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“I can't believe this is actually happening…” Jongho muttered, to no one but himself, as he started to pace outside the entrance to the student's union, fiddling with the cords of his hoodie aimlessly in an attempt to calm himself down. There was no way he could be dreaming this up, for one, he could see the person who had invited him here just inside, and two, he'd pinched himself thirty seconds ago to make sure. It hurt.
After going through the past two years of university in relative peace and quiet, there had been quite a change over the holidays. The few months of respite, where Jongho was supposed to relax and attend a few classes, had become the very same time where he'd finally agreed to attend a society and made, what he would consider, to be his first real friend.
That friend was Jeong Yunho, who had spotted Jongho from beyond the glass that wrapped around the union building and was waving at him with a giant grin on his face. Gosh, Jongho loved the guy but Yunho was a huge people person and didn't know how to be subtle at all.
“Right, here goes nothing.” Jongho whispered, pushing at the door handle and wandering inside before he could convince himself to turn tail and retreat to his dorm room. The building itself was huge and the ground floor was known for hosting many societies such as this one - the LGBTQ group. Yunho had told Jongho that two of his best friends had set it up a few years back, a little bit tipsy as they did so but with good intentions nonetheless. It now functioned as a cornerstone for all the queer students on campus, those who were out and those who weren't, those who had know of their identities for years and those who were still unsure. Jongho had admired their confidence from afar - had admired Yunho from afar - but he had only now, in his third year, picked up the courage to join them.
“Jongho hey!” Yunho called, smile bright as he waved Jongho over to the table he was occupying with a couple of other people the boy didn't recognise. Not that it scared him, no not at all. "I'm really glad you could make it." Yunho continued, practically vibrating in his seat as Jongho made to sit down next to him, giving his new friend a small smile and a wave.
“I'm uhm... I'm Jongho.” He managed to blurt out to the two new people, instantly regretting it as a wave of embarrassment washed over him. Yunho had just said his name, loudly , they probably already knew it well enough.
“It's nice to meet you Jongho, Yunho hasn't shut up about you for weeks that I was starting to think you were going to be his third partner.” One of the people said, and it made Jongho stop short, a million questions suddenly flooding into his head as he paused.
Wait, third partner?
Now, Jongho may have been talking to Yunho for a few weeks, over the course of their shared literature classes. Jongho hadn't wanted to take them, but his degree required it for some reason or another, and the pair had bonded instantly, since Yunho was there for a similar purpose. But he had never been told much about Yunho's personal life beyond the LGBTQ society, and his friends. The word 'partner' had never been thrown around, much less that Yunho was polyamorous. Jongho had no issue with any of it, but the surprise had made him feel a bit on edge.
Jongho wished momentarily that he hadn't come, if only because Yunho knew these people and was close to them and Jongho felt like an outsider. He would just have to hope that the feeling would pass.
“Oh... I... Are you all...?” Jongho struggled to find the right words, tripping over himself as his cheeks grew hotter. Thankfully, Yunho stepped in to save the day.
“We're dating, sorry, I should've mentioned that. We should probably all introduce ourselves properly, I guess.” Now it was Yunho's turn to be shy, scratching at the back of his head as he gestured towards the pair on the opposite side of the table, who had been sitting there patiently the entire time.
“I'm Hongjoong,” The shorter of the pair began and Jongho was quick to notice the vivid neon orange hair and immaculate makeup that made him slightly - if not, very - intimidated. “My pronouns are he and they and I'm a fashion design and fine art student. I just started my masters degree this year, it's great to meet you Jongho.” Hongjoong gave Jongho a smile that managed to ease the youngest's nerves, letting himself relax just a little into his seat as he smiled back.
“And I'm Seonghwa, you can use any pronouns for me by the way, and I do a strange course, I suppose. I double major in both biology and culinary studies and I'm in my final year now, like Yunho.” Seonghwa's voice was so soft, quiet enough that Jongho found himself leaning a little closer to make sure he didn't miss anything, and he would have felt out of place if both of Seonghwa's partners hadn't done the same thing.
“And you know me!” Yunho chirped as everyone turned to look at him, “But I guess we'll do a recap for formalities sake. I'm Yunho, pronouns are he and him, I'm queer and trans and majoring in dance and I've been dating both of these pensioners for about two years now.” Yunho finished his ramble with a giggle, one that made his cheeks look rounder and face look softer and Jongho had to resist the urge to coo over him.
He knew now would be a good time to give his own introduction, but Jongho had no idea how to start. He'd never officially come out to anyone before slipping it into a conversation with Yunho, and even that had taken so much confidence to blurt out. Would he even be able to do it again? Jongho decided to omit that detail for now, Yunho had told him a few days ago that he would never have to come out to anyone else until he was ready and the younger was going to hold him to that.
“My name's Jongho, like I said, my pronouns are he and him and I'm in my third year studying astronomy. I never really had many friends before meeting Yunho this summer, because most of the people in my classes like to party a lot and I just... Don't, but this place seems really nice.” Jongho peered up at the other three once he'd finished, only to find them all looking at him fondly, and he had to stop himself from hiding away again. Gosh, why was everyone so nice? What else had he been missing out on the past few years?
“I'm sorry you couldn't meet everyone else tonight,” Yunho said with a small frown, “But since we technically only start back in classes next week, not everyone has arrived yet.”
“Then why are you guys here so early?” Jongho asked without hesitation. In his own case, Jongho hadn't been bothered to make the long journey back home once holiday classes had wrapped up so he'd simply stuck around.
“Well we just bought our own place together, so we needed to move in and unpack.” Hongjoong supplied, reaching over to hold Seonghwa's hand and squeeze it gently, looking at his significant others with so much love in his eyes that Jongho felt as if he was intruding on something he shouldn't have seen.
“That's so cool, I still live on campus cause I can't really afford anything else.”
“You should come over to our place sometime, we have a balcony.” Yunho said out of the blue which made his partners burst out laughing at his impulsiveness and Jongho short-circuit just a tad. He should have been used to Yunho's lack of filter by now, but he was still caught off guard time and time again.
“A balcony sounds cool, maybe I'll come round just for that.” Jongho teased, watching as Yunho tried to hide his face away, mumbling something under his breath about how embarrassed he was.
The conversation seemed to run away from them all after that, everyone rambling about their summer and what they'd been doing the past few years in a bid to catch Jongho up and make him feel as included as possible. In the space of half an hour Jongho learnt that, like Yunho, Hongjoong was also trans and that Seonghwa was genderfluid and the former was the one who had set up the society years ago with another boy named Mingi. There was then a convoluted rundown of everyone else, with names Jongho couldn't quite recall, but they all seemed so friendly that he couldn't wait to meet them eventually.
At a momentary lull, when Yunho had gone to get them all cups of coffee and some snacks that had just been brought in, Seonghwa turned to Jongho with a smile.
“You said you're studying Astronomy right, Jongho? Could you tell me a bit more about it, it sounds really interesting?” Seonghwa shuffled closer as they spoke, leaving Hongjoong to tap away on his phone as Jongho launched into a one-sided conversation on deep space and exo-planets, not that Seonghwa seemed to mind that they couldn't contribute, already enthralled by all the cool facts and strange mysteries of the universe that the youngest spoke of.
By the time Jongho had finished, people were already starting to make a move to go home around them, Yunho and Hongjoong were still there but clearly half-asleep and wrapped up in one another. “Oh my gosh, I've been talking for ages, I'm so sorry.” He mumbled sheepishly, sitting back a little as Seonghwa gasped and quickly shook their head.
“There's no need to apologise, all of that was so interesting, I like listening to people talk about things that make them so happy.” Seonghwa replied with a warm smile, sending Jongho spiralling into a blushing mess from that alone. It had been so long since someone had let him ramble like that and to know that Seonghwa had enjoyed it? Well maybe he felt like the luckiest person alive.
“Jongho, do you want to join our group chat with everyone else?” Yunho called out a second later, brandishing his phone in front of Jongho's face as the youngest thought about it for a moment.
“I think I'll wait until I've met everyone first, if that's okay.”
“That's more than okay,” Seonghwa began, “I think I'm going to adopt you though, you're far sweeter than the rest of those dorks.” They chuckled and then yelped out of the blue when their boyfriends tackled them a second later, Yunho threatening them to retract the statement on pain of too many cuddles.
Gosh did Jongho feel so single at that, not to mention touch-starved. When was the last time someone had given him a hug?
But that didn't really matter, Jongho was completely okay with being by himself, it wasn't like he knew any different. Going on dates was... Hard to say the least. Having to describe his sexuality was something he'd tried and failed to do on numerous occasions and so he'd stuck to just accepting his single-ness and getting on with his studies.
“Well,” Hongjoong said after successfully clambering on top of Seonghwa's lap, all but curled around his partner like a koala bear, “I think we should probably all head back home. I know the three of us are busy with Freshers' week.” He hummed, Jongho nodding in agreement. Despite his degree, Jongho was also a part of the music society, and he had lots of performances and activities to prepare for.
“It was really nice meeting you both, Yunho always talked about you a lot.” Jongho chuckled, finally rising from his seat as the other three did the same. Before he could protest, Yunho decided to wrap him up in a bear hug, whispering a quiet 'thank you for coming' into Jongho's hair before letting him go.
And as they all left, the sky dark and the streets quiet, Jongho found himself looking forward to next week, where he'd get to see everyone again. He felt like he'd discovered a place in which he could belong, and he could only hope that the rest of Yunho's friends were as lovely as Hongjoong and Seonghwa.
-
Yunho was well and truly exhausted, two days into Freshers' week and he wasn't quite sure how he'd survived on his own just three years prior. All he'd been doing was dance performances and helping out in the studios - giving tours and quick lessons to those that wanted them. Maybe it was the fact that he'd barely seen Hongjoong or Seonghwa in the past forty-eight hours that was getting to him and making him drained? He relied on his partners so much for love and support and being dragged this way and that by the tide of Freshers' week was pulling him far away from their cuddles and cosy nights in.
But tonight he had a few hours to spare when he finally opened the door to their brand new apartment, managing to clock out before the evening rush began which meant he could at long last eat a home cooked meal instead of some ramen at the ass crack of dawn.
Speaking of home cooked meals, Seonghwa was swaying around the kitchen to some slow, quiet playlist they’d put on, humming to the music in between checking on the food cooking on the stove. It smelled like braised pork ribs - and Yunho knew his food very well indeed - which helped to settle the last of the nervous energy that had been thrumming through him as he relaxed and wandered over to his partner.
“Hi baby.” Seonghwa cooed as Yunho all but squashed them into a hug, draping his weight against their back as they hauled him round the kitchen. “I hope you're hungry, I made a lot.” They chuckled, the sound making Yunho's heart warm a little. How on earth he had managed to land such a beautiful partner he would never know.
“I'm starving , we only got those shitty sandwiches from the cafeteria for lunch, they're so dry and boring.” Yunho grumbled, only letting go of Seonghwa's waist when the door to the bathroom opened and Hongjoong stepped out, clad in pyjamas already and looking so cute that Yunho just had to go and scoop him into a hug as well.
“Good evening to you too.” He heard Hongjoong grumble, but Yunho was too happy to care, smile blinding as he scooped the shorter man into his arms and moved to deposit him on the couch. There was no way they were eating at the dinner table, not when they could cuddle in front of the TV and watch the new drama Seonghwa was interested in. Watching their eyes light up as they explained the plot was always a highlight of Yunho's week.
Halfway through dinner, most of the meal now gone and the TV providing most of the background noise, Yunho found himself distracted by the list of upcoming performances and events still to come during the rest of the week. He spotted names of his friends, both from his course and outside of it, doing gigs on big stages and small shows in bars, wishing he could go along to cheer them on and vowing to send good luck messages their way.
However, there was one event that caught his eye. At the local coffee shop that was open nearly 24/7 just round the corner, Jongho's name was printed next to an open-mic night listing as the opening singer, and Yunho knew instantly that he had to go. That was his new friend, a possible best friend in the making, and he had no idea Jongho could sing .
“Look at this!” Yunho whispered out excitedly, practically shoving his phone in Seonghwa and Hongjoong's faces from where they were cuddled together on the sofa, giving each other heart eyes whenever there was an advert break.
“Huh, what is it?” Hongjoong said, trying to get a better look at Yunho's phone.
“Jongho is performing in the coffee place downstairs on Friday. I think I might go since it starts at 8pm, I'd have time.” Yunho said with a smile, almost vibrating out of his seat as his partners looked at him as if they knew something he didn't. They probably did, Yunho was nothing if not oblivious.
“Why don't you get him a gift too?” Seonghwa suggested, a grin creeping up on their lips as they handed Yunho's phone back to him.
“Oh yes! I could get him a bouquet, like you two got me for my last dance recital.”
“If you just got some nice flowers, I could arrange them for free, it'd be cheaper.” Hongjoong offered, still watching Yunho with an all-knowing expression that he couldn't quite decipher. Jongho was just a new friend and he wanted to make him feel supported and included - knowing how hard university could be without a circle of friends to turn to.
“Really?! Thanks Joongie.” Yunho hummed, pocketing his phone now that his plan had been set and deciding to join his partners on their side of the sofa. Seonghwa was quick to cuddle him close, leaving a gentle kiss to his cheek before Hongjoong leaned over to do the same. It was perfect and Yunho was happy, feeling as if maybe his final year wouldn't be as daunting as everyone had made it out to be. Especially with his partners and his friends, old and new, everything would be fine.
-
Jongho had thought, less than a week ago, that he could never be more nervous than when he was standing outside the student union building, preparing to meet Yunho's friends for the first time. As it turned out, he was wrong.
Because here he was, jittery and anxious, as he waited for everyone to settle into their seats for the open mic night. It was a casual affair, nothing too fancy about it really, but Jongho was used to singing in choirs and staying in the back, not taking centre stage and letting himself shine in the spotlight.
It also didn't help that he knew Yunho would be somewhere in the low-lit crowd, watching him perform - hearing him sing for the first time.
They'd been messaging each other back and forth for a few days now, too busy to really meet up in between their hectic schedules, but Yunho had promised he'd be here tonight. Jongho had no idea whether it would turn out to be a good thing, considering if Yunho didn't like his song then he might lose a friend in the process.
“That's a little bit dramatic…” Came a quiet mumble from beside Jongho and he squeaked in surprise - not realising he'd said that last bit out loud - looking over at the second year who had been fiddling with the lights in the café and setting up the speakers. “It's just a gig, you won't lose friends over it.” They smiled and then went back to plugging in the microphone, adjusting it to match Jongho's height and then gesturing for him to get ready.
It's now or never I guess. Jongho mused to himself, shaking out his hands and arms to get rid of the nerves and the butterflies which were swirling in his stomach.
Walking onto the stage felt like entering a whole different realm, and this performance was especially poignant because Jongho had never been alone before, always flanked by his fellow choir members and a band. It felt overwhelming, to be presented so barely to an audience.
“Uhm... Hi there, I'm Choi Jongho and I'll be starting off the open mic night, thank you all for coming.” Jongho said, eyes scanning the room in a haste before they landed on just the person he both wanted and loathed to see. Jeong Yunho. The man was smiling brightly, hair now dyed strawberry blonde as he sat in the far corner of the coffee shop, waving towards Jongho and giving him a thumbs up— and, great, now Jongho was flustered.
But he didn't have time to dwell on it, because his backing track started and Jongho forced himself into the zone where nothing else mattered but the song he was about to sing. He'd chosen a jazz version of 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen, a song he'd been performing since before he even knew what a microphone was, dancing around to the track with his parents when he was a toddler.
The lilting melodies and delicate high notes crescendoed at the end, but landed softly into a calming outro that sounded like a gentle sigh to Jongho's ears as he realised everyone was clapping. And he was sure Yunho had started cheering, but he was a little too out of it to fully hear. There was a room full of smiles around him, directed his way and Jongho knew he would never be able to match the buzz of energy and excitement he felt in that moment.
He felt loved and happy and being on stage felt right to the point that he almost didn't want to leave. But the next act was already setting up behind him so he quickly bowed and rushed off stage with a giant grin on his face.
Yunho was already up on his feet by the time Jongho crashed into his arms at the back of the coffee house, and Jongho revelled in the fact that Yunho was there now, that all this talk of friendship wasn't empty words. Yunho was here to stay.
“You were amazing Jongho, oh my goodness! And, also, we got you this…” Yunho trailed off, turning around and producing a giant bouquet of flowers from behind his back, decorated with vibrant blooms and delicate petals.
“When you say we…”
“All of us clubbed together to get them, including my friends you haven't met yet. Sannie works at a florist on the weekends and managed to get us a discount, and then Hongjoong - and Mingi - arranged the flowers this afternoon.” Yunho probably didn't realise how fast he was rambling, but Jongho didn't care either way. He had flowers and a new friend and suddenly university didn't feel as suffocating and lonely as it had the previous two years.
“Thank you, so much, really. You're all so amazing, even if I haven't met everyone yet.” Jongho said with a quiet giggle, taking the flowers to admire them closely as he and Yunho went to sit down, a steaming hot latte already waiting for him.
“I can't wait for you to do just that, they'll all love you.”
“I hope so.” Jongho hummed, taking a sip from his latte and watching Yunho do the same, “And thank you too, Yunho, for being my friend.”
“Thank you for letting me, baby bear.”
And maybe Jongho threatened to whack Yunho for the use of the pet name, but it was all harmless; because Jeong Yunho had waltzed into his life and chosen to stick around, so maybe he could get away with a pet name or two, every now and then.