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Matthew did it… he really pulled through and debuted.
He stood there in shock as the wave of all the announcements and giddiness washed over him and it was soon time to wish the Star Creators goodbye.
Matthew was fighting back tears as he spotted many signs and posters in the crowd with his name on it, cheering for him, supporting him towards his dream.
He had really done it.
“Matthew hyung~” Yujin cried as Matthew embraced him in a crushing hug. Their Maknae was sobbing after being announced as the final member, so naturally, Matthew just held him close and comforted him.
The new debut line up walked towards their bus, where cameras and fans were there, screaming their names.
“ZEROBASEONE! ZEROBASEONE!”
Matthew internally laughed at their new group name. It had a… unique ring but he guessed he would need to warm up to it as it would be his new persona for 2 and a half years.
“Matthew-ya!”
Matthew turned to see a fan waving at him in the dark. He pointed to himself in disbelief, unsure whether who it was they wanted was him or not.
The fan jumped up and down, nodding screaming “I love you!! Good luck for you debut!”
Matthew’s heart melted, thinking about all the love and support he had gotten, and how he even had people loving him although he was surrounded by much more popular and talented members.
“I can tell what you’re thinking Matthew” Jiwoong whispered in his ear, causing shivers too run down Matthew’s spine. He turned to his hyung questioningly as he continued to complete half hearts.
“You deserve it so much!” Jiwoong said with a bright smile and wrapped his arms around Matthew whispering compliments in his ear to calm him down.
Matthew flinched as the camera continued clicking as they made their way to the bus and elbowed Jiwoong jokingly, “hyung~, Not now” he mumbled with a smile.
Jiwoong only held him closer and Matthew gave up. The 9 boys made it too the bus and Matthew felt a hand grab his arm.
“Matthew hyung!! Can we sit together?!” Gunwook asked excitedly. He jumped up and down like a puppy and Matthew melted in excitement of getting to know this cutie better.
“Sure-“ he replied as another pair of arms grabbed him. Gyuvin, with his big hands wrapped their fingers together and interrupted “But I want to sit with hyung tonight!” He cried childishly.
Matthew stood there in disbelief. This had never happened to him before and he turned to Hanbin for help, but Hanbin only looked at him enduringly, happy that Matthew was receiving such well deserved love.
“I wanna sit with Matthew hyung as well…” Yujin whispered as a flush appeared on his young face and he looked at Matthew with puppy eyes, loosely holding Matthew’s shirt.
Matthew felt a headache start to form as he got reminded about the time Hoetaek-hyung was surrounded by these three, fighting over him for the musical role. Ah, he really missed him.
The three glared at each other as the tension started to rise. Taerae cleared his throat and said “um, well we’ll only be sitting on the bus for a short while to the dorm, and they’ll be plenty of chances in future.”
Matthew looked at him gratefully as Taerae continued, “plus I’d like to get to know Matthew better as well…” he trailed off, showing his big dimples.
Matthew’s heart dropped for the second time, the first being when Keita’s name wasn’t called for the top 9 and he realised he wasn’t going to perform with him again.
Zhanghao elbowed Hanbin in the side and hissed “don’t you want to sit with your best friend? You guys need to catch up right?”
Hanbin only laughed and replied “no it’s ok. I’ll surrender him for now, cause they’ll be plenty of chances when we room together for the next couple of years!” He said cheerfully, missing the way Zhanghao’s face snapped up. Damn they had the exact same thought.
“Curse your popularity Matthew-ya…” Zhanghao whispered whilst realising the competition to spend time with his cute dongsaeng was more difficult then he thought.
Meanwhile, Matthew stood there silently, thinking of a way out of this (stupid) predicament he had gotten himself into when he spotted his saviour standing off to the side, scrolling mindlessly on his phone.
“Ricky!” He screamed out, earning no reply.
“Yah! Mr Young and Rich!!” He tried again. Ricky’s face snapped up with a smirk. “You called?” He said. He took one look into Matthew eyes and knew what needed to be done.
Pushing past all the members surrounding him with his untouchable aura, Ricky grabbed Matthews hand and pulled them towards the bus opening the door for Matthew first and climbing in. He looked back and smiled at everyone’s faces.
“Hah, losers”
Zhanghao cursed “that little rascal” whilst Gunwook, Yujin and Gyuvin just stared in shock and betrayal.
They all made their way onto the bus and glared at Ricky who looked smug as he listened to Matthew rant about how happy he was.
Taerae nudged Jiwoong worriedly as he felt Jiwoong’s mood souring.
“Um hyung, Are you ok?” Taerae asked from the seat beside him and he only got more scared as Jiwoong turned to him with a threatening smile.
“I’m perfect” he said.
Taerae lost all hope for the 02 line’s interactions as the whole bus stared at two happy people sitting together and chatting away.
——————
“And then, Ricky! I tell you i seriously was so happy when you’re name got called! Granted I didn’t think I’d have a chance after that, but you looked so handsome in every performance I knew you’d debut!” Matthew ranted on in English.
Ricky sat there proudly as he listened to Matthew. They didn’t know each other very well, and had very little interactions, but after finding out how cute his hyung was, Ricky was determined to get closer.
Ricky stared at Matthew with adoring eyes as he saw tears soon swell up in the older’s eyes.
“Hyung” he said softly as tears began streaming down Matthew’s face.
“I just can’t believe it’s happening” Matthew sobbed.
“I thought people around the world hated me. I thought that I was such a terrible performer and that’s why my ranking dropped. Maybe I only got in because of panic and pity votes! It should’ve been Keita-hyung-“
Matthew got cut off as Ricky turned and enveloped him in a hug, rubbing his back comfortingly. Sure the position was uncomfortable with seatbelts digging in everywhere. And sure Ricky was awkward with crying people.
But at that moment he felt the urge to reassure Matthew that he did so well.
Matthew sobbed into his shirt as all the events caught up to him from the past 3 months. Matthew cried for the eliminated trainees. He cried for the broken friendships, the finalists that were all so close, the trainees who struggled so hard, yet got not reward. He cried for his family who had supported him so hard back in Canada, enduring all the hate and flying to Korea to watch him debut.
Ricky let him cry as he whispered “shhh… hyung, you did so well. You deserve all the love so much!”
Matthew stared up at him with glistening eyes and let loose a gummy smile. “Thank you Ricky!!”
Ricky only let out a satisfied grunt and pulled Matthew closer.
*Cough* “stop rizzing him up” *cough* “Ricky!”
Gyuvin exclaimed whilst coughing to hide his attempts of jealousy.
Hanbin looked at Zhanghao in concern, as he saw the Chinese centre banging his head on the chair in front of him mumbling in his breath “I want to comfort him… I want to hold him”…
Taerae slowly backed away from Jiwoong further in his seat as the eldest glared through the crack of their chairs, at Ricky who was stroking Matthew’s fluffy hair.
“Hyungs, shh.” Yujin hissed shutting everyone’s conversations up as he gestured to Matthew.
The bus silenced as a soft breathing sound could be heard. Matthew was fast asleep, breathing smoothly with a slight tilt on his lips. His eyes were puffy and his head rested on Ricky’s shoulder, who looked smug and content.
Everyone looked flabbergasted at the rare pairing and looked even angrier as Ricky adjusted his shoulder to make Matthew more comfortable and leaned his head on top of Matthew’s.
He caught eye contact with Hanbin up the front and mouthed “be more young and more rich hyung”
Zhanghao had to physically restrain Hanbin from standing up and ripping Matthew away from the tall and handsome Chinese man. And Yujin pouted saying “I can do that as well” as he physically banged Gyuvin’s head on his shoulder, making the latter hiss in pain.
“It’s comfortable right hyung? Better than Ricky’s?” He asked Gyuvin who only stared, flabbergasted at Yujin.
“Excuse me! Can you drive faster?!” Gunwook whisper-shouted at the bus driver with an innocent smile.
Taerae was still trying to back away from Jiwoong as he whimpered,
“Park Hanbin… I really miss you right now cause I’m scared of these people…”
Thankfully, due to the member’s insistence to hurry up, they reached their new dorms in record time.
“Seok Mae-ya” Hanbin whispered to Matthew sleeping form, hovering above him and Ricky as he leaned over Ricky to give Matthew a gentle pat. Ricky just stared at his hand in disgust.
“Wake up, we’re here” Hanbin murmured gently and let out a soft smile as Matthew began to stir.
Matthew jolted as he realised his position on Ricky’s shoulder and started apologising immediately. “Ricky-ah! I’m so sorry, was it long? Were you uncomfortable? You should’ve pushed me off!” He panicked.
Ricky only gave out a laugh and said “anytime hyung.”
“Anytime” he repeated, giving Hanbin a pointed stare. The number 2 rank only bit his lip and gave out a forced smile, but internally was thinking of ways to sneak some black hair dye into the blonde’s shampoo.
They made their way from the van with no incidents (or punch’s) and Matthew let out a gasp.
“Hyung. Hyung!!” He said excitedly jumping up and down, all traces of sleep gone. He tugged on Zhanghao’s sleeve and pointed like a child to their new dorm.
“It’s gorgeous isn’t it!” Matthew exclaimed whilst taking the maknaes and running off with their luggage to where they would stay together for the next 2 and a half years.
“Yes it (he) is” Zhanghao replied softly, whilst staring at the boy running in the street light with a bright smile on his face. He seemed to brighten up the atmosphere with a single smile and everyone was soon exclaiming and gasping alongside Matthew.
They made their way inside with their manager and Matthew’s eyes started to gleam even brighter at how large their dorm was. Taerae slid in next to him during their tour and together they started to make a nice conversation. It was one of the first times they had interacted and Taerae was really curious to see what everyone saw in the Canadian man.
Matthew turned to him with stars in his eyes and gave Taerae a gummy smile. His makeup made him look ethereal and Taerae resisted the urge to push Matthew’s bangs back.
Yep. Now Taerae understood.
“You have such a nice smile!” Matthew exclaimed poking Taerae’s dimple as a joke and Taerae promised that he’d smile every second for Matthew if he could.
Matthew only laughed at that and skipped away, leaving another fallen soldier in the dust. Jiwoong appeared behind Taerae, whcih cause him to jump in fright and whispered “don’t get to comfortable just because you guys are the same age” Jiwoong whispered and gave him an encouraging pat on the back.
Taerae only nodded slowly and saw Hanbin and Zhanghao arguing with each other whilst gesturing to Taerae and Jiwoong. He only caught snippets of “fight harder” or “my little Seok-Mae is being stolennn”
This was going to be one hell of a night.
——————
Matthew wondered along the halls Gyuvin and Yujin clinging to his sides. He ruffled both of their hairs and pinched their cheek, exclaiming about how cute they were. The two Yuehua boys only pouted.
In their little exploration side quest, they found 4 rooms of two and one single room.
Ahh. He’d really have to be careful who he roomed with because it seemed like it’d be permanent for a while, Matthew thought whilst coming up with all the possible non-chaotic and sleep friendly pairings.
A light bulb shone above his head as he came to a realisation.
“The single room!”
“No one would want to share a room with a snorer like me” he accidentally said out loud and gave himself a proud pat on the back.
“I’d love to!”
“Hyung- you’re snores are cute”
Yujin and Gyuvin both exclaimed at the same time. They both turned to each other with frowns, whilst Matthew stared at both of them in shock.
They’re crazy.
Matthew silently snuck away as he joined the others back in the living room where they were staring in awe at the large space and comfortable looking couch.
Matthew started to dream as he stared at the fluffy rug in front of the tv. He knew that he’d uphold his ‘sleeping anywhere in 2 mins’ reputation because that rug was really calling out to him in that moment.
“Matthew ya! You’re back” they exclaimed. As they rushed around him to gain energy again.
Matthew just side eyed them whilst staring at the comfy rug with heart eyes.
“Did you find any thing useful hyung?!” Gunwook asked.
Matthew turned to him and said “yep!! I think we’re rooming with four sets of pairs and one person gets be by themselves!”
“Yep you’re completely right.” The manager said, looking tired at the energetic boys and rubbing his forehead. He slammed a piece of paper down on the table.
“This is your dorm allocations. I DONT really care as long as you choose someone who isn’t gonna give the neighbour headaches with the both of you combined. You can fill this up however you like, decide however you like and leave me out of it!” Their manager exclaimed looking relieved at the thought of going home and resting as he rushed towards the door in relief.
Before he left, he screamed out “be careful! It’s permanent for the next two years!” and slammed the door, leaving 9 young men staring at the paper.
Matthew stared at the piece of paper and looked happily at the blank spot next to ‘single room’.
“Guys how should we decide who gets to stay by himself. I know you all like privacy but I wouldn’t mind being lonely if no one wants it-“ he started.
He then got interrupted when Jiwoong slapped a hand around his waist pulling him in tight. “Nah ah- you and I are going to share a room! Doesn’t that sounds fun?!” Jiwoong exclaimed as he squeezed Matthew’s cheeks.
“We can get closer, I’ll try to make you anxious and I’ll even let you call me Jiwoon-hyung!”
Hanbin let out a cough and ungently removed Jiwoong hand from Matthew’s waist.
“Jiwoong hyung” he said emphasising the Woong, “since your the most likely to become the leader, and you’re the oldest, don’t you want the single room?!” Hanbin asked.
Jiwoong just frowned at him and pulled Matthew closer to him whilst Hanbin was on Matthews other side, discreetly inching them away from the eldest.
“Actually I wouldn’t mind having the single-“ Matthew tried again but gave up after Zhanghao went up to him, took his arm and tugged Matthew towards him.
Matthew turned beat red as he listened to Zhanghao’s heart beat and Zhanghao slid a hand around his waist.
“As the person who ranked first tonight AND the only person who can snore in harmony with Matthew here, I believe that it’s only fair that I get to share with him!” Zhanghao proudly exclaimed as Matthew started spluttering in protest.
“Don’t use rankings… that’s not fair hyung” Yujin whispered as faux tears formed in his eyes.
“Yujin ah! DONT cry it’s ok. Rankings don’t matter anymore ok?!” Matthew said whilst running to their Maknae and wrapping an arm around him.
Too busy standing on his tipi toes and patting Yujins hair, he missed Yujin’s triumphant smirk towards everyone, as Zhanghao let out a scoff saying “damn so close”
Yujin stared down at Matthew with glistening eyes and made himself smaller and Matthew felt himself melt at Yujins cuteness.
“Say hyung, since I’m the Maknae, I think I might struggle a lot so do you think you’d be able to cuddle me every night?!” Yujin pouted and held Matthew’s hands.
Matthew couldn’t refuse the youngest’s puppy eyes and was about to agree as sniffling was heard all throughout the room.
He turned in shock as Gyuvin and Gunwook started crying fake tears as well, staring at Matthew cutely whilst Matthew looked around, heavily concerned.
Hanbin stood off the side mumbling to himself “sad thoughts think sad thoughts- Seokmae and I not debuting together-“ Hanbin then started tearing up for reals and he whined and grabbed hold of Matthew.
“Matthew-ya, I’m your best friend aren’t I?!” Hanbin said with a smile and held Matthew like he was his lifeline. He then proceeded to recount their whole life story together, from trainees at Cube to now. Hanbin didn’t forget to mention the times he and Matthew shared a dorm and would always cuddle after a long day. “We can do more than that you know” he said suggestively, wiggling his eye brows.
Their really crazy and all Matthew wanted was to sleep.
Ricky stepped towards Matthew and said “hyung, I promise I’ll bleach your hair for free and buy you what every you want. I have what everyone wants… a big-“
Matthew yelped and slammed a hand over Ricky’s mouth, looking at the Maknaes and trying to protect their innocence.
“-wallet” Ricky finished.
Matthew just looked astonished at the usually stoic Ricky, trying to bribe Matthew with money. Why was everyone acting like this anyways?
Ricky’s fellow Chinese member pushed him out of the way and Zhanghao began his last campaign.
He took Matthew’s sweater paws and stared at him dead in the eyes. Matthew shifted uncomfortably wondering why they were suddenly holding a staring contest.
“Matthew ya-“ Zhanghao deadpanned. “Don’t worry there’s nothing going on between Hanbin and I, ignore all the wedding allegations. I swear Matthew!”
Matthew nervously patted Zhanghao’s back. “Relax! You guys can be whoever you want to be no judgement-“
Zhanghao cut him off by gripping Matthews tie and pulling him towards him. Matthew grew flustered at the sudden closeness and Zhanghao whispered in his ear “do you want me to prove it too you~”
Matthew flushed cherry red from head to toe and jumped back spluttering “h-hyung, stop joking” as the others looked on in amusement at Zhanghao’s charismatic gaze.
Jiwoong stepped up and steadied Matthew flailing body who was secretly trying to escape whilst everyone asked Zhanghao for advice.
The whole room then erupted into absolute chaos as Jiwoong did the unexpected. He leaned down on one knee and took out a candy ring, one from the Jelly Pop teaser MV. Zhanghao claims that it’s expired.
“Seok Matthew, will you… be my roommate for the our time together in ZB- what was it? Zerobaseone? And hopefully forever after that?” Jiwoong took Matthew’s hand and slid the jelly onto his finger. Matthew stared down at Jiwoong and giggled- Hanbin died from cuteness- and said “Jiwoon-hyung… I don’t know…”
———
By this time Iate into the night, Matthew was still so curious about how everyone had the energy to STILL be arguing over dorm arrangements. They’d drawn sticks, done scissors paper rock, they’d even gone as far as the test who’s MBTI meshed the best with his.
And each and every time they had complained. Once Hanbin and Zhanghao had ended up together and when Matthew congratulated them, their expressions were the same as one would have signing divorce papers.
Matthew knew it was time amidst the chaos to slip away and earn his dreadfully needed sleep when Gyuvin suggested “let’s do whoever can lift Matthew hyung up the highest!”
If that had come around Matthew was sure his head would be hitting the ceiling. So that’s why now, he lay content on the large, cotton rug. 7 members were still gathered around whilst they had forgotten about the said topic of the night himself.
Matthew snuggled into his pillow and was prepared to lovingly surrender to sleep when he remembered Taerae. Where was he?
As if he’d been summoned Taerae appeared, standing proud and tall, waving a piece of paper around in his hand.
Matthew’s heart dropped for the third time that night as Taerae exclaimed “Guys this is the official dorm arrangement form and Matthew’s name is written in PERMANENT marker next to mine so there’s nothing we can do now!”
Matthew groaned into his pillow as chaos insured once again.
“Burn. The. Paper!”
“Rip it!”
“Shred it!”
“Fight Kim Taerae!”
Yeah to say Taerae was being attacked right now was an understatement.
Yujin, that giant baby, stood on his toes for one second ripped the forbidden paper out of his hands and handed it to Zhanghao.
Zhanghao only smiled and put it away in his pocket with a “you’ll never see this again” and Taerae wanted to cry.
He really had tried his best and wanted to play the guitar and sing with Matthew every night. Too bad he was surrounded by many Matthew protecters.
“Where is Matthew-hyung anyways?” Yujins soft voice spoke up.
They all went silent as they turned towards the living room. There they saw Matthew curled up and sleeping soundly, unaware of his noisy surrounding.
They all quietly walked towards him and shared knowing smiles.
They really would have to put this aside. For now.
Jiwoong started ordering everyone about as a plan formulated in his mind. One that made everyone happy.
“Ricky, go bring your over priced pillows here” he ordered.
“And Taerae can you gather all the blankets?”
Meanwhile, Zhanghao and Hanbin were gently tucking Matthew in under a blanket and were adjusting him into a comfortable position.
Everyone gathered onto the one rug and lay around each other. Limbs were entangled and for the first time Zerobaseone felt like a family.
Jiwoong silently turned off the lights and tip toed to where the members were soundlessly sleeping on the floor and joined them, resting his head on his pillow and snuggling into the blanket.
The dorm arrangements would have to wait.
Matthew opened one eye smirked deviously from his position on Hanbins chest as Zhanghao tightened his hold on Matthew’s figure.
Although the feeling of being sandwiched on all sides by his loving members wasn’t the most physically comfortable, he still decided to cherish their first night together. As a group.
His eyes filtered shut as he nuzzled into Hanbins arms.
He really could live with this.