sunny side up

[loveheizt]

fandom: enhypen

pairing: jungwon/ni-ki

rating: T

word count: 4869

other tags: canon compliant, cliffhanger ending, sequel to 'funny how our dream come true'

A/N: i don't hate this anymore. im still not done with it lol but yeah.
basis: Honest to God, Jungwon has always found Nishimura Riki a little bit… Complicated.

—

Yang Jungwon spends his days and nights surrounded by six boys. Boys like him trying to figure out their place in the world. Growing an identity is challenging, but somehow, they all make it work.

The company is nice, Jungwon notes. But sometimes, he likes being alone.

Today, he’s taking advantage of his off day and Heeseung’s Netflix account. He’s watched all of the K-dramas on his watch list. Recently, he’s decided to explore the Western media. Somehow, he has settled into the “high school drama” genre.

Boy, is he hooked.

“What are you watching?” Heeseung asks as he settles down next to him on the sofa.

“Never Have I Ever. It’s about this First Generation Indian-American girl who messes up a lot, but she still tries. I like the development,” Jungwon answers.

“Cool.” Then Heeseung adds, “Kind of reminds me of my high school days.”

It’s a simple statement. Just Heeseung being a little nostalgic and reminiscing about his high school life. No big deal.

But it becomes a big deal when you’re seventeen and barely even have what’s considered the life of a high schooler.

Jungwon knew what he was signing up for when he was younger. But even when you’re an idol, education is still pivotal. The company knew this. On the other hand, his parents forbid the idea of dropping school altogether. So twenty percent of the time, he’s studying in school. Fifty percent goes to his idol activities. Thirty percent consists of school assignments from home. 

That was basically his high school life.

Hanlim Arts School has had idols attend their school. So really, it wasn’t exactly such a vast problem to tackle or anything.

The only issue Jungwon had was lack of… what do you call it, experience? 

He doesn’t really know. Maybe all he wants to be is a normal teenager. It’s a thought that recurs from time to time. What if he just dropped the idol gig all of a sudden? What if he’d rather struggle over a complex Maths problem than stress over the well-being of six other people? Why does it always have to be him to cover for others? 

Why couldn’t life just give him a break, for God’s sake?

Ha. That’s funny.

“Due to Sunghoon’s health issues, it seems that we may need a replacement for this Friday,” Their manager announces first thing during the meeting. 

(The truth is: God has given him ample chances of a break.)

“Now, we’ve narrowed it down to Sunoo because he has more experience but if anyone else wants to take up the offer—“

(He just refuses to accept any of them.)

“I’ll do it,” Jungwon declares.

All heads turn to him immediately. Including the little boy younger than Jungwon himself. 

“You’re joking,” Nishimura Riki blurts out. 

Their manager raises an eyebrow in Ni-ki’s direction. “Or it seems you’d rather do it yourself, Ni-ki. Is that what you’d like?”

Ni-ki’s eyes remain fixed on Jungwon as if they won’t move unless Jungwon leaves the room or something.

It’s nothing but extremely painful silence on the ride back home. When Jungwon turns, he sees Jake softly raking his fingers through Sunghoon’s hair. He also still sees Ni-ki’s eyes boring into his soul. 

Jungwon frowns. Strange. 

They all reach home in no time. Sunghoon decides to bunk in with Jake for the night. The others file into their own rooms. All that’s left is Ni-ki and his eyes full of emotions Jungwon can’t figure out.

So, like the true leader he is, he probes. “Ni-ki, is something the matter?”

No response.

Jungwon sighs. “Hey, I’m sorry. I know we usually spend our Friday evenings  together but Sunghoon needs me, okay?”

Ni-ki’s eyes twitch. Then he shoots the question:

“Hyung, what’s your problem?”

Jungwon frowns. “Okay, first of all, that’s rude. Second of all, what do you mean by that?”

“Like, this. Why are you doing this?”

“Why am I doing what?”

“This!” Ni-ki shrieks out in exasperation. “Putting yourself over others again. Or whatever. I don't know.”

“So you have a problem with me being selfless. Is this what this is?” 

Ni-ki doesn't respond. He gives Jungwon a look he himself can't comprehend. Then he turns and leaves.

Jungwon sighs. 

Later after Jungwon washes up, he enters his room only to find Ni-ki curled up under the blankets watching a video on Youtube. Sunoo is still outside in the living room watching Heeseung play a game on the switch. Sunghoon’s in the other room with Jake doing whatever couples usually do.

So the only roommate left is the one who is clearly mad at him. For no reason at all.

“Are we seriously not talking?” Jungwon asks.

Ni-ki’s frown is the only response he gets from the kid.

Jungwon rolls his eyes. He moves towards Ni-ki’s bed.

“What.”

“Don't be rude to me.” Jungwon gestures his head to the side. “Scoot over.”

“No way.”

But Ni-ki does, in fact shift so that Jungwon can lie down next to him.

“What are you watching?” Jungwon asks.

“Some guy playing this indie horror game.” Ni-ki turns to Jungwon. “I would let you watch but I’m still mad at you.”

“For a reason I still don't understand,” Jungwon counters.

Ni-ki grimaces. Jungwon mirrors the expression.

“Maybe, you would understand if you left me alone and actually thought about it,” Ni-ki murmured.

“Come on, Ni-ki. Let’s be mature about this.”

“Yeah, maturity.” Ni-ki shoots Jungwon a glare. “That’s all you ever know how to be.”

Jungwon scowls. “Now what's that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Someone else cuts the conversation from behind. Next to the bed, Sunoo gives Jungwon a look. “That you should leave our dearest Ni-ki alone.”

“But—” Jungwon tries to protest.

“Out. Now,” Sunoo warns. Jungwon pouts. Nonetheless, he gets out of bed and follows Sunoo out of the room.

“Hyung, where are we going?”

“Away from Ni-ki so that you can stop bothering him,” Sunoo simply replies. “You know how he is when it comes to fights. You really should learn to give him some space.”

“Yeah but that’s not how I like things to go,” Jungwon replies. “I mean, with our schedules and everything, it’s better to resolve things from the get-go.”

“I know and while I respect your way of things, you do realise that Ni-ki isn't anything like you, right?” Sunoo says. “Give him some space and….”

“And?”

“He’ll talk to you eventually.” Sunoo nods towards the door to Heeseung’s room. “Now, get in. You know the drill.”

Living in a room with three other people can be a hassle. Fights tend to break out mostly between the younger ones so one of them will retreat to one of the two other rooms every once in a while. Though when it comes to Sunghoon, it is usually Jake’s and Jay’s room, much to the latter’s annoyance. 

Jungwon reflects on Sunoo’s words again. “You think he’ll actually talk to me?”

“Of course, he will, Wonie.” Sunoo ushers Jungwon into Heeseung’s room, who perks up at the door opening. “You’re his favourite hyung out of all of us, after all.”

—

Ni-ki doesn't talk to him the next day. Or the next. Neither does he even spare a glance in Jungwon’s direction when he leaves for Music Bank. 

Whatever.

On another note, emceeing isn’t the most difficult thing to do. As the leader, he’s had to make important, notable speeches in front of large audiences before. So really, it’s not that big of a deal Ni-ki is making. 

To be honest, Jungwon barely even has the heart to try to think about Ni-ki’s recent attitude towards him. But he supposes it has been affecting him greatly to the point that Wonyoung asks him about it during their breaks together.

“Nothing, it’s just something with my members,” Jungwon tells her.

Wonyoung raises an eyebrow. “Let me guess. Is it Ni-ki again?”

“It’s not my fault I never know what goes on in his little brain whenever we argue,” Jungwon complains. “And I want to talk to him about it so bad but I also know that it's better to give him his space.”

“There, there. He’ll talk to you eventually.”

“That's what Sunoo-hyung said. And Heeseung-hyung. Jay-hyung too. But it's literally been like almost a week and we're still not talking.” Jungwon sighs. “Do you think he hates me?”

Wonyoung laughs, which she fails to cover up with a cough. Jungwon shoots her a quizzical look. She clears her throat. “Sorry, that shouldn't be funny to me. But um, no. He doesn't hate you. Trust me.”

“That sounded convincing,” Jungwon scoffs. 

“I’m serious, Wonie.”

“I’m serious too, Wonyo.”

“Whatever. Believe me or not, do you still want my advice?”

“Not really actually.”

Wonyoung ignores him. “Just wait for when the time is right. You’ll know when that is. I’ve been in his position before so I know what it’s like. People like me and Ni-ki, we’ll come out of our shells when we're ready.”

Jungwon nods, taking in Wonyoung’s words. “But how will I know when he’s ready?”

Suddenly, Wonyoung’s phone pings. On the screen, it displays a notification that Sunghoon had sent her a message.

Wonyoung smiles. “You just do.”

—

Jungwon finally reaches home at around 9 pm. By then, the other members are usually in their own rooms doing their own things. The lights in the living room should not be switched on now. If they are, one of the boys must have definitely forgotten to switch them off.

Of course, that infuriates Jungwon. He hates to be a nagging bitch of a leader but alas, that's what he is.

“Hey! How many times have I told y’all to turn off the lights before you enter your rooms!” He shouts at the top of his lungs.

No response.

Jungwon groans. Typical.

He kicks off his shoes and is about to march down the hallway to bang on each door. But he doesn't. He stops in his steps when he notices a figure lying on the living room couch.

When Jungwon steps forward, he immediately makes out who it is.

“Ni-ki, what are you doing here?” He calls out to the younger boy.

Asleep, Ni-ki only twitches at the mention of his name.

Jungwon sighs. He moves towards the couch, closer to Ni-ki and starts to shake his shoulders a little. “Ni-ki, wake up. The couch isn't a good place to sleep, you know this.”

Ni-ki hums, stirring himself awake. After a few moments, his eyes finally fly open, meeting with Jungwon’s dreary ones.

“Hyung,” Ni-ki says. “You’re home.”

“Yeah, I am.” Jungwon takes a pause. “Were you waiting for me to get back? Or did you just happen to fall asleep on the couch?”

“I don't really want to answer that, to be honest.” 

“You know what, just to save your ego, I’m not going to force an answer out of you,” Jungwon says.

Behind them, the microwave dings. Jungwon swerves around, catching sight of the already cooked ramyeon sitting iin the microwave.

“That’s for you,” Ni-ki says quietly. Then he gets up. “Um, goodnight, hyung.”

Then he dashes into his room before Jungwon can even register what happened.

—

After the whole incident, Ni-ki finally starts talking to Jungwon again.

Okay, talking is an overstatement. Ni-ki is acknowledging Jungwon. Whatever their state is, Jungwon thinks it's better than nothing.

For instance, Jungwon can sleep in his original bedroom now. A good thing, too, because Heeseung has been noticeably getting slightly aggravated at having his personal space invaded. He can hide it all he wants, but Jungwon tends to see through him as a leader anyway.

Another thing, Ni-ki’s starting to let him join in during his Fifa sessions now. While he was busy avoiding Jungwon, he would ask Sunoo instead. Over time, Jungwon guessed Ni-ki was getting tired of Sunoo playing one game and leaving right after. Also, perhaps that Sunoo would always win every game they play.

Today would have been no different. Except it wasn’t.

When he enters the dining room that morning, he notices a note placed next to a large cake on the table.

Happy birthday, Wonie !

Sorry most of us couldn't be there. Work calls and everything.

Enjoy the day off, though! We’ll be there for your birthday dinner.

Promise.

Jay and Co.

Today is the ninth day of February in the year 2022. Also known by many as Jungwon’s eighteenth birthday. He’s literally legal.

Internationally, that is. In Korea, he’s nineteen and not yet an adult. But he can do all sorts of adult stuff if he were to travel to the United States or something. That’s pretty crazy if you ask him.

Anyway, it’s not like he planned to do much on his birthday. It’ll just be like any other day where he’ll cook himself some rice and chicken soup. Then eat his lunch in front of the TV playing another one of those US Teen Dramedys he’s invested himself in. Just a normal, typical da—

“Go to the movies with me,” Ni-ki states simply.

Later Jungwon exits the bathroom right after a morning shower. The first thing he sees is a tall figure standing right in front of him with a GoPro camera in his hand.

Jungwon blinks. “Well isn't this a nice birthday greeting?”

“Please, we can roam the mall right after. I’ll get you a birthday gift or something there. I promise,” Ni-ki adds. “It’ll be pretty empty too. Please, please, please—”

“Okay, okay!” Jungwon cuts him off. “Is this for your en-log vlog?”

Ni-ki nods. “Please. I really want you to be in it.”

Jungwon raises an eyebrow. “Fine. I’ll go.”

Ni-ki shoots him a large grin. “I knew you were my favourite hyung for a reason.”

Jungwon rolls his eyes instantly. But when he walks past Ni-ki to enter their room, he can practically feel the blush creeping onto his cheeks right then. Ugh, get a fucking grip on yourself, Yang Jungwon.

The movie Ni-ki drags a very dazed and confused Jungwon to is the newest Spiderman movie. You know, the one with the other Spidermans and such. 

“Haven't you watched this already?” Jungwon asks him right after they get their tickets.

“Yeah but it’s okay. You haven't watched it, right?” Ni-ki replies. 

Jungwon nods. “Don't spoil the movie, okay?”

“I won’t. I swear.”

True to his word, Ni-ki doesn't spoil the movie at all. Because midway, he literally falls asleep. Now that's not exactly something Jungwon should really nitpick on. The boy can sleep all he wants. Jungwon would also care less if he started dozing off during the advertisements.

The problem is that Ni-ki’s head literally drops onto the right shoulder of Jungwon himself. It would have been completely fine if Ni-ki’s hair strands weren't practically tickling Jungwon’s cheeks. Along with the fact that Jungwon’s heart was literally racing at a million miles per hour.

It’s weird. It’s odd. Jungwon doesn't understand his increased heartbeat. Neither does he comprehend why deep down, he had secretly wished the movie never ended so that Ni-ki could continue sleeping on his shoulder longer.

The feeling washes away the moment Ni-ki wakes up from a jolt by Jungwon. 

“Wh… oh, it ended,” He mutters. Then, he turns to Jungwon to flash a smile. “See, I told you I wouldn't spoil the movie.”

“That’s because you slept, dumbass,” Jungwon retorts. “Get up. You promised me we would go shopping. Birthday boy treat and all that.”

“No, I said we could explore the mall. I never said a word about shopping.”

“Whatever. Same difference. Let’s go.”

“Sheesh, annoying much?”

“Ni-ki,” Jungwon hisses.

Ni-ki only sticks out his tongue. Jungwon swears he will get that little shit for good one day.

Much to Jungwon’s delight, Ni-ki allows him to explore the mall just as offered. They window shop at various clothes stores and even a bookstore, which Ni-ki doesn't seem so thrilled by.

“I should bring you to a library one day,” Jungwon remarks when he exits a bookstore with two books in his hand, both recommendations from Sunoo.

“Hard pass,” Ni-ki replies with a crinkled nose.

As they’re walking down the hall, a very large, dark room with bright neon lights hanging from the ceiling catches Ni-ki’s attention.

“Let’s go,” he prompts Jungwon immediately.

“Ni-ki, we just spent so much money on waffles.” Jungwon frowns. “You can't seriously be thinking of spending any more money.”

“But hyung.” Ni-ki gestures to the room. “It’s the arcade.”

Jungwon turns to look at their manager in charge of babysitting them that day. He only shrugs.

“Do whatever you want. I don’t care,” he mumbles.

Jungwon narrows his eyes at him. “Wrong answer, sir.”

“Well, looks like there's no saying no to that.” Ni-ki chuckles. He grabs ahold of Jungwon’s arm. “Come on!”

Admittedly, spending time at the arcade with a friend by your side is undoubtedly fun for any other eighteen-year-old teenage boy. Jungwon has lost count of the number of rounds he’s had at racing cars, punching bags, shooting pucks into goals, shooting foosballs into goals, shooting hoops into goals… Hmm, it seems that many arcade games are catered to sports for some odd reason. Anyway, the point is that Jungwon had fun.

And it seems that Ni-ki also knows that from how he smiles brightly at Jungwon.

“Hey, how many tickets do we have now?” Ni-ki asks after winning a game of Dance Dance Revolution. “I think we should have enough to get us something.”

Jungwon only pants in response, gripping the bar for his dear life. “Check with… the manager… holy shit….” He shoots Ni-ki an exasperated look. “How the hell are you not tired at all?”

Ni-ki shrugs. “They do call me the 4th Generation Boy Group Dancing Prodigy for a reason.”

“Oh, fuck off,” Jungwon spits out. 

Ni-ki grins. 

After Ni-ki counts how many tickets they have altogether and Jungwon is finally able to catch his breath after what feels like forever, they in fact, do have enough to buy a small little plushie at the gifts counter.

“Here,” Ni-ki says, passing the Kuromi plush doll he had chosen to Jungwon. “It’s for you.”

Jungwon blinks. “But most of these tickets are from your winning games. You should keep it.”

“Eh, it’s fine. Take it as my birthday gift for you. Plus, Kuromi suits you better anyway.”

Deciding there's no more arguing with the boy, Jungwon takes the Kuromi plush into his hand. He gives it a little squeeze. Kuromi’s face gets squashed, obviously, making him giggle a little. 

“Thank you, Riki.” Jungwon is so engrossed in the face the Kuromi plush is making that he doesn't even realise the fond smile on Ni-ki’s face as he watches him.

“Ehem,” the manager clears his throat at the side. “Jungwon, Ni-ki, the driver is waiting for us.”

Jungwon and Ni-ki perk up at the mention of their names. They give each other looks before bursting into fits of laughter.

“You know, this is probably the most fun I’ve ever had in my life so far,” Jungwon tells the other boy later when they're in the minivan.

Ni-ki beams. “Nice.”

“To be honest, I really needed that, y’know?” Jungwon adds. “I think you know how to make me feel my age again. It’s not every day where I don't have to act like the leader or just someone with authority in general.”

Ni-ki simply looks at Jungwon.

“When I’m with you, I truly do feel like a teenager again. So, thank you for that. Really.”

Ni-ki doesn't say a word for a while. Then, he says, “You’re welcome.”

Jungwon hums. “But also, not to contradict myself, I must say that we still have things to discuss, Riki.”

“Ah. Right.” Ni-ki’s fingers tap against the minivan seat. “Well, you know what you said about being a teenager again?”

“Yeah. What about it?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk about.” Ni-ki smiles. “Well, bye.”

And then the boy turns in his seat, plugs in his headphones and doesn't utter another word for the rest of the ride.

Jungwon scowls. He can be so weird sometimes.

It’s what the inner voice says. But Jungwon knows the truth. He knows the point Ni-ki was trying to make the entire time and the worst part is that he also knows that Ni-ki was right. 

He sighs. But then he looks back at the Kuromi plush toy in his hand and the frown slowly curls into a smile.

“Hey, Ni-ki?”

Ni-ki hums.

“Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me. I was honestly just planning on just spending it alone at home. So it was nice not to be. You know. Lonely.”

Ni-ki nods. “And?”

Jungwon frowns. “And…”

“Go on.” Ni-ki leans forward. “Apologise.”

Jungwon cringes. “Ew, not the TikTok reference. I thought you were better than this?” 

“For the record, Disney Pixar’s Encanto is its own standalone animated film and not a TikTok thing but go off I guess.”

“Fine. I’m sorry,” Jungwon huffs in retaliation at last. “You were right the entire time.”

Ni-ki smiles. “I knew you were my favourite hyung for a reason.”

—

It’s been a while since they’ve all hosted one of those Dance Jam Lives. Since Heeseung, Jake and Jay are all busy with their own schedules, that left the roommates to entertain fans with their spectacular dancing skills. Ni-ki’s words, not Jungwon’s.

Today’s playlist isn’t all that terrible, considering that it’s finally Sunoo’s turn on the aux. Jungwon was starting to get sick of the heavy rap songs Jake and Jay always put on. Nothing against the genre, but the obscene lyrics had caused him enough headaches. So naturally, he feels very much relieved when he hears the tune of (G)I-dle’s Tomboy.

“Oh, I know this song,” Ni-ki remarks.

Sunoo beams. “Wanna learn the choreography?”

Jungwon watches the two from behind, where he’s warming up with Sunghoon. It’s a known fact that Sunoo is the Resident Girl Group Stan of the group. Not far behind Sunoo’s rank would probably be Ni-ki. Then Jungwon himself and maybe Sunghoon, since he likes Red Velvet so much. Then,  Jay, Jake and Heeseung all share the rank of dead last. Pretty pathetic, to be honest.

“Hey, Jungwon-hyung,” Ni-ki suddenly calls out. “Learn this with us.”

Jungwon shakes his violently. “No way, I’ll just embarrass myself!”

“Come onnnnn.” Ni-ki then grabs Jungwon by the hand, pulling him to the front of the mirror.

Despite his reluctance, Jungwon learns the choreography pretty quick thanks to Ni-ki’s instructions. Though granted, Ni-ki was very much snappy in the way he instructed the moves. Jake says it’s because of his inner edgy girl group stan (read: orbit) persona coming out, whatever the hell that means. 

(“Why can’t he just say I like Loona and leave it at that?”

“I have no clue.”)

Anyway, he gets it after a while. Then, they do a little TikTok to celebrate the moment. Sunoo decides it’s time for a song change and something… unexpected happens.

Instead of another song by a K-pop girl group, what instead blares is noisy guitars, bass and drums.

Next to Jungwon, Ni-ki gasps. “You listened to my Babymetal recommendations!”

“Of course I did,” Sunoo says as if that was obvious.

Ni-ki swivels around, back to Jungwon. “Hyung.”

“What.”

“Dance with me.”

“But Ni-ki,” Jungwon sputters. “It’s heavy metal.”

“Exactly.” Ni-ki grins. “Just copy whatever the hell those two are doing!”

Ni-ki gestures to the older boys in the room. Sunghoon and Sunoo are… not exactly…. dancing. Sunoo is doing his usual shuffle with his hair swishing from side to side and his hands flailing about. Sunghoon is…

“Is that supposed to be Sunghoon-hyung doing a headbang?” Jungwon squints. 

“I guess. I don't know. You know how Sunghoon-hyung is.”

“As the leader of the group, I am deeply concerned.”

“Well as a Babymetal enthusiast? I, for one, am deeply concerned about why you’re not dancing!” Ni-ki exclaims. 

So Ni-ki pulls Jungwon to the middle of the room. With his hand still holding on tightly onto Jungwon’s, he throws his hand up a little, giving Jungwon a spin. Jungwon, as the little music lover he made his career to be, ends up giving in to the music. The painful, headache-inducing music somehow can sound so good even if it’s fucking with his head.

Jungwon giggles at Ni-ki when he does what Sunghoon did, headbanging. He claps his hands in delight, and in the end, he does it too.

Then it hits Jungwon. In front of the staff’s phone camera, for thousands of their fans to see, are a bunch of teenagers literally making a fool out of themselves on Youtube Live. To heavy death metal. The least idol thing an idol should even think of doing.

But Jungwon knows the staff wouldn't really care unless they repeat the swears in songs or say something completely inappropriate. 

Quite frankly, Jungwon doesn't really care that much either. 

Not when midway while dancing, he has this big smile on his face, all thanks to the serotonin boost in his body. That, plus this giddy wave he’s feeling, is mirrored by the boy next to him.

Nishimura Riki is… pretty.

Yang Jungwon isn't blind. He isn't one to lie either. He doesn't know how the hell he ended up debuting in a group with six other good-looking boys.

But Ni-ki’s beauty has always been something he’s been enamoured by, even if the other doesn't know it yet.

The music changes. Jungwon’s haze abruptly ends. The adrenaline stops kicking in and his legs give into lethargy. He falls to the ground. Next to him, Ni-ki follows. 

“I don't think I can dance anymore.”

“Me too,” Ni-ki agrees.

Jungwon faces him. Ni-ki faces him too. 

Just like that, the giddy feeling returns. Nishimura Riki, that sick, oblivious fucker, gives him a wide smile that Jungwon knows shouldn't be making him want to bang his head against the wall so that he can experience the feeling of seeing it again for the first time. Though, Jungwon is not entirely sure how that will work.

“We should end the live,” Ni-ki says.

Ah. “Right.”

Jungwon instantly gets up on his feet. Anything to get him to stop looking at the boy in what is probably awe, much to his embarrassment. He gives the fans a bunch of vigorous waves and flying kisses. He shouts, “Goodbye, Engenes! See you! We’re ending the live now!” He turns the camera off, then the phone then it’s Sunghoon asking if anyone wants drinks from the café.

“I don’t mind getting one,” Ni-ki says. He turns to Jungwon. “You coming?”

“I wish. Caffeine’s just going to make my headache stronger,” Jungwon replies. “Plus, I have a meeting with the manager anyway.”

“Okay. Well, we’ll see y’all at the dorm, yeah?” 

With that, the other three leave the room. Jungwon is alone with his thoughts once again. He reaches for his chest and feels his beating heart. Huh, that's weird. The giddy feeling, it’s still there. 

Suddenly, Jungwon’s phone rings. When he picks up, it’s his manager.

“Hyunhee-nim! Sorry, I’ll be there in a while. I’m just wrapping it up in the studio.”

“That’s okay. Take your time.” Pause. “Just that there's something else.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Kind of missed a super important detail out.” Another pause. “Could you bring Ni-ki with you later?”

—

Jungwon doesn't know how he ends up in situations like these.

Turns out, the meeting with Hyunhee wasn't just a normal ‘going-over-schedules’ meeting. It involved one of the people working at Mnet. More specifically, Studio Choom. They wanted Ni-ki to be the first to lead their new series. One that highlights the dancing skills of duos, or whatever.

So that's where the problem comes in, a duo.

Jungwon foresaw the maknae choosing anyone else but him. Perhaps Sunghoon, since they're a well-coordinated pair when it comes to dancing. The answer was obvious.

Yet, who did Ni-ki pick?

“You,” Ni-ki says one night as they're getting ready for bed.

“I’m sorry?” Jungwon probes, despite knowing already what Ni-ki meant. He just wants to make sure his life isn't this crazy yet.

“I choose you,” Ni-ki adds, like Jungwon’s some fucking pokemon. “Do the Mix & Max thing with me.”

Jungwon sighs. “‘Ni-ki…”

“Come on! We’ll have a lot of fun and…”

“Ni-ki, it’s not like I don't want to do it. It’s just there's been so many other things I have to do as a leader. Our schedules are already as hectic as they are, I don't know if I want another thing added to the pile.”

“Yeah but, it won't be a ‘schedule’ thing.” Ni-ki gets up from his bed to pounce onto the space before Jungwon on his. “It’ll just be you and me, having fun.”

Jungwon scowls. Ni-ki grins.

“I don't know,” Jungwon mumbles.

“The other hyungs know what to do. I mean. They're hyungs,” Ni-ki points out. “Besides, when have we ever done something together for fun on camera?”

“I mean, there was en-log.”

“Besides en-log, that is.”

Jungwon’s lips press into a thin line as he thinks. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Ni-ki smiles. “I couldn't be more excited .”