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Junseo never expected Jiahao to act this way.
He always started the touches; reaching out, pulling close when Jiahao needed help. He got it: Jiahao hid his troubles, tough on the outside. Junseo liked being the one to figure him out, like cracking a secret puzzle. It made him feel good, special even, knowing he could read those quiet signals no one else seemed to catch.
But tonight felt different, charged with something new. They celebrated a comeback, far from Korea. A full year of shows and travel had worn them down, but it also bonded them deeper. Jiahao's injury at debut had pulled them closer than ever. It let Jiahao show a vulnerable side to Junseo; one he hoped stayed just theirs. He wanted that feeling of being the only one who truly saw him. Little moves lingered from those tough days: a hand on Jiahao's back for support, a quick pat on his shoulder to reassure, fingers brushing his thigh in quiet comfort. Right now, Junseo's palm rested gently above Jiahao's knee. His thumb worked the tight spots from long practices, easing the ache with slow, caring strokes.
The change hit on their sixth drink. Junseo could handle his booze. No real buzz until bottle four or five kicked in. Jiahao? He folded fast, his usual walls crumbling under the warmth of the alcohol.
Soft giggles tickled Junseo's ear for what felt like forever. Then Jiahao's cool nose pressed into his bare shoulder, nuzzling closer. Junseo wished he'd kept his sweater on instead of stripping down to this tank top; the exposure made his skin prickle. A slender hand slid onto his arm, fingers squeezing the muscle with a playful curiosity that sent a spark through him.
"Jun-ge," Jiahao whispered, his voice sweet and teasing, right against his ear like a secret just for them. Junseo's heart pounded in his throat, making it hard to focus on Sanghyeon's quick chatter across the table. "You've been hitting the gym a lot lately, haven't you? I can tell... It really shows."
Junseo let out a nervous laugh, his cheeks warming. "We go together, Hao. You don't remember?" He turned just a little, enough to meet Jiahao's eyes and instantly regretted how it made his pulse race even faster.
Jiahao's face glowed with a soft pink flush, his makeup worn thin from the day's shoots and sweat. No time for fixes before drinks. The foundation had faded away, but the eye makeup still framed those shiny, inviting eyes perfectly. His lips looked full, a bit dry from the night, yet somehow more tempting than ever. To Junseo, he was the most beautiful person in the room—maybe anywhere.
"I remember," Jiahao murmured, his tone light and flirty, waving both hands at Junseo's frame with a dramatic flair. His head tilted back as laughter bubbled out, warm and infectious. He kept giggling, his gaze wandering up and down Junseo's body like he was savoring every detail. Fingers nibbled at his own lips, a coy habit that made Junseo's stomach twist. He felt exposed, desired in a way that left him breathless. Then Jiahao's hand landed on his chest, squeezing with bold intent. Junseo jerked, his knee banging the table as a shiver ran through him.
Anxin and Xinlong gasped nearby, whispering quick words in Mandarin. Jiahao ignored them completely, too lost in the feel of the muscle under his palm, his touch lingering like he couldn't get enough. His other hand slipped to Junseo's inner thigh, sending another jolt. Nervous but steady, Junseo reached out and held Jiahao's waist, pulling him just close enough to keep things from spiraling, his grip protective amid the buzz of the restaurant.
Xinlong leaned over to Leo, muttering something, and they slipped away; probably to settle the bill. Anxin stepped in next, tugging Jiahao gently but firmly from Junseo's side. More Mandarin exchanged; Jiahao's expression turned into that of a sad puppy, his lower lip pushing out in a pout that tugged at Junseo's heart as he nodded along. He asked something soft; Anxin shrugged with an eye roll and headed off after the others.
Jiahao's attention snapped right back to Junseo, his eyes lighting up again. He opened his arms wide, and Junseo drew him in without hesitation, letting the younger guy nestle against his chest while they waited for the group. The closeness felt right, comforting. Junseo couldn't resist breathing in the scent of Jiahao's hair; floral, fresh and sweet, like everything about him that made Junseo's world feel a little brighter.
The others returned soon, announcing the cabs had arrived. Curious stares followed as Jiahao stayed wrapped around Junseo on the way out, his body leaning in trustingly. Junseo's hands spanned that waist, steady and supportive, almost lifting him along to the car with care. He eased Jiahao inside first, making sure he was settled, but before he could follow, a gentle hand caught his elbow.
It was Leo.
"Juns, you sure about this? Want to switch rooms? Jiahao's pretty far gone tonight. I can stay with him if it's easier. You take the single room."
Junseo frowned, glancing back at Jiahao already dozing in the seat, looking so peaceful it made his chest ache a little. "No, it's fine." The words came out firmer than he meant, laced with a nervousness he hoped Leo didn't catch as jealousy. He took a deep breath, patting Leo's shoulder to soften it. "I've got him, Leo. Really, don't worry about us."
Leo nodded after a beat, gesturing for him to climb in. The door shut with a click, sealing them in the quiet of the cab; like stepping into a private world with a playful, unpredictable companion.
Jiahao's hands were on him in seconds, exploring the nearest arm with eager fingers, nails grazing lightly in a way that made Junseo's skin tingle. Damn, he'd forgotten his sweater back there. Hopefully one of the guys grabbed it.
"Jun-ge," Jiahao purred, his voice sultry even through the hiccups that interrupted it, "are you going to sleep with me tonight? Please say yes... I want you close."
Junseo swallowed hard, his nerves fluttering as he tried to keep his cool. "If that's what you want, Hao, then yeah." They'd shared rooms plenty over the year, building that quiet trust. Once, when he'd noticed Jiahao tossing and turning in the dark, Junseo had offered himself as a cuddle partner, a safe harbor. Jiahao had accepted without a second thought, slipping under the covers with him on those restless nights, and it had become their unspoken thing.
Jiahao nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling with that tipsy joy, a small, inviting smile curving his lips. Junseo watched, heart skipping, as Jiahao shifted and perched sideways on his knee; definitely not safe in a moving car especially after an injury, but any scolding words evaporated when those hands splayed across his chest, pressing with a heat that made everything else fade. The squeezes came next, teasing and deliberate; Junseo bit back a soft whimper, his face heating up. Jiahao's grin widened, sly and knowing, like he'd uncovered a secret.
His fingers drifted lower, tracing Junseo’s stomach through the thin tank top with feather-light touches that set his nerves on fire. Junseo knew he should stop it, redirect gently; but instead, he caught Jiahao's wrists with trembling hands and guided them up to his shoulders, holding them there for a moment of control. The driver's awkward cough from the front seat snapped him back to reality, adding to the flush on his cheeks.
He fought to stay composed through the short ride, his mind racing while Jiahao kept up the playful prods and pinches, treating him like a favorite discovery. Junseo avoided looking directly at him; one more glance at that beautiful face might undo him completely.
When the cab finally stopped, Junseo traced soothing circles on Jiahao's back, helping him sit up straight with careful hands. He draped an arm around his waist as they made their way through the lobby and into the elevator, keeping Jiahao steady every step.
Inside the elevator, Jiahao unveiled a side Junseo had only dreamed about, his eyes half-lidded and full of mischief.
"Ah, Jun-ge, you're so handsome," he breathed out, his hands sliding up to rub Junseo's shoulders like a tender massage, fingers kneading with affection. "I like you... a lot. More than I say, you know?"
The words hit Junseo like a warm wave, making his heart stutter. He laughed nervously, trying to play it off. "Hao, I had no idea you were such a lightweight. If I'd known, I'd have made sure the guys didn't push so many drinks your way." His own hands stayed firm on Jiahao's waist, maintaining a bit of space even as his pulse betrayed him. Jiahao was drunk, after all. Junseo's head was clearing quickly, sharpening his awareness of how fragile this moment felt.
"I'm not drunk," Jiahao protested with a slurred whine, though his wobbly words gave him away. Junseo couldn't help the fond smile that spread across his face, full of quiet affection. The elevator dinged softly, doors sliding open; they tried to separate, but Jiahao clung tighter, his limbs wrapping around Junseo like he never wanted to let go as they walked to the room.
Once inside, Junseo guided Jiahao to sit on his own bed; knowing how much the sober version hated bringing outside clothes onto his sheets. He kept his touch gentle, reassuring.
"You want to shower first? Might help you feel better," Junseo suggested softly, pointing toward the bathroom, his voice laced with concern.
Jiahao shook his head, that pretty pout returning as he looked up with pleading eyes. "No... I just want to sleep with you, Jun-ge. Right here, like always."
Junseo sighed, a mix of nerves and tenderness swirling inside him. This wasn't letting up. He shifted his approach, keeping his tone calm and leading. "Alright, let's at least brush our teeth and get the makeup off together. We can shower in the morning when you're feeling more yourself." He offered his hand, steady and inviting; Jiahao took it without hesitation, standing up close.
They moved to the bathroom side by side. Junseo's breath caught in his throat when Jiahao casually peeled off his shirt, revealing smooth skin that made his mind wander despite himself. He watched quietly as Jiahao went through his routine: removing makeup with careful wipes, brushing his teeth, then cleansing his face; all while stealing glances at Junseo in the mirror, his eyes warm.
"Can I remove your makeup for you, Jun-ge?" Jiahao asked, his slurred voice turning the question into something intimate, almost seductive. Junseo felt a blush creep up his neck, but he nodded, too nervous to speak.
The air grew thick with quiet sentiment as Jiahao soaked a cotton pad with remover and brought it to Junseo's face, his touches feather-soft, erasing the day's grime with a care that felt deeper than words. It was like Jiahao was cherishing the moment, his fingers lingering just a second too long.
"You have such pretty eyebrows," he murmured, his tone flirty yet sincere, eyes locked on Junseo's. "I like them a lot... and your lips, they're perfect."
Junseo held his breath, waiting for whatever came next but Jiahao dropped the pad into the sink and closed the distance, his lips pressing against Junseo's in a sudden, sweet kiss. The taste of toothpaste mingled with the warmth, the kiss messy but full of unspoken feelings. Jiahao giggled softly into it, then pulled back with a hand on Junseo's chest, his eyes shining with a playful spark.
"I've wanted to do that for so long," he confessed, his voice a whisper before he slipped out of the bathroom, leaving Junseo standing there, heart racing.
Junseo took a moment to steady himself, brushing his teeth and washing his face just like Jiahao had, the routine grounding him amid the whirlwind of emotions. When he emerged, Jiahao was already snuggled deep in Junseo's bed, the other one left untouched and neat. The sight brought a soft, affectionate smile to Junseo's lips; he changed quickly into a shirt and shorts, then slid in beside him.
Jiahao sensed the warmth immediately, shifting closer to bury his face in Junseo's chest, his arms wrapping around him with a contented sigh.
They could talk about it tomorrow. There was still plenty of time.