Chapter Text
Last Year
Today is the day.
It’s been quite a while since he last saw Seungmin, maybe the Christmas before last? The idea that he might choose to come here next year makes Chan happier than he would’ve thought. Though they aren’t close anymore, he’s always connected so well with Seungmin. Maybe they’ll have the chance to be close again.
“Babe, I can hear you thinking from here.” Chan’s boyfriend calls from across the room. “What’s going on today that’s got you so in your head?”
Chan shakes his head, feeling silly. “Nothing. I’m just taking an old friend from home around for a tour today, remember? I’m thinking about what all he’ll want to see.”
Minho doesn’t reply, just goes back to his book. Chan goes about getting ready for the day, actually starting to think through a plan for when he meets up with Seungmin.
〰
“Kim Seungmin!”
Seungmin turns toward the shout and has about five seconds to realize what’s happening before Chan scoops him up into a hug.
“Dude,” Chan laughs, shaking Seungmin in his arms a few times before setting him back on the ground. “Have you gotten taller? Man, how are people supposed to know I’m your hyung?”
After his initial shock, Seungmin laughs as well. Same old Chan. Still full of energy and affection. Still so stunningly beautiful when he smiles that Seungmin feels like he could die. He smiles back at him instead. “I’m not even that tall, Chan. Maybe you’re just short?”
Chan brings a hand to his chest with a faux gasp. “Now that’s just crazy talk. I’m a very tall man; you’re just a giant.”
They laugh as Chan loops his arm around Seungmin and starts leading him toward the car.
“When’d you get this?” Seungmin admires the vehicle as he slides into the front seat. “Mom said you don’t have a car here.”
“Oh, it’s not mine.” Chan’s ears start to turn red as he puts the car into drive and pulls out. “My boyfriend let me borrow his when I told him I was going to come meet you at the station.”
Seungmin’s stomach drops. Boyfriend? Chan has a boyfriend? Chan, his oldest friend, who has never in his life given any inclination that he would ever date a man? What?
Chan snaps in front of his face. “Earth to Seungmin. You in there?”
“Sorry, man,” Seungmin sputters. “Spaced out for a second there. I had to get up really early for the train. Can we stop for some coffee?”
Chan eyes him. “Sure thing, bro. First stop will be my favorite cafe.”
Seungmin attempts to swallow the lump in his throat. “So, uh, you said this is your boyfriend’s car? Must be going well if he trusts you to drive it.”
“Kim Seungmin, for the last time, that accident was not my fault!” Chan tries to sound angry, but he’s laughing.
For a second there he wasn’t sure if Seungmin had really spaced out or if he was reacting poorly to Chan revealing that he had a boyfriend. Not that Seungmin would have an issue with that in general; he’s had a few boyfriends of his own. But Chan has never told him that he’s bi. He’s not sure why, but he was nervous to mention it. It almost feels like he’s coming out again, which he guesses he sort of is.
“Riiiiight.” Seungmin stretches out the word. “Whatever you say, man. I totally believe you.”
“Anyway,” Chan says pointedly. “Minho didn’t want me to have to take a bus or a taxi just to hop right back in another one to take you to campus. Plus, there’s a decent place to park for free near the cafe we’re going to that usually has spots open in the morning.”
“Perfect.”
A few minutes later, they pull into said parking lot and start making their way to the cafe. Chan melts just a little at Seungmin’s sweet smile when he immediately orders him an iced americano and a matcha scone. They settle in at one of the tables at the window so they can people watch while they eat their breakfast.
Seungmin is making a face again. Chan doesn’t know what to make of it. “So… Minho? How long have you guys, um, been together? How did you meet?”
“Oh! Almost 10 months now?” Chan’s blushing again. “He was actually the TA for one of the classes I took last fall. I decided to ask him out once the class ended. He’s really great, I’m sure you’d love him.”
He has no idea why he said that. Minho had actually asked him out. And he has no idea if Seungmin would like him. They aren’t particularly similar, at least not as far as Chan remembers. He has to remind himself that he doesn’t know this Seungmin very well at all anymore.
To his credit, Seungmin just cocks his head to the side for a moment, contemplating. “If he’s good enough for you, I’m sure I would.”
Chan leans forward and ruffles Seungmin’s hair, earning a scoff. “Ah, all grown up, but you still look just like a puppy sometimes.”
The tension dissipates when Seungmin snaps his teeth at Chan, playing the part of the puppy. They move on to safer topics - what they should see on campus, Seungmin’s plans for his major, baseball. They walk through campus; Chan is a splendid guide, filling in different parts of the ‘tour’ with stories from his first year on campus. It feels like the old days when they would hang out together - like Seungmin’s first week at their high school, when Chan showed him the ropes.
〰
By the time they make it back to the car, Seungmin is in love with the campus. He’s especially happy, because if he comes here, that means he and Chan have the chance to really be friends again. Even if he does have a boyfriend. A boyfriend.
While they had lunch earlier, they’d called Seungmin’s mom. She happened to be with Chan’s mom, and they convinced him to drive Seungmin back and join them for dinner. ‘It’ll be just like old times.’ So, they’re soon on their way back to their hometown for a late meal. Their moms had been friends from basically the moment Chan’s family had moved back from Australia; it was actually how they’d become friends. Chan spent his first summer bouncing between his house and Seungmin’s before he started his first year of school as the new kid. As his first friend there, their bond transcended age and grade.
When they arrive at the Kim household, Chan’s dad gives them a look and informs them that it’s going to be ‘one of those nights.’ Chan and Seungmin look at each other in concern. They enter the family room and note that a bottle and a half of wine is already gone. And both their fathers appear to be drinking scotch.
“Channie! Come here and give your Imo a hug.” Chan’s mom calls as soon as they step into the room. “Kim Seungmin, where’s my kiss?”
Both boys immediately make their way over to each other’s mothers, giving them both a hug and kiss on the cheek.
“Oh Channie, it’s been such a long time!” Seungmin’s mom pulls him down into the seat next to her, holding onto his hand for dear life. “How was the tour? Will my Seungie baby stay close and go to school with his wonderful hyung who will look out for him? You will look after my baby, won’t you?”
“Eomma, please!” Seungmin is beet red in his embarrassment. He turns to glare at his father and hisses, “How much has she had to drink?”
Before he can answer, Chan’s mom pinches both of Seungmin’s cheeks, bringing him back around to face her. “Don’t be upset with your eomma! She’s just worried about you going off to school. It’s so hard to let your baby leave you all alone like that.”
“Mom, you’re talking like you don’t still have two kids and a husband at home with you.” Chan whines. Before he can say anything else, Seungmin’s mom is bombarding him with questions about his university life. When she asks if he’s seeing anyone, Chan’s mom interjects.
“Oh Minnie, did you get to meet Channie’s boyfriend?” She turns to Seungmin’s mom now. “Did I tell you about my baby’s first boyfriend?”
“Oh Eonni, you mean his second boyfriend! Remember?” Both women laugh and take another sip from their wine glasses.
“Oh, how could I forget!”
Seungmin groans. They bring this up every other time they’re all together.
〰
Back in that first summer together, Seungmin was just four years old, but already very sure of himself. He loved his new friend, and even though he was three years older than him, Chan loved spending time with Seungmin as well. They spent nearly every day together, Chan’s mother watching Seungmin while his parents were at work and his sister was at camp. One day at the park, Seungmin had run into a schoolmate who was being teased. He took her hand and led her back over to her parents to tell them that they should scold the bullies. When he ran back over to them, Chan’s mom jokingly asked if that was his girlfriend.
Very serious child that he was, Seungmin made a face. “Ew, no, I don’t like girls.”
She laughed and asked if that meant he had a boyfriend. Seungmin thought for a second before wrapping his little arms around Chan’s waist, only surprising the older boy a little.
“Channie hyung is my boyfriend!” He turned puppy eyes up at his friend. “Right?”
Even then, Chan couldn’t resist that face, especially with his mom aggressively nodding at him while trying to hold in her laughter. He smiled down at him. “Of course I am, Minnie.”
Seungmin spent the rest of the day telling everyone he talked to that his Channie hyung was his boyfriend. It went on that way for the next few months, delighting both of their mothers whenever they heard it.
〰
Chan is less put off by the reminder of their past than Seungmin.
He extricates himself from Mrs. Kim and slides onto the couch between Seungmin and his mother. He throws his arms around Seungmin, ignoring the younger man’s clear embarrassment at the topic. “Ah yes, my first love, Kim Seungmin. The best boyfriend I ever had!”
Seungmin pushes him away, not realizing that regardless of the mirth in his voice, Chan was telling the truth.
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Present Day
✦Seungmin✦
Chan carries the last box in, then immediately flops down on the bed with a huge sigh. Seungmin rolls his eyes. “You’re so dramatic; you act like you didn’t insist on carrying everything heavier than two kilos yourself.”
“And let my sweet Seungie wear himself out before his first day on campus?” Chan looks aghast. “What kind of hyung would that make me? I had to shoulder this burden to keep my promise to your mother. I will protect you.”
Seungmin rolls his eyes again, but has to turn to make sure Chan misses his smile. “Whatever you say, Atlas. Now get up so I can put sheets on before you sweat up the mattress too much.”
Chan groans and turns over so he can rub his face into the mattress. Seungmin tries to pull him off, but Chan just laughs, barely budging. He lets Seungmin think he’s starting to pull him off, only to grab hold of him and roll, positioning Seungmin under him instead. Seungmin shrieks and tries to push him off, but Chan wrestles and moves so that he’s firmly pressing the entire length of his body on top of Seungmin’s.
“Oh my god, Chan, come on!” Seungmin can’t help but laugh, though with each passing second their position is less funny and more dangerous. Seungmin can feel every inch of Chan’s body, and as he wriggles on top of him, it’s getting harder to stop the thoughts of how it would feel if Seungmin stopped fighting so he could wrap his legs around Chan and grind against him instead. It’s too much. If he gets hard with Chan on top of him like this, there’s no way their relationship won’t change. Chan doesn’t think of Seungmin that way, and even if he did, he’s not available. It would only lead to extreme awkwardness. He’s about to put all his power into pushing Chan off when there’s a knock at the door. Without waiting for a response, Seungmin’s new roommate, Lee Felix walks into the room.
“Whoa! Is it cuddle puddle time, 'cause I could be on board with that!” He laughs in that booming voice of his and pretends to make for the bed.
Luckily Chan decides against embarrassing Seungmin further and starts to get up. With a sign of relief and exasperation, Seungmin pushes him the rest of the way off. “God, thank you for ending that torture, Felix. I might’ve died if you hadn’t come in.”
“Aww Seungminnie, it’s not that bad cuddling with me, is it?” Chan pouts first at him, then over at Felix. “I thought he loved me, but I guess I’m nothing but a burden. I’m not sure how I can go on.”
Seungmin’s face burns. It’s not like he can tell him that he likes cuddling with him too much. He shoves Chan’s shoulder, nearly knocking him off the narrow bed. “Dude, shut up. He’s gonna think you’re crazy.”
But the other two men are laughing. Felix offers his hands to Chan, pulling him off the bed and into his arms. They met about two hours prior; Seungmin doesn’t understand how they’re already acting like besties.
“Don’t go into the light!” Felix is acting just as dramatic as Chan. “If he won’t love you, then I will. You’re safe here in my bosom!”
“Never mind him thinking you’re crazy.” Seungmin rolls his eyes and tries to keep a smile off his face. “You’re both insane.”
“Now, that’s not very nice, Minnie.” Chan sticks his tongue out and comes back over to wrap an arm around Seungmin’s shoulders. “You know you love it. You’re so lucky to have been paired with another Aussie. It’ll be like I’m here with you, even when I’m not.”
Felix nods excitedly, and Seungmin can’t help but smile back at him. The way Felix radiates warmth and happiness is contagious. And Chan is right; in the short time they’ve known each other, having messaged over the summer after getting their room assignment and even met up a couple times before move in, they’ve become fast friends, in part because of how much Felix reminds him of Chan.
“Yeah, yeah,” Seungmin grudgingly wraps his arm around Chan’s middle, trying to ignore how good it feels to have Chan so close, how perfectly they seem to fit together. He checks his watch. “Hyung, are you gonna come grab lunch with us? It’s about time to head out.”
“Ah, I’d love to, but it’s actually not just move in day for you guys. Minho is moving in today, so I said I’d head over to help once we got you all settled.” He looks so happy when he says it, like he can’t wait for them to live together.
Seungmin's stomach drops at the mention of Minho, and he moves away from Chan under the guise of gathering the sheets again to make up his bed. Here he is, reveling in Chan’s closeness, while Chan is getting ready to move in with his boyfriend. Stupid.
“Gotcha. Well, you can head out then, all we have left is to unpack and organize.” Seungmin keeps his back to him as he says it. Though he tries to keep his voice even and light, Chan seems to pick up in the shift in the mood, frowning at the back of his head.
“Um, alright. You sure you don’t need my help with anything else?” Chan looks over to Felix. “Do you guys know where you’re headed? I could walk you to the dining hall.”
Before Felix can answer, Seungmin rejects the idea. “We’ve got it. You should really get going; I’m sure Minho is waiting for you.”
Chan frowns again as walks toward the door. Felix shoots him a smile and a farewell, and he’s out the door.
“What was that about?” Felix makes his way over to help Seungmin make his bed.
“Nothing,” Seungmin replies a little too quickly. “I’m just hungry. Are you all ready to go?”
The two head out, only needing to consult a map twice to get to the dining hall.
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✧Chan✧
Chan gets to Minho’s in time to see that he and Changbin have loaded almost everything into the moving truck.
“What took you so long?” Minho is looking a little flushed from the exertion. “The point of you helping was so that I wouldn't have to do all this heavy lifting.”
Chan looks slightly abashed. “I told you that Seungmin was moving in today, too. I didn’t want him to have to do it alone.”
“Didn’t you also say his roommate would be around so you wouldn’t have to stay too long after bringing up the heavy stuff?” Changbin doesn’t seem at all bothered about having had to do what Chan assumes was the bulk of the heavy lifting. “You sure you didn’t just wanna spend extra time with your little boyfriend?”
“He’s not my boyfriend!” Chan sputters, his ears glowing red. “We’re just friends; he doesn’t think of me that way. If you keep saying things like that, you won’t be allowed to meet him.”
“No denying that’s why he’s so late, I notice,” Minho quips. He and Changbin laugh as Chan tries to defend himself until he’s threatening to go meet Seungmin for lunch instead of helping finish move stuff in. “No, no, hyung. I take it back. Please don’t make me move my bed again.”
The three of them pile into the rental truck and head over to Chan’s house. This time, Minho mostly supervises while Changbin and Chan unload everything. Once the truck is empty, Changbin leaves to return it while Chan and Minho start unpacking. They start with things for the common areas. When Minho starts shifting things around to find a good place for his food processor, he pulls out a fondue set.
“When in your life have you ever made fondue?” He looks slightly incredulous as he holds it up to Chan.
Chan wrinkles his nose. “Ah, that was a gift from Minho’s mother. He loved fondue, and she thought everyone should have a set for dinner parties. Not that we ever had any.”
Minho rolls his eyes. “I already told you I don’t wanna share a name with that asshole. Whenever we refer to your shitty ex, we’re calling him Choi. Anyway, that still doesn’t explain why you have this, why didn’t it live at his apartment?”
“He already had one,” Chan shrugs. He tries to push memories of his ex out of his head. The fondue set had actually been one of the little things that should not have been a big deal at all but led to a fight all the same. “That family is literally obsessed. I didn’t see why I needed my own set, but she insisted.”
“So what, if you had ended up moving in with him, you’d have just had two fondue sets?” Chan can’t help but smirk at how bewildered Minho seems by the idea. “Am I missing out? Is fondue really that good? Should I make it?”
“If you want to?” Chan is full on laughing now. Later he’ll wonder if Minho did it on purpose to keep him from drifting too far into the memories. He knows how frustrating things had been with Choi Minho by the end of their relationship.
They finish unpacking kitchen stuff and move on to rearranging the furniture of the living room so that Minho’s favorite chair would be in the “optimal spot.” Eventually Changbin returns and with him, Chan moves Minho’s bed five times before settling on the exact same position it was in to start, though Minho will deny it. By the end of the day, Minho is all settled in and Chan is beyond happy that they’re going to be living together.
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✦Seungmin✦
“Ok, so you’re, like, in love with Chan, but he’s dating this Minho guy? And they moved in together today? Man, that’s rough.” Felix sums it up pretty well as they make their way back to their dorm, their other new friend in tow.
“And you’ve been in love with him for how long?” Hyunjin, the tall, beautiful architecture major they’d met at orientation asks.
Seungmin sighs. He shouldn’t have opened up about this. He blames the soju they drank in another freshman named Jongho’s room after dinner. “Too long, okay? And I’m not in love, it’s just... a crush. A massive crush. But I’m gonna get over it. I’m happy to be here with him, and I just want to be able to be good friends again.”
“But isn’t seeing him a lot more just gonna make it worse?” Felix is pouting, wrapping his arms around Seungmin’s shoulders, making walking infinitely harder. He really is like Chan in a lot of ways. “Like, it’s so much harder to get over someone when you’re with them all the time.”
“Ooh, I know!” Hyunjin gets around in front of them, stopping their progress altogether. He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “Obviously, you get over him by getting under someone else! I’d volunteer, but then you’d be in love with me, and our budding friendship would end before it truly begins. That would be terrible.”
“A travesty!” Felix chimes in, giggling.
Seungmin is smiling in spite of himself. “I’m already questioning if I actually want to be friends with the two of you.”
Felix’s jaw drops comically as he steps back to face Seungmin fully, hands on his hips. “What did I do?”
“It’s too late!” Hyunjin yells simultaneously. His arms almost immediately replace Felix’s around Seungmin’s neck. While he had been kidding, he does wonder how his first two friends at university were already so comfortable with skinship. “You’re stuck with us!”
Felix yells his agreement and sticks himself to Seungmin’s back, his arms wrapping around their middles. They don’t let go until Seungmin agrees to take it back and say that he’s incredibly lucky to have found them this summer. They make their way back to the dorm, the topic of Seungmin’s crush thankfully left behind in the quad.
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