Chapter Text
Yushi scans the room quickly, desperately trying to hide his discomfort. Group projects are the absolute worst. Especially when Yushi doesn’t know a single person in the class. Even worse when everyone pairs up with their friends and Yushi’s left looking like a stray cat on the side of the road.
Yushi scribbles something meaningless on his paper to look occupied and plugs his earphones back in. Maybe he could convince his professor to let him do this project alone.
Yushi's so busy trying to look busy that he doesn’t even register someone coming up to him.
A faint tap on Yushi’s shoulder nearly jolts him out of the seat. Yushi looks up to the boy – tan skin, blinding smile, and dark hair almost covering his eyes.
The boy takes a step back and speaks slowly, rubbing his hand against the back of his neck. “Hey, do you have a partner?”
Yushi wants to roll his eyes, but he stops himself. Clearly he doesn’t have one. “I don’t.”
He looks so happy. “Great. I don’t either.”
Yushi doesn’t say anything as the boy doesn’t wait for an invite, setting his things down on the floor and scoots his chair closer to Yushi’s. “You’re Tokuno Yushi, right?”
Yushi’s surprised, but doesn’t let it show. He doesn’t expect anyone to know him, especially being from Japan. “Y-yeah… Have we met before?”
The boy laughs. “No, but you’re also like the only other Japanese student here.”
“Right.”
“I’m Riku, by the way! I’m new to this university.”
Yushi nods. “I see. Nice to meet you.”
“Oh and I’m Japanese too!”
No duh.
Yushi puts on a smile and takes a deep breath. He almost feels bad for being rude. This guy is actually making conversation with him. “Which city?”
“Fukui. You?”
“Tokyo.”
Riku simply smiles and opens up his laptop. “Hope to get to know you better this semester, Yushi.”
From there, Yushi and Riku met up every other day to work on their project.
Yushi learned a lot about Riku — his family, his hobbies, what kind of food he likes, and that he’s actually gentle compared to how he dresses.
They also bond over missing home and meals cooked by their moms. Yushi hasn’t gone back to Japan in months.
Yushi also learns that Riku is incredibly kind. The type of kind that makes him loved by many people. Despite being a transfer student from Japan, Riku has and makes friends no matter where he goes.
The total opposite of Yushi.
Yushi then learns that Riku is unbelievably cute. Not just his face, but his mannerisms too. He pouts when he’s stressed and carries a Kuromi towel around when it’s hot.
Yushi finds himself giggling at anything Riku does, he finds himself wanting to be near Riku...
He finds himself wanting Riku.
That was a semester ago.
Yushi fortunately has another class with Riku this year.
Unfortunately, Riku is always surrounded by people, many different people at that – volleyball boys, girls from the year below, people from the dance club. Everyone loves him. Always within reach, but never close enough.
Yushi doesn’t blame them. Riku is extremely easy to talk to and such a sweetheart. He’s the only friend Yushi’s made in university besides from Sion.
But that’s the thing, Riku is a sweetheart to everyone. He has so much love in his heart, it really baffles Yushi how nice he is.
It chews Yushi up from the inside. Somehow, between all the days they met up for the project to running into each other on campus, Yushi had fallen for Riku.
Fallen for the way he’ll tuck a small piece of hair behind Yushi’s ear. Fallen for the way he’ll compliment Yushi.
Yushi’s not sure what to do.
Is he supposed to tell Riku how he feels? How is he sure Riku would even like him, romantically? He shouldn’t feel special and he knows that.
Yushi sits at his desk, phone in hand, and thumb scrolling on the screen. He can’t stop looking. He feels dumb, stalkerish even.
Yushi goes through every single post. As if he hasn't done this a million times.
Riku playing with a cat. Riku in his volleyball uniform from high school. Riku at a café. Riku with his family. His whole mind is filled with Riku. He can’t help it. He’s not even sure that he minds.
Just as Yushi is about to zoom in on a picture, a pillow is launched in his direction. His phone goes flying down to the floor causing a dull thud.
“Hyung! What was that for?”
“You’re sulking.”
“Am not.” Yushi groans.
“Are to.”
Before Yushi can even argue back, Sion strides across the fuzzy carpet and picks up Yushi’s phone with Riku’s photos plastered all over.
Yushi’s face immediately heats up. “Wait!”
Sion tsks. “Ah, this is why.”
“Stop! Give me back my phone!” Yushi nearly falls out of his chair trying to reach up to Sion’s hand.
Sion ignores him, continuing to tease. “Damn, Yushi. A post from 2021? You stalker.”
Yushi's cheeks burn bright red, trying to defend himself. “It’s called research.”
Sion throws his head back, laughing at Yushi’s attempt to grab his phone back. “Sure.”
Yushi tries his best to yank his phone from Sion, but he keeps getting dodged.
“Sion, please. Give me back my phone.”
“Well, no.”
They go back and forth for another five minutes, mostly Yushi riling himself up while Sion laughs in amusement.
Yushi starts tussling with Sion, grabbing his arm until they both lose balance. Sion falls on the bed first, back plopping against the mattress followed by Yushi on top of him. Sion instinctively grabs Yushi by the waist. Their faces now centimeters apart. They’re so close that Sion feels Yushi’s breath against his face. A mix of ramen and candy?
Sion, no longer laughing, looks up at Yushi. His face is indifferent and hard to read. Sion can’t seem to look away.
Yushi takes Sion’s distraction as a sign to swiftly grab his phone and bolt out into the common area. “Hah! I win!”
Sion slowly sits up to the edge of Yushi’s bed, barely registering how close they were. How close his lips were to Yushi’s. How his arm naturally found itself around Yushi’s slim waist. He shakes off his thoughts and composes himself.
“There’s snot all over your face.”
Yushi walks slow and steady, trying to catch his breath. He was up until three A.M. studying for his thermodynamics exam. All while his head was throbbing and nose running. He knows he’s sick. Hair sticking up in all different directions and eyebags darker than ever.
“Real funny.”
Sion tries to stifle his laugh. Yushi’s too cute when he’s annoyed. Most of the reason why Sion loves to push his buttons.
Sion pulls out tissues from his pocket, gently wiping Yushi’s face with them. “You’re going to get sick.” He takes off his scarf, standing in front of Yushi and wraps it around Yushi’s neck, making sure it’s on tight. Half of Yushi’s face is covered by the scarf.
Yushi muffles out, “Can’t breathe.”
Sion ruffles his hair. “That’s the point.”
Yushi rolls his eyes, internally thankful for the scarf. Though, he would never say that out loud.
“Shit!” Out of the corner of his eye, Yushi spots Riku coming up to them. He looks awful. Like two hurricanes and a tsunami hit him all at once. He tries to hide behind Sion, to no surprise finding the whole situation funny.
“Hey, guys!” Riku sprints over to them, all bubbly.
“H-hi Riku.” Yushi shyly says back, unable to fathom out of all the times he runs into his crush, it’s the one time he looks like absolute shit.
“Yushi! and Sion, right?”
Sion smiles, all charismatic and confident. “Yep. That’s me.”
“Ah, glad I remembered correctly. You two are always together.” Riku chuckles.
Yushi internally groans. There’s no way people think him and Sion are a thing. Are a couple. Are together?? That’s absurd. And there’s no way he’s going to let Riku think that either.
Yushi comes up with something quick. “Haha, we’re roommates that’s why.”
Sion knows Yushi is joking. Knows he doesn’t want Riku to get the wrong idea about them. But there’s a glint of disappointment on his face. Yushi’s too occupied to even notice.
“Gotcha. You ready for that exam today? Heard a girl cried half way through it.”
Yushi laughs obnoxiously and he doesn’t know why. Nothing funny was said. He’s so nervous with Riku standing there, looking incredibly handsome. Yushi swears there’s only two brain cells present, he can’t even function. “Not at all.”
“Well, you’re smart. I, however, am screwed.”
“No!” Yushi says way too loud. “You’re smart too.”
“Haha thanks, Yushi. Cute scarf by the way.”
Yushi giggles, looking down at the ground. Sion takes notice of the way Yushi immediately blushes, pink dusted over his entire face.
“It’s mine.” He jokes, but not really because it actually is his.
Yushi quickly shoves Sion to the side, afraid Riku might get the wrong idea. Again!
“Anyway…” Yushi giggles, forgetting all about his fever.
“I gotta go, but see you soon?” Riku smiles, mindless to Yushi’s inner turmoil.
“For sure! Bye, Riku.”
Sion looks off into the distance at Riku, then back at Yushi. “Wow. If only he knew what a menace you actually are.”
Yushi slaps Sion’s chest, angrily huffing and puffing. He’s about to walk away. “Shut up.”
Sion, catching up to him, slings his arm around Yushi. “There’s the Yushi I know and love.”
Yushi dodges Sion’s hand, changing the subject. “Did you hear that, though? He thinks I’m smart! Isn’t he so cute? His eyes and his smile… he also has a cat…”
Sion doesn’t say much except a quiet hum in agreement.
Yushi goes on and on about Riku. It’s not that Sion doesn’t care. Of course, like any good friend he wants more than anything for Yushi to be happy. So he quietly listens as the wind blows and snow falls, covering the grass.
They stop at Sion’s class, bidding a goodbye.
Before Sion heads in, he gently presses the back of his hand to Yushi’s forehead. “Soup and rice in the fridge by the way. Just heat it up when you head back. I know you’re sick, so just rest, okay?”
Yushi doesn’t argue. What he really wants to say is ‘you’re not my mom’ but he muffles out “Okay.”
Yushi’s pretty sure he bombed that exam. His tiny brain couldn’t remember a single thing and his eyes kept wandering conveniently to where Riku was sitting.
He’s hopeless. Utterly hopeless.
Not to mention tired and aching. His body feels like it’s on fire and his nose won’t stop running. He can barely walk back to his apartment, blowing air into his hands to keep warm.
Some day it was.
Yushi somehow makes it to the door as he steps in, body shivering at the sudden change in temperature. He’s so hungry. He’s about to order delivery until remembering the soup and rice Sion left for him in the refrigerator. Yushi goes around the island, spotting a plastic bag with a note attached.
Medicine btw. Knew you weren’t going to spend money to buy any.
- Sion
Yushi sighs. He goes to heat up the food, sitting alone on the couch. After finishing his food, he takes some medicine, turns on a movie, and drifts off to sleep.
By the time Sion gets back to the apartment, he’s freezing. The snow piles up on the stairs, making it hard for him to head up since the elevator is broken.
He eventually reaches his floor and puts in the number. He set it as Yushi’s birthday so he can easily remember. Careful not to make any noise, Sion sets his things down next to the kitchen only to hear the television is still on.
He heads over to the couch and unexpectedly sees Yushi sprawled all over. There’s tissues scattered on the table and floor along with the medicine Sion bought for him. Yushi looks peaceful. Calm as small breaths come out.
Sion can’t help but kneel down and softly laugh. They bicker. A lot. But he couldn’t imagine living with anyone else. Yushi has a personality Sion’s never seen in anyone else. All bite, sometimes bark. Moody when he’s hungry and happiest when he’s fed. Resilient and unbelievably smart. Yushi moved to Korea fresh out of high school, attending university where they first met.
Three years of knowing Yushi, living with Yushi.
He wouldn't trade it for the world.
These are the only times Sion can admire Yushi. He’d rather be caught dead than tell Yushi how he feels. Telling Yushi would mean three years of friendship down the drain, explicitly knowing Yushi does not feel the same way.
Sion can only watch the way Yushi’s eyelashes flutter, the soft rise and fall of his chest. Sion chuckles then bites back the tears forming in the corner of his eyes.
He’s so close. Physically so close. Yet emotionally so far.
Sion carefully moves Yushi’s bangs out of his eyes, feeling how hot his forehead is. He stands up, gently picking Yushi up bridal style. Yushi squirms a bit but doesn’t wake up. He swiftly moves to Yushi’s bedroom, placing him down on the mattress.
Sion then goes to the sink to run a towel under water. He makes sure all the water is squeezed out before neatly folding it, then placing it on Yushi’s forehead.
Sion sits on the floor, making sure Yushi is okay before heading to his own room. He closes the door and lets out a big breath, heart feeling heavy.
Sion’s phone vibrates on his desk as he finishes up a warm shower. Throwing on a simple sleep shirt and pants, he walks over and sees the contact name.
‘Mom’
He sighs softly before picking up, anticipating the same conversation from last week and the week before that.
Sion’s mom lights up upon seeing his face. “My son, how are you doing?”
Sion smiles, he misses his mom so much. Mokpo is only three hours away, but he’s been swamped, barely visiting his family throughout the semester. “I’m well mom, how are you? How’s dad?”
She chuckles. “I’m good. We’re all good. But we miss you so much.”
A pang of guilt hits Sion. He wonders what life would’ve been like if he had stayed on his family’s farm.
And here it comes.
“I wanted to ask again… Are you bringing anyone home for the family gathering? Everyone’s asking about you, my son.”
All Sion can do is laugh to cover up his emotions. “I-I’m not mom.”
Ever since he started university, his family has asked him the same question. How is he supposed to tell his family that he hasn’t dated anyone because he emotionally can’t. Sion won’t even look in anyone’s direction.
His heart is with Yushi. It has been for three years.
“But you are so handsome and so sweet, my love.”
Sion blushes, his mom always knows what to say. “Thank you, mom.”
“I have a friend, Sion… her daughter is very beautiful. I think you two would get along well, what do you think?”
Sion thinks about it for half a second before saying, “No, mom.” Sure, is it dramatic of him to not even give this girl a chance?
Because to Sion, there’s only Yushi. When he envisions a future with someone, it’s Yushi. When he imagines embracing someone under the covers as the birds chirp outside, it’s Yushi. Celebrating big milestones together, eating out, watching a movie, walking through Christmas lights, all Sion sees is Yushi.
It’ll always be Yushi. Though, he wishes it wasn’t.
Sion sighs, knowing he’s disappointing his mom. “I’m sorry, mom.”
She smiles warmly at him. “It’s okay. Tell Yushi I said hello, hm? And don’t forget to eat proper meals. Both of you.”
He nods obediently, ending the call.
Yushi wakes up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. His body aches and he can feel his breaths coming in uneven. He’s confused as to how he ended up in his room. One minute he’s on the couch, now his room?
He’s feeling startled for a moment, possibly a result from all the medicine. Then remembers, he only lives with one other person.
Sion. Sion who always pesters him about taking care of himself when he’s sick. Must’ve been Sion. Unless Yushi somehow sleepwalks.
He looks over at his nightstand, spotting the glass of water and medicine. Sion again.
Yushi slowly lays back on the heated mattress, closing his eyes slowly.
The weekend has finally come as Yushi rushes into the apartment and throws his bag on the ground. He’s feeling much better, ready to rot in his bed and watch all the movies he’s deprived himself of. He may even head to the dance studio if there’s time.
He’s mindlessly scrolling through cat videos, texting back his mom, and sending stupid memes to Sion until a text message from Riku pops up.
Riku-chan: Having a party tomorrow. You should come!
Yushi jumps off of the couch and sequels. So loud.
Sion rushes out of his room, sprinting to the common area. “Yushi! Are you okay?”
Yushi can’t hide the excitement on his face. He’s pacing around like a madman.
“Riku invited me to his party!”
Sion deadpans at him, unable to understand Yushi’s reaction. “That’s why you screamed? Like you were about to get murdered?”
“Shut up.”
Sion checks his phone before asking Yushi. “What party?”
“Probably to celebrate the end of finals. What? Jealous there’s no invite for you?”
“That’s the least of my concerns.”
Sion can tell Yushi isn’t listening to him. He has the widest grin on his face Sion’s ever seen.
“You don’t even like parties, Yushi.”
Yushi glares at Sion, as if the reason for him going isn’t obvious. “Well if Riku invites me, I’m going to go.”
Sion looks at Yushi, disappointed. “You’re unbelievable. You also just recovered.”
Yushi sits back on the couch, unable to stifle his giggles. He’s so happy. Maybe with alcohol in his system, he can muster up the courage to make a move? Confess? Yushi doesn’t have the logistics laid out, but he knows this can be a chance to further his relationship with Riku.
Sion heads back into his room, rolling his eyes. “I’m not picking you up if you get drunk by the way.”
Yushi scoffs. “Didn’t need you to anyway.”
He’s being so weird.
There are clothes scattered all over the floor. The floor that can’t even be seen. Yushi rummages through his closet finding nothing of value. Have all of his clothes always been this ugly?
“Argh! I have nothing to wear.” Yushi plops onto his bed feeling hopeless. The party is in three hours and he’s still deciding what to wear. He can’t show up looking like trash. But he also doesn’t want to show up too fancy.
Sion barges into his room without knocking. “This is probably the tenth time I heard you through the walls.”
Yushi plops onto his bed, kicking his feet into the air. “Hyung, I have nothing to wear.”
Sion tries to walk through the mess. “You have a whole closet full of clothes which I see now is on the floor.”
“Yeah, but nothing cute.”
Sion sits beside Yushi. “Stop pouting. You’d look good in anything.”
Yushi sits up, shoulder pressing against Sion’s. “You really think so?”
“I know so. Stop sulking. You can go through my closet if you want.”
Yushi lights up, throwing himself on Sion before immediately walking to Sion’s room. Sion sits still on Yushi’s bed, running a hand through his hair.
Yushi clutches onto the hem of his sweater, which is actually Sion’s sweater and slowly walks into the hallway. The loud bass of the music immediately hits him. He arrives at the doorstep, instantly feeling out of place. His heart feels like it’s beating out of his chest.
He walks in and is already met with people making out on the kitchen counter and obnoxious jocks downing shots. Yushi makes his way through the crowd, bumping into at least four people. He tries looking for Riku.
He’s almost outside before a voice cuts through all the noise.
“Yushi?”
Yushi turns around, surprised to hear his name. “Jaehee???”
Jaehee excitedly jumps, rushing to hug Yushi. “Oh my god, it’s really you. What are you doing here?”
“Riku invited me!”
Jaehee nods. Yushi met Jaehee through Sion. They are all friends and hang out pretty frequently, but Yushi’s been swamped with exams so the only person he unfortunately sees these days is Sion.
“I really missed you. Haven’t seen Sion hyung in a while too.”
Yushi says softly. “We miss you too.”
Yushi’s nerves have calmed down knowing someone he actually knows is here. They head to the kitchen to grab some drinks. Yushi really needs to loosen up.
Jaehee notices the furrow in Yushi’s eyebrows. “You okay?”
Yushi slumps over the counter. “Yeah, parties aren’t really my thing.”
Jaehee looks confused. “Oh? You don’t have to force yourself, hyung.”
Yushi knows the real reason why he’s here. Not for the party or alcohol. “I know, but it’s just…”
Jaehee tries to pry it out of Yushi, slinging an arm around his shoulder. “Just?”
Yushi stands up straight, clearing his throat. “Y-yeah. It’s just… Riku.”
Jaehee quips up, curious. “Riku? What about him?”
Yushi contemplates for all but two seconds. It’s not that he doesn’t trust Jaehee. “Well, I’ve had this brooding crush on him for a while and… I don’t know what to do about it.”
Jaehee's mouth forms an “o.” “I’m surprised honestly, I always thought you and Si-” Jaehee stops himself, awkwardly clearing his throat.
Yushi whips his head in Jaehee's direction. “Me and?”
“No. Nothing. Anyway, why not just talk to him? He’s a sweet guy.”
Yushi lets out a long sigh. “Yeah, but he’s Riku. Popular, kind, charming. Total opposite of me.”
“What are you talking about, you’re a catch.”
Yushi blushes. Jaehee is truly one of his sweetest friends. “Thanks, but I don’t know… I’m probably not even his type.”
“Don’t think like that. I think you should try talking to him before resorting to these thoughts.”
“You’re right. Two more shots?”
Jaehee laughs, clinking his glass with Yushi’s.
Further in the night after downing one too many shots, one too many beers, and god knows what else, Yushi finally spots Riku. After talking to Jaehee, he feels better.
You know what? I am a catch.
Yushi confidently walks over to where Riku is, wiping the sweat off of his hands. He puts on his best smile.
Then.
His heart drops and his feet won’t move. Like air has been knocked out of his chest, Yushi can’t believe what he’s seeing.
Riku on top of another guy. Some guy Yushi doesn’t even recognize. They’re not kissing but rather embracing each other. Yushi sees the hand around Riku’s waist, the way Riku’s hands are all over the guy’s chest.
Riku then spots him, completely unaware that Yushi’s world just crashed down. “Hey, Yushi!”
Yushi immediately turns around, making way to the door. He needs to leave. He wants to go home. Sion was right, he doesn’t even like parties. What is he doing here?
Before he makes it to the door, he bumps into someone. “S-sorry I-”
It’s Jaehee. Great, now Jaehee is going to see him all disheveled.
Jaehee’s eyes widen at Yushi’s state. “Yushi? What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”
Yushi didn’t even realize he was crying. No wonder his face feels like it’s on fire and the collar of his sweater is all wet.
Yushi quickly tries covering his face. “N-no! I’m not. I’m fine.”
Jaehee frowns with his whole face. “You’re not though. Let’s go to the restroom.”
Yushi is too tired to resist, he just complies, following Jaehee. They stumble into the restroom where Yushi immediately crouches next to the toilet, puking his guts out. Jaehee stands behind him, patting his back.
Yushi’s still crouched on the floor, head resting against his arm. He feels like a damn fool. How could anyone like Riku ever like him? Everything is blurry. The music outside, the faint noise of glasses clinking, all the people chattering.
Yushi wipes his mouth and tries to stand up, instantly losing balance. He clumsily walks past Jaehee who’s trying to stabilize him.
“I’m going to get another drink.”
Jaehee tries to block Yushi’s path. “What? No, hyung, you've had too much to drink.”
Yushi wants to blackout. His heart hurts and he wants to erase the earlier image of Riku. “Don’t care.”
Sion wants to go to sleep. He twists and turns in all different directions. But something is gnawing at him. He knows Yushi is an adult that can take care of himself, but somehow…
Sion physically can’t sleep knowing Yushi hasn’t come home.
He taps his phone from laying on the bed, screen lighting up the dark room. Sion sees that it’s nearly 2 a.m now.
It bothers him even more not knowing if anyone is there to take him home. It’s unusual for Yushi to come back this late if Sion’s not there with him.
Sion turns to the other side one more time, shaking off his thoughts. All consisted of Yushi.
Yushi can take care of himself. He’s probably having fun with Riku, anyway. That gives Sion some sort of comfort knowing Yushi is happy. Most likely giggling and getting shy. Sion can imagine the faint blush on Yushi’s cheeks when he stutters. Or when he gets excited about something.
As Sion looks out his window, watching the snow glistening, he recounts a memory of Yushi when they went to see Christmas lights together in Seoul. It was Yushi’s first time in Korea for the holidays. He remembers the way Yushi’s face lit up seeing all the lights. He remembers drinking hot chocolate and whip cream all over Yushi’s top lip. It was just them.
Thirty minutes have passed. Unsurprisingly, Sion is still awake with his hands resting upon his chest.
Yushi still isn’t home.
Sion drapes the covers off of him and gets out of bed.
God, I hate this.
Yushi walks into the kitchen area pouring himself another shot.
A girl from his class takes notice. “Woah, Yushi. Didn’t know you could get down.”
He laughs, taking down one shot after another until someone takes away the glass from his hand. “W-wha hey! I was drinking that.”
Sion looks at Yushi with a look he’s never seen before. “Enough Yushi.”
Yushi stops in his tracks, stunned at the familiar voice. He knows Sion hates it when he drinks too much. “S-Sion?”
Sion doesn’t say anything except pull the glass away from Yushi.
Yushi wails, trying to grab the glass out of Sion’s hand. “No! Give it to me.”
Sion gently grabs Yushi’s wrist and leads him out the door, nodding bye to Jaehee.
Yushi lets go of Sion's grasp, annoyed and irritated as to why Sion is even here. “Why are you here?”
Sion takes a deep breath. He knows Yushi is just drunk. “3 am Yushi. You weren’t home yet. Of course I’m going to come.”
Yushi wipes the snot off his face with the sleeve of Sion’s sweater. “Y-you said you weren’t going to pick me up.”
Sion sighs, shoulders slumped. “Well I’m here, aren’t I?”
Yushi stays footed where he’s standing. “I want to go back.”
“And do what? Embarrass yourself even more?”
Yushi has that pout on his face. The one that makes him look like a sad, wet cat. “You’re mean. That’s mean.”
“I drove here at the crack ass of dawn to make sure you’re okay. But sure mean works too.”
“Meanie.”
“Let’s go home, Yushi.”
“No.”
Sion’s patience has run out. It’s freezing outside and he’s in his flip flops. Yet, Yushi’s looking at him with those sad eyes and he can’t even be mad. “Yushi, please. Let’s just go.”
Hearing the tenderness in Sion’s voice, Yushi starts to tear up once again. “N-no.”
Yushi tears fall uncontrollably from his eyes. He’s overwhelmed and despite the snow falling, his body is heating up.
Sion, confused as to why Yushi is crying, grabs a hold of Yushi before he loses balance. Yushi instinctively wraps his hands around Sion’s neck, burying his face into the crook.
Sion doesn’t beg a second time. He takes Yushi to the car, gently placing him into the front seat then bucking his seatbelt. He spots a water bottle from the compartment and tells Yushi to open up. He holds Yushi’s chin and slowly pours water in his mouth.
Yushi reluctantly opens his mouth up, acting like a baby. Even in these moments, Sion quietly chuckles, unable to stay mad at Yushi. He knows there must be a reason for Yushi acting up. He only ever drinks so much when there’s something bothering him.
Circling back to the driver’s seat, Sion blasts the heater in Yushi’s direction and heads back to their apartment.
Sion lets out a sigh of relief. He’s still pissed, but glad Yushi’s okay.
And not throwing up in his car.
Sion glances over to Yushi asleep with tear stains all over his sweater. At the red light, he gently thumbs over Yushi’s cheek, feeling how hot his face is.
“You owe me a new sweater.”
Yushi wakes up with a throbbing headache. He’s gone pretty hard before, but this time has to be the worst. At least he’s wrapped in a million blankets.
But wait.
How did I even get back to the apartment… let alone my bed?
Was it Jaehee? He’s the last person Yushi remembers seeing before passing out.
Yushi quickly dials Jaehee’s number, feeling like shit for how much of a mess he was yesterday.
The line rings twice before Yushi hears Jaehee’s cheerful voice. “Yushi hyung! Hi!”
“Hi Jaehee. E-erm I just wanted to say thank you for taking me home yesterday. I drank way way too much and I-I feel so ba-”
“Oh, I didn’t take you home, but don’t feel bad! I was just worried about you.”
Yushi’s head spins. “Oh. Do you know who did?”
Jaehee laughs with his whole chest. “Hyung, really? Who else?”
Sion.
“Oh.” But Yushi clearly remembers Sion saying he wasn’t going to pick him up.
“Yep! Well, I have to head out soon. But talk soon? Also we need to meet up one day, with Sion hyung too.”
Yushi ends the call, laying against the headboard. His head is pounding and his breaths uneven. He looks at his door, wondering what Sion is doing.
Yushi feels bad, he really does. He doesn’t even like to drink, but every time he does, he goes overboard. He can’t control himself. He knows the reason was seeing Riku with someone else. But God, is he that dramatic? It’s not like they’re dating. Nor did Yushi ever tell him how he feels.
Then why does it hurt so bad?
He’s also reminded of how much of a nuisance he is to everyone, but especially Sion. Who he inconveniences every time. Fuck, has he ever even said thank you?
Yushi slowly gets up from laying down, stretching his back and cracking his neck. He’s so sore. He puts on his slippers and glances to his nightstand, seeing a glass of water and medicine laid out.
Yushi makes his way to Sion’s room, hesitantly knocking. “Hyung?”
Yushi hears footsteps emerging. Sion opens the door looking a bit disheveled. His hair is sticking up in different directions and his lips look a bit dry.
Sion looks at Yushi in surprise. “Thought you were dead.”
Yushi wants to bicker, but he knows he shouldn’t. Without Sion, Yushi could’ve been in a dangerous situation given how much he drank. “Hyung, I’m sorry.”
Sion mouth is agape. He doesn’t remember the last time their conversation was even slightly serious. And Yushi never apologizes. Sion can’t help but laugh. But he composes himself hearing Yushi’s serious tone. “Why?”
Yushi looks down at the floor, picking at a stray fabric on the hem of his shirt, “You know why.”
Sion leans against the door frame, suddenly amused. “I actually don’t.”
Yushi glares at him, now irritated. “Thank you… for picking me up.”
Sion looks at Yushi in anticipation. “And?”
Yushi groans. “Are you serious?”
Sion simply nods.
“And taking care of me…I guess.”
Sion ruffles Yushi’s hair. “Was that so hard?”
Yushi huffs. “Yes.”
A silent lull passes by before Sion remembers to ask. “You going to tell me why you drank so much last night?”
Yushi sighs. “Riku.”
Sion raises his eyebrows in confusion. “What about him?”
Yushi is beyond embarrassed. Flashes of last night coming back in his mind. “He was with someone else.”
Sion looks into Yushi’s eyes, Yushi doesn’t need to say anything else for Sion to understand how much it hurts him. “I see.”
Yushi doesn’t speak for a few seconds. He steps closer and leans his head against Sion’s chest, wrapping his arms around his waist.
Sion’s mouth hangs open, heart beat slowly picking up. He only prays Yushi doesn’t feel it. He hesitates for all but a few seconds before placing one arm around the small of Yushi’s back and his hand around the back of Yushi’s head.
Yushi quietly whimpers, tears falling onto Sion’s sleep shirt.
Sion lets out a small breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “It’s okay, Yushi.”
They’re mindlessly watching a movie, snacks and food scattered all over the table as the snow continues to fall outside.
There’s a fluffy blanket wrapped between the both of them. Sion quickly glances at Yushi. His eyes are a bit red at the corners and lips quivering.
Sion takes a long, deep breath.
Sion knows it’s wrong. It’s so wrong. Before he can even stop the words from jumbling in his mind, he lets out the quietest, “Yushi.”
Yushi takes his eyes off the movie, putting down his chopsticks. “Yes?”
Sion’s mouth goes dry the moment Yushi responds. He thinks about how upset Yushi is, about the family gathering. Everything is telling him this is a bad idea. That it is incredibly selfish. That this could only end one way: bad.
And yet.
“Date me.”
Sion doesn’t even dare look in Yushi’s direction. The silence is so loud. For a second, he thinks Yushi didn’t hear him.
Yushi fully sets his food down on the coffee table. “Hyung… what?”
There’s no going back now. Sion turns his body, facing Yushi. “Date me, Yushi.”