Chapter Text
1 year later – Sunday, May 31 7:55am
A masterpiece colors the sky. An array of pinks and oranges splashed across a canvas of baby blue as the sun peeks over the horizon, its rays chasing away the twilight. A breeze, light and salted with a spritz of seawater, carries through the air. It gently rustles the leaves and refreshes those who are up bright and early for the morning commute. He overlooks the gradually filling streets from his perch 23 floors up. From the balcony, everything is no more than a colored blob, yellow taxis and people on motorbikes a blur as they zoom down the street, weaving through other vehicles and pedestrians. The murmur of voices and hums of engines float up to greet his ears along with music that can faintly be heard coming from the open doors of small shops lining the streets. It’s neither too loud nor too quiet, perfect to entertain a slowly waking mind yet easily fade into the background.
Vendors are setting up on street corners and, soon, the smell of various treats and foods is wafting up to him, and his stomach growls as he inhales deeply, eyes fluttering shut. The breeze is cool, but not enough to chill him through his thin layer of clothing – if it can be considered that. He’s clad in a robe, the royalist of purples made from the most expensive of silks. It’s thin but warm, and he can feel the coolness of the metal railing where he leans on it with crossed arms. The hem is just long enough for him to feign decency, covering his panty-clad ass. It was presented to him as an apology gift and despite how often he’s worn and washed it over the course of 11 months, it has yet to stop appearing brand new.
Under it, he wears a pair of soft, cotton underwear in the same hue as his robe and a black, sheer lace crop top covered in delicate floral designs. The straps are thin and as delicate as the design, and he’s had to give many a warning to ensure a certain someone didn’t ruin his top because he’s grown quite fond of it. To complete his look, as always, his diamond choker sits pretty and prim around his neck, the glow of the sunrise catching on the stone resting rightfully in the center.
Reaching a hand up, he runs gentle fingers through his sleep tousled hair, lightly shaking his head immediately after and sending the black strands back into his face. A sigh, content and quiet, falls from his lips as he readjusts his position, propping his right elbow up on the railing to rest his chin in his palm. He’s become a fan of people watching lately. Likes to conjure up scenarios for random strangers as they go about their days - The two older women who arrive at the same time every morning to open up their side-by-side shops are secret rivals who share friendly smiles and small talk for the sake of keeping face. The vendor on the street corner, whose voice Jeonghan can now pick out of a crowd, aspires to open a restaurant and tells everyone who will listen that he’s almost there - if he just sells a bit more…but they never stay around long enough for him to finish. The man who trips over himself and drops his coffee but jumps up and keeps running woke up late for a meeting that his boss specifically told him he couldn’t be late for, and he should’ve listened to his wife and set an alarm, but it’s too late to think about that now and-
He’s snapped out of his people watching daydream as two arms wind around his waist, a bare chest pressing against his back and a nose nuzzling the column of his neck.
“Good morning, Angel,” the rumble of his boyfriend’s sleep-laden voice sends pleasant tingles down his spine.
“Good morning, my love,” Jeonghan smiles as Seungcheol’s arms tighten around him. “I’m surprised you’re up this early.”
“Missed you in bed,” Seungcheol admits between kisses to his neck. Jeonghan tilts his head to allow further access. “I made coffee.”
The smell reaches Jeonghan then and his stomach growls again as he twists around in Seungcheol’s embrace, snorting at the blond bird’s nest that is his hair. He reaches up to fix it, Seungcheol’s eyes just barely open as he does so. “I hope you ordered room service as well. I’m starving.”
“Not yet,” the older replies with a small shake of his head. His hair is almost as long as Jeonghan’s, only a couple inches off from being shoulder length in the back, his roots remaining their natural black, and a few wispy strands falling to frame his face. The longer hair had been Jeonghan’s idea, and he thanks his past self for making the suggestion as he draws his boyfriend into a short kiss. They’re both smiling when he pulls away, fingers still playing with Seungcheol’s hair. “What do you want for breakfast?”
“Aside from the obvious answer of you?” Jeonghan chuckles, running a hand down Seungcheol’s bare chest. His only articles of clothing consist of black sweatpants that hang low enough on his hips to expose the waistband of his Calvin Klein boxers. Jeonghan’s eyes follow the trail his hand takes, bottom lip slipping between his teeth.
It’s Seungcheol’s turn to chuckle as he uses a finger to lift Jeonghan’s chin and look into his eyes. “As tempting as that offer sounds, neither of us ate much last night so we need to order breakfast.”
Jeonghan quirks a brow. “And whose fault was that?”
He recalls the previous night in his mind, the scenes playing vividly before his eyes. They were having a private group dinner at the restaurant located on the top floor of the hotel to celebrate Mingyu and Wonu’s engagement. The restaurant is one of fine dining with a strict dress code of formal wear. While the majority of them cleaned up nice and simple in various styled and tailored suits, Jeonghan and Minki, being the overachievers they are, went all out. Minki in a black and white blazer dress he’d fallen in love with at first sight and Jeonghan in a black suit/dress hybrid. The jacket, accented with lace designs on the sides of the sleeves and around the mid-section, was tailored to cinch in at the waist before flaring out at his hips in a dress-like manner. Beneath it, he wore a teasing, almost fully see-through white silk shirt, his black trousers fitting like a second skin. To top it all off, Minki had talked him into wearing a matching set of heels the two of them had gotten some months ago but hadn’t had the chance to wear until then.
The second the two of them finally left the bedroom, Seungcheol and Jonghyun’s jaws had hit the floor. It was a miracle they made it up to the restaurant in the first place with the looks they were being given. The top-floor restaurant was as elegant and intimate as the suites they were staying in. The entire floor was lit with warm, low lighting and gentle classical music was being played on the grand piano sat in the middle of the restaurant. Lining the side and back walls were private booths with cushioned seats and mini candelabras atop the stained cherry wood tables. The open floor contained a mix of round and straight tables, all covered with simple, white cotton tablecloths. The longest table (and the only one used for the private engagement celebration) was set with crystal wine glasses, carefully folded napkins, and pristine porcelain plates. Thanks to Jonghyun’s family, the entire place was reserved just for Seventeen and Nu’est.
To say they didn’t eat much was an understatement, the couple barely making it past appetizers before Jeonghan was being carried off – literally – back to their suite. He makes a mental note to go back and apologize to the flustered staff they passed on their way to the elevator. Luckily, for everyone else, these suites were created with guest privacy in mind, and Jeonghan is secretly grateful for this, knowing they would’ve received endless complaints had that not been the case.
Seungcheol mirrors his quirked brow in a challenge, letting out an amused scoff. “You’re not gonna pin that on me when you were egging me on the entire night. You’re not innocent here.”
“I never said I was,” the younger giggles, winding his arms around Seungcheol’s neck to draw him closer. “We should probably apologize to Mingyu and Wonu for skipping out on their dinner, though.”
“Oh please, those two weren’t looking anywhere but at each other. I doubt they even noticed two people were missing.”
Jeonghan stops Seungcheol with a hand on his chest when he leans in for a kiss. “Order them some breakfast when you get ours.” He says with a teasing pat, before slipping out of his boyfriend’s grasp to enter the bedroom. The room is a cocoon of warmth, melting the slight chill away from his skin as he beelines for the tiny coffee station set up in the living room area of the suite. As he pours himself a mug of steaming coffee, Jeonghan can hear Seungcheol on the phone ordering breakfast and smiles softly to himself as he grabs a second cup.
He finishes mixing creamer and sugar into his coffee just as Seungcheol hangs up and turns around with both mugs in his hands as Seungcheol exits the bedroom. He holds out the one containing plain black coffee, Seungcheol accepting it with a hum as he plants a kiss of thanks on Jeonghan’s forehead. “Food should be here in 20 minutes.”
“Good,” Jeonghan purrs, his free hand snaking its way back to Seungcheol’s hair. He lightly massages the back of his head, smile spreading as the older man immediately turns to putty in his hands, eyes closing as he tilts his head into the touch. Jeonghan takes the opportunity to pull him closer, nipping at his jaw as he lowers his voice into an irresistible whisper. “That means I have 20 minutes to enjoy my first breakfast.”
9:30am
Today is beautiful. The air quality is the best it’s been all week and it’s a perfect spring morning with a sky as clear and blue as the nearby ocean. I’m waking up happier and happier every day, so I hope you aren’t too worried. My nightmares have all but gone. Every now and then I’ll wake up panicked but unlike last year, I’m not alone. He holds me every time, kissing and promising me that it’s only a dream. I would say that I am homesick, but I can’t lie to you because I’ve never felt more at home than when I’m in his arms. I am sorry that I can’t be there for dad’s birthday, and I hope this letter reaches you before it passes. Dad, I know you’ve always wanted nothing but the best for me which is why I hope you understand that I am the happiest and most in love I have ever been. I also hope these letters bring you comfort rather than sadness. I love you guys.
Jeonghan
“Hannie~” Minki trills as he comes skipping into the bedroom, draping himself over the raven head sitting at the small desk next to the balcony door. Jeonghan grunts under his friend’s sudden weight, setting his pen down.
“Minki, please, you’re suffocating me,” he gasps and Minki scoffs, offended.
“I am not that heavy!” he protests, unmoving. Jeonghan wriggles in an attempt to dislodge the younger from his back, but Minki is stubborn and clings on, sulky as he demands Jeonghan to “Take it back.”
“If you weren’t my best friend, I’d throw you off of the balcony,” Jeonghan grumbles, finally managing to wrench Minki’s arms from around his neck and shove him back so that he can stand. Minki scoffs, skipping around to sit on the edge of the desk, crossing his right leg over his left as he snatches the letter before Jeonghan can grab it.
“Please, you love me,” he counters, his eyes scanning the page. “Aw, Hannie, you’ve somehow managed to make this one sound cheesier than the last.” His eyes flicker up to see the venomous stare Jeonghan pins him with, his shit-eating grin full of mirth and mischief. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding~ Do you want me to give this to Hyunnie so he can send it off?”
Jeonghan snatches his letter back, immediately checking to make sure it didn’t rip in the process as his lips jut into an angry pout, mirroring Minki’s earlier sulkiness. “No, I’ll give it to him myself.” He carefully folds the letter into quarters, setting it on the end corner of the bed. “What’d you come here for, anyway?”
Minki’s jaw drops and Jeonghan coughs to hide his laugh. “This is the thanks I get for gracing you with my presence? Unbelievable.”
Playing along, Jeonghan faux curtsy’s, grabbing the hem of his robe as he would a dress. “What brings your majesty to my humble abode?”
“As humble as a five-star hotel suite can get,” Minki scoffs, pushing off the edge of the desk to stand. It’s now that Jeonghan takes note of his clothing – or lack thereof. He’s dressed in a white tank top and a pair of swimming trunks so short Jeonghan’s not even sure they can still be classified as shorts. “I was coming to ask if you wanted to swim with me? There’s a private pool on the roof allllll for us to enjoy.”
“It sounds like you’re trying to do more than swim,” Jeonghan says with narrowed eyes. “Will Jonghyun be there too? And are you planning on keeping your clothes on?”
The brunet walks over, placing a hand on Jeonghan’s shoulders and cocking his head innocently. He leans in and Jeonghan leans back in response.
“That’s for me to know, and you to wait and see,” Minki giggles, winking before he saunters out of the bedroom. “I’ve already invited Seungcheol so get changed and come up!”
The suite door slams shut, and Seungcheol enters the bedroom moments later, quirking a brow at Jeonghan. “You wanna go swimming?”
“I don’t have anything else planned,” he shrugs, turning to face the bed and kneeling to pull his suitcase from under it, throwing a smile over his shoulder. “Be careful though, I think Rennie might have a trick up his sleeve.”
“Please, it’s written all over his face.” Seungcheol rolls his eyes, grabbing the hem of his shirt to pull it up and off over his head. Jeonghan stares shamelessly, not looking away when Seungcheol catches him with a smirk. “I hope they clean that pool daily.”
“I hope we don’t end up scarring more of the poor staff,” Jeonghan laughs, pulling out a pair of swimming trunks and shoving his suitcase back under the bed. “Poor things looked like they saw a ghost last ni-“
He stops mid-sentence when his eye land on the corner of the bed where his letter is supposed to be sitting. Seungcheol watches on in confusion as Jeonghan whips his head around, looking left, right, and bending to look under the bed.
“What are you looking for?”
“My let- That little shit,” Jeonghan huffs, hit by realization. He stands, brushing his knees off with an annoyed pout. “Minki took my letter when I told him I was gonna give it to Jonghyun myself.”
The slightest of frowns downturns Seungcheol’s lips for the slightest second before he’s reaching for Jeonghan and drawing him in to kiss his pout away. “That sleight of hand works for more than just knives,” he murmurs against his lips with a teasing smile, and Jeonghan huffs again, the action holding no real anger. Seungcheol pulls away, kneeling to grab his own suitcase. “Get changed, princess.”
The day has warmed considerably, the sun slowly climbing into the ocean blue sky dusted with wispy clouds. The breeze from earlier in the morning remains and if Jeonghan closes his eyes, he can almost feel sand beneath his feet and hear waves lapping at the shore. Just as Minki said, the rooftop is empty, the infinity pool that stretches to the end of the roof too large for just the four of them. The walking area is made of paneled wood, a smooth weathered gray that gives the roof a more casual vibe than the rest of the lavishly decorated hotel.
Lounge chairs line the poolside along with a few tables where they can set their belongings, and Jeonghan spots a sign as they pass through the glass door that says, ‘No kids allowed’ in multiple languages. Minki wastes no time stripping out of his tank top and diving into the water, resurfacing with a cheeky grin as he shakes his hair out of his face.
“Come on,” he says invitingly, sweeping his hair back into a ponytail and tying it up with the hair tie on his wrist. “It’s heated and feels amazing.”
That’s all the convincing it takes for the other three to set their towels down and join him. Jeonghan ties his hair back in a half-up, half-down style before wading into the water. Though he’s fully prepared for the shock of cold that normally comes with entering a pool, it’s pleasantly warm and his previously tensed body relaxes. An arm slides around his waist and he goes to look over his shoulder but instead finds himself being dragged underwater; his gasp cut off as he’s forced to abruptly hold his breath.
Resurfacing a moment later with a cry of outrage, Jeonghan sees the culprit paddling away with a bright, gummy smile and childish giggles that make it nearly impossible for him to keep an angry face. Seungcheol turns around once he’s out of reach, quirking a brow at Jeonghan’s narrowed eyes as if to say, ‘what are you gonna do about it?’ The answer, of course, is nothing, Jeonghan huffing exaggeratedly and swimming over to Minki who watches the scene unfold in amusement from where he sits half-submerged on a ledge that juts into the pool. He pulls himself up on the seat next to the brunet.
Jonghyun is doing laps and Seungcheol swims over to the brick-walled edge that overlooks the side of the building, crossing his arms over the cool marble top as he looks around. His skin is golden under the sun, the muscles of his back defined beneath his glistening skin. From here, Jeonghan can see his profile, the wonder and curiosity in his eyes, the small curl of his lips, and his long, pretty eyelashes. Minki nudges him to gain his attention and Jeonghan offers a distracted hum, slow to turn his head.
“Sometimes I want to kiss you.”
Jeonghan’s head whirls at the soft-spoken confession, eyes wide as his brows furrow in startled confusion. “I-I’m sorry?”
Minki shrugs, posture relaxed, and head tilted as he regards Jeonghan with a carefully neutral expression. “I said-“
“No, I heard what you said,” Jeonghan flounders, feeling his cheeks heat up. His eyes flicker to where Jonghyun has joined Seungcheol at the marble-topped wall, the two men oblivious to the conversation taking place behind their backs. “I just- I don’t- I mean, are you serious? Where did that come from?”
His friend merely smiles. “It’s true. I’ve told Jonghyun; there’s no need to keep looking like a deer in headlights. I keep nothing from him, Hannie, he knows all of my fantasies.”
“Fantasies?” Jeonghan squeaks as Minki scoots closer, nodding. Suddenly, he’s far too warm, the pool water cool compared to his quickly heating skin.
“Mhm,” a familiar look, one Jeonghan’s used to seeing on missions when Minki is in the midst of luring a target in, has taken over the brunet’s face and Jeonghan is having a hard time figuring out if he’s being serious or fucking with him. Minki slowly looks him up and down with hooded eyes, and Jeonghan feels exposed though he’s seen Minki naked before and vice versa – but they had been changing clothes then, not talking about sexual fantasies. “Every single one. Normally, he can satisfy my fantasies, but my more recent ones require a bit more…participation.”
Jeonghan subconsciously moves away in response to Minki leaning in, but he keeps coming, undeterred, and Jeonghan finds himself slipping off of the ledge, yelping as his upper body is submerged for a moment before he can gather his legs beneath himself and stand. This allows Minki to corner him, hands grasping the pool wall on either side of Jeonghan to cage him in. His brain short-circuits at their close proximity, and Jeonghan swallows. His eyes shift briefly to Minki’s lips, and it doesn’t go missed by the younger whose voice and smile hold a hint of smugness as he coos.
“Come on, Hannie, you’ve never once thought about kissing me? You did just then,” he purrs, a teasing lilt to his words. By this point, they’ve gotten Seungcheol and Jonghyun’s attention, their boyfriends silently curious as they watch. They notice their newly acquired audience at the same time, Jeonghan’s face flaming further and Minki grinning, sweetly evil. “It’s ok to admit it. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to kiss me. It’d be hot. Just imagine, yeah? You and me making out on one of those giant hotel beds, while they’re,” he takes Jeonghan’s chin between his thumb and forefinger, turning their heads in the direction of their lovers. “forced to just watch.”
Seungcheol’s eyes are boring into his own and Jeonghan shivers, flushing down to his chest. The image flashes across his mind and he surprises himself to realize it isn’t one he entirely hates. It intrigues him, and his lack of immediate protest must give this away to Minki who faces him forward so they can be eye to eye. He lowers his voice, just enough for it to still carry to the two frozen men across the pool. “It would drive them crazy, wouldn’t it? Watching us play and not being allowed to touch. Having to sit there until we give them permission to fuck us. Just think about how good Cheollie would fuck you after having to wait for it. I know as well as you do that he has a possessive streak. How do you think he’d react if I kissed more than just your lips? If I left a pretty little hickey on your neck?”
There’s static in Jeonghan’s ears, a shameful flicker of arousal low in his belly at his friend’s proposition. Minki moves closer with every sentence, their lips so close to brushing, and Jeonghan finds himself wanting to close the distance. He stamps this thought down, knows his face is deep red, ears burning from embarrassment and shame. They’re so close he nearly goes cross-eyed to maintain eye contact with the smirking brunet. Minki brushes his thumb just above Jeonghan’s choker with the last line, and the raven head realizes how breathless he is, his chest rising and falling shallowly, also so close to touching Minki’s with each inhale.
Someone clears his throat, Jeonghan too frantic-minded to decipher who, and Minki draws away, an innocent smile returning to his face as he floats back. Jeonghan finally manages to suck in a proper breath now that there’s a bit of distance between them, but then Seungcheol is there, filling in Minki’s previous position and scrambling Jeonghan’s thoughts before they have the chance to fully gather.
Seungcheol’s lips are on his and the older is kissing him hard, crowding him against the pool wall. The rough edge digs uncomfortably into Jeonghan’s shoulder blades, but he’s far too occupied to care about the slight discomfort. He clings to Seungcheol’s shoulders, too dizzy to keep up as a whine claws its way up his chest. He pants, able to do nothing more than whimper out a moan as Seungcheol dominates the kiss, licking into his mouth. One hand is placed just above his hip, the grip achingly tight. Seungcheol’s other hand is on the pool wall, his body keeping the pliant raven head pinned.
One of Seungcheol’s legs slips between his own and Jeonghan’s moan is muffled against his boyfriend’s lips, hips jerking as a muscular thigh brushes against his slowly growing erection. Seungcheol keeps his leg there as he moves to kiss down Jeonghan’s jawline, kissing that sensitive spot just below his ear and nibbling on his earlobe then trailing down to his neck. Jeonghan shivers bodily, biting his plumped up bottom lip to keep from letting out a sound as Seungcheol begins to kiss his neck.
He starts with open-mouthed kisses, Jeonghan tasting lightly of sweat and chlorine as his tongue trails over the gently tanned skin. Jeonghan’s nails dig into his shoulders when he finds a spot and bites down just off to the side of his Adam’s apple, sucking harshly and drawing a broken sound from the smaller. Jeonghan’s knees buckle, and his head drops with a gasp as Seungcheol’s thigh presses harder against his cock through his shorts. The older flexes his thigh and Jeonghan sees stars for a moment, another broken sound falling from his agape mouth.
Vaguely, he’s aware of the eyes on him, of the pool water and the breeze that act as reminders that they’re not in the privacy of their suite and can be seen. That they are being seen by Minki and Jonghyun and anyone could walk through those glass doors at any given moment. His next realization cuts through the fog of arousal clouding his mind as Jeonghan realizes that Seungcheol is doing this on purpose. Minki’s words must’ve gotten to him, awoken said possessive streak, enough so that Seungcheol felt the need to stake his claim over Jeonghan right in front of the brunet. He isn’t the only one to make this observation – in fact, he’s probably the last – because when he lifts his head, he spots Minki’s smug grin through hooded eyes, his best friend sending a wink and kiss his way when their gazes lock.
Seungcheol flexes his leg again and Jeonghan chokes on his inhale, burying his face in Seungcheol’s neck. The gangster relents his attack on Jeonghan’s neck once he’s satisfied with the smattering of dark bruises he’s left there. He keeps up the movement of his leg, bending and lifting his knee to apply more pressure. Jeonghan cries out against his skin, trembling as he ruts his hips downward, humping his boyfriend’s thigh. Water gently sloshes around them and Seungcheol brings both his hands to Jeonghan’s hips, guiding his movement as he speaks into his ear.
“Look at you, Angel. Humping my leg like some desperate bitch in heat.” Jeonghan keens, his legs attempting and failing to squeeze shut as shame burns hot in the pit of his stomach, igniting every nerve ending and sending zaps of pleasure through his overheating body. “You don’t even care that they’re watching us, do you? Is that what you want? Huh? You like being watched riding my thigh like the filthy little slut you are?”
Jeonghan shakes his head fervently, but his movements don’t stop and another sound, more desperate and from deeper within his chest, escapes him as his trembling intensifies. He mumbles something into Seungcheol’s neck, teething at his skin, and Seungcheol reaches up to grab him by the nape and pull him from his hiding place.
Jeonghan’s cheeks are flushed red. Tears prickle at his eyes, and his kiss swollen lips are as red as his cheeks, parted and slick with spit. He’s panting lightly and his little pink tongue appears to swipe across his bottom lip, eyes half-lidded and pleading. His hands tighten on Seungcheol’s shoulders.
“What was that, princess?”
“P-please, daddy,” Jeonghan whines.
“Please, what, Angel? What do you want?”
“Wanna-“ Jeonghan’s eyes flicker past him and he hesitates. Seungcheol slides his fingers up into the back of Jeonghan’s hair, gripping tight and pulling. Jeonghan moans, loud and lewd, at the sparks of pain that go through his scalp, eyes squeezing shut. Seungcheol builds up a rhythm of flexing his leg, holding the raven head in place with the hand still on his hip as he bites the juncture where Jeonghan’s jaw and neck meet, a growl in his voice.
“Don’t get shy now, you know they’re here. Answer me, slut. What do you want?”
“W-wanna cum, daddy,” Jeonghan whimpers, voice barely audible. Seungcheol tugs harder at his hair and his vision blurs, breathing becoming even more uneven as his head is forced at an awkward angle. Through the densing fog in his brain and the pounding of his heart in his ears, Jeonghan can hear Minki moaning from somewhere across the pool. The sounds are high and soft and sweet and underneath it, he can hear Jonghyun’s deep murmur of a voice encouraging him. Jeonghan keens. “Please, ‘m so close. Please, daddy.”
Seungcheol doesn’t answer his pleas, seeming to silently contemplate while never letting up on his movements. Jeonghan can’t see through the tears blurring his eyes, misses the glance Seungcheol throws over his shoulder – the eye contact he makes with the other leader. Seungcheol releases his grip on Jeonghan’s hair and the smaller male slumps against him, arms winding around his neck as he blinks to clear his eyes.
“Look at him, princess. I want you to look at him when you cum,” Seungcheol commands. Jeonghan, strung tight and feeling moments from bursting, lifts his hooded gaze to find Minki already staring back with a mirrored expression, Jonghyun giving him the same instructions. The brunet’s back is to his boyfriend’s chest, Jonghyun’s hands difficult to see below the sloshing water, and his parted lips curl into a sultry smile when Jeonghan looks at him.
One of Seungcheol’s hands slips into the back of Jeonghan’s swim shorts, a thick finger rubbing circles over his entrance, still loose from earlier that morning. It slips inside with little resistance and Jeonghan lurches with a sound that falls somewhere between a sob and a moan. Seungcheol pumps his finger shallowly, Jeonghan rocking his hips to grind back on his finger then forward on his thigh, his eyes locked on Minki’s all the while. His stomach burns with his arousal, coiled tight and ready to snap, cock aching and leaking within the confines of his shorts.
Seungcheol whispers filth into his ear, a dizzying mix of degradation and praise that drives him closer and closer to the edge. His earlier concern of someone walking in – or would it be out? – on them is nowhere to be found, too consumed with overwhelming pleasure to care if they do wind up scarring more of the staff. A second finger pushes into him, and his entire body seizes up with a choked-off gasp as he cums inside his shorts, high-pitched and broken whines the only sound able to leave his gaping mouth, slack-jawed.
Seungcheol fingers him through it, still working his leg against his twitching cock as he presses sweet kisses into his burning, sweat-dampened skin. Minki gasps and Jeonghan watches his face scrunch in pleasure, a desperate sound falling from his lips. The brunet throws his head back on his boyfriend’s shoulder, still maintaining eye contact as he trembles, releasing another pretty cry as he cums. The water calms around both couples and time stills for a moment as Jeonghan and Minki come down from their highs, their ragged breaths filling the near silence.
“So,” Minki says once he’s mostly caught his breath. Seungcheol shifts them around so that they’re both facing the other couple, mirroring them with Jeonghan’s back to his chest and his arms around the younger’s slim waist to hold him up. “Does this mean you’ll consider my offer?”
“Your offer to essentially have a foursome?” Jeonghan can hear the raised brow in Seungcheol’s voice. Minki nods, bright smile never faltering as if he already knew what their answer would be before they did. “You’re kidding.”
“You didn’t automatically say no,” the brunet hums observantly. “C’mon, Cheollie, you can’t honestly tell me that it wouldn’t turn you on seeing us together. Besides, it’s not like Jonghyun is gonna fuck Jeonghan. He’s all yours in that regard, just like Hyunnie is all mine. Just think about it, ok?”
Seungcheol looks between the two, his hands gently caressing over Jeonghan’s sensitive belly, the muscles jumping beneath his touch. Jeonghan squirms, ass rubbing against his bulge. Seungcheol grabs his hip to still him, hears Jeonghan’s quiet giggles. After a long minute, he nods, one of his hands trailing upward to tweak Jeonghan’s nipple in revenge, the raven head squeaking in response and swatting his hand away. “I’ll think about it.”
Minki claps his hands excitedly. “Good! Now let’s go shower, I feel gross.”
Jonghyun snorts, shaking his head. “As if you aren’t the reason behind this.”
“Shush,” Minki waves his boyfriend off, swimming over to a ladder to climb out of the water, Jonghyun following right behind.
Seungcheol lets go of Jeonghan’s waist to grab the edge of the pool, lifting himself up out of the water until he’s sitting on the edge. Jeonghan practically salivates at the show of strength, not subtle in the slightest as he drools over his boyfriend. He reaches his arms up with an expectant quirk of his brow, and Seungcheol smirks, leaning down to cup his hands under Jeonghan’s armpits and lift him up out of the water with a grunt.
Jeonghan puts his knees on either side of Seungcheol once he’s out of the water, straddling the older for a moment to kiss him. “Thanks,” he mumbles against his lips before standing and walking over to grab their towels. He spots the obvious tent in Seungcheol’s trunks as he hands him his towel, purposely brushing his hand over it as he draws away, smiling when his lover’s eyes darken. “I’ll take care of that when we get inside.”
Monday, June 1 – 8:45am
“Hyung! I’m surprised you’re down getting breakfast and not ordering room service.”
Jeonghan looks over his shoulder at the cheeky voice, eyes landing on a goofily smiling Soonyoung. He narrows his eyes in warning and the younger man laughs, clapping him on the shoulder and almost making him drop his plate. “Very funny. As if you haven’t been holed up in your room for the last week. It’s a miracle you two showed up for the engagement dinner.”
“I have a reason though,” Soonyoung counters. “This-“
“Is the closest you’ll get to a honeymoon experience,” Jeonghan cuts him off with a fondly exasperated sigh, rolling his eyes but unable to keep from smiling. A man clears his throat impatiently, eyes shifting between the array of bagels, croissants, and other breads that the two are standing in front of. Jeonghan grabs a croissant with the serving tongs, adding it to his plate before moving down to the fruits. “Yes, I know.” He drops the teasing voice to spare a glance at the other. “How is it? Married life.”
“It’s perfect,” the same lovestruck smile has been glued to Soonyoung’s face since the planning of his and Jihoon’s wedding five months ago. The couple had been the second to get married, Junhui and Minghao’s wedding taking place only a month after the group had settled here in Taiwan. Both ceremonies had been paid for by Jonghyun’s family, his mother and aunt more than happy to make arrangements and cover any and all costs to allow the couples their dream weddings. Minghao and Junhui were more laid back in their planning, wanting a simple and comfortable venue.
Their chosen location in Kenting, Taiwan was an intimate, outdoor venue with a picturesque mountain range and a beautiful beach in the background. Decorations were minimal and, along with the classic white, reds and golds accented the décor and their outfits; Minghao dressed in a white suit with a deep red tie and Junhui in a black suit with a gold tie. Minghao wore a flower crown weaved of the most carefully picked and delicate red roses and Junhui also wore a flower crown, his less extravagant but still carefully crafted with smaller white flowers and gold accents weaved throughout. A small, classical band had been hired to play traditional Chinese wedding music and Jonghyun’s parents flew out to attend, his mother fretting over every small detail to make sure everything ran smoothly and his father walking a blushing Minghao down the aisle.
The couple barely made it through their vows without crying, both of them having to pause to clear their throats on several occasions. Even their fellow members were threatening to tear up, entirely too happy and excited to tease and jest as they normally would. When the officiant declared them husbands, a deafening cheer went up from the small gathering, echoing off of the mountains and ringing through the air as Minghao and Junhui shared their first kiss as a married couple. The banquet hall was also simply decorated with different colored infinity signs dispersed through the room, a yin and yang style infinity sign sat delicately atop the rustic style four-tiered cake. Minghao and Junhui didn’t separate once all night, wrapped up in each other throughout all of the festivities.
Soonyoung and Jihoon had gone for a more extravagant event, the former wanting it to be larger than life and the latter indulging in his lover’s wishes. Though he rolled his eyes and called Soonyoung extra, Jihoon was weak to the excitement that overtook Soonyoung every time he so much as thought about their wedding and could rarely bring himself to say no to the things he wanted, his smitten smiles saved for when Soonyoung’s back was turned. Jonghyun’s mother and aunt were also far too fond of the cherubic-cheeked male, promising that they would make sure his and Jihoon’s wedding was as grand as he imagined it to be.
After five months of non-stop planning and negotiations on Jonghyun’s family’s end, the wedding had taken place the prior week. True to their word and Soonyoung’s wishes, the wedding was lavish and grand. The ceremony itself was held at the Chateau Beach Resort on the beautiful white sand beach. Although there were only 20 total attendants, the venue was huge with more than an ample amount of seating. The seats were white cushioned benches, the altar decorated with an ombre of Japanese primrose and flowing white ribbons that swayed beautifully in the ocean breeze.
As a slight nod to the historical traditions of Korean weddings, Soonyoung wore a custom-made red suit with hints of modern hanbok style, a silk jeogori replacing a typical suit jacket. Jihoon wore a similarly styled blue suit. Weaved throughout his silver ash hair were white and purple primrose, Soonyoung wearing a boutonnière of bumblebee primrose, the black-trimmed yellow flowers giving a unique contrast to the rest of his outfit. Soonyoung liked what the flowers represented so they were everywhere, a variety of colors displayed through the venue and banquet hall.
The day was as clear and beautiful as the day Minghao and Junhui got married, the sun out but not too hot, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Just as he had done for Minghao, Jonghyun’s father walked Jihoon down the flower petal-covered aisle to a beaming Soonyoung whose smile outshone the sun. Despite the hassle of preparations and having to hear the latter drone on about wedding-related things until the thought of marriage made them all sick, Seventeen and Nu’est were still as excited and happy for the two as they were for the first couple to get married. The day had been a long time coming and to see it come to life was nothing less than magical.
When it came to the vows, Soonyoung choked up before he even started, Jihoon cooing and wiping his tears as the rest watched on with fond smiles. Jihoon’s immeasurable patience for Soonyoung continued to show itself as the cherubic cheeked man stuttered and stumbled his way through the start of his vows before managing to gather himself and finish more coherently. Jihoon started off fine but the longer he stared into his lover’s eyes and the more it dawned on him that they were getting married when for years it had been no more than an out of reach fantasy that lived in the backs of their minds, the quicker he fell apart, overwhelmed. And, of course, the rest of the group was no better off, quiet sniffles filling in the spaces between the soft music being played by the small group of musicians as the couple was declared married and kissed deeply.
Predictably, Soonyoung and Jihoon were in their own little bubble for the majority of the reception held in the grand banquet hall of the hotel they’re currently staying in. Bathed in reds and golds and rose petals, Soonyoung and Jihoon had changed into matching white suits embroidered with golden accents to match the theme of the banquet hall. The night, full of dancing, expensive foods and wine, and laughter, came to an end with a surprise proposal. Soonyoung and Jihoon had been in on it, the couple inviting Mingyu to go on and do it at the reception when he’d revealed to them that he was planning on proposing to Wonu but needed the right time and place. The cat-eyed man had, obviously, been the most stunned, everyone holding their breaths as they anticipated his answer and another cheer going up when he finally managed to whisper a “yes”.
To complete his vision for the perfect wedding, Soonyoung dreamt of honeymooning in Japan. He wanted to stay in one of those fancy villas that came with a private pool with the beach and ocean not even five steps away, spent countless hours simply clicking through pictures and admiring. When he was even younger, he imagined going to Disneyland with his newlywed spouse but that was long before he became a wanted fugitive. Money wouldn’t be a problem what with Jonghyun’s family’s generosity, but the issue arose in the fact that not only was he (and the rest of Seventeen and Nu’est) a fugitive but as far as anyone knew – they were dead. Unnecessary travel ran too much of a risk of someone potentially being recognized and reported to the Korean government which meant a honeymoon was out of the picture. Not that Soonyoung and Jihoon minded considering they had a giant luxury suite all to themselves.
“I don’t want to sound cheesy, but everything just feels perfect, y’know? I don’t know how to explain it, but it just feels right.” Soonyoung gushes, and Jeonghan nods.
“You two are literally perfect for each other so I get what you mean. You were engaged for how long before this?”
Soonyoung’s face scrunches up in thought as he racks his brain. “Um…I think it’s been four years since we got our couple rings? I dunno, but yeah, it’s been a while.”
The same man from the bread section clears his throat much more impatiently and Soonyoung jumps, quickly piling a small assortment of fruits onto his plate before scooting out of the way. Jeonghan snorts, standing back and waiting for Soonyoung to put more food on his plate before joining him at the juice/coffee station. “What do you think of this place?” he asks as they’re on their way to the elevators, looking around at the few guests roaming the lobby and fancy décor.
Soonyoung looks around for a moment as well, as if taking it in for the first time. He shakes his head. “It’s insane. I’ve never been in such a fancy place. I only ever saw this kinda thing through pictures. Never in a million years did I think we’d be living like we have all the money in the world.”
They stop outside of the elevator doors, their reflections are almost perfectly visible in the squeaky clean stainless steel. The digital numbers above the doors are counting down, ten floors from reaching them. “Neither did I,” Jeonghan admits with a slight laugh. “Hell, even with my ex I wasn’t used to it and that prick was rich. I just don’t get how even after paying for two weddings, Jonghyun’s family can afford to let us stay in places like this.”
There’s a light ding before the elevator doors slide open, a fuming woman in a dress much too elegant for nine in the morning storming off, followed by a sheepish man in a disheveled suit. Soonyoung and Jeonghan exchange a glance, shrug, and step into the elevator, hitting the buttons for the 22nd and 23rd floors. Soonyoung turns to Jeonghan as the doors glide shut. “There’s still a lot you don’t know about Jonghyun hyung’s family. There’s still a lot I don’t know about them.”
“Why? Have you never asked?”
“I…” he shrugs again, grabbing a pastry off of his plate and taking a bite. Icing smears across his lips and cheek, his messiness reminding Jeonghan of a child. “I guess you could ask. I just follow the orders I’m given. As you know, we get very detailed yet simple orders from them and it’s our job to carry them out, not ask questions. I guess I’ve always just figured that if they wanted us to know something, they’d tell us.”
The elevator stops on floor 15 to let someone in and their conversation ends there, Jeonghan mulling over Soonyoung’s words as they continue their ascent.
Sunday, June 7 – 11:30pm
Jeonghan pauses in his writing when he feels hands on his waist, Seungcheol’s face nuzzling his neck as he hooks his chin over Jeonghan’s shoulder. The only light in the room comes from the small desk lamp. It’s a starless night, the air quality index a deep orange that bordered on red the entire day. A light cloud of pollution hung in the air, everyone who didn’t have to be outside staying indoors and those who had to be out and about for work and such all wore the same blue disposable face masks. The day had been a lazy one, the lack of sun resulting in Jeonghan feeling sluggish, spending half the day in bed before his and Seungcheol’s suite was flooded with the members of Seventeen and Nu’est, the apparent unanimous decision to hang out in their room excluding the vote of the targeted couple.
It’s late and his body is urging him to climb into bed but as he was brushing his teeth, he realized he hadn’t written a letter all week. That’s what he attempts to do now, trying to recall the events of the last week to his tired brain to see if there’s anything interesting worth sharing.
“Come to bed, baby,” Seungcheol murmurs into his neck, his voice laced with exhaustion. Jeonghan turns to press a kiss into his temple.
“In a minute, babe, I just need to finish writing this letter. I forgot about it all day.”
Seungcheol exhales noisily but doesn’t say anything, his hands leaving Jeonghan’s body and the weight of his head disappearing from the raven head’s shoulder. He doesn’t get into bed; Jeonghan doesn’t hear the soft pad of his footsteps or the shuffle of blankets. He knows that Seungcheol is standing behind him, watching him. He can almost feel the displeasure in his stare but ignores it, tapping the butt of his pen on the desk a few times before continuing.
For a minute, there’s no sound aside from the scratch of his pen on the paper. There’s no rhythm to it, some pauses longer than others as he thinks of what to write, stretches of silence followed by quick scratches then another silence. Jeonghan refuses to acknowledge Seungcheol’s stare, knows that the man will speak up on his own when he’s ready. Sure enough, following another pause where Jeonghan starts tapping his pen on the desk, Seungcheol sighs.
“It’s not safe.”
He hums in question, eyes scanning over what he’s written so far. Seungcheol doesn’t immediately repeat himself, so Jeonghan lets the statement hang in the air. He rubs at his eye with the heel of his hand, stifling a yawn. He only needs a couple more lines before he’ll call it a night and fold the paper to leave on the desk until he can give it to Jonghyun in the morning.
“This isn’t safe, Jeonghan.”
“And what about it isn’t?” he loses his train of thought mid-sentence and huffs, closing his eyes as he tries to regain it.
“I know you don’t want to lose complete contact with your parents, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to send them letters.”
“What’s a better idea? Walking into a warehouse and blowing it up right in front of them and letting them think I died?”
“Jeonghan.“
There’s a warning in Seungcheol’s voice and the raven head sets down his pencil, turning. “I’m just saying since we’re talking about safety.”
“Jeonghan, that’s not-“ he lets out a frustrated sigh, running a hand over his face. “You know that’s not what I meant.”
“Then what do you mean, Seungcheol?” sarcasm drips heavily in Jeonghan’s voice, and in the back of his mind, he knows he’s being a little unfair and hostile. But in his current state of tiredness, his patience is paper-thin, and his irritation gets the best of him because this isn’t the first time Seungcheol has shared his dislike of Jeonghan sending letters to his parents.
“You shouldn’t-“
“I’m a grown-ass man, I don’t care what you think I “shouldn’t” do.”
Seungcheol clenches his jaw. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what do you mean? Cause it sure as hell doesn’t sound like you even know what you mean.”
They watch each other in the dim light, Jeonghan with narrowed eyes and Seungcheol with an expression that gradually becomes more defeated. He shakes his head. “You’re right, I don’t know what I mean. I just don’t have a good feeling about it, and I can’t explain it without coming across like a controlling jackass.”
Jeonghan’s features soften as he sighs, standing from the desk chair and stepping around it to reach Seungcheol. “I don’t put important details in these letters, Seungcheol. There are no city or hotel names, I don’t even timestamp the day I write them. I don’t use names either. Once I give it to Jonghyun, it’s in his family’s hands all the way to my parent's door so the locations can’t be tracked. Don’t you trust me? Them? We’re being careful about it.”
Seungcheol looks him in the eye. Nods shallowly. “Yeah. I trust you.”
Jeonghan offers him a smile then, reaches to take Seungcheol’s hands and intertwines their fingers. “Then stop worrying, babe. I write to them because it gives me peace of mind knowing that they know I’m ok.” He leans in to bump their noses and Seungcheol’s lips quirk up at the corners in a tiny smile. He purses them for a kiss and Jeonghan happily grants it, rubbing the tips of their noses together once more before pulling away. “I’ll join you in a minute, ok?”
“Ok.”
Jeonghan returns to the desk as Seungcheol climbs into bed, picking his pen back up as his eyes skim the page.
It’s really late when I’m writing this letter, so I apologize in advance for any half-delirious spelling mistakes I end up making. I almost forgot to write this week so I’m doing this before bed. For starters, Happy birthday Dad! It’s odd not being home for your birthday and I’m sorry I’m not there to sing to you or give you hugs. I hope you had a good birthday and received many happy birthday wishes. I hope mom stepped in and danced with you while preparing dinner since I’m not there this year. I would want to visit but thre there is too much risk that I am not willing to take. As I have shared in easrlie earlier letters, I’m happy and I don’t want to lose my happiness again. I
“-hope it doesn’t hurt you for me to say this, but I was not happy living in your home. I am not quite used to this new life but I’m not alone in adjusting to it because I have my love by my side. I hope you are sleeping well, mom and dad. I love you guys. Jeonghan.”
She folds the paper back up and sets it on the table, forcefully pushing it toward the officer who eyes it but makes no move to pick the letter up. He looks back up at the two sat across from him, the old man who looks like hasn’t been getting the rest the letter hopes he does and his wife whose stare alone quite frankly intimidates him. The officer clears his throat, shifting in the dining room chair.
“When did you start receiving these letters? Can you remember?”
“Three months ago,” Mrs. Yoon explains, a bite in her voice. Her hand that sits atop the table curls into a fist, her knuckles bony and trembling from how hard she clenches it. “It’s those criminals, I just know it! They took my son!”
Mr. Yoon sighs quietly, his dim eyes not quite focused where they’re trained on the table. His shoulders are slouched, tired, the polar opposite to his wife’s rigid posture and fiery eyes. The hatred within her dark pupils is nearly tangible and the officer feels as if he’s somehow responsible for their son's disappearance. If she has anything to say about it, he is.
The officer lifts his hand to calm her. “Ma’am, that’s impossible. Every member of both Seventeen and Nu’est were in that warehouse when it exploded. They died alongside the officers that went in after them.”
“Then how do you explain this?! The one day he’s left home by himself, he just vanishes into thin air?”
“Ma’am, I un-“
“You cannot tell me that it’s impossible because who else would he be with??”
“Honey, please let the officer talk,” Mr. Yoon murmurs, placing a wrinkled hand over her still clenched fist. She snatches her hand out of his touch and Mr. Yoon instead places his hand over his mouth, propping his elbow on the table. His eyes fix on some random point on the ceiling, and the officer clears his throat awkwardly.
“Was Jeonghan in contact with anyone while he was living with you? Any new friend or love interest?”
“He spent most of his days in his bed crying over those fugitives. Did that court-mandated therapy even work? I will not pay for failed services-“
“Are you sure he didn’t make any new friends?” the officer raises his voice to cut off her rant before she can start. “He was here for six months, after all. Surely, he didn’t spend every single day for six months crying in his bed.”
“Just about,” Mrs. Yoon grumbles, shaking her head. She sounds angrier than she does sorrowful for her son’s grieving.
“He didn’t tell us about anyone new,” Mr. Yoon finally answers the question, and his wife scoffs incredulously.
“He didn’t tell us about anything. We had to pry conversation out of him, it was exhausting.”
“He was mourning.”
“Over men who kidnapped him!”
Mr. Yoon rubs his eyes with both hands, going silent once more.
The officer looks between them, contemplating. “Did you ever check his phone?”
“He’s an adult, of course we didn’t.” Mrs. Yoon says as if that’s the dumbest question she’d heard in her life.
“Did he take it with him when he left?” The officer continues, gritting his teeth slightly as he feels the beginnings of a headache at his temples. He resists massaging them in favor of not further upsetting the woman.
Mr. Yoon stands with a heavy groan, using the table and back of the chair as support. “No,” he says. “He didn’t take anything with him. Not his phone or a suitcase. Nothing outside of the clothes on his back and a single pair of shoes.” He clears his throat, eyes damp in the shine of the white overhead light. “I’ll go get the phone.”
He makes his slow departure from the kitchen, grabbing the counters and walls every few steps for support as he goes along. Mrs. Yoon is still fuming, her arms now crossed tightly over her chest and lips tightly pursed. The officer drums his fingers on his thigh, glancing around.
“You have a lovely home,” the comment has the opposite intended effect, Mrs. Yoon’s eyes hardening as she regards the officer with an expression that can only be described as enraged disgust.
“My son was stolen from this “lovely home”,” she hisses, and it takes everything within him to keep from getting up and walking out. “You need to do your job.”
Biting his tongue, the officer nods. “Yes ma’am, I apologize. I will do everything in my power to help you find your son, but I can only do so much without a lead.”
“Well, find one.”
He blinks at the woman, barely managing to school his face in time to avoid coming across as disrespectful. Mercifully, Mr. Yoon returns, his slow, heavy footsteps growing louder as they transfer from rug to linoleum. He hands the officer the device, taking his previous seat.
“He never bothered to put a passcode on it. I’m not entirely sure he used it at all, but if he was talking to someone then you shouldn’t have trouble finding it.”
The officer nods his head in thanks, sliding the phone into his uniform jacket pocket. “I’ll take this with me to the station, see what they can find. Before I go, I do have a couple more questions, if that’s alright.”
Mr. Yoon gestures tiredly for him to go on.
“Where are the envelopes you receive the letters in?”
“There are none.” Mrs. Yoon answers impatiently. “They arrive folded just like this.”
“And there are no locations mentioned in any of these letters?”
“No location, no time, no date, nothing.” She huffs, the sound more sad than angry this time around as her face crumbles a bit. “He’s telling us absolutely nothing about where he is. He’s so…stubborn!” she cries, throwing her hands up. “He never listens to me! First with that good for nothing Jin Myungsook who got us into this mess in the first place and then those criminals! He thinks he’s in love with a gangster! A gangster! A murderer who probably does drugs as well!”
The officer looks at Mr. Yoon as his wife drops her face into her hands. “U-um,”
“You don’t understand,” Mrs. Yoon looks up, tears streaking down her face. “For months, months, he barely went a day without crying. Do you know how hard it is to hear your firstborn and only son, sobbing like a heartbroken widow? There were times when he would be smiling one second and screaming the next, do you know how difficult it is having to go through that for months? Walking on eggshells because you don’t know what words might accidentally set him off that day?”
The officer stares, dumbfounded. “I, uh. That sounds terrible, I’m sorry. But, and I apologize if I’m overstepping here, but if it was so hard to go through, why would you want that back? And again, I don’t mean to overstep, but from the letter that you showed me, it sounds like he’s happy wherever he is.”
“Then why won’t he say where he is?”
“Maybe,” the officer winces, unsure of how to word the rest of his statement in a way that won’t be upsetting. “he doesn’t want to be found?”
Mrs. Yoon’s expression turns steely cold, and he wishes he could backtrack. “Get out of my house. Get out of my house and find my son!”