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The cabin in the mountains was perfect—a secluded escape where the wind rustled through the trees, and the air was crisp with the scent of pine.
Stray Kids had spent days here, just the eight of them, laughing, catching up on rest, and letting loose after their grueling tour. Tonight, they gathered around the outdoor firepit, bottles of beer and soju scattered across the wooden table. Laughter echoed through the quiet forest, mixing with the soft crackle of the flames.
Seungmin sat beside Changbin, his eyes glowing with the warmth of the fire. He rarely drank much, but tonight was different.
Perhaps it was the relief of being away from the stage, or maybe it was because of what was secretly simmering between him and Changbin. Whatever it was, Seungmin was drinking a lot more than usual—mixing beer, soju, and whatever else was in arm’s reach. He was grinning widely, his eyes already starting to glaze over.
Changbin, who had been stealing glances at him all night, was growing more concerned as Seungmin’s usually sharp demeanor melted into slurred speech and uncontrollable giggles.
“Seungmin-ah, slow down a little,” Changbin muttered softly, trying to keep his voice low so the others wouldn’t hear. He leaned in closer, placing a hand on Seungmin’s knee.
But Seungmin, in his tipsy haze, only laughed and waved him off. “I’m fine, ‘Bin,” he mumbled, his voice carrying a dreamy quality. “You know I can handle it…”
Changbin bit his lip, unsure whether to push more. The others were too engrossed in their own conversations to notice anything strange, but Changbin knew Seungmin. This wasn’t like him at all. He was drinking recklessly, and Changbin didn’t like it. He didn’t like seeing him like this—so unguarded, so vulnerable.
“Seungmin, seriously, that’s enough,” Changbin said, firmer this time, trying to grab the glass from Seungmin’s hand.
But Seungmin jerked it away, shaking his head with a sloppy grin. “Just a little more. I’m having fun.”
Despite the playful tone, Changbin saw how Seungmin’s eyelids were drooping, how his head kept nodding like he was fighting sleep. Every time Seungmin’s head fell forward, he jerked it back up with a lopsided grin, like he was trying to prove a point.
Changbin sighed, leaning back into his chair. His heart twisted in his chest, a mixture of worry and affection building up. This was the first break they’d had in a while, and Seungmin deserved to relax. But something felt wrong—too much too fast, like Seungmin was trying to drown something out.
Then, without warning, Seungmin’s head fell forward again, but this time it didn’t snap back up. Instead, it rested gently on Changbin’s shoulder, his breath warm and slow against Changbin’s neck.
Changbin tensed, instinctively turning toward him. “Seungmin?”
For a moment, Seungmin didn’t respond, his body heavy with sleep. Changbin’s hand hovered over his shoulder, uncertain whether to shake him awake or just let him rest. But then, in a quiet, almost fragile voice, Seungmin spoke.
“Can I… ask you something?” His words were slow, slurred, but there was a seriousness beneath the drunken haze that made Changbin’s chest tighten.
Changbin swallowed, his heart starting to race. “Of course, Min. You can ask me anything.”
There was a long pause, just the sound of the fire crackling and the soft laughter of the others in the background. Seungmin’s fingers tightened on the fabric of Changbin’s shirt as he mumbled, “Do you love me?”
Changbin’s breath caught in his throat. He had told Seungmin he loved him before—during those quiet moments when it was just the two of them, away from the world. But this… this felt different. The vulnerability in Seungmin’s voice made his heart ache.
“Of course I love you,” Changbin whispered, his voice almost breaking. “You know I do.”
Seungmin let out a soft, sleepy sigh, but didn’t move, his head still heavy on Changbin’s shoulder. His eyes were closed now, his face peaceful but distant, like he was drifting away into something that scared Changbin.
“Really?” Seungmin whispered, his voice so quiet it was almost lost in the night air. “Even if I’m like… this?”
Changbin’s heart clenched at the words. He didn’t understand where they were coming from—why Seungmin, usually so self-assured, would doubt him now, in this moment.
“Yes, Min,” Changbin said, his voice firm but gentle. “Even if you’re like this. Especially like this.”
Seungmin didn’t respond right away. His breathing had slowed, his grip on Changbin’s shirt loosening slightly as sleep began to pull him under.
Changbin sat there, frozen, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. He glanced around at the others, still oblivious to the quiet conversation unfolding between him and Seungmin. No one knew about them yet—about the nights they had spent tangled up in each other’s arms, whispering promises and fears. They had kept it a secret, wanting to hold onto something just for themselves.
But now, with Seungmin half-asleep on his shoulder, asking him if his love was real, Changbin felt the weight of it all. The fear of being exposed, the pressure of keeping their relationship hidden, the uncertainty of what would happen if the others found out.
He didn’t know how to answer Seungmin’s unspoken question—the one that lingered in the air between them. Would his love be enough? Would it survive the weight of everything they hadn’t yet said?
Changbin stared into the fire, its flickering light casting shadows across their faces, and felt the knot in his chest tighten.
“I love you, Seungmin,” he whispered again, but this time the words felt heavier, like a promise he wasn’t sure he knew how to keep.
Seungmin stirred slightly against Changbin’s shoulder, mumbling incoherently. His words slurred together, a soft, sleepy mess of nonsense that made Changbin’s lips twitch into a small smile. Even drunk, Seungmin was still Seungmin—sweet, mischievous, and utterly unpredictable.
“I think… I think we should buy a duck,” Seungmin mumbled suddenly, his voice thick with sleep.
Changbin raised an eyebrow, suppressing a laugh. “A duck, huh?”
“Yeah… a really fluffy one,” Seungmin continued, his words barely making sense. “It can… keep us company. You, me, and the duck.”
Changbin chuckled, playing along to humor him. “Sounds like a solid plan. I’m sure a duck would love it here in the mountains.”
Seungmin giggled, his head nuzzling deeper into Changbin’s shoulder, as if the very thought of a duck was the most brilliant thing he’d ever heard. He was so far gone, his usual sharp wit replaced by a hazy, drunken warmth that tugged at Changbin’s heart.
The others, meanwhile, had started to notice how out of it Seungmin was. Chan glanced over, his eyebrows knitting together in concern. “Hey, is Seungmin okay?”
Changbin nodded, but his tone was uncertain. “Yeah, he’s just… more drunk than usual.”
Jeongin, sitting across the fire, narrowed his eyes at Seungmin’s slumped form. “I’ve never seen him like this before. Shouldn’t we get him inside?”
Before Changbin could respond, Seungmin’s head lifted slightly, his eyelids half-open, as he slurred, “Nooo… I wanna stay. It’s so… nice here.” His words were barely intelligible, and his head lolled to the side again.
Minho stood up, stretching. “Alright, that’s enough. Let’s get him to bed before he passes out here.”
Seungmin protested, his hand weakly pushing against Changbin’s chest. “No… no, I’m fine… I don’t wanna go,” he muttered, his voice petulant but soft.
But Minho wasn’t having it. He reached down, gently pulling Seungmin up from his seat, making the younger boy groan in protest.
“C’mon, Seungmin,” Minho said, wrapping an arm around Seungmin’s waist to help steady him. “You’re going inside.”
Changbin stood up as well, taking Seungmin’s other side. “I’ve got him, don’t worry. He’s just being stubborn.”
Together, the two of them half-dragged, half-guided Seungmin toward the cabin, Seungmin grumbling under his breath the whole way. His head lolled from side to side, his feet stumbling over the uneven ground, but his sleepy grin never left his face.
“Minhoooo,” Seungmin whined as they walked, his voice stretching out in an exaggerated drawl. “Why are you so bossy? Always bossing me around.”
Minho snorted, shaking his head. “I’m not bossy. You’re just too drunk to know what’s good for you.”
Seungmin pouted, his eyes barely open as he mumbled, “You’re so mean… Changbin’s nicer than you.”
Changbin chuckled under his breath. “I don’t know about that. Minho’s pretty nice when he wants to be.”
“Nope. You’re the nicest. That’s why I love you more,” Seungmin muttered, his voice growing softer, almost like a child complaining in his sleep.
Minho shot Changbin a teasing look. “Wow, I’ve been dethroned. Guess I'm not his favorite hyung anymore I’ll just have to live with it.”
Changbin gave a soft laugh, but his chest tightened at Seungmin’s words. The way he said “I love you” felt so raw, even in his drunken state. Changbin could feel the weight of it, buried under Seungmin’s tipsy rambling, and it tugged at something deep inside him.
By the time they got to the cabin, Seungmin was barely awake, his feet dragging along the floor as they led him to his bed. Once they reached his room, Minho helped lower him onto the mattress.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Minho said, giving Changbin a quick pat on the shoulder. “Good luck with this one. If you need help, just call.”
Changbin nodded, his heart still heavy with the tenderness of the moment. “Thanks. I think I’ve got it from here.”
As Minho left, closing the door softly behind him, Changbin turned back to Seungmin, who was sprawled out on the bed, his arms stretched out like a child who had just collapsed after a long day. His eyes fluttered open and closed, his breath coming in slow, steady waves.
Changbin sighed and crouched beside the bed, gently tugging at Seungmin’s shirt. “Let’s get you changed, okay?”
But Seungmin wasn’t cooperating. He wriggled slightly, his hand lazily reaching out to grab Changbin’s wrist. “Don’t… I’m comfortable,” he slurred, his words slow and heavy with sleep.
“You’ll be more comfortable if you change,” Changbin said softly, trying to coax him into sitting up.
Seungmin’s eyes flickered open, and for a moment, he looked at Changbin with a strange sort of clarity, his lips parting as if he were about to say something important. Then, in the same soft, sleepy voice, he asked again, “Do you still love me?”
Changbin froze, his heart stuttering in his chest. The question hit him harder this time—deeper, like Seungmin was peeling back layers of himself that he never showed when sober.
“Of course I do,” Changbin whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “You know I do.”
Seungmin’s lips curled into a small, drunken smile, his eyes closing again. “Good… because I love you… so much,” he mumbled, his voice trailing off as he sank further into sleep.
Changbin’s heart ached at the words. There was something so vulnerable about Seungmin in this state—unguarded, open in a way he rarely allowed himself to be. Changbin’s hand lingered on Seungmin’s cheek, brushing away a strand of hair that had fallen across his face.
He wanted to say more, to reassure Seungmin, to tell him that his love was real and unwavering. But the words caught in his throat, trapped beneath the weight of everything left unsaid.
As Seungmin’s breathing evened out, Changbin sat back, his hand still resting lightly on Seungmin’s arm. He couldn’t help but smile—despite the concern, despite the uncertainty. Seungmin was cute like this, even in his drunken rambling, even in his vulnerable moments.
But the question still lingered, hanging between them like a shadow: Why did Seungmin keep asking if he was loved?
Changbin didn’t have the answer. He wasn’t sure if Seungmin did, either.
The room was quiet now, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves outside the window, and in the stillness, Changbin was left alone with his thoughts. He gently brushed his fingers across Seungmin’s hand, wondering what tomorrow would bring.
Seungmin stirred again, shifting restlessly on the bed. His eyes fluttered open, still hazy with alcohol, and his lips puckered into a small, expectant shape. It was clear what he wanted—a kiss.
Changbin chuckled softly, shaking his head at how adorable Seungmin was being. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, but he couldn’t resist leaning in. He pressed a gentle kiss to Seungmin’s lips, barely more than a brush of warmth, but enough to make Seungmin sigh in contentment.
Seungmin’s momentary peace was short-lived, though. He winced suddenly, his face scrunching up in discomfort. “Changbin… I think… I’m gonna be sick.”
Changbin’s stomach dropped, the playful mood evaporating instantly. “Okay, let’s go.” He wasted no time, gently pulling Seungmin up and guiding him to the bathroom. Seungmin stumbled, leaning heavily against him, and Changbin’s heart clenched at how helpless he seemed.
By the time they reached the bathroom, Seungmin barely made it before he was retching into the toilet. Changbin knelt beside him, his hand rubbing soothing circles on Seungmin’s back, offering what little comfort he could.
“Shh, it’s okay,” Changbin whispered, his voice soft but steady. “Just let it out.”
Seungmin coughed and heaved, his body trembling with the effort, and Changbin felt a deep pang of worry tighten in his chest. He’d never seen Seungmin like this—so vulnerable, so out of control—and it made him feel helpless. All he could do was hold him, be there for him.
After a few minutes, the worst of it seemed to pass. Seungmin slumped back, exhausted, into Changbin’s arms, his breath shallow and uneven. Changbin kept his hold firm, not trusting Seungmin to stand just yet.
Seungmin’s head rested against Changbin’s chest, his eyes barely open as he muttered, “I’m sorry… didn’t mean to…”
“Don’t apologize,” Changbin murmured, holding him close. “You’re okay. You just drank too much, that’s all.”
They stayed like that for a while, the cool air of the bathroom washing over them. Seungmin seemed to calm down, his body going limp in Changbin’s arms. For a moment, everything felt still, almost peaceful.
Then, Seungmin spoke again, his voice small and fragile. “Do you still love me?”
Changbin’s heart clenched, his chest tightening with both affection and concern. This was the third time Seungmin had asked tonight, and every time, it seemed to come from somewhere deep inside him, as if he needed the reassurance more than anything else.
Changbin cradled Seungmin’s head gently, his fingers threading through his hair. “Of course I do,” he said softly, his voice tender and full of emotion. “I’ll always love you.”
Seungmin smiled weakly, his eyes half-closed. “Good… because I love you too… so much,” he whispered, his voice breaking slightly. “More than… more than you know.”
Changbin’s heart swelled, warmth spreading through him despite the situation. Seungmin’s words, though slurred and muddled, held a truth that was hard to ignore. Even in this state, Seungmin was baring his heart, laying it all out in a way he never did when sober. It was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
“I love you so much, Changbin,” Seungmin continued, his voice quiet but full of emotion. “I don’t… I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Changbin smiled, feeling a rush of tenderness for the boy in his arms. “You don’t have to worry about that,” he murmured. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Seungmin let out a soft, contented sigh, snuggling closer to Changbin. He was so out of it, yet so sincere, and it made Changbin’s heart ache with how vulnerable he was being. Despite his drunken state, despite everything, Seungmin’s love for him shone through, clear and unmistakable.
“You’re the best, you know that?” Seungmin mumbled, his words barely coherent but filled with affection. “I don’t… I don’t say it enough. But I love you. So much.”
Changbin chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re really cute when you’re drunk, you know that?”
Seungmin grinned lazily, his eyes drooping as exhaustion began to take over. “You think I’m cute?”
“Yeah, I do,” Changbin said, his voice low and full of warmth. “The cutest.”
Seungmin’s smile widened slightly, but his eyes were already closing, his body relaxing completely against Changbin’s. “Good… because… I really, really love you,” he whispered one last time before his breathing evened out, and he drifted off to sleep.
Changbin sat there for a moment longer, holding Seungmin close, his heart full. There was something so fragile, so precious about the moment—Seungmin’s raw vulnerability, his drunken confessions, the way he clung to Changbin as if he was the only thing grounding him.
Changbin’s thoughts swirled as he cradled Seungmin, emotions conflicting within him. He couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in Seungmin’s mind—why he kept asking if he was loved, why he needed the reassurance. Was something troubling him beneath the surface, something he hadn’t told Changbin yet?
He didn’t have the answers, but one thing was clear: Seungmin’s love for him was deep and real, even in his most unguarded moments. And that made Changbin’s heart ache with tenderness.
As he held Seungmin in his arms, Changbin pressed a soft kiss to the top of his head, whispering, “I love you too.”
After a while, Seungmin stirred, and Changbin gently lifted him up, careful not to jostle him too much. Seungmin's body was limp, heavy in his arms, but Changbin held him close, carrying him back to the bed. Once they were there, Changbin slid under the covers, pulling Seungmin against his chest, holding him securely.
Seungmin mumbled something incoherent as his eyes fluttered open again. He buried his face into Changbin’s chest, nuzzling closer like he needed to be as close as possible. "Changbin..." he whispered, voice raspy and thick with exhaustion, "Do you still love me?"
Again. That same question.
Changbin’s heart twisted, worry starting to bloom in his chest. “Of course I do, Seungmin,” he whispered back, gently stroking the back of Seungmin’s head. “I’ll always love you.”
Seungmin hummed in response, his lips curling into that familiar shape again, asking for a kiss. Changbin leaned down, pressing his lips to Seungmin’s in a soft, sweet kiss. But then Seungmin tried for more, pressing against him, his hands curling into the fabric of Changbin’s shirt, pulling him closer.
Changbin froze, realizing what Seungmin wanted. His heart ached at the thought, but he couldn’t let things go further. Not like this. He gently pulled back, his hands holding Seungmin’s shoulders to keep some distance. “Hey, hey, not now,” Changbin said softly, his voice careful. “You’re not yourself right now.”
Seungmin’s face immediately crumpled. His lip quivered, and suddenly, tears welled up in his eyes. “You don’t… you don’t want me?” he whispered, his voice cracking with hurt. “You don’t love me anymore…”
Changbin’s heart shattered at the sound of Seungmin’s broken voice. “No, no, it’s not that,” he said quickly, pulling Seungmin back into his arms. But Seungmin was already pulling away, trying to push himself out of bed, his movements sluggish but desperate.
“We’re not together anymore!” Seungmin sobbed, his voice small and full of childish hurt. “I don’t want… I don’t want this… I want to go.”
Changbin grabbed him firmly but gently, pulling him back against his chest, holding him tighter now. “Seungmin, stop,” Changbin said, his voice shaking with the weight of his emotions. “Please, don’t say that. We’re together. I love you, I swear I do. I just don’t want to do anything you’ll regret later, okay?”
Seungmin’s sobs quieted as Changbin’s words began to sink in. He stayed still in Changbin’s arms, his breathing shallow and uneven, but at least he wasn’t trying to leave anymore. Changbin stroked his hair, trying to calm him down, trying to show him that he was here, that he wasn’t going anywhere.
Seungmin sniffled, wiping at his wet cheeks, his face still hidden in Changbin’s chest. “Do you really still love me?” he asked, his voice small and fragile, like he didn’t believe it.
Changbin pressed a soft kiss to Seungmin’s forehead, his hand still gently playing with his hair. “Yes,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I love you more than anything, Seungmin. I promise.”
Seungmin let out a shaky breath, and for the first time that night, he seemed to relax a little. His body melted into Changbin’s, his arms wrapping around him as he buried his face deeper into his chest, holding on like he never wanted to let go.
Changbin held him close, feeling the steady rise and fall of Seungmin’s chest against his own, feeling the way his breathing slowly evened out. He kissed Seungmin’s head again, whispering soft reassurances, telling him over and over how much he loved him.
Changbin stared at the ceiling, his hand still threading through Seungmin’s hair, his mind racing with questions he didn’t have answers to.
As Seungmin began to stir again, his head still tucked under Changbin's chin, he started talking, his voice barely above a mumble. “Hyung… do you think… if trees could walk, where would they go?” His words were slurred, barely making sense, but Changbin smiled softly, playing along.
“They’d probably walk toward the sun, Seungmin-ah,” Changbin said, his hand gently stroking Seungmin’s back in slow, calming circles. “They love the sun, right?”
Seungmin nodded, his head heavy against Changbin’s chest. “Yeah… trees love the sun…” There was a long pause before Seungmin spoke again, his voice quieter now, more hesitant. “Do you think the others… would still love us? If they knew?”
Changbin tensed slightly, feeling the weight of Seungmin’s question despite his drunken state. He had wondered if this would come up—if Seungmin, with all his walls down, would finally voice what had been lurking beneath the surface. Changbin’s voice was soft when he answered, trying to ease Seungmin’s worries. “Of course they would. They love you, Seungmin. They love us.”
Seungmin blinked slowly, processing the words as if they were foreign to him. “But… what if they don’t?” he whispered, his fingers curling tighter into Changbin’s shirt. “What if they don’t love us anymore because… because my love for you is different?”
Changbin’s heart ached at the vulnerability in Seungmin’s voice. He pulled Seungmin closer, resting his chin on top of his head. “They will. I promise, they’ll still love us. Nothing would change that.”
Seungmin sniffled a bit, his eyes half-lidded and glassy as he looked up at Changbin. “But really, really? Like… Felix, and Jisung, and… everyone? They’ll still love us? Even if… if I love you more than anything else?”
Changbin smiled softly, his chest tightening with emotion. “Yes, Seungmin. They’ll love us no matter what. Your love for me doesn’t change anything about how much they care.”
Seungmin’s lips curled into a slow, sleepy smile, his eyes brightening. “I love them too,” he said, his voice almost childlike in its simplicity. “But my love for you is… it’s different. Special.”
Changbin felt his heart swell at Seungmin’s words, warmth spreading through his chest. “I know,” he whispered, kissing the top of Seungmin’s head. “And I love you like that, too.”
Seungmin giggled, the sound soft and innocent, as though the conversation had eased all his worries. “You really love me,” he mumbled, more to himself than to Changbin. “Hyung… you love me.”
Changbin tried to suppress a chuckle, playing along to keep Seungmin at ease. “Yes, I love you. More than anything.”
Seungmin hummed, burying his face deeper into Changbin’s chest, his voice muffled against the fabric. “Good… ’cause I love you too… more than trees love the sun…”
Changbin smiled, but beneath that warmth was a growing heaviness. Seungmin’s drunken words had revealed more than he’d expected—his fears, his worries about how the others would react to their relationship. Changbin had always thought they could tell the others whenever they were ready, but now he realized Seungmin had been carrying this fear with him for a while.
As Seungmin’s breathing slowed again, indicating he was drifting off to sleep, Changbin felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. He would do anything to keep Seungmin safe, to make sure he never had to worry like this again. But how could he reassure him when they hadn’t even faced the truth together yet?
Changbin’s thoughts raced, but he stayed quiet, gently stroking Seungmin’s hair as he slept. He wasn’t sure what tomorrow would bring—whether Seungmin would remember this conversation or if the lingering fears would stay with him even after the alcohol wore off.
For now, all Changbin could do was hold him, whispering soft reassurances in the quiet of the night. “They’ll still love us, Seungmin,” he said, his voice barely audible. “No matter what.”
But even as he said it, there was a small part of him that wondered—What if Seungmin’s fears were right?
---
The soft light of morning crept through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Seungmin stirred first, blinking against the brightness as a dull ache began to settle in his head. The aftereffects of the night before were already making themselves known. Groaning quietly, he buried his face deeper into Changbin’s chest, seeking comfort in the familiar warmth.
Changbin, still half-asleep, felt Seungmin shift and let out a low chuckle. “Morning, sleepyhead,” he murmured, his voice raspy from sleep. He tightened his hold around Seungmin, feeling him burrow further into his embrace as though trying to escape the reality of waking up.
“Don’t,” Seungmin mumbled, his voice muffled against Changbin’s shirt. “Too bright… and my head hurts.”
Changbin couldn’t help but laugh again, his hand lazily running through Seungmin’s hair. “That’s what happens when you mix drinks like that, Minnie. I tried to stop you, remember?”
Seungmin groaned, his whole body tensing with embarrassment as memories from the night before began to flood back. The drinking, the nonsensical rambling, the confessions, the tears. 'God, I really asked him if he loved me a million times,' he thought, feeling a flush of heat rush to his cheeks.
He peeked up at Changbin, whose teasing grin only made him want to hide further. “I don’t want to talk about it,” Seungmin mumbled, pressing his face back into the safety of Changbin’s chest, trying to disappear. He felt so small, so embarrassed—how could he have been so openly vulnerable?
“Oh, we’re definitely talking about it,” Changbin teased, unable to resist. “You were adorable, you know that? Kept asking if I loved you… and then talking about walking trees.”
Seungmin groaned again, his voice coming out in a whine. “Hyung, stop. This is so embarrassing.”
Changbin chuckled, his hand gently rubbing circles on Seungmin’s back. “It was cute. But… there was something more, wasn’t there?” His voice softened as he shifted the mood, no longer teasing. “You asked about the others, about whether they’d still love us if they knew. Do you remember?”
Seungmin tensed slightly, nodding without looking up. He remembered everything, the alcohol loosening his tongue and letting out the fears he’d been bottling up for months. He hadn’t meant to spill his worries like that, but now that it was out there, he couldn’t take it back.
“I was just… drunk,” Seungmin muttered, though even he knew that wasn’t entirely true.
Changbin tilted Seungmin’s chin up gently, making him meet his gaze. “You weren’t just drunk,” he said softly, his eyes full of understanding. “You’ve been worried about it for a while, haven’t you? About telling the others.”
Seungmin swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. “Maybe a little,” he admitted quietly. “I just… I don’t want things to change between us and the others. What if it’s weird? What if they don’t…”
“They will still love us,” Changbin interrupted, his voice firm but gentle. “I know it’s scary, but we can’t keep this from them forever. They’re our family, Seungmin. They’ll be happy for us.”
Seungmin bit his lip, the familiar knot of anxiety twisting in his stomach. He trusted the members with his life, but this was different. This was his heart on the line, and the thought of things changing, of even the smallest shift in their dynamic, scared him more than he wanted to admit.
Changbin’s hand cupped his cheek, grounding him. “We don’t have to hide anymore,” he said softly. “I don’t want to hide anymore. I love you, and I want them to know.”
Seungmin’s heart swelled at Changbin’s words, the sincerity in his voice calming some of his fears. He looked up at him, searching his face for reassurance, and found it in the warmth of his gaze.
“Okay,” Seungmin whispered, his voice barely audible. “Let’s tell them. It’s time.”
Changbin smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Seungmin’s forehead. “Good. We’ll do it together.”
Seungmin nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and relief wash over him. It was scary, but with Changbin by his side, he knew they could face it together. He nuzzled back into Changbin’s chest, taking a moment to just breathe, to savor the quiet before they would have to face the world.
Changbin’s hand gently stroked through Seungmin’s hair again, soothing him. “Whatever happens, we’ll handle it,” he whispered. “As long as we’re together, we’ll be okay.”
Seungmin closed his eyes, his heart steadying in the comfort of Changbin’s arms. “I love you,” he whispered, his voice soft but certain.
“I love you too,” Changbin murmured back, kissing the top of Seungmin’s head.
They lay there in the stillness of the morning, holding onto each other as they prepared to take the next step. The future was uncertain, but in that moment, wrapped up in each other’s warmth, it felt like everything would be okay.
The fear still lingered, but with Changbin beside him, Seungmin felt ready to face whatever came next.
Seungmin and Changbin eventually made their way to the kitchen, but as they turned the corner, the sight of the other members already sitting around the table made Seungmin pause. His heart raced, and his fingers tightened around Changbin’s, already feeling the heat of embarrassment creeping up his neck.
The sound of laughter filled the air the moment they stepped into the room.
"Look who decided to join us," Jisung smirked, leaning back in his chair, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Seungmin, you feeling okay after last night? You were a real entertainer."
Felix grinned, setting down his fork. "Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you that drunk. Mixing all those drinks like it was nothing."
Seungmin groaned softly, instinctively hiding behind Changbin’s shoulder as the teasing continued. He knew he had been acting a bit ridiculous, and the hazy memories of his nonsensical ramblings made his stomach twist in embarrassment.
Hyunjin leaned over the table with a playful glint in his eye. “Don’t worry, we’ll forgive you. After all, it’s not every day we get such an adorable drunk.”
Seungmin’s face flushed even more, and he let out a small, embarrassed whine. “Stop it,” he muttered, nudging Changbin as if begging him to make it all go away.
Changbin chuckled, stepping in front of Seungmin like a shield. “Alright, alright, that’s enough teasing. He’s got a headache, and he doesn’t need you guys making it worse.”
Minho raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Taking his side now, huh?”
Changbin shot him a playful glare. “Of course I’m taking his side.”
Seungmin felt a surge of warmth at the protective tone in Changbin’s voice. His shyness still lingered, but having Changbin defend him made him feel safer, more secure. He squeezed Changbin’s hand, glancing up at him, a silent thank you passing between them.
They sat down at the table, the conversation still light and filled with teasing remarks. But Seungmin knew that soon, they had something more important to talk about—something that had weighed on his heart for months. His nerves spiked again as he exchanged a glance with Changbin, who gave him a small, reassuring nod.
As the breakfast chatter continued, Changbin cleared his throat. “Actually, guys, there’s something we wanted to talk to you about.”
The room quieted, all eyes turning to them with curious expressions. Seungmin’s heart pounded in his chest, but he felt Changbin’s hand resting on his knee, steady and calm.
“We’ve been keeping something from you,” Changbin started, his voice steady. “And, well… we think it’s time you know.”
Seungmin swallowed, feeling his palms grow sweaty. This was it. The moment they had both been dreading but knew was necessary. He glanced around the table at the members who were now waiting, attentive.
“We’re… we’re together,” Seungmin finally said, his voice soft but clear. “Changbin and I have been dating for a while now. Since the tour.”
For a second, there was silence. And then, Felix let out a loud cheer, followed by Jisung’s exaggerated gasp.
“I knew it!” Hyunjin exclaimed, pointing dramatically at them. “I knew something was going on! You guys were always so suspiciously close.”
Seungmin’s face flushed as laughter erupted around the table. Minho leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Well, it’s about time. Took you long enough to tell us.”
Changbin chuckled, shaking his head. “We weren’t sure how to tell you guys. We didn’t want things to be weird.”
Felix’s face softened into a warm smile. “Nothing could be weird between us. We’re family. And if you’re happy, we’re happy.”
“Yeah,” Chan piped up. “We just want you both to be yourselves. No need to hide.”
The words were a balm to Seungmin’s nerves, and he felt a wave of relief wash over him. They were being supportive—teasing, of course, but filled with love. The anxiety he had carried for so long finally began to melt away.
Jeongin, leaned over with a mischievous grin. “Just don’t get all gross and couple-y on us now. We don’t want to see any of that mushy stuff.”
Seungmin blushed again, but this time, he felt lighter. Laughing, he gave Changbin’s hand a squeeze. “No promises.”
With the atmosphere back to its usual playful tone, they all finished breakfast together, joking and laughing as if nothing had changed—because really, nothing had. The love between the members was as strong as ever, and now that Seungmin and Changbin had shared their truth, it felt like they could breathe freely again.
After breakfast, they all decided to watch a movie in the living room, piling onto the couch. Changbin and Seungmin settled next to each other, and for the first time, Seungmin didn’t feel the need to hide. He snuggled closer to Changbin, resting his head on his shoulder.
Halfway through the movie, Seungmin tilted his head up, his lips forming a familiar pout, silently asking for a kiss. Changbin smiled down at him and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. It was a simple, sweet gesture, but it held so much more now that they didn’t have to hide it.
The moment wasn’t lost on the others, though.
“Hey, hey! No kissing in the middle of the movie!” Jisung called out, throwing a popcorn kernel at them. The rest of the group laughed, but Seungmin just smiled, feeling the warmth of Changbin’s hand in his.
Teasing aside, they were happy. And more importantly, they were free to love each other openly, without fear.
Seungmin sighed contentedly, resting his head back on Changbin’s chest. The love between them felt solid, unshakable. No matter how much teasing they would face, it was worth it.
As the movie played on, Seungmin glanced up at Changbin, their eyes meeting for a moment before he whispered, “I love you.”
Changbin smiled, brushing his fingers through Seungmin’s hair. “I love you too.”
And in that moment, surrounded by the people they cared about most, nothing else mattered. Their love was enough, and nothing could change that.