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His brown hair falls delicately, showing off his forehead and framing his face nicely. His eyes, in a similar warm shade, look straight back at him with a distinctive glint. His cheeks are pink, probably from the drink they just had together. His lips seem soft and his smile makes his whole face radiant. It might actually be Seokmin’s favourite thing about–
Right. He doesn’t know his name.
Still, Seokmin feels like if he were to die right now, he would do so with a smile. And he's not saying that because the song they sang in the karaoke bar an hour ago was Die With A Smile. Okay, maybe he got a little bit inspired, but he means it!
“So, what do you do?” Seokmin doesn’t know if it’s okay to ask personal questions. There’s no guidebook on what’s allowed and what’s not when you meet someone in a karaoke bar in the middle of Seoul. It might be the effect of his drink, or maybe the energy emanating from the stranger, but he risks it anyway. Ever since they laid eyes on each other, everything between them has felt both personal and anonymous. And Seokmin wants to know more.
His karaoke partner takes a sip from the new drink the bartender has just put next to him. He looks at Seokmin from behind the rim of his glass and grins. Seokmin doesn’t exactly understand why, but he doesn’t mind. If the universe is on his side, at some point he will be able to decode each and every intention of the man sitting in front of him. For now, his smile is dazzling and Seokmin wants to bathe in its warmth. “I play volleyball.”
Seokmin’s eyes go wide. “Like… professionally?”
“Yeah,” the stranger chuckles. He puts down his glass and eyes Seokmin up. “You don't seem to watch sports channels much, huh?”
“Not really, no…” he admits. Should he feel embarrassed about it? Suddenly he notices how sticky the counter is. He asks the guy behind it for a wet cloth and gives it back with a smile once he gets rid of the sticky mess. With a fake confidence, he turns back to his companion. “I like baseball, though.”
The stranger nods, satisfied, having observed him closely the whole time. Seokmin once again doesn’t know if he should blame the small amount of alcohol in his bloodstream or just the way this man is, but he feels like the man’s searching for something deeper than what’s already on the surface. He’s trying to look into Seokmin’s soul. “It only makes it better.”
He laughs, confused. Maybe a little intimidated. “What does? That I have no way of knowing if you’re bluffing? Come on,” Seokmin reaches into his pocket for his phone. “Tell me your name, I'll just search it!”
“Ahh, no, no.” The brunette shakes his head, clearly amused at the whole interaction between them. “I have a better idea. If you give me your number, I'll text you the details of my next match. You can come and see for yourself.”
He looks at Seokmin with what he thinks is a hint of hope, and because Seokmin’s never been immune to beautiful people, it takes exactly two seconds for him to answer, “Sure, okay.”
🏐
Hot stranger, now gracefully saved as Lady Gaga in Seokmin’s phone, turns out not to be a bluffer. Seokmin’s still in this weird limbo, somewhere between fully waking up and snoozing off again when the loud ping! leaves him no choice but to get up. He groans and blindly tries to locate his phone with his hand. He reads the notification with his vision still blurred, but the content of the message makes him sit up straight, way too quickly for it to be cool. Whatever. He has no witnesses anyway.
Unknown number
good morning, lady gaga here
Okay. Okay, it’s not a big deal. No need to panic! He takes some time to think of an answer, but makes sure it doesn’t take too long. He doesn’t want to make it seem like he’s not interested. He is. Oh, very much so.
Seokmin
don’t tell me you got stuck in korea and need money to come back to usa
Lady Gaga
how did you know?
ㅎㅎㅎ
i hope you reached home safely
Seokmin smiles at the consideration, and from there, it goes smoothly. They exchange more messages throughout the day and it turns out texting is just as exciting and fun as talking in the bar was, which is a relief. Seokmin already knew that this MVP (Mysterious Volleyball Player) is witty and good looking, but it’s nice to realize it wasn’t an illusion sponsored by two way too sweet drinks.
He continues with his day, enjoying incoming messages, and it’s all very easy. Until it isn’t.
Lady Gaga
my next match is on friday
can you make it?
i’ll send you details but you have to promise you won’t look for me online ㅎ
“…so then I told him I’m already dating the best chef, but he thought I meant someone famous and– Seok?” There’s a hand waving in front of Seokmin’s eyes. “Are you even listening?”
He isn’t. He’s staring at his phone where the guy from the night before seriously offers him a meeting. A real one. Not an accidental meeting in a dusty bar, but a real meeting. And Friday??? That’s so soon! “Oh my god…”
“Can you, please, blink at least? You’re scaring me.” Seokmin thinks he manages to listen and blinks, but it doesn’t help much. He can’t tear his eyes off the screen. “What’s going on? Why are you all weird like this?” Soonyoung finally gives up when Seokmin doesn’t give him any answers. He perks up from his seat on the couch, looking like a meerkat as he bends over Seokmin’s phone to see what got him to react like that.
“It’s nothing!” Seokmin tries to hide his screen by hugging it, but it’s useless. Kwon Soonyoung is a sneaky creature; he tickles Seokmin under his armpit and catches the phone when it shoots into the air.
“Is that the guy from yesterday? You totally should Google him,” Soonyoung says the moment his eyes land on the texts between Seokmin and the guy. “What if he’s a serial killer?”
“Oh, I didn’t even think about it…”
“Jesus,” Jihoon murmurs from his spot on the floor, already exasperated. “Seok, you talked to the guy, you know he’s a real person. Googling him would only prove he’s actually a sportsman, not a killer.”
Seokmin finally blinks hard enough and finally snaps out of his daze. Jihoon’s words actually make sense, in comparison to his annoying boyfriend’s. “Yah,” he slaps Soonyoung’s thigh in fake annoyance to which the older just laughs maniacally. “He’s inviting me to his volleyball match.” He turns to Jihoon, “do you think I should go?”
Jihoon shrugs. “Your call. But why not?”
Yeah… why not?
🏐
Seokmin has never been to Jangchung Gymnasium before. He checked the address five times and then ten more to make sure the ticket sent to his KakaoTalk is real and not just a cruel joke. Then he reminds himself it’s not nice to expect the worst of someone who’s been nothing but kind to him. Having experienced disappointment in the past, it’s not that easy though. In the end he decides to try and find a balance.
Yes, he can do it. He can give this charming stranger the benefit of the doubt and see where this goes. Isn’t he putting trust in Seokmin, too? Trusting he won’t just search for him online when it would be so easy. He didn’t even want to tell Seokmin which team he plays for.
Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers or Seoul Woori Card Wibee. Both of the names on the mobile ticket are foreign to Seokmin. So what if he doesn’t know anything about volleyball? It won’t lower his chances with the hot stranger… Right? He really hopes it’s not the deal breaker, because as much as it’s embarrassing, Seokmin couldn’t get rid of the stranger’s glinting eyes and wide smile from his head for the last few days.
The arena inside is full of people of every age. Seokmin feels a bit out of place despite it, but he hopes he can make it seem like he knows what’s happening on the court. Fake it till you make it or whatever it was that Soonyoung told him.
His seat is in the central section with a perfect view of both sides of the court. There’s a net in the middle and Seokmin’s itching to ask the man beside him what it’s for, but he also thinks it might blow his cover. Today he’s a volleyball fan after all.
His plan fails two minutes later.
“Who are you cheering for?” the man who’s sitting next to Seokmin asks. He must be around fifty, or maybe even older, if the wrinkles around his eyes tell him anything. Maybe he just smiles a lot.
“Oh! I… uh. I don’t really know…”
Thankfully, the man isn’t too fazed about it. He smiles politely at Seokmin and continues the conversation. “First time watching a match?”
Seokmin smiles widely with the relief the man isn’t shouting at him for being a fake fan. “Yes!”
“Skywalkers are at the top of the rank this season. They lost only once so far. Things aren’t looking as good for Woori…”
They talk more and Seokmin is extremely grateful for the older man who apparently came alone as well. He keeps telling Seokmin interesting facts and statistics and it eases his nerves. Maybe with his help he will be able to keep up once the game actually starts.
Suddenly, just when the man’s telling him about the last time the Korean team has qualified for the Olympics (2000, Sydney, Australia), the lights go dim and the announcer hypes the crowd to get up and welcome both teams. First, he announces the visiting team – Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers. Seokmin tries to focus as each player’s name is being announced but the loud cheers and the newness of everything overwhelm him a bit.
“See number 11?” the man gestures at the court where most of the Skywalkers have already gathered. They exchange high fives as the announcer calls their names one by one. “He’s one of the best hitters in the league.”
Seokmin follows the man’s hand and looks for number 11. When he finally sees him, he freezes. “What’s his name again?” Seokmin tries to outshout the announcer.
“Boo Seungkwan!”
Huh. So that’s the man’s name.
Boo Seungkwan.
Seokmin would like to spiral but at the same moment the guy – Seungkwan – looks in his sector’s direction, clearly looking for someone. Looking for him, Seokmin realizes. His heart is beating loud enough to drown out the sounds of the arena and all he can see is the stranger that suddenly is a bit more than just that. Seungkwan finds his eyes, smirks and then winks, leaving Seokmin shocked.
He can barely focus on another team and he doesn’t exactly feel sane even when the match is about to start.
🏐
Boo Seungkwan is out of this world. That’s the conclusion Seokmin has come to after watching him jump and hit the ball for almost two hours. He can’t say he understands everything, or anything really, about the game, but he knows Seungkwan is good. And apparently pretty popular among the fans.
His seat neighbour can’t seem to stop talking about him. Seokmin starts to suspect he tries to show Seungkwan in the best light on purpose, as if he knew he’s after Seokmin’s heart. “He’s not even that tall and yet, he jumps higher than anyone.”
And he’s right. Seokmin observes fascinated how Seungkwan jumps high enough to look down at his opponents on the other side of the net. He thinks the time must have stopped because how is it possible to just hang in the air like that?
“Wow.” The word escapes Seokmin’s mouth when a particularly quick action takes place – Seungkwan jumps high and hits the ball so precisely, it slips past the block and ends up in the corner of the court.
The man beside him chuckles. “That’s Boo Seungkwan for you.”
When the match is over (he’s not sure about the scores but Seungkwan’s smiling so his team seems to win) he says goodbye and thanks the man for his company. He only responds, “hope to see you here again next time,” and then leaves conflicted Seokmin behind.
Once he’s alone, he doesn’t know what to do. Will there even be next time? He kind of convinced himself it’s a one time thing, because truly, he has no idea about volleyball and it seems very important to Seungkwan. Should he wait for him or just go home?
With a sigh, both full of hope and discouragement he served himself, he slowly follows the crowd outside when his phone vibrates in his pocket. He stops walking and sits back at the closest seat in now empty row, hoping arena’s staff won’t scold him.
Lady Gaga
penny for your thoughts?
Seokmin’s heart does a small, embarrassing flip when he reads the message. It just so happens that he has a lot of thoughts that he has no idea what to do with but share them.
Seokmin
i didn’t know humans can fly
i don’t really know much about volleyball
but you were insane
i know this much
Seungkwan doesn’t respond for what feels like ages, when in reality it’s probably only a few minutes, but it’s enough for Seokmin to wonder if he said too much. Perhaps he should just go home and die of embarrassment–
Lady Gaga
are you hungry?
Oh. A quiet laugh leaves his mouth as he stares incredulously at the question.
Seokmin
i never say no to food
Lady Gaga
ㅎㅎㅎ
good
wait for me in front of the arena?
🏐
It’s the first time (not that they’re seeing each other for the second time in general) Seokmin sees Seungkwan in casual clothes. His bar outfit being more put together and then obviously court uniform were both different from the unzipped black puffer jacket he’s wearing right now, as he approaches Seokmin with a bag hung from his shoulder.
It’s also the first time they’re not intoxicated and the first time he feels like he knows more about him. Like his name, for example. Which is ridiculous but nothing about Seungkwan and this, whatever their relationship is or will be, has ever been obvious.
It’s already dark outside but it doesn’t stop Seokmin from thinking it should be illegal to look this handsome. Seungkwan’s skin is flushed, his fringe still damp under his hat, as he must have quickly come out of the shower and rush to meet Seokmin. The sole thought that he tried to hurry to make it quicker outside makes Seokmin incredibly flustered.
Seungkwan grins when he spots he is watching him and Seokmin has to remind himself to breathe. He can’t get defeated just because some guy is devastatingly handsome, or kind, or…
“You really came,” Seungkwan greets him like he’s both genuinely surprised and relieved.
Seokmin nods, suddenly very aware of his own hands. “I don’t think I would be able to pass the opportunity to find out this stranger’s name.”
Seungkwan laughs and stretches his hand out. “Boo Seungkwan. And I would like to remind you that we’re on the same boat.” He shoots him a look. “Stranger.”
Seokmin enthusiastically shakes his hand and adds, “Lee Seokmin.”
He’s pretty sure his cheeks were already pink from the touch, but when Seungkwan doesn’t let go of his hand as they start walking, they are burning red. Seungkwan doesn’t seem to mind, though. He pulls Seokmin in the direction he wants to go and fills the space in the quiet night as if it was ordinary.
“There’s a place nearby I like,” he says. “It’s nothing fancy, I hope that’s okay?”
It takes Seokmin a moment to realize he’s been asked a question. “Oh! Yeah! Totally, perfect.”
Seungkwan chuckles. “You’re cute when you’re nervous.”
Seokmin’s glad they’re holding hands because actually falling over the air would be way more embarrassing than just tripping.
🏐
The restaurant is small and loud, filled with people drinking to celebrate surviving another week of work and deadlines. They squeeze into the corner table, their knees bumping underneath. It might be the January night or the constant touching between them that makes Seokmin shiver. He’ll probably never know.
“Do you want soju? Beer?” Seungkwan asks as they skim the menu card, his fingers absentmindedly tapping against the wood.
“What are you drinking?”
“I don’t really drink on a match day,” Seungkwan admits, a little sheepish. “Even after it’s over.”
Seokmin smiles gently. “Then I don’t need to drink either.”
Seungkwan edges soften when he smiles in response and orders food and winter tea for both of them without saying anything.
“So,” he starts once the waitress takes their order, leaning forward slightly with elbows on the table. “Did you enjoy the match?”
“I did!” Seokmin responds truthfully. “But I feel like I should apologize. I really had no idea what was happening most of the time.”
“That’s fine,” Seungkwan says immediately, a little bit amused. “You showed up.”
“That’s a really low bar,” Seokmin huffs, trying to make it sound like a joke. In his head, the doubts about not being enough resurface.
“It’s not.” Seungkwan leans back in his seat, looking Seokmin deep in the eyes. Seungkwan’s tone changes from playful to serious when he says, “you’d be surprised.”
“Ah.” Seokmin plays with his hands, suddenly more nervous as the whole thing starts to feel more real. “Glad to know I’m doing well so far.”
Seungkwan still watches him when he looks up. A delicate smile graces his face, as the adrenaline seems to slowly leave his body after winning. Quite surprisingly, it seems to be enough to ease Seokmin’s nerves.
They talk about everything and nothing all at once. Seokmin was a bit tense before, but somewhere between learning that Seungkwan grew up in Jeju and that navy blue is his favourite colour, it becomes easy again. Just like when they texted.
“My next match is on Monday,” Seungkwan casually says while chewing meat.
“Okay.”
“It’s in Cheonan.”
Seokmin knows it’s a test. And he has decided long ago he will not fail. “It’s just an hour on a train.”
He knows he said the right thing when he sees how big Seungkwan’s smile is.
🏐
“Why are you so happy?” Soonyoung asks, suspiciously watching Seokmin grinning at his phone.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Jihoon shouts from the kitchen before Seokmin can say anything.
He sees the exact moment Soonyoung connects the dots. His eyes light up and he straightens on the couch they’re currently waiting on for Jihoon to finish cooking. “Okay, show me.”
Seokmin snorts. “Show you what?”
“His photo, idiot!”
“Ah…” Seokmin feels warmer just at the mention of Seungkwan. Not from embarrassment, there’s nothing embarrassing about Boo Seungkwan. But he still gets easily flustered, maybe because he didn’t tell much about him to his friends in the first place. It’s not that he doesn’t want to, he just wanted to be sure it’s not a short fling. That Seungkwan is there to stay for long enough to be a crucial part of his life.
“You surely have some, right? How long have you been chasing him around the country?”
“Yah, Kwon Soonyoung.”
“Hyung, to you.”
Seokmin shoots his hyung a death glare. “I’m not chasing him!”
“He doesn’t have to,” Jihoon adds, very helpfully, as he puts full plates and bowls in front of them.
They sit around the coffee table and dig in. Seokmin tries to distract his friends when he says, “This is delicious, hyung.”
“Oh, so you can call Jihoonie hyung, but not me?”
“He’s nicer than you.”
“Just show us the damn photo, Seok.” Jihoon interrupts.
“Geez, alright.”
Seokmin takes his phone and shows them his screen. It takes exactly a second and half for Soonyoung’s eyeballs to nearly fall out. “You’re dating Boo Seungkwan? THE Boo Seungkwan?”
“It’s not… like that?” Seokmin tries to explain that they’re not technically dating yet. Or maybe they are?
Jihoon snorts and with a mouth full of rice mumbles, “yeah, right.”
Okay. So maybe they are dating. They haven’t really talked about it, but if going to almost every of Seungkwan’s matches around Seoul and texting everyday and then meeting between his matches count… yeah, they’re dating.
Soonyoung shakes his head in disapproval. “You’re lucky you’re cute, Seokmin-ah.”
🏐
“Aish, it’s so cold!” Curses leave Seungkwan’s mouth as his stiff fingers punch the code and the door opens with a soft sound.
It’s the first time Seokmin sees inside Seungkwan’s apartment. He immediately notices a shelf full of volleyball stuff, like hanging medals or photos from different tournaments.
Until now, they’ve been meeting outside, usually in cozy and low profile restaurants, grabbing a meal together. Sometimes after Seungkwan’s practise, sometimes even after matches. The thrill of visiting a new city almost each time allows Seokmin to be even more comfortable. Seoul is big enough to stay anonymous, but there’s always a risk of bumping into some acquaintances. And with Seungkwan, he doesn’t want to be interrupted.
“Let me quickly put the temperature up…”
Seokmin watches, a little bit amused, because Seungkwan is just the cutest when he’s nervous, as the younger runs around his apartment, trying to make it more presentable. It’s not that bad, Seokmin thinks. There are some papers on the table and one, or maybe two, misplaced cups.
“Sorry,” Seungkwan says anyway. Seokmin has already learnt that he likes when things are tidy, not obsessively, but put together. And it’s not just about objects, but his own appearance, or even their meetings. “I haven’t been here in the last few days, I shouldn’t have let you pick me up from the station…”
They haven’t seen each other in the last week. Seokmin wanted to, he really wanted to watch every single match of Seungkwan’s in person, but his job’s not always that accommodating. It’s not a problem to travel an hour or two outside Seoul, but Busan? That’s four hours if all goes well, five on a typical day.
“Seungkwan-ah,” Seokmin gently grabs his hands when Seungkwan, once again, travels between the coffee table and the sink. There were more cups and plates that Seokmin didn’t pay any attention to. “Slow down, hm?”
Seungkwan finally stops, their fingers interlocked. He lets Seokmin warm his cold hands with his warmer ones and then, only then, he lets a long sigh out. “Do you want me to go?” Seokmin tries to ease his nerves with a joke.
“No!” He chuckles at Seungkwan’s urgency. “I just… You’re my guest. I wanted to do it properly. You deserve that.”
Seokmin’s sometimes a little afraid his smile might be too blinding for Seungkwan, but he never complains about it. Instead, Seungkwan seems like he’s coming to realization that it is, in fact, okay to slow down. It’s just Seokmin, after all. Who never gave him any reason to be this nervous. “How about… we make some tea to warm up and then you can tell me about your Busan match?”
“Okay.”
🏐
“Can I say something?” Seungkwan asks once they’re sitting on the couch, covered by a soft blue blanket and cups of hot tea pleasantly warming their hands.
Seokmin tilts his head to the right, where Seungkwan’s side hugs his arm. “Anytime,” he says to which, surprisingly, Seungkwan snorts. “Yah! Seungkwan-ah, are you laughing at me?”
“I’m sorry! It’s just… don’t look so scared! I’m not going to break up with you or anything bad!” The moment these words leave Seungkwan’s mouth, his giggle stops and he freezes in realization. His hand flies up to his mouth and covers it in resignation. He groans then, and this time it’s Seokmin who’s laughing at the sight.
“That’s good, because it would make me pretty sad,” he says and takes the hot cup from Seungkwan’s other hand that’s still holding it. He puts both cups on the coffee table and fully turns to Seungkwan, who’s now trying to hide under the blanket. Cute. Seokmin also dives under the blanket to join Seungkwan there and searches for his eyes. “It’s a bit dark here.”
“Hyung, please… I’m mortified.”
“Where did all your confidence from day one go, huh?” Seokmin hopes Seungkwan knows he’s joking, mostly. He must also know the question is somewhat real. On the night they met, if it wasn’t for Seungkwan’s boldness, they wouldn’t be where they are now – hiding under the blanket in his living room trying to talk about their feelings. Sometimes life’s funny like that.
“Will you really make me say this?” He’s still hiding from Seokmin in the warm darkness around them, and Seokmin has never wanted to see the younger’s eyes more than now.
“Kwannie?”
“Yes, hyung?” It’s a little bit drowned out, as Seungkwan’s hands cover his whole face. Seokmin slowly pries them off and interlocks on his knee, ignoring his own hammering heart.
“I can go first.” He waits two seconds to give Seungkwan a chance to object, but he just nods his head, giving Seokmin a green light to carry on. He’s not afraid to say it out loud. It’s not scary because Seokmin has lived with this truth for the last few weeks. It’s as obvious as the sun rising every day and as consuming as the heat waves. And he hopes Seungkwan can feel his sincerity when he says, “I really like you.”
The words tightly hug the both of them, bringing them closer together without feeling too heavy. Even in the darkness, Seokmin sees how Seungkwan’s eyes shine brightly, just like the stars in the clear night sky. Seokmin feels a slight tremble and it takes him a second too long to realize that it’s Seungkwan, trying so hard not to fall apart over something so simple. “Oh, this is even more embarrassing than before…”
“I really like you,” Seokmin repeats. He needs Seungkwan to understand. “And I hope you feel the same, because I really want to understand volleyball properly and I want to learn from you only.”
Seokmin’s confession makes Seungkwan snort, at last. Seokmin smiles widely at the sound and laughs when Seungkwan says, “you’re kinda hopeless about this, but we can try.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes! Obviously I like you too! You dummy…”
Seokmin doesn’t comment on Seungkwan’s antics when he lightly hits his arm. He enjoys it too much to point out that he’s not the biggest dummy in the room. He suddenly remembers how they even got there in the first place. “So, the thing you wanted to tell me?”
“I wanted to tease you how you have no idea when to cheer for me during my matches. It’s good you’re aware of it and want to learn, cause it has to change. I can’t have my…” he stops out of caution, but quickly shakes the embarrassment when Seokmin sends him a reassuring look. “My boyfriend needs to know when I score to clap properly and not for the other team!”
“Okay, boyfriend,” Seokmin grins at Seungkwan. “Can we leave the blanket now? It’s kinda suffocating in here.”
“Only if you kiss me first,” Seungkwan says with a pout, back to his bold self.
How could Seokmin deny him anything?
🏐
“I don’t get it.”
Seokmin knows it’s not what Seungkwan wants to hear, but what he doesn’t know is how lucky he actually is. His boyfriend is too endeared to be annoyed. If it were any of Seungkwan’s friends, he would be sighing loudly and commenting how outrageous they are. But this is Seokmin – unaware of how precious Seungkwan finds him, despite not knowing a thing about his favourite sport or, in this case, also his job.
Seokmin is trying hard to understand and be a part of Seungkwan’s world, so Seungkwan tries a different way to explain. “You like anime, right?”
“Is volleyball like anime?” Seokmin asks, confused about how their conversation got from things called receiving and spiking to his watching preferences.
“There’s one about volleyball,” Seungkwan says. “We’re going to watch it.”
Seokmin shrugs. “Okay.”
“Okay, great.” Seungkwan gets up from the table where they finished their dinner a while ago. He’s been trying to explain it as plainly as possible, but despite Seokmin’s pure intentions, it doesn’t seem to be enough.
“Right now?” Seokmin asks, surprised, watching as Seungkwan leaves dirty dishes without batting an eye and grabs Seokmin to drag him in front of his TV. After their talk under the blanket, Seokmin has become a more frequent presence in Seungkwan’s apartment, slowly but steadily feeling more at home rather than a guest. He feels like he needs to ask, “What about the dishes?”
“Fuck them. It’s time to use the final boss.”
Seokmin laughs loudly at that. He already knows it’s impossible to say no to Boo Seungkwan when his mind is set on something. He obediently sits on the couch and waits for Seungkwan to play the first episode.
“This,” Seungkwan announces dramatically as the title appears on the screen, “is Haikyuu!!”
The opening song starts and Seokmin immediately gets excited. “Wooo! The song is so good!”
Seungkwan watches him amused, happy that it already seems to grab Seokmin’s attention. Then the first episode begins, introducing the main character and his ridiculous enthusiasm. Seungkwan points at the screen. “That one is Hinata. He’s small but insane.”
Seokmin nods slowly. “So this guy is literally you?”
“I’m not that small.”
“You should dye your hair orange. You would be identical.”
“Lee Seokmin…”
“I’m just saying!” He pauses and then, not being able to stop himself, he adds, “I bet you would look good.”
Seokmin laughs delightedly when he notices how red Seungkwan’s cheeks get at the comment. He’s enjoying making the younger flustered too much, he realizes. But what can he do? His boyfriend is this cool volleyball star, but he also happens to be the cutest human being Seokmin has ever known.
They keep watching, Seungkwan talking nonstop, trying to explain in easy language what’s happening on the screen. Seokmin is invested enough, but it’s hard to focus on the plot, when Seungkwan is next to him in these ridiculous shorts. He watches, dazed, as Seungkwan suddenly gets up and copies the moves from the screen, the shorts and his t-shirt both riding up to show more skin when he jumps in the living room like it’s a court.
“Hyung?”
Seokmin slowly tears his gaze off Seungkwan’s thighs and looks up, at his slightly flushed face. He’s not sure when Seungkwan stopped moving, but right now he’s standing in front of him and stares at Seokmin. He can feel Seungkwan’s gaze, can tell he’s not the only one feeling the tension between them. “I’ll be honest. I have no idea what you were saying for the last five minutes. Sorry–”
He doesn’t get to finish, because a force that is Boo Seungkwan crashes into him. Seokmin barely has time to blink before Seungkwan is everywhere. He grabs Seokmin’s shoulders and his lips find Seokmin’s like it’s the easiest thing in the world. Seokmin’s hands move instinctively to his hips, steadying and pulling him closer because the distance, no matter how small, feels unbearable.
Just like everything about Seungkwan, his kiss is passionate and full of intention. Seokmin can’t get enough of the faint taste of fruit tea that they’ve been drinking to their dinner, he feels dizzy. It’s never enough and he wants more, more, more.
When they part for a breath, Seungkwan’s forehead hovers close, his cheeks flushed, eyes bright and slightly wild. “Hyung,” he whispers, suddenly not as sure as he seemed before.
“You’re beautiful.”
Seungkwan groans and hides his face in Seokmin’s collarbone. “Stop being so cheesy!”
“I can’t. I think I’m falling in love with you.” Seokmin doesn’t stop with his confessions, because now that he has Seungkwan here, in his arms, there’s no reason to. This is the whole truth, coming straight from his heart and soul. And he needs Seungkwan to realize he has nothing to worry about.
Their second kiss isn’t as sudden, but it conveys even more than the first one. This is them telling each other thank you. This is Seungkwan telling Seokmin I’m falling in love with you too. This is Seokmin telling him I want this to last forever.
In the background, Hinata still shouts about volleyball, but none of them notices.
🏐
Seokmin stays the night. They try to go back to watching Haikyuu!! at first, but it seems completely pointless when they can’t keep their hands off each other.
“How are you so..?” Seungkwan asks later, when they both lie in his bed, still catching their breaths and covered in sweat.
Seokmin snorts. He has never felt this fulfilled and he can’t exactly believe that the man beside him is real. “Me? Have you seen yourself?” Seungkwan turns onto his side to face him, and Seokmin follows. That’s when he notices Seungkwan isn’t just joking, but seems to have something bothering him. It makes him a little bit nervous too, but he trusts the younger to be open with him. “What is it?”
“Can we get a blanket for a moment?”
It became a thing after their first talk when the first confession spilled out of their hearts. Seokmin wastes no time, he reaches for a blanket that ended up on the floor and hides them both under it. There’s something about it, the small and dark space, that makes it easier to be honest. Even if they probably look silly from the outside.
Seokmin gently grabs Seungkwan’s hand to show he’s there, listening, if that’s what Seungkwan needs right now.
Seconds, maybe even minutes, pass before Seungkwan finally says, “You scare me a little bit, hyung.”
Seokmin wants to interrupt, to ask why or how, when he hasn’t done anything that could make Seungkwan feel this way, but the younger doesn’t let him.
“Not in the bad way!” Seungkwan rushes to add, voice wavering. “I just feel completely out of control when you’re around. And I’ve always had control, you know? On the court I can control the ball and in life I never really had anyone who would make me feel this way, but I always knew what to do next.” His fingers tighten around Seokmin’s. “So when you came, all eager and kind and just easy to let in… I had no idea how to hold myself back.”
“Kwannie,” Seokmin’s thumb brushes over his knuckles. “I hope you know you can trust me.”
“I do,” Seungkwan huffs a laugh at the tears gathering in his eyes. He quickly wipes them and continues, “I truly do. Just the strength of my feelings is a bit… overwhelming.”
Seokmin’s heart aches in the gentlest way. He doesn’t want Seungkwan to hurt because of him, but to be cherished, maybe even loved, like this… He thinks he understands Seungkwan, because he also feels overwhelmed sometimes.
He shifts closer so their knees touch, until Seungkwan has no way to doubt his presence. “Overwhelming doesn’t have to mean bad,” Seokmin whispers.
Seungkwan lets out a shaky breath, like he’s been holding it in for far too long. His eyes flicker up to Seokmin’s, searching. “It feels bad when I don’t know what to do with it.”
Seokmin hums, understanding. He lifts Seungkwan’s hand and presses a kiss to his knuckles. “How about… we make it as simple as possible? I like you, you seem to like me–”
“I do!” Seungkwan interrupts and Seokmin giggles.
“Right. So let’s just feel what we do and be together through it.”
The comfortable silence follows. Seokmin knows Seungkwan is thinking his words over, so he lets him. “I’ve never had someone look at me like you do,” Seungkwan murmurs.
“Like you’re the most beautiful man in the world?”
Seungkwan laughs and explains, “No. Like I’m just me, and not Boo Seungkwan, the volleyball player.”
“This is ridiculous. Of course you’re you!” Seokmin feels an anger gathering in him. Have people been looking at Seungkwan only through the volleyball lens, when he’s so much more than that?
“Hyung.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t be mad.”
“I’m not! Not at you, at least.” Seokmin sighs. “I just want you to know you’re amazing. On the court, sure, but also here.”
“In bed?”
“Yah, Seungkwan-ah… You know you’re more than that.”
“But I do have an amazing ass, right?” Seokmin jumps on him, blanket falling from their heads as they laugh. “Hyung!” Seungkwan squeals, squirming beneath him, hands pushing at Seokmin’s shoulders even though he’s smiling so hard his cheeks must hurt.
“You started it,” Seokmin protests, breathless as he’s still laughing. He leans down then, pressing a quick kiss to Seungkwan’s forehead, then his nose, then the corner of his mouth.
Seungkwan stills at that, like his body remembers how to calm down before his mind does. His hands slide up, settling at Seokmin’s waist. "I’m happy,” he says quietly.
It doesn’t feel possible, but Seokmin’s smile grows even wider as he replies, “I’m happy, too.”
🏐
Weeks pass, and Seokmin becomes a familiar face in the stands. The V-league final is at the beginning of April. Snow has long melted and made space for flowers and gentle sunbeams to fill the city. Seokmin, on the bleachers, must be even more stressed than Seungkwan, who’s currently on the court, fighting for gold.
“Nice one!” he shouts when Seungkwan scores from a pretty difficult ball.
Over the last weeks, he managed to master the basics and Seungkwan proudly announced that he has graduated from Boo Seungkwan’s academy. Apparently, he knows when to cheer now.
The final is tough. KB Stars managed to win the fourth set, meaning they’re currently playing the deciding one, tie-break. Seokmin glances at the scoreboard. 13:14. Just one more and Seungkwan and Skywalkers will win.
The gym is loud enough to shake the floor beneath his feet. Everyone’s screaming and Seokmin's no better, especially when it’s Seungkwan who wins point after point. He’s in an incredible form. Seokmin can’t do anything but watch him in awe.
The last ball gets served and it’s a quick action, ending in Skywalkers scoring the final point. Seokmin jumps from his place together with everyone around him. On the court, the gold confetti shoots up in the air and the players all jump in a circle, celebrating.
“You’re insane,” Seokmin whispers, his voice shaking with emotion, when Seungkwan leaves his teammates on the court and jumps into his arms.
Seungkwan laughs, breathless. “You’re one to talk.” He pulls back just enough to look at him. “You really are here.”
“Of course I’m here!”
Seungkwan’s eyes shine with happiness. “Did you know… My boyfriend,” he says, like he still can’t believe he gets to say it, “cheered at all the right times?”
“Yah, I’m a true pro now.”
Seokmin looks at Seungkwan’s face glowing with happiness and thinks back to the time they met in the bar. How they accidentally ended up paired for a song, how Seungkwan asked for a drink, then his number. How Seokmin made the effort to be present for as many matches as possible. How he has so much love for the man in front of him. The man who, somewhere along the way, has become home.
Life is truly funny. Maybe he has Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars to thank for it, but mostly, he has Seungkwan.