Chapter Text
🐅🦌🐅🦌🐅🦌While I Still Have You🐅🦌🐅🦌🐅🦌
“So, with that in mind, your mother and I have been talking-.”
Talking? About what? Is this something else they want me to do?
“It’ll be a fantastic opportunity for...”
Opportunity? Now? Oh, God, I’m nowhere near ready...
Like they’d even listen to me anyway…
“Soonyoung are you listening?”
Psh, of course! I always listen to them…I… sometimes….I listen to them! I broke up with that DJ, didn’t I? I listen to them…
“He’s probably thinking about tigers or something.”
“Let’s go see the tigers at the Los Angeles Zoo, when you come. Okay?”
….what?
“Kwon Soonyoung!”
“Huh?” The firm, borderline tense tone of voice that cut through his thoughts made Soonyoung’s eyes snap forward. He could smell a thick, almost tangy, vinegar scent hitting his nose. To his left, a soft sigh was heard. When he looked down, he saw a half-eaten meal getting cold in front of him. When he scanned the room again, three sets of eyes were looking at him, ranging from annoyance to confusion. But none of them looked the least bit surprised. “I’m sorry, what?”
His father sighed, shaking his head. His fingers curled around his whiskey glass. “Are you still with us?”
“Wha- oh yeah.” He nodded. “I’m sorry. I totally agree.”
His father smirked a bit, almost feigning amusement in his son’s panicked attempt to regain his focus. “Oh? What did I just say?”
“You….said-.” his eyes darted across the table to his sister, who stuck an entire bite of rice in her mouth just in time. He didn’t want to think it was intentional, but her lip quirked up in a smirk. If it wasn’t intentional, she enjoyed the coincidence. “You said that profits are up.” He nodded. “And that everyone is doing a great job. You’re just so proud of every-.” His eyes shot to his mother, but she simply sipped her wine and watched him with the same expression of ‘really?’ that his father did. “Of everyone.” He repeated.
His eyes shot to his servers who were bringing drink refills and second portions, but they didn’t even look him in the eye. Hesitant eyes looked to his father, who set his empty glass down and sighed. “How was that?”
“That’s not what I said.” Soonyoung exhaled in disappointment.
“Aaah, that’s what you always say.” He mumbled with a pout. His sister chuckled from across the table, and he snuck her a smile.
“I was talking about the outcome of the business trip. In Los Angeles?”
“Los Angeles, hm?” Soonyoung nodded his head. The thoughts that were just plaguing his mind suddenly began to make some sense. They filled him with as much dread, guilt and nausea as any other conversation at the Kwon dinner table. Awesome. “And how was that?”
Another hum from his sister, and his father sighed behind his glass. “It was fine.” He said simply, the dryness in his voice making Soonyoung’s shoulders slump. He stuck a bite of rice in his mouth, his signal that his father finally had his undivided attention. “Now, I was saying, Gong Wonsik was sharing pictures of his daughter’s wedding.”
“Gong Hwayoung, right?” Soyeon asked. “Didn’t her new husband’s family recently merge with the Infinity Hotel line?” Mr. Kwon nodded, and Soonyoung saw a glimmer in his sister's eyes. “I heard that the wedding was enormous.”
“It got me thinking.” Mr. Kwon said. Soonyoung’s chopsticks lowered when he saw his father’s eyes on him again. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle, daggers ready to pierce his skin at any moment. “Your mother and I have decided it’s time you finally start finding someone to settle down with.”
Soonyoung blinked. “W-what?! Father, not this again.”
“You’re almost 24, Soonyoung. You and I both aren’t getting any younger.” he sipped his drink. “You’re not a reckless teenager anymore, you’re an adult.”
“I-I understand that. But Father, I’m not looking to settle down right now. I don’t have to.” His father’s eyebrows furrowed, and Soonyoung mirrored him quickly. “Mother-.” His eyes shot to the woman beside her husband, who lifted her eyes to look at him. “You can’t be serious.”
“Honey, you know it’s only because we want what’s best for you. We can’t have you galavanting around town with characters like your last… partner. You need someone to help you buckle down; start taking your responsibilities seriously.”
Those words felt like they were meant to sting no matter how gently his mother tried to lay them on the table. “I do take them seriously…” Soonyoung said softly, shoulders dropping just a bit. The table fell so quietly at that moment that Soonyoung could feel the stares from everyone. So, being the youngest at the table, he resorted to his usual tactics. Directing attention. “S-soyeon didn’t get married until she was 26!”
“But I got engaged to Minjun at 21.” She said quickly. Soonyoung’s lips curled into a frown, watching as his sister smiled from her seat. Oh yeah. He might be the youngest, but that tactic stopped working when he was 10, if it ever worked at all.
There was a long silence, as if his parents were letting the statement settle into his bones. As if he’d be able to really refuse anyway. This conversation has been thrown around a few times in the past, since he was 20, but Soonyoung had noticed his parents pushing the idea more often ever since rumors tore through the Kwon home of Soonyoung traipsing around Asia with a DJ he met at an underground club with friends a few months prior. Xu Minghao, someone who didn’t plan for anything, who let things come and go as naturally as the changing seasons and the wind that blows through them. Soonyoung was drawn to that, but it was that lack of responsibility that his parents despised. Soonyoung had to resort to sneaking around to see him, something he hasn’t done in years. Something he never thought he’d do again, but here he was.
Mr. Kwon coughed, redirecting the family back to him once again. “Soonyoung, this isn’t up for debate.” He said simply. “We’ve mentioned this time and time again. We should’ve been firmer with having you settle down sooner.”
“Father, I’m not doing it.” He puffed his chest out a bit, hoping to look a bit more intimidating to match the firmness in his voice. “I refuse. And it won’t be fair to the people you set me up with.”
For a second, it looked like Mr. Kwon was considering his offer, and Soonyoung allowed himself to relax. A foolish mistake, really. Mr. Kwon leaned back in his chair, letting out a breath that made Soonyoung’s bones vibrate.
“Fine,” He said, “Then we’ll send you to Japan.”
“Japan?” Soonyoung whined. He immediately pictured another weekend of stuffy meetings and boring number charts, playing nice with the older men who would comment how much like his father he was becoming. A statement that proved they either had no idea who they were talking to, or didn’t care.
“It’s time you finally anchor yourself down somehow. If you won’t do it in marriage, then I think it’s officially time to instate you as Chief Operating Officer of the company at the fourth-quarter kick off in September.”
“What?!”
Soonyoung’s wide eyes shot across the table, seeing his sister cover her mouth in embarrassment, seemingly unaware she had echoed his shocked cry. Mr. Kwon seemed unphased, eyes firmly on Soonyoung. “I made myself clear. Since Japan’s our overseas branch, you can work directly with their COO. And Mr. Park as well.” The current COO flashed in Soonyoung’s mind, a middle-aged man with barely enough grey hair on either side of his head to cover a small dog. Soonyoung’s known him since he was old enough to recognize faces as his father’s COO. His right hand man. The temporary, until Soonyoung was old enough - and ready enough - to take his place.
Soonyoung wasn’t sure if he should be happy or sad. He’s been raised since birth knowing that the title of Chief Operating Officer was his as soon as his parents deemed him fit. But he didn’t expect that to be now . And from the shocked look on his sister's face, neither did anyone else.
Mr. Kwon shrugged. “I took the role over myself when I was about 25, not much older than you.” He said simply. “If you don’t want to settle down right now, then you’ll go to Japan and prepare there. I’m not playing around with you anymore, Soonyoung.”
“Father, there has to be-.”
“You’ve spent the prime of your life running around Korea and not once showing us that you have anything to contribute to this company. And maybe that’s because you need more of a direct line of action inside of it.” He tugged at his tie. “I thought you would have been happier about having the option.”
“Father, I do everything you ask of me!” He said. “And I try to contribute, but you never listen to me when I try!”
Mr. Kwon leaned forward “Okay, then. Let’s talk business, Son.”
Soonyoung blinked. His mouth opened and closed several times yet nothing resembling sound, much less coherent words, would escape. “I…uh…” he managed to stammer out. He had plenty of ideas, some he’s been thinking about since he was a teenager. The only problem; those thoughts had yet to materialize beyond anything other than… thoughts. And the ones that did?
That doesn’t fit with the direction our company is taking right now, Soonyoung. It wouldn’t work and be a waste of assets.
Soonyoung’s prolonged silence seemed to end the conversation there. “You should be ready to sell your pitch at any moment.” He said immediately. “These are things that will come to you when you finally start acting your age.” Soonyoung inhaled a deep breath. “Either agree to start finding a partner, or we’ll announce your role as COO for the upcoming quarter.” He repeated. “I need to know within a few days to make any necessary preparations.”
Soonyoung stood up, setting his utensils down. “Excuse me, then.” He said, turning and exiting the room before anyone could stop him. He turned right down the hall, passed any workers who stopped to ask if he was alright or needed anything. The hallway felt significantly longer than it usually did, but that was always the case when Soonyoung was trying to get to the front door.
Once he managed to get outside, he grabbed his phone from his back pocket, immediately pulling up his contacts and pressing the phone as it rang. “Come on…please don’t be doing something gross or out somewhere fun….” he mumbled to himself. A few more rings vibrated against his ear until he heard:
“Soonyoung?”
“Seokmin, are you busy?” he asked. “No? Perfect. I apparently need to make a decision that should only be made when shit-face drunk.”
—-------------------------------
The bar Seokmin and Mingyu had asked to meet at was packed, and Soonyoung had barely found a table for them. He was in a bad mood and when he knocked his drink onto his shirt due to some idiot jostling his buddy around, he almost fully snapped.
When Seokmin and Mingyu found him, twenty minutes past when they said they were ten minutes away, he was tucked into the booth, arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
“Whoa, who pissed in your cereal, hyung?” Mingyu joked, grinning easily.
Soonyoung hissed, sitting forward and slamming back the rest of his drink.
Seokmin frowned then, taking a seat beside him and placing a hand on his knee. “Soonie-hyung, what’s wrong? Your parents did something?”
Tucking his head into Seokmin’s shoulder, he let himself curl up there, taking comfort in his familiar scent. He glared at Mingyu who scooted into the other side of the booth. “You can do better than Mingyu, Seokie.” He pouted.
“Mm, no way,” Seokmin replied dreamily, “I swear to god someone literally put this man together in a factory just for me. He’s perfect.”
Mingyu smiled, matching Seokmin’s grin, his canine teeth biting into his bottom lip. “Ew, okay, whatever. You’re here to make me feel better, not eye fuck each other across the booth.” Soonyoung whined. He normally allowed for a lot more grossness between the two, but tonight he wanted no couple talk, his best friends undivided attention, and copious shots.
“I, we, that wasn’t,” Seokmin stuttered, “We weren’t.” He blushed, looking a mix of flustered and guilty. “Jaigya, can you get us shots?”
Mingyu’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re drinking with him?”
“Of course, I can’t let him drink alone.” Seokmin scoffed.
“Well, then we’ll all drink.” Mingyu nodded.
“That’s a bad idea.” Soonyoung blurted over Seokmin’s, “Someone needs to take care of us, though!”
“Oh great, babysitter duty.” Mingyu grumbled, before promptly sliding out of the booth and making his way through the crowded bar. While Mingyu was gone, Soonyoung sat with his forehead resting on his folded arms. Seokmin rubbed his back, quietly singing along to the pop song playing over the speakers. They didn’t speak because Soonyoung knew if he explained everything, he’d just have to do it again when Mingyu returned.
Soonyoung felt Mingyu return, more than heard him. The man was tall and beautiful, but extremely clumsy. As he slid the tray of shots onto the table, one was knocked over and spilled, reaching Soonyoung’s hands before Seokmin could drop a pile of napkins on the table.
Mingyu met Soonyoung’s narrowed eyes, a grimace plastered on his face. “Sorry hyung.”
Soonyoung let out a deep sigh, but he couldn’t be bothered to fight with the pretty giant tonight. “It’s fine.” Sooyoung said, waving his hand.
Two shots were consumed in quick succession, Seokmin struggling to keep up from the start. He was never a tequila man. “So?” Mingyu asked.
“I have two choices, find someone to marry or go to Japan and train to become the new COO of the company.” Recounting it outloud reminded Soonyoung just how much he hated both options. It felt incredibly old school and forced. People don’t find the love of their lives just because they need to and Soonyoung did not want to be the COO of the company. He had lived his whole life in his father’s shadow. He didn’t want to leave the company entirely, but he did want to create his own space.
The silence was loud, neither Seokmin or Mingyu saying anything, so Soonyoung whipped his head back and forth. Seokmin looked like he was in pain and Mingyu looked resigned. “What?” Soonyoung asked.
“It’s just…hasn’t that always been your fate? Isn’t that why you didn’t try…”
“Ah, ah, shh, no.” Seokmin cut in, reaching across the table and putting a hand on his boyfriend’s mouth, knocking over another shot in the process.
“You’re both wasting alcohol!” Soonyoung complained. He knew what, or better yet who, Mingyu was alluding to. Someone he tried, and very often failed, to not think about. So, he’d rather his friends just not mention him at all.
Seokmin pulled his hand back and gave Soonyoung another shot, taking one along with him. Mingyu eyed them both momentarily, “I mean what did you expect after that story with Minghao went public?”
“Jaigya!” Seokmin whined.
Storm clouds formed over Soonyoung’s head as he remembered the incredibly awkward conversation with his parents, then subsequently awkward breakup with a sweet but entirely care-free man. “I broke up with him.” Soonyoung growled, sending a warning look the youngers way.
Mingyu never backed down from a fight, though. “Yeah, but it kicked up a whole media storm.”
“God, yes, I know. ‘It was overshadowing the brand’…whatever that means.” Soonyoung grumbled, crossing his arms.
Mingyu sighed. “Listen, Minghao was awesome, I liked him, but he was never going to be approved by your parents.”
Soonyoung picked up two shot glasses, taking one for himself and passing another to Seokmin, who followed along with a panicked look in his eye. “But he donates so much money to charity. He’s incredibly smart…”
“He did a body shot off a fan during his set at Tomorrowland while you were backstage. And I’m assuming you didn’t actually have a threesome with them…” Mingyu interrupted, one perfect eyebrow arched. Soonyoung felt his face turn bright red as he stuttered. “It wouldn’t matter either way though. Gossip like that spreads like wildfire in our world, you know this.”
Soonyoung narrowed his eyes and bit the inside of his cheek. “My sister and her husband would go to parties and stuff when they first got married.”
“They did it the way we’re supposed to. Lowkey. Under the radar. Using connections that we know will keep us sheltered.” Mingyu replied. “Don’t pretend that you dating guys like Minghao isn’t just a way to piss your parents off or get their attention.”
“Mingyu, enough.” Seokmin cut in. His jaw was clenched and his eyes hard. He was the only person Mingyu ever listened to without arguing first.
Mingyu pouted, but nodded his head, sitting back more in the booth. “Sorry Soonie-hyung.” He muttered.
Seokmin cleared his throat, tearing his gaze away from his boyfriend. “What are you gonna do?”
“I have no idea.” Soonyoung murmured, his head beginning to feel cloudy.
“You could pull a Lara-Jean Covey and pretend to date someone to fool them.” Seokmin snickered. He was incredibly silly when he was drunk, and it seemed he wanted to lift the mood now.
“Who?” Soonyoung pouted.
“Me!” Seokmin replied, hands shooting up and head tilting to the ceiling.
“Jaigya!” Mingyu whined, “You have a boyfriend, remember?”
“It would only be for a little while, unless he and I fell in love. That would be awkward.” Seokmin slurred.
Another deep sigh left Soonyoung’s lips as he plunked his head down on the table. “I don’t wanna date you!”
------------------------------
Soonyoung tapped the keycode into the door and heard it unlock with a whirr. “Stupid Seungkwan,” he slurred, “How is he still using his and Jeonghan’s anniversary date? It’s like he wants me to come over uninvited.” He peeked his head into their apartment. Almost all the lights were off except for one over the stove in the kitchen, and a lamp in the living room.
Soonyoung assumed the couple was still out, but he wasn’t certain. All he was sure of was Seokmin had mentioned, several times, that Seungkwan and Jeonghan were out with some friends from their early college days, which Soonyoung had huffed about equally as many times. He knew almost all their friends, why couldn’t they all meet up?
“Hello?” Soonyoung called out cautiously, closing the door behind him and toeing off his shoes. “Kwannie? Hannie-hyung?” He pursed out his lips and figured the coast was clear. If Seungkwan had been home and asleep, Soonyoung would already be dead.
“Good.” He said out loud to himself, nodding his head once, sluggishly. It was fun to mess with Seungkwan, but he was pretty drunk. He figured it would be best to get some ramen in him, then pass out in their spare bedroom before they came home and he said anything he regretted the next morning.
After a couple attempts, banging the kitchen cupboards around, Soonyoung found their electric kettle and filled it up with water. He moved next to Seungkwan and Jeonghan’s ramen selection. He held them up comically close to his face, eyes unfocused, as he compared the salt content of the two brands.
“I probably shouldn’t… I might get puffy.” He muttered to himself. He was going to be puffy no matter what, due to the half a bottle of tequila, but this wasn’t rational, sober Soonyoung at the helm. “What if I…”
“Soonyoung?” Someone questioned, voice small and laced with sleep.
Soonyoung yelped, both ramen packets dropping gracelessly to the ground and making a satisfying crunch when they hit the floor. He whipped his head around and then halted. His heart dropped in stomach and he felt the air leave his lungs in one swift breath. “Shua?” He whispered.
No, it couldn’t be, he thought. He blinked once, twice, before reaching for his own arm and pinching it hard. He yelped, furrowing his brow.
“What,” Joshua started, “Did you just pinch yourself?” His face was a mixture of confusion and amusement. A look Soonyoung knew well.
“I, you…” He stuttered, “You’re here?”
“I’m here.” Joshua confirmed. He seemed unsure, guarded, like he was scared of Soonyoung’s response. As if he would be anything other than happy to see Joshua. But he never expected Joshua to be happy to see him again.
The electric kettle cut in then, bubbling and whistling. Soonyoung’s stomach twisted, suddenly nauseous. “I think I might be sick.”
And that’s when things went dark.
-----------------------
The first thing Joshua Hong did when he landed in Korea was text his mom that he landed. The second thing he did was rub the kink out of his shoulder. The third? Find the picture that he was sent of the Choi family. The family he’d be spending his 19th summer with.
He saw them waiting by baggage claim, the father holding up a sign with Joshua’s name on it and their son, Seungcheol, covering his face in embarrassment. Joshua smiled as the mother immediately embraced him.
“Joshua!” She squealed. “How was your flight? Oh, have you eaten? They fed you right? Does your neck hurt?” Joshua laughed as Mrs. Choi doted on him, nodding and offering polite answers that ‘yes I ate’, ‘the flight was fine’.
“Mom.” Seungcheol begged. “Can we go?” Finally, more for Seungcheol’s sake of not dying of embarrassment than Joshua’s exhaustion, they did.
The car ride was filled with Joshua and Seungcheol talking, like really talking. They’d had a few phone conversations and exchanged letters ever since Joshua was placed with his family through the college program. Seungcheol was going over some of the work, having done a similar program in Japan during the winter term, but for music production rather than business. He extended a final promise of friendship by passing the sun-kissed Korean-American a lollipop, popping one into his own lips as well. Joshua smiled, knowing that the next three months would be some of the best for him.
Seungcheol led Joshua towards their corner home, helping carry the others bags inside as they chatted, Seungcheol talking about a few Western movies he’s seen recently, and Joshua mentioning a few Korean musicians his friends back home had introduced him too - which he thought was an interesting irony considered he was Korean and they were not. They were just barely in the door when someone cheered from inside.
“Welcome home!” The family of three and their guest looked up to see a male, no taller than Joshua and Seungcheol, cross legged on the couch, a bag of potato chips in hand. His long hair was tucked up in a ponytail, and he grinned. Joshua immediately clocked him as beautiful. If he didn’t already know he was gay, this guy would have been a big help in figuring that out. “I was waiting.”
Joshua turned to Seungcheol, and saw the other’s lips pulled into a pout, brows furrowed. “Jeonghan, what the fuck?”
“Seungcheol, language.” His mother hissed. She stepped into the living room, passing her stunned son and confused house guest.
“Yeah, Seungcheol, language.” Jeonghan sneered playfully, before opening his arms. “Mom, how was the drive from the airport?” He asked.
“Dude.” Seungcheol sighed, rubbing his temple as his mother engaged in conversation with - Jeonghan? He noticed none of the family members looked phased at this male's presence. “What are you doing in my house?”
“I was waiting for you!”
“You knew I was going to be picking up Joshua, so what is it?”
Jeonghan tilted his head. “Kim Mingyu’s boat party? Or have you forgotten?” Joshua looked at Seungcheol, and based on his wide eyes, it was clear he had indeed forgotten. Jeonghan sighed. “Well, luckily the boat doesn’t leave the dock for another few hours. But you need to hurry up.” Seungcheol followed after his mom into the kitchen. That left Jeonghan and Joshua in the main hall, Joshua watching as Jeonghan approached him, a smile on his face that looked too calm to be safe. “Hi. I’m Yoon Jeonghan.”
“Joshua Hong.” He said, reaching out to take his hand and shake it. “I take it you’re Seungcheol’s friend?”
“Have been since we were in first grade.” He grinned. A pause, before he asked. “There’s a party tonight on a boat that a friend of mine owns. He does it every year for the end of school. Want to come?”
“Ah, would that be okay?” He asked.
“Of course! Mingyu loves making new friends so you’d be welcome no problem! Only if you’re not tired of course. I’m sure your flight was exhausting.” Joshua blinked, looking straight ahead at the handsome face staring back at him.
“Sounds fun.” He said. Jeonghan grinned, reaching down to take a bag.
“Then I’ll show you to your room.” He said. “It’s usually my room when I spend the night, but I’ll share for the summer.” Joshua chuckled. Jeonghan led him down the hall, as if he too lived it. As he got to the door, he turned back around, Joshua watching as he tugged a little necklace out from under his tee shirt. “Also, for the record. I’m taken.” He grinned.
Joshua felt his face turn bright red. “That’s…nice.”
Jeonghan chuckled. “I saw that look. Don’t worry, I’m flattered.”
“What?” Joshua gasped. “I wasn’t-.” Jeonghan laughed a bit, turning as he entered Joshua’s new bedroom. He huffed, following the other inside as he continued to assure Jeonghan he was not in fact looking at him.
----------------------------------
Kim Mingyu’s parents are two of the most successful lawyers in Seoul. He’s had a boat party on the family boat every year to kick off the summer season, filled from the bow to the stern with all of his friends from school. Music was already blasting out of the boat's speakers, lights flashing all along the pool as the sun started to set. Joshua managed to get in a little nap before they left, but he was still a bit sleepy.
Joshua followed behind Seungcheol and Jeonghan, who wasted no time hopping into conversations with other party-goers. Joshua looked around, eyes flickering between Seungcheol as he high-fived two boys, and Jeonghan, as he pulled a smaller male into a kiss; his boyfriend assumingly.
Not wanting to be the third wheel Joshua followed after Seungcheol, the other instantly introducing him to some of his friends. They made their way along the bow, Joshua nodding and giving polite hellos until they made their way inside. Tons of people were lounging, chatting, drinking beverages that Joshua hoped were non-alcoholic seeing as the host was barely old enough to have his license.
Speaking of, Joshua felt a pat on his shoulder and followed Seungcheol’s gaze to a pair approaching them. The shorter of the two, with tousled brown hair and a beaming smile, hurried over, smiling in Seungcheol’s direction.
“Hyung! You made it!” He gleefully wrapped the other in a hug that was returned. “When Jeonghan-hyung said you weren’t home, we were worried your schedule got mixed up.” The duo made idle chit chat for a minute, before Joshua saw the focus on him. He immediately smiled, nodding his head.
“Hi. I’m Joshua. Nice to meet you.”
“It’s so nice to meet you!” He immediately reached out and took his hands like they were old friends. “Call it perfect timing that you came in time for the party! I was so looking forward to meeting you. I’ve only gone to LA once, so I’d love to hear what it’s like actually living there!” Joshua followed along as the other spoke on and on, unable to look away because he was just so optimistic and cheery. He had a pull to him that Joshua couldn’t -and didn’t want to- pull away from.
“Seokminnie, you’re gonna scare him off.” Another voice called, and an arm draped over Seokmin’s shoulder, tugging him into his side. “Joshua-hyung, hm? Nice to meet you. I’m Mingyu~.”
“Oh! Nice to meet you, too. Thanks for inviting me on such short notice.” Mingyu waved his hand, almost embarrassed.
“What? No, I’m happy you came!” He turned to Seokmin. “Is there anyone else we’re waiting on? The captain said we should leave the dock in 20 minutes.”
“I think I saw everyone.” Seokmin mulled, lolling his head onto Mingyu’s shoulder as he mentally recounted the guest list in his head. Then, his brows furrowed. “There’s only one.”
Joshua saw the others mirror Seokmin’s almost dejected expression, a name not even having to be uttered. “There’s no way he’ll make it in 20 minutes even if he takes his family’s private jet.” Seungcheol commented. That seemed to only make Seokmin’s and Mingyu’s frowns deepen.
“I know, but-.” Seokmin was interrupted by the boat rocking a bit too much, immediately latching onto Mingyu, the taller’s hand shooting to the wall to steady them. Joshua and Seungcheol had a similar idea.
“What the hell was that?” He looked towards the back of the boat. Almost as if hearing the question directly, a loud voice was heard announcing its presence from the boat’s entrance.
“Yaaaaah! I’m here!” Joshua’s eyes widened at the shriek that so easily overtook the blasting music on both floors. When he turned to gauge the expressions of the other three in his circles, none of them mirrored his. Seungcheol’s eyebrow was cocked in annoyance, Mingyu seemed relieved the boat wasn’t ten seconds from capsizing, and Seokmin was grinning.
“Right on time as always.” The hosts excused themselves, heading to greet the rowdy new guest.
“Who just got here?” Joshua asked curiously. Seungcheol simply motioned for him to follow. When they arrived at the back of the boat, Seokmin had his arms around someone.
“I’m so happy you made it, Soonie!” Seokmin gasped, and the male in his arms mirrored his excited grin.
“What can I say? I’m fashionably late, it might as well be my brand by now!” He hugged Seokmin, rubbing his cheek against the others like a house cat, before his eyes began scanning the boat. “Is Kwannie here?”
“Of course, he is.” Mingyu said. “Probably off making out with Jeonghan-hyung on the front of the boat.”
“Aww, well not anymore!” Soonyoung grinned, cracking his knuckles. He headed past the hosts and deeper into the boat, tossing out a few hellos on the way. One of them was to Seungcheol, allowing Joshua to get a full view of him.
“Hey.” Seungcheol chuckled. Joshua studied his puffed cheeks and his eyes that seemed to finish smiling before his lips did. “Oh, uh, right. Soonyoung, this is Joshua. The kid I said was coming from America for the summer.”
A smile swept Soonyoung’s face that almost made Joshua topple over with how hard the sight printed itself into his long-term memory. “Ohhhhh yeah! That’s so cool!” He took a step forward, closing the distance with ease. “Nice to meet you, hyung. I’m Kwon Soonyoung~!”
Joshua nodded, pulling his hand from the pocket of his shorts and extending his quickly. “Hey, uh-.” He blinked, his hand balling into an awkward fist as Soonyoung bowed his head politely, eyes immediately leveling with Joshua’s outstretched hand. “Uh, oh…” Joshua’s cheeks felt hot, and when he tried to glance at Seungcheol, the other only chuckled behind the lollipop. “Sorry.” Joshua went to pull his hand back, but Soonyoung reached out to take it.
“You’re from America, right?” He asked. Joshua nodded, and Soonyoung shook his hand. “I’ve never been. Not yet anyway, where are you from?”
“Uh, California.” Joshua watched as Soonyoung - hand still tightly holding Joshua’s mind you - began walking deeper into the boat. Joshua must have been in a trance as he followed behind.
“Wow! Cool. Is that where the Empire State Building is?”
Joshua chuckled, shaking his head. “No, that’s New York. California has the Golden Gate Bridge, the Staples Center, Alcatraz-.”
“The prison?” Soonyoung’s eyes widened.
“You know that but not where the Empire State Building is?!” Joshua asked, not intending to add a laugh to the question but unable to hide it when Soonyoung grinned proudly.
“I watched a documentary on it once.” He said.
“Ah.” Joshua hummed. Soonyoung continued talking about something he had yet to make out, because Joshua’s eyes dipped down between them. Soonyoung still had Joshua’s hand gripped tightly in his, having not let go since he started leading him through the boat. Seeing it sparked a feeling in his chest, something Joshua had not felt in a few years at least. What was this feeling again? Nerves, maybe? Awkwardness? No. A feeling he last remembered feeling when he saw Ryan Gosling soaked in the rain during a viewing of The Notebook.
“Want to get something to drink with me?” Soonyoung asked, and Joshua’s eyes shot up from their interlocked hands. The younger seemed completely unphased as he led them over to a cooler, popping it open and passing over a drink. Joshua took it, offering a quick thank you before Soonyoung began flooding his ear with more curious questions, his desire to see Seungkwan almost immediately forgotten. Oh, that’s right. Joshua remembered this feeling.
Gay panic.
—-------------------------------------------
The duo had ended up talking for hours, asking questions about the others home country as they strolled around the boat, eventually finding their way to one of the sides. Joshua learned of Soonyoung’s family and their company through Soonyoungs ‘epic tale’ - his words - of how he managed to sneak out of the house that afternoon and make it to the party on time. Joshua couldn’t help but be endeared by how Soonyoung carried himself, curiously picking through new information like this was his first life on Earth. Everything seemed to make him beam, and it didn’t take long for Joshua to think about what it would be like if he were one of those things as well.
“So, you basically get to see celebrities all the time, right?” Soonyoung asked, supporting himself by his elbows against the railing of the boat. He’d been on interview mode with Soonyoung for the past twenty minutes, which he expected to happen as he met people over the summer, but not with someone like Soonyoung, who could talk to for hours and never run out of things to say.
“I saw Rhianna getting coffee once in a cafe like 30 minutes from my house when I was 13.” He said. Soonyoung’s eyes widened, a shock so exaggerated that Joshua had to laugh. “I didn’t approach her, I just stared.”
“Aaah, that’s so cool! I’ve only seen Lee Minho and Kim Hyunjoong once in 2009 while they were filming Boys Over Flowers.” He nodded. “I almost stepped on Minho’s shoe because I wasn’t looking where I was going.” he sipped his drink. “I consider myself pretty lucky.” An optimist, it seemed.
Joshua laughed at the comment. “I’ll have to ask for your luck then, should I ever need it.” He turned to glance across the boat, where Seungkwan and Jeonghan were chatting with some friends, Seungkwan leading the conversation while Jeonghan smiled, eyes twinkling as he looked down at the other. In his admiration for the couple, Joshua didn’t feel Soonyoung scoot closer until he physically brushed their shoulders together. Joshua’s head snapped over, and Soonyoung poked his nose.
“There. You’ve gotten some of my luck, hyung.” He laughed a bit. “Use it well, though. I don’t share with just anyone.”
“Why share with me, then?” Joshua asked, tilting his head.
“Ah, well so you…” Soonyoung hummed, lips twisting into a kissable little pout - wait what the fuck, kissable?! Joshua shook his head, eyes shooting up to Soonyoung’s eyes as he finally answered with: “So you do well with your program. And you make good memories with all of your friends.”
“Oh. Thank….thank you.” He chuckled, cheeks pink as he sipped his soda.
Soonyoung looked back down at his own drink, shaking it to show it was empty. “It’s for school, right?” Joshua nodded.
“Yeah, You go to a different country over the summer and learn about different cultural business tactics. I have to do a research paper, too.”
“When do you leave?”
“August 30th.” He replied. “I have a week off before classes start in the fall.”
Soonyoung’s head tilted side to side a bit, seemingly thinking of something before glancing back over: “You can always come visit my parents if you have any questions. They’re business-y.” the offer slipped from his lips so naturally, as if it were more of an invite than a suggestion. Joshua chuckled.
“You want me to meet your parents already?” He asked. Soonyoung threw his head back, his hair swishing in his eyes as his shoulders shook with laughter.
“Aish, hyung, you’re gonna give me a reputation!” he gasped, giving the older a bit of a shove. Joshua smiled, eyes flickering away as he sipped his soda, the sound of footsteps approaching pulling their attention from one another.
“I cannot believe this boat’s been launched for like an hour and I’m only now seeing you, Soonyoung!” Seungkwan huffed, though he was grinning as he approached. Joshua watched the two of them embrace quickly, Soonyoung grinning so hard Josua could almost see the strain it put on the corner of his lips. He had to smile, wondering if his cheeks would be sore the next day.
Joshua and Jeonghan fell into their own idle conversation while Seungkwan and Soonyoung chatted. Joshua found himself sneaking the occasional glance towards Soonyoung, his head falling into Seungkwan’s chest as they both began laughing at something.
Joshua turned back to Jeonghan; a mischievous glint in the other’s eyes. Ah, fuck, this guys perceptive, isnt’ he? “What?” Joshua asked, voice wary.
“Nothing.” Jeonghan said. “Just getting to know my roommate. That’s all.”
“Roommate? I live in Seungcheol’s house....” Joshua said, but Jeonghan simply sipped his drink, gaze flickering to Seungkwan. Joshua saw his mischievous gaze soften a bit when Seungkwan flashed a smile at something Soonyoung said. Joshua followed his gaze, his eyes instead landing on the way Soonyoung pressed a finger to his lips to recall something, eyebrows furrowed.
“Soonyoung’s a lot to handle.” Jeonghan didn’t look at Joshua as he spoke, but Joshua could feel there was more behind those few words than just a warning of Soonyoung’s temperament. Still, Joshua chuckled.
“I had a feeling…” He said softly. Seungkwan and Soonyoung merged with the older two once again, Seungkwan wasting no time molding himself into Jeonghan’s side, the older’s arm immediately lifting and draping over his shoulder.
“Gross.” Soonyoung’s nose scrunched as the two shared a peck.
“Keep that energy, and you’ll be single forever.” Seungkwan mused, smirking a bit. Joshua saw Jeonghan’s eyes flicker to him, as if he was expecting a reaction. Joshua looked down at his soda because that was the only direction at the moment that didn’t seem to make his heart beat fifteen beats too many.
“Joshua-hyung.” Soonyoung motioned to the second floor. “Let’s go and leave these two gross-!” he glared at Seungkwan. “Lovebirds alone, yeah?”
“Alright.” Joshua chuckled, looking up to the second floor of the boat where he saw Seungcheol resting against the railing chatting with some girl. Soonyoung pressed his hand against the others arm, and the duo were off before Seungkwan or Jeonghan could say anything, if they wanted to in the first place.
“Gosh, they’re so lovey dovey.” Soonyoung mumbled as they ascended the steps. Joshua scanned the top of the boat, seeing more people dancing to music, drinking, and mingling with one another. They were quiet for a minute, minus Soonyoung humming the tune that was busting out of the loudspeakers. Joshua’s mind was suddenly flooded with Jeonghan’s sharp, almost knowing look hooking deep into his skin. Soonyoung had started talking again, and Joshua looked over, trying to focus on that rather than the idea that he’s known Soonyoung for about an hour and is already trying to decide if asking for his number is to forward or not.
What did it matter anyway? Joshua was only here for two and a half months, if that. Most of it had to be spent working on his report, preparing for the upcoming term when he got back. There was no way that things would progress with Soonyoung beyond a simple friendship, another name in his contacts that he could add to his list of friends that he made during the trip. Nothing more.
“Oh!” He tugged out his phone. “Here. Give me your number.” Joshua blinked. Was this kid a mind reader? Soonyoung’s smile faltered a bit when Joshua didn’t reply. “If you’re going to be around this summer, especially with Jeonghan, we’ll probably see a lot of one another.” A light giggle escaped his lips, and Joshua felt his heart constrict. He took the phone and typed his number in as the duo fell back into conversation.
His finger pressed against his nose when it twitched; the ghost feeling of Soonyoung’s ‘good luck’ poke still lingering in his skin, wrapping around his bones. Joshua had two and a half months in South Korea, an entire summer, and he wondered if it was his summer program that he would ultimately find good luck in while he was here.