Work Text:
Jeonghan watched from backstage as Seungcheol rattled off his ending lines to wrap up the show. He rushed to the venue as soon as he got off work, making it just in time to greet the members as they concluded their last Caratland for the time being.
He monitored the members as they climbed into their respective carts to perform their last song of the night.
Together.
Seungcheol was telling Carats to get back home safely after the show when Wonwoo piped in, earning a surprised glance from the leader.
“Also, caratdeul, please take care of the members for me.”
Jeonghan smiled, his fond expression mirroring that of his members, endeared by what Wonwoo said.
His smile soon turned into a bittersweet one when he noticed Seokmin standing next to Wonwoo, trying his best not to cry. Jeonghan knew he was going to have to comfort his sobbing mess of a dongsaeng as soon as he stepped off stage.
“Aigoo Dokyeomie,” He said softly under his breath.
Jeonghan continued watching the boys as he unconsciously swayed and sang along with them.
We will never lose our way
And we will walk in the right direction
Let’s go together
It's an understatement to say that Jeonghan was incredibly proud of each one of them. Whatever they’ve accomplished so far. They’ve come a long way. Together.
He gazed at Seungcheol through the screen, the boy who promised to never let him fail, the man who kept that promise.
“You’re so in love with him, aren’t you?” Yerim noona bumped her shoulder against Jeonghan’s, sending a knowing look his way.
Jeonghan didn’t even notice that his lips were pulled up in a soft smile, one that’s specially reserved for Seungcheol.
He didn’t have to respond since she already knew what Seungcheol meant to Jeonghan, so he simply winked at her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they waited for the members to come down.
Just as Jeonghan predicted, Seokmin was the first one to break down immediately after seeing him.
“Hyung,” Seokmin exclaimed through his snot and tears, “you came.”
“Of course, Dokyeomie.” Jeonghan wrapped his arms around Seokmin, rubbing his hands along his back to calm him down. Seungcheol insisted that he rest for the day since he knew that Fridays are usually the busiest workday for Jeonghan, and Seungcheol didn’t want Jeonghan to exhaust himself from all the traveling between Seoul and Incheon.
Although Jeonghan nodded at that time to Seungcheol, he knew he had to see the boys, especially since it would be their last Caratland together for a while, and it's their 10th anniversary as a group soon.
Minghao was the next member to come down, and he lit up as soon as he saw his Jeonghanie hyung.
“Hi hyung,” he gave Jeonghan a sideways hug, who was still consoling Seokmin. He held out his hand for Minghao to hold, which he gladly held back.
When Seokmin calmed down, Jeonghan handed him over to Minghao, who was already wiping off tears from Seokmin’s face. Minghao grabbed Seokmin’s cheeks, making him form fish lips. Minghao earned a slap to his hand, and a giggle from Seokmin at the same time.
The remaining members tumbled in soon after, each member greeting Jeonghan with either a pat on the back, or a quick but firm hug, but mostly caressing his short hair, a common theme developed amongst his members immediately after he cut his hair.
He greeted back each of the boys, complimenting them on their unit switches and cracking up at the vocal unit as Joshua and Seungkwan re-enacted their questionable interpretive dance at the end of I Don’t Understand But I Love You.
Jihoon snickered from the side and added, “Hyung, show us yours.”
As the hyung who's always willing to join in their tomfoolery, he took on the request wholeheartedly. He took off the hoodie he was wearing, flexed his biceps and pretended to take off his shirt. The whole gang hollered and wolf-whistled at him. Jeonghan simply smirked and held up a finger, wiggling it at them. The members bemoaned in disappointment, but Jeonghan immediately moved on to his next step. He pretended to do a backflip, but instead, he rolled on the floor and hip-thrusted into the air.
The members all groaned and started begging him to stop.
“He just came back from work, and you’re already terrorizing him.” Seungcheol walked in just when the members started booing at Jeonghan. Being the leader, Seungcheol had an official duty to go around talking to the stage managers and directors, which usually made him the last one to walk backstage.
Joshua whipped his head at Seungcheol, an incredulous look plastered on his face as he said, “Excuse you, he’s the one terrorizing us.”
“What are you doing on the floor, Jeonghanie?” Seungcheol’s tone evidently softened as he looked at his boyfriend sprawled on the floor.
Jeonghan flipped onto his side, using his palm to prop up his head to stare at Seungcheol.
“Admiring the gorgeous man in front of me,” he said as he held out his hand for Seungcheol to pull him up.
Jihoon rolled his eyes and threw Jeonghan’s discarded hoodie back at him, “There he goes again.”
A furiously blushing Seungcheol pulled Jeonghan up and bent down to pick up his hoodie. He dusted it off and held it out to help Jeonghan into it and zipped it up.
Seungcheol stared at Jeonghan for a few seconds, his fingers still lingering on the zipper.
“Please don’t make out here, the baby’s watching.” Jun teased them while covering Chan’s eyes with his hands.
Chan grumbled that he has already seen enough and brushed off Jun’s hands.
The members started chiming in one by one, but all of that faded into the background as Jeonghan held out his arms and whispered, “Where’s my hug at?”
Seungcheol smiled, his dimples on full display, walking into Jeonghan’s awaiting embrace. He wrapped his hands around Jeonghan’s waist, pulling him close. Jeonghan felt Seungcheol relax against him as he melted into the hug.
“I told you to rest,” Seungcheol whispered against Jeonghan’s neck.
“And watch you cry all the way from Seoul? No way.” Jeonghan replied just as softly, rubbing his hand up and down Seungcheol’s back in a comforting motion. Jeonghan made sure to make it in time at least on the second day of Caratland. The first day itself was hard enough for Jeonghan when he saw Seungcheol cry, unable to do anything due to the distance between them.
“Speaking of that,” Jeonghan released Seungcheol from the hug only to yell out, “Yah! Hoshingie, come here.”
Soonyoung looked around confused, a piece of bread stuffed into his mouth. Jeonghan could see why Carats loved to call this man a hamster. He walked towards Jeonghan, gulping down the remaining bits of his food, and stood in front of the couple. Even Seungcheol looked confused.
Jeonghan then put Soonyoung in a playful headlock, “Yah! Why did you make my Coups cry?”
Seungcheol and Soonyoung laughed at Jeonghan’s antics.
“Ah, hyung,” Soonyoung whined, tapping at Jeonghan’s arms around his neck, “I didn’t know he would cry.”
Seungkwan cleared his throat and folded his sleeves, indicating he was ready to send a high kick Soonyoung’s way.
Seungcheol shook his head at his kids' theatrics while Mingyu held back Seungkwan.
“Seungkwan-ah, hyungie really didn’t expect Coups hyung to cry.” Soonyoung folded his hands and rubbed it up and down in apology.
Seungcheol looked on fondly at the performance team leader, who was struggling against Jeonghan’s hold. He looked partly guilty for making him cry, but Seungcheol was not having any of that.
He tapped Jeonghan to let him go, only to engulf Soonyoung in a warm hug.
Soonyoung readily hugged back Seungcheol, “Hyung? Are you going to cry again? Please don’t. Jeonghanie hyung is going to kill me if you do.”
Seungcheol’s laugh rumbled off against Soonyoung’s chest, “Hoshi-ya, thank you for saying all that earlier. I needed to hear it.”
“Anytime, hyung.” Soonyoung patted Seungcheol’s back gently.
“Group hug!” Dokyeom yelled out from somewhere in the room. Jeonghan will never understand where this boy gets his random bouts of energy from.
Soonyoung and Seungcheol were soon surrounded by the members huddling up against one another.
After the group hug, they went to their respective stylists to get their makeup removed while Jeonghan waited for the members. They changed out of their stage outfits into their regular clothes and hugged each other one last time, the members clung onto Wonwoo longer than usual.
“Let's go home.” Jeonghan held out his hand, pulling Seungcheol along towards the car waiting for them in the basement.
Seungcheol’s lips chased Jeonghan’s as soon as the front door to Jeonghan’s penthouse shut closed.
He pushed down Jeonghan onto the plush leather sofa and climbed on top of Jeonghan, his knees on either of Jeonghan’s thighs.
Jeonghan pulled down Seungcheol by his nape, forcing him into his lap.
Jeonghan licked into Seungcheol’s mouth, his arms roaming around Seungcheol’s lower back. Seungcheol gasped as Jeonghan’s cold fingers touched his skin.
“Sorry.” Jeonghan mumbled against Seungcheol’s lips, “I missed you so much.”
Seungcheol pressed his forehead against Jeonghan’s, breathing heavily. He slipped his warm hands underneath Jeonghan’s shirt, tracing his fingertips against Jeonghan’s slowly forming abs.
Jeonghan has had a flat tummy his whole life, which Seungcheol equally adored. He knew it because of how Seungcheol would kiss every inch of his skin whenever they were in bed. He worshipped the man as if he was sent directly from the heavens to Seungcheol.
However, he made it a mission to work out as soon as he enlisted. Personally, he wasn’t a big fan of going to the gym, but he soon realised it was a great way to get his mind off things when the members were away on tour.
Plus, he also loved the way Seungcheol would stare at him even more than usual whenever he took off his shirt.
“Do you like it?” Jeonghan asked through hooded eyes, his hands following Seungcheol’s and placed it on top of his palm that was resting against Jeonghan’s stomach.
Seungcheol hungrily stared at him as he bunched up Jeonghan’s shirt and hoodie all the way to his chest.
“Yes.” Seungcheol was never ashamed of admitting his affection for Jeonghan, even when they were on camera. But this man turns out to be even more shameless in private.
He bent forward to press soft kisses against Jeonghan’s chest, a complete opposite of the look in Seungcheol’s eyes. As if he was ready to gobble up Jeonghan.
His kisses trailed down to his stomach, to his belly button and finally his navel. Jeonghan combed his fingers through Seungcheol’s long hair as he let Seungcheol kiss his body to his heart’s content.
Jeonghan squirmed beneath Seungcheol when he traced his tongue against the soft ridges on his stomach.
“Don’t like it?” Seungcheol looked up at Jeonghan, stopping his previous actions.
“No,” Jeonghan smiled and continued carding his fingers through Seungcheol’s hair, tucking in the shorter strands behind his ear, “Just ticklish.”
Seungcheol nodded and dropped a final kiss above Jeonghan’s belly button. He pulled down his shirt and hoodie and settled himself against Jeonghan. His head rested against Jeonghan’s chest, and his arms wrapped around his waist.
They settled into a comfortable silence, enjoying being in each other’s arms after a long and exhausting day.
“Do you miss it?”
Jeonghan had an arm around Seungcheol, his hand gently running up and down his bicep while the other hand played with Seungcheol’s bright red strands of hair. “Miss what?”
“Your long hair.”
Jeonghan thought about it long and hard. Did he miss his long hair? Or did he miss the feeling of Seungcheol’s fingers tangled up in his long hair?
Seungcheol was there with him when he chopped off his hair. Jeonghan saw the way Seungcheol shed a tear or two, not just at the mere act but also as the sense of reality finally settled in.
Jeonghan was enlisting.
Alone.
He had simply kissed Seungcheol then, and whispered, “Grow out your hair for me?”
“Sometimes.” Jeonghan said, carding his fingers through Seungcheol’s hair.
“Yeah? Like when?”
Jeonghan thought about it for some time and smiled as soon as a memory popped into his head.
“What is it?” Seungcheol asked, mirroring his soft smile.
“You’re going to judge me for this one.”
“Try me.”
“I miss it when you pull back my hair when I throw up after I get too drunk.”
Seungcheol slowly lifted his head from Jeonghan’s chest and made a face, “You’re right, I am judging you.”
Jeonghan lightly smacked Seungcheol’s shoulder, “Wait, hear me out.”
“I am waiting.”
“Do you remember the first time it happened?”
How could Seungcheol forget? It was the time when Jeonghan got too drunk and ended up accidentally confessing to Seungcheol after years of dancing around each other’s boundaries, which was starting to get blurry to the point it felt wrong to address themselves as simply best friends when they were clearly more than that to each other.
“Yeah, I do.” The tips of Seungcheol’s ears turned red as he replied.
“Look at you getting shy when I did all the work,” Jeonghan teased him. He sighed and added dramatically, “And Carats think you're the one who confessed first.”
“Well, technically, it was still me.” Seungcheol raised his eyebrows at Jeonghan, challenging his statement. “You blacked out, and I had to remind you that I’m aware of the fact that you were madly in love with me.”
Jeonghan scoffed, “I was lying because I was too embarrassed to face you. Besides, I didn’t even know if you liked me back then.”
“Jeonghan-ah, I literally told on camera that you're my ideal type even before you confessed.”
Well, Jeonghan couldn’t argue with that.
“Besides, even if you hadn’t confessed back then, I would have eventually.” Seungcheol kissed Jeonghan’s cheek, “I was too in love with you to think straight.”
Jeonghan shyly smiled at Seungcheol. “I know that now.”
Seungcheol went back to laying on Jeonghan’s chest, satisfied with Jeonghan’s answer.
“What else do you miss?”
Jeonghan hummed for a good minute and replied, “Oh, I've got a good one.”
Seungcheol stopped playing with the drawstrings of Jeonghan’s hoodie and asked, “Is it actually a good one or is it another one of your puke stories?”
Jeonghan smacked the back of Seungcheol’s head, “Don’t ruin the mood, Cheollie.”
“Fine.” Seungcheol drawled out as he rubbed the back of his head where he got smacked and muttered, “This better be a romantic one.”
“I loved it when you used to braid my hair.”
Seungcheol once saw an edit of Jeonghan with braids and got obsessed with it to the point he ended up asking Jeonghan’s sister to teach him how to braid. She was kind enough to teach him, but unlike her older brother, who was patient, the younger sibling was ready to throw hands when Seungcheol kept messing up. Once he mastered the art of braiding, he gave the younger sibling a hefty sum as pocket money for her hard work.
Jeonghan would later wake up with little braids in his hair whenever Seungcheol stayed the night. He was so gentle with it that Jeonghan never noticed it in his sleep. Jeonghan wouldn't even brush his hair, scared that he would accidently ruin those adorable braids. He used to get upset whenever the stylists had to take them out, but he occasionally requested them to do little braids or put in extra accessories since Seungcheol seemed to love those.
“Yeah, I used to love doing that too.” Seungcheol held him tighter.
“Teach me.” Jeonghan rubbed his thumb against Seungcheol’s cheek, “I want to do it for you.”
Seungcheol promised to teach him later. Now, all he wanted to do was lie flat against Jeonghan.
“Tired?” Jeonghan asked as he ran his hand through Seungcheol’s hair, imagining little braids in them. He smiled at the thought of how cute Seungcheol would look.
“I want to take a shower before bed, but I’m too tired.” Seungcheol stretches and yawns, curling and making himself smaller in Jeonghan’s arms.
“Aigoo, you big baby,” Jeonghan drawled out with nothing but fondness in his tone.
“Come on then, I’ll draw a bath for you,” Jeonghan said as he patted Seungcheol’s thigh indicating him to get up from his lap.
“Five more minutes,” Seungcheol whined and clung himself tighter onto Jeonghan, wrapping his arms around Jeonghan’s waist.
“You’re gonna end up sleeping on me, sweetheart, if we stay for five more minutes in this position,” Jeonghan reasoned as he cards his fingers through Seungcheol’s thick locks.
Seungcheol pretends he didn’t hear that and does not move an inch.
Jeonghan sighed and gently pushed his clingy boyfriend off his lap, depositing him on the couch. Jeonghan stood up and turned to Seungcheol. As expected he was pouting and scowling at Jeonghan.
Jeonghan replaces that scowl by cupping his face, squishing Seungcheol’s cheeks adorably in his palms and peppered kisses all across his face. Seungcheol’s eyes were closed, as Jeonghan rubbed his thumb across the swell of his cheeks. Seungcheol was smiling now.
He truly is the maknae of the family.
Seungcheol opened his boba eyes, his hands encircling Jeonghan’s wrist who was still holding Seungcheol’s face. He pressed a final kiss on the tip of his nose, let go of Seungcheol’s face and started walking towards the bathroom.
“I’m gonna run a bath and I want you naked in my jacuzzi in less than three minutes,” Jeonghan ordered.
Jeonghan rarely stays at his penthouse although it's been quite some time since he brought it. The only time he comes over is when he needs his alone time with Seungcheol, the main reason why he even purchased this unit in the first place. The large bathroom with the big jacuzzi positioned right in front of the floor-to-ceiling glass window overlooking the Han River and the enchanting city lights of Seoul was definitely the highlight of the whole penthouse in Jeonghan’s opinion.
For someone who barely lives here, Jeonghan sure had a questionable supply of bath essentials, ranging from Epsom salt, bath bombs, scented candles and even rubber duckies. Jeonghan doesn’t even remember when he brought the last one. Must have been an impulsive buy, he thought.
Jeonghan folded up the sleeves of his hoodie and bent down to plug in the drain before turning on the tub faucet. He opened a packet of Epsom salt and poured a considerable amount into the tub along with a bath bomb. He also lit up a few candles and placed them on the spacious edge of the tub. He thought of getting two glasses of wine for Seungcheol and himself, but decided against it, in case it disrupts Seungcheol’s sleep.
Seungcheol padded into the bathroom clad in a fluffy white robe, with nothing underneath. He wrapped his arms around Jeonghan’s waist who was bent over the tub checking the water temperature. Once he was satisfied with it, he flicked the remnants of the water droplets and turned to face Seungcheol. He dragged his wet fingers against Seungcheol’s exposed chest, gaining a yelp from the man and a gentle shove.
Jeonghan unwound Seungcheol’s robe, but didn’t bother taking it off, instead said, “Get in, I’ll get you some clothes.”
He heard Seungcheol’s heavy robe being dropped onto the floor and a gentle ripple of the water as Seungcheol got into the tub. He walked into the master bedroom and opened his mini closet, which comprised of just enough essentials for him and Seungcheol. He picked out a gray silk pajama set that he brought from Japan for Seungcheol which had a matching pair for himself. He took those two and deposited them on the bed. For a second, he did nothing but stare at the piece of clothing and ran his fingers against the soft material.
Pairs.
Almost everything in this apartment came in pairs.
Their identical coffee mugs, matching toothbrushes, the two pillows on his bed, their matching bracelets.
Should he?
Fuck it.
They’ve been together for seven years now, there’s no right or wrong time to do it, especially with the kind of profession they both chose to pursue, there’s no guarantee that they’ll even get the perfect time.
He reopened his closet and scoured through his neatly folded T-shirts until he reached the bottom. A small velvety box was hidden in the corner. Jeonghan grabbed it and slipped it between the pajamas, before turning on his heels, walking towards where Seungcheol was.
Seungcheol was watching the night lights when Jeonghan walked in. Although his eyes were observing the buzzing city, it didn’t seem like his mind was actually there. He still hadn’t noticed that Jeonghan was back. He lifted his hand out from the bubble-filled tub and stared at their team ring. He twisted it around his little finger, a small but sad smile playing on his lips.
He only noticed Jeonghan when he heard the door being shut behind Jeonghan, who was walking towards Seungcheol holding their clothes. He placed the clothes and the box hidden between them on the dry flat surface, behind the tub.
He then proceeded to sit near the edge of the tub. He noticed the red rims of Seungcheol’s eyes which had not faded since the concert, along with a wetness that threatened to fall any second now.
He’s still thinking about what Soonyoung said.
Jeonghan tucked in a stray piece of Seungcheol’s fiery red hair behind his ear and cupped the side of his face. Seungcheol tilted his head to lean into his palm and that’s when a tear slipped out. Jeonghan didn’t say anything but wiped the lone tear of Seungcheol’s face with his thumb.
“Join me?” Seungcheol asked taking Jeonghan’s palm off his face and gripping the tip of his fingers instead.
“Of course, baby,” Jeonghan kissed Seungcheol on his head and let go of Seungcheol’s hand to pull up his hoodie exposing his lean but muscular torso, Seungcheol’s eyes raked over Jeonghan, every movement of his as he removed each and every piece of clothing on his body. He gathered his clothes, dumped them in the laundry basket, and switched off the lights and turned back towards Seungcheol who was waiting for him. The bathroom was now engulfed in the soft hues of the candles that he lit up earlier, along with the lights from the city through the window.
He immersed himself into the bubbly warmth, placing his hands on Seungcheol’s shoulders and getting himself in a comfortable position behind him.
“Lean back on me, Cheollie,” Jeonghan said pulling Seungcheol onto his chest. Seungcheol pressed his back against Jeonghan’s front, their skins flushed against each other’s. Seungcheol rested his head against Jeonghan’s chest right where his heart is, the steady beating offering a sense of security.
“Comfy?” Jeonghan asked as he placed one hand over Seungcheol’s shoulder, splaying his palms flat against Seungcheol’s chest and the other tracing his belly button.
Seungcheol nodded in agreement and turned his head to kiss Jeonghan’s jaw. He closed his eyes and relaxed into Jeonghan’s warmth.
They didn’t speak for a good five minutes, Jeonghan even wondered at one point if Seungcheol fell asleep if it weren’t for him nuzzling his nose against Jeonghan’s neck.
“Seungcheol-ah.”
“Hmm.”
“Are you okay?”
A beat passed between them and Seungcheol eventually replied, “No.” Seungcheol lifted himself off Jeonghan and sat upright staring straight ahead, water trickling off his broad shoulders. Jeonghan followed right behind, hooking his chin against Seungcheol’s shoulder, pressing his chest against Seungcheol’s back, and wrapped his arms around Seungcheol’s torso.
“Is it bothering you?” Jeonghan asked softly. “The members enlisting.”
“Yeah.” Jeonghan patiently waited for him to continue.
“I was supposed to go with you all. Let you know exactly what you’re getting yourselves into so that you can be better prepared.” Seungcheol released a frustrated sigh. “Now I’m in the dark, not knowing what to expect, what the boys should expect when I’m the leader for fucks sake.”
It's exactly as Soonyoung said. The burden of raising 12 boys from a young age that he’s steadfastly carried up until now, even into his 30s.
“Cheol-ah,” Jeonghan started slowly, intertwining their fingers. “The boys have grown, we've all grown.” Jeonghan kissed his shoulder as he calmly explained. “I’m not saying we don’t need you anymore, that’s never going to change, but,” Jeonghan held Seungcheol’s shoulders to face him. The shadows from the candle flames danced over Seungcheol’s face, “you don’t need to carry our burden anymore Cheol-ah.”
Seungcheol looked down unable to face Jeonghan. He knew he was crying again.
Jeonghan gently tipped his chin upwards, leaning his face into Seungcheol’s, smiling, “It’s our turn to take care of you now.”
He wiped Seungcheol’s tears away, his wet hands further dampening Seungcheol’s already wet face.
“Let us take care of you.” He leaned in brushing his nose against Seungcheol’s as he whispered the next part. “Let me take care of you.” Jeonghan was pleading with Seungcheol at this point.
Something in the air shifted when Seungcheol noticed the change in Jeonghan’s tone.
“Jeonghan-ah,” Seungcheol whimpered against Jeonghan’s lips.
“Wait,” Jeonghan placed his palms against Seungcheol’s chest, stopping him. “I need to do this.”
Seungcheol looked at him in confusion, his red-rimmed eyes twisting Jeonghan’s heart in a way that physically hurt him. Unable to bear that look, Jeonghan pressed a quick kiss onto Seungcheol’s lips before scrambling back and reaching for the velvet box.
Jeonghan’s wet hands were slightly trembling when he opened the box and presented two rose gold bands in front of Seungcheol.
Seungcheol inhaled a sharp breath.
“I know,” Jeonghan swallowed thickly. “This might not be the right time, but I genuinely do not know when the perfect timing will be.” Jeonghan scanned Seungcheol’s face for any sort of reaction. “Because every single second I spend with you is always perfect to me. And I have no clue how to better express the fact that I want to be with you and take care of you for the rest of our lives.”
The soft glow of the candles glinted off the two bands, one bigger than the other. Jeonghan got them from Paris last year when he attended YSL Fashion Week. It was an impulsive decision when he saw a platinum band adorning his long-time stylist’s ring finger. She’s one of his favourite noona’s who has been with Seventeen since the time they were under Pledis. He loved hearing daily updates about her boyfriend whom she seemed to cherish a lot, even on the days they fought and ended up venting to Jeonghan. He realized that they’d been meaning to get married for a long time now, but kept delaying it so that she could focus on her career. A sweet woman like her really deserved a man who would be willing to wait for her.
Jeonghan would be lying if he said he wasn’t ever jealous of her. Especially when she tells him about the little things her boyfriend would do for her, which coincides exactly with the things Seungcheol did for him even before they were together.
Immediately after the show ended, Jeonghan snatched his stylist noona and basically dragged her to the nearest Cartier store in Paris for moral support.
“For Cheollie?” Yerim asked, a small smile playing on her lips, as Jeonghan inspected a silver band.
Jeonghan blushed but nodded. It was not that his staff were unaware, they definitely knew. The members all know about the kind of relationship he has with their leader. But with the staff, it's more of an open secret. They don’t talk about it or question them, but they know that they're all supportive from behind the scenes.
It’s the first time one of his staff openly posed this question to him, but he seemingly didn’t have any difficulty in answering her although he was a blushing mess.
He went through a series of their best collections, asking Yerim for suggestions in between and finally ended up choosing a rose gold band with tiny diamonds adorning all over its surface.
He waited now, his heart in his throat. For Seungcheol’s reaction, for him to speak up. Anything.
Was this a terrible idea? Should he have waited longer? Is he putting more pressure on Seungcheol now? Oh God, that’s the last thing he ever wanted to do.
As these thoughts swirled around his head, almost sending him into a cardiac arrest, Seungcheol held his trembling hands.
“How long have you had it for?” Of course, his sweet angel would see through his inner turmoil.
“Almost a year now.” Jeonghan got shy all of a sudden.
“These must’ve been really expensive.” A cheeky smile adorned Seungcheol’s face.
Good. He’s not crying anymore. Jeonghan thought.
Jeonghan snorted. “Says the man who loves to spoil me.” But what Seungcheol said was true, these bands alone probably cost more than the expensive gifts Seungcheol got him combined.
But he deserves it. In fact, he deserves even more. Jeonghan loves this man to the point where he would get on a rocket to pluck out the stars from the sky if ever Seungcheol asked him to.
He knows that they can't wear these identical bands in public. He knows they can’t even legally get married. But at least in the comfort of these four walls, he wants them to have a normal life, where he gets to call Seungcheol his fiancé. Even his husband, if Seungcheol lets him.
So, he doesn’t ask the big question, because he knows he can't afford to. Neither does Seungcheol expect him to.
The only thing Seungcheol did was extend his foam-covered hands, “Put it on for me, love.”
It was silly if you really think about it. Proposing to the love of your life in a fucking bathtub out of all places when you're both covered in frothy bubbles.
But none of that matters when Jeonghan sees Seungcheol’s genuine smile, revealing his gummy teeth and dimples.
Jeonghan pushes aside the foam covering Seungcheol’s hand and slides the bigger band onto his ring finger. It fits perfectly. Seungcheol does the same for Jeonghan by plucking out the smaller band from the box and slides it across Jeonghan’s finger.
Seungcheol took a moment to admire their matching rings, the grin splitting his face yet to fade. He whispered in a low tone, “You’re my fiancé,” Seungcheol says as if he’s still processing the fact. “I’m an engaged man now.” This time a bit louder and with a lot more conviction.
He looks up at a smiling Jeonghan who was silently watching him and surges forward to kiss the shit out of his fiancé.
Jeonghan giggles into the kiss as they struggle to find a balance when they kept slipping in the soapy water. Jeonghan pushes back Seungcheol on his butt, and climbs over his lap, not caring that their actions sloshed water around and now the bathroom floor around the tub is wet. They push and pull for a while trying to kiss each other while also trying not to get soap in their mouth or accidentally drown each other.
“I think I swallowed some foam.”
Seungcheol laughed when he saw Jeonghan’s scrunched-up face as he tried to get rid of the bitter taste from his tongue.
Jeonghan scowled when he saw Seungcheol laughing at his misery. He decided to be a menace and grabbed Seungcheol’s face, puckering his lips, “Would you like to try some?”
Seungcheol’s laughter bounced off the walls as he tried pushing away Jeonghan. Unfortunately for Seungcheol, he ended up getting soap in his eyes instead of his mouth.
“Ouch, ouch, ouch.” Seungcheol hissed in pain.
“Shit, are you okay?” Jeonghan was immediately on his feet, carefully guiding Seungcheol from the tub, making sure to hold him firmly since the floor was wet. He opened the shower door and pulled himself and Seungcheol into it and switched on the showerhead just as he kicked the door shut.
Seungcheol sighed in relief as soon as the water hit his face.
“Let me see.” Jeonghan grabs his face worriedly.
“Jeonghanie,” Seungcheol cooed as he placed his hand over Jeonghan’s which was resting over his cheeks, tracing the ring with his thumb. “I’m okay, baby.”
Jeonghan inspects Seungcheol’s face for a few more seconds, just to confirm Seungcheol’s actually fine before letting go. He slides his hands from Seungcheol’s face, to his neck and gently squeezes his shoulders and finally loops his arms around Seungcheol’s neck, who’s hands in turn went around Jeonghan, pulling him in by the waist.
The shower kept running in the background as Jeonghan takes in the way Seungcheol looks at him. Seungcheol’s hair was completely wet, all the styling agents and products washed away, leaving it flat, extending all the way down to his nape. But there was still something so attractive about the casual and effortless way his hair separated into thick strands, the bright red shade complementing his skin. Jeonghan traces the droplets running down Seungcheol’s hair, eyelashes, the tip of his nose and chin with his eyes. The warm water fogs up the shower cubicle, which closely resembles Jeonghan’s brain whenever he looks at the man in front of him.
“Let me wash your hair?” Jeonghan asks as he rubs his hands through the tips of Seungcheol’s hair at his nape.
Seungcheol smiles and nods at him.
Jeonghan unhooks his arms from Seungcheol’s neck, and at the same time, he lets go of Jeonghan’s waist.
Jeonghan turns his back towards Seungcheol and opens the small cabinet in the shower that holds all their hair and skin products. He could feel Seungcheol’s eyes raking over his body, causing the tips of his ears to turn a bright pink. If he noticed, Jeonghan would blame it on the hot shower, yet Seungcheol didn’t say a word.
He grabbed the shampoo and took his place in front of Seungcheol.
“Come here,” Jeonghan grabbed one of Seungcheol’s arms and pulled him to stand directly under the shower. Seungcheol obediently followed without uttering a word. Jeonghan first ran his hands through Seungcheol’s thick locks, wetting every inch of his head. He then turned off the water and squeezed some of the shampoo into his palms and rubbed it all over Seungcheol’s scalp, massaging it in the process. He takes his time, paying attention to every noise that comes out of Seungcheol’s mouth whenever he scrubs through a specific spot.
Jeonghan giggles at a particular thought that popped into his head.
"What?" Seungcheol softly asks, peeking an eye open, his arms placed on the jut of Jeonghan's hips.
"Feels like I'm bathing Kkuma." Jeonghan smiles at the fond memory.
Jeonghan and Seungcheol once bathed Kkuma together on one of their lazy dates when they were both too tired to go out. Jeonghan expected it to be tiresome since he wasn't Kkuma's favorite person. He simply sat next to Seungcheol while he did all the work by bathing her, and she looked too cute, all wet and tiny, that Jeonghan couldn't help but give her a head scratch. Kkuma let out a pleased little noise that surprised both Jeonghan and Seungcheol.
"She likes it?" Jeonghan asked Seungcheol, raising an eyebrow.
"Maybe all she wanted from you was princess treatment after all," Seungcheol said, with his eyes turning into crescents as he smiles.
Surprisingly Kkuma was so plaint and soft with him that day. Apparently, she likes taking baths.
"I remind you of my dog?" Seungcheol presses his lips into a straight line, puffing up his cheeks.
Jeonghan laughs and says, "It's just that you're both alike."
Seungcheol hums and let out another noise that's eerily similar to Kkuma's as Jeonghan presses his fingers into his scalp.
"See?" Jeonghan exclaims. "You're just like her. Like father, like daughter."
"You mean she's like me."
"Yes, yes, she's just like her daddy."
Seungcheol goes silent for a few seconds and asks not so innocently, "Do you have a Daddy kink, Jeonghanie?"
Jeonghan pulls out one of his hands from Seungcheol's hair and smacks him on the chest, "Yah! You know that's not what I meant."
Jeonghan couldn’t help himself from doing what he did next.
He pulled Seungcheol’s hair quite roughly, eliciting a surprised gasp from him, when Jeonghan grazed his teeth against Seungcheol’s neck. His other hand slipped down Seungcheol’s shoulder and settled on his chest. He used his thumb and index finger to tweak the sensitive nub. Seungcheol released a breath he didn’t know he was holding.
“Stop making those noises Cheol-ah,” Jeonghan murmured against Seungcheol’s neck. “If you don’t want me to take you right here in this shower.”
“Do it then.”
Jeonghan paused.
“What?”
Seungcheol makes it clear what he wants by placing his hands over the swell of Jeonghan's ass and pushes him forward, their sensitive erections rubbing against each other. Jeonghan gasped against Seungcheol's neck as he felt a surge of heat shoot up through his abdomen.
“Fuck me, Jeonghan.” Seungcheol moaned out, tracing his fingertips against Jeonghan’s spine.
“Such crass words from a pretty mouth,” Jeonghan tsked as he wrapped his fingers around Seungcheol. He drew his palm along Seungcheol’s length, moving up and down, rubbing the tip with his thumb.
Seungcheol's knees weakened at the sensation, and he slumped against Jeonghan. He kept pumping him, eliciting a string of desperate curses and filthy moans.
“Jeonghan-ah, please,” Jeonghan got the hint of Seungcheol being so close. He pushed Seungcheol, pressing his back against the glass wall. The cold surface made Seungcheol cry out.
Jeonghan dropped to his knees between Seungcheol’s legs, taking him into his mouth.
Seungcheol’s moans turned louder as Jeonghan bobbled his head up and down while also paying attention to the base. Jeonghan guided Seungcheol’s hands into his hair, silently letting him know to do whatever he pleases.
Seungcheol bit his lower lip as he glanced at Jeonghan on his knees. Jeonghan grabbed Seungcheol’s ass pushing him deeper into his mouth as the tip hit the back of his throat.
“Baby,” Seungcheol threw his head back as felt himself coming undone into Jeonghan’s mouth.
Seungcheol took a few minutes to catch his breath, and ran his hand through his wet curls pushing them back from his forehead.
Jeonghan’s fingers traced the rim of Seungcheol’s hole, and gently inserted the tip of his finger, testing out how much prepping he’ll have to do.
Seungcheol writhed from above at the feeling of Jeonghan’s finger inside him. He hadn’t bottomed in a while, and Jeonghan knew he was going to take his own sweet time in prepping him.
“Turn around for me sweetheart,” Jeonghan placed his hand on Seungcheol’s hips to guide him around. Jeonghan stood up and angled Seungcheol in such a way that his palms pressed against the shower glass and his hips stuck out in Jeonghan’s direction.
“You okay, baby?” Jeonghan asked.
“Yeah,” Seungcheol breathed out and continued, “do what you have to do.”
Jeonghan wasted not a second, before placing his hands on Seungcheol’s ass, spreading it apart. He licked into the rim, where his finger was submerged in just moments ago. Seungcheol’s breath hitched as he involuntarily shuddered.
Jeonghan paid equal attention to Seungcheol’s growing erection. He palmed the length while also licking long stripes from the base to the entrance. He could hear Seungcheol chanting his name from above, his forehead pressed against the wet glass.
Hannie, hannie, please, baby, more.
Jeonghan shut of the shower and quickly grabbed the lube which was conveniently placed amongst their shower products in the cabinet. He squeezed a generous amount onto his fingers and in between Seungcheol’s entrance.
Jeonghan easily slid in the first finger, Seungcheol’s walls gripping him tight. He kept pushing in and out as Seungcheol relaxed around him. He inserted a second finger, twisting within, as he bit and sucked into Seungcheol’s flesh.
He quickened the pace of his palms moving along Seungcheol’s erection as he added in a third finger.
“Fuck,” Seungcheol growled, “get inside me right now.”
Seungcheol turned around and roughly grabbed Jeonghan’s hip and pushed him onto Seungcheol, their erections rubbing against each other. Jeonghan hooked an arm under Seungcheol’s thigh, lifting and placing it against his hip bone, to gain a better access to Seungcheol’s entrance at a wider angle. Seungcheol snatched the lube and greedily squeezed it onto Jeonghan, oiling him up thoroughly. Jeonghan almost saw the stars as Seungcheol’s big hands squeezed him.
Seungcheol pressed his forehead against Jeonghan’s and whispered, “Make love to me, baby.”
Jeonghan gripped his head back, kissing him hard and firm as he teased his tip into Seungcheol.
Seungcheol whined against his mouth but kissed him back just as hard. In a single, smooth motion, Jeonghan entered him, a loud guttaral moan erupted from Seungcheol.
“You like that, baby?” Jeonghan yanked back Seungcheol’s hair mercilessly, forcing him to look into his eyes as he fucks into him.
Seungcheol tried to maintain a steady gaze at Jeonghan, but the deep thrusts made his eyes roll back into his skull. Seungcheol bounced on Jeonghan, as his pace quickened similar to his breathing pattern. Jeonghan sucked on Seungcheol’s skin, his thrusts becoming erratic, the lewd sound of skin slapping against skin, and the squelch of sweat clinging onto Seungcheol’s back making contact with the glass walls, along with the sounds that came out of Seungcheol’s mouth made Jeonghan lose his mind.
Seungcheol dragged his nails across Jeonghan’s back, which was sure to leave marks and would sting in a few hours. But Jeonghan didn’t care. He would let Seungcheol do anything to him, to keep his man satisfied.
“Jeonghan-ah, I’m close,” Seungcheol moaned pathetically against Jeonghan’s throat.
With one hand, Jeonghan clutched the back of Seungcheol’s head and with the other he encircled his throbbing erection.
“Look at me when I make you come, Seungcheol-ah,” Jeonghan rasped out.
Seungcheol nodded with tears in his eyes, the pleasure building up when Jeonghan quickened his pace both inside and around Seungcheol.
Jeonghan knew he was close too, his heart began to race faster, his mind starting to get cloudy and his grip tighten on Seungcheol.
“I’m close baby.” Jeonghan wheezed out.
“Inside me, please,” Seungcheol pleaded, his walls closing in on Jeonghan, squeezing the living daylights out of him.
With one last thrust, Jeonghan shot out thick white strings into Seungcheol who came immediately after, all across his torso.
“I want to taste you,” Jeonghan loves it when Seungcheol becomes greedy and their sex gets so filthy.
Jeonghan dipped his fingers into Seungcheol’s freshly fucked hole, still pulsing from the after effect. His fingers were coated with his juices and he thrusted those fingers into Seungcheol’s awaiting mouth.
Seungcheol sucked on his fingers all the while maintaining eye contact with Jeonghan. He knows the effect he has on Jeonghan whenever he does that.
“You’re so fucking hot when you do that.” Jeonghan sounded dazed.
Seungcheol smirked and sucked Jeonghan’s fingers clean.
He circled his arms around Jeonghan’s waist pulling him close, and kissed him deeply. Slow, sweet and steady. A complete opposite to whatever they were doing minutes ago.
“I love you.” Seungcheol kissed Jeonghan’s forehead.
“Love you too Cheollie,” Jeonghan said, intertwining his fingers with Seungcheol’s, adorned with their identical bands.
They kept giving each other little pecks, on the nose, cheeks, chin, side of the mouth, wherever they could. Their previous moans were replaced by tiny little giggles and squeals, tickling each other as they peppered kisses against their ticklish spots.
“As much as I would love to stay like this forever, I’m starting to feel sticky and gross,” Seungcheol said although his grip on Jeonghan never faltered.
Jeonghan laughed and kissed the tip of Seungcheol’s nose and extracted himself from Seungcheol’s hold, “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”
Jeonghan then proceeded to turn on the wrong knob, sending a jet stream of ice-cold water down on them both. They yelped and jumped out from the direction of the shower.
“Jeonghanie,” Seungcheol whined while Jeonghan scrambled to turn on the hot water setting muttering apologies in between.
Seungcheol pulled him back into his arms after Jeonghan adjusted the temperature settings, nuzzling his face into the crook of Jeonghan’s neck, “You’re such a dork,” Pure affection dripping out from Seungcheol’s tone.
Jeonghan hooked his chin against Seungcheol’s shoulder, tracing patterns across his back, “Yet you still love me.”
“I do.”
Jeonghan’s breath stuttered for a second, and drapped himself against Seungcheol, his eyes closed, imagining himself and Seungcheol in tuxedos surrounded by the boys and all their family and said softly, “Say that to me on the day we get married.”
“I will, sweetheart.” Seungcheol kissed his hair.
Once they were freshly showered and ready for bed, Seungcheol crawled into Jeonghan’s awaiting arms. Jeonghan grabbed his phone and quickly snapped a picture of his and Seungcheol’s matching rings and sent it to the group chat with a wink emoji. He then switched off the Wi-Fi and hugged Seungcheol as if he didn’t just unleash chaos into their group chat.
Seungkwanie: What the fuckkk hyung???
Joshuji: Fucking finally
Vernon: So, when’s the wedding?
Hoshingie: [Send two images]
Guys which suit should I wear to the wedding?
Uji: You are NOT wearing that tiger print suit. I’ll personally ban you from attending their wedding if you show up in that.
Hoshingie: ☹☹
@Jeonghanie_hyung can it be tiger themed?
Uji removed Hoshingie from the chat
Wonwoo added Hoshingie to the chat
Wonwoo: Congratulations Coups hyung and Jeonghanie hyung!!
Jun: The only normal one in this group chat.
Dokyeom: Congratulations!! I’m so happy for you two! So, who proposed?
Mingyu: Coups hyung for sure.
Minghao: Nah, it’s got to be Jeonghanie hyung.
Chan: My bet’s on Jeonghanie hyung too.
Joshuji: Where are these two fuckers??
Hello????
Don’t you dare leave us on read
Uji: That’s bold coming from you
Joshuji removed Uji from the chat
Wonwoo added Uji to the chat
The morning light streamed through the window, escaping past the narrow slits of the curtain. Seungcheol was curled up on Jeonghan’s bicep, the sunlight producing a soft halo around his flaming red strands. Jeonghan tucked in those loose strands behind his ear, his fingers trailing past Seungcheol’s earlobe and jawbone.
Seungcheol shifted in his sleep, moving closer to Jeonghan subconsciously.
Jeonghan softly rubbed his thumb across the apple of Seungcheol’s cheek and leaned in to press a kiss against his forehead.
Seungcheol slowly cracked his eyes open, stretching and yawning loudly, and draped a heavy arm across Jeonghan’s waist.
“Slept well?” Jeonghan smiled at him.
Seungcheol nodded. “You fucked me into oblivion last night, I passed out as soon as I hit the bed.”
Seungcheol lifted his knee and pressed into Jeonghan’s crotch, making Jeonghan twitch almost immediately, “Speaking of which…”
Seungcheol suddenly got up and climbed over Jeonghan, trapping him between Seungcheol’s body and their bed.
“My turn to take care of you now.” Seungcheol wiggles his eyebrows as he swooped in to bite Jeonghan’s neck.