Days passed after that day and the competition neared. Seungho and Cheondung concentrated on the dance more and made sure that everything was perfect.

In those days, Seungho and Cheondung took all-nighters most of the time and Joon got a bit more jealous than usual because he couldn’t be there all the time to watch over his lover and Seungho.

Even though GO and Mir were with them he still doesn’t like the fact that Cheondung and Seungho might grow closer.

When they had a break from their second to the last rehearsals, Joon went to the dance studio and was surprised to see Seungho about to kiss Cheondung.

His blood boiled and he immediately pulled Seungho away from Cheondung and punched him across his face.

"WHAT THE ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO CHEONDUNG?!" Joon practically shouted as Seungho hissed from the punch he received. Cheondung was too shocked to even react.

Joon looked at Cheondung and Cheondung looked at him, still surprised.

"What the is going on?! Are you cheating on me?!" Joon concluded. Cheondung couldn’t even answer Joon because he was too confused.

Joon noticed that Mir and GO were standing behind the DJ instruments, wide eyes and open mouth.

"To hell with this!" Joon said and left. When the door slammed shut, Cheondung felt his body move forward to run after Joon but Seungho held his leg. "Leave him alone for now." Seungho advised but Cheondung didn’t listen and still went after Joon.

He looked left and right and when he spotted Joon, he immediately ran after him and hugged him from behind.

"Joonie-hyung..." Cheondung whispered to Joon's ear as if his life depended on that simple name.

"What the hell were you two doing?!" Joon shot at him. Cheondung didn’t answer and just buried his face on the crook of Joon’s neck. He usually does this when he's about to cry so Joon tried to turn but Cheondung won’t let him go. "Cheondung-ah..." Joon said in a hushed tone. He felt his neck become wet and he knew Cheondung was crying.

"Yeobo..." he called out and Cheondung loosened his hug. Joon turned and immediately hugged Cheondung.

"What’s wrong? Tell me what happened?" even though Joon was still mad about what he saw, his heart was breaking as Cheondung cried. It was one of those moments that made him feel totally defenseless against Cheondung. It made him feel weak. It made him realize how much he really does love Cheondung.

"Yeobo... mianhae... I should have told you that we were doing a fake kiss as part of the performance. Today’s the first time we're practicing it." Cheondung whispered. "Why are you putting in a fake kiss?" Joon asked, wondering if this was an idea that came from one of those idiotic childhood friends of his.

"It’s part of the routine. We were influenced because of your performance." Cheondung confessed. "What do you mean?" Joon looked at him and he rubbed his eyes. "The one where you're about to kiss the girl but then the turned away and you pull her and lift her in the air. Seungho and I thought of that moment but instead of lifting any of us, we thought of using one of us as base for a backflip turn." Cheondung clarified.

Joon sighed and hugged Cheondung again. "You should’ve at least told me so I didn’t have to punch Seungho--" Joon was cut off when Cheondung gasped, remembering Seungho. Joon noticed it and he sighed. He held Cheondung's shoulders and turned him then slightly pushed him. "You better go to him first. I'll... follow up." Joon said. Cheondung looked back at Joon. Joon sighed and nodded at Cheondung. Cheondung walked a bit but he stopped and returned to Joon. He gave Joon a peck on the lips and ran towards the dance studio.

When Cheondung got there, GO and Mir were treating Seungho. The punch wasn’t the problem but his pride was broken.

"S-Seungho-hyung..." Cheondung called out as he sat beside Seungho. Seungho looked at Cheondung and gasped. Then he held Cheondung’s arm. "Cheondung-ah... did he--?" but even before he could continue, Cheondung hugged him tightly. Feeling ever so guilty about what happened and how he just left Seungho.

Who knew that Seungho would actually care more about Cheondung’s condition than his?

"Sorry hyung... sorry..." he whispered. Seungho sighed and patted Cheondung’s back. "Don’t worry about it... in fine Cheondung-ah..." Seungho confirmed. I should've explained it to him so he didn’t have to do that to you. Sorry..." Cheondung continuously apologized but Seungho kept on telling him that it was alright.

Cheondung pulled away and looked at Seungho. He was pouting while still apologizing. Seungho smiled at him and he cupped Cheondung’s face.

“I told you its ok.” Seungho confirmed. Cheondung nodded his head but he still looked a bit down. “Sorry Seungho…” Joon suddenly said when he reached the door. When he saw Seungho cupping Cheondung’s face he glared at Seungho but he didn’t punch him again.

“It’s alright. We should’ve explained what was going on before we actually did it.” Seungho said while letting Cheondung go.

“Joon, can we talk?” GO suddenly said. Joon looked at him, wanting to know if he was mad because Joon just punched Seungho. But as usual, the poker face he had on made him look unreadable of all expressions.

“Sure.” Joon answered and they went out the hall again. GO stood up and Cheondung looked at him with eyes full of worry. Seungho held his wrist and he looked at Seungho. “What are you doing?” “I just need to talk to him.” GO calmly said.

“It’s alright GO. You don’t have to talk to him about this. I said it’s alright.” Seungho said. “It’s not alright Seungho. Will you please be honest about what you really feel?” GO said a bit irritated. His brows wrinkled in irritation as he looked at Seungho. Seungho wrinkled his forehead too and asked “what are you talking about?” “If you don’t want us to worry, stop pretending already. I’m getting sick of your façade. It’s suffocating. So I’m talking to Joon about this. Now let me go.” GO pulled his wrist away from Seungho’s grip.

Seungho was a bit surprised to hear those from GO. GO would usually be calm and composed at all times but this time he finally showed some emotions. Although Seungho felt bad with what GO had just told him. He thought he was actually doing a good job of faking it and hiding what he really felt. It was the first time that he heard someone recognize his façade without him telling it.

GO went out the hallway too and closed the door shut.

Seungho wanted to follow but Mir stopped him. “Let them talk. There’s something they need to talk about.” The maknae looked serious as well. It was like something was going on but Cheondung and Seungho were the only ones that were unaware of it.

Cheondung looked really worried but Mir told him that everything would be alright and no blood shall be spilled. It made Cheondung paler but Mir just laughed it off.

After a while, GO and Joon went back in. Both faces had blank expressions. “What did you talk about?” Cheondung innocently asked them. “About something…” Joon said while walking towards Cheondung. He sat beside his lover and held Seungho’s shoulder. “Look. I’m sorry I suddenly hit you without asking first. But you gotta understand that I—” “I know.” Seungho cut him off.

“I know it didn’t look right especially that Cheondung is your lover. We both should’ve asked for your permission before doing it.” Seungho explained.

Joon nodded and looked at Cheondung. Cheondung looked back at his lover and Joon just smiled at him. It made Cheondung smile too.

“Seungho… when you win this one… I’m taking Cheondung to my class.” Joon suddenly said. “What? Why?” Seungho blurted out. “I think he really fits in there. He tried joining in once and our instructor really likes how he performs on-stage. So we might get him after your competition.” Joon explained while looking at Cheondung instead of Seungho.

Seungho was devastated. He looked at Cheondung and Cheondung seems to like the idea. Well Seungho doesn’t and he will never like the idea of Cheondung leaving his side.

“Why is he suddenly getting transferred at the middle of the school year? I mean… is that even possible?” Seungho asked. All kinds of questions started appearing in his head that he had a hard time to choose which ones were appropriate enough to ask.

“Our instructor’s going to ask the dean about it. So it might be possible.” Joon said. Seungho couldn’t help but make a fist. His insides were trembling with anger but he just can’t show it. Not now, not in front of Cheondung.

“Wouldn’t that be great hyung? I get to do acting too!” Cheondung said happily, not realizing the dark air that was surrounding Seungho. GO and Mir exchanged knowing glances and shook their heads. They know how irritated Seungho is right now but they can’t do anything about it since Seungho himself can’t really express himself too.

“Well let’s get on with practice! Let’s show Joonie-hyung the steps so he’ll understand!” Cheondung said while standing up. Joon suddenly had a frown on his face. “Did you really need the fake kiss? In our performance it was included in the story line. But why do you have to do it?” Joon asked with much irritation in his voice.

“Oh… you’re right.” Cheondung answered. “Maybe it’s better if…” “Well what do you suggest we do then? I was thinking that the impact of that step would thrill the judges since we’re both male. When you think about it, there’d be a sense of excitement when we try to kiss but pull away just to do a back flip.” Seungho explained.

GO and Mir nodded in agreement. “It wasn’t just my idea. I asked these two about it and I also asked Cheondung about it. He agreed before but he must’ve just failed to tell you about it.” Seungho added. Cheondung looked at Joon and he knew that his lover wasn’t in the mood to listen to Seungho’s irritable explanations. He sighed and pulled Joon’s arms so he’d stand up. He hugged Joon and gave him a peck on the lips. The others looked away, especially Seungho.

“Is it ok if you watch it? I’m pretty sure you’ll love it.” Cheondung said. Trying to make him feel better. But the hug and the kiss already did, he just didn’t notice it. “Fine.” Joon said and asked for another kiss. Cheondung smiled and kissed him 3 more times and Joon hugged Cheondung. Then he went to the mirrors and sat there.

“Well, let’s go.” Cheondung said. “Please tell us when you’re going to do that again.” GO said. “Why?” Cheondung asked “So we can at least leave you two alone.” Mir smirked. Cheondung just rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Well let’s go and show it to him!”

So everyone stood up and even though Seungho’s lip was still hurting, they performed the routine.

Even though Joon was still in a bad mood because of Seungho, he couldn’t help but be pulled in to the feeling of the dance routine. It pulls you in and makes you concentrated on nothing but them. The way Seungho and Cheondung dances just makes everything else look useless. The feeling when Cheondung and Seungho dances just gets to your very being as if you want to dance too.

And now the finale that they were talking about. The fake kiss. Joon’s breath hitched up as Cheondung and Seungho looked like they really were about to kiss but Seungho pulls away and Cheondung holds his wrist. Seungho forcibly pulls his wrist away and walks away. Joon got confused, he thought that they were re-enacting their performance. Then all of a sudden Cheondung shouted at Seungho. Seungho looked back and ran towards Cheondung.

And in a flash, Cheondung repositioned himself and with his body standing straight. Seungho stepped on his chest and did a perfect back flip and the music ends.

Joon immediately ran to Cheondung to check his chest. “Yah! Is this what you mean by support?! This is suicide!” Joon said while lifting Cheondung’s shirt to look if his chest was damaged or something. GO and Mir were chuckling at how Joon reacted while Seungho just looked away, afraid that he might blurt out words that are not supposed to be heard.

“I’m fine Joonie-hyung…” Cheondung laughed. He’s somewhat ticklish as well so Joon holding parts of his body just made him laugh.

Joon frowned and Cheondung just hugged him. “I’m fine. Don’t worry. I’m strong you know.” Cheondung confirmed. All Joon could do was sigh heavily. “Still…” Joon said.

“But how was it? Was it good? Do you think we can win?” Cheondung asked. Joon couldn’t help but smile and nod his head. “Yeah… of course.”

The Day of the Competition

“Good luck Yeobo… I love you…” Joon whispered as he hugged Cheondung. He arrived a bit late but he was still able to meet Cheondung at the backstage. He brought flowers, chocolates and of course Cheondung’s favorite drink. He will never miss this for the world, because of the finale that he’s still worried about.

GO and Mir were teasing the couple while Seungho was busy thinking of the steps. “Hyung! Stop being too romantic and sweet!!! It makes everyone look bad! You evil hyung!” Mir said. Joon just chuckled and gave Cheondung as kiss. “I’ll go and take a seat now. People might take my seat.” Joon said. Cheondung nodded and asked for one more kiss and they did. After so, Joon left.

“So this is it huh?” GO nudged Seungho. “What?” Seungho somberly asked. GO chuckled at how Seungho is taking this in. This might be the last performance that Cheondung and Seungho will be sharing that’s why Seungho has been gloomy at day. GO leaned his head on Seungho and said suddenly sang. Cheondung and Mir exchanged knowing glances and slowly, very slowly, found their way out of the room. They didn’t fully close the door and left a bit space so they can still peek at what might happen inside.

“GO-hyung is stepping it up huh?” Mir whispered. “I just wish Seungho-hyung notices GO-hyung now. He’s so dense.” Cheondung whispered back. Mir couldn’t help but look at Cheondung with disbelief. “You’re one to talk.” He whispered but Cheondung just wrinkled his forehead and shook his head.

GO sang Even in My Dreams.

Seungho couldn’t help but listen to how GO’s voice seem to touch his very soul. The song he was singing just reads through him as if he was the one being portrayed. The situation he and GO were the same. They loved someone who loves someone else, yet even though in their dreams… if they can be together… they’d be happy.

GO put so much emotions into the song alone that even Seungho wanted to sing along. And so he did. They were both singing the chorus. And GO slowly lifted his head from Seungho’s shoulder. Seungho looked at him and GO looked as well. They were both looking at each other while singing.

The way that GO looked at Seungho made him feel that the song was meant for him. It made him feel that GO’s love was… him.

He stopped singing, as well as GO. GO smiled at him and patted his shoulder. GO looked away when he smiled at GO. As GO looked away, he noticed that the maknaes were already gone. “Now where did those two go? I’ll just check where they are.” GO said as he stood up. But even before he could go away, Seungho suddenly held his wrist.

GO stopped and looked at his wrist and then at Seungho. “GO-yah…” Seungho started. GO doesn’t know why but a lump suddenly formed in his throat and he couldn’t even answer. He just raised his eyebrows instead because he knows that if he tries to answer, Seungho will definitely notice something wrong with him.

“Can… you sing for me again?” Seungho asked. GO sighed in relief. Something about the way Seungho held him, the way Seungho looked at him and the way Seungho called his name made him nervous. He sat back beside Seungho and said “What about the two kids?” “They’ll be back.” Seungho said.

GO shrugged his shoulders but before he could start singing, Seungho leaned his head onto GO’s shoulder.

A smile crept out of GO’s lips as Seungho snuggled closer to him. GO started singing again.

Still with you by Eric Benet

As GO sang, he closed his eyes to feel the song. He didn’t even realize that Seungho has moved his head out of GO’s shoulder and was now looking at GO singing the chorus.

Seungho smiled as he looked at how GO put so much effort into the song. He smiled at the mere thought that GO’s voice made his heart lighter. GO was always there for him but whenever GO sang for him, it made him feel relieved to the point of forgetting all his problems.

He didn’t even notice it until today that GO had always sang those songs for him. Songs that portray love and affection to the audience, which is him. He didn’t really think too much about it… but the mere thought that GO’s love was someone precious enough that he can’t confess made him think that they really were on the same boat. The only difference is… GO’s love was not as happy as his love.

The realization that GO might actually be referring to him has been occupying his head for the past few days… especially after the kiss. GO has been very close to him but after the kiss, he sensed that GO felt awkward towards him. He felt that GO was trying to distance himself.

He didn’t know why but he leaned forward and planted at kiss on GO’s cheek. This made GO stop singing. GO looked at Seungho with wide eyes, confused and surprised.

Seungho smiled and said “I’m sorry. I probably know but I just didn’t notice it until now.” GO wrinkled his forehead and after a while he realized what Seungho meant. He stood up, ready to leave but Seungho pulled him and hugged him.

“Silly… stop being too cute like that.” Seungho whispered and it made GO blush.

The maknaes who were peeking outside were shaking in excitement. They were both so happy that GO has finally been noticed. Or that’s what it may look like.

“Yah… w-what… what are you talking about?” GO stammered. Seungho just chuckled and looked at GO. “Let’s talk about it later.” Seungho smiled at GO. GO looked away and Seungho couldn’t help but be happy. It was confirmed. GO really is in love with him.

The time of their performance neared and they waited in the line.

Cheondung and Seungho were the next performers and Seungho suddenly faced Cheondung.

“I think… I need to tell this to you right now.” Seungho said. Cheondung raised his eyebrows, wondering what it could be.

“You know… I’m really happy that you found someone who will take care of you. I’m glad that you’re in good hands. And I’m satisfied that even though I’m just a brother for you… I know that I’m important in some way or the other. I hope that you and Joon stay together forever, stronger and happier.” Seungho said.

Cheondung smiled as he heard Seungho say those things. He felt like his heart was lifted and that his very soul was being energized. “Thank you Seungho-hyung… You’re really the best.”

Seungho smiled. Knowing that this could’ve been the last chance he could confess, he just let it slip. Instead, he even gave them best wishes.

But what can he do?

His love wasn’t a love of need or want… It was a love so unconditional that as long as Cheondung is happy… he’s more than happy as well.

Their performance.

The song started with a slow piano. The spotlight beamed at Seungho who was doing pop and locks in the rhythm of the piano.

The piano piece stopped and suddenly a heavy bass sound entered and followed by a bold dub step rhythm where Cheondung entered.

The beat paced up with a melody from a piano and a violin. Cheondung and Seungho danced with a mixture of pop and lock and break dance.

Everyone was actually very concentrated on the dance. They realized that the two who shared the stage really goes well together. The energy they emitted to the mere dance steps they created, everything made the audience feel the force of the performance. It made it seem like a total victory even from the very start.

But the finale was something that the audience were looking forward too.

As practiced… Cheondung and Seungho slowed the dance down and only the melody and violin was heard. The way they acted while dancing made it more breathtaking. The pop and locks that they were both doing ended with them facing each other and Seungho holding Cheondung’s cheek.

Everyone’s breath in the audience hitched up and Seungho suddenly pulled away leaving the audience hanging. But as he pulled away, Cheondung held his wrist and emotions overflowed in the hearts of the audience. Seungho forcibly pulled his arm away. He walked away and Cheondung suddenly shouted his name.

Seungho looked at him and ran towards him. The audience gasped as Seungho stepped on Cheondung’s chest and did a back flip. The moment he landed safely and the music stopped, everyone stood up and gave them an applause.

Cheondung and Seungho stood up and smiled at the audience. They bowed down and left.

And of course, the winners of the competition is none other than Cheondung and Seungho!

They planned to celebrate their success by eating out in a fancy restaurant. Joon initiated the idea and said that he’ll treat everyone since it’s also going to be farewell for Cheondung since he’s going to be transferred. Joon’s instructor successfully convinced the Dean to transfer Cheondung to their department so this was really the last time that Cheondung will be joining them.

Since Cheondung will be in a different department, the schedules won’t be the same and since he’s also with Joon means that they’d always be together.

Cheondung will surely visit but who knows when.

They all packed up and prepared their things to leave. While they were walking out of the school, GO’s fan club suddenly blocked him. Luckily, the other four were able to avoid them but GO couldn’t.

As they walked, Joon and Cheondung were holding hands while talking ahead. Seungho and Mir followed behind them.

“Seungho-hyung…” Mir called out as they were walking towards the restaurant. “Mm?” Seungho answered. “I thought you were going to confess to Cheondung-hyung before the performance.” Mir asked. Seungho scoffed and smiled at the maknae. “I was… But I didn’t want our final performance together to be the worst we’ve ever had.” Seungho answered.

 “What do you mean?” Mir asked, scrunching up his nose. “I know Cheondung’s concentration would’ve been shattered if I confessed. I didn’t want him to think about the confession while we were dancing. And I know if I told him about it… The finale would definitely fail.” Seungho confessed. Mir realized it and nodded. He didn’t ask any more questions. Knowing that he has heard enough.

“I guess it’s just right that I let him go. I know I can never make him as happy as he is with Joon. I should just accept it. He’ll never look at me… the same way that he looks at Joon. Or the smile he gives me will never be the same as the sweet smile he gives to Joon.” Seungho said. Mir looked at him and sighed. “Don’t you think you’re being too over dramatic?” GO suddenly said.

Seungho and Mir looked behind to see GO. They were both surprised. “We thought you’re with your fans?” Mir said. “Well… I told them…” GO said while walking towards Seungho “that… I was going to confess to the person I love.” Go said while looking at Seungho.

“I guess they really wanted me to end up with that person. So they let me go and wished me luck.” GO said with a smile on his face.

Seungho couldn’t help but smile as GO smiled at him. The way they looked at each other was so magical that it made Mir tremble in giddiness.

~~~*THE END*~~~

“Now I wonder when I’ll be paired up with MBLAQ members.” Mir said as he pushed the credits away from the screen.

“Mireu, you’re going to be late for the next story… so PALI!!! Go and change now! And Stop interfering with the credits! Aigooo…” I, Author, said as he ran to prepare for the next story.

~~~***~~~