Hey Stranger

by choichoiz

Summary:

Jongho gets dumped 2 weeks before a trip and the last thing he wants to do is rebound.

That's until he keeps running into someone that teaches him that not all is lost.

AKA

6 times fate puts them together, the one time Wooyoung gets them together and the many times they chose to be together.

Notes:

Italics are used to mean different things here and there:

-Itatics on their own are Jongho's thoughts
-Itatics in "quotations" represent spoken Korean.
-Itatics in the middle of a sentence with regular text are stressed.

Also I take several artistic liberties when it comes to Maui's landscape and the resort they're staying on. lol

Jongho was ready to sleep for a year.

 

Having been barely awake as he trudged after his friends to collect his suitcase. He didn’t remember the shuttle from the airport to their Maui resort, nor when he received the lei that was sitting around his neck.

 

All he could remember is that he was due for hotel room 710. King bed, black-out curtains, and mayhaps a bath later if he wakes up.

 

Actually he will definitely wake up later since his friends were expecting him for dinner. Maybe room service would bring him an entire pot of coffee...

 

Somehow Jongho had ended up being the only one on floor 7, the rest of his friends together on floor 5 (despite the singular reservation). It was an analogy of how things have been going lately for Jongho.

 

See this trip was originally meant for 6 people, but one of them had decided to be an asshole and end their relationship of 3 years with little to no warning two weeks before they were set to take off. The best part is that they left Jongho to foot their portion of the bill alone and went no-contact with the rest of the group.

 

Just a little lesson about collecting money before booking the hotel, activities, and whatnot.

 

Yeah, asshole.

 

Seonghwa had told him not to worry about paying the missing portion. Being a chaebol-adjacent executive in his parent’s company came with a shit ton of money. He had left Wooyoung in charge of the booking, and the man was all too excited to spend as much as he dared on his boyfriend’s credit card.

 

Anyway, that was two weeks ago and now Jongho is better than ever. That was of course, if you ignore the dark circles under his eyes and the fact that he had been staying at Seonghwa and Wooyoung’s condo when the crushing sadness had got the better of him. 

 

He didn’t even know what was in his suitcase, that honor was given to Yunho and Hongjoong when he casually dropped that he hadn’t packed at all two nights before the trip. 

 

Here’s to hoping he has regular clothes for the next week and Hongjoong didn’t slip any ‘unreleased’ items in his bag. Perks of befriending a fashion designer.

 

Hawaii was meant to be a reset. That’s what Wooyoung had drilled into Jongho’s head on the initial ride to Incheon airport. And if looking hot while finding different aesthetic ways to sweat was what was in store for Jongho, then so be it. 

 

He just didn’t expect the man trying to break into his hotel room.

 

“C’mon, c’mon, come on!”

 

Maybe that should have alerted Jongho about stranger danger, but he was too tired to make the elevator ride down to the front desk.

 

“Um, can I help you?” Maybe it came out bitchier than he intended, but pleasantries can wait until later.

 

It was almost blinding, the force of the smile that was sent in his direction. Beaming at whatever’o’clock in the morning, or afternoon.

 

How irritating.

 

“Oh I'm sorry. I’ve been trying this door for 10 minutes and it looks like they gave me a bum keycard.” Yep, that was the voice of someone who rescued puppies for a living. Or worse, cats.

 

“Hmm.” 

 

If Jongho was working with more couth, he would have said something before snatching the key card from the stranger. But it was not the day for it.

 

He flipped the card this way and that and indeed it was almost identical to Jongho’s. Except the room number, printed fancifully in gold marker read ‘712’ instead of ‘710.’ 

 

The stranger backed up eagerly as Jongho slid over to the next door and watched as he swiped the key card expertly. Miraculously, it lit up green and Jongho was free from the clutches of this interaction.

 

Jongho handed off the keycard without a word and turned to drag his suitcase into his room. But for some reason, he noted the lack of movement from the guy next to him.

 

He sighed before giving the man his attention for hopefully the last time.

 

“I um, thanks. I owe you one.” 

 

Maybe another time, Jongho would have thought the whole ‘blushing’ thing to be kind of cute.

 

But not now.

 

“Sure.”

 

And with that, he was safe beyond the door of his room.

 

***

 

As it turns out, room service can bring you a pot of coffee at 4:30 in the afternoon.

 

Which Jongho was all too excited to enjoy as he soaked in the ridiculously huge bathtub. He was living out someone’s dream at that very moment.

 

Oh right, his.

 

He owes Wooyoung one singular side-armed hug (voucher only applicable for today’s date), for his impeccable booking skills. Nevermind the ocean-front view or the balcony, the bathroom was the highlight. Not to mention the hidden mirror TV that almost escaped Jongho’s view.

 

With the combination of Seo Eunkwang’s dulcet tones and the water jet that was hitting his lower back just right, he was confident that he could be a person at dinner.

 

He hummed as he unpacked the suitcase so lovingly prepared by his hyungs and noticed the abundance of Jongho-approved clothing. There were of course a few bags of accessories here and there emblazoned with the Kim Hongjoong logo (and a not so gentle note that said ‘WEAR THEM’). 

 

Jongho was in such a good mood, he actually put on the subtle flower stud earrings and a not-so-suble watch. He felt it complimented the grey of his grey quarter button shirt and black slacks. A dab of color was applied to his cheeks and lips, just enough to feel like he was trying.

 

There was something truly magical about a water jet in a bathtub.

 

As per the itinerary email to the five of them, Jongho was to meet his friends in the lobby at 6:30 for their reservation. Compared to earlier, he was already feeling somewhat relieved to be in Hawaii.

 

Somehow, he arrived earlier than the rest of his group which left him time to look around the resort lobby. Everything felt open for his exploration. From the center you could see from the lush garden all the way to the pool. Workers were walking to and fro, greeting him as they passed with a party in tow or a fresh cart of towels, whatever it may be.

 

He was swept in the atmosphere of it all, the place where relationship drama could be left behind and new memories would form.

 

It was a sign of how swept-away he felt just standing and feeling the energy in the room, that he didn’t notice his friend’s approach.

 

Specifically Wooyoung’s voice.

 

“Jongho-yah what are you doing just standing there? I’ve been calling you!” 

 

Maybe he smiled as he took in everyone’s appearance, from Hongjoong’s boisterous to Wooyoung’s simple.

 

(And maybe they were all confused when he hugged Wooyoung out of the blue.)

 

They were all stunned to silence as they made their way to the restaurant just a lobby length away.

 

Unfortunately, the magic of the jet did not last long.

 

All it took was a careless mention that their reservation was for 6 to bring the slump back to Jongho’s shoulders. 

 

Even as Seonghwa ushered the waiter to take away the extra placemat and chair, everything was off center. There was too much space between Jongho and the couples that flanked him both literally and figuratively.

 

The conversation stayed neutral for a bit, they shared life stories over wine as the 1st course was served. 

 

But here’s the thing about dining with couples, it’s not so hard for them to split off into their own little worlds. A mention about the cat-sitter here, a playful jab there, and before he knew it, he was left to chew on his pasta alone. 

 

The noodles sunk like lead into the bottom of his stomach right where the pit of despair had taken up residence. It didn’t feel right to demand attention from his friends after the way they had cared for him the past several days. It would feel suffocating regardless.

 

He didn’t quite slam his napkin on the table, muttering an half-assed excuse about using the restroom. 

 

The restroom was in the opposite direction of where he was headed anyway. There was something about the private lookout spot that called him over. It was a place couples would book for private lunches and dinners, but was abandoned at the moment.

 

For a moment, as he leaned over the railing, he felt like he could breathe again. The orange hues of the sun hitting the waves just so, took away the nasty thoughts running around in his head. 

 

His ex would have hated the view, much preferring the sunrise. 

 

And maybe it hit Jongho, just how opposite the two of them truly were.

 

His early morning to Jongho’s late night. His movies to Jongho’s television. His selfishness to Jongho’s considerate.

 

They say opposites attract, but maybe some things weren’t worth compromising on.

 

It was just beyond what was considered polite for Jongho to be away from his table. He wanted to take one final look at the view before resigning himself to the embarrassing walk back.

 

But a disembodied voice caught his attention.

 

“Enjoying the view?”

 

He didn’t startle easily, but considering he was definitely in an area he wasn’t supposed to be in, these were special circumstances.

 

“Shit!” Behind him was the stranger from earlier, making his approach as you would for a wounded animal.

 

The stupid smile was back.

 

“Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, just escaping from my family for a bit.”

 

“Oh.” It took a second for Jongho’s heart rate to return to normal, right before it sped up again. The man was decked out in a monochrome cream outfit. Linen pants to match the loose button up, with one too many buttons undone to be considered decent. 

 

(He definitely DID NOT notice the cross necklace nestled between his pecs.)

 

The man nodded toward the railing, hands deep in his pockets. “So, uh do you mind if I join?”

 

“Um yeah, sure, free real estate.” He tried not to watch as the man settled in next to him, turning back to the darkening horizon. There was no reason to be nervous, he had no one to impress. “I was actually about to head back to my table, I'm sure my friends are wondering where I am.”

 

“Oh okay.” Yet Jongho made no move to leave. “If you don’t mind me asking, why are you running away from your friends?”

 

He could see the man in his peripheral, it didn’t take much to imagine the sympathetic eyes aimed in his direction. The question wasn’t so unreasonable, so why not humor him?

 

“It’s not them, per se.” Jongho felt all the hesitation leave his body. He inhaled the rest of the dying sunlight and turned to face the man.

 

What’s the sense in holding back from a person you’ll probably never see again?

 

“I love my friends, I do. I’ve known all of them forever, but I just feel like I'm dragging the mood down, you know?” The man nodded like he knew. “I’m just a lowly fifth wheel, while everyone is all couple-ly. I mean I can't help that I got dumped, but I can’t help but think that I should have stayed home.”

 

“You? Dumped?” Yeah that shouldn’t have made Jongho’s heart flutter the way it did.

 

“Yes, me. The idiot just threw away 3 years on a random Tuesday, can you believe it? Anyway, that was two weeks ago, I should be fine. I shouldn’t be set off by the mention of the word six.”

 

The man took the tiniest step closer looking in Jongho’s eyes with such sympathy. He hated the look, the pity everyone has been throwing at him. 

 

He just wanted everything to be fine again.

 

“Men suck sometimes.”

 

Oh. Jongho couldn’t help the chuckle that ripped out of his chest, both of them giggling at the fact that yes men do suck sometimes.

 

It was a far cry from the ‘i’m sorrys,’ or the ‘you’ll find someone else.’ It was simple and it made Jongho feel better.

 

“Two weeks is a criminally short amount of time to get over someone, it would take me like two years. At least.” That contrasted from the man’s face. Jongho doubted it would take long for the man to move on. But the dimples alone screamed ‘sensitive type.’

 

Appearances are only appearances afterall.

 

“So what brings you here?” They were losing light fast, the nearby torches only doing so much to light the unused area.

 

“I’m here with my parents, sister and her husband. It’s only been one day and somehow I've been asked when I'm going to bring home a ‘nice woman’ at least 5 times.”

 

Jongho tried not to be disappointed at the words, they were only strangers after all.

 

“That’s gotta be annoying.” 

 

“Very annoying. But I'm also not out to my family so everything gets awkward.”

 

Don’t smile, don’t smile, don’t smile. “Oh?”

 

“Yeah, you know, Korean family and all.”

 

“I’m sorry about that, my parents were pretty supportive.” The man cocked an amused eyebrow at him, clearly recognizing the words coming out of his mouth.

 

“You’re Korean.” 

 

“Yep.”

 

“Where from?”

 

“Basically Seoul. Nowon gu. You?”

 

“Namhae.”

 

Jongho wanted to say more, his nerves were tingling from their shared connection, but his phone went off with a new text. Wooyoung was asking about him.

 

“Crap, I really need to get back to my table, but it was nice to talk to you.” Jongho bowed slightly, mostly out of habit, before walking back the route that he came.

 

He was met with four concerned faces when he got back to his table. 

 

“Are you okay? I had them bring you some soup if your stomach was still upset.” Jongho almost felt bad, his friends were here worrying about him, while he was throwing a pity party with a stranger. Somehow it felt worse to come clean about how he was feeling, so he just played along with Wooyoung’s question.

 

“I’m fine, I had a lot of coffee earlier. Thank you hyung.”

 

He had to skip the gelato to make things believable, but there would be more time for that later.

 

***

 

All the warm and fuzzy feelings were gone by morning. To be replaced by barely controlled murderous rage. 

 

It was directed at Jongho’s one and only demon hyung who let himself in his room at 5 in the morning and shook him awake from his precious rest.

 

He just repeated the mantra in his head as Wooyoung shoved clothes at him and ushered him through his morning routine:

 

If I kill Wooyoung, Seonghwa will be sad, which will make Hongjoong sad and Yunho mad. 

 

The next thing he knew, he was being put in an elevator and walked to Seonghwa and Wooyoung’s room where the rest of their group awaited them.

 

Yunho’s hair was stuck up in a million different places and Hongjoong looked oddly fine. 

 

Oh right, this hyung doesn’t sleep.

 

They were set to hike Haleakala crater and their shuttle left in just under an hour. Luckily Seonghwa had ordered a breakfast spread that was mouthwatering enough to lessen the blow of hiking at 8 in the morning. 

 

There was a minor squabble over the coffee pot, but they worked it out (by ordering more coffee).

 

At 6:15 precisely, they head down in the elevator to meet their shuttle driver. They were lucky to get a friendly guy, who wasn’t very keen on talking unless he was asked something directly. It was perfect for sleeping.

 

Jongho tried not to bristle when Wooyoung climbed into the back row next to him, something about ‘best friend bonding.’ But it turns out his hyung wasn’t in a chatty mood, just content to rest his head on Jongho’s shoulder. 

 

Haleakala crater was an hour-long commute from their hotel, which gave them ample time to recoup the rest that was lost from this morning. The only issue was that Wooyoung was asleep on his shoulder and Jongho was wide awake.

 

The view outside the window was just breathtaking, how could Jongho sleep at a time like this?

 

They broke out of the city and emerged into the lush wildlife that grew sparse as they approached the rocky terrain. The sun was still quite low in the sky painting the horizon in purples, pinks, and oranges.

 

It was like they were ascending into the heavens.

 

Jongho was partly envious of the people that were currently at the top of the summit, they got to see the sun break over the mountains and wake up the surrounding land.

 

But there was no way in hell he’d go for a hike at 3’o’clock in the morning.

 

The long drive ended abruptly as they made their way into the park. A group was already gathering by the trail entrance. Many were exhausting their camera roll with pictures of the sky, couples posing in front of signs asking other tourists to spare them a pic or two. These were to be their companions for the next few hours.

 

Having kept in mind the athletic limitations of their group, they had chosen the shortest trail. A half-mile hike and guaranteed gorgeous scenery. 

 

As they made their way off the bus, light bags in tow and spray sunscreen ready to go, Jongho noticed something amongst the other tourists.

 

Or more like someone.

 

It was his neighbor and what looked like his family standing off to the side. That was enough to kick him into high gear.

 

He wasn’t upset about seeing the man again, but he didn’t want him to think that Jongho was following him around.

 

Well technically the first few times they’ve seen each other were both the other man’s fault. Jongho should be worried about the man stalking him!

 

That and the illogical part of his brain was embarrassed at seeing him again. He wasn’t ready for his kind smile, maybe a gentle wave, easy conversation. 

 

So he just hid himself a bit, no biggie.

 

He put his sun hat on prematurely and sprayed sunscreen on in record time. Then it was time for his favorite puppy hyung.

 

The thing he loves about having Yunho as a friend, is that he never second guesses a hug and he’s freakishly tall. So when Jongho just siddled up to the man, angling himself out of view of the stranger, Yunho just threw an arm around him and continued whatever conversation he was having with Seonghwa.

 

Hongjoong raised an eyebrow at him, not out of jealousy, but because he was always skeptical about their maknae.

 

Before long, the guides gathered everyone around to explain rules to the group of tourists. Then they were off to begin the hike.

 

There wasn’t much conversation among the five of them, content to soak in what the guides were telling them about the different views they passed. 

 

Jongho wasn’t embarrassed to admit that it wasn’t really the words he was interested in, but the insanity of the fact they were hiking up a volcano. It was dormant of course, but the lack of vegetation put into perspective the differences in the ecosystem from Namsan, for example.

 

He was swept away in the view, the way the sun continued to rise with the promise of beating down on them later.

 

The pebble had caught him by surprise. He was lucky that the path was well trodden, but forgot to take stock in the fact that he was hiking, not taking a walk in the park.

 

It was very embarrassing to stumble over his own feet. He was almost sure he was going to ruin his day with a scraped knee, when he caught himself.

 

Then someone caught him.

 

A rush of lightning went up his arms as he backed into a hard chest. The hands at his waist were firm and steadying. 

 

He tried not to jump in surprise, before he turned to face his savior.

 

And of course, it was no one other than his good ol neighbor.

 

“Are you okay?” The resonant baritone was not doing anything to help with Jongho’s pink cheeks.

 

“Uh yeah. Um thanks for catching me.” Real smooth.

 

“No problem stranger.” And just like that Jongho gained a walking buddy. 

 

He didn’t even notice that at one point his friends had gone ahead of him. They had likely recognized that Jongho wasn’t in a big talking mood and left him alone to enjoy the hike. (Because the alternative would hurt his feelings).

 

“Speaking of, stranger,” the man said cheekily, “what’s your name so I can stop calling you that.”  How he could be so gorgeous at 8 in the morning was beyond all K-beauty tips Jongho could think of. 

 

“It’s Jongho, Choi.”

 

“Choi Jongho huh? I’m Choi San.”

 

His brain short-circuited from San saying his name in Korean. Somehow he had briefly forgotten about their revelation last night.

 

“Nice to meet you San.” It would be safer for Jongho’s heart if they conversed in English. 

 

“So Jongho, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you learn English so well?” 

 

“I went to college abroad, now I work in foreign tech sales.” That earned him a low whistle. “It’s nothing glamorous, very demanding work, but the salary is nice. You?”

 

“I was just curious about the language. My family travels a lot and it pays off to be able to speak to the locals and not through a translator.” San mindlessly screws the cap off a water bottle Jongho didn’t notice him holding. He downs a quarter of the bottle with ease, droplets escaping down his neck.

 

Jongho looks away once it disappears beyond the shirt collar, feeling caught somehow.

 

“I work in choreography.”

 

The conversation continues like that, each of them trading questions about the other’s lives. They hardly notice once they reach the stopping point, 45 minutes having gone by in a flash. Some tourists pool around the edge hoping to get pictures as proof of their effort. Many others chose to sit down to rest their weary legs and refuel. 

 

Jongho notices his friends shuffling closer to where he stood with San, trying to regroup before the hike down. The conversation fizzled out slowly with San, both of them recognizing that it was time to separate again.

 

At least this time, if they never see each other again, he’ll have a name to attach to the memory.

 

San, San, San.

 

“Jongho-ya, where were you? Who was that?” A secret, someone.

 

Someone whose name means mountain and it’s quite ironic given their current environment.

 

“No one, just someone I met.”

 

***

 

He should count himself lucky that he ended up at the pool at just the right time.

 

Jongho had a very sleepy lunch with his friends once they made it back to the resort. The next thing on the agenda had been designated nap and shower time, before their appointment for deep tissue massages.

 

It was supposed to be a couple’s massage, so Jongho decided to bow out.

 

No, he’d take some time for himself at the pool. Swim trunks, sunscreen, and a loose top because he wasn’t quite sure if he was going to be getting in the water. 

 

He already took one shower today, maybe a tan was in order instead. 

 

Somehow the pool was nearly abandoned that Monday afternoon. Jongho half expected it to be packed with how spacious and private the area was. 

 

That just means he’ll have his pick of loungers.

 

The plan to tan was over before it started with how the umbrella covers were set up. Maybe he could continue his nap instead.

 

He chose a lounger that was towards the middle near the edge of the pool and dropped his bag next to it before sitting down. Next was sunscreen for every part of his body that was exposed, before laying back to enjoy the warm air. 

 

Now he could just close his eyes and-

 

“I swear I'm not following you around.”

 

San.

 

And he scared the shit out of Jongho.

 

“Sorry I scared you.” San had the nerve to look sheepish.

 

This is the second time he’s been startled in a 24-hour period and he’s starting to lose his cred. But as he found himself staring up at the man wearing a grey tank top, (that is having a hard time concealing what was underneath) he felt that was due for a little heart jump.

 

“It’s okay. Um What brings you here?” The other man took that as his invitation to settle into the lounge right next to Jongho. He only had a towel, sunscreen and one of those waterproof pouches that you put your phone in. Extremely light for a pool day.

 

“My family is getting massages, it’s not really my thing.” And then he took his tank top off.

 

He took it off and started rubbing sunscreen all over his chest.

 

Jongho buffered for 10 seconds before recovering enough brain function to look away. All while trying to tamp down the blush that was threatening to form.

 

“Uh me too. I wasn’t in the mood.”

 

The light conversation paused as San finished up with the sunscreen, tossing the bottle on the lounger before standing up.

 

Jongho found the strength to look up at the man again, just to see him staring back. San nodded toward the pool. “You gonna get in?”

 

He was sitting on his hands at this point, holding himself from enthusiastically agreeing.

 

“I don’t know yet.”

 

San paused, eyes unabashedly checking Jongho out, before smirking. “You know where to find me if you change your mind.”

 

It felt like Jongho’s heart had stopped. All he could do was watch while San jumped off the edge of the pool, emerging from the water to push his hair back, arms and back flexing enticingly.

 

This wasn’t what Jongho had wanted. He didn’t want to feel those butterflies again. Maui wasn’t meant to be where he rebounds.

 

But he craved that easy conversation, the feeling like there were just two people getting to know each other. Maybe he didn’t have to make things so complicated.

 

Before he could stop himself, Jongho was on his feet and unbuttoning his top. He pretended not to notice the way San watched him from where he was floating. His slides were abandoned under the lounger as he walked to the edge, opting to sit down and slide his way into the pool. 

 

San had righted himself by then, barely concealed excitement on his face. 

 

And then they talked.

 

Jongho learned that San only had the one sister and that she was older. His family were wealthy business owners, but his dad chose to personally manage the Tae-kwon-do dojang that had been in the family for a few generations. 

 

He was especially excited to tell him about the cat. Byeol was what he called her and she lived with his parents full time. San mentioned wanting a cat of his own, but he felt bad with how many hours he worked.

 

(Jongho thought that cats were pretty self sufficient, but San had pouted when he told him that they get just as lonely as dogs.)

 

It turns out San was a year older than him and he told Jongho to call him hyung, if he ever decides to speak to him in Korean.

 

Caught. 

 

He was curious about Jongho’s family, but he felt like he didn’t have much to tell. Both of his parents were retired athletes and chose to continue working in the field as trainers. Jongho had a little brother who played soccer and begged his parents to go with them to every game they were working. Jongho wanted to do music, but chose something practical instead.

 

It was nice to just float in the pool, sun warming their faces as they learned little things about the other. They migrated back toward the loungers to dry off as more people arrived, feeling somewhat spent from the hike that morning.

 

San asked if he wanted a drink at the bar and they grabbed their stuff and went. 

 

But Jongho had lost track of the time. His phone went off as the two of them were walking over, barely two feet under the awning.

 

Hongjoong-hyung? Shit dinner.

 

He looked apologetically toward San before taking the call.

 

“Hyung?”

 

“Wooyoung-ah told me to tell you that our shuttle leaves in 30 minutes.” There was unintelligible squabbling on the other side of the line. “And he’s coming to your room.”

 

“Shit hyung, I lost track of time, i’ll be there.” San looked at him questioningly as he ended the call, but Jongho was short on time. “I’m sorry San-hyung, another time.”

 

And with that he ran off, not realizing that he had called San hyung for the first time. 

 

If he looked back, he would have seen a dimpled smile.

 

***

 

Dinner is at a Hawaiian barbeque spot and everyone dresses down, opposite of the night before. 

 

Jongho half expected a repeat of before where he was left outside of the ‘couple bubble,’ but it seemed as if everyone was interested in what he did that afternoon.

 

What was he supposed to say? ‘Oh I keep running into my hotel neighbor who happens to be Korean (and super hot) and we swam together while talking about everything and nothing and we were going to get a drink before I was cock-blocked by my dear precious friends.’

 

But it wouldn’t even be cock-blocking because Jongho is not interested in him, like that.

 

And he’s definitely not interested in getting hurt again.

 

So Jongho told them the boring version. He went to the pool, swam a bit, tanned a bit, done deal.

 

At least he didn’t end the night sober, they drank as much as they dared at one of the local bars before calling their shuttle driver to pick them up. Jongho doesn’t remember much, but he left him a fat tip for dealing with them.

 

Surprisingly, the hangover was manageable given Jongho drank several mugs of beer. He actually felt quite energized. 

 

They hadn’t planned to meet up until 11 for their snorkeling appointment, so Jongho was left to his own devices until then.

 

It was the perfect time for the gym. 

 

The hour was quite early so he didn’t expect many people to be at the fitness center. Throwing on shorts and a muscle shirt, he was off to go through his routine as accurately as possible. 

 

As he approached the gym, the floor to ceiling windows exposed just how alone he would be.

 

Until he saw that one figure. 

 

The butterflies were almost enough for him to beeline back to the elevator, but he swiped his room card and entered. 

 

San was seemingly in the middle of his routine, if the way he was dripping sweat was anything to go by. 

 

Jongho wasn’t trying to be a creep, but he noted the sweatpants and tight dri-fit t-shirt before moving towards the treadmill for his warm up.

 

He chose a moderate pace, so that he could do some arm stretches at the same time.

 

The universe wasn’t gonna let him off that easily.

 

“Hey stranger.” This time, Jongho refrained from jumping.

 

It didn’t stop him from blushing though, but he could blame the treadmill for that.

 

“Hi.”

 

“I just finished my set, I wasn't expecting to see you here.”

 

“Yeah I saw, you were lifting without a spot.” Jongho’s words make the older man pout. Again. An expression that was entirely too cute for the man that was delivering it.

 

“I wasn’t going for a personal record or anything. It’s just maintenance.”

 

Jongho didn’t answer then, his heart beating way too fast for someone walking on a treadmill.

 

“I mean if you need a spot, I can spot you.” And San wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

 

That’s how Jongho found himself inventing new ways to not stare at someone’s chest while it was right in front of your eyes. 

 

San was never more than two feet away from him. Stray hands adjusting his form here and there. Wordlessly increasing the weights when Jongho moved to do so.

 

Jongho was distracted. And he knew that San knew it too. After the third or fourth instance of the older man stretching his arms behind his back and popping out his chest, he knew San was doing it on purpose.

 

For public decency’s sake, Jongho ended up cutting his routine off early. The shorts he was wearing were not meant to conceal sharp objects.

 

He went through his post workout stretches, San doing his own routine quietly next to him. They turned to the other when in need of a deep stretch here and there and Jongho was at his limit.

 

San held the door for him as they left the gym, walking slowly toward the lobby.

 

And Jongho wasn’t ready for them to part. 

 

It was like his mind was in constant tug of war. He wanted to run away and hide from the man, it was embarrassing for him to feel so disarmed by him. But another part of him wanted him close all the time; the newness, the awkward fuzzies, and the familiar.

 

He turned to San, a question posed on his tongue, when he made eye contact with the man who was going to do the same. He watched a slow smile rise to his cheeks and suddenly all thoughts of leaving evaporated from his mind.

 

The plan was brunch. They rode the elevator back to their rooms and parted so that they could shower and change. San knocked on his door when he was ready and off they were back to the elevator. 

 

There was plenty of small talk as they ate their food. But Jongho’s favorite moment was when they took a stroll on the beach afterwards.

 

“So San, how long have you been into exercising?” 

 

He took a moment to think before answering. “Hmm a few years now, I used to be really scrawny.”

 

That pulled a surprise chuckle out of Jongho. Just imagining the broad man in front of him as anything less than…well broad.

 

“I’m serious!” The pout was back and everything was absolutely hilarious to Jongho. He stopped in his tracks and poked the other man in the chest.

 

“There’s absolutely no way. You’re so solid.” 

 

But San was rubbing the spot he was poked in pout deepening. “ You’re really strong, you know, that hurt.”

 

Jongho was taken by the giggles, almost inconsolable. 

 

“I like your smile, you look like a little bunny rabbit.” Which was the absolute wrong thing to say, if San didn’t want to get whacked again.

 

Their bubble burst eventually, the demands of being on a group trip slowly pulling them back to reality.

 

San and Jongho didn’t promise to see each other later, just went in opposite directions.

 

For now.

 

***

 

They really could have stayed together, but both of them had conveniently left out the fact that they were going snorkeling. 

 

And they just happened to be going on the same boat.

 

Jongho was partially grateful for the separation, he didn't want to explain why he was with the other man, nor why they were walking together ‘chumily.’

 

They had a two hour boat ride ahead of them afterall.

 

From what Wooyoung had told them, they would be going out in two groups depending on skill level. Jongho, Yunho, and Wooyoung were strong swimmers and had experience in the open water, which left Seonghwa and Hongjoong in the beginner group. There was no way of knowing how San’s family would be broken down, but from what the instructor said, it should be an even split.

 

Lunch was simple; sandwiches, finger foods, and plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. There was easy conversation between the five of them until they had their fill and decided to roam the boat. One of the instructors was at the railing pointing out different areas of the geography as they approached the crater. San’s family was crowded around as Jongho’s group approached.

 

Then the unthinkable happened.

 

“Oh wow, I can't believe we’re swimming with such handsome boys!” San’s mother had exclaimed once she saw the five of them. And of course everyone understood her perfectly. If you’ve ever seen five men blush at once…

 

San and his sister both attempted to admonish their mother for being so brazen, but it was clear she didn’t care with the way she doubled down.

 

“It’s true, they look like models.”

 

Of course Wooyoung jumped in, patron social butterfly and all. “Thank you seonsaengnim. I didn’t realize we were amongst other Koreans. It’s nice to meet you.”

 

“You boys look like such good friends to be on a trip together.”

 

Wooyoung who was never shy or ashamed about who he was or the people around him almost hesitated to tell her that they weren’t exactly all friends. “Well yes seonsaengnim we’re friends… and a little more than that.”

 

“Ah I see. That can happen, don’t look so shy there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” 

 

They all politely bowed at that. 

 

Jongho couldn’t help but to look at San. He couldn’t imagine how he was feeling at the moment, being afraid to come out to your parents, yet seeing them accept other gay couples. 

 

His mom seemed like the loving type, Jongho couldn’t imagine a world in which she rejected her own child for something so simple.

 

It was freeing to be amongst other Korean speakers. Their now group of 10 spent the rest of the boat ride getting to know each other, conversing familiarly in their native tongue.

 

The two instructors had a hard time getting their attention when it came time for them to split into their respective groups.

 

It shouldn’t have been a surprise to see San join the strong swimmer group along with his brother-in-law. The two of them hadn’t had a chance to talk again since their outing that morning and Jongho was hoping his friends didn’t pick up on the ‘interesting’ vibe between the two of them.

 

Jongho wasn’t interested, after all.

 

Diving was a simple affair of stripping into swim trunks and slipping on gear through guided instructions.

 

The strong swimmer group would be going further into the open ocean and be allowed to dive without a snorkel vest. Their instructor reviewed hand signals and emergency procedures before she left them to their own devices for a bit.  

 

They all pushed up their masks, not wanting to converse with a big piece of plastic and silicone in the way.

 

Yunho and San’s in-law were continuing their conversation about baseball from before with Wooyoung interjecting here and there. Jongho was very interested in his cuticles and pointedly ignored the other man that wasn’t talking.

 

Maybe it had something to do with the fact that if he looked up he would see nothing but pumped up muscly chest from their work out that morning. 

 

It was weird to be in such close quarters with him. It felt like some secret affair that they were hiding from their parents, quite literally in San’s case.

 

He broke out of his diligent cuticle observance when he felt a bony shoulder barrel into his own. 

 

“Hojongie, can you help me with something?” Jongho had to tamp down the glare he sent in Wooyoung's direction. They were amongst polite company afterall. 

 

It was turned back up to full force once he realized that Wooyoung dragged him away just to gossip about San.

 

“Omg Jongho, San-ssi has been checking you out like the entire time we’ve been standing there.”

 

Don’t blush, don’t blush, don’t blush.

 

“No he hasn’t.”

 

“How would you know, you were looking down.” Well he was looking down, but Wooyoung couldn’t possibly know why. 

 

“Wait! He was the guy from the hike, you totally think he’s attractive!”

 

So much for not blushing.

 

“Shhh do you want the whole boat to hear???”

 

“Please I'm not that loud.”

 

“Yes you are.”

 

“Whatever, don’t change the subject, you like him.”

 

“No. I don’t. Besides, it doesn’t matter if he’s hot, I'm not looking for a rebound.”

 

“Hojong…” Wooyoung softened his gaze as he took in the expression on Jongho’s face. But Jongho didn’t want it. He was tired of everyone pitying him and wanting him to just be happy again. 

 

Best case scenario with San would be: they hook up, Jongho catches feelings, they get back to Korea and pretend like the other doesn’t exist. So San could go live his ‘hot boy’ life and Jongho would be stuck crying on his friend’s couch. 

 

He would be miserable. He is miserable.

 

It was nice to flirt with a stranger, but that’s all he could handle right now.

 

“Hyung, I'm not talking about this.” Every ounce of his emotional energy was put into schooling his expression into something neutral as he stormed, no walked, back to their snorkel group.

 

By that time, their instructor returned and was asking who wanted to get into the water first.

 

And maybe he cut Yunho off when he volunteered, but he was eager to clear his head.

 

The instructor did a once over, ensuring his gear was on properly before directing him to take a stride leap into the water. He let the water take him under for a moment before pushing up to the surface.

 

Jongho didn’t look back, treading water before choosing a direction and swimming away. 

 

His mood had been on a steady decline since he boarded the boat that morning, but it was hard to stay upset when he dove underwater for the first time and was met with actual paradise. 

 

The boat was far off the coast, but that did not dull the vibrancy of the coral nor the bright orange and red fish swimming in schools as if giant two-legged mammals joining them was an everyday occurrence.

 

It was breathtaking. 

 

Actually. Jongho had to mentally walk himself through the steps of resurfacing and blowing the water through his snorkel hose. He had two hours to be one with the environment.

 

He wanted to see it all, the octopuses, the fishes in every color, the gentle manta rays and reptilians if he was lucky enough. Every once in a while he made eye contact with the instructor, silently watching to make sure he wasn’t drowning, while entertaining the rest of their group. To be fair, he rarely spent time above the water, resurfacing the moment his breath ran out and diving as soon as he could hold another.

 

If Jongho wasn’t so wonderstruck, he would have noticed how far he had wandered from the boat. Not that it was a bad thing per se. But the instructor had warned their group that the further they wandered out, the more they’d see…

 

It wasn’t what he saw at first, but what he didn’t see. The coral had become sparse as he swam further, until there was none at all. That’s when he saw the shadow just a few meters below him.

 

Well not a shadow, more like a grey spot that was illuminated by the sunlight…A moving grey spot.

 

The rational part of his brain remembered all those nature documentaries he watched when new dramas were few and far in between. 

 

Sharks were harmless until there was reason to harm, but Jongho was feeling like a juicy seal at that moment.

 

He didn’t mean to lose his breath, it was probably the worst thing he could do under the water. Every part of his body went into survival mode as he resurfaced, but he forgot to blow out the water in his snorkel, meaning that it went straight down his throat.

 

His lungs burned as he coughed to clear the water, while swimming in the direction of the boat. He tried not to flail, knowing that curious shark bites were detrimental. If only he could get his heart rate back to normal, maybe it wouldn’t look like he was fighting not to drown.

 

A pair of arms was his savior, when his body lost its traction, holding him close as they treaded the water together. He was laid on his back as the mask was pulled up to rest on his forehead.

 

“Hey, just breathe, I got you. You’re okay.” Jongho tried to place the voice, but his eyes were shut tight, willing himself to be anywhere but in the ocean. “Jongho-yah. Breathe.”

 

Oh wait. It was that voice. 

 

He opened his eyes to meet San’s. They were gentle as he told him to breathe.

 

Eventually his heart rate calmed down enough for him to realize that he was floating on his back, allowing him to catch his breath so that he could make the swim back.

 

San turned away from him briefly, exchanging words with someone in front of him. Jongho could make out something like ‘we’re good…I got him.’

 

Feeling the embarrassment well up, Jongho found the energy to right himself, treading for a moment before pushing off in the direction of the boat. His pace was slower than usual and he had to take several breaks just to catch his breath. After the third time, San grabbed his arms placing them on his shoulders and murmured for him to keep his head up. The next thing he knew he was being pulled in the direction of the boat.

 

It was difficult for Jongho not to admire the athleticism of the man he was holding onto. Not only was he transporting another human being, but he was keeping himself afloat in the middle of the ocean.

 

Once they reached the boat ladder, San let Jongho climb aboard ahead of him, lifting him by the hips so that he had better leverage to pull himself up and out. The other man was close behind gently pushing Jongho to sit on a nearby bench, taking a towel from one of the workers and draping it across his shoulders. Next was a bottle of water and a granola bar he placed in Jongho’s hands before taking another towel and drying himself off. The bench dipped when San flopped down next to him, his own snack in hand.

 

Jongho was staring straight ahead, the build up of exhaustion from swimming and the ever growing pool of embarrassment made him want nothing more than to curl up in a ball and die.

 

“You know I won a dumpling lookalike contest once…” 

 

This fool.

 

How was it fair for Jongho to be sitting here listening to this man tell this random story all while taking his granola bar and opening it for him.

 

He didn’t even notice that he had finished the entire bar when San got up and handed him a banana. Somehow they had moved on to the time San sang for a gospel choir in elementary school despite his family not being anywhere close to religious.

 

Jongho started laughing once they got to the part where San’s said he had a bald spot from when his dad was teaching him how to ride a bike and he told him to ‘walk it off.’

 

They were sitting there laughing and smiling like idiots.

 

“Ah Sannie-ah, Jongho-ssi what are you doing here?” It was San’s mother. Jongho felt like cold water had been doused on the two of them. 

 

“Eomma, hi we were just…”

 

What were they doing? Talking? Enjoying each other's company? Why did that feel so wrong to do?

 

“Namji seonsaegnim, I had a scare in the water, San-hyung was helping me out.” Jongho half expected the two of them to laugh at him. The absurdity of a 25-year-old being spooked by some sea creatures. 

 

But it seemed like San’s mother had other things on the mind. 

 

“Hyung huh? You two are getting along well then. No need to be so formal Jongho-yah just call me Eomma.”

 

“Okay Eomma-nim-”

 

“Just Eomma.” Jongho tried not to jump when San’s mother squeezed his shoulder. It was a fleeting moment of comfort before she partook in the refreshments and sat on San’s other side. “I’m just so exhausted. The water really takes it out of you. I don’t see how you two went so far out.”

 

“I was just following Jongho’s lead, he seemed to know where the good sights were.” 

 

Wait. San was following him the whole time? Why would he do that when there was so much else to see?

 

“Hyung I didn’t mean to ruin your time out there.”

 

“What’s ruined? I'm having fun, I promise.” 

 

Then there was that dimpled smile again and those kind eyes that he could just get lost in.

 

Jongho what are you doing? 

 

He had no chance to ponder that thought before it was interrupted.

 

“So there you guys are! I was wondering why it was so lonely out there.” Wooyoung plopped down next to Jongho in the barely there space between him and the wall, forcing him to scoot closer to San. Their foreheads almost bumped which would look entirely too compromising to the two nosey people that were flanking them.

 

Jongho looked away, hiding his sudden blush by taking a swig of water. Meanwhile San had the nerve to laugh at him. He knows, he can see the bright teeth in his peripheral. 

 

Wooyoung just continues on as normal, pulling out his phone from his waterproof pouch and swiping through the pics. “Ugh I’m so tired, but I got so many good pics. I’ll be surprised if I have storage left…Look at this octopus. Doesn’t it look like Hojongie?” 

 

San and him get squished together again when his mom leans in to get a better look at the phone. They start laughing and talking over the two of them like old friends. Jongho gets sick of it pretty quickly.

 

“San do you want to get back in the water?” He says to the other, not intentionally covert, but almost drowned out by the loud conversation.

 

“I’ll go if you go.” 

 

They try not to make it awkward when they break off from the other two who were content to get a head start on the open bar. Jongho opts for using the stairs to get in the water, not quite sure if he’s going to jump like he did before. San is right behind him and they swim side-by-side unlike before. He points out different animals here and there, only diving when Jongho did.

 

How loyal could one man be?

 

Before they knew it, their time was up and everyone was slowly but surely making their way back to the boat.

 

There was limited space to change, so they were stuck sunbathing to dry off and slowly adding clothes as the afternoon went on. Dinner was served when the boat began its travels back to the resort dock. The two groups were no longer divided, rather everyone sat together and conversed as they ate and drank. 

 

Jongho was happy about a certain person sticking next to him.

 

The sun was getting lower and lower in the sky when they returned, but everyone had their sights set on showering and resting for the remainder of the evening. 

 

Thus began the scattering, with number exchanges and promises to talk once they returned to Korea. San and Jongho were headed in the same direction walking in comfortable silence toward the elevators. Floor 7 came up entirely too quickly and before Jongho knew it, he was staring at door 710. 

 

He was fumbling in his wallet for his keycard when he was stopped by a hand on his arm.

 

“Wait. Let me give you my number…you know just in case.”

 

Jongho didn’t even consider when ‘just in case’ would mean before he handed over his phone.

 

“There. Just don’t forget to text me.” San handed him the phone back with both his number and Kakaotalk ID. 

 

“I won’t.”

 

“So uh, catch you around?”

 

“Bye hyung-ah.” Jongho said before entering his room, leaving the other man a blushing mess.

 

Later, after showering, Jongho opened his phone to the new contact boldly labelled as ‘Sannie-hyung.’ He sent a general text identifying himself and ignored the flutter in his stomach when his phone immediately lit up with a text back.

 

They went back and forth until Jongho could hardly keep his eyes open.

 

***

 

Jongho was disappointed when he didn’t see San at all the next day.

 

It wasn’t like they were set up to see each other. That morning he had private paddle board lessons with Wooyoung and Yunho, while Hongjoong and Seonghwa had their ‘hyung senior’ time. 

 

Which probably meant they were somewhere being pampered away from sand and sun.

 

He had to thank every bit of his athleticism for being able to pick up paddle boarding easily because he was more than a little bit distracted. The section of the beach they were on was devoid of most people except for the resort workers that were ever so busy. Every time he saw movement in the distance, he stared in that direction hoping to catch the familiar outline of San, but he was unlucky. 

 

After the lesson, they headed to brunch and Wooyoung kept pestering him to ‘just text the man.’ Jongho found the courage to keep his phone away after that, feeling like his feelings were being blasted on the nearest billboard.

 

Wait, there are no feelings.

 

They spent that afternoon hanging in Wooyoung and Seonghwa’s suite while the ‘hyung seniors’ were out. After the last two days of hiking and swimming, it was time to do their bodies a small mercy by relaxing inside. The TV was turned on to no channel in particular and they spread out in their own little bubbles.

 

Seonghwa and Hongjoong came back just as the afternoon was transitioning to evening and the five of them split up to get ready for that night. 

 

It was karaoke night at the resort and there was a promise of buffet food, dancing, and plenty of drinks. 

 

Normally, Jongho would be excited at any opportunity to sing, but he was just bogged down by the reminder that this was the first party that he would be attending alone in three years. 

 

He knew exactly how the night would go. His friends would try to include him at first, inviting him to dance and taking turns burning the stage up with whatever song their hearts desired. Then they would get wrapped in each other again and leave Jongho alone at the table. He could try to find someone to dance with, but not many people go to Hawaii alone and his chances were not looking great with how mopey he’s been lately.

 

So that left one thing for him to do: drink.

 

The karaoke was in full swing by the time they made it to the party. All the guests were dressed down in loose fit clothing and chatting amongst one another merrily. 

 

Jongho broke off the first chance he could and made his way to the bar to get a whiskey coke.

 

He hung around the outskirts beyond his hyungs direct eyesight so that they wouldn’t feel obligated to entertain him. 

 

By his 3rd drink, he was still painfully sober picking at finger food here and there. Many people had made their grand debuts on stage and Jongho’s ears were starting to hurt from all the noise. 

 

“You get one more drink, then you’re doing karaoke.” 

 

Wooyoung. He should have known that his hyung wouldn’t let him throw himself a pity party for long. Jongho put his name down for a random Bruno Mars song that he could belt out in his sleep and waited for the moment he would have to feign enjoyment.

 

Maybe When I Was Your Man was a little too on the nose for what Jongho was feeling at the moment, but it was nice to get it out into the aether. Something for all the resort strangers to hold onto rather than him holding it all in. 

 

All wasn’t lost after all.

 

He made it back to the table he had set up camp at earlier, half acknowledging the compliments people threw his ways as he meandered through the crowd. The plate and glass that he left had been cleared up by the resort staff, so he was staring at the empty white tablecloth, contemplating just going back to his room.

 

“You have an insanely good voice.” Jongho looked up to see the man that had consumed his thoughts and misery for the past several hours. 

 

Maybe he could stay for a bit.

 

“Uh thanks.” San was wearing one of those cheesy tropical shirts atop a white tank top with matching white pants. One of the staff had thrown a lei around his neck and it just happened to be pretty pink. 

 

It matched the umbrella of the undeniably fruity beverage he had in his hand. 

 

“Do you mind if I sit?” All Jongho could do was nod in response. His words were caught in his throat partially by the embarrassment of having spent the day thinking about a man he just met and mostly because of the way San was looking at him. “Wooyoung tipped me off about karaoke, I figured I would come by.”

 

Jongho wanted to ask how and when Wooyoung even got his number, but he knew by now not to question his hyung’s methods. “What did your family do today?” Was what he asked instead, hoping that San didn’t pick up on the implication.

 

“Why? Did you miss me?” 

 

So much for that. Jongho’s cheeks heat up and he’s certain that he’s going to have to cook up some reason why he did not miss him.

 

San chuckled and mumbled ‘cute’ under his breath before answering the question. “We did all the touristy stuff…” 

 

Jongho was wondering how the man was still standing as he unloaded the activities his family did that day. First was a helicopter tour before ziplining. Lunch was at Wailuku town and they lingered there for the rest of the afternoon. 

As San was speaking, Jongho was trying not to imagine himself as the sixth member of their excursion, walking hand-in-hand as they sipped on coffee and purused the art galleries.

 

Because that would be insane.

 

Their conversation was interrupted when one of the resort-goers took the stage and attempted to sing I Will Always Love You in a key that was simply unheard of. San thought that the earnestness of the singer was hilarious, while Jongho was questioning how much alcohol they actually put in those drinks.

 

He was caught off guard when San stood up and extended his hand, asking if he wanted to join him on the dance floor, alongside the other couples. Maybe it was a bit rude to glance around the seating area, wanting to confirm that his friends were off somewhere else and not witnessing him do what he was about to do.

 

Truth be told, he didn’t think that he would actually take San’s hand or let him lead him on the floor. He didn’t think that San would grab him by the hips after arranging Jongho’s arms to go around his neck.  He didn’t think that he would find it hilarious at the way San would imitate the singers as they squawked out the likes of Whitney and Michael Jackson for no other reason but to punch social anxiety in the mouth.

 

Time had stilled to a snail’s pace, it was as if the two of them were alone dancing in the middle of the beach to the limited light of the tiki torches. 

 

Their conversation had slowed when the DJ had called ‘San Choi’ to the stage. 

 

“Well gotta make my contribution to society.”

 

San reluctantly broke away from Jongho before turning to walk to the stage.

 

A sane person would leave the dance floor to take a seat while their dance partner had left. But Jongho found himself standing amongst the dancing couples staring at the man awkwardly situating himself on the stage before jazzy music filtered through the sound system.

 

He felt like he was floating as San’s beautiful baritone flooded his eardrums. This wasn’t a song that Jongho was familiar with but he understood every word loud and clear.

 

San had originally tried to engage the crowd, looking around and smiling easily. But he closed his eyes as the higher notes came out, focusing on his delivery.

 

When he opened them, he stared right at Jongho, the third verse flowing sultry off his tongue.

 

Well I want to make love to you tonight

I can't wait till the morning has come

And I know that the time is just right

And straight into my arms you will run

 

Loud and clear indeed. 

 

He tried not to feel embarrassed at the fact that he was noticeably the man San was singing to. The couples noticed and started parting around him as San kept his eyes on him. It felt like one of those Thai BLs Jongho had watched, where one main love interest serenades the other despite having very limited singing skills. 

 

But San’s weren’t limited and Jongho wasn’t in the comfort and safety of his own apartment. Whatever had developed between the two of them these past few days was put on show and neither of them were shying away from it now.

 

The crow broke into applause once the song ended. San reluctantly broke their spell before handing off the mic and beelining back to Jongho. 

 

Whoever had taken the stage next had thankfully chosen something upbeat, so Jongho didn’t feel as put out as he felt.

 

San takes him in his arms again easily, looking at him with his infuriating dimpled smile. 

 

“You say I can sing but look at you. That was amazing San.”

 

“I think you got me beat by miles.” Jongho doesn’t know what to say at the easy compliment, cheeks flaming again for the umpteenth time in the past hour. There’s movement in the corner of his eye as he sees his friends sitting at the table staring at the two of them. All of them make obscene gestures that undoubtedly imply that he should ‘get some’ and he has to fight not to roll his eyes.

 

“Hyung, do you want to get a drink?” San agrees easily, but doesn’t take his hand off his back as they make their way over to the bar. He pulls out a stool for Jongho before taking his own. 

 

“You know I'm typically a one and done drinker. I get too red and loopy.” Jongho giggles at the admission, imagining the buff man in front of him as red as a tomato. “I’m serious, I will start serenading you and hang off of you like a koala.”

 

“I can’t lie, I kinda want to see it.” San thumps him in the shoulder, breathing out dramatically and pouting. Jongho can’t contain his giggles for the life of him.

 

The bartender comes over and takes their drink orders before running off to make them. He doesn’t even notice San handing off his card until it is placed in front of them along with a glass of whiskey and a fruity mocktail. 

 

Jongho hardly touches his drink as he gets wrapped up in the man next to him. It’s probably the first time in a long time that his cheeks hurt this much from smiling. 

 

By the time San finishes his drink and the ice melts in Jongho’s, San gets this look in his eye, pausing before his next words.

 

“Do you want to get out of here?”

 

Jongho had it coming didn’t he. This was the part where they start a physical relationship that has no chance of continuing beyond the magic of this island. Maybe he wasn’t ready to let go of this first stage. He didn’t want the time he spent by San’s side tainted by the fact that he was in the ‘rebound period.’

 

His face fell a bit and San picked up on it immediately. 

 

“I don’t know…”

 

“How about a walk on the beach then?”

 

A walk on the beach. He could do that.

 

San flagged down the bartender, closing their tab before pulling Jongho’s chair out ever the gentleman.

 

They wandered over to the beach access which was lit up for any guests that had the same inclination to moonlight walking. Conversation didn’t come as easily then, their feelings toward the other laid out on the table. 

 

The distance between each other was just enough that they brushed hands every so often.

 

And Jongho was just tired of fighting himself.

 

So he took San’s hand in his, lacing their fingers together easily. 

 

The older paused in the middle of his sentence, looking down at their joined hands before beaming at Jongho. 

 

His smile was more beautiful under the moonlight.

 

They stop walking then, facing toward each other like a secret being revealed. San pulls him in at the waist with his unoccupied hand, smile dropping as he looks down toward Jongho’s lips and back.

 

“You can say no, but I'd really like to kiss you now.”

 

Jongho just nods, words caught as his heart did several flutters. He leans in unconsciously, eyes closing before San tsks and holds him back with a hand on his cheek.

 

“I need words Jongho-yah.”

 

A warm feeling settled into his stomach as he made eye contact with the other man. He awaited his answer, eyes lidded and hand firm on his jaw.

 

“Please kiss me.” And he did.

 

Their lips met in a soft caress, heads tilting naturally as they sighed against one another. San let go of his hand in favor of taking his waist. He joined their bodies together as he tilted his head and opened his lips.

 

Jongho tried not to whimper as the kiss heated up, tongue testing the seams of his own before he let the other explore him. Pineapples and coconuts burst across his tastebuds and he couldn’t resist drawing the tongue in his mouth as he sucked the remnants of the mocktail away. 

 

His head started to feel fuzzy from lack of oxygen, but he didn’t care as he lost himself in the sensation. Arms were thrown around the solid shoulders of the other man as more and more whines escaped his throat. A hand slid into his hair and pulled him apart from the others lips.

 

He felt cold at the loss and looked at San with a pout. 

 

They drew the oxygen back in their lungs as they looked at one another, the fire light getting dimmer with time.

 

It was every bit as magical as it sounded, kissing a man you met 4 days ago on the beach under the moonlight.

 

***

 

They try to keep things decent as they walk through the resort lobby. San had clamped his arm around his waist and refused to let go for any reason other than to press the elevator button. 

 

He presses Jongho against the wall once the doors close, bullying his tongue into his mouth as a leg is pressed between the younger’s. Jongho doesn’t even register when they start moving, trying to keep up without making too much noise.

 

They are ripped apart when the elevator dings, announcing their arrival to floor 7. They fast walk to their rooms, both of them fumbling around for their room keys, letting that be the deciding factor of where they go. San finds his first, pressing it on the sensor, before nearly slamming the door open. 

 

Clothing doesn’t come off easily, neither of them wanting to stop kissing for the simple task. San breaks apart when the back of Jongho’s knees hit the bed, stripping off his tank top before picking the younger up and throwing him on the bed.

 

And well if Jongho wasn’t hard before, he’s rock solid now.

 

San takes up residence between Jongho’s legs bringing their members together in a slow grind as he stares into his eyes. They pant into each other's mouth as the friction from the clothing borders on too much. Jongho tries to reach down to pull his shorts off, but is stopped by the other pinning his arms to either side of his head.

 

He attaches his lips to his neck, kissing and sucking as he unbuttons Jongho’s shirt. As each bit of skin gets exposed, he covers the area with his mouth almost as if San is trying to memorize the topography of him. Jongho wants to get embarrassed, but all insecure thoughts fly out the window when San looks at him before sucking a nipple into his mouth.

 

His hips kick up, hands coming to thread in San’s hair as he nips at the sensitive nub. Moans fly out of his mouth, breathy and whiny as he feels the heat pool in his stomach. San moves to the other side, giving the same attention as his hand rubs and pinches the abandoned one. 

 

Just when Jongho thinks he can’t take anymore, San moves down to his belly, nipping at the gentle folds that weren’t nearly as hard as they could be. 

 

Another stupid insecure thought that was thwarted when San squeezed his hips and suckled at his abdomen. His eyes were hazy as he met Jongho’s, happy to just worship the man underneath him.

 

San didn’t rush to unsheath his member, coming up to press a few kisses to his lips before  undoing Jongho’s shorts and pushing them down along with his boxers.

 

“I don’t have any lube, but I'd still like to make you feel good.” Jongho wanted to argue that he already made him feel amazing, but instead he murmured out a ‘please.’

 

San slid back down his body, giving his exposed cock a squeeze and thumbing the tip where precome had gathered. He rubbed the liquid around, reducing the friction as he pumped him slowly, flicking his wrist as he came up. 

 

Jongho bit his lip trying not to moan so loudly, but it did nothing to stifle the noises he made when San sucked at his tip.

 

He took his cock down too easily, eyes never once straying from Jongho’s as he bobbed his head. There was no way Jongho was going to last much longer.

 

Once San swallowed around him, he almost couldn’t warn San before he spilled into the other’s mouth, eyes rolling back as he whined out his release. San took everything, milking him dry before sliding up and dipping his tongue into Jongho’s panting mouth.

 

San was going to kill him.

 

His chest eventually stopped heaving as they kissed lazily, San’s forearms holding him up over Jongho.

 

But Jongho could still feel him at his hip and he couldn’t leave him like that could he?

 

He rolled them over so that he was straddling San’s waist and pushed the older man’s shoulders back as he backed down his body. Jongho didn’t bother pulling his pants down, unzipping the white pants and pulling down the briefs before swallowing the thick member in one go.

 

“Shit.” San pulled at his hair and Jongho moaned at the sting. He couldn’t quite reach his nose to his hips, so he brought up one hand to meet his mouth as he deepthroated him. 

 

“Jongho-ya, look at me.” It felt like a trap, his eyes closed tighter as he focused on sucking. 

 

That was before the hand tightened in his hair that much more.

 

“Look. At. Me.” Jongho felt tears spring from his eyes as he opened them to stare at the other man. “Yes baby, you’re so beautiful, taking me so well.”

 

San’s hips started moving, fucking into Jongho’s mouth as it fell slack. It felt nice to be used like this to get off. Maybe he was going a little crazy, but he’d let the older man do anything to him.

 

Once his hips start getting erratic, Jongho is given his one chance to pull off. But he doubles down, head going down as far as possible before swallowing around them man. His mouth is full of cum as his throat takes another beating. He just focuses on swallowing, head swimming from the musk of sex in the air and the hands in his hair gentling. 

 

San pulls him up to lay on his chest, kicking off his pants to settle somewhere in the room. There’s no lights to turn off, they lay there and fall asleep entangled in one another.

 

***

 

At some point in the night, Jongho wakes up to San running his fingers through his hair. He meets his eyes and sees that the man had been staring at him while he slept on his chest. Their lips meet easily, a gentle kiss that promised more than just one night.

 

They get up to shower together, washing each other under the hot rays. It’s innocent until it isn’t and San runs his hands down Jongho’s backside, parting his cheeks as he licks into his mouth. 

 

Jongho moans open-mouthed as a finger starts rubbing against his entrance. San breaches his hole once he relaxes enough and it takes all of Jongho’s concentration to keep his lips on the other.

 

San moves onto his neck as he gently explores, biting into the side once he knows he’s found what he was looking for. 

 

A second finger is inserted and Jongho hisses at the sting, before stars light up behind his eyes. San rubs both fingers into the sensitive nub as Jongho digs his nails into the shoulder. Whines spill from him and San encourages him with filthy whispers in his ear. Before he can process it, he reaches his peak entirely too fast and his legs go numb. 

 

San backs him into the wall as he giggles at the younger, kissing his cheeks before washing him all over again. 

 

Jongho wants to drop to his knees, but San stops him, wrapping him in a fluffy towel and tucking him against his chest in bed.

 

***

 

He feels entirely too good when he wakes up the next morning something suckling at his neck, dropping kisses here and there. When Jongho finally opens his eyes, he sees that his night with San wasn’t a dream and the man was very much still here with him. He drags him up into a kiss, tinged with morning breath neither of them care about. 

 

Jongho wants to deepen it, but an alarm goes off on his phone that had been plugged into the charger at some point. 

 

That’s right he still had plans with his friends that day.

 

“I have to go.” He says to San while making no move to do so. Both of them are reluctant to ditch the warm cocoon of each other. Every part of him wants to text his friends that he’s gonna skip, but today’s activity was the one he chose and he wouldn’t dare miss it. 

 

San looks at him as the thoughts run through his head, a selfish one making its way out of his mouth.

 

“We’re going to an alpaca farm for a private tour. Technically the reservation’s for six if you wanna…” The pout forms before Jongho could finish his words.

 

“I want to, but my family has plans this morning.” The sting of disappointment settled in as they realize that they will have to separate after all. 

 

Jongho gathers his belongings, slipping them on haphazardly knowing that he only has a two feet long commute to his room.

 

San walks him to the door, brushing the hair out of his eyes before dropping a kiss on his lips.

 

“I’ll see you later, yeah?”

 

***

 

This time Jongho wasn’t so mopey.

 

His friends teased him when he came to breakfast with makeup poorly concealing his reddened neck. Seonghwa sat him down to fix it before they left the resort in their shuttle. 

 

They were in for another long drive back to Haleakala mountain and were told to dress warmly with no loose jewelry and comfortable shoes. Afterwards they would get lunch in the city before heading to their next destination. 

 

Jongho didn’t isolate himself this time on the shuttle, choosing to sit next to the hyung that would ask him the least amount of questions regarding his activities the night before; Hongjoong. 

 

Maybe that had something to do with the fact that his hyung was distracted by the new concepts he was planning out in his sketchbook. He would ask Jongho’s opinion here and there but mostly explained his thought process ‘at’ him to justify the ideas swarming through his head.

 

Wooyoung had been corralled away by his boyfriend, forced to sit in the window seat so that he wouldn’t bother Jongho with his questions. 

 

That didn’t stop him from texting however.

 

Apparently he had been busy snooping since they went snorkeling Tuesday afternoon. He sent Jongho a picture of San and him when they went into the water the second time. They were looking toward each other, heads peeking out of the water, snorkel masks concealing their actual expression. 

 

Wooyoung sent another pic before Seonghwa slapped his hand and took away his phone, if the sound of skin on skin was anything to go by.

 

It was when they were dancing the night before. Their bodies were closer than Jongho had realized. His hands were interlaced behind San’s neck, a compliment to the ones that were holding the small of his waist.

 

The ones that pushed him against the wall, squeezed him so tightly.

 

That’s enough screen time for now.

 

The apples of his cheeks must have been bright red.

 

“Jongho-ya, see how this fabric billows at the shoulders? Doesn’t that give Wendy from Peter Pan?”

 

“Uh yeah hyung.”

 

Well he was lucky that his seatmate wasn’t paying any attention.

 

The bus ride was over faster than Jongho had realized, the farm coming into view as if they were always riding through lush green hills. 

 

Wooyoung handled the check in as the rest of them took in the scenery. Jongho could already see the fuzzy heads in the distance, curious about the next set of visitors. 

 

He tried to keep his legs still, but secretly he was losing his mind with excitement.

 

His chosen activity seemed kinda juvenile compared to his friends’. Secretly, he was a big animal lover. He always wanted a dog or a cat growing up, but given how busy his parents were on an average day, it was never feasible for them to get one. Sure Jongho is on his own now and could easily adopt. The whole ordeal just seemed too daunting, he wouldn’t know the first thing about pet care, let alone training. His ex especially didn’t like the idea of a pet, obsessed with cleanliness beyond that of Seonghwa who lint rolls the floor.

 

They at least have a cat.

 

Anyway, the alpaca farm was perfect for Jongho. One hour of petting some of the softest fur and maybe, just maybe holding one of the bunnies.

 

After check in, there was a brief lull before their tour guide gathered them for the tour. They were given some rules on how to interact and taken through the steps to sanitize their hands, before being let into the enclosure.

 

Jongho let the tour guide’s voice wash over him as he made eye contact with the first alpaca. Apparently, this one didn’t have the same reservations as the others about stranger danger. He spared a few morsels of food from his bag and placed them flat on his hand, sticking it out away from his body.

 

It was like magic when the curious alpaca approached and sniffed his hand before taking the offering. 

 

That’s how the first few minutes of their time went, alpacas curiously getting used to their group’s presence and accepting the bits of food here and there. When their bags of food emptied, the guide continued the tour of the farm, educating them on the harvesting of alpaca and angora wool and how they process it. 

 

Eventually, they reached the enclosure where they kept the angora rabbits. Jongho had given up on the prospect of holding one of the bunnies, knowing that they could be super skittish around visitors. He settled for bending down and petting the ones that strayed off from the bunch after letting them sniff and get used to his presence.

 

His knee was beginning to give up on him from the crouched stance, so he lowered himself to the ground, thanking his past self for choosing dark jeans. He didn’t realize that he had kinda created a ‘bunny mecca’ around him, all the angoras slowly finding their other herdmates and gravitating towards them. 

 

A particularly curious one, jumped up on Jongho’s legs that were flat on the ground, sniffing the air for treats. Their guide quietly got his attention, handing him some food to feed to the rabbit. The curious angora came closer, eventually settling in his lap to take the food out of his hand. Jongho took his chance to pet it, admiring the unique brown color it had. Another one took its place, a greyish coat that was particularly fluffy.

 

The guide gently lifted each bunny off of Jongho when the time came up on their tour. Yunho was right behind to help him off the ground given the fickleness of his bad knee. And almost as soon as it started, it was over and they made their way back to the shuttle.

 

Seonghwa wasn’t quite fast enough to prevent Wooyoung from stealing the seat right next to Jongho. He just huffed and sat in the seat directly behind to keep an eye on his boyfriend. Hongjoong wasn’t bothered much by the seating change, choosing to rest his head on Yunho’s shoulder with his eyes closed.

 

Even though he looked relaxed, Jongho knew this to be a farce. His hyung was likely thinking of how difficult it would be to import alpaca fur, a million design ideas being considered and discarded in his mind.

 

What did surprise him was when his phone lit up with a text from San. Jongho’s first instinct was to open it, but he remembered that he had a nosy gremlin next to him that was probably waiting to look as well. So he locked the phone screen and turned it over in his lap. 

 

It took all of one minute for him to blow his cover.

 

“C’mon Jongho-ya just open it…wha-ow!”

 

Seonghwa was keeping a close watch indeed. Wooyoung turned his best (worst) sad puppy eyes on his boyfriend, but he did not back down one bit. 

 

Jongho was left alone until they got to the restaurant where he took a long bathroom break to ‘freshen up.’ He opened the new text thread with San.

 

Sannie-hyung:

[Pic]

Ur so cute 

That brown bunny looks like you

 

He had to will his heart to stop beating so fast. Since when did they upgrade to casual flirting?

 

Since he stuck your dick in his mouth. Hellooooo

 

Jongho-ya:

Haha thanks. Did Wooyoung send that to you?

Seriously, when did he even ask for your number?

 

…

 

Sannie-hyung:

He asked for it on the boat so he could ‘threaten me properly’

I wish I could’ve been there, I love alpacas

The fam did yoga on the beach which is not really my vibe

Also you’re really cute in flare jeans

Jongho-ya:

I bet you look hot in yoga pants

 

Sannie-hyung:

This is probably the least sexy i’ve felt 

Sand really goes everywhere

 

It took a random person entering the restroom for Jongho to realize that he was really standing at the sink giggling at his phone like a crazy person.

 

The funny thing is, he didn’t care.

 

Jongho-ya:

I’m sure one day you’ll be sand free

Maybe in 2-4 weeks?

 

Sannie-hyung:

I hope not there’s things I want to do to you before then that involve me being 100% sand free

Ow

Okay sry talk to you later my sis isn’t too happy that i’m texting at the table

 

He closed his phone with a sigh ignoring the person washing his hands next to him that was very much staring. 

 

The evening couldn’t come soon enough.

 

***

 

Maui Ocean Center was the last planned group activity they had on the trip. Seonghwa had been the one to suggest it because of ‘something, something Animal Crossing’ that Jongho couldn’t remember.

 

His hyung was the closest to the guide along with Yunho who always seemed jazzed to do anything. Jongho and Hongjoong fell to the back of their group. 

 

It's not that Jongho wasn’t into the idea of an aquarium, but his stomach was full and a 3-hour long tour with kids running around wasn’t very appealing.

 

He got lost looking at the tanks full of fish and water mammals, half listening to the guide talk about the aquarium's conservation efforts. But a familiar silhouette caught his attention.

 

There was no being sure that he was seeing who he was seeing, the man was several meters away at a different exhibit. But Jongho perked up anyway, suddenly interested in seeing more of the aquarium.

 

The rational part of his brain told him not to get his hopes up. There were several other asian people visiting and living in Maui, the chances are low. 

 

But chance had been on his side, hadn't it?

 

They were in the Open Ocean exhibit and a giant manta ray was swimming over the glass tunnel. Jongho looked in awe and fear as he slowly walked with his group. When he took his eyes off the ray, he made eye contact with San going in the opposite direction with his family and their tour guide

 

If time could stop, it would feel like it did at that moment. Two ships passing each other, before going on in their opposite directions.

 

None of his friends had noticed the other group, instead looking on to the shark nearby.

 

It happened again at the Turtle Lagoon and The Living Reef. Every time Jongho’s group would go into one room, San’s group would come out. If there were two sides of a tank, you’d best believe they’d be on the opposite of one another. 

 

Jongho was horribly distracted by the other man. It didn’t help that San seemed to have a permanent smirk on his face, looking him up and down whenever he could. Tilting his head to tease him when his cheeks heated up and mouthing ‘later.’ It got to a point where Jongho was watching him more than the fish. A sea turtle could be right in front of him and he would be watching San as if he were the exhibit.

 

Later can’t come fast enough.

 

Their tour concluded at the gift shop like any good American marvel and funnily enough the two groups finally came together. Wooyoung was calling San’s mom Eomma as if they’d known each other for years and not days.

 

Jongho said his polite ‘hellos’ before slipping off into the gift shop. He didn’t have the same energy for entertaining after walking around for hours. 

 

Of course that means he would have to leave San behind for now, but they would have their reunion soon enough.

 

He glanced at the gimmicky items knowing a kid nearby was begging for their parents to buy them. There was a line crowding the pandora counter for ‘limited edition charms’ and that was enough for him to steer in the opposite direction. 

 

A display of postcards was semi-abandoned toward the back of the store, so Jongho chose to rest there for a bit. 

 

Then 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 seconds later…

 

“Hey stranger.” San appeared behind him and suddenly they were in their own little corner in the back of the store. 

 

“Hi.” Jongho was torn between leaning into the man and shying away. He knew if he looked at the dimpled face for too long, his friends would have to pry him away. “You know we should really start telling each other our plans for the day.”

 

“Then we wouldn’t get to surprise each other, hmm?”

 

The ‘surprise’ being why Jongho’s heart kept beating so fast. 

 

San glanced around the two of them, before taking a few steps forward into Jongho’s space. 

 

“I got you something.” He holds up a small shark plush not unlike the one they saw while they were snorkeling the other day. This one was cartoonish and had a silly little smile on its mouth which ironically matched the one on San’s face at that moment. “I promise I paid for it, being that we’re still in the gift shop and all.” 

 

And he pressed both the plush and the receipt in Jongho’s hands, lingering long enough for their skin to slide against one another.

 

He was so fucked.

 

“It looks like you.” Is what Jongho said rather than other rational things like ‘thank you.’

 

They leaned into each other’s space more, giggling like fools before separating again.

 

“Let me know when you get back?”

 

“I will, unless Wooyoung arranges dinner plans with your family.” 

 

“We’re going back to the hotel after this.”

 

“Oh, okay.” Jongho tried not to be disappointed, eyes cast down to the floor. Maybe he was getting too attached to the man in front of him. They only had two days left…

 

Then he felt plush lips against the curve of his cheek. “Have fun, I get to have you all night.” And they were gone along with the man attached. 

 

Suddenly, he was back in the real world, where kids screamed around him and people like Choi San didn’t exist. 

 

But he had a shark plush now which proved that Choi San very much did exist and made him blush beet red.

 

Wooyoung was dumbfounded when he returned to the group, not used to their maknae buying anything remotely cute. But he didn’t say anything when he asked about it, pretending like he didn’t have the dorkiest smile on his face.

 

The rest of the afternoon was a waiting game, wandering around local shops before their last group meal of the trip. Then they made the trek back to the resort where they would drink and enjoy each other's company at the pool bar.

 

Jongho made his excuse early that evening, wanting to shower the day’s residue off and change into comfier clothes.

 

He had just finished towelling off his hair when he heard the knock on his door. 

 

Steeling himself, and silently hoping he didn’t imagine San’s words from earlier, he made his way to the door, checking the peephole before swinging it open.

 

San had the same idea to dress down, black tank top and sweatpants not unlike the ones he wore at the gym the other day. But his eyes held a different light now that they were alone together, looking up and down Jongho’s figure, taking in the water droplets that made their way under his t-shirt, making the fabric stick to him. The lounge shorts which happened to be a little too tight around the thigh.

 

And getting tighter every second.

 

San backed Jongho further into the room letting the door swing closed behind him, dropping his keycard on the end table without so much as a glance.

 

Because his eyes were locked onto Jongho.

 

In a way this was Jongho’s last chance to resist giving himself over to the man again. But once the back of his legs hit the bed, San caught him by the waist to prevent him from falling and smashed his lips onto the other.

 

If there was a way to get vertigo from being in someone’s orbit, Jongho definitely found it. There was no up, no down, just the two hands pressing into the meat of his waist and the feeling of the cotton tank top underneath his hands.

 

He gasped when their bottom halves met and San took full advantage, licking into his mouth and threading a hand in his hair to keep him put.

 

All of his senses were being invaded at that moment. He could taste the mint of San’s toothpaste, smell the vanilla from his cologne, the hands at his hips, his hair everything. He opens his eyes when he reluctantly parts from the lips, daring to catch his breath. San smirks as he looks at the wet on Jongho’s lips, rolling his hips into the younger (which definitely wasn’t helping.) A moan ripped from Jongho’s throat and he thinks if he were a weaker man, he would have passed out by now.

 

“I got you another thing…” San murmurs before removing the hand in his hair, fishing something out of his pocket and holding it up. 

 

Lube.

 

Jongho just nodded like an idiot and San took that as his invitation. He turned the younger around, pushing his upper half to lie against the sheets. Then he dropped to his knees, sliding down the shorts to his ankles. Jongho hadn’t bothered with underwear and San was very pleased with that fact with the way he started peppering kisses along his rear. Grabbing onto the firm lobes, he parted them to reveal Jongho’s hole, somewhat relaxed from his attention in the shower earlier.

 

He didn’t hear the click of the lube opening before he felt something wet probing at his entrance. 

 

The sound he made earned him a chuckle from behind him.

 

“Relax baby.” San ran his tongue in firm strokes along his hole slowly massaging the tight ring. He sucked on the sides before bullying the appendage in as far as he could go.

 

Jongho’s hips bucked at the intrusion, unconsciously moving away from the stimulation. San was having none of that and he pulled him back, two hands gripping the soft thighs. 

 

High whines escaped from him when San started tongue-fucking him in earnest. He reached a hand down to his cock, stroking to provide some relief.

 

Before he knew it, San had pulled back and replaced his mouth with a lubed up finger massaging him in circles. 

 

He definitely didn’t hear the click that time.

 

He let out a keening sound when it began to press in, attempting to focus on the hand rubbing his side and voice telling him to breathe. San let him have a few moments, thrusting gently to get him used to the intrusion before he added another finger. 

 

Just when Jongho was about to ask for another one, his legs buckled as San found that sensitive spot inside of him. Arousal was pooling fast as he rubbed against the bundle of nerves, and he was sure he was going to cum, before San pulled his fingers out abruptly.

 

“Whyyyyyy? I’m so close…” His brain barely registers the switch to Korean until San replies back to him.

 

“I know baby, I want you to come on my cock.” And if he wasn’t leaking before, he sure was now.

 

San adjusts one of Jongho’s legs to rest on the bed, before he pushes three fingers in, standing up for more leverage. Jongho feels every brush against his prostate, thick fingers sending him right to that edge easily again.

 

He doesn’t hear himself begging, trying to find some purchase against the smooth comforter as  San is whispering filth in his ear. 

 

Just when he can’t take it anymore, San pulls out, backing out of his space briefly. He hears shuffling from behind him, the subtle rip of foil and squelch of lube. San pushes Jongho’s shirt up his back, kissing the skin as it’s exposed and slowly making his way to his neck. 

 

He nips at the sensitive spot behind his ear before latching onto the reddened spots on his neck from the night before. His free hand slips under Jongho’s shirt in the front, coming to rest at the base of his neck, keeping him flush against San’s newly bared chest. 

 

Jongho loses all control of his noises when he feels the blunt head of the cock rub against his entrance. 

 

“Hyungieeeee.”

 

“You want it?” He can’t form a coherent thought, the head catching on his rim sending shockwaves through his body. Unintelligible moans fill the space between Jongho’s mouth and the bed. “I know you do, baby. Let me in.”

 

His breath was stolen away as San slid in slowly but steadily. Jongho struggles to remain propped on his forearms, relying heavily on San’s arms to stop him from faceplanting. 

 

San lets out a groan once he’s fully seated. “God baby, you’re squeezing me so tight.”

 

He pauses for a few moments letting Jongho get used to the stretch before he pulls out to the tip and pushes back in, bullying Jongho’s walls open. And then San takes his hand from his chest, pushing his torso into the sheets before picking up the pace. Jongho’s prostate was hit with every thrust, San’s hips angling down toward the sensitive bundle. 

 

He can’t even get a hand around his cock before he orgasms, loudly moaning where his face was pressed against the comforter. 

 

San doesn’t get up, fucking him through his orgasm before his thrusts begin to get erratic. He groans with his release, slamming into Jongho as he spills into the condom. Only then does he have mercy on the younger, pulling out and helping Jongho to lay down on the bed properly before his knees hit the ground. 

 

Jongho feels utterly debauched with the way his shirt was pulled up in every which way, arms splayed along his side. Already so spent with so much time left in the evening. 

 

The bed dips as San climbs on, laying along Jongho’s side and noticeably more naked than before. He turns his head to see the other man who’s stoking the bangs out of his face and smiling like he wasn’t just balls deep in him minutes ago.

 

“Hi.” His cock shouldn’t have twitched at the timbre of the man’s voice.

 

It’s gonna be a long night.

 

***

 

San doesn’t let him more than two feet away from him at a time. It doesn’t help that the man is not shy about manhandling Jongho into any position that he wants.

 

Not that he’s complaining.

 

He was straddling San’s lap, innocently at first. San had a thing for his thighs, now bare. He kneaded them like a cat as Jongho asked about his day. They were just talking, sure all the clothes were gone by then, but it was nice to finally be in their little bubble again, a few floors in between them and their friends and family. 

 

Apparently it wouldn’t have mattered.

 

“How’s everything with your parents? Are they still bothering you about marriage?” 

 

San’s smile widened, tilting his head as he looked at the younger. “You know, I didn’t want to spring this on you at the gift shop, but…I came out to them at lunch.”

 

“Oh. Oh my god San. How did that go?” Jongho tried to tamp down his surprise, but this wasn’t exactly light news.

 

“Well my mom asks about you now so there’s that.” 

 

“Really?” It doesn’t take much for Jongho to blush these days. He wanted to blame the firm hands running up and down his thighs, nails biting here and there. 

 

“Yep. I just tell them that we’re taking things slow, you know, having met a few days ago and all.”

 

“It’s not really true is it…” Reality hit like a brick at the fact that they were doing exactly the opposite of what Jongho wanted. He didn’t want to rebound, he didn’t want casual sex that has an expiration date, the lies that you tell your family so that you could get away with it.

 

And maybe San was just a little too perceptive when it came to him.

 

“Well no, but that’s not gonna stop me from liking you when we get back to Seoul.” 

 

“But you’re in Namhae…”

 

“I’m from Namhae. I live in Seoul.”

 

Then the fear, the true fear that Jongho has had from the moment he first started falling. “What if I'm not ready yet?”

 

3 years ended in just a few minutes. There’s still gaps in Jongho’s closet and cupboard from when his ex left. Hundreds of photos that he has yet to delete because he couldn’t stand to look at the man who broke his heart so carelessly. 

 

As much as he wants to dive headfirst into this thing with San, he can’t get beyond the fear that he would toss him aside down the line.

 

“Then that’s okay too. I know we’ve kinda skipped some steps, but I don’t want this to be the end of us. Jongho-ya, please don’t misunderstand me when I say that I like you and want to date you whenever you’ll let me. Even if it takes months or years.”

 

Oh. 

 

Maybe Jongho couldn’t stop himself from leaning in and kissing the man, but it was either that or burst into tears at the sweet words.

 

They leaned their heads together as they broke apart, breathing in each other’s space. He felt the gentle hand, abandoning his thighs to plant on the back of his neck. Jongho opened his eyes to see the lidded ones looking back at him.

 

It was supposed to stay innocent. 

 

Jongho ran his hands along the bare shoulders, squeezing at the muscle, now relaxed. San subtly pulled him closer on his lap, lips meeting again in an open-mouthed peck. He linked his fingers around the older’s neck, an anchor while wandering hands ran along his body.

 

The first flick of his nipple was an accident, but being how sensitive he was, San easily picked up on his reaction. The older kissed along his neck, hand rubbing light circles around the perky bud. He wasn't shy when he pulled back to watch Jongho’s reaction when he caught his nipple between two fingers, pinching enough to have his breath end in a whine. 

 

San pulled one of Jongho’s arms from around his neck, resting it on his bicep before he began his torture. Lips pressed wet kisses along his collarbone, leaving new bruises for Jongho to cover up later. He sucked on the nipple, tongue creating suction in a way that Jongho could barely stand. His hips kicked up into San’s abs, his cock just shy of hard. San turned his attention to the other side, supporting Jongho’s back so he wouldn’t fall, keeping him as close as possible.

 

He pulled the man’s head back from his chest, kissing the wet lips messily. His hips were flush with San’s, feeling the hard cock nestle between his cheeks. He ground back on the member, just wanting the head to catch just right.

 

San leaned back from Jongho’s panting mouth, moaning at the stimulation.

 

“Baby just let me get the condom.” Jongho whined in response, not wanting San’s eyes off of him for a moment. He grinded down harder, kissing at the broad chest and neck as his hands dug into the shoulders. 

 

San was fighting a losing battle.

 

The older man closed his eyes for a few moments, moans slipping out here and there, before he grabbed Jongho’s hips and physically lifted him off his lap.

 

Then in a very comedic display, he bolted off the bed to fumble in the pockets of his sweatpants. Jongho just giggles from where he was laying on his back, watching as San rolled on a fresh condom, squeezing a generous amount of lube on the appendage. 

 

He crawled back on the bed, bullying his way between Jongho’s legs, hands pushing his legs up and around San’s waist. 

 

Jongho’s giggles fade into moans as San grinds against his hole, tip catching against the loosened rim.

 

It’s almost worse, this angle when he pushes in, finding that spot so easily. 

 

The sweat beading on San’s forehead, eyebrows furrowed from the effort. The open mouthed grunts he makes as he speeds up.

 

How can one man keep getting hotter?

 

Jongho reached a hand down between them, before San noticed and swatted it away. He pushed Jongho’s arms next to his head and leaned down as he snapped his hips.

 

Tears sprang to the corner of his eye as pleasure bordered on overstimulation. He didn’t even realize the moment he came, too focused on the chest heaving so close to his. San released not long after, lingering for a moment before pulling out and collapsing onto his forearms. 

 

He caught his breath in the crook of Jongho’s neck then rolled them over on their sides so he wouldn’t crush him.

 

Jongho could barely keep his eyes open, halfway focusing on San pulling off and tying off the condom. He lifted himself out of the bed with a grunt, walking toward the bathroom, Jongho didn’t see when he came back, just feeling the sensation of a warm wet towel before he passed out.

 

***

 

This time, Jongho slept soundly through the night. The past week of exploring catching up to him. 

 

At some point, San had moved the two of them under the covers. He was passed out next to him, an arm slung around Jongho’s waist.

 

That was his invitation to sleep longer.

 

***

 

Some would consider it a waste, sleeping in until the afternoon while on an island that’s as close to paradise as you could get for a short-term vacation. 

 

But Jongho had no obligations. Wooyoung had left the last full day of their vacation open for ‘individual activities.’ And he would love to ‘individually’ sleep in until his heart’s content. 

 

San had left at some point that morning to have brunch with his family. If his text was anything to go by, he was going to come back that afternoon and spend the rest of the day with Jongho. 

 

Which meant he had some time before he had to get up…

 

The knock on his door was resolute. Three sharp raps that meant he needed to get out of bed and respond to that.

 

I’m coming, I'm coming.

 

He threw on a robe, not wanting to flash a potential stranger and tried to ignore the aching in his backside. 

 

He’d deny it if anyone mentioned his limp later.

 

He padded over to the door and swung it open without so much as a thought to look through the peephole. San was standing on the other side with a very large iced americano and a mystery item in a white paper bag.

 

“Oh hi.-” He was stopped from saying anything else when a yawn ripped through his chest. His hand came up to beckon San in the room as he turned his head and covered his mouth.

 

“Cute.” The other man said with a chuckle, pressing a kiss on Jongho’s temple. “I brought you coffee and a muffin.”

 

“I’m going to drink this alarmingly fast and I just want you to know that.” He left San to toe off his shoes in the doorway, beelining to the en suite to brush his teeth and wash up. His hair was a mess, but that could wait until he had enough energy to get in the shower.

 

San was sitting on the side of the bed when he came out, dressed as if he went to a fancy lunch rather than regular hotel brunch. Black stacks with a structured grey shirt tucked into them. A few buttons had been tastefully undone to show off the bronze skin underneath. His head was tilted down to look at his phone and Jongho was having very alarming thoughts.

 

He could be your boyfriend and you’d see this all the time.

 

Jongho shook his head to clear his mind before sitting next to San. He ducked his head when San looked up at him, choosing to lie on his shoulder instead.

 

He inhaled the muffin and americano before mentioning wanting a shower. San did not hesitate at the offer to join him, undoing what buttons were left without a care in the world.

 

Jongho went to start the water when he realized: he still hadn’t used the mirror TV.

 

That’s how they ended up soaking in the huge bathtub, a jet perfectly aimed at his lower back while a random movie played on the TV. San was relaxing between his legs as Jongho scrubbed at his hair with shampoo. 

 

It was quite domestic.

 

When their skin had pruned, they made the reluctant choice to leave the rapidly cooling water, rinsing off in the shower before drying off and donning twin towels. Then they had a moment when they got back in bed, it felt like they were in limbo as to how to spend their day without any obligations.

 

“So…” Jongho had started, head turned toward San where he laid amongst the pillows. “Is there anything you want to do?”

 

San, who looked entirely too soft with hastily dried hair, pursed his lips and thought for a second before shaking his head. “Not really, I'm kind of tired of being outside.”

 

He blew out a breath he didn’t know he was holding at the admission. “Me too. I’m a total introvert.”

 

“Same. Let’s not go anywhere?” 

 

Sounds perfect to Jongho.

 

So they just laid in bed, mostly naked, and watched TV until their eyes started to hurt. Sometimes they were cuddled up to each other, other times just peacefully existing in arms reach.

 

Jongho had ordered room service for dinner when the realization came that he had only had a muffin to eat that day. They had burgers, with all the fixins their hearts desired and sweet potato fries. Twin pops sounded when they opened their cans of coke, not really realizing the disturbance because they were deep into the third movie from that afternoon.

 

Eventually, the movie went off and Jongho remembered that he hadn’t packed at all. He sent San off to his room to put actual clothes on to stave off the panic that was rising in his chest.

 

These were the last few hours they would have together, tucked away from responsibilities and jobs. What if they get to Korea and realize that they’re not compatible at all?

 

He had forgotten that he left the door ajar when he felt the man’s arms wrap around him again. Luckily after having been surprised so many times, he didn’t jump.

 

“Don’t you need to pack too?” Jongho tossed over his shoulder where San was resting his chin. He was folding the unused clothing and gently returning each piece of jewelry to their designated spots.

 

“I did this morning.”

 

Oh okay.

 

Then he turned around and buried his face in San’s neck so that he wouldn’t see his face that was slowly losing composure. “What time is your flight leaving?”

 

“Early morning.” 

 

Okay worst response ever. 

 

The sniffle slipped past Jongho’s tightly crafted guard. Maybe he was still a bit sensitive after having his heart broken, but that didn’t stop him from regretting having a traitor nose.

 

“Baby? What’s wrong?”

 

What’s wrong? Everything.

 

The stupid arms that were rubbing up and down his back. The extreme warmth that comes from sleeping next to someone that might legally qualify as a furnace. The soft smile and dumb dimples that made Jongho blush more times that he’d care to admit. 

 

His San was leaving and he didn’t feel he had the right to be so upset about it given they just met days ago.

 

“You.”

 

“Me?”

 

“You.” Then the dam broke and Jongho was crying and sniffling into the warm neck until his throat was dry.

 

He didn’t notice when San picked him up and sat down on the bed. Jongho’s arms wrapped crushingly tight around his neck.

 

“Jongho-yah?” There was no answer, he was too afraid of what his voice sounded like at that moment. “I will see you when we get back, okay? I promise. And I don’t take my promises lightly.”

 

It took him a few words to register what was being said to him, but once he did, his heart kept beating faster and faster.

 

“I know you’re afraid because you’ve been let down before, but that’s not who I am. I have my principles. You might not trust me now, but that’s okay. We can take all the time we need.” Jongho adjusted himself on his lap, arms loosening the slightest bit. “My parents already love you and my sister would think I was an idiot if I let you go now. So, I promise I won’t unless you let go first.”

 

He found his words then and there.

 

“I don’t want you to go…”

 

“Well I'm not going anywhere right now, I have a cute bunny in my lap.” Then they both erupted in giggles hanging on to each other tightly. 

 

Jongho wiped furiously at his eyes, wanting to erase the tear stains. He was stopped when San took his hand.

 

“Aish, don’t wipe so harshly, you’ll hurt your skin. Look at me?” And he did, completely enamoured with the man in front of him. 

 

San took a cheek in his hands, leaning in to kiss at the sensitive skin under his eyes. They shared a soft peck before climbing further into bed, suitcase forgotten for now. 

 

They talked for as long as they dared, midnight approaching and running away. At some point Jongho fell asleep to hands carding through his hair, face smushed into the soft pillow.

 

He didn’t hear the phone alarms go off, or feel the kiss pressed to his forehead. Nor the door closing behind his entire world.

 

It was hard when he woke up Saturday morning, instantly reaching out in a stretch, but realizing that his arm fell on bare comforter.

 

San was gone.

 

He cursed himself for being such a heavy sleeper, wiping harshly at his eyes to stave off the tears despite the other man’s chiding. 

 

The worst part was that San had finished packing his suitcase, leaving out toiletries and a comfortable outfit for the airport.

 

Wooyoung didn’t say anything when he came to gather Jongho. Only wrapping him in the world’s best hug and cradling him like he was his baby bird. 

 

Each of his friends took turns with ‘Jongho duty.’ Seonghwa sat next to him in the Uber, Yunho slung an arm around him in the airport security line. Hongjoong bought him a pretzel at one of the many kiosks, and Wooyoung made Seonghwa switch seats with Jongho so that he could keep an eye on him during their 20+ hour flight.

 

The haze lifted when they planted their feet on Seoul soil. Jongho felt glad to be home, even though it was evening the next day and he only had Monday off before jumping back into work.

 

When he had the mind to take his phone off airplane mode, he was met with a few texts. His parents wanted to know about his trip, and his same-age friends were planning their next hang.

 

And San. San wanted him to call him once he got back to his apartment.

 

That gave him the courage to ride back to his apartment alone after hugging each of his friends in a brilliant display of affection (much to Wooyoung’s happiness and Hongjoong’s chagrin.)

 

He could hardly contain his excitement when he dragged his suitcase in his apartment and parked it next to the laundry machine, before taking in the space he hadn’t seen for close to a month. 

 

The phone charger was like where he left it, on his night stand, next to his bed. 

 

He took a deep breath to steel himself before pressing the call button.

 

After 2 rings it picked up…

 

“Hyung?”

 

“Hi baby, I figured we could unpack together.”

 

***

Two years later…

Jongho was going to dive headfirst into the sheets as soon as possible. The hotsprings could wait.

 

Why his friends insist on taking trips that require so much travel is beyond him. What ever happened to flying to Jeju?

 

And to top it off, it was extremely cold, them being in the Swiss alps and all. It feels like he started shivering the moment they exited the plane and didn’t stop for the entire 6 hour train ride. No amount of winter clothing would get rid of the chill. It doesn’t matter if it’s Seoul winter or Swiss winter he can’t stand the cold.

 

Then it had the nerve to start snowing as they were unloading their luggage from the shuttle.

 

Jongho was dragging his feet from the elevator, his joints felt like they had froze together between check in and now. Despite the warm air pumping though the hotel’s vent, this was a chill that wasn’t going away anytime soon. 

 

He paused once room 526 came into view, a heavy sigh releasing from his chest. As he got closer, there was a figure bundled up trying and failing to get a good enough grip on the keycard to open the door. 

 

Jongho made his slow approach, taking in the situation.

 

The figure eventually tapped the card on the door and pushed on the handle with a sigh of relief.

 

“You got the right door this time, Sannie.”

 

The glare that was thrown his way made Jongho’s boyfriend look like a pouty cat, rather than anything close to intimidating. 

 

He just chuckled, pressing a warm kiss to the chilled cheek before squeezing past him into the room.

Notes:

Thank you so much for reading! This one was a bit of a beast. I was imagining that this would end at 10k words but I just kept writing LOL.

I may add to this in the future bc I need my mingsang cuties.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 3 of Anything but 5 + 1