Chapter Text
The fanmeeting after Music Core on January 17th left Sangwon equal parts elated and exhausted.
Elated, because he’d finally stood on stage as the idol he’d always dreamed of becoming, surrounded by the bright-eyed energy of Allyz.
Exhausted well, what else could you expect from an INFP who just poured his soul into two hours of smiling, waving, and pretending his heart wasn’t racing backstage?
But there was one little secret lifting his spirits: he’d learned today that Anxin’s favorite color was pink.
So, he asked the stylist if he can wear a hot pink oversized jacket that catches his eyes at first sight, the one his stylist had practically squealed over, calling it “vibrant,” and “100% Sangwon”, he couldn’t help but lean into it with warm feelings. It wasn’t just a color; it was a mood. And Sangwon, ever the performer, knew exactly how to weaponize it.
He tilted his chin just so under the stage lights, letting his face catch the glow like glassy liquid candy. He laughed a little louder during rehearsals, the sound bright, designed to cut through the noise and land right in Anxin’s ears making Anxin's ear slightly red. He “accidentally” brushed his fingers against Anxin’s finger during lineup checks, lingered a half-step behind him in the hallway, even adjusted his mic pack just to stand close enough that their shoulders touched.
And it worked—beautifully.
Anxin hadn’t taken his eyes off him all evening. Not during the fanmeeting, not during the group selfies, not even when the staff called for wrap-up. He’d been more clingy than usual, hovering just behind Sangwon. During group photos, he’d press in closer than necessary, his hand resting low on Sangwon’s back as if to say, “Mine.” And between takes, he’d lean in as if to admire Sangwon, blowing on his ears, making Sangwon snort-laugh into his palm, cheeks flushing pink to match his jacket.
It was sweet. It was flirty. And Sangwon?
He was eating it up! Every glance, every whisper, every warm brush of Anxin’s breath against his ear.
Because if pink was Anxin’s favorite color… then Sangwon was going to maximize its potential.
But
What Sangwon didn’t realize was that every flirtatious glance, every sway of his curly blonde hair under the studio lights, had also been burning into someone else’s gaze.
Geonwoo.
He’d known of Sangwon since they were both high schoolers. Though they’d never shared a classroom, never walked the same hallways. But everything changed after they graduated, the went to a trip together in Hokkaido; went to a hot springs whereas hot springs in Japan requires you to be fully naked, both saw each others naked body. They also drank together and... They may have did the deed. Meeting Sangwon was the best surprise in his life, he never thought he can love anyone but alas...
Now, watching him laugh in that ridiculous, perfect pink jacket, his cheeks flushed, his curls swaying, his whole presence radiating a warmth that drew everyone in, Geonwoo felt something coil low in his stomach.
It wasn’t just admiration.
It wasn’t just longing.
It was hunger, the kind that had simmered for nearly a decade. The kind that made him want to pull Sangwon away from the noise, drag him into the nearest empty dressing room, and press him against the wall until the only thing Sangwon could see was him.
He had noticed his beauty long before many people did.
And that person was still here. Admiring him.
Still waiting.
But instead of saying anything of it, instead of letting the years of quiet longing spill out. Geonwoo swallowed it down and offered a smile. Not the lazy, confident smirk he flashed on cam. This smile was softer... Real.
“Sangwon-ah,” he said, voice lower than it ever was during their on-cam persona, rougher at the edges, “should we go grab coffee? My treat.”
Sangwon turned and paused. On-cam, Geonwoo was mostly the bold one, teasing him for being “too pretty for his own good,” pretending to shield his eyes when Sangwon did aegyo, calling him “pretty boy” like it was both a joke and Sangwon would always reciprocate his jokes, adding more spice. But now? There was no audience. No wink to the camera. Just Geonwoo, looking at him softly.
Sangwon’s lips curved. Not the bright, practiced smile he gave fans, but something warmer, knowing. “Yes. I was thinking of having caramel macchiato. Thank god, you always seem to understand what I need on time.”
Geonwoo nodded. Because I pay attention to you, he wanted to say. Everytime.
“Yeah…” he murmured, stepping closer, the scent of Sangwon’s vanilla perfume, and the terrifying weight of his own honesty. “I do know. Very well. Also, I—”
“Can I go too?”
Anxin popped between them, all charm and mischief, but his eyes flickered between them, sharp. He’d seen it too: the way Geonwoo’s usual teasing edge had vanished, replaced by something. And Anxin didn't like it.
Geonwoo’s jaw tensed. “No, you—”
Before he could finish, Sangwon clapped a hand over Geonwoo’s mouth, light, and gave Anxin an apologetic grin.
“Sorry, Anxin… maybe next time?” Sangwon said, his hand still resting lightly over Geonwoo’s mouth, but his voice was soft, almost apologetic, like he hated to turn away that bright energy.
He took a breath, shoulders slumping just slightly, the glitter on his cheeks catching the hallway light as he looked at Anxin with genuine affection. “Um... Geonwoo seems to have something to say to me… privately.”
Anxin’s pout, just long enough for Sangwon to see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. But before it could settle into hurt, Sangwon reached out and gently squeezed his wrist.
“I’m kinda… maxed out,” he admitted, voice dropping to a whisper only Anxin could hear. “Today was overwhelming. The fanmeeting, the lights, the screaming.. Oh but of course it was fun!! And you…” He smiled, warm and fond. “You’re so sparkly, Anxin. In the best way. But right now? I feel like a phone at 3% battery. I just need some… quiet.”
He didn’t have to say more. Anxin knew. He’d seen it before. After their first comeback stage, Sangwon had hidden in a supply closet for twenty minutes just to breathe. After big events, he’d go silent, curling into himself like a flower closing at dusk, needing stillness to reset. He went to stages all nervous but still did well, when he made small mistakes he overthink saying he dissapointed Allyz and people who worked hard with him.
Anxin’s expression softened completely. The act melted away, replaced by the quiet care he always showed when the cameras weren’t rolling.
“Ohhh,” he reached out and ruffled Sangwon’s curls full of love. “Go ahead, hyung. Please be well soon okay, you did well this day.”
He shot Geonwoo a look—a bit jealous and bitter, but layered with meaning: Take care of him. I trust you to.
“But!” he added, finger wagging playfully, “you have to text me later okay? Or I’ll send you 100 voice notes crying. And I’ll tell my ma you abandoned me for coffee!”
Sangwon laughed, relieved sound, and the tension in his shoulders eased. “Deal.”
As Anxin turned to leave, he paused, glancing back with a soft smile. “Get some rest, okay? You were soooo amazing today. I really like you.”
Anxin slowly walked away from Sangwon and Geonwoo.
Sangwon eyes sparkled, “He’s always so sweet,” he murmured.