Work Text:
Holidays are a rare thing for the members; they have to enjoy them the best they can with the time they have, visiting family or traveling to bucket list places. Some of the members traveled for their holiday, Hyunjin to Iceland, Felix– ever employed, to fashion week in Paris, and Changbin to Japan. Chan decided to take his holiday at home in Australia, eager to see his family again after a long time. While Minho, Jeongin, and Seungmin were all fine staying in Korea and getting some well needed rest, Chan noticed how Jisung seemed to deflate slightly when the others announced their holidays.
Jisung has never had a very close relationship with his family, choosing to do something else on holiday the majority of the time. On the rare occasions that he does go see his family, he always comes back just as stressed out as he was before and always looking more tired. Although the others have talked to him about traveling somewhere cool, Jisung prefers not to. Chan is aware of how anxious the younger can get when he is by himself somewhere new, so he never pushes Jisung to go anywhere by himself. With how busy they have all been lately, Chan has found himself missing the younger's presence and attention.
That's why when Chan saw the younger disheartened about their break he asked him if he wanted to go to Australia with him. Jisung had eagerly agreed to the request (very eagerly, Chan thinks), and so the pair had packed their things and left the next day for Australia.
~~~~~
Chan lets out a relieved sigh as they finally enter the house, extremely relieved to be home again after so long.
“Berry!” He calls, searching for the small dog. Berry comes sprinting up to him and Jisung in the foyer, jumping right into Chan's arms as he kneels down to meet her. He scratches just behind her ears and gives her a kiss on the head, laughing as she licks him back. “Hi Berry,” he coos. Jisung laughs behind him, also bending down to pet her.
“Have you been good while Channie was away, Berry?” Jisung asks, making his lips pouty at the dog.
Chan laughs, “I’m sure she has been. Let's go take our stuff upstairs, no one is home right now but they will be for dinner tonight.” Chan grabs his bag that he had thrown on the floor in favor of Berry and leads the way up the stairs to the second floor of his family home.
“Its been so long since I’ve been to your house, Channie-hyung,” Jisung says, looking at the pictures spread across the wall. The members have only been to Chan's house once before, Felix the only exception, visiting when they are both in Australia. “I can't wait for a home cooked meal after so long!”
The pair set their bags down in Chan's room, Jisung jumping straight on to the bed like he owns it, Chan taking his time to unpack his suitcase and organize everything accordingly in its place. Once he's done with his own stuff, he moves to Jisung's bag. He hangs the clothes up next to his own, noting to himself that they will no longer be in their orderly place by tomorrow evening, knowing Jisung’s habits.
“Aww Channie-hyung, we get to share a room again! It's like we're back in the dorms. But without the other noisy roommates,” Jisung teases, scrolling on his phone while Chan sets out their shoes.
“Don’t be mean Sung, you loved sharing a room with Jinnie and Lixie too.”
Jisung scoffs, “Don't lie to yourself, you know Hyunjin and I hated each other at first.”
“Maybe,” Chan says, turning around to the younger, a smirk on his face. “But now you love each other!” Chan shouts, getting a running start to jump on the bed. He topples on top of Jisung, smothering him in a bear hug. Jisung's laughter rings out throughout the room as Chan wrestles him.
“Hyung!” he cackles. “Hyung– I can't breathe!” Jisung continues to giggle as Chan takes his weight off the younger, rolling on to the unoccupied space of the bed. They continue laughing for a minute longer, eye contact making them lose it all over again. “I do love you all now,” Jisung finally confirms.
Chan lets out a content sigh as he lays out fully on the bed, pulling his arms up over his head.
“I hope everyone will get the break they need this week,” Chan sighs.
Jisung looks at him with a pout. “That includes you, hyung. No working while we're here. Just us.”
Chan tries not to think about the giddy warmth that blooms within his chest at Jisung's statement.
“Well and your family,” He continues, turning his back to Chan to resume scrolling on his phone. Chan sighs, eyes gazing at Jisung's back. His hair is getting long and he hadn't done it this morning, keeping a hat and hoodie on his head all day while traveling.
Without much thought, Chan reaches out his hand and starts gently combing through the latter's hair, gentle hands breaking away any knots. Jisung stirs at the initial contact, slightly moving away from his hand, but quickly moves back to let Chan pet through his hair, letting out a content sigh.
Chan runs his hand up and down, focusing on the silkyness of the strands. From where he is, he can smell a hint of the scent of the strawberry shampoo he uses. He breathes the scent in, closing his eyes softly as a wave of relaxation washes over him. A small smile spreads across his face as Jisung starts humming some song that he's been enjoying lately.
Chan had tried to sleep on the plane earlier and also in the car they took back to his house, but he hadn't fallen asleep despite his exhaustion. He hadn't had a good night's sleep in more than four days and had to wake up extra early today to make it to their flight. Now, he feels sleep finally pulling at him. Chan surrenders himself to it, hoping that when he wakes up he will finally feel rested. Jisung whines something as Chan's hand comes to a stop on the crown of his head, wanting the older to continue his ministrations. Chan pays half a mind to it but sleep wins out and he finally drifts off with the smell of strawberry shampoo filling his senses.
~~~~~
“Channie-hyung.” He stirs slightly at the sound of Jisung's voice. “You gotta get up, dinner is ready.” A hand shakes his shoulder softly and he opens his eyes to see Jisung leaning over him, doe eyes staring down. Chan rubs his eyes.
“When did everyone get home? What time is it?”
“It’s around six-thirty. Your mom came home about an hour ago, she peaked her head in but saw you were sleeping and left. She said to come down in five minutes.”
Jisung leans back and out of Chan's space so he can properly sit up.
“Okay. Let me fix my hair and then we can go,” Chan stifles a yawn. He gets up and paces over to the bathroom, turning on the faucet to warm and splashing his face with the water. He then runs his hands through his hair, dampening it into a more manageable look than it had been. When he steps back out into his room, Jisung is on the floor by the door, petting Berry who has settled herself into his lap.
“Well hi Berry, did you come to get us?” Chan coos at the dog. She looks up at him and jumps out of Jisung's lap, running over to Chan instead.
“Wah! Hyung! She was being so cuddly with me!” Jisung complains.
Chan laughs back at him. “Sorry. She just likes me better,” he teases. Jisung frowns up at him.
“Eh, whatever. Let's go down to dinner,” Jisung sighs. Chan knows even with his indifferent attitude, he's still jealous Berry left him. Chan calls Berry to follow them as the pair makes their way down the stairs to the kitchen.
Chan's mom is setting food out on the table as they enter the room while his dad is grabbing drinks for everyone. He goes over and gives his mom a tight hug. Man has he missed her. Chan sighs softly as she ruffles his hair gently; even though he just fixed it, he isnt mad she messed it up.
She stares at him with a teasing smile. “Go say hello to your father.”
Chan crosses the kitchen and gives his dad a hug as well, taking the drinks from his hands and carrying them to the table himself. Chan and Jisung both help carry the food to the table, telling Chan's parents to sit and let them do it.
“Hannah got stuck at work, you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see her,” Chan's dad says. “I’m glad you came home as well, Han. It's nice to see you again. And in a more casual time,” he finishes as the two bring the last plates over and take their own seats.
“Its great to see you both again too!” Jisung smiles back. Chan can feel warmth blooming in his chest, looking at how Jisung and his parents get along so well. He appreciates how he has always seemed to care about them a lot when they have interacted, always interested in what they have to say and the advice they have to give. Plus, Chan's parents have always been interested in Jisung, frequently mentioning him during their short conversations over the phone. Chan thinks they like Jisung so much because he was the first person Chan was able to rely on as a trainee after his hard times.
Chan zones back into the conversation, hearing his mom say something about swimming.
“After he won that competition, we decided to take him to a carnival that was in town. He couldn't stop smiling as people at the carnival complemented his medal,” she laughs.
“Wait, are you talking about the spring carnival from when I was a kid?” he asks.
“Yes,” his mom confirms, “do you remember running away from us because we tried to get you on the ferris wheel?”
Chan groans. “Yes! I was a swimmer, not a diver! I hated heights.”
“Aww Channie! You've gone bungee jumping!” Jisung interjects. “You can't be scared of some ferris wheel!”
“Hey!” Chan softly hits him on the shoulder. “I’m not scared of them anymore! I was a kid.”
Jisung looks back at him challengingly. “Prove it.”
Chan's attention is drawn back to his mom as she laughs at their interaction.
“Christopher, the carnival is in town right now. You can really prove it if you want to,” She teases.
Chan looks back over at Jisung to see him already looking at him with a stupidly giddy smile on his face.
“Great idea Mrs. Bahng! Take me to the carnival tonight, Christopher,” Jisung smirks. Chan rolls his eyes, but the idea of going to a carnival after so long excites him. He would get to do the things he did as a kid, and it's no mystery how much fun Jisung would have. He would run around going from game to game and demand they get plushies and eat the best-worst food possible. And he could prove he's not scared of heights anymore.
“Alright, well go after dinner,” he relents. Jisung giggles and kicks him in the leg softly.
They continue dinner, discussing a lot about work: the most recent tracks, busy schedules, how the members are doing. Chan and Jisung take turns asking about his parents' work as well, making sure his parents are doing well. When they finish the meal, Jisung practically jumps up to wash the dishes. Chan can't help the smile that creeps across his face as he watches him– for the first time ever– eager to do the dishes. His dad joins Jisung at the sink and just as Chan goes to help too, his mom grabs him by the arm.
“Come talk with me for a bit?” she suggests.
“Of course, Eomma,” Chan replies. He is always eager to talk to his mom, however her tone confuses him a bit. He hopes everything is okay as he follows her out of the house and onto the porch. “Is everything alright?” he asks once they are outside.
She smiles back at him. “Yes, sweetie. I was just wondering, is there any reason you brought Han back with you this time?”
Chan looks at her, puzzled. “I mean yeah. He didn't have anywhere to go for Holiday and I haven't spent much time with him recently. I’ve missed his company.” Chan turns to look out at the yard with his last statement.
He turns back to his mom when she doesn't respond. She's looking at him expectantly. It takes a second before the realization dawns on him.
“Eommaaa,” he groans, hiding his blushing face in his hands.
“What?” she responds laughing. “Is it wrong for me to think that you like him? You're always talking about him. And don't think I don’t see the way you look at him. You two have always been there for each other and he's always so kind to your father and I. We both like him too.”
Chan doesn't remove his hands from his face. “I– I mean, it's not like that. Well, no– ugh, I don't know!” His mom places a comforting hand on his back, waiting for him to collect himself.
Chan takes a deep breath.
“Well, yes I like him. Maybe more than he does me. But I mean, who wouldn't? Jisung is amazing.” he pauses. “But it's not like I only brought him here to ogle at him.”
“Of course, you can do that whenever,” his mom teases.
“Mom!”
“It's true!”
Chan sighs. “Even so, he needs a break as much as any of us. I want him to relax while he can.”
“I know, honey. I just wanted to see if my suspicions were true. And let you know that your father and I approve. Han is a great man.”
“Eomma, we’re not even together.” Chan frowns, looking down at the porch railing he's leaned over.
“Maybe not yet,” she says. Chan's frown deepens. “Just know that your father and I love you, Christopher. We're so proud of you.”
Chan leans into his mom, letting her presence comfort him.
“I love you guys too, mom.”
The pair stand out on the porch for a few minutes longer before Chan suggests they go back inside so Jisung doesn't get the chance to drag him out of the house before he's ready.
The pair return back inside to find him drying the last dish. Chan freezes as Jisung’s gaze lands on him instantly.
“Hyung, why would you leave us to do all the dishes! I can't believe I, the guest at this house, had to do all the dishes while you were nowhere to be found!” Jisung charges at him with the towel he was holding, swinging it in his direction. Chan immediately darts across the room to get away.
“Sungie! I was talking to my mom!” Chan tries to reason. “I tried to help you!”
Jisung laughs evilly as he continues his charge at the older, the pair now running in circles around the table. Chan smiles as he runs, enjoying the teasing mood Jisung is in.
“Alright boys,” Chan's mom yells, causing them to both stop in place. “Get this energy out at the carnival. You two are both in your twenties. Be responsible.”
Chan watches as Jisung's face turns red while he sheepishly bows his head at his mom.
“Sorry, Mrs. Bahng,” he apologizes.
“It's alright Han. Now go get ready, both of you still need to sleep tonight!”
Chan crosses around the table and grabs the towel from Jisung's hands, depositing it on the counter in the kitchen before going back over to Jisung to go upstairs. The pair make their way back upstairs to Chan's room so they can change for the carnival. Since they're in Australia, there's a lower chance of them being recognized but Chan still decides hats are a good idea. He dresses himself in black jean shorts, a white tank top under a blue and white striped overshirt and a navy cap. He can't help but stare as Jisung dresses himself, a tight black t-shirt paired with a black jacket and his own blue jean shorts. Chan walks over to where he set their accessories and grabs one of Jisung’s hats, a white one from Jeju Island, and approaches Jisung with it. Jisung turns to him and Chan almost melts at the way his eyes shine back at him. He takes a gentle hand and brushes Jisung’s hair off his forehead, placing the cap on carefully.
Jisung smiles wide at him. “Ready to go Hyung?”
“Yeah,” Chan says, holding eye contact a moment longer than he should.
They take Chan's dads car to the carnival, about a twenty minute drive from the house. The speakers in the car blast their favorite songs, sound flying out of the open windows as Jisung belts his heart out. It's a warm night– the perfect temperature for the carnival.
When the pair arrive, Chan parks the car in a gravel lot, closing the windows and grabbing his cross-body bag. They step out of the car and Chan laughs softly as Jisung jumps a couple times, starting to walk to the entrance. Chan feels weightless as he watches Jisung smile, excitement of his own starting to break through.
Chan buys the tickets, and as soon as they pass the entrance, Jisung grabs Chan's hand and pulls him along through the crowd. Chan has no idea where they're going but he's happy to just follow, the warmth of their connected palms spreading up his arm. Jisung finally stops out front of a ride called The Vortex. It's a giant circle spinning super fast, the riders all standing up against the wall. Chan can see the people inside hugged against the wall from the g-force. He gulps.
“You want to ride this first?” Chan says nervously.
“Yes! Don’t be a chicken now, hyung. We've got to start off the night strong!”
Chan's eyes widen as Jisung drags him into the line. It's short. Chan realizes he has no time to prepare for the ride, the circle stopping its spinning and coming down to the ground. Chan watches wearily as the line of riders get off, some clearly dizzy– waking like baby deer, while others cheer and run to the back of the line again.
Before he knows it, Chan is being dragged on to the ride, Jisung running to the opposite side from the entrance, choosing two spots for them. Chan feels awkward standing upright for a ride, looking at Jisung on his right, the latter smiling wide, looking back at him.
“I haven't been on one of these since I was little. I threw up last time,” Jisung exclaims.
Chan tilts his head at the other, eyes widening in disbelief. “Threw up? Jisung!”
“I won't this time! I swear! Probably.”
Chan is going to say something about how bad of an idea this is but is cut off by the doors to the ride closing. A voice rings out through speakers behind everyone's heads telling them not to try and move during the ride and Chan immediately knocks his head back against the wall. He hears Jisung giggle excitedly to his side.
Chan inhales slowly as the ride starts moving. It's not bad at first, slowly picking up speed– the g-force hasn't kicked in yet. As soon as the thought crosses Chan's mind, the ride picks up speed. Jisung laughs joyfully beside him, however Chan tries not to freak out as he feels himself being forced against the wall.
Jisung must sense his panic because he suddenly feels a hand over his own. Jisung had pushed against the G’s just to be able to hold his hand.
“It’s okay, hyung!” Jisung yells over the noise of the ride. “Just let go!” Chan feels the hand squeeze his own, being pushed against the wall that divides them. He wills himself to stop thinking about the spinning, focusing on how happy Jisung is next to him. How the adrenaline is different from what he's used to. How it doesn't feel so bad, spinning at this insane pace.
Jisung lets out a yell beside him, full of joy and laughter. Chan focuses once more on the hand against his own and lets out a holler as well. He no longer feels scared from the adrenaline, but happy. Him and Jisung continue screaming into the wind while the ride continues, Chan turning his hand (with much difficulty) to embrace Jisungs.
When the ride finally slows down and comes to a stop, the pair double over laughing hands still intertwined. People start shuffling off the ride and they follow in a fit of laughter, stopping just outside the ride to catch their breaths.
“Hyung!” Jisung laughs. “You were so scared!” he continues giggling.
“Hey!” Chan swats at his shoulder. “I got over it! It was fun!” Chan feels like he's floating as Jisung smiles at him.
“And I didn't even throw up this time!” Jisung declares, fixing his hat. “On to the next one!”
Chan sighs as Jisung once again grabs his hand and pulls him in the next direction. The pair continue to ride everything Jisung wants to, Chan being skeptical about most of them. He ends up having fun anyways, seeing Jisung so full of joy, even as a headache rages through his head. (too many dizzying rides)
Eventually, to Chan's joy, Jisung takes pity on him and decides he's done with the crazy rides, dragging them to the game booths. Chan knows these games are all rigged and he's sure Jisung does too, however he lets Jisung walk through the booths to choose a game he wants to play. He’s scanning the booths for the least-rigged looking game when he's suddenly yanked backwards by Han, the latter having stopped.
He turns to complain about his shoulder but stops when he sees where Hans' gaze is locked. He's staring intently at a giant dog plushie, eerily similar to Berry. Chan knows what Jisung is going to say.
“Hyung. We have to get it. We can't leave here without it,” Jisung beams. Chan sighs softly as they approach the booth, asking the worker how they can get the plushie.
“You have to hit a bullseye on all the targets within thirty seconds,” they respond. Chan studies the game further; a water gun stationed for the players to use, the targets scattered about three meters behind. Chan looks at Jisung and shrugs his shoulders. Can’t be that hard can it? He can feel the younger buzzing next to him as he pays the worker to play, taking his place behind the water gun.
“You can do it, Hyung! I believe in you!” Jisung cheers. Chan laughs softly before picking up the water gun. He blocks all other noises out as he waits for the timer to start. It counts down; three, two, one! Chan takes his aim, shooting at each target, hitting every one in the center. He finishes with five seconds to spare, setting the water gun down on the table. He turns and looks at the worker expectantly.
“Oh, so close!” the worker chides. Chan's smile drops into a frown. “You just missed that last one by a little bit.”
“What? I totally hit it,” Chan refutes.
The employee shakes his head. “The censors don't lie, you missed that last one. You can always try again.”
Fine. Stupid rigged games. “Okay, I'll go again,” Chan announces. Jisung giggles behind him as he reaches into his wallet once again. I’m not going to miss this time.
Chan ends up making five more attempts before he finally succeeds, becoming more annoyed at the fact that he kept failing rather than the fact that he had to continue to pay every new attempt. When the worker hands over the plushie, congratulating him on finally winning, Chan smirks, happy to have finally won.
He turns to Jisung, presenting the plushie to him extravagantly, kneeling down on one knee. Jisung laughs and takes the plushie from his hands.
“Why thank you kind knight,” he jokes. “You have fought battle after battle to finally win this prize. I thank you for giving it up to me.” Jisung does a little bow as he finishes his statement, offering his hand for Chan to grab. Chan grabs it happily and lets the other pull him off the ground.
“You’d better sleep with that every single night, Sungie,” Chan teases. “Don’t waste my money.” Jisung smiles at him with a laugh. His smile turns into one of slight surprise when they both hear his stomach growl, interrupting the moment.
“Maybe we should go get something to eat, hyung,” Jisung suggests with a sheepish grin.
Chan giggles, admiring the younger's face. Even embarrassed, Chan thinks Jisung looks absolutely gorgeous.
“Sounds like a good idea. I’ll get you whatever you want.”
Although Chan just spent a stupid amount of money on that plushie, he still wants to pay for everything. It wouldn't be fair to take Jisung out and make him pay. Chan is taking him out afterall. He frowns a little at the thought of this being a date. It would be amazing if it was but he knows it will never happen.
He lets Jisung, once again, lead him through the crowd of people over to the food trucks and tables. It's late now, however there's still plenty of things to choose from. Jisung stills for a minute, scanning around the area at his choices. He decides on corndogs and funnelcake, leading Chan to the truck. Chan pays, fondness spreading through him as he admires Jisung, waiting patiently with his plushie wrapped tightly in his arms, soft smile on his face. His eyes seem to sparkle– the lights of the carnival rides reflecting. He's currently focused on the menu, trying to read the English, testing his own skills. Chan sighs softly, prompting Jisung's attention to turn towards him.
“What?” he whispers softly, smiling.
“Nothing, Sungie,” Chan replies gently.
Chan might not want to say anything, but any bystanders could see the longing in his eyes and how it speaks volumes that words can’t.
Chan's attention is brought back to the food truck as the employee calls out their order. He collects it and goes back to Jisung, suggesting they find somewhere to sit. They find a bench close to the food trucks, Jisung gently setting the plushie down next to him, making sure it's not dirty before he does so.
The pair quietly eat, listening in on the ambient sounds of the carnival. The rides roar behind them, there's at least two screaming kids where they are, music blasts through speakers, and throughout all of it, Chan couldn't be happier. He hasn't felt this effortlessly happy in too long, especially in a place like this.
Beside him, Jisung is picking at the first pieces of funnel cake, the corn dog long gone. Chan watches endearingly as he takes a bite, enjoying the junk food they aren't normally allowed to eat. But hey, they're on holiday.
Jisung chuckles at Chan. “Why do you keep doing that?”
Chan looks back, confused. “Doing what, Sungie?”
“Staring at me.”
Chan gawks for a second. “I– I didn't realize I was staring,” he says, turning his face away to hide the blush that spreads across his face, shoulders involuntarily shrugging. A silence, not quite awkward, but not quite comfortable, sits in the air for a moment. Chan wills his face to go back to a normal color as he kicks his feet softly in the dirt.
“Lets go ride the ferris wheel,” Jisung suggests, breaking them out of the moment. “You still need to prove that you're not a scaredy-cat.”
“Okay,” Chan replies sheepishly.
They quickly finish the funnel cake and throw away their trash. Chan grabs the plushie off the bench, tucking it under one of his arms and reaching for Jisung’s hand with the other.
He pauses, thinking about how It's probably weird to be trying to grab his hand. Afterall, Jisung has been the one to reach out, it's weird that he's doing it instead. He goes to retract his hand but is surprised when a hand grabs it first. Jisung isn't even looking at him, yet he knew Chan would hold out his hand. Chan can't help it as a feeling of warmth spreads through his chest and a smile breaks out across his face.
They make it back to the entrance where the ferris wheel is and get in line. There's only one other group in front of them so they quickly get into a car. It takes until the pod starts to move that Chan realizes where he is. He goes stock still as the car continues moving up, staring directly at the center of the ferris wheel. He doesn't even notice how Jisung is basically leaning out of the car, looking at how the world shrinks around them.
As the car reaches the peak of the wheel, Chan takes a deep breath in, closing his eyes hard. He instantly regrets it as the feeling of the descent starts to make him dizzy. He throws open his eyes and grips tightly onto the side of the car and– apparently– Jisung’s hand that was next to him.
“Channie-hyung?” Jisung asks. “Can you please stop gripping my hand so tight?”
“Ah! Sorry Hannie!” Chan apologizes quickly, letting the hand go.
“Hey, Channie, relax,” Jisung tries.
Chan, in fact, does not relax. He continues to stay still, looking directly in front of him. They are almost at the ground, however, Chan's grip still tightens further on the side of the car.
“Hey, we can ask to get off, okay?” Jisung suggests, eyebrows knitted in worry.
“No, no it's fine,” Chan reassures, taking his clammy hand off the side of the car and setting it in his lap. “It's just a ferris wheel, it's okay. I can do it.”
Jisung looks back at him unconvinced. “Channie, really it's okay, I didn't mean it earlier. I was just teasing.” While they debated, the pair had passed back around in their car, ending up on the incline again.
“Look, we're already going back up and I'm fine,” Chan says, his hands shaking in his lap.
Jisung looks him up and down. “Okay well at least hold Cherry, he's really comforting.” Chan gives him a confused look, but accepts the plushie as it’s passed over to him, hugging it over his chest.
“His name is Cherry?” Chan asks.
“Yeah. Cause’ he looks like Berry. They could be siblings. And Berry and Cherry go together.”
“Hannie, Cherries are Berrires.”
“Eh, try not to think about it.”
Chan chuckles softly at the name. Jisung is smiling at him with a big dopey grin, eyes shining adoringly. As they approach the peak of the wheel again, Chan finds himself less nervous than he had been. He’s with his Jisung. Everything is okay.
Chan watches as Jisung picks up the ears of the plushie and lays them over Chan's arms, patting the plushie on the head once he's done. He then grabs hold of one of Chan's hands, tucked around Cherry, and pulls it to his own side, squeezing it reassuringly.
“Are you still scared?” Jisung questions gently, no hint of teasing in his voice.
“No,” Chan sighs breathlessly. “I think I’m okay now.”
Chan takes his eyes off of the other, looking around once more. They are just getting back to the bottom of the wheel. He lets out a breath as they pass the operator once more and start ascending again.
“I’m glad you took me to the carnival,” Jisung says quietly beside him, almost embarrassed.
“I’m glad I took you to the carnival too,” Chan agrees. “I had a lot of fun today. I hope you did too.”
Jisung smiles at him again. “Of course I had fun, hyung. You got me Cherry. And I got to hang out with you. Without the normal stress of work. Just us.”
Chan chuckles softly. “Y’know, I was thinking about it earlier, we never get to go on dates as idols. I mean, not that this is, um, a date,” He says nervously, squeezing the plushie tighter in his arms, “but this has been really nice. I’m really glad you came to Australia with me.”
Jisung stares back at him, almost intimidatingly. “Who says this isn't a date?” he says. Chan stares at his face blankly, stomach doing a flip.
“I– I mean, it could be. Friends go on dates all the time right? Platonic relationships are important.”
“No,” Jisung urges. “Channie, what if this was a real date? Not platonic.”
As the sentence leaves Jisung's mouth, the car comes to a stop at the direct top of the wheel. Chan is freaking out internally, the chance of this happening was like less than one percent. And not to mention he doesn't want to mess this up. He hopes his sweaty palm in Jisung’s isn't messing this up.
“I would be okay with that,” Chan confirms softly. He can feel how hot his face is and hopes it isn't too noticeable.
“I want that, Channie.”
“Then it's a real date.”
“Perfect.”
Chan tries not to combust as Jisung removes his hat and leans over in the car and kisses him softly on the cheek. Han's lips are plush against Chan's skin, leaving a tingling feeling after he pulls away. Chan sits for a moment, processing what is happening. The ferris wheel had stopped with them at the exact top like some cliche romance movie. Jisung said he wanted this to be a real date. They said it was a real date. Jisung kissed him.
Jisung kissed him.
“Sungie,” Chan starts, “Will you please kiss me again?” he pleads.
“Yeah,” Jisung agrees, leaning in closer.
This time, Jisung reaches up and removes Chan's cap before their lips meet in a soft kiss, full of love and longing. Chan's heart soars in his chest and he feels like he's on cloud nine; the feeling of Jisung's lips against his own is going to be the only thing he dreams about for a while. He lets out a soft whine against Jisung, the latter pushing against him further, savoring every last bit of the kiss.
When Jisung pulls away, Chan's gaze never leaves his eyes; they're sparkling with love.
“Holy shit,” Chan sighs breathlessly.
“Holy. Shit,” Jisung emphasizes.
Jisung leans away and back into his own spot on the seat, eyes still trained on Chan, mouth slightly agape. Chan knows he looks the same. At that moment, the car starts moving again, descending for the last time. The pair don’t look away from each other.
“I don’t think I hate ferris wheels anymore,” Chan claims.
Jisung bursts out into laughter, doubling over into Chan's side. Chan giggles with him, relief washing over himself.
“I’m glad I could help you overcome your fear,” Jisung responds once his laughing fit is over.
“I’ll get on a ferris wheel every time I see one if you'll do that again.”
Jisung smiles at him. “We’ll just have to go on more carnival dates then.”
Chan smiles back at him. Their car comes to a stop at the bottom, letting them both get off. Once back on solid ground, Jisung takes their hats and repositions them back on their heads, carefully pushing Chan's hair back before securing his hat.
“I’m tired now, Channie,” Jisung groans. “Carry me back to the car!” he demands, splaying his arms out as if to be picked up. Chan laughs at him.
“Absolutley not! Carry yourself!” he quips back. Jisung frowns at him but stands up straight again, grabbing Cherry from Chan's arms and leading the way back to the car.
The two listen to soft music on the way back to Chan's house, both exhausted yet content. Chan beams at the way Jisung looks out the window, peacefully taking in the view of Australia, Cherry in his arms. Every time he thinks about the ferris wheel, his heart soars in his chest and a mindless smile breaks out across his face.
When they return home, they quietly enter the house, not wanting to wake anyone up. They head up to Chan's room and find Berry sitting at the foot of Chan's bed, waiting for them. Jisung runs up to her with Cherry and starts cooing about how they're siblings and Chan has Berry and he has Cherry. Chan watches him lovingly and is about to go join them but he hears a knock at the door. He turns to see Hannah standing in the doorway, looking at him expectantly.
Chan rushes over to the door to pick her up in a big hug. It's been so long since he's seen her and even though they like to tease each other, Chan is so relieved to see her again after so long.
“Chris! Let go of me!” She demands. He lets her down, letting go when she's back on the ground. “Mom told me you brought your boyfriend home.”
“I-” Chan is about to deny it but then realizes he doesn't think that's true anymore. “He needed somewhere to go for the holiday.” Chan ignores her questioning stare, she'll figure it out. “How was work?”
“Oh, too much to tell tonight,” she laughs, displeased. “I’ll tell you tomorrow. Did you have fun at the carnival?”
Chan can't help the big smile that spreads across his face. “Yeah. We did.”
Hannah rolls her eyes at him. “Well I wanted to say hi before I went to bed. Talk to you more in the morning.”
“Okay Hannah, love you.”
“Love you too, Chris”
Chan closes the door behind her and steps back into the room to find Jisung petting Berry who is in his lap again. Jisung looks up at Chan.
“Don’t you dare get her to move again,” he glares.
Chan laughs softly. “Okay then, I'll shower first.”
~~~~~
Chan sits at his desk, Berry curled up in his lap as Jisung showers. He's pulled on a black hoodie and is scrolling his socials, waiting for Jisung to be done in the bathroom.
They hadn't talked about what they wanted to call their relationship yet, or even if they wanted it to be labeled as something at all. Chan thinks that Jisung wants to be with him as well, but they'll still have to have the conversation later. Regardless, Chan had one of the best days he's ever had today, worn out but happy beyond belief. Even if Jisung doesn't want to put a label on them, Chan knows that something between them has changed for the better.
He closes out of Instagram and opens Bubble, snapping a quick picture of him and Berry and sending it. He sends another chat, this one reading: “I’m in Australia hahaha”.
He then closes out Bubble and turns off his phone, waiting for Jisung to be done showering so he can kiss him once more.