The neon lights flickered above, casting wild hues across the graffiti-splashed wall behind them. The air was thick with leftover laughter, half-empty bottles of soju, and the warm hum of music vibrating through the floor. Most of the team had already gone home. Only a few lingered — and among them, Hongjoong and Seonghwa.
Hongjoong’s cheeks were flushed, whether from the drinks or the fact that he’d been sitting next to Seonghwa all night, he wasn’t sure. His hoodie slipped slightly off his shoulder, revealing the collar of his printed tee. His glasses kept sliding down his nose, and he’d long since stopped trying to push them back up.
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“I told you I don’t really drink,” he mumbled, giggling to himself as he leaned against the back of the couch, swaying slightly.
Seonghwa chuckled, rolling his sleeves up casually, the soft clink of his watch catching Hongjoong’s attention. He looked so effortless in his striped shirt and perfectly tousled hair, like the kind of guy who knew exactly how to light up a room just by smiling.
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“You said that after your third shot,” Seonghwa teased, holding out his hand to steady Hongjoong as he wobbled while standing.
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Hongjoong blinked up at him, his wide, slightly glazed eyes full of surprise and awe. “You're really pretty.”
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Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, but smiled. “You’re really drunk.”
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“Maybe.” Hongjoong paused. “But you’re still pretty.”
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The older boy laughed, a soft sound that sent a new wave of warmth rushing through Hongjoong’s already spinning head.
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“Come on, genius,” Seonghwa said gently, draping his arm over Hongjoong’s shoulders, guiding him toward the door. “Let’s get you some water before you start reciting Einstein’s theories or trying to analyze my star chart again.”
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“But I almost had your moon sign figured out,” Hongjoong protested, head leaning on Seonghwa’s shoulder like it was the most natural place in the world.
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“Tomorrow,” Seonghwa promised, smile lingering. “When you remember this.”
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Hongjoong, half-asleep, murmured, “You better mean that.”
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“I do.”
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Hongjoong stumbled slightly as they made it out the door, the cool night air brushing against his flushed skin. He blinked up at Seonghwa, who hadn't moved his arm from around his shoulders — in fact, it had tightened just slightly, protective, warm.
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“You smell really nice,” Hongjoong blurted out, voice quieter now. “Like... expensive laundry soap and... something else.”
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Seonghwa tilted his head down, eyes catching the glint in Hongjoong’s glassy gaze. “Something else?”
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Hongjoong nodded, stepping a little closer. “Like... you.”
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There was a pause — the kind of pause that felt like the world was holding its breath. Even the street behind them seemed to fade.
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Seonghwa’s gaze flicked from Hongjoong’s eyes down to his lips. Just a split second — but Hongjoong saw it. Felt it.
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“You sure you’re drunk?” Seonghwa asked, voice suddenly lower, thicker.
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Hongjoong leaned up, almost chest to chest now. “Tipsy, not dead.”
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That made Seonghwa laugh — sharp and quiet — and then, with a hand at Hongjoong’s waist, he gently pushed the younger boy back against the alley wall beside them. It wasn’t forceful, just... close. Deliciously close.
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“You’ve been staring at me all night,” Seonghwa murmured, his face just inches away. “Even before you started drinking.”
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Hongjoong swallowed. “You noticed?”
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“I always notice you.”
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The space between them disappeared in a blur. Seonghwa’s lips brushed against the corner of Hongjoong’s mouth — not quite a kiss, but enough to make the younger boy gasp softly.
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“I’m not gonna kiss you when you’re this drunk,” Seonghwa said against his skin, breath hot and teasing.
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Hongjoong pouted, gripping the front of Seonghwa’s shirt. “Not even just a little one?”
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Seonghwa smirked. “You’ll remember this, but I want the first kiss to be something you really remember.”
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Then, still way too close, he added in a whisper, “But you are dangerously cute when you're bold like this.”
***
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