Chapter Text
“You really need to calm down, hyung.”
“You know how I get with new people, Juju-ah.”
“Stop calling me that.”
“Just think of the free food, Fuma-hyung.”
“Thanks kiddo.”
“You’re such a leech, Maki.”
The evening breeze helped to drown out the voices of his two younger companions, the cold instead heightening his nerves as they drove down the highway. The meeting place was significantly far, which explains why Fuma has been dragged along as their designated driver. Sundays were supposed to be his free time, Sunday nights usually spent early in bed before the horrors of the following week filled with college deadlines and shitty part-time coworkers weighed on him again. Euijoo, his childhood friend and roommate for years now, knew this of course. But here they were, driving down an unfamiliar path with Euijoo’s younger brothers in the backseat towards a party where he knew no one.
“I promised him I’ll invite you guys. He’s wanted to meet you for so long,” Euijoo said, attention divided between his companions and the person he was constantly texting.
“He must be serious then.” Fuma replied.
“I’ve seen him once before. He’s cute and chic. Definitely someone our parents will hate.” Harua interjected mindlessly, eyes also glued to his cellphone and missing the way his brother sent him a deadly glare. Fuma chuckled.
“Sounds like someone approves of him already.” Euijoo sighs and sits back on his seat, putting his phone down and leaning on the car’s door. The wind is hitting his face, which Fuma knows is a great comfort to him as the younger hates long car rides, insisting on having the windows down. His eyes close with content or worry, this Fuma doesn’t know.
“Can we eat already?” The eldest of the group grumbles as he checks the time once again. 10 minutes since the agreed time.
“Don’t be rude. The host’s boyfriend isn’t here yet. You’re just here to mooch off me again.” Nicholas, who was previously occupied with texting someone on his phone, piped up. His sharp gaze is directed at Yudai, but the taller man knew there wasn’t an ounce of venom in that look.
“You still love me, though.”
“Whatever you say, hyung.” His pout was only met by the snickers of their two younger companions beside them. Taki has been sipping on his soda for the past ten minutes while Jo, poor Jo, has been eyeing the untouched bowl of plain rice in front of him. Now both of their attentions are on them.
“Personally, I would find it a bit rude that they’re late for your special day.” Yudai said with a shrug.
“You were 5 minutes late, hyung.” Yuma’s annoying voice chimed in from beside Taki, the boy already munching on the sides. The little hypocrite.
“He had to convince his roommate to come. Plus, not everyone drives like they own the road. Some people actually have decency, hyung.” Nicholas said, putting his phone down and taking a sip of his drink. “They should be here soon.”
“Roommate as in… the roommate you’ve been panicking about? The one that’s obviously still in love with your boyfriend?” Yudai said. This catches the attention of the younger boys.
“Oh wow. I didn’t know we’d get some drama tonight.” Taki whispered to Jo. Nicholas only rolled his eyes.
“He’s just overprotective. They’ve been best friends since diapers.”
“Right. Overprotective. Over his ex.”
“Shut up, hyung. You-“ Yudai was almost disappointed when Nicholas didn’t finish his sentence when his phone started ringing. He loved riling up his best friend, loved seeing his priceless reaction each time. Besides, Nicholas was probably used to it, learning through the years how to bite back whenever Kei barks.
Nicholas looked down at his phone and immediately rushed out of their private room. Without him, Yudai diverts his attention to the younger boys.
“I hope the roommate is hot,” he said, to which Yuma grimaces.
“God, hyung, you’re unbelievable.”
“Wouldn’t I be helping Nicholas if I distracted that roommate from his boyfriend? I’d be friend of the year. You all wish you had a best friend like me.”
“Sucks that you’re my brother then.” Taki said, fake gagging at Yuma who burst into laughter.
The door to their private room opened just as Yudai was kicking Taki under the table. The commotion was immediately silenced by Nicholas emerging with four other guys, one in particular catching Yudai’s attention. A man stood tall all wide shouldered and broad chested, the hideous dark blue grandpa polo he wore almost forgivable for how it hugged his visibly built figure. His horrible taste in fashion was contrasted by his bleached gray hair that fell perfectly over his eyes, wonderfully soft and mysterious at the same time. Yudai might go insane. He’s already praying that wasn’t Nicholas’ boyfriend.
“Hey guys. This is Euijoo, my boyfriend.” Nicholas said, laying a hand on a taller boy’s arm who stood beside the gorgeous man. Yudai almost audibly sighed. “These are his younger brothers, Harua and Maki. And this is his roommate, Fuma.”
At the mention of his name, the man – Fuma – faced them and flashed a well-mannered smile, showing off the most adorable set of bunny teeth that went against everything Yudai has thought of him so far. So maybe he is insane.
“Nice to meet you guys.” Euijoo greeted, with his brothers beside him all polite smiles and small waves. The guy seemed sweet, thought Yudai, and his thoughts were confirmed by Nicholas directing a disgustingly fond look at his boyfriend.
“These are my juniors in school, Jo and Yuma. You already know Yudai-hyung and his brother Taki.” Nicholas said, gesturing to their group.
“Ah yes. He’s mentioned you guys a lot.” At this, Yudai fake gasped.
“Oh, Nichol. I’m so honored.” He joked as he put a hand over his heart, provoking a scoff from his best friend. None of that mattered though when he caught the attractive man try to hide a smile beside Euijoo. Feeling pleased, Yudai stood up and extended a hand to the younger man. “Nice to finally meet you, Euijoo. Nicholas has said plenty about you too.”
Euijoo shook his hand and Nicholas finally ushered them all to take a seat. After sharing a knowing look with Yuma, he pulled back the seat beside him and turned to Fuma. “You can sit here.”
The other man was startled at his offer, understandably considering Yudai was practically a stranger to him seconds ago. Fortunately, Nicholas found his seat in front of Yudai and Euijoo quickly followed beside him, now seated on the seat opposite to the one the eldest just offered. Fuma hesitantly took his seat, only feeling comfortable when one of the younger boys – Harua was it? – joining him on his other side. Yudai silently celebrated his victory, ignoring the cheeky looks his brother was sending him.
“I kept the group small so you guys would be comfortable.” Nicholas piped up once everyone was comfortable.
“You didn’t have to. It’s your birthday after all.” Euijoo argued. Nicho only shrugged in response.
“I prefer it this way.”
Soon, the group finally dug into their meal. Being the eldest and the only one who can cook decently, Yudai was once again expected to prepare and grill the samgyupsal while everyone passed around the other dishes. He busied himself with grilling, accepting a bite or two from Jo or Taki who were kind enough to remember him, until some of the meat was ready for the taking. The chopped up grilled meat immediately made its way into everybody’s plates, all rowdy, growing boys eager to fill their stomachs. The eldest made sure to pass the meat around fairly, but if anyone noticed the plate beside him never running empty, they paid it no mind. It was hard to avoid, when Yudai saw several times how the man beside him continued sharing his food to his younger companions. So what if he got extra.
He also didn’t miss how Fuma caught on, sending him curious looks whenever he dropped pieces of meat into his bottomless plate. Yudai believed he was being casual enough about it with how he did the same to others. Seems like the man was more perceptive than he thought.
“Have some more.” A quick smile, maybe some eye contact. There was nothing to notice at all. Until his phone buzzed on the table beside his plate and Nicholas’ text flashed on his lockscreen.
You think you’re being slick. Stop being weird with Fuma-hyung.
Yudai snickered, shooting his younger friend a quick reply before resuming his task.
I’m being friendly AND doing you a favor. Thank me later.
“You should eat properly too. I’ll take over the grilling.” The eldest jumped on his seat when the man beside him finally spoke. Yudai turned to the other as he hid his phone, afraid that he might have seen the messages that was shared.
“Oh. It’s fine, don’t worry about it. I’m being fed by the others well enough,” Yudai said, flashing a charming smile at his seatmate. “Besides, they wouldn’t pay attention to me otherwise.”
Fuma smiled, effortlessly endearing. “I find that hard to believe.” The gray-haired man replied.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. They seem to adore you.”
“That’s just cause I let them get away with anything.” Yudai once again drops pieces of meat on their plates. “You don’t see a 26-year-old man hanging out with freshmen that often.”
“You’re 26?”
Kei looked back at Fuma. “You sound shocked.”
“I am. You look younger.” A pause. “And act younger too.”
“Are you saying I’m immature?” To this, the two laughed. Fuma’s laugh was slightly high-pitched and airy, Yudai discovered.
“I’m 25 so.” Fuma added.
“And you look perfectly fine.”
The younger of the two snickered, and they fell quiet once again when Taki started demanding more food because Jo kept stealing from his plate. Yudai turned his full attention back to feeding the 8 boys after being briefly – and pleasantly – distracted.
The night went better than expected. Euijoo was of course adored by Nicholas’ friends with how sweet and kind he was, Taki quickly warming up to him to Yudai’s dismay. Maki and Nicholas connected through their knowledge of different languages, earning him the blessing of one brother, meanwhile Harua got the shorter end of the stick with how Nicholas loved teasing him. All in all, it seemed like everyone was happy for the two, and Nicho’s birthday gathering ended with everyone in high spirits.
Everyone except a certain handsome man that Kei has been paying too much attention to throughout the night. Fuma engaged in the conversations around the table, and even shared jokes with Nicholas, much to Euijoo’s delight. However, Yudai’s knowledge of their past will never allow him to view the situation as shallow as that. Once Fuma excused himself to use the lavatory, Yudai gave Nicholas a knowing look and followed shortly after. He didn’t completely know why he followed behind, just that his increasing interest on the man had driven him to do so.
He stepped out of the restaurant, almost bursting into laughter when he saw the other man there. His hunches had told him Fuma didn’t really need to use the bathroom. Yudai was pleasantly surprised that the younger was still a bit easy to read. What really shocked him was the unlit cigarette that rested between Fuma’s plump lips.
“Oh wow. Didn’t know you smoke. You didn’t really seem like one.” Yudai quipped, stepping closer to the other who watched him carefully.
“I often don’t. It’s been a stressful week.”
“And you got dragged to a party with strangers. Yeah, I get it.” From his pocket, Yudai pulled out a lighter, bringing it close to Fuma’s cigarette. The man seemed to hesitate, but obliged, leaning into the lighter and watching intently as Yudai lit it up for him. The older man then retracted his hand like it was the one that was burnt.
“I’ll blame you if I get in trouble for this. Euijoo doesn’t like that I smoke.” Fuma smiled around his cigarette, a sight that might remain in Kei’s mind for the duration of the night.
“Well, he doesn’t really have much of a say on your life anymore, right?” Yudai’s words caused Fuma to look up at him apprehensively. This is how the older realized that he was slightly taller than the gorgeous man, not too much, just enough for Fuma to look up at Yudai with his bright, dark eyes. “Sorry. Nicholas has told me some things. Being his longest and closest friend and all.”
Fuma mulled over the thought for a while before sighing, cigarette smoke leaving his mouth as he did. “Yeah, that’s fine, I guess.” Fuma said, taking another hit of his cigarette. “Did I make it weird earlier when I left?”
Kei chuckled. Even in this situation the other man was still thinking of others. Just how selfless could he be. “I’m sure it’s fine. I probably made it weirder for coming after you.” To this, Fuma rolled his eyes at him. “Nicholas knew what he was up for when he dated Euijoo, and you’re not one for trouble, so things will work out between you all.”
“How are you sure I’m not one for trouble?” Fuma asked, his gaze shifting from curious to something sarcastic, bordering flirty, making Yudai’s head spin.
“Well, for one…” Yudai said, stepping closer to Fuma and delicately taking the cigarette from his lips, placing it on his own. “You’ve been housing your ex and drove him to his new boyfriend’s birthday party on a Sunday night. Personally, I would’ve just gone on with my life.”
“I don’t think that’s an appropriate example. I'm just a great friend.”
“And.” Yudai rolled his eyes as he took a long hit of the cigarette, letting the smoke hit Fuma’s face. “Despite your own feelings, you don’t smoke in front of them and make sure they’re ok. You still want them to be happy, you selfless bastard.”
Fuma looked back up at the strange man. He met Yudai not even 2 hours ago, and here was the man confidently reading his personality like he knows what Fuma went through. He has the right to be angry. It’s a personal matter and Yudai is imposing. Yet he didn’t feel any distaste in his body. Just pure curiosity for the man who seemed to be paying too much attention to him.
He didn’t even realize how close they’d gotten, Yudai almost towering over him with the way Fuma leaned back on the wall behind him. The older was objectively attractive, and Fuma hasn’t thought that about anyone else since he and Euijoo broke up. The realization scared him, and he could feel himself pulling away again from whatever connection had been made with this man who was clearly coming onto him.
Fuma was startled when the door to the restaurant opened beside them. He was almost thankful because he was starting to drown on whatever perfume the older man had on. The two turned to see Nicholas and Euijoo emerging from the place and Fuma’s wide, nervous eyes caught Yudai’s at the sight of Euijoo. The older only smirked with Fuma’s cigarette around his lips, sending a small wink his way.
“Fuma-hyung?” Euijoo turned to the both of them, eyeing the cigarette Yudai had.
“Euijoo-ya. What's the matter?” Fuma asked, stepping closer to the young couple, missing how his companion threw the cigarette away as he turned his back to him.
“I came to look for you. Mom and Dad called. They want Maki and Harua home soon.” Disappointment could be heard from Euijoo’s voice, and Fuma just nodded.
“I see. Is it ok if we leave early Nicholas?”
“It’s ok, hyung. I wouldn’t want to get you guys into trouble.” With that, the four went back inside to finally end the night. Goodbyes were said, and even more see you again’s. It seemed that the younger boys enjoyed each other’s company despite just meeting each other, and it warmed Fuma’s heart that this is the circle that Euijoo would have with Nicholas by his side. It really was enough for him that Euijoo was happy.
Yudai’s words from before echoed back to him. Was it wrong that that was all he wanted?
When they left the restaurant, Yudai slipped a piece of paper on his palm, making a gesture that meant call me. Fuma gave him an incredulous look. “What are we, teenagers?”
“I’m not gonna let someone cute slip away just like that. Just reach out whenever you need it. We could be buddies.” He paused mischievously. “Or more.”
Fuma just laughed. Yudai was so unapologetically honest, like he had no worries in the world. Fuma could see himself enjoying his company once in a while.
“Alright. Thanks for tonight.” The younger said, leaving the older behind as he followed his party back to their car.
Nicholas turned to Kei once his boyfriend and company left the restaurant. Yuma and Jo have left on a taxi too, complaining about a project they still had to complete for tomorrow, which left Nicholas, Yudai and Taki, who was focused on his phone, in front of the establishment.
“They should give you a prize for best actor.” Yudai chuckled before turning back at his best friend.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Right, cause I’m sure I just saw you taking hits of a cigarette when you obviously hate smoking.”
“It’s a personal preference. Plus, I’m an alcoholic. It’s basically the same vice in different forms.” Yudai took out the lighter he had earlier and passed it back to Nicholas. “Thanks for the lighter by the way.”
“You need to be kept away from the kids from now on.”