“Junhoe, come buy me a drink!” Hanbin lightly punched Junhoe in the shoulder, grinning when Junhoe glared at him.

“Ugh, seriously? Your boyfriend is here, but you’re still making me run your errands? How annoying.” Despite the protest Junhoe stood up, watching as Hanbin leaned down to peck a quick kiss on Bobby’s cheek before leading the way down the bleachers. Junhoe didn’t think twice about going with him, they usually did everything for each other at their tournaments anyway. It would feel weird to have his waterboy duty taken away just because Bobby was here. They didn’t speak on their way to the concession line, but once they got there Junhoe was surprised when Hanbin suddenly enveloped him from behind in a hug.

“Bro, what the ? Did you take a nasty shot in the head or something?” Junhoe complained. He didn’t really mind, of course. Actually he was secretly happy for the hug. He felt like he’d earned it so far today.

“What, I can’t give my best bro a hug?” Hanbin teased, tightening his arms around him.

“Ugh, Hanbin, you’re so gay.”

They approached the counter and Junhoe made his order, not bothering to ask Hanbin what he wanted. He already knew. Hanbin kept quiet until Junhoe paid and handed him his Gatorade. But instead of heading back into the gym, Hanbin grabbed Junhoe’s arm and pulled him off to the side. Junhoe looked at him in confusion, curious about what he wanted.

Hanbin hoped this wasn’t going to backfire on him, but Junhoe seemed like he was in a decent mood. “I just wanted to say thank you.”

Junhoe’s look of confusion only deepened at the remark. “For what? My stunning good looks?”

Hanbin grinned and leaned against the wall. “No, for being nice to Bobby, and for not rising to Jinhwan’s prodding. I know you didn’t want to spend the day with them, but, I appreciate that you’re being good about it.” This could go one of two ways—Junhoe would either appreciate the thanks but brush it off, or he’d use it as an opportunity to launch into a tirade about how much he hated hanging out with them, how much he disliked Bobby and thought Hanbin could do better, and how regardless—Hanbin owed him huge for this terrible day.

What Hanbin got was a little of the first option, but with added commentary that he didn’t expect.

“Look, I know I haven’t been the biggest fan of you and Bobby, and I’m sorry, okay? He’s not that bad of a guy after all, or at least he isn’t so far. He’s kind of alright.” Junhoe rambled the words out quickly, not good when it came to verbal outpourings of anything resembling emotion. “As for Jinhwan, did you really think I’d be an to him? In front of your family?”

Hanbin couldn’t help but feel guilty at the question, because he actually had expected it of Junhoe. He shouldn’t have, though, because as much as Junhoe liked to complain about people behind their backs, he was usually fairly polite to their face (provided he paid the person any attention at all). It was rare for him to instigate a bout of disrespect. Hanbin should have known to expect better of him regardless of how much Junhoe had protested over the past week.

“I’m sorry, you’re right, I guess I was just worried because you’ve been so against this all week.”

Junhoe leaned next to Hanbin, shifting his gaze from Hanbin to the wall. “You’re my best friend, Bin, I’d never intentionally be an to someone you invited out. Not unless they really crossed a line.”

“I know,” Hanbin replied, leaning closer to Junhoe until their shoulders were touching, “I’m sorry Jinhwan hasn’t been as nice to you. He promised me he would be, and to be honest I’m really shocked that he’s acting like this. I really didn’t think he would.”

Junhoe rolled his eyes at the response. “Yeah well, I told you he’s an , didn’t I? But you didn’t believe me.”

Hanbin grinned. “Mark this down in your calendar so you don’t forget it!” He still wasn’t convinced that Jinhwan was that bad, but he’d reserve judgement until he got to talk to him. Maybe Jinhwan was being an out of his own insecurity? It was hard to judge, since he didn’t know him that well.

“Don’t worry, I’ll remind you constantly.” Junhoe grinned back at him, and just hearing Hanbin acknowledge it all made everything feel better. He knew Hanbin wouldn’t reallyside with Jinhwan over him, but sometimes Junhoe let his insecurities get the better of him. As much as he hated to admit it, he’d been a little afraid that Hanbin’s relationship with Bobby might have opened a space for Jinhwan to invade and take over as a new friend. That hadn’t happened, though, and Junhoe felt more confident now that it wouldn’t. Hanbin still had his back. “Anyway enough about Jinhwan. Since we’re being gay, I guess I kind of need to apologize to you.”

Hanbin looked at him in surprise—Junhoe rarely ever verbally apologized for anything. He preferred to apologize by way of actions instead, which Hanbin was very good at reading. But a verbal apology? “Should I record this for posterity?”

“Bro, I’m trying to be serious!” Junhoe whined. “I admit that I, may have overreacted about Bobby.” Junhoe rushed the words out, embarrassed now that he was saying it out loud. God, he hated apologizing!

Hanbin was still caught off guard by the apology and he wasn’t sure how he ought to respond to it. He could always just shrug it off like it was no big deal (which Junhoe would probably appreciate) but at the same time, this was a prime teasing opportunity…

“Can you say that again? Slower this time? Speak into the camera?” Hanbin teased, moving closer to try and hug him.

“ off, Hanbin! Don’t make me dump the rest of your drink over you head!” Junhoe moved away, annoyed that Hanbin was teasing him. This was exactly why he didn’t like apologizing! It was always so awkward after!

“Ah, there’s the Junhoe I know and love!” Hanbin replied, watching Junhoe’s face as he fought back against the smile that was trying to come out. “I told you that you’d like Bobby, didn’t I?”

Junhoe let out a resigned sigh and let Hanbin get close. “Yeah well, I’m still watching him! If he slacks off at all, I’ll call him on it. I let Woosung get away with a lot of because he was your first boyfriend and I didn’t have the high expectations I have now. Bobby better stay on top of , otherwise he’s gonna catch a fist.”

Hanbin grinned and felt like half the weight he’d been carrying around all day was lifted. Even without Jinhwan baiting Junhoe, he hadn’t expected them to be friendly, he’d expected Junhoe to be frosty towards both of them all day. But admitting that he liked Bobby? This was way more than Hanbin had hoped for, and it made everything else worthwhile.

“Not to make this situation any more awkward for you, but I really appreciate you telling me that you actually like him. I’ve honestly been really worried, I hate being at odds with you over things.” Hanbin knew that he was running the risk of too much emotion for Junhoe all at one time, but he didn’t think he’d get another chance for this to come up in conversation, and he felt like it was important that he remind Junhoe how important their friendship was.

Junhoe frowned at the comment, feeling a little guilty. “I know, I was an , I’m sorry, okay? I really mean it. I’m just not good at, all this stuff,” Junhoe floundered for a way to explain himself, but he knew that Hanbin would get what he was trying to say. He always did.

“I know, and I forgive you!” Hanbin teased, wrapping his arms around Junhoe in a tight hug. He was surprised when Junhoe actually hugged him back.

“Let’s get back out there and forget we ever had this conversation?” Junhoe asked, because there was only so much of this mushy stuff he could take.

Hanbin grinned and pulled away, beyond placated with Junhoe’s actions. “Deal! If they ask what took so long, I’ll say you were primping in the bathroom.”

Junhoe grinned and ran his fingers through his hair. “That’s believable.”

The moment Hanbin and Junhoe were out of range, Bobby turned to Jinhwan with a less than friendly look in his eyes.

“What the are you doing?” Bobby hissed at him, wanting to pack a lecture into the short moment they’d have before Hanbin got back.

Jinhwan grinned sheepishly, not surprised that Bobby was calling him out. “I’m sorry, I just--”

“I don’t care, Jinan!” Bobby interrupted. “You promised you’d be nice to Junhoe! You promised me and Hanbin! Now you’re making me look like a jerk too because you’re my best friend!”

Jinhwan didn’t answer right away, instead locking eyes with Bobby and reading all the emotion in there. Bobby was angry, sure, but he was also scared. That made Jinhwan feel like crap, but at the same time he thought that Bobby was probably overreacting slightly.

“I think I kinda misjudged Junhoe a little, to be honest.” Jinhwan admitted, but Bobby cut him off again.

“You need to apologize, to Hanbin at least! You know how worried he was about today!”

“I will! God, calm down. You’re acting like I spat in Junhoe’s face or something.” Jinhwan knew he was in the wrong, but Bobby definitely was overreacting. It hadn’t been thatbad. Bobby was just feeling nervous because he liked Hanbin so much—which was a first for him, because Bobby had never put so much concern into what previous guys he’d dated had thought. Jinhwan would think the whole thing was cute if he wasn’t the one being lectured.

“I just feel like this is on me, you know? I kept telling Hanbin not to worry, that you’d be nice. You made me look like a liar.” Bobby couldn’t help but unload on Jinhwan now that he’d started. He would have been okay if Hanbin hadn’t just blatantly whisked Junhoe away for a private chat! What was that supposed to mean?! What was he saying to him? Apologizing for the ty behaviour of his boyfriend’s best friend?

It wasn’t that serious to Jinhwan. “Oh give him some credit, Bobby, Hanbin’s a smart kid, he’s not going to hold you accountable for me! You’re getting too worked up.”

Bobby frowned and wanted to say more, but he bit his tongue instead. Was he overreacting?

“He’s probably just asking Junhoe what he thinks about you,” Jinhwan said, “I mean let’s be honest, you’re the one who really needs to be friends with Junhoe. I’m not that important to the equation. Hell I probably made you look good, now that I think about it!” Jinhwan had been surprised that Junhoe had been so civil to Bobby, after all. Was it because he’d been the greater of two evils to Junhoe? Was that how he worked?

“I don’t want you left out though! I’m not splitting myself between you and Hanbin, I want us all to be able to hang out together.” Bobby retorted, not about to accept Jinhwan’s attempt at deflecting his unfriendly behaviour.

“We will, okay? Like I said, I think I misjudged Junhoe. He seems a lot less arrogant today.” Jinhwan wasn’t totally convinced of that, of course, but he had to placate Bobby with something right now.

“I think both of you misjudged each other, and if you’d quit being a , he could start to see that. Instead you’re just proving him right.”

Jinhwan waved his comment off. “Yeah, I get it, okay? I’ll apologize, I promise. And I’ll be nicer to Junhoe for the rest of the day.”

“If you don’t you’re leaving, got it? I don’t care if you have to take the bus home.” Bobby was still feeling a little grumpy, nervous because there was still no sign of Hanbin. He was definitely having some kind of chat with Junhoe, and Bobby’s nerves were frazzled. What if Jinhwan had ed things up? What if Junhoe was complaining, what if he was giving Hanbin an ultimatum?

He didn’t know why he was getting so worked up. Jinhwan was probably right about it all, it probably wasn’t serious. Bobby just didn’t want anything to go wrong.

Jinhwan grinned and slung his arm around Bobby’s shoulders. “I have honest good intentions! I’ve seen the error of my ways!”

Bobby snorted and shrugged him off. “That’s what you said this morning before we walked in. Forgive me if I don’t buy it a second time.”

But Jinhwan knew he’d made just enough of a dent in Bobby’s angry disappointment and concern for the moment. He’d fix this. Maybe he and Junhoe wouldn’t be friends any time soon, but he’d smooth it over with Hanbin, at least.

Finally the other two were on their way back, and Bobby felt relief flood through his system at the smiling expression on Hanbin’s face. Even Junhoe looked happy, and Bobby hoped that was a good sign. They stopped for a bit to chat with Hanbin’s family, and Bobby couldn’t help but smile when Hanbin picked his sister up and kissed her.

“He’s so cute with her,” Jinhwan said, and Bobby nodded.

“Yeah he is.”

“Makes him even more attractive, doesn’t it?” Jinhwan teased, and Bobby nodded again. “Bring her a present next time, maybe she’ll finally say hi.”

Bobby huffed and pushed him away, though he laughed at the end. “I think I might have to. I still can’t believe she waved at you! That’s more than I’ve gotten.”

Jinhwan grinned and laughed at him. “I’ll make sure I put in a good word for you when I talk to her next.”

A minute later and they were joined by Hanbin and Junhoe. Junhoe sat down immediately in his usual spot, while Hanbin stood in front of Bobby, looking down at him with a happy smile. That pretty much killed Bobby’s nerves. Whatever Hanbin had wanted to talk to Junhoe about, it couldn't have been that serious. He’d been worried for nothing after all. Bobby reached out for Hanbin’s hand and tugged him down until he was sitting in front of him.

“Let me give you a shoulder massage while we wait for your next fight?” Bobby prompted, and Hanbin eagerly settled back against him.

Jinhwan watched them, pretty certain that Bobby had only offered the massage to alleviate his own nervous energy. “I can’t believe this double standard.” Jinhwan quietly complained, pouting when Bobby looked at him.

“What are you whining about?” Bobby knew exactly what Jinhwan had meant, but he played along anyway.

“In all the years he’s come to my fights, not once has he ever offered to give me any kind of massage. Said he never knew how, didn’t want to risk injuring me. Now here he is, suddenly able to work some magic.” Jinhwan sighed dramatically, grinning when Bobby laughed.

“He complained when he saw you giving Junhoe a massage at the tournament the other week,” Bobby ventured, cautiously bringing it up.

“It was just after he’d asked for your number,” Jinhwan added, “couldn’t take his eyes off you!”

“Way to make me sound like a creep!” Bobby joked, pleased when he saw that even Junhoe was grinning.

“Well, I can’t blame you!” Hanbin replied. “I looked pretty cute that day.”

“You look cute every day.” Bobby said, and grinned when both Junhoe and Jinhwan groaned at the same time.

“Just disgusting,” Jinhwan replied, though he still grinned at them, “is he doing a good job with your shoulders?”

Hanbin nodded. “It’s pretty decent,” he replied, before a cheeky grin crossed his lips, “not as good as Junhoe’s shoulder rubs though!”

Junhoe smirked at the comment. “Of course not!”

“But to be fair, Junhoe and I have been giving each other shoulder massages for years, so I’m sure if Bobby gets in a lot of practice, he’ll be just as good!” Hanbin added.

“Ugh, seriously?” Jinhwan whined, punching Bobby lightly in the arm. “I can’t believe I’ve been stuck with a dud all this time!” He grinned when Bobby pouted at him.

Junhoe watched them, biting his tongue to keep from pointing out that maybe, if Jinhwan were nicer, he’d have gotten some shoulder rubs over the years. But he couldn’t go and instigate right after Hanbin had made a point of thanking him for being nice. Besides, Jinhwan didn’t seem to be instigating anything with him right now, so he’d keep the comment to himself.

He was just glad to note that he and Hanbin seemed to have a tighter friendship than Bobby and Jinhwan. Not that it should matter, because friendship wasn’t about competition. Maybe Bobby and Jinhwan expressed their closeness in a different way. It wasn’t really a matter that ought to concern him.

Hanbin hadn’t been lying—Bobby wasn’t quite as skilled with his fingers as Junhoe, but what he got out of Bobby’s shoulder rub was different. The closeness and affection made him feel light, no worries on his mind anymore. It was a nice reset before his next match.

“So when’s your next fight, Hanbin?” Jinhwan asked, curious about what they planned to do regarding lunch.

“About an hour and a half. Dad’s going to go pick up some food soon, he’s getting enough for all of us. So when they get back we’ll eat, if you guys are hungry.”

Jinhwan looked at him in surprise. “Really? That’s so nice of him, I was just going to ask about lunch, actually.”

“Good timing, then!”

They spent the next while talking about Hanbin’s boxing tournaments, sharing stories about entertaining opponents and fights. The conversation flowed smoothly despite the potential tension between Junhoe and Jinhwan, and Bobby was surprised that Junhoe didn’t seem to be bothered by either of them at the moment. He happily engaged Bobby in conversation and even answered Jinhwan’s questions without complaint. He wondered what Hanbin had said to him just before?

Jinhwan was curious too. Junhoe’s mood had noticeably improved, there was no trace of the tense aloofness he’d been displaying prior to the fight. He still had Bobby’s words in his mind, but wondered if he really needed to bother? Hanbin didn’t seem upset with him at all, and Jinhwan wondered if apologizing would just make everything weird again?

Maybe he’d just send him a text. Hanbin didn’t seem like the type who held on to grudges (unlike the rest of them). He was going out on a limb, sure, but apologizing over text could be easily explained if Hanbin took offense to it. Jinhwan didn’t expect him to, but he figured he’d get his explanation in place in case things got weird.

Bobby had stopped the shoulder massage by now, but Hanbin was still leaning back against him, happy for the cuddle. Even though Bobby had told him that he usually wasn’t into being touchy, he never seemed to be bothered whenever Hanbin got them close. Jinhwan had mentioned that Bobby had softened up around him, and the thought of that made Hanbin happy. It was cute that someone who usually held themselves back in public was so open with him now.

Bobby and Junhoe were discussing Hanbin’s last fight with Jaesuk, the instigator from earlier, and Hanbin let Junhoe tell the story, not wanting to interrupt what appeared to be a bonding moment between his best friend and his boyfriend. His phone buzzed in his lap, a new message from… Jinhwan? Why was he sending a text when he was so close? Hanbin brought the message up, and his expression brightened when he read it.

-sorry i was a jerk to junhoe today. should i apologize or would it make him mad?- 

Well, there was his own theory proven correct—Jinhwan couldn’t be that much of an if he was inquiring about apologizing. Hanbin thought it must be legit, because if Jinhwan wanted to apologize just to try and save face, he wouldn’t bother to ask for Hanbin’s opinion first. He’d just do it, and if Junhoe took offense, well, that would just make Junhoe look like a jerk, wouldn’t it?

But if he was asking first, that meant that he actually wanted the apology to be accepted, right?

-nah, best to leave it hyung, hes not good with apologies- 

He glanced over at Jinhwan, smiling and winking at him. Jinhwan smiled back before looking down at his phone, nodding at Hanbin’s response and typing one back. He felt good about his decision. Just like he thought, Hanbin wasn’t that upset with him—not if he’d called him hyung over text. Something about Hanbin told Jinhwan that he wasn’t the type to hide his feelings if he was upset.

-i thought so. i am sorry, i promised id be nice and i was a jerk! ill make up for it- 

Hanbin didn’t bother replying to the message, but he did look back at Jinhwan again, giving him a thumbs up instead. Junhoe would probably be suspicious of the texted apology, but Hanbin wasn’t. Life was too short to go around second guessing everyone’s intentions. Maybe Jinhwan really didn’t care about apologizing to Junhoe, maybe he was just trying to save face in front of Hanbin. But as long as he continued to be nice and polite, Hanbin didn’t really care. All he wanted was some degree of harmony.

They joined Hanbin’s family a bit later for lunch, and on their way over Hanbin whispered to Bobby that he wanted him to sit next to Junhoe to keep up their friendly interactions. Bobby was feeling good about Junhoe. After spending the past while asking him questions (questions he could have asked Hanbin, but he got the impression that Junhoe liked being asked for his input), he thought that Junhoe had moved on from a cool acceptance of Bobby’s presence to actual warm friendliness and he followed Hanbin’s advice, wanting to cement their newly formed bond.

Hanbin sat in between Bobby and Jinhwan instead, and Jinhwan slid closer to him to whisper in his ear.

“I really am sorry.”

Hanbin grinned and shook his head, mouthing thanks back at him. Jinhwan smiled in reply before digging into the food Hanbin’s father had brought for them. Everything felt peaceful, and Hanbin felt like things might actually work out, given enough time.

It was almost time for Hanbin’s final match, and as expected (and as he hoped) it was against Jaesuk. He was looking forward to beating him a third time, especially in front of Bobby.

They were still sitting with Hanbin’s family, and Hanbyul was currently sitting in Hanbin’s lap. To everyone’s surprise she’d been happy to sit in the gym during the entire thing, alternating between watching the matches and colouring. She’d surprised Hanbin by asking him to show her how to do the punches, and he was currently explaining all the different types to her.

“At this rate we won’t have to worry about her when she gets old enough to date,” Junhoe said, watching as she practiced a punch on Hanbin’s leg, “she’ll kick anyone’s .”

“That’s the plan!” Hanbin answered, grinning when she hit him again.

“I’m glad you’re teaching her, but maybe she should find a new target so she doesn’t injure you before your final,” his mom said, grinning when Hanbin winced after a particularly hard hit.

“Not a bad idea. Any volunteers?” Hanbin asked, looking around at the other three. “How about Bobby oppa?”

“No!” Hanbyul replied, hiding her face in Hanbin’s leg.

“I think it would be good, Bobby’s very strong, so you won’t hurt him!” Hanbin said, prying her back up. He was determined to get her close to Bobby today, by any means necessary.

“Yeah, come here with me, Byul-ah!” Junhoe called, “we can both beat him up!” He held his hand out and Hanbin pushed her in Junhoe’s direction. She laughed and went to him, but refused to look at Bobby, still feeling shy in front of him.

“Come on, show me your moves!” Junhoe said, coaxing her into it.

Bobby was surprised that Junhoe was trying to help them out. Sure, he’d been exceptionally nice ever since the break earlier, but trying to help him get close to Hanbyul? That he hadn’t expected, but he took it as a final sign that he had Junhoe’s full approval.

“You can either punch him or kiss him!” Hanbin teased, “take your pick Byul!”

Hanbyul laughed and finally peeked out from Junhoe’s arm, her eyes on Bobby. She reached out and lightly hit him on the arm, before hiding in Junhoe again.

“Ah that was weak! You hit me harder!” Hanbin , moving next to Bobby. “Watch this, I’ll show you how to do it!” Hanbin grinned at Bobby before hitting his arm with a flurry of light punches, and even though they didn’t hurt at all, Bobby still played it up like they did.

“No, quit it! You’re too strong for me!” Bobby whined, leaning over against Jinhwan.

“Take your beatings like a man!” Jinhwan teased back, pushing him back into Hanbin’s path.

“Come on Byul, hit him while he’s hurt!” Junhoe encouraged, and suddenly she did that, laughing as she faced Bobby and hit him a few times. Bobby pretended to be hurt, crying out with each hit while Hanbyul laughed.

Finally Hanbin grabbed her, grinning at her. “Good job! You showed him who’s boss!”

“Yeah, now Bobby knows not to upset Hanbin!” Junhoe joked, and Hanbin followed it up.

“Yeah, that’s right! Did you hear that? You have to be nice to me!” Hanbin pulled Hanbyul down onto his lap. “So you better get used to always giving me what I want!”

Bobby grinned back at him, happy to play along. “What do you want right now?”

“A kiss!” Hanbin answered, grinning when Hanbyul peeked her head towards Bobby at the request. She hadn’t asked him about kissing boys since that first time, but she still seemed curious.

“I think I can manage a kiss.” Bobby answered, leaning closer to him. He noticed Hanbyul staring too, but he didn’t make it obvious so she wouldn’t get embarrassed. He gave Hanbin a quick kiss on the cheek, and Hanbin smiled when he felt it.

“That’s good! Byul-ah, give me a kiss too!” Hanbin asked, and she did as requested, kissing his other cheek. “Thank you! Bobby was pretty nice, right? Do you think he should get a kiss too?”

Hanbyul quickly looked at Bobby, who was giving her a pleading look, before looking back at Hanbin and nodding.

“Okay, kisses for Bobby! How about we both give him a kiss?” Hanbin asked, curious if she’d go for it. To his surprise she shyly nodded.

Bobby almost couldn’t believe it! To go from barely a look to a kiss all in one day? He leaned in closer to them, excitement prickling his skin. Hanbin kissed him first, but then seconds later Hanbyul kissed him too, though as soon as she did she shyly hid in Hanbin’s chest again.

That was okay though. Bobby was elated with her already.

Junhoe watched them with a grin, amused at Hanbyul’s turn around. And okay, so he’d been watching Bobby closely through it all, and he seemed genuinely happy that Hanbyul was finally acknowledging him. It was…sweet. It won him more points.

Junhoe looked back down at the floor where the next match was being set up, and he was surprised when seconds later Hanbyul was at his side again, tugging on his sleeve. He looked down at her with inquiring eyes, not exactly prepared for her question.

“Oppa, do you like to kiss boys too?”

Junhoe’s eyes went wide and he looked quickly at Hanbin, unsure what he was supposed to say. She’d never asked him anything personal before, and it felt weird to be asked. Hanbin was no help though, grinning wickedly, almost like he’d been expecting it and was content to enjoy the show.

Junhoe looked back at her, unnerved by her amused expression. He had the fleeting suspicion that this question might not have come from her at all. He looked back at Hanbin, narrowed eyes searching his best friend’s face for clues.

Hanbin grinned back. “Answer her, Junhoe!”

Junhoe frowned and looked back at her. “Why are you asking me? This isn’t a question you just ask anyone, Byul-ah. It’s personal.” Okay, so it was kind of a cop-out answer because he felt weird answering her about it.

Hanbyul just grinned back at him, and he knew this couldn’t all be her concoction, could it?

“Does Jinan oppa kiss boys too? Maybe you can kiss him.” Hanbyul looked back at Hanbin after making her comment, giggling at him. Hanbin barely kept a handle on his own laughter, shocked at her question. She’d whispered the first question in Hanbin’s ear, about who Junhoe liked to kiss, and he’d told her to ask him. He hadn’t expected her to add Jinhwan into the mix, though!

Junhoe could feel his face turn beet red at the comment, and behind him he could hear both of Hanbin’s parents trying to stifle their own laughter. Next to him Bobby’s face was slack with shock, like he also didn’t know how to respond.

Jinhwan, however, was quick to jump in. “I don’t know about Junhoe-ya, but I like kissing boys!” He smiled at Hanbyul, who smiled back at him before looking back at Junhoe.

“You should give Jinan oppa a kiss!” Hanbyul squealed, laughing after saying it.

“Uh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Junhoe floundered, still embarrassed. Oh hell no! What was Hanbin doing?!

“It’s just a kiss, it’s harmless!” Jinhwan teased, and he really hoped he wasn’t digging himself a second grave today. But this was too funny, and he couldn’t help but play into her request.

Bobby wasn’t sure which way this was going to go, and he glanced quickly between Junhoe and Jinhwan. Junhoe didn’t seem like he was taking great offense to the idea at least (and if it was that bad, Hanbin would probably step in and sort it out), so hopefully Jinhwan’s teasing agreement with Hanbyul wasn’t going to upset Junhoe. Maybe it would actually help, then? Jinhwan had been on his best behavior after their chat, and he’d been trying to appeal to Junhoe’s favour.

Junhoe looked at Hanbin, desperate for him to call an end to this. But Hanbin just shook his head back at him.

“I swear, I didn’t put her up to this!” Hanbin said, certain that Junhoe was asking exactly that.

“How about I just give you a kiss instead?” Junhoe replied to Hanbyul, desperately trying to get out of this situation. If Hanbin really hadn’t told her to say this, then what could he do? She didn’t understand the tension that existed between he and Jinhwan. She probably thought they were friends, since they were here together…

It was especially uncomfortable, though, because ever since the break earlier Jinhwan had been… quite pleasant for the rest of the afternoon, nothing at all like he was in the morning. He’d even bought Junhoe a drink without asking earlier, just as a polite gesture.

Maybe Jinhwan was trying to play on Hanbyul’s attempts at bridging their friendship? Or maybe he was just trying to make himself look good in front of Hanbin’s parents, and his nature would come out again later. Junhoe was suspicious, but he wasn’t as hell bent on being negative as he was before.

“Kiss me and kiss Jinan oppa!” Hanbyul requested, laughing again.

Jinhwan grinned and moved closer, sitting on front of them and sticking his cheek out. Okay, he really hoped Junhoe wasn’t upset over this, because he thought it was actually hilarious.

When no one jumped to his defence (he’d been counting on Hanbin’s mom to save him, at the very least!) Junhoe groaned and hoped this wasn’t going to backfire on him. He gave Hanbyul a kiss on the cheek before leaning forward and hastily pecking Jinhwan as well, sitting back up and trying to ignore the snickering of Hanbin’s father. Like father, like son!

“Kiss Junhoe oppa too!” Hanbyul demanded of Jinhwan, pleased with herself. Jinhwan had been waiting for the request, and he spared a quick glance at Hanbin and Bobby. Hanbin looked like he was enjoying this, and even Bobby looked amused, though he was understandably a little more concerned.

Jinhwan looked back at Junhoe, grinning at his uncomfortable look. He was clearly embarrassed, cheeks still tinted red from blushing, and Jinhwan couldn’t help but think, for just a moment, that it was actually a cute look on him. Maybe he’d like to see it again.

Jinhwan leaned forward and pressed his lips to Junhoe’s cheek, his soft kiss putting Junhoe’s barely there peck to absolute shame. Hanbin couldn’t hold the laugh anymore, turning to bury his face in Bobby’s shoulder. Jinhwan pulled back and was amused at the fact that Junhoe was staunchly refusing to look at him, and his cheeks were even redder now.

Jinhwan hated to admit it, but it was definitely cute.

Maybe there was hope for them yet?