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"Hey, you two look like someone kicked your puppies," Wooyoung said, leaning back against the practice room wall with that signature smirk pulling at his lips.
His eyes had this evil little glint, the kind that always meant trouble but the fun kind. Mingi was sprawled on the floor, arms crossed, still scowling from the argument that had been hanging over them for weeks. Seonghwa sat nearby on a chair, legs crossed tight, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve like it personally offended him.
Mingi grunted without looking up. "Not in the mood, Woo."
"Yeah, well, that's exactly why I'm here," Wooyoung shot back, pushing off the wall and dropping down between them.
The room was empty except for the three of them—no managers, no other members, just the faint smell of sweat from earlier practice and the low hum of the AC. "You've both been sulking for a month straight. Seonghwa-hyung, you and Hongjoong-hyung haven't said more than two words since that blowup. And Mingi-ya, you and Yunho? It's painful to watch. Time for a plan."
Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, finally glancing over. "A plan? From you? Last time you had a 'plan' we ended up with matching temporary tattoos that wouldn't wash off for a week."
Wooyoung laughed,"And the fans loved it! Come on, hear me out. What if you two do a cover of Troublemaker at the next fanmeet? Just the two of you. Mingi takes Hyuna's part, you do Hyunseung's. Full choreo, the works."
Mingi sat up a little, his tall frame unfolding as he tilted his head. "Troublemaker? Like... the sexy one? With the hip stuff and all that?"
"Exactly that one," Wooyoung said, grinning wide.
He wiggled his eyebrows. "Think about it. Yunho's always watching you dance anyway, Mingi. Imagine him seeing you own that feminine energy, grinding and teasing like it's nothing. And Seonghwa-hyung, Hongjoong acts all cool but you know he gets that possessive look when anyone gets too close to you on stage. Jealousy, baby. It's the oldest trick and it works wonders."
Seonghwa let out a short laugh, but it sounded tired. "You're insane. Hongjoong barely looks at me since I tried talking to him about... stuff. He just brushed it off like always and walked away. Why would this even—"
"Because it will," Wooyoung cut in, scooting closer on the floor so he could nudge Seonghwa's knee. "You've been pining for years, hyung. Gentle, kind Hongjoong who runs the second feelings get real. And Mingi, you've been gone for Yunho since day one. That girlfriend joke blew up because you wouldn't let it go, and now you're both not talking. This? This forces them to see you differently. Not just bandmates. Not safe. Hot. Wanted by someone else."
Mingi rubbed the back of his neck, a small chuckle escaping despite himself. His cheeks warmed a bit but he didn't hide it. "I'm not shy about dancing, you know. I can do the Hyuna part easily. Fans would lose their minds seeing someone my size move like that. Still comfortable in my skin."
"See? That's the spirit!" Wooyoung clapped him on the shoulder, eyes sparkling.
"Seonghwa-hyung, you'd kill the partner part. Elegant but with that edge. Come on, it'll be secret until the day of. No one else knows. We rehearse quietly, you two drive them crazy on stage, and then boom. Conversations start. Maybe more."
Seonghwa uncrossed his legs, leaning forward with a sigh that turned into a reluctant smile. "You're a menace, Wooyoung. But... fine. If it gets Hongjoong to actually listen instead of bolting, I'll try it. Mingi?"
Mingi met his eyes, the annoyance from earlier fading into something mischievous. "Yeah. Let's do it. Yunho's been ignoring me hard since that fight. Might as well make him pay attention."
Wooyoung pumped his fist, laughing. "That's my boys! Rehearse the choreo in here when no one's around. Keep it under wraps. Trust me, by the end of the fanmeet they'll be pulling you aside to talk. Or more."
He winked, standing up and stretching like he'd just won a game. "Gotta run before someone wonders where I am. Don't chicken out!"
With that, Wooyoung slipped out the door, leaving just the soft click of it shutting behind him.
The room felt quieter instantly. Mingi leaned his head back against the wall, staring at the ceiling with a soft exhale. Seonghwa shifted his chair closer, elbows on his knees.
"So," Seonghwa started, voice low and careful, "since when have you had this crush on Yunho?"
Mingi chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. He didn't sit up right away, just let his head stay tilted, eyes half-closed like remembering made it easier. "From the start, pretty much. The first time we trained together, he laughed at one of my dumb jokes and it just... hit. Years went by and it never stopped. Got deeper. Harder to ignore, you know? Every time he ruffles my hair or we share a room on tour, it's like my brain shorts out."
Seonghwa nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. I get that. Hongjoong... he's always been kind in his own way. Gentle when it counts, even if he's chaos the rest of the time. I wanted to be honest with him, talk about how I feel, but every time I try he finds an excuse to run off or change the subject. This fight just made it worse. I got pissed, said some things... now we're stuck."
Mingi finally sat up straighter, turning to face him fully. His expression softened. "Same boat. That whole girlfriend thing started as a laugh for everyone else, but I kept poking because it bugged me how casual he was about it. Like it didn't matter. Next thing I know we're yelling and not talking. Feels stupid now."
"It's not stupid," Seonghwa said, reaching over to lightly bump Mingi's shoulder with his fist. "Feelings aren't. That's why this Troublemaker thing... maybe Wooyoung's right. Even if he's a little shit about it."
Mingi grinned, the playful spark back in his eyes. "Little shit with good ideas, though. Always works out somehow. You ready to practice some hip rolls later? I promise not to laugh if you miss a step."
Seonghwa snorted, rolling his eyes but the tension in his shoulders eased. "Please. I'll be the one carrying your tall ass through the choreo. Just don't make it too obvious how much you're enjoying being the sexy Hyuna."
"Can't promise that," Mingi teased back, voice lighter now. "Fans eat that up. And if it makes Yunho squirm a little? Even better."
They sat there a moment longer, the shared secret settling between them like a small, warm promise. For the first time in weeks, the sulking felt a little further away.
"Alright, no time like now," Mingi said, jumping up from the floor with a stretch that popped his back. He grabbed his phone and pulled up the Troublemaker performance video, propping it against the mirror. "Company's chill with special stages anyway. Hongjoong's locked in the studio again, Yunho's off doing his thing. Perfect window."
Seonghwa stood too, rolling his shoulders as he moved beside him. "Let's watch it a couple times first. I remember the vibe but not every beat."
They huddled close, shoulders brushing, eyes locked on the small screen. Wooyoung's idea already felt electric in the empty practice room. Mingi hummed along to the beat, foot tapping. "Hyuna's part is fire. The way she owns it? Yeah, I can do that."
"Confident, huh?" Seonghwa teased, nudging him lightly. "Don't trip over those long legs of yours."
"Watch me, hyung."
They hit play again, this time mimicking the moves loosely at first. Arms up, sharp turns, then the hips. Mingi went for it on the chorus, rolling his hips smooth and deep, swaying like the music lived in his bones. His built frame made it look powerful instead of delicate, but still sensual as hell.
Seonghwa paused mid-step, eyes wide in the mirror. "Woah. Okay, that's... damn, Mingi."
Mingi caught his reflection and grinned, sweat already starting to bead on his forehead. "Told you. Not shy. Your turn. Get in here."
Seonghwa joined properly this time. They restarted the track. The bass thumped through the speakers as they synced up. Seonghwa's moves were cleaner, elegant with that sharp edge, but when Mingi circled behind him during the partner section, everything shifted.
"Like this?" Mingi asked, voice already a bit breathy. He placed both hands on Seonghwa's chest from behind, dragging them slowly down over his shirt as the choreo demanded. The contact burned warm through fabric.
Seonghwa sucked in a quick breath but kept moving, hips swaying back into Mingi's space. "Yeah. Control it more. Like you're teasing the crowd... or someone specific."
They flowed through the routine, grunting softly with effort on the faster spins. Mingi's hands lingered a second longer than needed on the slide down. "Fuck, this part's intense," Mingi muttered, panting as he stepped around. Sweat slicked his neck.
Seonghwa turned, hand landing firm on Mingi's hip to guide the roll. "Feel it here. Push into it. Good... yeah, just like that." His fingers pressed in, steadying the sway, and Mingi let out a low grunt, body responding.
The mirror showed them both getting lost in it. Mingi behind again, chest nearly flush to Seonghwa's back as they hit the sensual wave of moves. Hands roaming for the choreo, breaths mixing. "You're killing this, hyung," Mingi said between pants. "All graceful but dirty with it. Hongjoong wouldn't know what hit him."
Seonghwa laughed breathlessly, spinning to face him for the next count. "Keep talking like that and I'll think you're enjoying this too much." But his eyes sparkled, cheeks flushed from more than just the dance.
They kept going, track on loop. Grunts turned rhythmic with the beat. "Left hip, roll, drop," Seonghwa called out, demonstrating then pulling Mingi in. Their bodies moved closer on each repetition, heat building in the room. Mingi's tank clung to his chest, Seonghwa's hair starting to stick to his forehead in that dark cherry red.
"Again," Mingi said, voice husky. He initiated the behind position, hands sliding deliberately over Seonghwa's chest and down his stomach. The sensuality hit harder now, not just steps but feeling. Alive. Charged. Seonghwa leaned back into it slightly, a soft exhale escaping.
"Shit, Mingi... you're really selling the Hyuna energy," Seonghwa murmured, turning in his hold so they faced each other. They were both panting hard, chests rising fast. Faces close enough to feel each other's warm breath.
Mingi stared, fingers unconsciously lifting to thread through Seonghwa's damp red strands. "This color looks so pretty on you, hyung. Like... really pretty. Sweaty like this, all worked up. You're caring, you know? Sweet in the way you guide everyone. Beautiful too. Hongjoong should know better than to run from that."
Seonghwa's eyes softened, but something hotter flickered there. The air between them thickened, sexual tension crackling like static. Mingi's hand stayed in his hair, thumb brushing a stray lock. Their bodies were still close from the last move, hips almost aligned, hearts hammering from dance and something else.
"Yeah?" Seonghwa said quietly, voice a little rough. "You're not so bad yourself. Tall menace owning every roll. Yunho's an idiot if he doesn't see it."
Mingi swallowed, the moment stretching.
Then his expression shifted, doubt creeping in. He pulled his hand back but stayed close, shoulders slumping a bit. "What if this doesn't work, though? What if we both just... move on? Find someone else who actually wants us back? I mean, what if our feelings are one-sided forever? Yunho's probably straight, or at least not into me like that. And you with Hongjoong... he's been dodging you hard."
His voice cracked a little. Mingi started shaking, hands clenching at his sides as the spiral built. "We've been like this for years. Pining and fighting and nothing changes. Maybe we're just wasting time. Maybe I should just—"
"Hey, hey," Seonghwa cut in gently, stepping even closer. He lifted one hand to cup Mingi's cheek, thumb stroking softly over the flushed skin.
His touch was steady, calming. "Stop. Breathe with me. It will be fine. We're doing this together, remember? The plan, the dance... it's gonna shake things up. You're not alone in this spiral, okay? We've got each other right now."
Mingi stayed close, cheek still warm under Seonghwa's palm. The practice room felt smaller, the mirror reflecting their flushed faces and messy hair. His heart hammered from the dance, the touches, everything piling up.
The stupid fight with Yunho kept flashing back, Yunho's angry voice saying he was too much, the way everything twisted after that girlfriend joke. Mixed with the heat from rolling his hips against Seonghwa just minutes ago, the anxiety made his hands tremble.
He leaned in a fraction more, voice rough. "Hyung... I wish Yunho could be sweet like you. Honest with what he feels instead of shutting down. Makes me so damn confused all the time."
Seonghwa's thumb paused on Mingi's cheek. His eyes softened, searching Mingi's face. A soft chuckle slipped out, but it carried understanding. "I get that. Wish Hongjoong would do more skinship without thinking twice. Like you do. Natural. Makes me wonder what I'm missing."
Their breaths mingled in the quiet. Mingi swallowed hard, eyes dropping to Seonghwa's lips for a second before flicking back up. "Maybe we both need this. Just... something real right now."
Seonghwa didn't pull away. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, free hand coming up to rest on Mingi's waist. "Yeah. Maybe we do."
The first kiss happened slowly, tentative.
Mingi's lips brushed Seonghwa's, soft and warm, tasting faintly of the water they'd sipped earlier. The scent of sweat and Seonghwa's faint cologne filled Mingi's nose, grounding him. He felt the slight tremble in Seonghwa's hand on his cheek, heard the tiny hitch in breath as their mouths pressed fuller.
It was gentle pressure, lips moving carefully like testing waters, but it sent sparks down Mingi's spine. Everything else, the stress, the pining, faded for that moment into just this closeness.
They broke apart barely an inch, eyes half-lidded.
"Hyung," Mingi whispered, voice shaky with want.
Seonghwa answered by leaning back in.
This time Mingi's hand slid to the back of Seonghwa's neck, fingers threading into those damp red strands, pulling him closer. The kiss deepened fast, turning intense. Mingi's eyes darkened with heat as he tilted his head, tongue brushing Seonghwa's lip. A low moan escaped Seonghwa, vibrating against Mingi's mouth. Mingi grunted softly in response, the sound raw as he pressed harder, bodies flush now.
Panting mixed between them when they shifted for air, but neither went far. Mingi tugged him in again, grip firm on Seonghwa's neck, the kiss hungry and consuming.
Mingi didn't let the air settle. His fingers tightened on the back of Seonghwa's neck, pulling him in deeper. Their mouths moved hotter now, tongues sliding together with wet sounds that echoed softly in the empty room. Seonghwa moaned low into it, hands fisting Mingi's tank top, tugging him closer until their chests pressed tight.
"God, hyung," Mingi breathed against his lips before diving back in, nipping at the bottom one. He angled his head, making the kiss messier, more desperate. Seonghwa matched him, a grunt slipping out as his body arched into Mingi's taller frame.
Mingi trailed kisses down then, lips brushing Seonghwa's jaw before latching onto his neck. He sucked lightly at first, tongue flicking over the skin, then harder, leaving a mark that made Seonghwa hiss and tilt his head back for more. "Fuck, that feels..." Seonghwa muttered, voice wrecked, one hand sliding up to grip Mingi's hair.
Mingi groaned against his throat, the vibration sending shivers through Seonghwa. His free hand roamed down Seonghwa's side, gripping his hip like he needed the anchor. The taste of salt from sweat hit his tongue, mixed with the warmth of Seonghwa's skin. It felt so good, so alive, but in the haze Mingi couldn't stop the thought flashing through his mind.
He wished these lips were Yunho's, that it was Yunho's neck arching under him, Yunho's voice breaking like that. The fight still stung, but this closeness filled something raw inside him anyway.
Seonghwa's breath hitched sharp when Mingi sucked harder on a spot below his ear. His fingers dug into Mingi's shoulder, body trembling as he pressed closer. It felt electric, the way Mingi's mouth worked him over, but another thought twisted in.
He wished it was Hongjoong being this bold, Hongjoong's hands on him, that familiar voice whispering instead. Yet for once Seonghwa let himself be selfish, chasing the heat, the distraction from all the running and silence.
"Yeah, like that," Seonghwa panted, head falling back more. Mingi responded with a deeper kiss to his neck, teeth grazing just enough to draw a moan out of him.
They shifted against each other, breaths ragged, bodies hot from dance and this new fire. Mingi pulled back just enough to look at the mark he'd left, thumb brushing over it, before leaning in to soothe it with his lips again. Seonghwa shivered hard, hands roaming Mingi's back under his shirt now, nails lightly scratching.
"Hyung, you taste good," Mingi murmured against his skin, voice husky. Another kiss, open-mouthed and wet down the column of his throat.
Seonghwa let out a shaky laugh that turned into a grunt when Mingi found a sensitive spot. "You're in trouble. Keep going." His eyes fluttered half-closed, cheeks flushed darker, but inside the wish for Hongjoong lingered even as he gave in to the moment, selfish and needy for once.
Mingi kept at it, lips and tongue working Seonghwa's neck until the older man was panting openly, hips twitching forward instinctively.
The room smelled like sweat and them, sounds of heavy breathing and soft moans filling the space. Mingi's thoughts kept circling back to Yunho, how this could be him if things were different, but he didn't stop, couldn't stop chasing the comfort right here.
Seonghwa's hand tightened in Mingi's hair, guiding him a bit as another wave of sensation hit. "Shit, Mingi..." He wished harder for Hongjoong's touch but held on tighter to this, letting selfishness win for the heated minutes.
Mingi kept working his mouth down Seonghwa's neck, sucking harder on a fresh spot that made Seonghwa's knees buckle a little. "Hyung, you're so responsive," Mingi mumbled against the skin, voice thick.
He gripped Seonghwa's hips tighter, pulling their bodies flush so their growing hardness pressed together through thin practice clothes.
Seonghwa gasped, head thrown back as his fingers tangled deeper in Mingi's hair. "Fuck, don't stop. Feels too good." His free hand slipped under Mingi's tank, nails dragging up his back, leaving red lines that made Mingi groan loud. They rocked against each other slowly at first, then faster, breaths turning into pants and grunts.
"Yeah? Like this?" Mingi asked, biting gently then soothing with his tongue. He rolled his hips forward deliberately, grinding in a way that echoed their earlier choreo but way more heated. Sweat sliced between them, making every slide smoother, dirtier.
Seonghwa moaned openly, the sound raw and needy. "Just like that. Shit, Mingi, you're driving me crazy." He turned his head, capturing Mingi's lips again in a sloppy kiss, tongues battling as their bodies kept moving. One of Seonghwa's legs hooked around Mingi's calf, pulling him even closer.
Mingi broke the kiss to attack his neck again, lower this time, near the collarbone. "You sound so hot when you moan like that." His hand slid down to squeeze Seonghwa's ass, encouraging another roll of hips that drew a sharp grunt from both of them.
"Keep talking and I'll lose it," Seonghwa panted, eyes dark as he arched into every touch. Inside, the wish for Hongjoong's hands burned, but he chased Mingi's heat instead, selfishly letting his body respond fully. Mingi thought the same about Yunho, imagining bigger hands and that bright laugh, but right now this felt real and urgent.
They got messier, Mingi sucking a visible mark while grinding harder, their moans mixing loud in the room. Seonghwa's hand dipped lower, palming Mingi through his shorts, earning a deep groan that vibrated against his throat.
"Hyung... yeah, touch me," Mingi breathed, hips bucking into the touch.
Seonghwa smirked against his hair, stroking firmer. "Like this? You're so hard already."
The intensity built fast, bodies trembling, kisses turning desperate again as Mingi returned to his mouth. Grunts and wet sounds filled the space until a sudden click from the door handle cut through everything.
The door started to open.
✦ ────⋅⋆ ☼ ☆ ━━━━━☆━━━━━ ☆ ☼ ⋆⋅──── ✦
Mingi and Seonghwa kept their secret close over the next two days.
The stolen moments in the practice room lingered heavily in Mingi's mind. He couldn't shake the memory of soft lips against his, the warmth of Seonghwa's neck under his mouth, the addicting way their bodies had pressed together.
What if that door had stayed shut? He wondered about hands wandering lower, clothes coming off, the heat building until they both fell apart. It left him distracted, warm whenever Seonghwa was near.
They still acted normal around the dorm, laughing over dumb videos and bumping shoulders on the couch. The little touches came easier now, fingers brushing longer than necessary, knees pressed together during movie nights. It felt good. Comforting in the middle of all the tension.
Yunho noticed first.
He tried bridging the gap from their fight with small efforts, challenging Mingi to quick games or sharing snacks. But his eyes kept flicking to how close Mingi and Seonghwa sat, the way their gazes held sometimes. Hongjoong did the same, sitting nearer to Seonghwa during meals and asking his opinion on tracks, clearly working to smooth things over after dodging those feelings. Yet the new vibe between the other two stood out sharp.
In the living room that afternoon, Mingi stretched out, arm draped casually behind Seonghwa. Seonghwa leaned back into the space without thinking, their sides touching. Hongjoong watched from across the room, jaw tight for a second before he looked away.
"Practice for that special stage going alright?" Yunho asked, voice light but eyes curious.
Mingi nodded, keeping it vague. "Yeah, it's coming together."
No mention of Troublemaker. That stayed locked down with Wooyoung's help.
Seonghwa hummed agreement, his hand resting near Mingi's on the cushion. The closeness didn't go unnoticed. Hongjoong stood up suddenly, muttering about grabbing drinks for everyone. Yunho followed him into the kitchen, shoulders a bit stiff.
Later, when the group scattered, Mingi caught Seonghwa alone in the hallway. "Can't stop thinking about the other day," he said low, fingers grazing Seonghwa's wrist. "Your lips felt so soft. Everything did. Addicting."
Seonghwa's eyes darkened with the memory, but he smiled softly. "Same. Wonder what would've happened if we weren't interrupted." They shared a quiet look, the air thick for a beat before they pulled back as footsteps approached.
The awkward efforts continued. Yunho ruffled Mingi's hair during a group chat, trying for old playfulness. Hongjoong lingered near Seonghwa, showing him a melody on his phone, voice gentler than usual. But Mingi and Seonghwa's growing ease stood apart, subtle touches and shared laughs that pulled the others' attention.
Mingi felt the pull of it all. The old fight with Yunho still stung, yet this new connection with Seonghwa filled spaces he didn't realize were empty.
Seonghwa carried similar thoughts, the selfishness from their practice room moment lingering. They wouldn't spill about the performance. Not yet. The secret added a spark that made everything feel more alive, even as Hongjoong and Yunho worked to fix what broke before.
The next two days blurred in a mix of secret rehearsals and group life. Mingi still felt the ghost of Seonghwa's skin under his lips every time they passed in the dorm.
That interrupted moment replayed in his head during quiet times, the softness, the heat, how addicting it got before the door click.
They acted normal around everyone, laughing at inside jokes and bumping shoulders during meals, but the touches lingered longer now. A hand on the lower back during practice, fingers brushing when handing water. Sexual tension sat heavy between them, especially since neither had gotten laid in months. It made everything sharper.
Yunho noticed first. During a quick break in the practice room, he watched Mingi lean close to Seonghwa, whispering something that made the older man smile wide. Yunho's jaw tightened but he forced a casual grin. "You two seem like extra close lately. Planning world domination or what?"
Mingi chuckled, stepping back but not too far. "Just messing around. You know how it is." His eyes flicked to Seonghwa for a second, heat flashing quickly before he looked away.
Seonghwa shrugged, wiping sweat from his neck where faint marks still hid under makeup. "Nothing special. Just vibing better these days."
Hongjoong caught it too during dinner that night. The group sat scattered around the table, but Mingi and Seonghwa ended up side by side, knees touching under the wood. Hongjoong poked at his food, glancing over. "You've been smiling more, Hwa. Good to see. Even if you're keeping secrets with Mingi."
Seonghwa met his eyes steadily, a small smirk playing. "Maybe. You'll see soon enough." He reached for more rice, his arm brushing Mingi's, and neither pulled away fast.
The awkwardness from the fights hung lighter now. Hongjoong made efforts, asking Seonghwa about a new song idea over coffee one morning. "We should talk more. About everything. I hate when things get weird between us." Seonghwa nodded, but his mind wandered to Mingi's mouth on his neck, the way it felt freeing.
Yunho tried too, clapping Mingi on the back during a game session. "Sorry about blowing up before. Let's not let dumb shit ruin our vibe." Mingi smiled back, genuine, but the memory of grinding against Seonghwa made his stomach flip. "Yeah, we're good, Yunho-ya. No hard feelings."
Still, the secret stayed locked.
No one heard about the Troublemaker choreo.
Mingi and Seonghwa stole extra practices when schedules cleared, bodies moving closer each time, tension building without words. One afternoon after a run-through, Mingi caught Seonghwa by the wrist. "That neck thing from before... I can't stop thinking about it." Seonghwa's breath hitched, eyes darkening.
"Me neither. But we can't here." They laughed it off quickly when footsteps approached, but the pull stayed.
By the fanmeet day, energy buzzed backstage. Members stretched and chatted, outfits sharp under lights. Hongjoong adjusted his mic, shooting a curious look at Mingi and Seonghwa huddled together. "Alright, spill. What have you two been hiding? You've been thick as thieves and it's making me curious as hell."
Yunho nodded, stretching his long arms overhead but watching them close. "Yeah, same. Are you guys planning something big? Don't leave us hanging."
Mingi grinned, playful but with that underlying heat when his gaze met Seonghwa's. "You'll see soon. Trust us, it'll be fun."
Seonghwa leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a soft laugh escaping. "Just enjoy the show. We've got this." His fingers twitched like he wanted to touch Mingi again, the tension humming between them even now.
The others exchanged glances, Hongjoong raising a brow. "As long as it doesn't involve us getting pranked. But seriously, you two look ready for anything."
Yunho chuckled, though his eyes lingered on how close Mingi stood to Seonghwa. "Can't wait to see what you cooked up. Break a leg out there."
Mingi bumped Seonghwa's shoulder lightly, voice low for just them. "Ready to make them stare?" Seonghwa nodded, the shared secret and leftover heat making his pulse quicken. The fanmeet lights waited, and whatever came after, the air between all of them felt charged.
Backstage chatter continued as they lined up, but Mingi stole one more glance at Seonghwa, remembering the taste of his skin. Seonghwa met it with a small, knowing smile.
Hongjoong and Yunho kept trying to act normal, asking casual questions about setlist, but the undercurrent of curiosity mixed with something sharper in their eyes.
The days of awkward minimal talk had shifted, efforts to reconnect showing in small ways, yet Mingi and Seonghwa's growing closeness stood out.
During a final sound check huddle, Yunho nudged Mingi. "For real, you good? You've been different lately." Mingi shrugged with a laugh. "Better than before. You'll understand after today." Hongjoong stood near Seonghwa, murmuring, "Whatever it is, I'm looking forward to it. We should grab food after and talk properly." Seonghwa agreed softly, but his thoughts drifted to the practice room heat, the selfishness he still felt.
The tension didn't fade.
It built as they waited for their cue, bodies aware of each other in ways that made simple conversations feel loaded. No one mentioned the almost-kiss, but it lived in every shared look and accidental touch.
The fanmeet was about to start, and Mingi wondered if the jealousy plan would work or if this new pull between him and Seonghwa would complicate everything more. Seonghwa felt the same, heart racing with excitement and unresolved want.
Wooyoung would be on the sidelines, filming both Hongjoong and Yunho’s reaction, a wicked smile blossoming on his pretty lips.
They stepped out under the lights soon after, the crowd cheering loud. Hongjoong and Yunho watched from the sides, curiosity clear on their faces as the special stage announcement came up. "And now, a special performance by Mingi and Seonghwa," the MC said.
The two shared one last private smile before taking positions, the secret finally ready to drop.
The stage lights hit hot as the Troublemaker beat dropped.
The crowd screamed loud, phones up everywhere.
Mingi owned the Hyuna part right away, hips rolling deep on the first chorus, tall frame moving smooth and confident. Seonghwa matched him perfectly as the partner, sharp elegant steps cutting through the air.
Mingi dropped low during the bridge, thighs flexing as he swayed back up, hand sliding down his own chest. Seonghwa's gaze locked on him, dark and focused, stepping in close for the choreo.
Their bodies brushed deliberate, Mingi's hand grazing Seonghwa's waist as he circled behind. The touch lingered a beat longer than practice, sending heat straight through both of them.
Seonghwa guided Mingi's hip roll with a firm palm, fingers pressing in. Mingi leaned into it, eyes meeting in the mirror-like shine of the stage floor. The crowd ate it up, cheers exploding when Mingi nailed a sharp sway, body fluid despite his build. Seonghwa's breath caught visible under the lights, chest rising faster.
They switched positions, Mingi behind again. His hands dragged down Seonghwa's chest slow, just like rehearsals, but this time with the full energy of thousands watching. Seonghwa arched back slightly into the move, a small smirk playing as he glanced over his shoulder.
Their faces got close, breaths mixing in the short space. Mingi felt that familiar pull, remembering the practice room neck kisses, how soft Seonghwa's skin tasted. It made his skin burn hotter under the spotlights.
"Feeling it?" Mingi murmured low during a turn only Seonghwa could hear. Seonghwa nodded once, eyes flicking with heat before snapping back to performance mode. They kept flowing, touching electricity. Seonghwa's hand on Mingi's thigh during a lift section, squeezing just enough. Mingi rolled his hips into the next drop, powerful and teasing, drawing wild screams.
The tension built wild between them.
Every gaze held too long, every grind of bodies closer than needed for the choreo.
Sweat glistened on their skin, making the dark cherry red of Seonghwa's hair stand out sharper. Mingi wanted to pull him off stage right then, finish what they started days ago.
Seonghwa felt it too, the ache from no release in so long mixing with the secret kisses, making his hands shake a little on the final spins.
Near the end, they leaned in close for the last pose, faces inches apart, chests heaving. Seonghwa almost broke character, lips parting like he might close the gap, eyes softening with want. Mingi held steady but his fingers twitched against Seonghwa's side, the only thing stopping them the roar of the concert around them. The chains of desire pulled tight, hot and demanding, but the stage kept them in check.
They held the pose a second longer than planned, breaths ragged, before pulling back for the bow. The crowd went insane. Backstage glances from the others waited, but right then only the fire between them mattered.
Hongjoong and Yunho watched from the wings, expressions unreadable but eyes sharp. Mingi caught Yunho's stare as they exited, a flush still on his face. Seonghwa wiped his neck, fingers brushing the hidden marks from before, pulse still racing. The performance hung heavy in the air, tension far from over.
The fanmeet continued but that stage moment replayed in their minds, bodies still buzzing.
The rest of the fanmeet blurred in smiles and waves for the cameras. Mingi and Seonghwa played it cool, laughing with the group during group games and fan calls.
Mingi slung an arm around Yunho's shoulders at one point, teasing him about missing a dance move earlier. Yunho laughed but his eyes kept flicking back to the stage replay on the big screens.
Hongjoong stayed close to Seonghwa, asking small questions about the performance with a tight smile. "You two killed it. Seriously impressive." Seonghwa nodded, bumping his shoulder lightly, but the heat from earlier still lingered in his veins.
Once the first day wrapped and goodbyes were said, Mingi and Seonghwa slipped away quick. They found Wooyoung's hotel room down the hall, knocking twice before the door flew open. Wooyoung yanked them inside, already bouncing on his toes with a huge grin.
"Oh my god, you actually did it!" Wooyoung screeched, voice high and full of evil delight. He shut the door fast and clapped his hands. "That was insane. The way you two moved? Fans are losing their minds online already. And the looks from Hongjoong-hyung and Yunho? If looks could kill, it would've been murder on stage. So hot."
Mingi laughed, dropping onto the edge of the bed while Seonghwa leaned against the wall, arms crossed but smiling. "Show us," Seonghwa said, voice calm but eyes bright.
Wooyoung grabbed his phone, pulling up fan cams and reaction videos. He played one of Hongjoong first. The leader stared from the side with narrowed eyes, jaw set as Mingi dropped low and Seonghwa guided his hips. "See that? He's gripping the mic like he wants to snap it. Pure jealousy." Wooyoung cackled, rewinding the clip.
Then a Yunho one. The tall dancer shifted in his seat, arms crossed tight, gaze locked on Mingi rolling his body. When Seonghwa leaned in close at the end, Yunho's expression darkened for a split second before he forced a cheer.
"Look at that face," Wooyoung said, pausing on the frame. "He's pissed but can't look away. My plan is working so well. You two sold it perfectly. The touches, the stares. I bet they're stewing right now."
Seonghwa chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It felt intense up there. Almost broke my character at the end."
Mingi nodded, eyes meeting Seonghwa's across the room. The memory of their bodies pressed close on stage sent a fresh wave of warmth through him. "Yeah. Crowd loved it though. And yeah, the reactions are gold."
Wooyoung flopped between them on the bed, still grinning like a kid with candy. "You should have seen the group chat blowing up with fans editing clips already. This is gonna push them to talk. Mark my words. Just keep the secret a bit longer."
They chatted a while longer, Wooyoung replaying more videos and teasing every hip roll. Mingi threw a pillow at him when he mimicked the neck lean too dramatically. Seonghwa watched with quiet amusement, but his fingers tapped restless on his knee, tension from the performance still humming under his skin.
Eventually Mingi stood, stretching tall. "We should head back. Long day tomorrow too."
Seonghwa pushed off the wall. "Thanks for the room hideout, Woo. You're the best menace."
Wooyoung waved them off with a wink. "Anytime. Go make them more jealous."
The hallway felt quieter as they walked to their shared room. Hongjoong and Yunho had paired up in the one across the hall, leaving Mingi and Seonghwa together like usual on trips.
Mingi swiped the key card, holding the door open. Seonghwa stepped in first, the click of the lock sounding loud behind them.
Something finally snapped. Mingi sat up quick, eyes darkening as he crossed the small space between beds. Seonghwa barely had time to react before Mingi pushed him back onto the mattress, mouth already latching onto his neck. Seonghwa gasped sharp, body arching up as one hand flew to grip Mingi's hair tight.
"Fuck, Mingi," Seonghwa cursed under his breath, the words breaking into a moan when Mingi sucked harder on the same spots from days ago.
The sound filled the room, low and wrecked. Mingi grunted against his skin, tongue tracing the marks as his body pressed Seonghwa deeper into the sheets. Their legs tangled quick, hips shifting for friction that made them both breathe heavier.
Seonghwa's free hand clutched at Mingi's back, nails digging through the thin shirt. Mingi moved up then, crashing their mouths together in a hungry kiss. Lips slid messy, tongues meeting with wet sounds that echoed.
Seonghwa moaned into it, the vibration traveling straight through Mingi who answered with a deep grunt, hand sliding down to grip Seonghwa's thigh.
They got lost fast.
Mingi's fingers crept under Seonghwa's shirt, palm flat against warm skin, tracing up his stomach and chest.
Seonghwa shivered hard, arching into the touch as another moan slipped out. "Yeah, like that," he breathed when they broke for air, eyes half lidded and dark. Mingi dove back in, kissing deeper while his hand explored, thumb brushing sensitive spots that made Seonghwa twitch and grip his hair harder.
The room filled with their sounds, pants and grunts mixing as bodies moved together.
Mingi thought about how long they'd held back, the tension from the fanmeet performance pouring out now. Seonghwa felt the same, the ache from months without this kind of closeness making him pull Mingi closer, legs wrapping around him.
Their kisses turned desperate, hips grinding slow and hot.
✦ ────⋅⋆ ☼ ☆ ━━━━━☆━━━━━ ☆ ☼ ⋆⋅──── ✦
Then the door slammed open.
They froze mid-motion. Mingi is still half on top, hand under Seonghwa's shirt, mouth red and wet.
Seonghwa's hair spread messy on the pillow. Both panted hard, heads turning toward the noise.
Yunho and Hongjoong stood in the doorway, glaring down at them. Yunho's fists clenched at his sides, jaw tight. Hongjoong's eyes burned sharp, expression darker than usual.
For a second no one spoke.
Mingi and Seonghwa stayed frozen, bodies still tangled, the heat between them clashing with the sudden chill of being caught. Mingi's heart hammered loud in his ears. Seonghwa's grip on his hair loosened slowly, a shock clear on his face.
Hongjoong moved first. He stepped in close, leaning down and grabbing Seonghwa's arm firmly. "Seonghwa. You're coming with me. Now." His voice carried that leader's authority, low and leaving no room for argument.
It sent chills down both their backs. Seonghwa's eyes widened but he didn't fight as Hongjoong pulled him up off the bed, shirt still rumpled from Mingi's hands.
Mingi sat back quick, breath still ragged as he watched. Seonghwa glanced at him once, something mixed in his gaze, before Hongjoong dragged him toward the door. The older man didn't look back at Mingi, just kept that steady pull on Seonghwa's arm.
The door slammed shut behind them, loud in the sudden silence.
Mingi stayed frozen on the bed, heart still racing from the interrupted heat with Seonghwa.
He kept his mouth shut at first, cheeks burning under the weight of Yunho's dark stare. The usual bright golden retriever energy was gone, replaced by something sharper that made the room feel smaller. Mingi shifted slightly, hands fisting the sheets, embarrassment creeping up his neck.
Yunho didn't move right away, just stood there with clenched fists, eyes locked on him. Mingi opened his mouth finally, words starting to form. "Yunho, I—"
"Shut it." Yunho's voice came low and firm as he stepped closer, tall frame casting a shadow over the bed. The calm in it felt scarier than any shout.
Mingi felt heat rise for a different reason now. He pushed up from the bed, standing to meet Yunho's height even if his legs still felt shaky. "Why the hell are you even getting mad? Is it that shocking that I like men? That Seonghwa and I... whatever. You don't get to storm in here and act like this. You don't care anyway, right? After all the fights and ignoring me, now you burst in like you own something? I was done waiting around for you to figure shit out."
The words tumbled faster, Mingi's hands gesturing sharp as frustration boiled over. "We've been awkward for weeks and suddenly this? You saw the performance and now you're pissed? Make it make sense, Yunho. If you didn't want me around like that, fine, but don't glare at me like I betrayed you."
Yunho listened without interrupting at first, but his jaw tightened more with every sentence.
Then he moved quick, gripping Mingi's jaw hard with one big hand, fingers pressing into his cheeks. His eyes looked maddening up close, intense and burning. "Shut it." The words came angry but strangely calm, voice steady like he was holding back a storm.
"I never wanted to say anything. I kept it buried because I thought it was one sided. But seeing that performance? You and Seonghwa all over each other on stage, those touches, the way you looked at him. It pissed me off more than I expected."
Yunho leaned in closer, free hand fisting Mingi's shirt to tug him forward until their chests nearly brushed. "I knew it was one of Wooyoung's evil little plans the second I saw those hip rolls. That kid can't keep a secret from me for shit. But maybe now... I can be honest."
Mingi stayed quiet at first, heat flooding his face under that intense stare. He shifted his weight, eyes dropping to the floor, fingers twitching at his sides like he wanted to hide the flush creeping up his neck.
The usual confident swagger he wore on stage had evaporated, leaving him feeling exposed in the quiet hotel room.
Yunho's golden retriever energy was nowhere in sight.
This version looked ready to snap, and it made Mingi's stomach twist with a confusing mix of nerves and something warmer he didn't want to name yet.
He opened his mouth anyway, a weak "Wait, hold on" starting to form, but Yunho cut him off before the words fully escaped.
"Shut it." The command came angrier this time, yet still calm underneath, like Yunho was holding back a flood.
"I never wanted to say anything. Kept it buried because I thought it was one-sided. But seeing that performance? You and Seonghwa all over each other on stage, those touches, the way you looked at him. It pissed me off more than I expected."
A dark smirk pulled at Yunho's lips, changing his face into something possessive that made Mingi's breath catch. He didn't loosen his grip, thumb brushing roughly over Mingi's bottom lip. "I knew the whole thing was Wooyoung's evil plan. Those hip rolls screamed his meddling. But maybe now I can be honest."
Mingi stuttered, heart slamming against his ribs as the words sank in. "Y-you... really like me? Like that?"
Yunho chuckled, the sound low and dark, vibrating through the space between them. He shifted his body, guiding Mingi back until his shoulders hit the wall, caging him there with broad shoulders and steady hands. No easy escape, just the solid press of Yunho's frame. "No. It's not like. I'm madly in love with you, idiot. Have been for years."
His free hand slipped under Mingi's shirt, palm hot and spread wide against bare skin, sliding up over his stomach. Fingers traced slow, deliberate paths that made Mingi's muscles tense and relax in quick succession.
The touch felt claiming, like Yunho had been waiting too long to hold back anymore. Mingi swallowed hard, thoughts spinning. This was the same Yunho who tackled him during games and shared late-night snacks, but now that easy warmth hid sharper edges, and it sent heat pooling low in his gut.
Yunho's smirk lingered as he leaned in, breath warm against Mingi's ear. "Fans always call me a pervert online, you know? All those edits and comments. Guess it's finally time for you to see how much of a pervert I can be."
Before Mingi could even form a response, Yunho moved quick.
He spun Mingi around, hands firm on his hips, pressing him chest-first against the wall. Mingi gasped at the sudden shift, his tall, built frame no match for Yunho's determined strength in that moment. Everyone knew the truth under the stage persona.
Mingi looked imposing, but he folded easy when it counted, especially with someone who knew exactly how to handle him.
Yunho wasted no time. His fingers hooked into Mingi's pants and boxers, yanking them down roughly in one motion. The cool air hit skin, drawing a sharp gasp from Mingi. "What are you doing?" he managed, voice rough and surprised, hands bracing against the wall.
Yunho chuckled again, dark and satisfied, kneeling slightly behind him. "Showing you how much of a pervert I am."
Without another word, he leaned in and bit down on Mingi's right ass cheek, teeth sinking in with just enough pressure to sting and spark.
Mingi jolted, a mix of yelp and moan escaping as the sensation shot through him. His forehead pressed harder against the wall, breath fogging the paint. The bite wasn't gentle, but it carried that teasing edge Yunho always hid behind laughs.
Heat flooded Mingi's face deeper, embarrassment clashing with the rush of want. He'd imagined scenarios like this in stolen moments during tours, but nothing prepared him for the real thing, Yunho's mouth was hot and insistent right there.
Yunho soothed the spot with his tongue after, then nipped again, hands gripping Mingi's hips to keep him steady. "Been thinking about this every time you stretched in practice," he muttered against skin, voice muffled but clear enough to make Mingi's knees weaken. "Watching you move on stage today, all confident and teasing. Drove me crazy knowing it wasn't just for the fans."
Mingi bit his lip, trying to steady his breathing as Yunho's hands roamed up his thighs, squeezing the muscle there.
Part of him wanted to snap back with some sarcastic remark, keep the balance from their usual banter, but the words stuck. Instead he pushed back slightly into the touch, body reacting before his brain caught up.
Yunho stood again, pressing his body flush against Mingi's back, one arm wrapping around to hold him close while the other hand explored lower. "You're shaking," he observed, lips brushing Mingi's ear with a hint of that familiar teasing tone. "Cute. Didn't think the big guy would go quiet so fast."
"Shut up," Mingi grumbled, but there was no real bite in it. A shaky laugh slipped out despite everything, awkward and human in the middle of the intensity. His hands flexed against the wall, nails scraping lightly as Yunho's fingers wrapped around him from behind, stroking slow and deliberate.
The contrast hit hard. Yunho's usual bright energy had flipped into this focused hunger, and it made Mingi's chest tighten with relief and nerves all at once.
The night was going to be long and not only for him.