Every school had a group of popular students, people generally held higher on the list of kids, people that everyone chased after and looked up to. Either they were the popular jocks, the insanely smart people with incredible grades, or just known for being beautiful people inside and out, there was always a group of students that everyone knew.

He often didn’t admit it, but Seongcheol was one of those students.

He didn’t do great in school, only getting average grades, but he was one of the best players on the football team and he had a good amount of people that he considered close. Every day he’d be greeted at the door by the team and the students that often hung around the team, and every day he’d be walked all the way to his car, parking in the garage since he was a senior and not minding that everyone knew where his car was.

Seongcheol was always at the front of the crowd when it came to sporting events, he was always the one that people cheered for, and he didn’t mind that. Their team was actually a good one, and their rivals knew that. Seongcheol had been on the team since his sophomore year, and now that he was a senior, he’d managed to make something of a name for himself, at least among the student body.

The whole day people had been coming up to him, wishing him luck on the homecoming game that night, and Seongcheol thanked all of them with a smile. It was getting closer and closer, and he could feel the nerves in the pit of his stomach. Shoving one of his books into his locker, Seongcheol was about to head to his next class when he felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned, smiling as Mingyu walked up beside him.

“Hey, what’s up?” he asked, smiling as Seongcheol shrugged. “Wow, look at all that enthusiasm.” Rolling his eyes, Seongcheol laughed and rolled his shoulder back, Mingyu taking his hand off of Seongcheol and instead leaning next to him on the lockers. “I heard about a party being thrown tonight. I think Hansol said he knew the guy who was throwing it. It’s a homecoming party for the game because they know we’re gonna win.” Both of them laughed, Seongcheol waving at a few of the girls that walked by and grinning to himself. “You wanna go? I heard there’s gonna be a lot of food, girls, and music.” Seongcheol couldn’t help but smirk.

“My three favorite things,” he replied. serious for a second before he busted out laughing. “To be honest, you had me at ‘food’. I’m down,” he added, Mingyu nodding.

“I figured. I’ll talk to Hansol, get the address, and text it to you later,” he said, patting Seongcheol on the back. “Who knows, maybe your groupies’ll show up,” he added in a tease, Seongcheol immediately rolling his eyes and pulling his backpack further onto his shoulder.

“I hope not but I don’t doubt it,” he mumbled, Mingyu pursing his lips as he thought. Then he reached out, giving Seongcheol’s shoulder a little squeeze before heading off to his last class.

“Lighten up - it’ll be fun,” he said, Seongcheol nodding as he opened the door to his history class. “I’ll meet you on the field after class!”

With that Seongcheol let the door close behind him, settling in his seat just as the bell rang. He watched in silence as a group of girls detached from one of the other boys they seemed to follow, one of the boys that Seongcheol could see modelling if he was being honest.

Jeonghan had always managed to skirt one part of the school’s dress code, long brown hair reaching past his shoulders but always pulled back so technically no one could yell at him. Everywhere he went he was followed by girls cooing about how gorgeous he was, how jealous they were of his looks, his hair, his everything - Seongcheol was used to it at this point.

He watched the other student slip into his seat, flicking his hair off of his shoulder as Seongcheol raised a brow and looked up at the teacher. History was Seongcheol’s least favorite subject, and he couldn’t bring himself to even begin to pay attention to the lesson today. He was too distracted by the game that night to even care about it. So when the bell rang he almost bolted out of class, not even bothering to write down the homework and heading out to the field to meet with Mingyu and the rest of the team. He gave the other a high five, Hansol clapping him on the back as the three of them walked toward the bleachers.

Yes, they had a few hours, but they’d brought enough food to eat before the game and they liked relaxing together before the game started. It had become a tradition - the three of them would meet up before the games, have something like a late lunch that they’d all split, Wonwoo would get there late no matter what and he’d eat his portion way too fast, and by the time they were done the rest of the team would get there. Today was no different, everyone getting there the moment Mingyu put the last bit of food into his mouth. Seongcheol tossed the trash into the nearest bin, following the rest of the group as they headed into the locker room.

There was a pep talk, most of the team talking in hushed voices to try to get themselves amped up for the game. The coach explained what to expect, that it would probably be an easy game and he wasn’t worried, and the boys in the room simply nodded in agreement. It was homecoming, they were supposed to win.

The team got ready, a happy buzz over the room before they all ran onto the field to cheers from the crowd. It was going to be a good night, and Seongcheol could feel it.

Not only did the game go great, the band sounded amazing and their cheerleaders performed just as well, their whole school getting into the event. He even saw some people dancing in their seats, and that made him grin.

After the game they were congratulated, the group in a clump and surrounded by a group of girls. Seongcheol just felt overjoyed that the game was over and they’d won, mostly ignoring the female students all but draped over them. He wanted to shower, to head to the party with the team and relax with a group of friends that he enjoyed being with.

Of course, when he got to the house he was greeted by a huge group of people, all of them greeting him with a loud shout and a cheer. For a moment he didn’t see anyone he knew, taking a step in before Hansol very literally swung into his view. He was laughing, and Seongcheol raised both brows in surprise before the other reached out and ruffled his hair.

“You’re late as ,” Hansol greeted, Seongcheol shaking his head before literally pushing him out of his way, chuckling to himself to whole time. Hansol nearly lost his balance, hanging onto Seongcheol to keep himself on both feet as he followed Seongcheol in a few more steps. “Mingyu is around somewhere, Wonwoo is entertaining some girls in the kitchen, I think. Everyone else is around, you just gotta look for them.” There was a pause, Hansol swaying in his spot as Seongcheol stopped and looked at him. He narrowed his eyes.

“... Who gave you alcohol?” he asked, and Hansol just shrugged, laughing to himself and grinning. Chuckling, Seongcheol nudged Hansol toward the kitchen, waving to Wonwoo and grabbing a drink. He sipped it, leaving Hansol to attempt to flirt with a girl Seongcheol recognized as one of the cheerleaders as he walked out into the living room.

When he spotted Mingyu sitting on the couch he immediately walked over, though there were a few other people around him that he only vaguely recognized. Nonetheless he took a seat, Mingyu smiling at him and offering a little wave.

“Hey, you finally made it,” he said, leaning his head back against the couch. A few people from the group around him turned and gave him a smile, though he could only name one of them. “I was just talking with some people. This is Seungkwan, this is Jihoon, and this is-”

“Jeonghan. I know,” he cut in, Jeonghan’s eyes widening in just a bit of surprise. Seongcheol grinned. “You’re in my history class,” he added, Jeonghan nodding and giving Seongcheol a smile. Mingyu looked between the two, raising a brow and glancing at Seungkwan, who simply shrugged.

“Yeah. And this is-”

“Seongcheol,” Jeonghan said, completing Mingyu’s sentence as the group turned to look at him. Jeonghan blinked, shrugging a moment later. “He’s in my history class. And on the football team. And really popular. You guys act like I don’t know things.”

Seungkwan just rolled his eyes, pulling out his phone as Jeonghan leaned to his side so he could see Seongcheol around both Mingyu and Seungkwan.

“The game was really good,” he added, Seongcheol taking a sip of his drink before smiling.

“Oh? You were there?” he asked, Jeonghan nodding.

“Yeah. Along with most of the school,” he said, Seongcheol narrowing his eyes before Jeonghan laughed. “You all were great,” he finished, Mingyu looking up from his conversation with Jihoon and patting Jeonghan’s knee.

“Thanks,” he replied, Jeonghan focusing on Seongcheol until he felt Mingyu’s hand. Seongcheol nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, thanks,” he repeated, taking another sip of his drink as he got swept into a conversation between the five of them about school, life, and plans for graduation. Eventually the talking derailed to a simple chat about music and Jeonghan stood, Jihoon taking his spot as Jeonghan instead sat beside Seongcheol.

“I don’t want to get involved in a conversation about music with Jihoon again,” he mumbled, making sure Jihoon couldn’t hear him. “He goes on and on for hours. I love the guy, but sometimes I need a break,” he teased, saying it a bit louder and glancing back at Jihoon. The other just glared at him and Jeonghan laughed, turning back to Seongcheol. “How long have you been on the team?” he asked, Seongcheol relaxing against the couch.

“Since I was a sophomore. Do you play sports?” he asked, Jeonghan shrugging.

“Basketball, sometimes,” he replied, one leg curled under him as he settled in his spot. Seongcheol grinned.

“Me, too,” he said, taking a pointed sip of his drink. “I guess one day I’ll have to play you,” he added, Jeonghan laughing.

“You’ll probably win, but we’ll see. Challenge accepted,” he responded, holding out his hand for a shake. Seongcheol looked down at it, raising a brow before he took the other’s hand and gave it an easy shake.

“I can’t believe we’ve never had a conversation,” Seongcheol mused quietly, finally dropping the other’s hand and looking back up at Jeonghan. “Same school for four years and never a conversation at all. I guess I just didn’t want to fight off your fanclub,” he finished, glancing at a group of girls nearby and waving. Jeonghan shook his head.

“Don’t even talk,” he replied, Seongcheol looking over at him and blinking. “You’re always surrounded, too.”

“And yet, still single,” Seongcheol cut in with a laugh, resting his head back against the couch. Jeonghan turned to face him a bit more, brow raised as though he didn’t quite believe what he was hearing.

“You? You’re single?” he asked, Seongcheol nodding. “You?” Once again Seongcheol nodded, laughing a bit this time. Jeonghan simply huffed shaking his head and looking away with a little chuckle. He crossed his arms. “I don’t believe you.”

Pushing himself up from the couch so he was leaning forward, Seongcheol laughed and set his drink down on the table. Then he looked back at Jeonghan, his own arms crossed.

“Why? Why is it hard to believe?” he asked, Jeonghan shrugging.

“I don’t know,” he replied, pushing a few stray strands of hair behind his ear. Seongcheol glanced up to watch the motion, smiling just a bit but saying nothing. “I guess I just figured you would be dating. Popular jock guy gets a lot of girls, you know.”

Grinning, Seongcheol shook his head.

“I’m picky,” he said with a smirk, Jeonghan quirking a brow before smiling.

There was a long silence between the two, Jeonghan about to say something but clearly deciding against it and instead taking a long drink of Seongcheol’s drink. Seongcheol didn’t mind - he was watching how Jeonghan seemed to play with his hair when he was nervous. It was a habit and it was cute, but Seongcheol didn’t really mention it.

“Hey,” he mumbled, Jeonghan looking up. “This might sound weird, but can I see what your hair looks like out of the ponytail?” he asked, Jeonghan blinking. There was a pause before Jeonghan almost awkwardly nodded, Seongcheol reaching out and taking the band out of Jeonghan’s hair. He did it as gently as he could, remembering how his little sister reacted when he used to practically rip them out of her hair, slipping it around his wrist when he was done and letting Jeonghan’s hair drop to his shoulders.

Seongcheol couldn’t help but reach up and toy with a few of the strands near his fingers, running them absently through Jeonghan’s hair as the other simply watched. His hair was just as soft as it looked, and Seongcheol smiled softly to himself, Jeonghan taking another sip of Seongcheol’s drink.

“Man…” Seongcheol started, letting out an impressed hum. “I’d say you should wear your hair down more, but I’m pretty sure it’s against dress code or something so…” he mused, Jeonghan nodding. Seongcheol was just staring at his fingers as he continued to twist them in the other’s hair, but when he finally pulled his attention away he grinned at Jeonghan. “Now I get why all the girls won’t shut up about your hair,” he teased gently, Jeonghan laughing into the drink.

The two of them talked for a while more, staying close on the couch and sharing a few more drinks. It was relaxing, neither of them being bothered by anyone as they simply shared a conversation. Every once in a while Seongcheol would absently reach out and mess with Jeonghan’s hair but the other didn’t seem to mind, only resting his head in his hand to prop it up as he listened to Seongcheol talk.

They had just gotten to the subject of music when Mingyu ran over, grabbing Seongcheol’s arm and starting to pull him away. Seongcheol yanked his arm from his friend’s grip, looking up at Mingyu with furrowed brows. Jeonghan looked up as well, a bit confused as he finished off the drink he was holding.

“Hey, I need your help,” Mingyu said, Seongcheol frowning.

“What? Why?” he asked, Mingyu sighing and rolling his eyes as he shook his head.

“We need to take Hansol home. He’s gone,” he replied, Seongcheol raising a brow. Mingyu just stared at him. “He’s puking in the bathroom.”

Closing his eyes and groaning in irritation, Seongcheol turned back to Jeonghan with a little frown.

“I guess I get to rescue him,” he said, Jeonghan laughing and shrugging.

“Go be a good friend. I’ll be here later,” he replied, Seongcheol about to head toward the bathroom. He paused, however, and tossed his phone on the couch, Jeonghan glancing down at it.

“Put your number in. I’ll message you later or something,” he said, Jeonghan staring at him for a second before he nodded. That was when Seongcheol finally walked to the bathroom, shaking his head when he saw Hansol. “Man, you made a bad choice somewhere tonight,” he teased, reaching down to lift his friend off the floor in front of the toilet. Hansol groaned, resting his head on Seongcheol’s shoulder.

“Whatever,” Hansol mumbled, Seongcheol walking him out with Mingyu following close behind. On the way he passed through the living room, Jeonghan standing and slipping his phone back into his pocket.

“Take care of him,” he said, gesturing to Hansol and offering Jeonghan as much of a comforting smile as he could muster without laughing. Seongcheol chuckled to himself, hoisting Hansol just a bit more under his shoulder

“Yeah, yeah… I’ll see you in class on Monday,” he replied with a little sigh, making his way out to his car and all but tossing Hansol into the passenger’s seat. “If you throw up in my car, you’re paying to get it cleaned.”

He heard a little groan from Hansol and he assumed that meant he understood what he’d just said so he closed the door, walking around and settling into the driver’s seat before heading toward Hansol’s house. It didn’t take him long to get there, walking him up to his room as quietly as he could and making sure he had water before he slipped back out to his car and headed to his own home.

When he got there he changed, flopping into his bed and pulling out his phone. When he saw he’d missed a text he blinked, opening it.

You should never just hand your phone to someone. I could have stolen it and sold it.

Laughing, Seongcheol glanced at the number, noticing that Jeonghan had already saved his name in his list of contacts. Shaking his head, he replied with a little smile.

Yeah, well I trust you. You still at the party?

There was a long pause then, Seongcheol glancing to his wrist and belatedly noticing that he still had Jeonghan’s hair band around his arm. He pursed his lips, thinking for a second before simply letting it remain there. He was pulled from his thoughts by his phone buzzing in his hand.

No, we left right after you. Jihoon drove us home. See you on Monday.

Nodding to himself, Seongcheol turned over onto his side, covering himself with his sheets and sending one last message to Jeonghan to end the conversation.

Yeah. I’ll see you in history.

That was the last text he managed before he fell asleep, phone still in his hand and mind racing in too many directions, of football and parties and new friends.

He slept well that night.