"Hoya, wake up." 

Opening his eyes, Hoya was met with the leader's small ones. Looking around, he realized he had fallen asleep in the practice room again. 

"Come on, let's start." Sunggyu said as he alerted the rest by clapping his hands. 

Slowly, the other members got up and moved to their starting positions. 

"1, 2, 3..." The music started and they launched into dancing again. 

Hoya was tired, more tired than he had been in days. Preparing for their group's debut was one of the strenuous tasks, and with the tentative date coming soon, they were put through more dance practices than ever before. Photo shoots had started, some individual and the rest as a group. Thinking of his dream was the only thing that still pulled him through. His dream... Hoya had thoughts about it since young. He loved dancing and singing, and just like that, the dream to pursue a career as a singer had materialized. 

As they took a break after a few hours, Hoya sank down with a bottle of water as he thought of his decision. Dropping out of school to pursue his dream had been a choice he made, and he wasn't sure if it was the best. Until now, he still couldn't forget the look on his father's face upon telling him his decision. As usual, his mother had encouraged him, but the bitter feeling still lingered as Hoya left his hometown, his father unwilling to see him. 

"Hoya, do you want to eat together later?" A familiar voice called out. 

Noticing Sunggyu, Hoya gave a small nod before answering, "I hope it doesn't rain again." 

At this, Sunggyu let out a small chuckle. "I don't think it'll rain today, especially in this winter." 

Sunggyu was one of the first few members of the group that he had learned to trust. He was kind and nice, shy as well but when needed, he could easily lead a team of people and become as bold as a lion. Hoya found his small eyes a mystery; he could never quite tell when he was awake or asleep. Of course, he never did mention that to the leader. After all, they had gone through quite a lot together, being the first few members of the group that actually trained together, having been called beggars and going through many other incidents. 

The day was almost half over when they took another break for lunch, and quickly, the rest of the trainees hurried out. 

"Sunggyu, come here for a moment." One of the managers called out.

Glancing over at the two, Hoya watched anxiously, hoping that the leader wasn't being scolded for whatever they had done. As the conversation came to an end, Hoya noticed Sunggyu returning with a much puzzled look, making Hoya feel very much confused as well.

"What is it?" Hoya asked.

"I... I'll tell you later, once all of the rest are back." Sunggyu replied after snapping out of his thoughts. A smile returned to his lips as he swung an arm around Hoya. "Come on, let's go!" 

Biting his lips in curiosity, Hoya walked along as he continued thinking.

 

 

"Everyone, please take a seat. I have something important to announce." Sunggyu said to the members in the practice room.

The sound of slight muttering and shuffling was heard and soon, everyone was sitting down, paying full attention to the leader. 

Seeing that he had gained their full attention Sunggyu cleared his throat before speaking. "Manager hyung had told me to tell you guys, there will be two new members joining us soon." 

A huge uproar started as the members started complaining and shouting, some dancing happily, while the rest just sat expressing their frustrations. 

Hoya sat still, shocked by the sudden news. As he started processing the information, a frown appeared on his face. Two more members meant that the whole choreography would have to be adjusted once more, meaning more practices and a delayed debut. And what if the two members ruined their group's image? He hoped they could fit in quickly. Hoya was fine with the current members, except that the one called Dongwoo was often too hyper. Other than that, the rest were okay. 

Throwing Sunggyu a look, Hoya listened as Sunggyu let out a sigh and continued, "I do not know who they are or how they look like, but I do know they will be joining us tomorrow." 

Tomorrow, tomorrow was a Friday. Hoya liked Fridays, for that meant shorter practice sessions as they could go back and rest until Sunday. Hearing this however, made Hoya a little more upset. Two new members meant that practice could be extended. Hoya was starting to have a headache thinking about the two new members. 

Who are they anyway?

 

"Good morning everyone! I hope you're all ready to start the day!" The manager greeted with a wide smile. 

A small round of "yes" was heard and soon, the manager continued. 

"Remember the two new members that will be joining you guys? They're here today. Sungyeol, Sungjong, please come out." 

Another small round of applause was heard as the members welcomed the two members in. Hoya clapped half-heartedly, his face still wearing the frown from yesterday. He had spent a whole night thinking about what the two members could bring about in the group, and to be honest, he hadn't exactly liked the idea. 

Observing the first member that walked in, Hoya slowly clapped as he found that he was tall, or at least taller than the rest of the current members. He had a wide smile, wide enough to see his healthy pink gums. Hoya thought he looked decent, but sneaking a peek at his arms, he found nothing except for a thin piece of bulging muscle. Hiding his smile, Hoya kept on a straight face as he celebrated mentally. He prided himself for having the best body in the group, and seeing the first new member, he was sure he could still keep his title. 

"Hello, my name is Lee Sungyeol. Nice to meet you!" Sungyeol exclaimed as he bowed. 

Something seemed to be wrong as the manager looked behind. "Sungjong? Come out please." 

A small figure came scrambling out as he adjusted his attire. The shirt seemed too big on his small figure and Hoya made a mental note to never pick a clothing of that bright yellow colour. It just seemed too childish for someone of his age. Trying to catch a glimpse of his face, Hoya frowned disapprovingly as he watched the clumsy small figure almost tripping over himself as he rushed to the front. Such a frail figure can't possibly dance well, right?

As he finally managed to stand in line, he brushed his hair to the side, after apologizing quickly to the manager, he turned around. With a smile, he introduced himself. 

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Lee Sungjong. It's nice to meet all of you! Please do guide me along the way!" 

Hoya froze as he watched on. A mental image of his smile was captured as he listened to the manager giving another short brief introduction. His smile, that Sungjong's smile had left him dazed. It was dazzling, a picture of perfection as he looked at every single one of them in the eye. Hoya couldn't remember the last time he had seen such a cheerful, innocent smile. In fact, he hadn't even felt the least happy in the longest time. But watching the small new figure in front of them, Hoya felt a tug at the corner of his lips, a tug which eventually spread into a smile.

"Hoya? Hoya?" Sunggyu waved his hands in front of the still figure.

"Oh, yes?" Hoya asked as he came back to his senses. 

"Introduce yourself to the new members." Sunggyu replied before giving a stern look which told Hoya that the leader wanted him to be nice.

Resuming a neutral expression, Hoya shook hands with Sungyeol before moving onto Sungjong. He noticed the smoothness of the youngest's hands, but maintaining his composure, he released his hand quickly. "My name is Lee Howon, but you can call me Hoya." 

Sungjong's smile widened as he asked, "Named after the flower?" 

Having heard this for the umpteenth time, Hoya replied with a hint of annoyance, "No, it's just a coincidence." 

Seemingly unable to detect this hidden tone of frustration, Sungjong's smile stayed on as he continued, "It's a wonderful flower, I love it." 

Feeling a strange sense of comfort, Hoya immediately returned a smile, making the younger's smile brighten even further. 

"Okay, let's get started!" The cheorography called out as he gathered the members and started discussing the new formation.

And just like that, a small seed was planted in the midst of the cold winter.

 

 

A day had passed since the two newcomers arrived. Hoya had expected the increase in workload, but not till the state when he was already ready to pass out halfway through the session. Glancing over as they took a break, Hoya could see the leader had already collapsed on the floor while breathing heavily. It didn't help that it was winter, with the weather turning so cold. The air conditioner was soon switched off, and fans were then brought in. It was stuffy in the practice room, but opening the door, anyone standing near it could get such a bad chill that would bring them down with a cold for days. 

It's partially their fault...

Hoya couldn't help but think that way. It was after all, the new formation that brought about the increase in practice hours. He longed for the warmth of his bed and the loud hip hop music that lulled him to sleep. Letting out a heavy sigh, Hoya buried his face in his hands again, thinking about how they were supposed to go out to get their lunch. 

"Hoya hyung?" 

Looking up, Hoya found Sungjong watching him worriedly. "Are you okay?" Sungjong continued.

Hoya found the scene slightly amusing. He could see the younger's thin figure wobbling slightly as he walked. Compared to Hoya's slight heavy breaths, Sungjong's flushed face seemed worse. The practice must have taken its toll on him. 

A distant feeling came across Hoya as he asked, "I'm all right. Are you?" Raising his eyebrows at the younger's wobbling figure, he casted a worried look. 

Noticing his posture, Sungjong immediately sat down with a small smile. "I'm okay, just a little unstable. Are practices usually like this?" 

Hoya didn't feel like replying. He could feel the soft sizzling anger in him returning. "How are you going to get your lunch later?" 

Giving him a short puzzled look, Sungjong quickly replied, "I brought my winter coat. I'll just wear it later." 

Hoya suddenly recalled that Sungjong had anticipated this. He probably had some nice caring parents who supported him and ensured that he was kept safe and warm. 

"Where did you come from?" Hoya asked, curious to find out the answer.

"Gwangju." Sungjong replied with a smile. 

Hoya guessed that he was thinking about his hometown. He had thought that Sungjong would be from Seoul, being lucky enough to go and visit his parents during his free time. He turned out to be wrong though, as he thought about the distance between Seoul and Gwangju. It was far, almost as far as Busan, and thinking about his hometown made him sick again.

"Let's start!" The cheorographer announced as their break ended. 

Getting up unwillingly, Hoya got into his position as he thought of the trouble he would have to go through. Leaving the house abruptly after upsetting his father was not a good choice, but he hadn't had another better one. He could see that the winter was going to be a horrible one.

 

 

"Hoya ah, I need to sort out some things with the manager. You can go on first. I might take a while." Sunggyu said after the practice ended.

The rapper let out a groan. He knew the leader wasn't doing it intentionally, and he didn't think that Sunggyu would like to stay either, but without a companion for lunch was one of the things he had dreaded when he first arrived.

"I'll just go out for a short walk then. I'll wait for you." Hoya said as he gathered his items.

"All right. I'll see you at the usual spot." Sunggyu replied before walking away.

Just as Hoya was about to leave the room, he remembered the cold wind outside. He would have liked to stay, but the heater was off, just as it always was once the cheorographer left.

With another sigh, Hoya tucked his hands into his pockets, trying his best to prepare himself for the cold. Grabbing his bag, he almost missed a grey piece of cloth hidden at the corner. Picking the cloth up, Hoya found that it was a coat. Checking the pockets for any signs of whom it belonged to, he found a note.

I hope this helps. It might be a little small, but it can keep you warm :) 

At this, a newfound warmth filled Hoya's heart. He had a clear idea of whom the coat belonged to. Putting it on, Hoya further confirmed his thoughts. 

But why? Why did he give it to me? 

It seemed strange to Hoya, how someone could willingly give away their coat to another person whom he had just met for the second time. 

Maybe he just had an extra. Hoya thought as he wore it and walked out.

 

He was proved wrong once again the next day. Hoya had found a much flustered Sungyeol attending to a sneezing Sungjong while keeping him beside the heater. 

Had he gave up his only coat for me?

"Good morning, Hoya hyung!" Sungjong called out as he put on a wide smile again. 

Hoya couldn't help it; he couldn't help but feel the temptation to smile upon seeing the younger's innocent and kind face. He hadn't felt like smiling in the longest time, and he had only done so the other day, when he first met Sungjong. 

Remembering the younger's sacrifice, Hoya immediately took off the coat and returned it to Sungjong. "What were you thinking, going out there in this weather without winter wear?" 

Sungjong's eyes drooped as he noticed the coat. "I... I did have my scarf. I thought-" 

"Take care of yourself, or else we would have to extend practice sessions again." Hoya said, cutting him off. As he put down his things and started warming up, he was disappointed to see the sad expression in the younger's eyes. Hoya hadn't meant it that way, but as always, he was not good with words.

Turning around, Hoya found himself staring at the leader's face again. Sunggyu threw him a disapproving look, seemingly to say "Lee Howon, don't be mean.".

Hoya hoped he didn't ruin it. He was actually really grateful to Sungjong, just that he didn't know how to express it. A sigh escaped as the practice started again, and glancing over once more, he was surprised to find that the younger was watching him as well. 

 

 

"Water?" Hoya was once again burying his head in his face. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he had made a Sungjong upset, and that the younger would never want to be anywhere near him again. However, as he looked up, he found Sungjong holding a bottle of water with a small smile. 

"Thank you." Hoya said as he took the bottle. 

"Can I... Can I sit down beside you?" Sungjong asked awkwardly. 

Surprised by his question, Hoya took a while to answer. "Oh sure... I mean of course." 

After he sat down, a silence followed as they sat still, unsure of what to do. 

"Hoya hyung, do you... perhaps... want to go for lunch, together?" 

Choking on his water for a moment, Hoya quickly answered a wide-eyed Sungjong, "Of course, if it's all right with you." 

Sungjong's face lit up at this and with his usual cheerful tone, he said, "Okay then! We'll eat together later!" 

"Oh okay..." Hoya said as he watched the delighted younger sprint towards Sungyeol. 

Another tug. Hoya felt his lips curl into a smile again. He felt the move almost familiar now. Why though, he was smiling like this almost everyday because of the younger, was a mystery to him. 

 

 

"Hoya, I'll be eating with the choreographers today. We have something to discuss about the formation. You can go on ahead." Sunggyu said as soon as the practice ended. 

"Oh, okay then." Hoya replied. He had been counting on Sunggyu to liven up the atmosphere, but at this, he felt relieved that at least he wouldn't be alone. 

"Hoya hyung, are you done preparing?" Sungjong asked with a cheerful tone.

"Yes, let's go." Hoya replied as he returned a smile upon seeing the younger's bright face. Out of the corner of his eye, Hoya spotted the leader's strange stare and with a small chuckle, he walked out of the door.

 

Remembering that it was still winter when the freezing chill hit him, Hoya shivered as he rubbed his hands together before placing it against his face. 

"Hoya hyung, you... you can use this. It's for you." Sungjong shyly said as he passed him a winter coat. 

Hoya noticed that it was significantly bigger than the one he wore yesterday. Wearing it, he realized it fitted him perfectly. 

"Whose is this?" He asked.

"I... I bought it for you." Sungjong replied as he played with his fingers quietly. 

Speechless, Hoya stood frozen for a few seconds. He barely knew him, but Sungjong had willingly lent him his coat and even bought a new one for him. 

"Hoya hyung?" Sungjong asked softly, snapping Hoya out of his thoughts. 

"Th-Thank you." Hoya said. 

Hoya hadn't said these words in ages. He didn't ever think that he would ever be able to say it again for a long time. Hoya wasn't used to favours. No one had done somthing like this for him, not since he left home. 

A joyful cry of laughter jerked him out of his thoughts again as he watched the younger. Sungjong was laughing hysterically. Hoya hadn't noticed the younger staring intensively at him.

"Hoya... hyung... I've never... seen anyone as... shocked as you... when it comes to saying thank yous." Sungjong said between his cries of laughter. 

As the younger walked away slowly, trying to curb his laughter, Hoya followed. The sound was melodious to his ears, and it was definitely another sound he had not heard for a while. A small itch started, and soon it was radiating throughout his body. Before he knew it, Hoya found himself doing something he never thought he could do again. Hoya, had found himself laughing. 

In that icy white winter, the seed grew to become a seedling, and slowly, a small green leaf could be seen.

 

 

"Hoya hyung, where are you from?" Sungjong asked as they sat down with their meals. 

"Busan." Hoya replied as he grabbed his cutlery and started eating. 

"That's far..." Sungjong said as he pondered for a moment. "How long have you been training?" Sungjong asked as he looked up again. 

"Around three years." Hoya replied as he chewed on a piece of chicken. 

"You must not be able to see you family often then. When did you last visit them?" Sungjong asked as he started on his lunch. 

Hoya hesitated before answering. He wasn't ready to confide in someone whom he had just met a few days ago. Choosing to avoid the subject, he asked, "How's the practices for you so far?" 

Hearing this, Sungjong stopped as he gave Hoya another confused look. Hoya guessed that the younger was wondering why he hadn't answered, but quickly, Sungjong replied, "It's okay, just a little tiring. Do you work out a lot? I've seen you sitting calmly after practice, just drinking your water, not even looking the least bit tired." 

Hoya's face lit up at this. He liked being complimented. "Yes, in fact I do. Where do you think these muscles came from?" He said proudly as he flexed his arm muscles. 

A laugh burst out from the younger as he watched the proud Hoya examining his muscles with care. "I don't know, maybe a magician 'poofed' them out!" 

At this, Hoya immediately exclaimed, "That's not possible! Yah, I worked hard for this!" 

"So a magician did 'poofed' them out?" Sungjong continued, ignoring Hoya's remark. 

With that, Hoya lunged forward and started tickling the younger. "How dare you!" 

Laughing, Sungjong got up and ran away quickly as he shouted, "Hoya's muscles are fake!"

"You little..." Hoya shouted as he ran after Sungjong, a wide smile present on his face. 

As he ran, Hoya felt a foreign sense of joy coming over him. The chasing game reminded him of hide and seek with his brother when they were young, but that childish joy had long disappeared, or so he thought. As if he was reborn again, Hoya felt that very same joy returning to him. Running behind the younger, Hoya watched the thin figure jumping over a small pile of snow. A sudden urge surprised himself, and going closer, Hoya realized he wanted to pull the younger close, and for once, hug him tight. 

As the chilling wind blew by, the thin seedling stayed still, for now, it has become a strong and tall stalk. As the leaves slowly opened, a small light pink bud could be seen, peeking out into the light. 

 

 

Days flew past as the practices extended into the late nights. All the while, Hoya had been carefully watching Sungjong. When rest time came, Sungjong would make his way over to the other and start chatting. Hoya looked forward to rest time. It meant he could finally take a break from all the pressure and tension that was piling up on him. But now, he loved it even more, for the younger would always manage to bring about a smile as they talked. 

Soon, it was Friday. Practice ended earlier in the afternoon as they waved goodbye to the other members before setting out for lunch. 

"Hoya hyung, want to go for lunch together?" Sungjong asked with a bright smile.

"Sure." Hoya replied with a smile as he put on the coat Sungjong gave him before gathering his items.

Hoya enjoyed Sungjong's company. The younger was like a bubbly virus, one that easily got to him, making him smile and laugh; things that he never thought he could do. As they sat down once again at the very same spot, Hoya recalled the first day Sungjong had arrived, and with a curious heart, he asked, "Sungjong, why did you say that you loved the flower 'Hoya' back then?" 

Sungjong, who was playing with the snow, looked up and answered with a joyful smile, "My mother loves it. She looks at it everyday, admiring its beauty. However, we could never plant one, for it would die when winter came. I love it for its shape, and its adaptibility."

Turning to look at Hoya, Sungjong continued, "You know, Hoya hyung, you kind of remind me of the flower. The Hoya plant can't survive in cold weather. It normally needs a large amount of sunlight to bloom, but it can adapt easily to low sunlight as well, even blooming under the low light conditions. And once it blooms, it takes on the shape of a star. You're like the plant, not being able to stand the cold, but with a little warmth and protection, you can still continue on. Although you're tired under all this pressure, you're still trying your best to bloom. I'm sure, Hoya hyung, that once you bloom, you're be as bright as a star, one that'll be shining for all to see." 

Hoya smiled. He could feel a warm sensation crawling up his throat as he blinked faster. Focusing on the twinkling eyes of the younger, he tried his best to stop the tears from coming. Before he knew it though, the tears had came streaming out, along with Sungjong's worried words and comforting actions. 

"What's wrong, hyung?" Sungjong asked as he patted Hoya's back in an attempt to calm him down.

"I...I..." Hoya sputtered before coughing out. 

"What is it?" Sungjong asked again as he pulled closer. 

Slowly, Hoya stopped sniffling, and sitting up, he softly spoke amidst the falling snow, "I love you." 

As the days passed, the shy bud slowly made its way out of the leaves, and opening up, the winter greeted it with a dazzling shower of snow. A red beautiful flower could be seen as the snow fell, making it stand out amongst the white winter backdrop. 

In the harshest winter, a flower bloomed.

The flower that bloomed had a name, and Hoya had decided, with a smile, that flower would be called Sungjong, his Sungjong. 

 

 

A/N: Hehe! I finally finished after working on it for a few days! :D It's the longest oneshot I've written so far :) I hope you liked it! Pleaseeeee do comment! I'll really appreciate it! /dances around happily/ *throws balloons*