"Hakyeon-ah, you should go back soon," Taekwoon called from the lime green door. "We have our performance on Show Champion tomorrow, its best you sleep early," he added when he saw Hakyeon mindlessly brushing him off.

"Arasso!" Hakyeon replied, getting irritated. "I just need to finish up this part! Now, what goes with this beat?" Hakyeon ended mumbling the last part to himself, as he started to tap his index and middle finger on his temple repeatedly.

Since VIXX had a schedule the next day to perform Hyde on Show Champion, most of the members had gone back to the dorm to rest to be in optimum shape for the performance. However, N remained in the dance studio, squeezing out every last drop of his brain juices trying to come up with the choreography of G.R.8.U, the title song for the repackaged Hyde album. Seeing that Ravi has always volunteered to write lyrics for their songs, Hakyeon decided that this time, he should contribute too - in the area of dance, of course. So that's how he ended up pulling all-nighters at the dance studio day after day, sometimes even waking up on the smooth parquet floors with a stiff back. Most of the times, their choreographer would be there to drive him back to their dorms. But today, he had a family gathering and was unable to join N.

"N-ah! Its best you leave! You need energy for tomorrow!" Taekwoon called out once more.

"Arasso!" Hakyeon replied. "But I need to finish this! Just go without me!" There was also another reason why Hakyeon did not want to go back with Taekwoon.

Ever since Hakyeon met Taekwoon eons ago, he had always felt something towards the latter. Hakyeon was Taekwoon's first friend at Jellyfish. Even though it took Taekwoon time to open up to Hakyeon, the older concluded that he was more successful at befriending Taekwoon than the others, considering that they had taken a significantly longer time for the soft-spoken male to finally be comfortable with. The more Hakyeon was with him, the bigger his feelings grew. At first he had always brushed it off as admiration for how his friend had an amazing voice, along with having much passion in dance and being talented in the area of sports. He also thought that maybe it was because Taekwoon was his closest friend, and it was probably what the closest of friends felt for each other. As embarrassing as it might sound, the eighteen-year-old teenager had never once dated, much less fallen in love. He managed to keep his feelings at bay throughout the many years he had known Taekwoon, and only realised that what he was feeling was love a few weeks back. A few weeks back, Taekwoon had taken care of him after a particularly nasty fall, causing him to injure his back. Touched by Taekwoon's kindness and caring attitude towards him (and the rest of the members), the feelings Hakyeon had thrown aside to focus on his training came back at full force. It was only then that Hakyeon knew he was in love. He had been from the start.

But alas, Cha Hakyeon was nothing more than a friend to Jung Taekwoon, as evident from the conversation he had with the younger a few weeks back.

"It's no problem Hakyeon, we're friends, right?" Came a muffled reply. Even though it was soft, the leader could hear the smile In Taekwoon's voice.

Yeah, friends. Hakyeon thought sadly.

"Aish! I should stop thinking about that!" Hakyeon scolded himself, slightly thumping his head with his hand.

"Thinking about what?" A familiar soft voice came from behind the fluorescent orange door.

Like a few weeks back, the leader could feel his heart nearly jumping out of his chest as he fisted the material of his shirt just above his heart.

"Taekwoon!" He scolded. "How many times have I told you not to do that? And why aren't you back home!"

"I can't possibly leave you alone again, can I?" Taekwoon replied casually.

"Why not?" Hakyeon asked, confused and slightly touched and maybe slightly, just slightly hopeful too.

"What if you injure yourself again?" Taekwoon asked.

"Taekwoon-ah, I'm just choreographing now! How will it escalate to the point where I would be injured?" Hakyeon reasoned, trying to push the taller out of the practice room.

"Anything could happen. So I'm staying," Taekwoon replied, pushing his way back into the room.

"Why can't you just gooo?" Hakyeon whined childishly.

"Why can't I just stay," Taekwoon had originally planned to reply in the same tone Hakyeon used, but decided against it the last minute because he knew Hakyeon would laugh at him. Instead, he stuck with his usual, a cold and emotionless voice.

N paused, lightly scratching his head to think of a good reason. Because I don't need you to distract me? Nah, Taekwoon knows that when Hakyeon's focused, nothing distracts him. Because you need to rest? But he's already tried that and it failed. Because I like you and I don't want to keep thinking about you? NO WAY, JOSÉ!

Sighing, Hakyeon gave up trying to argue with Taekwoon and just said a brief, "Fine, just don't distract me," to which Taekwoon just scoffed.

"Since when were you distracted when you're focused?" As expected.

While Hakyeon had been busy wracking his brains for a suitable choreography, Taekwoon had unknowingly fallen asleep on the black sofa. Sighing, the former concluded that it'll be all for the day and he really had to get back to the dorm to rest. Packing up his things, he turned to see his crush soundly asleep on the sofa, hands tucked under his cheek.

"Taekwoon-ah," Hakyeon called, gently tapping Taekwoon's shoulder. "Wake up. I'm heading back to the dorm."

No response from the sleeping male.

"Jung Taekwoon!" He tried again, this time shaking the younger. Taekwoon stirred a little, but nonetheless remained in deep sleep.

"Jung Leo!" Hakyeon shouted. At the same time, he pulled out his phone at put Hyde on full blast. This startled the sleeping male.

"What?" Taekwoon whined cutely, blinking a few times to be able to register that Hakyeon was standing in front of him. "I fell asleep?"

"Yes you did, pabo," Hakyeon replied, ignoring the slight acceleration of his heart from Taekwoon's natural aegyo.

Groaning, Taekwoon sat up on the sofa and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. Still being slightly groggy, he wrapped his right hand over Hakyeon's shoulder and rested his head on the other. The latter took it as a cue that Taekwoon wanted Hakyeon to lead him back to the dorm.

"Pabo-yah, I told you to go back first," Hakyeon chided gently, his head turning to avoid looking at Taekwoon, and also to hide his pink cheeks.

"Mm..." Taekwoon hummed, "but I wanted to wait for you. Going home alone isn't safe," he mumbled.

"I-I'm not a child Taekwoon. If anything, I'm older than you!" The older protested with mock irritation. But in reality, Hakyeon was actually really touched that Taekwoon cared so much about him, and couldn't help but feel a sliver of hope. That maybe, just maybe, Taekwoon really did reciprocate his feelings.

After walking a short distance, they had reached their apartment block and were now waiting for the lift. The lift had taken much longer than expected, and Taekwoon had fallen asleep in the process.

"Yah! Taekwoon-ah!" Hakyeon exclaimed, catching Taekwoon's half-conscious body as the sleeping male started to slip off him. During which, Hakyeon's face was extremely close to Taekwoon's and the former couldn't help but blush at the close proximity of their faces. He had half the mind to lean over to give a light peck on Taekwoon's cheek, but decided against it, worried that Taekwoon wasn't fully asleep. He couldn't let his feelings be known now.

While he was still busy having an inner debate, Taekwoon had more or less woken up from his 'fall'.

"Huh? Did I fall asleep?" He asked, hands reaching up, continuously rubbing his tired eyes.

"Don't do that," Hakyeon said, pulling Taekwoon's hands away from his face. "And yes, yes you did."

Ding.

The two walked into the elevator, Taekwoon keeping relatively close to Hakyeon. Maybe he's afraid he'll fall asleep again, the shorter thought.

When they entered the dorm, all they could hear was Wonshik's loud snoring, and the faint rustle of the younger ones tossing and turning in bed, probably nervous for tomorrow's schedule. Apart from their performance, they also had to attend Shindong's Shim Shim Tapa.

Their performance at Show Champion had already ended, and they were now at the venue of Shindong's Shim Shim Tapa.

"If the members were a girl, who would they date?” Shindong read out the question. When he got to the answer ‘Everyone. Owww, disgusting.’, N jokingly asked who for who gave that answer.

After everyone had guessed, Shindong decided to read out who answered what.

“The person who said ‘everyone, it’s disgusting’, is Leo,” he looked at the said male. “Leo, do you find it disgusting?” he asked.

“Neh,” he answered without hesitation.

“You think you won’t date them if you’re a girl?” The DJ clarified.

“It’s because I’m a man that I find it disgusting,” Leo answered casually.

The moment the words left Leo's mouth, N couldn't help but let his smile falter. So Taekwoon's homophobic? Hakyeon thought sadly. There goes my chance, then.

Even with a disappointed (and maybe broken) heart, Hakyeon still pushed himself to be the happy and jovial N everyone knew. Fortunately, no one had noticed. But also unfortunately, during the whole 'happy act' Hakyeon had put up, he also made a decision, a stupid decision.

It was a decision to ignore Taekwoon. At least until he was able to push his feelings aside, lock them in a treasure chest and vapourise the key.

Two days later, VIXX was in the usual practice room, practicing for their special 'Dancing9' stage on M!Countdown on the 27th of June.

Even though he was usually a fast learner, Taekwoon couldn't seem to get a few parts of the dance right. Frustrated at himself, he went to look for Hakyeon who happened to be practicing quietly in one corner.

"Hakyeon-ah," he called out. The leader jumped when his name was called without any honorifics. That only meant that either Taekwoon or the manager was calling him. But Manager Mickey was having a meeting with their CEO now.

Hakyeon cleared his throat awkwardly. "Y-yes?"

"I can't get this part of the dance right... Can you help me with it?" Taekwoon asked quietly, marking through the steps and groaning when he reached the part he was confused with.

Hakyeon wanted to help him; he really did. But he also remembered his decision to ignore Taekwoon until he finally stopped liking the taller.

Clearing his throat once again, he stammered, "U-um, I'm a-a little b-busy now. Why not you ask R-Ravi instead?" He put up an apologetic smile, hoping that Taekwoon would just leave it as that.

Taekwoon however, was puzzled at the leader's sudden decrease in enthusiasm to help others. Back in their trainee days, Hakyeon would gladly help any trainee with their dance techniques, sometimes even going up to others who were either too shy or prideful to ask for help.

"Ohkay," he mumbled quietly. Maybe he's really into the dance this time. It was highly unlikely for that to happen, but Taekwoon decided to just leave it as that. He didn't need to add more confusion into his mind right now.

A few days later, they were busy filming of VIXX TV. It was the 52nd episode. After that episode had been uploaded, there'd be a year's worth of VIXX. To commemorate such a special episode, the company decided to interview each and every one of the members on their opinions about VIXX TV.

"N-ah, go and interview Leo please," Manager Mickey instructed passing N the mic.

"U-Um... Can..." N's brown orbs frantically scanned the area, hoping to find someone else to do the job. His eyes landed on the maknae, who was innocently drinking some milk. "Can Hyukkie do it instead?" He suggested.

Manager Mickey seemed a little taken aback, and opened his mouth to say something. However, he decided to just let it slide and made his way over to the maknae. Hakyeon let out a small sigh of relief and placed his hand over his palpitating heart. Stop it Hakyeon. You need to stop it. Your heart can't act up just because you hear his name. For goodness' sake! You live with him! He mentally scolded himself.

It had been many days since the filming of VIXX TV, many days since their appearance on Shim Shim Tapa, many days since Hakyeon started ignoring Taekwoon.

At first, Taekwoon was rather thankful that Hakyeon no longer clung onto him, dragging him towards cameras and making him speak. But as the days went by, he was starting to miss the elder's cheerfulness and was starting to miss the elder's touch. Don't get him wrong - Taekwoon still hated skinship, and still tried to avoid Hakyeon whenever the shorter was initiating skin ship. However, he was so used to Hakyeon's skinship that he was starting to feel weird after not experiencing any for over a week.

"Hakyeon-ah, what's after this part?" Taekwoon asked, showing part of the dance they were doing for Dancing9. Wonshik wasn't present and he knew that Hakyeon would have no choice but to teach him.

"Which part?" Hakyeon asked, knowing full well that he couldn't ignore Taekwoon this time.

"This," Taekwoon showed the part where they'd have to turn around in one circle, ninety degrees at a time. He knew the step that came after it. But he wanted to know if Hakyeon was really avoiding him.

Hakyeon gulped as he remembered what he next dance move was. He could feel the heat creeping up his cheeks and adverted his eyes from the taller.

"U-um. Y-you... Um..." Hakyeon stuttered, feeling the heat rise to his ears. Looking up, he saw Taekwoon looking at him inquisitively.

Why is his face so red? Is it that hot?

"You. Um. You're... You're paired up with Hongbin on this part, right?" Hakyeon mentally slapped himself. Snap out of it N! You're N now, not giggly love sick Hakyeon! Do it like a professional.

Taekwoon nodded.

N cleared his throat and gulped. "You just have to stand still, and he'll... Um...." N gestured for the younger to stand still in a position he demonstrated. He then proceeded to stand directly in front of the taller, staring intently at the floor.

Leo's eyes widened when he realised what part of the dance he had chosen.

"Th-then Hongbin will do this..." Hakyeon had started out strong, but his voice faded towards the end as he approached Taekwoon and ran his right hand down the taller's back.

Timidly, he looked up and saw Taekwoon's eyes staring straight into his. The more he looked into the taller's eyes, the more he wanted to just let himself get lost in those brown orbs. And he almost did. Almost. Coughing awkwardly, he pulled away.

"Um.... Do you still not know any other part?" Hakyeon asked, noticing how Taekwoon hadn't moved from his spot. "Um. Taekwoon? Leo?" He waved his tanned hand in front of the said male's face.

Startled, Taekwoon flinched and looked over to Hakyeon. He didn't say anything, but Hakyeon could see the confusion in his eyes.

"Nothing. I was just asking if there's anything else you're not sure about," Hakyeon smiled. Before Taekwoon could reply, he picked up his bag and made his way towards the door. "Will you be staying in the practice room? I think I'll head back to the dorm now."

After closing door, Hakyeon leaned against it and slid down to the floor, head in his hands.

"What did I do?" He questioned himself, right hand moving down to his palpitating heart.

At the other side of the door, the same thing was happening.

Why is my heart beating so fast? Taekwoon wondered, his hand finding his way to his rapidly beating heart. Am I falling sick? What is this? Taekwoon has never once fallen in love. Never. Sure, he had little crushes here and there while he was still schooling, but being in the National Youth Soccer Players during his adolescence, and joining Jellyfish Ent. After leaving at age seventeen, he never really had time to date. Hence, Taekwoon was perplexed about his current feelings, even though it may seem like a no-brainer for others.Again, Hakyeon decided to continue his plan on ignoring Taekwoon.

You have to work harder now, he told himself, your feelings are starting to affect your work. So stop it. Was what he would say to himself every time he felt his heart start beating faster in front of Taekwoon.

However, because of his rash decision, he had unknowingly hurt his closest friend.

“Hakyeon-ah, what comes after this part?” Taekwoon asked, strolling over to the shorter male. This time, he was genuinely confused about the choreography. Taekwoon had caught the flu a few days ago, and was told not to tire himself out, thus missing a few valuable training sessions.

Hakyeon’s eyes widened as he stop his self-practice.

“H-huh?” He asked, not bothering to turn around – he was too busy trying to slow his heartbeat.

“What comes after this?” Taekwoon repeated, showing a few dance steps.

“Uh-uh. I don’t know!” Hakyeon sputtered, “why not you ask Wonshik or something?” Hakyeon immediately walked away, ignoring Taekwoon’s curious (and cute) eyes.

What just happened…? Taekwoon wondered, looking at himself in the mirror. I’m wearing my normal training attire today, nothing’s wrong with me. What’s wrong with Hakyeon? Taekwoon stole a glance at the leader, cocking his head when he noticed the other was doing deep breathing exercises.

Taekwoon walked over to the elder, wracking his brains for ideas of why Hakyeon was acting like this.

“Hakyeon, are you ohkay?” He asked quietly, making sure the younger ones didn’t notice them. He knew that as the two eldest, they had to set good examples for the younger ones. If they were chatting instead of practicing, they’d be reprimanded by their manager.

Hakyeon flinched, almost turning around to face Taekwoon. “What,” he spat, refusing to look at the other in the eyes.

Taekwoon, on the other hand, furrowed his eyebrows at his friend’s sudden cold shoulder. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” That’s odd. Hakyeon would always explain himself.

“Then why are you avoiding me?”

“I’m not avoiding you.”

“Yes you are! I’ve noticed that you were reluctant to teach me the steps in the choreography!” Taekwoon insisted, his voice gradually getting louder. “You’re never like that, Hakyeon! Never! There has never been a time when you didn’t want to help the others around you. What happened? And why me?” The 90-liners had to be thankful that the other members all had their earphones plugged in, playing at relatively high volumes and were too focused in their dance to notice that they had stopped practicing.

“Maybe it’s because this time, I really want to focus! It’s bad enough that I’m still trying to complete our dance for G.R.8.U, and here you are distracting me! Can’t you leave me alone and learn the dance by yourself for once?” Hakyeon regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth. Slapping his hand over his mouth, he slowly turned around, shocked and guilty at the hurt look in Taekwoon’s eyes. Hakyeon had never raised his voice at Taekwoon. Never. If he ever did, there would always be a teasing tone in his voice. This is the first time he had actually scolded Taekwoon.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to-“ The leader tried to apologise, only to be interrupted by the main vocalist.

“I understand,” Taekwoon cut in gently. “I-I’m sorry for being a bother. I’ll leave you alone to practice now,” with that, Taekwoon walked to the far corner Wonshik was at and began to ask him about the dance. Hakyeon noticed how Wonshik looked a little surprised, and glanced over in his direction. Why don’t you ask N hyung? Hakyeon read the rapper’s lips. However, Taekwoon didn’t seem to care about what the younger said. Instead, he glared hard at Wonshik, as if telepathically telling him to just ignore that fact and teach him the choreography.

“Alright kids~ Practice is over. You’re dismissed,” Manager Mickey announced, “Please be careful on your way back. I have to stay back in the company a little longer.” At the mention of ‘over’, Hongbin and Sanghyuk immediately stopped what they were doing and ran to their bags, eagerly stuffing their things into it.

“Bye hyungs! Hongbin hyung and I will be going to have patbingsu!” Sanghyuk called, pulling the visual along with him out the door.

Jaehwan and Wonshik walked over to their bags, lethargically tossing their mp3s and earphones back in.

“I take it that you’ll be going back to sleep?” Hakyeon teased, noting how they both looked like zombies.

“Yeah, we are. Aren’t you tired, hyung?” Jaehwan smiled. “I don’t understand where Sanghyuk gets all his energy. I mean, he has school, so he’s technically busier than us but yet he’s still so bubbly and cheerful.”

“And where does Hongbin get the energy to keep up with that brat?” Wonshik piped in. “I mean, we’re the same age and I can barely keep up with Hyukkie’s activeness!”

Hakyeon laughed, patting the two on their shoulders. “Get back safely. I’ll stay back a little longer to finish choreographing G.R.8.U.”

They nodded. “What about you, Taekwoon hyung? Are you staying back with Hakyeon hyung?” Jaehwan asked innocently. Upon the mention of his crush’s name, Hakyeon immediately looked away, willing away the blush that was starting to form. Oh, how nice it would be if Taekwoon actually stayed back to watch me again.

“I’m going to the gym,” Taekwoon answered, slinging his bag over his shoulder and walking out of the room, not sparing Hakyeon a glance.

“Why is Hakyeon being like that?” Taekwoon sighed, ruffling his dark hair. The extensions had been removed, so he felt much more comfortable now since his ‘hair’ no longer stuck to his neck while exercising. Pulling out his mp3, he plugged it into the treadmill and began running. He was hoping to just exercise and take his mind off Hakyeon.

But that was the furthest thing Taekwoon achieved. Throughout his whole exercise, the only thing he could think of was Hakyeon. All he could think of were about the times where they were so close, when Hakyeon comforted Taekwoon during their trainee days, how Hakyeon would patiently coach the other trainees in their dance, never complaining or feeling annoyed. Every song that played on his mp3 reminded him of Hakyeon. How he missed those times.

“Aish!” Taekwoon cried out, stopping the machine. “This is not helping!” The lanky male made his way to sit up bench, thinking that maybe another form of exercising would help. Lies.

This time, he plugged his earphones into his mp3 and left the device by the floor. After he made sure that the chords of his earphones were long enough for him to do sit ups conveniently he began his sit ups, trying to push the thoughts of Hakyeon as far back as possible. But again, the more sit ups he did, the more he thought of Hakyeon. He thought of how hard Hakyeon worked to be able to gain abs while preparing for Hyde, and how he would always see Hakyeon doing sit ups whenever he could. He also remembered how Hakyeon would help Jaehwan, telling him that it wasn’t easy, but it was achievable. To which Jaehwan would whine about how Hakyeon already had abs to begin with and didn’t need to work as hard.

“I need to stop this,” Taekwoon muttered to himself, right hand momentarily leaving its position behind Taekwoon’s ear and moving over to fist the fabric over his heart. “Why is my heart beating so fast thinking of Hakyeon? I need to stop this!”

Gradually, Taekwoon started feeling tired from exercising so vigorously and he lay down on the soft, sweat-coated sit up bench. Bit by bit, his breathing evened out and heavy eyelids drooped close.

“Kids~ I’m home~” Hakyeon called, smiling subtly to himself. He had managed to finish the dance for G.R.8.U and was excited to show little snippets to s before showing them the whole dance the next day.

“Hyung, is Leo hyung with you?” Sanghyuk asked, looking up from his iPad.

“Anni…” Hakyeon replied, looking around. “Shouldn’t he be home by now?”

“Molla, I was thinking that he decided to wait for you after going to the gym,” the maknae replied, eyes never leaving his treasured iPad.

I wish. “Nah, I was alone the whole time,” Hakyeon replied, making his way over to Sanghyuk. “Yah! You should be studying! Why are you on your iPad?” He asked, trying to pry the iPad out of Sanghyuk’s hands.

“I did!” Sanghyuk whined. “I studied a lot before you came back!”

“Lies,” Wonshik cut in. “He came back about half an hour ago and he’s been on his iPad ever since!”

“Tattle tale!” Sanghyuk cried.

“Is this how you speak to your hyung?” Wonshik joked, patting Sanghyuk’s head. “Hyuk-ah, you really should study!”

“Arasso!” Sanghyuk sighed, locking his iPad. “I was just hoping to leave this day free where I wouldn’t have to worry about school,” he muttered dejectedly.

Hakyeon’s eyes softened as he looked at the maknae pouting, mindlessly flipping through his textbook. He recalled how hard it was to juggle school and training a few years ago, and couldn’t imagine how hard it must be for Sanghyuk. At least when they were trainees, they still had rather regular sleeping hours and were given time to study for exams. Now that they were idols, it was as if everything else didn’t matter anymore. Their schedules were now top priority. Hakyeon remembered how he would’ve never been able to pull through his struggles without Taekwoon by his side, giving him encouragement when he needed them. He never complained, but Taekwoon always seemed to know when Hakyeon needed some help.

“Hyung?” Hakyeon was snapped out of his mini flashback by a deep voice calling him, and a pale hand waving in front of his face.

“Huh?” Hakyeon looked over at Hongbin, secretly trying to slow his heartbeat down to its normal rate.

“I was asking you what we are having for dinner,” Hongbin repeated, placing his left hand on Hakyeon’s forehead. “Are you ohkay? You seem sick.”

“I’m fine,” Hakyeon smiled. “Do you want me to cook some ramen?”

“I’d like it better if Taekwoon hyung cooked!” Jaehwan called out, dodging a chop at the neck from Hakyeon. “Where’s Taekwoon hyung?” Jaehwan asked.

“Molla. He’ll probably come back soon,” Hakyeon dismissed the question, replacing it with his own. “So do you want me to cook ramen for you?” Hakyeon glanced around, noting how his dongsaengs were nodding their heads happily. He even noticed how Sanghyuk’s hand unconsciously travelled to his stomach, rubbing it as if he was starving. Flashing a small smile, he pushed himself off the floor and made his way into the kitchen, taking out five packets of ramen.

It was already 3 a.m. but Taekwoon was nowhere to be seen. Hakyeon had stayed up to wait for the younger, maybe also to apologise for his behaviour at the practice room earlier. He had anxiously planned out his apology in his head, memorising it like a script. Even though he wanted to follow his plan on ignoring Taekwoon, he couldn’t help but feel guilty that he’d hurt Taekwoon and sincerely wanted to apologise.

“Aish. Where’ that guy,” Hakyeon exhaled, messing up his red hair. “I should go to the gym to check on him, shouldn’t I?” He asked to no one in particular. The other members had already gone to sleep, Jaehwan even trying to pull Hakyeon into the room with him. You should get more sleep too, hyung. He had said, his hand clasped loosely around the elder’s wrist. But Hakyeon only pushed him off, telling him that he’d wait for Taekwoon to come back.

After contemplating for a while, weighing the pros and cons of him leaving so deep into the night, Hakyeon finally changed into jeans and a plain tee shirt, stuffing the shared phone into his pocket and made his way out of the dorm, not before leaving a small not that he’ll be gone for a while. Just in case anyone wakes up.

Hakyeon was never a brave guy, and walking in the dark alone made him more apprehensive than he should be. Every time a street light flickered, Hakyeon would snap his head in the direction of the lamp, glaring at it, as if scolding it for scaring him. Every time he heard the howl of a dog, he’d nearly jump out of his skin and then proceed to pick up his pace to the company.

When he finally reached the company, he hurriedly pushed open the doors, greeting the security guard along the way. He was thankful that the security guard was able to recognise him, because he had forgotten to bring his card to prove that he was an employee of Jellyfish Ent.

“Annyeonghasaeyo. Did you see Taekwoon?” He asked.

“Huh?”

“I-I mean Leo? VIXX’s Leo?”

“Oh! Nope, haven’t seen him around,” the man smiled.

“Ah, kamsahamnida,” Hakyeon bowed, making his way to the gym.

Gingerly pushing the door open, he noticed that one of the lights was still on. Curiously making his way over, his tensed shoulder relaxed when his eyes landed on a peacefully sleeping Taekwoon.

“Taekwoon-ah,” he called, shaking the younger. Taekwoon stirred a little, but made no other response. Hakyeon sighed, deciding if he should just apologise like this. After all, he’s asleep and he won’t be able to hear me. I can just pretend like nothing happened. He reasoned with himself.

Letting out a louder sigh, Hakyeon started, “Look, Taekwoonie. I’m sorry for snapping at you today. I didn’t mean it. You don’t distract me. In fact, you’re the one that helps me, you keep me on track. Seeing you, and maybe the rest of VIXX, reminds me that I have a dance to finish choreographing. It reminds me of the promise that I’ll choreograph a really nice and catchy dance that the fans will love,” Hakyeon absentmindedly brought his hands up to Taekwoon’s hair, brushing through the soft black locks. Taking a deep breath, he started again. “There’s actually another reason that I’ve been avoiding you. I’m really sorry for hurting you, but I don’t want you to hurt me. You see…. I think I…. I think I…. I think I like you…? I don’t know! My heart just beats faster every time I’m with you or when I think about you, and my cheeks tend to get redder all the time! I keep thinking about you! I need to stop that! Maybe this isn’t love or like, but in my book, it is. I actually fell for my friend! I fell for him hard. I hope you don’t hate me Taekwoon,” once again, Hakyeon buried his face in his hands.

I light peck on his cheek nearly had Hakyeon screaming bloody murder. He would’ve, if Taekwoon didn’t cover his mouth with his hand.

“What was that for?” Hakyeon demanded, trying to calm his heart rate down. It had both increased from his fright and also how his brain refused to stopped replaying the feeling of Taekwoon’s lips against his cheek. He peeked at Taekwoon through his red bangs, noticing how the younger was giving him a small smile.

“What,” he asked, straightening himself. “Why did you do that?” He tried to act as strong as he could.

However, Taekwoon did nothing but smile at Hakyeon.

“What?” Hakyeon repeated, shifting uncomfortably in his spot on the floor. “Stop staring at me,” he could feel his cheeks heating up again.

“Don’t you get it?” Taekwoon’s smile grew wider.

“Get what?” Hakyeon played dumb. Of course he knew what Taekwoon was talking about. Who knew when Taekwoon woke up and how much his confession the main vocalist could’ve heard? Judging from his reaction, Taekwoon must’ve heard quite a lot of the last part and maybe Taekwoon really did reciprocate his feelings. But no. Hakyeon told himself not to dream. Don’t get your hopes up.

“That maybe… I like you too?” Taekwoon smiled teasingly. Am I hearing this right? Taekwoon actually liking me back? Hakyeon had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. “What are you doing?” Taekwoon chuckled, realising that Hakyeon was pinching himself. Hakyeon realised that he really wasn’t dreaming when he could feel the pain of his pinches and when his heart rate picked up again at Taekwoon’s laughter.

“Don’t lie,” Hakyeon replied, still trying to double confirm that he wasn’t dreaming. “You said it was disgusting to date the members on Shim Shim Tapa.”

“Not lying,” Taekwoon replied more seriously, bending over to place a kiss on Hakyeon’s head. “I only said that because I really didn’t know who I should choose that I would never date.”

“You really do like me back?” Hakyeon didn’t bother to fight the blush now.

“Yes I do, you idiot. Why didn’t you just say so in the first place?”

“Because I didn’t want you to hate me!”

“Pabo, I’d never hate you,”

“So…” Hakyeon gulped. “What are we...?”

“Hmm,” Taekwoon hummed a mischievous glint in his eye. “I’d love it if I could call Cha Hakyeon my boyfriend,” he smiled, pulling Hakyeon into a hug.

“I’d love that,” Hakyeon giggled, melting into Taekwoon’s warm embrace. 

-shrugs- eh. not too happy with this ): I hope this didn't disappoint you because I don't think this was very well written! >< I think that Standing Alone was much better! I'm sorry >< I'm not really good in writing romance since I'll be forever alone so..... TT.TT I hope no one was OOC and I hope it wasn't too naggy!!! either way, I hope you liked this~ (: Also, I've read through this twice and I hope there were no mistakes! (:

Edit: hey~ i just read through my fic again and i realised i've made alot of mistakes TT.TT so i went back to edit them hahahha. i'm not sure if this will come up as 'new story updates', but if it did, i'm sorry for the false alarm (?)! ><