Chapter Text
“Well that was shit.”
Seonghwa is pouting. “There was something floating in my water.”
“Even the rice was weird. Who fucks up rice?”
It’s a cloudless day in early summer when Seonghwa takes Hongjoong out for brunch at Cafe Mist. They get all dressed up for fun because why not; it’s only their second week of officially being together, and only their second real date, the first one having been Seonghwa taking Hongjoong out for dinner at an upscale bulgogi restaurant to celebrate the completion of Pirate King, the song that Hongjoong had co-written at work. It turned into even more of a celebration that day when Hongjoong received news that his spring internship would not be ending, and was given an offer to continue working at KQ Produce.
They had high hopes for Cafe Mist, but the whole thing ended up being them sitting at an absurdly small wrought iron table with doilies and tea cups and trying not to laugh the entire time because both the food and the service were a joke. Hongjoong doesn’t mind at all that the meal turned out the way that it did because it’s fun to drag the shit out of a place that’s so overrated.
Side by side, Hongjoong and Seonghwa walk along the tree-shaded sidewalks after their subpar dining experience, heading back to Seonghwa’s place in a comfortable silence. They’re both wearing silk shirts, their foreheads glistening with the warmth in the air.
Seonghwa brushes his hand up against Hongjoong’s once, twice, and interweaves their fingers.
Hongjoong glances over and up with mouth slightly parted, to see Seonghwa smiling shyly with his lips pressed together.
They’ve had a lot of moments like this lately, where neither of them can find words, and where words aren’t needed. Stealing glances as if they’re still harboring crushes on each other. Picking flowers just to hide them behind their backs.
Seonghwa takes their hands and kisses Hongjoong’s knuckles, and while Hongjoong’s eyes are still on his, he leans over to kiss Hongjoong’s cheek.
And the shorter boy positively melts. If K-pop idols are allowed to publicly do skinship then they should be allowed to too god damnit.
Hongjoong is so happy. He thought that he had been happy before? How silly he had been.
His hair is now a dark navy blue, his fringe trimmed rather short, and Seonghwa’s hair is a charming jet black. They did it on a whim just last night along with San, Wooyoung, Yeosang, Jongho, Mingi, and Yunho. Hongjoong isn’t precisely sure but at least half of them had been buzzed so it’s actually quite impressive that all eight of them ended up sporting some pretty decent new looks.
After Seonghwa pecks his cheek out in the open for literally anyone and everyone to see, Hongjoong feels his face warm even more so, and he holds on bashfully, yet unafraid, to the hand in his. Hongjoong finds it interesting that his heart rate very noticeably accelerates when Seonghwa so much as claims his hand; their fingers lacing together as if they’re each other’s missing pieces. It’s embarrassing, when all Hongjoong can do is look away and take in a fragile breath.
Whenever Seonghwa looks at him, like he really sees him, Hongjoong is made aware that this is indeed his first time ever being in love, and this understanding is continuously awe-inspiring to him. For a while there he had started to give up on the idea of real love or true love, without even really realizing it himself. Seonghwa came along to remind him that anything is possible.
They barely have both feet in the entryway of Seonghwa’s apartment and Hongjoong is already leaning into Seonghwa needily, rising on his toes, arms hooked around the back of Seonghwa’s neck.
Seonghwa rotates them slowly, gently pins Hongjoong up against the wall, and kisses him just as languidly.
“…Would you maybe be comfortable speaking- or, well, whispering- in a YouTube video? Like, throughout the whole thing?” Seonghwa asks as he pulls back, tilting Hongjoong’s chin up.
Hongjoong feels himself smile a very dreamy smile. “Yeah? Sure, what are you scheming.”
“I was thinking we could film one of those boyfriend tag videos, but make it ASMR,” Seonghwa reveals. “I think it would be a special way to let everyone know about us, and it would be fun too.”
“That does sound fun. Any opportunity I can get to roast you I’m all in.”
Seonghwa laughs through his nose and cradles Hongjoong’s face in his hands. “You are so mean.”
Hongjoong smiles wider still as he tilts his head and presses back in to kiss Seonghwa.
Hongjoong is admittedly very excited at this concept, and touched that Seonghwa has been adamant on finding a good way to be open and honest about their relationship when it comes to Seonghwa’s online community. The comments on Seonghwa’s most-viewed ASMR video to date, the one in which he included the secret message for Hongjoong, have already been very surmising.
sir please warn us next time
This shit HURTED 😭❤️
I’m swooning and it ain’t even for me
I DIDNT COME HERE TO CRY OMG MARS
Who is the lucky girl or boy or gender non-conforming individual I must know
I thought he acted suspiciously when someone asked him recently! 😱
ok this might be reaching but is this about hongjoong 👀
Eating chips in bed and wishing he was saying this stuff about me
HONGJOONG???????????
Mars omg what is this 😍
OH MY GOD OK ITS HAPPENING EVERYBODY STAY CALM
he finna confess
Did he deadass just confess his love for Hongjoong
This was so relaxing as always and very touching Mars 😊 Your special star is very lucky 💘 Wishing you the best!
someone please give this man a baby 😩 he’d be such a cute dad 🥺
um it’s most likely not yeosang or hongjoong y’all are delusional af 🙄
ok hongjoong tho or maybe it’s been yeosang all along 😳😍
i have my suspicions and i think they would be such a cute couple good luck mars i love you!!! 💕
OH DAMN WAS NOT EXPECTING
I mean im not the only one who been seeing those pics last week on Mars’ IG story with you know who right 😳
I was falling asleep and crying at the same time this was a very confusing experience
Mars and Hongjoong have become such good friends you can tell if you follow them on Instagram and it’s so cool that Hongjoong was just a subscriber like us! I’ll be thrilled if this video was made for him ❤️
not to be a 🤡 but twinkle twinkle little star rlly do be seeming like hongjoong tho
i will CRY if this is for one of his friends
??? Hongjoong 😏
Omg Mars yes get your boy 😍👏
I’m just going to live vicariously through this ASMR love story omg
Another one of Seonghwa’s recent uploads has received quite a bit of attention for its uniqueness as well.
Seonghwa assisted San and Wooyoung in filming their own ASMR video, using the binaural mic that Yeosang and Jongho got Seonghwa for his birthday. He uploaded the footage on to Mars ASMR with the title My Friends Try ASMR For The First Time.
After they somehow find it within themselves to stop smooching in the entryway, Hongjoong and Seonghwa amble upstairs. With their makeup removed, and after changing into comfy clothes, they snuggle up in Seonghwa’s bed and read through some emails.
Hongjoong is dead tired. The hair-dyeing-spectacular turned into an all-nighter last night with everybody at Seonghwa’s place and it was utter chaos. San and Wooyoung, apparently, started dating, apparently, for the first time as of last night.
“Can me and San date?” Wooyoung had asked, sitting down on the toilet lid in the bathroom as San painted bleach onto his hair at some ungodly hour.
“Why the fuck you asking us?” Hongjoong responded with eyebrows turned in.
San giggled. “Because you’re Mom and Dad we need your approval.”
“You literally do not need our approval,” Hongjoong assured as he sat cross-legged in the empty bathtub, using chopsticks to gather a big bite of ramen from the styrofoam bowl in his hand.
Seonghwa had just stared at San and Wooyoung, judging them from head to toe. “I’d be offended if you didn’t date.”
“Honestly I thought you guys were already dating,” Jongho shouted, chiming in from the kitchen.
“Thought you guys were married and we just missed the wedding for some reason,” Hongjoong muttered.
“San, I love you more than Park Jimin.”
“Aw! Babe!”
And it went on like that and Hongjoong developed quite the headache but he took it as an indication of how much he really does love his friends.
San and Wooyoung have been talking about moving in together sometime in the near future, and Yeosang and Jongho are finally settled in at their new place and are hoping to throw a little housewarming party soon.
Hongjoong is in the process of playing around with different ideas. He could move in with Seonghwa, or, if they search for and invest in a bigger place, the both of them could move in with Mingi and Yunho. Hongjoong is torn because he really loves Seonghwa’s apartment, so much. It has felt like home to him already for quite a while now. He’ll either fuck the place up with all of his shit, or the environment might actually help him become more organized.
He will miss living with Mingi and Yunho though if it comes to that, but things between those two have unmistakably advanced over the past couple weeks. Hongjoong almost feels like it would be weird with him in the picture now; he can absolutely see Mingi and Yunho having a space of their very own, and Hongjoong is the one who’s been able to see that all along.
Lots of stuff has happened in a shockingly short amount of time, in all honesty. It’s wild how life be like that sometimes.
Hongjoong will soon, (hopefully, maybe), be going over to Seonghwa’s parents’ place for dinner, which he’s nervous as all hell for. But he is certain that Seonghwa’s parents are probably just as sweet as their son is.
Both Hongjoong and Seonghwa’s parents are unaware of their preferences so they’re both very unsure how to go about this safely and sensibly. It was just the other day when Seonghwa called his parents to awkwardly ask if he could “have a friend come over for dinner sometime soon”. They’re going to start from there and see what the hell happens. Hongjoong is terrified over the fact that Seonghwa is the first boy ever that he has actually wanted to introduce to his own parents.
In other recent news, Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Mingi, Yunho, Yeosang, Jongho, San, and Wooyoung filmed a video dancing to “Pick It Up”, the song by Famous Dex that Mingi, Yunho, and San had choreographed together.
They met up as often as all eight of their schedules allowed over the course of a few days so that they could practice the choreography and it was nothing but a fever dream from beginning to end, but they all synchronized and caught on together pretty damn fast.
Hongjoong doesn’t know where it came from but he’s cultivated somewhat of an authoritative nature when all of them are together, kind of acting as the captain, or almost as if them giving him the nickname Dad has sparked something in him. Seonghwa has proven to be very supportive alongside Hongjoong, helping them to calm the fuck down and reel in their focus. Everyone seems to listen a lot more to Seonghwa though.
They uploaded their finished dance video under the channel name EIGHT FELLAZ, and with both Seonghwa and Jongho’s faithful subscribers streaming it, it has fucking blown up.
People were quaking when they discovered that gentle, ethereal Mars ASMR can dance, and can dance fucking well, and viewers worldwide are claiming to be pregnant after watching the video.
Jongho’s subscribers, too, have been thrilled to see him take part in the dance group, and he’s been actively encouraging everyone on his platform to try learning the dance for some fun cardio.
As promised, Hongjoong ended up designing their outfits for the video, and he’s currently sketching out a line of clothing inspired by the looks to sell on Hearts Awakened.
A few of them had filmed snippets during their practice sessions in the dance studio, and Seonghwa took that footage and uploaded a little vlog on EIGHT FELLAZ. The people who do take the time to check it out really seem to like them. Hongjoong doesn’t know why. Their crackhead energy is off the charts.
Looking through the comments on their videos has become one of their favorite things to do in their spare time.
wheres my WIG
mars asmr world domination
WHICH ONE IS WHICH IM NEW HERE
Hongjoong is so tiny??? wth????
Why they wearin hats I’m tryna see something
Jongho is my inspiration!!! Any other AppleCores here?? 🍎💪
If I get to meet them at the yt con I will pass away 😩
the one named yunho makes me sweaty
I got pregnant 8 times?
DAMN MARS GO OFF
wait i’m confused are they pre debut or
I’m Mingi’s bitch. That is all.
WORD AROUND WORD AROUND WORD AROUND TOWN I HEARD THIS BOY WAS A CLOWN
im about to risk it all for them
Yeosang a talented king what can I say
I’ve watched this an unhealthy amount of times
SANNNN IS IN HERE he’s modeled for Hongjoong’s shop before!! 😻
Are all of them going to be at YTCon? Have they said yet?
Wooyoung and Hongjoong at 0:41 🥺
Friendship goals!!! 😔✊💖
They dance like they asses is heavy I stan
maybe i’m not a lesbian anymore
There are new comments pouring in on the daily, and reading them is quite the form of entertainment. However, any comments referring to “YTCon” made little sense until today.
“Oh my god is this… is this what an out of body experience feels like?”
“Hwa, breathe, breathe,” Hongjoong encourages, curling an arm around Seonghwa’s waist and rubbing Seonghwa’s chest with his free hand.
“I’m just- I’m just, so thankful to y-you and Yeosang for helping my channel grow…,” Seonghwa says, his voice rising a bit as he gets choked up.
“What the fuck we didn’t do anything. If anything we just helped people further question your sexuality.”
Seonghwa is currently losing his damn mind a little bit over an email that was sent to him today, regarding a YouTube convention called YTCon that’s being held this September in Los Angeles, California.
The email is an invitation for Seonghwa to attend the convention as a guest, among many other YouTubers, and to host a panel and a meet & greet. There must’ve been some sort of unofficial guest list released online, for so many people to already be talking about them possibly being at the event.
“Joong you have, you’ve done so much for me. Even if you guys had never been in any of my videos, you’ve still supported me and what I do and it means everything,” Seonghwa explains, capturing a big inhale after he does. “Holy shit is this real…? Is this a real thing that is happening.”
Hongjoong gives Seonghwa a quick peck on the cheek and snatches Seonghwa’s laptop. He promptly takes to Google to check out what flights to Los Angeles look like. They need to start somewhere.
Sniffling, Seonghwa grabs his phone and turns to their group chat.
(🌟hwa❤️):
Guys!
I was invited to attend a YouTube convention in Los Angeles, America!!!
Thank you so much!!
Hongjoong:
hwa why are you thanking them
(🌟hwa❤️):
Why are you texting at me when you’re practically sitting on me
(strong jong):
I was invited too!! 😱
(🌟hwa❤️):
Oh my god congrats Jongho!!!
I was going to ask if you got the email too!
Hongjoong:
what the fuck omg congratssssss
(woo):
SANI AND ME WANT IN ON THIS 😍🌴
Hongjoong:
wow
should have known u two would slide in with a quickness
(yunhoho):
Did someone say Universal Studios Hollywood The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hongjoong:
no
(minki):
sounds dope I’m down
(yeo):
Why are you guys blowing up my phone when we literally just spent the past 24 hours together
It’s nap time
The only time ever
(woo):
shut up sleeping beauty scroll up and read 😍
(yeo):
Oh fuck congrats babe wow
Are you on your way home now?
Congrats Hwa
This is kind of insane ngl
(strong jong):
Yeah omw now!! ❤️
(yunhoho):
So is this the prophecy from the people in the Youtube comments?
(🌟hwa❤️):
Yeah it’s called YTCon!
(sannieee):
HI IM HERE I WAS WAITING FOR MY NAILS TO DRY 😍
(woo):
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
(sannieee):
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Hongjoong:
ok so uh is everyone serious about making this happen???
like obviously i’m going with hwa
(🌟hwa❤️):
It would be so fun if we could all go! ^_^
(strong jong):
I’m so excited right now!!!
Yes!
(yeo):
Absolutely <3
I’m so proud of you both <3
Didn’t even know there was a YT convention but honestly not surprised
(minki):
it’s a hell yeah from Yunho and me
(woo):
bitches we are already THERE ☀️🛍🍹
does anyone have spare money i could borrow
(🌟hwa❤️):
Joong and I are looking into flights
Airbnb too so that we can have a few days before the convention to sightsee
And it looks like the convention is going to cover the cost of the hotel room for the weekend
At least for Jongho and I
We’ll work something out so that it’s fair for all of us
(woo):
best mom best mom 🥰
Hongjoong:
is california in los angeles??
i don’t know what the fuck i’m googling rn
(sannieee):
think it’s the other way around bb
(🌟hwa❤️):
We’ll have to save up
Do we need to get any sort of vaccines in order to enter a foreign country?
We should schedule visits to the doctor before we go
I hope we’ll all be able to get time off from work that week?
(yeo):
Are airlines like
Actually trustworthy though?
I’m about to decorate my luggage so that it doesn’t get lost
(minki):
aren’t you fluent in English Hongie
Hongjoong:
um no not at all
but i can start practicing again in prep for the trip
everyone stop asking so many damn questions i’m trying to focus
(yunhoho):
My good lads
What if
We planned a flash mob at the convention
And dance to Pick It Up
(🌟hwa❤️):
Is that allowed?
That would be so cool!
We could bring our outfits and everything!
(sannieee):
fuck yessssssss i’m yelling
(woo):
should we just do another all nighter tonight and discuss details?!!
(yeo):
No
Hongjoong:
NO
SEONGHWA GO DOWNSTAIRS AND LOCK THE DOOR
(🌟hwa❤️):
Please get some sleep today guys 💙
But we should all get together soon to plan!
(strong jong):
Yes please get rest!
And the flash mob is good
We could at least give clues leading to when/where we’ll do it
So that anyone who is interested will be aware
(yunhoho):
Ohhh clues like a treasure map 👀
(yeo):
There are so many English speakers in our comments
Low-key nervous
Like there are actual human beings out there who know who we are
(🌟hwa❤️):
It’s surreal isn't it ^_^
Oh my god Jongho we’re going to meet subscribers this is so exciting
(woo):
nobody’s gonna be able to handle our dancing irl
the power we hold
omg i’m giving myself chills
and before anyone says ANYTHING leave me alone let me live my idol fantasy
Hongjoong:
we need to figure out where tf we’re sleeping at night in the foreign country before we plan any fun activities calm your tits
(woo):
ok no you calm your tits???????????
(🌟hwa❤️):
Joong apologizes for being snappy everyone
I told him to apologize ❤️
Hongjoong:
we all might need to get a side hustle or rob a bank or something
because everything’s looking expensive as shit
but like
we still have time to figure it out
(sannieee):
i believe in us!!!!! 🌈
(yeo):
It’s an amazing opportunity we’ll make it work
(strong jong):
Agreed!! 👏👏
(minki):
congrats Seonghwa and Jongho
International Stars
(yunhoho):
Our first journey together ⛵️
(woo):
fam 🥺💕
i may fucking cry
we better look hot showing up at the airport is all i’m saying
(🌟hwa❤️):
I love you guys
It’s going on 4:00PM now and Hongjoong is thinking that Yeosang had the right idea about nap time.
“You’ve looked into everything enough for now, don’t stress,” Seonghwa insists after Hongjoong starts groaning about his head feeling like it’s about to explode.
“Watching over the kids overseas? Are we really gonna be able to do this?”
“They can take care of themselves,” Seonghwa assures.
“I’m not gonna name any names but it’s debatable for a few of them.”
Seonghwa smiles. “Want to watch some travel vlogs? I want you to be excited, not stressed,” he says as he massages circles on Hongjoong’s shoulder. “Or we could watch a movie or take a nap if you want?”
“I am excited, I just feel this weird responsibility for everyone’s safety and shit…,” Hongjoong mumbles.
“You’re a good leader.”
Hongjoong glances at Seonghwa, looking skeptical, but grinning.
“I love you. Congrats Hwa, you deserve all of the recognition and opportunities.”
“…Thank you beautiful, I love you, too…,” Seonghwa murmurs as he hides his face in Hongjoong’s hair. “Thanks for wanting to come along with me.”
“Duh,” Hongjoong responds, smiling bigger than he ever thought he could.
They’re hardly coherent at this point, but they still watch some American travel vlogs, and Hongjoong very deliriously tries to remember some English phrases as Seonghwa rolls around in bed laughing hysterically at how different Hongjoong sounds and nearly pees his pants.
But before long, Hongjoong finds himself drowsing in a moment where Seonghwa’s laptop has fallen aside, music now thrumming quietly from Seonghwa’s phone. Their legs are tangled together, and he’s sweeping Seonghwa’s hair away from his face.
For once, Seonghwa has fallen asleep before Hongjoong.
His arms are still enclosed loosely, lovingly, around Hongjoong’s body.
How did Hongjoong go from being alone to being cared for even in Seonghwa’s slumber.
Hongjoong wouldn’t trade this for the world. Seonghwa is his light; his one and only. Life has melody and color more now than ever.
He studies Seonghwa’s sleeping face, his breathing so peaceful and sound. Hongjoong runs a finger very lightly over one of Seonghwa’s eyebrows. He is the most gorgeous person Hongjoong has ever seen.
Hongjoong is sure that there are illustrations of stars in his eyes as he smiles warmly and places his lips on Seonghwa’s cheek.
And as the light of day grows dimmer, slower now than it did before, the evenings clinging tighter to the sun with the changing seasons, he falls asleep with Seonghwa, their music still playing.