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“LET’S GO TO EVERLAND!!!” Yujin shouted jolting everyone awake.
Matthew sleepily yawned and lifted his head off Jiwoong’s shoulder.
“Did you sleep well?” Jiwoong asked endearingly as he patted Matthew’s head. He looked out the car window and gasped, hands flying to his mouth. There, a few metres from the van, was the entrance to Everland. And beyond that-
“It magical!” Gyuvin exclaimed. Matthew chuckled, Gyuvinnie really took those words right from his mouth. Beyond the entrance of Everland were high and sweeping rides, water slides and much more, all fit for the ‘relaxation of stresses that occurred after boys planet’ as Yujin had said.
They were given the choice earlier, to where they wanted to go as a congratulatory trip for debuting and to get to know their members better. It came down to going to the Hot Springs or Everland.
As a newly appointed democratic group, Hanbin decided to hold a vote, to which it had been four on four and Matthew was left standing awkwardly in the middle. Yujin and Gyuvin was staring at him with puppy eyes.
Jiwoong, who was standing on team Hot Springs, smirked at him, trying to advertise the wonders of warm water.
“Say Matthew… wouldn’t it fun to do some fun things in the hot springs. All private… just us with no clothe-“
Matthew flushed bright red and slammed a hand against Jiwoong’s mouth.
“Hyung~ there’s minors here” He hissed as Jiwoong just chuckled. Hanbin, Zhang hao and Ricky were standing behind him, looking at him in desperation.
“Matthew ya. If we go there, we have to walk around ALOT” Zhang hao emphasised, looking exhausted at the idea of looking after the kids for a whole day. On the other hand, Gunwook was practically glowing, jumping up and down exclaiming “Hyung! If we go to the theme park, I’ll do all your homework for you”
Matthew just stared at him weirdly. Homework? Really?
They went at the debate for a couple of hours and Yujin’s glowing face and Taerae’s promise solidified it.
“Matthew hyung, I love you” Yujin batted his eyelashes and forced out his iconic line at Gyuvin’s request (Gyuvin was certain he saw Matthew’s heart skip a beat. It didn’t.)
“I love you too, Yujinnie” Matthew giggled, then he deadpanned, expression turning a full 180.
“Don’t force yourself to say that though ok?” Matthew scolded, encouraging a crestfallen Yujin. Hanbin laughed behind a hand as he gently manuvered Matthew to his side.
“Seok Mae-ya… Let’s relax and talk about the good old times, just you and I” Hanbin whispered with an angelic grin. He had been wanting to catch up with Matthew for ages now, but Matthew popularity with the members kept skyrocketing.
Zhang Hao laughed as Matthew looked too serious for this situation. Hanbin was coaxing Matthew with comforting whispers in his ears.
Taerae paled. He knew if this continued, he’d be stuck in a hot bath, with no clothes on and humiliation to last a lifetime.
“Matthew. If you come here, Ricky will buy you whatever food you want there. Ice cream, fairy floss, spicy chicken…”
Ricky stared at him incredulously.
“What the- I don’t even want to go-“
Matthew snapped to Taerae with glowing eyes, sparkling in anticipation.
“Deal.”
They stood at the front entrance, with everyone bouncing in anticipation. Even the members that were reluctant at first, drew on the Maknae’s energy and were soon equally as eager to try the rides.
Yujin and Gyuvin rushed headfirst into the line as Hanbin started panicking.
“No no no no. We already lost them!” Hanbin cried out, desperately looking for them. Zhang Hao rolled his eyes under his sunglasses and held up his two hands.
“Relax. I fished them out early before they could get lost” Zhang Hao proudly stated, holding two agitated Yuehwa boys.
“But I wanna get bunny ears for Matthew hyung before they run out” Yujin whined, staring to the ground.
Zhang Hao let go of his hand as Hanbin let out a panicked squeak.
“Go then Yujin RUN!” Zhang Hao screamed pushing him into the throng of people. Yujin gave him a thumbs up and disappeared.
Matthew and Taerae looked up from their conversation to laugh in amusement as Zhang Hao winked at Matthew.
Hanbin narrowed his eyes at the gesture before forcing himself to focus on the more important tasks at hand. Namely, finding their lost Maknae that someone (Zhang Hao) had let go of.
Zhang Hao shrugged at Hanbin’s glare and mouthed “you’ll be thankful”, still holding onto a squirmy Gyuvin with a death grip.
Hanbin then led the 8 survivors through the crowd, surging through like men on a mission, which they were.
Matthew kept the groups reputation by apologising profusely to the public. He passed by a young girl who whispered “are you a prince?”, with gleaming eyes.
Jiwoong only chuckled and held Matthew protectively saying “he’s my princess”…
Matthew smacked Jiwoong jokingly as the young girl gasped and gave them a supportive gesture. Matthew’s heart melted at the action as Taerae grabbed Matthew’s shoulders and kept propelling them forwards.
“Don’t apologise Matthew.” Taerae said as Jiwoong stared into Matthew’s eyes seriously.
“Mhm, what Taerae said. Although…” Jiwoong trailed off letting the tension rise.
“Although?” Matthew titled his head to the side cutely. Jiwoong was too slow to answer as Hanbin showed up and whisked them away.
Trailing behind Jiwoong whispered, “although you should apologise for making my heart speed up everyday…”
Gunwook and Ricky passed him, both holding up the L sign as they both chorused “lame”! Jiwoong’s smile fell into a threatening smirk as they both looked suddenly alarmed and started running away from their scariest older member. They weaved through the crowds, Jiwoong hot on their heels.
“Seok Mae we’re nearly there, let’s hold hands so we don’t get lost!” Hanbin exclaimed, gripping Matthew as tightly as Zhang Hao was to Gyuvin. Matthew hummed and squeezed Hanbin’s hand, causing Hanbin’s heart to skip a beat as he stared down at their intertwined hands.
“It’s nothing! Nothing, just a sign of friendship” Hanbin thought to himself feverishly as he stared at his best friend swinging their hands and humming happily.
Matthew looked oblivious to the inner turmoil occurring in Matthew’s head and Hanbin sighed.
“Yeah, definitely just friends…” Hanbin whispered.
Zhang Hao caught up to them and smiled deviously.
“Hanbin-ah, Gyuvin got stuck in the vending machine” Zhang Hao dramatically exclaimed, smiling to himself as Hanbin let go of Matthew and ran away, panically screaming Gyuvin’s name.
Matthew looked alarmed and went to follow but Zhang Hao just locked an arm around him and whispered in his ear.
“Not you Matthew. You’re staying here with. Me.” Zhang hao said, as Matthew started stuttering and pushing him away.
“H-hao hyung. Stop joking” Matthew laughed out as Zhang Hao stared at him, flailing about flustered.
Cute.
They entered Everland with all 9 of them, but now there were only 3 members left and it was just the beginning.
Zhang Hao marvelled at his luck as he stared at Matthew’s sunshine bubbly self and Taerae with his signature red pants.
He smiled angelically at Taerae who looked at him in confusion.
“Hmph no competition!” Zhang Hao laughed.
Zhang Hao shrugged and said to Taerae and Matthew.
“Let’s go have some fun!”
They started exploring the theme park as Matthew let out a series of gasps and cute little noises.
“Ah! Hyung! Look, look at the pretty waterfall!!” Matthew exclaimed grabbing Zhang haos hands to take a selfie together. Taerae lauded enduringly as he and Zhang Hao poked each side of Matthew’s cheek right before the photo was taken.
Matthew whined playfully as Zhang hao stared at the photo happily.
“So so cute!” Taerae exclaimed as he hurriedly rushed to set the photo as his new home screen. He made sure to cover Zhang Hao’s face with a widget.
They kept walking around, marvelling at the different scenic routes and the animals in the zoo. It could’ve been a 15 minute walk, but with Matthew playing with Zhang Hao’s sleeves and rushing off to pet each and every animal, it took them a solid hour.
They weren’t complaining though. Matthew held up a hamster as he exclaimed “Look! It’s Hambin hyung!” He giggled as he gently placed it back in the staff’s hand. The staff member grew flustered at his courteous gesture, and Taerae and Zhang hao were quick to rush Matthew away.
“Matthew, Matthew! Lets go on the rides”
At that sentence Matthew moved at thrice the speed he had been going at. He pulled them away towards the ride as they all laughed maniacally. To the crowd they looked quite unique. Three grown men giggling excitedly at the thought of going on kids rides.
As they ran Matthew felt himself collide with a tall body. He nearly fell to the ground at the impact, but Zhang hao held him up. Zhang Hao thanked himself for his fast reflexes as he patted Matthew up and down, fretting worriedly like a mother duck.
Matthew was quick to reassure him as he bent down to the figure who was stumbling around like a newborn fawn. He spotted bunny ears in one hand and black fluffy hair and cried out. “YUJIN?!” Matthew yelped, helping the poor boy up. Yujin looked lost and frazzled as he gained his bearings. The world moved too fast for him after all.
Yujin grabbed Matthews hands. “Matthew hyung! Thank god you’re here! I’ve wondering around all by myself for ages!” Yujin cried out, crying some fake tears. Matthew only comforted him and felt pity for the poor boy.
“YAH! Han Yujin!” Zhang Hao yelled out, causing Yujin to jump three metres high into the air. Zhang Hao crossed his arms and started lecturing their youngest member.
“Where on Earth have you been?! We were worried about you!” He exclaimed as Yujin opened and closed his mouth.
“But hyung you-“ He started as Zhang Hao said “No buts!”
“What if you’d gotten kiddnapped? Drowned in the kids pool? Or even worse…” Zhang Hao trailed off, thinking about all the things that could’ve happened to a naive young boy like Yujin.
Matthew sighed as he saw Yujin’s face looking more and more sad. He took Yujin’s hand in empathy.
“Yujin ah- what Hao-hyung is trying to say is that you should be careful and stick close to us ok? We dont know what we would’ve done if something happened.” Matthew said gently as Yujin enthusiastically nodded.
“It’s Zhang Hao’s fault in the first place!” Taerae piped up, providing some sort of wisdom on the situation.
The three of them froze as they all turned to Taerae.
“That’s right!” Zhang Hao gasped. Turning over a new leaf he looked expectantly at Yujin.
“Well?” Zhang Hao started. “Did you get them?”
Yujin regained his usual bubbly bright manner and started jumping up and down, proudly waving an item in the air. Matthew took a look at it and started backing away slowly.
“Matthew hyung! I bought the last pair just for you!” Yujin exclaimed, brandishing a pair of bunny ears. The item seemed to be smiling at Matthew as he thought about wearing that around in public for the whole day.
“Ah- Thank you Yujinnie, but I’m goo-“ He started.
Yujin then started pouting as Zhang Hao and Taerae exchanged not-so-silent whispers of “Yujin went all that way…” and “Matthew is a child bully…”
Matthew resigned with an animated sigh. And that’s how he ended up walking with three happy people around him with a pair of bunny ears, placed delicately atop his fluffy brown hair.
“Matthew ah, smile!” Taerae exclaimed snapping bursts of photos as Matthew shyly did peace signs and puffed his cheeks.
“AGHHH!”
The sound resounded through the whole of Everland as they turned towards the sound, coming from a rollercoaster.
“Was that..” Taerae started as he and Matthew turned to each other.
“Jiwoong hyung?” They both echoed.
To provide more unrealistic insight, Yujin took out his binoculars and squinted into them, seeing a flying Jiwoong screaming at the top of his lungs, whilst Ricky sat next to him expressionless. He also spotted Gunwook sitting next to a stranger and laughing whilst waving his hands about.
Yujin narrowed his eyes. That stranger seemed oddly familiar.
“Yup, that Jiwoong hyung, right there on the ride screaming at the top of his lungs” Yujin commented, making Matthew wonder how he was able to spot someone on a ride going at over 100km/h.
Zhang Hao raised his perfectly formed eyebrows as Matthew exclaimed, “well, let’s go guys!” At the top of his lungs.
They got there to find no line and they weaved their way to the front, waiting for the previous ride (ft, Jiwoong, Ricky and Gunwook) as it came to a stop in front of them.
Zhang Hao took one look and didn’t bother hiding his laughter.
Jiwoong looked frazzled, perfect hair mussed by the wind and leant over the edge of his seat. Ricky looked spotless as usual and raised his eyes at the four of them standing there.
“What?” He asked whilst patting down his gelled hair that hadn’t moved a single inch.
Taerae laughed at how different the two looked as Jiwoong glared at Zhang Hao laughing crazily. He gasped as he saw Matthew pop up suddenly.
“Matthew you were here the whole time?” Jiwoong asked, losing all his previous sickness and leaning back into the chair looking smug.
He then pushed Ricky out of the seat, and gestured to Matthew. “Come here Matthew… lets ride this thing” he said suggestively as Matthew choked.
“Um Jiwoon-hyung, thanks but no thanks! I prefer to be at the front!” Matthew exclaimed hopping into the front seat of the roller coaster.
“Me too!” Yujin and Taerae both said at the same time. They turned to each other and frowned.
“Aren’t you too old for rides?” Yujin said saltily. Taerae laughed and sassed right back. “Aren’t you too young to be needing to hold Matthew’s hand on a ride?”
They both circled around each other as Zhang Hao broke them up in a serious manner.
“It‘a not even a discussion to begin with. Matthew obviously wants to sit with me” Zhang Hao said rolling his eyes as he went to sit next to Matthew, only to see it being taken.
Matthew was talking happily with a stranger in English and they were all shocked when he turned around.
“JAY?!” They screamed.
The American man nodded to them coolly with a “wassup guys! I was wondering around and ended up sitting next to Gunwook earlier! What a small world!” He exclaimed.
The boys planet trainee smiled, glad to see his friends again but was met with frowns.
Taerae narrowed his eyes saying “Yeah Jay nice to se you again…” he mumbled, eyes honing in on the taken seat next to his fellow 02 liner.
A person sitting at the back grew restless at their movement, or lack thereof, as he spat out “guys I thought this I love Seok Matthew adenga remained in Planet Camp, but please don’t tell me this is gonna happen for the next 2.5 years”.
“It’s gonna continue for a long- KAMDEN?” Taerae exclaimed as the pou lookalike sat there impatiently.
“Kamden what’s up man!” Matthew shouted from the front, ecstatic to his two English speaking friends again.
“I can speak English too” Ricky mumbled, pouting.
10
9
8
The ride began counting down.
“Quick everyone hop on!” Taerae screamed popping down next too Ricky.
“But I wanna sit with-“ Yujin begun as he got tugged into sitting next to Jiwoong who was smiling menacingly.
Matthew gripped Jays hand tight as they both let out whoops of excitement, both anticipating the exhilaration this ride was gonna give them.
2
1-
START!
Jiwoong was heard gagging and screaming as the ride took off. There were twists and turns, as Matthew and Jay made funny commentaries all through it.
Zhang Hao didn’t even have the time to feel introverted nor awkward sitting next to Kamden as the ride sucked his energy out of him.
“Man!” Kamden laughed staring at Zhang Hao as they slowly climbed to the peak.
“You know, for the longest time I always thought You and Hanbin were a thing! Didn’t know I’d be competing against the top 2 centres for him!” Kamden winked.
Zhang hao’s eyes widened “wha- AGHHH”
It literally went downhill. Fast.
Ricky remained still through it all only saying comments like “Yujin if you keep waving your arms like that, the air pressure will make them numb”.
Yujin was quick to put them down, slapping a hunched over Jiwoong in the process. Taerae started singing a song at high altitudes, causing his voice to rise even further.
Overall, the ride was full of screaming, laughter, commentaries and love confessions. Very normal.
They slowed down to a stop as Jiwoong ran of at the speed of light to the nearest bathroom, staggering about alarmingly.
“I’ll go check on hyung” Yujin said worriedly, before rushing off to join Jiwoong.
“Man that was really fun!!” Jay exclaimed as he pulled Matthew in for a hug. He explained that him and Kamden needed to run, as they headed off.
Kamden turned around under Zhang hao’s watchful gaze whispering to Matthew “call me!!”
“Of course! We’ll keep in contact!” Matthew shouted back as Zhang Hao shook his head endearingly at Matthew’s obliviousness.
Matthew seriously resembled an Angel at that moment. Cheeks flushed from the ride, hair slightly out of place yet still wearing the bunny ears, and having the brightest smile on his face.
Ricky was quite glad they’d chosen to go to Everland. It was worth sitting next to a non-stop singer on a roller coaster, just to see his hyung’s bright smile.
Yujin glanced around, looking for more opportunities he’d get time to spend with his favourite hyung.
His eyes glistened as he saw the Ferris wheel, glimmering and calling out to him in the distance.
“Hyung Hyung!” He exclaimed, tugging Matthew’s hand and pointing towards the Ferris wheel.
Matthew and him both turned to each other childishly with sparkling eyes as they nodded in unison.
Matthew began formulating idea’s to get everyone on board with the Ferris wheel.
“So guys, how about the Ferris-“ he started.
“Yes.” Jiwoong interrupted, looking fresh and sexy as always.
“But you haven’t even-“ Matthew frowned.
Jiwoong smirked and said “Ferris wheel right? You and I lets go.” He said, leading everyone in that direction.
Internally though, Jiwoong was screaming at the thought of Matthew seeing his embarrassing side. Jiwoong had planned it out perfectly. His redemption ark.
Jiwoong started giggling behind his hand as he imagined him and Matthew, holding hands on the Ferris wheel, staring out at Everland, leaning in to each other at the peak-
“Stop being weird hyung” Ricky deadpanned, appearing behind Jiwoong suddenly. He gestured towards the front, where everyone was walking around Matthew who was excitedly telling the perspective of the ride from the front, and nodded.
“You’ve got competition ~” Ricky sang, a small smile lingering on his lips as he skipped away to join them.
Jiwoong’s dreams came crashing down in that instant- jokes, his resolve only got stronger as he steeled himself for a long journey of fighting for his cute Love Killa teammate (not Gyuvin).
They reached the ferris wheel and ended up lining up in a long line.
Matthew frowned, pouting as he apologised “ah sorry guys, I didn’t know the line would be this long! We might be here for a while…” He said sadly, as everyone started shaking their heads frantically.
“Hyung! I promise it’s definitely worth the wait!” Yujin exclaimed clutching onto Matthew’s arms. Matthew brightened up again, saying “I’m sure the view would be wonderful!”
“Really?!” A girl hushed.
Two teenage girls started giggling and exclaiming loudly to each other in front of them, as the trainees quieted to eavesdrop.
“No yeah I heard this romantic rumour about this ferris wheel…” The girl whispered as everyone strained their ears.
“Apparently, who ever goes onto this ferris wheel together, will become a forever couple if one confesses at the top!”
Matthew shook his heading saying “that’s so-“
He turned to see everyone staring at him with shining eyes, looking gleeful.
“Stupid?” He trailed off.
“No, it’s perfect.” He heard Zhang hao mumble and Gunwook started calculating the velocity of the cabin and the wind pressure, working out when it would perfectly reach the top.
Matthew blinked at everyone’s sudden silence and quickly changed the topic.
“Oh yeah! It been a while since we saw Gyuvin and Hanbin-hyung, do you think they’re ok?” He asked the group.
“Nah… they have each other and the ride passes so they’re probably having a blast together!”Jiwoong stated, hiding his phone behind his back that had 20 missed calls from Hanbin.
“Yeah- I’m sure they’ll be fine” Yujin nervously laughed, as he stared at the threatening messages from Gyuvin, but chose not to respond.
“I’m not fine.” A voice quipped from behind them.
Matthew’s heart leapt out from his chest. Why was everyone popping up randomly today?
Arms wrapped his shoulders as a body fully put his weight on Matthews. Matthew groaned and smiled knowingly, used to this type of hug.
“Gyuvinnie!!” Matthew exclaimed, turning around and giving Gyuvin a massive hug. Gyuvin leaned into him, causing Matthew to stagger back, as he said “Hyung! I missed you so much!” He whined, clinging onto Matthew like a sloth.
“It’s been a few hours.” Yujin said as a matter of fact. Gyuvin ignored him and kept complaining about his ordeals.
Matthew peeked behind him and looked through the crowds. He pouted as he didn’t spot Hanbin anywhere.
Gyuvin caught his curious eyes and chuckled “dont worry I just barely managed to escape from Hanbin-hyung a while ago!”
Matthew felt himself deflate a little but decided not to show it, opting to listen to Gyuvin’s rapid retelling.
“SO- I got stuck between vending machines and Hanbin had to charm his way into the staff room to get a fish hook, specifically used for these situations- and then we wondered around for ages!” Gyuvin rambled.
“And what was even more annoying- was when Hanbin spotted anything cute he would be like-
Oh this pink fairy floss reminds me of Matthew’s cheeks or this teddy bear makes we want to hug Seok Mae” Gyuvin mimicked in a high pitched voice, shuddering violently at the memory of seeing Hanbin look so smitten with a stuffed bear.
Matthew smiled discreetly, as everyone looked shocked at Gyuvin’s confession.
“So scary.” Yujin whispered. He then straightened up in alarm as Gyuvin turned to him with a sinister smile.
“I saw that you saw my messages, Yujin ah” Gyuvin said, starting towards Yujin and grabbing him in a headlock.
Everyone laughed fondly at their playfulness as Ricky yelled out “FIGHT! FIGHT!”
“No dont fight-“ Taerae exclaimed worriedly as he rushed to stop the two from a full on boxing match. They were literally causing a scene, but the public didn’t seem to mind.
They were more likely staring in awe at the handsomeness of 8 young men gathered in one spot.
Matthew laughed at their antics, used to this occurring everyday in the dorm. He reached the front, excitedly jumping as he hopping into a cabin. He turned to the person next to him to comment, but realised everyone was still distracted by the younger boys.
“Oh- Oh well!” He exclaimed happily, ready to be one with this wheel and the scenic view.
Suddenly, Matthew’s car jolted as someone jumped in at the last second. Hanbin squeezed through the door effortlessly as the door drew to a shut, not allowing anyone else in.
“Hambin-Hyung!” Matthew exclaimed happily, laughing when Hanbin sat next to him and playfully wrapped an arm around him.
“I missed you Seok Mae” Hanbin whispered into Matthew’s ear, voice shaking slightly and sweat dripping down his face as his journey to get here had been rough.
On the ground, the zerobaseone members stood there, shocked at what busted happened.
“Did Hanbin just-“ Zhang Hao spluttered.
“He did not just-“ Taerae bit out.
“He definitely just did” Jiwoong stated bitterly.
Whilst they were caught up in the fight, a figure had rushed past them in a rush, with crowds of girls screaming behind him. Hanbin had a plan and damn well did he execute it perfectly.
He had been following Gyuvin and caught an eye of Ricky’s tall bleached hair in the line and knew that Matthew would be there with them. He then mustered up his charming model smile, that caught the attention of everyone that walked past.
A couple of girls walked up too him, asking for his autograph as Hanbin winked and whispered “only if you all do me a favour”
The crowd nodded enthusiastically as they listened to Hanbin explaining how he needed a path to form for him and to keep his friends back.
“You see those obnoxiously tall and handsome men over there? Block. Them.” Hanbin said angelically as everyone followed through with the plan.
Gyuvin screamed as he saw Hanbin run past and get in the cabin with Matthew.
“He‘s stealing him!!” Taerae yelled out as everyone watched in jealousy as Hanbin smirked at him with arms wrapped tightly around Matthew.
The girls were still blocking them as Jiwoong tried to get them to move politely.
They shook their heads saying “your friend said that he has a confession to achieve!”
Yujin started screaming even more as he grabbed hold of the nearest person and used his agile dance techniques to weave past the fans and jump into the cabin right behind Matthew’s.
Zhang Hao watch in resignition as Hanbin’s cabin became closer to the top. Jiwoong stood next to him, deflating like a used ballon and Zhang Hao swears he saw Jiwoong mumble some curses.
“Go to Everland, they said. It’ll be fun, they said.” Zhang Hao hissed.
Up in the cabins, Matthew and Hanbin were enjoying the spectacular views they were being given.
They sat close together, shoulders touching and embracing the other’s presence.
Matthew smiled up at Hanbin excitedly saying “hyung! Isn’t it beautiful?”
Hanbin only stared softly into Matthew’s eyes, holding his hands, whispering “so beautiful”
“Eyyyyyy- hyung you need to look at all the cute things!” Matthew exclaimed.
Hanbin only hummed and pulled Matthew in tighter saying “I only need my number one most cute person to make up for everything.”
Matthew erupted into laughter and gasped as they started reaching the top. This was where he’d be able to see the complete view!
They slowly climbed up as Hanbin’s heart started beating faster and his hands shook nervously. Hanbin had been waiting his whole life for this. Well specifically when he first met the Canadian trainee.
He’d fallen in love with Matthew’s bright energy from the get go and always felt the urge to protect the younger.
“Seok Mae ah” Hanbin murmured gently, tilting Matthew’s face up to meet his.
Matthew stared at Hanbin eyes with boba like eyes that Hanbin felt himself getting lost in.
He cleared his throat and forced himself to keep going- they were going to reach the top soon.
“You’ve always been there for me, even in the tough times and I can’t explain how much you honestly mean to me…” Hanbin continued.
Matthew smiled at him in gratitude, thinking about how lucky he was to have Hanbin hyung by his side during his low moments as a trainee.
Hanbin’s next words danced from his mouth.
“I really like y-“ Hanbin started, but got interrupted when a huge voice on a megaphone said
“YAH! SUNG HANBIN! YOU THINK YOU CAN BEAT YOUNG AND RICH?!”
Ricky screamed from the cabin below them and the best friends stared in shock as they saw Ricky and Yujin leaning out and yelling at them, both enjoying being menaces in Hanbin’s love life.
Matthew was quick to let go of Hanbins hand as he leaned out yelling “be careful guys! YUJIN AH DONT PUT your head out too much!!” Matthew warned as Ricky and Yujin popped back into their seats like worms sliding away, happy to have done their jobs well.
Hanbin let out a huge groan and buried his face in Matthew hand. Matthew worriedly patted his back and tried comforting him.
“Hyung, what’s wrong? Are you scared of heights cause we can hold hands! What were you saying earlier?” Matthew rambled on, trying to get to the root of Hanbin’s worries.
Hanbin only reassured Matthew with a slightly strained smile as he internally cursed his bad luck. The hot springs would’ve been 100x more easier to deal with.
“It’s nothing Seok Mae.” Hanbin bit out painfully as he then lightened up and said “let’s go another round to the top!” Hanbin exclaimed.
Matthew tilted his head at his hyung’s weird gestures but was quick to agree.
They reached the bottom, preparing for another round, but was met with 5 pairs of angry eyes.
Matthew nervously chuckled “let’s go out now hyung, if they all get in and start a fight I don’t think anyone will survive” Matthew mumbled.
They cautiously climbed out onto the platform as they were instantly bombarded.
“Sung Hanbin.” Jiwoong said steely gesturing Hanbin to come to him. “Come with me”
Hanbin sent a quickly prayer before jogging away to receive a well deserved lecture.
At least he got a solid half hour with his Matthew. That would be a memory he would never forget at least. Yujin shoved a bottle of hand sanitizer into Matthews hand saying “hyung, wipe your hands!”
Taerae grabbed Matthews hands and scrubbed them together vigorously, smiling at Matthew’s confused face.
“To cleanse your hands” Taerae whispers, rubbing at all the parts Hanbin had touched on the ferris wheel.
Matthew laughed at their attempts to keep him germ free - not knowing the real reason.
Gyuvin stomach started grumbling loudly as he hid his face behind his large hands out of embarrassment. Matthew laughed fondly at the action and called out to the group “let’s have lunch!”
JIwoong, who came back with a pouty Hanbin, yelled out “homemade lunch for everyone!” HIs expression brightened as he thought about how he would be able to impress Matthew with his impressive cooking.
Matthew’s happiness radiated from his whole body at the thought of yummy food and he lead everyone over to a large table.
“Hyung…” Ricky called out, standing tall and straight and holding his credit card between two fingers.
“You wanna go shopping with me? I’ll take you, Lets go”
Zhang Hao burst into laughter, “Ricky, why are you trying to take Matthew out for food here?”
Gyuvin nodded along “That’s right mr RICH MBTI! There’s only fast food chains here. Save your money lover boy” He teased as Ricky huffed and tucked his card back in.
Matthew pat Ricky around the back saying “Ricky ah! Let’s go for some nice food when we get back ok?” He said comfortingly as Ricky’s expression shone once again.
They settled in, preparing to feast in as Yujin turned to Zhang with a serious expression.
“Hyung I need money,” Yujin said as Zhang Hao looked at him and laughed.
“Ahaha. No.”
Yujin turned to Ricky with a pleading expression as Ricky shook his head “I need to save up for this new Michelin dinner place. Matthew likes caviar”
Matthew pulled out his wallet, preparing to lend money to their youngest as Hanbin put a hand on his. Hanbin shook his head and as a gentleman, he took out a few notes and tossed it to Yujin.
“Buy what ever desserts or souvenirs you want Yujin ah” Hanbin said , flashing a glance to Matthew to see if he’d seen it.
Yujin jumped out and rushed away. A few seconds later, he returned with a pink sugary item that he then shoved into Matthew’s face.
Matthew choked on his food as the sweet smell permeated sharply into his nose. Realising what it was, he then brightened up and took a huge bite.
“Yujinnie!!” Matthew exclaimed, mouth drooling at the fairy floss. “Thank you! I love fairy floss!” He said ruffling Yujin’s hair.
Yujin didn’t complain as he usually did with he other members and instead took the time to give individual victorious looks to each member.
Click.
The sound of a camera clicking at Matthew with the bright floss was heard as everyone turned to the perpetrator.
“Jiwoong-hyung, airdrop?” Hanbin asked sweetly. Jiwoong hid the Apple sign on his phone saying “no sorry, it’s an android.”
“Apple supremacy hyung! Stop gatekeeping the cute photo!” Gyuvin said exasperated.
“Hanbinnie ahhh” Matthew said, feeding some into his mouth. He went around, giving everyone a small chunk, as they thought about how nice it would be if this memory lasted together.
9 boys, feeding each other, laughing, working towards their dream together.
Matthew seriously adored everyone so much and he made sure his actions showed it every single day.
“It’s hot…” Gunwook whined as everyone started dripping in sweat. They sat there, wondering where to go next - Zhang Hao suggested home.
“The pool?” Gyuvin offered. Hanbin shook his head as he thought about how dirty a public pool full of children at a theme park would be.
“That sounds perfect for this weather!” He heard Matthew exclaiming as all thoughts of human cleansing escaped his mind.
“Off to the pool!” Hanbin yelled out.
In the locker rooms, everyone was… busy.
Zhang Hao was trying to hold Gyuvin still and slap sunscreen onto him. Jiwoong was chasing Yujin around with a pair of barbie floaties screaming “you’re a kid still!”
Taerae was trying to rest his voice after screaming so much earlier. Gunwook and Ricky were having a heated debate about who did better in school (answer: Zhang hao).
And Hanbin? Hanbin was busy trying not to stare at his best friends exposed chest. Matthew had a very strong and lean build, and yes Hanbin knew that already, but he’d forgotten to mentally prepare himself as soon as Matthew stepped out.
Matthew was leaning on Hanbin and he flushed at the exposed contact.
“Matthew you look hot” Zhang Hao said bluntly, as Jiwoong gasped at Matthew’s exposed figure and rushed to slip a swim shirt over him.
Matthew had surprised everyone with his strong muscular build, the sweet innocent Matthew that had been hiding a sleeper build the whole time.
When Taerae had first walked in on Matthew changing at boys planet- which was a fully planned accident, he never to this day forgot how Matthew showed Taerae his back tattoo with a childlike giggle.
Matthew whined at Jiwoong’s protectiveness, grumbling “hyung… but it’s hot but everyone else has their shirt off”
Hanbin smiled and ruffled his hair, looking satisfied at seeing Matthew covered up.
“We’ll Seok Mae yah, you don’t want to make people drown in the pool for getting too caught up on you right?”
Matthew gasped as nodded furiously as Gyuvin and Yujin giggled to each other.
They entered into the wave pool where their were crowds of people lazing around in the Summer heat.
“Yujin ah stay close too me- Yujin?!” Jiwoong called out, noticing that Yujin had already gotten lost. He panicked and paddled away, looking for his ‘lost child’.
Hanbin remained by Matthew’s side, who was staring worriedly too the side.
“Don’t worry about them Seok Mae, they’re more than happy over there” Hanbin said sweetly.
Matthew stared to where Zhang Hao sat in a cabana with a mock tail in hand and was staring straight at his soul, giving a small wave to Matthew and a kind middle finger to Hanbin who reciprocated it.
Lying down next to Zhang Hao was Ricky, wearing posh looking sunglasses and “refusing to get his hair wet”. They both looked peaceful, contrasting the chaos happening in the pool.
“See? THEYRE fine! Now come one Matthew!” Hanbin shouted, leading them further into the pool.
Matthew swung hands with him and laughed before running into a body.
Matthew froze at the sight of a face down body floating and tugged Hanbin in terror. Oh my gosh. “Is t-that a dead p-person?” Matthew asked fearfully, to which Hanbin watched the person judgementally.
“No, Gyuvin insisted he become one with the water, so he’s been trying to mold together with it” Gunwook replied, appearing behind them and excitedly hopping on top of Gyuvin, causing him to sink under the water.
“Oh my gosh-“ Matthew exclaimed in English, worried for the younger member’s future.
“Oh my oh my god- I was really hoping that he would come through-“
A singing voice paired with guitar strumming was heard from Gunwook’s left side and Matthew closed his eyes, wanting to deny his reality.
“Asking all the time about what I should doooo”
Matthew opened his eyes and forced a smile. This group was really unhinged.
He turned to Taerae, who had brought his guitar into the pool and was singing his heart out. Taerae held the guitar delicately above the water and winked at Matthew.
“Taeraeshi, don’t you think that’s a little bit… dangerous?” Matthew asked cautiously, looking out for the guitar’s future.
Taerae only gave him a bright smile and exclaimed “never! What could possible go wro-“
The only thing that went wrong was the fact they were in a wave pool.
Taerae shrieked as he got swept up by the man-made waves, drowning below the water but holding his guitar above it.
Matthew lost his balance as the waves came at full force and succumbed himself to ride with the waves.
He saw Gunwook surfing on Gyuvin’s back to shore and swears he saw Jiwoong piggybacking Yujin in the distance.
As he floated with the wave, enjoying the feeling of being one with the water, he felt himself landing in someone’s arms.
He choked on water as he stared up and Hanbin, who was staring down at him fondly.
“Seok Mae, I finally caught you again” Hanbin winked as he waded through the pool with a flustered Matthew in hand.
“Let. Me d-down!” Matthew struggled wriggling in Hanbins grasp as the people around them cheered and yelling out “you guys are such a cute couple!”
Hanbin didn’t say anything to correct them and Matthew only pouted as he was put down gently on his feet.
With everyone reconvening and looking like drowned rats- with the exception of Jiwoong cause he always looked good- Ricky laughed at them and commented “your hair guys! That’s why, you don’t mix hair and pool water” he said smugly as Taerae felt the urge to whack him with his guitar that was is nearly perfect condition (complete opposite to how Taerae was faring).
Everyone stared at each other and laughed, enjoying the memories of standing in the sun and creating lifelong friendships.
“Well. What are we standing around for? We’ve still got a long day ahead of us!”
They visited many places in Everland after that. They went to the haunted house, where it took them an hour to decide who would be with who- it was really a who could protect Matthew the best debate. Which in the end, ended with Jiwoong clinging onto Matthew tightly and screaming every chance he got, whilst the Canadian went and smiled at all the ghost actors.
They went on more rides, too which even Ricky’s hair couldn’t survive the ordeal. The real MVP was Taerae, who somehow managed to strap his guitar in and mix his melodies to everyone’s anguished screams.
Matthew got to eat tonnes more food and burned it off by dancing against Hanbin in the arcade.
They went to the zoo multiple times due to Yujins puppy eyes and couldn’t refuse.
Ricky stared at a llama for one second and got kicked in the crotch. Whilst trying to comfort him, Jiwoong himself had tripped over camel food and they landed in a heap on the ground. Gyuvin tried talking to a deer as another one was munching on the ends of his hair.
Matthew, Zhang Hao and Hanbin were walking through the aquarium together as they spotted multiple species of fish. Matthew waking in the middle, swinging their hands and energetically talking as the two taller males pressed closer protectively and listened intently to the younger.
“Matthew ah, that bright pretty fish looks like you!” Zhang Hao exclaimed, as Matthew preened at his compliment and Zhang Hao patted his back.
“Oh Hanbin ah” he added as Hanbin looked at him suspiciously.
“That fish over there resembles you. It’s so cute!” Zhang Hao laughed as Hanbin looked offended.
Matthew burst into laughter at his shocked face, saying “Hao hyung, thats a blob fish!”
Hanbin laughed with Matthew as he stared over Matthew’s head to Zhang Hao with a fake smile. He then pointed over somewhere, mouthing ‘you’.
Zhang Hao followed his finger as his eyes landed on a starfish lying flat on the glass. He smirked at Hanbin gesturing “yeah?! Because I’m prettier than you!”
Hanbin shook his head slyly and said “behind you”, Zhang Hao turned around and saw absolutely nothing. He felt Matthew slip out of his hand as Hanbins attempted robbery in broad day light.
Zhang hao’s fast reflexes caught in as he quickly grabbed Matthews hands, raising his eyes at Hanbin who was cursing beneath his breath.
“Ahaha” Matthew laughed awkwardly as he stood there like a child in custody with their parents.
Matthew stood between the internal fight going on and gasped when he felt the tension.
“I knew it!” Matthew exclaimed.
Hoabin’s faces dropped too expressions that were begging him too not misunderstand anything.
Too bad Matthew was oblivious and chose not to give a fuck, as he waltzed off wriggling his eye brows and yelling “enjoy your date!”
The two eldest stood there aghast, watching Matthew bounce away with light springs in his steps. They both sighed dazedly as they snapped towards one another.
“Love you Hao-hyung, really, but Seok Mae was my best friend first” Hanbin sassed as Zhang Hao squared up too him.
“We’ll do you have a limited edition selfie with him?” Zhang Hao snapped back shoving his lock screen of himself and Matthew cutely posing into Hanbin’s face.
Hanbin gasped in betrayal.
“The PhotoBooth!”
“Finally”
Jiwoong and Taerae exclaimed in unison as they tired dragged their feet along. They had just only recently recovered from the trauma of the zoo- Ricky was still in pain.
It was getting late and everyone was ready too crash but Matthew had insisted they visit a Photo Booth for the memories.
“Too our first ever ZB1 outing!” He had exclaimed and everyone was quick to forget their exhaustion.
So now here they were. All nine of them squashed in the small booth, arguing about the poses.
“Matthew hyung suggested it so we have to make it special!” Yujin screamed.
“Taerae… you guitar is digging into my back” Hanbin said gently as Taerae apologised but did nothing to fix that fact.
Gyuvin was patting Ricky’s shoulder who was still spaced out from earlier and was whispering, “money can’t heal this pain”
Matthew was squashed in the middle of Jiwoong, Zhang hao and Hanbin, as he kept insisting Zhang Hao be in the centre.
“Hyung~ you should be in the middle!” Matthew whined, shuddering at all the hate he could get if this unofficial photo came out. Gosh, people were scary sometimes.
Zhang Hao slapped Matthew lightly as he said “don’t be silly! The cutest should stay in the middle!” He said, ruffling Matthew’s hair.
Somehow the bunny ears from earlier made its way into Jiwoong’s hand as he gently placed it onto Matthew’s head.
To stop all the fighting, Matthew leaned forwards to set the timer.
“Say cheese!” Matthew shouted.
“Say Iloveyouiwantyouseokmattchu!” Hanbin mumbled under his breath.
They all grinned incredibly wide as Matthew felt his heart melt with his precious new friends.
Click.
Matthew held the photos with shaky hands as they crowded around him to peep.
Oh well, Zhang hao’s shoulder had landed ‘accidentally’ in Hanbin’s face, Gyuvin ended up facing the wrong way and Yujin looked like he’d just eaten a sour lemon.
It couldn’t hide the enormous smiles that the 9 of them wore, as their trip to Everland came to an end.