Chapter Text
I hate you!
Every friendship starts somewhere.
It could be (bad) luck, sneaky work of fate or an eventful coincidence. There’s no way to predict which one of these it will be. Either way, you end up with a new person in your life; someone very dear and precious–a friend. As the time passes by, they become a part of your life, or just a nice memory that’s already in the past.
Han Jisung, an introverted music production major transferred to university in the middle of semester. It was a completely new place in a completely foreign city. A new environment full of new, a bit weird people, who already had someone to talk to and spend time with. They were all strangers, who didn’t try to hide their disapproving looks, and not exactly the nicest glares, aimed at the newcomer.
People that aren’t exactly like him. They don’t believe in magic spells, they can’t communicate with plants and animals nor do they have shiny and colorful wings–just like Han does. Hence why, he didn’t expect much from the year and half he will be spending here. Well maybe except for a somewhat understanding roommate, who won’t be picking on him for accidentally leaving glitter trails behind.
As introverted as Jisung was, the thought of being all by himself, so far away from home–it terrified him. Making friends and starting conversations was never an easy thing for him. Luckily, he got “adopted” by his sunshine–bright, extroverted roommate, who also happened to be the owner of a pair of the prettiest, sparkly pink wings Hannie has ever seen.
They hit it off right away. After a few hours of chatting and giggling together over a cup of warm tea and homemade sugar cookies–they became the best of friends.
🍓
One thing led to another, and Sungie ended up with seven new people in his life. Well, after a certain event from a few months ago, it would be six and half.
The next day, Jisung met Felix’s ‘cousin’–Chan, who happened to be in the same major, and even shared the same few classes with him. With the older aussie, in the same one package, came Changbin–Felix’s crush of almost a year, and Sungie’s partner in music class. The three were lucky enough to get paired up for the first group project together, and totally aced it.
Nothing brings people together more than mutual friends, and a shared passion.
Chan happened to have a thing going on with a certain, cute dance major–Jeongin. The younger dancer came off as extremely shy and reserved at first. It was a matter of a few deeper, more honest and serious talks, over a cup of hot coffee in the morning, before the two introverts became good friends.
A few cups of iced americano later, the barista working in the campus cafe, who always took their orders, prepared all the drinks and occasionally became a part of their conversations–Seungmin, Innie’s friend from highschool also joined Sungie’s quite tight social circle.
Just a few days after Jisung moved here and started making first friends, it turned out that, after all, this place is not full of strangers only.
Felix had dance classes with Minho–a person Sungie used to know. Someone who was once very close and precious to him, before they lost touch. Minho used to have a very, probably the most, special place in Hannie’s heart. Sadly, all good things come to an end. So did their highschool sweethearts relationship. The breakup was so harsh, and so incredibly painful, it destroyed Han completely.
Despite the unhappy ending, Lee Minho is definitely a fond memory.
Another person going to the dance class with Lix and Minho was Hyunjin, who’s also a part of their friend group.
If Sungie had to say something about the latter–he was definitely under the category of a nice memory… or a not so nice. On second thought, not nice at all.
Whatever these two had going on between them–because it’s definitely not a friendship–was heavily complicated. All their friends knew about it, and they even got to see what happens when these two are put in the same room together.
Everyone–the whole group–got along extremely well… except for Han and Hyunjin, who couldn’t help but to jump to each other's throat every second given. One peaceful evening, with a friendly, or at least neutral, and relaxed atmosphere in the small apartment, was far too much to ask for. Straight out impossible.
In order to make things work–keep everyone alive and somewhat happy–their friends had to separate the two, and make sure they’re sitting on opposite ends of the table. As far away from each other as possible. With little to no room for arguments about anything, even food. Just like a bunch of silly kids. Sometimes even worse.
Sarcasm and venom dripping from every word spoken, mean and hateful remarks for no real reason, yelling and cursing at each other, as well as much, much more–that’s what the other six had to put up with; every week for at least four hours.
🍓
It’s not that the others didn’t try doing something to finally get their friend group together. Actually, it’s quite the opposite!
“Hannie, do you wanna go out with us to the new themed cafe after our lectures today?” Lix asked, with a sunshine–bright smile plastered on his face, as he plopped down on the free seat right next to his best friend.
“Us, which iiis?” Sung asked, a bit hesitant, without taking his eyes off the computer screen with his very stupid and, sort of, important assignment due in just a few hours, on it.
“I’m so glad you asked!” The younger, only by a day, clapped his hands happily. The pretty smile on his face got even wider and brighter (if that’s possible!) after hearing the question “Me, Binnie, you of course, and oh–” The smile turned into something sugary sweet now “Your favourite Hyu--”
“No!” Jisung cut him off quickly, and quite loudly to that “Don’t say his name! We are not mentioning that– that absolute dumbass in this room, this household or– or anywhere else!”
His bestie trying (and failing) to bring up that person got him so incredibly worked up, his cheeks got red!
“But– Sungie, come on!” Felix pouted a bit. Seeing his twin still being salty whenever he starts the Hyunjin topic, or barely says his name out loud–it wasn’t anything new, but he refused to get used to that, or let Han act that way “You can’t just-”
“No. No. Noooo” Despite being one full day older (over twenty four hours!) Ji was acting like a complete child now. With his hands over his ears, as if it could muffle out the sound of that idiot’s name, and chanting loudly “I can’t hear you~”
🍓
Sometimes their friends resorted to using drastic measures… but even these failed miserably.
“Han-ah~ Let’s go to that new cat cafe together! It’s been forever since you’ve stopped by to talk with your hyungs ” Minho started, with a wide grin on his face as he threw his arm over the younger’s shoulders. They were finally making their way outside the campus after a long day full of boring classes.
“I will agree on one condition” Jisungie stopped in his tracks, only to look up at Minho with a small, quite adorable, frown on his face, and his pointer finger raised up “ He’s not coming with us”
“Don’t be like that, Hannie” Min couldn’t help but sigh at his friend’s pointless attitude. Ah, there he goes again- “Actually, Jin is the one who came up with that idea. I’m sure it won’t be that terrible between the two of you, when we go there all together. He’s not a bad person, you know?”
“I’m sorry, hyungie, but you already know what my answer is” Ji sighed, hanging his head low. He refused to look up again, and be met with the older's very visible disappointment.
Why does everyone always have to bring up that stupid bamboo? Not everything is about him! Plus, there are so, so many better things to talk about! Or other, better people to hang out with! It’s not like he is the only one.
“I’m not going to change my mind”
“I heard they have amazing cheesecakes. Super creamy and heavenly good. All the flavours you love~” Minho smirked, knowing he hit a jackpot by pulling out the cheesecake card. He didn't try hiding his true intentions, or how proud of himself he was for coming up with that one.
With a heavy heart, and the biggest pout–Han declined.
🍓
Looking back, not that long ago, the situation between Hyunjin and Jisung was not always like that. To be honest, it was quite the opposite!
Back then, not even four full months ago, the two were in the process of becoming good friends. Very good and close friends to be exact.
It didn’t take too long for the remaining six–their mutual friends, who took things (and fate) in their hands, and managed to finally make Hannie and Hyun’s paths cross–to start suspecting, and picking up certain “odd” traits from the two. It was painfully noticeable, mostly when they were in each other's company. They had that half adorable, half annoying tendency to ignore everyone else around.
As the time went by, the group found enough solid evidence to successfully connect the dots—they finally noticed it.
Han Jisung and Hwang Hyunjin definitely had a thing for each other.
The connection, the blooming feeling and something pushing them towards one another–it was so strong, they couldn’t hide it. No matter how hard they would try, it was impossible to pretend nothing special was going on between them. Good thing they didn’t even try doing so. It would be a complete waste of time.
Crappy jokes with not so subtly hidden messages behind them, constant teasing, or laughing silly at anything the other says. The list called “basic set of commonly used phrases and typical behaviors when you have a crush on someone” went on and on. With no end anywhere in sight.
According to Sungie’s fairy best friend–Felix, who’s a self proclaimed love expert, specializing in everything related to crushing on someone–it was all just a matter of time before the action picks up, and things get (even more) interesting.
It took the younger a few knowing looks, exchanged with someone who also had to witness the cheesy scene, and a bit of time spent on observing the lovebirds closely, to gather all the information he needed, or confirm a few things he wasn’t hundred percent sure about. Now, Lix knew everything he needed to know!
After all, love spells–the whole concept of two hearts being connected in a way that is hard to explain using words, following the red string of fate to find your soulmate, and keeping someone in the most special place in one's heart–were his speciality!
🍓
Always finding a way to get the two to sit next to each other–leaving empty spaces next to either Han or Hyunjin–was a common practice for the rest of their group. Making sure the lovebirds get paired up, on any occasion given, was their secret mission, led by commanders Felix and Chan. The six wingmen stepping up their game was a natural order of things.
Jisung and Hwang were so incredibly obvious. No wonder their friends blew their “cover” and caught up on what was going on, pretty damn quickly. Some of them–ekhem, Felix–right away. Not to mention that specific thing in the air, all around the soon–to–be couple. Oh boy, was it something.
There are just some things you can’t hide, no matter how hard you try.
The “subtle” glances Hannie thought no one noticed. The blush creeping up his round, squishy cheeks everytime the older smiled at him. The way Sung had his bestest friend Lixie come over to his room for a cuddle session, which always ended up being a ridiculously long rant about Hyunjin–how great, sweet, charming, good-looking, and most importantly–how hot (and tall!!) he is.
The silly grin that involuntarily found its way up on Hyun’s face whenever the younger happened to be around him. Hannie’s sole presence within the sight, or at least in the same room, were just enough to make him grin silly. The sudden need to be as close as possible, to the cute squirrel boy, at any given moment. The huge, unstoppable need to wrap his arm around the smaller–to touch him in any way.
Hyunjin would never admit it out loud, but his actions speak far louder than any words. He was a weak, weak man for Jisung.
And Han wasn’t any better.
🍓
It all led them here–to a local bar, not too far away from the campus.
The whole group–all eight of them–met up there to celebrate Hyunjin and Minho finishing their dance project, and passing with the best grade in their year. They’ve been working on that choreography throughout the first half of the semester. Their incredibly hard work, and hours locked up in the dance studio, definitely paid off!!
That huge success was a perfect reason to get absolutely drunk and wasted.
🍓
Turns out, despite living off of caffeine and occasional energy drinks, Hannie can’t hold alcohol too well. He couldn’t handle more than two small shots, or a light drink with barely any “real deal” on the ingredient list.
That one day, however, was a once in a lifetime opportunity! Hence why, his friends pushed aside the leftover bits of common sense, or any drinking limits, and made sure his cup was never empty. They were going all out tonight! Time for all the worries will come tomorrow. Only then they will rethink most, if not all, their life choices of the past couple of hours.
At first, right after taking the shot(s) Jisung’s extrovert personality was showing though. He was all bubbly, and giggled silly at everything. The foolish, yet adorable, grin never left his face.
The thing is–when drunk Han opens his mouth and starts talking–he can’t shut up. He talks, and talks, and talks…
After the “funny drinks” sank in, and then later started to wear off a bit–Sung got extremely clingy. The squirrel boy loving cuddles and affection was nothing new though. The alcohol only helped him be more open about it. Once he cuddles (glues) into someone, he won’t get off.
Hwang was far better with his alcohol. At least when it came to his actions. What exactly was going on in his mind, all the (lack of) thought process and no reasoning whatsoever–no one knew an answer to that. Including Hyunjin himself.
Everyone has their limits. For the older, it was somewhere around two shots of vodka, and one of these killer rainbow colored drinks, consisting of a bit of everything from the bar menu, and glitter on top. That’s when his drunk persona comes out to light.
Hwang Hyunjin, someone who normally isn’t the biggest fan of public displays of affection, when drunk, couldn’t stop kissing Han all over his cute face. He was the one who fell victim to Sugie’s cuddle attack, and used it to his own advantage.
His hands were all over the younger. The strong, slightly possessive grip on Sung’s hip was only getting tighter and tighter. His lips kissed every millimeter of Hannie’s pretty face. Except for one specific place, he always happened to miss. All that while shamelessly glaring at Minho, who was sitting across the table, minding his own business playfully arguing with Seungmin.
Hyunjin had no idea why he tried to kill his roommate with his stare, but he kept doing that anyway.
Maybe it was the effect Jisung had on him?
🍓
A quiet voice snapped Hyun out of the (one sided) glaring daggers at Minho contest. If it was anyone other than Han, the older would ignore that and focus on the loud music playing, or whatever else he was doing. Instead, he looked down, only to be met with his favourite squirrel all snuggled up at his side.
“Hyunie~” Jisung giggled silly, with his cheek squished against the older’s very nice arm. He had a visibly hard time keeping his eyes open, and for the older, it made him look even more beautiful than ever. If that’s even possible.
“Yeah, baby?” Hwang placed a small kiss on Sungie’s cheek, before reaching out to brush his bangs back, and leave a soft peck on his forehead. He couldn’t keep his hands and lips off of the younger.
“I forgot what I wanted to say, b–but I will remember soon'' Jisung rambled for a second, while leaning into the older’s hand and giggling loudly at every kissy he received. Only a few long seconds of Hyunjin playing with his hair made him realize something.
“Stoooop~ You’re messing up my hair!” Han whined loudly. The drunk smile turned into a huge, incredibly adorable pout. “Lixie spent so much time on making it pretty and–and he even used a new sparkly spell on it! He won’t have time to fix it later because he’s always super busy with Binnie, when they think no one's looking! They’re always locked up in Lixie’s room and they’re not letting me in!”
“Hannie~” A kiss on the cheek again. “Han-ah~” A peck on the forehead again. “Jisungie~” A quick kiss on the corner of his mouth. It took the younger three pecks to stop rambling, and focus back on Hwang. One last kiss, even closer to the place he always happened to miss, was the key.
He had Jisung’s full attention on him now.
“Shush, Sungie” Hyunjin couldn’t help but chuckle, seeing the cutie next to him being so effortlessly endearing, even when drunk and confused. It made him feel things. “I don’t know what sparkly spells you’re talking about, but you don’t need it. You don’t need any of it”
“How do you– the spell– you don’t know the spells?!” Jisung gasped loudly, with his eyes open wide as he sat up straight. The sudden change of position only made the two sit closer.
Han was halfway on Hyun’s lap, which gave the older yet another opportunity to hold the cutie, and make sure noone–Minho, who couldn't care less–takes him away from him.
“I–I don’t– need what?” Sungie frowned a bit after hearing that. “Of–of course I need it! I don’t know what it is, but I need it! I can’t just let them stay closed in that room and leave me all alone again!” Seems like two, not even that big, shots and couple sips of a funny drink were just enough to work their magic on Jisung, and make it that visible. Poor thing had no idea what he was talking about just a second ago.
“You’re so pretty” Hwang chuckled at the younger’s drunk antics. How can anyone be so cute, when pointlessly rambling about god knows what? Usually he would find it annoying, and tell that someone to (not) respectfully shut up. Not with Jisung though. Whatever it was, as long as it came out of Han’s mouth, he could listen to it endlessly.
“Huh?” Ji blinked a few times, trying to put his head over what just happened; double check if it’s not his mind playing tricks on him and– since when Hyunjin was so, so super close?
Their noses were nearly touching!
“How are you so beautiful?” The older of the two fixed his grip on Sungie, making it a tad bit tighter, which the latter had no problem with. In fact, he seemed to like it a lot! With one last glare at Minho, Hyunjin lowered his head a bit, so that he had an easy access to Hannie’s neck.
“Are you even real?” Hyun nosed down the younger’s neck with a small smirk playing on his lips. All that while constantly, and shamelessly glaring at Minho. He wanted to make him jealous. Who cares that the minsung couple broke up a long while ago–back when they were still in high school–he has to mark his territory, show his friend what he lost, and have some fun while doing so.
“You’re ethereal, like a fairy. You can’t be real” Hyunjin hummed against Han’s neck, chuckling when he felt a hand in his hair. His smirk got even wider when he caught eye contact with his fellow roommate who finally turned their way. He loved the look on Lee's face, when placing a tender peck on Sung's neck.
“What a pretty baby you are” He brought Sungie so close that he was almost fully seated in his lap. That way, he had no problem with leaning in a tiny bit more, and finally closing all the leftover distance between them.
Somehow, Hyunjin’s lips were everywhere but the place they were needed the most. The older wanted to have his fun–cherish the moment, and every single whine coming from Han–before moving onto the next step.
The real deal.
Only after making not double, but triple sure that every square milimeter of Jisungie’s had already been kissed, at least once, Hwang moved to his cheeks. Maybe it was a bit unnecessary of him, since he spent the past hour and half on leaving soft pecks all over the younger’s face, but he really, really couldn’t help himself.
A sudden, not too gentle tug on his hair brought him back to reality. Very freaking awesome reality! Not even a second later, his lips finally found the place he always happened to miss.
The kiss started off slow and gentle. Almost sleepily slow. It took yet another, stronger, tug on his hair, for Hwang to wake up, and snap out of the daze. Who would’ve thought, the older had a thing for a certain cutie “playing” with his hair.
In a flash, everything became a hundred times more intense. Hundred times better. Hundred times faster and more passionate. It got Hannie all worked up, to the point all he could do was follow Hyun’s lead, and the pace he set.
Jisung couldn't focus on anything else other than Hwang's lips on his.
They had an audience, in from of a half drunk Lee Minho, wearing an unreadable expression on his face. Hyunjin clearly shouldn’t be enjoying that as much as he did, but there he was. He couldn’t explain why he was putting on a show like that, nor could he come up with any excuse for his weird behaviour.
It’s just– the look on Minho’s face when he saw his best friend, having a very heated makeout session, with no one else than his first love–his highschool sweetheart–sitting in his lap, right in front of him. Truly a sight to die for.
Hyunjin took over Min’s previous place, and took Han away from him–as if the younger was some kind of trophy that could be passed from one person to another. According to his drunken mind, it was only right to show off what’s his now. Passing on an opportunity to rub it in his roommate's face was definitely not an option.
🍓
Three weeks have passed since that incident took place.
For the first week and a half, Hannie refused to leave his room. Skipping all his classes, even the ones he’s usually looking forward to. No showers and barely any meals. He didn't leave his bed.
His days consisted of Felix checking up on him, to see if he’s alive, leaving a cup of tea and a small snack on his bedside table, a few warm cuddles, as well as constant, maniacal checking notifications on his phone.
He waited and waited, but Hyunjin stayed silent.
After these few weeks of naively telling himself “maybe tomorrow” passed, still with no word from the older–Han started losing hope.
Sung has had enough. Enough of missing out on all the great things waiting for him outside his room. Enough of wasting his time. Enough of all the weird combinations of emotions he felt. Enough of waterfalls of tears wasted on crying over Hyunjin, being an immature coward.
The sadness, coming with a heartbreak soon turned into anger and hatred.
The ex-lovebirds, who would never pass on an opportunity to spend time together, started avoiding one another. Or was it just Jisung avoiding the older, because he was most definitely not ready for the confrontation?
We'll never know, and he will never admit to that.
🍓
Lixie saw his fellow fairy bestie laugh so hard till he cried, and he truly loved to see Sungie so genuinely happy. He was also there for the older when he cried his eyes out, and it was by no means a lovely sight. His soulmate deserved everything the best–the tears of happiness, not heartbreak.
Hannie was a very sensitive person. He felt everything three times more than anyone else, and often couldn’t cope with it too well. That combined with his raging anxiety was probably one of the worst combinations.
Lee saw his best friend at his best–with a wide, heart–shaped smile on his face, as well as his absolute worst–with tears streaming down his puffy cheeks, and eyes all red. This–the state Hwang left Jisung in–was something else, and he wished he never saw that. He wished his soulmate had never gone through that.
If only he knew a good spell to turn back time…
Today was one of the days everything got too much for Hannie to deal with. The two fairies decided to take a day off, and spend it on doing whatever they feel like. As of now, it was sitting on the younger’s bed–Sung all cuddled up to his favourite kitten plushie, and Lix cuddling the small duvet lump next to him.
“Are you still mad about that, Sungie?” Lee asked quietly, while softly brushing though his best friend’s hair with his fingers.
All he got in a response was a small nod.
“Come on, don’t be a silly squirrel now! I’m sure you two can talk it out. I can’t believe Hyunnie would do something like that, after giving you your first kiss~”
“Stealing” Sungie mumbled, with the biggest pout on his lips.
That’s right. Hyunjin stole Jisungie’s first kiss, and then ghosted him as if nothing happened!
Usually Han wouldn’t get mad like that. At least not without having a very good reason to. Nor was he the kind of person to forever hold grudges against someone. After his fair share of overthinking the situation, feeling everything deeply, and somehow finding a way to cope with it–he could forgive a lot.
Hwang Hyunjin stealing his first, serious kiss (except for the small pecks back in highschool) most certainly was not one of these things.
🍓
The dreaded day has come.
Chan managed to keep his scholarship, and for that occasion he invited all his close friends to their favourite restaurant for a huge meal. His treat.
Convincing Jisung to go out, to the place he knew Hyunjin will be there as well, was almost impossible. Almost, because Ji was already informed, they were going to celebrate something very important to Chan–his dear friend, without whom he probably wouldn't make it that far in uni, or anywhere else for that matter. He couldn't just stay at home, and not be there for the older, when he needed him.
It was purely coincidental that out of all eight people, only Han and Hyunjin came too early. Out of all so many possible combinations, it had to be these two! Only these two!
Before the club incident, Han could hardly contain his happiness and excitement even at the thought of seeing Hyunjin. Now, when he was sitting in that stupid restuarant, the older's even more stupid face right in front of him–he wanted nothing more than to run away, and go back to hiding in his room again.
Fate clearly didn’t have Hannie's back that day.
After so many weeks of being away from each other–on purpose, due to Sung being childish and Hyunjin avoiding the situation–one would think that two people so whipped for each other, would share a slightly awkward hug, and surely be glad to finally see each other again. Well– not this time.
All these weeks of dead silence ended up in a slightly different way.
Instead of being greeted with a warm smile and having a friendly, lighthearted conversation–Hyunjin shot the younger an unimpressed glare, while Jisung was trying his absolute hardest to hold back the tears pooling in his eyes.
🍓
“What are you even talking about? What kiss?” Hwang huffed. The huge frown on his face was only getting bigger and bigger. He leaned back in the seat, with his arms crossed over his chest. Since when was Jisung so delusional?
“Don’t even try to tell me, I did something, I would never do” He felt so, so incredibly wronged for…he didn't even know what! The whole situation, having the younger talk to him like that, and treat him like an idiot–it made him finally notice Han's true colours.
Oh boy, they weren't as bright, vivid and beautiful as he had always thought.
“Y–you don’t remember?” Sungie started quietly, while playing with his fingers, under the table, in an anxious manner. His anxiety was going crazy, and he was shaking all over, but it was too late to back away now. Ji had to get himself together, and finally get to know Hyun’s side of the whole story.
Hannie was hopeful, until the very last second.
"Listen, if you're so desperate to have anyone at least kiss you, you can just come and ask. Paying someone is also an option, but it’s quite pathetic, don’t you think?” Hwang was wearing an ugly, mocking smirk on his face. He clearly enjoyed letting out all the pent up stress, from a truly shitty day, on the poor boy in front of him.
He knew better than to be moved by his tears.
“There’s really no need for you to go around, use the fact we were out drinking to make up petty lies like that. You even have the audacity to come here, and try to convince me it actually happened. There I was, thinking you couldn’t be anymore childish. How pathetic” Jin chuckled.
With that, Jisungie’s hopes got absolutely crushed–shattered into a billion tiny pieces.
🍓
Everything after that was a blur. Glasses filled with water were thrown, waterfalls of tears were shed, servers left traumatised, and hearts got completely broken.
For Han the kiss was truly important and memorable–something very real that could lead to a few, very nice things, and changes in his (love) life. The younger treated it seriously, and hoped for it to mean something. To be something.
For Hyunjin, the kiss that supposedly took place three Fridays ago, didn’t have any meaning whatsoever. Why should something that he did not do, mean anything? Hell, he couldn’t remember anything from that night, until a visibly pissed Minho opened the blinds in his room–only for the sun to blind the younger, and make him suffer more–and threw him a box of pills followed by a bottle of water.
Lee didn’t say anything, except for a short, dripping with venom: “Han is crying because of you, asshole”
Things started to fall back in their place, and dots slowly started connecting the second Sung stormed out of the restaurant.
Had it not been for that one night, maybe things would be different.