Work Text:
Posted by u/1999xyzeee321 - 2 days ago
AITA for wanting to make out with my boyfriend's boyfriend?Burner account because I have a bunch of nosy roommates.
So a few years ago I (22M) met this guy (22M) at work. We'll call him J. We hooked up a couple times and I was really into him, but I never got the feeling he was into me at all outside of the sex. I eventually left that job because it was obvious it wasn't the right place to further my career and by that point I was basically in love with J, so I figured leaving would be the best option both for my career prospects and my heart. Like a clean slate, fresh start sort of thing.
I got a new position at a different company and actually advanced really quickly, including being put up for promotion within a couple months of being hired. Everything was going great until one day I walked in and found J at the water cooler. He told me he'd left our previous workplace shortly after I did and specifically followed me to this new company. I was still trying really hard to get over him so I was kind of a dick to him for awhile. Like I would find reasons to never be alone with him and would dodge his attempts at conversation, that kind of thing. He eventually got the hint and stopped trying to push for another FWB thing (if that's even what he was going for, I don't know - I was just trying to shut the whole idea down so I wouldn't have to go through the heartbreak again) and he started hooking up with a different guy (22M) instead. We'll call him C.
So J and C became a Thing basically instantly. They're both extremely affectionate people who couldn't keep a secret if held at gunpoint so everyone at the company pretty much knew right away. As you might expect, I was gutted and even though I tried hard to hide it J is annoyingly good at reading people and knows me specifically really well so he confronted me and I ended up confessing in a blubbering puddle of snotty tears.
Weirdly enough that display prompted him to actually confess that he'd been wanting to ask me out for years but always thought I was the one not interested.
Except instead of breaking up with C to be with me he floated the idea of dating both of us at the same time. C was aware of the whole thing (he apparently knew J was still into me when they got together) and was totally fine with it and even though it made me a little uncomfortable at first I decided to give it a shot. So J and I started dating while J and C were still together and it's actually been pretty ideal. We've been dating for over a year and I'm really happy. J can be kind of A Lot sometimes so it's great he has C to lean on when I'm struggling with my own shit and vice versa. It can definitely get messy sometimes and we've all had our feelings hurt a couple times, but the good always outweighs the bad.
SO HERE'S THE ISSUE: I think I'm starting to develop feelings for C. We've always been good friends and we get along great both personally and professionally, but he's always been securely in the Do Not Even Consider box just by virtue of being my boyfriend's boyfriend. Lately we've been spending more time together on a work project and, while I've always found him objectively attractive, I've definitely started thinking about him from a sexual perspective.
I haven't told either J or C about this for obvious reasons but AITA for even entertaining these thoughts? I really don't know who to go to talk about this since most of my friends are also close with both J and C and I don't want to make anything weirder than it already is. I don't want to lose J and I don't want to risk messing up what J and C have together either, but I just don't know what to do apart from pretend none of this is happening and that doesn't seem very possible at this point.
TL;DR What it says on the tin - AITA for thinking about my boyfriend's boyfriend in a sexual way? If so, how do I stop?
chaloopah90 🌮 • 2 days ago
NTA but you should probably keep quiet until you know what you want. Do you know if C is into you?LivefromNZItsFridayNight • 2 days ago
Wait the dude FOLLOWED YOU TO A NEW JOB???? 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩Eomma_Chingu 🌸 • 2 days ago
NTA. And no offense OP but it doesn't sound like you want to stop. You can't help how you feel and it's best to embrace your feelings than to smother them. It may be difficult and scary to come clean, especially if you don't know how C feels about you or how J might react, but I bet they'll both appreciate your honesty. Go into the conversation with open ears and an open heart and you might be surprised by what could happen.pokeboi3000 • 2 days ago
NTA. Sounds like a pretty sweet set up to me, OP. Bang em both.MsTeriSpotWhovian • 2 days ago
NTA but could be if your not careful. I know you said you don't want to mess anything but if you let the feelings fester you could start to feel resentful and something really bad could happen.XXMavRickXX • 2 days ago
Nope J's TA. Maybe you're comfortable with your relationship or whatever but it seems seriously douchey for him to be with both of you and expect you both to only be with him. What a greedy dick.
Chin rested firmly on the heel of his hand, Yeosang squints at the computer screen. There aren't many more comments since he last checked a few hours ago and he finds himself re-reading all the ones that have been upvoted, torn by the conflicting opinions.
The consensus so far seems to be that he is not the asshole, which is at least some relief. Even if it doesn't really help solve the larger problem at hand.
"Hey baby, what are you up to?"
Yeosang jolts in his chair, ears burning as he immediately switches to a different browser tab and pretends to be extremely engrossed in what appears to be a very long list of city names.
Wooyoung drops a hand onto Yeosang's shoulder, squeezing as he crowds in close to rest his chin on the top of Yeosang's head. "What is this?" he asks with a laugh, reaching past Yeosang to drag his fingers over the trackpad, scrolling down on the webpage. "Are you studying?"
"No, it was just, uh." Yeosang stutters, having a difficult time thinking past the blaring sirens ringing inside his skull. "Like. Just a thing."
"Oh, is this for BiKiRa?"
"What?"
"San mentioned you two were doing some kind of quiz for the next one. Is it on city names or something? Oooh, are you trying to cheat? That's so sexy."
"Yeah," Yeosang replies, panic briefly overriding any ability to come up with a better lie. He takes a breath and the sudden influx of oxygen helps quiet some of the noise long enough for him to rub two braincells together. "I mean– No. Not, like. They didn't give us a topic so I'm just, like... looking around."
Behind him Wooyoung only laughs, burying the sound against the crown of Yeosang's head where he presses a kiss. "Do you want help? I could quiz you."
"Uh."
Wooyoung plants his next kiss on the shell of Yeosang's left, overly warm ear, his voice dropping in pitch when he says, "Can give you some positive reinforcement as you go."
"I don't know, uhm." Yeosang swallows as Wooyoung grazes his fingers along Yeosang's neck, tracing the curve of his jaw. "I don't how well that would work?"
"Spectacularly, I'd think," Wooyoung argues with a smirk against Yeosang's ear. "You always respond well to praise."
"Ugh. Can you two not get your kink all over my computer?"
Wooyoung's laugh is bright and sharp as he pulls away, Yeosang spinning around in his chair to find an unamused and freshly-showered Jongho on the other side of the room, vigorously scrubbing at his wet hair with a towel.
"We weren't doing anything," Yeosang insists.
"Yet," Wooyoung adds. "You couldn't have spent five more minutes in the shower?"
Jongho rolls his eyes before turning to grab a pair of lounge pants from the dresser. "Hyung's ordering pizza," he says, dropping the towel wrapped around his waist to the floor. "You should let him know if you want anything."
Wooyoung narrows his eyes. "You're just trying to get rid of us."
"Yes."
"This feels like a trap," Wooyoung continues, still clearly skeptical. "Is the pizza a lie?"
Jongho only throws him a bright smile. "Won't know unless you check, huh?"
Wooyoung glares in return, the two of them engaging in a brief staring contest that Jongho doesn't appear all that invested in seeing as he breaks it to tug a shirt over his head within the first three seconds. Wooyoung lets out a heavy sigh of resignation. "Fine," he declares, grabbing Yeosang by the hand and dragging him off the chair and toward the door. "But If you're lying about pizza Yeosang and I will fuck around in your bed later."
Yeosang glances back at Jongho as he's dragged away, shaking his head with wide eyes in direct denial of Wooyoung's threat.
As it turns out, the pizza is a lie. Seonghwa orders tacos instead which is apparently enough to satisfy Wooyoung's ire and Yeosang is selfishly glad for the distraction, all thoughts of his pathetic internet post forgotten in the twenty minutes it takes to devour dinner.
Of course it all comes rushing back later when San reaches across the table to wipe at the corner of Yeosang's mouth with his thumb and again when San joins him at the sink to help with the dishes, their bare elbows bumping in the cramped space. It's the only thing he can think about when they're packed onto the couch afterward, Wooyoung lounging back against San, their fingers intertwined as they the idly scroll through their phones, Wooyoung's legs draped over Yeosang's lap.
Later, right before bed, Yeosang catches Wooyoung pressing a sweet, quick kiss to San's lips just outside their bedroom. He gets his own kiss from Wooyoung moments later and forcibly doesn't imagine he can taste San on his lips.
//
Yeosang doesn't know when he started developing this thing for San. Sometimes he thinks it would be better if he could, like knowing the exact date and reason might give him the key to figuring out how to stop. But he doesn't know and he has a feeling that even if he did it wouldn't help. Possibly because the Eomma_Chingu commenter is right about him not actually wanting to. As illicit and potentially terrible as it is to be half in love with his boyfriend's boyfriend, he can't deny the little thrill that erupts in the pit of his stomach any time San smiles at him, the warmth that flows through him whenever they touch.
It doesn't help that San is as touchy-feely as Wooyoung, eagerly crowding into Yeosang's space in the backseat with his cheek on Yeosang's shoulder and elbow crammed into Yeosang's side as he grabs a nap on the way to KBS.
Yeosang's at least used to this much, can keep his heart rate mostly under control even when San eventually drops a hand to Yeosang's leg and sleepily starts scratching at the denim. But it gets decidedly more difficult when San dips his fingers through the artfully ripped holes to poke at the soft skin of Yeosang's inner thigh.
Luckily, they arrive at the studio before San becomes aware of the fact that Yeosang's been intermittently holding his breath for the past five minutes, only offering a sweet smile and an encouraging thumbs up before they make their way inside.
//
"You two ready for your quiz?" Minhyuk asks with a grin.
Twice's latest title track fades out in Yeosang's headphones and he reluctantly stops dancing in his chair, smiling as he nods in reply.
"Yes!" San adds, clapping his hands as he sits up straighter in his own chair. "Let's do it, I am so ready."
"I've been studying," Yeosang says with a grin.
"Oh?" Minhyuk replies, looking both surprised and delighted. "Really?"
"He spent last night looking up country capitals."
Minhyuk laughs as San starts miming staring at a computer screen and feverishly scribbling notes.
"No, no, not like that," Yeosang argues, cheeks flushing as he waves his hands at San to get him to stop. He doesn't fight it too hard though, not particularly wanting to go into detail about what he was actually up to last night on Jongho's computer.
"Well, let's quiz you then and see if your hard work paid off," Minhyuk says, undeterred. "What's the capital of Azerbaijan?"
Yeosang's ears are burning even as he laughs again, still waving his hands for them to stop. "I really don't know. I wasn't studying that hard."
"Peru?"
"Lima!" shouts San, excitedly punching the air. "I know that one!"
"One point to San," Minhyuk declares, laughing as Yeosang buries his head in his hands. San reaches over to squeeze Yeosang's shoulder reassuringly which really doesn't help the state of Yeosang's face as Minhyuk continues, "Okay okay, I'll stop teasing and start the quiz for real. Are you both ready? For better or worse, Yeosang-ssi, this one's not on country capitals."
"Definitely for the better," Yeosang mutters through his fingers. Not for the first time, he's grateful this is primarily a radio show and, theoretically, there will be fewer people witnessing his humiliation.
"Okay," Minhyuk says, shuffling the small stack of papers on his desk. "You should be pretty prepared for this quiz anyway since it's all about you."
"Oh! Us?" San replies, already excited.
Yeosang finally drops his hands away from his face to ask, "You mean Ateez?"
"No, on you," Minhyuk clarifies. "I'm going to ask each of you questions about the other person. So San I'll ask you something about Yeosang and vice versa. Whoever gets the most questions right wins."
San's eyes light up, smile stretching his face from ear to ear as Yeosang remembers the questionnaire they both had to fill out weeks ago just before they started this stint on Minhyuk's show. It's been so long now he can barely remember any of the questions, but he should have guessed it'd be for something like this.
"What do we win?" San asks, practically bouncing in his chair.
"Not having to perform the punishment."
"What's the punishment?" San asks with a tip of his head. If Yeosang didn't know better he'd assume San is flirting, but it's more likely that San's trying to determine how much genuine effort he wants to put into to winning.
"To be determined," is Minhyuk's only response, tossing him a quick wink before he sits up straighter and clears his through. "Yeosang-ssi! Your first question is – What is San-ssi's current favorite shower song?"
Yeosang blinks. "Shower song?"
"What song does he sing most in the shower these days?"
"Ooh!" San says, visibly wiggling in his seat as he grins at Yeosang. "You should know this one."
Yeosang does know. Not because he's recently become obsessed with San either, but because San is loud and the walls in their apartment aren't exactly soundproof. And also because San usually continues the song once he's out of the shower, wandering around with a towel barely clinging to his hips.
"Taemin-sunbaenim's 'Sayonara Hitori,'" Yeosang says with definitive satisfaction.
"Ahh," Minhyuk responds, clapping appreciatively. "Very good, very good. He must sing this one a lot, yeah?"
"Almost every day," Yeosang says, grinning over at San. "Before that it was a Justin Bieber song."
"Ah, Ddeuh-dohh, of course," Minhyuk says with a laugh.
San looks only the tiniest bit embarrassed, a bright smile still stretched across his face as he meets Yeosang's eyes. "They're both good songs. I have great taste."
"That's undisputed," Minhyuk replies warmly, pausing to glance down at his papers. "Okay, next question. San-ssi. According to Yeosang, who is Ateez's visual?"
San's mouth drops open as he lets out a quiet, "Ohhhh," and Minhyuk starts laughing.
"Sorry, are we sure we have one?" Yeosang asks.
"It's Seonghwa-hyung," San says without missing a beat. "I mean, that's what I would say. I would say Seonghwa-hyung. Yeosang would say..."
He trails off then, turning to look at Yeosang with narrowed eyes as he taps at his bottom lip with one finger. "Hmm."
Yeosang stares right back, fighting a nervous smile as San continues to study him. He can't actually remember what he'd put in response all those weeks ago. It's one of those dumb questions they get all the time and Yeosang's made a point of mixing up his answer just to keep people wondering. Did he put San? Fuck.
"Actually, I think Yeosang would also say Seonghwa-hyung," San decides after a couple more beats of silence.
With a grin, Minhyuk drops his voice slightly. "Is that your final answer?"
"That's my final answer."
"Ddaeng!" Minhyuk shouts, chopping the air with a jab of his hand. Eyes glittering, he leans in closer to the microphone and Yeosang's stomach drops when he says, "He chose San!"
"Really??"
San's dimples are cavernous as he suddenly launches himself at Yeosang, wrapping him in a tight hug, their faces cheek to cheek. The cord on his headphones is just barely long enough to accommodate the stretch, pulling to its very limit as Yeosang pretends to choke in San's embrace.
"Please don't break the equipment, San-ssi," Minhyuk teases. "Everything in here is very expensive."
San obediently disengages, bowing in apology as he settles back into his chair while Yeosang makes a show of rubbing at his wounded neck.
"Alright, the score so far is one to zero in favor of Yeosang," Minhyuk continues, raising his eyes from his script to grin at them across the large, cluttered table. "Next question – Yeosang, this one is for you. Who is San's celebrity crush?"
"Oh, easy, it's Yeosang!" San blurts out before immediately clamping a hand over his smiling mouth.
Ignoring the way his guts do a little somersault, Yeosang rolls his eyes. He knows it isn't true, that San is being silly for the sake of the show and for the fans who will eat this up with a spoon. But the idea that it might be just a little bit true is admittedly making him feel some kind of way.
"Not according to this paper," Minhyuk confirms and San drops his hands, mouth wide in shock.
"Wait, how long ago did I fill that out?"
Minhyuk darts a glance at the staff huddled on the other side of the glass partition where one of the PDs is making broad hand gestures in response.
"PD-nim is waving dramatically at me," Minhyuk explains into the microphone, lips still curled in a grin. "I have no idea what he's– oh, three? Three weeks? No. Months? Three months. Three months ago," he determines, turning his attention back on San.
San shakes his head. "We should throw this one out. Whatever I said back then is a lie. Shouldn't count."
"Are you forfeiting a point then?"
San's mouth drops open, jaw hanging for half a beat before he stutters, "I didn't say that."
"I think we should give Yeosang a chance to guess your answer as of three months ago."
The real answer is easy though maybe Wooyoung doesn't count as a celebrity crush at all seeing as he's San's actual boyfriend and is only sort of a celebrity. But Yeosang knows exactly who does fit both categories and leans in closer to the microphone, darting a glance first at San and then over to Minhyuk as he fights a smirk.
"It's Minhyuk-sunbaenim."
San makes a soft sound of confusion into the answering silence.
It's broken with a canned sound of applause as Minhyuk breaks into a smile and San jumps to his feet again, struggling to see over the microphones and cables tangled between him and Minhyuk.
"Right here," Minhyuk insists, holding his paper up as proof.
San squints at it. "Aish," he breathes, shaking his head with a smile, cheeks tinged a faint pink. "Okay, okay. I don't remember, but I trust you! I trust you! Minhyuk-sunbaenim is a good crush to have. So handsome! So talented! So poised and articulate!"
Laughing, Minhyuk waves at him to stop. "You can't flatter your way into winning this."
"I can try!"
"Yeosang only needs to get one more right to win."
"Are there only three questions?" Yeosang asks, unsure whether to feel relieved or disappointed when Minhyuk responds with a quick nod.
"And it's the King of Flattery's turn," Minhyuk adds, flipping the page of his script. "San-ssi! If you get this one right you're still in the game, but if you miss it you lose. Are you ready?"
San immediately schools his face into something resembling a serious expression as he gives a quick nod.
"Fighting," Yeosang whispers into the microphone, reaching over to tap San's knee with his fist.
San flashes him a smile in response.
"Okay, here we go," Minhyuk declares. "Tell us – who was the last person Yeosang texted?"
"Why am I getting all the hard ones?" San whines, his shoulders sagging. "I don't even remember who I last texted."
"Me either," Yeosang confesses, tipping in his chair enough to pull his phone out of his pocket.
Minhyuk laughs from the other side of the table, leaning forward with his hand outstretched for Yeosang's phone. There's way too much incriminating evidence hidden in the recesses of Yeosang's various message threads for him to feel comfortable handing over his entire phone, but a quick glance proves there's nothing too damaging visible in the listing and he shows his screen to Minhyuk long enough for Minhyuk to see the answer.
"Ooh," Minhyuk remarks, glancing up at Yeosang with a confused little frown.
Yeosang only grins in response.
"What does that face mean?" San demands, looking fiercely between Minhyuk and Yeosang. It isn't clear which of them he's talking to. "Do I even know this person?"
"Of course," Yeosang says, tapping his phone off. "You know everyone I know."
It's maybe not entirely true, but it's more than close enough in this particular case.
San's eyes are still narrowed, focus locked on Yeosang like some flicker of Yeosang's expression might give him the answer. Yeosang only raises an eyebrow and purses his lips to keep from giggling.
"Your answer, San-ssi," Minhyuk prods after a few moments.
"Do I get a hint?"
Yeosang glances over at Minhyuk who seems to think on it a moment before shrugging. "Up to you."
Yeosang immediately turns back to San. "No hint."
"Waaaughhh," San wails, laughing as he drops his head back to scream at the ceiling.
"Is that your answer?" Minhyuk asks.
Huffing, San plants his hands on his hips and pouts. "No. Just..." he trails off, half-glaring at Yeosang again before he finally takes his guess. "Wooyoung?"
Minhyuk hisses through his teeth, a canned buzzer sounding in their headphones as Yeosang breaks into a victorious laugh. He quickly unlocks his phone with a tap of his thumb and leans close to show his screen to San.
"My dad??"
"Ahhh," Minhyuk replies, clearly now understanding what he hadn't before. At least partially.
"He sent us both a text while we were preparing for the show," Yeosang explains both to Minhyuk as well as anyone actually listening to the show. "He always does. But I'm the better son because I always respond first."
"Only because you type faster!"
"Have you texted him back yet tonight?"
San's bottom lip juts out in a pout. "We've been busy."
"Too busy to make time for your dad," Yeosang says and San's mouth drops open in silent indignation, his cheeks pinking as he abruptly pulls his phone out of his back pocket.
"This is getting heated," Minhyuk interjects with a quick laugh.
"I am texting him right now!"
Yeosang turns in his chair to find one of the cameras focused on them. He waves at it with a bright smile, "Hi, appa!" he declares loudly. "I'm sorry you have such a bad son but I promise we'll shape him into someone to be proud of."
San lets out a bark of a laugh as he smacks Yeosang's knee.
//
Minhyuk reveals the penalty at the end of the show in the form of San having to carry Yeosang out of the studio, down the maze of KBS's extensive corridors, and into the parking garage. Exactly how San is to carry Yeosang isn't specified so when Yeosang steps up behind him, preparing to jump up onto his back, San surprises him by turning at the last second and bending to swoop Yeosang up in his arms in a bridal carry.
Yeosang yelps, instinctively flinging an arm over San's shoulders to keep from falling as heat floods his cheeks. The staff start laughing in delight, two separate cameras focusing immediately on them.
San straightens up with no effort, cheeks dimpling as he proudly walks down the hall, Yeosang's legs dangling over the hook of his left arm.
"Dun-dun-dah-dun," San sings loudly, eliciting another round of laughter from their staff as Yeosang's ears burn.
Yeosang covers his face with his other hand, skin hot enough to burn his fingertips as San clucks his tongue. "Sang-ah, stop that. You're too pretty to hide!"
Yeosang responds with a punch to San's stupidly well-muscled chest, but it doesn't feel particularly satisfying.
Edit: To answer some of the questions I've seen come up over the past couple days:
1) No, I don't know if C is into me. Sometimes I think maybe he is, but he flirts with nearly everyone so it's hard to say whether or not I'm special.
2) J isn't a selfish dick. Both C and I are free to date other people. We've talked about that. I've just never had any real desire to do it until very recently and it's kind of a different story when it's C I'm interested in.
3) Please keep your weird horny fantasies about us to yourself, thanks.
Also, I'm pretty sure my feelings for C are getting more intense. To the point where I really don't think I can ignore them anymore. I have to do something, but I don't know what. If I confess and it goes over badly it could really mess up a lot of things, not just between me and J, but between all three of us and jeopardize our jobs. But if I don't say anything I think these feelings might actually eat me alive. Help???
pokeboi3000 • 1 day ago
Still don't see the problem here OP. Take the plunge.cordundertoad 🍄 • 1 day ago
this seriously reads like a terrible fanfic. does anyone actually think this is a real story because i call bull.Eomma_Chingu 🌸 • 1 day ago
I still think you should try talking to them, but it may be easier to do so separately instead of together. It sounds like you have a pretty solid history with J so start with him. You said you've never really explored dating anyone else in addition to him so it might be good to broach the idea that you have your eye on someone. You don't even need to specify who, but maybe just open the conversation so he can spend some time getting used to the idea.IC3B7U3BAEBEE • 1 day ago
Do you and your boys drink OP? If so I say arrange to get wasted with them one night and then just plant one on C. If shit hits the fan you can always blame the alcohol but if it goes WELL...........
Yeosang catches up on the latest comments to his post in the car on the way back from SBS Tuesday night. His stomach twists at some of the ruder responses though he does his best to ignore them in favor of the few attempts at legitimate advice.
Of all of them, Eomma_Chingu's seems the most helpful and Yeosang spends the last half of the car ride imagining how such a conversation with Wooyoung might play out. Every scenario is equally terrifying, but he can concede it might not go too badly if he does it right. However emotional Wooyoung can be most of the time, he isn't void of reason and compassion, particularly where his friends (and boyfriends) are concerned. So long as Yeosang is careful with his phrasing, and doesn't somehow end up blurting every detail in a guilt-ridden word vomit, there's a reasonable chance of determining if Wooyoung really is open to Yeosang seeing someone else outside of their arrangement. And that's as good a start as any.
Finding a few minutes alone with Wooyoung isn't difficult considering they share a room, but Yeosang chickens out three times in the span of as many days, internally blaming exhaustion and the fact that Jongho could come home at any minute and inadvertently interrupt.
But when Jongho leaves town for the weekend to visit his family and Yeosang finds Wooyoung sprawled across Yeosang's bed, he realizes he no longer has any excuse to keep putting it off.
"Hi, baby," Wooyoung says, his voice sleepily cheerful. Something about it calms Yeosang's anxiety and he steps further into the room, quietly closing the door behind him.
Resting his phone on his chest, Wooyoung raises his arms over his head and stretches out his spine before rolling over to face Yeosang, gravity sending his phone toppling to the mattress. "Finally escaped Seonghwa's clutches?"
Yeosang takes a seat on the edge of his bed, Wooyoung immediately bending his legs to nudge his knee up against Yeosang's butt. "It was fun," Yeosang says with a shrug. "Got free chicken out of the deal."
"Staff paid for it?" Wooyoung replies in obvious surprise.
"No, hyung did," Yeosang explains, shifting on the mattress so he can face Wooyoung better, dropping his hand to Wooyoung's pajama-clad thigh. "Why are you on my bed?"
Wooyoung pulls in a deep breath, picking his phone up off the mattress as he rolls onto his back. "Didn't feel like walking all the way to mine."
Arching an eyebrow, Yeosang glances at Wooyoung's bed which is located less than a meter from his own.
"And yours is more comfortable," Wooyoung adds.
As usual, Wooyoung is full of shit. But he's also extremely cute and is very clearly angling to make the best of the few hours they'll have without their third roommate.
That is if Yeosang doesn't manage to fuck it up before they get that far.
His stomach sinking, Yeosang shifts to bring his other leg up on the bed and sits cross-legged, Wooyoung scooting over to give him more room as he unlocks his phone with a swipe of his thumb.
"Can I ask you something?" Yeosang forces himself to say.
Wooyoung glances at him over the top of his phone, expression curious but not guarded.
Yeosang's unhelpful brain immediately turns to static. He has no idea how to put into words what he wants to ask, no idea how to phrase, 'Hey, so I know in theory you should be fine with me seeing other people, but what about in practice?' in a way that doesn't sound pragmatic and emotionally detached. Or worse, accusatory. Wooyoung is a highly emotional person and, while sometimes the best way to approach him is from a logical standpoint that pulls him safely away from his volatile feelings, sometimes that's the absolute worst approach. Particularly if Wooyoung senses even a hint of manipulation, intentional or otherwise.
"What, uh..." Yeosang manages, cheeks heating under the weight of his prolonged silence. "I'm just wondering, if like. If..."
He trails off as a slow, sly smile stretches across Wooyoung's face. "Awww, I can't believe you're still this shy asking for sex. Cute!"
Yeosang sputters. "What? I am not!"
"The answer is obviously yes," Wooyoung continues, turning his attention back to his phone. "Why the fuck do you think I'm in your bed?"
"I wasn't–" Yeosang argues, immediately biting his tongue because he still doesn't know to phrase his actual question.
"Ooh, look at this picture," Wooyoung says, grinning as he turns his phone around to show Yeosang. Stomach still twisted in knots, Yeosang looks at it, breath catching in his throat at the downright lewd photograph of San plastered across the screen. It's clearly one Wooyoung took himself, likely either right before or right after sex. There's nothing overtly pornographic about it, no penises or nipples in frame, but San's chest is flushed pink, his skin dewy and face twisted in obvious pleasure.
Wooyoung cackles in delight, turning his phone back around and swiping at the screen.
"Imagine if Atiny ever got their hands on these," he says, giggling as he flashes another picture at Yeosang, this one of San with his head tipped back, eyes clenched tight and throat glistening with sweat. "They would completely lose their minds."
Wooyoung has pictures of Yeosang on that phone too. He shouldn't; the fact that they exist at all is stupid and dangerous, but it's admittedly thrilling too. Wooyoung's always careful to not include anything that could be outright damaging should his phone ever be stolen or hacked, but there's no doubt some of them toe the line.
Like the next one Wooyoung flashes at him: San with his eyes closed and his mouth wide open, the expression on his face one of such pure, unadulterated ecstasy Yeosang can feel it in the pit of his own stomach.
Though that's immediately smothered by a rising wave of panic as Yeosang rips his attention away from Wooyoung's phone.
"Why are you showing me these?" he blurts, his heart racing.
"You're getting all flustered," Wooyoung says with a widening grin. "So cute."
Yeosang yanks Wooyoung's phone from his hands, pointedly locking the screen before tossing it over to Wooyoung's bed.
"Yah!" Wooyoung shouts, but his eyes are glittering as Yeosang climbs on top of him.
"Are you trying to make me jealous?" Yeosang asks as he presses Wooyoung's wrists to the mattress. He has no idea why Wooyoung would want that, but it's the only thing that makes any kind of sense. Why would Wooyoung be showing him pictures of a clearly post-orgasmic San unless to try to rile him up?
Wooyoung grins. "No, but is it working?"
"No."
"Mmm," Wooyoung replies, wiggling his hips where they're trapped between Yeosang's knees and biting his bottom lip. "Then why is your face so red?"
"I don't know!" Yeosang shouts because coming up with a suitable lie right now isn't remotely possible. If Wooyoung's not trying to make him jealous then what is he trying to do? Why would he make Yeosang look at pictures of his other boyfriend while clearly angling for sex? What is he hoping to get out of this whole thing?
Wooyoung laughs again then tips his chin and purses his lips. "You're seriously so cute right now. Kiss me."
"What is wrong with you?" Yeosang replies, laughing despite himself. He lets go of Wooyoung's left wrist to slap at his shoulder which only makes Wooyoung smile wider before wrapping his freed hand around the back of Yeosang's neck and dragging him down into a kiss.
It's bruising and a little clumsy, laughter muffled as Wooyoung licks into Yeosang's mouth, teeth sharp on Yeosang's bottom lip when Yeosang has the audacity to pause long enough to try to catch his breath.
"You should fuck me," Wooyoung declares against Yeosang's parted lips. "I got myself ready while you were doing whatever with Seonghwa."
Every drop of blood in Yeosang's body rushes his to dick so fast he nearly blacks out.
He has Wooyoung on his stomach in seconds, both their pajama pants tugged halfway down their thighs, Wooyoung's head propped on his folded arms and lips curved in a smirk. He hadn't been lying about the prep, Yeosang easily sinking two fingers inside and hissing for Wooyoung to shut the fuck up when Wooyoung lets out an obscene moan. Their relationship isn't a secret within the group but that doesn't mean Yeosang loves alerting the entire dorm to the fact that they're fucking, doesn't need Yunho offering him supportive fistbumps or Mingi slow-clapping at him when he walks into the kitchen for a drink later.
Wooyoung on the other hand seems determined to make sure everyone knows exactly what they're doing, either because he's genuinely too caught up in the moment to care who hears or just because he's a brat.
Gritting his teeth, Yeosang shoves his fingers in hard, his other hand planted on Wooyoung's lower back to keep him still. "Gonna gag you if you don't shut up."
Wooyoung responds with another low, throaty moan, though he has the decency to turn his head into the pillow, muffling at least some of it as he lifts his hips higher. Yeosang rolls his eyes; he should've guessed that threat would backfire.
He grabs the lube and a condom from the box under the bed, ignoring Wooyoung's impatient whimpering as he readies himself before tugging again at Wooyoung's pajama pants, pulling them low enough for Wooyoung to bend his knees.
Thankfully Wooyoung is a little quieter once Yeosang's inside him, his whimpers and moans smothered in the pillow. In reward, Yeosang fucks in slow and deep, draped over Wooyoung in that way he knows Wooyoung loves, lips at Wooyoung's shoulder, pressing open-mouthed kisses with every roll of his hips.
He desperately tries not to picture San's orgasm face every time he closes his eyes, but that proves impossible, his mind jumping from the memory of San's fucked-out face to imagining his body tangled up with Wooyoung's to coming up with every single thing Wooyoung could have possibly done to make San look like that when he took the picture.
To envisioning what he could do to make San look like that.
"Young-ah," Yeosang groans, pleasure coiling tight in the base of his spine as he grinds in deep.
Wooyoung responds with his own groan, rocking his hips back to meet Yeosang as he turns his head to breathe. The corner of his mouth twitches into a faint smirk, face shiny with sweat as he says, "Mmm, yeah. Come on, baby."
It's either a testament to how turned on Yeosang is right now or how much he loves Wooyoung that he finds it more sexy than obnoxious, his rhythm stuttering as heat pulses in his gut. Closing his eyes only brings more images of San, each one more pornographic than the last until the extremely clear image of San stretched out on his bed with Yeosang riding his cock while Wooyoung rides his face sends Yeosang hurdling full force into his orgasm, cock pulsing in the tight clench of Wooyoung's hole.
Gasping, he chases the high of his release, rocking into Wooyoung before the waves finally subside and he crumples forward, heart pounding against the heat of Wooyoung's back.
Wooyoung squirms, vibrating gently under Yeosang's chest when he laughs. "Just wanna point out that I haven't come yet."
"Mmm."
Wooyoung wiggles again, possibly in an attempt to dislodge Yeosang though Yeosang is really not feeling inclined to move at all.
"Sang-ah," Wooyoung whines, rolling his hips again and bearing down on Yeosang's flagging dick. Yeosang hisses, body jerking before he relents and pushes his weight onto one forearm, reaching down between them to keep the condom in place as he eases free. He takes care of the rubber, tying the end and tossing it into the wastebasket at the foot of his bed before smooshing himself between Wooyoung and the wall as Wooyoung rolls onto his back.
Yeosang eyes Wooyoung's bobbing erection. "If I touch you do you promise to be quiet?"
"No," Wooyoung scoffs, grinning as he grabs Yeosang's left hand and drags it down to his cock. He curls Yeosang's fingers around his length and rolls his hips forward, mischievous eyes locked on Yeosang's.
Yeosang doesn't fight it, squeezing gently before starting to stroke him, meeting the rhythm Wooyoung's set with his slow thrusts. Despite his claims, Wooyoung is miraculously quiet, mouth falling open with soft, nearly-silent sighs as Yeosang jerks him faster. Yeosang can tell he's getting close by how hard he is but also how he shifts to get closer, rolling onto his hip and curling an arm over Yeosang's shoulder, their noses bumping as Wooyoung whines against his cheek.
"Love, god," Wooyoung breathes, his voice hushed as he fucks into Yeosang's fist. "Love how you touch me. Always."
"It's just my hand," Yeosang says, fighting a smile under Wooyoung's praise.
"Mmm," Wooyoung agrees, tipping forward to knock their foreheads lightly, panting harshly. "It's your hand."
Yeosang's the one to groan then, stifling it against Wooyoung's open mouth as he works him faster. The slide would be better with more lube, but Wooyoung hardly seems to mind, his whimpers slipping into a higher pitch as he grabs at Yeosang's side, grip bruising. His hips jerk with every rough stroke, stomach quivering against the backs of Yeosang's knuckles before his dick pulses in Yeosang's fist, Wooyoung's teeth sinking into Yeosang's bottom lip as he shoots between them, spilling across Yeosang's t-shirt and over his fingers.
Yeosang eases his grip only when Wooyoung's eyes flutter open, gaze unfocused and cheeks flushed a beautiful pink.
"See, was that so hard?" Yeosang says, smoothing his hand down to the root of Wooyoung's dick, palm slick with jizz.
Wooyoung's eyebrows flicker with confusion.
"Keeping quiet," Yeosang clarifies.
Wooyoung's lips tug into a frown. "Excruciating."
"Such a baby."
"Hey, I just let you fuck me," Wooyoung argues, sticking his bottom lip out in a mock pout.
"Let me?"
"I graciously allowed you the use of my ass for your own pleasure and this is the thanks I get? Demands to be quiet? Threats to gag me?"
"That was not a threat."
"Definitely sounded like one," Wooyoung argues, making no effort to hide his smile.
"It was a promise."
Wooyoung's smile splinters, his cock twitching in Yeosang's grip and Yeosang smirks.
The next round is notably much louder but Yeosang finds it easy to forget all about the San Problem in the twenty minutes he's being fucked stupid by Wooyoung so at least there's that.
//
Because luck has never ever been on Yeosang's side, San is the first person he sees the next morning.
"Oh hey, surprised you're up already," San says, grinning as he steps into the kitchen. With his head tipped back to drink his protein shake, Yeosang almost misses the way San's gaze drops to the general vicinity of Yeosang's crotch, almost misses the tinge of pink that darkens the tips of his ears. "Uh. Pun absolutely not intended."
Yeosang somehow does not choke on his shake, but he does press the back of his wrist against his lips as he struggles to swallow.
The tentative smile on San's face slips with concern as he steps closer. "Sorry, I wasn't trying to embarrass you."
Ears burning, Yeosang covers his eyes with one hand, like doing so will somehow make him magically disappear. It doesn't work, obviously, San's sheer presence filling all the space Yeosang can no longer see before San gently pats him, his hand lingering at the middle of Yeosang's back for frankly far too long.
In a horrifyingly vivid flash he remembers the pictures on Wooyoung's phone, a helpless, anguished whimper escaping his lips as he abruptly drops his hand from his face and spins around to march to his room.
"Sang-ah?" San calls after him quietly, hurt clear in his tone.
"Sorry, uh– Gotta– I think the shake might be spoiled," he blurts out, realizing only after he's closed the door to his bedroom that it would've made more sense for him to run to the bathroom. But it's too late now and, with Jongho still visiting his parents and Wooyoung sneaking in some solo dance practice at the company, he at least has some dedicated time alone to calm down and collect himself. And come up with a better lie than a spoiled protein shake to cover up for his weird behavior when someone (San, Wooyoung, Hongjoong – all equally likely) inevitably asks him about it later.
Though...
Yeosang crawls onto his bed, the sheets still rumpled and a little crusty (a problem to be dealt with later) and sits with his back against the wall as he pulls out his phone. He quickly checks the latest comments on his post, finding none of them particularly useful before scanning through the whole list again in search of a single name.
He taps on it as soon as he finds it and navigates to the messaging screen, furiously typing with one thumb as he continues to sip his shake.
to: Eomma_Chingu
subject: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: Hi! I know this is probably weird since you don't really know me so please feel free to ignore if you find it creepy or just don't want to respond but I don't want to crowd source for help anymore and you seem to actually know what you're talking about. And I could really use some good advice.Anyway I think I messed up. I tried talking to J last night like you suggested but I got distracted because J kept showing me a bunch of suggestive pictures of C he'd taken and I completely panicked and we ended up having sex instead. I still don't know WHY he was showing me those pictures but I think he must either already know and is purposefully taunting me OR he was trying to make me jealous for some reason. Both options make him sound like a terrible person, which he isn't, so there must be another explanation. I just don't know what it is???
Also when I saw C just now I flipped out and ran away from him and I'm pretty sure I hurt his feelings. But I think maybe that could be a good thing? Maybe if he thinks I hate him he'll stop being so flirty all the time and I can get over this whole thing. That could work, right?
Regardless of whether or not Eomma_Chingu ever replies, Yeosang feels a little lighter getting the words out of his head. He still doesn't have a reasonable solution, has no idea what he's going to say to San later, or how he might explain himself to Wooyoung or Hongjoong if San tells either of them what happened. Hongjoong would probably encourage him to tell the truth. So would Seonghwa and Yunho if Yeosang wasn't so terrified to breathe a word of this to anyone he actually knows.
But he can't tell the truth. Not about this. Not without risking his relationship with Wooyoung and his friendship with San and the others along with his entire career. Everything he's spent every minute of the past eight years of his life working for.
Taking another drink of his shake, he anxiously flips through fan cafe and his kakao messages, heart leaping when he gets a notification a few minutes later.
to: 1999xyzeee321
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: Hi there! Don't worry, I don't think you're weird or creepy! I've actually been wondering about you the past few days. I was hoping we'd get an update saying everything worked out so I'm sad to hear that's not the case. 🙁I'm no relationship expert (still tragically single despite my best and extremely overt efforts) but I would definitely advise against trying to make C think you hate him. I imagine doing so would only end with J eventually catching wind of it and then you'll have to explain from a defensive position. While I do still think you should talk to them both about this whole thing you don't want to start that conversation on uneven ground. That wouldn't be good for any of you.
What if you try talking to J again, but this time maybe arrange to go somewhere public? Maybe take him out for coffee or go for a short walk. Then take some time beforehand to practice what you'll say. You don't have to write a script or anything but figure out the key points, memorize them, and come up with a few different ways to touch on those points. Since you'll be out in public when the conversation happens, if he doesn't take it well, it likely won't turn into a screaming match since people tend to behave better in public than they would in private. Do you think you could manage something like that?
The ache of anxiety beneath Yeosang's breastbone lessens with every word of Eomma_Chingu's response. Finding a time when he and Wooyoung can both get away will be difficult but not impossible; with promotions not starting up for another month or so they have a little more time these days. Yeosang isn't usually the one to initiate these kinds of things, but Wooyoung isn't likely to turn down the invitation unless he already has other plans and, considering Wooyoung's schedule usually looks nearly identical to Yeosang's, it won't be hard for him to determine Wooyoung's availability.
The trickier part will be figuring out what he needs to say and how. But maybe Eomma_Chingu can help him with that too. Unless something on their calendar falls through, he probably won't be able to find a day to get away for at least another week so he'll have a decent amount of time to figure things out. As long as he doesn't explode in a panic again.
to: Eomma_Chingu
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: I think I can do that! If you don't mind I might reach out to you later for suggestions on what I should say or how I should phrase things if I get stuck. Is that okay? I tend to second-guess myself a lot and I don't want to mess this up any more than I already have. I can't get into the details even privately, but there's a lot more at stake here than just my heart.Oh, and thank you!!! You've honestly been so wonderful and helpful! You must hang around a bunch of stupid people if no one's been smart enough to see how great you are.
He doesn't have to wait very long at all for Eomma_Chingu's response, his phone lighting up with the notification just as he's finishing the last dregs of his shake.
to: 1999xyzeee321
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: You're very sweet. I'm afraid the boy I've hung my heart on isn't stupid so much as extremely focused on other things. I don't know if that's ever likely to change but I can't stop myself from hoping.And I'll be hoping for your success too! Don't hesitate to reach out if you need to talk through anything. I'm rooting for you! Fighting!
Newly energized, Yeosang spends the next hour trying to put Eomma_Chingu's advice into action. He jots down a list of possible date locations along with some of the talking points he should at least try to touch on, namely:
1) he is very seriously into someone else
2) that someone else does not know and likely does not feel the same
3) regardless of this mysterious other person's feelings Yeosang has absolutely no desire to break up with Wooyoung
(There's also a hidden-slash-implied point number 4 that largely boils down to Yeosang begging, if necessary, for Wooyoung to not to break up with him.)
And then, because he is still an immense coward, he decides to text to San. Because San is San there are already a handful of messages waiting for him, each one more concerned than the last and Yeosang takes a deep breath as he finally reads through them.
KQ Choi San (08:10 AM): sang are you okay??
KQ Choi San (08:23 AM): you've been in there awhile now are you okay?
KQ Choi San (08:23 AM): pls don't be embarrassed
KQ Choi San (08:41 AM): do you need help cleaning up?
Yeosang reminds himself that San is talking about the protein shake, not the state of Yeosang's crusty bed though that manages to only make him feel worse. And also more determined to make amends to the best of his ability.
Kang Yeosang (09:05 AM): I'm okay.
Kang Yeosang (09:06 AM): Sorry. Didn't mean to worry you.
KQ Choi San (09:07 AM): baby!
KQ Choi San (09:07 AM): it's ok!!!
KQ Choi San (09:07 AM): do you need anything?
San's response makes Yeosang's stupid heart flutter though he does his best to stifle it, biting his lip against a smile as he continues typing.
Kang Yeosang (09:08 AM): No, but thank you.
Kang Yeosang (09:09 AM): I just wanted you to know I'm okay. And that I'm sorry. I promise I didn't mean to worry you.
KQ Choi San (09:11 AM): did you get sick?
Kang Yeosang (09:15 AM): No. I laid down for awhile and now I feel better.
KQ Choi San (09:16AM: oh good!!
Though he really should have expected as much from San, the warmest and most forgiving person he's ever known, it still feels a little too easy. At least until three little dots pop up by San's name and then disappear. Then reappear three seconds later. Then disappear.
Yeosang frowns as the cycle repeats two more times before finally there's a new message.
KQ Choi San (09:21 AM:) if you're feeling ok now can i come steal a hug?
It's a terrible idea all things considered, but Yeosang still doesn't hesitate in his response.
Kang Yeosang (09:22 AM:) Of course.
//
It isn't technically the soonest Yeosang can manage (because, as previously determined, he is a bit of a coward) but he does manage to get Wooyoung to commit to an actual, legitimate dinner date two weeks later. The place is sentimental, but not fancy: just a fried chicken joint under a bike shop about a mile or so from the dorm that happens to be the first place they ate at together when Wooyoung showed up at KQ.
Wooyoung has a vocal lesson he's finishing up so Yeosang arrives first, grabbing a table in the far corner.
Ms. Yeo, the ahjumma who runs the place with her husband, scurries his way within minutes, a bright smile stretched across her wrinkled face. It's been awhile since he was last here and Ms. Yeo seems adamant to make up for lost time, gushing over how much she enjoyed their last title track and the few performances she managed to catch before switching gears to fill him in on the lives of her three children and seven grandchildren.
"And you!" she exclaims suddenly, giving Yeosang's right bicep a squeeze. "What is this? You look like someone I would hire to move furniture!"
Yeosang coughs in surprise, his ears burning as he tries to wave off the compliments which only inspires her to gleefully pinch his cheek.
"Good to see such a strong and handsome boy stay so humble," she coos. "Women don't like a man who's too cocky."
"Ah, I'm not, uh," Yeosang fumbles, rubbing at his red cheek. "Thank you. Sorry. I just do it so I can dance better."
Ms. Yeo arches an eyebrow. "Do you do a lot of dancing with your arms?"
"Sometimes?" Yeosang laughs.
"Ahhh," she replies, clearly humoring him. "Well, I guess that's alright then. Now what can we get started for you tonight?"
Relieved for the break in her teasing, Yeosang orders enough yangnyeom chicken for both himself and Wooyoung along with two sojus. It's a bit indulgent but also fitting for a date. Plus, he'll almost definitely need a little liquid courage to get through his planned conversation.
He pulls out his phone after Ms. Yeo heads back to the kitchen, catching up on the group chat messages he's missed over the past couple hours before familiar footsteps catch his attention.
"Hi!" says San with a bright grin.
Yeosang frowns.
"Wooyoung got pulled into a meeting last minute so he sent me in his place," San explains as he pulls out the chair opposite Yeosang. "Surprise!"
Yeosang blinks again, his brain struggling to make sense of San's (objectively very clear) words. "Oh," he finally manages, the smile stretched across his face not forced so much as surprised and confused and just a little overwhelmed because it's taken him a week to get himself into a headspace where he feels even slightly capable of talking to Wooyoung about what's going on and now he'll have to work himself up to it all over again.
But that's not San's fault. San is just being a good boyfriend to Wooyoung and a good friend to Yeosang and an overall good person, just as he always is. Whatever angst Yeosang might have swimming around inside him, there's no reason to take it out on San.
So he sucks in a breath and smiles wider. "Hi! Yeah, uh. I already ordered so I hope yangnyeom's okay."
"Of course," San replies, sliding his arms across the table to tug at Yeosang's wrist, right below where he's cradling his phone.
Yeosang lets out a quiet laugh, anxiety giving way to that familiar flutter that always shows up when he's around San these days. Setting his phone on the table, Yeosang offers his hands to San who immediately tangles their fingers with a wide, happy grin.
"Oh, did I tell you about the message I got from Minhyuk-hyung the other day?"
With the way San's fingers are wrapped around his own there isn't any way Yeosang will be able to concentrate on anything San's actually saying. But he does his best, nodding and laughing in what he hopes are all the right places as San's story jumps from Minhyuk to Eunkwang to gossip about two of their staff members who may nor may not be engaged in some kind of mysterious ongoing feud.
San lets go after a few minutes to use his hands to gesture as he continues talking and Yeosang manages to relax, the butterflies in his belly quieting enough for him to eat when the chicken and ban chan are brought out to the table.
The soju doesn't hurt either, the two of them demolishing two bottles before they're even halfway through the meal. With sauce-smeared fingers, San grabs Ms. Yeo's attention to order another bottle before turning his focus back on Yeosang.
"This is fun," San declares, sucking sauce off the pad of his index finger with a grin. "Don't tell Wooyoung, but I'm glad I got to steal his date."
Yeosang can blame the warmth in his cheeks on the soju as he nods. "Me too."
"We don't do this enough. Get time together like this, just me and you."
"We do BiKiRa every week," Yeosang points out, sinking his teeth into another leg of chicken.
"Right, but that's work," San argues, licking sauce off the tip of his middle finger. Yeosang absolutely does not let himself stare. "It's not the same thing. We never do this kind of thing, just hanging out outside of work. Watching TV at the dorm doesn't count either, not when the other members are always there to interrupt, including Wooyoung."
San's actually pouting by the time he's done though the buzzing under Yeosang's skin distracts him from focusing on the jut of San's bottom lip for too long, the word alone ringing in his ears.
Because San isn't wrong. They really don't spend all that much time alone together. Even Yeosang and Wooyoung barely have time alone and they're not only dating but actually sharing a room. That's just what happens when you work, eat, and live with the same seven people. There's no escape.
"I like it, it's nice," San continues before Yeosang can manage to respond. "Maybe we could make it a thing, you know? Like next time we take a walk along the Han or we go see a movie together, just the two of us. Something like that."
'Like a date,' Yeosang's gremlin brain screams.
He quiets it with another shot of soju, coughing as the alcohol burns his throat. San's excited expression flickers into concern until Yeosang forces a smile, blinking through his watering eyes. "That's– yeah. That sounds nice." Another sputtered cough. "We should do that."
"Yeah?" San replies eagerly, his smile wide enough to make his dimples pop.
Yeosang pours them both another shot, ignoring the frantic beating of his heart as he slides one tiny glass across the table. It's not a date, not a date, not a date, he reminds himself as San lifts the glass and reaches forward, clinking the rim lightly against the one Yeosang's holding.
"Perfect, it's a date!" San declares and downs his shot.
//
On their way back to the dorm San drags Yeosang into an ice cream shop where he insists on paying for the two scoops of Shooting Star they share between them for the remainder of the walk. Yeosang's heart doesn't stop pounding the entire time, hyper-focused on every brush of San's shoulder, every bump of his elbow. There's no reason it should be effecting him so much; they've shared personal space more times than Yeosang could even begin to count over the past several years. Both on camera and off.
But something about the way San knocks his hip gently against Yeosang's feels different this time. San doesn't flirt the same way as Wooyoung, so much of the skinship he shares with all the members entirely friendly and frequently just comforting. It isn't weighted with implicit intent as Wooyoung's so often is.
Except right now it's different. It feels different. Which can only mean Yeosang's had too much soju.
"Oh, I want to show you something real quick," San says as they step into the dorm.
Holding their dwindling cup of ice cream as he slips out of his shoes, Yeosang glances up to see San motioning with a tip of his head for Yeosang to follow him down the hall.
They pass Jongho and Yunho playing a video game in the living room, Mingi laid out on the couch behind them with an open book on his chest. By the sound of it someone's in the kitchen but Yeosang doesn't have a chance to look before San's grabbing him by the wrist and pulling him into the room he shares with Yunho.
Once again, Yeosang's heart skips at the touch, cheeks prickling warm as he lets out a started laugh, still clutching the cup of ice cream in his other hand. He glances back over his shoulder as San shuts the door behind them, brow furrowing before San whirls back around to face him, eyes bright and cheeks flushed and–
San kisses him.
Yeosang squeaks and nearly drops the ice cream, San managing to grab the container and set it on the dresser before immediately crowding back into Yeosang's space, cradling Yeosang's face with cool fingers.
"Oh my god," Yeosang breathes against San's lips and San laughs, breath warm as the sound melts into a quiet, pleased moan.
Helpless, Yeosang lets it happen. Heart pounding, he plants his hands on San's sides and parts his lips as San licks at them. It's not like kissing Wooyoung at all, San more careful where Wooyoung tends to be demanding, his hands gently cupping Yeosang's jaw the whole time, tasting him in increments. Yeosang melts into the sensation of San's tongue dipping into his mouth, the taste of vanilla and cherry on his tongue, San's gentle sighs of pleasure filling his ears.
His eyelids flutter open as San pulls back, gaze landing on the crescents of San's smiling eyes before San leans in just enough to bump the tip of his nose to Yeosang's.
Yeosang's breath catches as the anvil of reality crashes onto his shoulders. He stumbles backward, nearly tripping over his own feet in the process, registers the way San's smile crumbles into a frown as Yeosang lunges for the door.
"Fuck, don't– Please don't tell Wooyoung," Yeosang manages before fleeing the room, ignoring the way San calls out for him.
He's halfway down the hall when he realizes he can't go to his own room, not without risking running into the one single person he absolutely cannot handle talking to right now. So he veers off to the left, letting out a breath of relief to find Seonghwa and Hongjoong's room empty. He closes the door behind himself and immediately drops onto Seonghwa's bed, slumping forward to hide his head in his hands, heart firmly lodged in his throat and brain on fire.
San kissed him.
There's absolutely no other way to interpret it.
San kissed him and that's bad enough, but Yeosang kissed back and what does that fucking mean? San's the most honest, loyal, warm-hearted, and genuinely kind person Yeosang has ever met; it isn't in his nature to cheat. Especially not with his boyfriend's other boyfriend. Which means there's really only one explanation: San knows. He's figured out Yeosang's stupid little crush and is taking pity on him, trying to placate him with a kiss to help Yeosang get it out of his system. Like that could ever be remotely possible.
Yeosang can still feel San's lips, a phantom pressure that, even through his rising panic, makes his heart palpitate. The kiss had been sweet but heated, had felt genuine, like San actually wanted to kiss him, and that only makes him feel worse. How the fuck is he supposed to get over San now that he knows exactly how San's lips feel? Knows the quiet, breathy little noises he makes?
How long before he starts feeling resentful of Wooyoung for getting what he can't have?
Mind whirling, Yeosang digs his phone out of his pocket, hands shaking as he swipes through his apps.
He ignores the few new comments he has from his post to find his private conversation with Eomma_Chingu, tapping furiously at his screen as he chews his bottom lip.
to: Eomma_Chingu
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: FUCK HELP I FUCKED UP. I KISSED C AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO WHAT HTE FUCK DO I DO???? HELP. PLEASE HELP
Phone clutched in his hand, he shoves himself further onto Seonghwa's bed, his back against the wall and knees tucked up to his chest. His heart is still pounding, palms sweating as a notification pops up. A text from San.
He flicks it away without reading it and closes his eyes, tips his head back against the wall. He tries to breathe, focusing on the air moving in and out of his lungs as he impatiently taps his feet on the mattress.
It's only a matter of time before San comes looking for him and, given that his hiding spot isn't particularly secretive, it's not likely to take him very long at all.
Yeosang needs to get his shit together.
Miraculously, there's already a notification from Eomma_Chingu when he opens his eyes moments later and a flash of hope sparks in his chest as he taps to read the message.
to: 1999xyzeee321
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: Oh honey. Can you tell me what happened? (Only if you want to of course.)
to: Eomma_Chingu
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: OK. I did what you suggested and planned a date with J where I was going to tell him everything except J got stuck at work so he sent C instead and we had a really nice time and it was fine everything was fine until we got home and he KISSED ME. He started it. That's important. HE kissed ME.
to: 1999xyzeee321
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: But that's good isn't it? Or are you worried because J still doesn't know?
to: Eomma_Chingu
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: Yes!! J doesn't know. He probably will soon because C will absolutely tell him and even if HE STARTED IT that doesnt really matter?? J will be hurt and idk what will happen between them but Im still stuck in this too because I liked the kiss. I really really really really liked that kiss and I want to do it again but I CANT.
to: 1999xyzeee321
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: Did C say anything after he kissed you? Or before? Maybe he thought you two were on a date and he was making a move because that's the messaging he got from you.
to: Eomma_Chingu
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: It WAS a date!!! But it was a date for J not C. I think it was a pity kiss. He figured out I have a crush on him so hes hoping I can get it out of my system. Either that or he was still drunk from the soju we had with dinner.
to: 1999xyzeee321
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: 😕 Is C the type to pity kiss a person?
That gives Yeosang pause, fingers hovering over his phone as he re-reads the message a few times. As kind as San is, he isn't the type to mess with a person's feelings, even with the best of intentions.
And he wouldn't hurt Wooyoung, not even out of pity for someone else.
So why?
to: Eomma_Chingu
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: No. But nothing else makes sense. We took a walk and had ice cream after dinner so he probably wasn't even drunk but then why would he kiss me??????
to: 1999xyzeee321
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: Maybe he actually likes you, xyz. I know that may be difficult to fathom but it seems pretty plausible to me. You should talk to him. If nothing else he owes you an explanation.
Yeosang stares at his phone, his stomach churning. Eomma_Chingu may be right but that doesn't mean he has to like it. It would be easier to ignore the whole thing, to just put himself to bed and pretend nothing's happened. If San ever tries to bring it up, he can play dumb.
And if San tells Wooyoung then he'll–
The door to Seonghwa and Hongjoong's door swings open and Yeosang jumps, breath caught in his throat as he presses a hand to his chest.
"Yeosang?" Seonghwa says, frowning at him through the slats in the bunk bed ladder. "What are you doing in here?"
"Uh," Yeosang replies, the tips of his ears burning as he pushes himself away from the wall, clamoring to his feet. "I, uh. I just wanted to get away for awhile. Some. Just get some quiet. You know."
Seonghwa's brow furrows with concern. "Is everything okay?"
Swallowing, Yeosang forces a smile and nods, hoping it'll be enough to assuage Seonghwa's worry.
Predictably, Seonghwa doesn't look convinced, his eyes narrowing for a moment where they remain locked on Yeosang, lips pursing thoughtfully. But he doesn't push, the muscles in his shoulders relaxing as he returns Yeosang's nod. "You want to stay in here for a bit? I was just gonna hop on the computer, you can stay if you want."
Yeosang considers it, glancing back at the bed that's been his little haven for the past fifteen extremely stressful minutes. The idea is tempting. There's a good chance Wooyoung's returned, that he's waiting up for Yeosang in their room, that San's already told him everything.
But, as much as he'd like to avoid the inevitable for as long as humanly possible, he can't hide in here forever. And if Wooyoung isn't back yet, there might be enough time for Yeosang to slip into bed without having to deal with any of this tonight.
So, with another slightly strained smile, he shakes his head. "Thanks, hyung. Think I'm just gonna go to bed."
//
Jongho's already in his bunk when Yeosang slips into the room, the blue light of his phone bouncing off the ceiling.
Wooyoung's bed is empty.
Yeosang changes in record time, forgoing his usual nighttime hygiene rituals and skincare routine to slip under the covers as quickly as possible, immediately rolling to face the wall, his back to the door. He's still awake when Wooyoung comes in some time later, hears hesitant footsteps pause just beside his bed. Pretends to be asleep during the quiet, whispered conversation Wooyoung and Jongho have in the dark, heart pounding and stomach twisting with guilt at the hushed and strangely sad tone of Wooyoung's voice.
But Wooyoung doesn't try to wake him and, eventually, Yeosang manages to fall asleep.
//
Yeosang grumbles into consciousness at the familiar, shrill blare of Jongho's alarm, clinging to his last dream as he stares at the wall, covers still pulled up to his ears in the chilly room.
The details of his dream fade little by little, fuzzy fragments of scenes that don't make sense splintering into ambiguous feelings of people and places. But he remembers one thing: a kiss, a lingering press of lips on his own, sweet and cool and–
Yeosang's entire body goes rigid when he remembers. Reality. Not a dream.
Above him, Jongho shifts on his mattress, alarm momentarily on snooze.
As soundlessly as possible, Yeosang shifts, lifting his head up off the pillow enough to crane back and look between the slats toward Wooyoung's bed.
Two beady eyes stare right back at him, Wooyoung's expression sleepy and impassive.
Heart pounding, Yeosang ducks back under his blanket and squeezes his shut like a five year old hiding from a monster. Which is ridiculous; Wooyoung may be a little rough and mercurial, has a temper Yeosang's seen firsthand dozens of times. But Yeosang's never been afraid of him.
Then again, Yeosang's never cheated on him either.
There's a chance Wooyoung doesn't know, a chance San somehow hasn't blurted the truth in a fit of outrageous guilt. An unlikely chance, but not impossible.
Yeosang isn't taking any chances, but he's also faced with limited options. He could keep his eyes closed and pretend he's still sleeping, but there's no way he can keep up that ruse when Jongho's alarm is bound to go off at least three more times. He could try to wait them both out, insist on being too tired to pull himself out of bed until both Jongho and Wooyoung have left. But either Wooyoung will just wait to pounce once Jongho's left or, worse, he'll confront Yeosang while Jongho is still in the room thereby mortifying the both of them.
So, really, he has one option.
Flee.
Eyes still closed, Yeosang pulls in a slow breath and holds it to the count of ten before releasing it. Does it again, and again, until the ache in his chest has subsided enough for him to gather the courage to sit up in his bed.
Without a word, he slips out from under the covers, carefully keeping his back to Wooyoung as he tucks his feet into his slippers and then turns and leaves the room. Despite his little breathing exercise, his heart remains locked in his throat as he closes the door behind himself and hurries down the hall, passing San and Yunho's room and quickly ducking into the (thankfully vacant) bathroom.
He closes the door and steps over to the toilet to relieve his bladder, his mind still whirling through every possible scenario that's likely to play out after this. Because he can't hide in the bathroom forever. At some point, he'll need to get his shit together and, at the very least, talk to San. If he doesn't, not only is he likely to face Wooyoung's wrath but news will almost definitely get back to Hongjoong and the last thing he needs is to have to explain everything to his leader like some teenage kid admitting all his wrongdoings to his dad.
If only he knew what to say to San.
He flushes the toilet and steps up to the vanity, staring at his reflection in the mirror as he runs water over his hands, frowning at the fact that apparently guilt can cause a puffy face.
After slipping on his headband and grabbing his skincare product of choice off the shelf, Yeosang turns on the faucet, testing the water temperature with his fingertips and then splashing his face with a couple handfuls.
"Yah!"
Yeosang jumps and whirls to face the door, face dripping as his heart leaps into his throat then hurtles down through the floor when he sees Wooyoung standing just inside the door, pajamas rumpled and hair pressed flat on one side.
Yeosang wipes the back of his hand along his damp brow.
"Hi. Good morning," says Wooyoung, his tone deceptively calm as he steps further into the room, closing the door behind him. (Yeosang longs for the day he can live in a place where locking the bathroom door isn't strictly forbidden.)
"Hi," Yeosang replies carefully. "I'm just washing up."
Wooyoung steps closer, gaze piercing as he rests his hip against the vanity. "Mm. No, you're not."
"Well not anymore– you interrupted me," Yeosang points out, the tips of his ears burning.
"You're avoiding me."
"I'm not," Yeosang lies as he takes a step back to put a bit of space between them. "I just needed to pee and brush my teeth and..."
He trails off as Wooyoung's expression pinches into a deep frown, tone almost wounded when he says, "Why are you lying to me?"
Yeosang braces one hand against the sink, closing his eyes through a fresh wave of guilt.
"I'm not stupid. You woke up, looked right at me and then ran out of the room," Wooyoung continues in that same achingly soft tone. It's not a whine but genuine hurt, gaze imploring as he stares at Yeosang. "Are you mad I ditched our date?"
"No," Yeosang says because, while diversion may be the smarter route to take, he hates lying. Especially to Wooyoung.
"So why then? What did I do?"
Yeosang winces, shoulders slumping as he tips his head back with a sigh. "You didn't do anything."
"Then what?" Wooyoung continues, stepping closer once again, his eyes turning steely. "Why are you avoiding me?"
"Young-ah," Yeosang says, barely more than a whisper.
"Is it because you kissed Sannie last night?"
Yeosang freezes.
Wooyoung tips his head in understanding. "Ah. There it is."
"He kissed me," Yeosang manages to pathetically scrape together. "I wasn't– I was going to tell you, I just–"
His throat locks up and Wooyoung steps closer, pulling Yeosang in close with both arms. "Oh, baby," he murmurs, tucking Yeosang's face into the curve of his neck and cradling the back of Yeosang's head with one hand.
Though not the reaction Yeosang's expecting he doesn't fight it, dropping his own hands to Wooyoung's waist as he waits for the panic to settle, Wooyoung's fingers gently carding through his hair, lips soft against his temple.
"Why aren't you mad?" he asks when he can find his voice again.
"I am a little," Wooyoung admits, his voice still quiet. "It's awfully rude to kiss someone and then run away."
It isn't really surprising that Wooyoung already knows. What is surprising is Wooyoung currently holding Yeosang close, presumably without intent to break his neck.
Yeosang pulls back enough to meet Wooyoung's eyes. "I didn't run away."
"San-ah said you kissed and it was nice, but then you immediately turned red and hid in hyung's room for half an hour."
"He kissed me!"
"Yes," Wooyoung replies, lips twitching into an indulgent half-smile. "That's been established."
"Are you– But I'm dating you! Or did we break up and you forgot to tell me?"
"Of course not," Wooyoung says just as there's a quiet knock on the bathroom door.
Yeosang glances up and Wooyoung turns around, their argument (if that's even what this is) momentarily halted as San slips in, giving a meek sort of grimace as he shuts the door. "Not to interrupt, but I kinda feel like I should be here for this."
"How did you know we were in here?" Yeosang says, horrified by the idea that everyone in the dorm has been able to hear their entire conversation. He didn't think they were being too loud; Wooyoung, uncharacteristically, hasn't even raised his voice.
"I saw you both walk by my room," San replies, tone bordering on apologetic. "And I've been outside listening for the past couple minutes."
With a gentle shake of his head, Wooyoung loosely grabs hold of Yeosang's elbow as he reaches out with his other arm, beckoning San to join them. "No, you're right. This involves all three of us."
Yeosang's stomach drops. "Can we please not do this?"
"What, have a healthy discussion about our inherently complicated relationship like rational, emotionally mature adults?" Wooyoung replies, arching one thin eyebrow.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry," San says, his words overlapping Yeosang's pleading. "We should start there. Sang-ah, I'm so so sorry. I really thought there was something happening between us, something like. I don't know. Something a little more than friendship, but I should have asked first. I know I should have. It was stupid to assume. I know I made you uncomfortable and I'm really really sorry. I promise it won't happen again."
Yeosang's chest feels like it's cracking open, the shrapnel of his splintered rib cage piercing holes in his lungs as he stares at San's kind, sweet, sleep-wrinkled face.
"Me too," Wooyoung adds before Yeosang can formulate a response. "It wasn't all San. I really thought there was something too so I kind of, uh. I might have encouraged him to pursue you."
"You–" Yeosang replies, his brain short-circuiting. "What?"
"You were giving him all the signs!" Wooyoung continues, grabbing Yeosang's hand. "Your ears would turn pink whenever he was in the room and you'd give him that cute little flustered smile whenever he touched you or said anything sweet which was pretty much all the time. And don't give me that look! Don't act like I of all people don't know what you look like when you're into someone!"
"So you–" Yeosang cuts off, unsure of exactly what expression is on his face as he glances at San who's still frowning, eyebrows drawn tight like a scolded puppy. Yeosang drags his attention back to Wooyoung. "Were you trying to push us together?"
Wooyoung's lips twist at one corner as he offers a shrug. "Yeah. Maybe."
"You didn't ask me."
"I know," Wooyoung replies, sounding genuinely apologetic.
"You didn't even talk to me."
"I know, I'm sorry."
Yeosang finally cracks then, a hysterical laugh bubbling up from the depths of his chest as he tugs his hand from Wooyoung's to cover his face. Tipping his head back, he digs the heels of his palms into his eye sockets "I can't believe you," he whines, little bursts of stars erupting in his vision when he dramatically drops his hands away. "I've been agonizing over this for weeks and you two were busy fucking conspiring."
"Well, that's not exactly the word I would use," Wooyoung replies with an audible pout.
"You were working together to entrap me!"
"No," San says very quietly. "Sang-ah, please."
"I thought I was losing my mind," Yeosang continues, dragging his hands down his face and curling them around the back of his neck, still fighting a strained laugh. "I thought– Fuck, I was trying to figure out how to tell you without hurting you or messing anything up and this whole time– Seriously, this whole time?"
A horrifying thought occurs to him, chest seizing as his eyes nearly bug out of his head.
"Did you read my post? Oh my god, are you Eomma Chingu?"
"Eomma what? What are you talking about?" Wooyoung replies, tone turning sharper.
"Did you post something to fan cafe?" San asks, eyes wide.
Yeosang shakes his head, relaxing a little under their obvious confusion and immediately backtracking. "Not– no. Nevermind."
"Look, we weren't trying to fuck with you," Wooyoung says, the edge in his tone belying the hurt etched across his face. "And I realize we maybe went about it the wrong way, but that's my fault, okay? Not San's. If you need to be mad at someone you can be mad at me."
"No, you can be mad at me," San says, his shoulders still hunched. "I shouldn't have kissed you."
"You only did it because I encouraged you," Wooyoung argues.
"That isn't true," San replies with a frown. "I did it because I wanted to."
"Oh my god," Yeosang breathes, struck with another bolt of realization as he turns his attention on Wooyoung. "That's why you were showing me those sexy pictures of San the other week."
Wooyoung's lip curls, his face pinching as he gives an awkward shrug.
It's all the proof Yeosang needs and he huffs another laugh, dropping his hands to his sides as all the pieces slot together in sudden, amazing, impossible clarity. "I can't believe this is actually– I've been so messed up about this for literal, actual months and this whole time–"
"You keep saying that," San points out gently.
"You kissed me because you wanted to," Yeosang says, realization emboldening him as he locks eyes with San. "Not out of pity, not because Wooyoung told you to–"
San blanches. "Pity?"
"You kissed me because you wanted to."
Brow still furrowed, San glances over at Wooyoung briefly before nodding.
"Why?" Yeosang demands before he can lose his nerve.
"Because I like you."
"Like me how?"
Slowly, the expression on San's face clears, lips twitching at the corners, burgeoning on a smile. "The same way I like Wooyoung. Well– a little different, I guess, because you're different people but also the same. I like you in that way where I want to do a lot more than kiss you."
"Okay," Yeosang manages, still fighting a smile as heat creeps up the sides of his neck. He turns his attention on Wooyoung. "Now you."
Wooyoung arches an eyebrow.
"You wanted San to kiss me. Why?"
"Because it's hot," Wooyoung replies easily.
Yeosang recognizes it for the deflection that it is and shakes his head. "Real answer."
Wooyoung pulls his bottom lip between his teeth as he narrows his eyes but Yeosang doesn't falter, giving only a shallow nod of encouragement. The tension in Wooyoung's shoulders releases as he rolls his eyes.
"Because I love you," he says, his voice disarmingly gentle. He cuts a glance at San. "Both of you. I want you to be happy."
The sincerity in Wooyoung's tone hangs between them, Yeosang's ears ringing under the weight of it.
"I can't say there's not a part of me that isn't jealous as hell," Wooyoung continues, breaking the tension with a small, self-conscious grimace. "But I've had awhile to sit with the idea and as long as you promise not to run away together without me, I think I'll be okay." He pauses for a moment, chewing his bottom lip as he looks between the two of them. "So, like. Promise me that, yeah?"
San huffs a laugh, immediately curling his arm around Wooyoung's waist and dragging him close. "Promise. Pinky promise. For ever and ever."
Linking pinkies, they both glance up at Yeosang expectantly.
"I don't–" Yeosang starts, cutting himself off with another strangled laugh. "What's even happening right now?"
"I think we're establishing that San is into you and you're into San and you're both into me and if we all feel comfortable and happy with the situation we should fast-forward to the part where we discuss the very real possibility for a threesome."
"I never said I'm into San."
San's smile falters, but Wooyoung only tips his head indulgently. "Oh baby, you never had to."
"I want to say it," Yeosang says, cutting him off, eyes locked on San. "He should hear it."
San raises both eyebrows, clearly surprised as he stands up a little straighter. Yeosang takes a moment to calm the rapid thudding of his heartbeat and takes a step closer, into the space where San and Wooyoung are still holding hands.
"Oooh, I love when you get like this, it's so sexy," Wooyoung murmurs and Yeosang smacks him lightly with the back of his hand.
San bites his bottom lip, clearly fighting a smile.
"I like you," Yeosang says as calmly as he can manage. "I only ran away last night because I felt guilty, not because I didn't want to kiss you."
"I still shouldn't have done it," San says, but he's smiling, his right cheek slightly dented. "Not without talking to you first."
Yeosang isn't sure talking would have made him feel any better in that particular moment, not without Wooyoung present. But he appreciates the sentiment, the tight coil of anxiety under his skin unwinding as Wooyoung rests a hand on his shoulder.
"Think we've done plenty of talking by now," Wooyoung says with a wicked little smile, clapping his other hand on San's shoulder and not-so-gently shoving San and Wooyoung toward each other. "Time for kissing."
"Oh my god," Yeosang breathes.
"Come on, don't be weird. I know you both know how to kiss."
"How have we not managed to kill him yet?" San asks with a soft smirk.
Yeosang's cheeks flush, gaze darting from San's sparkling eyes to his lips and back again. "Just haven't tried hard enough."
"You know, he only said he was worried about us running off together," San says, tangling his fingers in the fabric of Yeosang's sleep shirt. "He didn't say anything about us joining forces to fight against him."
"Are you thinking we should unionize?"
"I'm standing right here," Wooyoung grumbles, but Yeosang doesn't miss the hint of amusement in his voice.
"Mmm," is San's only response, a bare acknowledgment before he's pressing his smiling lips to Yeosang's, soft and sweet and firm.
Yeosang sucks in a breath through his nose, stomach flipping pleasantly as he grabs San's biceps to keep steady. San's smile brightens beneath the kiss, lips pursing against Yeosang's cupid's bow before Yeosang pulls back to whisper, "Haven't brushed my teeth yet."
"Don't care," San replies, grabbing Yeosang by the hips and reeling him back in.
Yeosang sinks into the kiss easily, the slide of San's tongue in his mouth intoxicating. Better still is the tickle of San's fingers slipping up under his shirt and the gentle weight of Wooyoung's hand at the small of his back, the sweet press of Wooyoung's lips against his shoulder. And better than that is the dazed look on San's face when he pulls away, his lips spit-slick and pink before Wooyoung swoops in for his own taste, licking greedily into San's gorgeous, pliant mouth.
And then Wooyoung's kissing him, mouth sour with sleep and demanding in all the best ways, leaving Yeosang aching for more when Wooyoung pulls away, the sounds of their breathing filling the space between them.
"That was nice," San says with a dazed sort of laugh.
"That was hot," Wooyoung amends, uncurling his hand from the back of Yeosang's neck to skim his thumb along Yeosang's bottom lip, eyes glittering. "How long before we can kick Jongho out and have our threesome?"
Edit #2: So apparently I have two boyfriends now?? I actually got tricked into a date with C (partially orchestrated by J) and C kissed me. I freaked out and blah blah blah long story short they cornered me in the bathroom and we all confessed and now we're officially a... throuple? I guess? Is that a thing?
Anyway thanks for the advice and for listening/reading. Very glad J has no idea about this post because I don't want him getting any ideas from some of your weird, filthy fantasies.
to: Eomma_Chingu
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: I just edited my post to let everyone know but I wanted to reach out to you directly since you've been so helpful. So guess what – I have two boyfriends now! It still doesn't feel real tbh but we've talked (and kissed) and I think it'll be good.
to: 1999xyzeee321
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: Ahhh!!!!!! Congratulations!! Does that mean you took my advice??
to: Eomma_Chingu
subject: re: this is the boyfriend's boyfriend OP - help???
message: Uh. Well, mostly I just hid in my room and tried to pretend nothing happened but J cornered me and forced me to talk. It turns out he's been working with C to try to get us together for weeks haha.
"Breakfast!!!" San shouts loudly from the other end of the dorm.
Quickly sending his response to Eomma_Chingu, Yeosang pockets his phone and slips off his bed, following the smell of fried eggs into the kitchen.
Wooyoung's busy distributing food as Yeosang steps in, scooping clumps of kimchi fried rice into little bowls, glancing up briefly to flash Yeosang a grin while Mingi and Yunho tromp in behind him and grab their spots at the table. Jongho's at the sink, taking care of the dishes that have started to stack up as San finishes the last batch of fried eggs. Surprisingly, Hongjoong's already seated though, less-surprisingly, he appears to still be half asleep, slumped in his chair and eyelids drooping, Seonghwa next to him, typing furiously on his phone.
Yeosang drops into the chair next to Seonghwa before San catches his eye from across the room, throwing him a wink as he adds a fried egg to each of the bowls of fried rice. Cheeks flushing, Yeosang rubs the back of his neck and ducks his head, fighting a smile as he tries to focus on Mingi's re-telling of the book he's reading before Hongjoong grunts, "What's that smile about?"
With a flash of panic, Yeosang looks over at Hongjoong, but Hongjoong's eyes are on Seonghwa.
"Nothing," Seonghwa says with an easy shrug, the smile on his face oddly smug. "Just got some good news about a friend, that's all."
Hongjoong arches a sleepily curious eyebrow.
"You don't know him," Seonghwa says with a fond roll of his eyes. "I don't actually know him. He's just this kid who posted to a forum the other week asking for relationship advice. I've been helping him out and it looks like things turned out well for him."
Yeosang stops breathing.
Dishes done, Jongho plops bowls in front of Hongjoong, Seonghwa and Yunho before grabbing two more off the counter.
"What kind of relationship advice?" Hongjoong asks with a lazy smirk. "What would you know about that?"
Though his tone isn't unkind, the words are still enough to make Mingi and Yunho pause their discussion as Seonghwa goes rigid. Yeosang's ears are still ringing, heart pounding as he glances over at Wooyoung who's looking right back at him, gaze piercing.
"More than you," Seonghwa responds icily and Hongjoong frowns, clearly more confused than genuinely hurt.
Jongho drops a bowl in front of Mingi and slides another over to Yeosang before stepping back and crossing his arms over his chest. "Let me guess," he says, looking directly at Yeosang. "You advised him to be honest and communicate his feelings."
Seonghwa's quiet for a moment before Yeosang sees him nod out to the corner of his eye. "I mean. Yeah. Basically."
Jongho cuts a pointed glance at Hongjoong before focusing on Seonghwa once again. "Interesting."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Seonghwa replies darkly.
"Nothing," Jongho says with a shrug.
"Can I not be happy about helping someone?" Seonghwa continues. "I didn't even do that much, just offered to listen and tried to give him some encouragement where I could. Sometimes that's all a person really needs. Just an ear and an objective perspective."
"Holy shit" San says, eyes wide with realization as he points his spatula at Seonghwa. "You're Eomma Chingu!"
"Who the fuck is Eomma Chingu?" Mingi grumbles.
"Ow!" San yelps when Wooyoung smacks him in the chest with the back of his hand.
"How do you know that name?" Seonghwa says very quietly.
Yeosang resists the urge to crawl under the table, instead only pushing the bowl of fried rice out of his way so he can rest his forehead against the cool wooden slab in the fruitless hope that he might melt into the grain.
"Sang-ah?" Yunho says and Yeosang closes his eyes as a large, gentle hand rests atop the back of his head.
"Why did you hit me?" San whines.
"Because you didn't have to say it out loud," Wooyoung hisses.
"I didn't– I was just surprised! Is it a secret?"
"Not anymore," Jongho says with clear amusement.
"What the fuck is happening?" Hongjoong grumbles and Yeosang swallows a pitiful, humiliated whine as he lifts his head just enough to drop it back down against the tabletop with a dull thud.
"The online friend Seonghwa's been helping is Yeosang," Wooyoung says, his voice gruff. "Obviously."
"Oh no," Seonghwa whispers.
Jongho huffs a laugh. "Also, either you people need to stop using my computer to post extremely personal information to the internet or at least remember to close the fucking browser before you give it back."
"Oh no," Seonghwa says a little louder. "So you're– oh my god."
"But why does Yeosang need relationship advice?" asks Mingi. "This is very confusing."
"Because he's in love with San," Wooyoung helpfully replies.
"Okay. But aren't you two–" Mingi starts and Yeosang can easily picture the exact moment he gets it. "Oh."
"Wait, so the three of you are fucking now?" Hongjoong asks, sounding much more awake.
"Not that it's any of your business, but no," Wooyoung replies. "Not yet anyway."
"Is it too soon for me to petition to switch rooms?" asks Jongho.
Yeosang's ears are still ringing when he feels arms wrap around him from behind. The weight of Yunho's hand on the top of his head falls away as his upper body is dragged up off the table, but he keeps his eyes tightly shut even when he feels the familiar burrow of San's face in the curve of his neck.
"It's okay," San murmurs quietly against his overheated skin and, strangely, that small gesture does manage to calm some of his nerves.
"Anyway, surprise!" Wooyoung declares and Yeosang peeks an eye open to see him holding his arms up in the air, a strained smile plastered across his face. "This isn't exactly the way I imagined sharing the news, but here we are."
"What news?" Mingi says. "You just said you aren't fucking yet."
"They're dating," Seonghwa explains gently before turning to face Yeosang, expression soft and open as he reaches over to carefully wrap his hand around Yeosang's wrist. "And I hope you know my advice still stands. I meant it when I didn't know it was you and I mean it even more now – you three need to communicate with each other openly and often if you want this to work. I don't want to see any of you get hurt."
"And be honest with the rest of us too," Hongjoong adds, picking up his chopsticks. "I'll spare you a repeat of that lecture–"
"Fucking better," Wooyoung mutters.
"For now," Hongjoong adds, shooting Wooyoung a mild glare. "But remember if anything goes wrong between you three it effects the group as a whole."
Swallowing, Yeosang nods, feels San doing the same right behind him.
"But we're happy for you," Seonghwa adds, giving Yeosang's arm a gentle squeeze. "In case that isn't clear."
San presses a light kiss to the shell of Yeosang's overly warm ear and the tension in Yeosang's shoulders eases as he smiles back. "Thanks, hyung."
Seonghwa gives him a wink as he pulls his hand away. "Call me Eomma."
Yeosang laughs. "Absolutely not."
"I can't believe that's the name you picked," says Yunho around a mouthful of fried rice. "Little on the nose, don't you think?"
"All the Star Wars ones I could think of were taken," Seonghwa replies with a shrug.
"Nerrrrrrrrd," Mingi declares as San finally unwraps himself from around Yeosang, dropping into the chair next to him, close enough their knees bump under the table.
"You just spent thirty minutes trying to explain Dune to me," Yunho points out with a smirk.
"Yeah, but Dune's cool."
Yunho squints at him. "Is it?" he asks, popping a bite of fried egg into his mouth.
Yeosang smiles down at his bowl, letting the chaos wash over him as he eats, Mingi and Yunho gently arguing over what is and is not considered cool, Hongjoong interrupting to discuss a rap Mingi is supposed to be working on for their next album. Jongho wanders back to the stove to cook another egg for himself and Wooyoung steals his chair, crowing loudly with a mouthful of food when Jongho whines at him from the other room.
It's loud enough Yeosang almost misses the ping of his phone moments later. He sets his chopsticks down and reaches into his pocket.
to: 1999xyzeee321
subject: My turn
message: I meant what I said – I'm really happy for you! Please know you can come to me if you ever need to talk about anything at all. Whatever it may be. Open invitation.Also, if you don't mind I could use some advice too. How do I get the boy I like to stop working long enough to notice I've been in love with him for 3 years?
Biting back a smile, Yeosang glances at Seonghwa who has one hand curled gently around his phone, focus locked on the heated conversation between Hongjoong and Mingi.
He isn't sure it's advice Seonghwa needs so much as a gentle nudge to take his own advice. But maybe two (or three) conniving group members can create a situation that forces Hongjoong to see what's directly in front of his nose.
Yeosang sets his own phone down and picks up his chopsticks, already formulating a response in his head when San leans in to feed him a bite of fried egg, Wooyoung smiling brightly at them from across the table.
Yeah, this should be fun.
end.