Hansol basically shoved the plastic container against Seungkwan's chest.

"Here."

Seungkwan just blinked at him, his confused expression was irritatingly adorable.

In Hansol's defense, he was nervous that whole day. It was like all the nerves traveled to his hands, making them do things on their own. That must have explained why he immediately shoved the plastic container towards Seungkwan the moment it was lunch time.

"What's this?" Seungkwan raised the plastic container up in question.

"Food." Hansol answered.

"Duh, I know that. Why did you give me food though?

"Kwan," Hansol said carefully, "can I ask a question?"

"Sure," Seungkwan said, then he gestured to the seat next to him, "Sit."

Hansol sat down quietly, mentally preparing himself to ask the question. The other students were already getting up to go to the cafeteria to eat. He better make this quick.

"So?" Seungkwan looked at him expectantly.

"Do you– do you eat lunch at all?"

Seungkwan seemed to freeze at the question.

"Because I don't see you eating during lunch." Hansol observed his face. Seungkwan seemed as if he was holding his breath.

"I do." Seungkwan finally said in a small voice.

Hansol just stared at him until Seungkwan threw his hands up in exasperation.

"Stop! Don't me!"

It was Hansol's turn to be confused.

"What?"

"Do not use those puppy dog eyes against me." Seungkwan pointed an accusing finger at him.

"I was?" Hansol tilted his head, "I didn't even notice. Huh, it just came naturally."

Seungkwan huffed at Hansol's smug smile. Hansol's smile turned into a softer, more concerned one.

"Don't change the subject," Hansol said softly, "Do you eat during lunch time?"

Seungkwan pouted– and no, it was definitely not the cutest thing Hansol has ever seen, shut up.

"No," Seungkwan shyly confessed, "I don't."

Hansol stared at him a few moments more, not knowing what to say. Seungkwan wouldn't meet Hansol's eyes, looking very embarrassed at what he admitted.

"Kwan," Hansol whined his name, "Why would you do that?"

"Vernon, relax. I eat sandwiches during lunchtime– sometimes. But, but! Did you know that bread is as good as rice?"

"No," Hansol said, suddenly very serious, "No, it's not."

Seungkwan pouted and darn it, he was a really adorable idiot that needs to learn how to take care of himself.

"It's just that– ah." Seungkwan scratched the back of his neck as if not knowing what to say.

"What is it?" Hansol leaned closer.

Seungkwan blinked at him, "It's nothing."

"Kwan–" Hansol whined again.

"It saves money," Seungkwan said, smiling reassuringly, "I don't get hungry either. Promise! I eat a lot in our house too so I don't eat a lot at school."

"Kwan," Hansol said, "You're lying."

Seungkwan's smile slowly melted. Hansol knew that it wasn't really his business. He knew that he was being nosy. Everyone had their own reasons. Sometimes it was best not to ask.

But there wasn't really anything wrong about being concerned about someone's well-being, right?

"I'm fat."

Hansol stared at him, "What?"

"I'm, um, chubby."

"Uh," Hansol didn't know how to respond to that.

Seungkwan huffed and wouldn't meet Hansol's eyes.

"This is really embarrassing," Seungkwan said, his ears red.

"You skip lunch, because you're chubby?" Then it clicked.

"I've been trying to go on a diet," Seungkwan said, "The others have been noticing that I've gotten chubbier so I'm trying not to eat that much."

"There's a difference between a diet and starving yourself, Kwan." Hansol stated.

"I know." Seungkwan pouted.

"Look," Hansol started, "I know that it's none of my business. And I don't want to preach as if I know a lot about the subject even though I don't."

Seungkwan hummed to let Hansol know that he was still listening, still not meeting his eyes.

"But as someone who genuinely cares about you, I want you to always be happy and healthy," Hansol continued, "Can I ask another question?"

"You already did." Seungkwan mumbled.

"I'll take that as a yes," Hansol smiled a little at the childish display, "Did you even notice that little fact about you before the others commented on it?"

"Not really."

Hansol hummed, "Are you doing this for yourself or for them?"

Seungkwan groaned and covered his face, "This is really embarrassing."

"Don't be embarrassed, it's just me, an idiot who cares about a bigger idiot a little too much."

Seungkwan snorted at that.

"I'm just saying that if you're going to do this, you should do it because it benefits you, not to please others." Hansol said. He has been looking at Seungkwan this entire time. The poor singer looked really embarrassed admitting all of these. Hansol also noticed how quiet he's been, compared to his usual loud self. Seungkwan always seemed to scream for attention, but now it seemed like he was trying to make himself as small as possible.

"It's just that," Seungkwan said in a voice loud enough for only Hansol to hear, "Nowadays, I don't– like what I see in the mirror?"

Hansol remained silent, letting him continue.

"Ha, wow. Looks like I haven't embarrassed myself enough. Oh well, 'go big or go house', you know?"

"Uh , I think it's 'go big or go home'–"

"Shh– let me finish. I just feel really disappointed whenever I see my reflection. It's just like a reminder. A really unpleasant reminder of how lacking I am in terms of looks. I hate seeing the little extra fats along my hips. I get surprised sometimes when I see how round my stomach actually is whenever I look down in the shower.

"It's also really annoying how putting on pants is a struggle now. It isn't suppose to be difficult! You just have to slip them on! Also sometimes I feel disgusting when I see food. Because of that sometimes I don't have the energy to eat. So, I thought that skipping lunch would make me feel better."

"Did it? Make you feel better?"

Seungkwan was really red now. "I don't think so. But hey, thanks for the food! I'll eat it when I get home, promise!"

Seungkwan was about to put the container in his bag when Hansol grabbed it instead.

"I don't think so," Hansol said, opening the container, "Me and the others– well, mostly Mingyu– worked hard on this. I hate to see that hard work go to waste."

"I told you, I'll eat when I get home," Seungkwan said, finally looking annoyed, "Thank you, so much for this. I really appreciate this, more than you know. I wouldn't waste it."

"I know," Hansol said scooping up some rice, "I just want to see your reaction when you eat it first. Mingyu's cooking is legendary."

Seungkwan stared at the spoon that Hansol held out to him expectantly.

"Come on, Kwan. Just one bite."

"Fine. Just one."

____________

Soonyoung couldn't help but smile at the concentrated frown Seokmin wore as he read through the lyrics once again.

Seokmin usually had a smile on his face, brightening up the atmosphere and making everyone feel at ease. It was hard to catch him in moments where he wasn't smiling, so Soonyoung usually considered himself lucky because he would often catch the singer frowning in concentration as he worked with music. Seokmin took singing seriously and Soonyoung found this all too endearing.

"Where's your partner?" Soonyoung asked.

Seokmin looked up from the lyrics and, predictably, smiled.

"I don't know, but usually he comes to us straight away when finishes talking with, ehem, Vernon."

"Oh?" Soonyoung said, raising his eyebrow and wearing a sly smile.

"Oh ho," Seokmin said, with an equally sly smile and an eyebrow wiggle.

"Oh ho ho."

"Oh ho ho, ho."

"Oh ho ho, ho ho–"

"What are you idiots doing." Seungkwan said, standing by the doorway. He looked terrified at having to experience, well, whatever that exchange was.

"Ah, you're finally here!" Soonyoung said, "You sure took your time. Your poor partner here has been nervously practicing on his own."

"Don't mind me here. Forgotten. Abandoned. Devastated."

Seungkwan rolled his eyes at the overly dramatic display. He couldn't stop the smile forming on his face though, he was part of this so called "Gag Trio", after all.

"I'm sure that you can find it in your heart to forgive Seungkwan," Jeonghan said from behind Seungkwan, "He was busy being spoonfed by, well, you know who–"

Jeonghan didn't even get to finish his sentence since he got interrupted by inhuman squealing.

"Wait, wait," Soonyoung said, eyes growing wide– well, as wide as they could go.

"Are you saying that Seungkwan was being spoonfed by–" Seokmin's grin was impossibly wide.

The two leaned in to whisper.

"Vernon?"

"Yeah," Jeonghan replied, smiling fondly. "Jihoon told me to go and fetch him since he was taking so long and I walked in on them."

He immediately shushed them as soon as he saw the two inhale, about to squeal once again.

"What's our code name for him again?" Jeonghan asked, innocently tilting his head.

"Code name!?" Seungkwan spat, "For what?"

"For when we want to talk about him in public, duh." Jeonghan says as it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Forehead? English Attack?" Soonyoung suggests.

"Leonardo di Caprio? Jack?" Seokmin contributes.

"You all sound like highschool freshmen girls talking about their friend's crush!" Seungkwan said, trying to look annoyed but it seemed like he couldn't stop his grin, "Seriously? Squealing? Code names?"

"So which one is it?" Soonyoung asked, ignoring his comment.

"Are you kidding me!?" Seungkwan huffed and looked away. After a few moments of silence he mumbled something.

"I always liked the Titanic."

"Jack it is!" Soonyoung concluded happily.

Jeonghan let out a soft laugh and patted Seungkwan's back, "Okay, I think that's enough of that. You two better get practicing."

"Don't worry, I'm sure that Seungkwan here will be performing extra well." Soonyoung said, wiggling his eyes brows.

"Especially when his inspiration will be watching." Seokmin added, grinning.

"You guys are so embarrassing." Seungkwan said, his lips starting to tug up.

Soonyoung cleared his throat and started to sing Seungkwan's part.

"I want to see you," Soonyoung started to imitate Seungkwan, holding his stomach and closing his eyes, trying to look as dramatic as possible. "I wanted to see you so much. I know it’s not allowed, but I try to turn back time."

Seungkwan finally bursted out laughing, "You look constipated!"

"You say, you say,"

Of course, if Soonyoung makes a joke, Seokmin immediately plays along. Soonyoung is very grateful to always have a back up.

"This song that you used to sing with me."

"When you’re alone at night I stay." Soonyoung all but screeched at the last part, attempting and failing Seungkwan's high note.

All of them couldn't hold their laughter in any longer.

"Okay, that's enough." Jeonghan said, a small smile on his face, "Now shoo. We need them to be focused."

"Yes, mom!" Soonyoung went out obediently, "I'll have the Dance Club cheer for you all! Do your best!"

______________

"Hey, Vernon right?" Soonyoung asked, sitting across the said male.

"Uh, yeah," Hansol raised an eyebrow at his friend. "Soonyoung, what are you doing–"

"Listen here, kid," Soonyoung leaned on the table, squinting his eyes and basically closing them. "Listen here and listen good."

"Okay?" Hansol wondered what prompted his friend's sudden change in character.

"What are your plans with my daughter." It was more of a statement than a question. An accusation, even.

"What?" Hansol looked at the others for help. Unfortunately, the other three dancers just looked unfazed while Seungcheol, Mingyu, and Wonwoo looked equally confused.

"I got my eye on you, kid," Soonyoung said, pretending to smoke a cigarette, "I have eyes all over the city."

"Hey," Mingyu said, seeming to play along with, well, whatever this was. "You mess with one member, you mess with all of the Visuals."

That seemed to break Soonyoung out of his character.

"The what?"

Hansol cringed, Seungcheol slapped a hand over Mingyu's mouth, and Wonwoo banged his head on the table.

"Our group name!" Mingyu proclaimed, tearing Seungcheol's hand off his mouth.

"Mingyu, please stop." Seungcheol said, joining Wonwoo's head on the table.

"You call yourselves the Visuals?" Minghao asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, no, no–" Hansol shook his head, "Definitely not."

"What should we call ourselves then?" Mingyu pouted.

"If it's any help, you guys look like you'd be in some hip hop band." Chan said, being the angel he is.

"Really?" Mingyu beamed.

"Please don't give him anymore ideas." Wonwoo said, head still on the table.

"The Hip Hop Unit!" Mingyu exclaimed, eyes shining.

"Anyway," Minghao butted in, "What did you want to say in the first place, Soon?"

"Oh right," Soonyoung turned back to Hansol, "So I heard that you've got a crush."

Hansol looked at him, defeated. "Does everyone in school now?"

"Not really, just mostly from our year."

"Wow, thanks. That's reassuring."

"Not really, that's still a lot of people."

Hansol stared at him for a while before chuckling. He supposed he should be used to his friend's shenanigans by now.

"Well, I guess you're right. Is there a problem with me having a crush?"

"Wait, who do you have a crush on again?"

Hansol stared at Soonyoung for a while before shrugging, giving up. Hansol had to admit, his crush was embarrassingly obvious.

"Seungkwan."

"Oh my god."

"You're not supposed to say 'oh my god'–" Hansol was cut off by a squeal.

"Okay," Soonyoung said, uncontrollably grinning, "Now that that's been confirmed, I have to tell you something."

"Go on."

The others began to chat within themselves, as if sensing that this conversation was between Hansol and Soonyoung only.

"Well, you see Seungkwan and I have have stuck together for the longest time," Soonyoung said, all traces of joking gone, "Ever since elementary, in fact. So I know for a fact that he's a good kid. Sure, incredibly loud and constantly craving attention, but his heart is in the right place."

Hansol leaned forward a bit to hear him better, eager to get any information he could about Seungkwan and storing them in the space in his mind that's reserved for him only.

"Really insecure too," Now Soonyoung was frowning a bit, "It doesn't seem like it at first, since he is always embarrassing himself, on purpose, just to cheer others up. But he is, so incredibly self-conscious and he doesn't have the right to be."

Hansol nodded, having already experience Seungkwan's insecurity first hand.

"You know about his 'diet'?" Soonyoung asked.

"Yeah."

"I heard that you were spoonfeeding him," Soonyoung shared, smiling a bit, "Did he finish his food?"

"Yeah," Hansol's smile was shy, "He was basically inhaling each spoon full. I can't blame him though, Mingyu's cooking is delicious."

Soonyoung laughed, "He managed to get the stupid idea in his head when he was talking to a group of girls and they started to on how chubby he was getting. He laughed it off of course, but apparently it did bother him. He started skipping his meals and I eventually noticed. He begged me not to tell Jihoon and the others, most probably because he knew that they would be furious."

Hansol frowned at this fact.

"I tried to tell him that it was stupid," Soonyoung said, "But he is just so stubborn. I'm glad he managed to eat lunch today. How did you manage to make him eat a full lunch? The most my pestering did was make him eat a sandwich for lunch."

"I told you," Hansol said, shrugging, "Mingyu's cooking is delicious."

"I don't think it's just that," Soonyoung said, "Whatever you did, thank you. Did he say that he's going to drop this whole diet? Or at least do it properly?"

"Not really, we were interrupted." Hansol frowned once again. He didn't want Seungkwan to starve himself ever again.

"Thank you though, really," Soonyoung said, "I was so worried about that idiot. The guilt was killing me. I was this close to telling the others and shoving food down his throat."

"He is chubby," Soonyoung admitted, "It's not bad though."

"It's cute actually," Hansol agreed, then cringed, "I mean his cheeks are adorably – ugh, just please pretend that I never said anything."

Soonyoung laughed, "So anyway, Seungkwan and I usually ride the bus together, but I can't for today. I have to go home late today because of practice and Seungkwan has work so he can't wait for me. So can you like–"

Soonyoung gestured, "–ride the bus with him instead?"

Hansol's eyes widened at the sudden request, "Me?"

"You ride take the bus too, right?"

Hansol did ride the bus. Unfortunately Seungcheol and the others had other means of transportation so he usually rode the bus alone. He usually sat at the back listening to his music.

"Yeah," Hansol said, "Does he know?"

"You'll do it?" Soonyoung said, grinning.

"Yeah, why not." Hansol said, trying to act indifferent even though he knew it was useless, he was already grinning along with Soonyoung.

"Great! I'll tell him after the performance!"

Apparently, the Music Club chose Seungkwan and Seokmin for the pair category for a contest. The highschool principal thought that it would be a good idea for them to perform during lunch time so that they could get used to having an audience.

Hansol's attention immediately went to Seungkwan who was nervously smiling at the crowd and bowing. Hansol couldn't help but give a soft reassuring smile at the singer even though he knew that Seungkwan wouldn't be able to see him through the sea of other highschool students. Seungkwan's eyes scanned the crowd and met Hansol's.

He beamed.

_____________

"One last thing."

"Hmm." Vernon said his eyes still on Seungkwan.

Seungkwan sang his verse, the one Soonyoung tried to imitate earlier ago. Soonyoung knew that he could never do Seungkwan any justice. His voice was too powerful and just full of raw emotion. The kid was something else.

"You better take care of him."

Vernon looked away for a second to stare at Soonyoung, making him stare at Vernon back. Vernon then turned back to watch Seungkwan and that was when Soonyoung saw.

He saw how Vernon looked at Seungkwan. Saw the awe and flat out admiration on his face. Saw how he seemed to drink in every step, sound, and gesture Seungkwan made. Saw how his lips tugged up into a small smile.

"I will." 







 

●○●○●

Author's Note: Pfffft that was cheesy wow. No matter how cheesy this is, thank you so much for taking the time to read. (bows repeatedly like S.Coups)
Also, please don't be so self-conscious. You are pretty. If there is something you don't like about yourself then you are free to change it. But there are some things that you can't change, so it's best to just accept these things. It's your body, you decide what to do with it. Please just stay healthy.
Also if you are having a hard time imagining Vernon's face when he's staring at Seungkwan then: