Archive of Our Own ^beta

Sunoo was in the middle of a product meeting, half listening, half doodling little stars in the margin of his notebook, when his phone buzzed on the table.

Once.

Twice.

Then the familiar ping that made his day caught his attention.

ENHYPEN 💬

He blinked.

They hadn’t used the group chat like this in a little while.

Not really.

Birthdays, the occasional “miss you guys,” links to interviews or dance clips, nothing that demanded 'extreme' attention since everyone was hella busy nowadays.

Also because they saw each other in public all the time.

And even then, they'd just call.

Sunoo flipped his phone over discreetly.

Heeseung: Okay, before anyone thinks about it, don’t mute. I have an announcement.

Almost immediately, replies stacked.

Jungwon: Is it serious???

Ni-ki: It's probably another prank. Remember when he did this last time? The big announcement was a selfie.

Jake: LMAO didn't YOU do that??

Sunghoon: They've both done that on more than one occasion.

Sunoo typed before he could stop himself, already finding them hilarious.

Sunoo: You guys are already starting. Let's see what he has to say 😭

Three dots appeared.

Disappeared.

Then Heeseung sent a photo.

It was old, grainy, warm-toned.

Seven of them sitting on the floor of a practice room, backs against the mirror, exhausted and grinning like idiots, arms slung over shoulders.

A time when everything had been unbearably hard and impossibly simple at the same time.

Sunoo felt himself smile at the photo.

Heeseung: It’s been ten years since we debuted. And almost three since we ended things properly.

A pause, even through a screen, Sunoo could feel it.

Heeseung: So I booked a private villa. No staff, no cameras. Just us for the anniversary.

Jake: You actually booked one?

Ni-ki: You think he'd be joking about that?

Jungwon: That should be fun, I'm all for it.

Sunoo stared at the message, his mind immediately jumped to memories he hadn’t let himself linger on too long, late night talks, shared beds during tours, laughter at nothing 90% of the time.

And then he thought about Jay.

He hadn’t spoken to him properly in a while.

Not since Jay left for the states and slowly… disappeared.

No scandals, no interviews, just silence.

And the occasional rumor about a business he may or may not own.

Sunoo shook his head slightly, as if to clear the thought.

Sunoo: I wanna see you guys, I'm in too.

The replies exploded after that.

Dates were agreed on, flights coordinated, complaints about schedules, promises to bring alcohol and snacks

Sunoo set his phone down and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

He felt strange.

Not nervous, not exactly.

More like excitement mixed with uncertainty.

The days leading up to the trip passed in a blur.

Sunoo packed carefully, comfortable clothes, stylish ones, a few things he didn’t need but brought anyway.

He told himself it was just a reunion.

Still, the night before the flight, he stood in front of the mirror longer than usual.

He looked good. Softer, maybe. Grown.

"You’re fine," he told his reflection. "It's just them. My favorite people."

—

Sunoo arrived at the villa first, with Jungwon and Ni-ki tumbling in right behind him, loud and familiar and warm in a way that made him happy instantly.

The place was beautiful and secluded.

Sunlight spilling across wide windows, the air smelling faintly of pine, the ocean, and something expensive.

They dropped bags, claimed rooms, wandered around like kids rediscovering a childhood home.

And then.. cars began to arrive.

Jake, Sunghoon, Heeseung.

Hugs turned into laughter, laughter into stories overlapping each other.

Time folded in on itself, almost like they hadn't spent time apart at all.

Sunoo was mid sentence, teasing Ni-ki about something, when the sound of another car pulled into the driveway.

Conversation slowed.

Heeseung glanced toward the window. “Oh,” he said casually. “He’s finally here.”

Sunoo’s stomach dropped.

The front door opened and it felt like everything stopped.

Jay stepped in, duffel bag slung over one shoulder, casual as ever in a simple black tee and jeans.

But three years had changed him.

Not dramatically, no bulky gym rat overhaul, no ink marking his skin.

Just refined.

Lean muscle filling out his frame perfectly, shoulders a little broader, arms defined enough to stretch the sleeves without trying too hard.

Hair longer, styled back loosely, a couple of strands falling over his forehead in a way that made him look effortlessly expensive.

Jaw sharper, smile lazier, still effortlessly handsome, like he’d grown into every ounce of quiet confidence he’d always had lurking.

He looked good.. too good.

The kind of good that made Sunoo look at him in a way he hadn't 3 years ago.

Jay’s gaze swept the room, landing on Sunoo last.

That smile softened, private. “Hey, everyone. Sorry I’m late.”

Heeseung pulling him into a hug first, Jake and Sunghoon piling on with back slaps and “look who decided to show up” teasing.

Ni-ki and Jungwon crowding in, demanding details on the states.

Sunoo hung back by the couch, forcing a casual lean against the armrest, suddenly feeling too nervous to approach him.

Jay extracted himself from the chaos, crossing straight to him. “Sunoo.”

Up close was worse, he smelled like something expensive.

The hug was quick, polite, but Jay’s hand settled on Sunoo’s lower back a second longer than necessary, thumb brushing the hem of his shirt.

“You look good,” Jay said quietly, pulling back but not stepping away.

Eyes flicking over Sunoo’s face like he was cataloging changes too. “Really good.”

Sunoo swallowed, managing a laugh that came out too breathy. “You too, Jay. America treated you well.”

Jay’s grin turned lopsided, a flash of the old him. “Something like that.”

The afternoon blurred into easy chaos, bags upstairs, rooms officially claimed now that everyone is present.

Jay taking the one next to Sunoo’s, “by coincidence."

Drinks were poured, old stories were retold with louder laughter than before. It felt like no time had passed at all.

But Sunoo couldn’t stop noticing.

The way Jay’s tee clung when he reached for a glass overhead, hints of his toned stomach flashing.

How his laugh was deeper now, how nice his smile actually was, how attentive he was, as if they were still living back in the dorms.

Pool time hit late afternoon, sun dipping, everyone changing into swimsuits.

Jay emerged last.

Black swim shorts low on his hips, subtle lines of muscle cutting across his chest and stomach, arms toned from whatever mystery workouts he’d been doing in the States.

The fact that there really was no bulk, just perfect, proportional strength, like he’d spent all his time working on physique.

Sunoo nearly dropped his sunscreen.

Jay caught his stare across the deck, he gave him a slight head nod before diving in clean.

The pool was pure chaos, splashing wars, Jake starting chicken fights, Heeseung cannonballing.

Sunoo floated on a lounger at first, content watching the madness.

Jay swam over eventually, resting arms on the edge beside him, water dripping from his hair. “Not joining the war?”

Sunoo shrugged, trying not to stare directly at Jay. “Someone’s gotta supervise you animals.”

Jay’s laugh was low, eyes crinkling. “Still the same Sunoo. Isn't that something?”

Sunoo already knew his face was turning pink, and he mentally blamed the sun.

That’s when Sunghoon and Ni-ki exchanged a devilish look from across the pool.

Plan hatched.

They submerged like sharks, circling under the water toward Sunoo’s lounger.

Sunoo didn’t notice until too late, hands grabbing his ankles, yanking him under the water.

He flailed his arms immediately as he went down, splashing water everywhere.

Panic lasted half a second, then strong arms caught him, pulling him up and against a solid chest.

Jay.

Sunoo broke the surface gasping, instinctively jumping higher to escape any follow up grabs, legs wrapping around Jay’s waist, arms locking around his neck like a koala.

Face buried in Jay’s wet shoulder, clinging for dear life.

Sunghoon and Ni-ki surfaced laughing hysterically.

Sunoo’s heart was pounding, from the scare, from the closeness, from the feel of Jay’s bare, wet skin under his hands and against him.

He pulled back just enough to glare at them, but didn’t let go. “You assholes, I almost drowned!”

Ni-ki grinned. “Drama queen.”

“After three years apart,” Jay started, voice low near Sunoo’s ear, “you still haven’t learned to swim?”

Sunoo shivered and NOT from cold. “Shut up. They snuck me.”

Jay’s laugh vibrated through them both. “Are you gonna let go?”

Sunoo’s face burned, he unwrapped his legs slowly, way too slowly, sliding down Jay’s body until his feet touched the pool floor. "Well, duhh of course I am! I just wanted to feel the breeze a bit longer. Anyway, thank you for helping me.” he rambled.

Jay’s hands lingered on his waist, steadying him. “My hero complex is satisfied for the day.”

Jay’s gaze lingered on Sunoo’s face a little too long before he turned, splashing Sunghoon and Ni-ki, and the water war started all over again.

Sunoo took that opportunity to swim to the other side, chest still feeling tight.

By the time the sun was setting, they all decided on BBQ and drinks, the kind of lazy dinner that felt like the old days.

Jay was at the grill, focused, flipping meat with a practiced ease.

Sunoo had taken a seat near him, a safe distance, sipping his drink and watching the sky bleed orange and pink.

He tried not to watch the way the firelight caught the sharp line of Jay’s jaw, or the casual strength in his forearms as he handled the tongs.

He tried, and failed.

“Still not drinking?” Jay asked, not looking at him, but it was clear he’d been paying attention.

Sunoo looked down at his cup of soda. “Just taking it easy tonight.”

Jay finally turned, a piece of perfectly grilled beef held out on tongs. “Here.”

He leaned in close, sliding the meat onto Sunoo’s plate. “Try this. First batch is always the best.”

The proximity was dizzying.

Sunoo could smell the faint, clean scent of chlorine mixed with that same expensive cologne from earlier. “Thanks, Jay.”

He poked at the meat.

“No ‘thank you, Jay hyung’?” Jay teased, a smirk on his face. “Getting comfortable already, Sunoo?”

Sunoo cleared his throat. “Hyung is for old people,” he shot back, trying to sound calm.

"Possibly, but it's formal, and if my memory is correct, you're hardly ever informal." Jay retorted.

"Yeah.. but-"

"I'm just messing with you," Jay interrupted with a smile. "Don't be so serious."

He turned back to the grill, and Sunoo let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

The rest of the night was a comfortable slide into nostalgia.

They ate until they were stuffed, drank until they were loud.

Jake was recounting a story about a one of the game shows they attended, his hands flying everywhere, everyone laughing so hard their stomachs hurt.

Sunoo was watching Jay, who was watching Jake, a fond, relaxed smile on his face.

Then Jay’s eyes shifted, met Sunoo’s across the fire pit.

And he didn't look away.

The smile didn't change, but something in it did.

It became.. specific.

For him.

He quickly looked down, pretending to examine the empty cup.

“Sunoo,” Jungwon called from the other side of the pit, breaking the daze. “Help me with the desserts?”

Sunoo shot up. “Yeah. Coming.”

He escaped into the bright light of the kitchen, Jungwon right behind him.

Jungwon leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. “Okay.”

Sunoo opened the freezer, avoiding his gaze. “Okay what?”

“You and Jay,” Jungwon said, straight to the point.

Sunoo’s hands froze on a tub of ice cream. “What about me and Jay? There is no ‘me and Jay.’”

“Mmmhmm,” Jungwon hummed, unconvinced. “You’ve been looking at him like he’s a new limited edition designer bag all night.”

Sunoo slammed the freezer door shut, a little too hard. “That’s ridiculous. I’m just surprised. He looks different. We all do. And he's all new and matured.”

“He’s always been handsome, Sunoo,” Jungwon said gently. “You’re just noticing it now?”

Sunoo busied himself grabbing bowls and spoons, his movements jerky. “You’re reading too much into it. We’re all just happy to be together again. It’s been a while.”

“Maybe,” Jungwon conceded, then pushed off the counter. “But if I were you.. I'd take all the opportunity I can get. You know how he is when he goes back to the states. Barely checking his phone. You might not see him for another three years after this.”

He left Sunoo with that thought, walking back out into the night.

Sunoo stood there for a long moment, the cold from the ice cream tub seeping into his palms.

He knew Jungwon was right.

He also knew that acknowledging it made everything infinitely more complicated.

Later, with the fire dwindling to embers and everyone yawning, they started to disperse.

“‘Night,” Heeseung mumbled, ruffling Ni-ki’s hair.

Jake was already half asleep on a lounge chair, Sunghoon trying to coax him inside.

“I'm gonna go get ready for bed,” Jungwon announced, already heading for the stairs.

Sunoo was about to follow when Jay spoke. “Wait up, Sunoo. Need help with anything?”

Sunoo glanced around.

The others were already inside, their laughter faint as they climbed the stairs. It was just the two of them, the remnants of the fire, and the vast, starry sky.

“Oh, uh, no. I think we got it all,” Sunoo said, gathering a few empty cups.

Jay moved closer, taking the cups from him. “I’ll take these,” Jay said. “You get the rest.”

Their fingers brushed.

A simple, fleeting touch.

Yet Sunoo felt it all the way up his arm.

They walked back toward the villa in comfortable silence, the only sound the soft crunch of sand under their feet and the distant crash of waves in the distance.

Inside, the lights were dimmed.

They deposited the trash in the kitchen, the quiet intimacy of the space settling around them.

Sunoo turned to head for the stairs. “Well, I’m gonna-”

“Sunoo,” Jay said, his voice stopping him.

Sunoo looked back.

Jay was leaning against the counter, arms crossed, watching him with an unreadable expression.

“I meant what I said earlier,” he started, tone lower now. “You look really good.”

Sunoo’s heart started doing that frantic, stuttering thing again. “You already said that.”

“Yeah, well,” Jay pushed off the counter, closing the small distance between them. “Wanted to make sure you heard me.”

He was too close.

He could smell that clean, expensive scent again, stronger now, with no sea breeze or chlorine to carry it away.

Sunoo took a small, involuntary step back, his hip bumping into the kitchen island.

There was nowhere else to go.

Jay didn’t retreat.

He just stood there, a presence that was both familiar and entirely new, filling up all the space Sunoo tried to claim for himself.

“You were always the prettiest one,” Jay continued. “But now, it’s different. You’re all sharp angles and soft looks. It’s distracting.”

Pretty was a word he’d heard a million times, thrown around by stylists and fans.

But from Jay, said like that, in the quiet of a kitchen, it felt like a brand new, dangerous language.

“I.. I don’t know what to say to that,” Sunoo finally managed, his own voice barely audible.

“Don’t have to say anything,” Jay said, a small, knowing smile touching his lips.

He reached out, his fingers ghosting over the collar of Sunoo’s shirt, not quite touching. “Just know that I’m not the only one who’s changed.”

With that, he stepped back, the spell broken.

He gave Sunoo one last, long look, then turned and headed for the stairs, leaving Sunoo alone in the dark, cold kitchen, the phantom feeling of Jay’s proximity still clinging to him.

"What the hell was that?" Sunoo muttered to the empty room, pressing a cool hand to his hot cheek.

The next day was a masterclass in avoidance.

Sunoo woke up early, deciding a long run on the beach was the best way to clear his head.

He came back to find Jake already at the coffee maker, humming tunelessly.

“Morning!” Jake chirped, sliding a cup over. “Rough night? You look tired.”

Sunoo took the coffee gratefully. “Just thinking.”

“About Jay?” Jake asked, way too perceptive for this early in the morning.

Sunoo choked on his coffee. “What? No!”

Jake just laughed, patting him on the back. “Relax. It’s written all over your face. But don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

He leaned in conspiratorially. “He’s been looking at you too, y'know.”

He decided then and there that avoidance was not only the best policy, it was a survival tactic.

He spent the day orbiting the outer edges of the group.

When they decided to go for a hike, Sunoo hung back with Jungwon, deliberately making sure Jay was up ahead with the rest of them.

When they lounged on the beach, he made sure to position himself between Ni-ki and Heeseung, a human shield of platonic energy.

It was exhausting.

And it was also completely useless.

Because no matter where he was, he could feel Jay’s gaze.

It wasn't intense, wasn't a stare.

It was just… there.

A quiet, constant awareness that followed him around the villa, a soft hum under all the noise and laughter.

It was only day 2.

And Sunoo was already feeling frayed.

That evening, a storm rolled in off the ocean, dark clouds swallowing the sunset.

The mood shifted from outdoorsy to cozy.

Everyone piled into the massive living room, a fire crackling, blankets being tossed around.

Sunghoon found an old, dusty looking board game in a closet, and soon they were all crowded on the floor around the coffee table, arguing about the rules.

Sunoo found himself squeezed between Jungwon and the arm of the couch.

Directly across from him, on the other side, was Jay.

Of course.

During a particularly heated debate over a dice roll, Jay’s foot brushed against Sunoo’s under the table.

A complete accident.

Sunoo told himself this, pulling his legs back instinctively.

A few minutes later, it happened again.

Almost like Jay was tryna play footsie with him.

He risked a glance up.

Jay was focused on the game, a neutral expression on his face, but the corner of his mouth was twitching, fighting a smile.

He knew.

The jerk knew exactly what he was doing.

The storm hit its peak just as the game was dissolving into chaos, wind howling against the windows, rain lashing against the glass in thick sheets.

The lights flickered once.

Twice.

Then plunged the entire villa into darkness, a collective groan went through the room.

Jake fumbled for his phone. “Okay, okay, don’t worry. We can just use the flashlight on our phones.”

A bunch of phone flashlights clicked on, creating a chaotic, wavering constellation of light in the living room.

“Power’s out everywhere,” Jungwon announced, looking out the window. “No lights on the beach either.”

“Perfect,” Heeseung declared, pulling a blanket over himself. “Time for ghost stories.”

“Oh, come on. We're not talking about iland again.” Jake complained.

“I’ve got a better idea,” Jay’s voice cut through the chatter. “There’s probably a generator. I’ll go check.”

“I’ll help,” Sunoo said, the words tumbling out before he could stop them.

Every avoidance instinct in his body screamed at him to stay put, but the thought of Jay wandering around a dark, unfamiliar house alone sent a different, more worried feeling through him.

"Um guys, it's because of the storm. A generator wouldn't-"

Jungwon elbowed Sunghoon. "Shush, let them go."

Jay’s head tilted, a look of mild surprise on his face, visible in the shifting light of the flashlights. “Alright. Come on then.”

They left the cozy chaos of the living room, stepping into a hallway that was suddenly cavernous and foreign.

Their phone lights cut sharp, narrow paths through the blackness, making shadows dance on the walls.

Outside, the storm was a wild beast, rattling the window panes with gusts of wind.

“It should be this way,” Jay said, his voice a low rumble in the dark. “Through the kitchen, to the utility room.”

Sunoo followed, the beam of his own light trembling slightly in his hand.

The silence between them was heavy, broken only by the storm and the soft thud of their footsteps.

“I thought you were avoiding me today,” Jay said suddenly, his back still to Sunoo.

Sunoo’s light faltered, wobbling across the floor. “What? I wasn’t.”

Jay stopped and turned, and Sunoo almost walked right into him.

They were inches apart in the suffocating darkness.

“Sunoo,” Jay said, and there was no teasing in his voice now, only a soft certainty. “You were. You sat with Jungwon on the hike. You hid behind Heeseung on the beach, and you didn't even look at me except for a few minutes ago before the power went off. It's okay, I noticed.”

Sunoo swallowed, his throat tight.

He felt called out. “I just needed a minute to process. It’s a lot, you know? Seeing everyone all at once again. And you’re.. different.”

“I’m not the only one,” Jay countered. “You’re different too. Quieter, or maybe I’m just paying more attention.” He turned back around. “Let’s not make this weird, okay? I just missed you. I missed all of you.”

The simple honesty of the statement was more disarming than any flirtatious comment.

“I missed you too, Jay,” he whispered, the admission feeling a little fragile.

“Good.” he said, turning toward the utility room. “The generator’s here.”

He found a switch, and with a low hum and a clank, the lights flickered back on.

The villa’s systems whirred to life.

Sunoo blinked, the sudden light feeling like an intrusion.

Jay leaned against the doorframe of the utility room, a small, unreadable smile on his face. “See? Teamwork.”

“Yeah,” Sunoo breathed, feeling like he’d just run a race. “Teamwork.”

—

Back in the living room, the mood had shifted again.

The lights were on, but the atmosphere was still intimate, huddled around the fireplace.

“Ghost stories are officially canceled,” Jake announced, sprawling dramatically over a pile of pillows. “We’re doing two truths and a lie. The adult version.”

Heeseung raised an eyebrow. “And what makes it the adult version?”

“No ‘I’ve never been to Japan’ lies,” Jake clarified. “These have to be good. Personal.”

A groan went through the group, mixed with intrigued murmurs.

The game started innocently enough.

Sunghoon revealed a surprisingly embarrassing story about something that happened during ice skating.

Ni-ki admitted to once replacing half of Sunoo’s skincare with water after wasting the products.

Which he was NOT happy about.

Then it was Jay’s turn.

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, the firelight casting sharp shadows on his face.

“Okay,” he said, looking around the circle. “One, I almost didn’t come back for this trip.”

Jungwon’s brow furrowed. “Why?”

“Busy,” Jay said vaguely. “Two, I sold my guitar a few months ago.”

A collective gasp.

That guitar was practically a part of him. He wrote songs on it all the time.

“And three,” Jay finished, his gaze landing on Sunoo and holding there. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about someone from the group since the day I left.”

The room went silent.

It was a good lie.

It had to be a lie.

It was too perfect, too dramatic, too random.

The others started guessing.

“Two’s the lie,” Jake declared. “You’d never sell that guitar.”

“One’s the lie,” Sunghoon countered. “You had to have missed us, even if it was just a little.”

Jungwon was quiet, his eyes shifting between Jay and Sunoo, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Sunoo’s heart was a frantic drum against his ribs.

He didn’t want to play this game anymore.

“Anyone else want to guess?” Jay asked, his gaze still locked on Sunoo.

Sunoo forced himself to speak, his voice thin. “I think one is the lie too.”

Jay’s smile was intentional. “Wrong.”

"Guys come on, it's clearly the third one. Jay's lovey dovey but not THAT lovey dovey." Ni-ki said.

Jay's smile didn't falter. "Wrong again."

“So, I was right? You didn't sell the guitar?" Jake asked for clarification.

"Correct." Jay confirmed.

"Okay, so then it's true that you weren't gonna come on the trip?" Jungwon asked, a small frown on his face.

"Also true."

The room held its breath.

Jake looked at Sunghoon, who looked at Jungwon, who then looked at Ni-ki.

Jay’s eyes never left Sunoo.

That meant the third one was true too.

He wanted the floor to open up and swallow him whole.

He wanted to rewind the last thirty seconds and make a different guess.

“Alright, my turn,” Heeseung said, a little too loudly, breaking the heavy silence. “Let’s see…”

He launched into his own turn, and the group slowly recovered, the game moved on.

But the spell was broken for Sunoo.

He couldn’t focus.

He could only feel the weight of Jay’s confession, a public declaration in the guise of a party game.

An hour later, the game had fizzled out, the conversation breaking off into smaller, quieter clusters.

Sunoo took the opportunity to escape to the kitchen, claiming he needed water.

He was standing by the sink, staring out the dark window at the rain-streaked glass, when he heard footsteps behind him.

He didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Sunoo said, his voice low.

Jay came to stand beside him, close but not touching.

He mirrored Sunoo’s pose, leaning against the counter, looking out at the storm.

“Do what?” he asked, all false innocence.

Sunoo turned to face him. “You know what. That whole ‘two truths and a lie’ thing. It was tacky.”

“Was it?” Jay’s expression was unreadable. “I thought it was efficient.”

“Efficient?”

“You’ve been avoiding me, Sunoo. I had to get your attention somehow,” he said, turning to him fully. “And I did. So it was efficient.”

“You can’t just say things like that in front of everyone,” Sunoo argued, his voice a hushed, frantic whisper. “What if they suspect something?"

"Who cares? We're all grown men. They wouldn't care, they'd be supportive."

"I still didn't want to find out like that! In a freaking game!" Sunoo complained.

“Then how should I have told you?” Jay challenged, taking a step closer. “Should I have waited for another perfect, quiet moment in the kitchen, one you would have just ran away from? Sorry if I wanted to step outside the box a little." he said with a sigh.

Sunoo had no answer.

He just stood there, feeling cornered and flustered and something else he refused to name.

“I came back for you,” Jay said, the confession simpler and more devastating than the game. “I was busy. Things were good there. I wasn’t planning on coming back for many reasons but Heeseung sent that photo and I saw all of us but I was hyperfocused on you."

His gaze was intense, searching. “Then I knew I had to come.”

Sunoo’s carefully constructed walls were crumbling.

He couldn't think of a single witty comeback, a single deflection.

He just felt a terrifying, exhilarating hope rise in his chest.

Before he could say anything, a loud yawn came from the doorway.

Jungwon was standing there, rubbing his eyes. “We’re all heading to bed. Power’s stable, storm’s passing. You guys coming?”

Jay straightened up, the intense moment broken. “Yeah, we’re coming.”

“Good night, Sunoo,” Jungwon said, a knowing, slightly tired smile on his face. "And Jay."

“Night,” Sunoo managed.

Jungwon disappeared back down the hall.

Jay gave Sunoo one last, long look. “We’re not done talking about this.”

Then he too was gone, leaving Sunoo alone with the storm’s remnants and the deafening roar of his own thoughts.

—

The next day at the villa dawned bright and clear, the storm having washed the world clean.

The atmosphere was different.

Lighter, somehow.

Jay’s unmasking had shifted the group dynamic.

There were knowing looks, but no teasing.

It was as if everyone had collectively decided to give them space.

Sunoo spent the morning on the beach, sitting on a towel with Ni-ki, who was trying to teach him a viral dance.

Sunoo kept messing up, laughing at himself, a genuine, carefree laugh.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jay jogging down the shoreline, shirtless, sweat gleaming on his skin.

Jay slowed as he passed them, giving Sunoo a small, private wave.

Sunoo waved back, trying not to look anywhere except for his eyes.

That afternoon, they all decided to drive into a nearby small town for lunch.

It was a chaotic, fun-filled trip, piling into a large SUV, music blasting, the windows down.

Sunoo ended up in the very back, squished between Jay and the window.

Every bump in the road sent him sliding into Jay, their shoulders and thighs pressed together.

Sunoo was acutely aware of the warmth of Jay’s skin, the soft fabric of his shirt, the way Jay’s arm rested along the back of the seat, just behind his shoulders.

“Comfortable?” Jay asked, a low murmur only Sunoo could hear over the music.

Sunoo just nodded, not trusting his voice.

They ate at a tiny, seaside restaurant, the food fresh and delicious.

Sunoo sat opposite of Jay, and they spent most of the meal in a silent conversation of glances and small smiles.

It was a strange sort of bliss.

On the drive back, Sunoo was tired.

He leaned his head against the cool glass of the window, the motion of the car lulling him.

He must have drifted off, because the next thing he knew, he was being gently shaken.

“Sunoo. We’re back,” Jay’s voice was soft in his ear.

Sunoo blinked, disoriented.

He’d fallen asleep, and somewhere along the way his head rested on Jay’s shoulder, a small patch of drool on the fabric of Jay’s shirt.

Heat flooded his face when he noticed. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry.”

Jay just smiled, not seeming bothered at all. “Don’t worry about it. You must have been tired.”

They all piled out of the car, heading back into the villa.

The afternoon sun was hot, and a consensus was quickly reached.

“Movie marathon,” Heeseung declared. “In the air conditioned comfort of the living room. No excuses.”

It was a joke but everyone obliged.

Blankets were grabbed, pillows arranged on the huge sectional couch.

Sunoo strategically placed himself next to Jungwon, a buffer between himself and the inevitable spot Jay would take.

But as the lights dimmed and the opening credits of the movie rolled, he felt the couch shift.

Jay sat down not next to him, but two seats away, on Sunghoon’s other side.

Sunoo felt a strange pang of disappointment. He was being given exactly what he thought he wanted.. space.

But he didn't like it.

He tried to focus on the movie, an action packed blockbuster that should have been distracting.

But he was hyper aware of Jay’s commentary, how satisfying his voice was.

About an hour in, Sunghoon got up to get more water.

Jay slid over into the now empty seat.

Right next to Sunoo.

Sunoo’s held his breath without realizing.

“Better?” Jay whispered, almost too close.

Sunoo just nodded, pulling a blanket higher, as if that could shield him from the effect Jay was having on him.

"What's up with you? If you want me next to you, why not just say it? You're avoiding me then you want me close. You're confusing me." Jay whispered again, this time a hint of frustration in his tone.

"I'm not confusing you, I'm confused myself." Sunoo admitted quietly.

"You're not confused, Sunoo. You know exactly what you're feeling. You just don't want to admit it." he pressed, his tone more gentle now.

"Maybe I don't." Sunoo whispered back.

Jay sighed, a soft puff of air. "Fine. We have all week."

Sunoo didn't answer.

He just sank deeper into the couch, the movie a distant blur of light and sound.

He felt a light weight settle on the back of the couch, behind his shoulders.

He didn't have to look to know it was Jay’s arm.

It wasn't around him.

It was just... there.

An offer.

A silent question.

Sunoo sat rigid for a long moment, his mind a battlefield of panic and want.

Then, slowly, deliberately, he leaned back.

His shoulder settled against Jay’s arm, the contact solid and warm and terrifyingly right.

Jay’s fingers twitched, a small, involuntary movement, before they settled, curving slightly, as if to hold him in place.

Sunoo didn't move for the rest of the movie.

And there was this small part of him that wanted Jay to wrap his arm around him completely, pull him in, make whatever is going on official.

He was starting to think he might be in deep, deep trouble.

And he was when Jay's hand slid down and grabbed Sunoo's waist to bring him closer, the movement casual, as if he'd done it a million times.

Sunoo froze nomentarily, but he didn't pull away.

He let himself be pulled, let himself settle into the curve of Jay's side, his head finding a natural resting spot on Jay's shoulder.

"Isn't that better?" Jay whispered, a hint of smugness in his tone.

"Jay.. don't whisper in my ear, we are in public." Sunoo whispered back, a hint of panic in his tone.

"We're not 'in public', Sunoo. Besides, I'm not doing anything, and they're too busy with the movie," he said, a little louder this time.

Sunoo’s eyes flickered around the room.

Jungwon was engrossed in the movie, a frown of concentration on his face.

Ni-ki was scrolling on his phone, earbuds in.

Jake and Heeseung were quietly going back and forth about the plot so far.

Sunghoon was still M.I.A, probably in the kitchen.

Jay was right.

They were in their own little bubble.

And that was the problem.

Sunoo’s heart was beating so hard he was sure Jay could feel it.

He was hyper aware of every point of contact between them.

The soft fabric of Jay’s shirt against his cheek.

The steady warmth of Jay’s body next to his.

The faint, clean scent of him.

"Sunoo, relax. I'm not going to do anything. Not unless you want me to." Jay whispered once again, a bit of playfulness in his tone.

Sunoo’s face was on fire.

He elbowed Jay lightly in the ribs.

"Shut up," he mumbled, a small smile playing on his lips despite feeling embarrassed.

"Do you really want me to shut up? Or do you want me to keep talking?" he asked, a challenge in his tone.

"I don't know," Sunoo admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

"Then let me help you decide," Jay said, his voice dropping back to a low, intimate murmur. "This vacation just happened to be arranged. And you've been looking at me as much as I've been looking at you."

Sunoo couldn't think of a response.

"Honestly? I've been thinking about you for a while, Sunoo. Sometimes thinking about things I probably shouldn't."

Sunoo looked at him and already knew from that moment forward.. he's completely and utterly screwed.

The movie ended, the credits rolling, the lights in the villa coming up slowly.

The moment was over.

Jay’s arm retreated, and Sunoo sat up, the sudden loss of contact leaving him feeling upset.

Everyone started to stir, stretching and yawning.

“That was surprisingly good,” Jake said, getting to his feet. “I thought it would be terrible.”

“I’m starving,” Ni-ki announced, putting his phone away. “Can we order pizza?”

“Again?” Jungwon groaned. “We had pizza.”

“We’re on vacation,” Ni-ki reasoned. “Vacation rules apply.”

The conversation moved on, planning their late night feast, a debate erupting over toppings.

Sunoo took the opportunity to escape, claiming he needed to use the bathroom.

He locked the door behind him, leaning against it, taking a deep, shaky breath.

He splashed cold water on his face, trying to calm the frantic buzzing in his head.

He looked at his reflection in the mirror.

He looked surprisingly happy.

"Oh my goshhh, what is he doing to me?" Sunoo groaned in frustration, as he pulled out his phone and clicked on Jungwon's contact.

Sun🤭: Wonie! It's an emergency!

Won🤗: Is there no toilet paper?

Sun🤭: What? No! This is serious! I'm in the bathroom, I think I'm going insane.

Won🤗: What is it, Jay again? Should I come get you out of the bathroom?

Sun🤭: No! I think I'm the problem! I think I like it! He's driving me crazy but I think I like it.. what's wrong with me?!

Won🤗: Ooooh someone is in deep. There's nothing wrong with you, you just have a crush on a very handsome man who is clearly into you. I'd say it's a win-win.

Sun🤭: But it's confusing! He left! He just disappeared for three years, only reaching out for birthdays or to say congrats on something. Now he's back and he's being all flirty and confident and it's equally annoying as it is hot.

Won🤗: So ask him why he left. If you're going to go down this road, you need to be on the same page. You deserve that much.

Sun🤭: Okay, okay. You're right. I'll talk to him. If we can actually get through talking..

Won🤗: Should I ask what that means? Actually nvm, tell me.

Sun🤭: I never thought I'd say this but there's this part of me that just wants to bring out that hidden slutty side of me. I know it's in there somewhere and when I look at Jay, that's what's running through my mind 80% of the time. Wait, what if I'm just horny? What if this is all because I haven't been with anyone in a while and he's just convenient? That would be so bad..

Won🤗: Sunoo, it's okay to feel that way. That's a normal thing to feel for someone you find attractive. The question is, is that ALL you feel?

Sun🤭: I.. no. I think it's more than that.

Won🤗: Then you have your answer. Now come out of the bathroom before they send a search party. Ni-ki is already asking if you fell in.

Sunoo locked his phone, took one last look at his reflection, squared his shoulders, and walked out.

He walked back into the living room, the noise and warmth of his friends washing over him.

Jay was standing by the large sliding glass doors that led to the patio, looking out at the dark ocean, his phone in his hand.

He looked up as Sunoo approached, a small smile playing on his lips.

“There you are,” he said. “I was about to come get you.”

“Just had to reply to a text,” Sunoo said, stopping beside him.

“Anyone important?” Jay asked, a casual question that felt anything but.

“My mom,” Sunoo lied smoothly. “Just checking in.”

Jay nodded, but his eyes said he didn't quite believe him.

“So, pizza,” Sunoo said, changing the subject. “What’s the verdict? What flavor?”

“I think Ni-ki is trying to convince everyone to get half the pizza with just cheese,” Jay said, a fond look in his eyes as he watched the chaos unfold. “Some things never change.”

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of their friends' bickering a comforting backdrop.

“You know,” Jay started, his voice low. “This was a good idea. This trip.”

“Yeah,” Sunoo agreed. “It’s good to see everyone.”

“It’s good to see you,” Jay corrected, turning to face him fully.

His expression was open, sincere, no trace of the earlier teasing.

“It’s good to see you too, Jay,” he said, and this time, he meant it with every fiber of his being.

"Come to my room tonight. After everyone falls asleep." Jay whispered, the words a soft, daring invitation.

Sunoo almost thought he heard wrong. "Jay, what-"

"Please," he said, cutting him off. "Just to talk. I promise."

He looked at him, at the genuine plea in his eyes, and found himself nodding.

"Okay," he whispered.

The hours that followed were a special kind of torture.

The pizza arrived, a glorious, cheesy monstrosity that was devoured in minutes.

Conversation flowed easily, jokes were told, memories were shared.

Sunoo was present for all of it, but his mind was somewhere else.

Counting down the minutes.

He was acutely aware of Jay, of the way he laughed, the way he leaned back on the couch, the way his eyes found his across the room.

Finally, around midnight, the energy in the room started to die out.

Yawns became more frequent, the conversation died down.

One by one, they started to drift off.

Sunghoon and Heeseung were the first to call it a night, heading upstairs with a mumbled ‘goodnight’.

Jungwon followed soon after, giving Sunoo a discreet, encouraging thumbs up before disappearing down the hall.

And after a while Ni-ki and Jake left too.

It was just the two of them.

Jay was cleaning up the last of the pizza boxes, and Sunoo was helping.

“You don’t have to help,” Jay said, his voice a low murmur.

“It’s fine,” Sunoo said, stacking the empty soda cans.

They worked in silence for a few more minutes, the only sound the clink of cans and the distant crash of waves.

“I’m going to take a quick shower,” Jay announced, breaking the silence. “I’ll leave my door unlocked. Just come in when you’re ready.”

He gave Sunoo one last, long look, then turned and walked away, leaving him alone in the kitchen.

Sunoo finished cleaning up, his movements slow, deliberate.

He went to his room, changed into a pair of comfortable pajamas, and paced for who knows how long.

What was he doing?

This was a terrible idea.

A wonderfully, terrifyingly terrible idea.

He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and walked out of his room.

The hallway was dark, the only light a soft glow from under the doors.

He stopped in front of Jay’s door, his heart pounding.

He raised a hand to knock, then remembered.

Unlocked.

He turned the knob, the door swinging open silently.

The room was dimly lit by a single lamp on the nightstand.

Jay was sitting on the edge of the bed, his back to the door, a towel draped around his neck.

He was wearing a soft, worn looking t-shirt and a pair of plaid pajama pants, his hair still damp from the shower.

He looked soft.

Approachable.

So different from the confident, almost overwhelming man from the night before.

He heard the door close softly, and he turned.

“Hey,” he said, his voice quiet.

“Hey,” Sunoo replied, his own voice barely audible.

He stood by the door, not sure what to do with himself.

“Come here,” Jay said, patting the spot on the bed next to him.

Sunoo walked over, his movements stiff, and sat down.

There was a careful distance between them.

“I wanted to explain,” Jay started, turning to face him. “About before. The game. It wasn’t fair to put you on the spot like that.”

“It’s okay,” Sunoo said, even though it wasn’t.

“No, it’s not,” Jay insisted. “I’ve had three years to think about what I wanted to say to you, and I chose the most juvenile way possible to say it. I’m sorry.”

"Do you think they even figured out it was about me?" Sunoo asked.

"Hmmm, probably. I was staring you directly in the eyes while saying it." Jay said.

Sunoo nodded in agreement. "True, but you could have been more subtle."

"I could have," Jay agreed. "But then I wouldn't have gotten to see the look on your face."

Sunoo looked away, a small smile appearing on his face despite the situation.

"Why now, Jay?" Sunoo asked, the question that had been nagging at him for days. "Why wait three years? You could've reached out, aside from birthdays and big milestones"

Jay sighed, running a hand through his damp hair.

"To be honest, I don't know. I was scared," he admitted, the vulnerability in his voice catching Sunoo off guard.

"Scared? You're the last person I'd ever think to be scared." Sunoo said.

"It was mainly because we all lived together for so long and I found myself instinctively driving back to the dorm forgetting that we don't live there anymore. It was rough. I had to rewire my brain, create a new routine. By the time I felt stable enough, a year had passed. And then another, and another. It felt like too much time had passed. What was I supposed to say? 'Hey, sorry I disappeared for three years guys, oh yeah, and I'm in love with one of you?' It sounds insane."

Sunoo’s breath caught.

In love.

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with the weight of three years of silence.

"I was scared of ruining what we had as well," Jay continued, his gaze fixed on Sunoo. "Our friendship. Our dynamic. I didn't want to be the one to mess that up. So I kept my distance. I told myself it was for the best."

"But it wasn't," Sunoo said, it wasn't a question.

"No," Jay agreed. "It wasn't, it was lonely."

Sunoo felt a surge of courage, a reckless, exhilarating feeling that pushed him forward.

He closed the small distance between them, reaching out to place a hand on Jay’s arm.

The muscle was firm, warm under his touch.

"You know me, Jay. We've had plenty of talks about personal things. You could've said something, especially after disbanding. We wouldn't have to hide anything. To be fair, we still don't."

A small, sad smile touched Jay’s lips. "I know, Sunoo. I guess I'm just not as brave as you."

Sunoo shook his head. "You're plenty brave. You came back, that took guts."

"I came back because I couldn't stand it anymore, I really missed everyone" he said, his other hand coming up to cover Sunoo’s. "I couldn't stand the thought of you not knowing. I missed having someone to take care of and buying mint choco for at 3 am." he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Sunoo laughed, a real, genuine laugh that filled the quiet room.

"I haven't had mint choco since we've been here," he said, a playful glint in his eye.

Jay’s smile widened, the relief evident on his face. "I thought you were gonna be mad at me."

"Oh, I am," Sunoo said, though there was no anger in his tone, just a warm, teasing affection. "You have a lot of making up to do."

"I know," Jay said, his thumb stroking the back of Sunoo’s hand. "And I plan to."

The room went silent for a moment before Jay spoke again. "Do you ever think about that night?"

Sunoo’s heart skipped. He knew exactly which night Jay was talking about.

The night before their last concert.

The night they’d stayed up late in the living room of the dorm, talking about their fears and their dreams, a shared blanket draped over their laps.

The night he'd almost leaned in and kissed him.

"All the time," Sunoo admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

"I think about it too," Jay said, his eyes dark with emotion. "I've replayed it in my head so many times, wondering what would have happened if I'd just been a little braver."

Sunoo leaned in closer, the space between them shrinking to almost nothing.

"It's not too late," he said, a dare and a promise in his words.

Jay’s gaze dropped to Sunoo’s lips, a silent question.

Sunoo answered it by closing the final distance.

The kiss was hesitant at first, a soft, tentative press of lips.

Then it deepened, unspoken feelings and missed opportunities flooding the space between them.

Jay’s hand came up to cup the back of Sunoo’s neck, pulling him closer.

Sunoo’s hands found their way to Jay’s chest, the steady beat of his heart a reassuring rhythm under his palms.

They pull apart, slowly and reluctantly.

Sunoo’s breath is still uneven when he looks up and immediately regrets it.

Because Jay looks RIDICULOUSLY fine.

His hair all damp and messy, eyes focused on him like he’s holding himself back by sheer will alone.

There’s tension in his jaw, restraint written all over his posture, like stopping was the hardest thing he’s done in a while.

Sunoo lets out a quiet, dramatic sigh, shoulders slumping in defeat.

“Ugh,” he mutters, rubbing his face. “I’m so mad at you.”

Jay stares at him. “What..?”

Sunoo looks at him again, then groans louder, genuinely put out.

“Why did you have to go and glow up like this?” he complains. “Not that you weren’t already hot, but, look at you. This is unfair. This is honestly rude.”

For a split second, Jay looks stunned.

Then he laughs, soft and breathy, and Sunoo just now realized how much he missed hearing that.

His hand lifts like he might touch Sunoo again, thinks better of it, and drops back to his side.

“Extremely ridiculous,” Jay says, still smiling.

Sunoo shakes his head, already leaning back because if he doesn’t, he won’t stop himself. “No, you are. This is a crime.”

They don't say much after that, but it didn't feel awkward.

“Later?” Jay says, his tone questioning.

Sunoo doesn’t trust his voice to respond, he just nods and escapes down the hall before he does something stupid.

Back in his room, Sunoo collapses onto the bed, staring at the ceiling like it might explain what just happened.

It doesn’t.

He brings his fingers to his lips, pressing lightly.

Still warm.

Sunoo turns over and groans into his pillow.

“Oh my god,” he mutters. “I’m so screweddd.”

—

Sunoo wakes up already tired.

Not because he didn’t sleep, though that too, but because his brain refuses to let last night rest.

The kiss keeps replaying in fragments, the hesitation, the way Jay's hands had hovered like it knew exactly how dangerous touching would be.

Sunoo sits up with a groan and rubs his face.

"Act normal," he tells himself. "You are an adult. Adults kiss and then continue functioning."

The villa is quiet when he pads into the kitchen.

Too quiet.

He relaxes a little, until he sees Jay.

Of course...

Jay stands at the counter, hair damp like he’s already showered.

He’s wearing a loose sleeveless shirt that shows off his arms in a way that feels personally targeted.

Coffee in hand, calm, collected.

Like he didn’t almost ruin Sunoo’s life last night.

Jay looks up and their eyes meet.

Nothing explodes, no dramatic moment, no awkward scrambling.

Just.. awareness.

Jay’s mouth curves slightly.

Not a smile, something softer.

Something just for Sunoo.

“Morning,” he says.

Sunoo clears his throat. “Morning.”

They coexist in the kitchen like normal.

Jay pours another cup of coffee and sets it beside Sunoo without asking.

Their fingers brush for half a second and Sunoo nearly drops the mug.

Jay doesn’t say anything, just walks away like he didn’t feel it too.

Which is worse.

By afternoon, everyone’s restless.

“The sand is still wet,” Jungwon complains, peering toward the beach.

“And it’s gonna get everywhere,” Ni-ki adds. “In our shoes. In the house.”

Jake shrugs. “Pool’s right there.”

That’s all that needed to be said.

Sunoo changes into swim trunks and a loose tank, telling himself very firmly that he is not going to stare.

He fails immediately the moment Jay steps outside shirtless.

Jay’s body is unfair.

Sunoo looks away fast, whispering "get it together."

They’re all lounging around the pool when Jay disappears inside and comes back out holding a bottle of sunscreen.

Sunoo notices too late.

Jay stops in front of him.

“Hey,” he says casually, shaking the bottle once. “Help me out?”

Sunoo stares at it, then at him.

This was very obviously a trap.

A bad idea. A terrible idea. A conscious, voluntary step into danger.

And yet-

“Okay,” Sunoo says, already doomed.

Jay stretches out on one of the loungers, settling down comfortably like this isn’t about to end Sunoo’s sanity.

Sunoo squeezes sunscreen into his palms, hands already warm, pulse loud in his ears.

He straddles the lounger carefully, knees on either side of Jay, his weight resting back against his calves.

This is fine, totally fine.

He starts with Jay’s shoulders.

The second his hands make contact, Jay exhales.

Not loud or dramatic.

Just a slow, satisfied sound that goes straight to Sunoo’s stomach.

Sunoo freezes for half a second, then forces himself to keep going, rubbing the sunscreen in slow, even strokes down Jay’s arms, across his shoulders, over his upper back.

Jay hums quietly.

Sunoo’s thoughts short circuit.

It’s NOT sexual, he tells himself desperately.

It’s literally sunscreen.

But his hands are sliding over warm skin, muscle shifting beneath his touch, and Jay is visibly relaxing under him like this is exactly where he wants to be.

“Mm,” Jay hums. “You’re good at that.”

Sunoo glares at the back of his head. “Don’t say things like that.”

Jay laughs at his response and after a moment, he tilts his head slightly. “A little lower?”

Sunoo nearly dies.

He stares at Jay’s back, then at the pool, then at the sky like he might find divine intervention somewhere above.

"You’re evil,” Sunoo complains.

Still, his hands slide lower.

Jay sighs again, deeper this time, muscles in his back flexing as Sunoo rubs sunscreen along his sides, down toward his waist.

Sunoo’s stomach is doing somersaults.

“Okay,” Jay says after a while. “Front too?”

Sunoo immediately shakes his head. “Nope! You can do that yourself.”

“C’mon. You’re already here though.” Jay insists.

“That’s exactly why I’m saying no.” Sunoo says, turning to look anywhere but at him.

Jay props himself up and lays on his back, focused on Sunoo in a way that's noticeable even when he isn't looking.

“You’re good at it,” Jay says again, quieter this time. “Please?”

Sunoo hates that his resolve crumbles instantly. “Fine!”

He shifts forward instinctively, about to sit on Jay’s thighs.

Jay stops him with a gentle hand at his waist.

“Closer,” Jay says easily. “You won’t reach like that.”

Sunoo’s brain screams danger.

He moves before he can overthink it.

Andddd, he’s on Jay’s lap.

Full contact.

Jay leans back again, completely unbothered, while Sunoo is painfully aware of exactly how this must look to everyone else.

His hands hover awkwardly for a second before he forces himself to apply the sunscreen to Jay’s chest.

Jay’s eyes never leave his face.

Sunoo leans down, voice barely audible. “I hate you.”

“No,” Jay smiles. “You don’t.”

Sunoo presses his lips together, cheeks burning, hands shaking just a little as he finishes as fast as he can without making it obvious how affected he is.

When he finally pulls back, Jay reaches up and gently squeezes his wrist. “Thanks.”

Sunoo scrambles off him like the lounger is on fire.

He refuses to look back.

Jay watches him go, eyes warm, knowing, completely aware of exactly what he’s doing.

And everyone else?

They pretended not to notice whatever the hell was going on.

Sunoo made a target for the pool, not stopping at the shallow end.

He just walked straight down the steps until the water was up to his chest, the cool shock a desperate, welcome distraction.

He submerged himself completely, holding his breath until the only thing he could hear was the frantic thumping of his own heart.

When he came up for air, slicking his hair back, Jake was trying to figure out how to float.

Ni-ki was trying to teach Jungwon a complicated handstand on the pool's ledge, both of them dissolving into laughter.

And Heeseung and Sunghoon were just sitting on the side with only their feet in the pool.

Normal. Everything was normal.

Except that he could feel Jay’s gaze on him from the lounger.

He didn’t dare look.

The afternoon passed in a haze of chlorine and sunlight.

They played a chaotic game of pool volleyball that had more splashing and yelling than actual volleyball.

Sunoo kept to the opposite team, a strategic choice he immediately regretted when every point scored against them meant a celebratory, shirtless hug between Jay and Heeseung on the other side.

Later, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in strokes of orange and pink, they all migrated to the patio, wrapped in towels and sipping on cold drinks.

The talked about whatever came to mind, as always.

Sunoo sat on the floor, leaning against the leg of Jay’s chair.

He’d meant to keep a safe distance, but the spot was open.

It was a silent, magnetic pull he didn't have the energy to fight.

He was half listening to Jake recount a disastrous dance practice, mostly focused on the warmth radiating from Jay’s presence.

It was maddeningly domestic.

And a terrifyingly perfect preview of something he wasn't sure he was ready for.

“…and then he tripped and fell right into the mirror,” Jake finished, everyone bursting into laughter.

Sunoo smiled along, but his mind was elsewhere.

He tilted his head back, looking up at Jay.

Jay was already looking down at him, an expression on his face that Sunoo couldn’t quite name.

It was soft, but with an undercurrent of something deeper, something that made Sunoo wish he hadn't looked at him.

“Tired?” Jay asked, just for him.

Sunoo just nodded.

“Me too,” Jay said. “It’s been a long day.”

The evening ended with a quiet consensus.

Everyone was exhausted, sun drenched and emotionally spent.

A chorus of goodnights echoed through the villa as everyone peeled off toward their rooms.

Sunoo got cleaned up, brushed his teeth, changed into his pajamas, and climbed into bed, telling himself he was just going to sleep.

He needed to process.

His brain was a scrambled mess of sunscreen and being in Jay's lap.

He closed his eyes, but all he could see was the look on Jay’s face when he’d pulled away from the kiss.

A soft knock on the door made him jump.

He sat up, his heart pounding.

“Sunoo? You awake?”

It was Jay.

Sunoo hesitated, then swung his legs over the side of the bed.

He opened the door a crack.

Jay was standing there, looking unfairly good even in a simple t-shirt and shorts.

“I was just checking if you were okay,” Jay said quietly, like he’d been debating this for a while.

“I’m fine,” Sunoo said. “Just tired.”

“Can I come in?”

Sunoo’s brain screamed no.

His mouth said, “Okay.”

He opened the door wider and stepped aside.

Jay walked in, the room suddenly feeling much smaller.

He didn’t turn on the light, just stood in the sliver of moonlight coming through the window.

“I’ve been thinking,” Jay started, then stopped. “About this afternoon. At the pool.”

Sunoo’s stomach tightened. “Oh.”

“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable if I did,” Jay said, his tone sincere. “I just missed being close to you. And I think I got a little carried away.”

“It’s fine,” Sunoo said, it wasn’t like he actually hated it. “I survived.”

Jay smiled, a slow, easy smile.

“I’m glad,” he said. “Because I was hoping I could do it again.”

“Do what again?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

“This,” Jay said, taking a step closer. “Be close to you.”

He reached out, his fingers brushing against Sunoo’s cheek, the touch feather light but sending a jolt of something through him.

Sunoo didn’t pull away.

He couldn’t.

“Sunoo,” Jay whispered, “can I kiss you?”

He looked at Jay, at the hope and the want in his eyes.

And he made a choice.

He closed the distance between them, rising up on his tiptoes to press his lips against Jay’s.

It was different from the night before.

Less hesitant, more certain.

A kiss that said, 'I’m here. I’m not running anymore.'

Jay’s arms wrapped around him, pulling him flush against his body, one hand sliding up to cup his cheek, the other resting low on his back.

Sunoo’s hands found their way to Jay’s shoulders, holding on tight as the kiss deepened, all the tension and the longing from the past three years melting away.

When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless.

Jay rested his forehead against Sunoo’s shoulder, his eyes closed.

“Wow,” he breathed.

“Yeah,” Sunoo agreed, a dizzy, happy feeling bubbling up inside him. “Wow.”

“I don’t want to leave,” Jay confessed, the words a soft murmur against Sunoo’s skin.

“Then don’t,” Sunoo said, a dare and a promise in his words.

Jay’s eyes opened, a slow smile spreading across his face.

Sunoo backed away to go lock the door, he wanted to make sure there were no interruptions.

“Is that a promise or a threat?” he walked back to Sunoo.

Sunoo looked at him, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Maybe both.”

He was not going to let Jay get the upper hand this early on, he wanted to keep him on his toes.

Jay’s smile widened, he was enjoying this, enjoying the push and pull between them.

He reached out, hooking a finger on Sunoo’s pajama pants, pulling him closer.

“So, what’s next, Mr. Kim?” he asked, his voice a low, teasing sound.

Sunoo hummed. “I don’t know, Mr. Park. You’re the one who came into my bedroom.”

“I did, didn’t I?” Jay mused, his other hand coming up to rest on Sunoo’s hip. “I guess I’ll have to take responsibility for that.”

He leaned in, capturing Sunoo’s lips in another kiss, this one slower, deeper, more exploratory, occasionally trailing downwards.

Sunoo felt a surge of confidence, a reckless, exhilarating feeling that made him bold.

He pulled back from the kiss, a slow action.

“Okay, you’ve had your fun,” he said, pushing Jay onto the bed. “My turn.”

Jay raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh really?”

Sunoo just nodded, a silent challenge in his eyes.

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Jay’s jaw, then another, trailing a line of kisses down his neck, stopping at the sensitive spot just above his collarbone.

Jay let out a soft gasp, his hands tightening on Sunoo’s hips.

He continued his exploration, his hands and lips mapping out the territory of Jay’s chest, the hard planes of muscle, the steady beat of his heart.

Jay was a willing participant, his body responding to every touch, every kiss, a soft sigh escaping his lips.

This was the Sunoo that had been hiding under the surface for so long.

The Sunoo who was confident, and bold, and just a little bit reckless.

And Jay was more than willing to play along.

Sunoo slid Jay’s shirt up and over his head, tossing it aside.

He paused for a moment, just looking at him, at the raw, masculine beauty of him.

“You know,” Sunoo said, a thoughtful look on his face. “I’ve been thinking about this too.”

Jay looked at him. “Thinking about what?”

“This,” Sunoo said, tracing a finger down Jay’s chest. “Us. Like this.”

“Really?” Jay asked, a slow, wicked smile spreading across his face. “Tell me more.”

Sunoo leaned in, his lips brushing against Jay’s ear. “Maybe later,” he whispered.

And with that, he went back to his exploration, leaving Jay to wonder what other secrets Sunoo was hiding.

The room grew warmer, the air thick with unspoken desire.

Every touch was a discovery, every kiss a promise.

Sunoo’s pajama top was the next to go, and Jay’s hands roamed freely over the smooth skin of his back, pulling him closer, the contact electric.

Their movements became more urgent, more demanding, the slow, teasing dance of earlier forgotten in the heat of the moment.

Sunoo’s world narrowed to the feeling of Jay’s hands on him, the taste of his lips, the sound of his breathing.

It was overwhelming, and intoxicating, and everything he had ever wanted.

He had never been this vulnerable with anyone before, had never trusted anyone enough to let go like this, at least not entirely.

But with Jay, it felt right.

Jay rolled them over, settling between Sunoo’s legs, his weight a welcome pressure.

He looked down at Sunoo, his eyes swimming with emotion.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked, his voice desperate for reassurance.

“I let you get this far after leaving for three years,” Sunoo said softly, smiling. “I’m more than sure, Jongseong.”

And with that, all hesitation vanished.

Jay slid Sunoo's pajama pants down, taking him in with a look of pure desire.

Sunoo shivered, not from cold, but from the intensity of it.

“For a guy who was so scared three years ago, you’re awfully confident now.” Sunoo pointed out.

Jay smiled, a slow, wicked smile.

“Three years is a long time, Sunoo,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I’d do if I ever got another chance.”

He leaned in, capturing Sunoo’s lips in a searing kiss.

He instictively reached for the nightstand and was shocked to find there was already lube there.

He looked down, a silent question in his eyes.

Sunoo just smiled.

“I’m not a beginner, Jay,” he said, a challenging glint in his eye. “I came prepared just in case something happened while I was on vacation.”

Jay look genuinely amused. “I never said you were,” he said, his voice confident. “But I appreciate the fun fact.”

He popped the cap open, the slick, cool liquid a stark contrast to the heat of their skin.

He took his time, preparing Sunoo, watching his face, gauging his reactions, savoring every gasp, every shiver.

Sunoo was a willing participant, his body following Jay’s touch, a silent plea for more.

He reached down to grab Jay's wrist, helping him go faster.

"Why rush?" Jay asked.

"Impatient," Sunoo panted.

"Since when were you so impatient?"

"Since you started teasing me these last few days," Sunoo shot back, his breath stuttering as Jay’s fingers found a sensitive spot.

“Hey, I was just making sure you’re ready,” he said. “Wouldn’t want to hurt you.”

“I appreciate the concern,” Sunoo retorted, a sarcastic edge to his voice. “But I think I can handle a little pain.”

He pulled Jay down for another kiss, a little more demanding than their earlier kisses.

When they finally broke apart, Jay positioned himself.

“Last chance to back out,” he teased, a playful glint in his eye.

Sunoo wrapped his legs around Jay’s waist, pulling him closer.

“Your window of opportunity is closing before I do it myself,” he said, desparation in his eyes.

And with that, Jay pushed inside.

Sunoo let out a gasp, a sharp intake of breath at the intrusion.

Jay paused, giving him a moment to adjust.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice a low, gentle murmur.

Sunoo just nodded, unable to speak, his hands tightening on Jay’s shoulders.

And after a few moments, Jay started to move, a slow, steady rhythm.

Sunoo felt it in every nerve ending, a slow, steady build of pleasure that threatened to overwhelm him.

"Let's not wake the others, okay?" Jay whispered, "I want to hear you, but I don't want them to." He said with a smirk.

Sunoo just nodded, his mouth clamped shut.

“Hey,” his lips against Sunoo’s ear. “You don’t have to be quiet for me though.”

He grabbed Sunoo's hips, lifting them up just a little, once again hitting the spot that made Sunoo cry out, a raw, unrestrained sound that he quickly muffled with a hand over his own mouth.

Jay chuckled, a low, satisfied sound that vibrated through his chest. "Whatever works for you."

He continued to move, a relentless, driving rhythm that pushed Sunoo closer and closer to the edge.

His mind went blank, the world narrowing to the feeling of Jay inside him, the sound of their breathing, the slick, slide of their skin.

He didn't know whether to tell Jay to go faster and risk being loud or tell him to go slower so it wouldn't end just yet.

Jay, it seemed, could read his mind.

He slowed down, pulling out almost completely before pushing back in, a slow, torturous glide that made Sunoo arch his back, a signal for more.

“Don't be scared to tell me how you want it, Sunoo,” Jay said, his voice genuine and that sent a shiver down Sunoo’s spine.

Sunoo nodded his head in acknowledgement but the slow, intentional pace was starting to fray his nerves.

He was so close.

Jay's hands found his hips again, guiding him, moving with him, their bodies in perfect sync.

He leaned down, capturing Sunoo's lips in another searing kiss, a desperate, hungry kiss that conveyed everything he couldn't say.

Sunoo’s hands held onto Jay’s back, pulling him closer, needing more.

Every thrust was a calculated move.

Jay was enjoying this, enjoying the power he had over him, and a part of Sunoo liked it too.

He had never been with anyone who took their time like this, who was so focused on his pleasure.

But as good as it felt, it wasn't enough.

He wanted more.

He needed more.

"Faster," Sunoo moaned, the word a ragged, desperate plea.

Jay hummed in acknowledgment. “Since you asked so nicely.”

He obliged, picking up the pace, his movements becoming more urgent, more demanding.

Sunoo felt himself about to be loud so pulled Jay closer, wanting to be by his ear. "I'm so close, Jay."

“I know,” Jay whispered, a low, satisfied sound that made Sunoo's stomach clench. “Me too.”

Sunoo reached down to touch himself and at first Jay was gonna pull his hand away and do it, instead he helped him out.

Their hands worked together, a slick, clumsy, perfect rhythm.

He felt the pleasure build to a breaking point, a tidal wave of sensation that washed over him, leaving him breathless and trembling.

He came with a muffled moan, a sound that was swallowed by Jay’s kiss.

Jay followed soon after, a moan escaping his lips as he found his own release.

He collapsed on top of Sunoo, their bodies slick with sweat, their breathing uneven.

For a long moment, they just lay there, tangled together, the only sound the frantic beating of their hearts.

Jay was the first to move, rolling off of Sunoo and pulling him into his arms.

Sunoo snuggled against him, a feeling of contentment washing over him.

This was it.

This was what he had been waiting for.

Jay was the one to break the silence.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice a low, gentle murmur.

Sunoo just nodded, a feeling of peace settling over him. “That was good.”

Jay smiled, a slow, happy smile. “I’m glad you think so.”

They lay in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound the distant crash of waves.

Sunoo had a feeling there was something he wanted to say to Jay but exhaustion pulled him under.

—

The next morning, Sunoo woke up to an empty bed.

He was all cleaned up and in one of Jay's shirts.

He felt a slow, happy smile spread across his face.

He stretched, a feeling of deep satisfaction settling in his bones.

He had never felt this.. refreshed.

He got out of bed, a feeling of confidence he hadn't felt in years surging through him.

He walked into the kitchen, a bounce in his step, and found Jay standing at the fridge.

He was wearing a loose t-shirt and a pair of shorts, his hair a mess.

“Morning,” Sunoo said, his voice a cheerful, melodic sound.

Jay turned around, a happy expression spreading across his face.

“Morning,” he said. “Sleep well?”

“The best I’ve slept in a while,” Sunoo replied, walking over to him.

He wrapped his arms around Jay’s waist from behind, resting his cheek against his back.

"So, you're the clingy type?" Jay teased, turning around in his arms to face Sunoo.

Sunoo just shrugged. "When I want to be. You did good last night, so your reward is my presence."

Jay chuckled, wrapping his arms around Sunoo's waist. "I'll have to do good more often then."

"You better." Sunoo said before leaning in for a kiss, which got interrupted by Sunghoon and Jungwon walking into the kitchen.

"You two are aware that this is the kitchen, right? And you left the fridge door open." Sunghoon said, walking over to the fridge to grab the milk.

Jay pulled away, a sheepish grin on his face.

“Sorry,” he said, closing the fridge door.

Jungwon raised an eyebrow. “So, are you two a thing now, or what?”

Sunoo looked at Jay, a silent question in his eyes.

Jay shrugged, expecting Sunoo to answer.

"We haven't gotten that far yet." Sunoo replied, a playful glint in his eye.

Jungwon nodded. “Well, whatever it is, try not to be all in the kitchen.”

“No promises,” Jay said, a smug smile on his face as he squeezed Sunoo's waist.

Sunoo just rolled his eyes, a fond smile on his face.

He was happy.

—

The lazy morning bled into a sun drenched afternoon, a silent understanding settling over the villa.

"I don't know about you guys but I'm tired of pizza and I don't feel like cooking something up." Ni-ki complained, throwing his head back against the couch.

"There's a seafood place nearby, we could go there?" Jake suggested, looking up from his phone.

"I'm down." Sunghoon replied.

So, they went.

The restaurant was a small, unassuming place right on the beach, the smell of salt and grilling fish thick in the air.

They’d pushed a few tables together on the wooden deck, the setting sun casting long shadows across the weathered wood.

Jay sat next to Sunoo, not close enough to be obvious, but close enough that they brushed against each other occassionally under the table.

Sunoo was mid laugh at one of Heeseung’s terrible jokes when he felt Jay’s hand rest on his thigh.

It was a casual, almost absentminded touch, but it was far too noticable.

Sunoo forgot to breathe for a second, and he coughed to cover it, taking a quick sip of water.

Jay’s thumb stroked a slow, deliberate circle on the fabric of his shorts.

Sunoo shot him a look, a silent ‘are you serious?’ but Jay was busy listening to Ni-ki explain some complex video game strategy to Jake, a picture of innocence.

Except for the heat of his palm, burning through Sunoo’s clothes.

This was a new kind of game.

One played in secret, under the cover of noise and distraction.

Sunoo shifted in his seat, trying to act normal, but every nerve ending was focused on the spot where Jay’s hand rested.

He tried to focus back on the conversation, but it was like listening to people talk underwater.

Jay's fingers tightened slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the effect he was having.

Sunoo discreetly placed a hand on top of Jay’s, lacing their fingers together.

Jay’s surprise was a subtle shift in posture, a small pause in his breathing.

He recovered quickly, turning to smile at Sunoo like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"If you want my attention, just ask for it." Sunoo whispered.

Jay leaned in, a smug look on his face. "And here I thought I had it already."

He gave Sunoo's thigh a final squeeze before he pulled away.

The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of good food and easy conversation.

Sunoo felt a lightness he hadn't felt in years, a sense of belonging that went beyond friendship.

When they got back to the villa, the exhaustion from the day started to set in.

They all migrated to the living room, collapsing onto the couches in a comfortable heap.

But Sunoo headed out to the patio, if Jay touched his thigh while they're all sitting there, he might disintegrate.

After some time, Jungwon joined him.

"Why are you out here alone? Did you and Jay have a fight?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Sunoo was taken aback by the directness of the question, but he should have expected it from Jungwon.

"No, we didn't have a fight," Sunoo said, a small smile playing on his lips.

Jungwon raised an eyebrow. "Then why the solo brooding session?"

Sunoo shook his head. "I'm not brooding, I'm just thinking."

"About?" Jungwon pushed.

"About the fact that I have no idea what I'm doing," Sunoo admitted, a small, frustrated sigh escaping his lips. "And the fact that I'm greedy."

"What do you mean?" Jungwon asked, genuinely curious.

"I mean that I don't just want to have fun with him," Sunoo said, a thoughtful look on his face. "I also don't want him to go back to America." he paused. "I want to talk to him every day, to be with him. But I have no idea if that's even what's on his mind."

Jungwon was quiet for a moment, processing Sunoo's words.

"Have you asked him?" he asked, a simple, logical question.

Sunoo shook his head. "No."

"Then maybe you should," Jungwon suggested. "Communication is key, Sunoo. You know that."

"I do know that but I feel like that's too much to ask for after just a few days of vacation. I keep forgetting we're not strangers but friends who debuted and lived together for years, this whole new dynamic is still weird to me." Sunoo said, a bit of frustration in his voice.

"I get it," Jungwon said, a sympathetic look on his face. "But you're not going to figure it out by sitting out here by yourself. You're going to have to talk to him."

Sunoo was quiet for a moment, Jungwon's words sinking in.

"I know," he said, a small, resigned sigh escaping his lips. "I will."

"Good," Jungwon said, a reassuring smile on his face. "Now, are you going to come back inside, or are you going to stay out here and angst some more?"

Sunoo laughed, a genuine, lighthearted sound.

"I'll come back in," he said, getting up from his chair. "Wait! I have to tell you about last night."

Jungwon's face lit up with a curious expression. "Do tell."

"We did it!!" Sunoo said, a proud smile on his face.

Jungwon's jaw dropped. "No way."

"Yes way," Sunoo confirmed, a smug look on his face.

"You work fast," Jungwon joked.

"It's his fault for coming here and looking like that. And the worst part is.. I want it againnn. I've been trying to be calm and collected all day but it's not working."

Jungwon just shook his head, a fond smile on his face.

"You're hopeless," he said, a clear joke.

"I know," Sunoo said, a happy sigh escaping his lips. "But I like it."

"I'm sure you do," Jungwon agreed. "Now, let's go back inside before they start to wonder what we're talking about."

Sunoo nodded, a new sense of determination settling in him.

He was going to talk to Jay.

He just had to figure out what to say.

Later that night, Sunoo found himself in the kitchen again, staring at the contents of the fridge.

It had become a late night ritual for them, a quiet space to decompress after a long day.

He heard footsteps behind him and knew who it was.

"Couldn't sleep?" Jay asked, his voice a low, gentle murmur.

"Something like that," Sunoo replied, closing the fridge door.

He turned around to face Jay, a serious look on his face.

"Can we talk?" he asked, a quiet urgency in his tone.

Jay’s playful demeanor softened, replaced by a look of genuine concern.

"Of course," he said, his tone gentle. "Everything okay?"

Sunoo hesitated, then decided to just go for it.

"I need to know what this is," he said, a directness that surprised even himself.

Jay looked at him, a silent question in his eyes.

"What this is?" he asked, a little confused.

"This," Sunoo said, gesturing between the two of them. "Us. The kissing, the.. other thing. I need to know what it means to you."

The air between them shifted, the easy intimacy replaced by a tense, uncertain silence.

Jay took a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts.

"Honestly, Sunoo," he started, running a hand through his hair in a gesture Sunoo now recognized as nervousness. "I don't have a neat answer for you. I'm kind of figuring it out as I go."

"Okay, well I need to know if this is just a vacation thing, if you're gonna go ghost again once we leave here, if genuinely pursuing me is even on your mind." Sunoo pressed, he needed answers before he drove himself crazy.

Jay took another step closer, closing the distance between them.

"It's not a vacation thing," he said, his voice low and sure, leaving no room for doubt. "I don't think it ever was."

He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the line of Sunoo's jaw.

"I don't think you want me to be your boyfriend after one night of sex but I do want to be that eventually. I just want to make up for lost time with you while we're here. I didn't tell anyone yet, but.. I'm staying in Korea, I've been here a week before this whole trip started." he confessed, a small, hopeful smile on his face.

Sunoo’s breath caught in his throat.

Staying??

The words echoed in his mind, almost surreal.

"We enjoy this vacation and do whatever we want, I'll even let you fuss at me for being here without telling you. Then when we leave, we work out the labels and all that. Sound good?" Jay asked, his eyes searching Sunoo's face, looking for a sign, any sign of what he was feeling.

Sunoo just nodded, a feeling of relief washing over him. "Okay."

"Okay," Jay repeated, leaning in to press a soft, gentle kiss against Sunoo's lips.

It was a kiss that sealed a promise, a promise of more to come.

"Good," Sunoo said. "Now you can start making it up to me."

Jay chuckled, wrapping his arms around Sunoo's waist.

"Gladly," he said, a wicked glint in his eye. "Where do you want me to start?"

Sunoo pretended to think for a moment, a thoughtful look on his face.

"Well, for starters," he said, a playful glint in his eye. "You could start by making me forget I was ever mad at you for showing up unannounced."

"I'm sorry about that, by the way," Jay said, a sincere look on his face.

"I'm not actually mad," Sunoo admitted, a fond smile on his face. "Anyway, what are your plans for tonight?"

"Gonna hop in the shower then head to bed," Jay said, a suggestive look on his face. "Why, you have plans for me?"

"Maybe," Sunoo bit back a smirk.

"I'll leave the door unlocked for you," Jay said, a knowing smile on his face.

"Orrrr, you can just take me to the shower with you." Sunoo said, not a lick of hesitation.

Jay raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is that a request?"

"It is," Sunoo confirmed, a smug smile on his face.

"Then who am I to say no?" Jay said, taking Sunoo’s hand and leading him towards the bathroom.

The bathroom was steamy, the air thick with the scent of Jay’s soap.

Sunoo leaned against the counter, watching Jay adjust the water temperature, a feeling of anticipation building in his chest.

"Believe it or not but we're still gonna need this in here." Jay announced, holding up the bottle of lube.

Sunoo couldn't help but laugh, though he already knew that.

After a while, Jay turned around. "You're just gonna stand there and look?"

"For a little bit," Sunoo replied, genuinely enjoying the sight of Jay alone.

Jay shrugged, a nonchalant gesture that did nothing to hide the spark in his eyes.

He pulled his shirt over his head, revealing a chest that Sunoo now knew was just as firm and warm as it looked.

He took off his shorts, and Sunoo’s suddenly felt nervous.

He still wasn't used to this, to seeing Jay like this, so open, so vulnerable.

And he wasn't sure he ever would be.

Jay stepped into the shower, the hot water running over his body, and Sunoo felt a pull, a magnetic force that drew him closer.

He took off his own clothes and joined Jay in the shower.

The water was hot, a welcome pressure against Sunoo’s skin.

Jay pulled him under the spray, a silent invitation.

Sunoo went willingly, a feeling of rightness settling over him.

This was where he wanted to be.

Jay reached for the shampoo, a bottle of the same brand he’d been using since they were rookies.

He lathered it in his hands, then reached for Sunoo, his fingers massaging his scalp in a slow, gentle rhythm.

Sunoo closed his eyes, a soft sigh escaping his lips.

This was nice.

This was more than nice.

This was perfect.

Jay rinsed the shampoo from Sunoo’s hair, then tilted his head up, a silent request for a kiss.

Sunoo obliged, their lips meeting in a slow, sweet kiss.

Sunoo's hands found their way to Jay’s hair, the strands silky and wet between his fingers.

They stayed like that for a while, kissing under the hot water, the rest of the world fading away.

When they pulled away Jay stared at him. "Think you can stay quiet again? The walls are thin."

Sunoo raised an eyebrow. "No promises."

Jay leaned in, capturing Sunoo's lips in another kiss, this one more urgent.

His hands slid down Sunoo’s back, resting on the curve of his ass, pulling him closer.

Sunoo felt a surge of desire, a heat that had nothing to do with the water.

He wanted this.

He wanted Jay.

Jay broke the kiss, a smug look on his face. "No promises, huh?"

Sunoo just shook his head, a breathless laugh escaping his lips.

Jay kissed him again, a hungry, desperate kiss that conveyed everything he couldn't say.

He turned Sunoo around, pressing him against the cool tile of the shower wall.

Sunoo gasped at the sudden cold, a shock to his system.

Jay’s hands found their way to Sunoo’s hips, holding him in place, while his other hand slicked himself up.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against Sunoo’s ear. "I'll help you keep it down."

And with that, he pushed inside.

Sunoo let out a soft cry and Jay’s hand flew to his mouth, a gentle but firm pressure.

"Shh," he whispered, a low, husky murmur. "It'll echo."

Sunoo nodded, unable to speak, his hands braced against the wall. His other hand reached back to hold onto Jay's thigh.

Jay started to move, a slow rhythm that was both torturous and exhilarating. "I'll be gentle."

That was the opposite of what Sunoo wanted right now.

But the way he said it sent a wave of something through Sunoo, pleasure..? Yes, but also a strange, urge to listen.

This was Jay, and here he was inside him, in a steamy shower, promising gentleness.

The reality was so much more overwhelming than any fantasy.

He couldn't help the small sounds that escaped his lips, each one muffled by Jay's hand.

"Still no promises?" Jay asked.

He didn't respond, he couldn't.

Sunoo's tongue darted out in rebellion, sliding between Jay’s fingers.

He couldn’t help it, needed something to do with his mouth, needed to keep himself occupied so he wouldn’t cry out loud enough to wake the villa.

Jay stilled for half a second, a bit surprised.

Then he pushed two fingers past Sunoo’s lips, "But you have to promise me something too."

"What?" Sunoo managed to ask around the fingers in his mouth.

"That you'll tell me what you want," Jay said, a soft, earnest look on his face. "Even if it's just a whisper."

Sunoo just nodded, too overwhelmed to speak, to afraid if he tried to say something he'd get too loud.

Jay continued the same rhythm that was designed to drive him wild.

He had a feeling that Jay was doing this on purpose, being all slow like it's not ruining his sanity.

Jay's free hand gripped Sunoo's hip, dragging him back every time he pushed in.

And the friction from hitting the same spot over and over was sending Sunoo's brain into overdrive.

He pulled Jay's fingers from his mouth.

"More," he breathed, the word a ragged, desperate plea. "Please."

A low hum vibrated through Jay’s chest. “So polite,” he murmured against Sunoo’s damp shoulder. “But I don’t think you can handle it.”

Sunoo was about to prove him so wrong but didn't know how.

He felt like a virgin all over again.

"Please?" he whispered again, a little more urgent this time.

Jay was silent for a moment, a slow, thoughtful silence.

Then he responded.

He started to move, a little more faster, a little more harder.

Sunoo bit his lip, trying to stifle the sounds that threatened to escape.

It was too much.

He wanted to scream, but he settled for a series of choked whimpers.

The sound of their bodies moving together, the slick, slide of their skin, and the running water was the only sound in the steamy bathroom.

"You're so loud," Jay's old condescending tone coming back, knowing Sunoo was the opposite of loud. "Maybe I should slow down."

Sunoo felt a surge of desperation, a primal urge to make Jay feel as overwhelmed as he did.

He reached back with both of his hands, one on Jay's hip, the other one trying to grab onto him somehow, pulling him closer, wanting him deeper.

"Don't you dare," he panted, a warning in his tone.

Jay’s laugh was low and breathy against the back of Sunoo's neck. "Or what?"

The challenge hung in the air, thick with steam.

Sunoo had no answer. His leverage was gone, pressed flat against the cool, slick tile.

Jay had all the power, and he knew it.

Sunoo let out a frustrated whimper, the sound swallowed by the spray of the shower.

“Tell me what you want, Sunoo,” Jay’s voice was too persuasive in his ear. “Say the words.”

It was the command, the authority in Jay’s tone, that was undoing him.

He wanted to fight it, to maintain some semblance of control, but his body betrayed him.

"Please," he whispered, the word a broken, desperate sound. "Make me cum."

Jay’s movements stuttered for a second.

He was trying to compose himself.

Anything Sunoo did he found attractive all by itself but hearing him say something so vulgar did something to him.

He reached around, his hand wrapping around Sunoo’s length, the sudden, firm contact making Sunoo release a loud moan.

Jay’s other hand was instantly back over his mouth.

“Shh,” he reminded him. “What did I say about echoing?”

Sunoo just whined, too overwhelmed to speak, too close to the edge to care.

Jay’s hand started to move, a matching pace that was perfectly in sync with the movement of his hips.

It was a coordinated, calculated assault on Sunoo’s senses, and he was powerless to resist.

He could feel the pleasure coiling in his stomach, a tight, hot knot that was about to unravel.

He wanted to warn Jay, to tell him he was close, but the words were lost in a series of choked moans.

Jay seemed to sense it, his movements becoming more urgent, more demanding.

He wasn't teasing him now, he was chasing it.

Sunoo’s whole body tensed, a strangled cry escaping his lips, muffled by Jay’s hand.

He came hard, his release painting the tile wall in front of him.

Jay tried to hold back a little longer, but couldn't when Sunoo squeezed around him.

Hiding his own moan as he buried his face in the crook of Sunoo's neck.

They stayed like that for a long moment, pressed together, the only sound was the water and their breathing.

Sunoo sagged against the wall, his legs feeling like jelly.

Jay held him up, his arms wrapped securely around his waist.

When Sunoo finally found the strength to stand on his own, Jay slowly pulled out, leaving him feeling achingly empty.

Jay turned him around, a soft, tender look on his face.

He cupped Sunoo's cheeks in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking his skin.

“You alright?” he asked, his voice now gentle.

Sunoo just nodded, a lazy, satisfied look on his face. "You're an asshole, you know that?"

Jay chuckled, a low, amused sound. "You seemed to enjoy it."

Sunoo leaned in, capturing Jay's lips in a slow, sweet kiss. "I did," he admitted. "That's why I'm so annoyed."

"What I'm about to say is gonna make you more annoyed."

"What?" Sunoo asked, a wary look on his face.

"The walls of these bathrooms are the opposite of thin. I just wanted to do that." Jay said, a innocent look on his face.

Sunoo’s jaw dropped. "You're kidding me."

"I'm not," Jay said, feeling a bit a triumphant. "I'm sorry, but hearing you like that, trying to hold it in, is my new favorite thing."

Sunoo was shocked into silence for a second, then he smacked Jay's chest.

"You're lucky we're long time friends," he half joked.

He pulled Sunoo into a hug, holding him close.

"I'm lucky you let me touch you," he said, a soft, sincere tone in his voice.

Sunoo just hummed, a contented sound that vibrated through his chest.

They finished their shower in a comfortable silence.

When they got out, Jay wrapped a towel around Sunoo’s waist, then pulled him into another hug.

“I’m glad you came in here with me,” he said, a soft, happy sigh escaping his lips.

“Me too,” Sunoo admitted.

“Now, go to bed,” Jay said, a playful glint in his eye.

Sunoo pretended to be offended. "You're gonna kick me out now?"

"Oh, you thought I meant in your room? No, you're coming with me."

Sunoo laughed, a light, airy sound that made Jay's smile widen.

"Then lead the way," he said, a suggestive tone in his voice.

Jay took his hand, leading him out of the bathroom and back to his bedroom.

Sunoo didn't bother putting on any clothes, just slipped under the covers, a feeling of pure exhaustion washing over him.

Jay joined him, pulling him into his arms.

Sunoo snuggled against him, a feeling of deep contentment settling in.

"I don't remember how much time we have left here, but you have to keep your word, so when we leave here we're officially a thing." Sunoo said, a sleepy murmur.

"I will, I promise," Jay said, a soft, gentle whisper against Sunoo's hair.

He stayed up for a little while after Sunoo fell asleep, watching him, a feeling of peace settling over him.

If there was any opportunity to claim Sunoo for good, it's starting with the moments here now.

—

The last few days of their vacation were less hesitant since the members just put two and two together.

They didn't ask about Jay and Sunoo, but they saw the stolen glances and the secret touches.

Their last night was a lazy one, spent in the living room, watching a movie once again.

Sunoo was curled up on the couch, his head in Jay's lap.

Jay's fingers were gently stroking his hair, a slow, rhythmic motion that was making Sunoo drowsy.

He was almost asleep when he felt Jay lean down a bit.

"You know," he whispered, a low, husky murmur. "I'm going to miss this."

Sunoo opened his eyes. "Maybe for about a week at most. You're sending me your address the moment we leave. I'm coming over and making you cook for me."

Jay chuckled, a low, amused sound. "Deal."

He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss against Sunoo's forehead.

A simple, sweet gesture that conveyed everything he couldn't say in a room full of people.

"So, yall are just gonna be greedy all by yourselves? Mentioning Jay's cooking and not giving the rest of us an invitation? We all missed you, you know?" Ni-ki said from the other couch, his arms crossed.

Sunoo laughed, a bright, happy sound. "I'll make sure he makes enough for you guys too."

"I don't really have a choice, do I?" Jay said, a mock resigned tone in his voice.

"Nope," Sunoo said, popping the 'p'.

Jay sighed and leaned back, putting his attention back on the movie.

About an hour passed and eventually the members started walking off one by one.

Jay looked down at Sunoo. "Aren't you gonna get up too?" he whispered.

Sunoo looked up at him. "No, let's stay up here for our last night."

"Well, this is a big couch," Jay whispered back. "Scoot up."

Sunoo sat up, giving Jay enough room to lie down behind him.

Jay wrapped an arm around Sunoo’s waist, pulling him back against his chest.

The movie continued to play, but neither of them were watching anymore.

Their world had shrunk to the space between them, the warmth of their bodies, the steady beat of Jay's heart against Sunoo's back.

"It's harder to kiss you this way," Sunoo complained after a while, a playful whine in his voice.

"Then turn around."

Sunoo shifted in Jay's arms, rolling over to face him.

The movie cast a flickering blue light across Jay’s features, softening the sharp lines of his jaw, illuminating the earnest look in his eyes.

"Better?" Jay questioned.

"Much," Sunoo whispered, closing the distance between them.

The kiss was slow and lazy, a familiar, comfortable dance.

There was no urgency, no desperation, just a quiet, profound sense of belonging.

This was theirs.

A stolen moment in the dark.

When they pulled away, they just looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them.

"I really am glad you're back," Sunoo said, a soft, sincere tone in his voice.

Jay's smile softened, a genuine, heartfelt expression.

"Me too," he said, his voice gentle. "Now, let's get some sleep. We have to leave early tomorrow."

Sunoo grabbed the big blanket that was at the end of the couch. "I don't want to sleep yet." he complained.

Jay pulled the blanket over them, tucking it around Sunoo's shoulders. "Then what do you want to do?"

Sunoo moved until he pressed completely against Jay. "I might have something in mind."

Jay wrapped an arm around him. "Oh, really? And what might that be?"

Sunoo trailed a finger down Jay's chest. "I'm sure you can guess."

Jay paused. "Sunoo,"

"Jay," Sunoo mimicked. "We're alone. One last chance."

Jay looked around. "Here?"

"Why not?" Sunoo challenged, a daring smirk on his face. "Are you scared?"

Jay just leaned in to kiss him again.

He shifted so he could get on top of Sunoo, the blanket a makeshift tent over their bodies.

He kissed Sunoo until he was breathless, until he was writhing beneath him.

And then he pulled back.

"Jay, don't tease me," Sunoo panted, a frustrated whine in his voice.

"I'm not teasing you," Jay said. "I'm savoring this."

He leaned in, capturing Sunoo's lips once more.

"I wanna be on top." Sunoo suddenly blurted out.

Jay was a bit surprised.

"You sure?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his tone.

"Are you gonna question me or are you gonna let me?" Sunoo shot back.

Jay's surprise melted immediately.

"By all means," he said, a playful hint in his tone.

Sunoo pushed him onto his back, a determined glint in his eye.

He was not going to let Jay get the upper hand.

Not tonight.

Jay propped himself up on his elbows, a curious, expectant look on his face.

Sunoo took a deep breath, a feeling of nervous excitement fluttering in his stomach.

This was new territory.

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Jay's jaw, then another to his lips.

He then made his way down to his neck, trailing a line of kisses down Jay’s chest.

Sunoo could feel Jay's eyes on him, watching his every move.

It was a heady, exhilarating feeling.

He worked his way lower, exploring every inch of Jay’s body, until he reached the waistband of his pajama pants.

He looked up at Jay, a silent question in his eyes.

Jay just nodded, a silent permission.

Sunoo hooked his fingers under the waistband, pulling the fabric down, revealing Jay's erection.

He took a moment, just looking at him, a feeling of awe washing over him.

He had never felt this bold, this in control.

And he was enjoying every second of it.

He leaned in, taking Jay into his mouth.

Jay let out an involuntary gasp, his hands tangling in Sunoo’s hair.

Sunoo started to move, a slow, tentative motion, gaining confidence with every passing second.

He could feel Jay's body tense, could hear the soft, strangled sounds escaping his lips.

It was a powerful feeling, knowing he was the one causing this reaction.

He looked up to see Jay already looking at him, a look of straight desire on his face.

It was almost too much.

"Don't look at me like that." Jay breathed out, closing his eyes.

"Why not?" Sunoo asked, pulling away for a second.

"Because.." was all he said.

Sunoo just smirked, a smug, confident look on his face.

He went back to what he was doing, this time with a newfound sense of purpose.

He wanted to see Jay lose control.

He wanted to be the one to make him fall apart.

He pulled away when he knew Jay was close.

“Sunoo, what are you doing?” Jay asked, a hint of desperation in his tone.

“You have to be quiet, remember?” Sunoo said.

“And you say I'm evil?” Jay breathed out, a low, frustrated groan escaping his lips.

Sunoo just laughed, a light, airy sound.

He straddled Jay’s hips, a feeling of power surging through him.

He positioned himself, then slowly sank down, taking Jay in, inch by inch.

He let out a soft gasp, a sharp intake of breath at the stretch, the feeling of fullness overwhelming even after doing it with him twice.

His hips had a mind of their own as he began to move.

He could feel Jay’s hands on his hips, guiding him, their bodies in perfect sync.

Jay’s head was thrown back against the pillows, his eyes closed, a look of pure ecstasy on his face.

Sunoo had never seen anything so beautiful.

He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Jay's lips.

"I love you," he whispered.

Jay's eyes flew open, a look of shock, then a wave of something softer, something deeper, washed over his features.

"I love you too," he breathed out, a raw, honest confession. "So much."

Sunoo’s movements stuttered for a second, it's not like they haven't said it a million times before but this felt different.

He started to move again, setting a rhythm that wasn't too fast or too slow.

But now, it was more than just physical.

It was a conversation, a silent exchange of emotions, a confirmation of everything they had been feeling for the past three years.

He had a mission.

He rode him with a newfound determination, a reckless, exhilarating feeling that made him bold.

He wanted to make Jay feel good, wanted to make him forget all about the years they wasted.

He watched Jay's face, a look of concentration as he chased his release.

Sunoo could feel himself getting close too, the pleasure coiling in his stomach, a dam that was so close to breaking.

"Jay~" he whined, a soft, needy sound.

"I know," Jay's voice was just as needy. "I'm right there with you."

His grip on Sunoo's hips tightened, moving in sync.

Sunoo couldn't take another second.

He came with a suppressed moan, burying his face in the crook of Jay's neck to stifle the sound.

Jay followed soon after, a deep moan escaping his lips as he found his own release.

They collapsed in exhaustion, trying to come down.

For a long moment, they just lay there.

Sunoo was the first to move, rolling off of Jay and snuggling against his side.

Jay wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close.

"That was..." Jay started, then stopped, a loss for words.

"Yeah," Sunoo agreed, a lazy, satisfied smile spreading across his face.

He wanted to say something witty, something to lighten the mood, but he was too drained, too content.

"You go to sleep, I'll take care of everything." Jay promised.

Sunoo wanted to stay up for it but he felt himself drift off to sleep, a feeling of peace settling over him.

—

The next morning he was shaken awake by Jungwon.

"Might want to make yourselves decent. We have to clean up and start packing in an hour." he said, a knowing look on his face.

Sunoo groaned, burying his face in Jay's chest, who was already awake for however long.

"Five more minutes," he mumbled.

"No can do, sunshine. We have to go." He gently pushed Sunoo off of him, a reluctant motion.

Sunoo sat up, a feeling of dread washing over him.

It was over.

The vacation was over.

And he had no idea what came next.

As if reading his mind, Jay leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against his forehead. "Hey, it's alright."

Sunoo looked at him, a little hesitation lingering there.

Jay just smiled, a reassuring smile. "I'm a man of my word. I'm staying in Korea. And you're coming over to my place. And I'm cooking for you. And our friends are coming. Anddd, we're going to figure this out. Alright?"

"Okay," he said, a small, hopeful smile on his face.

"Okay," Jay repeated, "let's make ourselves decent and bother everyone else before we leave."

Sunoo nodded, a new sense of determination settling in.

The finality of packing was a quiet affair.

The sun was already high, bleaching the sand outside, but inside the villa, a sort of gloom had settled.

Zippers whirred, and the crinkle of plastic bags filled the space where laughter was just the day before.

Sunoo folded his last t-shirt with more care than it deserved, the soft fabric a poor substitute for the warmth he’d felt just hours ago on the couch.

Jay was in his room, wrestling with a suitcase that seemed to have shrunk over the course of their stay.

Sunoo watched him for a moment from the doorway, the familiar lines of his back, the way he ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

He looked so good.

“Need help?” Sunoo asked, his voice softer than he intended.

Jay glanced over his shoulder, a quick, tired smile on his face. “This thing has a personal vendetta against me. I think I’m going to have to sit on it.”

“I’ve seen you do more impressive things,” Sunoo said, leaning against the doorframe.

He didn’t mean for it to sound quite so loaded, but it did.

Jay’s smile widened, a flicker of last night’s fire in his eyes. “What do you mean by that?”

“Just an observation,” Sunoo replied, trying to keep his tone light.

Jay finally managed to get the suitcase latched, letting out a triumphant huff.

He straightened up, turning to face Sunoo fully.

The room felt smaller suddenly, charged with unspoken words.

“You’re quiet this morning,” Jay said, closing the distance between them.

He reached out, his fingers lingered against Sunoo’s cheek.

“Just.. thinking,” Sunoo said, leaning into the touch. “This was nice. The vacation, I mean. But… it’s not really over, is it?”

“No,” Jay said, his voice low and sure. “It’s not. It’s just changing locations.” He leaned in, a silent question in his eyes.

Sunoo answered by closing the distance between them, their lips meeting in a soft, lingering kiss.

"I mean, I don't blame you for feeling like this. There was once upon a time where we all had separation anxiety."

"Because we're a family." Sunoo said.

"Basically.. not us though, y'know? Because we-"

"Ugh, nevermind. You ruined the moment, stop thinking too much into it." Sunoo said, turning to head back to the living room.

"Okay, fine, I'm sorry!" Jay said, following him out.

The rest of the group was already gathered in the living room, a somber mood settled over them.

This was always the worst part of any vacation, the slow, painful process of leaving a temporary paradise.

Jake was taking one last picture of the ocean view, a wistful look on his face.

Ni-ki was already by the door, ready to go.

Jungwon was making sure they hadn't left anything behind, a meticulous check of every room.

“Alright, I think that’s everything,” Jungwon said, a resigned sigh escaping his lips.

He looked around the villa, a final, sweeping glance.

“It was a good trip,” Sunghoon said, a quiet statement that they all agreed with.

Nods and quiet murmurs of agreement filled the room.

Then it was just the quiet shuffle of feet and the heavy thud of suitcases being dragged to the door.

Sunoo found himself standing beside Jay as they waited for the others to finish gathering their things.

Their hands brushed, a small, accidental touch.

"Hellooo, I'm waiting for you to hold my hand." Jay dramatically announced.

Sunoo laughed, a bright, happy sound that broke the somber mood.

He laced their fingers together, a simple, natural gesture.

"Took you long enough." Jay said.

"Whatever," Sunoo said, a fond smile on his face.

They all decided to drive back together in the van, a driver was already waiting for them by the gate.

The ride back was quiet, a sleepy silence that was broken only by the soft hum of the engine and Ni-ki's snores.

Sunoo was leaned against the window, watching the familiar scenery of Seoul blur past.

Jay was beside him, their hands still clasped together, resting on the seat between them.

He looked over at Sunoo, a soft, fond look on his face.

Sunoo turned away from the window to look at him. "Now that you're back, we have to start hanging out regularly. It's not fun when there's only 6 of us, you know?" he said.

Jay squeezed his hand. "We will."

With goodbyes, one by one they all got dropped off.

Jungwon was dropped off first, then Jake, then Heeseung, then Sunghoon, then Ni-ki.

Until it was just them.

The van pulled up to the curb, the familiar sight of Sunoo's apartment building a welcome sight.

"Well," Sunoo said, a hesitant note in his voice. "This is it."

"This is it," Jay agreed.

He turned to Sunoo, a serious look on his face.

"I'll text you," he said, a promise in his tone.

"You better," Sunoo replied, giving him a playful glare.

Jay leaned in, giving him a quick kiss.

"I'll see you soon," he whispered.

"Soon," Sunoo repeated.

He got out of the van, pulling his suitcase out behind him.

That's when he saw Jay getting out of the van as well.

"Umm.. this is the part where I go in the house and stare at my phone until you text me first. Why are you getting out of the van?" Sunoo looked at him in confusion.

"I live in this building. Crazy coincidence, isn't it?" Jay said, a dumb smile on his face.

Sunoo’s jaw dropped.

He was speechless.

The driver popped the trunk, and Jay grabbed his own suitcase.

"You didn't?" Sunoo asked, a look of disbelief on his face.

"I did," Jay said, a triumphant look on his face. "I told you. I'm not going anywhere."

Sunoo just stared at him, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind.

"Which floor?" he finally managed to ask.

"The 7th floor, apartment 7B." Jay said, a proud smile on his face.

"I'm on 6B," Sunoo said, a slow, dawning realization washing over him.

"You're kidding me," Sunoo breathed out, a laugh escaping his lips.

"I'm not," Jay said, a happy, genuine smile spreading across his face. "I'm going to be your upstairs neighbor."

Sunoo couldn't help but glare at him.

"You planned all this, didn't you?" he asked, a knowing look on his face.

"Maybe," Jay said, a playful shrug. "I may or may not have begged Jungwon for your apartment building instead of just calling and letting you know about my arrival a week prior to the vacation."

"Jay, I could punch you in your handsome face right now," Sunoo said, a mix of anger and fondness in his tone.

"But you won't," Jay said, a confident smirk on his face.

"Mhm, but I will ghost you for the next 24 hours because I'm impressively upset at you right now. You'll hear from me some time tomorrow." Sunoo said, a stern look on his face.

"We'll see how long that lasts," Jay said, his words a challenge.

Sunoo put a hand up to his face.

Then he grabbed his suitcase and headed into the building, leaving Jay standing on the sidewalk.

He'd probably text him later tonight, maybe in an hour if he was being honest with himself.

But he was going to make him sweat a little.

Jay watched him go, a smug, satisfied look on his face.

He knew Sunoo wouldn't be able to stay mad at him for long.

He grabbed his own suitcase and headed into the building.

The group chat was blowing up about the vacation and already making plans for another one.

But Jay's mind was on other things.

He was on Sunoo.

Sunoo was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, a frown on his face.

He was trying to be mad.

He really was.

But the thought of Jay being just one floor above him was making it impossible.

He could just go up there.

He could just knock on his door.

He could just...

His phone buzzed.

He ignored it.

It buzzed again.

He picked it up, a reluctant motion.

It was a text from Jay.

Jay 😎: I think you're forgetting that I'm just upstairs, so if you wanted me to come down I'd be there in less than a minute.

Sunoo couldn't help but smile.

He was so predictable.

Sunoo 🍑: I'm not forgetting. I'm ignoring you.

Jay 😎: Are you sure? Because your "read" receipts say otherwise.

Sunoo groaned, a frustrated sound.

He was losing this battle.

He threw his phone on the bed and got up.

He had to prove him wrong.

But he also wanted to see him.

It was a dilemma.

He decided to wait.

He would wait until the morning.

He could do that.

He could be strong.

—

It wasn't even 11 AM before Sunoo was already at his door.

It was a quiet knock, a hesitant tap that was a stark contrast to the confident man he had been the night before.

Jay opened the door, a smug, knowing smile on his face.

"I knew it," Jay took this as a victory.

Sunoo rolled his eyes. "Shut up," he said, pushing past him and into the apartment.

He looked around, a curious, impressed look on his face.

It was nice.

It was very Jay.

It was clean, organized, and decorated with a simple, elegant style.

There were boxes scattered around, a reminder that he had just moved in.

"Alright, I just wanted to see your apartment, bye!" Sunoo lied, turning to leave.

Jay caught his arm, a gentle but firm grip. "Oh no, you don't," he said. "You don't get to show up at my door and then just leave. That's not how this works."

"Then how does it work?" Sunoo asked, looking up at him.

Jay pulled him closer, a slow, strong motion. "It works like this."

And just like that, a slow make out started up.

It was a familiar, comfortable dance, a silent conversation that needed no words.

When they pulled away, Sunoo was breathless, a dazed look in his eyes.

"I'm mad at you still," he whispered, a lie they both knew.

"No, you're not," Jay said, a soft, confident look on his face.

"Fine," Sunoo said, a resigned sigh escaping his lips. "You win. Now, are you going to cook for me or not? Because I'm starving."

"Better eat fast, the rest of the gremlins are coming over later." Jay announced, turning to head to the kitchen.

"The what?!" Sunoo said, a look of disbelief on his face.

"The group chat," Jay said, a knowing look on his face. "They're coming over for dinner. Remember you told them I'd cook enough for them too? They took it literally."

Sunoo couldn't help but laugh.

Of course, they did.

He should have known.

He followed Jay into the kitchen, a feeling of rightness settling over him.

In Jay's kitchen, with Jay, waiting for their friends to come over.

It was normal.

It was perfect.

—

The sound of the doorbell was a piercing, joyful chaos that shattered the quiet bubble Jay and Sunoo had been existing in since Sunoo’s "not-a-visit" visit.

Sunoo, who had been perched on a stool, shamelessly stealing slices of food from Jay’s cutting board, nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Nervous?" he teased, wiping his hands on a dishtowel.

"Of what?" Sunoo shot back, a little too quickly. "I'm not nervous. We just saw them yesterday and almost everyday before that for a week straight. Why would I be nervous?"

Jay just gave him a look that said, 'Really?'

Before Sunoo could formulate a more convincing lie, the door burst open and Jungwon’s head popped in, followed by the rest of the horde.

"Smells good in here!" Jake announced, going straight for the kitchen, Heeseung and Ni-ki right behind him.

Sunghoon closed the door behind them, a calm smile on his face. "We brought dessert. Hope ya like cake."

"I like you, so I'll like the cake." Sunoo said.

Jay raised an eyebrow at that. "Uhh, I'm the one who cooked. I bet he got that from the store" Jay butted in.

"And I like your cooking too, is that better?" Sunoo said. "I didn't mean it like that. Plus, who cares? Cake is cake!!"

"So, you'll give me cake later?" Jay asked.

Sunoo looked at him like he was crazy. "Never ever say those words again."

"Worth a shot." Jay shrugged before returning to the kitchen.

Ni-ki had already made himself comfortable on the couch, remote in hand, flipping through channels like he owned the place.

Heeseung was peering into the boxes still stacked against the living room wall, and Jake was now hovering over Jay, offering unsolicited "advice" on the stir-fry.

"More garlic, hyung, trust me," Jake said, leaning over Jay's shoulder.

"And who's the one who has to kiss the person who ate it later? I'm putting a normal amount of garlic in," Jay said, shooing him away playfully.

"Why do you guys act like this every time we get together?" Jungwon asked, walking over to the coffee table. "It's been 3 years since disbandment, not since we last seen each other. It's almost like I'm still leading." he added with a sigh.

Sunoo froze for a second. He felt Jay's eyes on him.

The "disbandment" word always hit a little different.

It was the reason for the break, the reason for the distance.

But then Jake was laughing, swatting Jay's arm. "He's just jealous my garlic intuition is better than his."

And the moment passed, the tension dissolving as easily as it had appeared.

Sunoo met Jay's gaze from across the kitchen, and Jay gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod.

A silent acknowledgment.

They were okay.

Dinner was a loud, messy affair like always.

They ate perched on counters and sprawled across Jay's couch.

Jay’s food disappeared fast, followed by loud praise and even louder complaints that he “should’ve been cooking for them these last 3 years.”

Sunoo watched it all with a quiet smile, chiming in here and there, feeling oddly settled.

At some point, without really thinking about it, he ended up standing beside Jay at the sink, passing him plates to rinse.

“I see you're still doing it.” Jay murmured, barely audible over the noise.

“Doing what?” Sunoo asked.

“Smiling like that.”

Sunoo glanced up at him. “I can’t smile now?”

“You can,” Jay said, bumping his shoulder lightly. “Just.. you look happy.”

Sunoo paused, then nodded once. “I am.”

It felt simple saying it out loud.

Later, when the food was gone and the cake reduced to crumbs.

One by one, they trickled out, shoes on, promises made, plans already forming for the next get together.

“Same time next week?” Jake called.

Jay didn’t even hesitate. “My place.”

The door finally closed behind the last of them.

Sunoo exhaled, leaning back against the counter. “That was a lot.”

Jay laughed softly. “That’s our family.”

Sunoo hummed in agreement.

They stood there for a moment, not touching, just sharing the space.

Then Jay reached out, lacing their fingers together like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“You staying?” Jay asked.

Sunoo looked at him, thinking about it for a second.

“Yeah,” he said. “I think I am.”

Jay squeezed his hand once, like that was all he needed to hear.

They didn’t rush after that.

They cleaned up slowly, bumped into each other in the hallway, argued over where to put boxes that would probably stay unpacked for weeks.

At some point, Sunoo ended up curled on the couch like he did back at the villa, Jay squeezed himself beside him.

Three years ago had felt like an ending.

This didn’t.

Jay tilted his head, resting it lightly against a pillow. “It's weird,” he said quietly, “I used to think coming back would hurt more.”

Sunoo turned to him. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Jay looked back. “Turns out I was just missing home, with a sprinkle of paranoia.”

Sunoo’s chest tightened, warm and full. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Jay’s cheek.

“You better stay home,” he mumbled. “Because I’m not letting you just disappear again.”

Jay ran a hand through his hair. “You won’t have to.”

Outside, the lights of the city glowed steadily on.

And for the first time in a long time, everything felt in place.

"I know I said when we got back we'd discuss labels. We still can if you want to." Jay brought up.

"I think it's pretty clear now. We can still take it slow, whatever that means, but I know for a fact that I don't sleep with someone I don't want to be with." Sunoo clarified.

"Alright then," Jay acknowledged.

"Wait, you still have to take me on a date." Sunoo pointed out.

"Anything you want." Jay agreed. "And you know what?"

Sunoo looked at him. "What?"

"Nothing. I just wanted you to look at me." Jay said before laughing.

Sunoo huffed, mumbling "stop being ugly."

"Ohh? So I'm ugly now? Weren't you the one who said you could punch my 'handsome' face?" Jay said, laughing again. "Not to mention what you said at the villa."

"Okay you know what, I'm going to my apartment now." Sunoo said, making a show of getting up.

Jay grabbed his wrist, pulling him back down. "Here you go with the dramatics, knowing you're just gonna come back tomorrow after you get your beauty sleep."

"And what if I don't? What if I decide to ghost you for a full 48 hours?" Sunoo tested, though he was smiling like an idiot.

Jay just smirked. "Then I guess I'll have to come down and get you."

"Okay, no, I'm leaving for real now." Sunoo said, laughing as he got up.

Jay just watched him, a fond look on his face.

"Text me when you get to your door," he said, a soft, caring tone in his voice.

"I will," Sunoo replied, a small smile on his face.

He walked to the door, pausing with his hand on the doorknob.

He turned back, a sudden, bold impulse striking him.

"Jay?" he called out softly.

Jay looked up from the couch. "Yeah?"

Sunoo didn't say anything.

He just walked back across the room, leaned down, and kissed him.

It was quick, just a press of lips, a final, unspoken promise.

"Goodnight."

Then he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him.

Jay sat there for a long moment, a slow, happy smile spreading across his face.

Yeahhh, he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

:)