Chapter Text
Yeongmin sees Seungcheol again three months after their break up. He knows their break up was the right decision; even if they did like each other, keeping a low key relationship with a high profile person just wasn’t realistic in the long run. He is a little sad though, because he knows he’ll never find someone like him again. Fierce and kind at the same time. Intimidating and so polite. But yes, Yeongmin is over him. They wouldn’t work.
It still throws him off though, when Seungcheol and the rest of Seventeen walk into their studio that day for an interview. Yeongmin isn’t heavily involved; he’s just been called to help out here and there, but he swallows when Seungcheol looks back at his members before loudly greeting the room, a chorus of greetings in tow. He’s a clear leader, the way he carries himself with just the right balance of confidence and humbleness. The decibels in the room are immediately higher as everyone starts talking to each other.
Yeongmin tries to discreetly catch his eye. They are still friends after all, and it’s just basic manners to say hi to someone if you’re familiar. Even though they look like completely different people in their outfits and full make up. Seungcheol radiates insane charisma and has an aura around him that was nowhere to be seen when they were dating.
He’s still observing Seungcheol when another member comes to his side, placing a hand on his shoulder as he talks. Yeongmin is taken aback at how quickly Seungcheol’s face changes; sharp edges smoothing out instantly as he chats back. The other member slips the hand on his shoulder down until he’s holding Seungcheol’s fingertips lightly, shaking it now and again.
Yeongmin has seen a lot of idols and is familiar with how close they are. He knows many of them find comfort in skinship with each other because their work makes it hard for them to be physically close with other people.
But this. The way Seungcheol stares at the other man as he talks, letting him play with his fingers until they’re lightly laced together, is way too intimate to be friendly.
It’s at that moment the other member looks around the room and his eyes land on Yeongmin.
And Yeongmin finally recognizes him.
Yes, he knows about Seventeen well enough that he’s confident he can say all their names, but there were only two people he didn’t have to search up to to remember. One was Woozi (real name Jihoon, Yeongmin learnt, as Seungcheol would suddenly start using the two names interchangeably without explanation), someone Seungcheol would talk about fondly many times, citing how he is the heart of the team.
And the other was Yoon Jeonghan.
The Yoon Jeonghan that Seungcheol would just not shut up about. Every single date they went on, it would never end without Seungcheol mentioning Jeonghan at least once. Even in passing. It was always Jeonghan was saying this, oh I told Jeonghan about this too, no Jeonghan wouldn’t agree. Jeonghan, Jeonghan, Jeonghan.
Yeongmin tried not to think too much of it. After all, Seungcheol mentioned all of his members many times that they were together, and Jeonghan had apparently been someone who helped him immensely in his life, so it made sense. He tried to shake off the feeling, knowing that the bond between people in such high-stress environments is something he probably couldn’t understand.
But then he saw them together.
If Yeongmin hadn’t been so conscious of Jeonghan in the first place, maybe he never would have noticed anything, but alas his radar was extremely conscious of every interaction Seungcheol and Jeonghan had. Meaning he had seen the way Seungcheol would move the meat around on the grill, pushing specific bits in Jeonghan’s direction. He had seen how Jeonghan would take that meat without a thought, returning one or two pieces back towards Seungcheol which he took without a word. He had seen the way they would communicate without a single verbal exchange and instead with an eyebrow raise, a tilt of the head, the wave of a hand. The small exchanges they had were filled with familiarity and ease, and the way they connected to each other was drastically different from how they talked to Seungkwan. Rationally, Yeongmin was well aware that the three months he’d known Seungcheol, only one of which they had been dating, and the ten years that Jeonghan had known him was something impossible to compare, but he still couldn’t hold down the envy that bubbled in his stomach.
When Seungcheol didn’t even think when he answered a question in Jeonghan’s place, the flare of jealousy was so intense that Yeongmin nearly wanted to pull Seungcheol in to kiss him there and then. But even that was quickly picked up by Jeonghan who somehow communicated it to Seungcheol, and even with Seungcheol’s warm hand on his back, it made him panic that he couldn’t figure out how that message was relayed when it happened right in front of him.
Feeling relieved was an understatement when the lunch had finally finished. Seungcheol stood close to him as they left the building, not wanting to leave just yet but not being able to initiate anything when they were in the public eye. It made Yeongmin feel exceptionally fond, and if they were back in that private room, he would have definitely pulled him in for a kiss, Jeonghan be damned.
But perhaps thinking that was karma, because as soon as he was about to ask Seungcheol if he wanted to spend a little bit more time together, Seungcheol was looking to the side. And Yeongmin didn’t need to look to see if it was Jeonghan. It wasn’t a secret yearning look or anything, but the concern on his face was something completely different to when Yeongmin had accidentally burnt his wrist while cooking.
Looking back, Yeongmin thinks even Seungcheol wasn’t aware of how much he mentioned Jeonghan, because when Yeongmin had finally suggested that maybe Seungcheol needs to give Jeonghan some space sometimes (yes, it was one hundred percent from jealousy. He’s only a man.) Seungcheol had looked taken aback. He recovered quickly, which he was prone to do whenever something unexpected happened (idol instincts probably), but to this day Yeongmin regrets saying it, because he thinks that was the trigger needed for Seungcheol to realise that he was in love with Jeonghan.
By the time they met for a second time at Seungcheol’s place, Yeongmin could now tell Jeonghan did not enjoy his presence. He wasn’t outright rude or dismissive, but they only exchanged a light greeting after which Jeonghan distanced himself slightly both from him and from everyone else. It was hard to tell if Jeonghan was wary of him because he was an intruder, or if it was for other reasons Yeongmin would rather not ponder on. Either way he would never meet his eyes, hardly talking, just observing everyone. He had drifted over with a warm smile when Seungkwan had called him to help verify how authentic his impersonation was, and it had made Yeongmin inexplicably anxious when he had sat down close to Seungcheol. Ever since he had said he thinks Seungcheol talks too much to Jeonghan, Yeongmin had been feeling like Seungcheol was… distant. He wouldn’t step away from Yeongmin’s gestures or affection, but even that day, the skinship was minimal or entirely initiated by Yeongmin. Seungcheol would usually have an arm around the shoulders or a hand on his back, and none of that had been present. So when Seungcheol reached forward (it was like reflex, like second nature) to squeeze Jeonghan’s shoulder, Yeongmin suddenly felt a large lump in his throat, which he desperately tried to get rid of by snuggling into Seungcheol’s side.
He had tried to ignore the nagging feeling, hoping everything would end without a problem, hoping maybe Seungcheol was just tired, going through some things. But then.
“Soonyoung’s too drunk. He shouldn’t be drinking anymore,” Seungcheol had said, an exasperated but fond smile on his face.
It was one of the things Yeongmin adored about Seungcheol. That he was utterly and thoroughly devoted to his group and his friends. That he loved them so much to an extent that Yeongmin was unable to feel jealousy. It was clear that Seungcheol treasures anyone who loves his members, and that was partly why Yeongmin wanted to meet them and get to know them more.
Seungcheol was about to head over to the couch, both of them looking in the direction of a very red Soonyoung, and that’s when Jeonghan had stepped in, prying the glass away. He had to tug a little stronger than necessary when Soonyoung kept trying to hold it in his hands.
“Soonyoung-ah,” was all Jeonghan said before Soonyoung finally let go.
“Hyung~!” Soonyoung’s voice was so loud it made Chan who was sitting next to him slap his arm. Soonyoung was unaffected. “I love you!”
Jeonghan smiled, accepting the crushing hug with a light laugh.
And when Yeongmin looked at Seungcheol, he felt instant dread.
Seungcheol was rooted to the spot. Staring. Fixed on Soonyoung and Jeonghan, clear realisation dawning on his face. Like he had finally found the answer to a puzzle he had been trying to solve for days.
And Yeongmin knew he had lost him.
“Hyung, do you have time tomorrow?” Seungcheol’s voice was clear, unwavering.
When the dinner had ended and he was greeting Seungcheol goodbye, he petted his cheek, then pulled him in for a kiss like he always did. Clinging to just a last tiny bit of hope. But then Seungcheol brought his hand up between their faces, stopping his mouth from reaching his. It was clear that was their end.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” Yeongmin had said, as affectionately as he could to try and hide how hurt he was. Seungcheol had said nothing, only holding his hand, squeezing it gently, looking at him with big sad eyes.
Their break up was peaceful. Nothing dramatic. Just simple. Sad.
“I’m sorry, hyung.” Was the first thing Seungcheol had said, face sad and sincere. “Thank you.”
And what could Yeongmin possibly have said to that? When both of them knew exactly why it was happening. How there was no stopping it. What could he have said?
“I had so much fun with you Seungcheol-ah,” he replied softly. “Thank you for letting me have you, even if it was for a couple of months.”
Even now, Yeongmin’s not sure if he ever did.
When Yeongmin focuses back, Jeonghan is still looking at him. His face is even more beautiful than the last time he saw him, if that’s even possible, and when standing together with Seungcheol they are so aesthetically pleasing it’s as if he’s looking at a painting. Jeonghan lets go of Seungcheol’s hand, gesturing towards Yeongmin nearly in a begrudging manner. His gaze is piercing, as if he’s holding back every muscle on his face from scowling. And Yeongmin doesn’t even need to see the way Seungcheol caresses his back to know the two are definitely not just friends.
Seungcheol is about to head his way, but he gets called in the exact instant. He sends an apologetic glance at Yeongmin who just gives a small dismissive wave. Jeonghan doesn’t look his way again as they all congregate in the middle of the room. It’s fascinating really, seeing the way thirteen people are able to move so seamlessly among each other. They don’t seem to have designated lineups like some other groups do but they find their stops without hesitation, not even exchanging words when two members go for the same chair and one of them has to find a new spot. Seungcheol is seated in the stool in the second row on the very left. The seat next to him stays empty even when it’s the most convenient place to sit for some of the members who walk in after him. But Yeongmin soon figures out why, when Jeonghan, who had been talking to a manager, walks straight past the empty seats in the front row to settle next to Seungcheol.
At this point Yeongmin is nearly embarrassed at how he ever thought he had a chance with Seungcheol. It’s not just about them, it’s when he looks at the whole group, it’s so obvious this is where they belong. The interview starts and Seungcheol will get teased and yelled at while he retorts with the same heat in his voice, and Jeonghan will sit there smiling or chuckling at everyone. At one point Seungcheol clings to the person who’s in front of him, Mingyu, swaying his body left and right as everyone laughs heartily, and it’s so natural, so them, and Yeongmin thinks he finally understands why Jeonghan dislikes him so strongly.
Seungcheol and Jeonghan belong together, and they belong together in their group.
Yeongmin never stood a single chance.
+++
The interview ends without a hitch and everyone is ushered back to wait until the next photo shoot. Yeongmin isn’t required for this part, so he steps out too into the corridor of the waiting room. He is for some reason extremely exhausted after witnessing all that, so decides to seek out a more secluded area that’s closer to the staff only section and shouldn’t be crowded.
Luck is not on his side however, when he turns the corner only to find Seungcheol and Jeonghan, still in their pretty outfits and even prettier faces, standing close to each other. Seungcheol has his arms crossed as he stands in front of Jeonghan who is leaning back against the wall, one hand playing with the bottom of Seungcheol’s waistcoat (which he looks gorgeous in, Yeongmin could probably never get over how hot he is). He can’t say anything for a second, overwhelmed with the scene in front of him. They aren’t doing anything that they shouldn’t be doing in public, clearly in mid conversation, but the fact that they have chosen to speak here in a secluded place instead of their waiting room, makes the situation so intimate that Yeongmin wants to disappear.
“Yeongmin hyung,” Seungcheol calls when he sees him, eyebrows shooting up slightly in surprise.
They don’t look fazed that someone caught them, meaning this must be a norm which somehow makes Yeongmin feel worse. He raises his hand in a silent greeting, but Jeonghan’s hold on Seungcheol’s waistcoat visibly tightens. His expression hasn’t necessarily changed, but the hostility he radiates is nearly tangible now that there’s no cameras or a whole crew watching them.
“Jeonghan-nim,” Yeongmin greets anyway, slightly nervous.
Jeonghan only bows, as if he doesn’t trust his voice.
“Good to see you hyung,” Seungcheol greets happily, but he doesn’t move from where he is. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”
“Ah, I was called at the last minute. I would’ve told you if I knew you were coming.”
Jeonghan is looking to the ground, the grip on Seungcheol not loosening.
“Uh,” Yeongmin can only say, unable to ignore him.
Seungcheol looks apologetic, bringing his own hand up so it encloses around Jeonghan’s fist. “Sorry,” he says. “It’s been a long morning for us and he’s at least 1.5 times crankier than usual.”
Yeongmin is one hundred percent sure that’s not the only reason, but isn’t sure how much he should step into that territory. The two of them are clearly together from his point of view, but he isn’t sure if that’s because he knows a little more than other people.
Jeonghan finally looks back at him, his expression neutral again. Yeongmin is impressed that someone is able to suppress that much hostility in a mere seconds. Again, a testament to how long they’ve been in this industry he supposes.
“I apologise if I came off rude,” Jeonghan says, and Yeongmin takes back everything he just thought because Jeonghan does not sound sorry at all. “I hope you’re well Yeongmin-nim.”
It doesn’t go unnoticed by Seungcheol who makes a face, tugging Jeonghan’s hand gently so they’re holding hands now.
“Jeonghan-ah,” he calls with so much affection it nearly makes Yeongmin blush.
Okay yeah these two are together together.
Yeongmin wants to flee but he holds his ground. He feels like this conversation might be important if they ever see each other again on the job.
“It’s okay I’m sure you guys are under a lot more stress than I can imagine,” he replies, ignoring the chilly stare he receives. “Very cool to see you guys in your work environment. I was impressed.”
“We met once on a different photo shoot didn’t we?” Seungcheol asks. It’s light hearted, trying to diffuse the tension Jeonghan created but it doesn’t seem to be helpful. Yeongmin tries to match Seungcheol’s energy, the two of them talking back and forth a couple more times until Jeonghan suddenly sighs loudly.
“Okay, fine, sorry.” He says like he’s replying to someone and Yeongmin startles.
Seungcheol just raises his eyebrows at him which must mean there was some kind of silent prodding going on right in front of his eyes that, again, Yeongmin completely missed.
Jeonghan is looking at him, still with all the previous hostility, but it’s not masked anymore, which somehow makes Yeongmin more relieved than scared. The fact that he decided to drop the (unconvincing) act, is reassuring in a way that feels like Jeonghan is seeing him more as an equal. In a way by showing a part of himself that he would probably never show to people outside of his group.
“I’m just not…,” he pauses, looking away once before continuing. “I’m just not entirely comfortable in your presence. Sorry Yeongmin-nim,” he says, sounding a little more sincere this time.
The bluntness makes Yeongmin widen his eyes. In an industry where they are constantly being praised as amazing humans, it throws him off that such a beautiful person would ever feel jealousy towards him. It makes him feel a little better about himself, not that he would ever admit that.
“Well, the feeling is mutual, if that helps,” he says, feeling bold.
Seungcheol blinks at him in surprise, the same time Jeonghan also widens his eyes slightly. Yeongmin’s confidence dwindles quickly at the reaction, regretting trying to be a smartass, but then Seungcheol laughs and Jeonghan scoffs lightly, a smile on his lips.
“Interestingly it does,” Jeonghan replies, tone significantly more relaxed now.
Jeonghan crosses his arms, leaning into Seungcheol so their shoulders bump together. Seungcheol’s arm automatically comes up to sling around his shoulders and even such a small act of affection makes Yeongmin realise just how different they are, compared to when Seungcheol was with him. It wasn’t that Seungcheol never did these things when they were together; he’d hold hands with him, have a hand on his back, run his hands through his hair. Of course Yeongmin knew Seungcheol did that because he wanted to, but there was also a sense of deliberation, something he was doing because he knew that was what boyfriends were “supposed” to do. When Yeongmin would show affection, Seungcheol returned it with an equal amount because that’s what he saw as being “right”.
There is none of that with Jeonghan. Even just looking back earlier to when he was holding Seungcheol’s waistcoat, Seungcheol did not seem to be reciprocating his touch. But there was no discomfort or anxiety from Jeonghan, nor did it seem like he even cared for a reaction. He was playing with Seungcheol’s clothes because he wanted to. They were so past the point of being careful and asking for permission, that all the moments of affection didn’t require any reply or reassurance from the other. These two may have only started dating recently, but they have really, truly been together for much longer.
“So you two are… doing well?” He treads lightly.
Jeonghan just shrugs, but Yeongmin doesn’t miss the way he’s trying to hold back on showing anything by pressing his lips together. Beside him Seungcheol nods, smiling.
“We’re doing good, hyung. Thank you for asking,” Seungcheol says sincerely, some relief seeping into his tone.
“Good.” Yeongmin nods, mirroring his expression. And he means it.
Because ultimately what he wants is for Seungcheol to be happy. If he could have been happy while in a relationship with him, Yeongmin would have preferred that of course, but Seungcheol is a good man. He did everything that he could to make sure Yeongmin was comfortable being with him and he wasn’t burdened by the constant security checks he had to go through. When the days they couldn’t see each other stretched on, Seungcheol always made sure to call him to check up on him even amidst his busy schedules. He was sweet and caring and good. Maybe a little dense. But he deserves every ounce of happiness and more.
“Will we be seeing you in this studio often?” Jeonghan suddenly questions.
Yeongmin isn’t sure how to answer.
“Is this a trick question?” He asks cautiously.
“What?” Jeonghan looks genuinely confused. “No, I just wanted to know if we’d always see you here.”
“Oh. Ah, well I’m just called in for help today but I am often here so yes, we might meet again.”
Jeonghan nods silently as Seungcheol looks relieved.
“That’ll be okay?”
Jeonghan looks at him quizzically. “Yeongmin-ssi, this is your workplace. You don’t need to check anything with me.”
Yeongmin shrugs.
“Well yes, but when you saw me you did look like you would rather be anywhere on earth but here.”
“Well I didn’t want to be somewhere Seungcheol isn’t so I reconsidered,” he replies instantly.
Seungcheol makes a small choking sound.
Yeongmin pulls a face. “No consideration for an ex-boyfriend I see.”
“I thought you were over him, no?” Jeonghan shoots back playfully, and the teasing gaze directed at Yeongmin is filled with so much allure, Yeongmin understands completely why people would be infatuated with him.
“A fair point,” Yeongmin squeezes out, and Jeonghan’s smirk tells him that he knows what Yeongmin was thinking.
“Hyungs! We need to go!”
A voice slightly far around the corner makes them turn their bodies.
“If you two are making out again I swear to god I will kill-, oh my god someone is here, I said nothing please forget I said anything-, wait.”
Seungkwan had a hand clutched to his heart the second he saw Yeongmin, but the blood returns to his face once he realises he did not just reveal to some random stranger that his hyungs make out in secluded corridors.
“Yeongmin-ssi!” He calls brightly.
He looks genuinely happy to see him, and it melts Yeongmin’s heart a little. “Hello Seungkwan-ssi.”
“I thought I saw you on set earlier!”
His eyes then dart to his hyungs who are still standing close together, and the situation settles in. His expression turns skeptical, eying Jeonghan suspiciously.
“Is…Jeonghan hyung being rude to you?”
“Seungkwan-ah!” Jeonghan calls incredulously, the same time Seungcheol and Yeongmin laugh loudly.
“He’s fine, we’re fine,” Yeongmin says in between laughs. “You needed them?”
“Oh, oh yes we’re about to head back to set so I came to get you.”
Seungcheol and Jeonghan nod, detaching themselves from each other.
“Hyung, it was really good to see you,” Seungcheol says softly, giving a friendly pat on the back.
“You too, Seungcheol-ah. And Jeonghan-ssi,” he says to Jeonghan who passes by him wordlessly.
Jeonghan turns at being called, head tilted.
“Jeonghan-ah,” Seungcheol calls, warning in his tone, which is promptly ignored.
Seungkwan hovers close as well, slightly wary as Jeonghan simply looks at Yeongmin, thinking.
“It was good to see you,” Jeonghan says finally, and it surprises everyone. “Thank you for giving me a chance to apologise.”
He can’t quite meet Yeongmin’s eyes as he says so, and while everyone stays stunned, he quickly turns around and strides away. Seungcheol follows him with a laugh, sending one last wave to Yeongmin before he disappears around the corner too.
Yeongmin chuckles to himself and is about to head over too when he realises Seungkwan hasn’t moved from his spot. He blinks.
“Seungkwan-ssi?”
Seungkwan plays with his hands, looking around the corner before he turns his body towards Yeongmin. Yeongmin involuntarily takes a step back at the determination in his eyes. Seungkwan swallows.
“I wanted to thank you.”
“Huh?” Yeongmin says dumbly, taken off guard. “Thank me? For what?”
Seungkwan looks behind him again, making sure no one is around. He takes a deep breath.
“For making Seungcheol hyung happy.”
He laughs softly at the bewilderment on Yeongmin’s face. “I’m sure you know it gets quite difficult for us to trust people outside of our circles. You know, the whole burden of fame.”
He mocks trying to hold something heavy in his hands.
“We’ve all become good at recognising genuine people, but um, Seungcheol hyung, he takes it a little bit more seriously you know? He tends to downplay his role, but he knows very well that being a leader means he has to be extra careful, so it’s not easy for him to open up completely to others despite how friendly and affectionate he is.”
Yeongmin does remember how when they first started talking, courtesy of another PD taking them all out for drinks after a photoshoot, Seungcheol was very outgoing and sociable, but nearly every personal question that was directed at him was deflected right back. He only answered questions that were already common knowledge, or wouldn’t be used against him in any way, and it took weeks of Yeongmin chatting to him until Seungcheol finally decided to answer the deeper parts of himself.
“You were able to make him open up,” Seungkwan continues warmly. “You made him happy. And we’re grateful for that.”
“Oh,” he whispers, shocked. “Even though he seems happier now.”
He means it as a casual observation, words leaving his mouth without a thought, no heat intended, but Seungkwan instantly widens his eyes in panic, making Yeongmin quickly backpedal.
“No, no no no. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I-, look I’m completely over Seungcheol. And I have nothing against Jeonghan-ssi either. I just-, I don’t know, thank you but uh, I find that kinda… difficult to digest because of how content he seems to be now. I appreciate you saying that, though.”
Seungkwan knits his eyebrows together, unsatisfied with Yeongmin’s answer. It’s extremely endearing and Yeongmin idly wonders if all idols are just born with this much charm.
Seungkwan chews on his lip nervously, thinking carefully of what to say.
“I hope… this doesn’t sound mocking or degrading in any way,” he starts hesitantly. “Especially after Seungcheol hyung and Jeonghan hyung are… you know. But I want you to know-, we want you to know, you have no idea how glad we were when hyung first talked about you.”
Yeongmin’s eyebrows shoot up. “Glad?”
Seungkwan nods strongly.
“We’re always cautious and everything, but after we were over that, getting to hear him talk about someone outside of our group all giddy and excited… it’s-, you don’t understand, it’s a big feat!” Seungkwan throws one of his arms up for emphasis. “Seungcheol hyung loves us. He loves us. He can’t imagine life without us. So you know, when his network didn’t expand much, it made us a little concerned. Yeah, you guys didn’t work out, but nothing about your relationship was a burden or an obstacle. Nothing about it was something him or us would want to pretend didn’t happen. You coming into our lives, made both him and us realise that Seungcheol hyung is able to find happiness outside of us. Whether he pursued that or not isn’t important. What’s important is that he knows what it feels like to have a different kind of happiness that’s not us, and he’s now able to compare. He ultimately chose us, which I will be honest, wasn’t a surprise, but now we know that he did so even while knowing the possibility of happiness outside. There’s lots of things that we can only get from each other, but getting him to that point was something that we could’ve never been able to do. So yes, please know how much you’ve done for him, and just how thankful we are.”
Yeongmin is speechless. If his memory is correct, Seungkwan has to be at least four years younger than him. Yet, here he is talking about the in and outs of happiness, happiness for someone else at that, as if he’s already experienced a full life before.
“Oh wow,” Yeongmin says quietly. Silence falls for a small while until he speaks again. “And Jeonghan-ssi is included in this ‘us’ that you’re talking about?”
Seungkwan pauses once, then bursts out laughing. The corner of his eyes crinkle as he tries to catch his breath, and Yeongmin is not immune to how cute it is.
“He was such a sore loser wasn’t he?” Seungkwan says, giggling. “I’m so sorry for what he was like at that lunch but don’t worry, he’ll get over it. Seungcheol hyung is super important to him after all.”
“Oh I could tell.”
His words make Seungkwan grin. Then he turns a little red, embarrassed with his grand speech.
“Anyway! That’s all I wanted to say. I’m glad I was able to see you today. It’s been on my mind for a while.”
Yeongmin smiles back, touched.
“Thank you, Seungkwan-ssi. That’s actually… again, I’m not bitter over how we ended or anything but that-, that makes me feel a lot better. Thank you.”
Seungkwan beams.
“And if, if you get the opportunity, please let both Seungcheol and Jeonghan-ssi know that I am happy for them. Truly,” he emphasises.
Seungkwan nods, determined. “Of course!”
“Seungkwan-ah!”
A voice calls them and they both turn the corner to see Hansol poking his head out of the waiting room. He bows lightly at Yeongmin before gesturing for Seungkwan to hurry up and join them. Seungkwan turns to give one last smile before he jogs forward, joining the others who all start trickling out of the room.
Seungcheol and Jeonghan are the last ones to leave the room, making sure to place themselves at the end of the line. Yeongmin watches as Seungcheol reaches for Jeonghan’s hand, linking their hands together. He brings Jeonghan’s hand up close to his face to press a long kiss to the back of his hand. His face is angled towards Jeonghan’s as if waiting for his reaction, and Yeongmin can see how Seungcheol’s mouth turns into a grin even when Jeonghan doesn’t turn to look at him at all.
Yeongmin rolls his eyes.
Jeonghan’s ears have turned bright red.