Chapter Text
“Kim Sunoo!” when Sunoo heard his name, he just couldn’t believe it. He already stops wishing for his name to be called out when it’s only between Daniel and his K hyung, his talented K hyung.
He thought the producers will pick him, well any sane person will pick him but instead he heard his name. He was too overjoyed he couldn’t even move.
This is it, he thought, I'm so close to my dream now.
***
“Oh my god hyung, i was so scared when they haven’t call you, i’m scared we can’t debut together” Ni-ki said while shaking Sunoo’s shoulders in pure joy.
Sunoo can only smile, he still hasn’t completely absorbed the fact that he will debut soon. Of course he’s glad he can debut with Ni-ki, the person that has been supporting him since they were in Ground, but he also still needs time to calm himself.
On the ride to their dorm, the boys were talking happily. They too still couldn’t really believe that their debut is no longer a wishful thinking, that they are preparing for their debut for real.
The boys made a deal that whatever happened in I-land will stay in I-Land, they are no longer trainees, they are Enhypen and they no longer competing with each other.
***
Debut preparation is really hard, Sunoo definitely knows that, well everybody knows that. All the recording, choreography practice, briefing about the company plans and all that is draining the seven boys to the core.
What’s holding them back from breaking down is only the thought that this is their dream all along. Every member has their own way of coping with the exhaustion. The two members of the maknae line, Sunoo and Ni-ki, have their own way in the form of cuddling.
It’s a known fact that despite being the ball of sunshine, Sunoo doesn’t really like skinship. He’s not opposed to it, just to a normal amount. But despite that, he found comfort in cuddling with Ni-ki.
It all started way back then when they were still in the Ground. Every trainee already passed out on their bed because of the exhausting practice, except for one particular Nishimura Riki. When Sunoo noticed that, he couldn’t stop himself from asking just to make sure his dance teacher is fine.
“Ni-ki? Are you okay? Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Sunoo asked with a hushed voice,
“You’re not asleep too hyung, why are you asking me?”
“Well i was about to fall asleep when i see you moving around weirdly, is your bed not comfortable? You know you gotta get lots of sleep to survive tomorrow right?”
“It’s not the bed, it’s me. I just can’t sleep even though I'm so tired. Usually i hug my sister but there’s nothing i can hug here”
“That’s too bad, guess you won’t get any sleep” Sunoo said with a teasing tone.
“Aren’t you gonna help me?? If you’re not gonna help then why bother asking from the first place”
Sunoo laughed a little after hearing Ni-ki sulking, “then ask me clearly, what can i do to help you”
Sunoo can’t see that clear since all the lights has been turned off but he can feel Ni-ki rolled his eyes.
“Come cuddle me hyung”
“Why do i need to come when you’re the one that need it? Come here” Sunoo said while turning his back on Ni-ki.
Ni-ki quickly leapt out of his bed to Sunoo’s and immediately hugged him. To be honest, Sunoo wasn’t really comfortable in this situation. He wasn’t used to someone literally being a koala behind him while sleeping.
It took him some time to start feeling sleepy but he can feel how fast Ni-ki became relaxed to the point that Sunoo didn’t even need to look to know that he was fast asleep. It’s okay then, it’s okay to endure this as long as he can help him, he thought.
That was the start of how cuddling becomes healing time for both of them. Sunoo loved how he felt whenever Ni-ki hug him tight, he always feel like all the exhaustion just seeped out of his bones while Ni-ki treats Sunoo as his personal teddy bear that will always bring comfort.
Sunoo also loved how Ni-ki sometimes played with his hair when he feel Sunoo still awake. This duo treasures their cuddle time, all the other boys notice that but knowing that it’s just their way of coping, they see that just the way it is and nothing more. There’s nothing wrong with cuddling with your friends anyway right?
***
He should’ve known, he should’ve known that finding your comfort and healing in someone can lead into something that’s not completely platonic.
It’s a natural thing falling for someone who has been there for you all along but he can’t be falling for Ni-ki. Ni-ki is his younger brother, their maknae, he’s practically a child. Well, that’s a bit of exaggeration but still it’s not right to fall for him. How is he supposed to hide this and act normal?