Kyungsoo smiled happily to himself as he and Jongin walked down the main desk of the boat together, for no other reason than to stretch their legs.

Since they had fought, their friendship had become a lot better. Jongin understood Kyungsoo’s awkwardness a lot more and in turn, Kyungsoo did his best not to fret over Jongin’s casual affections.

Hell, he was doing a damn fine job in his opinion, since Jongin had an arm slung over his shoulders as they walked side by side and Kyungsoo actually felt comfortable with it. It was definitely a step forward.

“Hey, um, so about that kiss” Jongin said after a moment of comfortable silence, “D’you think maybe we ought to talk about it or something?”

Kyungsoo coughed in surprise, “I, uh, I don’t know what you’re talking about” he lied, making a point of speeding up his walk in an attempt to slip out of Jongin’s grasp.

But Jongin had obviously expected it, “Kyungsoo” he sighed, “Come on, let’s be adults about this. There’s no point in pretending that it never happened”

“Au contraire, my tanned friend,” Kyungsoo shot back, “There is every point in pretending it didn’t happen. We’re just starting to actually build up a pretty solid friendship and I don’t think I’m in the business of destroying a good thing, thank you very much”

Jongin frowned, “Why are you so against talking about this?”

“Because it’s embarrassing” the older of the pair sighed, “You don’t get it, Jongin. It wasn’t you that threw yourself at me. It wasn’t you that acted like a total idiot and got rejected – which I’m not saying is a bad thing, because I’m grateful for your gentlemanly ways – but I can’t talk about this when I don’t even know what the I was thinking when I did it”

Jongin paused thoughtfully, “Alright” he nodded, “But you seem to be forgetting that I kissed you back”

“Jongin….”

“No, please, just… just hear me out, alright?” Jongin pulled Kyungsoo to a stand-still, “I can’t say that we’re super close, hell, I can’t even say that we know each other well, but I can say that I like you. In what way, I don’t know yet, but I like you a lot, Kyungsoo, and I don’t want any awkwardness or any weirdness all because of a drunken kiss. I don’t regret it, you know. I don’t regret kissing you. And , you know what? If you were sober I wouldn’t have stopped myself. I’d have let you do whatever you wanted to me and then some. Because you’re this…. this amazing, handsome guy, that for some reason actually likes being around me and puts up with my weird little habits, and even forgave me after I put my foot in my mouth!” he ranted, “I want to talk about these things so that we can move past them, but you won’t let us do that”

Kyungsoo was taken aback to say the least, he didn’t really handle sudden confessions very well, and Jongin’s was very ing sudden. “I…” he hesitated, “I don’t really regret kissing you so much as being absolutely smashed when I did it” he admitted, “I’ll be honest with you. I just got out of a pretty serious relationship. I was with my ex-girlfriend for three years and we… things didn’t exactly end well. I’ve not really been attracted to anyone else since we split up, and she was the only person I’ve ever been with. I mean, I’ve had a couple other boyfriends and girlfriends, but they were all childish flings and she was my first serious relationship. So… when I kissed you – when I practically threw myself at you” he corrected, “I was embarrassed because that isn’t me…. I don’t just…. Do that”

Jongin nodded, a little surprised by Kyungsoo’s willing openness, but he was glad for it. He was glad to see that they were finally getting somewhere. And hell, Kyungsoo hadn’t said one sarcastic thing yet, which was amazing in itself, since it was obvious that it was taking a lot for the elder to be so open when he was so clearly uncomfortable.

But he was trying, and that was all Jongin wanted.

“I’m not judging you, if that’s what you’re worried about” Jongin said softly, letting a hand come to rest comfortingly on Kyungsoo’s shoulder, “Soo, you could have slept with this entire boat and I wouldn’t judge you. I wouldn’t think any less of you. Just like I don’t think any less of you for being upset and trying your luck with me. Literally, the only reason I pulled away is because I didn’t want you to regret anything. There’s no need to be embarrassed, because I wanted it just as much”

Kyungsoo shook his head, “How do I know you’re not just saying that?” he pressed.

Jongin took a deep breath before leaning in slowly, being sure to make his intentions clear in order to give Kyungsoo enough time to pull away if he wanted to. But Kyungsoo didn’t, he remained still as Jongin got closer and closer until finally he pressed his lips to Kyungsoo’s in a chaste kiss.

He waited a moment before he felt Kyungsoo shyly respond, then smiled into it. It wasn’t anything spectacular, it was an innocent kiss by which Jongin was able to convey his honest feelings, and Kyungsoo was pleased that Jongin seemed to be taking into account his unsureness by keeping things sweet and unrushed.

They pulled away from one another after a moment, and Jongin gave Kyungsoo a shy smile.

“Is that proof enough?” he asked.

Kyungsoo let out a shaky laugh, “I feel like I’m getting in way over my head with this” he said, “I barely even know you”

“I’m not that hard to figure out” Jongin smiled with one half of his mouth, “All you need to know is that I’m obsessed with three things; dance, dogs and chicken. The rest isn’t that important” he shrugged, a playful gleam in his eyes.

“You’re an idiot” Kyungsoo laughed, but there was a fondness in his voice that he couldn’t hide. “You really, truly are”

Jongin couldn’t help but grin back at him, “That might be true, but am I an idiot you’re willing to actually talk to? Because despite you being scared of losing a friend, I’m not really the kind of person that gives people up that easily”

Kyungsoo let out an elongated breath of air, he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at just how determined Jongin was. “ my life” he muttered to himself, “Just… Seriously, what goes on in that messed up head of yours?”

“It’s probably safer if you don’t know” Jongin grinned cheekily, raising a playful eyebrow, “So are we allowed to talk about that kiss now?”

Kyungsoo regarded him for a moment, a soft but sly smile falling over his lips. He took a small step forward and peered innocently up at Jongin, “… Nope” he smirked before turning on his heel and taking off at a run to escape the younger.

Jongin cursed himself for falling for something so obvious before taking off after Kyungsoo. He hadn’t lost last time, and he’d be damned if he was bested by the little git this time!

It took him a good ten minutes before he managed to catch up with Kyungsoo, the shorter was faster than he anticipated, but Jongin’s long legs worked in his favour as he caught Kyungsoo by the shoulders as he ducked onto the second deck and pushed him up against the wall, trapping him there with his own body.

“Got you” Jongin panted, being a dancer kept him fit, that was true, but running was the ing devil’s exercise and by god did he hate it.

Kyungsoo grinned up at him confidently, “So? You think I’m scared or something?”

“I think you might be” Jongin replied cockily, smirking down at the shorter man, “I think you don’t know what I’m capable of”

Kyungsoo scoffed, “Oh now I’m really shaking, truly, Jongin. You’re so scary, I don’t know what to do with myself” he drawled sarcastically.

Jongin’s smirk was still in place as he leant closer, “Don’t get smart with me, Soo”

“Or what?” Kyungsoo shot back, “Are you going to kiss me again, because if you think that’ll scare me, you have another thing coming”

“I’m not so sure”

“Then just ask Baekhyun” Kyungsoo’s smirk grew as Jongin’s fell.

Jongin looked utterly bewildered, “Y-You and Baekhyun?” he asked, quite obviously taken aback.

“Guess you’ll never know for sure, Jonginnie, because I’m not telling” Kyungsoo taunted, taking Jongin’s momentary lapse in focus to duck out under his arm and laugh, “Catch you later” he winked before taking off again.

Jongin cursed under his breath, Kyungsoo would definitely be the death of him.

--

Junmyeon let out a soft yawn as he blinked open his eyes. A momentary confusion ran over him as he looked around and didn’t see what he recognised to be in his own room. There were two other beds in there – empty and unmade – and there was a warm pressure pressed against his side, hair tickling against his neck.

He shook his head to try and regain himself before he looked down to see Yixing cuddled up to his side looking as amazing as ever, then it all came back to him, and he couldn’t stop the smile that bloomed over his face.

Granted, he hadn’t meant to spend the night, he and Yixing had both agreed that it was better he left before his roommates returned, but it seemed as though sleep had had other plans for them.

Not that he was too bothered, since it meant that he had gotten to wake up to the sight of Yixing’s sleeping face.

“Ngh, why are you awake?” Yixing mumbled, not bothering to open his eyes as he buried his face more firmly into Junmyeon’s chest.

Junmyeon let out a soft chuckle as he brought his hand up to Yixing’s hair, “Sorry, Yixing-ah” he cooed, trying to contain his glee at just how cute the other man could be.

“S’okay” Yixing murmured against Junmyeon’s bare chest before sighing and lifting his head to peak up at the Korean man, “You look happy” he noted.

“That’s because I am happy” Junmyeon rolled his eyes, pressing a kiss to Yixing’s forehead, “I didn’t expect to be waking up with you. It’s a nice surprise”

Yixing laughed a soft, sleepy laugh, “Yeah, you should have seen the look on Kris’s face when they came in last night” he said, “He looked like someone had just de-flowered his daughter or something”

“Oh god, I forgot they must have seen us” Junmyeon groaned, “Did they say anything?”

Yixing hummed easily enough, “Luhan told me that he was grateful for the new wank bank material. Tao just laughed and went to bed, and Kris said that he and you would be having words”

Junmyeon’s eyes widened, “He what?”

“Relax, Kris is harmless” Yixing snorted, “He’ll just give you the standard ‘don’t hurt my friend’ speech and then be done with it”

Junmyeon rolled his eyes again, “Gee, I look forward to that” he said, “But since you’re awake, there was something I wanted to, uh, talk to you about…”

“Well that doesn’t sound promising” Yixing frowned.

Junmyeon held him tighter in return, “No, it’s not like that” he reassured, “It’s just… I know that sometimes things are said in the heat of the moment, but the things I said to you last night… I… I meant them. I know that we haven’t known each other long, and maybe this won’t be what we want in the long run, but I’ll kick myself if I don’t at least try. I’m not saying this has to be anything serious, at least not right now when we’re still getting to know each other…. But how would you feel about seeing each other when we get home? As in… Just each other? Like, I’m not asking for labels or anything. Just a… a chance…” he got out sheepishly, only barely managing to keep his eyes fixed on Yixing’s.

Yixing’s eyes were soft as he looked back at Junmyeon, “I meant what I said too” he told the other man as he reached up and brushed Junmyeon’s hair out of his eyes, “I wouldn’t have slept with you if I didn’t intend on keeping in touch. I agree, we need to learn a lot more about each other before anything serious can come of this, but I’m willing to give it a go. I’d rather try than not. And to be honest, I think I’m going to like whatever I learn about you. You’re actually really incredible, you know”

“You’re just saying that” Junmyeon flushed.

Yixing scoffed, “I’m really not” he promised, “I think you’re wonderful. And I think it even more so after last night” he chuckled, “I have to say, rounds two and three were a very welcome surprise”

“You did ask for it” Junmyeon smirked, “So I delivered. I’m nice like that”

Yixing smirked right back, making Junmyeon feel like he didn’t want to know what was about to come out of the younger man’s mouth, “Luhan told me he accidentally walked in on us during the first time” he said, his voice full to the brim with amusement, much to Junmyeon’s horror.

“What happened to not being an exhibitionist?!” Junmyeon spluttered.

Yixing laughed in return, “Oh please, it’s Luhan. He’s seen my more times than he can count, and I’m pretty sure if this goes the way I want it to, he’ll probably end up seeing more of yours than he bargained for too”

“I knew this was all just a ruse to get me in your apartment” Junmyeon sighed teasingly.

Yixing rolled his eyes, but played along, “Well, my apartment has more to offer than this little room” he said, and the next thing Junmyeon knew, Yixing had shifted quickly so that he was straddling the Korean man’s hips, his hands resting on Junmyeon’s chest as he not-so-subtly rolled his hips in a teasing manner, “I have a whole box of goodies under my bed, you know… Cuffs… Ties… Blindfolds, you name it… I even have a whip or two, you know, if you’re into that”

“If I wasn’t before, I would be now” Junmyeon swallowed, already half hard at the purring of Yixing’s voice.

Yixing laughed softly before reaching over to his bedside table and grabbing a small metal tin, he shook a couple of small mints into his hand before pushing one into Junmyeon’s mouth, then taking the other for himself.

“Mints?” Junmyeon asked in confusion, the on it anyway.

Yixing rolled his eyes, “I can deal with waiting to brush my teeth after we’ve ed again, but I can’t deal with morning breath” he shuddered at the thought, “Anyways, I’ve seen this wild side of yours, are you going to show me your gentle side now?” he prompted.

“Do you want me to?” Junmyeon raised a brow, “Because I’m just full of surprises”

“I’m sure you are, Casanova,” Luhan’s voice broke through the thick , “But you promised Sehunnie you’d hang out with him today, and I’m here to make sure you honour that”

Yixing whined as he crawled off of Junmyeon and turned to glare at Luhan, “Do you want me to suffer?” he demanded, “Is that why you’re always doing this?”

Luhan snickered, “Aw, Xing. As much as I would like nothing more than for you to get a thoroughly good dicking, I’m actually trying more to stay in Sehun’s good books, so you’ll have to tame your little Yixing and save the for later”

Junmyeon sighed, his completely soft again thanks to Luhan’s intrusion, “Alright, fine, fine. Can you at least leave so that I can get some clothes on to get back to my room and change?”

“Nah” Luhan smiled easily, “I think I’d rather watch”

“Luhan” Yixing warned.

Luhan smirked, “What?” he taunted.

“I’ll tell Kris”

Luhan froze, “You wouldn’t dare! He’ll kill you too!”

“I know ways of getting around that” Yixing smirked, his eyes piercing, his face showing just how true his words were.

“You’re one cold bastard, Zhang Yixing” Luhan huffed, “You’re lucky I love you”

Yixing laughed, his eyes softening, “I know, Lulu” he grinned, “Now . I’ll meet by the main bar in like half an hour, yeah?”

“Cool” Luhan nodded, their little stand-off already forgotten, “I’m sat with Baekhyun and Minseok. God that guy is cute…”

Junmyeon rolled his eyes, “Don’t let Jongdae hear you saying that. I think he’d skin you alive”

Luhan shuddered slightly, “Trust me, I know. He’s already threatened to punch me in the face, and they weren’t even together at that point! I think I’ll keep my distance. Besides, I have my eye on a much taller, much more awkward prize” he smirked, “See you later, lover boys” he said before taking his leave.

“Well, that went well” Junmyeon sighed, “I better go shower…”

Yixing hummed, wrapping an arm around Junmyeon’s waist, “Or, we could shower together before you put clothes on again”

“I like the way you think” Junmyeon grinned, leaning so that he could coax Yixing into a kiss – which really, didn’t take a lot of coaxing at all, since Yixing was more than willing.

They didn’t rush as they got up and made their way to the bathroom, where the two of them clambered into the shower and helped to wash each other, more because there was no worry of boundaries when it came to touching each other now, and they were both glad for that, albeit a little nervous about their newfound freedom.

Yixing couldn’t help but smile as the water ran over the front of his body whilst Junmyeon’s hands moved over his back, slow and soft and just there.

Junmyeon let out a soft sigh of contentment as he wrapped Yixing in a back-hug and pressed himself firmly against the Chinese man’s back, resting his chin on his shoulder, “You make me happy” he said quietly, almost as though Yixing shouldn’t have heard it.

“You make me happy too” Yixing said back, his voice warm and fond. He turned his head to press a soft kiss to the corner of Junmyeon’s mouth.

“Alright,” Junmyeon sighed, “Let’s so face the cavalry”

“Luhan’ll be happy to know he compares to something so big” Yixing snorted, but followed Junmyeon’s lead nonetheless and shut off the water.

--

Luhan sighed softly from his spot beside Baekhyun, he was half listening to the other boy talk, but his eyes were firmly fixed on Sehun, who was swimming in the pool with Junmyeon and Jongdae.

Honestly, how Sehun managed to maintain this aura of innocence after everything he’d been doing with Luhan was beyond the Chinese man. Sehun was so y, and his looks just screamed mature, but he still managed to act like it was his first time opening his eyes and seeing the world. Like he still had that childhood innocence that seemed to drift away as you got older and realised that the world wasn’t what you imagined it would be.

It really did upset Luhan to know that Sehun was struggling so greatly with his own identity, and he wanted nothing more than to help the boy, but he knew that the only way he could help was by just being there. The fact that Sehun was getting more comfortable with him was a dream in itself, but he knew it would take longer than two weeks for Sehun to come to terms with who he was.

He knew these things took time, and in most cases, he wouldn’t want to waste time on what he knew had a high risk of breaking his heart in the long run, but there was just something about Sehun that drew him in.

He wasn’t sure what it was. Sehun was just a normal person with normal problems. There wasn’t anything extraordinary about him at all, but the way that he made Luhan’s heart beat pick up speed and the way he made Luhan’s hands clammy with just a smile spoke for itself.

A nudge in the side broke him from his reverie.

“Earth to Luhan” Baekhyun sighed, “Staring at your little lover boy isn’t going to get you anywhere, you know”

Luhan scoffed, “I wasn’t staring” he lied obviously.

“God, you’re so transparent” Baekhyun snorted, “Really, at least try and sound believable if you’re going to lie to me”

Minseok laughed from Baekhyun’s other side, he was leaning back against the white couch, an arm wrapped easily around Baekhyun’s shoulders as he did, “He has a point, you know. We all know you’re practically in love with him. It’s a little bit sad when you think about it” he mused, “I mean, it’s got to be hard. Or at least complicated”

 “I’m not in love with him” Luhan rolled his eyes, “I’ve known him – barely – for like a month. He just… interests me”

Yixing laughed softly, he was sat on the floor leaning back against Baekhyun’s legs as the latter carded gentle fingers through his hair, “Yeah” he said, “But I’ve never seen you so infatuated with someone before. It’s a little bit worrying”

“I’m a big boy, Xing” Luhan sighed, “I can handle myself”

“But can you handle the kid?” Minseok put in with a raised brow. There was no malice to his words, just genuine concern and curiosity.

Luhan paused, tilting his head to one side thoughtfully, “I suppose I’ll find out” he pondered aloud.

“This is gross to watch” Yixing commented with a roll of his eyes, he smiled as he closed his eyes and let his head fall back against Baekhyun’s knees, enjoying the way the younger brushed his hair back from his face almost absentmindedly.

Luhan snorted, “Try walking in on you and Junmyeon ing. That was gross to watch” he shot back.

“Nobody asked you to watch” Yixing pointed out, noting briefly that Baekhyun’s hand had frozen in his hair.

“You…” Baekhyun coughed, “Y-You had with Junmyeon?!”

Minseok too, was taken by surprise at the new information, “You’re kidding?! Junmyeon doesn’t, typically speaking, put out…”

“It isn’t like it was a random shag and we’ll never speak to each other again” Yixing rolled his eyes behind his closed lids, “Why is this such a big deal to you all?”

“Because you never sleep with someone so fast” Luhan said exasperatedly.

Baekhyun sighed, “Nor does Junmyeon. I swear he made his last boyfriend wait like six months or something… He must really have taken a shine to you” he resumed running his fingers through Yixing’s hair.

Yixing smiled softly to himself, “Well the feeling is very much mutual”

“You sappy bastard” Luhan laughed easily, “Seriously of all the people to end up like a smitten teenager on this trip, I didn’t think it’d be you, man. You’re usually so… impervious to this ”

Yixing snorted, “Yeah, but he won me over with his extensive knowledge of Harry Potter”

“You’re obsessed” Luhan snorted.

“I’m enamoured” Yixing countered easily with a idle grin.

Baekhyun shuddered, “You’re sickening” he added.

“He’s right” Minseok nodded in agreement, “Not even Jongdae is this bad, and he’s the biggest sap I know”

“You love that he’s a sap though, and besides, you fell for him, so what does that say about you?” Baekhyun grinned easily, his grin turned into a fond smile as Yixing made a soft noise of contentment at the way he carded his fingers through the Chinese boy’s hair. He could see why Junmyeon had taken a liking to Yixing. There was something rather alluring about him, to say the least.

Minseok’s smile matched Baekhyun’s as his eyes wondered over to the pool to watch Jongdae jumping onto Sehun and Junmyeon, dragging them into the water as they three of them giggled like mad men, “It says that I know how to pick them well” he said, the love he felt for Jongdae was practically radiating off of him, and even Luhan and Yixing found themselves smiling at his warm tone, “There’s nobody else in this entire world that I would rather spend the rest of my life with, because Jongdae makes it feel like even the bad days are bearable, he makes me strive to be my best and he makes me feel okay when I’m down. He’s the person I’ve always had without even realising, and I’m so ing lucky to have him…”

“I think I might actually cry if you don’t stop” Luhan said quietly, “ing hell, when did we turn into a bunch of sappy little s”

Yixing chuckled, “Around the time we got on this bloody boat, I’d wager” he said, “Think about it – you ran into Sehun again. Baekhyun met Chanyeol. Minseok and Jongdae made it official. I met Junmyeon… You could say this boat it… Magic”

“By the ing angel, if you start on the Harry Potter again, I will ram my foot so far up your muggle-born , you’ll be coughing up rubber” Luhan gave Yixing a swift kick to the thigh.

“Mother er!” Yixing hissed, his eyes snapping open as he rubbed his abused leg and glared at Luhan, “Dude! What the ?!”

Luhan frowned, “I’m remembering the time you marathon-ed the films… Three times in a ing row!”

“I had a week off and Jennie had borrowed my Lord of the Rings! What else was I mean to do?!” Yixing shot back defensively.

“I’d be down to marathon the films three times in a row, not gonna lie” Minseok admitted, “Ha, I remember back in the day when I went on this massive rant about how people needed to shut the up and stop saying that Ron wasn’t good enough for Hermione. Man, the love he had for her was real and it was clear from the start. Yeah, they bickered, but he has been sticking up for her from the get-go! Not to mention, it was her own damn choice, and people need to respect that if nothing else!”

Baekhyun blinked slowly, “Well that took a slightly unexpected turn” he said cautiously.

Minseok smirked, “I’m all about that Romione life”

“Noted” Baekhyun nodded.

They all fell into an easy silence after that, just watching their three friends as they swam around and played jovially in the pool, slashing one another and trying to gain the upper hand in their playful war.

Yixing’s heart was filled with warmth as Junmyeon looked up and caught his eye, shooting him a bright smile as he did.

“I’m gonna go swim” he announced after a moment, then turned to look at Luhan, “You coming? I’m sure lover-boy would be pleased”

Luhan looked torn between chewing him out and laughing, but in the end he simply signed and got to his feet, pulled Yixing up and shot a small smile at Baekhyun and Minseok, “Are you guys coming?”

“I think I’m just gonna sit for a bit” Baekhyun waved him off easily.

Minseok threw an arm around Baekhyun’s shoulders and let his friend lean into him, “Me too, I don’t want Baek getting lonely” he grinned.

“Minseok, you’re so sweet to me” Baekhyun snorted, “What are you after?”

Minseok smirked, “You” he wiggled his brows playfully, “I’ve always secretly been in love with you, Baek”

“ing knew it”

Minseok opened his mouth to say something in turn, but he was stopped as Luhan let out a high-pitched screech.

“UNHAND ME, YOU HEATHEN!”

He, Baekhyun and Yixing looked up to see that Luhan had been thrown over Jongdae’s shoulder as the feline-featured boy ran, giggling as he did, back towards the pool from which he had came. They hadn’t seen him get out, hadn’t even heard him approach, nor throw Luhan over his shoulder. Had Luhan not have cried out, they probably would have missed it.

And what a loss that would have been. The three of them, along with Sehun and Junmyeon, watched as Jongdae leapt from the side of the pool, not letting go of a struggling Luhan, and dunked them both ungracefully into the pool, slashing anyone in the near vicinity.

It was silent for a moment, and then Luhan resurfaced along with Jongdae, the former spluttering and choking out curses and insults as Jongdae was beside himself with laughter.

Even Junmyeon and Sehun couldn’t stop their snickers at the sight of it, but Sehun did swim forward to make sure that Luhan was okay after the surprise attack.

Yixing made it to the pool just as Sehun managed to calm Luhan down enough that he stopped swearing  at Jongdae and simply resorted to glaring at the all-too-happy looking boy. He slipped into the water and swam over to Junmyeon to watch Luhan and Sehun’s somewhat-private exchange.

“Are you alright?” Sehun asked, he had his arms wrapped around Luhan’s middle, keeping the older of them steady as he caught his breath.

Luhan grumbled, but he clung to Sehun’s shoulders nonetheless, “I’m fine” he hissed, “But he won’t be when I’m done with him! I’ll get him back for that, the little ! I think I swallowed half the ing pool”

Sehun couldn’t help but chuckle softly, “I’m sure you’ll get your own back”

“You better ing believe it” Luhan grumbled, pressing himself closer to Sehun, who he expected to push him away, but to his pleasant surprise simply held him tighter. “Different” he mumbled, his voice taking on a softer tone.

“What’s different?” Sehun asked, clearly confused, but still a gentle, sweet smile, he was lightly moving them in the water, making it ripple out from around them.

Luhan cleared his throat slightly awkwardly, “I… You are. You’re more… at ease, I guess”

“I’m comfortable around you” Sehun said quietly, “I don’t, okay, well I do care, but I don’t want my own fears to stop me from being relaxed around you.”

Luhan let out a weary laugh, “You need to stop saying things like that to me” he said, his eyes found Sehun’s almost shyly, a striking contrast from his angry demeanour from only moments before, “It kind of makes me want to say to hell with it, and kiss you or something crazy like that”

“I… I think that maybe… Maybe that would be okay” Sehun said, and though his voice was hesitant, his eyes were sure as they pierced Luhan’s.

Luhan’s breath hitched slightly, almost as though he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Really, he sort of didn’t. Sehun – the boy that was still so unsure of himself – had let himself be sure of Luhan. Sure enough to do something publically, it was mind-boggling.

“Are you sure?” he asked hesitantly.

Sehun let out a shaky laugh, “Yeah” he nodded, “Yeah, I’m sure” he timidly leant in and closed the small space between them, pressing his lips to Luhan’s in nervous exhilaration.

Luhan wasn’t one to look a gift-horse in the mouth. He kissed back, surprised at the softness of it, though he supposed that Sehun was sure to be full of surprises if their time together had taught him anything.

They paid no mind to the strangers that surrounded them, nor their friends, which due to their focus on one another, they didn’t notice staring at them with unveiled awe and shock.

It was Sehun who pulled away first, his cheeks red and his eyes slightly glazed over as though he didn’t actually believe he had just kissed Luhan in front of so many people, but there was a small, shy smile playing about his lips as he looked back at Luhan with soft eyes.

“I didn’t think you had that in you” Luhan teased lightly, his focus solely on Sehun, though he could feel the eyes of his friends boring into his back, obviously wanting explanations – ones that Luhan wasn’t willing to give them.

Sehun chuckled, “Yeah, well I’m full of surprises, Lu” he offered back.

“Duly noted” Luhan beamed. Then, with a sigh he turned to face Junmyeon and Yixing, “Have you erts finished peeping now?”

Junmyeon raised an amused brow, “I don’t think it’s considered peeping if you’re doing it in public” he pointed out. “If anyone’s the peeping-tom, I’d say it was you, given past events”

Luhan smirked slightly, “Well, I have to get my kicks somehow”

“I love how easily you get off track” Yixing put in with a roll of his eyes, “Honestly Lu, how you’ve survived this long is a mystery to me”

“I survive through my undeniable charm and good looks” Luhan shot back with an air of indifference, “It’s not something I’d expect you to be familiar with, commoner”

Yixing blinked before snorting out a laugh, “Apologies your highness, didn’t mean to offend” he said, his voice thick with amusement, and eyes alight with glee as he teased his best friend.

Junmyeon wrapped himself around Yixing from behind, “Is this the part where we bow and beg for forgiveness?” he put in, going along well enough with the teasing.

“You’re both ing pricks” Luhan deadpanned, “I hope you know that”

Yixing hummed easily, “I’m pretty sure we can be worse”

“Yeah, could walk in on you when you’re about to and force you out of the room” Junmyeon nodded with mock empathy, “But only a massive dickhead would do something like that”

“Yeah, can’t imagine who could be such an arse” Yixing added.

Sehun blanched, “You didn’t?!”

“I wasn’t doing it to be an !” Luhan said defensively.

Sehun sighed, “You kind of are an , Luhan”

“Charming” Luhan frowned.

Sehun couldn’t help but laugh in return, he looked up and shot Junmyeon a grin, knowing that he probably wouldn’t have even been able to be this open had it not been for the man who had become somewhat of a brother to him over the last week or so.

He had to admit, he was starting to believe things would be alright, so long as he took baby-steps.

A/N: I'm not gone, I promise. As per usual, life is keeping me busy.
Ex-girlfriends, work, best friends, lord give me a moment for myself pls
Anywho, hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Hopefully the next one will be up much sooner!
Much love~
Until Next time<3