasons

Wookiesfav: your honor, he fucking deserved it.

zhangiewangie: HOLY SHIT GUYS
zhangiewangie: GUYS THEY POSTED

liltaeahh: who posted

yumomma: who

zhangiewangie: YOUR SO-CALLED PARENTS
zhangiewangie: THEY CONFIRMED THEIR RELATIONSHIPPSPSPSPSP

yumomma: PUT THAT ON YOUR HUSBAND.

Hanbangme: please don't

zhangiewangie: ON MY HOT HUSBAND THEY'RE DATING

Hanbangme: i'm gonna get stuck down by Zeus

G00nwook: I JUST CHECKED BRO THEIR BUCKET HATS AND MATCHING BRACELETS IM LITR CRODE

Wookiesfav: Isn't it Ricky’s birthday soon oh my god we need to go to the club to celebrate

Liltaeahh: CRYING AND ROCKING IN A FETAL POSITION THEYRE SO CUTE

yumomma: please don't go to the club bro i'm not 21 yet

Wookiesfav: and who’s fault is that

yumomma: BRO MY PARENTS?? NOT MY FAULT I WASN'T BORN IN THE 19TH CENTURY

juicycuntour: what the hell did I do mane

Yumomma: WHY Y'ALL SO OLD

Liltaeahh: how the hell am I supposed to know girl ask your mommaaa

Wookiesfav: your momma was the one bussin it down, not me

Kingyuvin: W’S IN THE CHAT LETS FUCKING GOOOO

G00nwook: LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Yumomma: RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

zhangiewangie: THAT'S MY FUCKING SON RIGHT THAAAAAAA

Hanbangme: good job Gyuvin! I'm so happy for both of you!

juicycuntour: cuties I love you both

quiquidoyouloveme: thank you, i'm just as happy

Liltaeahh: Ricky you have to tell us everything

Wookiesfav: yes I wanna know everything

quiquidoyouloveme: lets hang out pls
quiquidoyouloveme: wait pause who the fuck

Wookiesfav: oh sorry, i'm Matthew but some bum kicked me and now i'm stuck with this fuck ass name

quiquidoyouloveme: oh
quiquidoyouloveme: lemme guess

Wookiesfav: please dont. I think we all know

G00nwook: i'm responsible for his real and cute name

Wookiesfav: banging my head against a brick wall

yumomma: you guys should match :)

Wookiesfav: CAN YOU NOT

yumomma: :)

G00nwook: OMG WAIT

Wookiesfav: NO

*g00nwook changed his nickname*

Mashusfav: :p

yumomma: diabolically giggling right now

Wookiesfav: THIS IS WHY WE EXCLUDE YOU FROM HANGOUTS

zhangiewangie: so we have two confirmed relationships in the gang
zhangiewangie: who’s next :p

Liltaeahh: gulps

juicycuntour: look the other way

Wookiesfav: no one. There isn't gonna be any more relationships

Mashusfav: MASHUWOOK FOR THE NEXT COUPLE

Wookiesfav: I want a lawyer.

yumomma: bro the man you hate is majoring in that

Mashusfav: bro can't escape me

Wookiesfav: i'm being legally and emotionally harassed
Wookiesfav: Taerae please rename me back before I lose my grip on reality

Mashusfav: I renamed you “my future” in my heart

Wookiesfav: god if you can hear me

Liltaeahh: buy me boba and I might consider changing it

Wookiesfav: please anything i’m begging

yumomma: wait I want something

…

downbad big time rush

haos#1: yeahhhh gunwook you have a long way to go man

Rickysoneandonly: yeah it doesn't look good back there

tthewssoontobe: trust the process

Jiwoong?: godspeed soldier

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Wookiesfav: why is it so quiet… why haven’t I been love bombed
Wookiesfav: did I die?
Wookiesfav: is this real
Wookiesfav: looks around

quiquidoyouloveme: girl you look mad goofy right now please quit that

yumomma: bro probably looked around like that roblox move

Kingyuvin: I giggled so loud

zhangiewangie: you do realize that it's 4 in the morning? Why are you
zhangiewangie: wait
zhangiewangie: YUJIN WHY ARE YOU AWAKE

yumomma: these study aren't gonna exams themselves

Wookiesfav: …

yumomma: exam study themself

Kingyuvin: uhuh

Yumomma: exam

quiquidoyouloveme: please go to sleep. cmon

yumomma: okaaaa I go to bed nowwww

Wookiesfav: you got it bud

yumomma: straigbt up "under it" and by "it" well lets jusr say, my blankeys

Kingyuvin: he’s so silly I love him

zhangiewangie: why are you both awake

quiquidoyouloveme: well we're done with college, we’re binge-watching Modern Family now

zhangiewangie: at 4 in the morning?

Kingyuvin: well yes

quiquidoyouloveme: can we all agree that Phil and Claire are hanbin and hao hyung

Kingyuvin: no cuz why are we lowkey Cam and Mitchell

quiquidoyouloveme: YUJIN IS LILY

Kingyuvin: AHHHHHH

quiquidoyouloveme: AHHHHHHH

yumomma: ahhh

zhangiewangie: sigh
zhangiewangie: what about you Matthew

Wookiesfav: this is the only time of the day when I have peace
Wookiesfav: im joking, I'm also trying to do assignments

zhangiewangie: good luck with those tthew

Wookiesfav: why are you awake?

zhangiewangie: tiktok….

Wookiesfav: valid
Wookiesfav: well I’ll leave you
Wookiesfav: I have to finish these

zhangiewangie: bai bai pompom

…

Hanbangme: now, who in their right mind is up at 4 in the morning

juicycuntour: your boyfriend, my nephew, my favorite couple andddd Matthew

Hanbangme: oh bros naming them okay

juicycuntour: I actually read through their texts
juicycuntour: You do give off Phil

Hanbangme: who??

Wookiesfav: guys okay so
Wookiesfav: I didn't do my assignment. At all. But I did stare at my computer screen for 45 minutes wondering if I'm even real so there's that

yumomma: that's cuz you aren't
yumomma: I can't even function at the moment, I'm failing that exam 100%

Hanbangme: please be positive!

Yumomma: please shut the fuck up!
Yumomma: I'm being realistic

Kingyuvin: its 11 am. Are we really giving up on life

juicycuntour: don't you give up na na na

Wookiesfav: I gave up the minute I woke up

yumomma: im just trying to survive until nap time. Anything beyond that is unrealistic

juicycuntour: you have nap times?.. In high school?

yumomma: Got a problem?

juicycuntour: I'm just asking…

yumomma: no no
yumomma: wanna take this to the mudpit lil bro??

juicycuntour: LIL??

yumomma: yeah, lil.

juicycuntour: shaking my fists

zhangiewangie: yujin please get to class

yumomma: he started it

juicycuntour: ???

Liltaeahh: good morningggg!

yumomma: ughhhhhhhh

Liltaeahh: DAMN BRUH I HOPE YOU DO FAIL

yumomma: AND I HOPE YOU DIE

Wookiesfav: everyone's catching a stray im crying

Hanbanagme: yujin, please control yourself

yumomma: okay mb

juicycuntour: yeah.

yumomma: my bad your fault

Liltaeahh: yo get your dawg bro

Kingyuvin: yujin, maybe if you finish your exams today, we can take you to eat?…
Kingyuvin: That's if you stop attacking people

yumomma: …
yumomma: I'm not convinced

quiquidoyouloveme: im coming with

yumomma: okay I'm down
yumomma: I'm happy now

Wookiesfav: fatass
Wookiesfav: Anyway, is It just me or does something feel strange

Liltaeahh: wdym?

juicycuntour: when you nod your head yes, but you wanna say no
juicycuntour: what do you mean woah ohh

Liltaeahh: please stop with your Justin Bieber references, jiwoong

juicycuntour: …
juicycuntour: is it too late now to say sorryyy
juicycuntour: cuz iii

Wookiesfav: it seems quiet, well, on my end for some reason
Wookiesfav: and I'm usually loud too

Liltaeahh: uhm im not sure bro
Liltaeahh: this gc Is lowkey just a rollercoaster for anyone

juicycuntour: …

Liltaeahh: don't you dare.

Hanbangme: so it just seems quiet for you?

Wookiesfav: yeah like really quiet
Wookiesfav: wait

Hanbangme: waits

…

Matthew swipes out of the group chat to check his inbox, his eyebrows knit with each other. He hasn't… texted? That's… a relief, but at what cost? Did bro die? Fucking finally. Wait… is that too mean?

Matthew couldn't help but check his profile to see when he was last active, 6 am? Even he wasn't awake at that time. He decided to message Hanbin privately.

…

Inbox

s.matt: Hyung, have you heard from Gunwook?

Hanbin0725: uhmm no but, I can call him if you want

s.matt: no no, it’s fine, it’s just that it's almost noon and he hasn't updated in the gc

Hanbin0725: is someone worried?…

s.matt: more like traumatized
s.matt: This is a response to my gunwook ptsd

Hanbin0725: … right

…

Matthew can only snap his thoughts out of his mind and worry about his problems. Since when did he care? He thought, blinking hard to fight off the strange feeling creeping up on him. Pfft, he never did, like ever. Matthew bit his lip in hesitation.

“I’ll give him til 5 pm today… Yeah, 5 pm,” Matthew said, swiping his phone from the right side of the corner, turning off Do Not Disturb.

…

Inbox

J.Woong: do you not like Justin beiber

Taeraesara: I love Justin beiber

J. Woong: liar

Taeraesara: Jiwoong, hun, I'm literally Justin Bieber

J.Woong: promise?

Taeraesara: I promise

j.woong: no fuckingway

Chapter Text

omegaverse

juicycuntour: no fucking way

yumomma: who’s no fucking way

juicycuntour: taerae just told me he’s Justin Bieber

zhangiewangie: it's not even noon. Why are we doing this

Liltaeahh: I didn't think he’d tell
Liltaeahh: yeah, that's on me

Kingyuvin: If Taerae is Justin Bieber, does that make Jiwoong Selena Gomez?

yumomma: or Hailey

juicycuntour: No, I'm dating Justin Bieber as jiwoong

Kingyuvins: bros ruining JB’s image

quiquidoyouloveme: the gay scandal… the drama…

zhangiewangie: the trauma

Hanbangme: okay, but speaking of trauma. Is there no sign of Gunwook?

yumomma: it’s lowkey been hours… is he okay

juicycuntour: maybe he just turned his phone off? Sleeping in?

Wookiesfav: still feels off

yumomma: oh not Matthew stepping out of the shadows

zhangiewangie: did you text him?

Wookiesfav: no… I mean, yes. Kinda. Not really.

Kingyuvin: “yes no maybe so” ahh message

Wookiesfav: I asked Hanbin about him

Hanbangme: and I said I'd call him, but you told me not to??

Wookiesfav: okay well, change of plans chief

zhangiewangie: someone nearby can go check on him

quiquidoyouloveme: slowly turns head to Matthew

Wookiesfav: look the other way hoe

quiquidoyouloveme: you're the worried one?

Wookiesfav: who said that

yumomma: papa me want more movie

Kingyuvin: Matthew, be honest… you're worried

Wookiesfav: ok. first of all. Relax
Wookiesfav: I'm just saying it's weird, not that I care

yumomma: papa YOU LIEEE

Wookiesfav: QUIT THAT

Liltaeahh: you mentioned him like six times

Wookiesfav: y'all mention your faves all the time, and nobody says anything

Liltaeahh: That's because when I say “omg Jackie Chan is so fine,” I mean it

Wookiesfav: WELL
Wookiesfav: dawg what
Wookiesfav: Jackie chan??

Liltaeahh: FUCK whoever gets to kiss him everyday

zhangiewangie: I see the vision

yumomma: That can be your grandpa, what

zhangiewangie: is that intentional xenophobia??

yumomma: what dat mean

zhangiewangie: …nvm

Wookiesfav: POINT IS
Wookiesfav: when I say “Gunwook is suspiciously quiet,” I mean he's being annoying as usual

quiquidoyouloveme: you sound concerned tho

Wookiesfav: concerned for my peace.

yumomma: you miss him, don't you

Wookiesfav: miss is a strong word

Kingyuvin: so you do miss him

Wookiesfav: no. I didn't say that. Don't twist my words.
Wookiesfav: I said it's strange. That's all.

Liltaeahh: but strange in a “why does it feel like my chest is tight” way or a “where’s my annoying boyfriend, I mean boy friend” way

Wookiesfav: I WILL log off

zhangiewangie: So, if you don't think it’s more than just concern for your peace, go check on him

Wookiesfav: …
Wookiesfav: here, I put an alarm by 5 pm. If he didn't answer by then, I would've gone. So I'll stick to my timer

Hanbangme: yeah, he didn't answer his phone
Hanbangme: Alright, wait then, give him a little time

zhangiewangie: okay call

Liltaeahh: 5 pm it is. Don't forget Matthew

Wookiesfav: I wish I could

…

yumomma: how did I finish a whole school day and there's no sign of gunwook I'm shaking

Kingyuvin: yeah I'm getting really worried

quiquidoyouloveme: gyuvin is playing Fortnite btw

Kingyuvin: his absence is making me lose.

zhangiewangie: he’s not dead guys
zhangiewangie: I hope

juicycuntour: he may be alive maychance

Hanbangme: you can't just say
Hanbangme: ykw nevermind

Wookiesfav: chill i'm on my way

Liltaeahh: oh? But it's still 4:40?…

Wookiesfav: do you want me to check on the fucker or not

yumomma: yes pls

Wookiesfav: plus I just wanna get it over with
Wookiesfav: and I wanna get some boba

Liltaeahh: oh can I have some

Wookiesfav: no but you can die tho

Liltaeahh: fuck you

Wookiesfav: love you

…

Matthew shuts his phone off and takes a deep breath before stepping into Gunwook's apartment complex. He glances around, unsure why this feels so serious when it isn't. He calls Taerae on the way in, mostly arguing about boba, but manages to get the room number somewhere between the bickering.

Matthew steps off the elevator on the 7th floor and turns left. 528. Room 528. He shoved his phone into his pocket. His hand lifted to knock… then froze. What the hell was he even going to say?

Don't overthink it, Matthew. Just knock. And so he did. knocks on the door once. No answer. Twice? Nothing. Thrice? Still nothing. He is not about to say “frice”.

“Gunwook, it's me.” he knocked again, more hesitant this time.

Silence.

Matthew stayed there, knuckles resting against the door, trying not to think too hard about why he even showed up in the first place. Matthew leans in, ear close to the door. Silence. Not even a shuffle. No music. No loud ass anime dub playing at 200% volume. Haikyuu, was it?

“Okay,” he mutters under his breath. “Cool. Love that”

He takes a step back, running a hand through his hair. Maybe this was dumb. What was he even doing here? It's not like he—

The door clicks and Matthew freezes. Slowly, the knob turns.

Gunwook. In a wrinkled oversized tee, hair flattened on one side, blinking at him like he’s not real? If anything, Matthew is the most presentable right now.

Gunwook’s eyes were puffy, maybe from sleep. Maybe from something else?

“… Matthew?”

“Uh. Yeah.”

He tries to meet his eyes, but it's weird. Too weird. The air between them feels heavy. Like there's something unsaid. But what was there to be said?

“Didn't know you were coming,” Gunwook said while he leaned on the door frame.

“I didn't know you were disappearing.”

Gunwook doesn’t respond, his gaze flicking downward. Matthew notices his red and glassy eyes.

“Were you crying?” He blurts out before he can stop himself.

The door opens wider. “Wanna come in?”

Matthew stares at him, his pulse quickening.

“Answer me, Gunwook.”

Chapter Text

omegaverse

yumomma: chat they're taking a long time, ima need to pull up

Liltaeahh: bro its been 10 minutes
Liltaeahh: give it time

yumomma: is 10 minutes not considered time for you??

quiquidoyouloveme: wait

Cunts and yujin bear

cubRick: text here…

Cubvin: Haven't used this chat ever since I broke my elbow

cubHao: should we go… stalk… let's run it back maybe?

cubVin: and break my elbow again? Absolutely not

cubRick: and get caught too? Yeah, I'm scared of Matthew

cubTae: you? Scared of a little hoop-eared boy?
cubTae: get a load of this guy

cubVin: im trying jeez

cubBin: alright im ignoring that, maybe we should… just go check on them?…

cubYujin: oh but when I wanna go without the intention of stalking, I cant go?
cubYujin: just say you hate me and go

cubWoong: bring back lightskin Justin Bieber!

cubYujin: I can bring him back if you take me to Gunwook’s apartment

cubWoong: do you promise

cubYujin: yeah sure wtv you want

cubTae: ??? Jiwoong dont take him

cubBin: okok let’s just think
cubBin: what are the actual odds that they ripped each other apart, vs. are just talking normally

cubVin: one of them is Matthew. There is no normal

cubRick: one of them is Gunwook. There is no talking

cubYujin: im literally begging to stir the pot rn and NO ONE’S LETTING ME

cubHao: Maybe because when you stir the pot, you knock it off the stove entirely
cubHao: Remember when you almost ruined me and Hanbin’s relationship

cubYujin: if I don’t remember, it never happened
cubYujin: AND IT STILL TASTES GOOD?? tf is the problem

cubWoong: no, wait I agree with him. Yujin and I will go. Camera ready

cubYujin: let me in the apartment bro I got snacks and emotionally repressed commentary

cubBin: what are you gonna do if one is crying

cubYujin: film it. Cry too. Ask for context. Take a selfie. Idk man I'm flexible with it

cubTae: if this ends with “thanks for checking, im okay” I'm ghosting the gc

cubRick: okay, but also like. Lowkey (highkey) what if Matthew is soft for him

cubBin: Well. We’re not making it out of this one alive, then

cubWoong: What if right now, Matthew said, “Were you crying?”

cubTae: and Gunwook just… doesn't answer

cubHao: both y'all bouta go on timeout

…

For a moment, Gunwook doesn't move, his eyes still too glassy. He bites his lip, then exhales a long and shaky breath.

“It’s nothing,” he mutters, his voice just above a whisper. Matthew waits, epxecting more, an explanation maybe, or even an exuse, but theres nothing.

“Deadass?” Matthew’s voice cuts through the quiet, low and sharp.

“You’re just gonna bottle up whatever the hell this is and not tell anyone? Not Gyuvin? Not Ricky? No one?”

“Yujin is over here, worried sick too, and is already planning a funeral, and you're here, not reaching out for help? Gunwook, tell me what's wrong.“

“Matthew, please, not out here? Just come inside.” Gunwook said with his head low.

Matthew's fists are clenched at his sides. He walks past Gunwook, making his way to his couch. He’s not even sure if he's angry anymore or just tired of pretending not to care. Maybe hes angry at why the fuck he cares so much.

Gunwook shuts the door behind them and follows Matthew, he runs a hand through his hair, his shoulders are tense, pulled up like hes bracing for something to hit him. Maybe Matthew’s words?

“I didn't mean—“ he starts, voice hoarse, but himself off as Matthew watches him, silent now. Waiting again.

“I didn't want to bother anyone. I thought if I just waited it out, it’d go away.

His voice wavers. His hands won’t stop moving, tugging at his skin near his nails that have already been anxiously picked at. Every gesture feels like it’s barely holding something in.

“It’s like I wake up and I already feel behind. I can’t even answer a text without feeling like I’m about to drown. I’ve got assignments piling up, people asking where I am, and all I want to do is just... pause everything for five fucking minutes.

“Every noise feels too loud. Every message feels like there’s more meaning and accusation to it. I keep fucking thinking one day I'll catch up, but I never do.”

Matthew stays quiet, his gaze softening. The anger's still there, but it’s dulled now, replaced with something heavier.

“You could’ve told me,” he says, quieter. “Even if I don’t like you most days... I would’ve listened.”

Gunwook lets out a bitter laugh, barely a breath. “Yeah, right.”

“You think I wouldn’t care? That I’d just roll my eyes and tell you to suck it up?”

Gunwook’s jaw tightens. He doesn’t answer. He doesn’t need to. Matthew scoffs.

“You really don’t get it.”

“Get what?” Gunwook snaps, sharper than intended. “That you barely tolerate me? That every time I talk, you look like I’m wasting your time?”

Matthew takes a step forward. “You think if I actually didn’t care, I’d be here right now?”

“You think I don’t notice when you disappear? I fucking do. And I wish I didn’t. Don’t tell me I don’t care when I’ve been trying not to.”

…

Cunts and yujin bear

cubYujin: im getting impatient
cubYujin: what if they're swinging for the lord and I'm not there to bet on it

cubBin: who the hell raised you

cubHao: got a problem?
cubHao: I will drag you to the mudpit

cubVin: 17 minutes
cubVin: they've been in there for 17 minutes

cubTae: that's 12 minutes past legal suspicious time

cubRick: what if they're 6 feet apart in complete silence

cubWoong: what if they're making eye contact in complete silence

cubYujin: what if Gunwook finally said something and Matthew just… exploded

cubHao: like emotionally?

cubYujin: no like physically. Into dust.

cubTae: yujin please

…

Gunwook swallows hard, his breath ragged. For a second, it feels like he doesn’t know whether to scream or crumble. He’s unsure how to react to his confession of actually caring for him, especially since it was expressed in such a harsh way.

“I’m not gonna leave,” Matthew says, voice low, unwavering. “Not because I have to, but because I want to. You’re not a stranger to me. And I’m not some stranger who’s gonna drop you the minute it gets hard, Gunwook.”

The silence between them feels like it could stretch on forever, but it’s thick in a way that’s different from before. There’s no anger, no frustration anymore, just raw vulnerability.

“Let me help,” Matthew says quietly. “You don’t have to be fine all the time. Just… be with me right now.”

Gunwook’s face falters, the fight leaving him. His breath hitches once more, and he finally steps back, his gaze falling to the floor.

“I don't know how, Matthew hyung,” he whispers, the words more of a confession than a question.

Matthew’s heart does something strange. He takes one more step forward, now standing so close he could feel the quiet tremors in Gunwook’s body. Without saying anything else, Matthew places a hand gently on his shoulder.

“I’ll show you,” Matthew mutters, voice softer than it’s ever been, at least when it came to him. Gunwook, for the first time in what feels like forever, leans into it. The walls that have been built between them are crumbling.

Matthew doesn’t move, doesn’t rush him. He just stays there, grounded and still, letting Gunwook take what he needs. It’s quiet. Just the weight of being seen. Gunwook exhales shakily, his forehead coming to rest against Matthew’s shoulder. He fought every fiber in his body, not to mention the height difference between them. God, he's fighting every fiber in him not to do more than a hug.

Gunwook is hesitant, though, like he’s afraid the moment might collapse if he puts too much of himself into it. Matthew lets him. Neither of them speaks. There’s nothing to explain right now. No need to fix anything. Not yet.

After a while, Gunwook murmurs, “I didn’t think you’d come.” Matthew’s throat tightens.

“Yeah,” he says quietly. “I figured you didn’t.”

Gunwook pulls in a shaky breath. “People usually say they care, but they never stay.”

Matthew looks down at where Gunwook’s hand is curled into his sleeve, barely holding on. “Well, Gunwook, I'm not ‘people.’”

Gunwook lets out a breath that sounds like half a laugh, half a sob. “I don’t even know what I need.” Matthew shrugs lightly. “Me neither. But we’ll figure it out.”

He pauses, then adds, softer. “And you don't have to make sense right now. Just don't shut me out, or the others.”

Gunwook’s voice breaks a little. “I didn't mean to. I just… didn't know how to ask.”

“You don't have to ask,” Matthew says. “You looked at me, and that was enough.”

The silence returns, but it's warm now. For the first time in days, maybe weeks, Gunwook doesn’t feel alone in it. He just… breathes.

And Matthew? He surely doesn’t let go.

…

omegaverse

yumomma: they done pulled a Romeo and Juliet ohhhhhh imagonnanakmmsssss

Chapter Text

…

“I seriously never thought you’d pull up to my room.”

“Yeah, well. You ghosted the group chat. The guys started acting like you were dead.” Matthew said as he sat on the stool near the kitchen island, taking the cup of water he was offered.

“Yujin nearly threw himself into incoming traffic.

“I didn’t mean to. I just… needed a break,” Gunwook said quietly, his eyes glued on the counter.

“You? Taking a break from annoying everyone? That's new.”

Gunwook gives a weak smile, leaning into the kitchen island.
“Sorry if I worried you.”

“You didn't.”

Silence.

Gunwook arched an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.
“You came to my door, Matthew.”

“I was in the area.”

“You live across the fucking bridge.”

“I said what I said.”

Gunwook let out a quiet, amused breath. “Alright, whatever you say. I did see that you wanted boba in the group chat.”

“I was about to ask if you got any boba in your kitchen,” Matthew said, glancing past Gunwook with exaggerated hope.

“Do I look like Taerae to you?”

“No, you look like shit”

Gunwook smiled. That was the Matthew he was used to. A little jab, familiar and oddly comforting. They let the banter drift away. The silence wasn't as weird as earlier, just… present.

“Want to do the honors and get back to headquarters? They're probably worried sick right now,” Matthew said, spinning from one side to the other on the stool.

Gunwook watched him, he found that cute.

Gunwook nodded and took out his phone, opening the group chat. His eyes widened.

“99+ mentions???” He blinked at the screen.

“That's what loyalty looks like,” Matthew shrugged. “Or a cult. Could go either way.”

…

omegaverse

juicycuntour: I WAS LIKE BABY BABY BABY OHHHH

Kingyuvin: LIKE BABY BABY BABY OHHHHHH

Hanbangme: I THOUGHT YOU'D ALWAYS BE MINEE MINEEE

yumomms: WHEN I WAS THIRTEEN, I HAD MY FIRST LOVE

Mashusfav: guys im back

yumomma: THERE WAS NOBODY THAT COMPARED TO MY BABY AND NOBODY CAME BETWEEN US NOR COULD EVER COME ABOVE OMGOH MY GOD GUNWOOK

Wookiesfav: they do not seem as worried, nvm

Liltaeahh: welcome back gunwook you fucker imgonna murder you

zhangieswangie: im surprised he isn't 6 feet under right now

Kingyuvin: GUNWOOOKKKKKKK

quiquidoyouloveme: you okay now, wook?

Mashusfav: yes I'm okay! I'm sorry for disappearing like that. I should've at least told you guys how long I'd be gone for

Hanbangme: Don't worry, Wook! We all have those days

Kingyuvin: Don't let it happen again.

Mashusfav: okay well!

yumomma: we thought you died

juicycuntour: Matthew had a breakdown

Wookiesfav: no tf i didn't

Mashusfav: awww was he worried for me

Wookiesfav: absolutely not

Hanbangme: tell the truth

Wookiesfav: tell your face

yumomma: What does that even mean

quiquidoyouloveme: almost 20 hours without Gunwook was insanity, we needed a normal person here, I almost became one of them

Mashusfav: I missed you guys sm. it was weird without y'all yelling in my brain 24/7

Liltaeahh: YOU DESERVE THE YELLING

zhangiewangie: fr tho, don't vanish like that again. At least say “ill be back ima kms but not really” or smth

quiquidoyouloveme:; honestly we’d all respect that

Mashusfav: real talk.. thank you for not being mad. It means a lot

quiquidoyouloveme: when can we see each other again?

Kingyuvin: yeah headquarters meet up WHEN

quiquidoyouloveme: I can do the hangout at mine

Mashusfav: tomorrow? If that's chill??

Hanbangme: BRING A SNACK

zhangiewangie: BRING YOURSELF

Liltaeahh: BRING AN APOLOGY WRITTEN WITH TEARS

Wookiesfav: bring boba

Mashusfav: Is this what love feels like

Wookiesfav: absolutely not. It's a threat

…

“A threat?” Gunwook smiles as he leans into both of them, the only thing between them is the granite kitchen island.

“I don't play about boba,” Matthew said

“And I don't play about you.”

Matthew blinked once slowly. Then groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
“You just had to ruin our moment. Probably our only peaceful moment.”

Gunwook giggled, not backing down an inch.

“What, you can talk about dying for boba, but I can’t be a little sincere?”

“Yeah, cause one of those things is manageable. The other’s… you.”

“Alright, point given,” Gunwook said, smiling. Oh, that’s the smile Matthew is annoyed by. Why does it have to be so pretty?

“Well. I'll take my leave. Don't disappear like that again, or I'll tell Yujin to launch that airstrike.” Matthew said, hopping off the stool and walking towards the door.

“Matthew, wait.”

Matthew stopped, turning around with a raised brow. He didn’t expect Gunwook to be that close. Didn’t expect the hand that reached out, gentle fingers curling around his wrist. Didn’t expect his chest to tighten.

“Thanks for coming,” Gunwook said quietly. Matthew looked at him, and for a second, something in him cracked. Not enough to fall apart. Just enough to let something slip through. Gunwook stepped forward, slow, careful. Not forcing anything.

“If I’m crossing a line… please stop me,” Gunwook said, stepping forward. Close. Closer. His forehead came to rest lightly against Matthew’s.

Why wasn’t he reacting? Why is his body not listening to his brain? He can’t be doing this; he can’t do this to Taerae and what they both have been through, or to what he had to endure for two years.

He couldn't do this.

He shouldn't.

But he didn't pull away.

His breath hitched. His hand curled slightly around Gunwook’s shirt without meaning to.

“Gunwook…” his voice was hoarse. Half a warning, half a plea.

Gunwook didn’t push. Didn’t close the gap further. He just stayed there. Forehead to forehead. Waiting. Giving Matthew every chance to say no. And that made it worse.

Because Matthew knew Gunwook would never hurt him.

“You’re really not gonna stop me?” Gunwook asked, a nervous laugh slipping out. He still wasn’t looking directly at Matthew, his eyes were on the floor, like he was scared the whole moment might break if he blinked wrong.

“I’m trying,” Matthew muttered, voice slightly strangled. “It’s just… not working.” That made Gunwook smile. Barely. Just a twitch of his lips. But Matthew saw it. And that was it.

“I still hate you after this,” he grumbled, cheeks flushed, and before Gunwook could say a single word, Matthew leaned in, quick and soft, and kissed him.

…

Cunts and yujin bear

cubYujin: what are the odds that me and gyuvin caught Matthew and Gunwook kissing

cubTae: why are you both always at the crime scene

cubVin: at least I didnt break my elbow this time

cubRick: dont jinx it

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: ahemmmmm

yumomma: aggressively shakes iced coffee

Kingyuvin: taps foot

quiquidoyouloveme: …

Kingyuvin: looks at watch

yumomma: caresses fake stache

zhangiewangie: do you want us to ask why ya’ll roleplaying

yumomma: I just want some answers

juicycuntour: ykw… me too

Hanbangme: are you gonna stroke your shit too

zhangiewangie: oh!

quiquidoyouloveme: alrightttt

Kingyuvin: woah pause

yumomma: you can't just say that bro

Liltaeahh: SEND ME TO ME RACHELLLL

Wookiesfav: where is this conversation leading to

yumomma: you.

Wookiesfav: me??

yumomma: no. your mom.
yumomma: obviously you

Wookiesfav: fuck I do now

Kingyuvin: no WE are asking the questions

Wookiesfav: okay

yumomma: … wait lemme ask for permission
yumomma: @zhangiewangie may I proceed without any possible consequences happening shortly

zhangiewangie: you shall

yumomma: thank you

Hanbangme: hey why wasn't I asked for permission

yumomma: I FOUND MATTHEW AND GUNWOOK KISSING IN FRONT OF GUNWOOK'S APARTMENT ROOM

juicycuntour: quick, everyone act surprised

quiquidoyouloveme: gasp

Liltaeahh: wow

Hanbangme: oh lala

Zhangiewangie: rue… when was this

Kingyuvin: I’M A WITNESS TOO, AND I CAN CONFIRM

Wookiesfav: false accusations

Mashusfav: did ya’ll clip that

Wookiesfav: EXCUSE ME?

yumomma: ew no I don't want a video of you gay men kissing on my phone

zhangiewangie: okay you didn't necessarily have to phrase it like that

Kingyuvin: I clipped it

quiquidoyouloveme: ???

Mashusfav: SNED ME THATTT SEND ME THATTTT

Wookiesfav: NOTHING HAPPENED??

Kingyuvin: right, and I’m not dating Ricky

quiquidoyouloveme: out of all things you could've lied about

zhangiewangie: and i’m not gay

Hanbangme: god forbid

juicycuntour: and I'm not dating Justin Bieber

Liltaeahh: my heart broke a little

juicycuntour: wait no :(

Mashusfav: okay fine, we did kiss, but it is not a crime

Wookiesfav: are you deadass

Mashusfav: he still hates me, so it cancels out

yumomma: so kissing and hooking up just cancels out because he hates you?

Mashusfav: wait what

Hanbangme: oh that's not…

zhangiewangie: That's my cue
zhangiewangie: goodbye world!

Kingyuvin: Katie…

Liltaeahh: I think there are gonna be consequences after this yujin
Liltaeahh: he gon get you

Wookiesfav: DID YOU JUST
Wookesfav: YUJIN.

Mashusfav: how do you even know

quiquidoyouloveme: such a nice day outside, isn't it haha

juicycuntour: it's cloudy

quiquidoyouloveme: shut yo bitch ass up and start singing.

juicycuntour: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST BEAUTY FROM THE EAST

Liltaeahh: welp! There goes that confession
Liltaeahh: are we still hanging later?

Wookiesfav: how are you chill about this Taerae

Liltaeahh: cuz I've been knew??

Mashusfav: WHO'S BEEN KNEW?? ALL OF YOU?

seen by all

Mashusfav: NAH DONT LEAVE ME ON SEEN

yumomma: I kinda maybe accidentally unintentionally made Matthew confess

Wookiesfav: YOUR FUCKASS THREATENED ME. BLACKMAILED ME.

yumomma: false! False accusations

Mashusfav: so all of you knew??

Kingyuvin: yes no maybe so

quiquidoyouloveme: well, I was also somewhat threatened not to mention the two of you meeting up at the cafe

…

quiquidoyouloveme: oh. Wait. Typo haha who? Who was at the cafe? hahaim so sorry

Hanbangme: Didn't we also know that

zhangiewangie: hanbin, babe

Hanbangme: Sorry.

juicycuntour: so we all just confessing

Kingyuvin: can I go next

Wookiesfav: taerae are you not mad im scared

juicycuntour: question is… can I be mad

zhangiewangie: jiwoong sybau

juicycuntour: ok

Liltaeahh: why are you scared

Wookiesfav: do you not hate me ims sorry

Hanbangme: Matthew please get UP

yumomma: ahh yes, chaos…

Mashusfav: WHY ISNT ANYONE EXPLAINING SHIT

Kingyuvin: your mom

Mashusfav: i’m shaking

Liltaeahh: We all knew
Liltaeahh: both things

Wookiesfav: do you not want me with him?? I can do that taerae pls dont be upset

Mashusfav: ??? WHY IS HE DECIDING OUR FATE

Wookiesfav: I still hate himplease

Mashusfav: ARE YOU REAL

Liltaeahh: Matthew let's talk about this in person cmon

yumomma: can I be there too

Kingyuvin: me too please

Mashusfav: im killing you both.

quiquidoyouloveme: so…
quiquidoyouloveme: dominos pizza or…

…

Matthew’s hood was up, his back pressed to the wall outside Taerae’s apartment complex, hands shoved deep in his pockets like they could hide how badly they were shaking. He was biting his nails again, out of habit, out of nerves, out of guilt he didn’t want to name.

He wasn’t scared of the conversation. He was scared of what it meant if Taerae didn’t forgive him. If he couldn’t forgive himself. He told himself this wasn’t a big deal. It didn’t mean anything. Except it did. And he hated that it did.

Because the truth was, Matthew had always known where he stood when it came to Taerae.

Taerae was his constant, the one person who stayed when everyone else expected less.
He remembered the way Taerae looked at him in that hospital hallway, hands in his hoodie sleeves, voice cracking as he asked,

“Does it still hurt?” like he was the one feeling it. That version of Taerae, soft, scared, steady. That was the part Matthew always wanted to protect. And maybe he’d done a shitty job of it.

So, of course, his feelings mattered. Of course they did. Especially when it came to Gunwook.

Gunwook, who should’ve been nothing more than a face from the past. A regret. A kid with a messy history and a reputation that Matthew refused to believe could change. Gunwook, who was one of the people who made Taerae small. Quiet. Different.

Matthew remembered those days clearly when Taerae would come home with a forced grin and say it was fine. That it was nothing. But Matthew knew what "nothing" looked like. And that wasn’t it. So no, he couldn’t forgive that. He didn’t want to. Not really.

Matthew’s head snapped up, breath caught mid-thought.

Taerae was walking toward him, hood up too, hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket, his expression unreadable. It wasn’t anger. That would’ve been easier. They stopped a few feet apart. Neither of them said anything for a second. Just... silence.

Matthew opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. Taerae tilted his head, eyes scanning him like he was trying to solve a problem that didn’t have an answer.

“You look like shit,” he said finally. Voice dry. Familiar. Matthew let out a breathy laugh, but it didn’t sound amused.

“You took your time.”

“You’ve been out here how long?”

“I don’t know. Long enough to spiral three different ways.” Taerae didn’t smile at that. He just nodded once, slowly.

“And?”

Matthew swallowed. His voice was quieter now. “And I don’t know what to say that won’t sound like an excuse.”

“Then don’t give me one.” Matthew’s hands curled in his sleeves. “Okay.” Another beat of quiet. The kind that felt like standing on the edge of a cliff.

Taerae looked at him for a long time. Not judging. Not even disappointed. Just... there. Like he was still trying to figure out what Matthew hadn’t said yet. Matthew looked down at the ground.

“Do you hate me?”

“No.”

“You should.”

“I thought about it,” Taerae said honestly. “But I don’t think you’d believe me even if I did.” Matthew looked up again, eyes searching his friend’s face.

“Cmon, Matthew, after everything you’ve done for me? Every punch you took for me? You're home to me, and I want my home to know that your loyalty to me matters a lot.” Taerae smiled.

“So what now?”

“That’s up to you.”

Matthew blinked. “Me?”

Taerae shrugged. “You’re the one who keeps pretending you don’t care about him.” Matthew froze. Taerae’s voice softened.

“You don’t lie very well, Matt.” Matthew looked away, jaw clenched.

“I don’t know what I feel.”

“You do. You’re just scared of what it means.” Matthew didn’t answer. Couldn’t. Everything in his chest was twisting, folding in on itself. Guilt, confusion, and none of it made sense.

“I’m not mad you kissed him,” Taerae said after a while. “I’m not mad if you hooked up with him or not, I don't care about that, Matthew…”

"I’m just..." Matthew trailed off, struggling to put words to the mess swirling in his brain.
"I don’t know what this is, Taerae. It’s not... It’s not like I don’t care about you. I do, okay? You’re everything to me. You know that."

"I know," Taerae replied softly, and there was something in his voice that made Matthew's stomach twist.

"But that’s the problem. You’re scared that caring about him means less for me. But you’ve always been the one who taught me that people can be both things at once. I can be your person and still let you figure out what you want with Gunwook.”

Matthew bit his lip, the pressure keeping it from trembling. He stood there, eyes closed, hands clenched at his sides as if holding on to something that wasn’t even there. But when Taerae smiled at him, so gently, so quietly understanding, something in him snapped.

Taerae stepped forward, taking Matthew’s hands in his, warm and steady against the cold of his own trembling fingers. Without saying a word, Taerae pulled him into a hug.

He fell apart in Taerae’s arms. The breath he’d been holding in rushed out in ragged gasps. His chest tightened, his body shaking as the tears he hadn’t even realized were there spilled over. He couldn’t stop them. He didn’t want to. Taerae held him tighter, his arms a silent promise. No words. Just the comfort of being there. It was the only thing that mattered now. The weight of it, the relief, the understanding—it was too much. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Matthew let himself break, let himself feel it all.

“Thank you.” Matthew sobbed out as he buried himself into his best friend's arms.

As Matthew and Taerae stood there, the moment just hanging in the air between them, the soft glow of streetlights casting long shadows, suddenly, a voice cut through the silence.

"Oh fuck, this is a really good hill I gotta die on this.”

Matthew froze. He couldn’t believe it. Not now. Of all the times. Taerae stiffened beside him.

“…Yujin.”

“Yo, give me my theme music!” Yujin shouted at… quite literally nobody in particular, spinning in a dramatic circle as if a camera crew should be following him.

Matthew’s head thudded against Taerae’s shoulder. Taerae didn't even look, he just closed his eyes and sighed.

And in perfect unison, they both groaned in annoyance.

Loud. tired. United.

Chapter Text

…

The hallway is quiet. Well, almost.

Matthew stands rigid, jaw clenched, fists twitching like he’s calculating how many years of prison time murder gets. Taerae is calmly scrolling on his phone while they wait for Ricky to open the door. Yujin, meanwhile, is doing what he does best, causing problems.

“I hope you know it was painful not using the fact that you guys fucked as an insult. It hurt not to say anything. For me.” Yujin said, grinning.

“Taerae. Hold me back. I’m going to end this fucker.”

“I support you emotionally, but I'm not getting involved in a homicide before Mario Kart.”

Beat. Silence. Matthew sighs in relief, but Yujin is clearly about to say something awful.

“So like… was it awkward the next morning or—?”

“RICKY, OPEN THE DOOR BEFORE I COMMIT A FELONY.”

The door flies open. Ricky stares at the trio, bowl of popcorn in hand.

“What the hell is happening out here?”

“Just emotionally supporting a potential murderer.”

They all file in. One was deeply annoyed, calm, and far too pleased with himself. Just another night with the boys.

Matthew walks past the four boys playing Mario Kart, pillows are everywhere, and Gyuvin is stomping as he got thrown a red shell by Hanbin. He smiles but makes his way to the kitchen, where Hao, Ricky, and soon enough Taerae are.

Hao smiles at Matthew as he sits on the stool next to him, Taerae following him.

“You good?”

“Your child is annoying, and I might kill it.”

“Alright, well, he’s 18, so that hoe doesn't even let me breathe either,” Hao replies casually.

“I mean, seriously, who in their right mind asks ‘if it was awkward the next day after hooking up’ for a small talk?”

“FUCK YOU, YOU MANKISSER,” Yujin screams from the living room.

“NUH UH.” Hanbin screams back.

“His digital footprint may or may not be cooked by now,” Taerae says, unfazed.

Suddenly, the door to the living room swings open with a dramatic flair.

“Berry, Yujin got mad and knocked the fucking popcorn so now we need more,” Gyuvin said, gliding into through Ricky's kitchen, placing a quick kiss to Ricky’s head and heating more popcorn. Gunwook walks in behind him, peering into the fridge like it’s his own.

Taerae looks away from his phone and slowly side-eyes Matthew.
Matthew doesn't even turn, he already knows what’s coming.

“One word,” he warns, “and I'll ensure you won't wake up tomorrow.”

“Cmon, just one question,” Taerae said, sitting up.

“No, Taerae.”

“Question about what?” Gyuvin asked, head turning way too fast.

“If I can beat your ass,” Matthew mutters.

“If Gunwook and Matthew are more than acquaintances now,” Taerae says sweetly, like his best friend wont end his shit any minute now.

Gunwook’s giggle can be heard from the fridge as Matthew buries his head into his arms.

“That’s up to Matthew, like I said, I'm willing to be patient,” Gunwook said, now holding a Capri Sun he found, from god knows where.

Yujin fully enters the kitchen now, pointing at Matthew like he’s a defense attorney mid-trial. “Admit it. You like him. You’re just being a scared little bitch about it.”

“Yujin,” Hao says sharply.

“Bum..” Yujin corrects, “scared little bum.” Yujin mumbles.

Matthew looks dead into the middle distance. “I have made so many mistakes in my life.”

“Yeah, and this denial is one of them,” Taerae mutters. Gunwook just smiles. Now sitting on the counter like this is a rom-com, and he’s the main love interest, which he is.

“It’s fine,” he says, looking right at Matthew. “I’m not going anywhere.”

There’s a beat.

Then Matthew stands up so abruptly that his stool screeches across the tile.

“Y'all make me wanna die alone.”

“Love youuu!” Taerae said, giggling as Matthew walked into the living room

Jiwoong was concentrated on the game as Hanbin was now on his phone. Jiwoong looked up for a second and looked back at the screen.

“There’s our conflicted Mattie the baddie.”

“Please kill me now, Jiwoong hyung, I hate being teased.” Jiwoong only giggled as Matthew plopped next to him.

“Well, that’s how we were with Hanbin and Hao when they were school rivals as well,” Jiwoong said, eyes still on the screen. “But they were physical with it, I don't even know how they came to be.”

Hanbin sat up. “Because love conquers all.”

Matthew gave him a disgusted look. “Take that shit back before I throw up.”

“I'm being serious! Yes, I fell first, but Hao fell harder the minute I told him I didn't want to compete for first place. I think he fell in love with my loyalty.”

“Karate, right?”

“Mhm.”

“Well, you guys are cute, though. Gunwook and I? We’re just... there.”

“What do you mean?” Jiwoong said, putting his controller down.

“You guys are the perfect example of slow-burning pining that makes everyone else in the room want to force you both in a closet together,” Jiwoong finishes, like it's the most obvious thing in the world.

Silence.

“Do you write fucking fan fiction or something? Why are you so descriptive with it?” Matthew asked, genuinely concerned.

“God forbid a man have passion.” Jiwoong sighs, rolling his eyes as he picks his controller back up.

“You're all delusional,” Matthew mutters, muffled by his sleeve.

“No, we’re just not blind,” Hanbin chimes in, now scrolling on his phone.
“Gunwook’s got it bad.”

“Yeah,” Jiwoong nods, “like Hao-level bad. Which is saying something.”

“I came here for comfort, not Gunwook glazing,” Matthew said, crossing his arms. “And keep it down, he’s in the kitchen, I don't wanna seem like I'm interested.”

“Lying is a sin, I hope you know that, right?” Jiwoong grins.

“Shut up, you're not dating Justin Bieber,” Matthew shoots back, standing up.

Jiwoong dramatically gasps. “You take that back.”

“Sorry to break it to you,” Matthew shrugs, leaving the living room and going back into the kitchen.

Gunwook’s already there, perched on the edge of the counter with a Capri Sun in hand, sipping like it’s the most natural thing in the world to look like a rom-com love interest without even trying. He glances up the second Matthew walks in.

“Hey, trouble.”

Matthew groans. “Don’t call me that. I’m already hanging on by a thread.”
Gunwook raises an eyebrow, smirking. “Let me guess. Yujin?”

“And Jiwoong. And Hanbin. Honestly, I came in here to hide. I deserve peace.”

Gunwook tilts his head, amused.
“You mean you came in here to hide from how right they are?”

Matthew turns to glare at him. “You’re not funny.”

“I’m kind of adorable, though.” Matthew rolls his eyes, but there’s a smile tugging at his lips.

“You’re lucky you’re cute.”

Gunwook freezes mid-sip. “Wait. Did you just call me cute?”

Matthew stiffens. “No. You imagined that.”

Gunwook leans forward, eyes twinkling. “Matthew.”

“Nope. Didn’t happen. You’re hallucinating.”

“Wow,” Gunwook laughs. “Gaslighting me over a compliment? You really are whipped.”

“Fuck off Gunwook” Matthew said, groaning into his hands.
“Oh, I forgot to ask, but how much in prison do you get for murder?” Matthew asks casually, stealing Gunwook’s Capri Sun and taking a sip.

“Depends on the degree.”

“Well, I don't know, like… with a cause?”

“You can't just justify a murder, Matthew.”

“…Yujin might be the exception.”

…

It was now 1:47 am, and everyone had crashed in random spots. Hao is curled up with Hanbin, like two bunnies putting a fluffy ear on one another. Jiwoong and Taerae are arguing over who snores louder. Ricky is fully on top of the bean bag while Gyuvin sacrifices half of his body on the floor. He holds Ricky with the top half of his body.

Matthew lies on the couch, one arm over his eyes. He’s almost asleep when the cushion dips beside him.

“Hey,” Gunwook said quietly.

“Don't say anything flirty, I'm tired.”

“…I brought you another Capri Sun.” Matthew peeks from under his arm. Gunwook’s holding it out like a peace offering.

Matthew sighs, sitting up and taking it. “If this is how you flirt, I hate that it works.”

“I don’t flirt. I just give people things they like.” A beat. The room is quiet again. Matthew stares at the kiwi strawberry in his hands, then at Gunwook, who’s sitting next to him like he belongs there.

Matthew lets out a quiet sigh, letting his arm fall back over his face as sleep tugs at him. The weight of the blanket settles in, and everything, the laughter, the teasing, the ache in his chest from crying earlier, starts to melt into something warm.

Gunwook watches from beside the couch, now crouched down as he gently pulls the blanket higher up over Matthew’s shoulders. He carefully lifts the arm off his face, so he won’t wake up with a line of bracelet marks across his cheek, and softly brushes Matthew’s bangs to the side. He hesitates for a second, gaze lingering on the soft constellation of moles that decorate Matthew’s skin. God, how he wishes to kiss every single one…

“Goodnight, boba,” Gunwook whispers and places a small kiss on Matthew’s forehead.

He turns around only to find Yujin standing in the hallway, standing there as if he had thrown up, but…

“Gunwook,” Yujin croaks.
“I threw up.”

Gunwook blinks. “Wait, like for real?”

“In the hallway. Then the bathroom, maybe a little in my hand.” Yujin says, sounding weirdly proud and miserable at the same time.

“Ugh, yujin, what did you even eat? You didn't drink alcohol, right?” Gunwook groaned, guiding him by pushing him by the shoulders.

“I’m a minor.” Yujin’s frown is somehow audible.

“Alright, buddy, let’s head to the restroom.”

“I think I'm dying.” Yujin stumbles a little, grabbing his older brother by his sleeves.

…

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: It was nice hanging out with you guys again!

Hanbangme: It was fun, yes

Kingyuvin: No don't speak to me, you blue shell glazer.

Hanbangme: sucks to suck

quiquidoyouloveme: WHO THE FUCK THREW UP.

…

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: I hope that Annabelle doll goes for that kid I saw at the skating park

quiquidoyouloveme: Can you quit that

juicycuntour: I do not claim this energy

yumomma: you think Annabelle gon read this and say “you good bruh” ???

Kingyuvin: I hope it doesn't cuz im mad as hell

Hanbangme: What happened now

Kingyuvin: oh nothinggggg just Ricky calling another boy handsome in front OF MY FUCKING SALAD.

quiquidoyouloveme: I’M NOT PLANNING ON BREAKING UP WITH YOU AND GOING WITH HIM?? Plus, he looks young.

Kingyuvin: I'm also young. And you're dating me

quiquidoyouloveme: bam, you're just dragging it

Kingyuvin: no, I have the right to be upset

yumomma: The skating park? What were you guys even doing there?

quiquidoyouloveme: we were strolling around the park, and this 6ft kid accidentally tripped in front of me with his skateboard

Kingyuvin: you didn't need to specify his height. I’m insecure.

quiquidoyouloveme: YOURE 6’4 GOD DAMN IT

Liltaeahh: Never seen ricky this stressed

Hanbangme: gyuvin, cmon now, Ricky probably didn't even mean it like that

Kingyuvin: …
Kingyuvin: the eyes never lie…

quiquidoyouloveme: here we go again

zhangiewangie: is this our first mangoberry argument

Mashusfav: I'm just as shocked

quiquidoyouloveme: we are not arguing, there’s just a misunderstanding

Kingyuvin: he doesn't love me anymore

quiquidoyouloveme: and he’s being dramatic

Kingyuvin: Oh, I'm being dramatic??

quiquidoyouloveme: yes??

zhangiewangie: Alright, someone go to Ricky’s apartment, I'll go to Gyuvin’s

Kingyuvin: so me witnessing my boyfriend, mind you, my plate was full, call another boy handsome, dramatic?
Kingyuvin: oh ima throw up. I'm lightheaded

quiquidoyouloveme: gyuvin

Mashusfav: vin, I don't think he meant it with any other intention

yumomma: who tryna bet

Liltaeahh: you’re insane

Wookiesfav: I'm going to Ricky’s

Kingyuvin: I just don't think it’s okay :(

quiquidoyouloveme: god please save me from myself

Kingyuvin: im just saying, i hope that kid doesn't wake up tomorrow

Hanbangme: You're acting like Taerae when he got his mic suspended on Roblox

Liltaeahh: i’ll find that fuckass kid.

yumomma: ong i’m still waiting for that bum to show himself

Hanbangme: Gyuvin, it isn't bad for your partner to point out features from other people! Hao does that all the time with you guys, it’s just friendly fire… but in a good way obviously

yumomma: yeah like how Hanbin hyung calls my friend’s friend hot

zhangiewangie: im sorry? Who?

Wookiesfav: uh oh

Hanbangme: DONT TAKE IT OUT OF CONTEXT YOU BITCH
Hanbangme: hao, duri….. you know Jaehyun! Cmon he isn't a stranger

zhangiewangie: I see how it is

yumomma: for once in my life chat, that was not my intention

Liltaeahh: alright can we solve one couple's problem first and then the other??

juicycuntour: No no, we also have a problem

Liltaeahh: im sorry??

juicycuntour: You heard me

Wookiesfav: you guys are dating??

Liltaeahh: FROM WHAT I KNOW, NO WE AREN'T??

juicycuntour: that's the problem
juicycuntour: fucker

Liltaeahh: CAN YOU STOP
Liltaeahh: hao, yujin just worded it wrong

zhangiewangie: No, no, I've heard enough

Hanbangme: he’s going to Gyuvin’s, I'll be right there

quiquidoyouloveme: I'm taking time off, I'm also upset

Kingyuvin: I should be the one who's upset

juicycuntour: me too

Lliltaeahh: SHUT UP JIWOONG

Mashusfav: I don't like this, I feel unsafe

Wookiesfav: why aren't we the ones fighting

Mashusfav: see even I'm weirded out
Mashusfav: is it my lucky day

Wookiesfav: nope!

juicycuntour: goodbye world!

Liltaeahh: ughhhhhh

yumomma: guys I didn't mean for that to happen

YOUNGSHITZZ

Yujinthebuilding: guys :(

Hakie: who hurt you

Saksakasealv: what happened?

Yujinthebuilding: I just made my two hyungs fight because I unintentionally said that Hanbin called Jaehyun hot

Hakie: are you sure it was unintentional

Hooniewoonie: … did you just randomly give that fun fact or

Yujinthebuilding: well, no, it started because Ricky and Gyuvin were strolling in the park, and Ricky called this boy who tripped with his skateboard, handsome
Yujinthebuilding: and now Gyuvin hopes Annabelle gets the kid

Kyungyohoe: oh wow

Hakie: well let’s find that so-called handsome boy and make him apologize

Ryoyomommasofat: ong let's jump him

Minjeontheblock: …
Minjeontheblock: uhm were there any like description of this dude

Yujinthebuilding: 6 ft

Minjeontheblock: hey so! don't come to my town

yujinthebuilding: ??? WAS THAT YOU

Minjeontheblock: How does Ricky look? Maybe it wasn't me

Yujinthebuilding: he’s very pale, and his boyfriend is like 4 inches taller

Minjeontheblock: please I was literally gonna die. That dude stared into my soul
Minjeontheblock: tell them I'm sorry, I don't want that doll near me, im scared

gyuvins.ricky: There’s no need to be sorry, I hope your knee is okay

…

Hooniewoonie: With all due respect, why is he still in this group chat
Hooniewoonie: no offense.

gyuvins.ricky: none taken

…

omegaverse

*yumomma added minjeje to the group chat*

Wookiesfav: Isn't it still a rough time for another friend in here

Minjeje: No no, i’m coming here to apologize

Kingyuvin: who are you

yumomma: The so-called handsome boy you and Ricky ran into was my friend
yumomma: And he wants to apologize

Minjeje: I don’t play with that doll, so please accept my apology

Kingyuvin: well well well

Hanbangme: are you deadass expecting a 19 year old to apologize??

Mashusfav: how do you even know his age

Hanbangme: idk im lowkey guessing

Liltaeahh: @minjeje are you 19

Minjeje: yeah…
Minjeje: can I just say sorry, im scared

Kingyuvin: bet you are…

quiquidoyouloveme: can you stop acting like a child

Wookiesfav: no cuz why is the stranger apologizing better than half of y'all do

Kingyuvin: BECAUSE HE’S SCARED OF ANNABELLE, AS HE SHOULD BE

quiquidoyouloveme: please stop gyuvin

Kingyuvin: okay, I'm sorry

zhangiewangie: idk bout y'all but Hanbin’s sleeping on the floor

Mashusfav: get up bro

Hanbangme: No, I'm scared

Minjeje: so like.. am I off the hit list or

Kingyuvin: for now

Minjeje: I’ll take it

quiquidoyouloveme: please apologize gyuvin

Kingyuvin: I’m sorry for threatening you with Annabelle

Minjeje: it’s okay! I’m glad i’m forgiven

Kingyuvin: it should've been Chucky

quiquidoyouloveme: GYUVIN.

Liltaeahh: so one relationship is solved. Thanks Minje, you may leave now

Minjeje: thank you

*minjeje left the groupchat*

Kingyuvin: hoe

Liltaeahh: alr so which couple is next since im the fucking therapist all of the sudden

juicycuntour: well

Liltaeahh: no I’m not gonna talk about us

juicycuntour: keep hating damn

Hanbangme: I think im just gonna take my chances and sleep on the kitchen floor

zhangiewangie: i’m really upset

yumomma: hao hyung I didn't mean to word it like that, I know I usually instigate the most, but I promise it wasn't my intention

yumomma: im sorry

…

Wookiesfav: did bro just say the s word

Liltaeahh: I screenshotted so fast

Wookiesfav: someone mark the date, write it down

quiquidoyouloveme: hold on let me screen record

zhangiewangie: are you sure it wasn't on purpose

yumomma: no, I promise

zhangiewangie: hmmm

Hanbangme: my back hurts, pls hurry

zhangiewangie: I hate that I love you so much

Hanbangme: oh thank god

Mashusfav: That's two couples down, who’s next

juicycuntour: me

Mashusfav: okay I'm the therapist this time
Mashusfav: what’s going on here

juicycuntour: he doesn't like me

Liltaeahh: we’re not even dating, im so confused

juicycuntour: that's what makes it worse oh im shaking pls hold me

yumomma: This man is so dedicated

Hanbangme: im so happy

Wookiesfav: im just confused as to why Private from the penguins of Madagascar and this drag queen are having more trouble than me

Liltaeahh: shut it fattie

Wookiesfav: excuse me??

Mashusfav: yo get yo boy jiwoong

juicycuntour: yours started it??

Mashusfav: you wanna fight???

juicycuntour: sure what the hell

Mashusfav: Alright let's take this outside! The stars are so bright tonight. The moon is so pretty. hold my hand

yumomma: are you deadass, I was about to fly over to record the fight

…

Inbox

Taeraesara: What is up with you

J.Woong: What do you mean

Taeraesara: are you deadass? Were you just joking about the whole dating thing in the gc?

J.Woong: no I wasn't

Taeraeasara: ??

J.Woong: fuck you and your pretty fucking dimples

Taeraesara: WHAT

Chapter Text

omegaverse

yumomma: GUESS WHAT

Wookiesfav: with the way you fucking live I have no idea

yumomma: alr shut up, you hooked up with your best friend's bully
yumomma: oh my god, that felt good to use on you I'm so relieved

Liltaeahh: that’s so uncalled for im crying

Wookiesfav: I seriously can't have one peaceful moment in this gc

Hanbangme: what are we guessing

yumomma: oh yeah, I'm in the office

zhangiewangie: im sorry?

yumomma: nah, you're good.

Hanbangme: WHY ARE YOU IN THE OFFICE?

yumomma: I got in trouble

Mashusfav: well no shit

yumomma: alright so remember the fire drill I told you guys about yesterday

zhangiewangie: I have a feeling this isn't going to be about fire safety

Wookiesfav: oh god

Liltaeahh: This better not be about the vending machine

yumomma: IT IS

Hanbangme: YUJIN.

Liltaeahh: you pulled the alarm to steal Hot Cheetos didn't you

yumomma: first of all they were Flamin' Hot Lime, second of all yes

Mashusfav: im calling? The authorities??

juicycuntour: how broke are you

zhangiewangie: why not just ask someone for a dollar?…

yumomma: because the machine TOOK MY FUCKING DOLLAR
yumomma: so I took ITS LIFE

Wookiesfav: how does that even work bruh

juicycuntour: so you lost against a vending machine?

yumomma: nah it was a draw
yumomma: we both in the office rn

Kingyuvin: I don't think I’d ever be this weird

quiquidoyouloveme: well

Kingyuvin: don’t say more… please

zhangiewangie: So, what now do you have to write letters of apology to the vending machine's family?

Hanbangme: I'm confused why they're getting disciplinary action together???

Mashusfav: idek how ima get you out of this buddy

yumomma: Yes you do, please get me out, yk the law

Mashusfav: well, not anymore bruh, I'm really concerned why you even did this

yumomma: I saw my reflection in the glass and it called me broke bruh

juicycuntour: you stood up for the financially unstable

quiquidoyouloveme: is this what they mean by eat the rich
quiquidoyouloveme: except you ate chips and committed a misdemeanor

Kingyuvin: Oh, I'll eat the rich, alright

Mashusfav: wait, yujin, aren't you at the old school we used to go to

yumomma: so like 50 years ago? Yeah

Mashusfav: I'm just 2 years older but alright

Hanbangme: can we just convince the principal not to give you a suspension

Kingyuvin: I agree but I doubt the principal liked any of us

zhangiewangie: well… slowly looks at Matthew

Wookiesfav: no

zhangiewangie: oh cmon don’t be mean

Wookiesfav: dont be mean?? If anything, I’m only putting myself first

Liltaeahh: yujin’s entire academic life is hanging by jackshit atp

yumomma: I am literally eating a pencil rn from stress

Wookiesfav: so now you want my help after months of blackmail??

yumomma: okay well, that was valid and necessary, but this is growth and forgiveness now

Liltaeahh: what if we just guilt-trip the old man

zhangiewangie: hit him with the “yujin has never known peace” narrative

yumomma: YEAH LIKE I COULD BE A DOCTOR

Mashusfav: well let's not lie

Hanbangme: be realistic

Wookiesfav: I see him in a cardboard box

Liltaeahh: I see him unemployed, living with mangoberry

quiquidoyouloveme: I'll make him my butler

yumomma: you guys are my ride or die. Mostly ride. Some of you need to die.

Kingyuvin: GUNWOOK DO SOMETHINGGGGG

Mashusfav: I CANT DO SHIT, THAT MAN ALSO HATES ME

zhangiewangie: Matthew…

Wookiesfav: WHY IS EVERYONE RELYING ON ME AND GUNWOOK

Hanbangme: because that principal was sick of me and Hao

zhangiewangie: homophobia.

Kingyuvun: I wasn't the best kid either

quiquidoyouloveme: bro probably didn't know I was enrolled there

Liltaeahh: … he was my personal therapist, so I can't go back

yumomma: I wonder why

Mashusfav: I’VE APOLOGIZED.

juicycuntour: idk chat my old principal died so

zhangiewangie: … damn how OLD are you

juicycuntour: old enough

yumomma: so am I getting bailed

Mashusfav: i’ll try outsmarting him with the law shit

Kingyuvin: just say something in Latin bro

yumomma: yeah like putas

zhangiewangie: …

quiquidoyouloveme: bro you're about to catch a second charge

Hanbangme: maybe lets not call the principal a bitch in another language

Liltaeahh: objection your honor, he’s a puta

zhangiewangie: Ykw, let's not include Taerae in this operation

juicycuntour: Matthew should go just to look good for Yujin

Wookiesfav: that’s exactly why I don't wanna go

Mashusfav: Matthew, cmon, we can act like his parents

Wookiesfav: what makes you think I'd change my mind to THAT

quiquidoyouloveme: I’ll change your nickname

Wookiesfav: am I fr his only hope

yumomma: I’ll give you five bucks

Wookiesfav: well, you should've used those five bucks INSTEAD OF PULLING THE FIRE ALARM.

yumomma: who said it’s gonna be my money

zhangiewangie: alright well

Wookiesfav: well good luck world! I got shit to do

yumomma: MATTHEW PLEASE

Kingyuvin: CAN SOMEONE DO SOMETHING

Liltaeahh: @wookiesfav ENDLESS BOBA

Wookiesfav: ?

Liltaeahh: for a month…

Wookiesfav: ?..

Liltaeahh: and I’ll change your name…

Wookiesfav: okay call

zhangiewangie: did bro just fold for boba

Mashusfav: white man did it in one week.

…

Matthew drags himself up the familiar, cursed hill of his old high school, where Yujin is now attending. He groans at the uphill walk he has to make while holding the promised boba from Taerae.

He reached the school entrance and walked in as Gunwook called for him.

“You got here so fast,” Gunwook said

“Against my fucking will,” Matthew said catching his breath and holding his boba up, “and boba.”

Gunwook smiles. “Cmon let’s get this shit over with. Can't believe they're making a big deal out of this.” Falling into step beside him as they start walking toward the front office.

“You're studying law, and you don't think pulling the fire alarm is serious?”

“Look at the bright side, boba, no one died.”

“The school got fined, Gunwook.”

“Last time I checked, that’s not our problem.” Gunwook winked and led the way to the office.

Matthew takes a slow sip of his boba, sighs through his nose, and follows.

“I hate how pretty you are when you're irresponsible,” Matthew muttered.

They both made their way into the principal's office as they found Yujin slouched in a chair across the principal's desk. His legs are spread, one arm dangling off the chair, the other covering half his face.

“You good?” Gunwook asked, sliding down beside him.

“I'm mourning… my dignity and aura.”

Matthew sighs, walks over, and smacks the back of Yujin’s head.
“You never had any to begin with.”

“This is child abuseeee,” Yujin whined, dragging out the word like a toddler.

The door creaks open wider as the principal steps into view from the inner office. Gunwook can be heard gulping, and Yujin groans at his principal’s presence. Matthew quickly shushed them both, then turned his attention to the man, forcing a smile as he looked back at the man.

“Mr. Han?” The principal asked.

“Oh no no, I'm—“

“He’s my older brother's boyfriend,” Yujin says, grinning. Matthew nearly broke his neck whipping his head at Yujin, eyes wide in disbelief. He glanced at Gunwook, his jaw dropped as if he had seen a ghost.

Chapter Text

…

Gunwook quickly grabbed Yujin by the shoulder, leaning in with a harsh whisper.

“Hey, so, last time I checked, I'm your friend?? Can’t you read the room, bro?” he glanced nervously toward the principal, then giggled nervously. “He's gonna fucking recognize me—“

“Park Gunwook?” The principal cut in, voice already tinged with familiarity and judgment.

Gunwook winced like he’d just been personally hit with a lawsuit. He gave a weak smile. “Hi, Mr. Lee…”

Mr. Lee crossed his arms, unimpressed. “Well, I see troublesome runs in the family?” His eyes flicked to Yujin, who was now giggling uncontrollably in his chair.

“Chill, Mr. Lee, he’s a changed person,” Yujin said between laughs. “He only bullies his friends.”

“That's not—okay, kind of fair,” Gunwook muttered.

“Yujin, please, we are not here to relive Gunwook’s villain era.” Matthew stepped forward.

“Although you do look kind of familiar to me, uh…”

“Oh, it’s Matthew, Seok Matthew,” Matthew said, with an awkward smile.

“Class representative, top of your class, and Kim Taerae’s best friend!” His voice suddenly brightened. “How is that boy doing? He always talked about you!”

Matthew only gave a smile and nodded. “Yup, that’s me. And Taerae is doing great these days.”

“Nerd,” Yujin said, snorting.

Mr. Lee chuckled, clearly warming up to Matthew already. “I don’t know what you’re doing involved with these two,” he said, gesturing loosely toward Yujin and Gunwook.

Gunwook and Yujin both slowly turned to look at the principal with an annoyed look. Yujin leaned into Gunwook’s ear, “See if I don’t hit that bitch in the mouth.”

“But if anyone’s here to explain what happened today, I hope it’s you.”

“I’ll do my best, sir. I’m here to, uh, negotiate peace terms.” Matthew said, sighing as he wanted to get the hell out of there before the two sitting in front of him got them into more trouble.

“Look, Yujin’s actions were reckless, yeah. But they weren’t as malicious… to say the least. Mr. Lee, Yujin just panicked. Poor judgment, but he is not a criminal.”

“Yet…” Gunwook said quietly.

“Hey.” Yujin shoved his shoulder.

“Well, I assume you’re right. But consequences should still be imposed.”

Gunwook choked. “A presentation?”

Yujin gulped. “With like… a mic?”

“Maybe even a slideshow,” Mr. Lee added.

“In front of the whole school, perhaps…” Gunwook let out a wheeze.

Yujin shot up from his seat, gripping Gunwook’s arm like it was a life raft.
“You can't just say that I'm literally gonna cry,”

Matthew clapped his hands together. “Okay, deal. Thank you, Mr. Lee.”

Yujin looked between them all. “Y'all really just sold me out?? This is oppression. I’m deadass being oppressed.”

Gunwook leaned over. “It’s called consequences.”

“Dismissed before I change my mind.” The three hurried and stumbled out of the office as they closed the door behind them.

Yujin groaned dramatically, dragging his feet as if he’d just been sentenced to a lifetime of hard labor. “A presentation, bro? I can’t even read a seating chart without getting anxious.”

“And whose fault is that?” Matthew said, still walking head down the hallway. He took a sip of his now half-cold boba. “You’re welcome, by the way. That could’ve been an actual suspension.”

“I was prepared to flee the country,” Yujin muttered.

“You were gonna go to Busan with no money and a granola bar,” Gunwook replied.

Yujin was left behind as he kicked the stones in anger. Gunwook caught up with Matthew poking his his shoulder with a smile.

“You're like the school's golden child,” Gunwook said, leaning in a little

Matthew shoved his face away. “And you're the reason they installed hallway cameras.”

Yujin grinned. “Power couple goals.”

“Shut up, Yujin.” Both of them said at once.

…

omegaverse

zhangiewangie: what if Mr. Lee is homophobic to these other lovers, and don't let Yujin off the hook

Hanbangme: so the suspension is never not gonna happen cuz they're gay? Alright.

juicycuntour: I don't think he was ever homophobic, he was just annoyed with both of you

zhangiewangie: so he's INTERNALLY homophobic. noted

Liltaeahh: he probably already mentioned my sore loser ass to Matthew

quiquidoyouloveme: was I the only normal kid in school

Kingyuvin: well I wasn't the brightest

quiquidoyouloveme: bam, baby ik

Kingyuvin: oh god, I'm tearing up

quiquidoyouloveme: please don’t

yumomma: guess who’s bailed, but at what cost

Wookiesfav: he’s so ungrateful

yumomma: yeah i’d rather be suspended than to present a fuckass slideshow

Mashusfav: Mr. Lee was glazing my crush in front of me
Mashusfav: almost jumped bro like that cellmate jumping the judge

Hanbangme: WAIT HE DID THAT WITH MY HAO TOO

zhangiewangie: That man hated me. What are you on

Hanbangme: Unfortunately, not on you

Liltaeahh: alright wrap it up

Wookiesfav: nah but yujin almost made me crash the fuck out in front of the principal

Mashusfav: yeah that shit was out of pocket and my bloodline was flamed for no reason

juicycuntour: did yujin introduce Matthew as Gunwook’s boyfriend and claim to be Wook’s younger brother?

Wookiesfav: … you were on in this, weren't you?

juicycuntour: No, I'm guessing

Mashusfav: deadass?

juicycuntour: on taerae’s ex, I'm not lying

Liltaeahh: what the

Wookiesfav: sigh, well, at least I get my name changed and endless boba for a month

zhangiewangie: when is Yujin’s presentation? I'm tryna go

Liltaeahh: wait me too

yumomma: yall are not about to show up at my school

Hanbangme: excuse me?? We were there first

yumomma: no one asked??

juicycuntour: I’ll pretend to be the guidance counselor if it gets us in

Wookiesfav: I'll bring the laser pointer to highlight all his mistakes

yumomma: my life is not a comedy special.

Liltaeahh: are we fr pulling up

quiquidoyouloveme: I'm lowkey down

Kingyuvin: if Ricky goes, I go

zhangiewangie: can you do animations on your presentation
zhangiewangie: I have a bad attention span

Liltaeahh: he’s gonna be up there with his first slide saying, “the fire alarm was begging for it.” And it's gonna bounce off

juicycuntour: next slide being “capitalism made me do it” and then it glitters down

Kingyuvin: can we ask questions im tryna be annoying

quiquidoyouloveme: im wheezing so bad bro. Matthew saved you for no reason

Wookiesfav: I didn't think it’d end with us humiliating Yujin, honestly

yumomma: I will personally pull the fire alarm again if any of you show up

Hanbangme: can we all please pull up in suits

zhangiewangie: we’re horrible people I cant

yumomma: yall make me wanna call the principal myself im gonna kms

Liltaeahh: oh wait I forgot

*liltaeahh changed wookiesfav nickname*

…

Inbox

Yujinhan: can I please have those 10 bucks? I almost died out there

J.Woong: did you record it?

Yujinhan: [video]

J.Woong: LMFAOOO EVEN GUNWOOK WAS SHOCKED

Yujinhan: did you really have to put that lie on Taerae’s ex bro

J.Woong: gotta put me first

…

Yujin popped up in front of them with a loud thud of his backpack hitting the table. “Okay. We have exactly three days to pull together the most unserious but technically informative presentation this school has ever seen.”

“I’m just confused why you both automatically thought my apartment was the perfect place for this,” Matthew said, arms crossed. He glanced at Gunwook, clearly not done.

“And you brought the guy who likes me to my house. That’s emotional doxxing.”

“It’s not like I’m sending flowers to your door every day, Matthew,” Gunwook said, crossing his arms, clearly unbothered. Matthew raised an eyebrow.

“You’re full of shit.”

“Glad you know what I’d do for you.”

“C’mon, Matthew,” Yujin huffed, flopping into a chair.

“You got me into this mess. I think I deserve to be helped out of it with this fuckass presentation.”

Matthew blinked. “Okay, you know what? Fine. I’ll help you. But we’re doing this right.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Gunwook said, leaning in toward Yujin across the table. “But just to clarify… define ‘unserious.’”

“I mean like… engaging,” Yujin said, already unzipping his backpack. “Maybe, like, those funny blue emojis. The ones that look funny as hell but still cunt.”

Matthew looked physically pained. “Please don’t say ‘cunt’ in an academic context.”

“Wait, wait, no let me show you though,” Yujin said, giggling and showing the two his favorite meme.

There was silence. Then a lone giggle from Gunwook.

“This is genuinely gonna take a while,” Matthew muttered, standing up and walking off to grab his laptop.

“Can you send me that? I need that,” Gunwook said, still giggling, and Yujin nodded as he started giggling with him too.

…

An hour later, Matthew stared at the screen like it had personally insulted his bloodline.

“Why does Slide Four just say ‘capitalism made me do it’ in glitter text over a photo of a burning school?”

Yujin didn’t even look up from where he was lying belly-down on the floor, legs swinging in the air like a teen girl writing in her diary. “Because it’s a metaphor.”

“It’s arson,” Matthew corrected.

“It’s social commentary,” Gunwook said from the couch, where he was wearing Matthew’s hoodie like he owned the place.

“So close to putting you both in time out.”

…

On the day of the presentation, Gunwook was found backstage with Yujin, who was fidgeting with the mic pack like it were a bomb. “I hope you didn't change your presentation last minute because I swear if your slides spin mid-sentence, I'm walking off.”

Yujin was pale. “What if I throw up? What if I forget how to speak? What if-“

“Then I will pull the fire alarm this time,” Gunwook said, fixing Yujin’s collar. “So you don’t have to go through with it.”

Matthew handed them both cue cards. “None of that is going to happen. You practiced. You’re going to say your piece, people are going to laugh, and maybe you’ll get out of this without starting another school-wide incident.”

“Why does this feel like a press conference after committing light arson…” Yujin muttered.

Gunwook patted his back. “Because it kind of is.”

The curtain creaked open. Gunwook immediately tripped on a cable and stumbled into the wing, throwing Yujin a shaky thumbs-up like he hadn’t just almost faceplanted in front of the entire school.

Matthew sighed from his seat in the front row. Behind him, a dozen familiar faces crammed into one row: Jiwoong with a camera, pointing at it to let Yujin know he's being recorded at 4K, Taerae in sunglasses, Hanbin in a full suit, Hao waving a fan, and Gyuvin holding up a sign that just read “DO BETTER.” Meanwhile, Ricky was next to him, trying and failing to wrestle the sign down.

Yujin cleared his throat.

“So, fire alarms. They're sensitive. Kind of like Mr. Lee, but you didn't hear that from me.

A collective gasp came from the teacher section.

Matthew audibly facepalmed.

…

omegaverse

quiquidoyouloveme: I've never seen a school presentation include the words “gaslight and 'yes girl give us nothing” before

Kingyuvin: he did so bad he actually did good

zhangiewangie: the glitter effect when he talked about a lesson learned

yumomma: I hate it here

juicycuntour: when’s part two

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: @juicycuntour that story you posted brah
Kingyuvin: smash no homo

Hanbangme: Gorgiana grande

Mashusfav: slutwoong

juicycuntour: :p

yumomma: jiwhore
yumomma: cuntwoong
yumomma: fuckasswoong

juicycuntour: am I getting insulted now or

Liltaeahh: wait what story

wooksbaddie: raw, next question

Mashusfav: take that back, my heart is going to explode

quiquidoyouloveme: you're very pretty jiwoong, good job man (I cannot say further. I don't want a man sending Chucky the doll your way)

zhangiwangie: same goes with me, no homo

yumomma: so you wanna explain how this works for your case

zhangiewangie: nope

yumomma: okay

Liltaeahh: is this a safe place

Hanbangme: somewhat

Liltaeahh: my man my man my mannnn you about to have all my babies

Hanbangme: ARE WE FINALLY TALKING ABOUT MALE PREGNANCY

zhangiewangie: oh my god my favorite topic

wooksbaddie: NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT MALE PREGNANCY

juicycuntour: he wants to get me pregnant (?)
juicycuntour: and yet doesn't wanna date me

zhangiewangie: you guys… aren't dating?

Kingyuvin: wait deadass

Liltaeahh: ?? No, we’re not dating

juicycuntour: we could be, but he plays too much

yumomma: men aint shit bro

Hanbangme: ??? Yujin are you gay

yumomma: oh no no
yumomma: oh god forbid

Liltaeahh: HELP ME WHAT

zhangiewangie: so you're embarrassed of us is what you're trying to say

yumomma: do you want the truth

Hanbangme: well yes

yumomma: no

Mashusfav: You're lying, aren't you

yumomma: yes

zhangiewangie: my son is homophobic

yumomma: no im not

Hanbangme: youre saying that gay men embarrass you

yumomma: I never said that
yumomma: im just one of the girls, or however you say it

Kingyuvin: one of the what

Mashusfav: bros claiming to be The Weeknd now

quiquidoyouloveme: can I be Jennie

yumomma: wait guys no lets get back to the point here

zhangiewangie: and whats that, my homophobic son?

yumomma: I have a name

zhangiewangie: homo hater.

yumomma: alr nvm, the point was if Taerae and Jiwoong are dating or not

Liltaeahh: didnt we already talk about this

juicycuntour: yeah and then you deflected again

Kingyvun: just admit it. Youre in love, and we can all have cake and party

Hanbangme: balloons that say “finally”

quiquidoyouloveme: banner saying “we been knew”

Lliltaeahh: WHY WOULD I BE IN LOVE WITH JIWOONG

juicycuntour: oh wow.

zhangiewangie: wowwwwww

Hanbangme: damn even I flinched at that

Liltaeahh: WAIT I DIDN'T MEAN IT LIKE THAT

juicycuntour: no no I think you did

Kingyuvin: do you like him taerae

Liltaeahh: I mean we’ve been friends for 3 years now

Kingyuvin: oh lawd he done got friendzoned

zhangiewangie: it gets worse oh god

Mashusfav: god bless that shit didnt happen to me

wooksbaddie: bro I'm barely considering you a friend

Mashusfav: shit but weve progressed aint nun wrong with that mashu

wooksbaddie: ugh

yumomma: it’s okay, jiwoong
yumomma: cuz yk why?

juicycuntour: why?

yumomma: idk
yumomma: I haven't gone this far on comforting, sorry

zhangiewangie: love how its the very best friends being difficult

wooksbaddie: hey I have a reason, Taerae is just being a hoe

Liltaeahh: im litr right here?

wooksbaddie: come over and I'll repeat it

Liltaeahh: whore

wooksbaddie: ??? You cunt

yumomma: ladiesssss there’s plenty for both of you

wooksbaddie: Plenty of BONES to break if you keep talking

Liltaeahh: plenty of TEETH you got there I could knock out if we’re sharing gifts now

Mashusfav: @juicycuntour so let's not make them mad once we date them…

juicycuntour: good call

Hanbangme: I have an idea

Kingyuvin: me too

Hanbangme: okay say yours

Kingyuvin: oh well I was just planning on going to my boyfriend's apartment :D

Hanbangme: … okay
Hanbangme: well mine was going on a uhhh
Hanbangme: quadruple date?… yeah

Mashusfav: a quadruple date? Like Mario Party style

Kingyuvin: can I be the yellow toad

Hanbangme: no, like actual people. Real humans. Feelings. Eye contact. Maybe food idk

Kingyuvin: ohhhhhh

quiquidoyouloveme: you didn't get it, did you

Kingyuvin: no

wooksbaddie: so hell basically

zhangiewangie: it does sound fun wait

quiquidoyoloveme: there are only two couples tho?

Hanbangme: well, we can help the other two undecided couples out

wooksbaddie: Please leave me out of this

Mashusfav: this is a perfect opportunity tho

wooksbaddie: i’d rather kms

Hanbangme: think of it as a normal hangout just… teams, I guess

yumomma: am I not invited or wtf

zhangiewangie: You're gonna go anyway, yujin

yumomma: ha yeah I know

juicycuntour: I'm assuming that I'm with taerae

Liltaeahh: you don’t sound excited there

wooksbaddie: this is like the zoo all over again

zhangiewangie: but without kids

yumomma: can I bring my friends

Kingyuvin: no

yumomma: why not

Kingyuvin: cuz I'm gonna see Minje and I'm gonna happen to bring a blicky that day

Liltaeahh: water gun, right?

Kingyuvin: nope

quiquidoyouloveme: yeah let's not bring your friends this time, yujin, you can hang with me and gyuvin

zhangiewangie: so, where are we even going in this hangout/date/zoo2.0

wooksbaddie: pls not the zoo

Kingyuvin: can we go bowling? I want to see jiwoong in bowling shoes

juicycuntour: what does that even mean

Kingyuvin: it’s like you're goofy

Mashusfav: ahyuck! Ahh jit

quiquidoyouloveme: so are we doing this quadruple date or what

Hanbangme: yes. The teams are: Gyuvin and Ricky, Gunwook and Matthew (against his will), Taerae and Jiwoong (pending status), then me and Hao.

yumomma: and me???

Hanbangme: … you're Matthew’s emotional support

yumomma: wow

juicycuntour: okay but like if me and taerae were to date… hypothetically

wooksbaddie: go on

juicycuntour: who's the clingy one

zhangiewangie: Taerae. Obviously.

Kingyuvin: 100% taerae

quiquidoyouloveme: he’d text you goodnight every night don't lie

Liltaeahh: i’m being BULLIED.

Hanbangme: You're being perceived. Big difference

juicycuntour: but he does text me goodnight every night…

Kingyuvin: … bro

quiquidoyouloveme: bro

wooksbaddie: BRO??

Mashusfav: NAH BRO

yumomma: nah they gotta be fucking

zhangiewangie: and you don't think you're dating??????? Earth to woongrae????

Liltaeahh; god forbid a man wish a homie good night.

Mashusfav: and I thought Matthew was stupid

wooksbaddie: I will fuck you up bitch dont play

Mashusfav: he’s so cute

Hanbangme: The date is gonna be this Friday at 6 pm, please arrive with your partner

wooksbaddie: do you want my parents' signature while we’re at it?

Liltaeahh: permission slip ahh jit

yumomma: ima fake their signature

…

Inbox

s.matt: change my god damn nickname.

Taeraesara: yk you like it

s.matt: That isn't for the public to know??

Taeraesara: You mean that isn't for Gunwook to know?

s.matt: fucking hating on me bruh fuck you

Taeraesara: yk who did

s.matt: …
s.matt: deadass?

Taeraesara: no im not you

s.matt okay kill yourself

Taeraesara: love you

Chapter Text

omegaverse

wooksbaddie: Guys, I woke up sick

yumomma: he’s lying. I saw him at the boba shop

wooksbaddie: fuck you

Mashusfav: he really doesn't want that date with me

wooksbaddie: I would not want our first date to be like this

Juicycuntour: Taerae said the same thing the other day

Liltaeahh: so we’re just… falsely accusing now?

juicycuntour: im an empath. I just know.

Liltaeahh: take your meds

Hanbangme: it’s gonna be fun guys, please don't be boring

wooksbaddie: “Don't be boring,” but is forcing me on a date with Gunwook

yumomma: I still don't get why you do all the above with him, but freak out over one date

Mashusfav: for once Im gonna have to agree with yujin

wooksbaddie: die. both of you.

Liltaeahh: can I team up with Matthew since jiwoong wants to be a bum

wooksbaddie: i’d rather solo all of you

zhangiewangie: 1v8 is crazy work

wooksbaddie: come at me I've done it before

yumomma: ofc you did

Hanbangme: you argue like it's your birthright

wooksbaddie: cuz it is??

quiquidoyouloveme: me and gyuvin are on our way

Liltaeahh: but its barely 5???

quiquidoyouloveme: bambi really wants to win

Kingyuvin: Y’ALL LOSING TODAY.

quiquidoyouloveme: he is so dedicated

wooksbaddie: that man isn't mentally with us

Liltaeahh: am I the only one who doesn't know how to play? What if I slip and fall

yumomma: if thats the case then im having my camera out at all times

Hanbangme: have you never played on the Wii Sports??

Liltaeahh: …

wooksbaddie: taerae always threw his controller towards the tv when it was his turn

juicycuntour: is it too late to forfeit

Liltaeahh: YOU'RE MEAN

zhangiewangie: I’m gonna need a cold beer after this

yumomma: me too

…

Jiwoong made his way toward Taerae’s apartment, already hearing the familiar bickering from the backseat.

“Jiwoong hyung, can Gunwook sit in the front? I’d rather be with Taerae...” Matthew grumbled.

“Nope. This is your chance to get along,” Jiwoong said firmly.

“I’m really close to showing up on national news, Jiwoong,” Matthew warned. Gunwook giggled and reached over to gently caress Matthew’s cheek.

“You’re so pretty today, Matthew.” Matthew shook his head, trying to move Gunwook’s hand away, but couldn’t hide the faint smile tugging at his lips.

Jiwoong waited up front as Taerae finally stepped out of his apartment complex, a bright smile lighting up his face. He climbed into the car and returned Jiwoong’s smile with one just as warm.

“Hi, Woongie,” Taerae said cheerfully. He glanced back and saw Gunwook cuddled up against Matthew, who was giving the meanest glare imaginable.

“Hi to you two,” Taerae said, grinning.

“Hi, hyung!” Gunwook greeted, smiling from ear to ear. Matthew pushed Gunwook’s head away and shot a glare their way. “I’m blaming you whores for this date.”

Jiwoong pulled away from the curb, the car settling into a quiet hum as they hit the road again. Taerae shifted slightly in his seat, turning his whole body toward Jiwoong. It wasn’t unusual. They fake-flirted constantly, like breathing, but this time, his eyes lingered.

Jiwoong raised an eyebrow at the sudden attention, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “What?”

“Why were you accusing me in the group chat?” Taerae asked, tone light but curious.

“Oh, I was just joking,” Jiwoong said casually. Some bickering started again behind them, but Taerae’s gaze didn’t waver.

“So I’m assuming you’ve been joking around about wanting to be my boyfriend, too?” he asked, a little firmer now.

And just like that, the car went still. Or it felt like it did. The road kept moving under them, but the noise and banter in the backseat faded into static. In that second, it was only them.

Jiwoong’s smile softened, just barely, but there was something behind it. Something careful.

“Is it a problem if I wasn’t?” Taerae opened his mouth, but before he could speak,

“Gunwook, I swear, if you don’t get off me, I’m going to kill you,” Matthew hissed from the backseat, voice tense.

“Matthewww,” Gunwook whined dramatically, now fully dragging Matthew onto his side of the car like they were sharing a slow dance instead of a backseat. “Why are you fighting fate?”

“So it wasn’t a joke?” Taerae finally asked, his voice quieter now. Not playful. Curious. Careful.

Jiwoong shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. “Not really, no.”

“Since when?” Taerae tilted his head slightly, watching him.

Jiwoong hesitated, not out of fear but because the moment felt heavier than he expected.

“Since the day you let me comfort you instead of Matthew,” Jiwoong said. “That night Matthew stayed in the hospital, and you showed up at my door, soaking wet from the rain, remember?”

Taerae didn't speak, eyes steady on him now.

The silence wasn't uncomfortable, but it was heavy.

In the backseat, Matthew was now halfway out the window in an attempt to escape Gunwook and his affection.

“I am a hostage. This is a cry for help,” He yelped to no one in particular.

Taerae turned back toward the front, his voice quieter than before. “You've felt like this since then?”

Jiwoong nodded once. “Longer, probably. But that was the first time I stopped pretending our little flirting game was just a friend thing.”

“Get off me, you baby hippo!” Matthew screamed from the backseat, shoving at Gunwook’s arm. Unfortunately for everyone involved, Gunwook was much stronger, and also now dramatically wrapped around him like a human-sized bear with too much affection.

Gunwook giggled, entirely unbothered. “This is how love works, Matthew. Let it consume you.”

“I’m gonna consume a bottle of bleach if you don’t get the fuck off me.”

Jiwoong ignored the chaos with all the practiced calm of an exhausted single dad on a road trip. He turned back to the road. Taerae leaned a little closer, eyes still on him.

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

Jiwoong exhaled, not heavily. Just honest. “Because I didn’t think you were ready. Or maybe I wasn’t. I liked what we had, even if it meant pretending I didn’t want more.”

That one hit. Taerae’s expression faltered for just a second. “And now?” he asked.

Jiwoong smiled, small and unshakable. “Now I’m tired of pretending.”

…

As they pulled into the bowling alley parking lot, Jiwoong barely had the car in park before Matthew flung the door open and bolted.

“HANBIN, PLEASE HELP ME!” Matthew shouted, sprinting inside like he was being chased by a horror movie villain, which, to be fair, he sort of was. Gunwook chased after him at full speed, yelling, “WE ARE IN A TEAM! YOU CANNOT ESCAPE ME!”

Inside, neon lights flickered over glossy lanes as early 2000s pop blared from the speakers. Hanbin, already tying his laces near the front desk, looked up just in time to see Matthew dive behind the counter like it was a war bunker.

“Matthew! Be careful, dumbass, your leg—!”

“Hanbin hyung, please hide me,” Matthew wheezed, peeking up like a panicked meerkat.

Hanbin blinked. “What… what did you do?”

“Exist.”

From behind him, Hao poked his head out over Hanbin’s shoulder, standing on tiptoe. “Matthew? Why are you hiding?” he asked, genuinely confused. Hanbin instinctively guided him forward with a hand at his waist so Hao could see Matthew better.

“I am not here. Please stay away,” Matthew whispered dramatically, crouched down behind a rack of bowling shoes like they would protect him from fate.

“Thew, you’re literally crouched next to some size 12s and a bottle of spray disinfectant,” Hao replied, deadpan. “That’s not exactly camouflage.”

“MY DEAREST TEAMMATE!” Gunwook’s voice echoed like thunder as he finally entered the building. Matthew’s eyes widened. “You see?! This is what I’m dealing with!”

“Damn,” Yujin said, strolling up behind with his hands in his hoodie pocket. “I’ve never seen a six-foot man act this happy.”

“So my boyfriend isn't the only one that's hyper right now,” Ricky said dryly, holding Gyuvin by the hand and dragging him before he could wander off to pick up a third bowling ball.

“Nope,” Matthew said with a dramatic sigh as he finally stood up from behind the counter.

Then he immediately clutched Hao’s arm like a lifeline.“I want to go home.”

“You look cute when you’re stressed,” Hao replied, completely unbothered.

Matthew blinked. “You’re insane. I love you.”

“I know.”

Hanbin clapped his hands. “Alright, listen up, critters,”

“What did bro just call me?” Yujin muttered, leaning into Jiwoong, who just rested his head on Yujin’s shoulder. Receiving a shrug from Jiwoong.

“Rules are simple, the couple with the most strikes wins. The one with the least strikes, we will think of a punishment at the end, since it depends on the couple.”

“That's so unfair,” Taerae said immediately, looking personally offended on principle. “I don’t even know how to play this shit.”

“I agree,” Matthew chimed in. “Some of us didn't choose this fate.”

“What do the winning couple get?” Hao asks.

“Uhm,” Hanbin paused. “I haven't put a finger on that yet, babe.”

“Why the fuck am I here then,” Yujin muttered again, deadpan.

…

After a fun and fair, not really, bowling game, the boys called it an evening. It was once again 1 am for the 9 boys, crashing at Hanbin’s apartment. The floor was a mess of limbs, throw pillows, half-eaten snacks, and someone’s rented bowling shoes… which are considered stolen now that no one claimed them.

Most of them hadn’t even made it to the couch. They were sprawled across the floor in a loose heap like cats, just the glow of a paused movie and the low hum of someone’s breathing.

“Tell me again,” Matthew mumbled from his spot under a weighted blanket, “why did we think sleeping over was a good idea?”

“You said you didn’t want to go home alone with Gunwook,” Hanbin reminded him, voice muffled through a pillow.

“I never said that,” Matthew replied immediately. “You cried about it,” Yujin added helpfully, sipping from a juice box. “Real tears.”

Gunwook, who was sitting cross-legged next to Matthew’s head, grinned. “I was really moved, actually.”

Matthew threw a chip at him. “Choke.”

Gyuvin snorted from where he was curled up against Ricky’s legs. “You guys need marriage counseling.”

“We’re not married.”

“Yet,” Gunwook whispered dramatically.

Across the room, Jiwoong was leaning back against the couch, fingers absently brushing through Taerae’s hair. Taerae was dozing with his head in Jiwoong’s lap, eyes fluttering now and then, somewhere between sleep and safety.

“You’re good with him,” Hao said quietly from where he and Hanbin were sharing a giant beanbag chair.

Jiwoong looked over. “Yeah?”

Hao nodded. “He doesn’t let people take care of him. Except you. And well, Matthew.”

Jiwoong smiled softly, brushing Taerae’s hair from his face. “Yeah, I guess he knows when to let his guard down.”

“I still see Taerae as that 16-year-old boy back in school, it's crazy how much he’s grown,” Hanbin said, leaning against Hao’s shoulder.

“You're acting like you're a decade older than him, Hanbin,” Hao said, giggling and turning into Hanbin, snuggling as sleep had gotten to him.

“Do you like him, Jiwoong?” Hanbin asked.

“You know,” Jiwoong started quietly,

“I think I’ve liked him longer than I ever admitted. Maybe even to myself.”

Hanbin stayed quiet, listening.

“It was that night... when Matthew was in the hospital. Taerae showed up at my place out of nowhere, drenched from the rain, not saying anything. Just standing there, like he didn’t know where else to go. And I didn’t ask. I didn’t need to. I just pulled him inside and gave him a towel.” Hao peeked up slightly, listening now, too.

“He didn’t cry or vent or anything. Just sat on the floor next to me. And I remember thinking, if he lets me sit with him like this, if he lets me stay, I’ll never let him go,” Jiwoong paused, brushing a bit of lint off Taerae’s hoodie sleeve.

“He’s always been loud, but no one ever really listened. He’s bright, but people forget how sharp he is. And he acts like he’s fine, but I’ve seen how quiet he gets when he’s hurting.”

Hanbin smiled softly. “But he lets you see it.”

“Yeah,” Jiwoong whispered. “And it means more than I can explain. I don’t want to fix him. I just want to be there when he’s ready to take off the armor.” He looked down again, watching as Taerae unconsciously leaned further into his lap. “I see him. That’s all. I just… really see him.”

“Sounds like love,” Hao murmured sleepily, already halfway back to dreaming.

“Sounds like something,” Jiwoong said, and he smiled again, quiet, warm, and completely sure.

…

It was now later than 2 a.m. Everyone was sound asleep, tucked into makeshift nests of blankets, arms, and borrowed hoodies. The only noise left in the room was the low hum of the AC and the soft flicker of an old movie playing in the background. Hanbin and Jiwoong were still awake, barely, both curled into the couch with their respective moons resting gently on them.

Hao was asleep on Hanbin’s chest, breathing slowly and evenly. Taerae was curled into Jiwoong’s side, head resting against his shoulder, hand clutching the edge of Jiwoong’s hoodie like it anchored him there.

“Hyung,” Hanbin whispered.

Jiwoong glanced over, voice low and warm. “Hm?”

“You guys first met in the music room, right?”

Jiwoong’s eyes softened as he looked down at Taerae, who murmured something incoherent in his sleep before going still again.

“Behind the music room,” he answered quietly. “He was a first-year student, just starting. I was a senior, in my last year.”

Hanbin blinked, surprised. “Really?”

Jiwoong nodded slowly, as if piecing together a memory. “He was sitting outside the practice room, hoodie pulled low, headphones on. Scribbling in a notebook, like he wanted to disappear but still needed to be near something familiar.”

“What did you do?” Hanbin’s voice was curious, gentle.

“Nothing at first, I just sat beside him. Didn’t say a word. He didn’t ask me to leave, so I stayed.”

“He didn’t talk? Didn’t say anything?”

“Not a sound,” Jiwoong whispered.

A soft sigh came from Taerae as he stirred in his sleep, fingers tightening on Jiwoong’s hoodie.

Jiwoong’s hand found Taerae’s, intertwining their fingers gently.

…

Chapter Text

…

The neon lights flickered over the glossy lanes as the nine boys assembled, stretching and ready for the battle ahead. Hanbin, ever the referee, called out the teams.

“Alright, listen up! Team 1: Yujin, Ricky, and Gyuvin. Team 2: Gunwook and Matthew. Team 3: Taerae and Jiwoong. Team 4: Me and Hao.”

Yujin puffed out his chest like a proud little general, standing between his two designated parental figures.

“Y’all old mother-freakers ain’t got shit on me,” he declared, throwing a mock punch at Jiwoong and then flinching back dramatically like he was the one who had been threatened.
“What’s good? Huh? Y’all scared?”

Jiwoong raised a brow. Ricky pinched the bridge of his nose. Gyuvin offered Yujin a high five, which Yujin missed entirely and slapped his shoulder instead.

“This shit ain’t gonna end well,” Matthew muttered under his breath as Team blind leading the blind +Ricky stepped up.

“What makes you say that?” Taerae asked, casually stealing Matthew’s half-eaten hot dog. Gunwook, standing beside them, already munching on Matthew’s fries, tilted his head in agreement, waiting for the punchline.

Matthew just pointed silently at Gyuvin.

There he stood—arms full of three bowling balls, cradling them like stolen treasure, looking way too proud of himself.

“Oh,” Taerae said, mouth full. “Yeah. That’s concerning.”

“I’m recording this,” Matthew whispered, pulling out his phone.

ROUND ONE:

Yujin nailed that strike like someone who grew up playing Wii Sports Bowling religiously and had waited his entire life for this one defining moment. Arms up. Victory pose. Full drama. A strike, clean and loud.

But peace? Short-lived. Because next up was Gyuvin.

Yujin wasn’t supposed to be leaning on Ricky for support when it was Gyuvin’s turn. But after Gyuvin was told, very firmly, to put down the extra bowling balls he was clutching like precious babies, he did… sort of. Instead of gently setting them down, Gyuvin dropped both bowling balls squarely onto Yujin’s foot.

Yujin let out a sharp yelp, stumbling and immediately leaning hard against Ricky, who barely caught him before he toppled over. Gyuvin just blinked, eyes wide and innocent, before shrugging and pointing at the floor.

“Blame gravity.”

Yujin hissed through gritted teeth. “You’re lucky I’m considered disabled from a bone now, because I would’ve guaranteed you I would’ve thrown you instead of that fuckass bowling ball at the pins.”

“That isn't allowed in regulation play.” Gyuvin shrugged again.

“Boy you think I give a fuck??” Yujin’s eye twitched. “I will violate the bowling code, MORAL. Code and probably federal LAW.”

“Why the hell was I teamed with you guys?” Ricky said, sighing deeply into the palm of his hand.

Gyuvin spun to him, slightly bothered.
“Because you're my boyfriend? The red toad to my yellow toad?? The jellybean to my peanut butter? The-“

“Okay, okay, Vinnie, I get it,” Ricky cut in, holding up Yujin more. “But you just hurt our child.”
Yujin, still clinging to Ricky, nodded solemnly.

“I want a lawyer. GUNWOOOK DOES THIS COUNT AS AGGRAVATED ASSAULT?”

“Not quite!” Gunwook called back cheerfully, giggling as he rewatched the video on Matthew’s phone. “But if you limp dramatically enough, we could probably get you on Judge Judy,” yelled his voice, cracked halfway through the sentence, and that was all it took.

Taerae snorted, then absolutely lost it, slapping Matthew like the joke physically attacked him. Matthew, already breathless, falling over in laughter and grabbed Gunwook for support like the floor was about to claim him.

“STOP YOU’RE GONNA KILL ME,” he wheezed, half-sobbing from laughter as Gunwook doubled over beside him, still trying to rewind the clip.

“It gets funnier every time—LOOK AT HIS LITTLE HOP—”

ROUND TWO:

Taerae walked up to the lane holding the ball like it personally offended him.

“Okay, what do I do?” he asked, glaring at the pins like they owed him money.

“You throw it,” Jiwoong said simply, standing behind him. “And maybe try not to break your wrist.” Taerae glanced back, raising an eyebrow.

“You sound very confident for someone who hasn’t gone yet.”

Jiwoong leaned in closer, almost too close. “I’m confident in you.”

There was a beat of silence before Taerae scoffed, cheeks slightly red, and turned back to the lane. He launched the ball, and it rolled into the gutter like it was on a mission to embarrass him.

“Hey, so I think the point of this game is to hit the pins,” Matthew called out, already wheezing with laughter as Taerae’s ball rolled straight into the gutter.

Hao looked over at him, confused. “Why are you all of a sudden happy?”

“Because watching Taerae rage-bowl is healing my inner child,” Matthew grinned.

Taerae turned slowly, fists clenched, eyes burning with fake vengeance. “See if I don’t go up there and knock them down with my fists.”

Jiwoong giggled and stepped in, gently pulling him back like he was restraining a particularly dramatic toddler. “Okay, Hulk. Let’s not get banned from the alley.”

“It’s okay,” he added soothingly. “We have two chances. Wanna go again?”

“No way,” Taerae muttered, pushing the ball away like it was cursed. “I feel like you’re gonna have to carry us from now on.”

Jiwoong just smiled, calm as ever. “Come on. We’ve got more rounds. We can catch up.”

Taerae looked at him skeptically. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” Jiwoong nodded. “I promise.”

From the back, Matthew, still recovering from laughter, couldn’t resist. “He's lying to you, baby. He ain’t promising shit,” he wheezed, collapsing into Hao’s shoulder as they high-fived mid-giggle.

And despite the burning shame of that first throw, Taerae gave the tiniest nod back like maybe, just maybe, he’d try again next round. If the pins didn’t catch these hands first.

Jiwoong handed him the ball again, gentle as ever. “Try one more time. You’ve got this.”

Taerae sighed like he was being drafted into war, gripping the bowling ball like it was his last resort.

He stepped up.

Focused.

Breathed.

Threw.

The ball rolled… straight.

Straight!

For a solid two seconds, it was everything a bowling throw should be.

And then it curved.

Fuckass ball curved.

It curved so violently that it might as well have taken a U-turn, veering straight into the gutter like it was avoiding the pins on purpose.

A beat of silence. Then Taerae dropped the sweetest, most peaceful smile.

“Okay,” he said, voice oddly calm. “I’m going over there.” He turned and marched toward the pins.

“NOPE—NOPE—NOPE—” Jiwoong lunged forward, grabbing him around the waist just as Hanbin appeared from the side like security at a concert.

“You don’t have to do this!” Hanbin shouted, arms locking around Taerae’s torso.

“LET ME TALK TO THEM,” Taerae yelled, legs kicking, “I JUST WANNA TALK—”

ROUND THREE:

Taerae was munching violently on some fries next to Jiwoong, the ketchup bottle resting beside him like a silent accomplice.

“Alright, we had a raging 23-year-old almost getting us kicked out—thanks, Taerae,” Hanbin said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Taerae shot him a glare sharp enough to cut glass.

“Yujin is currently, uh… hurt,” Hanbin continued, glancing at the limping figure of Yujin.

“I’m disabled. GET IT RIGHT,” Yujin snapped back, his voice muffled by a mouthful of nachos.

“Right, right. Disabled,” Hanbin muttered, rolling his eyes. “But luckily it's our turn!” Hanbin smiled.

“Y’all are tryhards,” Gyuvin slouched in the booth, eyes half-closed. Hanbin grabbed Hao’s hand firmly.

“Just admit you suck, Vinnie,” Hao teased, flashing a smile as he picked up a bright pink bowling ball.

“I know you ain’t talking about sucking,” Gyuvin mumbled under his breath, only for Ricky to slap his arm with a horrified expression and a violent shake of his head.
Hao walks up to the alley as Hanbin walks behind him with a blue ball, but Hao pauses as he cleans his ball to spare time.

“How about we make a bet?” Hao asked, shooting Hanbin a look over his shoulder, all smirk and trouble.

Hanbin blinked, then smiled back. “Depends on what the bet is.”

“Loser does whatever the winner says for an hour.” Hao’s tone was casual, but the glint in his eyes wasn’t.

Hanbin pouted dramatically. “You act like I don’t already listen to you.”

“And yet,” Hao leaned in, just enough to whisper, “you’re still about to lose.”

Hanbin swallowed. “Okay, call. We were both top athletes back in high school. We’re evenly matched.”

“Oh really?” Hao raised a brow, amused. Hanbin stepped up to the lane, rolled the ball with steady form, and nailed eight pins.

“Not bad,” Hao clapped slowly. “But not a strike.”

Hao picked up his pink ball and winked. “Your turn to watch, Binnie.”

Hanbin folded his arms, eyes locked on Hao, heart racing, and not just from the game. As Hao stepped up, Hanbin couldn’t help but think that losing this bet might not be such a bad thing after all.

Hao’s grin widened as he stepped up to the lane, the pink ball cradled in his hands like a secret weapon. He gave Hanbin a quick wink, then launched the ball down the alley with effortless grace.

The ball rolled perfectly straight, true, before smashing through all ten pins with a satisfying crash.

“A strike,” As the pins clattered, Hao turned on his heel.

Hanbin bit his lip, trying not to show how impressed (and slightly flustered) he was.

“Attitude walk off,” Taerae said, now also slouching on the couch with Gyuvin.

“Sore fucking loser!” Yujin shouted from the booth, still munching on his nachos.

Hao shrugged and gave Hanbin a smug, adorable wink.

“No kissing for an hour once we get home.”

Hanbin gasped, scandalized. “You’re evil.”

ROUND FOUR:

“Alright let’s get this shit over with” Matthew said standing up from the table chugging his coke.

“Can I leave already?” Yujin said, kicking his leg impatiently.

“If you’re physically capable without assistance, then go ahead,” Matthew replied, grabbing a ball with Gunwook following close behind. As they reached the alley, Gunwook reached up and lightly touched Matthew’s shoulder. Matthew turned to look at him.

“Should we make a bet? Between us?” Gunwook asked, glancing back at their friends, who were busy tickling Yujin.

Matthew shrugged. “Yeah, sure.”

“If I get a strike, you go on a date with me officially. Like, real.” Matthew smiled softly at Gunwook’s sudden shyness.

“Okay, call.” Gunwook lifted his head, eyes hopeful. “Butttt, if I get a strike?”

Gunwook blinked nervously. “I won’t annoy you for a week.”

Matthew raised a brow. “Isn’t that a little mean? I’m not that cruel, Gunwook,” he chuckled, glancing back to see the others distracted.

He added with a smirk, “If I get a strike, you owe me a favor. Just to keep it fair.”

Gunwook’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Deal.”

Gunwook took a deep breath, lined up his shot, and rolled the ball down the lane with surprising smoothness. It crashed through the pins.

Strike.

The satisfying crash echoed as Gunwook’s face lit up, eyes wide with disbelief and joy.
Matthew only scoffed as he looked at his alley of pins.

He wound up, released his ball with perfect form, and watched it slice down the lane.

Pins are scattered everywhere.

Strike.

Both of them stared at the fallen pins. They locked eyes, both smirking like mischievous kids caught in a game.

“You lucky fucker.”

“How the fuck did these mother freakers win the bet,” Gyuvin muttered, eyes glued to the flashing 20 on the scoreboard.

...

RESULTS:

1st place: Matthew and Gunwook - 20 pins + a date and a favor

2nd place: Hao and Hanbin - 18 pins. Free hanbin

3rd place: Taerae and Jiwoong - 10 pins and a grudge

4th place: Ricky, Gyuvin, and Yujin - 1 pin and five toes

Chapter Text

omegaverse

yumomma: someone pls
yumomma: pls help I might die

Liltaeahh: hello what the hell

yumomma: I shouldve took an uber im gripping onto the god damn chair rn im so cooked

wooksbaddie: hey so context could be helpful, thanks

yumomma: I told Hao to pick me up from school

juicycuntour: closes eyes bcs I know where this is going

yumomma: WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME HE ROAD RAGES I'M SCARED SHITLESS

Hanbangme: good luck

yumomma: DON’T ‘good luck’ ME, CAN YOU COLLECT YOUR HUSBAND??

Hanbangme: nuh uh that's on you, I'm scared of him too

wooksbaddie: it can't be that bad

Hanbangme: Don't make him drive you anywhere, I thought we’ve gone over this already

yumomma: HE’S FLIPPING OFF AN OLD MAN

wooksbaddie: no? I don't know anything about this

juicycuntour: hao doesn't have the required patience… to say the least

Liltaeahh: it can't be worse than my road rage

juicycuntour: … no like you don't understand

yumomma: HE’S ACCELERATING

Hanbangme: when we first started dating, he insisted on driving, and I heard the most atrocious words known to man

wooksbaddie: i’m pretty sure they deserved it

Hanbangme: an old pedestrian was crossing the street… they have way…

Mashusfav: no, yeah Hao is… ruthless when driving. Even I'm scared to prosecute him in court

yumomma: WE’RE SWERVING. PLEASE SAVE ME

Kingyuvin: once I told him that he drove slower than my mom, and he told me he was gonna eject me from the seat if I kept talking

wooksbaddie: and?

Kingyuvin: I asked if it actually launches

Liltaeahh: … then?

Kingyuvin: he asked if I wanted to figure out :(

yumomma: HELP MEP PLEASE GUNWOOK

Mashusfav: what can I possibly do in this situation

quiquidoyouloveme: one time he was mad at Hanbin, and this hoe asked if I wanted to go on a late-night ride
quiquidoyouloveme: never again.

wooksbaddie: I’m gonna make him drive me. This can't be real bro

Liltaeahh: im going with cuz wth

Mashusfav: I don't even trust him on the bumper cars

yumomma: HE JUST YELLED “USE YOUR BLINKER GRANDPA” AT A GUY WHO DID USE HIS BLINKER???

Hanbangme: he once told me turn signals are for people who don't believe in themselves

wooksbaddie: … you're dating a dangerous person

Hanbangme: please don’t remind me

quiquidoyouloveme: he’s insane insane

Kingyuvin: he said lane lines are suggestions one time, and I swear we were on the sidewalk 45 seconds later

yumomma: HE’S LAUGHING.

juicycuntour: you’re done bro I'm telling you rn

yumomma: We’re at a red light. he’s revving this fucking engine.

Kingyuvin: why does he treat stop signs like optional side quests

Mashusfav: im crying why is no one stopping him?? Does he have a license???

Hanbangme: tragically, yes.

yumomma: HE JUST YELLED “WE RIDE AT DAWN” AND SPEND THROUGH THE YELLOW

juicycuntour: yeah you're not making it bro

Liltaeahh: bye bye yujin :(

zhangiewangie: why is everyone being dramatic

…

Hanbangme: HAO GET OFF YOUR PHONE???

Kingyuvin: EXCUSE ME??? YOURE DRIVING????

Liltaeahh: YO??? ARE YOU TEXTING AND SWERVING???

yumomma: I’M GONNA FAINT

juicycuntour: how are your thumbs moving right now.

yumomma: HE JUST LAUGHED OUT LOUD AND SAID “they’re so dramatic” WHILE LOOKING AT HIS PHONE I’M GOING TO PASS OUT

Hanbangme: i want to cry. how are you alive

zhangiewangie: i’ve got great reaction time. relax.

quiquidoyouloveme: reaction time?? you ran over a cone and said it was “part of the game.”

Mashusfav: IS THIS A GAME TO YOU???

yumomma: we almost clipped a cyclist and he said, “They knew what they signed up for.”

wooksbaddie: no, this man needs to be studied, not stopped

Kingyuvin: he’s playing God and Mario Kart at the same time

juicycuntour: @Hanbangme come get your man, he’s texting and terrorizing

Hanbangme: don’t @ me I’m in hiding

wooksbaddie: just told hao to pick me and taerae up

Liltaeahh: I see the car. Why is it vibrating. Like not running. Vibrating

yumomma: YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO RUN

Hanbangme: you signed the waiver when you said “pick me up.”

quiquidoyouloveme: we tried to warn you. The universe tried to warn you. The cone tried to warn you

juicycuntour: hao is about to kill my future boyfriend Im

Mashusfav: I've already thrown up from nerves please don't remind me

wooksbaddie: I’ll be fine jeez

Liltaeahh: he rolled down the window and said “y'all ready to risk it all”

wooksbaddie: and smiled.

juicycuntour: taerae pls turn back

Kingyuvin: he did that to me once, and the next thing I knew, we were going 80 in a residential and he was rapping to Nicki Minaj

wooksbaddie: I got in. Send prayers.

Liltaeahh: I’m sitting in the back. He looked at me in the mirror and said “you ever flown without leaving the ground?”

yumomma: LMAOOOOO I TOLD YOU

Mashusfav: wait are you still in the car???

yumomma: no im on my way to yours

Mashusfav: … you left my bf to die??

yumomma: boy I ain't tryna interfere with god’s nature
yumomma: fuck allat

zhangiewangie: you said you wanted the real Hao experience

wooksbaddie: WHY DID YOU JUST YELL “BUCKLE UP WE BALL” AND HIT THE GAS??

Liltaeahh: no like seriously he just turned on Fast & Furious soundtrack unironically

Yumomma: I TOLD Y’ALL. HE PLAYS “TOKYO DRIFT” TO PARALLEL PARK

Kingyuvin: blink twice if he takes a corner on two wheels

wooksbaddie: we just drifted into a Starbucks drive-thru?? he screamed “DRIVE-THRU SPEEDRUN” and honked at a minivan

Liltaeahh: he ordered a black coffee with three espresso shots and said “fuel for the fury”

Hanbangme: i’ve heard that order before. You’ve got 10 minutes before he starts driving like he’s in a cutscene

Mashusfav: no, you’ve got 10 minutes before time stops mattering

wooksbaddie: we’re back on the road. he said “next turn’s a fun one” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???

yumomma: it means you’re not turning. You’re launching

Liltaeahh: WHY ARE WE SWERVING I’M FUCKING FLYING

wooksbaddie: MY HEAD JUST HIT THE ROOF. HE JUST RAN A SPEED BUMP

Liltaeahh: JIWOONG I TAKE IT BACK PLEASE SAVE ME

juicycuntour: tae if the police themselves can't save you, let alone can I

wooksbaddie: I NEED A LAWYER AFTER THIS

Mashusfav: I legally can’t represent you. Conflict of interest and shared trauma.

Hanbangme: I jokingly said I was gonna sue him, and he countersued me for emotional weakness

quiquidoyouloveme: … how is he still your boyfriend

Hanbangme: cuz im in love with him?
Hanbangme: fork found in kitchen?

Kingyuvin: are the guys still alive

wooksbaddie: we just passed a cop. He waved at them. WITH EYE CONTACT.

Hanbangme: he’s immune to law enforcement. i think they know better

yumomma: they clock him at 90 and just whisper “not again…”

wooksbaddie: HE JUST YELLED “CHECKPOINT!” AFTER TURNING ONTO A FREEWAY

Liltaeahh: he high-fived himself. with both hands. while driving.

Mashusfav: that’s legally impressive and terrifying

wooksbaddie: this man drives like the car owes him money

yumomma: i am shaking. not from fear. But from shared vibration

Hanbangme: don’t eat anything for like an hour after this

Liltaeahh: why did I think I’d survive this. he just said “one more shortcut” and sped up

juicycuntour: that’s the final phase. don’t close your eyes. He senses weakness

Kingyuvin: you gotta look confident and pretend you like it. Otherwise he gets ballsy

wooksbaddie: we just jumped a dip and he said “oops” like he meant it

quiquidoyouloveme: okay i’m serious. We need to talk to him about this driving

yumomma: oh so now we’re doing the intervention?? AFTER I AGED 10 YEARS IN ONE CAR RIDE?

wooksbaddie: just got home.
wookiesbaddie: we hit the turn. I briefly left my body. Saw my ancestors. One of them was driving the same honda.

Mashusfav: I'm coming over

Liltaeahh: i’m never doing that again. I thought I was tough. I was wrong. I saw God. And she was clutching the dashboard

zhangiewangie: okay wow. Dramatic much. I got y'all home, didn't I??

Hanbangme: You got us home in a state of disrepair

Mashusfav: You got us home, but our sanity didn't make the trip.

juicycuntour: We made it back, but my will to live didn't

quiquidoyouloveme: got us home but not in one piece.

zhangiewangie: … but you felt alive

yumomma: I FELT AIRBORNE.

Liltaeahh: I felt unsafe

Mashusafav: I felt like calling my insurance

wooksbaddie: pretty sure my soul clocked out after the third illegal merge

Chapter Text

omegaverse

zhangiewangie: I need help

yumomma: no

Liltaeahh: not after that fuckass speed bump you ran and almost dislocated neck I aint doing shit for you

Hanbangme: well, we need help

Kingyuvin: male pregnancy isn't gonna happen you guys, sorry to break it to you

Hanbangme: alright way to ruin my fucking life

zhangiewangie: I need help moving in

Mashusfav: wait like, dorm?

zhangiewangie: yeah :D
zhangiewangie: i’m moving in with Hanbin now that i’m done with Uni

Hanbangme: yeah, and we need help kind of moving

wooksbaddie: that’s nice Katie!

zhangiewangie: yes omg

wooksbaddie: Count me out.

zhangiewangie: fuck you.

quiquidoyouloveme: hanbin, don’t you live across… town…

Hanbangme: yeah…

Liltaeahh: do we haveeeee to

yumomma: ughhhhhhhhhh

Mashusfav: ya’ll are so lazy holy shit

zhangiewangie: I'll buy you guys food

yumomma: wait lmfao typo, food you say?

Liltaeahh: alright I’m in

juicycuntour: me too

Kingyuvin: i’m awake again

wooksbaddie: greedy mother fuckers stg

zhangiewangie: let’s meet up at mine tomorrow so we can start

yumomma: what time

zhangiewangie: well…
zhangiewangie: the earlier the better

Liltaeahh: say the god damn time.

wooksbaddie: put the fries in the bag bro

Hanbangme: 7 a.m

Liltaeahh: y'all want me to die so bad

wooksbaddie: 7 am??? I thought we were friends

yumomma: I thought y'all were my parents

Mashusfav: this isn't friendship. This is labor exploitation

yumomma: see, even the lawyer is mad

juicycuntour: i’m gonna set my alarm, sleep through it, and lie about it. Just be honest

Liltaeahh: does coffee count as food

quiquidoyouloveme: I'll bring the coffee tomorrow, don’t worry

Liltaeahh: ugh I love you please don’t die sexy

Kingyuvin: well god forbid

Hanbangme: 7am at Hao’s place, be late and i’m eating your happy meals.

Kingyuvin: GASP

Mashusfav: you wouldn't dare…

yumomma: TAKE THAT BACK

zhangiewangie: great! Mine at 7 am. Thank you bye

…

Waking up early on a random day in May has to be the human equivalent of waking up in a desert: dry, disoriented, and full of regret. Especially since Jiwoong is currently dragging Taerae out of bed at 6 a.m., while the rest of the group watches Taerae quite literally throw a tantrum.

"I'm younger than him and I've never acted like that over waking up," Yujin muttered, rubbing his eyes.

"Bro, you kicked me when I told you it was time to get up," Gunwook said, pouting and massaging the spot where he’d been assaulted.

"You scared me. That’s not my fault."

“Taeraeeeee, come on,” Ricky called, gently nudging his shoulder. “I brought you coffee. Let’s go before Hao cancels the food.”

Taerae, buried under his blanket like a bitter little pastry, let out a pitiful groan. "If I move, I die. Let me be."

Jiwoong tugged at his ankle with the patience of a saint and the strength of a man who regretted all his life choices. “You said that fifteen minutes ago. You’re still alive.”

Jiwoong sighed and walked over to the side Taerae was facing, gently uncovering his face from under the blanket.

“Taerae, come on,” he said softly, brushing a few messy strands of hair from Taerae’s forehead.

“Five more minutes,” Taerae mumbled, leaning into his hand with a pout. Jiwoong couldn’t help but smile.

“You said that ten minutes ago,” he replied, pressing a quick kiss to his forehead before straightening up.

“You leave me no choice.” He grabbed Taerae’s arm, bracing himself for the deadweight resistance of a man who had zero intentions of being productive.

“Don’t—” Taerae whined, going limp immediately. “I’m in my hibernation era, Jiwoong. Let me rest.”

“Has this lazy bitch not gotten up yet?” Matthew yelled from the living room.

“No,” Jiwoong called back, sighing as he stared down at Taerae’s limp body half-hanging off the bed. “He said he’s in his hibernation era and refuses to get up.”

“I’ll make that hoe get up in no time. Gunwook, help me up,” Matthew said, extending a hand dramatically from his cozy grave on the couch like a man rising for vengeance.

Gunwook, barely lifting his head from a pile of throw pillows, sighed and gave him the weakest assist known to mankind.

With heavy steps and heavier intent, he stomped toward Taerae’s room like it was a battlefield.
Inside, Taerae cracked open one eye at the sound of Matthew’s arrival, already sensing the incoming violence.

“Bitch,” Matthew started, voice sharp and unforgiving, “I’ll drag you out of this fuckass bed if you don’t get up right now.”

“All bark, no bite,” Taerae mumbled, eyes already drifting shut again.

“Ouu, girl,” Ricky whispered from the hallway, holding onto Gyuvin’s head as it slowly dozed on his shoulder.

Matthew ignored the comment and grabbed one of Taerae’s ankles. “Test me again, and I’ll flip you like a mattress.”

“Do it,” Taerae dared, accepting fate at that point.

“Gunwook, other leg.” Gunwook walked in, phone out, and recording.

“This feels like a hate crime, but okay.”

…

The car ride was silent.

Well… for the first five minutes.

Then Yujin started crying.

“Please take me home, Jiwoong hyung,” he whimpered from the back seat, voice cracking like a toddler. “I might die, and I really don’t wanna go anymore.”

Jiwoong glanced at the rearview mirror, eyes locking onto Yujin’s full pout and watery eyes. “I’m sorry, Yujin, but we’re already here,” he said gently, though the exhaustion in his voice was obvious.

Yujin sniffled dramatically. “My foot is still injured. Please pull over.”

Matthew groaned from the very back. “Jiwoong, pull over. I wanna leave him on the side of the road.”

Jiwoong’s knuckles tightened around the steering wheel like it was his last tether to sanity. He inhaled slowly, speaking through gritted teeth. “Nobody is dying. Nobody is being left on the road. We are five minutes away. Please. I’m begging.”

Gunwook leaned forward from the middle seat. “Jiwoong hyung, blink twice if you need help.”

“He can’t,” Ricky mumbled from where he was half-asleep against the window. “If he closes his eyes for more than two seconds, he’ll crash and we’ll all die.”

“That would be better than carrying furniture,” Yujin muttered, wiping a dramatic tear. “Tell my fans I loved them.”

“You don’t have fans,” Taerae said without looking up from his phone.

“I have potential fans.”

Jiwoong exhaled like a man who had just aged 12 years in one morning.

“Can everyone please just pretend to be normal until we get there?”

Silence.

Then Taerae slowly turned his head toward him and whispered, “But we’re not.”

Jiwoong closed his eyes. And inhaled. “Kim Taerae-”

“Right, sorry.” Taerae nodded quickly.

…

The sun was barely up, but Zhang Hao was already waiting outside his building with a clipboard, a labeled system of sticky notes, and the haunted gleam of a man who’d been mentally moving in since the beginning of time.

“You’re late,” he said, squinting at the group as they stumbled out of Jiwoong’s car like survivors from a bunker.

“It’s been ten minutes,” Gunwook replied, closing the car door behind him like he was sealing away a curse.

“Ten minutes and seventeen seconds,” Hao said, tapping his clipboard.

Gyuvin stared at it like it had personally insulted his family. “Why do you have that?”

“I like structure,” Hao replied simply.

Matthew tripped on the curb and immediately sat down. “I like death.”

Hanbin jogged over from the side entrance, already wearing gloves and a determined smile. “Okay! Who’s ready to move furniture?!”

The silence was so complete.

Hanbin clapped his hands. “No worries, we’ll warm up into it! The boxes are mostly downstairs already, just need help with the big stuff!”

“Define big,” Ricky said, squinting like he could somehow make Hanbin disappear.

“Oh! Just, like… the couch, the bookshelf, two desks, a bed frame, and a few mystery boxes labeled ‘fragile’ that Hao refuses to explain.”

“They’re antiques,” Hao corrected from the top of the stairs. “Handle with reverence.”

“I will drop them on purpose,” Yujin mumbled, leaning dramatically against the railing like a widow in mourning.

“Are you going to pay for a chiropractor, too?” Taerae asked, helping Matthew off the sidewalk.

“Okay,” Gunwook said, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s just get it over with. Where’s the elevator?”

“There is no elevator,” Hao replied.

Silence again.

“Say that again,” Jiwoong said, voice so low it could have killed someone.

“No elevator! It’s out of service,” Hao repeated cheerfully. “Just four flights of stairs. Great cardio.”

Gyuvun looked straight into the sky. “God is not real.”

…

Well, luck, for once, was somewhat on Ricky, Matthew, Yujin, and Taerae’s side.

Despite their half-dead states and collective hatred for mornings, they were spared the heavy lifting and assigned to load boxes into Hao’s car. Simple. Light. Stackable.

Meanwhile, Jiwoong, Gyuvin, and Gunwook had drawn the short end of the stick, tasked with hauling the big stuff. The couch. The bookshelf. The mystery boxes that might’ve contained bricks, guilt, or both.

“This isnt fucking fair,” Gyuvin said holding an end of a bookshelf, “the discrimination again men here is insane.”

“Bro, we’re all men what the” Gunwook grunted, holding in his breath as he took another stair step down, only to inhale sharply at the sudden pain he felt on his thigh. “GYUVIN, HOLD THE GOD DAMN SHELF RIGHT.”

“I'M TRYING.” Gyuvin barked back, his arms trembling under the sheer weight of the bookshelf. “This shit is made out of lead. I'm gonna cry. I am crying.”

“STOP TILTING-“ Jiwoong’s voice cut out with a thud, followed by a sound that could only be described as furniture-based despair.

Taerae plopped a small box beside him and exhaled like he’d just solved world peace. “This is the kind of labor I can handle.”

Yujin, walking past with a tote bag that looked suspiciously empty, grinned. “We’re working smarter, not harder.”

Matthew stretched, arms above his head. “Let them suffer. It builds character.” A muffled thud echoed from inside the building.

BANG.

“I’M STUCK—GYUVIN I’M STUCK!!”

A pause.

“MY LEG!!”

Another bang.

“Should we go check up on them?” Ricky asked, still organizing the boxes inside the car. “One of them just screamed ‘my leg,’ and that happens to be my boyfriend.”

“They’ll be fine,” Matthew said, casually shutting the trunk with a clunk. “The one who said he’s stuck is mine.” He giggled evilly.

“I think Jiwoong is also helping with that,” Taerae added from where he was leaning against the backseat.

“WAIT, GYUVIN, DON’T LET GO OF YOUR SIDE—“

BANG.

“JIWOONG HYUNG!”

The three of them froze, eyes meeting like a horror movie scene before the jump scare. Matthew exhaled sharply and cracked his neck. “Alright. Let’s go.”

The inside of the building felt like a war zone.

The moment Ricky, Matthew, and Taerae stepped into the stairwell, they were met with the sight of absolute defeat. Like if they lost a bar fight… against a bookshelf.

Gunwook was splayed out on the second step, one shoe off, cradling his leg with the dramatics of a war soldier in a period drama.

Gyuvin stood at an awkward angle, arms fully extended, gripping the bookshelf like it was his mortal enemy and his only lifeline all at once.

And then there was Jiwoong.

Or rather, the legs of Jiwoong, barely visible, sticking out from behind the massive shelf like the Wicked Witch under a house.

“Oh my god, Jiwoong,” Taerae said, rushing over.

“Hyung, say something if you’re still alive,” Ricky shouted.

“I’m fine,” Jiwoong gritted out, wincing as he twisted his ankle. “Just… reconsidering all of my life decisions.”

“He's alive,” Matthew confirmed. “Unfortunate.”

Matthew looked over to the other two boys, Ricky carefully tending to Gyuvin’s cut on his forearm after the fall. Then his gaze landed on Gunwook, who was rubbing his thigh with a grimace. Matthew let out a sharp breath and stepped closer.

“You okay? Where does it hurt?” Matthew asked, brushing dust off his shirt.
Gunwook just shook his head. “It’s pretty bad, boba. Must’ve scraped it on the corner of that damn shelf.”

Matthew cocked an eyebrow. “Come on, let me see.”

Gunwook teased, pulling his hand away slowly, a playful glint in his eyes. “Worried about me?”

Matthew’s breath hitched as he finally saw the scrape, a red, angry line just above Gunwook’s thigh. His fingers lightly traced the wound while shooting Gunwook a half-smile. “Maybe. Someone’s gotta take care of you.”

Gunwook’s smirk softened, eyes sparkling. “Guess I’m lucky then.” Matthew leaned a little closer, voice dropping to a gentle murmur, “Yeah, very lucky.”

A first aid kit came flying from behind and smacked the floor next to them with a clunk.

“Get a fucking room,” Yujin grumbled, hobbling toward them with a limp, dragging his right foot behind him.

“Guys,” Taerae called out, slightly breathless as he wrestled the fallen bookshelf off the last few steps of the staircase. “Jiwoong’s ankle is sprained.”

Yujin’s eyes widened, and without hesitation, he pointed dramatically at Jiwoong.

“That’s Twinemmm.” He hopped his way towards Jiwoong. “Oh my god, same leg and everything.”

Jiwoong lay there, staring at the ceiling with the dead-eyed expression of someone whose will to live had been replaced by regret.

“Please kill me now.”

Yujin dramatically threw himself down next to Jiwoong, sighing like he’d just completed a ten-year war. “We’re bonded now, peepaw” he said solemnly, staring into the middle distance. “Same leg. Same pain. Same downfall.”

“I don’t think yours is even injured anymore,” Jiwoong muttered, trying not to wince as he adjusted his foot.

Yujin gasped. “How dare you accuse me of faking. My limp is very real. Just not… consistent.”

“It's real when it gets you out of lifting things,” Ricky added, arms crossed.

“You get me.” Yujin offered him a tired smile. “Only you understand my truth.”

“Shut up,” Ricky said, tossing him a cold pack anyway.

Meanwhile, Matthew was crouched in front of Gunwook, still fussing over the cut. “This is deep. We should amputate.”

“Uhm, no thanks, I want my leg,” Gunwook said, wincing as Matthew wrapped his thigh in a bandage.

Hao appeared at the top of the stairs again, clipboard still in hand.

“Team update?” he called, way too cheerful for a man watching three of his friends fall apart on his staircase.

“Team depression,” Jiwoong groaned, finally sitting up with Taerae’s help.

“We’re one more accident away from filing a lawsuit.”

“Against who?”

“I don’t know. God? Gravity?”

Hanbin peeked his head around the doorframe, gloves still on, expression way too chipper for someone about to drag a bed frame up four flights. “Okay, so good news!”

“There’s no good news,” Matthew said immediately.

Hanbin blinked. “I was just gonna say that the bed frame is lighter than I thought, but okay.”

“Oh,” Matthew paused. “Well. Still no.”

“Gyuvin and I can take the bed,” Hanbin said, already heading upstairs with terrifying optimism.

“I'm gonna die,” Gyuvin said, nearly crying as he forced his body up the stairs.

Taerae leaned against the doorframe next to Jiwoong, who was sitting on one of the steps, watching Hanbin and Gyuvin vanish around the corner at the bottom of the staircase.

“I give Gyuvin five minutes before we hear a crash,” Taerae said.

“Three,” Yujin replied flatly. “He’s fueled by laziness and a sense of betrayal. That burns fast.”

Right on cue, there was a THUNK from above, followed by Hanbin’s chipper voice shouting, “That’s okay! We can still work with this!”

Gyuvin’s voice immediately followed, panicked: “WE CAN’T WORK WITH A BED LEG THAT’S SNAPPED IN HALF—”

Ricky sighed, already standing up. “That’s our cue.”

Chapter Text

...

The nearby café was supposed to be a break.

It was supposed to be a brief moment of peace. Caffeine, pastries, and sitting down without someone screaming about their spine — just a sweet, silent reward after nearly losing their lives to stairs and a shelf built by Satan.

It was supposed to be.

But then they let Yujin order.

“One large iced americano,” he said, still limping slightly. “With five extra espresso shots.”

The barista blinked. “Sir, that’s… dangerous.”

“Girl,” Yujin said, leaning on the counter like a man in a noir film. “Put the goddamn fries in the bag.”

The barista paused, “… you didn't order fries,”

“I know,” Yujin replied, glaring into her soul. “And yet, here we are.”

Behind Yujin, Ricky sighed and stepped up to the counter.

“Hi, yeah. Medium matcha latte, with strawberry foam, please. And… whatever croissant looks least like it’s been through a war.”

“I want what he’s having,” Matthew cut in, tossing his arm around Ricky’s shoulder like he hadn’t just tripped over the café step.

“But make mine hot. I want to feel something.”

Gunwook raised an eyebrow. “You’re going to feel regret in about ten minutes.”

“I’m already there,” Matthew replied, dead-eyed.

Further back in line, Jiwoong looked like he’d been stitched together with caffeine and trauma. He leaned against Taerae, eyes half-closed, looking at the menu on his phone.

“My foot hurts,” Jiwoong frowned.

“Yes, I know,” Taerae said, scrolling.

“I could die and you’ll never get the chance to date me,” Jiwoong sighed. His frown was very audible.

“Well, God forbid,” Taerae giggled, showing him the menu. “What do you want?”

“Just get me the strongest legal stimulant that won’t get me arrested.”

“Copy that,” Taerae nodded. “You’ll be asleep in a flower bed by 3 p.m. with a cup of apple juice.”

“You’re so kind to me,” Jiwoong mumbled, forehead briefly meeting Taerae’s shoulder.

Meanwhile, at a table in the corner, Gyuvin stared blankly at his reflection on his phone screen. “I can hear colors,” he whispered.

“You haven’t had coffee yet,” Hao pointed out without looking up from his phone.

“That’s the problem,” Gyuvin replied, wide-eyed. “I’m naturally gifted. It’s a burden.”

“You dropped a bookshelf on your own foot thirty minutes ago.”

“And I survived,” Gyuvin said. “Name someone stronger.”

“Probably the bookshelf,” Hao said, finally looking up.

Yujin returned to the table triumphantly, iced americano in one hand and absolutely no regard for his bloodstream in the other.

“It’s time to rise, hoes,” he declared, taking a long sip. “I can feel my yunini neurons.”

Matthew blinked. “Your what?”

“My yunini neurons. My spirit guide just tapped in. Her name is Britney.”

“Like Spears?”

“No, like the cashier from HomeGoods who once told me I had an old soul and then offered me a clearance coupon. She knew things.”

“Where is this conversation going?” Ricky asked, passing his drink to Gyuvin for a sip.

Taerae set his croissant down slowly. “I’m scared.”

“You should be,” Yujin said, sipping again. “I am limitless.”

“Limitlessly annoying,” Matthew muttered into his straw.

Gyuvin raised a hand like a student. “Who wants to fake an injury so we can Uber back instead of carrying that fridge?”

Hao immediately looked up, eyes narrowed. “Don’t even think about it.”

“I’m thinking about it,” Gyuvin said, still sipping on Ricky’s drink.

“Well, we can’t stop now,” Hao said, checking his phone. “We still have the last load. Plus, arranging Hanbin’s place.”

The entire table groaned in unison.

“Why do we always get roped into this?” Taerae asked, eyes closed as he lay with his head on the table. “I could be watching a drama right now.”

“Because Hao promised food,” Gunwook answered. “And because Hanbin is scary when he’s determined.”

“And because we’re enablers,” Ricky added, sipping his drink. “We complain. Loudly. But we always show up.”

“I’m gonna fake my death after this,” Jiwoong muttered, unwrapping a banana bread slice. “Don’t look for me. Just assume I went in peace.”

Hao clapped his hands once, clipboard magically reappeared. “Let’s go, soldiers.”

Everyone groaned again. Everyone got up anyway.

Ricky looked around, then leaned toward Jiwoong and whispered, “How many of us do you think are gonna make it through the second round?”

Jiwoong didn’t hesitate. “Two. Maybe three.”

Yujin held up his iced cup solemnly like a toast. “To our fallen.”

Matthew raised his own. “And to whoever has to carry the fridge.”

Gunwook raised his last. “That’s Jiwoong’s job.”

Jiwoong blinked.

“Oh, right,” he muttered. “Sprained ankle.”

He looked down at his foot. “…fridge it is.”

…

Gyuvin eyed the bulky fridge like it was a mythical beast he was about to wrestle. “I’m not sure if I’m carrying a fridge or a small planet,” he muttered, tightening his grip.

Matthew smirked, stepping beside him. “You got this, big guy. Just pretend it’s a barbell and we’re training for the Olympics.”

Jiwoong snorted. “At this point, they’re training for the hospital.”

Hanbin clapped his hands again. “Alright, team! Let’s lift off three.”

“Three?” Yujin’s voice cracked. “Can we start at ten?”

“On three!” Hanbin repeated firmly. Yujin, Matthew, Hanbin, and Gyuvin crouched, muscles tensing.

“One…” Hao counted down.

“Two…”

“THREE!”

They heaved, the fridge groaning under their combined effort. For a moment, it felt like victory—until the fridge slipped an inch, then a scary wobble hit.

“Guys…?” Gyuvin’s voice cracked, panic blooming in his eyes.

“Well, fuck.”

“GUYS, WAIT—DON’T TILT!”

“TILT?”

“NO, DON’T TILT IT, YUJIN.”

“YUJIN!” Gyuvin shrieked as he felt the fridge feel heavier on his end.

“IT’S TILTING IT’S TILTING!”

“GUYS SHE’S RIGHT BEHIND ME, ISN'T SHE?”

“THE STAIRS ARE RIGHT BEHIND YOU. PLEASE DON’T DIE,” Ricky practically screamed, eyes wide and panicked for his boyfriend Gyuvin.

“PUT THE GOD DAMN FRIDGE DOWN”

“SO I LET IT GO?”

“NO, YUJIN, JUST—DONT LET GO—“

Yujin lets go, and he slowly turns to look at Gunwook’s widened eyes.

“Sorry, I panicked.”

“BITCH??” Gunwook screams like his throat caught fire. “YOU CAN'T JUST ‘PANIC’ YOUR WAY OUT OF THIS!” Gunwook’s voice cracked mid-scream, eyes wide with pure disbelief.

Hao sighed into his palm, voice dangerously calm.

“Hanbin, babe, please do something.”

“Sweetie,” came Hanbin’s strained reply from behind the fridge, “I’m currently squished between this fridge and the wall.”

A pause.

“…And I don’t like it.” Hanbin’s voice cracked.

“You guys are seriously about to kill my boyfriend,” Ricky says as he bites his fingernails.

“Gunwook, if you really want that date to happen, this fridge better survive,” Matthew called from the sidelines, where he and Taerae were casually sharing a bag of chips like spectators.

“Oh, y’all going on a date?” Taerae asked, munching.

“Yeah,” Matthew replied, mid-chew. “From that bowling quadruple date. He owes me a favor, and I owe him a date, he said, and I quote, ‘ you go on a date with me officially. Like, real.’ ”

“That's actually kinda cute,” Jiwoong said, leaning lazily against Taerae. “Where are you taking him?”

Matthew shrugged. “I lowkey don’t know, but that’s his job. He plans it, I show up.”

“And the favor?” Taerae grinned, nudging him.

Matthew didn’t miss a beat. “Girl. Mind your business.”

Unbeknownst to them, Gunwook — currently holding up his half of the fridge with the strength of desperation and fear — had very much heard everything.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN I PLAN IT?” he shouted from halfway down the stairs. “I THOUGHT YOU WERE KIDDING.”

The fridge lurched as his grip slipped slightly.

“GUNWOOK NO—” Jiwoong yelled, lunging forward instinctively.

“I’M NOT READY FOR A DATE AND A DISLOCATED SHOULDER,” Gunwook wailed.

“I AM RIGHT BEHIND THE FRIDGE,” Hanbin reminded them all, voice muffled. “I would like to live.”

“I’m jumping out the window,” Gyuvin said, cheek plastered onto the side of the fridge.

…

The war was over.

The fridge was standing. The dresser was assembled. The cursed boxes were stacked. No one had died — somehow — and Gyuvin hadn’t jumped out the window (though he had stood in front of it for a full minute, weighing his options).

Now they were crammed together on Hao and Hanbin’s living room floor, limbs tangled, backs destroyed, and pride obliterated.

But they had food.

Takeout bags lay in the middle like treasure, half-ripped open and surrounded by half-conscious twenty-somethings in various stages of emotional ruin.

Gyuvin was curled up in a blanket burrito, head on Ricky’s lap, whispering into his fries.

“That fuckass fridge gon’ face my wrath one day babe.” He shoved fries in his mouth, “very very soon.”

Gunwook, who was also lying on his respective moon’s lap, slowly looked at Gyuvin as if he was insane, slowly inching away from his best friend, a nugget in hand.

Hanbin walked out of the kitchen holding Capri Suns and a bag of cookies. “We don’t have enough cups for everyone, so Capri Suns it is.”

“Juice?” Jiwoong lifted his head slightly. “What are we, five?”

“Yes,” Hanbin said, tossing one directly at him. “Five and emotionally unstable.”

“No argument there,” Ricky muttered, adjusting Gyuvin’s blanket like he wasn’t smiling.

Hao finally sat down on the couch, shoes off, clipboard retired. “Thanks for helping, guys.”

A beat of silence passed.

“You’re welcome,” Matthew replied, sipping a smoothie through a straw with the poise of someone who carried exactly zero furniture.

“But never again,” Jiwoong added.

Taerae raised his Capri Sun. “To trauma bonding.”

Yujin clinked his against it. “To manual labor we did not sign up for.”

Gunwook held up a soggy fry. “To love, pain, and scoliosis.”

Ricky just shook his head. “To all of you. Somehow… my favorite people.”

There was a pause—a long one.

Then Matthew muttered, “Alright, who the fuck ate my nuggets?”

…

Takeout wrappers were scattered. Juice boxes are half-drained. Someone’s sock was on the lamp. And somewhere between fries, muttered threats to the fridge, and Hanbin trying to make everyone hydrate, they all began to… fade.

Taerae was the first to go, curled up on the carpet, arms tucked in, his cheek smushed against a folded hoodie. Jiwoong, who’d been lazily sitting nearby, blinked once, twice, and then quietly shifted down beside him, letting his arm drape across Taerae’s side like it was instinct. No words — just warmth, and the shared silence of people who’d survived something traumatic. Like a shelf.

Gyuvin mumbled something about "revenge lawsuits" before fully collapsing against Ricky’s chest, wrapped in a blanket cocoon. Ricky, who had been gently combing his fingers through Gyuvin’s hair, looked like he’d planned this all along. Whispering “night, night” into his beloved’s ear before he also lost the battle against sleep.

Matthew made it to the floor and then dramatically dropped onto his back with a sigh of a man who’d seen the afterlife. Gunwook followed shortly after, flopping down beside him, arm casually thrown across Matthew’s stomach as if that was his designated spot all along. Matthew cracked one eye open at the contact, didn’t say anything, and just let his hand rest gently over Gunwook’s. He smiled to himself as he gave Gunwook some of his blanket.

Hanbin and Hao stood in the doorway of the living room, the glow from the hallway light washing over the six bodies passed out across the floor. They looked at them — Jiwoong curled next to Taerae, Gunwook clinging to Matthew like a backpack, Ricky and Gyuvin tangled together under a blanket — and smiled like proud parents who hadn’t signed up for this many children.

“They look peaceful,” Hanbin whispered.

“They look dead,” Hao corrected fondly. “But yes. Peaceful.”

Still smiling, they turned and padded down the hall, steps light. Hanbin chuckled as they reached the bedroom door.

“I just realized,” he said, voice low, “we left the shoe rack at my old place.”

Hao giggled, already reaching for the door. “Guess that’s a tomorrow problem.”

They stepped inside and froze.

There, right in the middle of their shared bed, blanket pulled up to his chest, kicking his legs like a little kid: Yujin.

“Oh, thank God y’all didn’t come in here making out,” he said casually. “I would’ve taken my chances and jumped out the window.”

Hanbin stood in stunned silence, mouth slightly open.

Hao, unfazed, just smiled and walked over to the bed. “Scoot,” he said, nudging Yujin.

Yujin rolled his eyes but shifted to the side with a dramatic sigh. “I better get breakfast for this,” he muttered, fluffing the pillow behind him like he owned the place.

Hanbin blinked, finally snapping out of it. “Is he… is he seriously—”

“Let it happen,” Hao said, already sliding under the covers on Yujin’s other side. “We’re too tired to fight this battle.”

Hanbin stood there for a second longer before groaning and crawling in on the other side. The bed was crowded. There were too many limbs. Someone was breathing directly onto someone else’s neck. But somehow, it still felt… right.

“Night, Mom and Dad,” Yujin said, yawning as he rolled onto his side.

“Night, intruder,” Hanbin grumbled.

Hao just smiled again, already drifting off. “He’s our problem now.” And with that, the door shut softly behind them, and the last light in the apartment finally went out.

...

Chapter Text

omegaverse

yumomma: yall wanna hang out

Hanbangme: it's pouring outside

yumomma: I still think the world is spinning
yumomma: so y'all wanna hang out or not

quiquidoyouloveme: I'm down for an indoor hangout, it's pouring heavy yujin

yumomma: I'm down for that, yes yes

zhangiewangie: omg are we doing a sleepover

Liltaeahh: omg a sleepover sounds so fun

Kingyuvin: I want sleepover, gunwook do you want over sleep

Mashusfav: I thinks I want over sleep too

Hanbangme: Is the weather just making these two talk like minions

zhangiewangie: I think me want sleep overs toos

Liltaeahh: me bring snacks

juicycuntour: nope, they got these two as well

quiquidoyouloveme: so where the da fuck the da function

Liltaeahh: mine mine
Liltaeahh: I’ll just clean the blankets real quick

juicycuntour: want me to come over? I can help with the cleaning

Liltaeahh: are you sure?
Liltaeahh: my apartment is a mess from when ya'll bombarded my crib to wake me up

zhangiewangie: that was… 3 days ago? Why hasn't it been cleaned

Liltaeahh: uhm next question

juicycuntour: i'm okay with that, i'd love to help

yumomma: yeah go on ova there peepaw
yumomma: make that floor squeeky clean cuz im gon be there for a long time

Liltaeahh: are you sure?

quiquidoyouloveme: young love… i'm envious

Kingyuvin: fuck am I to you

quiquidoyouloveme: the love of my life?

Mashusfav: talkin bout
Mashusfav: has anyone heard from Matthew, he hasn't answered since the morning

Hanbangme: I heard he had something going on in the afternoon, but i'll call him

juicycuntour: it seriously wont stop pouring this is insane, possible lake out there

Kingyuvin: gasp
Kingyuvin: guys…

Hanbangme: no we are not renting a boat.

Kingyuvin: ruining my dreams.

Liltaeahh: it started around 4 pm and it hasnt stopped its insane

yumomma: there was also thunder earlier
yumomma: I got scared but im straight

zhangiewangie: ?
zhangiewangie: What’s that supposed to mean

yumomma: yes

zhangiewangie: alright

quiquidoyouloveme: im bringing my Mario cart
quiquidoyouloveme: but if my controllers get thrown one more time. I'm throwing you.

Mashusfav: … sorry

juicycuntour: how did you even

Mashusfav: I got excited and thought the blue shell was real

yumomma: you… need meds

Mashusfav: I know

Hanbangme: currently making a list on what we need

Kingyuvin: can you add socks
Kingyuvin: if I get cold toes again I will become evil

quiquidoyouloveme: add socks… its true

Hanbangme: okay…

Liltaeahh: ya'll better bring blankets too, I have like two. And one of them is for aesthetic purposes so fuck if ya'll get cold

juicycuntour: see I would, but unfortunately, I will not let my Justin Bieber-designed blanket can not risk physical contact with hao

zhangiewangie: first of all, thats rude
zhangiewangie: second of all, I would steal it

quiquidoyouloveme: alright but what about food?

Kingyuvin: Capri Suns.

Mashusfav: can someone bring real food? like. a lasagna. or a rotisserie chicken.

yumomma: WHO is bringing a rotisserie chicken to a sleepover???

Mashusfav: someone with love in their heart.

Liltaeahh: 8 pm my place then?

quiquidoyouloveme: thumbs up

yumomma: can someone pick me up :p

Kingyuvin: yes :D

Hanbangme: yes, thats fine
Hanbangme: im still trying to get ahold of Matthew but he wont answer

zhangiewangie: thats weird, maybe he’s still busy?

Liltaeahh: mmm it is raining, he’ll probably answer when it stops

Mashusfav: what do you mean?

Liltaeahh: he doesn't like when it rains
Liltaeahh: Matthew perfers to be alone when it is

juicycuntour: really? Since when?

Liltaeahh: since when he got admitted to the hospital

…

Gunwook bites his lip nervously as he watches the messages pop up about Matthew and his overstimulation with rain. He sighs deeply, setting his phone down for a moment, trying to remember if Matthew ever mentioned anything about the rain or his relationship to it. He groans quietly, then picks up his phone again and dials Taerae’s number.

“Alright, time to get some answers.”

Gunwook’s phone rings, the line clicking on. Taerae picks up after a few rings.

“Hi Wook, what’s up?” Taerae said, hearing the doorbell ring behind him as he made his way towards it.

“Hey Taerae, I wanted to ask more about Matthew,” Gunwook said.

Taerae smiles into the phone, “Go on.”

He opened the door and saw Jiwoong standing there, who stepped in, giving Taerae a side hug and kissing his forehead before setting his bag down.

“I’m just… really worried about Matthew.”
Taerae paused, stopping in the middle of the kitchen. He leaned against the counter, shoulders dropping slightly.

“You said that he doesn't like the rain,” Gunwook continued. “Can I ask why?”

Taerae sighed, pressing the phone tightly to his ear.
“Matthew…” he said quietly, a weak smile pulling at his lips. “When he took the hit for me 2 years ago from those bullies, it happened to be raining.”

Gunwook lowered his eyes as Taerae continued.

The memory was one they both carried, but not all of them understood the weight it still had

“It’s like rain is a trigger for his ptsd. He’s scared of it since then, or maybe not scared, but, on edge. Even when it just starts to get cloudy, he tenses up.”

Gunwook swallowed hard, a lump building in his throat as Taerae’s voice grew softer.

“He came home to me limping, soaked. I begged him to go to the hospital, and when he said no, I forced him. Not just for the bruises, his leg, or the concussion. His whole body just… shut down. The stress, the shock—it pushed him past his limit.”

Taerae’s eyes dropped to the floor. Jiwoong moved quietly around behind him, putting things away, but staying close enough to offer silent support.

“Ever since then,” Taerae said, “the rain reminds him of it. Of the pain. Of the fear. Of… me.”

A quiet pause stretched between them, just the sound of the rain tapping softly against the windows.

“I didn’t know,” Gunwook finally said, his voice thick. “I didn’t realize it still lived in him like that.”

“He doesn’t talk about it,” Taerae replied. “Not really. But I see it. How he flinches when the first drop hits the glass. How he disappears when a storm comes. He pretends he’s fine, but I can tell he’s still caught in it.”

Taerae’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I should’ve been the one to get hit. I’ve thought that every day.”

“Taerae…” Gunwook said gently. “You didn’t ask him to do that. He did it because he wanted to protect you.”

“I didn’t stop him either,” Taerae murmured. Silence again. Just the muffled hum of rain and memory between them.

“I’m going over there,” Gunwook said suddenly. “I’m not letting him go through this alone tonight.”

Taerae smiled through the tears that slid down his cheeks. He wiped one away, hoping his voice carried the smile that touched his lips.

“Bring him home,” he said softly. “And by home, I mean mine. Because that bitch moved out.”

Gunwook let out a quiet laugh. “I will. Thank you, Taerae.”

Taerae stood still for a moment after the call ended, the soft chime of the line disconnecting echoing louder in his ears than the rain outside.

He set his phone down slowly on the counter, fingers lingering a second too long before he pulled them back and wiped at his face. He hadn’t realized he was crying until the cold touch of his own hand met damp skin.

Behind him, Jiwoong had paused what he was doing. Quiet, patient. Watching.

“You okay?” Jiwoong asked softly, voice careful like someone stepping over glass.

Taerae didn’t answer. His eyes were fixed on nothing, jaw clenched just enough to show he was trying to keep something in.

Jiwoong stepped closer. “Taerae.”

There was a pause.

“You said it should’ve been you,” Jiwoong continued gently, but firmly. “Do you really believe that?”

Taerae closed his eyes, shoulders tense.
“It was meant for me,” he said quietly. “And Matthew, he didn’t even hesitate. He just—he stepped in. Took it all.” He exhaled like it hurt.

“And now every time it rains, I know he remembers it. And he remembers me. The person he got hurt protecting. I’m a trigger, Jiwoong.”

Jiwoong’s heart twisted at the way he said it — like a fact, like an awful truth he’d accepted a long time ago.

“No,” Jiwoong said, stepping in close and wrapping his arms around him, resting his chin on Taerae’s shoulder.

“You’re not a trigger. You’re the person who took care of him after. You’re the person who forced him to go to the hospital when he wouldn’t. You’re the reason he made it through that night.”

Taerae’s throat tightened, and he looked down, his eyes shimmering again.
“I stood there and let him take it,” he whispered.

“You didn’t let him,” Jiwoong said. “He chose it. You would’ve done the same if the roles were reversed.”

Taerae didn’t respond right away. His breathing slowed under Jiwoong’s arms.

“You can carry love without carrying guilt,” Jiwoong added softly. “You’re allowed to hurt. But stop punishing yourself for surviving something you never asked for.”

Taerae turned around and pressed his forehead into Jiwoong’s shoulder, his fingers twisting gently into the fabric of Jiwoong’s sleeve.

“Okay,” he said finally. Not a full belief, but something like a first step.

Jiwoong just held him tighter, letting the rain fall outside while they stayed still, silent, and warm, both of them standing in the aftermath of old storms, together.

After all, they, too, had a relationship with the rain.
Not the same one. But a shared one.

And across the city, while Taerae stood tucked in the arms of someone who refused to let him drown in guilt, beneath the same grey sky, another boy was still learning how to breathe through his.

Gunwook stood in front of Matthew’s apartment building, rain soaking through the hem of his jeans, hair damp beneath his hood. The street behind him was quiet, save for the soft rush of tires gliding over wet pavement and the rhythmic pattering of rain on concrete.

He glanced up at the building, third floor, end window. The light was on, dim, golden, flickering faintly like someone had forgotten to care about it.

He made his way up to Matthew’s room, and when he got there, he didn't waste time knocking.

Waited.

No answer.

He exhaled slowly, knocking again. Nothing.

Gunwook reached for his phone, thumb hovering over Matthew’s name… but before he could press it, he heard the muffled sound of a door unlocking.

He looked up.

And there, silhouetted in the open doorway, stood Matthew.

His hair was messy, curls sticking to his forehead from sweat or maybe tears. He was in an oversized hoodie, sleeves pulled past his hands, the cuffs damp. His eyes were red-rimmed, heavy, tired — but wide with surprise.

Gunwook’s gaze drifted to Matthew’s hands. He was picking at the skin around his thumb, his fingers raw and restless. Matthew opened his mouth, voice strained, cracked from disuse.

“Why…” he started. But before the question could fully leave him, a bright light overlapped with a loud clap of thunder that cracked through the sky. Matthew flinched violently. His body jerked as if on instinct, his eyes squeezing shut. His hands flew to his ears, and his shoulders curled in. All the breath he had seemed to vanish.

Gunwook moved forward without thinking. “Hey, hey,” he said, soft but steady. “It’s just me. It’s okay.”

“Don't,” Matthew shook his head as he backed away, “don't get near me.” His voice broke out.

“Matthew,” Gunwook said gently, holding out his arms—not forcing, not closing the space, just offering. “Let me hold you.”

Matthew kept his hands over his ears, his body trembling. “Why are you here?” he asked, voice fragile. “Why now?”

Gunwook stood still, watching him with a heart that felt like it was breaking in real time.

“If you think this is some kind of payback for when I held you—” Matthew flinched as thunder cracked again, louder this time. His body jerked, eyes squeezing shut, the fear flooding back in. He reached for the door, trying to close it.

Gunwook caught it gently but firmly, voice rising—not in anger, but urgency. “Can you stop being selfish for one second?”

Matthew froze.

“I’m not here to make it even,” Gunwook said, his voice shaking now. “I’m not here because I owe you. I’m here because I want to be.”

His eyes searched Matthew’s face, every word ringing with truth.

“Not out of guilt. Not out of pity. I’m here because I care. Because I couldn’t stay away knowing you were in pain.”

His words hung in the thick, rain-heavy air.

“I’m not asking you to be okay with it. I just,” Gunwook sighs, now closing the door behind him. “I needed you to know that it’s not pity, it’s not guilt, and it’s not obligation.”

He looked directly at Matthew now, like he was stepping out into the storm himself.

“It’s because of you. It’s always been you.”

Matthew didn’t say anything at first.

Gunwook stayed where he was. His breathing was uneven, but he didn’t push. He just stood there, soaked in emotion, drenched in rain, eyes steady and soft like he was prepared to be turned away — but still hoping he wouldn’t be.

Matthew’s eyes didn’t move for a long while. He just stood there, as if rooted to the floor, the sound of rain bleeding through the windows like static noise. His breathing was uneven, shallow. There was a weight behind his eyes—too many thoughts, too many memories, too much trying to escape all at once.

Gunwook didn’t dare take another step. His arms remained at his sides, still, but open. Waiting.

“I don’t…” Matthew’s voice came low, raw. “I don’t know if I can be held right now.”

Gunwook nodded. “Okay.”

“I’m not… I’m not okay,”
Matthew said, his eyes darting downward. “I don’t want to fall apart in front of you.”

“Then let me be the one you fall apart with.”

The words weren’t polished. They weren’t said perfectly. But they were real, and they landed.

Matthew’s breath hitched in his throat, but he still didn’t move. Gunwook took a careful step forward, slow, measured, like approaching an abandoned puppy.

“I won’t touch you unless you want me to,” he said, his voice gentle. “But I’m not leaving. Not while you’re like this.”

“I hate the rain,” Matthew murmured, barely audible.

“I know,” Gunwook whispered. “But I don’t.”

Matthew looked up at that, a faint furrow in his brow. “I love the rain,” Gunwook continued. “Because sometimes… it brings me back to you.”

It wasn’t a line. It wasn’t meant to be romantic, for once. But it broke something open. Matthew’s lips parted slightly. His fingers curled into his sleeves like they always did when he was trying not to cry. His knees trembled.

“I don’t want to be broken in front of you,” he whispered again.

“You’re not,” Gunwook said. “You’re just real.”

There was a long pause, heavy and quiet. And then, without a word, Matthew took a single, hesitant step forward. His hands were still shaking as he hovered near Gunwook, like a bird testing the air. Another moment passed. Then another. Then Matthew slowly—so slowly—pressed his forehead against Gunwook’s chest.

Gunwook froze for just a second. Then, breath catching, he wrapped his arms around him. Not tightly. Not desperately. Just enough to hold. Just enough to say: I’m here.

Matthew didn’t say anything, but his body started to uncoil in Gunwook’s arms. He wasn’t relaxed—far from it—but the tension in his shoulders began to loosen, and his hands, still trembling, clutched the fabric of Gunwook’s hoodie like he was afraid of losing his balance.

Gunwook rested his chin gently atop Matthew’s head, closing his eyes. “You’re safe,” he whispered.

The storm outside raged on. But here, in the quiet center of it, two boys stood still, holding onto each other like lifelines—like the rain wasn’t something to fear anymore.

“I hate that you see me like this,” Matthew whispered against Gunwook’s chest.

"Like what?" Gunwook’s hand moved up slowly, fingers brushing over Matthew’s waist as he rested his arms on Matthew’s back.

“A weak bitch.” Matthew muttered into his chest, barely above a whisper.

“I don't see weakness,” Gunwook smiled. “I see someone who’s survived everything and still finds a way to keep going.”

Matthew removed his head from Gunwook’s chest.

“But you see a bitch?” He asked, deadpan.

Gunwook chuckled, hand rising to brush a tear from Matthew’s cheek with his thumb. Matthew blinked at the gentle touch, startled by the quiet kindness in it.

“You seriously can’t keep a conversation serious, can you?” He murmured.

“I’m Taerae’s other half, of course I don't,” Matthew said, “of course I can’t.”

Gunwook giggled softly—nervous and breathy—as his fingers intertwined with Matthew’s. Their hands fit together easily, like muscle memory. And that—that—was the moment something shifted. Something unspoken passed between them, like gravity tipping ever so slightly toward closeness. Not just physical. Emotional.

Gunwook’s eyes dropped to Matthew’s lips for just a second before flicking back to meet his gaze again.

“You okay if I…” he asked, his voice barely audible, almost lost to the rhythm of rain against the windows.

Matthew didn’t speak. He just nodded—slow, sure. Trusting.

Gunwook leaned in. The kiss was soft and careful, but it wasn’t their first, and it felt like one. Like the first one that meant something. Like the first one, they both let themselves feel. Matthew melted into it slowly, his fingers curling into Gunwook’s hoodie again. His kiss was warm, hesitant, yet certain—like he’d waited for this exact kind of tenderness and never once let himself ask for it.

Gunwook’s hand drifted from Matthew’s neck to his cheek, cradling it like something precious. Fragile. Like something he didn’t dare risk losing. They kissed again, slower this time. A little deeper. A little braver. And somewhere between that second kiss and the space between breaths, Gunwook whispered,

“You don’t have to say anything back… but I need you to know—there’s never been anyone else I’d rather hold.”

It wasn’t the words “I love you,” but it was, in every way that mattered.

Matthew smiled weakly as he kissed back like it was the only thing keeping him grounded. His hands slipped around Gunwook’s neck, pulling him closer, and for a moment, neither of them remembered the rain at all. When they finally pulled apart, their noses still touched.

“I don’t think I could ever unlove you,” Gunwook whispered. “Even if I tried.”

Matthew closed his eyes, his breath stuttering a little. “Good,” he murmured. “Because I stopped trying not to love you a long time ago.”

And with that, they sank into each other again, slower this time, deeper, like their hearts finally had permission to say what their mouths couldn’t.

When they parted again, Gunwook looked at him. Really looked at him. The kind of look that asks for something without saying it.

Matthew raised an eyebrow, breath still caught. “What?”

Gunwook hesitated, just a little. Then he smiled, sheepishly. “Nothing.”

Matthew narrowed his eyes slightly. “Park Gunwook.”

“I just…” Gunwook paused as he admired Matthew’s birthmarks, connecting them like constellations in his mind, “I just like hearing you say it, that’s all.”

Matthew blinked. “Say what?”

“You know,” Gunwook said softly, “that thing you don’t say a lot. But I think maybe you mean it. Or I hope you do.” Matthew went quiet for a second. Then his hand slipped down to find Gunwook’s fingers lacing gently.

Matthew leaned in again, rested their foreheads together. “I love you, Geon.”

The words landed like shelter. Gunwook exhaled like he’d been holding that breath for years. He grinned, nose brushing Matthew’s.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “Okay. That was worth the wait.” And when they kissed again, it felt like the first time they’d finally said all the things they’d never needed words for.

...

Chapter Text

…

After more kisses, hugs, warmth exchanging—and, well, more kisses—Gunwook finally convinced Matthew to attend the sleepover. Matthew changed out of his flop clothes into something more comfortable for sleeping.

The rain tapped softly against the umbrella above them, a gentle rhythm filling the quiet space between their intertwined fingers. Gunwook smiled as their hands swung slightly, his heart pounding like it might burst.

“Boba,” Gunwook called out, and Matthew looked up. He pulled back just enough to look into those tired, beautiful eyes.

“So,” he said softly, voice just above a whisper, “since we’re... You know, out here saying things we didn’t say before…”

Matthew tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his gaze. Gunwook smiles and gains strength before he kisses every little part of Matthew’s face. God, he’s so cute.

“You’re the one who started that lame shit,” Matthew teased, holding Gunwook’s hand tighter as the rain suddenly drummed harder on their umbrella.

Gunwook gasped, mock offended. “You’re the one who said you loved me first!”

Matthew rolled his eyes, squinting at the rainy view ahead as they crossed the bridge between their homes. “You basically said it first, Gunwook.”

“Oh, ‘there’s never been anyone else I’d rather hold’,” Matthew mocked, Gunwook’s jaw dropping as he mimicked his words from that desperate moment.

“You said the ‘L’ word first, Matt. I’m still winning,” Gunwook grinned, catching Matthew’s smile in the dim light.

They walked quietly, the rain tapping softly on the umbrella, creating a gentle rhythm around them. Gunwook’s hand trembled just a little in Matthew’s, his breath hitching as he tried to find the right words.

Finally, Gunwook stopped in the middle of the quiet bridge, where the sound of the rain softened under the shelter of their umbrella. His fingers fidgeted slightly in Matthew’s hand, his thumb tracing little nervous circles against Matthew’s skin. He looked down, then up again—eyes soft, shy, like he was holding a fragile secret between his lips.

“Can I…” he started, breath catching, “know how much longer I have to wait to be yours?” It came out so gently, like a wish more than a question.

And Gunwook meant it exactly the way he said it.

Yours.
Not ‘boyfriend’.

Because he’d rather belong to Matthew in a way no title could fully capture.
Not just a label, but a promise. A home. The sun to his rain. The ‘love’ to his ‘sick’

Matthew blinked at him, surprised not by the question, but by how adorably anxious Gunwook looked, like he was afraid of scaring him off with something so small and so big at the same time.

Matthew’s grip tightened in his hand, just enough to be felt. “You don’t have to wait at all.” Gunwook blinked, heart stuttering.

“If you promise to be there every time it rains, every time the world feels too loud or too quiet… then,”

Gunwook nodded quickly, like his head couldn’t say yes fast enough. “I’ll bring two umbrellas if I have to.”

Matthew’s lips curved into the softest smile, and he leaned in until their foreheads touched. “Then I’m yours. Officially.”

Gunwook smiled like he’d just been handed the moon.

“I get to call you mine now?” he asked, like he still couldn’t believe it.

Matthew scoffed, but couldn't hide the pink in his cheeks. “You’ve kind of always been mine.”

That made Gunwook laugh—quiet and full—and he couldn’t stop himself from wrapping both arms around Matthew’s waist, lifting him ever so slightly before hugging him tight against his chest. “I’m never letting you go.”

“Good,” Matthew whispered into his shoulder. “I like it here.”

The rain danced around them like applause, and the city felt quieter somehow, like the sky was giving them this moment. And as they walked hand in hand the rest of the way, shoes splashing softly through puddles, the world felt a little warmer. A little brighter. Love didn’t need to be loud. Sometimes, it just needed to show up, with an umbrella, and wait patiently at your door.

…

The rain had softened into a drizzle by the time they reached Taerae’s apartment. The hallway buzzed faintly with the muffled sounds of laughter and bickering as Gunwook and Matthew stood just outside the door. Matthew held onto Gunwook’s hand with a grip. They rang the doorbell.

Gunwook glanced at him, brows raised. “You okay?”

Matthew nodded, then shook his head. “I will be.”

“Just tell me when you hear the rain fall harder, I'll take you to a room.”

“I’m just really hungry,”

“For me?” Gunwook asked, with a teasing smile.

Matthew slowly turned his head to look at him and stared. “I’m gonna break up with you-“

“NO, no, I'm sorry.”

“Don’t say that in public, you dumbass” Matthew said, finally smiling as Gunwook hugged him.

“You can’t get rid of me now,” Gunwook grinned, kissing his temple.

Matthew rolled his eyes as he shoved Gunwook’s face away from his. “Move away, you hoe.”

Gunwook giggled. “Hoe? That’s a new one.”

Matthew knocked on the door again, trying to escape the human-sized teddy bear he’d somehow agreed to date.

“I've called you Hoewook once.”

“I'm sorry, what?” Gunwook blinked just as the door swung open.

“Took you long enough,” Hao said, flashing a bright smile, the kind of smile that says he had witnessed everything that happened through the peephole before opening the door. He glanced at Matthew,

“You okay now?” Hao asked as he opened his arms for Matthew.

“No, I’m hungry,” Matthew replied as he stepped into Hao’s hug.

“We got takeout,” Hao said, pulling Gunwook into a hug too. “Taerae is in the kitchen.”

“If it’s spring rolls, I might need to kiss you,” Matthew called as he headed for the kitchen, the yelling inside growing louder.

Hao gasped and slowly turned his head to look at Gunwook, who was already glaring at him. Gunwook glanced around, scanning for witnesses. Finding none, he leaned towards Hao’s ear.

“Don’t let it happen again,” he muttered, then looked around once more. Hao, eyes closed, gave a solemn nod, accepting his fate.

“Hoe.” Gunwook added flatly, before turning and following Matthew inside.

Hao exhaled deeply just as Hanbin walked over.

“Babe, oh my god,” Hao said, clutching his chest dramatically.

Hanbin’s face shifted to concern.
“What? What happened?” Hanbin asked holding hao’s arm.

“I think they're dating,” Hao whispered, wide-eyed, gossiping like an old woman.

Hanbin gasped audibly.

“THEY’RE DAT—MMNGH—” he started to shout, only to be silenced by Hao’s hand slapped over his mouth.

Hanbin frowned, eyes wide, and mumbled, “Oww, babe, that really hurt…”

“Sung Hanbin,” Hao said calmly, hand still in place. “Shut the fuck up… please.”

Hanbin nodded meekly, eyes wide. Still mumbling against Hao’s hand, Hao sighed and removed his hand, only to press a quick kiss to Hanbin’s lips.

“Sorry, I know that slap must’ve hurt,” He giggled as Hanbin side-eyed him with the most unimpressed expression he could manage.

Matthew walked straight into the kitchen, deliberately ignoring the chaos unfolding in the living room. Even so, he couldn’t help smiling as the familiar sound of his younger friends fighting over Super Mario Brothers reached his ears.

“TURN RIGHT, YOU DUMBASS!” Yujin screamed.

“I CAN’T!”

“BOWSER IS GONNA GET YOUR ASS IF YOU DON’T MOVE!”

“Yujin, I can't get,” Gyuvin can be heard groaning loudly, “YOU GOT THE POWER UP THIS ISN'T FAIR!”

“Throw my controllers and I’ll take my chances throwing both of you out this fifth-story window,” Ricky deadpanned.

Matthew giggled as he heard the yelling from the living room, waving at Ricky on his way to the kitchen. Inside, he found Taerae drying his hands at the sink.

Their eyes met.

There was a soft pause before Taerae’s lips trembled, and a wobbly smile spread across his face as he looked at Matthew, then back at Gunwook behind him.

“Mattie the Baddie,” Taerae said, his voice shaky. He dragged himself toward his best friend—his safe place—and pulled Matthew into a tight hug.

“Please don’t cry,” Matthew muttered, wrapping his arms around him, “because if you do, I will kill you.”

Taerae just mumbled something into Matthew’s shoulder.

“I bought spring rolls,” he said, barely above a whisper, “just in case you actually came over and decided to sleep over.”

Just then, Jiwoong entered the kitchen like he’d sensed Taerae getting sentimental from two rooms away. Matthew pulled back, eyes glossy with unshed tears, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

“Quit fucking crying,” he warned playfully, blinking quickly. “I’m genuinely going to commit double homicide.” They both pulled away and stared at each other, still sniffly.

“Matthew,” Taerae frowned.

“Taerae,” Matthew matched the frown.

Their lips quivered in almost perfect sync—until, without warning, they both wailed in unison. “Ahhhhh!” Collapsing into each other’s arms, they hugged even tighter, clinging like it was the end of the world.

Jiwoong grabbed a drink from Taerae’s fridge and walked over to Gunwook.

“So? How’d it go?” Jiwoong asked, cracking open the bottle and taking a long gulp.

“We’re dating now,” Gunwook said with a straight face.

Jiwoong immediately spit out the soda, coughing and gasping for air, catching Taerae’s attention, and well, the others’.

“WHAT?” Jiwoong managed to choke out.

“What?” Gunwook asked, trying to take back what he said.

“Who’s dying?” Yujin’s head popped out from the doorway.

“No one,” Gunwook replied.

“Why is Jiwoong choking?” Gyuvin asked, perched on Yujin’s shoulders.

“Good question!” Gunwook nervously laughed.

“I heard boyfriend,” Ricky said, appearing above Gyuvin like a wild card.

“Nuh uh,”

Matthew ignored the commotion as he made his way to the box of spring rolls, inhaling deeply at the smell. He smiled slightly, grabbing a plate.

“What do you mean you’re dating?” Jiwoong asked again, pressing for answers.

“You? Dating Matthew?” Taerae turned, looking back and forth between his best friend and Gunwook. “For real?”

Matthew tiptoed closer to get a better look at the spring rolls, still letting Gunwook handle the situation.

“Why is this surprising?” Gunwook shot them a stink eye. Offended mostly.

“Did Matthew say yes… willingly?” Ricky asked, stepping up to Taerae. Hao and Hanbin slid onto stools nearby, watching the scene unfold.

“So he saw you and said,” Yujin raised both hands, waving dramatically, “more!”

Gunwook scoffed. “I thought y’all were rooting for me. Why the sudden doubts about my game?”

Matthew walked past them with his plate of spring rolls, slid it into the microwave, and popped one into his mouth, pressing the button to reheat the rest.

“Are my divorced parents finally getting back together?” Jiwoong asked dramatically, hand covering his mouth like he’d just uncovered the biggest secret.

Gyuvin pointed at Matthew, eyes wide. “Why isn’t Matt even fighting it? Is this for real?” Matthew just chewed thoughtfully, eyes locked on the spring rolls spinning inside the microwave, saying nothing.

“Gunwook, are you sure you didn’t threaten Matthew with another leg injury or possible bullying threats towards Taerae—”

“YUJIN.” Hao stepped forward sharply as he caught Taerae’s jaw dropping at the comment.

“Yujin, you can’t just say that, bud,” Jiwoong said quickly, covering his mouth.

“What? Come on, I need to know if Matthew is in danger,” Yujin protested, only to be gently dragged by Hao to sit next to him.

“That’s genuinely out of pocket,” Ricky said, covering his mouth to hide a laugh. However, his shoulders were already shaking from trying not to laugh.

Gyuvin has turned completely red, facing a random shelf like it was suddenly the most interesting thing in the room.

“Gyuvin, stop laughing,” Hanbin warned, eyeing him suspiciously.

“I’m—" Gyuvin squeaked, voice cracking as he trembled, “I’m not.”

He absolutely was.

Matthew, finally retrieving his perfectly warm spring rolls, turned back toward the group, still arguing, laughing, and throwing accusations around like it was a group project gone wrong.

He walked past Gunwook, brushing their shoulders, and paused just long enough to say, “You're handling that mess, by the way.”

Gunwook gave him a side glance. “Seriously?”

Matthew took a bite. “You started it.”

Gunwook let out a deep sigh, straightening up as if preparing for war. “Alright, listen up—”

“Wait!” Yujin shot his hand up like they were in class. “Can we vote on whether this relationship is real?”

“No,” Matthew and Gunwook said at the exact same time.

“Why y'all locked in already?” Ricky said, eyes narrowing.

“Locked in forever, tight like a bootyhole,” Gyuvin referenced as he smiled.

Taerae, still mildly stunned, finally spoke again. “So… wait. When did this happen?”

Matthew shrugged. “A little while ago.”

“A little while?” Hanbin echoed.

“Like last week? Last month?” Jiwoong gasped, “Last year?”

Hao looks around in confusion, trying to comprehend Jiwoong’s question.

Gunwook shoved his hands into his pockets, smirking. “Does it matter?”

“It does to me,” Jiwoong said, pointing a finger dramatically. “I’ve been rooting for you two for, like, eight episodes of this friend group.”

Matthew just smiled, finally sliding onto a stool with his spring rolls like he was in his own peaceful little world.

“Well?” Taerae asked again, quieter this time, still looking at him like he needed to hear it from Matthew directly.

Matthew looked up and saw Yujin standing with his fingers tightly crossed, Ricky biting his lip with anticipation, and Jiwoong practically in his lap, with how close he was leaning in.

“We’re dating, yes,” Matthew said simply.

“FUCK!” Yujin screamed, throwing his hands in the air.

“PAY UP, HOE! YEAHHHH!” Ricky whooped, slapping Jiwoong’s hand as they both broke into laughter.

“Give me that shit, I knew it!”

“I had faith,” Gyuvin sniffled, wiping a fake tear, “since episode four.”

“I—” Matthew started, then paused, his brow furrowing as he processed Gyuvin’s words. He held up a finger, frozen mid-thought. “That goddamn early?”

Gyuvin nodded solemnly. “I saw potential. I sensed tension. I ran with it.”

Matthew blinked. “You’re actually insane. Delusional,”

“Visionary,” Gyuvin corrected, pointing dramatically toward the ceiling. “I’m an empath.”

Both Matthew and Gunwook turned slowly to blink at Gyuvin, then shifted their gaze to Ricky, who stood there silently.

Ricky closed his eyes, accepting his fate, and gave a single, solemn nod.
“Don’t look at me like that, I didn't do anything,” he muttered.

Matthew narrowed his eyes. “You literally just said ‘give me that shit’ two minutes ago.”

“Yeah, for emotional closure,” Ricky said quickly. “It’s different.”

Gunwook crossed his arms. “So you all really just turned our situationship into some kind of gambling ring?”

“Friendly competition,” Jiwoong corrected.

“With money involved,” Hanbin added.

“You’re not helping,” Hao muttered.

Matthew looked at Gunwook. “They turned our unresolved tension into stock.”

“And you know what’s worse?” Gunwook said, slowly shaking his head.

“They were right,” Matthew groaned. “God. I shouldn’t have said yes.” He bit into his food a little too aggressively, clearly spiraling.

Gunwook frowned, nudging him with his shoulder. “Wow. Love that confidence boost. Really honored to be your boyfriend right now.”

“Y'all's relationship is gonna be so stupid,” Yujin deadpanned as Taerae can be heard clapping a hand over his mouth to hide his laugh.

“Well!” Hanbin clapped his hands, stepping forward like a game show host trying to calm the studio audience. “We’re not gonna interrogate these newlyweds.” He turned with a bright, overly supportive smile to Matthew and Gunwook. “Congratulations. Please don’t die.”

Gunwook blinked, then slowly turned to look at Matthew, who just raised an eyebrow mid-bite. “Thanks?” Matthew said, mouth half full.

“Welp, chat, you know what this means,” Yujin said, standing up like he was about to make a grand announcement. The other eight boys glanced at each other, silent, waiting for Yujin to continue.

He let out a long, dramatic sigh. “Y’all are gay and slow.”

“On my pride month, bro?” Gyuvin gasped.

Hao immediately groaned and covered his eyes with both hands. “Oh my god.”

Ricky blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Guys,” Yujin said, turning with mock seriousness, “Taerae and Jiwoong are left.”

A slow wave of realization swept across the room. “Ohhhhhh,” several voices echoed at once.

Taerae blinked rapidly, looking around in pure panic. “Am I gonna die?”

“Wait, left as in—” Jiwoong froze, then suddenly stood up like someone objecting in court. He pointed at Yujin with full dramatic flair. “Don’t you dare start a new bet.”

Yujin smiled mischievously and walked off. “No promises!” he called over his shoulder as he disappeared into the living room, back to his lonely, paused game.

Jiwoong followed him, with the other five boys trailing behind, ready to dive into the night, Yujin had been hyping all evening—their little hangout at last.

The kitchen was empty now, save for two people.

Hanbin sighed, fishing out his wallet. “So… how much was it?”

“Twenty bucks and a favor,” Hao said, grinning like he’d just won a bet as well. His palm was already out, like he expected the universe to reward him.

Hanbin narrowed his eyes. “What is wrong with you and favors?”

“I like to keep things interesting,” Hao said with a wink. “Plus, your favors usually come with kissing privileges.”

Hanbin groaned as he handed over the cash. “I have a gambler for a boyfriend.”

“And a pretty one,” Hao added, stuffing the bill in his pocket. “Don’t forget that part.”

Hanbin rolled his eyes, but the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth betrayed him. “You're lucky you're pretty.”

“I know,” Hao said smugly, grabbing Hanbin’s hand as they headed toward the others.

Back in the living room, it was less of a chill hangout and more of a controlled disaster. “RICKY, YOU BLUE-SHELLED ME?” Yujin yelled, sitting bolt upright on the floor like it was life or death.

“It was an accident!” Ricky shouted back, not even pretending to sound guilty, controller in hand and a smug grin on his face.

“You made eye contact and smiled,” Yujin said, pointing at him like he’d just committed a felony.

Matthew, sprawled sideways on the couch, barely glanced over. “He definitely did it on purpose. I saw him whisper to Gunwook like two rounds ago.”

Yujin turned, scandalized. “You what?”

Gunwook raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. “Didn’t know you were out here snitching.”

Matthew shrugged. “I believe in transparency.”

“You guys are so lucky it’s Pride Month,” Yujin snapped, pointing at both of them. “I’ve already told you off in my head.”

“Yujin,” Hao warned from the other side of the room, sipping a drink like a tired dad watching his children descend into chaos.

“No. No—my anger is validated,” Yujin said, sitting upright like a kid defending himself in front of his mom. “They’re plotting against me and pretending it’s ‘game strategy.’ This is bullying, hyung.”

Ricky raised a hand. “In my defense, it was funny.”

“Hating on a kid,” Yujin muttered, flopping back against the couch like he’d been personally wronged.

“You’re eighteen. Legal-ass adult,” Gunwook said, snatching the controller from Ricky.

“And you’re pushing twenty and just got your first boyfriend,” Yujin shot back, deadpan. Matthew snorted from across the room, giggling behind his hand.

“At least I have game—with your bitch ass,” Gunwook said, pointing at him.

Yujin didn’t even blink. “Boy, I’m not the one dating my victim’s best friend.” The room was filled with gasps. “How about that? How bout them apples?” Yujin referenced.

Gunwook opened his mouth, then closed it. Scoffed. Tried again. Failed.

“I—” he finally choked out, then gave up entirely and turned to Matthew. “Boba, please help.”

Matthew, already mid-wheeze, blinked. “He’s not wrong, though.”

Gunwook turned back to Yujin. “You’re actually evil.”

“I’m efficient,” Yujin replied, picking up his controller like nothing had happened. “Who’s next?” he asked, looking around the room like he was ready to keep cooking.

No one said a word.

“That’s what I thought.”

…

The night carried on, a mix of laughter, playful banter, and the occasional competitive outburst. Snacks were demolished, controllers passed around, and the group's energy remained high despite the late hour.

By 2 a.m., the atmosphere had shifted. The once-vibrant chatter had softened into comfortable murmurs. Some had sprawled out on the floor, others leaned against the couch, eyes heavy with exhaustion but unwilling to end the night.

Gyuvin was once again found, half his body hanging off the carpet, legs flopped dramatically like he was reenacting a tragic scene. He had insisted Ricky take the softest spot on the rug—even if it meant sacrificing his own comfort.

“Bams, you’re literally dying,” Ricky said, glancing over, controller in hand.

“I die with purpose,” Gyuvin mumbled, eyes locked on the TV. “So my delicate boyfriend’s bones don’t touch the hardwood.”

Ricky smiled, not looking away from the screen.
“You’re so dramatic.”

“And you’re welcome.”

Yujin, wedged between them like their clingy toddler, grumbled, “You guys are disgusting and I’m third-wheeling in my own game lobby.”

“No one told you to sit here,” Gyuvin shot back.

“I go where the chaos is,” Yujin replied, gripping his controller like it owed him money. “Also, if either of you fumbles this boss fight, I will file for divorce on your behalf.”

Over on the couch, Jiwoong and Taerae sat close—knees touching, shoulders brushing, the kind of casual closeness that had quietly become a habit. A blanket was draped over both their laps, though neither acknowledged who pulled it over first.

They were huddled around Taerae’s phone, scrolling through reels in the warm quiet of 2 a.m., the soft glow lighting up their faces.

“Oh my god, that’s us,” Taerae whispered, pointing at a reel of two ducklings waddling into each other and falling over.

“Us if we were cute ducks,” Jiwoong said, voice low, trying not to laugh.

“Us in high school,” Taerae added, “when we took that one culinary class together in our second semester.”

Jiwoong winced playfully. “God, those cookies we made were… exotic.”

Taerae snorted. “Exotic is a very kind way of saying inedible.”

Their laughter was hushed but genuine, and in the lull that followed, Jiwoong leaned against him, warm and quiet.

“Don’t fall asleep,” Taerae whispered, eyes flicking up to him.

“No promises,” Jiwoong mumbled back, smiling as he curled a little closer.

Hao and Hanbin were curled up on the floor, near the trio still playing, nestled against the couch like it was their little safe haven. Hao’s head was buried in Hanbin’s neck, soft breaths tickling his skin as he wrapped an arm snugly around Hao’s waist.

“Too loud,” Hao mumbled sleepily, fingers clutching at Hanbin’s shirt.

Hanbin chuckled, pressing a gentle kiss to Hao’s temple. “Then let’s drown them out with our own little world.”

Hao smiled, eyes fluttering closed, his other hand finding Hanbin’s and lacing their fingers together. “You’re my favorite noise,” he whispered.

“Is that offensive?” Hanbin asked, looking down at him.

Hao smiled. “Yeah.”

Hanbin’s smile faded as he sat up slightly. “Hello? Are you going to tell me why?” Hanbin pouted, but there was no response from his boyfriend.

Sighing, Hanbin lay back down. Hao had already fallen asleep. Hanbin blinked in confusion, wondering how that could have been offensive.

“Am I noise?” Hanbin furrowed his eyebrows, a soft tsk escaping his lips as he overthought it, knowing full well he’d probably be mulling it over until sunrise.

And as promised, Gunwook led Matthew down the hall to his old room—the one he used to share with Taerae. The rain outside had settled into a steady drizzle now, casting soft shadows through the window. They sat side by side on the bed, backs resting against the wall, the quiet comfort wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

Gunwook glanced from the window to their intertwined hands. A cheeky smile spread across his face, his eyes forming crescent moons.

Matthew noticed immediately.
“Quit smiling before I let go,” Matthew warned, eyes closed.

“How did you even know I was smiling?” Gunwook asked, still grinning as he studied Matthew’s peaceful face.

Matthew finally opened his eyes, meeting Gunwook’s gaze with a sleepy but warm smile. Outside, the rain tapped steadily against the window, a calming rhythm that made the room feel even cozier.

Matthew slowly rested his head on Gunwook’s shoulder, his hair brushing gently against Gunwook’s jaw. The simple motion made something ache sweetly in Gunwook’s chest—it took everything in him not to pull Matthew into a full-bodied hug, not to squeeze him with all the love he’d been holding onto for so long.

Instead, he kept still, grounding himself in the quiet of the moment. With a deep breath, Gunwook turned just slightly and pressed a slow, tender kiss to Matthew’s temple. Matthew hummed at the touch, barely audible, but it sent a rush of warmth through Gunwook like a secret shared only between them.

“I like you like this,” Gunwook whispered.

Matthew didn’t lift his head, but his fingers tightened slightly around Gunwook’s hand. “Like what?” he mumbled.

“Close.”

Matthew let out a soft exhale and shiver.

“God, you're so lame.”

“You're still here,” Gunwook murmured, nuzzling ever so slightly into Matthew’s hair. “So you must like it.”

Matthew let the silence hang for a few seconds, listening to the rain tapping gently at the window. The warmth from Gunwook, the weight of his shoulder under his head, the way their fingers stayed linked—it all made the room feel smaller, safer.

“Sometimes,” he admitted finally. “I like it.”

Gunwook closed his eyes for a moment, holding on to the feeling, letting the softness of it all settle into his chest.

Gunwook glanced down, watching the way Matthew’s eyes stayed shut, his lashes fluttering every so often like he was somewhere between consciousness and sleep. His breathing had slowed, his body completely relaxed against Gunwook’s side.

“Are you tired?” Gunwook asked softly, voice barely above a whisper, careful not to disturb the calm. Matthew gave a lazy hum. “Mhm… a little.”

“Cmon let's lie down,” Gunwook patted Matthew’s hand.

With a small, contented sigh, Matthew let go of Gunwook’s hand just long enough to shift down onto the bed, tugging Gunwook with him. Gunwook followed, easing beside him and pulling the blanket up over them both. Their limbs tangled naturally, like they’d done this a hundred times before.

The room was quiet, save for the soft patter of rain against the window, creating a cocoon of warmth and stillness around them.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Yujin's head popped in, his grin wide and mischievous.

"Goodnight, critters," he said, his tone affectionate despite the playful insult. "We lived. We laughed. We lied."

Matthew, already half-asleep, murmured without opening his eyes, "You're literally the reason no one trusts the quiet kid trope anymore."

Yujin chuckled softly, leaning against the doorframe. "Be whooo you areeeee," he whispered, singing, "for your prideeeeeee."

…

Chapter Text

omegaverse

yumomma: can someone pick me up from school

quiquidoyouloveme: do your parents not… care about you?

yumomma: idk let me ask them
yumomma: @quiquidoyouloveme @kingyuvin do y'all care about me

Kingyuvin: I can pick you up, but my car is a mess

yumomma: that still beats walking

Liltaeahh: get those steps in yujin

yumomma: Boy ain't no one ask for your comment?

Liltaeahh: alright damn

juicycuntour: i’ll give you a ride
juicycuntour: i’m near your school

yumomma: I love peepaw!

Mashusfav: yujin called jiwoong old and gay yesterday btw

yumomma: no I didn't.

Liltaeahh: why are you always near his school

juicycuntour: I’m Interning at his school?…

yumomma: … DAWG SINCE WHEN?

juicycuntour: last month

wooksbaddie: holy shit he’s using that degree for good use

zhangiewangie: Well, at least jiwoong can keep the kid out of trouble now

yumomma: no fucking fun bruh

juicycuntour: i’d rather not interact with yujin…

wooksbaddie: why you say that

juicycuntour: cuz all his friends scare me

Liltaeahh: …
Liltaeahh: jiwoong, youre scared of kids who are younger than you?

Kingyuvin: boo! Did I scare you

quiquidoyouloveme: bros pushing 26 and scared of 18 year olds

yumomma: YOU'RE 26???
yumomma: taerae you tryna hit on this fossil??

Liltaeahh: HE IS NOT A FOSSIL??

yumomma: You're right
yumomma: too prehistoric

juicycuntour: i’m not that older than you, please quit the harassment

wooksbaddie: well 9 years is wild, but who am I to judge

juicycuntour: yeah. You're dating someone 3 years younger

Mashusfav: okay well, it’s technically 2 years, 7 months and 13 days

Kingyuvin: how much older is he in seconds

Mashusfav: 82, 771, 200 seconds.

quiquidoyouloveme: bro had that on speed dial im scared

wooksbaddie: jiwoong you wanna talk about relationship gaps?

juicycuntour: …

wooksbaddie: nah speak up bitch

juicycuntour: I dont want to play anymore

Liltaeahh: well its not even that much either matt

wooksbaddie: fuckass

yumomma: taerae got himself one of those old sugar daddies
yumomma: twin can have a dollar

zhangiewangie: yujin youre talking sm shit when he’s the one who VOLUNTEERED to take you home

Hanbangme: bros doing that shit for service hours
Hanbangme: I know the intern ways…

Liltaeahh: well at least yujin isn't completely left unsupervised anymore

yumomma: im reporting him to the human rats

Mashusfav: … the what?

Hanbangme: you mean human resources?

yumomma: no. Human rats. The lil snitchy ones in suits

quiquidoyouloveme: do you seriously not get along with an employee at school

yumomma: well there are some I like

Hanbangme: well that's something! Who are they?

yumomma: lunch ladies

Hanbangme: yeah I don't even know why I even asked

wooksbaddie: you big as hell yujin
wooksbaddie: greedy mf

yumomma: and well, I also get along with jiwoong hyung

Mashusfav: nah don't switch up now bro you called him prehistoric and gay

juicycuntour: the hypocrisy

quiquidoyouloveme: what are you interning for anyway

juicycuntour: human resources…

yumomma: oh hell nah lemme catch you in the halls

juicycuntour: can you not

zhangiewangie: I have… an idea

Hanbangme: uh oh

quiquidoyouloveme: yk this shit gon be good when the smartest here has a plan

wooksbaddie: please no more zoo

yumomma: if it involves me im down

zhangiewangie: swear on it.

yumomma: oh

Liltaeahh: he might sell your soul, bro

Hanbangme: please don’t

Mashusfav: what’s the idea

zhangiewangie: let’s become student aid for Yujin’s school…

yumomma: absolutely the fuck not

zhangiewangie: just one day

Mashusfav: im gonna pass this fun event

zhangiewangie: WHAT? WHY

Mashusfav: that school HATES me bro

wooksbaddie: yeah geon is genuinely hated by the principal

Kingyuvin: they hate me too

Liltaeahh: I was a fuckass cry baby and I might get ptsd the min I step foot there

yumomma: nice fucking job gunwook

Mashusfav: I'VE APOLOGIZED.

Hanbangme: yeah babe idk why you wanna go back when they hated us too

juicycuntour: they recognized me so fast, i’m sure they will recognize y'all too

zhangiewangie: cmon guys it’s summer, well at least for us, sorry yujin

yumomma: go die

zhangiewangie: lets risk it

wooksbaddie: how are we gonna just apply for a day

zhangiewangie: there’s an event!

Mashusfav: like legally or are you phrasing it by calling it an event but we're just raiding it

zhangiewangie: … what you gon put a charge on me?

Hanbangme: jiwoong?

juicycuntour: yeah there is an event but it’s not exactly student aid

Liltaeahh: then what is it

yumomma: please dont tell them

wooksbaddie: no no tell us

yumomma: no please

wooksbaddie: he called you gay and old jiwoong.

yumomma: lemme tell you something

wooksbaddie: gasp… he’s against your kind….

yumomma: LEMME TELL YOU SOMETHING WAIT PLEASE

juicycuntour: okay I'll wait

yumomma: oh my god thank you

juicycuntour: …
juicycuntour: its bring your parents to work day…

yumomma: YOU WHORE

zhangiewangie: OH MY GOD REALLY? SO I CAN GO IN WITHOUT PUTTING UP A FIGHT??

Liltaeahh: was that your original plan…

yumomma: YOU CUNT BITCH

wooksbaddie: how is yujin gonna have 8 parents

Mashusfav: we can legally say that we’re his guardians

Hanbangme: …
Hanbangme: jiwoong?

juicycuntour: yes that’s allowed

yumomma: FUCKER BITCH MAN KISSER

zhangiewangie: IM SO EXCITEDDDD

Liltaeahh: can I just mentally prepare myself for this

juicycuntour: it isnt till next week so yes

Liltaeahh: oh thank god

wooksbaddie: well I'm down then

Hanbangme: alr so like my message if you're down to do it

…

Hanbangme: yujin, please refrain from spamming the middle finger as a reaction

Mashusfav: im crying he really doesn't want us to go

yumomma: you guys are so mean

zhangiewangie: why are you against it yujin :(

yumomma: well
yumomma: no I refuse to get sentimental

Hanbangme: oh so its emotionally involved?

yumomma: I just dont want to make you guys look bad, especially Matthew and Taerae

Liltaeahh: aww yujin bear

wooksbaddie: you're full of shit dude

zhangiewangie: MATTHEW.

wooksbaddie: WHAT BRO IM BEING DEADASS
wooksbaddie: i’m already screwed enough dating gunwook

Mashusfav: im quite literally right here ?

yumomma: well what about you, hao and hanbin hyung

Hanbangme: yujin, we were never really hated by the school, we were just so into competiton!

zhangiewangie: yeah, me and hanbin never got along as well, just like wook and matt

quiquidoyouloveme: I never knew… the lore to this

Liltaeahh: oh my god it was insane

wooksbaddie: yeah that shit was intense

Mashusfav: more than us??

wooksbaddie: well, no cuz I genuinely hated you

Mashusfav: wow okay thanks again

yumomma: hhhhhhhh
yumomma: fine but expect me to ignore you.

zhangiewangie: YAY! Okay so logisitics
Zhangiewangie: if we’re gonna be Yujin’s guardians, we need roles

Hanbangme: oh we’re assigning PARENT roles now?

quiquidoyouloveme: dibs not being the dad I’m too hot for that
quiquidoyouloveme: and young

Kingyuvin: dilf.

wooksbaddie: I’ll be the dad. I got divorced energy anyway

Mashusfav: it hasnt been 2 weeks since we started dating I'm gonna cry.

Liltaeahh: can I be the cool uncle that never shows up on time

yumomma: can you be the deadbeat uncle that never shows up at all

Liltaeahh: alright damn bro

yumomma: sorry

juicycuntour: yujin is gonna walk into school with 8 adults behind him like he’s about to enter a custody battle

yumomma: I AM BRUH

zhangiewangie: so Matthew is the dad

Mashusfav: unfortunately

zhangiewangie: I call being the soccer mom

quiquidoyouloveme: can I be the rich aunt who secretly has a criminal record

wooksbaddie: whats the crime

quiquidoyouloveme: aggravated assault.

wooksbaddie: … im gonna scroll, okay?

juicycuntour: am I allowed to be anything, or is yujin still mad at me

yumomma: you can be the uncle I send to voicemail

juicycuntour: stay hating

Hanbangme: can I be the wine dad

zhangiewangie: babe we already have two dads

Hanbangme: this one has trauma

Kingyuvin: okay but which of us doesnt

Mashusfav: wait, so who’s the emotionally unavailable father figure

wooksbaddie: already taken, sorry

yumomma: you're not even method acting huh

wooksbaddie: no this is genuinely just my vibe

Kingyuvin: can I be the older brother who’s in college and only shows up for free food

quiquidoyouloveme: you already do that.

Liltaeahh: what do we even DO at “bring your parent to work” day

juicycuntour: sit in on classes. Shadow teachers. Make small talk.

Liltaeahh: oh so it’s my nightmare. Got it.

zhangiewangie: can I ask the English teacher if they’ve read the book they assigned

quiquidoyouloveme: I’m grilling the chem teacher, that whore hated me

Kingyuvin: I’m fighting the P.E. teacher on sight

Liltaeahh: wait I thought you liked P.E. ??

Kingyuvin: no its cuz yujin told me that he gave him a bad grade

Hanbangme: ?? Yujin what did you do

yumomma: that whore is bascally training me for military. IM ONLY 18.

Hanbangme: you guys cant fight teachers just bcs they gave yujin bad grades

zhangiewangie: watch me

juicycuntour: also guys, reminder that you all have to sign in as visitors. Real names.

quiquidoyouloveme: then I’m using my fake ID

Mashusfav: for a school event?

quiquidoyouloveme: it’s about the principle

Liltaeahh: what if we genuinely make the principal cry

yumomma: I would forgive you forever

juicycuntour: okay guys well, this thing is next monday

wooksbaddie: what time.

juicycuntour: well… the school opens at 7:30 am so like around that time will be fine

wooksbaddie: id rather die

Mashusfav: I can pick you guys up, except hao and hanbin
Mashusfav: yall live so far

Hanbangme: dont worry! Hao is gonna want to be here before 7:30

wooksbaddie: your bf mad weird bruh

zhangiewangie: you still owe me that kiss hoe

Mashusfav: NO HE DOESNT.

wooksbaddie: oh yeah huh

juicycuntour: also heads up, the principal will probably want to greet each “guardian” personally, so please don’t say anything weird

quiquidoyouloveme: define “weird”

juicycuntour: if it sounds like something that might end up in a staff email titled “incident report,” don’t say it

Kingyuvin: this isnt fair.

yumomma: bro they’re all gonna say something weird.
yumomma: just prep the paperwork now

Mashusfav: so im picking up the greedy older brother, hot emotionally unavailable dad, human rats future bf and the felon aunt

quiquidoyouloveme: pls dont call me that at the front desk

liltaeahh: my name is taerae btw

…

6:45 AM…

And Matthew still wouldn’t get up.

Gunwook stood at the edge of the bed, fully dressed and one minor inconvenience away from losing it. He pulled the blanket off his boyfriend in one swift motion.

Matthew groaned in deep betrayal, curling tighter into himself like a kid not wanting to go to school. Well, quite literally.

Gunwook sighed and covered his face with both hands, dragging them down like he could physically scrape off the exhaustion.

“Matthew, babe, c’mon,” he pleaded, voice halfway to cracking. “We have to go.” He squinted at him. “You’re acting like Taerae right now.”

That got no response, only a louder groan.

Gunwook blinked, the memory of a past disaster surfacing — Taerae refusing to get out of bed and Jiwoong standing in front of his bed, silently cursing him. How had he handled it again?

Oh right.
He hadn’t.
Matthew had. Forcefully. By the ankle.
Now the ankle-puller had become the ankle.

“I think a missing father figure is okay,” Matthew mumbled into the pillow, flicking his wrist with the grace of a retiring theater kid. “Shoo shoo.”

Gunwook let out a tiny, offended scoff and sat next to him, sighing as dramatically as he could without physically combusting.

“Matthew,” he dragged the name out like it was a punishment, gently brushing the hair out of Matthew’s face.

Matthew only hummed in response, furrowing his brows like he didn’t know how to handle soft touches this early. But he didn’t pull away — if anything, he tilted slightly into Gunwook’s palm.

Gunwook smiled. He was winning. Slowly. Tactically.

“We can go on that date I won at the bowling game after this,” he said casually, tracing his thumb across Matthew’s cheek.

Matthew’s eyes shot open like someone had yelled “free concert.”

Gunwook smirked. “Oh, now you wanna budge?”

Matthew got up slowly, eyes half-lidded as he checked the time. He stretched, bones cracking like bubble wrap, and groaned in annoyance.

“All right.”

Gunwook smiled, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to Matthew’s forehead. “We need your accountability today.”

Matthew narrowed his eyes. “You’re manipulating me.”

“I’m comforting you.”

“You’re bribing me with a date and forehead kisses.”

“Which is working.” Gunwook grinned.

Matthew rolled his eyes and stepped off the bed, grabbing a nearby stuffed animal and lobbing it directly at Gunwook’s face. It bounced off his cheek with a soft thump.

“Apologize to Mr. Byn,” Matthew said, stopping in his tracks to point accusingly.

“What? He literally hurt me first!” Gunwook sputtered, rubbing his face like the bear had claws. Matthew gave him the full disappointed mom look. No words. Just the stare.

Defeated, Gunwook sighed and bent down to pick Mr. Byn up off the floor like he was handling a fragile war hero. “My bad, Mr. Byn,” he muttered. “Didn’t see you there.”

…

Soon enough, Gunwook and Matthew made their way to Ricky and Gyuvin’s apartment after picking up Taerae, who looked like he’d only been awake for six minutes, max.

Taerae slid into the backseat with his hair sticking up on one side, socks mismatched, and a half-eaten Pop-Tart in one hand like a battle flag.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he muttered through a bite, voice gravelly. “I got dressed. That’s enough.”

“You look like shit,” Matthew mumbled, not even bothering to look back as he handed Taerae the rest of his coffee.

“I know you’re not talking,” Taerae shot back, snatching the cup with the speed of someone who needed caffeine to keep his soul inside his body.

Matthew turned around in his seat, deadpan. “Did you mentally prepare to see your best friend today?”

Taerae blinked. “Who?”

“The principal.”

Taerae stared. Then blinked again. Then, with no emotion: “I hate you.”

Matthew giggles evilly.

As Gunwook pulled over to wait near Ricky’s apartment lobby entrance, Ricky walked out holding Gyuvin’s wrist, with Gyuvin lazily trailing behind him, like a kid barely fighting to stay awake. Ricky opened the door, let Gyuvin go in first, then got in after him.

“Good morning,” Ricky sighed, closing the door with a tired smile.

“Morning, Ricky,” Gunwook called out, waving casually as he glanced through the rear window at Gyuvin slumped in the back seat. “Vinnie, you good?”

“I really want to die,” Gyuvin whispered, resting his head on Ricky’s shoulder. Ricky just rolled his eyes, while Gunwook kept his eyes on the road, driving them toward Yujin’s school.

“He stayed up playing last night, even though I specifically told him we had to wake up early. Naturally, he didn’t listen.”

“You and me both, Gyuvin,” Matthew sighed as he slumped into the passenger seat, repeating, “You and me both.”

“Yeah, I also had trouble with Matthew,” Gunwook smiled, placing a hand on Matthew’s chest as he hit the brakes at a yellow light.

“Gunwook, how much time in jail do I get if I commit arson?” Taerae asked from the backseat, slumped low as well.

“Uhm,” Gunwook hesitated, eyes on the road, “pretty sure that’s a lot of time. Like, decades.”

Matthew laughed. “Yeah, buddy, maybe stick to burning out of bed in the morning, not buildings.”

Taerae groaned, burying his face in his hands.

…

When they pulled into the school parking lot, the group collectively went quiet.

Because there, standing near the front entrance, clipboard in hand and posture painfully upright, was Jiwoong.

Gunwook parked slowly, cautiously. Like Jiwoong was a wild animal.

“Why is he standing like that?” Gyuvin whispered.

“He thinks he's so different,” Matthew said, shaking his head.

“Like he’s about to draft us into the army,” Taerae muttered.

Matthew squinted. “Why is he holding two clipboards?”

“Don’t ask questions,” Ricky said, already putting on sunglasses.

“He looks so goofy—wait, let me take a pic,” Gyuvin giggled, reaching for his phone, but Taerae smacked his hand.

“Stop, he’s just…” Taerae looked at him again. “Shit, I don’t even know how to defend him right now.”

“Can’t believe that little hoop-wearing man is scared of kids,” Matthew said, still watching him. “Taerae, you sure you like this dude?”

Taerae scoffed. “Bitch, you’re dating my bully.”

“Can we please get rid of that title?” Gunwook frowned.

A knock was heard from behind their heads as they were all staring to the left. They turned—almost in sync—to see Hao, Hanbin, and Yujin standing just outside the car window. Hao had his hands on his hips, and Yujin stood there, arms crossed.

“Are you done making fun of my babysitter, or should we come back later?” Yujin asked dryly, as Gyuvin cracked the window just enough to stick his tongue out.

“Come back later, I’m not done slandering yet,” Matthew yelled, his voice a little too loud for their own good, as he giggled and went back to giving Jiwoong a judgmental once-over.

“Guys, get out of the car,” Hanbin demanded from outside the car, his tone sharp and no-nonsense. The group scrambled, quickly opening their doors and grabbing whatever they had stashed away.

As they all piled out and started making their way to the school entrance, Yujin suddenly stopped in his tracks, holding up a hand as if they were about to cross a road.

“Okay, give me like a ten-minute head start,” Yujin said, flashing them a bright, annoyingly polite smile. “And then y’all can come in.”

“Ten minutes? How slow are you?” Matthew raised an eyebrow, looking at him like he was insane.

“Because I don’t want you guys near my aura the minute I walk in,” Yujin replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Hanbin blinked, clearly confused. “I’m confused.”

“No, you’re not,” Yujin said, his smile widening as if he were revealing the world’s most genius plan. “Ten minutes, please.”

And with that, he started heading toward the entrance of the school, leaving the rest of the group in a half-baffled, half-amused state.

Matthew watched him walk away for a moment before grinning. “Alright, chat. Time to go in.”

“It’s been 10 minutes already?” Gyuvin blinked in confusion.

“Boy, you think I care about his orders?” Matthew raised an eyebrow, tossing a smirk over his shoulder.

“Well, we still need to sign up and talk to the principal,” Taerae pointed out, glancing around. “Where’s Jiwoong anyway?”

“I’m not ready to go in,” Gunwook mumbled, hiding behind Matthew like he was preparing for an ambush. “I don’t feel welcomed.”

“Just beat him up like you did to Tae—”

“Ooookayyy. Gyuvin, you really need to stop hanging with Yujin, don’t you?” Jiwoong said suddenly, appearing from behind them.

Jiwoong sighed. “Just here to get you signed in before you cause any... unsanctioned hallway riots.”

“Define unsanctioned,” Hao asked.

“Define riot,” Matthew added.

Jiwoong looked skyward for strength. “Follow me. Please.”

They all trailed behind, like reluctant sheep being herded toward their inevitable doom, but not without some antics.

Taerae shoved Gunwook away from Matthew, holding onto his best friend’s arm like a lifeline. Gunwook stumbled but quickly caught himself, giving Taerae a half-accusatory look.

“Jiwoong seems scary…” Taerae whispered to Matthew, his voice low and cautious as they trailed behind.

Matthew shot him a curious glance. “How come?”

“Well, first of all, he’s in a suit. It just... seems serious, you know?” Taerae said, as if the suit alone gave Jiwoong some kind of authority.

Matthew raised an eyebrow, then flicked his gaze toward Jiwoong ahead of them, who was walking with that same stiff, military-like posture.

“Well—woah—” His eyes dropped, jaw practically hitting the floor. “Bro, his ass is fat in those slacks, wait.”

Taerae followed his gaze, eyes widening as he too took in the sight. “Oh sweet baby Jesus... and the grown one too,” he muttered, clearly stunned.

“Yo, where’d he get all that from? What the fuck?” Matthew asked, looking behind Taerae and then at himself. “Girl, he beats us to it, too,” he gasped.

“All that bakery for what?” Hao chimed in, joining the conversation with a smirk as he held onto Matthew’s other arm.

“Bro, that’s insane. I’m—” Taerae sighed, shaking his head. “Wait, Matthew, that’s not the point,” he said, smacking Matthew’s arm.

“Bro, that’s all yours. Fuck you mean,” Matthew teased back.

“Can you quit that?” Taerae shoved him, but Matthew just giggled.

As the group walked down the hallway, the sound of footsteps echoed through the empty school, giving the atmosphere a slightly ominous edge. But what is a day in these boys' lives without odds being on their side?

The door to the principal's office opened.

And there he was. The man they had been waiting for arrived, for what felt like an eternity. Mr. Lee. The Principal.

Hao and Hanbin stood at the front, facing the very man who had made their relationship a bit more complicated than it needed to be. Hao flashed a mischievous grin at Principal Lee while Hanbin subtly tugged at his sleeve, trying to rein in his boyfriend's plans.

Gunwook pulled Matthew from Taerae’s embrace, trying to claim his boyfriend in fear. Taerae felt Matthew get tugged away as he also pulled Matthew. Playing tug of war with Matthew.

And to mention, this isn't Gunwook’s and Matthew’s first time seeing Mr. Lee. Gunwook was more scared that he’d get killed on the spot now that he and Taerae are friends. And Taerae? He was convinced the principal was annoyed with the number of times he'd cried to him.

Gyuvin, who wasn't the brightest and got sent to the office for not listening and being late all the time, was biting his lip out of nerves, holding onto Ricky's hand, who, on the other hand, showed no emotion behind those sunglasses he had on despite being indoors. Because the only time he's gotten in trouble in school was when he called someone broke.

“Wow, look at all of you!” Mr. Lee beamed as he spotted his old students. “Nice to see you again, Matthew.” Matthew shot him a smile, and he smiled back warmly. Then his eyes landed on Gunwook, and the smile twitched. “Park Gunwook,” he said, with a polite nod that somehow still felt like a warning.

Gunwook gulped.

Mr. Lee’s gaze slid to Taerae, who was doing his best impression of a potted plant—completely still and staring off like he wasn’t even there. Mr. Lee squinted between the two of them. Confused as to why Gunwook and Taerae were latched onto Matthew.

“Taerae? Is Gunwook bullying you again?”

A loud, unholy snort echoed from the back of the group. Gyuvin immediately slapped both hands over his mouth, eyes bulging as if he’d just committed a crime. Everyone turned just in time to see Ricky, sunglasses still on, hunched slightly from silent laughter, tears already threatening to roll down his face.

Matthew clenched his jaw, closing his eyes tightly so the principal wouldn’t catch him cracking a smile. He turned his back, pretending to inspect the floor like the sudden burst of laughter wasn’t the highlight of his day.

“He asked that so seriously—I'm sorry,” Gyuvin wheezed under his breath, trying to hold it in, which only made it worse. Another giggle escaped as he covered his face, now shaking, clearly losing the fight against his own laughter.

“Gyuvin,” Hanbin warned, giving him a full-on dad look.

“No, please—” Gyuvin winced, already bracing for the post-incident lecture.

“I can’t breathe—he said it like it’s happened before,” Ricky whispered, wiping under his sunglasses, barely keeping it together.

Gunwook frowned. “It did happen before.”

“Okay, but not like that,” Matthew added, failing to hide his smile.

Taerae let out a long, dramatic sigh. “I hate it here.”

...

Chapter Text

…

Mr. Lee looked between them again, clearly trying to decide whether to intervene or pray the school day would end early. “Well,” he said, clapping his hands once, “as long as no one’s crying in my office today, we’re off to a good start.”

“Can’t promise that,” Ricky chimed in at last, still dabbing under his sunglasses. “Gyuvin’s two giggles away from passing out.”

“I’m fine,” Gyuvin wheezed, holding onto Ricky’s arm for support. “I just wasn’t ready for the humor to start this early. My lungs weren’t warmed up.”

“Bullying is humor to you?” Taerae snapped, giving him a full side-eye.

Gyuvin pressed his lips together, face already pink, clearly fighting for his life. He lasted three seconds before another loud laugh escaped.

Behind him, Jiwoong cleared his throat and subtly held up the stack of lanyards they were supposed to receive. “Should we—uh—do the sign-ins?”

“Yes, yes!” Mr. Lee perked back up, clearly thrilled to switch to something that didn’t involve teenage emotional trauma. “Lanyards, yes! You’ll all need these. No badge, no entry, no exceptions. Even for Matthew.”

“There he goes glazing my boyfriend again,” Gunwook muttered, rolling his eyes—right before Matthew elbowed him, hard.

“Thank you, sir. We’ll get right to that,” Jiwoong smiled quickly, attempting to save everyone from another Mr. Lee interaction. He reached out and grabbed Taerae by the wrist to pull him along.

“Wait, Jiwoong.” Mr. Lee’s voice cut in firmly, halting him mid-step.

Jiwoong paused, halfway turned. “Yes, Principal Lee?”

Mr. Lee looked at him, then glanced at the group behind. “Keep an eye on them. I’ve been with these kids before, and well,” Mr. Lee looks behind him, “they're a lot to say the least.”

Hao can be heard scoffing as he tries approaching the principal, but Hanbin holds him back before something can be done.

Matthew raised a brow. “Sir, we’re literally helping today.”

“And I’m grateful,” Mr. Lee replied, with the smile of a man who did not trust that statement. “Still. Eye. On them.”

Jiwoong gave a stiff nod. “Copy that.”

With that, Mr. Lee disappeared around the corner, finally leaving the group behind. Hao’s eyes followed him like a hawk until he was completely out of view—and the moment he was, Hao yanked Hanbin’s arm off him like he’d been holding him hostage.

“Literally, who does he think he is?” Hao scoffed. “‘They’re a lot’? I know he wasn’t talking.” He turned to Hanbin, scandalized. “I just know he wasn’t talking, babe.”

Hanbin tried to calm him down, lightly grabbing his wrist. “Yes, I know, but maybe he didn’t mean it like that—”

“Oh no, he definitely did,” Matthew cut in, shaking his head with full confidence. “Internalized homophobia, or whatever you say it is.” Hao gasped, also realizing that.

“You’re not helping,” Hanbin deadpanned.

“And on Pride Month?” Gyuvin gasped, hand to his chest. “Couldn’t be me. Hao hyung, let’s grab the bat.” He turned to walk dramatically toward nowhere in particular, but Ricky, fully expecting this, casually grabbed his collar to hold him in place.

“He quite literally dick-rode my boyfriend in front of me,” Gunwook muttered, squeezing Matthew’s hand. Matthew immediately tried to snatch it back, but Gunwook clung harder and eventually won.

“Let’s kill it,” Gunwook smiled—far too calmly.

“Guys,” Jiwoong said, already massaging his temples, “can we please sign in? Yujin’s first class is about to start.”

“Man fuck that, I’m here for other reasons now,” Hao said, eyes scanning the hall.

“Hao,” Jiwoong called out firmly.

Hao sighed like the world had personally wronged him, crossing his arms with dramatic flair. Jiwoong gave a small, tired smile.

“Thank you. Okay, since there are eight of you, only one pair can go in at a time. So… who wants to go first?” Jiwoong asked, handing out lanyards to the group.

“What’s his first class?” Hanbin asked, already helping Hao put his lanyard on like a stage mom.

“Chemistry,” Jiwoong replied.

“Oh, word? Sign me up,” Ricky said, suddenly fully awake. Without warning, he grabbed Gyuvin’s hand. “Come on, let’s blow something up.” He slipped the lanyard over Gyuvin’s neck and grinned wickedly. “Let’s blow the teacher up.”

Gyuvin blinked, confused. “That’s not how chemistry works—”

“That’s exactly how chemistry works,” Ricky cut in, already tugging him toward the classroom.

“Classrooms that way,” Jiwoong called after them, just before they pushed open the wrong door.

Ricky spun around, smirking. “Knew that!”

Turning the corner, the others disappearing, Ricky sped-walked toward the classroom or, more specifically, toward the only teacher he couldn’t stand.

“Wait, Berry, my shoe’s untied, hold on.”

“No, Bams, I’m tryna see if it’s the same bitch-ass teacher—” Ricky was cut off as Gyuvin tripped over his loose shoelace. “Oh shit—”

In one chaotic moment, Gyuvin accidentally dragged Ricky down with him. They hit the floor hard, Gyuvin landing squarely on top of his boyfriend, arm instinctively shielding Ricky’s head. There was a pause. Gyuvin lifted himself slightly, bracing on one arm, eyes meeting Ricky’s.

Ricky stared up at him, unimpressed.

Gyuvin grinned, not even trying to hide it. “Has anyone told you that you’re pretty?”

Ricky gave him a deadpan look. The classic ‘really?’ face.

Gyuvin just kept smiling, entirely unbothered by the fact that they were still on the floor in the middle of the hallway. “Like, dangerously pretty,” he added, voice lower, teasing. “It’s honestly distracting. I think you’re the reason I fell.”

“Oh, you think?” Ricky deadpanned, pushing at Gyuvin’s chest. “Get off me, you’re heavy.”

Gyuvin kissed the corner of his boyfriend’s lips and got up. He helped Ricky to his feet, quickly tied his shoelaces, and stood back up. But just as Ricky was about to speed-walk off again, Gyuvin grabbed his hand.

“Waittt,” Gyuvin smiled, pulling him closer. “Is there another reason why you hate this teacher?” he asked, gently fixing Ricky’s hair.

“I told you—she hated me. That’s why I don’t like her,” Ricky said, raising an eyebrow.

“You were her best student, Berry,” Gyuvin replied. “You don’t like her because she didn’t like me.” Gyuvin smiled as Ricky’s eyes widened.

“I'm assuming you’ve had an eye on me since back then?” Gyuvin smirked.

Ricky blinked, caught off guard. “What? No,” he scoffed, looking away a little too quickly. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Gyuvin gave him the exact same ‘really?’ look Ricky had thrown at him earlier, then gently cupped Ricky’s face in his palms.

“Berry,” he said sweetly, blinking those Bambi eyes at him—Ricky practically melting into his touch, “you’re full of shit.”

Ricky tried to hold his glare, but his expression cracked just enough to give him away.

“I am not,” he muttered, barely audible.

Gyuvin raised an eyebrow. “Not what?”

“Not… full of shit,” Ricky mumbled, eyes darting anywhere but at his boyfriend.

“You’re literally blushing,” Gyuvin teased, leaning in just a bit closer. “Do I fluster you, Berry?”

“No,” Ricky said instantly—too instantly.

Gyuvin grinned, smug and glowing. “You’re so cute when you lie.”

Ricky groaned and lightly swatted his hands away. “Why did I even date you?”

“Because I’m hot, funny, loyal, and would 100% fight a teacher for you.”

Ricky paused, then shrugged. “Okay. Fair.”

Gyuvin grinned triumphantly, lacing their fingers together as they finally started walking toward the classroom. Their footsteps echoed softly in the hallway, the rest of the morning noise muffled behind closed doors.

“Let’s not explode the classroom,” Gyuvin said, stopping Ricky just before they reached the door. “Or the teacher.”

“What’s in it for me?” Ricky asked, one hand on his hip, brow raised.

“Mmm,” Gyuvin looked around like he was checking for eavesdroppers.

“You remember that idea you had… about raising a puppy together?”

Ricky’s jaw dropped. “No. You’re lying.”

“Don’t lie to me, Kim Gyuvin,” he said, lightly punching Gyuvin’s arm.

“Ow—okay, I’m trying to make a deal here, not engage in violence,” Gyuvin said, rubbing the spot dramatically. “I promise. But only if you don’t disrespect her.”

Ricky hesitated, arms crossed. The thought of raising a tiny puppy together, like a whole other little being that was theirs, was almost too cute to resist.

He sighed, finally. “Okay, okay… I’ll behave.”

Gyuvin smiled, slipping his hand back into Ricky’s. “Good. Because I already started looking at adoption pages.”

Ricky stared at him in stunned silence as Gyuvin opened the classroom door like nothing had happened.

The moment they stepped in, all eyes shifted their way. Ms. Han, mid-lecture, paused—and then there it was.

A slow, unmistakable stank glare aimed directly at Gyuvin.

Ricky felt his boyfriend tense beside him.

“Nice of you to finally join us,” Ms. Han said, her eyes narrowing on Gyuvin like he was a walking disruption. “Again.” Ricky took a deep breath, forcing a polite—if—not—slightly—robotic smile. Puppy. For the puppy. You are doing this for the puppy.

He stepped forward with practiced composure.

“Good morning, Ms. Han,” Ricky said smoothly, voice polite but cold enough to freeze the women in front of him. “I’m Ricky—Yujin’s guardian. Just dropping by to make sure he’s settled in for the morning.”

He let his gaze sweep her slowly, deliberately, before adding, “And to make sure he’s under the care of someone actually qualified.”

Ms. Han blinked, visibly stiffening. “I assure you, he is.”

“That’s good to hear,” Ricky said, charm dripping with satire. “It’d be a shame if he ended up with a teacher who doesn’t vibe with actual joy.” He smiled sweetly. “Or, you know, maybe a personality. That stuff can be pretty intimidating.”

Small gasps and giggles were heard from students behind them while Gyuvin tried to stifle a laugh and coughed into his sleeve instead.

Ricky glanced at him, then turned back to Ms. Han with one final, radiant smile. “Anyway. Thank you for your time. I’ll leave you to… whatever this lesson was.”

And with that, he spun on his heel, his hand brushing Gyuvin’s as they walked to the back. “That was me being nice,” he muttered.

Gyuvin whispered back, wide-eyed, “I think you just verbally harassed her and smiled about it.”

“Puppy,” Ricky replied under his breath. “I’m doing this for the puppy.”

As they made their way toward Yujin’s desk, Ricky and Gyuvin slid into the seats on either side of their first child, settling in as the soft murmur of the teacher’s lesson filled the classroom.

Yujin glanced over at Ricky with a small smile of amusement. “You just crashed out,” he said gently, pressing a cool hand to Ricky’s forehead. “Are you good?”

Ricky smiled, eyes dropping to the textbook in front of him, the words swimming in a blur. “What are we learning?”

“Bruh, I don’t know,” Yujin shrugged, his voice low. “She lost me at ‘open your book to page…’”

“Yeah? What page?” Ricky waited.

“I don’t know.”

Ricky looked up again and caught Yujin and Gyuvin sharing a quiet smile, soft and easy, like a father and son who’d shared a thousand unspoken moments.

“For the puppy,” Ricky whispered to himself, then nodded with a small grin, “For the puppy, Ricky.”

…

“So what do we do while Yujin’s in class?” Taerae asked, his head flattened dramatically against the front office counter like he was moments from sleep.

Jiwoong flipped open the school calendar, scanning the familiar page with a sigh. “Well… nothing much. Same old routine. Not much has changed since we all graduated.”

Hao stood beside Hanbin, who was leaning against the window, eyes following the passing students with a far-off look.

“What’s his next class?” Hao asked, not looking away.

Jiwoong checked the clipboard. “Math.”

A chorus of groans rippled through the room like a wave of secondhand dread.

“Fuck all that, man. When’s lunch?” Gunwook muttered as he stood and stretched, arms over his head.

“Greedy motherfucker,” Matthew said without looking, rolling his eyes from where he lounged in a chair.

“Okay, who’s signing up for math?” Jiwoong asked, glancing around hopefully.

Silence.

Jiwoong blinked, then squinted directly at Hao. “Hao, you used to love math. What’s going on?”

Hao shrugged as he slid into the seat next to Hanbin. “I don’t know, maybe I’m just… not feeling it today.”

“Who’s the teacher?” Matthew asked.

“There’s a substitute—uhm…” Jiwoong leaned in, squinting. “Mr. Lee is taking over.”

Before the words fully settled, Hao’s head snapped up. He sprang from his seat and grabbed the pen out of Jiwoong’s hand with almost feral excitement.

“Gimme that,” Hao said, giggling darkly. “Bro can’t escape me now.”

Gunwook turned slowly to look at Hanbin, eyes narrowing. “What does he mean by that?”

Hanbin closed his eyes like he was bracing for a storm. “Don’t interfere with God’s nature,” he murmured solemnly.

Jiwoong gave a knowing nod, his expression unreadable.

Gunwook made brief eye contact with Jiwoong, then shook his head slowly. “Right. Okay… so what’s after math?”

Jiwoong pointed at the schedule. “Yujin’s got physical education next.”

Gunwook gasped like he’d just been given divine purpose. “Babe, let’s shadow this class.” He jabbed at the page with a dramatic flourish.

Matthew had been zoning out by the window on his chair, only half-listening—until that caught his attention. His head turned slightly.

“Matthew?” Gunwook called, expectant. “Hm? Yeah, sorry—” Matthew blinked, slowly turning from the glass. “You said gym?”

Taerae lifted his head slowly, eyes drifting over to Matthew. “I can go with Gunwook if you want, Matt.”

Matthew shook his head, already reaching for a pen. “No, it’s fine. I got it.” He signed his and Gunwook’s names on the sheet with a sigh. “It’s not like I’m gonna participate or anything.”

Gunwook patted his back like a proud coach. “You’re doing great, babe.”

Matthew furrowed his brows, whipping his head around with narrowed eyes. “Boy, get your hand off me,” he said, swatting Gunwook’s arm away.

“Alright, so…” Jiwoong scanned the list again, squinting at the last available slot. “Taerae, I think that leaves you with—uhm—music!”

Taerae blinked, his face lighting up like a child on Christmas morning.

“God is good. God is great,” He whispered with reverence, grinning as he dramatically kicked his feet under Jiwoong’s desk like he owned the place.

Hanbin glanced over, smiling. “You’re gonna bring rainbows and sunshines to that class, aren’t you?”

“Absolutely,” Taerae said without hesitation. “Those kids don’t know what’s coming.”

Hanbin sighed deeply as he slouched further into his seat, arms stretching high over his head before lazily dropping to his sides. His head tipped over and landed against Hao’s shoulder with practiced ease.

“When does chemistry end?” he mumbled, voice muffled by Hao’s sleeve. A yawn followed as he sank lower. “I’m decaying.”

But before anyone could answer, the bell rang—loud and abrupt.

Hao shot up like he’d just been called to the battlefield, completely forgetting Hanbin was still using him as a pillow.

“—Ow,” Hanbin groaned as his head fell straight into the warm, empty space Hao left behind. He blinked at the seat, face mushed against it, then slowly rolled over like a disappointed cat. The rest of the boys stared after Hao’s dramatic exit, then turned in perfect unison toward Hanbin.

He let out another sigh, dragging himself upright and grabbing his phone off the desk with the energy of someone who had already lived through five classes today.

“Wish me luck,” he muttered under his breath.

“Godspeed, soldier,” Jiwoong smiled as he waved.

…

The hallway buzzed with the low hum of changing periods—lockers slamming, sneakers squeaking, voices bouncing off the tile. In the middle of it all, Ricky and Gyuvin flanked Yujin like overly stylish bodyguards escorting a tiny celebrity.

“Math next, right?” Ricky asked, scrolling briefly through on his phone before glancing at Yujin.

“Unfortunately,” Yujin muttered, hugging his books to his chest. “The academic system is out to get me.”

Gyuvin tiptoed beside Yujin’s locker, helping yank the thick math textbook out from its usual spot in the clutter. He steadied the door with one hand, then clicked it shut behind them.

Yujin sighed and glanced around, shifting the book under his arm. “Do you know who’s going to shadow this class?”

Before Gyuvin could answer, a blur of motion streaked past them. Hao, in full sprint mode, zipped down the hallway like a kid let loose during recess. His bag bounced wildly with every step.

“—Wha–?” Ricky blinked as Hao flew by without stopping.

A few seconds later, Hanbin came jogging behind at a much less aggressive pace, nearly doubled over as he reached them. He bent down, hands on his knees, catching his breath like the hallway had betrayed him personally.

Hanbin turned his head and spotted the trio watching him. He straightened up slowly, flushed but grinning. “Oh my god, hi—how was—” he wheezed, waving one hand as the other stayed braced on his hip. “Whew. Sorry. He’s a fast one.”

Ricky gave him a look that said, ‘You don’t say.’

Yujin looked between Gyuvin and Ricky before answering, then shifted his gaze back to Hanbin with a small smile.

“Ricky told off my teacher in the nicest way possible, if that makes sense.”

Hanbin blinked. “Oh… oh, that tracks.” He places his hands on his hips, “So let's go to math class, yeah?” Yujin sighed and nodded, walking side by side with Hanbin, saying goodbye to Ricky and Gyuvin.

Yujin walked next to Hanbin as he showed him to his classroom, where he was found jogging in place, waiting for the two.

“Cmon, guys,” Hao said as he got weird looks from kids and parents. Yujin covered his face as he walked up to him.

“Hyung,” Yujin mumured. Hao looked up and smiled, “Stop.”

Hao blinked like he’d just realized he was jogging at full energy in front of a bunch of strangers. He grinned wider. “Right. Sorry. Got a little excited.”

As Hao reached for the classroom door, practically buzzing with anticipation, Hanbin gently grabbed his wrist, halting him.

“Yujin, go ahead,” Hanbin said, glancing at the boy with a reassuring smile. “I need to talk to Hao for a second.”

Yujin blinked, already halfway into the room. He gave a small nod and trudged inside, clearly dreading whatever equations waited for him.

Once the door clicked shut behind him, Hanbin turned to Hao, still holding onto his wrist. His expression was calm, gentle, even—but there was a hint of warning in his eyes.

“Hao,” Hanbin said slowly, almost fondly.

Hao grinned. “Hanbin.”

Hanbin's eyes narrowed slightly. “Hao.”

Hao flinched, immediately catching his slip. He smacked a hand over his own mouth like a kid who’d just said a bad word. “—Bin.”

“Right,” Hanbin nodded, folding his arms. “Listen… can you just—please behave in there? For once?”

Hao leaned back with a mock-offended gasp. “Me? I always behave.”

Hanbin raised an eyebrow, unamused.

Hao’s grin slowly faded. He looked away, suddenly fidgeting with the strap of his lanyard.

“I just…” he sighed, his voice quieter now. “I didn’t like how Mr. Lee talked to us earlier.” Hanbin tilted his head slightly, his arms still crossed, waiting.

Hao finally met his eyes. “Like—not only did he make things worse between us in high school, but now he shows up and acts like we’re too much?”

Hanbin’s expression softened, the sharp edge of his concern giving way to something more understanding. He didn’t rush to respond—just let Hao speak.

“He was always fed into it. And now he looks at us like we're the problem?” Hao scoffed, rubbing at the back of his neck. “It just... pissed me off, I guess.”

Hanbin looked at him for a beat longer, then let out a quiet breath. “Yeah. That’s fair. But that was then.”

Hao blinked, surprised by the quiet conviction in Hanbin’s tone.

“Now? We just know each other better,” Hanbin said. “And people like Mr. Lee don’t get to narrate our story anymore.”

There was a beat of silence. Hao’s eyes lingered on Hanbin, something unreadable flickering behind them, like he was still trying to decide if he wanted to punch him or kiss him.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “You’ve gotten annoyingly wise,” Hao muttered, nudging Hanbin lightly with his shoulder. “When did that happen?”

Hanbin raised an eyebrow. “Probably around the time I realized winning against you didn’t feel half as good as being with you.”

Hao blinked. His ears turned red instantly.

“Okay, gross, who are you and what did you do with the emotionally constipated Hanbin I spent three years yelling at across classrooms?”

Hanbin rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his grin. “He’s reformed. Mostly.”

“Don’t get too soft,” Hao warned playfully, taking a step toward the classroom door. “I’m still about to destroy you in mental math.”

“Oh, please,” Hanbin scoffed, following him. “I carried you through AP Calculus, and you know it.”

Hao threw a glance over his shoulder. “You carried my stress, not my grades.”

They were still bickering as they stepped into the classroom, but now it felt different. Not like rivals trying to outdo each other. More like partners in crime.

They both scanned the room, eyes searching until they landed on Yujin, slouched at the very back, head nearly sliding off his desk like gravity was finally winning.

“Oh! Hao and Hanbin,” Mr. Lee called out from the front with a forced smile, “Nice having you both in this math class!”

Hao’s entire expression dropped, joy evaporating from his face like someone hit a switch. Hanbin let out a small, nervous laugh, subtly stepping in front of him like a wall between Hao and potential war.

“Yes, sir. It’s a pleasure to be shadowing,” Hanbin said diplomatically.

Mr. Lee squinted with amusement. “Just to shadow? Or are you here to try and win against Hao again? Or are you just comfortable staying second your whole life?”

At that, Yujin slowly lifted his head off the desk, blinking himself back to life. His brows furrowed, eyes narrowing toward the front. Did… did someone else make fun of his friend? He glanced around in disbelief, jaw slightly dropping as the realization hit. Without thinking, he snatched a pencil from his desk and lobbed it across the room, hitting the back of his friend’s chair with precision. The boy turned around slowly, eyes wide in fake offense.

Yujin mouthed, “Do something.”

His friend grinned like he’d just been given the green light. He spun back around in his seat, cracking his knuckles with theatrical flair.

Hanbin smiled tightly. “I don’t really—”

“Is it because you’re dating now?” Mr. Lee interrupted, smug as ever.

A sharp scoff escaped from behind Hanbin. Hao was clearly ready to explode, but before he could say a word, a hand shot up from one of the front desks.

“Sir,” said a boy with a deadpan voice, “you’re a millennial trying to beef with two people who still have plenty of years left, unlike you. Can you please… teach?”

Snickers broke out. Another student chimed in, smirking, “Yeah, Mr. Lee, you’re barking for no reason.”

Yujin raised his hand next, now wide awake and very much enjoying himself. “Sakuya and Ryo are right. You’re really loud, sir.”

A chorus of jabs followed immediately:

“Ain’t you, like, sixty?”

“At your big age.”

“When is your daughter putting you in a home?”

“Boo! Tomato, tomato!”

Yujin’s friends had seized the perfect moment, roasting the very man who, for almost three years, turned Hao and Hanbin’s friendship into a high-stakes competition. The tension that once sat between them like a wall now felt laughable.

At the front, Hao couldn't help the slow, satisfied grin pulling at his lips. He turned his head slightly, catching Sakuya and Ryo near the middle row. They both shot him thumbs-up and blinding smiles, looking like they'd just won gold medals in petty justice.

Hanbin closed his eyes and bowed slightly, murmuring a quiet apology to the other parents scattered around the room. The mix of amusement and disbelief in their eyes made his cheeks burn with a hint of embarrassment.

“Boo, this guy stinks!” Was heard from the back, with something being thrown. Gasps and scattered jeers erupted as a milk carton suddenly sailed through the air.

Time seemed to slow for Hanbin; his confident smile faded, replaced by a mix of shock and dread. Meanwhile, Hao’s grin stretched wider, eyes gleaming with mischief and pride. The carton smashed against Mr. Lee’s chest, splattering cold milk down his shirt and onto the floor in a messy puddle. An abrupt silence fell like a heavy curtain.

Every head snapped toward the source of the throw.

And there stood Yujin, fully upright, arm still extended, his expression calm but defiant. His steady gaze dared anyone to speak up.

The classroom held its breath. Mr. Lee blinked down at the soaked front of his shirt, his usual stern demeanor flickering for a moment between surprise and disbelief. The students exchanged wide-eyed glances, some trying hard not to laugh, others caught between shock and awe.

“Han, Yujin,” Mr. Lee called out sharply, his voice cutting through the lingering laughter.

Yujin’s head snapped up, eyes wide as he scanned the room, then swallowed hard.

“Care to explain yourself?” Mr. Lee asked, a faint, almost amused smile tugging at his lips as he shook the milk from his shirt. Hanbin gently pulled Hao off his shoulders, easing him back to his seat.

“Uhm…” Yujin looked down, then flicked his gaze toward Hanbin and Hao, who were still lingering near the door. His eyes darted to the hallway beyond them, clearly calculating his odds—if he bolted now, could he make it?

His shoulders tensed, but instead of running, he gave a weak, guilty smile.

“I plead the fifth?” he offered, voice cracking a little as he giggled nervously.

…

Chapter Text

…

Jiwoong stood there, jaw slack, using every ounce of self-control not to burst out laughing as Yujin was held by the collar like a feral cat by Mr. Lee.

“Uhm,” Jiwoong glanced at the floor, where a small puddle was starting to form. He took a cautious step back. “I’m lactose intolerant, sir—”

“Kim Jiwoong, did you plan this?” Mr. Lee snapped, voice sharp and accusing.

Jiwoong’s eyes widened in panic. “No, sir! This wasn’t my intention at all—”

Mr. Lee spun around, glaring at Hao, then back at Jiwoong.

“I expect this kind of behavior from them,” he gestured vaguely at the boys like they were a group of kids making fun of him, “but you, Kim Jiwoong, are supposed to be an intern. That implies a minimum level of basic judgment.”

Jiwoong stood frozen, sighing. He bowed.

“Sir, I truly didn’t—”

“Save it,” Mr. Lee cut him off. “If anything else explodes, leaks, or cries,” He turned his gaze toward Gunwook and Taerae, who exchanged half-offended, shocked looks, “it better not involve you or your friends.”

With one final look that could curdle actual dairy, Mr. Lee turned on his heel and stomped out of the room.

There was a long silence.

Then Yujin, still half-hunched like he was recovering from emotional whiplash, whispered, “So… are we banned from milk now?”

“Bro, how? No why? No, where?…” Gyuvin blinked in confusion. “Y’all were telling me not to cause trouble.”

“Was it just me, or did Mr. Lee shoot me a side eye when he mentioned crying?” Taerae said, looking around for witnesses.

“No, he definitely looked at me when he said exploding…” Gunwook said, rubbing his chin.

“No, he looked at you when he mentioned crying,” Matthew said, yawning.

“Yeah, because you always made Taerae—”

“Alright, Gyuvin, please stop.” Gunwook interrupted.

Jiwoong sighed, hands on hips like a disappointed mom. Yujin glanced around, trying to avoid the spotlight.

“Yujin.”

Yujin blinked, looked around, then slowly pointed at himself. “Oh—me?”

Matthew stared at him like he was trying to burn a hole through his skull. “Absolutely no one else here has your name.”

“Why’d you throw the milk?”

Yujin shifted in his seat, pretending to think, lips pursed like a kid caught mid-heist.
“I felt... provoked.”

“Provoked?” Ricky repeated, looking up from his phone. “Provoked by what, dairy?”

“Where the hell did you even get milk?” Gyuvin snapped, throwing his hands in the air. “Why is he not getting an ass beating? I would've been in the corner if I did it—”

“Gyuvin, shut up,” Ricky muttered, patting his head without looking. Gyuvin, who was sitting in front of him, just blinked like a confused puppy.

“The cafeteria isn’t even open yet,” Gunwook said—and then paused mid-sentence, eyes going wide with realization.

Everyone turned toward him.

“Wait,” Taerae asked, “how do you know that?”

Gunwook froze.

“I thought they offered breakfast. So I checked.” His tone was defensive. Not apologetic.

Matthew narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms. “Hungry motherfucker. You piss me off.”

Jiwoong, meanwhile, leaned forward, arms crossed tightly. His voice was quieter, more serious. “Yujin. For real. Why’d you do it?”

Yujin glanced at him, then to the ground, dazed off where just a while ago Mr. Lee had been going off on Hanbin like it was his hobby. His fingers tapped anxiously against his desk, once, twice, before he let out a breath.

“He was going too far,” Yujin muttered.

Hao looked up sharply from where he’d been poking at the wet floor with a piece of paper towel. Hanbin glanced over, too, his brows furrowing.

Yujin’s voice stayed low. “I’ve heard about him doing that to you both for years. But today? The whole ‘second to hao’? The dating comments?” He shook his head. “Nah. I just… reacted.”

Matthew’s expression softened by a millimeter. “So the milk was, like… what, a warning shot?”

“Should’ve aimed for his head,” Taerae said, crossing his arms, earning a small side eye from Jiwoong.

“Deserved,” Gyuvin muttered.

“I mean, mission accomplished,” Gunwook added, nodding solemnly.

“I didn’t mean to throw it,” Yujin said quickly, then paused. “Okay, I did. But not, like… at him. More like… around him. In the general milk-adjacent direction.”

“That’s not how liquids work,” Jiwoong deadpanned.

“I panicked! I saw Hanbin looking nervous, and Hao seemed like he was going to verbally harass Mr. Lee. And the milk was there, and the opportunity was perfect—” Yujin mimed the throw again, slow-motion.

“And I don’t even play baseball. That was pure instinct.” He smiled, nodding like a champ as Gyuvin and Gunwook hyped him up until Ricky smacked them both on the arms, shutting down their hype train.

“So milk just spawned out of nowhere?” Taerae asked, genuinely curious. “Why aren’t y’all asking the real questions?”

“Is not knowing why he threw the milk carton the main question here?” Matthew replied, raising an eyebrow.

“Real question here is if I can cause trouble?” Gyuvin said, standing up like he was about to make a grand announcement—only for Ricky to yank him back down before he could.

Hanbin covered his mouth to hide a laugh. Hao, despite himself, was grinning behind his hand.

“I mean,” Hao said quietly, “it did stop him.”

Matthew clapped once. “So you weaponized milk for justice. Got it.”

“Lactose liberation,” Gyuvin added. “Milk came in clutch.”

Yujin leaned back in his chair, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Well, at least now Mr. Lee has a new reason to hate me.”

Jiwoong rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a small grin. “You guys are impossible.”

“I haven’t even done anything yet, so don’t include me in that plural call-out,” Matthew said, walking up to the schedule on his desk.

“Yet?” Jiwoong teased, on the verge of fake tears.

“Well,” Matthew glanced at Gunwook, smirking, “I don’t know if Gunwook’s gonna bully one of these kids—”

“Can I fucking live?” Gunwook said, standing up, clearly offended, which only made Matthew giggle.

“Don’t give him ideas,” Yujin said, pointing at Gunwook and trying to shift the blame.

"I've changed" Gunwook frowned, crossing his arms.

“For the worst, bro. You’re dating Matthew,” Gyuvin said, deadpan, finger aimed right at Matthew like he was dropping a hard truth.

Matthew shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel.

Right on cue, the bell rang, saving them all from the argument that was about to erupt.

Jiwoong stood up, clapping his hands once like a tired camp counselor. “Alright, P.E. is next. Please get going.”

He nodded toward the door, signaling Matthew, Gunwook, and Yujin to move.

Yujin blinked, clutching his chest like he'd just been stabbed. “Wait—am I not suspended?”

“Boy,” Taerae said, already dropping into Jiwoong’s chair and spinning lazily, “if Gunwook didn’t get suspended for bullying people into therapy, what makes you think you’re getting time off for throwing a milk carton?”

“Okay, damn,” Yujin muttered, dragging his backpack onto one shoulder with a dramatic sigh. “Y’all don’t gotta read me like that.”

“Clock’s ticking,” Jiwoong warned, already turning back to his clipboard.

Yujin trudged toward the door, muttering under his breath. “Should’ve aimed for the fire alarm…”

“Don’t you dare,” Hanbin snapped through gritted teeth, turning so fast you’d think he’d practiced that reaction.

…

“So, do y’all play dodgeball?” Gunwook asked, walking backwards down the hall like a golden retriever with too much energy, clearly hyped for P.E.

Yujin shot him a sideways glare, still bitter that he wasn’t suspended. “What are we, ten?”

“I mean,” Matthew cut in with a snort, “y’all still serve milk in little cartons. Let’s not act grown.”

“No, we don’t play dodgeball,” Yujin said flatly, shoving his backpack into his locker. “And it’s not like you’re gonna play, Wook.”

“What? Why not?” Gunwook frowned, standing right behind Matthew as Yujin slammed his locker shut.

“You’re here to shadow, Geon, not obliterate some poor kid’s face,” Matthew said, turning to face him, arms crossed like an unimpressed parent.

Gunwook frowned. “What if I aim for the teacher and not a kid?”

“Is it still the same teacher?” Matthew asked, half-curious, half-concerned.

Yujin squinted, thinking for a second as he started walking toward the gym doors.

“Mmm… nah. Someone new. Seems young. Probably a fresh grad.”

Gunwook immediately lit up. “So we are playing dodgeball.”

“Absolutely not what I said,” Yujin replied, deadpan, as he pushed the door open.

Matthew followed, rubbing his temples. “Gunwook, don’t go ruining some 24-year-old’s teaching career.”

As the three boys stepped into the gym, a strong gust of cold air from the AC swept over them, sending a chill down their backs. The space was wide and echoey, bright lights reflecting off the glossy wooden floors. Parents were scattered across the bleachers, chatting quietly, while the students stood in a single-file line, facing a tall figure at the front—the new coach.

Matthew narrowed his eyes as he walked further in, squinting to get a better look at the man addressing the class.

Gunwook, trailing just behind his boyfriend, squinted too. But the second his vision focused on the teacher’s face, he froze in place, audibly gasping.

Matthew halted, turning around. “What?” he asked, brow raised. Gunwook looked pale.

Yujin, watching the exchange from the side, blinked in confusion. “What happened?” he asked, looking between them.

“That’s—”

“Gunwook!” The sudden call made all three jump. Gunwook flinched like he’d been caught sneaking out of class. He looked down at Matthew nervously, then turned toward the voice.

“Hyung…” Gunwook said, forcing a tight, guilty smile.

He instinctively reached for Matthew’s sleeve for comfort, but Matthew was already starting to piece it together. As the coach stepped closer, his expression went from curious to wide-eyed recognition.

Matthew’s face dropped. His eyes widened. He inhaled sharply.

“Gunwook,” he said, his tone flat and grim.

“Yes, boba?” Gunwook replied sheepishly, still frozen in place.

“You’re going to ruin this man’s fuckass career.”

“Can someone explain what’s happening?” Yujin asked, growing more anxious by the second as he looked between their rapidly changing expressions. "who's ass are we beating?

“Well, logically speaking,” Gunwook muttered, still staring at the coach, “he could lowkey beat my ass.”

Yujin tugged at both their sleeves now, whispering with growing urgency. “Guys? Hello?”

Matthew finally turned, squaring up with Gunwook. “Well, Geon. You said you’d die for me, so now you’re going to have to make good on that.”

“I never actually said that,” Gunwook replied quickly.

“Guys, he’s getting closer,” Yujin said, bouncing on his feet, feeling impatient.

“Oh, so now you hate me and want me to die?” Matthew snapped, clicking his tongue in mock betrayal. “Alright. I’ll go do it myself.”

Yujin caught Matthew by the arm before he could storm off and act on something.

“Can one of you please explain why y’all are about to jump my P.E. teacher?”

Gunwook let out a sigh and leaned in, whispering just loud enough for the others to hear, “That’s Taerae’s old bully.”

Yujin’s jaw dropped. He whipped his head around to stare at the coach again, eyes narrowing. Then, with zero hesitation, he pushed Matthew forward. “Go get him, tiger. You got this.”

Gunwook smacked Yujin’s arm, eyes wide.

“He’s also the guy who messed up Matthew’s leg.”

Yujin gasped again, eyes wide. “Oh hell no. Go get him twice,” he said, shoving Matthew forward. But Matthew accidentally bumped into the coach, causing a brief, awkward silence.

Quick as a flash, Gunwook grabbed Matthew’s arm and pulled him back, guiding him to stand right beside him.

Gunwook offered a tight, nervous smile as he felt Matthew trembling beside him, his hand clenched into a fist at his side. “How have you been?” Gunwook asked, his throat dry. “Chul hyung.”

Chul’s smile didn’t waver, but his eyes shifted—slow, calculated—until they landed squarely on Matthew.

He squinted slightly, tilting his head as if trying to place him. Then his expression flickered with recognition. “Seok Matthew,” he said, letting the name hang between them like smoke. He scoffed lightly, blinking once before his gaze dropped—deliberately—to Matthew’s left leg.

“Long time no see,” he said again, the smile now unmistakably smug.

Matthew’s jaw clenched, the muscle ticking. He didn’t flinch, didn’t look away, but the tone in his voice was low and sharp. “You sick bitch.”

Gunwook instinctively stepped between them—not enough to block, but just enough to anchor Matthew.

Chul raised an eyebrow, amused. “Still got that fire in you, huh?” he said, arms folding across his chest. “Glad to see the leg didn’t slow you down too much.”

Matthew took a half-step forward, barely restrained. “You think this is funny?”

“I think,” Chul said casually, “some people never learn how to let go.”

Yujin, standing off to the side, looked like he was watching a live grenade with the pin halfway out.

“Okay,” he said, voice rising slightly, “I feel like this is one of those adult trauma things I don’t fully understand, but it feels like fists are going to fly, and I just want to say—I’m innocent.”

Chul barely glanced at him. “You’re related to them, aren’t you?”

Yujin took a step back. “See? The vibe is violent.”

Chul laughed, his gaze shifting to Matthew. “Is Taerae here too?” he asked, scanning the gym. “I’d like to say hi.”

Matthew’s body stiffened, his jaw tightening. “Not if I beat the fuck out of you, you won’t.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and dangerous. Yujin, standing nearby, flinched at the raw hostility in Matthew’s voice.

Chul’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before he recovered, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Still holding onto that grudge, huh?”

Matthew didn’t flinch. “You don’t get to talk about him.”

Gunwook placed a hand on Matthew’s shoulder, grounding him. “Let’s just go,” he murmured, his voice calm but firm.

“What about you, Gunwook?” Chul interrupted, voice cutting through the gym noise like a knife.

“Why are you with Matthew?”

Gunwook exhaled sharply through his nose, already tired of the conversation. “Chul, please act grown, bro.”

“Answer me, Gunwook.”

The demand came sharper now, laced with something possessive and bitter.

Matthew raised a brow, his expression shifting from confused to lethal. Slowly, he let go of Gunwook’s hand and stepped forward.

“You can watch your fucking tone,” Matthew said coldly, eyes narrowing as he stared Chul down.

The gym seemed to still for a second, the weight of the moment pressing between them like a tripwire. Even the kids lining up for class turned their heads slightly, sensing something off.

Chul only chuckled under his breath, like he was enjoying the tension. “Still got that mouth on you.”

Matthew tilted his head. “And you still got the same fuckass pussy behavior.”

Gunwook instinctively reached out, hand gently brushing Matthew’s arm in warning. “Matt, not here.”

But Matthew didn’t move. He didn’t even blink.

“You asked why he’s with me?” Matthew said, voice low and steady. “Because he grew up. Try it sometime.”

Chul laughed, looking around as if the gym itself held the answer. “Ohhh, I see. I get it now,” he said, turning to Gunwook. “Your plan worked.”

Matthew furrowed his eyebrows and turned around. “Plan?”

Yujin gasped, trying to join the adult conversation, stepping in front of Gunwook with his hands on his hips. “Plan?” he echoed, eyes wide with curiosity.

Matthew shoved his head lightly, a mix of amusement and disbelief. “Not now, Yujin.”

Gunwook’s eyes widened, and he looked at Chul like he was crazy. “Plan??” he repeated, his voice rising in confusion.

“Oh, don’t act stupid now, Gunwook,” Chul said, dragging out the name like it was a bad joke. “You know? The plan to get Matthew’s attention?”

Matthew stared from Chul to Gunwook, confusion flickering in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Babe, don’t look at me like that,” Gunwook said, already freaking out, voice barely above a whisper. “He’s insane. I don’t know what he’s on about.”

“Did you finally sleep with him?” Chul smirked, eyes glinting with teasing malice. Matthew’s jaw dropped in stunned silence, the shock plain on his face. Small gasps from parents can be heard as well. Yujin’s eyes widened too, his hands flying up to cover his mouth as if trying to silence himself.

“I didn’t tell him,” Yujin said, pointing at Chul, shaking his head rapidly. “I don’t know this man at all, trust me.”

Matthew let out a short, incredulous laugh and turned away, running a hand through his hair as he tried to process what he’d just heard.

“Excuse me?” he called over his shoulder, disbelief lacing his voice.

Chul stepped closer, the smirk on his face deepening, his voice dropping low and provocative. “You slept with him out of pity, didn’t you?”

He leaned in further, clearly trying to add fuel to the fire. “You felt so bad...”

Gunwook’s smile flickered nervously, but his eyes locked onto Chul’s with a sharp, warning glare.

“What the fuck did you just say?” he snapped, jaw tightening as tension crackled between them.

…

“So, when does P.E. end?” Taerae asked, casually popping a piece of Jiwoong’s tangerines into his mouth.

“Uhm, it’s only like forty-five minutes,” Jiwoong replied, peeling the tangerines carefully for him.

“I wanna go hoooome,” Gyuvin whined, dragging out the words as boredom clearly weighed on him.

Suddenly, Jiwoong’s phone rang, silencing Gyuvin instantly. Jiwoong set down the tangerine and picked up the phone, clearing his throat before speaking.

“Hello, HR’s Jiwoong.” He balanced the phone between his shoulder and ear, trying to peel more tangerines for Taerae. But just as he was about to finish, a slippery segment slipped from his fingers and hit the desk with a soft thump.

All five boys looked up, their attention caught by the unexpected noise.

“Jiwoong, my tangerine,” Taerae said, frowning as he bent down to retrieve the rolling fruit.

“Okay, I’ll be right there,” Jiwoong said, nodding quickly before hanging up the phone. Hanbin stood the moment Jiwoong hung up.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, concern creasing his brow.

Jiwoong glanced at his phone, then looked around as if checking for anything else he might need. Meeting Hanbin’s eyes, he lowered his voice. “Gunwook just punched the goddamn coach.”

A startled shout came from under the desk, followed by a loud thump and a frustrated whine. Taerae stood up, rubbing his head as if he’d just bumped it.

Gyuvin’s eyes snapped wide open, and he shot upright from his seat beside Ricky.

“Never mind, I don’t want to go home anymore,” he declared, his boredom instantly replaced by sharp alertness.

“Gunwook? Punching his elders?” Hao’s voice was thick with disbelief, eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

“Yeah, I don’t think he’d actually do that, Jiwoong hyung,” Ricky chimed in, clearly as confused as the rest.

Jiwoong pushed the door open, motioning for the boys to get out, though his mind raced, trying to piece it all together. He wanted to believe it was just a rumor — until the realization hit him like a punch to the gut.

“Well,” Jiwoong gasped, voice cracking in sudden panic, “oh my god, wait.”

Taerae, still gingerly rubbing his throbbing head, stepped through the doorway just as Jiwoong’s grip slipped. The door swung shut abruptly, smacking Taerae square in the forehead with a loud thud.

“Owwww!” Taerae groaned, staggering back, hands flying up to cradle the spot as Hao quickly reopened the door with an apologetic look.

Gyuvin exploded after Jiwoong, voice rising in frustration.

“You can’t just say ‘oh my god’ and run off! Come back here!”

“Gyuvin, wait—oh, who am I kidding?” Ricky muttered, throwing up his hands with a resigned sigh, already admitting defeat in the face of his boyfriend’s impulsiveness.

“Taerae,” Ricky called out.

“I think I have a concussion,” Taerae mumbled weakly, still lying on the floor like a fallen soldier.

“No, girl. That was blunt force trauma,” Hao said with a solemn nod, making Taerae groan.

…

“Take that back, you sick fuck!” Gunwook barked, muscles tense as Matthew struggled to hold him back, his own anger simmering just beneath the surface.

Yujin wrapped his arms around Gunwook from behind, trying to steady him like a leash on a storm.

“Wook, bro,” Yujin said, voice half amused, half exasperated. “What the hell do you eat? I’m gonna cry.”

Matthew’s grip tightened as he pushed gently but firmly. “Geon, let’s go outside. Come on.”

Chul sneered, stepping closer with a mocking grin. “Yeah, ‘Geon.’ Go outside with your little weak boyfriend.” His laugh was cold and sharp, cutting through the thick tension.

Yujin groaned loudly, practically rolling his eyes as Gunwook took a step forward again after Chul’s jab.

“Coach bro, back up or I swear I’m clocking you too,” Yujin warned, yanking Gunwook back like he was dragging a wild animal.

Before Gunwook could answer, the gym doors swung open with a sudden bang, followed by a firm voice cutting through the tension. Yujin closed his eyes, already accepting his fate as he felt Gunwook’s grip tighten, ready to drag him into whatever mess was about to explode.

“Coach Chul, please step away from Yujin’s guardians,” Jiwoong said firmly, striding toward them, with Gyuvin close behind and Hanbin right on their heels.

Relief washed over Yujin’s face. “God heard my prayers,” he muttered under his breath.

“Yeah, what he said!” Gyuvin called out, his voice full of energy. Yujin glanced back, hearing his friend’s confident words.

Then, with a deadpan sigh, Yujin muttered to Matthew, “Never mind. We’re so cooked.” “Gyuvin, help!” Yujin cried out, half desperate, half amused.

Gyuvin jogged up beside them, eyes wide as he took in the scene—Gunwook practically vibrating with rage, Matthew looking one bad word away from a felony, and Chul still smirking like he thought he was invincible.

“Damn, he mad as hell” gyuvin said looking back and forth.

“Gunwook was about to square up with the coach,” Yujin explained, still clutching Gunwook’s hoodie with both hands. “And I was about to dislocate a shoulder holding him back. Please tell me you brought snacks or something.”

“I brought Hanbin,” Gyuvin offered with a shrug.

Yujin frowned like his dreams had just been canceled. “That’s not even food, bro.”

Then, with the desperation of someone praying for divine intervention, he turned his face skyward and screamed, “RICKYYY, PLEASE HELP, I’M GONNA CRY!”

Hanbin stepped forward, calm but sharp-eyed. “Chul, step away. Now.”

Chul raised an eyebrow, arms still crossed. “I’m not doing anything. Just talking.”

“Mmm,” Gyuvin hummed, glancing sideways at Gunwook, who still looked like a one-man SWAT team mid-charge. “I don’t know, bro,” he said, tilting his head and pointing. “I don’t think he wants to only ‘talk.’”

Even Matthew snorted at that, and Gunwook gave the barest twitch of a grin before quickly erasing it.

“Like... respectfully, you’re five words away from turning into getting your shit rocked,” Gyuvin added helpfully. “Maybe zip it?”

Before Chul could respond, the gym doors swung open again with a dramatic creak—like the universe had pressed the “plot twist” button.

Yujin whipped his head around hopefully. “Please be reinforcements,” he muttered.

Sure enough, Ricky, Hao, and Taerae walked in, looking confused, concerned, and slightly out of breath—like they’d run halfway across campus while arguing about whether they should.

Yujin lit up like a Christmas tree. “Ricky!” he called, voice cracking with the sheer joy of salvation. “Oh my god, Dad, help, I’m emotionally injured.”

But Matthew’s face dropped the second he saw Taerae. His entire body stiffened like someone had hit the “freeze” button.

“Gyuvin,” Matthew hissed, grabbing his arm. “Distract Taerae. Now.” Gyuvin blinked.

“Huh? What am I supposed to do? Juggle?”

“Go swallow a paperclip for all I care, just distract Taerae and don’t let him near the coach—”

Chul, still uncomfortably close to the group, overheard the conversation, his smirk twisting into something sharper. “Taerae, you say?”

Gyuvin shot him an annoyed look. “Is it really that hard to mind your business, bro?” he snapped, crossing his arms. Then, with a pointed gesture between himself and Matthew, he added, “Adults are talking.”

Hao walked into the scene, still holding a dizzy Taerae by the arm, looking like he'd just barely survived a door ambush. His expression was tired, but protective, as he guided Taerae closer to the group.

Chul’s smirk deepened as Taerae got closer. His gaze never left the two of them, sizing them up like a predator in the wild.

Gyuvin, however, was far less focused on the tension brewing and more on the familiar face in front of him. His eyebrows furrowed, recognizing something he couldn’t quite place.

“You look familiar...” Gyuvin muttered, tilting his head. The gears in his brain clicked a moment later, and his eyes widened as he snapped his fingers.

“OH,” he shouted, suddenly louder than needed, causing everyone to turn toward him. He pointed directly at Chul, looking like he'd just had an epiphany. “Babe, ain't this—" He cut off, his eyes darting between Chul and his boyfriend Ricky, then back again, the realization settling in with the slowest burn.

His face dropped, and the playful smirk faded. “Oh,” Gyuvin said flatly, his voice a low warning. “I’m ‘bout to beat your ass too.”

Taerae, still woozy from the door incident, blinked slowly at Gyuvin, clearly not understanding the sudden shift. “Wait, what?” he asked, looking between the boys like he was missing some crucial information.

Ricky, who had been standing behind Gyuvin, took a step forward, his voice cautious. “Gyuvin, you’re not seriously about to do this right now, are you?”

But Gyuvin, with the utmost sincerity and a clear glint of mischief in his eyes, answered, “Oh, I’m so serious.”

Chul, for the first time since he'd entered the room, looked less sure of himself. “What’s your deal, kid?” he sneered, trying to regain his composure.

Gyuvin, cracking his knuckles with a dramatic flair, grinned. “My deal is simple. I don't forget faces, especially not ones attached to big egos and even bigger mistakes.”

Yujin, now fully invested in the impending chaos, stage-whispered to Matthew, “Are we taking bets on how this goes down? I’m putting my money on Gyuvin.”

“I’m just trying to say hi to an old friend,” Chul, still playing smug, shrugged casually.

Matthew sighed at the audacity, making him sigh, accepting fate for his career. He cracked his knuckles, his gaze locked on Chul like a laser beam. His posture was rigid, bracing himself for whatever came next. “Alright, bud. Hold still—this won’t take long.”

But just as he pulled his arm back to throw the punch, a fist from his left came flying in faster, landing square on Chul’s jaw with a clean, echoing crack.

Chul’s head snapped to the side as he stumbled back, all the arrogance drained from his expression in a single, stunned moment.

Matthew turned, confused, blinking slowly like his brain hadn’t quite caught up. His eyes landed on Gyuvin first, who stood frozen, mouth wide open in disbelief.

“Wasn’t me,” Gyuvin said immediately, hands shooting up like he’d been caught red-handed. “I was just standing here!”

Matthew blinked again, dazed. “Then who—?”

Before either of them could react further, Gunwook stepped in, silently, nudging both Matthew and Gyuvin back a few steps before the punch escalated into something worse.

Across from them, Taerae stood stock-still, his eyes locked onto Chul like he was seeing a ghost. It had been years, but the recognition hit hard and fast, stealing the breath from his lungs. He looked like his legs might give out any second.

Then his gaze shifted, past the chaos, to the person who had thrown the punch.

Jiwoong.

He stood still, composed, knuckles curled at his side, expression unreadable. But the fire in his eyes said everything that needed to be said.

No one said a word.

And for a moment, the gym was so silent it hurt.

Taerae took one step forward.

And Chul finally smiled.

—

Yujin leaned into Ricky, voice low like he was sharing a secret. And he was.

“Placing bets on Taerae.”

...

Chapter Text

…

Taerae’s footfalls were light, but the weight of his presence shifted the air in the gym. Gone was the boy who’d just been concussed by a door five minutes ago. The dazed expression had hardened into something older, sharper. His fists were clenched, and there was a tremble in his jaw that only Jiwoong, standing perfectly still behind him, could see.

And Matthew knew how Taerae would be feeling right now. They both shared the same small soul stuck in the same trauma — different versions, maybe, different bruises, but the same ache.

One of them was learning to accept it. The other? He was still trying to overcome it.

Matthew’s instincts screamed to step forward, to shield Taerae like he always had, but before he could, Gunwook’s firm grip stopped him. Their eyes met, and without a word, Gunwook reminded him: Taerae wasn’t alone in this fight.

Matthew looked back just as Jiwoong stepped into view behind Taerae. He was quiet, but his glare said everything — locked onto Chul like a hawk studying prey, cold and calculating, ready to intervene the second the wrong move was made.

Then came the voice—smug, grating, unmistakable.

“You get lost on your way to the music club?” Chul said, arms folded, leaning back like he owned the floor. “Or did you finally decide to grow a spine?”

The gym went still.

Taerae scoffed. Loud enough to echo off the walls. Loud enough to sound like it hurt coming out.

“You sure do got fucks to give on a plate if I do, don’t you?” He tilted his head, biting out the words like glass. “Served fresh. Silver. With your whole mouth foaming over it. Greedy motherfucker.”

Yujin, standing just in front of Hao and Hanbin, spun around with his jaw hanging open, looking like someone had just slapped him with a bass drop.

He whispered, “He done called him greedy.”

Hanbin grinned but quickly slapped Yujin’s arm, mouthing, Focus. Hao snorted quietly behind them.

Chul’s eyes narrowed, his smile turning into a sneer. “Is that how it’s gonna be, huh? You think you can talk to me like that?”

Taerae stood his ground, his voice steady. “I don’t need your approval, Chul. And it's a good fucking thing your opinion doesn't matter.”

Chul took a step forward, his presence imposing. “You think you can stand up to me? You’re nothing.”

Taerae’s lips curled into a sharp smile. “Well, you’re definitely something the gym could do without. Go run some miles.”

Yujin snapped his head toward Gyuvin, who was just as stunned, mouth agape. He shook Gunwook’s arm, hyped up over Taerae’s comeback. Yujin started jogging in place, excitement bubbling over from the intensity of the confrontation.

“That you big as hell, lil’ bro!” Yujin yelled, just as Hao was too slow to cover his mouth, his eyes wide with shock.

Chul glanced toward Yujin, jaw clenched tight, then pointed a finger accusingly.

“You…”

Yujin’s smile faded instantly.

“Uh-oh.”

Chul’s eyes narrowed dangerously as he took a step forward, voice low and threatening.

“Think you can front like that and not catch heat?”

Yujin’s body stiffened. He glanced at Hao, whispering, “Got another milk carton?”

Chul took a deliberate step forward, the tension in the air thickening like a storm about to break. Hanbin reacted instantly, grabbing Yujin’s arm and pulling him firmly behind Hao and himself.

“Think you’re funny, huh? You wanna keep running that mouth?” Chul snarled, reaching out as if to grab Yujin’s collar.

Yujin hesitated, weighing whether a reply would only make things worse. But, well — what was Yujin if not someone who made things worse?

“Well, I do think I’m quite humorous,” he muttered loud enough to carry.

Chul’s jaw tightened, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.

“Humorous, huh?” he hissed, stepping closer. “You’re about to learn there’s nothing funny about crossing me.”

Without warning, Chul’s hand shot out, grabbing Yujin’s collar with a firm grip. He shoved Hanbin back a step, forcing him to struggle to keep his balance, but Hanbin held on, steadying Yujin before he could be pulled further.

Yujin’s eyes widened in genuine fear, the usual bravado draining from his face. His body stiffened, and his breath hitched as Chul lifted him slightly off the ground. The air felt thick, heavy with the weight of what could come next.

“Oh sweet Jesus, he’s got me, guys,” Yujin muttered weakly, his voice trembling. “Help... guys, help...” His plea was uncertain—half a nervous laugh, half a desperate cry—caught somewhere between disbelief and panic.

His words wobbled on the edge of a nervous laugh and real panic—half joke, half desperate SOS. He scanned the gym and locked eyes with Ryo and Sakuya, who stood frozen, mouths covered, eyes wide in disbelief.

“Don’t worry, gang,” Yujin managed, raising a limp fist like a tragic movie hero. “In another life.”

A stir moved through the gym—parents now standing, murmuring, pulling out their phones. A coach laying hands on a student? This wasn’t just trouble. This was headline material.

Yujin caught the camera.

He posed.

“Guys, did my mic turn off? Help,” he added, just as his body seemed to go limp midair — not from force, but from sheer nerves. He wasn’t fighting back. He’d simply accepted fate, arms slack at his sides, dangling like a kid caught skipping class.

Hanbin moved to lunge, but Hao held him back, eyes locked on someone else.

Because Taerae was already moving.

Fast.

No warning.

The crack of the punch echoed across the gym like a slammed locker. Clean, sharp, and terrifyingly precise.

Chul staggered back, his grip on Yujin’s collar breaking instantly as he clutched the side of his face, more stunned than hurt. The room froze. Even the sound of sneakers squeaking or shallow breaths seemed to vanish.

Taerae stood there, chest heaving, his fist still clenched like it hadn’t quite registered what it had just done. His voice, when it came, was low and unshaking.

“You can hit me all you want.” Silence stretched, thick and pulsing. “But you do not—” Taerae stepped forward, voice low, eyes locked. He shoved Chul square in the chest. “—Put your hands on them.”

Chul stumbled back, more from shock than force, his balance thrown by the weight behind Taerae’s words rather than the shove itself. His feet faltered, his body briefly off balance as if the ground beneath him had suddenly shifted. And then, the inevitable happened—his legs buckled, and Chul dropped to the floor with a sharp thud, his pride crashing harder than his body ever would.

Even Yujin was speechless, now sitting crumpled on the floor like a dropped puppet, blinking up at Taerae with awe. Hao quickly crouched down to hold his head, looking for any bumps.

Taerae’s gaze shifted down to Chul, who was still sprawled on the floor. Without hesitation, Taerae placed his foot firmly on Chul’s left leg, pressing down with deliberate force.

“April 17th,” Taerae said quietly, crouching close. “Remember that day?”

Chul remained silent, and Taerae took the silence as confirmation.

Matthew’s breath caught in his throat.

“No? Mmm,” Taerae muttered, rising to his full height.

“Well, then you should remember June 17th.” Before Chul could respond, Taerae slammed his heel down, driving pressure hard onto Chul’s injured leg.

The pressure on Chul’s leg intensified, the tension in the gym thick as a storm cloud, crackling with the force of Taerae’s quiet fury. Chul winced, his face contorting as he tried to push himself up, but his leg wouldn’t cooperate. His pride was still intact, but his body? Not so much.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Chul growled, eyes narrowing with frustration and fear creeping in.

Taerae didn’t flinch. He wasn’t even looking at Chul anymore.

His gaze drifted over his shoulder, locking with Matthew’s for the briefest moment—just long enough to remind them both of what this was really about. Then his eyes dropped back to the boy beneath him, and his words came low and deliberate.

“You don’t get to forget the things you’ve done to people. Not today.” He shifted his foot slightly, making Chul grunt with the added pressure.

Jiwoong’s grip tightened on Taerae’s arm, urging him to pull back, but the intensity of the moment was almost suffocating. Matthew watched, his pulse pounding, unable to look away. Something was unsettling about the way Taerae stood over Chul.

“Taerae, that’s enough. Come on,” Jiwoong said, trying to pull him back. The sound of Chul’s groaning cut through the tension as Hanbin stepped in, trying to keep things from escalating any further.

“Oh, quit groaning, loud motherfucker,” Taerae muttered, his foot nudging harder against Chul’s leg. Finally, he removed it, but not without making sure the pressure was felt, leaving Chul visibly strained.

“Whining like a damn dog,” Taerae spat as Hanbin pulled him back, keeping him in check.

Jiwoong crouched down, his eyes now locked with Chul’s, a twisted smirk curling on his lips. Unable to resist, Jiwoong grabbed Chul by the chin, forcing him to look at him. He clicked his tongue, as if appraising something distasteful.

“Gotta hit the gym and that plastic surgeon,” Jiwoong teased, eyes glinting with a challenge.

Chul groaned, clearly trying to save face, his pride still intact but fraying at the edges.

“Is it that bad?” he grumbled, clearly irritated.

Jiwoong glanced around, scanning the room, and then smirked. “Not yet,” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Before Chul could respond, Jiwoong’s hand shot forward, landing a quick, sharp punch directly to his nose. The crack of bone and the sudden shift of weight sent Chul stumbling backward, his eyes going wide as his body swayed in a daze. He looked up, blinking in confusion as he tried to process what had just happened.

Jiwoong looked around, casually sweeping his gaze across the room. He pointed at Chul, who was now knocked out cold.

“Oh no,” Jiwoong said, feigning concern as he glanced at the others. “He fainted, oh no.”

Yujin, still sprawled out on the floor like a starfish, groaned dramatically. Sakuya and Ryo hurried over to him, concern flickering in their eyes as they crouched beside him.

“Yujin!” Ryo said, shaking his shoulder. “Hey, you good?”

Yujin blinked slowly, clearly processing everything that had just happened. He let out a small, disoriented laugh before muttering, “Did y’all see that shit?”

Sakuya, still trying to make sense of the chaos, looked around nervously. His eyes met Hao’s, and he gave him a forced smile, clearly trying to downplay the situation. “Yeah, we saw it... But you almost got owned by a guy who skips leg day.”

“Yeah, that was kinda embarrassing,” Ryo added, patting Yujin’s shoulder.

Yujin exhaled a long, exaggerated sigh as he stared up at the ceiling, almost in disbelief. His lips twitched as he hissed in pain, holding his side.

“Do you think this counts as a sick day?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm but also genuine fatigue.

Hao snorted, crouching down and placing a hand on Ryo’s and Sakuya’s shoulders. “He’ll be fine. That’s what he gets for fucking around and wanting to find out, right, Yujin?”

“God forbid a boy be curious,” Yujin muttered, closing his eyes with an exaggerated sigh.

Hao chuckled, then shifted his gaze back to Ryo and Sakuya. “Also, thanks for having my back in math class earlier. You guys saved us.”

He glanced around, finally spotting Hanbin in the corner. “I’ll take you three out for some food later, yeah?”

Ryo and Sakuya exchanged glances, both of them nodding enthusiastically, their smiles wide.

Yujin, still lying flat on the floor, groaned dramatically. “Fucking fatasses,” he muttered under his breath.

Ryo, without missing a beat, slapped Yujin lightly on the cheek, his smile never faltering. He looked back at Hao, who had wide eyes at the unexpected banter, but soon enough, Hao’s grin spread across his face. Yujin let out a loud, drawn-out “Owwww,” his voice a mix of disbelief and exaggerated pain.

Besides these 3 little cubs and Mama Bear, was Taerae freaking the fuck out.

“Holy fucking shit, hold me,” Taerae said, looking back at Chul, before falling into Ricky’s arms. Ricky smiled, wrapping an arm around him to steady him.

“This isn’t real,” Taerae muttered, shaking his head in disbelief as Gyuvin, hyped up, punched his arm.

“You finally confronted him!” Gyuvin cheered, practically jumping in place. “You know, I could’ve beaten the shit out of him, honestly didn’t even recognize him, but it’s okay because you—” Ricky quickly covered Gyuvin’s mouth, cutting him off mid-sentence.

“Since when did you know how to punch?” Ricky interrupted, a teasing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Taerae shrugged, still freaking out.

“I had a fist and a dream, bro. That was not me.” His eyes flickered toward Matthew, who was staring at Gunwook’s fist, clearly still processing the first punch that had set everything in motion.

“You didn’t even punch him that hard,” Matthew remarked, gently touching Gunwook's knuckles. Gunwook smiled, his demeanor softening back to his usual gentle self.

As Gunwook moved aside to allow the school's security team to handle Chul, Matthew's eyes met his. In that brief moment, Gunwook caught Matthew's gaze and, with a subtle gesture, brushed the mole beside his eye, drawing Matthew's attention.

As Matthew was slowly falling for the affection, his mind went straight to the accusations Chul made, snapping out of it, he backed up. Gunwook furrowed his eyebrows.

“Was there actually a plan?” Matthew asked, glaring at him, making Gunwook wince.

“No, baby, there wasn’t,” Gunwook said, grabbing Matthew’s hand gently. “If anything, the only plan I had in mind was to apologize.”

Matthew held his gaze, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. Gunwook could feel the doubt, but he didn’t push—he let the silence speak for itself.

Then Gunwook smiled softly, brushing his bangs back. “My plan was you.”

Matthew cringed, pushing him away playfully. “You’re so fucking corny.”

Gunwook giggled, refusing to let go. “Baby, boo, my sweetie,” he teased, pulling Matthew closer despite his protests and planting a soft kiss on his cheek.

Matthew blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the gentle gesture. Then a soft, almost sheepish smile spread across his face as the noise of parents and kids slowly faded from the gym, filling the background.

“You clocked him, huh?” Matthew said quietly, almost like he didn’t believe it had all happened.

Gunwook shrugged modestly. “He deserved worse.”

Taerae was still a few feet away, half-sinking into Ricky’s hold like the adrenaline was finally leaving his system. Gyuvin was buzzing next to him, practically vibrating with excitement, while Yujin was now somehow back on his feet, limping dramatically with an arm around Hao.

“Hey,” Matthew said, turning back to Taerae, stepping closer, “You okay?”

Taerae gave him a tired, crooked grin. “Define okay.”

Matthew shook his head, amused. “You saved Yujin from getting his shit rocked.”

“I think I scared myself more than I scared Chul,” Taerae admitted, running a hand through his hair.

Matthew nudged him gently. “Still—thank you.”

Taerae blinked, linking his arm with his best friend’s. “What? For what?”

“For standing up. For me.” Matthew’s smile was soft, his eyes full of quiet gratitude.

Taerae’s gaze dropped, a warmth spreading through his chest that caught him off guard. Matthew’s thankful—for me? It felt like the world had shifted. Usually, Matthew was the one taking hits, the one protecting him. But now, Taerae had been the shield.

A lump formed in his throat, a mix of pride and something deeper—relief, maybe hope. He wanted this to be the last time he had to fight like that, to put himself on the line. Because as much as he’d do it again in a heartbeat, he wished for a day when they could all just be safe.

And in that moment, standing there with Matthew’s hand warm in his, Taerae felt something fierce and tender swell inside him—something worth fighting for beyond any punch thrown.

Taerae smiled and stretched out his arms, inviting a hug. Matthew’s face lit up, and he stepped in gladly, wrapping around Taerae as they swayed gently side by side. They giggled softly, the carefree joy of their fifteen-year-old selves shining through in that simple moment, back when all that mattered was having a class together.

“You wanna get boba later?” Taerae asked, pulling away slightly.

Matthew gasped playfully. “Oh my god, I’d love to—but,” he pointed behind him, where Gunwook was deep in conversation with Jiwoong, carefully explaining everything that had happened. “I promised him a date.”

Taerae frowned dramatically, his bottom lip jutting out in a mock pout. “Can I join?”

Matthew gave him a side-eye, the corners of his mouth twitching. “Bro… you know damn well I’d say yes, but” he gestured again toward Gunwook, who was now gesturing animatedly to Jiwoong, “he’s been waiting all day.”

Taerae gasped, placing a hand over his chest like he’d just been betrayed in a drama.

“Oh. So you’re putting your boyfriend over me? Wow. Got it. Loud and clear.”

Matthew rolled his eyes, biting back a laugh. “This is exactly what I was scared of. I hate both of you.”

Taerae nudged him with his shoulder, a wide grin spreading across his face. “No, you don’t.”

“Just go on a date with Jiwoong,” Matthew teased.

Taerae’s eyes widened. “Well, I don’t know—”

Jiwoong, who had somehow managed to overhear from a few steps away, chimed in smoothly, “You don’t know what, Taerae?”

Taerae froze like a deer caught in headlights, then slowly turned his head to face him. “Uhm… I don’t know if I—uh—have the right… shoes.”

“A duh duh duduh.” Matthew burst out laughing, doubling over as Jiwoong raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

“Bro. We’re not going hiking. It’s boba.”

Taerae scratched the back of his neck, cheeks pink. “Well, what if we walk a lot?”

Jiwoong stepped closer, smiling. “Then I’ll carry you.”

Taerae blinked. “You’re... what?”

“Piggyback,” Jiwoong shrugged. “Romantic, right?”

Matthew wheezed. “Oh my god, he’s serious.”

Taerae covered his face with his hands. “I hate both of you so much.”

“No, you don’t,” Jiwoong said, gently pulling Taerae’s hands down. “So? Boba?”

Taerae mumbled something under his breath, then finally nodded. “Yeah. Okay.”

“I’ll meet you at my car—just need to turn in this report real quick,” Jiwoong said, flashing a smile before turning and walking off with a wave.

Taerae waved back, still smiling as he watched Jiwoong’s retreating figure. He lingered a moment too long, gaze soft, almost dreamy—until he snapped out of it, blinking rapidly.

When he turned, he found Matthew and Gunwook staring at him with identical grins, smug and knowing.

Taerae squinted. “What?”

“You’re in love,” Matthew sang-songed.

“I am not,” Taerae said instantly, even as his ears turned pink.

Gunwook raised an eyebrow. “You just stared at him like he hung the stars, bro.”

“Alright, Shakespeare, wrap it up,” Taerae said, rolling his eyes.

Matthew immediately jumped in, dramatically placing the back of his hand against his forehead and leaning into an invisible faint.

”Oh Jiwoong! Boba sounds divine! Shall we ride into the sunset together?”

Taerae groaned. “I hate you.”

“Yes, my Taerae,” Gunwook chimed in with a faux-sultry voice, clasping Matthew’s hands like they were in a period drama.

Matthew barely held back laughter. “We’ll drink passion fruit slushies and talk about our dreams—”

“That’s not even how I talk!” Taerae cut in, clearly offended.

“—and unpack our trauma,” Gunwook said seriously, nodding like he was reciting an important script. “Then we can feast on pie and—” He kept up the Jiwoong impression perfectly.

Before he could finish, Jiwoong cut in, raising a brow with a smirk.

“Is that really how I sound?”

Gunwook let out a high-pitched screech and dove behind Matthew, who was barely keeping a straight face.

“Oh my god, heyyy…” Gunwook stretched out the word, his voice dripping with dramatic flair. Then, with a mischievous grin, he leaned in close to Matthew, whispering in his ear. “He fucking flew, babe, what the fuck.”

Taerae, trying to move things along, glanced between them with an exasperated sigh. “Thought I was supposed to meet you at your car, Jiwoong?”

Jiwoong, completely unfazed by the playful chaos, held up his tie, which was slightly crooked. “Forgot my tie,” he said with a grin, his eyes sparkling with that usual charm. Taerae couldn’t help but let his gaze drop to Jiwoong’s collar, slightly askew, his fingers instinctively twitching to fix it.

"Uhh..." Taerae cleared his throat, trying to focus. "Right, uhm, should we get going?"

He grabbed Jiwoong by the wrist, pulling him gently. Jiwoong blinked, then let out a soft chuckle, getting swept up by Taerae's urgency. "Well, oh, okay, we're moving now," Jiwoong said, his voice amused as he waved back at the group. "Bye guys, uhm, I'll update in the group chat!"

"Bye-bye, Woong!" Hao called out from where he was helping Yujin sit down on the bleachers, both of them looking like they'd been through a small battle.

“I feel like I’m crippled,” Yujin exhaled dramatically, sinking further into the seat with an exaggerated wince.

“Oh, shut up,” Hao threw over his shoulder.

As they headed toward the door, the banter from their friends still echoed in the gym, but for a moment, it felt like the whole world had quieted down to just them.

The hallway felt unusually quiet as Jiwoong and Taerae walked side by side, the noise from the gym fading into the distance. Taerae’s mind wandered as he kept pace with Jiwoong, and then, as if remembering something, he glanced up at him.

“Wait, isn’t there a class left?” Taerae asked, his brow furrowing slightly, a hint of concern in his voice.

Jiwoong, looking a bit sheepish, gave a casual shrug. “I forgot to mention that today was only four periods, since the event took place.” He nodded with a soft, apologetic smile. “Sorry about that.”

Taerae’s eyes widened in realization, his lips forming an ‘O.

“Ohh, no, it’s okay! Actually, I'm kinda glad the day ended early,” he added, the tension in his shoulders melting away as he relaxed, nodding to himself.

As Taerae smiled and glanced up at Jiwoong again, he caught a strange stillness in the air, a weight he hadn’t noticed before. Jiwoong’s gaze was fixed on him—his eyes soft, almost tender, in a way Taerae hadn’t seen. There was a quiet intensity in his stare, like he was trying to say something without words.

His cheeks flushed, pink creeping up to his ears as he turned his gaze away for a second, flustered. He cleared his throat, trying to ignore the fluttering feeling in his chest.

“Yes?” he asked, his voice a little breathier than he intended, his heart racing slightly.

Jiwoong smiled. “I’m really proud of you, Taerae.”

Taerae furrowed his eyebrows, tilting his head slightly as he slowed his pace. The words seemed to hang in the air between them, unexpected yet warm, as if Jiwoong had just handed him something precious. He couldn’t quite wrap his head around it, and the simple compliment felt heavier than it should.

“Proud of me?” Taerae repeated, his voice quieter than usual, trying to decipher the meaning behind those words. Jiwoong nodded.

“You’re a good person, Taerae. More than you give yourself credit for.” He reached out then, gently brushing a strand of hair out of Taerae’s face, his fingertips grazing the skin of his cheek.

The touch sent a jolt of warmth through Taerae’s body, and he felt his heart skip a beat. He froze, unsure how to respond, his thoughts swirling in a million directions.

“I—uh… I don’t know what to say,” Taerae finally mumbled, his voice quiet and slightly breathless. He felt exposed, but in a way that was different from how he usually felt. Not vulnerable in a bad way, but almost... honored.

“It’s okay to not have an answer, I just want you to be aware of the person you are.” Jiwoong nodded and smiled while looking at the ground now.

Taerae opened his mouth, trying to speak, but the words caught in his throat. His gaze dropped to his collar, still slightly askew from the rush of the day. He swallowed hard, trying to get his bearings, but all he could feel was the heat rising in his face. Without thinking, he groaned and quickly picked up his pace, hoping the distance would cool the flush he could already feel spreading.

“Wait— Taerae!” Jiwoong called out, his voice carrying through the air, light and teasing.

“No, Jiwoong, you can't just say that when you're looking like that!” Taerae whined, his voice a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. He didn’t even dare look over at Jiwoong, his mind spinning from the compliment and the rush of emotions that came with it.

Jiwoong’s laughter followed him, carefree and melodic. With an easy, practiced stride, Jiwoong jogged up behind him, effortlessly closing the gap. He reached out, his fingers wrapping gently around Taerae’s wrist, pulling him to a stop.

“Taerae, come on,” Jiwoong said with a soft chuckle, his voice calm, almost soothing. He tilted his head, raising an eyebrow in playful confusion. “Looking like what?”

Taerae felt the warmth of Jiwoong’s touch and, for a second, his heart skipped a beat. His gaze flickered back to Jiwoong’s face, but he quickly averted his eyes, still too flustered to meet his stare.

“Like that,” Taerae stammered, gesturing vaguely toward Jiwoong’s easy smile, the way his confidence and warmth seemed to fill up the space between them.

“You’re making it impossible not to get embarrassed, you know?”

Jiwoong’s fingers tightened slightly around his wrist, a reassuring, gentle pressure. He leaned in just enough so that their faces were a little closer, a soft, teasing smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“And what if I want to make it impossible for you to be embarrassed?”

Taerae swallowed again, the teasing tone in Jiwoong’s voice pulling at something deep inside him. He felt his cheeks heat up even more, if that was even possible, and he couldn’t tell if it was the laughter or the sudden closeness that was making his heart race.

“I don’t know if I can handle that,” Taerae mumbled, his voice quieter now, as though the weight of Jiwoong’s words had momentarily silenced him.

Jiwoong’s smile softened, and he gave a small, almost imperceptible shrug. “Guess you’ll just have to find out, won’t you?”

Taerae opened his mouth to protest, but the words died in his throat. His heart was pounding, his thoughts a little too tangled to form a response. Instead, he just nodded, too flustered to say anything else.

“Come on, let’s go,” Jiwoong said gently, pulling him along. The quiet was comfortable now, with just the sound of their footsteps filling the space between them.

As they rounded a corner, some faint mumbling reached their ears. The voices were muffled, but the tension in the air was undeniable.

From behind a nearby wall, Gyuvin was being shielded by Ricky, who peered around the corner like a spy, making sure the coast was clear. When he finally saw that Taerae and Jiwoong had passed by, he relaxed, giving a relieved sigh.

Without hesitation, Ricky turned to Gyuvin, giving him a light smack on the arm.

“Vin, I seriously can’t with you!” he hissed, his voice a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Gyuvin, who was still catching his breath from what had just transpired, winced but quickly shot back.

“Berry, how the hell was I not supposed to gasp when they’re flirting in front of me?” His voice was defensive, but there was an underlying amusement in his tone, too.

Ricky narrowed his eyes, rubbing his temples as he tried to calm himself. “You were practically hyperventilating, bams. They’re not even hiding it at this point. You're too obvious.”

Gyuvin’s grin was almost mischievous. “Hey, it's not my fault they’re adorable.”

Ricky rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he dragged Gyuvin down the hallway.

“I can’t believe you, Gyuvin. You act like you’ve never seen two people flirt before.”

“I haven’t!” Gyuvin replied dramatically, but then paused as he caught Ricky’s deadpan stare — the kind that screamed Really? Like, Gyuvin didn’t spend every waking second flirting with him already.

Gyuvin laughed nervously. “Okay, okay, we don’t count.”

Ricky crossed his arms, unimpressed.

Gyuvin grinned. “I can lowkey die if I don’t flirt with you, no, wait—highkey. I can highkey die.”

Ricky rolled his eyes. “You’re so dramatic.”

“It’s not drama, it’s devotion!” Gyuvin said, smiling and interlocking his fingers with Ricky’s.

“You make it sound like a medical condition.”

Gyuvin nodded solemnly. “It is.” Ricky looked slightly up, “It’s terminal if ignored.”

Ricky tried really hard not to smile, but the corners of his lips betrayed him. “Then I must be your prescription.”

Gyuvin’s eyes lit up. “Exactly! See, this is why we work. You're the cool pharmacist, and I’m the guy hopelessly addicted to you.”

“That’s not romantic. That’s unhealthy,” Ricky deadpanned.

“But it’s us,” Gyuvin said with a grin, bumping their shoulders together.

Ricky sighed, feigning exhaustion. “God help me.”

Gyuvin smiled at him, eyes soft and steady, just like Jiwoong’s had been with Taerae earlier. Ricky side-eyed him, trying to hide the fondness creeping into his expression.

“What do you want?”

“Mmm.” Gyuvin puckered his lips, a playful pout forming. “I haven’t received my pill today.”

Ricky tilted his head in confusion. Then he looked up, catching the silent plea in Gyuvin’s lips, asking for a kiss. Rolling his eyes, Ricky held up two fingers and gently pressed them against Gyuvin’s lips, silencing him.

“You’re not going to die,” Ricky said, voice low but teasing. “Wait till we get home.”

Gyuvin’s brow furrowed in mock disappointment, but his eyes sparkled with anticipation. He sighed, glancing around like a mischievous kid scouting for a secret spot. As they passed an empty classroom, a sly smile spread across his face. He reached out, grabbing the door handle and Ricky’s wrist.

“You leave me no choice,” Gyuvin teased, tugging him inside with a sudden pull that made Ricky yelp.

“Wait—no, Gyuvin—” Ricky started, but was quickly cut off by a soft, deliberate kiss. The door clicked shut behind them, sealing them in the quiet space.

Pushing Ricky gently into the corner, Gyuvin deepened the kiss, a playful spark lighting his eyes. Ricky’s giggles softened against his lips, his body wriggling in mock protest, but Gyuvin held him close, grinning like he’d just won. And he did.

…

Jiwoong opened the door for Taerae, who returned a small, nervous smile. As Jiwoong slid into the driver’s seat, Taerae silently screamed into his hands before settling in and flashing another shy smile when Jiwoong joined him.

Jiwoong clicked his seatbelt on and smoothly put the car in reverse. His hand came to rest casually on the back of Taerae’s seat as he glanced over his shoulder for oncoming cars—a simple gesture that somehow made Taerae’s heart skip a beat.

“Do you just want boba, or do you want to eat something with it?” Jiwoong asked casually, completely unaware (or maybe very aware) of how distracting he looked doing the most effortlessly attractive thing. For Taerae, it was torture.

Taerae’s eyes fixated on Jiwoong’s hand resting behind the seat, his mind suddenly a jumble as he swallowed hard. “Uh, yeah… Matthew, I think.”

Jiwoong furrowed his brows, confused. “What?”

Taerae blinked rapidly. “What?” he echoed quickly, suddenly unsure if he’d said the right thing.

Jiwoong giggled at his reaction, then removed his arm and shifted the gear into drive, easing out of the school parking lot.

“Taerae, there’s no need to be nervous.”

“Sorry, I just think a lot,” Taerae said, looking down at his feet as he wiggled them nervously.

“Think about what?” Jiwoong asked, glancing over.

Taerae shot him a side-eye. “That’s where you mind your own business.”

Jiwoong laughed softly, a low, easy sound that made Taerae’s heart skip. “Alright, princess, do you still want to get boba or do you want to get food with it?” he asked, circling back to the question.

Taerae groaned into his hands. “Bro, you can’t just say that—I’m gonna cry,” he muttered, trying to hide the faint blush coloring his cheeks.

“Oh, come on, it’s not even—wait, are you blushing?” Jiwoong teased, eyes flicking to Taerae’s face.

“No!” Taerae shot back quickly, looking anywhere but at Jiwoong. But the slight pink tinge betrayed him anyway.

Jiwoong couldn’t help but grin, clearly enjoying the game he was playing. He leaned a little closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “You’re so cute when you’re flustered.”

Taerae sighed, a mix of frustration and something softer in his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair, already knowing this wasn’t going to end anytime soon. “You’re so annoying.”

“Right,” Jiwoong said with a small smile, his eyes settling back on the road as he finally let Taerae breathe.

Taerae glanced sideways, catching Jiwoong’s focused expression, and for a moment, he admired how calm he looked. A soft sigh escaped him as he let go of the tension that had knotted his shoulders.

He shifted in his seat, gazing out the window as the world blurred past, his foot gently tapping in quiet anticipation. The closer they got to the boba shop, the lighter his chest felt—like the weight of nerves was slowly melting away.

As they reached the boba shop, Jiwoong held the door open for Taerae, who paused for a moment, taking in the cheerful pastel walls and the rows of colorful drink options. The sweet scent of tapioca pearls and fresh fruit teased their senses, making Taerae’s stomach flutter with anticipation.

“Passion fruit tea with original tapioca, right?” Jiwoong asked, already reaching for his wallet. But before he could pull it out, Taerae’s hand shot out, gently grabbing Jiwoong’s wrist.

“No, I’ll pay,” Taerae said firmly, fishing his own wallet from his pocket, but Jiwoong grabbed his wrist before he could take out his wallet. Taerae stared at the floor before he slowly turned his head to look at Jiwoong.

Jiwoong’s eyes narrowed slightly, silently cursing the sudden hold. “No… let go, Taerae.”

“No,” Taerae blurted, trying to tug his wrist free with a determined glare. He looked up at Jiwoong. “Unhand me, you wench.”

Jiwoong’s grip tightened in response. “You’re not paying.”

“Yes, the fuck I am,” Taerae shot back, struggling playfully against Jiwoong’s hold.

Their quiet tug-of-war was suddenly interrupted by the cashier’s impatient call, “Next!”

They both turned toward the counter, eyes locking in a playful battle of wills as they edged forward, trying to outpace each other.

“Taerae, move before I actually launch you,” Jiwoong warned with a grin, giving a gentle shove to push Taerae aside and claim the spot at the desk.

“Jiwoong, I bite. Don’t make me bite you,” Taerae warned with a teasing growl.

“Threatening me with a good time, huh?” Jiwoong’s smirk deepened, watching Taerae’s jaw drop in mock surprise.

Taerae stared at him for a moment, then shot back, “You whore—” But before he could finish his sentence, his hand slammed down onto the cashier’s counter with a loud thunk, making both of them freeze.

“Two grown men fighting over who’s paying for boba? That’s crazy work,” Matthew said, sliding his card across to the cashier. “Yeah, can I get a taro milk tea?”

Taerae and Jiwoong exchanged a quick glance and straightened up, trying to look less caught up in their silly spat.

“Gunwook, what would you want?” Matthew asked, glancing over at him with a smile as Gunwook studied the menu.

“Bubble waffle,” Gunwook replied confidently.

Matthew nodded. “Yeah, one bubble waffle too. And a passion fruit tea for this dude here,” he added, pointing at Taerae. “Jiwoong, what about you?”

Jiwoong cleared his throat. “Muffin.”

Matthew turned to the cashier to repeat the order, then paused, furrowing his brows as if offended on principle. “A fuckass muffin?”

Taerae immediately snorted behind his hand, barely holding back a laugh.

Matthew didn’t skip a beat. “Do you—” he gestured between Jiwoong and the cashier, “do you want a toy too? Maybe a little sticker?”

Jiwoong opened his mouth with a straight face. “Well—”

“No. Don’t answer that.” Matthew cut him off with a sigh, shaking his head like he was the one burdened. He turned back to the cashier. “Just give me that muffin and the simplest boba on the menu, please. Thank you.”

The cashier nodded, completely unfazed, while Taerae leaned against the counter, wheezing into his sleeve. Gunwook gave Jiwoong a pitying pat on the back.

“Seriously, Taerae, and I thought I was dating a kid,” Matthew muttered, snatching his card from the reader with mock disappointment before walking off toward an empty table.

“I'm not dating him,” Taerae mumbled under his breath as he followed behind his best friend.

“Right,” Matthew rolled his eyes, clearly not buying it.

As they settled into the corner booth, the space was cozy and a little too warm. Gunwook gave Jiwoong a judgmental side-eye over the muffin, while Matthew looked personally offended on behalf of all boba enjoyers. Jiwoong just looked pleased with himself.

The soft buzz of lo-fi music filled the space while the smell of sugar and waffles lingered in the air. Then their order was called, and conversation picked up like nothing had happened.

“So,” Matthew said, unwrapping his straw and popping it into his drink, “what ever happened with Chul?”

Jiwoong nodded. “Pretty sure Yujin’s parents will take care of it. Since he got physical with a student, it’s pretty serious.”

Gunwook nodded in agreement. “Battery, and serious professional misconduct.”

Taerae scoffed. “Is it too late to report him for bullying?”

“Not really,” Gunwook said between bites. “Harassment can’t be ignored—especially bullying, if it caused emotional or psychological harm.” He shrugged casually. “Could even turn into a civil lawsuit.”

Gunwook paused mid-chew, looking up to find all three staring at him, blinking in silent question.

“What?”

“Can we sue you, then?” Matthew asked, hiding a smile.

Gunwook sighed, clearly expecting that comment from his boyfriend. He dropped his fork, obviously annoyed. “Dude, I will start screaming.” He looked at Taerae. “I’m not kidding.”

“I didn’t even do anything!” Taerae cut in.

Gunwook side-eyed Matthew, who was still grinning mischievously, then leaned back further into his chair, unbothered by the teasing as he finished his bubble waffle. “Seriously, when it’s not Gyuvin, it’s you, Matt.”

Matthew giggled, rubbing his thumb across the caramel stain on Gunwook’s cheek, then wiping it off on a napkin. But as soon as he did, his expression shifted to one of shock.

“Oh my god, Gunwook.”

Gunwook raised an eyebrow, wiping his mouth as he glanced at Matthew. “What? If you’re gonna bring up my ‘evil arc’ from the past, I swear to god—”

“No, Gunwook, we left Ricky and Gyuvin at Yujin’s school!” Matthew said, his voice carrying a hint of realization.

Gunwook froze, his fork halting mid-air. He slowly looked back at Matthew, the shock slowly registering on his face.

“Uh oh,” he muttered, eyes wide.

…

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: I am under the water

quiquidoyouloveme: please hep me

Mashusfav: IMSOSSOSSORRY

...

Chapter Text

…

omegaverse

Kingyuvin: CHAT GUESS WHAT

wooksbaddie: no thanks

Liltaeahh: I don’t really want to :/

Kingyuvin: js say what bruh damn

Hanbangme: what?

Kingyuvin: your mom
Kingyuvin: nah i’m playing

Hanbangme: ?

Kingyuvin: me and ricky have a daughter now

Mashusfav: no context whatsoever

yumomma: what.

juicycuntour: free her

zhangiewangie: A daughter? As in a child? As in like out the womb? AS IN PREGNANCY? AS IN MALE PREGNANCY?

Hanbangme: WAIT, REALLY?

wooksbaddie: male pregnancy in the BIG 25.

Mashusfav: ong
Mashusfav: I’ll make it happen tho

wooksbaddie: i’m going to break up with you.

Liltaeahh: okay gyuvin you can't just say you have a daughter and dip

Kingyuvin: sorry I was feeding her :p ricky is sleeping

juicycuntour: … i’m so fucking confused

yumomma: what do you mean a DAUGHTER.

…

yumomma: aight word up take it easy

Lilltaeahh: there he goes dipping again

zhangiewangie: wait no I want a daughter. This ain't fair

Hanbangme: we will have a family.

wooksbaddie: he lying girl he can't possibly do that

Mashusfav: there’s a possibility…

Liltaeahh: please stop?

juicycuntour: no no let him speak

Kingyuvin: OKAY IM BACK

yumomma: good cuz I don't know how to feel about a yujin 2.0
yumomma: am I not good enough to be an only child??

wooksbaddie: someone’s… jealous

yumomma: someone’s fat.

wooksbaddie: alr bro

Mashusfav: can we please focus on our possible niece rn

Kingyuvin: oH YES
Kingyuvin: me and ricky adopted a puppy!!

wooksbaddie: oh nah free her

zhangiewangie: ARE YOU SERIOUS THAT’S SO CUTE

juicycuntour: can we name it

Hanbangme: that’d be cool, but I think the parents should name them, Jiwoong hyung

juicycuntour: ik youre not talking

Hanbangme: i’m sorry?

juicycuntour: dog ahh name

Liltaeahh: WAIT A DOG?
Liltaeahh: SHUT UP

Kingyuvin: IM BEING FOR REALSIES MY BRO

Liltaeahh: no like deadass shut up.

Kingyuvin: oh
Kingyuvin: is It safe to ask why

wooksbaddie: taerae is scared of dogs

quiquidoyouloveme: fucking pussy
quiquidoyouloveme: hi I'm awake

Mashusfav: have you guys named it

quiquidoyouloveme: well

Kingyuvin: yes we did

wooksbaddie: let’s hear it

Kingyuvin: MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD

Mashusfav: wait that’s goated

Liltaeahh: WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE THIRD??
Liltaeahh: WHO ARE THE FIRST TWO???

Kingyuvin: we don’t talk about them.

wooksbaddie: did y'all run an ancestry test on the dog bro

zhangiewangie: MIBA BERI IM GONNA CRY

juicycuntour: i’d die for miba beri

yumomma: idk what to say about this

Hanbangme: omg wait my psychology classes can come in clutch

zhangiewangie: babe lets not

Hanbangme: let’s start with one thing, yujin
Hanbangme: how do you feel?

yumomma: uhmm

Hanbangme: like describe it

yumomma: well
yumomma: I understand why orcas kill

Hanbangme: should I be scared

yumomma: yeah

Hanbangme: … you’re jealous aren’t you

yumomma: im not jealous

Mashusfav: yujin why are you jealous bro

yumomma: can you fucking read
yumomma: I’M not jealous, bruh

zhangiewangie: you’re envious

yumomma: i’m not bro, i’m just not ready to share my parents with a dog

Liltaeahh: … that’s jealousy bruh

yumomma: bro kys i’m not jealous

Liltaeahh: I never said you were i’m just giving you the word that explains your situation

yumomma: oh

Liltaeahh: yeah.

yumomma: idk I think you should still kys

quiquidoyouloveme: you havent even met her yujin
quiquidoyouloveme: give miba a chance

yumomma: a chance to piss on me? No thanks

wooksbaddie: it builds character

Kingyuvin: MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD is a free thinker. She pees where she pleases.
Kingyuvin: Respect your sister.

yumomma: fuck allat bro i’m gonna open the door and let her go

zhangiewangie: YUJIN.

quiquidoyouloveme: here, Yujin i’ll go pick you up and you’ll meet her first
quiquidoyouloveme: she’s so cute, she’s just like you

yumomma: boy don’t compare me with a damn dog
yumomma: there is a hierarchy here.

juicycuntour: and you're below her, i’m assuming

yumomma: i’m sending an airstrike

quiquidoyouloveme: i’m picking you up yujin

yumomma: if this miba mf barks I bark back

Kingyuvin: MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD is not a mf.
Kingyuvin: MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD is a princess

Liltaeahh: do you have to capitalize her name like that every time?

Kingyuvin: MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD deserves it, so yes

yumomma: and I don’t?

quiquidoyouloveme: if you keep slandering your sister then no

yumomma: I’m not sharing parents with a dog

wooksbaddie: why are you hating bro

yumomma: when do I not

Kingyuvin: go follow her instagram guys

yumomma: THAT DAMN MUTT HAS A INSTAGRAM??

juicycuntour: is that considered a slur i’m litr wheezing

wooksbaddie: MUTT IM CRYINGGGG

Kingyuvin: HAN YUJIN YOU TAKE THAT BACK

yumomma: oh, now you wanna full name me

Mashusfav: I gasped so audibly, bro I can’t stop laughing

liltaeahh: MUTT IS CRAZYYYYYYY

zhangiewangie: APOLOGIZE RIGHT NOW YUJIN

yumomma: NO

zhangiewangie: YOU'RE NOT GETTING YOUR ICE CREAM

yumomma: matter fact lemme go drop some hate comments
yumomma: “fuckass dog”
yumomma: “she think she cute I’ll beat her ass”

Hanbangme: hating on a dog is
Hanbangme: embarrassing

yumomma: shut the fuck up you think male pregnancy is possible

Hanbangme: god a miracle worker, ain't he.

yumomma: wtv makes you sleep at night bro
yumomma: I ain’t sharing SHIT

quiquidoyouloveme: yujin pls stop, sharing is caring

yumomma: bro since when did I care
yumomma: lost me at “stop”

wooksbaddie: I’m crying this is so funny to me

Mashusfav: Should we adopt?

wooksbaddie: fuck no

Mashusfav: okay!

juicycuntour: so when can we see miba beri

Kingyuvin: you mean MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD

juicycuntour: I’ll call that dog another slur if you don’t stop capitalizing it

quiquidoyouloveme: pls don’t. She’s already hated by her older brother

Hanbangme: hate is a strong word! Maybe it’s dislike?

yumomma: nope, hate is the right word

Hanbangme: can you stop

yumomma: I am who I am

wooksbaddie: does it wanna be friends with my dog, Ricky

Liltaeahh: “it” she’s catching strays left and right

juicycuntour: wait, you have a dog???

wooksbaddie: remember that dog I brought when Gyuvin got into a fight

Mashusfav: where I bailed you out of “bat diplomacy”?

Liltaeahh: that’s actually your dog??

wooksbaddie: nah

juicycuntour: ??? Did you steal a dog???

Mashusfav: wait deadass

wooksbaddie: silly alive* and yeah I seriously don’t know whose dog it is

zhangiewangie: no wonder you didn’t let me take it home

wooksbaddie: yeah idek if it was rabid bro so gl to bro who got bit

quiquidoyouloveme: so you want my miba beri to be friends with a stray dog?…

wooksbaddie: oh you discriminating?

quiquidoyouloveme: well no

yumomma: no he definitely is

wooksbaddie: oh word? Let’s go flea for flea

Liltaeahh: FLEA FOR FLEA IM GONNA FUCKING CRY

Kingyuvin: with all due respect, MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD is clean

wooksbaddie: oh nah
wooksbaddie: @mashusfav is this social discrimination

Mashusfav: well

wooksbaddie: say yes or you’re not coming over.

Mashusfav: Kim Gyuvin, it’s actually disrespectful that you would consider Miba Beri Kim-shen the third “clean.” So, you mean clean from crimes? Clean from mental illness? Clean from its criminal record? I don’t find this professional on my end, and I’d like to speak to you and your family. Outside.

Liltaeahh: down horrendously bad

juicycuntour: me with you

Liltaeahh: (?)

Kingyuvin: dear gunwook, and, wife idk,
I did not mean to refer to your dog as not clean, it was a mistake on my end. I meant to say dirty.

zhangiewangie: gasp

Kingyuvin: ugly.

Hanbangme: sigh

Kingyuvin: unsanitary.

yumomma: The smile that is faltered on my face right now is diabolical

Kingyuvin: and lastly, your son.

wooksbaddie: MY DOG SAVED YOUR BITCH ASS

quiquidoyouloveme: are we seriously doing this rn

wooksbaddie: MY DOG IS GOATED.

Kingyuvin: MY DOG THIS MY DOG THAT
Kingyuvin: what’s yo dogs name.

wooksbaddie: …

Liltaeahh: clocked wait

zhangiewangie: I’m gagged for you bro

wooksbaddie: wouldn’t you like to know weather boy

Kingyuvin: yeah tell me yo stolen dogs name

wooksbaddie: …

Mashusfav: do you even know its gender

wooksbaddie: yeah

Hanbangme: ?

wooksbaddie: it’s straight

yumomma: IS HE REAL

quiquidoyouloveme: ???????

Liltaeahh: WHAT

Mashusfav: so close, that is a shape!

juicycuntour: bro there’s no fucking way we’re real

zhangiewangie: Matt, he meant if it was a girl or a boy

yumomma: haiii I’m the cousin and I think it’s a boy!

Liltaeahh: MY STOMACH HURTS IMNFRYING

wooksbaddie: oh
wooksbaddie: yeah a boy

Kingyuvin: no name??? Cruel…

wooksbaddie: shut yo bitchass up
wooksbaddie: his name is

zhangiewangie: …?

wooksbaddie: find out on the next video guys, hit that like button
wooksbaddie: turn on post notifications for more content

Liltaeahh: I’m so overstimulated

wooksbaddie: he doesn’t have a name

Kingyuvin: you’re a horrible dad

wooksbaddie: you’re fucking talking?
wooksbaddie: look at yo dog, and think about the name you put on her

yumomma: should’ve named it Frank Ocean

quiquidoyouloveme: would that make you like her at least

yumomma: no lmfao

wooksbaddie: I’ll let Gunwook name my dog

Mashusfav: but it’s not even

wooksbaddie: it’s not even what.

Mashusfav: ours…

wooksbaddie: you saying that I cheated? That the dog isn’t ours?

Liltaeahh: who birthed the dog

yumomma: who’s the dad

quiquidoyouloveme: where’s its fucking owners??

Mashusfav: I’m fucking shaking bro idek where to start

juicycuntour: gunwook, look at the bright side
juicycuntour: no child support

Liltaeahh: IT’S A STOLEN DOG JIWOONG.

juicycuntour: again, look at the bright side, it’s not theirs

zhangiewangie: he’s got a point

yumomma: so what are you naming it

Mashusfav: project crypto

wooksbaddie: … what the fuck did you just name my dog

Mashusfav: it’s Superman’s dog’s name

yumomma: boy this aint DC

Kingyuvin: marvel on top

wooksbaddie: oh what you're beast boy now???

Mashusfav: … unless you wanna be my raven then I meannn

wooksbaddie: ykw fuck you I’m a single mother

yumomma: can I be cyborg

Hanbangme: I leave for five minutes
Hanbangme: can I be robin?

Liltaeahh: wait it kind of makes sense now, wait
Liltaeahh: but yujin isnt cyborg

yumomma: all of you hate me

zhangiewangie: wait are we talking about superheroes
zhangiewangie: can I be starfire

Kingyuvin: MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD could be starfire honestly

zhangiewangie: oh.

Hanbangme: uh oh.

zhangiewangie: what makes you think miba has… the requirements to be Starfire?

Kingyuvin: and you do? :)

Hanbangme: are you arguing with your mother?

Kingyuvin: what if I am

quiquidoyouloveme: vin, we can make miba someone else please don't start another argument

Kingyuvin: but miba is pretty and Starfire fits her

zhangiewangie: are you saying I'm not pretty?

Hanbangme: You're so beautiful

zhangiewangie: hanbin

Hanbangme: please dont kys if he says no

Kingyuvin: I mean

yumomma: yeah he basically said no

zhangiewangie: okok

…

Mashusfav: I think he fucking killed himself

Hanbangme: nope he’s on his way to Gyuvins

Kingyuvin: oh

zhangiewangie: lemme catch you and yo damn dog

yumomma: finally a hater
yumomma: haozie you and I both!

Kingyuvin: she’s literally a BABY
Kingyuvin: Don't get near me or my child.

wooksbaddie: yo hao i can lowkey pull up with crypto too If you want
wooksbaddie: gang bang

Liltaeahh: pause

yumomma: oh that’s not

Mashusfav: you can't just say that babe

wooksbaddie: what?

Mashusfav: that’s not the term you're going for

wooksbaddie: okay then help me out

Mashusfav: ambush might be the word

juicycuntour: nah cause “gang bang” had me drop my phone and repent

Liltaeahh: i choked on my Capri Sun bro

zhangiewangie: i was gonna say yes so fast I didn’t even question the phrasing

Hanbangme: this is why we need media literacy in schools

wooksbaddie: y’all knew what i meant, tho don’t act brand new

yumomma: no we didn’t, bro said gang bang like it was sum lunch plan

Kingyuvin: this is why MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD will be homeschooled

Mashusfav: she’s a dog, she can't read

Kingyuvin: and somehow, she’s still more emotionally intelligent than half of you

juicycuntour: yujin mostly

yumomma: you want me to bite you?

wooksbaddie: you rabid too?

Mashusfav: … i’m concerned

Hanbangme: violence isn’t the answer!

yumomma: it’s an option tho

Liltaeahh: If I were off a blunt, I’d start crying at how many times this conversation topic has changed.

Wooksbaddie: bro you're just slow

Liltaeahh: i’m close to crying

zhangiewangie: can we get back to the superhero assignments cuz how the fuck is this dog matching with my boyfriend and im not.

wooksbaddie: I thought we were beefing

Mashusfav: we multitask

yumomma: if im not cyborg I don't wanna continue this conversation.

quiquidoyouloveme: you’re Red Hood

yumomma: bro just called me violent with trauma issues

quiquidoyouloveme: i’m not wrong

wooksbaddie: idk my dog giving beast boy vibes fr

Liltaeahh: your dog is giving unclaimed property

wooksbaddie: im gonna make him go for you first.

yumomma: give that thing back to the street

Hanbangme: guys please this is why I cant leave yall unattended

zhangiewangie: someone get cps for that damn dog

wooksbaddie: bro he’s thriving, leave him be

Liltaeahh: where is crypto rn

wooksbaddie: …
wooksbaddie: with superman idk

Kingyuvin: meanwhile MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD is sipping oat milk from a crystal bowl, im the best dad

wooksbaddie: no one asked you

juicycuntour: I saw her insta
juicycuntour: why she got more followers than me.

yumomma: she deserves jail time for that alone
yumomma: anyways, l still think we should return crypto and miba to wherever they crawled from

wooksbaddie: say that again, and I'll let him chase you

yumomma: I WILL square up with a dog.

Hanbangme: You're arguing with animals yujin, that’s a low point

quiquidoyouloveme: yujin

yumomma: what

quiquidoyouloveme: I'm outside

yumomma: and I'm inside
yumomma: stay there…

quiquidoyouloveme: I brought Miba so you two can finally bond

Mashusfav: wait that's cute

yumomma: this feels like forced reconciliation and I don’t respond well to hostage situations
yumomma: in my own home.

Hanbangme: she’s literally a puppy, yujin

yumomma: she’s a menace with a fanbase

wooksbaddie: she’s verified on instagram and you’re not, pick your battles

yumomma: im locking the door.

quiquidoyouloveme: too late, she’s pawing at the window

yumomma: I just made eye contact with her, and I saw God blink back

Mashusfav: this is character development happening in real time

zhangiewangie: she’s healing your inner child, yujin

yumomma: she’s haunting my outer one

wooksbaddie: bro just say you're scared of being loved

yumomma: I’m scared of sharing.

Mashusfav: she’s showing affection, and you’re acting like she’s an assassin

yumomma: if an assassin had four legs and a Juicy Couture collar, then yeah

juicycuntour: she's promoting me omg

quiquidoyouloveme: she just rolled over for you

yumomma: that’s how dogs manipulate. I’ve seen documentaries

wooksbaddie: on what?? Dora the Explorer??

yumomma: nah that one Animal Planet episode where the golden retriever was secretly a hitman

Mashusfav: you're projecting and the dog is sensing it

yumomma: oh nah why she blink with both eyes at the same time

Hanbangme: what is she supposed to do?? Wink??

yumomma: that’d be less threatening

quiquidoyouloveme: yujin, she wants to give you her paw

yumomma: that’s a warning

Hanbangme: she's trying to connect with you

yumomma: CONNECT TO WHAT. THE AFTERLIFE?

Liltaeahh: I'm over here giggling like if I'm not the one scared of dogs
Liltaeahh: I'd be acting the same way

Kingyuvin: Yujin she just rolled over for you and wagged her tail, she’s being sweet

yumomma: no that’s a fake-out
yumomma: next thing you know, she’s got my IP address

Hanbangme: what does that even mean

yumomma: idk ask her, she probably works for the government
yumomma: matter fact, she already got it cuz shes outside my fuckass house.

quiquidoyouloveme: Yujin please just pet her, she’s literally crying now

yumomma: good. let her FEEL something for once

Mashusfav: bro she was born 2 weeks ago, what trauma she got

yumomma: she blinked again y’all
yumomma: and it wasn’t even regular… it was like… slow

Liltaeahh: THAT’S HER CHARGING UP

yumomma: she winked. SHE WINKED.
yumomma: she knows I know.
yumomma: she’s gonna end me.

Liltaeahh: SHE’S GONNA KILL YOU

quiquidoyouloveme: yujin she sneezed

yumomma: coded message

juicycuntour: wait. what if she ISN’T a dog
juicycuntour: like what if miba is just a lil guy in a suit

Liltaeahh: STOP
Liltaeahh: you just activated one of my fears

yumomma: this is emotional terrorism
yumomma: she just looked at me again. I think I bowed on instinct

wooksbaddie: wait…
wooksbaddie: yujin are you scared of dogs

yumomma: I aint scared of no god damn dog

wooksbaddie: … omw mangoberry I got his house key

yumomma: NO PLEASE DONT IM SORRY
yumomma: THAT’S BREAKING AND ENTERING

Kingyuvin: oh so you're scared of dogs…

yumomma: im fucking fleeing bye

…

Chapter Text

omegaverse

Liltaeahh: do I really need to meet my niece
Liltaeahh: I mean, Matthew is basically twinem, count me as him

wooksbaddie: we are NAWT twins lil bro
wooksbaddie: stay so safe out there fr

Liltaeahh: I’M SCARED I SERIOUSLY DON’T WANT TO MEET HER

Mashusfav: you’ll be fine! At least it isn't rabid

Hanbangme: one lick and you're dying if it was

yumomma: taerae im js as scared.
yumomma: we’ll make a plan…

Liltaeahh: WE’RE FUCKING MEETING AT MY HOUSE I SERIOUSLY HAVE NO WHERE TO HIDE

quiquidoyouloveme: I’m sorry rae, it had to be done

Liltaeahh: i’m litr gonna die.

juicycuntour: nouuuu dont die you’re too sexy

Kingyuvin: MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD is on her way
Kingyuvin: she picked out her own collar for you two, taerae and yujin

yumomma: I don't claim this negative energy.

Liltaeahh: what the fuck does that mean
Liltaeahh: SHE PICKED IT OUT?? WITH WHAT HANDS??

juicycuntour: leave her Juicy Couture collar on.

wooksbaddie: she dressing up for war basically

yumomma: told you. Government op. Y’all didn't listen.
yumomma: taerae open up, i’m here first so we can plan

Liltaeahh: OKAY

Hanbangme: you’re both literally hiding from a 6-pound puppy with a bow

yumomma: what color is the bow

quiquidoyouloveme: baby blue

Liltaeahh: yeah, no, that’s a violent dog right there

juicycuntour: wait I'm here tapi open up

Liltaeahh: … do you have anyone with you?

juicycuntour: ???
juicycuntour: I'm not evil???

yumomma: he’s lying.

juicycuntour: shut the fuck up and open the door

yumomma: it all happened when I was ten…

juicycuntour: BRO OPEN THE DOOR

Liltaeahh: okay waitt

Juicycuntour: yay <3

Liltaeahh: oh em gee he brought me food

Mashusfav: me and Matthew are on our way too

quiquidoyouloveme: I'm assuming we’ll be the last ones there?

Hanbangme: yeah, hao and I are also near

zhangiewangie: yeah i’m tryna see this fuckass dog

wooksbaddie: YOU HATE IT TOO?

Hanbangme: I’ve told hao that the dog didn't say it herself

Mashusfav: oh that’s good
Mashusfav: did he listen?

Hanbangme: if your boyfriend told you he’d force the answer out of a dog
Hanbangme: would that count as listening?

Mashusfav: …
Mashusfav: no not really

Hanbangme: right.

wooksbaddie: god its just a dog bro

zhangiewangie: this girl thinks she’s starfire, ofc I’d be petty

wooksbaddie: oh

yumomma: stay a hater bro
yumomma: she blinked at me sideways yesterday, and my social security number felt unsafe

Mashusfav: is she that scary? Im getting scared now

wooksbaddie: geon there’s no way.

Mashusfav: FEAR IS CONTAGIOUS.

yumomma: idk but if I see that thing standing on its two feet, I'm punting.

quiquidoyouloveme: yall acting like shes SWAT

yumomma: DONT GASLIGHT ME
yumomma: I saw her scribbling something with her paw on my clear window doors.

Mashusfav: what was it??

yumomma: looked like… coordinates.

Liltaeahh: IM CHECKING MY FRONT DOOR RN I SWEAR

juicycuntour: chat
juicycuntour: taerae told me to hug him and he’s fucking shaking.
juicycuntour: I dont think this is a good idea

Mashusfav: I NO NO WANNA EITHER

wooksbaddie: ITS JUST A FUCKING DOG

Mashusfav: a dog who is scarier than our stray dog.

zhangiewangie: who wants my boyfriend.

yumomma: who wants my parents.

Liltaeahh: WHO WANTS ME DEAD.

yumomma: yeah, that too

wooksbaddie: yall acting like its pennywise after your ass

Liltaeahh: I'm setting up a salt circle around my room
Liltaeahh: if she gets past it, i’m becoming religious.

Hanbangme: do y'all even hear yourselves

Mashusfav: yes and we’re scared.

wooksbaddie: taerae open the door before gunwook tries leaving too
wooksbaddie: you got a 6 foot tall man fucking shaking behind me

Liltaeahh: IM SORRY I JUST CANT BE NEAR A DOG RN

juicycuntour: ill open it matt hold on

wooksbaddie: are you not scared?

juicycuntour: of you? No not really, I think height defines hierarchy

wooksbaddie: .
wooksbaddie: I meant about miba.

juicycuntour: oh
juicycuntour: no im not

Mashusfav: is there a bunker

yumomma: yes

Mashusfav: where

yumomma: bathtub

Hanbangme: WE’RE ALMOST THERE TOO

quiquidoyouloveme: we’re stopping by pizzas so yeah we’ll be the last ones there

Kingyuvin: MIBA BERI KIM-SHEN THE THIRD is excited

Liltaeahh: im not
Liltaeahh: do not come by me house

zhangiewangie: im not even scared, im js tryna see whats good with this dog

Hanbangme: god save me

wooksbaddie: so jiwoong, hanbin, and I are genuinely done for

Hanbangme: okay we are here, pls open the door

juicycuntour: okay

zhangiewangie: miba beri GAY-SHIT the third better watch out

quiquidoyouloveme: no I can't laugh. stop

Kingyuvin: OUR OWN DAUGHTER.

quiquidoyouloveme: character development…

…

Matthew knocks on the bathroom door, which opens slightly as Yujin peeks out. Matthew sighs.

“Guys, it’s just a dog. Please stop being so dramatic,” Matthew says, trying to open the door, but Yujin pushes him back.

“This dog knows two of our addresses,” Yujin looks around nervously. “You’re next.”

Matthew blinks, scoffing. “Give me my boyfriend.”

Yujin shakes his head. “No, he’s in a fetal position.” He glances behind him, spotting Gunwook curled up in the corner. “Rocking back and forth. I don’t think he’s coming out.”

Matthew groans and looks over to see Jiwoong also watching to see if Matthew can coax Gunwook out.

“Yeah, he won’t even give me Taerae,” Jiwoong sighs, leaning against the wall.

“Park Gunwook,” Matthew calls softly, “you need to eat, come on.”

There’s a beat of silence.

Matthew sighs, rubbing his forehead in frustration. “You didn’t eat before your morning class,” he muttered, knocking again—more gently this time. Yujin cracked the door open further, letting him peek inside.

Gunwook hadn’t moved.

Still curled in the corner, hoodie drawn tight over his head, knees hugged to his chest like the world was ending. His eyes stared blankly at the tiled wall.

“He’s—” Yujin glanced back at him, “—nonverbal.”

“I’m literally going to cry,” Matthew muttered, stepping into the bathroom. He walked over and slapped Gunwook’s head—not too hard, but not soft either. “Get your ass up.”

Suddenly, Taerae peeked his head out from behind the shower curtain. “Matthew, please, she’s gonna get meee,” he dragged out, eyes wide. “Please protect me.”

Matthew turned slowly. “…Why are you in the tub?”

“It’s the only safe place,” Taerae replied. “Yujin said it was a bunker. He put shampoo bottles in front of the drain like trip wires.”

Matthew wore a concerned look as he helped Gunwook up from the floor, who was still rubbing his head. He glanced back at Jiwoong, now inside the bathroom with his eyes closed, clearly stressed.

Matthew sighed. “Alright, listen up. We’re all a little on edge, but freaking out isn’t going to help. Gunwook, you need to eat something. Taerae, maybe come out of the tub before you turn it into a fortress.”

He glanced at Yujin, who was gripping a plunger like it was a weapon. “And you—stop acting like this dog’s some kind of secret agent. It’s just a puppy.” Matthew snatched the plunger away. “Give me that.”

“Let’s move to the living room. Come on.” Matthew grabbed Yujin and Gunwook by the hands and led them out of the bathroom.

Taerae stayed frozen in the tub, unable to move.

“Are we playing freeze tag now?”

“No, girl, I think I physically can’t move right now,” Taerae admitted, his legs visibly shaking.

Matthew groaned and shot a sharp glare at Jiwoong, who was perched on the bathroom counter. Jiwoong blinked innocently. Matthew’s glare deepened, making Jiwoong flinch.

“Ah, yeah, I’ll carry you. Hold on.” Jiwoong jumped off the counter and moved toward Taerae, whose ears had turned bright red.

Taerae’s eyes widened as he saw Jiwoong come closer.

“Ah—well, no, I’m okay! See? I—” Taerae stammered as he tried stepping out of the tub but promptly faceplanted.

Matthew snorted while Yujin covered his mouth to hide a laugh.

“You got it, come on, up you go,” Jiwoong said quickly, rushing to help Taerae, who buried his face in his hands.

Matthew stepped out, flanked by the two giants, leaving Jiwoong and Taerae in the bathroom behind them.

Jiwoong helped Taerae up gently, the pink tint on Taerae’s cheeks not going unnoticed, but Jiwoong didn’t say anything.

“You okay?”

“No, bruh, I just face-planted in front of a baddie,” Taerae muttered as he sat on the edge of the counter, avoiding eye contact. Jiwoong chuckled, reaching over to fix a few strands of Taerae’s messy hair.

“A whole bookshelf fell on me in front of you once, so…” Jiwoong bent down briefly to fix the bathroom rug, then looked back at him. “Makes us even?”

Taerae blinked, trying to remember, and when the memory clicked, he smiled.

“Okay. Fair.”

“C’mon, let’s go to the living room,” Jiwoong said, stepping forward with the obvious intention of scooping Taerae up again.

Taerae’s eyes widened. “Wait, wait—”

Jiwoong paused mid-reach, eyebrows raised, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smile. “What, afraid I’ll drop you?”

Taerae’s eyes darted away. “No, I just. uh, it’s kinda... embarrassing?”

Jiwoong leaned in a little, teasing. “But you just called me a baddie, didn’t you? You can’t get shy now.”

Taerae groaned, covering his face with both hands. “I was in shock.”

“You faceplanted.”

“I was vulnerable.”

Jiwoong chuckled softly and stepped forward, gently pulling Taerae’s hands away from his face. “I’m gonna carry you anyway. Come on.”

Taerae shook his head, still flustered and embarrassed. He opened his mouth to protest, but before he could get a word out, Jiwoong effortlessly scooped him up in a bridal carry.

The sudden motion made Taerae bump his nose against Jiwoong’s cheek. He froze, swallowing hard. Jiwoong glanced down at him, smiling.

Taerae stared, his brain short-circuiting as his heart pounded with a mix of emotions—nerves, fear, embarrassment… and the undeniable fact that his crush was literally holding him like a prince in a drama.

“...I could’ve walked,” he finally muttered, eyes fixed anywhere but Jiwoong’s.

Jiwoong smirked, shifting his grip slightly. “Mm, too late. I like this better.”

Jiwoong carried Taerae out of the bathroom with surprising ease, and Taerae—despite every cell in his body screaming to jump out of Jiwoong’s arms—stayed put, arms tucked in, ears burning red.

In the living room, Hanbin was holding Hao down, arms wrapped tightly around his boyfriend, who was glaring at the wall like he could melt it with sheer will. Hao’s brows were furrowed, his whole body tense with fight-or-flight energy—and Hanbin wasn’t risking either.

Hanbin kept his voice calm as he spoke to Matthew, who stood nearby with Yujin and Gunwook flanking him like shaken-up security guards.

Just as Jiwoong moved to set Taerae down on the couch, the doorbell rang.

Ding-dong.

The room fell completely silent.

Jiwoong froze mid-squat, eyes darting to the front door. He slowly stood back up, Taerae still in his arms.

Gunwook’s head turned like it was motorized, eyes wide with dread.

Yujin lunged for the nearest throw pillow, clutching it to his chest like a life preserver.

“No. No no no,” Taerae whispered, fists gripping Jiwoong’s hoodie as he buried his face in his shoulder. “I’m not mentally prepared.”

Matthew glanced toward the front door, then back at the room full of chaos. “It’s just a puppy.”

A small bark echoed in response, followed by a knock.

“All bark, no bite,” Hao quipped, trying to open the door—but Hanbin held him firmly in his lap.

Matthew rolled his eyes and strode confidently to the front door. He glanced back: Yujin and Gunwook were cowering behind the couch, Taerae still ensconced in Jiwoong’s arms, and Hao was shifting anxiously as if any moment the "assailant" might reveal themselves.

He sighed and pulled the door open.

Ricky stepped inside first, balancing two pizza boxes. “Hi guys, sorry we’re late.”

Behind him, Gyuvin followed, smirking mischievously and cradling… the cutest puppy imaginable.

Yujin gasped, ducking instinctively.

Matthew looked at the dog, jaw dropping. He locked eyes with the cutest Maltipoo he'd ever seen—round button eyes, soft fluffy cream-colored curls, and a tiny baby blue bow perched right between her ears like it knew it was royalty.

The puppy blinked.

Matthew blinked back.

“…Okay, why is she actually kind of adorable?” he muttered, momentarily stunned.

“She’s manipulating you,” Yujin called from behind the couch, still clutching the throw pillow like a riot shield.

“Hi guys,” Gyuvin smiled as he put her down after closing the door behind him.

“No, don’t put her down!” Taerae exclaimed, getting more off the ground as if he isn’t being held up enough.

“She’s just standing there,” Jiwoong said, arms still full of Taerae, who was now slowly lifting his head to sneak a peek.

“Menacingly,” Gunwook added.

The puppy gave a small yip.

Taerae buried his face into Jiwoong’s shoulder again. “We’re gonna die.”

Gyuvin just laughed. “She picked out her own bow today.”

“WITH WHAT HANDS—” Yujin screamed from the floor.

Miba took one slow, dainty step forward.

Gunwook ducked fully behind the couch.

“Bro, I don’t think this is funny anymore,” Taerae said, voice muffled against Jiwoong’s shoulder.

“She’s literally walking like she knows something we don’t.”

“She’s got secrets,” Hao whispered, like it was gospel. “Like stealing boyfriends…” He lowered his voice even more, earning an elbow jab from Hanbin.

“Okay,” Ricky said, placing the paper plates down on the table. “Am I the only one who sees that she’s literally five inches tall and probably weighs less than a loaf of bread?”

“Yeah? So did Chucky,” Yujin hissed.

Matthew crouched slowly, hesitantly reaching a hand out. Miba tilted her head up at him, tail giving one soft wag.

Everyone held their breath.

She took two tiny hops and pressed her paw on Matthew’s shoe.

A beat of silence.

“…She touched him,” Jiwoong whispered, sounding like he was narrating a horror movie.

“She’s claimed him,” Gunwook added, almost on the verge of tears.

Yujin patted Gunwook’s back. “It’s okay, soldier.” Then, noticing Matthew lifting Miba, his eyes widened. “TAKE COVER!”

Matthew, holding the dog now frozen in his arms like a cursed artifact, blinked at the sudden yelling. “What? She’s literally not doing anything—”

“THAT’S WHAT MAKES HER DANGEROUS!” Yujin shrieked, flinging a decorative throw pillow like it was a grenade and ducking behind the couch again.

Gunwook followed suit, diving with such speed you’d think alarms had gone off.

Matthew looked down at the Maltipoo cradled in his arms, who yawned and blinked up at him, completely unbothered.

“She’s a baby,” he deadpanned.

“She’s a plant,” Yujin countered.

“A plant?” Ricky raised an eyebrow.

“A government plant!” Yujin emphasized, standing up just enough to peer over the couch, eyes narrowing. “She’s got AirPods in, I swear. Probably reporting to the feds right now.”

Gyuvin giggles as he makes his way to the living room, sitting next to Hanbin. Hao follows his figure, side-eying him.

Ricky sighed and opened the pizza box, the warm scent filling the room. “Come on, let’s eat before we all lose our minds over a puppy.”

Matthew carefully set Miba down on the rug, who immediately curled into a tiny, fluffy ball, utterly unimpressed by the drama.

Jiwoong nudged Taerae, who was still clinging to him nervously. “See? Nothing to worry about.”

Taerae just peeked over Jiwoong’s shoulder, eyes wide but slowly relaxing.

Yujin stayed on high alert, eyes darting between the door and the little puppy like she might reveal some secret at any moment. He slowly made his way around Miba as her gaze was focused on her dads.

Gyuvin picked Miba up from the floor and fed her the food they’d brought for her.

Yujin was staring. Hao was glaring. Taerae was shaking. And Gunwook was… not breathing?

Matthew, unfazed, grabbed two plates and opened the pizza boxes. He served a slice for Gunwook and held it out, expecting him to take it, but there was no movement. Matthew looked up and saw Gunwook’s eyes glossy with tears.

“Geon,” Matthew poked his stomach, “she’s not challenging you to a staring contest. Come on, here,” he said, offering the plate again.

Gunwook blinked, finally inhaling like he’d just been pulled back from the brink. “She touched you,” he whispered, voice shaking. “She touched your shoe, Matthew. She’s starting.”

Matthew sighed and gently pressed the plate into his hands. “She’s not a Bond villain. She’s a maltipoo. Eat.”

Gunwook took the plate with trembling hands.

On the other side of the room, Yujin had crouched behind a dining chair, still peeking out like a sniper. “She hasn’t blinked in five minutes.”

“She’s literally blinking right now,” Ricky said, chewing his pizza.

“She’s faking it,” Yujin replied darkly.

Meanwhile, Jiwoong had finally convinced Taerae to sit beside him on the couch. Taerae had his knees pulled up to his chest, a plate of pizza balanced precariously on top. Jiwoong leaned close.

“If she moves even an inch toward us,” Taerae whispered, “I’m jumping out the window.”

Jiwoong grinned. “That’s fair. I’ll catch you.”

Hanbin was calm—at least, calmer than the others. He sat cross-legged on the floor, a slice of pizza in one hand, the other resting on Hao’s knee like an anchor.

Hao, however, looked one incident away from demanding an exorcism.

“She has intentions,” Hao muttered, eyes fixed on Miba, who was now gnawing gently on a rubber duck.

“She has teeth the size of a grain of rice,” Hanbin said, deadpan.

“Which is exactly how they get you,” Hao snapped, narrowing his eyes. “She’s infiltrated the group. You’re all blind.”

Hanbin turned slightly to look at him, a half-smile curling on his lips. “You’re jealous.”

Hao scoffed, “Of a dog?”

“Of a 6-pound fluff ball who’s stolen everyone's attention—including mine,” Hanbin teased, leaning in just enough to make Hao falter.

Hao blinked, caught off guard. “I—That’s not the point.”

Hanbin just hummed, amused, and gave his knee a gentle squeeze. “Sure it isn’t.”

As Hao was about to fire back with a witty comeback, Miba trotted over to them, rubber duck clamped proudly in her tiny mouth like a prize from war.

Yujin’s jaw dropped in slow motion. “She’s moving.” His eyes darted wildly around the room, searching for any trusted adult, any moral support, any exit.

“Oh my god,” he whispered, clutching the throw pillow to his chest again. “She’s choosing new victims.”

Hao locked eyes with Miba as she stopped in front of him and Hanbin. His breath hitched. She dropped the duck gently onto Hao’s socked foot, then looked up at him expectantly.

Hao stared down at Miba and she stared back, tongue poking slightly out, tail swishing softly against the carpet. The rubber duck sat at Hao’s feet like a peace offering. Or a contract.

Hanbin kept petting her, calm and smiling. “C’mon. She picked you.”

“She picked me for what?” Hao whispered, eyes flicking between the duck, the dog, and his boyfriend. “To take the fall when she activates?”

Miba gave a tiny sneeze.

Hao flinched.

Hanbin laughed under his breath. “Just hold her.”

“What—”

“Just try,” Hanbin said, gently nudging Hao’s elbow. “Look at her, she’s like… six inches of fluffy love.”

Reluctantly—very reluctantly—Hao reached down. Miba blinked at him sweetly. He picked her up like she was made of glass and betrayal, stiff at first, but she nuzzled into the crook of his elbow almost immediately.

A long beat.

Hao blinked down at her, jaw slightly slack. “She’s… warm.”

“She’s a living being, Hao,” Hanbin said, amused.

Miba let out a soft, contented sigh and rested her chin on Hao’s forearm. Hao’s jaw dropped slightly. “Wait, I’m gonna cry,” he whispered, frowning like the emotion physically hurt.

Across the room, Yujin clutched his mouth in disbelief. “He got mother,” he muttered into his palm, rubbing his face in exhausted frustration.

Gyuvin watched the group from the couch, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face. His eyes slowly drifted to Gunwook, who was nervously chewing on a slice of pizza. Their eyes locked.

Gyuvin mouthed, ‘you’re next’, and grinned.

Gunwook froze mid-chew, slowly lowering the slice as his mouth hung open. He frantically looked around to see if anyone else had witnessed that silent threat.

He pointed to himself, eyebrows raised in silent panic, silently asking ‘me’?

Gyuvin only nodded, that same calm, dangerous smile never leaving his face.

Gunwook gulped, his eyes darting to Matthew, who was casually scrolling through his phone like nothing was wrong. Desperate, Gunwook tugged at Matthew’s hoodie, eyes wide, clearly seeking guidance… or at least a trusted adult.

Taerae was draped dramatically over the back of the couch like he’d just witnessed a plot twist. Eyes wide, mouth slightly open, he stared at Hao giggling while Miba gently tugged at his sleeve with her tiny teeth.

“…He gave in,” Taerae whispered, like narrating a nature documentary. “She got him. Hao.”

Behind him, Jiwoong stood patiently, holding a paper plate with Taerae’s slice of pizza. He raised an eyebrow. “You gonna eat or keep monologuing?”

Taerae turned to him slowly. “Did you see that? She rolled over, and he rubbed her belly. That was the most intimate shit I’ve seen all week.”

Jiwoong stifled a laugh. “You mean besides me carrying you bridal-style out of a bathtub?”

Taerae’s ears went pink instantly. “Don’t bring that up when I’m emotionally unstable.”

Jiwoong grinned, leaning down and offering the plate. “Here. Eat. Recharge your strength in case you’re next.”

Taerae took the plate, narrowing his eyes toward Miba, who was now comfortably curled in Hao’s lap, paws twitching in a dream. “That’s kind of cute,” Taerae muttered as he took a bite from his pizza.

Jiwoong tilted his head, smiling. “So if she waddles over here right now, you’re not gonna melt?”

“I’ll melt internally,” Taerae muttered. “But externally, I’ll keep my composure like a man.”

Miba let out a little sneeze from across the room.

Taerae’s eyes softened immediately. “…Okay, maybe just a tiny melt.”

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Matthew, Yujin, Ricky, and Gunwook perched on the counter, the tension from earlier slowly easing as they watched the scene unfold in the living room. Matthew was talking to Ricky about god knows what, while Gunwook kept side-eyeing Gyuvin from across the room, who was mischievously smiling at him.

Gunwook gripped his boyfriend’s shirt tighter.

“Bro, that’s so fucking weird—you’ve seen him everywhere now,” Matthew said, furrowing his eyebrows as he chewed on his pizza.

Ricky nodded. “I know, and I kindly rejected him, but…” He poured himself a drink. “The world’s smaller than we think, right?”

Gunwook’s gaze flickered back to Gyuvin, who gave him an even wider, teasing smile, clearly enjoying the silent game between them.

Gunwook gulped and tugged on Matthew’s shirt, silently asking for help.

“Well, even I told him to fuck off, Ricky. I don’t think this is normal,” Matthew shrugged, brushing off his boyfriend’s plea.

“I know, I know,” Ricky agreed with a smirk.

Gunwook bit his lip, glancing at Yujin beside Ricky, who was quietly eating his pizza. Their eyes met—an unspoken understanding passing between them. Gunwook subtly nodded toward Gyuvin.

Yujin followed his gaze.

Across the room, Gyuvin was casually spinning one of Miba’s toys, a serene smile on his face.

Yujin’s expression dropped instantly, his cheeks puffed out with parmesan breadsticks. He slowly turned back to Gunwook, who now looked like he was genuinely about to shit himself. Yujin swallowed hard and tried getting Ricky’s attention.

“Well, let’s just hope he doesn’t come around my way anymore,” Ricky said, nodding as he sipped his drink. Matthew scoffed.

“Best believe if he does, I’m making a comeback but with my dog.”

“Your stolen dog?” Ricky grinned, raising an eyebrow.

Matthew stared at him, deadpan.

“Let’s put Crypto and Miba in a ring, and then we’ll talk about who’s really ‘clean,’” Matthew muttered, taking a sip from his cup.

Yujin slowly peeked over the pizza boxes, scanning the living room like a soldier in enemy territory—checking to see if Gyuvin was still at it.

He was. Still smiling. Still spinning the toy.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Yujin muttered under his breath.

He subtly shifted the pizza boxes in front of them, building a cardboard barricade like it might actually protect them. Once satisfied with his makeshift shield, he leaned closer to Gunwook.

“Are you done eating?” he whispered, eyes darting across the room.

Gunwook nodded, face pale. “Yes, but I think we’re surrounded right now, Yujin,” he hissed. “We might die—”

Yujin clicked his tongue and gave Gunwook a soft slap on the face. “Snap out of it.” He glanced around, scanning for witnesses.

“Listen,” he said in a hushed tone, “once Matthew and Ricky stand up, we bolt to the bunker. Got it?”

Gunwook nodded rapidly, practically vibrating with fear. “Got it. Bunker. Run. I’m ready.”

Yujin narrowed his eyes toward the living room. “If we don’t make it... tell my mom I died bravely.”

Gunwook whispered, “She already knows you didn’t.”

Yujin glared. “I’m going to purposely trip you so he can get you first.”

“No—please don’t,” Gunwook exhaled sharply, clutching Yujin’s sleeve like it might save him from a fate worse than death: being Gyuvin’s next target. “I’m not fast, I’ll go down immediately.”

“That’s the point,” Yujin said flatly, eyes flicking over the barricade to check if Gyuvin was still smiling like a villain in a kid’s show. “You’re bait. Strategic sacrifice.”

Gunwook let out a small whimper, already mourning his escape plan.

Just then, Matthew stood up with his cup in hand.

Yujin’s eyes widened. “Okay. It’s time. On three.”

Gunwook tightened his grip on the edge of the counter.

“One…”

“Yujin, I don’t think I’m emotionally—”

“Two…”

“Wait, let me pray—”

“Three—RUN.

Yujin yanked Gunwook down from the counter, and the two darted across the living room in a blur of pizza boxes and worried glances. Ricky and Matthew called after them, stunned—but they didn’t stop.

They successfully made it into the bathroom, breathless and triumphant, with matching victorious grins stretching across their faces like they’d just won a war.

That is—until a single sneakered foot wedged itself into the door.

Their smiles dropped instantly.

Eyes wide, they turned to each other, pure fear flooding in like cold water.

Yujin, dread creeping into his throat, slowly opened the door an inch.

Gyuvin stood there. Smiling. Not a word, not a blink—just that smile.

Before either of them could react, he gently placed Miba on the bathroom sink like she was some sort of cursed offering, and closed the door behind her with a casual click.

Locked in.

Gunwook and Yujin stood frozen.

Miba also froze.

The three stared at one another in dead silence. You could hear a drop of conditioner hit the counter.

Miba blinked first.

Yujin backed up against the wall, whispering, “Don’t move. She can smell fear.”

Gunwook stared at the pup, wide-eyed. “Bro… she’s making eye contact.”

Miba yawned.

Gunwook grabbed Yujin’s hand.

Yujin grabbed the plunger.

Matthew and Ricky settled onto the couch, each clutching a cup of soda, their eyes flicking toward the hallway as a piercing scream echoed from the bathroom.

Taerae peeked cautiously from around the corner, heart pounding. ‘Please don’t be me next,’ he thought, clutching his slice of pizza a little tighter.

Hanbin shot a concerned face as he looked back at the others.

“Uhm, guys,” Hanbin whispered, eyes wide as he glanced toward the bathroom door, where the muffled chaos was unfolding.

Taerae swallowed hard, shifting nervously as he edged back a little, almost bumping into Jiwoong.

“Guys, why are they still screaming?” Taerae asked, inching closer to Jiwoong’s side.

“They’re being dramatic,” Matthew muttered, trying to nudge him aside.

“GUNWOOK, MOVE, BRO!” Yujin screamed from inside the bathroom.

“YOU’RE PUSHING ME TOWARD IT, YOU BITCH!” Gunwook’s panicked reply came immediately after, followed by a loud thud and a series of frantic footsteps.

Jiwoong blinked. “Should we… help them?”

Matthew shook his head. “They chose that battle.”

Taerae’s eyes widened. “They didn’t choose anything. Gyuvin trapped them.”

Hanbin raised an eyebrow. “We’re just gonna pretend that’s not a hostage situation?”

Another scream erupted.

“MATTHEW, IT KNOWS MY BLOOD TYPE—PLEASE GET ME OUT OF HERE!” Gunwook yelled from behind the door.

Everyone turned to Matthew.

He was staring blankly at the floor, a slice of pizza in hand, dead silent. Slowly, he looked up.

“…Yeah, I’m not opening that door.”

Taerae’s jaw dropped. “You’re just gonna leave your boyfriend in there with—her?”

Matthew took a bite of his pizza. “It’s either him or you.”

From behind the bathroom door, Gyuvin’s voice rang out, bright with mischief and completely devoid of sympathy.

“She just wants to play with you guys,” he giggled.

Inside, Yujin screamed back, “SHE WANTS TO PLAY HUNGER GAMES.”

Gunwook banged on the door. “GYUVIN, I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THIS.”

“She’s wagging her tail,” Gyuvin replied through the door, amused. “That means she’s happy.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not,” Yujin snapped. “Put me in a room with snacks, I’d be wagging my tail too.” Yujin sighed as he balanced himself on the edge of the bathtub while Gunwook was on the toilet seat.

“Bro.”

Gunwook looked over at Yujin, who shot him a stank glare while still holding the plunger like a weapon.

“Grown-ass dude scared of a Maltipoo,” Yujin clicked his tongue. “Gay as fuck, man.”

Gunwook’s jaw dropped. “You’re scared too, bro! Why the fuck am I the one being judged?”

“Man, you—” Yujin sighed, stepping off the edge of the bathtub. “You make me wanna not be scared anymore.”

Gunwook blinked in confusion. “Man, then you go carry Miba,” he said, pointing at the puppy, who sat patiently on the counter like a tiny executioner.

Yujin glanced at Miba, then back at Gunwook.

“Fuck no.”

Gunwook threw his hands up. “Then why are you acting all brave?!”

“I’m brave in theory, not in practice,” Yujin replied, adjusting his grip on the plunger like a sword. “There’s a difference.”

Miba barked.

There was a tense silence.

“Even she said you were full of shit,” Gunwook deadpanned, eyeing him.

Yujin scoffed. “She’s literally five pounds and doesn’t pay rent. Her opinion is invalid.”

Miba sneezed.

“She’s allergic to your bullshit,” Gunwook said, biting back a grin.

Yujin squinted at him. “You’re getting real confident for someone on a toilet.”

Gunwook puffed his chest. “I’m in a defensive position.”

“You’re literally perched like a bird.”

Gunwook opened his mouth to fire back, then Miba shifted. Just the tiniest step, what seemed like a jump for the boys. Yujin immediately jolted backward into the shower curtain with a thud. Gunwook flinched so hard, he lost balance.

“AHHHHHH!” Yujin screamed, jumping and nearly throwing the plunger at the puppy, who didn’t even blink.

Outside the bathroom, another scream rang out.

Matthew, chewing on his crust, sighed. “Okay, that one sounded real.”

…

Chapter Text

…

“Am I dead?” Gunwook said, blinking up at the ceiling, squinting at the silhouette in front of him. He smiled dazedly, reaching out. “Matthew…” he dragged, fingertips catching on someone’s cheeks and giving them a dramatic pinch.

“Boy, get yo hand off me,” Taerae snapped, slapping Gunwook’s hand away with no hesitation. Gunwook let out a dramatic whine right as a second, gentler slap landed on his cheek.

His actual boyfriend, sitting behind him with Gunwook’s head in his lap, looked mildly unimpressed.

“Wrong twink, bud. So close though,” Matthew said, one hand holding a folded towel beneath Gunwook’s head like it was a luxury spa treatment.

Gunwook blinked slowly, trying to sit up. “Wait, what happened—”

“Nope, don’t move,” Jiwoong called from somewhere nearby.

“Woah, Wook,” Hanbin said, appearing beside him with an ice pack, crouching down as he passed it to Matthew. “Just stay lying down. They’ll be here in a minute.”

Gunwook squinted at him. “They?”

Taerae nodded. “Yeah. You're, like… lowkey bleeding.”

Gunwook blinked again. “Oh. Okay.”
And then the delay caught up to his brain.

“WAIT, I’M BLEEDING?!” He jolted upward in pure panic before immediately wincing and flopping back down with a hiss.

“See? This is why I said don’t move!” Matthew scolded, adjusting the towel again. “You hit your head, like, hard. That shit echoed.”

“I knew I heard a sound effect,” Jiwoong muttered.

Gunwook blinked at the ceiling in horror. “I thought the light was just dramatic. I didn’t know I was leaking!”

“You’re fine,” Hao said calmly, patting his ankle like this happened regularly. “You didn’t die. That’s the bar right now.”

“Where’s Miba?” Gunwook asked weakly, looking around like the dog might jump from the shadows again.

“In her bed,” Ricky said from the door, scrolling his phone. “She’s sleeping like she didn’t just commit attempted murder.”

“She probably thinks she won,” Yujin muttered.

“She did win,” Taerae pointed out. “Look at him.”

“I have a head wound and trust issues,” Gunwook mumbled.

“You’ll live,” Matthew said, brushing Gunwook’s hair back with annoying gentleness. “Barely.”

Gunwook closed his eyes again, muttering, “I’m never trusting a cute dog again.”

A beat passed. Then:

“…Except maybe that corgi from TikTok. He makes pancakes.”

Matthew, Taerae, and Hanbin all exchanged looks.

“Brain damage confirmed,” Jiwoong called.

There was a knock at the front door.

Everyone’s attention shifted. Feet shuffled, voices dropped, and one by one, they all moved toward the hallway to greet the paramedics, leaving behind the quiet echo of the bathroom and two figures inside.

The two remained.

Gunwook lay still, head cradled in Matthew’s lap, the towel cushioning him barely damp now. The air had quieted, save for the faint hum of the light overhead and the soft inhale-exhale of breath between them.

“Boba,” he called out, voice cracked, like he was trying to swallow panic.

Matthew looked down, hand already smoothing lightly over his boyfriend’s hair. “Hm?”

Gunwook blinked fast. His eyes were getting glassy.

“Am I gonna die?” he asked quietly. The tremble in his voice was half-teasing, half-terrified—the kind of fear that sneaks in after the chaos dies down.

Matthew smiles. He glanced up toward the open door, checking for shadows, voices, movement, witnesses. The coast was clear.

He leaned down without a word and pressed a slow, gentle kiss to Gunwook’s forehead. Then another, right to the bridge of his nose.

He pulled back just enough to meet his eyes.

“You’ll be fine,” Matthew whispered, brushing a thumb along Gunwook’s cheek. “Stupid, but fine.”

Gunwook blinked hard. “I thought the tile was gonna be the last thing I ever saw.”

Matthew huffed a laugh, brushing back Gunwook’s sweaty bangs. “You’re so dramatic.”

“You kissed me,” Gunwook said, eyes fluttering.

“You looked like you needed it.”

“I always need it.”

Matthew rolled his eyes affectionately, but the way his hand stayed curled under Gunwook’s jaw betrayed how much he actually cared.

Gunwook exhaled shakily. “I was actually scared.”

“I know.”

“Like, heart racing, throat-tight, vision-blurring scared.”

“I know,” Matthew repeated softly. “But you’re here. With me. And a minor head injury.”

Gunwook gave him a weak smile. “If I get memory loss, promise to remind me that I’m hot and dating you?”

“I’ll tattoo it on your arm if I have to.”

Just then, the EMTs stepped into the bathroom, their calm professionalism instantly disrupted by the distant sounds of pushing and whisper-yelling from the hallway.

“Move—”

“You move, freak—”

“I swear to God, Hao—”

Matthew glanced up, already sighing.

“What are you two bitching about now?” he asked loudly, as the paramedics set their bags down.

Hao popped his head in with the excitement of someone announcing breaking news. Signaling with a simple head nod, saying, ‘Look at the paramedic.’

Taerae appeared right behind him, grinning like a kid who just saw Santa. “No, like really look.”

Matthew, tired and still cradling his semi-conscious boyfriend, rolled his eyes and turned to look

And paused.

The paramedic kneeling beside him had a sharp jawline, skin glowing in a way that should be illegal under fluorescent lighting, and dimples that activated when he smiled softly at Gunwook.

“Hey,” the medic said, voice smooth, warm. “Let’s take a look at the injury.”

Matthew didn’t respond right away. He was too busy recalculating everything he knew about the limits of human genetics.

Gunwook, on the other hand, had also seen the face. He blinked at the man, then at Matthew. Then back to the man.

“…Who the fuck is this?” Gunwook asked flatly, trying to sit up, only for Matthew to gently press him back down.

“Relax,” Matthew said, trying to act normal, his voice a little too calm. “Let him check your head.”

“Why? So you can fall in love while I’m unconscious?” Gunwook snapped.

The medic blinked, looking amused. “I assure you, I’m very professional—”

“That’s exactly what someone trying to steal my man would say.” Gunwook squinted up at Matthew. “And why are you blushing?”

“I’m not.”

“You’re definitely blushing. He smiled at you, and I felt YOUR soul leave your body.”

Matthew glanced at the EMT, like ‘do you see what I deal with? ’ The EMT was already smiling politely, gloves on, about to lean forward.

Gunwook lifted a finger and wagged it dramatically. “Back up, Pretty Boy. I may have a concussion, but I still have eyes. And a boyfriend.”

Matthew placed a palm over Gunwook’s mouth, barely holding in a laugh.

“You’re literally bleeding,” he whispered.

Gunwook shoved his hand off. “And yet I still sense betrayal.”

Hao poked his head in again, eyes wide. “Is Gunwook fighting for his life and his man?”

Taerae sighed dreamily. “Love really is war.”

“GET OUT,” Matthew and Gunwook snapped at the same time.

The EMT coughed into his elbow, biting back a laugh. “Alright, I’ll be quick,” he said, gently tilting Gunwook’s head. “Just checking the wound—”

Gunwook turned his head away from him instantly, like a cat avoiding meds.

“Don’t touch me unless your name is Matthew or your license says Dr. Gunwook’s boyfriend .”

Matthew choked on his own spit.

“Gunwook,” he said between laughs, “you are being ridiculous.”

“Am I?” Gunwook hissed. “Or am I the only one who sees how easily you folded when he did the sympathy kneel?!”

Matthew threw his hands up. “We’re adding ‘delirious’ to the diagnosis.”

“I am injured, not blind!” Gunwook gestured wildly—then winced. “Ow. Okay. See? Look at what jealousy does to the human body.”

The medic finally gave up, handing Matthew the antiseptic. “You know what? You do it,” he said, laughing. “He’s clearly emotionally compromised.”

Gunwook nodded proudly as Matthew started dabbing at the scrape himself. “That’s right. Boyfriend privileges only. Now go save someone else’s relationship.”

The medic held his hands up in surrender. “Honestly? Respect.”

As he stepped out, Taerae passed by and whispered, “Ten out of ten, would’ve risked it all.”

Ricky, who was behind him, slapped the back of his head. “In front of your man? Really?”

Taerae winced, rubbing his head. “He’s not even my boyfriend, jeez.”

Jiwoong, walking past them with a smile, added smoothly, “Yet.”

Taerae nodded and pointed at him, agreeing at first—until his brain caught up. He did a double-take, squinting back at Jiwoong.

“Seriously, Gunwook, I’m not a med student—I shouldn’t be treating a wound like this,” Matthew said as he gently parted his boyfriend’s hair to clean up the cut.

“You should be,” Gunwook replied with a small smile.

Matthew deadpanned.

“My boyfriend is a nurse, and I’m a lawyer,” Gunwook said, lifting his arms like he was painting the words in the air. He looked back at Matthew, eyes a little glassy but full of admiration. “That’s goals.”

“Well… close, but not quite,” Matthew said, gently turning Gunwook’s head back since he kept shifting around.

Gunwook hummed. “Wait—what are you majoring in again?”

Matthew clicked his tongue. “Shockingly, Health Sciences.”

Gunwook gasped dramatically and immediately tried to sit up. “That’s basically nursing!”

Matthew caught him by the back of his shirt like a cat mom grabbing a kitten. “Absolutely not. Lay back down.”

“But—”

“Nope. You are concussed and on thin ice.”

Gunwook grinned up at him. “So you’re saying I am dating a nurse in training?”

“I’m saying I’m qualified enough to disinfect your dumbass and not let you bleed on my jeans,” Matthew replied, dabbing at the wound again.

“That’s hot.”

Matthew sighed at the response, already regretting his life choices. Without looking away, he raised his voice. “Taerae?”

“Yes?” Taerae peeked around the corner like a nosy raccoon.

“Can you call the paramedic? I’m pretty sure he hasn’t left yet,” Matthew said, tossing the used wipe into the trash.

Gunwook’s eyes snapped open in horror. “No! Don’t call that sexy man in here!”

Matthew raised an eyebrow as Taerae vanished down the hallway without hesitation.

Gunwook tried to sit up again. “Matthew, I swear to God—”

“You literally called him sexy,” Matthew cut in.

“I was panicked! And concussed! That doesn’t count.”

“Oh, it counts,” Matthew said flatly, grabbing Gunwook’s shoulders and pushing him back down. “You called him sexy, glared at me, and then tried to square up with an EMT while bleeding.”

Gunwook crossed his arms. “I was defending our relationship.”

Matthew blinked, mildly impressed despite himself. “You couldn’t even stand without using my knee as a launchpad.”

“And still, I remained faithful. That’s loyalty, babe.”

Before Matthew could reply, Taerae reappeared with zero shame. “He’s coming back. Also, he said, and I quote, ‘tell the dramatic one I’ll be gentle this time.’”

Gunwook’s jaw dropped. “Fuck no, he’s flirting with me and mocking me?! This is sabotage. He grabbed a towel and dramatically threw it over his face.

“Tell him I’m dead. Say goodbye for me.”

The EMT stepped back into the bathroom with his medical bag slung over one shoulder, calm and annoyingly attractive as ever.

“Hey again,” he said with an easy smile, dimples reactivating like a trap.

Matthew looked up and—traitorously—smiled back.

Gunwook slowly pulled the towel off his face, eyes narrowing like he was watching betrayal in real time. “Oh. Wow. He smiled at you, and you smiled back?”

Matthew didn’t look over. “He’s being polite.”

Gunwook gasped. “You smiled with your eyes, Matthew.”

The EMT knelt beside them again, slipping on gloves as if none of this were happening. “You cleaned it?”

“Yeah, kind of,” Matthew said, shifting to give him space. “There was a lot of bleeding, but it looked like a surface cut. I cleaned around it and kept pressure on it.”

The EMT nodded, giving him an approving look. “Nice work.”

Gunwook gasped. “Nice work? You're complimenting each other now? In front of my open wound?”

The EMT bit his lip to keep from laughing as he gently tilted Gunwook’s head again. “I’m just going to double-check the area. Won’t take long.”

Gunwook crossed his arms, eyes locked on Matthew like he was ready to file a betrayal report. “If he kisses my forehead, I will sue.”

The EMT paused, genuinely entertained. “Don’t worry—I’m taken.”

Gunwook scoffed. “Thank fuck.”

Matthew coughed to hide a laugh.

“Unbelievable,” Gunwook muttered, flopping back against the towel. “Bleeding out while my boyfriend and his new medical soulmate flirt over my corpse.”

“You’re literally conscious and talking,” Matthew said.

“Not for long,” Gunwook said, eyes fluttering shut again. “Tell my mom I died beautiful.”

The EMT gently patted his shoulder. “Vitals are stable, by the way.”

“Don’t touch me, gorgeous,” Gunwook grumbled. “You’re a threat to my relationship.”

Matthew raised an eyebrow and sighed. “Thanks for coming, and sorry for,” he glanced down, “any interruptions.”

The EMT smiled warmly. “It’s no worries. You guys look like a great couple.”

Gunwook peeled the towel off his face with mock indignation. “Okay, now you’re just trying to rub it in.”

“Geon,” Matthew groaned into his hands, “God, kill it now.”

The EMT smiled one last time and waved as he exited the bathroom. Taerae blinked up at him, clearly trying to follow, but Jiwoong grabbed Taerae by the collar and pulled him back.

“Nope,” Jiwoong said, dragging Taerae away.

Yujin walked past them, shooting them both a weird look before stepping into the bathroom. He looked down at Gunwook, who was still curled up dramatically in Matthew’s lap like a Victorian widow.

“Damn, bruh,” Yujin clicked his tongue.

Gunwook slowly peeled the towel off his face like he was personally judged. Well, he was. He glared at Yujin.

“You came in here just to disrespect me?”

Yujin shrugged. “I came in here to pee, actually. The disrespect was just a bonus.”

Matthew sighed, already shifting to move Gunwook’s head off his lap. “Okay, that’s our cue to go. Your audience is multiplying.”

“This is a handicap bathroom, and it’s occupied,” Gunwook said, trying to kick Yujin away weakly.

Yujin dodged easily and kicked him back lightly in the shin. “I can beat you up right now. You’re limited in smarts and fights.”

Gunwook gasped, clutching his shin. “You come in here, insult my intelligence, and kick me while I’m hurt?”

Matthew groaned.

“Please don’t encourage him.”

Yujin smirked. “This is me not encouraging.”

Gunwook glared from the floor. “Hope Miba gets your ass.”

Yujin furrowed his brows, glancing behind him like he was checking for witnesses. Then he turned back, unfazed.

“Hope Matthew breaks up with you.”

Gunwook gasped—loud, dramatic, hand flying to his chest like he’d just been personally attacked by fate itself. It echoed off the tile like someone had dropped a chandelier.

Yujin just smiled. “Oops. Typo.”

Gunwook narrowed his eyes. “A typo? You spoke it.”

“Yeah, well,” Yujin shrugged. “I’m just that good.”

“You’re evil,” Gunwook muttered, still on the floor as if he were waiting for death to take him. “You came in here to pee and left me emotionally broken. You're a bad person,” Gunwook spat out.

“Yeah? And you're built like a victim.”

Matthew peeked his head back in. “Are you still going at it?”

Gunwook turned his head toward him weakly. “Yujin cursed our relationship.”

Yujin raised both hands. “I said hope. Not a curse. Free speech.”

Gunwook pointed at Yujin, eyes wide with betrayal. “He said you were gonna break up with me.”

Matthew blinked. “Why would I do that?

“So you can go with that medic,” Yujin turned around and smiled at Matthew, who looked shocked. Matthew hit Yujin on the arm as Yujin let out a giggle.

Gunwook sat up straighter, eyes narrowing. “Excuse me?”

Matthew held up both hands. “I didn’t say anything!”

“You didn’t have to,” Yujin said, crossing his arms.

Gunwook whipped his head toward Matthew, betrayal written all over his face. “So it’s true?!”

Matthew groaned. “He was literally checking your head!”

“And stealing my man while doing it!” Gunwook cried.

“Gunwook,” Matthew said firmly, crouching beside him again, “if I wanted to leave you, I’d wait until you weren’t bleeding from the skull. Have some dignity.”

Gunwook squinted at him. “Is he Gia’s real father?”

Matthew blinked. “…What?”

Gunwook’s eyes darted, paranoia kicking in. “I’m not Gia’s father, am I?”

Both Matthew and Yujin froze.

Then Matthew stood, placing a hand on his hip. “None of y’all are his father. I’m a single mother. Do not play with me.”

Gunwook clutched his head. “This whole relationship is built on lies. You said I was his dad!”

“You said that,” Matthew replied. “Geon, you are concussed, please—“

“And you didn’t correct me,” Gunwook cut in, looking personally wounded.

Matthew groaned, rubbing his face in frustration. “Gunwook, get yo ass up, we’re going home.”

Gunwook turned his head dramatically to the side, refusing eye contact. “No. I’m staying with Taerae.”

Matthew blinked. “Taerae doesn’t even have an extra bed.”

“Then I’ll sleep on the floor,” Gunwook muttered. “At least the floor won’t betray me.”

Matthew glared at his boyfriend, and Gunwook pouted. “See? Now I feel emotionally unsafe.”

At that moment, Gyuvin and Ricky entered, stepping over the ruined rug.

“Guys, we’re leaving now,” Ricky said, scooping up a handful of trash from the floor.

Yujin cleared his throat. “Yeah, that’s my cue.” He paused at the door and turned back. “Can I go home with you?”

“Your mom won’t let you sleep over,” Gyuvin said with a sad shake of his head.

Yujin frowned, grabbing Gyuvin’s shirt to tug him along. “But she loves you—what do you mean she won’t let me?”

Ricky sighed and shot a sympathetic glance at the bickering couple. “Sorry about this. I didn’t think it would get this… dramatic.” He pointed at Gunwook, who was still lounging on the bathroom floor like a wounded king.

“Don’t apologize, Ricky,” Matthew said as he stood. “This is just jealousy aftermath at this point.
Ricky nodded, then paused.

“Where are the others right now?” He was already halfway down the hallway by the time he called back, “In Taerae’s room—watching a movie.”

Matthew looked back at Gunwook, then slowly walked to the door. Without a word, he reached out and closed it—click.

Gunwook’s head turned. His gaze followed Matthew… then dropped to the door.

The lock turned.

Gunwook gulped. “Please don’t beat me.”

Matthew raised an eyebrow from across the room, hand still on the doorknob. “Seriously?”

Gunwook swallowed hard, eyes flicking between the lock and Matthew’s face. “…Is that not what this energy is?”

Matthew rolled his eyes and leaned against the door, arms crossed. “I literally just cleaned your cut and gave you forehead kisses. Now suddenly I’m the bad guy?”

Gunwook shook his head, wincing at the pain. “No, you’re my boyfriend.” He smiles nervously

Matthew ignored that. “Are you done bitching? I want to go home.”

“I wasn’t bitching,” Gunwook started, raising his voice—then immediately quieted when Matthew raised an eyebrow at him. “...Hyung,” he added, meekly.

“Oh hell nah,” Matthew said with a laugh. “Don’t start pulling the hyung card now.”

Gunwook pouted. “It usually works.”

“Not when you’ve been accusing me of cheating with a man whose name we don’t even know.”

Gunwook shrugged. “He had a symmetrical face. Forgive me for panicking.”

Matthew pushed off the door and stepped forward. “You are so lucky you’re my boyfriend.”

Gunwook immediately perked up. “So you admit it?”

Matthew gently flicked his forehead. “Sit down before your brain falls out of your head.”

Gunwook flinched and hissed. “Ow! I’m concussed, Matthew!”

“And dramatic,” Matthew muttered, guiding him back onto the toilet seat.

Gunwook glared up at him. “You know what? I’m not sure you’re providing a supportive environment for my healing.”

“Oh, I’m not?” Matthew smiled, folding his arms. “Would a non-supportive boyfriend clean your bloody scalp while you threw shade about medics with good cheekbones?”

Gunwook blinked. “You noticed his cheekbones?”

Matthew stared at him like he’d just confessed a felony. “That’s what you took from that sentence?”