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“Let’s take 20!”
Immediately, groans and thuds echo around the practice room as the boys flop to the ground, bodies too sore to hold them up another second. Some lie on their stomachs, others sprawl out like exhausted starfish, and a few roll sideways with exaggerated sighs.
Sion, however, can’t escape the heat despite the AC being cranked to 20 degrees. For one thing, the curtains aren’t fully drawn, so the sun glares in with a smugness Sion can almost feel. But the real culprit? Riku, who apparently thinks it’s a good idea to cuddle up and practically collapse half of his body onto Sion’s. The younger boy’s hot breath puffs across his face, and it’s not helping Sion’s case against overheating one bit.
“Riku, get off me.”
“Nope.” Riku sings back, his eyes crinkling with that mischievous smile that somehow works every single time. Sion has seen plenty of people—especially Yushi—cave instantly under that smile’s spell. Lately, he suspects that it might be getting to him, too.
"Hyung, I think I’m your favorite member," Riku giggles as Sion stops wriggling and even starts patting his shoulder in a half-hearted attempt to get him to move.
"Shut up, or I’ll stop letting you cuddle." There isn’t a hint of menace in his voice because, well… it’s kind of true. As much as Sion tries to treat all the members equally, he’s aware that Riku somehow holds a special place. Not that he’d admit it outright.
Riku, sensing his victory, immediately goes quiet, content to sprawl even more comfortably on Sion.
Ignoring the human heater draped over him, Sion’s attention drifts to the other members. The two youngest, Ryo and Sakuya, are huddled together, snickering at something on Sakuya’s phone, while Daeyoung is deep in conversation with Yushi, who’s leaning against the mirror, somehow looking effortlessly cool despite the long hours of practice, as if the hours of practice had barely fazed him. Sion felt his heart skip a beat—Yushi was annoyingly, effortlessly... perfect.
Sion’s gaze locks onto Yushi, his thoughts trailing off as he scans the younger boy from head to toe. No matter how much time passes, he never quite gets over Yushi’s elegance. It’s unfair, really. The guy practically glows, making Sion’s heart pound whenever they’re together. It’s the kind of crush that feels almost unreal.
A not-so-subtle leg thrown over him snaps him back to the present. Riku is watching him with an exaggeratedly smug expression, eyebrows wiggling like he knows exactly what’s going on. Perhaps he underestimates Riku’s strength, because with one quick move, Sion finds himself fully pinned, both his hands trapped awkwardly under Riku’s grip.
Sion groaned—louder than he’d meant to—which caught the attention of everyone in the room.
“Get a room!” Ryo gagged, shielding his eyes dramatically. “Please, I beg you!”
Sakuya looked away with exaggerated disgust, muttering, “Hyung, we’re too young to see this.”
Daeyoung only rolled his eyes, but it’s Yushi’s reaction that really throws Sion off. Yushi is watching them with a smirk, arms crossed, like he’s in on some inside joke. And the look he’s giving them? Sion’s heart sinks. Yushi almost looks… amused.
“You guys look cozy over there,” Yushi comments, his voice light but his eyes glinting with something unreadable.
Caught off guard, Sion lets out an awkward groan, desperately trying to wriggle out from under Riku. But Riku isn’t budging. In fact, he’s pressing closer, his grip surprisingly strong. “You like Yushi,” he whispered, his voice close enough to give Sion goosebumps. There’s no way to pretend he didn’t hear that.
“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sion’s denial is instant but entirely unconvincing, especially with the growing blush on his face. His face heats up, betraying him instantly. Way to go, Sion. Riku’s smirk widened—he’d clearly won this round.
“It’s obvious, hyung. I’ve noticed it for a while.” Riku props himself up on one elbow, his face hovering inches from Sion’s with a gleam in his eye that can only mean trouble. “I can help you, you know.” His voice held a conspiratorial tone that sent a chill of excitement (and dread) through Sion.
Help? Sion thought. The last thing he needed was someone like Riku ‘helping’ him with anything.
“This is stupid,” Sion sighed, pushing at Riku’s shoulders, trying to regain some semblance of control. But Riku was as stubborn as ever, pinning him down with surprising strength.
“Riku, what the hell is wrong with you today?” Sion gasped, half-laughing, half-desperate to free himself. They struggled, each trying to gain the upper hand, until Sion’s wrist hit the floor with a loud thud.
“Ah, sorry! Did that hurt?” Riku’s playful smile fades as he checks Sion’s wrists, his face suddenly soft with concern. For a split second, there’s something unreadable in his expression, something that makes Sion’s heart beat even faster. Before he can think too much about it, Riku tilts Sion’s chin, forcing him to meet his eyes. “Hyung, I’m right here. Where are you drifting off to?” His voice is softer, almost teasing but with a surprising hint of intensity.
“Stop messing with me,” Sion mumbled, feeling his cheeks flush. “You’re making me lose my chance before I can even act on it.”
“That’s why I’m offering my help,” Riku quipped back with a grin, leaning in so close that Sion could feel his breath tickling his skin.
Sion scowled, frustration mounting as he tried to understand Riku’s motive. Was this some kind of prank, or was Riku genuinely trying to play matchmaker? He couldn’t tell. “Please just get off me,” he finally muttered, his voice cracking.
A flicker of something—hurt, maybe—flashed across Riku’s face, but he masked it quickly, standing up and brushing himself off. He offered a hand, but Sion ignored it, getting up on his own and dusting himself off, his tone unusually sharp. “Whatever this was, let’s not do it again, alright?”
Riku waved him off, his expression unreadable, and left the practice room without another word. When Sion looked back at the mirror where Yushi had been standing, he realized Yushi was gone. Only Daeyoung remained, shaking his head in quiet amusement.
Sion is in the kitchen, trying to pour himself a glass of water and think straight, when he hears a soft padding of footsteps behind him. He turns around to find Riku there, yawning and rubbing his eyes.
“Can’t sleep?” Riku asks, smiling sleepily.
“No… Too much on my mind,” Sion mumbles, realizing a bit too late that he’s said it out loud.
Riku’s eyes narrow playfully. “Is it a certain someone who’s always got their hair perfectly styled, even at 3 a.m.?”
Sion feels his face heating up again. “What? No, that’s… not…” But Riku’s grin widens, clearly amused.
“I still think you should let me help you with Yushi,” he says, dropping his voice to a whisper. “I know a lot of things about him that would really help your chances.”
“What, like his favorite type of ramen or something?”
“Maybe.” Riku winks. “But I also know he loves it when someone knows how to take charge… you know, like a leader should.”
Sion stares, caught off guard, feeling his heart race for reasons he can’t quite name. The way Riku is looking at him feels like a challenge. Or maybe… an invitation?
It’s been a week after whatever the fuck that was with Riku, and Yushi has been on edge with him since then.
Sion’s pretty sure Yushi now thinks he’s harboring some wild crush on Riku, because every time he takes a step closer to Yushi, the younger boy seems to take two steps back. It’s like they’re trapped in an accidental slow-motion cha-cha, and it’s driving Sion out of his mind.
Yet, weirdly, some mornings Yushi seems completely at ease, even throwing Sion teasing glances or playful nudges. But by evening, he’s back to dodging him like he’s carrying a live grenade. Sion’s frustrated, confused, and on the brink of losing it if this game continues much longer. He’s been on the receiving end of plenty of crushes and confessions back in his high school days, and he’s no stranger to how this works. It’s almost textbook stuff: the mutual glances, the shy touches, the strange tension filling the air whenever they’re close. He can tell Yushi likes him too—but for whatever reason, they’re stuck in this endless push-pull.
One week into this nonsensical dance, Sion notices something else. Yushi seems to be enjoying it.
He can’t help but notice how Yushi toys with him, sometimes biting his earlobe teasingly one day and pretending he’s forgotten all about it the next. One morning, Yushi nudged him in the shoulder, casually lingering with his hand just a second too long. The next, he had the nerve to smile innocently when Sion confronted him, leaving Sion staring at him in exasperation, forgetting whatever he had been about to say.
This is foul play, Sion thinks. But he’s not one to back down. If Yushi wants to play games, then so be it. Two can play at this game.
Practice wraps up, and everyone is busy preparing to head home. Sion glances around and realizes that only he and Yushi are left in the room. It’s a rare moment of peace, and something about the quiet makes him bold.
"I'll go back first, good luck with your recording," Sion says nonchalantly, brushing his hand a little too casually along Yushi’s waist as he passes by the water dispenser.
Yushi looks up, surprised. “You’re not staying?” His eyes narrow, as if trying to decode Sion’s intentions.
Sion’s brain immediately presents him with an image of Daeyoung, who had practically begged him to drive him to school the next morning. Sion’s only got a few hours left to sleep, so he should absolutely be leaving right now. But then, Yushi gives him a look, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
And Sion’s resolve crumbles.
“Do you want me to stay?” He blurts out, immediately wishing he could take it back. Ah, damn it.
Yushi raises an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a smirk. “Well… if you’re offering, I could use some company.”
Sion's heart stumbles over itself. But before he can overthink, he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket—probably Daeyoung, wondering why he’s not on his way to the dorm already. With a heavy sigh, Sion pulls away slightly, giving Yushi an apologetic look.
“I’d stay, but I did promise Daeyoung I'd drive him to school in the morning. You wouldn’t want me to crash the car from drowsiness, right?” He laughs awkwardly, feeling like he’s letting Yushi down.
Yushi pouts—a genuine pout that’s a little too effective at making Sion feel guilty. Trying to make up for it, Sion steps forward, enveloping Yushi in a quick hug.
“It’ll be over soon,” he murmurs, keeping his voice low as his hand brushes up to cradle Yushi’s face. Yushi leans into his touch, and for a moment, Sion feels a surge of hope, feeling certain that maybe, just maybe, they’re on the same page.
But as he moves closer, leaning in to place a quick kiss on Yushi’s forehead, Yushi pulls away suddenly, like he’s only just remembered they’re supposed to be keeping this under wraps.
Sion frowns, the moment slipping out of his grasp like sand through his fingers. It’s always like this. Every time they get close to something more—something that feels like it could take their relationship to the next level—Yushi retreats. And every single time, Sion is left standing there, helplessly wondering what went wrong.
Just as he’s about to confront Yushi and demand some answers, a familiar ringtone pierces the silence. It’s not his. He watches as Yushi’s face lights up when he pulls his phone out and answers it with an enthusiastic smile.
Sion catches a quick glance at the caller ID: Riku.
Something shifts inside him, twisting uncomfortably as he watches Yushi’s face soften and his tone drop to something... warm. The way he’s smiling—calling Riku ‘baby’ of all things—sends a ripple of confusion and something close to jealousy through Sion.
What on earth is their relationship?
Before he realizes it, Sion is turning on his heel, making his way out without a single goodbye. It’s not like Yushi notices anyway—he’s too wrapped up in his conversation with Riku to see Sion leaving.
———
Sion knows he should be asleep by now. He should be getting ready for the early drive with Daeyoung tomorrow. But instead, he finds himself standing outside Riku and Yushi’s shared bedroom, torn between leaving and barging in with a million questions.
He tells himself he’s just checking up on them, just wanting to talk to Riku about… well, something. Anything, really. Except he doesn’t even know why he’s here, pacing back and forth like he’s waiting for some revelation to hit him.
Before he can talk himself out of it, the door creaks open, and there stands Riku, looking at him with one eyebrow raised.
"If I don’t open the door, were you planning on pacing all night?” Riku asks, smirking as he takes in Sion’s awkward stance. Dressed in a simple white t-shirt and shorts, Riku somehow looks both innocent and impossibly attractive in a way that makes Sion’s heart skip a beat.
Sion clears his throat, fumbling for words. “Ah, it’s nothing. I was just… I’ll go back now. Goodnight, Riku.”
But before he can escape, Riku grabs his wrist, pulling him into the room with a surprising amount of strength.
“Stay and keep me company until Yushi gets back?” Riku’s voice is soft, almost shy, and Sion finds himself helplessly nodding.
What he doesn’t expect is to end up in this particular position, with Riku sitting on his lap, arms wrapped around his neck, legs draped over his waist, leaving Sion holding onto his waist out of sheer necessity.
Sion stares up at Riku, utterly bewildered. “Riku… what are you doing?”
Riku shrugs, a playful smile quirking his lips. “Yushi likes this,” he says simply, as if it explains everything. He snuggles closer, resting his head on Sion’s shoulder. “I thought you’d like it too.”
Sion’s heart races, and for a moment, he forgets to breathe. It’s hard to ignore how soft and warm Riku feels, and he finds himself unconsciously rubbing soothing circles on Riku’s back. For safety reasons, he tells himself. Just to keep Riku comfortable… even if his own heart feels ready to burst.
“Riku, seriously… what are you doing?” Sion asks, a nervous laugh escaping him as he tries to make sense of what’s happening.
Riku raises his head, his expression shifting into something more earnest. “I want you and Yushi to be happy together, that’s all,” he murmurs, his voice soft as he lowers his head back onto Sion’s shoulder.
“Why does that make you happy?” Sion asks, genuinely puzzled. And why does hearing him say that make his chest feel so strange?
“That’s a secret,” Riku giggles, burying his face in Sion’s neck.
Sion doesn’t press further. Instead, he sits in silence, feeling a strange but comfortable warmth in his chest. As he checks his phone, he realizes twenty minutes have passed, and his legs are starting to go numb under Riku’s weight. Gently, he calls out to the boy, but all he gets in response is a soft snore.
He sighs, carefully moving Riku off his lap and tucking him into bed. Just as he’s draping a blanket over him, the door creaks open, and Sion looks up to see Yushi entering the room.
Their eyes meet, and Yushi’s face lights up with a warm smile, catching Sion off guard.
“Did he just fall asleep?” Yushi whispers.
Sion nods, feeling his face heat up. Without really thinking about it, he leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to Riku’s forehead before turning to leave.
But as he steps past Yushi, a hand catches his arm.
“Do I not get a goodnight kiss too?” Yushi asks, feigning hurt with a playful glint in his eyes.
Sion flushes even deeper, stammering, “I-I could give you one… if you want?”
“Pretty please,” Yushi says, his voice soft and teasing.
Summoning every ounce of courage, Sion leans in to peck Yushi on the cheek before bolting for the door, a high-pitched “Goodnight!” escaping him as he dashes out.
———
Back in his room, Sion lies sprawled across his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, his mind looping through the events of the past few days. He’s been doing his best to focus on Yushi—to keep his feelings for Yushi clear, to remind himself why he’s been trying so hard to win him over. But lately, whenever he sees Riku, his thoughts drift and scatter, leaving him frustrated and bewildered.
With a heavy sigh, he grabs his pillow and groans into it. I like Yushi , he tells himself firmly. I’ve always liked Yushi. So why…
His mind betrays him, flashing back to just now in Riku’s room. The soft weight of Riku asleep on his lap, the warmth of his head nestled on Sion’s shoulder, the way he’d unconsciously tightened his grip around him in his sleep… A reluctant smile tugs at Sion’s lips before he snaps himself back to reality.
“Get it together,” he mutters, trying to shake off the thought. But he knows he’s losing the battle because the same question keeps coming back, nagging at him: Why is Riku in my head so much?
He thinks about Riku’s smile, that teasing glint in his eyes whenever he catches Sion looking at Yushi. He thinks about how Riku somehow knows just when to show up, breaking the tension with Yushi with a well-timed joke or a comforting hand on his shoulder. And then he remembers that hug—how Riku had practically clung to him, whispering about helping him win Yushi’s heart, even while making Sion’s own heart feel like it was beating out of rhythm.
He shuts his eyes and exhales deeply, letting his head fall back against the mattress. The room is dark and silent, leaving only his tangled thoughts for company.
I like Yushi. I like Yushi , he repeats internally, trying to drive the point home. But a quiet, irritatingly persistent voice at the back of his mind chimes in: And maybe… just maybe… you like Riku, too.
Sion’s eyes snap open, heart pounding at the realization. He sits up, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
“Ugh,” he groans, barely stopping himself from ruffling his hair into a complete mess. “This was supposed to be simple. It was just supposed to be Yushi!” He pauses, hearing how ridiculous he sounds in the quiet of his room, his own voice echoing back at him.
And yet, as he stares into the dim light filtering in through his window, he can’t help but think of both Yushi’s gentle smile and Riku’s playful laugh. They both pull at him in different ways, and he’s suddenly, terrifyingly aware that he might be falling for both of them.
“…What am I supposed to do now?” he whispers into the darkness, feeling his cheeks heat up at the absurdity of it all.
But no answer comes, only the steady beat of his heart, reminding him he’s in deeper than he thought.
Today is another normal day, Riku and Sion are seated on the practice room floor while the other members are busy resting or chatting. Until Riku, with his usual mischievous glint, hands Sion a notebook filled with hastily scribbled notes.
“Here,” Riku says with a grin, “A Guide on Rizz, by Maeda Riku.”
Sion stares at the notebook, flipping through pages filled with phrases like, “Make eye contact but don’t stare—intense but cool,” and “Pretend to listen (actually listen?).” He raises an eyebrow. “Riku… what exactly is this?”
“This,” Riku declares proudly, “is the key to Yushi’s heart. I’m telling you, hyung, if you follow my instructions, he’ll be putty in your hands.”
Sion stares blankly, wondering when exactly he lost control of his own love life. “Right… and how exactly do you know all this?”
Riku just winks. “Trust me.”
Sion squints at the notes skeptically. "You know I don’t really need your help, right?”
Riku gasps in mock offense, clutching his heart. “Hyung! Do you doubt my wisdom in matters of the heart? I am a certified ‘boyfriend expert’… probably,” he adds with a smirk.
Sion sighs but flips to the first page. Step 1: Compliment him in a way that seems casual but isn’t.
———
Later that day, Sion decides to give Riku’s ‘advice’ a shot. After all, Riku’s smug confidence has him wondering if maybe there’s some truth to it.
Sion approaches Yushi, who’s busy adjusting his hair in the mirror after practice.
“Uh, Yushi… your hair looks, um, nice today. But not, like, too nice? Just… you know… nice in a casual way.” Sion cringes internally, wanting to vanish on the spot.
Yushi raises an eyebrow, turning to face him. “Oh? Just today, hyung?”
Sion panics. “No, no, not just today! I mean, every day! Your hair is… very consistent.”
Yushi blinks, trying to keep a straight face. A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Thanks, I’ll… remember that. Consistency is important.”
From across the room, Riku gives Sion a thumbs-up, clearly fighting back laughter. Sion groans inwardly, wondering how he let himself get talked into this.
———
Sion finds Riku in the hallway after practice. "Your 'Guide on Rizz' is ridiculous."
Riku laughs, clearly delighted. “Oh, come on, hyung, you didn’t even try it all! That was just Step 1. There are so many more good ones.”
“You call that ‘good’?” Sion crosses his arms, fighting back a smile. “I nearly told Yushi his hair looked… too nice. ”
“And look—he remembered it! He’ll be thinking about that all day.” Riku winks, then adds, “Trust me, he won’t forget it.”
Sion sighs, realizing he’s stuck with Riku’s plan whether he likes it or not. “Fine. What’s next?”
Riku grins, pulling Sion closer to whisper the next step in his ear. “Step 2: Body language. Next time you talk to him, lean in, just a bit. Just enough to make him wonder if something’s happening.”
Sion rolls his eyes but agrees, feeling more flustered than he’d care to admit. It’s just a game, he reminds himself. But as Riku steps back with a satisfied grin, Sion’s heart does a small, strange flip.
———
The next day, Sion finds himself alone with Yushi in the recording studio. Yushi is adjusting the settings on the soundboard, focused, with his headphones on. Sion decides it’s now or never for Riku’s Step 2.
He clears his throat, leaning in as casually as possible. Yushi looks up, raising an eyebrow.
“Need help with that?” Sion asks, trying to sound calm, but leaning just close enough to make his heart race.
Yushi tilts his head, an amused smile playing on his lips. “Sure. But… what exactly do you know about sound engineering, hyung?”
Sion freezes, realizing he actually has no idea what he’s supposed to be helping with. “Oh… well, you know, just… the basics. Like, volume levels… and, um, other… sound things.”
Yushi chuckles, turning fully to face him. Sion’s heart skips a beat as Yushi’s gaze lingers a little longer than usual.
"Right. Well, I’ll remember you’re my go-to for, uh, ‘sound things,’” Yushi says, his voice light with amusement. And there it is again—that push-pull look that leaves Sion dazed.
Just as Sion’s about to respond, his phone buzzes. It’s a message from Riku: "How’s Step 2? Are you leaning? Is he leaning back? Tell me everything.”
Sion rolls his eyes, quickly pocketing his phone before Yushi can notice, and pretends to focus on the soundboard. But his cheeks feel warm, and he’s suddenly questioning everything—including why Riku’s advice seems to be getting to him, too.
———
It’s well past midnight, and Sion’s lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. He’d thought that Riku’s ‘help’ was a bad idea from the start, but now he’s feeling more confused than ever.
Yushi’s flirtatious responses make his heart race, as expected… but lately, Riku’s antics have been doing the same thing. And it’s not just the ‘Guide on Rizz’—it’s the way Riku always seems to know exactly what to say to make him laugh, the way he’s so earnest about helping, the way he’s always watching, always there .
Just as he’s about to drift off, there’s a soft knock on the door. Sion sits up to see Riku poking his head in, wearing his usual mischievous grin.
“Couldn’t sleep?” Riku asks, padding in barefoot and flopping onto Sion’s bed like it’s his own.
“Riku, what are you—”
“Just wanted to check if you’ve tried Step 3 yet,” Riku whispers, pulling the covers over himself.
“What’s Step 3?” Sion sighs, too tired to protest.
“Eye contact. And…” Riku leans close, his grin softening slightly, “try letting him see how you really feel.”
For a moment, Riku’s face is so close that Sion’s mind goes blank. He feels his heart pounding, unsure if it’s because of Riku’s words, or because of the way Riku’s looking at him.
“What if I… don’t know how I feel?” Sion murmurs, realizing only after that he’s said it out loud.
Riku’s smile is gentle, his gaze lingering as he pats Sion’s shoulder. “Then I guess we’ll figure it out together.”
As Riku’s head nestles against his shoulder, Sion lets his eyes close, feeling his heart flip in the strangest, warmest way. And as sleep finally takes him, he realizes one thing: he might actually need Riku’s help after all.
With the comeback approaching quicker than anyone anticipated—fans excluded—preparations had become even more hectic. Music video shoots, variety show appearances, behind-the-scenes vlogs, magazine photoshoots, dance practice videos, TikTok challenges—it’s a whirlwind of endless tasks that keeps the group’s schedule packed and everyone’s nerves frayed.
Yet, somehow, Riku always finds a way to ‘help’ Sion. Between rehearsals, he’s there, passing along little tidbits about Yushi—’his favorite Japanese phrases,’ ‘the exact kind of spicy ramen he likes,’ ‘the way he’s secretly charmed when someone makes a slightly clumsy but heartfelt confession.’ The advice is oddly specific, but it actually seems to work. For once, Sion feels like he’s getting somewhere with Yushi, and even the other members have started raising eyebrows and sharing knowing looks when they’re together.
But there’s something else lingering beneath all this. Because no matter how many tips Riku gives or how close he gets to Yushi, Sion can’t shake the nagging thought of Riku himself. Even the most casual touches from Riku leave him unsteady, and the glances they exchange feel heavier than they should.
Why does he have to keep sticking around? he thinks, baffled and frustrated. And more importantly, why do I keep noticing?
———
After a long day of shooting, the members are divided between two cars for the ride back to the dorm. Sion ends up in a van with Riku and Daeyoung, who, after a brief squabble, have settled into a quiet conversation in the back seat while Sion occupies the passenger seat up front.
He tunes them out at first, too tired to listen, but something in their hushed tones catches his attention.
“So, are you going out with him tonight?” Daeyoung whispers to Riku.
Riku laughs softly, the sound somehow warm and private. “Nah, we’re both too wiped out. Maybe over the weekend. He wanted to go to that new ramen shop, remember?”
“Ah, yeah, that place! He’s a keeper, honestly,” Daeyoung replies, a knowing smile in his voice. “I’ll keep watch if you sneak out, just saying.”
“Thanks, but I don’t think it’ll be necessary,” Riku laughs again, and the tone is… almost affectionate.
Sion’s stomach twists. He doesn’t fully understand why, but the thought of Riku going out with someone—having a boyfriend, no less—sends a sharp, uncomfortable pang through his chest. Riku has a boyfriend?
He tries to shake it off, forcing himself to focus on the passing city lights outside the window. But his ears stay tuned to every word they say, piecing together snippets of their conversation until it’s clear. Riku has someone. Someone who gets to spend time with him outside of work, who gets to be close to him without it being just practice, and, worst of all, someone Riku actually likes.
Good for him, Sion tells himself, tightening his grip on the armrest. Why should I care?
But deep down, he knows he’s not feeling anything close to ‘good.’ He’s annoyed. No—he’s jealous. In fact, the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes that Riku being taken feels… wrong. Like something precious has been quietly stolen from him without his realizing it.
———
After an almost silent ride, Sion practically bolts out of the van the moment they reach the dorms, heading straight to his room. He shuts the door behind him, leans against it, and lets out a long, frustrated breath.
Why does it bother me? he thinks, running a hand through his hair. I’m supposed to like Yushi. I do like Yushi! Riku’s just… he’s just a friend, a teammate, someone who’s…
He groans, dropping his head into his hands, but it doesn’t do much to drown out his thoughts. Riku’s boyfriend. Riku’s ‘someone.’ The words loop through his mind, more aggravating each time he thinks about it.
What am I even doing here, getting worked up about him? he thinks, pacing his room. I like Yushi . He repeats it over and over as if it’ll somehow snap him out of this mess. Yushi’s the one I want.
But a treacherous voice inside him keeps asking why, if he’s so sure, he feels this gut-wrenching ache at the thought of Riku going out with someone else.
He paces for a while longer, trying to ignore the confusing churn in his chest. “This is ridiculous,” he mutters to himself, trying to convince himself that it’s just the exhaustion getting to him. Yeah, that’s it , he thinks. I’m just tired, that’s all. Riku is… Riku is just Riku. There’s nothing more to it.
But no matter how many times he tells himself that, the feeling of jealousy lingers, as stubborn as ever.
It’s been days now, and Sion can’t seem to shake off his distracted state. He’s out of sync, missing counts, and tripping over moves that should be second nature. He knows the choreography by heart, but no matter how hard he tries, his mind keeps drifting—to Yushi, to Riku, and back again. The other members give him sympathetic looks, but it’s Yushi’s exasperated sigh that catches him off guard.
“Alright, break time!” Yushi calls, his usually gentle tone a bit sharper, cutting through the music. He crosses the room in a few strides and grabs Sion by the wrist, pulling him toward the break room without waiting for a response. Sion stumbles along behind him, thrown off by the sudden seriousness from Yushi, the main dancer who usually stays calm no matter what.
Once they’re alone in the break room, Yushi turns to him, crossing his arms with an assessing gaze. “Alright, spill. What’s going on with you?”
Sion blinks, caught completely off guard. “W-What? Nothing’s going on.”
“Really?” Yushi raises an eyebrow, his expression unimpressed. “Because it seems like you’ve been somewhere else all week. And I can’t watch you trip over yourself in practice anymore without knowing why.”
Sion shifts uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck. “I… I don’t know. I’m just… distracted, I guess.”
“Distracted?” Yushi raises an eyebrow, his voice softening. “You’re not usually like this. Come on hyung, talk to me. Is something bothering you?”
Sion hesitates, looking down at the floor. He’s spent days trying to sort through his feelings, attempting to bury his strange new emotions and ignore the jealousy simmering whenever he thinks about Riku’s boyfriend. But now, under Yushi’s focused gaze, it all feels like too much to keep bottled up.
He takes a deep breath, deciding that maybe the only way out of this confusion is honesty. “You know I like you, right?”
Yushi’s expression softens, and he nods. “Yeah. I know.”
Relief washes over Sion at Yushi’s calm response. He feels a weight lift from his chest, glad that Yushi is willing to acknowledge his feelings without judgment. But even as he breathes out, he knows there’s more he needs to say. Yushi, sensing it, gives him an encouraging look.
“…But,” Sion says, hating that this word is even coming out of his mouth. “There’s something else.”
Yushi tilts his head, watching him with quiet understanding. “Go on.”
Sion’s heart races, but he pushes through. “Lately, I think I might… I think I might be attracted to Riku, too.” He fidgets, unable to meet Yushi’s gaze. “I don’t understand it. It feels wrong. I mean, you’re the one I want, and now I’m here, confused about Riku, and—” He pauses, swallowing hard. “And I found out he has a boyfriend.”
Yushi’s expression doesn’t change, but a flicker of amusement lights up his eyes. Oh, he thinks, hiding a smile. So, Riku’s plan actually worked.
Sion, oblivious, keeps talking. “I know it sounds stupid. I mean, he has someone already, and here I am getting jealous over it, even though I know I don’t have the right to be.”
Yushi places a gentle hand on Sion’s shoulder, drawing his gaze back up. “Hyung, I’m really glad you told me this.” He’s barely holding back a smile, but there’s no mistaking the sincerity in his voice. “I get it. Sometimes feelings don’t fit neatly into one box, and that’s okay.”
Sion’s shoulders sag, relief and confusion mingling. “Really?”
“Really.” Yushi nods, eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. “And… for what it’s worth, you shouldn’t feel guilty for feeling this way.”
Sion’s brow furrows. “Why do I feel like you’re enjoying this?”
“Oh, no reason,” Yushi replies with a shrug, though he’s suppressing a grin. He pats Sion on the back. “Actually, I think Riku and I need to have a talk. Maybe the three of us should sit down soon, too.”
The way Yushi addresses Riku without ‘hyung’ doesn’t go unnoticed by Sion, but he ignores it because there’s something more important here on hand right now. Sion looks at him, puzzled. “Why?”
Yushi gives him a cryptic smile, his mind drifting back to a night a few months ago, when he and Riku had a long talk about their own feelings. Not long after they’d officially become a couple, they’d both admitted their attraction toward Sion, which is more than just friends, and Riku—always one for grand ideas—had suggested a plan. He’d promised Yushi that if they trusted him, he’d find a way to help Sion see he belonged with both of them.
Now, seeing Sion’s flushed face and hearing his conflicted feelings, Yushi realizes Riku’s plan might just be working. His mind already racing with plans on how he and Riku can finally bring Sion into their relationship—just like Riku had planned all along.
“Let’s just say,” Yushi replies, chuckling softly, “I think you’re exactly where you need to be right now.”
Sion stares at him, still confused, but he nods slowly, trusting that Yushi knows something he doesn’t. And as Yushi steps away to find Riku, Sion is left feeling both more grounded and more curious than ever.
The entire group is buzzing with excitement. It’s the day they’ve all been working toward, and the air is electric with anticipation. But for Sion, the nerves feel different. He’s trying to keep himself together, focusing on last-minute checks, vocal warm-ups, and mentally running through his choreography to avoid thinking too much about his tangled feelings.
Then, on his way back from grabbing water, he hears familiar voices in the hallway—Daeyoung and Riku’s—and something about their hushed tones makes him pause just outside the door, like always.
“I still can’t believe you two managed to keep it a secret this long,” Daeyoung says, chuckling softly. “You and Yushi hyung really went the extra mile to pull this off.”
Riku laughs, his tone light. “Yeah, it hasn’t been easy, but Yushi and I figured it was best this way—for now, at least.”
Sion freezes, heart pounding. Yushi and… Riku? The words echo in his mind, and a cold wave of realization crashes over him. Riku’s boyfriend, the mysterious ‘someone’ he’d been hiding this whole time, was Yushi.
The pieces fall into place with terrifying clarity. All the little gestures, the way Riku knew Yushi so well, the way they’d both acted strangely around him recently—it wasn’t just his imagination. They were together all along, and he… he’d been the outsider. The third wheel.
Sion stumbles back from the door, feeling like the ground is slipping out from under him. All along, he’d thought there was something special happening between him and Yushi, and maybe even between him and Riku. But now it feels like a cruel joke. Were they just toying with me?
Thoughts spiral through his mind, each one sharper than the last. Did they enjoy playing with my feelings? Did they get a kick out of making me think I had a chance? His heart aches with disappointment, and anger simmers beneath the surface, fueling the betrayal gnawing at his chest.
He backs away, swallowing hard, trying to regain control, when his gaze falls on Yushi. The younger boy is sitting alone by the dressing table, his usual calm focus making him look entirely composed as he goes over the lyrics for their performance.
Sion’s stomach twists. He feels like he might actually be sick. Yushi—who’d encouraged him, who’d listened to his confession, who’d sat there as Sion bared his heart—had known all along that he was with Riku. How could he? Sion thinks, each breath feeling harder to draw than the last. How could they both keep this from me?
He turns away, taking deep, shaky breaths. God, he can’t do this. He can’t perform, can’t plaster on a smile and act like nothing’s wrong. Not with everything he’s feeling eating him up from the inside out. But he knows he has no choice. This is their comeback, the moment they’ve all been waiting for, and his own hurt feelings can’t get in the way.
Just get through today, he tells himself. That’s all you have to do.
———
With the whirlwind of back-to-back stages, interviews, and livestreams, Sion has little time to think, much less process what he’s learned. The nonstop schedule is almost a relief. There’s no room to dwell on Riku and Yushi, no time to worry about their intentions. He throws himself into work, relying on the chaos to distract him from the heartache and anger brewing inside.
As the days pass, he makes it a point to keep his distance. Whenever he sees Riku or Yushi coming his way, he finds an excuse to be somewhere else. If he has to be in the same room, he makes himself busy, focusing on anything that lets him avoid looking at them directly.
The others notice, of course. Daeyoung gives him a few concerned glances, and Sakuya even asks if he’s feeling alright. Sion brushes it off with a forced smile and a quick “I’m fine.” He knows he’s being obvious, but he doesn’t care. Right now, it’s all he can do to keep his head above water.
———
Every now and then, Sion catches Riku or Yushi trying to catch his eye, their expressions uncertain, as if they’re waiting for the right moment to pull him aside. It’s clear they want to have that ‘talk’ they’d mentioned before, but between their hectic schedules and Sion’s own carefully orchestrated avoidance, it never happens.
And he’s grateful for it. The last thing he wants is to sit down and hear whatever excuse or explanation they have. What could they possibly say that would make this better? He can’t bear to listen to them try to justify how they kept him in the dark, how they let him stumble along thinking he was part of something special when, all along, he’d been on the outside looking in.
So, for now, he keeps his head down, immersing himself in the relentless pace of their comeback activities. And every time he feels that familiar pang in his chest, he shoves it down, telling himself he’ll get through this. Somehow.
It’s been a grueling week, but the comeback activities aren’t what’s weighing on Riku’s mind. Sion’s been avoiding him, dodging eye contact, and barely saying a word when they’re in the same room. Riku can’t stop thinking about it, running through every memory of their recent interactions, wondering what went wrong.
Sitting in the dimly lit shared room, Riku lets out a shaky sigh. “I don’t get it, Yushi,” he murmurs, his voice tight with frustration and hurt. “I thought… I thought things were finally moving forward. Sion hyung was starting to trust me, to open up, and then suddenly, he just… shuts me out.” He looks away, blinking rapidly as his eyes begin to sting.
Yushi watches him with quiet concern, his heart aching at the vulnerability in Riku’s expression. Riku rarely lets his guard down, especially like this. But seeing his usual playfulness replaced with sadness and confusion, Yushi knows this isn’t just a passing worry—Riku’s genuinely hurt.
Riku swallows, his voice barely above a whisper. “Did I do something wrong? Did he find out about us and think… think we were playing with him?” He rubs a hand over his face, his breaths unsteady. “Yushi, if he really thinks we’d hurt him like that…”
Unable to finish, Riku trails off, looking down as he bites his lip, fighting back tears.
Yushi’s chest tightens at the sight. He reaches over, pulling Riku into a gentle hug, rubbing soothing circles on his back. “Hey, it’s okay,” he murmurs, his voice soft and steady. “We’ll make it right, Riku. I know it hurts, but Sion hyung doesn't know the whole story yet. He’s probably feeling just as confused as you are.”
Riku closes his eyes, leaning into Yushi’s embrace, allowing himself a moment to let the hurt surface. “It’s just… he’s been so distant. I didn’t realize how much it would bother me until he started acting like… like I didn’t matter to him anymore.” His voice cracks, and he lets out a shaky breath. “I don’t want to lose him, Yushi. Not like this.”
Yushi’s expression softens, and he tightens his arms around Riku, resting his chin on Riku’s shoulder. “We’re not going to lose him,” he says with quiet determination. “Sion hyung is just trying to protect himself because he doesn’t understand what’s really happening. But we’re going to make sure he knows that he’s always been part of this, even if he doesn’t see it yet.”
Riku pulls back slightly, meeting Yushi’s gaze. The warmth and reassurance in Yushi’s eyes offer a small but steady comfort. “You really think he’ll come around?” Riku asks, his voice barely a whisper.
Yushi nods, reaching up to brush a stray tear from Riku’s cheek. “I do. He's strong, but he’s also vulnerable in his own way. He’s never had to share feelings like this before, and I think it’s scaring him. We just have to help him see that we care about him—both of us.”
Riku lets out a deep breath, nodding as a faint smile breaks through his sadness. “Yeah… you’re right. We just have to get through to him, no matter how long it takes.”
They sit together in comfortable silence, each holding onto the hope that they’ll soon be able to show Sion the truth—that he was never an outsider to begin with, and that, for both of them, he’s exactly where he belongs.
The three-day holiday break should feel like a relief, a rare moment to breathe after the nonstop frenzy of comeback promotions. But for Sion, it’s anything but. The idea of spending unstructured time in the dorm feels like walking into a trap he’s been barely managing to avoid.
When his parents suggested he stay and rest instead of traveling to visit them, he’d tried to protest, but their insistence on him getting proper rest left him with little choice. So here he is, feeling like he’s counting down to some inevitable showdown.
And, sure enough, his dread materializes by the afternoon when he hears the familiar shouts and laughter of Daeyoung, Ryo, and Sakuya from the common area, announcing their plans for the day.
“Oh, come on, hyung! Why do we have to go?” Ryo’s voice echoes down the hall. “It’s literally a three-day break. Shouldn’t we be, like, relaxing?”
Daeyoung laughs, giving him a gentle shove. “Yeah, but Riku hyung said there’s a new arcade nearby, and he already prepaid for us to check it out. Plus, they’re giving away free dessert vouchers at the cafe next door.”
“You had me at free dessert,” Sakuya says, already pulling on his shoes.
A moment later, their voices fade, the door clicking shut behind them, and Sion’s heart sinks. He has a sinking feeling he knows exactly why Riku sent them out.
They’re leaving me alone with Riku and Yushi.
The silence that fills the dorm feels heavy. He’s been avoiding them for weeks now, but with everyone else gone, he knows there’s nowhere left to hide. Trying to steady himself, he sits down on his bed, clenching and unclenching his fists. He doesn’t have a plan; he doesn’t know what to say if they confront him. All he knows is that he’s still hurt, and he doesn’t want to face whatever explanation they have for him.
A soft knock at his door pulls him from his thoughts, and his stomach twists with a mix of anxiety and resignation.
“Hyung?” It’s Yushi’s voice, calm and gentle. “Can we talk?”
Sion takes a deep breath, his mind racing. He knows they’re not going to leave until he opens the door, so after a moment’s hesitation, he rises and opens it a crack, meeting Yushi’s steady gaze.
“Riku and I… we just want to talk,” Yushi says softly, his expression sincere. “Can we come in?”
Sion hesitates, gripping the edge of the door, his pulse hammering in his ears. Every instinct tells him to run, to find some excuse, any excuse, to get away from this. But there’s nowhere left to run, and deep down, he knows he can’t avoid this forever.
With a heavy sigh, he steps back, allowing them to enter.
Riku follows Yushi in, his usual energy subdued. He looks at Sion with a mixture of worry and something almost like guilt. They both settle onto the small couch near his bed, and Sion crosses his arms, staying near the door as if ready to escape at any moment.
For a long moment, no one says anything. The silence stretches between them, thick with unspoken words and tension. Finally, it’s Riku who breaks the quiet, his voice soft but earnest.
“Hyung… we know you’ve been avoiding us,” he begins, his gaze steady despite the hesitation in his voice. “And we just want to understand why.”
Sion’s chest tightens, his hands clenching at his sides. “You really want to know?” he replies, his tone harsher than he intended. “Or are you just curious about how much I found out?”
Yushi’s eyes widen slightly, and he exchanges a quick glance with Riku. “We had a feeling you might’ve overheard something,” Yushi says carefully. “But whatever you think you know… we’d like the chance to explain.”
Sion lets out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “Explain? What’s there to explain? I figured it out on my own.” His voice shakes, anger and hurt bleeding through. “You two… you’ve been together this whole time, haven’t you? And here I was, thinking I actually had a chance.”
Riku opens his mouth to respond, but Sion cuts him off, the words tumbling out in a rush. “You both made me believe I was part of something, that maybe there was something real between us. But all along, I was just the extra. The outsider.”
Riku’s face falls, and he looks down, his hands twisting in his lap. “Hyung… it was never like that.”
“Then what was it, Riku?” Sion’s voice cracks, and he forces himself to take a steadying breath. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you both kept me in the dark, playing me like some kind of backup option.”
Yushi stands and takes a step closer, his gaze full of quiet determination. “You’re not a backup option. And you’re not an outsider, hyung,” he says, his tone gentle but firm. “We kept things from you, yes, but not because we didn’t care. We didn’t know how to tell you without scaring you off.”
Riku lifts his gaze, his eyes glistening. “We wanted you with us, hyung. Both of us. We just… didn’t know how to say it. We didn’t want to push you into something you weren’t ready for.”
Sion looks away, his chest tightening as he struggles to process their words. “So, what? You thought if you kept pretending, I’d just… what? Fall in line?”
“No,” Riku says, his voice wavering. He runs a hand through his hair, the usual spark in his eyes replaced by something raw and vulnerable. “I just… I thought that maybe if we showed you how much we care, you’d realize there was room for all of us. I didn’t want you to feel pressured, but I see now that we handled it wrong. And I’m sorry, hyung. I never wanted to hurt you.”
Yushi nods, his expression pained. “We’re really sorry. I know this probably doesn’t fix anything, but… please believe that we’ve always cared about you, hyung. This wasn’t some game to us.”
Sion’s anger ebbs slightly, replaced by an ache he can’t quite name. He looks between them, the sincerity in their faces making his defenses waver. But the hurt is still fresh, and he doesn’t know if he’s ready to let it go so easily.
“Maybe,” he says, his voice quiet and unsure. “But right now… I just don’t know what to believe.”
Yushi takes a deep breath, nodding in understanding. “We’re not asking you to forgive us right now. We just want you to know the truth.”
Riku gives a small, hesitant smile, his eyes glistening. “And we’ll be here whenever you’re ready, hyung. No matter how long it takes.”
Sion swallows, nodding slowly, feeling a complex mix of relief, hurt, and confusion. For now, it’s all he can do to take in their words and sit with the truth. The anger hasn’t disappeared entirely, but a small part of him feels lighter, the weight of misunderstanding easing, if only a little.
Despite his parents’ insistence that he stay at the dorm to rest, Sion finds himself heading home anyway. He needs space—space to think, to process everything that’s happened, and, most importantly, to do it away from Riku and Yushi.
When he arrives, his mother greets him with a warm smile, though her eyes are full of concern. “Sion, sweetheart, are you alright? You look… tired.”
Sion’s lips twitch in a faint smile as he gives her a small nod. “Yeah, just… a lot on my mind,” he says, not knowing where to start but somehow feeling that his mom might be the one person he can finally open up to.
Later that evening, they sit together in the living room, a cozy silence settling over them as his mom makes them both tea. She watches him carefully, her gaze soft but knowing.
“You want to talk about it?” she finally asks, her voice gentle.
Sion hesitates, his fingers tracing patterns on the edge of his mug. “I’m not even sure how to explain it,” he admits. “It’s… complicated.”
His mom gives him an encouraging smile. “Well, you know I’m always here to listen. Start wherever you need to.”
He takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “You know how… I’ve always looked up to Yushi, right? I think I… I liked him for a long time. And I thought maybe he liked me, too.”
His mother nods, listening intently.
“But then, I realized… I also started to feel something for Riku. I thought it was just admiration at first, but the more I got to know him, the more it felt like something else. Something I couldn’t ignore.”
His mother’s gaze softens, a gentle understanding in her eyes. “And this confused you?”
Sion nods, a sad smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah. It felt like I was betraying my feelings for Yushi. And then, I found out they’ve been together this whole time. They… they said they wanted me to be with them too, but I didn’t know how to believe them. I felt… I don’t know… like I’d been led on. Like I was the last to know.”
His mother reaches over, placing a comforting hand on his. “That must have hurt, feeling like they weren’t honest with you.”
“It did,” he admits, his voice barely a whisper. “I wanted to trust them. But instead, I felt left out—like an outsider.” He pauses, exhaling slowly. “But even with all that… I still can’t get them out of my head. I still care about them.”
His mother squeezes his hand gently. “Sometimes, feelings don’t fit into the boxes we expect. Love can be… more complex than we’re ready for. And maybe it took time for Riku and Yushi to understand what they felt for you. Maybe they didn’t know how to tell you because they were afraid of hurting you.”
Sion looks down, her words settling over him like a gentle balm. “I think… I might have been too quick to judge them. Maybe they were just waiting for the right moment.”
His mom smiles, a touch of pride in her gaze. “It sounds like you’re already finding your answer, Sion. If you care about them—and I can see that you do—maybe it’s time to open yourself up to their side of the story.”
Sion nods slowly, feeling a sense of clarity settle over him. The anger and hurt don’t entirely vanish, but they feel lighter, easier to understand. He doesn’t know what the future holds with Riku and Yushi, but he feels ready to face them and hear them out—really hear them this time.
“Thanks, Mom,” he says softly, his heart finally feeling a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in days.
She gives his hand one last squeeze. “Just trust yourself, Sion. Whatever you decide, I know it’ll be the right choice.”
———
As Sion packs his things to return to the dorm, he feels a renewed sense of purpose. He knows he still has things to work through, conversations to have, but he’s finally ready to listen. And maybe, just maybe, to open himself up to the possibility of being with both Riku and Yushi.
With one last deep breath, he heads out the door, feeling stronger and more hopeful than he has in a long time.
Sion arrives at the dorm just as the smell of something delicious fills the air. He steps through the door, feeling a mix of nervousness and newfound resolve. He’s ready to face whatever conversation needs to happen, but for now, he just wants to ease into things, to see how it feels to be back around everyone.
In the kitchen, Daeyoung is stirring a pot, humming along to the soft music playing from his phone, while Yushi chops vegetables beside him. Ryo and Sakuya are lounging in the living room with Riku, the three of them sprawled across the couch, laughing over some silly game they’re watching on Ryo’s phone.
The moment Sion steps inside, a hush falls over the room as everyone notices him. Riku and Yushi exchange a quick, nervous glance, Yushi’s hand pausing mid-chop, while Riku sits up straighter, trying to gauge Sion’s mood.
Oblivious to the tension, Ryo perks up and waves Sion over. “Sion hyung! You’re just in time for dinner. Daeyoung’s made enough to feed an army.”
Sion lets out a small laugh, feeling the tension lift just a bit. “Sounds perfect. I’m starving.”
At his words, Yushi lets out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, and Riku relaxes, though his gaze follows Sion with cautious curiosity. Yushi nudges Daeyoung gently and murmurs, “I’ll set another place,” as he grabs an extra plate and utensils.
Sion settles into a seat at the dining table, letting the familiarity of the moment ease the last of his nerves. Before long, the rest of the group joins him, each member chatting and laughing as Daeyoung brings over the food. Riku and Yushi sit across from Sion, both careful in their movements, as though afraid of breaking whatever delicate peace has returned.
Throughout dinner, Sion cracks a few jokes with Ryo and Sakuya, who are eager to fill him in on their arcade trip. Daeyoung occasionally chimes in with dry humor, stirring the usual playful banter back and forth. Sion laughs easily, feeling a bit lighter with each passing moment.
Yushi and Riku, though quieter than usual, can’t help but feel relieved. They watch Sion carefully, taking in every small smile, every laugh, and every glint of ease in his expression, hoping it’s a sign that he’s doing better.
Under the table, Yushi reaches over, giving Riku’s hand a reassuring squeeze. Riku turns to him, their gazes meeting in a quiet exchange. Maybe everything will be alright , Yushi’s look seems to say, and Riku’s grip tightens just slightly, as if holding onto that hope with all he’s got.
For the first time in weeks, there’s a sense of tentative peace at the dinner table. And though there’s still much to discuss, tonight, they’re simply grateful to have Sion back with them, sharing laughter and breaking bread together.
The days since Sion’s return to the dorm have been torturous for Riku and Yushi. Though they tried to give him space, they couldn’t help but feel the weight of unspoken words every time they saw him. Each shared glance or quiet exchange between them was colored with fear—fear that, despite everything, Sion might decide he didn’t want to be a part of their lives as they hoped.
Riku, usually so lively, had grown quiet, the edges of his usual smile softened with anxiety. Yushi kept a calm demeanor, but he could sense Riku’s worry and felt it himself, his mind constantly returning to Sion, wondering if he’d ever truly forgive them.
And then, finally, on a quiet evening, they hear a knock on their door.
“Sion here,” comes his voice from the other side, tentative but steady. “Can I come in?”
Riku sits up, heart hammering in his chest, his stomach twisting with a mix of nerves and hope. Yushi, ever the steady one, gives Riku’s hand a gentle squeeze before rising to open the door.
When Sion steps in, there’s something warm and reassuring in his smile, a gentle openness that both Riku and Yushi cling to. They invite him in, and he settles across from them, taking a deep breath before he starts speaking.
“I wanted to talk to you both about… everything,” Sion begins, his gaze moving between them. “I know I’ve been avoiding this, and I want to apologize for making you wait. I needed time to understand what I was feeling.”
Riku’s face crumples slightly, and he nods, a sheen of tears already forming in his eyes. Yushi remains quiet, his expression softened with quiet attention, absorbing every word.
Sion continues, his voice low but steady. “I won’t lie—when I found out about you two, I was hurt. I felt like I’d been left out of something important, like I was on the outside looking in. But going home, talking to my mom, thinking it all through… I realized that you weren’t trying to hurt me. You were trying to give me space to understand what I wanted.”
He pauses, glancing up to see Riku’s anxious, hopeful expression and Yushi’s gentle gaze. “And I think I know what I want now.”
Riku can't hold back a sniffle, his hand covering his mouth as he tries to keep himself composed. Sion’s lips quirk up in a small, understanding smile as he goes on.
“I care about both of you,” he says, his voice soft but full of conviction. “I’ve realized that I want to be with both of you, if… if you’ll still have me.”
At that, Riku’s composure crumbles. A relieved sob escapes him, and he buries his face in his hands as tears stream down his cheeks. “Are you kidding?” he chokes out, looking up at Sion with a mixture of disbelief and joy. “Of course we want you with us! I thought… I was so afraid you’d never want to talk to us again.”
Yushi, though quieter, reaches out and takes Sion’s hand, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. “We never stopped wanting that, hyung,” he says, his voice barely more than a whisper. “We just wanted you to be sure, to feel safe. To know that we’re here, waiting, however long it takes.”
Seeing Riku’s tears and the softness in Yushi’s gaze, Sion’s heart fills with warmth and relief, a sense of peace he’s been missing for so long. He moves closer, pulling them both into a tight embrace, feeling Riku’s tears dampen his shoulder and the comforting solidity of Yushi’s arm around him.
“You both mean so much to me,” Sion whispers, his voice filled with relief and emotion. “I don’t know how we’ll figure this out, but… I want to try. I don’t want to let fear or confusion stop me anymore.”
Riku sniffs, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. “We’ll figure it out together, okay? And if you ever feel uncertain again, just tell us. We don’t want you to feel alone.”
Yushi nods, giving Sion a soft smile. “We’ll take it slow. One step at a time, if that’s what you need.”
Sion squeezes their hands, his own eyes glistening. “Thank you. For being patient with me, for… for waiting.”
Riku gives a watery laugh, the relief in his eyes brighter than any words he could say. “I’d wait a hundred years if it meant I could have you with us like this.”
Sion chuckles, rolling his eyes fondly. “No need to go all poetic on me, Riku.”
Yushi laughs, squeezing Sion’s shoulder gently. “It’s part of his charm. You’ll get used to it.”
They share a quiet laugh, the tension melting away, replaced by warmth and quiet reassurance. The three of them sit together, wrapped in each other’s arms, and in that moment, they know that they’ll face whatever comes next—together.
The dorm is unusually lively for a morning after a busy schedule. Daeyoung steps out of his room, stretching lazily as he makes his way toward the dining area. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of soft laughter greet him, and he quirks an eyebrow.
Rounding the corner, he finds Riku, Yushi, and Sion sitting together at the dining table, huddled close as they scroll through something on Sion’s phone. Riku is practically glowing, his face lit up with pure delight, while Yushi smiles serenely, throwing in the occasional chuckle. Sion, in the middle of it all, looks more relaxed and at ease than Daeyoung has seen him in weeks.
Daeyoung leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms as he watches them for a moment. It doesn’t take long to notice the subtle changes—the easy way Sion and Riku’s shoulders touch as they lean in, the way Yushi’s hand brushes casually against Sion’s arm as they laugh. It’s subtle, but Daeyoung sees it clearly: the shift he’s been waiting for.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” Daeyoung says, grinning as he steps into the room.
The trio looks up, startled but quickly recovering. Riku immediately flushes, his eyes darting anywhere but at Daeyoung. Yushi greets him with his usual calm nod, while Sion raises an eyebrow in mock suspicion.
“Good morning, Daeyoung,” Sion says, his voice teasing. “You look way too happy for this time of day.”
“Happy?” Daeyoung smirks, grabbing a mug and pouring himself some coffee. “Why wouldn’t I be? Especially when I see this. ” He gestures at the three of them. “I mean, look at you guys. Giggling like school kids at the breakfast table. It’s a sight.”
“Daeyoung…” Riku groans, covering his face with both hands. “Don’t start.”
“Start? Me? Never.” Daeyoung slides into the seat across from them, grinning wickedly. “I’m just enjoying the moment. Especially since I’ve had to listen to months of ‘Sion hyung’s so handsome, I can’t even look him in the face!’ ” He mimics Riku’s voice, dramatically clutching his chest.
Sion snorts, looking at Riku with wide-eyed amusement. “You couldn’t look me in the face? Seriously?”
Riku groans louder, his face now a brilliant shade of red. “Daeyoung, stop! That was forever ago!”
“Forever ago, huh?” Daeyoung smirks, leaning his chin on his hand. “I still remember you nearly dropping your water bottle because Sion smiled at you during practice.”
“I’m leaving,” Riku mutters, starting to push his chair back, but Yushi calmly places a hand on his shoulder, holding him in place.
“Stay,” Yushi says with a faint smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You deserve this.”
Riku slumps back in his chair, throwing a helpless look at Sion, who’s barely holding back laughter. “I swear, I’m going to delete this day from my memory.”
Daeyoung shakes his head, laughing softly as he sips his coffee. “Hey, don’t worry, Riku. I think it’s sweet. I mean, you couldn’t even say two words to Sion without tripping over yourself, and now look at you.” His teasing grin softens into something more genuine. “You’re here, together. I’m happy for you guys.”
The room falls quiet for a moment, a warm, unspoken gratitude passing between the four of them. Riku glances at Daeyoung, his embarrassment fading into a small, sincere smile. “Thanks, Daeyoung. Really.”
Daeyoung looks toward Yushi with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “And you. Mr. Calm-and-Collected.” He leans forward, mock-conspiratorial. “Do they know how badly you used to flinch whenever Sion called your name? Because someone was definitely sneaking looks and pretending not to care.”
Yushi raises an eyebrow, his usual poise unshaken. “I don’t flinch.”
“You did,” Daeyoung says smugly. “I have witnesses.”
Sion looks at Yushi, tilting his head with a teasing smile. “Really, Yushi? You got shy around me too?”
“I wouldn’t call it ‘shy,’” Yushi replies smoothly, though a faint pink creeps up his ears. “I was… observing.”
Daeyoung cackles, pointing at him. “That’s the most dignified way to say you were low-key freaking out.”
Sion grins, his chest warm with affection for both Riku and Yushi. Seeing Riku’s flustered energy and Yushi’s composed-but-caught-off-guard demeanor, he feels a swell of fondness for these two people who’ve come to mean so much to him. Their personalities couldn’t be more different, but somehow, the balance between them feels just right.
“Wait,” Sion says suddenly, his tone mock-serious. “How much exactly did you tell him about me?”
“Uh…” Riku freezes, looking to Yushi for help. Yushi, ever the composed one, just raises an eyebrow as if to say you’re on your own.
Daeyoung grins, setting down his mug. “Oh, you know, just enough to fill a novel. Or two.”
Sion stares at Riku, who immediately starts waving his hands in defense. “It wasn’t like that! I mean… maybe a little, but—”
Yushi chuckles, interrupting him. “He’s not lying. Riku did talk about you a lot.”
Riku groans again, burying his face in his hands. “I hate all of you.”
The laughter that follows is easy and genuine, the tension of the past weeks finally melting away. As the teasing continues, Daeyoung can’t help but feel a sense of pride and relief. After everything Riku and Yushi had confided in him, seeing them this happy—seeing all three of them happy—makes every late-night heart-to-heart and bit of advice worth it.
They’ve found their way to each other, and Daeyoung couldn’t be happier to see it.