Chapter Text
As crazy as it is, the post-orgasm reality check helps Zhang Hao see things clearer.
He decides on the performance song, much to Hanbin’s pouty remarks, and asks the star creators to assign Over Me to him. Two days later, when the voting closes, he feels a strange serendipity in his soul. He knows he’s picked well.
Hanbin successfully gets Say My Name, a song of his own choice. The team is chaotic and a little too bored, pulling a prank on Yujin. Then on Jiwoong. Then one more on Hanbin. When Hanbin tells Zhang Hao about Woongki’s acting skills, they both have to silence their giggles in the pillow, trying to not disturb anyone with their late night talk.
They mourn the loss of a shared room as the reassigned rooms once again separate them, however, right after the first practice day, Zhang Hao returns to Hanbin passed out on his bed, his trousers and jacket still on.
Hanbin, a clean freak, splayed over his sheets in outside clothes? Zhang Hao chuckles to himself and carefully tugs the blanket from underneath Hanbin, covering him with it with gentle care.
Hanbin stirs awake, mumbling a sleepy, “Hi Hao,” before closing his eyes again. Zhang Hao settles next to him, pressing his body into Hanbin’s, inhaling his scent.
“Your perfume smells so nice,” he mutters into Hanbin’s hair.
“I’d love to cover you with it, so everyone knows you belong to me by smell alone,” Hanbin responds so casually it throws Zhang Hao off, cheeks reddening. He bites his lip to stop himself from squealing, holding Hanbin closer, fingers digging into the back of his neck.
They cuddle close, falling asleep in a tight hug. Zhang Hao doesn’t rush Hanbin to his own room in the morning and Hanbin doesn’t question Zhang Hao leaving his jacket behind in Hanbin’s closet.
With the new mission and practices at hand, they find comfort in each other, not quite discreet but careful enough to never leave evidence behind.
◌✧☾⋆
One thing about Sung Hanbin - he always felt a strong need to have a pretty boy in his lap.
During dance practices, studio performances, school meet-ups, whatever the opportunity was, he loved having a gorgeous man with pouty lips and big eyes seated on him, Hanbin’s arms hugging a slim waist or strong abs. Gosh, he loved when he could feel their toned muscles under his fingertips, teasing their navel until he could hear soft gasps.
The first time Zhang Hao settles his entire weight on him, making Hanbin his personal seat in the shared cafeteria, he goes positively feral.
Pretty boy? Check.
Pouty lips? Check.
Big eyes? Check.
Slim waist and toned skin forming abs underneath? Check.
Zhang Hao? Check.
Hanbin can’t bring himself to do anything besides gently placing his hand over Zhang Hao’s tiny waist, willing his breath to calm down.
Every single time Zhang Hao inhales, his chest expands, pressing softly into Hanbin’s hands. It feels so natural to feel Zhang Hao’s heartbeat against his palm, like his heart tries to break free to seek comfort in Hanbin’s sweaty palm.
Hanbin’s heart stutters, his pulse picking up. He feels sick with love, suddenly all too hot, short of breath, head pounding, like he’s about to suffer a heart attack.
Then Zhang Hao leans over his shoulder, feeding Hanbin a spoonful of soup. It’s warm, but not hot and rich in flavor. Hanbin likes it. Zhang Hao picks another spoonful, carefully blowing on the liquid until the steam disappears and brings it to Hanbin’s lips, eyes full of expectation.
He’s cute like this, focused on such a mundane task like feeding Hanbin a soup they picked together in a canteen. Hanbin obeys, eating the soup, but his mind is far from the chicken broth.
It’s absurd, because there are spaces left. If Zhang Hao wanted to sit on a separate chair, they simply could’ve moved to a different table. But Zhang Hao insisted that they sit here, next to Kuanjui, who’s not even paying attention to them, chatting with other trainees.
Zhang Hao doesn’t have to sit on Hanbin and feed him soup they share. Yet here he is, laughing when a bit drips down Hanbin’s chin, using his thumb to wipe the soup away.
“I’m not a child Hao, I can eat on my own, you know,” Hanbin mumbles, slightly embarrassed that he’s being babied at his grown age.
“But I like putting things in your mouth,” Zhang Hao pouts, and Hanbin’s heart skips a beat. He blushes, looking down in a futile attempt to hide his rosy cheeks. “I meant feeding you, you pervert!” Zhang Hao scolds, but they both know that’s not what he meant.
Ever since they started training separately, the distance has been sheer hell. Hanbin missed Zhang Hao every single minute they spent apart, and often they had to postpone their secret night meet-ups, as the hectic training schedule didn’t leave any space for leisure.
It doesn’t help that Hanbin isn’t on good terms with Matthew because of a drastic part change, and now his lifelong friend won’t even look his way when the cameras turn off. He respects Matthew and does give him the space he asks for, but it hurts.
Jiwoong told Hanbin to give it a few days, that he’ll talk to Matthew, and Hanbin appreciates his care, but it can’t replace the joy of having Matthew carelessly joke around and Hanbin questions if he’s been a good friend to Matthew lately.
Before he gets to spiral into mental maze of anxiety, Zhang Hao softly nudges his shoulder. Hanbin leans back, instinctively, and Zhang Hao hums in content, shifting in his place on Hanbin’s lap.
He sits further up on Hanbin’s thighs, settling back down way too fast.
Right on Hanbin’s dick.
Oh my lord.
Hanbin bites back a groan. He knows Zhang Hao feels it too, freezing. His hold on Zhang Hao’s waist stiffens.
Then, in the smallest move, Zhang Hao grinds on him. There’s no way to hold back the moan that leaves Hanbin’s lips, so he burrows his face deep into Zhang Hao’s neck, blocking the noise by Zhang Hao’s skin.
Zhang Hao grinds his hips one more time, his ass right against Hanbin’s half-hard dick. Hanbin sighs into the salty skin of Zhang Hao’s neck.
They’re shameless, really, right in the cafeteria, in front of everyone, hidden by nothing but innocent pretense. When Zhang Hao moves to grind down again, Hanbin stills his movement with his fingers grasping Zhang Hao’s hips desperately, harsh enough to bruise.
He’s doing this to prevent a very awkward walk of shame, knows damn well he can’t hold himself back much longer. Zhang Hao throws him an angry look, asking ‘How dare you interrupt me?’ with his eyes.
“Hyung,” Hanbin whines quietly, and it sounds as pathetic as he feels. Zhang Hao, in his cold cruelty, stands up, and walks away, swaying his hips on his way out. Hanbin looks around, making sure no one else is watching Zhang Hao’s provoking. When Zhang Hao turns by the door to give Hanbin a wave, he throws him an incredulous look, covering his crotch and willing the blood to travel somewhere else.
With Zhang Hao out of sight, but most definitely not out of mind, Hanbin comes to a conclusion that doesn’t surprise him, he is down bad. And he wants to act on this feeling, chase Zhang Hao down and pin him against a wall and kiss him until he’s breathless and on his knees for Hanbin.
He’d also like to keep his spot as number one trainee and debut though, so instead he tugs his hoodie as down as possible and takes the bowl of unfinished soup that has gone cold by now, cleaning after them and making his way back to the practice room.
◌✧☾⋆
Aside from training for the brand-new stages, the MCountdown performance approaches, and the Aces team is called to meet up on a chilly Sunday morning for extra practice. It’s been a while since they performed the Tomboy stage in front of Star creators, winning their hearts and earning Zhang Hao a bonus of 150 000 points for the upcoming elimination.
“Warm up everyone, we’ll go over the choreography twice and then move on with the vocals, if there’s time left, we’ll discuss the stage setting and your first Media appearance,” their director announces and Hanbin smiles, despite the sweat forming on his forehead.
At least some time with Zhang Hao that isn’t lunch breaks or midnight walks.
“Long time no see hyung!” Gunwook greets Hanbin, wrapping his arms around Hanbin to bring him in a hug. He reminds Hanbin of a giant teddy bear.
Hoetaek joins them in their little chat, fixing Hanbin’s messed up hair, “You have to start styling your hair Hanbin-ah,” he scolds, with no bite in his words. Hanbin laughs, free with affection for his old team. Zhang Hao appears by his side, placing a hand on the small of his back. Hanbin hopes the light make-up he’s wearing hides the warmth he feels spreading across his cheeks.
“Gunwook-ah, Hoetaek hyung, how’s En Garde?” he asks swiftly, directing the conversation away from him and Zhang Hao, who has a small knowing smile plastered over his face, like he’s aware of the effect he has on Hanbin.
Hanbin makes a mental note to make Zhang Hao pay for it later. Now he focuses on Gunwook explaining the killing part he got chosen for. His eyes sparkle with child-like excitement and Hanbin finds himself wanting to look after Gunwook, the gentle giant who is so easy to adore. Hanbin ruffles his hair affectionately, congratulating him on being the center of their performance.
The practice flows by in a fit of giggles and heartfelt passion and before Hanbin realizes, he’s standing face to face with the MCountdown stage director who explains the camerawork and details regarding their entrance and preparation on stage.
“Don’t follow the overhead camera with your eyes, just focus straight ahead, the fans will feel more connected to you this way- Hanbin! Are you listening?”
Hanbin quickly snaps out of his head, plastering a well-practiced smile on his face. It’s hard to focus on stage cooperation when Zhang Hao’s hand traces little lines over his back. A shiver runs down his spine and he hears Zhang Hao chuckle faintly behind him.
Hanbin notices Gunwook staring from the corner of his eye, but when he turns his head, the younger quickly looks down, avoiding eye contact. There’s a gleam of emotion Hanbin doesn’t recognize and he mentally notes to check in with Gunwook, try to get to know him on a more personal level, maybe try for an honest one-on-one.
Before any of them start to question if one practice is sufficient to prepare for the stage, the make-up artists come, touching up Hanbin’s look. Deep down, Hanbin knows he’s more than prepared. One look at his team tells him they feel the same way.
◌✧☾⋆
Performing Tomboy for the first time was a dream, Hanbin felt like floating on a cloud throw a clear sky, in trance save for the loud cheering of thousands of fans.
The second time, he’s fully conscious, on stand-by with butterflies in his stomach. Zhang Hao and Gunwook are whispering something, tittering together while Hoetaek stretches his arms, murmuring the lyrics over and over.
Hanbin swallows the pre-performance nerves and pats his shoulders.
You’ll do great, Hanbin-ah.
He repeats it until he believes it, and soon he’s running up and over the stage, flickering lights welcoming him, deafening cheers feeding his hunger for success, for fame, for recognition, and for love of their fans.
He feels a little worshipped, like a deity freshly ascended. He likes the feeling.
The second time performing Tomboy is a reassurance that Hanbin is meant for this, he’s got to debut in the final lineup and become a star.
Performing is a drug. No, even better – performing is an addiction that seeps down into the core of Hanbin’s bones, nestled so close to his soul it might be his one and only meaning alone.
It’s a well-practiced routine, a feeling like no other.
He hears the cheers, loud enough to sound over his in-ear monitor. The stage lights blind him for a second before he blinks the shine away and then he’s floating, high on adrenaline. He knows the words, he practiced the moves plenty times enough, he has the expressions down to the tiniest bit of detail. Now, the only thing left is to perform - to enjoy the present, to breathe in the moment and give his best.
If the first time felt ecstatic, the second Tomboy performance leaves him hyped in an out-of-body experience. Each stage just confirms his decision to become an idol, spirit so free he doesn’t register he’s off the stage and taking his mic off until Gunwook next to him squeals in pure joy, looking just as positively overwhelmed as Hanbin feels.
“That was awesome!” Gunwook shouts, happiness so pure it makes Hanbin want to crush the younger with affection.
“Yeah,” he replies, mind still a little gone, arms wrapping around Zhang Hao’s slim waist.
They don’t exchange any words, yet one look is enough to carry all the meaning - we will make it.
Hoeataek cleares his throat somewhere in the backround, trying to initiate a group hug that turns into hands squishing flesh and tears welling up as they thank each other for the stage.
◌✧☾⋆
On a particularly sunny morning, they’re all called to get out and on the fresh grass in the back of the training facility. The production team tells the trainees to separate into teams based on their performances and Hanbin immediately locks arms around Matthew’s neck, pulling the younger close. They have made up by now, thanks to Jiwoong’s calm kindness and Hanbin’s eager affection for his friend.
“I’m not a kid, hyung,” Matthew makes a sound of protest as Hanbin snuggles close, their cheeks pressed together.
“But your face is soft like jelly, I can’t help myself!”
Matthew rolls his eyes but allows Hanbin to continue his cuddling attack. Jiwoong and Yujin banter a little to the side and Hanbin watches with amusement as the fellow trainees play around. His heart pings with sheer love for them all and he tries to imprint the sound of shared laughter into his memory, closing his eyes to cherish the moment.
“Hey! Don’t go all soft and nostalgic on me, we’re literally about to compete for food!”
“Sorry Mashu, I just love you guys so much,” Hanbin confesses
Now it’s Matthew’s turn to tear up and he shoves Hanbin, with zero force, pouting up at him.
They play numerous games that are supposed to air in between their upcoming elimination episode to ‘make the long process more entertaining’, as the director explains. The games go as badly as one could imagine. Hanbin is pretty sure the whispering challenge just completely ruined his soft boy image, and the putting on pants challenge is an unnecessary gym class he didn’t ask for.
Zhang Hao, on the other hand, has the brilliant idea to use his mouth to pull up Ricky’s pants, and it takes everything in Hanbin’s will to push the ugly jealous feeling away, telling himself it’s for cameras, it’s just a challenge, it’s nothing, really. He laughs, trying to look entertained.
Jiwoong’s smug smile and knowing eyes are enough to tell him he’s doing a terrible job at looking unbothered, apparently.
◌✧☾⋆
The loud music stops and the practice room of Over Me team calms down, boys laying on ground, gasping for air. The practice is going fairly well as the choreography isn’t that physically demanding and Zhang Hao gets to train with Kuanjui, his friend cuddling up to his side.
Zhang Hao playfully shoves his away and Kuanjui pouts, stomping his feet like a baby throwing a fit.
“You’re so annoying,” Zhang Hao laughs, but there’s no spite in his words. Kuanjui looks around. Noticing no one is paying attention to them, he drags Zhang Hao up and out of the room, uttering, “let me be annoying for a second while we go wash up.”
Zhang Hao follows, but once they get out, he immediately questions, “What was that about?”
“Just an excuse to get you alone for a sec,” Kuanjui replies with a shrug.
He throws an arm around Zhang Hao’s shoulders and leads him down the hallway, “Take a walk with me Hao!”
He doesn’t use honorifics, he hardly ever does. Zhang Hao doesn’t mind, as they are technically the same age, at least the same birth year.
“Sure,” he hugs Kuanjui’s waist and follows him into the hallway.
They get to the magical part of the staircase where cameras don’t reach and Kuanjui doesn’t waste time sitting down, throwing his mic off recklessly. Zhang Hao wants to scold him and just cover his mic like he always does when he’s discussing something the staff doesn’t need to hear, but he feels Kuanjui’s energy shifting into a mood he can’t read, so he also takes his microphone off as well and sits next to him.
“What’s up?” he asks and tries his best to look calm, collected. Because truthfully, he has no idea what’s going on. Kaunjui just smiles at him and snuggles closer to Zhang Hao. “We haven’t chatted properly in ages,” he drawls out the “e” so the sound gets dragged into an unnecessarily long word, “and you promised me a chat that we never ended up having.”
Zhang Hao remembers, the promise he’s made a little tipsy before he and Hanbin disappeared and jerked off while Hoetaek was sleeping right next to them.
He feels a sense of shame, not for the act, but for forgetting his promise to his good friend.
“Well, we have both been pretty busy,” Zhang Hao wonders if this is about Kuanjui having a hard time and him not noticing because he’s been too busy obsessing over Sung Hanbin. “True, but not that busy. I just wanted to catch up. How have you been doing?”
“I’m okay, the competition is tough, but I’m hanging in there, the rank isn’t the worst either. I just wish they fed us better food,” Zhang Hao chuckles lightly and Kuanjui follows, their shoulders bumping into each other. “Yeah, I wasn’t talking about the competition now, though,” he says quietly, looking at Zhang Hao with sharp-lidded eyes. His gaze is piercing through Zhang Hao’s skull and he has to avert his eyes before Kuanjui reads him like a children’s book.
“We don’t really focus on anything else,” Zhang Hao settles on, playing with the sleeve of his shirt. A freezing-cold feeling that Kuanjui knows creeps up his spine. Damn his friend, he can’t hide anything from him.
“I’d argue your focus is fixed on something, someone -he says in Mandarin- else.” Zhang Hao swallows hard and checks if anyone else is nearby, “So that’s what this is about.”
“And what else? We can talk about the weather and competition during lunch breaks, but this, you and him? You’d probably never tell me if I didn’t ask!”
“That’s not true!” Zhang Hao feels blush burning down his neck. He makes sure the microphones can’t pick up their conversation, and he turns his body to Kuanjui, who’s already facing him. They’ve been friends for long enough and Zhang Hao considers him one of the easiest people to talk with. Honestly, there isn’t a topic they haven’t discussed.
“I planned on telling you eventually. I’m not sure there’s something to talk about…yet. We just clicked instantly and our bond just sorta… developed,” he is waving his hands around, trying to express what his words can’t. “Eventually, we just became closer than I expected. Plus, he’s so infuriating with his perfect boy persona, I had to see him fall apart at least once in my life. And it became a… habit? Something like that.”
Kuanjui listens and nods his head, but Zhang Hao sees the exact moment the words click in his head and his eyes widen, shock taking over.
“Hold the fuck on! Are you saying you and him have already… you’ve already fucked?!”
Zhang Hao is red as a tomato. He whines that Kuanjui doesn’t have to be so explicit about his wording and manages to explain how the kiss led to a bathroom blowjob, which led to the changing room’s meeting. He cuts it off there, for the better of them all.
“Hold on! So who topped?” Kuanjui asks and Zhang Hao giggles, winking at him, “Guess.”
Kuanjui seems to think about his answer and then leans close to Zhang Hao, whispering in his ear, “Hanbin did, of course.”
Zhang Hao laughs, shaking his head. The expression of pure confusion turning into understanding turning into surprise on Kuanjui’s face is priceless.
“No way- did you fuck Sung Hanbin? The number one trainee? How did you even- how come I- when- what?!” Zhang Hao motions for Kuanjui to slow down and breathe and briefly catches him up on most of their experiences, in as many details as he can get out of himself without dying of embarrassment. Kuanjui nudges him whenever Zhang Hao leaves out ‘too much’ and demands all the juicy details and Zhang Hao calls him a pervert just for Kuanjui to argue back with, “you’re the pervert! A very horny one at that!”
After Zhang Hao finishes the story and Kuanjui is satisfied, giggling and shaking his head in disbelief, they have to get back to practice, both smiling with mutual understanding of the situation.
It feels good to have someone to share his secret with, Zhang Hao realizes. “You spill this to anyone else and I will murder you with my own hands, do you understand?” he threatens as they return and Kuanjui cackles, folding in half.
“As if your precious boy could hold his tongue any better than you do!” Kuanjui, as a grown adult, sticks his tongue out at him.
“What do you mean?” Zhang Hao raises his eyebrows.
“I mean, isn’t he besties with like half the trainees left? I bet fifty bucks the Gyuvin guy knows all about it. Oh, and Matthew and Hoetaek too!”
Would Hanbin tell them? Zhang Hao knows that Hoetaek, in fact, knew about them, but would Hanbin really walk around spilling their business out like that, without fear of consequences if a word got out? He seems like the type who would spill the beans with his friends. But this is a competition and Hanbin has proven to Zhang Hao he can be pretty smart if he has to.
“We’ll see. Doesn’t mean you can go on telling your new friends. We have reputations to keep,” Zhang Hao settles on. Kuanjui nods and gives Zhang Hao a brief hug. They stand in front of the practice door, and before they go in, Kuanjui whispers quickly, “You can count on your secret being safe with me. Also, wouldn’t it be embarrassing for the whole K-Group if the news got out? The starkissed boy getting ravished by a mere Chinese twink?”
Zhang Hao might actually try to strangle Kuanjui.
The rest of practice Zhang Hao makes an extra effort to reply to Kuanjui’s knowing smirks in angry glares. Ricky gets slightly worried while Jay looks equal parts amused and confused. Jeonghyeon ignores most of the strange interactions and the practice continues until late evening. When they can barely stand up anymore, Zhang Hao calls it a night and goes straight into the bathroom, burning his red cheeks under hot water.
How did he tell Kuanjui about him and Hanbin ohmygod ohmygod ohmy-
“Hao-hyung? You free for a quick chat?” a voice suddenly sounds from behind him.
Zhang Hao whips his head around, startled, but softens at the sight of Yujin standing in front of him, shoulders hunched down.
“Of course Yujinie, you done with practice already?”
Yujin nods, staring at the ground. He looks like a woeful statue, and worry creeps up Zhang Hao’s spine. He swears to himself there and then that he’ll bring Yujin’s mood up, or at the very least offer a shoulder of support to cry on.
“Hanbin’s going easy on you, huh?” Zhang Hao jokes lightly and Yujin chuckles, the hint of a smile fluttering his eyelashes.
“Yeah, Hanbin hyung is really kind,” Yujin says, finally looking up at Zhang Hao, “I really like him hyung.”
Zhang Hao smiles, ruffling Yujin’s hair, “Me too. I’m glad he’s leading your practices well, I’m sure you’ll do so good on the stage.”
Yujin stills, before he bursts into tears and he clings to Zhang Hao, burrowing his face into Zhang Hao’s hoodie. “What if I do bad, hyung? What if I’m not the center we should’ve picked?”
Zhang Hao’s heart breaks a little and he hugs the younger boy tight, crushing him with all the force he can muster. He whispers soft words into Yujin’s hair, reassuring him he’ll do great until Yujin starts to believe it himself. Soon, they’re sitting on the bathroom floor, Zhang Hao telling Yujin how he’s the best choice of a center for their performance and after a while Yujin’s little smile returns, his eyes glowing with energy again.
He thanks Zhang Hao in a brief hug before he hops away, brighter now, and Zhang Hao can’t help but let himself wonder about their future outside of Yuehua. A future where they all debut and dance alongside each other, the trainees who once used to teach him Korean, now turned his closest friends here.
“I hope Yujin will make it,” he whispers into Hanbin’s chest when they finally lie down together, this time in Hanbin’s bed.
“That kid has supernatural powers, he’ll be in the final line-up for sure,” Hanbin tells him, sounding so confident that Zhang Hao shakes the worries away, focusing on Hanbin’s heartbeat instead.
◌✧☾⋆
It’s too early in the morning when an alarm sounds through the dorm, waking the boys up.
Zhang Hao rubs his eyes, blinking the sleep away. He gets up quietly, Hanbin still snoring softly in the bed, and makes a beeline for the coffee machine, making himself an extra-strong black coffee with so little milk it tastes like asphalt. The bitter taste fills his mouth and he hums, content and ready for yet another day of shooting challenges and deciding about his future. His mind travels to Hanbin and he wonders if the other trainee also thinks about them, their future and dreams.
Hanbin chases every single second of sleep possible, getting up only when Matthew throws himself on top of him.
“Hyung get up! We’ve got a long day ahead!” Matthew nuzzles his face in the crook of Hanbin’s neck and Hanbin just whines in protest, wrapping his arms around Matthew’s torso to pull him into a morning cuddle.
“Let’s just skip the breakfast today,” Hanbin slurs into the pillow, eyes closed as his eyelids feel too heavy.
“No way! I need my morning meal to feel strong and so do you. If you can’t get up, I will send Jiwoong hyung and Yujinie to take care of you,” Matthew pecks Hanbin’s cheek and leaves, giggling when Hanbin ruffles his hair before letting Matthew go.
He wraps the blanket around his body and sighs, the show is nearing an end and yet everything seems so uncertain.
If there is something Hanbin knows for sure, it’s that the lineup of final contestants better have both Zhang Hao and Matthew in. He wishes to end in the winning spot with his two dearest people by his side. Gyuvin and Yujin too, they clicked with Hanbin so well, plus Zhang Hao knows them closely.
Jiwoong seems hot and wild and kind and considerate and would be a great leader. Taerae and Keita have unique charms he loves and adores and might be the tiniest bit jealous of.
And Gunwook - a gentle giant with puppy eyes - works harder than all the trainees at his old company. Jay and Ricky both sound way too smooth to not debut and Kuanjui - Zhang Hao’s best friend - has legendary talent.
He loves his fellow contestants so much it makes the competition harder and harder. He chooses to set his worries aside and finally gets up, getting to the practice room right away and he watches the last part of the choreography for Say My Name on their shared tablet, learning it in several minutes.
He doesn’t think too much of Zhang Hao passing in the hall, red ribbon wrapped around his neck.
Nor does he overreact when Zhang Hao intertwines their ankles at lunch, smiling at him when Hanbin finishes his meal.
He also doesn’t freak out when Zhang Hao finds him in the practice room in the evening and hugs him from behind, wrapping his arms around Hanbin’s waist. It’s late and the camera crew has already left, and even his teammates went back to their rooms, but Hanbin felt like practicing some more.
Typical number one golden boy behavior, he realizes. Sometimes the soft voice and kind smile persona does help to hide his perfectionist freak side.
“Whatchu doin’?” Zhang Hao asks, leaning his chin on Hanbin’s shoulder.
Hanbin leans into the touch, welcoming the comforting presence, despite his heart beating loud in his chest.
“I wanted to focus on my facial expressions for a bit more, what about you?” Hanbin hates how the camera in front of the mirror ruins his chances of kissing Zhang Hao. He considers covering it with Zhang Hao’s jacket and kissing the skin of his shoulders. He knows better than that and settles on closing his eyes, breathing in Zhang Hao’s shampoo. He must’ve washed his hair recently, it smells like roasted cashews and marzipan, sugary sweet.
“I’m done practicing for today, though I have a favour to ask,” Zhang Hao smiles sweetly, his hold on Hanbin’s waist tightening, “would you help me choreograph our dance break? I’m thinking about doing some tutting.”
Hanbin’s heart skips a beat.
Zhang wants to do a tutting dance break? For him?
“Hyung,” he breathes out, cheeks reddening.
“Don’t get your hopes up, you’re not the only person in this world who loves tutting,” Zhang Hao smirks but his hold is gentle and warm. “I think the style just fits well with the music and you are a good dancer,” Zhang Hao adds, rubbing Hanbin’s tummy fondly.
“You think I dance good?” Hanbin wiggles his eyebrows and Zhang Hao watches the movement in the mirror, rolling his eyes.
“Fishing for compliments much? But yeah, obviously you are one of the best dancers in here and a tutting specialist, so I’d be a fool not to ask you,” he murmurs into Hanbin’s skin, making the younger shiver.
“Let me think of something cool for hyung to learn then,” Hanbin smiles and spins around in Zhang Hao’s hold, facing him.
Zhang Hao’s eyes widen slightly and he mutters ‘cameras’ in Chinese. That much Hanbin understands and sighs, taking a step back to stretch his arms. He improvises a few different combos, waiting for Zhang Hao to pick his favorite. They settle on a little tutting box movement followed by a powerful swing of arms and a flick of wrists.
Zhang Hao seems content enough in about twenty minutes. He learns fast and Hanbin is an excellent teacher so they call it a night.
Nearly.
Hanbin seems to take forever to take off his dancing shoes and changing into his slippers, playing with the hem of his shirt instead, fixing his hair in the mirror. Really all but leaving.
He’s painfully easy to read, yet Zhang Hao feels flattered. Hanbin, the one and only number one trainee, acting all cute and stalling to spend more time with him.
“How is the rest of your song going?” Zhang Hao asks, sitting down and drinking water. He chooses the same bottle Hanbin drank from previously. The slight flicker of Hanbin’s eyes and tiny stutter in his voice are enough of an answer, Hanbin noticed. Good.
“It went pretty good, we are nearly done actually. Practicing with Yujin and Gyuvin is so much fun,” Hanbin smiles and Zhang Hao feels a happy spark bloom through his chest.
He’s glad Hanbin gets along with his friends. It’s not really surprising but it feels nice to know his support system from the previous company likes his current support system with pretty eyes and full lips.
“Wanna show me what you’ve practiced?” Zhang Hao asks and settles against the mirror, watching Hanbin nod eagerly and run to set the music. Cute. Zhang Hao wants to hold him in his arms and kiss his cheeks until they tickle.
Say My Name is a cheerful song about a boy having a crush on his schoolmate and Hanbin has the main vocal part and rightfully so. He moves like he’s one with the music, turns every single beat into a meaningful symphony of art, of expressing a deeper meaning. Even though he dances to a bright song and the upbeat melody crackles through a shitty speaker, Zhang Hao already sees the stage outfit, his hair skilfully brushed and styled, he can hear the fans and if he focuses enough, he can tell when the camera zooms on Hanbin’s face to capture his adorable smile.
Hanbin has clearly practiced his expressions like crazy because he nails the whole performance without breaking a sweat, posing cute at the end as if to make his own ending fairy. Zhang Hao goes along with it and starts clapping and cheering, not giving a damn they’re being loud in late night hours.
“How did I do?” Hanbin asks once he catches his breath and Zhang Hao decides to express his honest side, showing Hanbin a joyful beam.
“You did amazing, I’m sure the fans will love you,” he gets up and pats Hanbin on the shoulder. Hanbin grins back and places a hand over Zhang Hao’s.
“Thanks, I hope they’ll enjoy it,” he mutters, sounding too insecure for Zhang Hao’s liking.
“Hanbin-ah,” he says, giving his shoulder a light squeeze, “you’ll do fucking great. You always do. If I see one more ‘Hanbin slayed’ tweet after your performance I swear I’ll eat my phone.”
Hanbin laughs and finally sits down, deciding he is finished with his practice.
Zhang Hao moves to grab his stuff and leave but Hanbin makes a sound of disapproval.
“You should also show me what you practiced so far, it’s not fair if only I show you!”
Zhang Hao rolls his eyes and turns back to face Hanbin.
“Well I didn’t say I’ll show you anything. Spoiling the performance isn’t fun,” his playful tone runs through the room and he knows they are so done if anyone watches this footage. Dancing along the lines of ‘friendly’ and ‘flirty’ feels exciting and makes his fingertips tingle.
“Come on Zhang Hao, please,” Hanbin pouts and Zhang Hao giggles, letting himself get charmed by Hanbin.
“Fine, but I need something long and loose. Our ribbons get taken after the practice and I didn’t bring anything else to use.”
Hanbin seems to think for a moment before his lips tug upward into a smirk.
“Would a belt work?” he asks, eyes deep.
“Sure,” Zhang Hao shrugs and Hanbin makes a show of standing up and undoing his belt. It would get Zhang Hao going if he didn’t think about saving his face in front of the cameras.
Hanbin hands him the slack band and Zhang Hao reaches out slowly, brushing his fingers against Hanbin’s. The latter doesn’t know it yet, but Zhang Hao has decided to give him the full performance with the foreplay included. If Hanbin wants to experience the true potential of the song, he better get ready.
“Do me a favor and stand in the middle to spot my positions,” Zhang Hao says casually over his shoulder as he goes to turn the music on. Hanbin complies, standing in the middle, covering the camera with his own body.
It’s a bit on the nose and the directors might complain about the lack of footage but Zhang Hao is about to impersonate lust and desire in his human body and honestly, that’s something only Hanbin’s eyes should see tonight. He’d better consider himself lucky.
The music starts and Zhang Hao moves, smooth like a river, strong as a storm. Hanbin watches, completely in trance, eyes glued to the lines Zhang Hao’s body creates with each slow move, the tempo not too fast yet energetic in the sensual rhythm that moves Zhang Hao’s body.
And really, what was either of them thinking? A painfully sexual choreography, Zhang Hao’s natural charisma seeping through the soft lines of his pace, giving him more mature look, strong presence enveloping Hanbin who drowns in Zhang Hao’s sex appeal like a wasp drowns in a sweet nectar - it’s a bittersweet fall, because they both know this is the last place to feel pent-up and electrified.
That is until Zhang Hao wraps Hanbin’s belt around his wrists, a part of the choreography, but a strained whine escapes Hanbin’s lips and instead of shame, Zhang Hao feels fueled, adding even more raw passion into the dance and then the tutting part comes and gosh, it’s the part Hanbin choreographed, and they’re both far too gone, eyes locked into each other as Zhang Hao slowly finishes the last chorus, the beats jumping off the walls and sounding inside Hanbin’s foggy brain.
Over, under, over, over me
Over, under, over, over me
Over, under, over, over me
Tonight, I’ll take you away
Zhang Hao is the symbol of sex itself, if Hanbin has ever seen one. His moves are precise and well-practiced, a fruit of multiple long nights spent in the practice room. His expressions are seductive, but rich and confident, not an ounce of lewdness in them.
Zhang Hao looks magical.
You’ve got changed
Come get me, take on me, over me
Tonight, we finally
Come get me, take on me, over me
Zhang Hao sits on the ground and leans back, throwing his head back. Hanbin mouth waters.
Then Zhang Hao stands up and mouths the lyrics while gesturing towards Hanbin, and the air isn’t charged with tension, it’s beaming with craving. Zhang Hao dances, ever so elegant but commanding, urging Hanbin to get on his knees and worship the ground Zhang Hao walks on. Hanbin isn’t religious, but Zhang Hao is the closest being he could compare to a deity worth praying to.
Over, over, over, over me
Over, over, over, over me
Over, over, over, over me
The song stops, the silence filling the space. Zhang Hao pants lightly, catching his breath.
Hanbin watches him, breathing just as heavy.
“How did I do?” Zhang Hao asks, at last, smug grin tugging the corners of his lips up.
Hanbin doesn’t say a thing, instead he crosses the distance between them and crashes his mouth into Zhang Hao’s, kissing and biting his lips with greedy need.
Zhang Hao gasps and pushes at Hanbin’s chest, mumbling ‘camera’ against Hanbin’s lips. Hanbin steps back the tiniest bit, letting Zhang Hao look over his shoulder, where the camera faces the ground.
“You moved it? Are you crazy?!”
Hanbin shrugs, hands already tugging Zhang Hao close, their heated bodies pressing together.
“We could get in so much trouble for that,” Zhang Hao scolds, but Hanbin gently scrapes his nails across Zhang Hao’s arms, goosebumps blooming beneath his fingers.
“For what? For accidentally knocking the camera down?” Hanbin asks innocently and Zhang Hao laughs, shaking his head in disbelief.
Hanbin chases after Zhang Hao’s lips, missing when Zhang Hao pulls to the side.
“Please hyung,” Hanbin begs, and Zhang Hao considers the odds in their favor if they just fuck in the practice room.
Then a brilliant idea strikes him.
“Hanbinie, let’s take a walk.”
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