Chapter Text
Zhang Hao is horny. But that seems like skipping a lot of the story, so let’s get to the start of it all.
When he applied for Boys Planet, he didn’t expect much. He’s been a trainee for over a year and if the show didn’t work out, he could always go back to China and teach violin at a prestigious college. He did get into the survival program, and now he could fight for his chance to debut. However, the experience was nothing like he expected. That is his own fault though, not expecting the ever-present cameras and crew members, loud excited shouts from sweaty trainees and food so gross he considered sneaking out to get takeout.
The worst part is the repetitive routine he’s stuck in. Wake up, eat breakfast, go to a dance practice, go to a vocal lesson, eat lunch, practice some more, get an evaluation from the Star Masters, shoot additional shots resembling his day, practice group choreography, eat dinner, practice individually, go to sleep. The dreary routine is driving him crazy. He’s exhausted from the pressure of only showing his best, performing like a star he is, smiling at staff, looking pretty for cameras, competing. He’s mostly tired of having absolutely zero privacy. He swears if nudity was allowed on Korean TV, the producers would even install cameras in the showers.
To make matters even worse, Sung Hanbin took liking in him. It’s so obvious and stupid that the number one trainee likes him that it makes Zhang Hao even more irritated. Because Hanbin is hot. He’s tall – still, he’s half an inch shorter than Zhang Hao – he’s strong, lean muscles hugging his arms, chest and stomach. He has those stupid defined dancer thighs – strong, thick as they go up his ass, skin wrapping around the plush of his backside.
Zhang Hao watches as other trainees trace Hanbin with hungry eyes as he dances, realizing every single one of them would give up everything to spend a day in his body, both metaphorically and literally. He’d lie if he said he didn’t find him hot.
What is even more annoying is his stupidly handsome face, always so warm and welcoming, sending smiles left and right as if being constantly watched brings him joy. And he’s so open about being queer and single, at least as much as one can in their environment, flirting shamelessly even with the camera crew.
Zhang Hao watches him and sees the fleeting touches he gives out so generously. He notices the blush on his targets, how they fidget and glance shyly at his lips. It makes Zhang Hao’s blood boil.
He doesn’t understand how does Hanbin get away with all of it. He’s the Star Creators’ darling boy, adored by the whole world, so open and friendly one might think they have a chance with him.
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Sung Hanbin is sly and witty and has this competition all figured out.
He comes prepared, bowing deep and smiling bright, introducing himself with a proud smile. He knows he has the natural charisma that lures people in, like wasps to a cup of nectar. Hanbin isn’t naive. He knows how to play hearts, when to touch and expect, when to hold back and play coy. It all works out for him in return. He places first week after week, yet no boy dares question it, no one finds it undeserved.
“You work so hard Hanbin hyung, I envy your drive.”
“You really were born for this!”
“I wish I could be half as good as you are.”
Hanbin waves his hand in disagreement, small smile creeping up his face.
“Don’t say that hyung, you are a star of your own,” he reassures the trainee and pats his shoulder.
Smile, listen, touch. The boys around coo and compliment Hanbin’s humble reaction.
“You truly are the best of us Hanbin hyung!” The young trainee exclaims and Hanbin laughs wholeheartedly, shaking his head.
“You guys need to stop complimenting me, I’m blushing,” he sends a playful wink their way and enjoys the reaction he receives.
Truly, Hanbin has them all wrapped around his finger. All except one. The Chinese trainee with a slender body and big eyes. He seems to be observing Hanbin from afar, face in a small frown that seems half bored, half hostile. Hanbin locks eyes with him. Usually, the trainees try to hold eye contact, getting lost in the deep brown pools urging them closer, to dare and touch Hanbin. This guy just looks away with a quiet huff. Is he acting offended? Hanbin quirks an eyebrow up. Interesting.
He is quickly distracted by Matthew throwing an arm around his shoulder. “Do you wanna hang with me and the boys after the evening shooting? We want to play games, talk some more, have fun.”
Hanbin smiles at his friend and nods without any second thoughts. He needs distractions in a place like this.
◌✧☾⋆
The boys certainly know how to have fun even in a place that’s full of cameras and microphones. They sit in a circle of 20 trainees on the floor of Woongki’s room. The boy beams with joy as he tells an exasperated story of how he bailed on his Tinder date. The producers will surely have to cut this out, but it’s 11 PM and they have every right to sit around and chat for a little bit as the evening program ended earlier than expected.
One trainee bravely brings clear bottles, looking just like all the bottles they drink water from, but one swift chug and Hanbin has to control his expression as straight vodka fills his mouth. Matthew next to him chuckles and grabs the bottle, drinking eagerly. He stops quickly and starts to cough. It seems he can’t handle the alcohol any better than Hanbin. Jiwoong, another trainee who sits next to Matthew, pats his back with a knowing smile.
“Careful there, don’t drown on us,” he says and Hanbin realises it’s for the producers, making it look like Matthew choked on water. Smart one, quick thinking. Hanbin decides he likes this guy. They casually pass the vodka around, extra careful not to grimace when they taste it. The minutes pass quickly, and around midnight, most of them smile like dummies, influenced by the alcohol.
“Let’s play a game!” Woongki shouts, catching everyone’s attention. Thankfully he is as vocal when he is sober, so Hanbin just chuckles and tilts his head.
“What game are you thinking about?” he asks and Woongki’s face lights up with excitement. “Spin the bottle!” What-
“Are you thirteen or what?” another trainee laughs and Hanbin exhales silently. That is not a game safe for his reputation.
“Why are you so uptight? It sounds fun!” a voice chimes in. Hanbin recognizes that voice. On the opposite side sits Zhang Hao, face slightly red, plastic bottle in his hand. When did he get here? It’s clear he isn’t sober as he leans against Kuanjui’s shoulder. His face looks slightly puffed, cheeks pink.
“Yes!”
“Let’s do it!”
More and more trainees agree and Woongki takes the empty bottle lying on the floor and sets it in the middle.
“Rules are simple. I’ll spin the bottle first, the person facing the bottom has to kiss the person facing the lid. The rest decides what type of kiss they’ll do. If even one refuses, both have to take off a piece of clothing. However, if you comply, you’ll get to spin the bottle next and decide on the placement of the kiss. Sounds simple, right?”
Everyone nods and Hanbin’s chest tightens. Dear God please don’t let me get too embarrassed.
He chases the worry away with a gulp of vodka and tries to keep his cool as Woongki spins the bottle for the first time. It lands on Wumuti and Sungmin, both boys opening their mouths in surprise.
“Alright, Wumuti has to kiss Sungmin, unless you want to take your clothes off?” Woongki laughs and Wumuti frowns. “Shouldn’t we first know where the kiss is supposed to be?”
“No, that would ruin the fun!” Sungmin widens his eyes and exchanges a glance with Wumuti. “I’d rather skip then.” Sungmin nods in agreement.
“Oh come on, don’t be like that guys!” Woongki pouts and watches as they both take a sock off. Smart. Good idea.
“Nope, socks come in a pair!” Woongki decides and the boys roll their eyes but comply. Good enough, he still has a free pass. Woongki rolls the bottle again and it lands on another pair that refuses to kiss, choosing to take their socks off, and Hanbin realises with relief that this game is so dry it’ll probably end sooner than expected.
He’s terribly wrong. This time, the bottle lands on Jiwoong and Jay. Questioning eyes watch them as Jiwoong sits back, relaxed.
“I’m in,” he says smugly. The eyes turn to Jay, whose lips curl up. “Same.”
“It’s settled then! Our first brave duo!” Woongki smiles and quickly listens to requests for kiss placements. It’s not surprising when he pulls his head up with a devilish grin.
“So we’ve decided to go easy on you, since it’s the first fun round. Jiwoong, kiss Jay’s neck.” The crowd goes wild as Jiwoong stands up and approaches Jay. He leans down and plants a kiss on the side of Jay’s neck, confident and way too happy with himself. The trainees next to them yell and grab each other with silly faces. Jiwooong goes back and winks at Woongki.
“I expected nothing less from our actor,” Woongki smiles and leaves to let Jiwoong spin the bottle. It lands on two trainees who end up kissing on the elbow. “It was funny,” reasons Jiwoong as the trainee gets up to spin the bottle next. Fewer and fewer people are afraid now, choosing the kiss. Gyuvin has to kiss Mingyu on the chin and it brings a loud wave of applause as he spins the bottle.
It lands on Hanbin. The lid is facing him so clearly his brain makes a cartwheel.
He look at who faces the bottom.
Zhang Hao. Oh no.
The only boy who hasn’t become completely obsessed with him. He curses at himself but before he even opens his mouth, Zhang Hao already shakes his head.
“Why not? I haven’t even asked!” Gyuvin pouts as Zhang Hao pulls the oversized hoodie over his head, tossing it aside.
“Because I know you, I’m not letting you decide.”
Even though the words were clearly meant for Gyuvin, Zhang Hao makes eye contact with Hanbin as the sentence leaves his mouth and it tugs at something inside of him. In a way, it’s good that Zhang Hao declined to provide footage of them kissing. This is for the better.
But why does it hurt to be rejected so quickly? He shakes the feeling off and takes of his socks. Now he has to hope he won’t get picked. But what are odds, right?
The next turn the bottle flies away with loud rattling and ends up between him and Matthew. God damn. Kissing his friend isn’t that bad though, so he looks at Matthew with a questioning look. “Sure, let’s go for it,” Matthew smirks and the circle of boys cheer loudly as they decide on the kiss.
“We wouldn’t want to ruin the brotherly bond you guys have going on, so Hanbin, kiss Mathew’s cheek.” Hanbin tries his best not to show relief as he leans closer to Matthew and presses a quick peck into his cheek. Matthew whines dramatically, but it’s just for the show. Everyone laughs and the round ends. “Your turn Hanbin, spin the bottle.”
He accidentally sends the bottle flying as well and it lands on Woongki and Seowon.
“Ahh man, and I was excited to kiss someone hot!” Woongki sighs and Seowon rolls his eyes in response, but both choose to kiss. Hanbin ponders what he should choose. A kiss on the cheek like he did? Or nose? No, that would seem too soft. On the forehead? Too cheaky. He decides with slight concern burning his vision.
“Why don’t you give him a kiss on his ear then?” he grins and Woongki’s smile falters. “Hanbin! I didn’t expect you to be so freaky!” he exclaims, all scandalized and baffled, but stands up still, approaching his friend. They kiss and it has Seowon’s ears turning red. Few boys whistle, some laugh. “Just wait Hanbin, I’ll get my revenge!” Woongki says already ready to spin.
Hanbin doesn’t understand how it happens, but the bottle lands on him and Gunwook. “You clearly cheated!” Hanbin frowns and Woongki shrugs his shoulders. His mischievous smile creeps Hanbin off and he quickly shakes his head. “Hell no,” he states, “not after you sent me that look. Plus Gunwook is not an adult! He shouldn’t be participating in this.”
Gunwook pouts, faking hurt, but Hanbin sends him a stern look. “What are you going to take off then?” Gunwook still has socks on so it was an easy choice for him ,but Hanbin has only a shirt and sweatpants on. He doesn’t plan on showing boys his underwear, so he takes the hem of his shirt and drags it over his head. Matthew yells and slaps Hanbin’s chest appreciatively, as he leans back on his forearms, trying to look smug enough to hide the embarrassment creeping up his ears.
“Woah! Now that’s what I call a show!” Woongki scans Hanbin’s body and averts his eyes with rosy cheeks. Hanbin notices a handful of boys checking him out but pays them no mind, flexing his stomach for a second, because in all honesty, he enjoys the attention.
Woongki spins again and the game goes on for a while. Matthew kisses Jiwoong on his jaw in the process, leaving him slightly red after and Hanbin can’t hold back a teasing jab in his ribs. Matthew side eyes him and spins the bottle. It lands on Ricky and Gyuvin, the two nodding at Matthew.
“I want you to kiss Ricky’s ass,” Matthew says loudly, earning several snorts. Gyuvin’s eyes widen but he gets up and walks to the younger, who reluctantly turns around. It’s quick and over the fabric but it still leaves them both blushing like crazy, making other trainees laugh and tease them. Gyuvin stands, red in the face, and makes his way to the bottle. It lands on Taerae and Park Hanbin. They agree to kiss.
“I want you to kiss Taerae’s nipple.” Shock overtakes most of the trainees. Even though the alcohol encourages most of them and makes boundaries fall apart, this seems like too much.
“On a what?!” Park Hanbin asks again in disbelief. “His nipple.”
Woongki shrieks and stomps his feet with excitement. Park Hanbin gets to Taerae and lowers his lips. Again, the kiss is so quick it’s over before it even begins, but the position is so out of pocket everyone wheezes and exclaims. Taerae is left speechless, blushing like most boys who engaged in the slightly inappropriate activities and watches Park Hanbin spin the bottle. It lands on two trainees, one of whom ends up kissing the inner thigh of the other.
The game is so wild that most boys are just nonstop screaming and smacking each other. The vodka they secretly pass around is completely overtaking them, making the trainees act up and laugh with tears in their eyes. The shorter trainee gets up and spins the bottle. The lid lands on Zhang Hao… and the bottom somewhere between him and Matthew.
“Again? You guys were meant to be!” Haruto exclaims, smiling from ear to ear.
“No way this is a coincidence!” Another trainee squeals.
Hanbin agrees, how on earth could this happen?
He looks at Matthew and the bottle.
“That’s pretty much in the middle though,” he argues and Matthew shakes his head in disagreement. “Hell no man! That’s on you. Plus, I’ve already kissed twice while you chickened out!” Screw you Seok Matthew. Everyone is eager to agree and decides it’s indeed his and Zhang Hao’s turn.
“I am not undressing.” Zhang Hao says firmly, looking at the trainee, never sparing Hanbin a single glance. And that’s when realisation hits Hanbin like a cold shower. He isn’t wearing anything he’d be willing to take off either. Not on cameras, with all the boys around. He nods shyly, already feeling the dread creep up his arms.
“A kiss it is, then,” the trainee says happily, clasping his hands together. The gesture looks like he’s plotting some evil plan, but the reality isn’t far from that. “I want you to kiss on the lips.”
Hanbin feels as if he got shocked with high-voltage electricity, surprise pulling a gasp out of him. Involuntarily, he looks at Zhang Hao. He has his stupid, unreadable expression on again, eyebrows slightly furrowed and lips slightly pursed, as if he was really contemplating this. Surely he can’t be serious.
“No way we can do that with the cameras in here!” Hanbin tries to reason, but the trainee smirks down at him.
“I feel like we’ve truly done worse tonight.”
It feels so humiliating to be ordered around by some young boy whose name remains a mystery to Hanbin. He swallows and looks at Zhang Hao, finally locking eyes with him. “Isn’t there a way we can skip? Take the clothes off?” he tries again. Compared to kissing on the lips, taking off his pants doesn’t sound so bad anymore.
“I am not taking anything off,” Zhang Hao says firmly. Seriously? Hanbin feels his blood boil. “Take off your socks,” he says and Zhang Hao reveals his bare feet. He’s been kneeling down this whole time so Hanbin hasn’t noticed. If only Zhang Hao had any socks on. He slaps himself mentally. What is he supposed to do?
The boy sitting opposite of him doesn’t move a muscle and Hanbin accepts the loss with grim expression. Alright, no big deal, just a quick kiss.
“Oh, I should mention I meant a french kiss” And Hanbin sits down right from where he stood up.
“What?” Finally, Zhang Hao reacts. “I’ll let you pass if you take an additional piece of your clothes off,” says the boy, but Hanbin casts him a resentful glance. “I am wearing two pieces of clothes.”
“Well it seems like unless Hanbin wants to undress completely, you guys have to kiss,” Wumuti smiles and Hanbin breathes out through his nose. “Fine.” Zhang Hao says and Hanbin wonders if it is as easy for him as he sounds. Or is he also playing mind games? Who cares. The kiss. Hanbin stands up, receiving an encouraging shove from Matthew as he slowly crosses the circle. He makes sure to sway his hips the tiniest bit, to square his shoulders, to smile sweetly. He’ll treat this as a fanservice. In case it airs, he’ll get more fame and votes out of this.
That way he can excuse the nervous tingling in his palms as they cup Zhang Hao’s cheeks. Zhang Hao keeps his hands on the ground, supporting himself slightly as Hanbin kneels in front of him. He gives him one quick look, confirmation that they are doing this.
Zhang Hao holds eye contact with a stern expression for a moment, then slides his eyes to Hanbin’s lips. That’s all the reassurance Hanbin needs. He tilts his head ever so slightly and with one delicate movement, he closes the distance.
The kiss starts slow and unsure. All Hanbin thinks about is how to angle his jaw to look his best, how to move his lips in a steady but hot rhythm, how to make this a scene the fans will enjoy. He’s so in his head he doesn’t notice the hands sliding up his bare back, grabbing his shoulders and pulling him in. He thinks about the way he probably looks so hot and the fans will go crazy and no amount of Mnet censorship can hide the fact the two aces are kissing.
He’d probably drown in his own thoughts, but he feels Zhang Hao’s tongue invading his own mouth. He wants to widen his eyes in surprise and push him away, but then he remembers the task was to french kiss and if letting Zhang Hao’s tongue attack his own is what’ll make him debut, that’s what he’ll do.
Zhang Hao’s mouth is warm and welcoming, but also challenging and greedy. He squeezes Hanbin’s shoulders and Hanbin replies by sucking on Zhang Hao’s tongue, wet sounds of kissing filling the room. Which, now that Hanbin thinks about it, is scarily quiet. He pulls away and takes a few deep breaths to steady his racing heart. Zhang Hao composes himself in those two seconds as well and he turns around, watching as the dead silent room erupts in screams, applause and bunch of lewd notes.
“Well, guess it’s my turn to spin,” Hanbin chuckles as the boys he passes slap his butt. He saved the situation, he looks cool and if he focuses enough, he might even make the bottle turn facing that stupid boy who started this. But just as his fingers wrap around the bottle, the door to the room opens abruptly. An angry manager storms into the room, looks at the bunch of boys, finds Hanbin and squints her eyes.
“Guess we will call it a night!” Woongki announces barely loud enough for the trainees to stand up and scurry away.
“Not you,” the manager says, holding ice-cold eye contact with Hanbin. Then she grabs Zhang Hao’s arm just as he’s about to leave, hoodie back on his body. At least one of them had time to dress.
“Not you either,” she growls at Zhang Hao and he nods politely, standing perfectly still. Once the room clears, save for the boys who get into their designated beds, and it is a quick process as the boys rush out, the manager sighs and turns around, stomping away. “Follow me!” she calls out and the two of them quickly leave the room.
They get into the elevator and ascend to the highest floor in utter silence. Hanbin doesn’t dare breathe out fully in fear he might cause some noise. As they approach the manager’s office at the end of the hall, he notices the bewildered stares of the staff members. They screwed up big time.
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Once inside the office, the manager sits down behind a long wooden desk. She beckons them to also sit, but there’s only one chair on the other side. Hanbin looks at Zhang Hao to let him sit but he denies, looking away stubbornly. Fine. Hanbin sits down, waiting. The manager quickly types something into the computer, then measures the boys with a firm look. She stands up abruptly and Hanbin hurries to his feet as well, waiting politely.
“Wait here,” she orders and disappears through the door leading to the producers’ studio.
Hanbin stays still for a second. He doesn’t plan on making anyone angry. He hopes the producers won’t kick them out. Or are they going to get penalized? Will they get less screen time now? Maybe they’ll cut down his votes and make him leave. Is he still making the final cut? Is his career ruined? The stress drives the alcohol out, he wishes he had gotten himself a shirt before following the manager. He shivers and tries to hug himself but it does little to help. A hand extends to his vision field, holding out a grey hoodie. He casts a glance at Zhang Hao, still as unreadable as ever.
“Take it,” he says, forcing the hoodie in Hanbin’s arms. “Thanks,” Hanbin mutters and pulls the soft fabric over his head. It smells of rosewood, the smell that he involuntarily associated with kissing Zhang Hao. He feels his cheeks heat up at the memory, now that he finally is off camera. The manager returns, followed by the director and main producer. She stops when she notices the exchange of clothes and eyes the two boys suspiciously.
“I will be frank with you two. As much as it isn’t any of our business, we can’t afford to have you guys date openly if you want to debut. Break up or leave the show.”
Hanbin tilts his head in confusion, then looks at Zhang Hao. He looks equally puzzled. “Sorry, what?” he asks with genuine shock. The producer rolls her eyes and huffs.
“Do you think I was born yesterday? Do you think I can’t tell you guys have something going on? Especially after today’s turn of events?” she asks, voice rough and tired. “I- but we-“ Hanbin wants to say that it has to be a misunderstanding, that there is no way he and Zhang Hao of all the trainees are dating.
“Hanbin-ah,” the director cuts him off, “you act friendly with everyone but Hao. You never talk, never interact, yet you stare at each other like crazy. You don’t talk to each other, but you keep on talking about each other. I’ve had to cut half the scenes myself so don’t you dare disagree,” she finishes with a pointed look.
“You kids always think you’re smarter than us,” the manager rolls her eyes in annoyance. “The offer stands, if you want to fool around, the idol life isn’t for you, and I don’t care how high your ranking is. This behaviour is unacceptable.”
“But Manager-nim, we really aren’t da-“
“I understand,” Zhang Hao steps in, “Hanbin and I will break up immediately and do our best to put our personal feelings aside.” Zhang Hao bows with guilt all over his face. He’s playing along?! But Hanbin knows better than to screw things up with badly chosen words, so he also bows and in pretentious embarassment adds, “I’m deeply sorry for all the inconveniences I- we have caused.”
“There’s the Hanbin I know,” the manager smiles and pinches his cheek. “Good decision, boys. You’ll see it’s for the better.”
“If you excuse me, could I leave now?” Zhang Hao says, and his eyes look… watery?! Is he tearing up in front of the director? Is he out of his mind?
“Yes, you may be excused. You too Hanbin. We’ll forget this evening ever happened and erase it from our memories. Now go, I can’t deal with this mess any longer!”
They both bow and leave, rushing back into the elevator. Hanbin wants to speak, but Zhang Hao gives him a pointed look and mouths “wait”. They get to their floor and Zhang Hao heads to the bathroom immediately. Hanbin follows. Right after the doors close, Zhang Hao checks their microphones are off, as it is deep into the night, before facing Hanbin.
“Listen, we will go on with our trainings, try to avoid each other as much as possible and occasionally, we’ll look at each other like we’re super sad. We’ll do whatever fits their narrative.”
“But shouldn’t we ignore each other?”
“Not entirely, I mean when the cameras are on we definitely should, but I don’t want the manager to suspect anything.”
“Then why did you play along?”
“What else could we do? Let’s hope they don’t air the kiss.” A strange sting goes through Hanbin as he stares at Zhang Hao for a minute, and then he nods. Sounds reasonable enough.
“We should go before they notice we haven’t returned to our rooms,” Hanbin says and turns around, heading for the door.
“Wait,” Zhang Hao’s voice stops him with one foot out of the restroom. Hanbin turns his head and meets Zhang Hao’s eyes. They are somehow different from those he met briefly each and every dance practice.
“You really aren’t as sly as you think you are,” Zhang Hao says, cocking an eyebrow at Hanbin. Hanbin stays still for a second, puzzled, before breaking into a smile.
“I think two can play the game, Hao hyung.”
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