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This wasn't the best idea, it was born out of pure impulse and sheer stupidity.
After final exams were over, a bomb had suddenly been dropped on everyone's shoulders about bringing back the annual tradition of a spring festival that used to take place yearly. Everyone was required to take part in the festival in some way, and repetition of any of the events was prohibited. Everyone was also either to work in groups or partake in solo activities. They were required to submit their concept on an online spreadsheet for approval by the end of the week.
“This is perfect!” Kuan Jui gushes as he yanks Zhang Hao by the arms, dragging a chair near him by the back of his leg. He pushes the other boy down by the shoulders, smoothing down his hair quickly before he starts pacing around back and forth repeatedly. They were in their shared dorms.
“This is perfect because?” Zhang Hao speaks up after a while, eyes following the movement of earrings dangling on the younger boy's ears. Kuan Jui looks down at him with a mischevious glint in his eyes before grabbing a small mirror from the shelf, presenting it to Zhang Hao's face. “Ta-da!”
“I don't think I follow.” Zhang Hao says with a puzzled expression, blinking up at Kuan Jui who only smiles even wider. Seriously, what was he cracking up inside that brain of his?
“You'll be the star of the booth!” Kuan Jui announces as Zhang Hao takes a few seconds to process the meaning of his words until it finally settles in. “What?”
“Don't worry my Hao-Hao, I have it all planned out!” Kuan exclaims happily, a little too happily before he grabs Zhang Hao by the shoulders and starts shaking him. “I would never do anything that puts you in harms way,” he adds, kissing Zhang Hao's forehead as if to soothe the turmoil going on inside of Zhang Hao's head.
“Kuan Jui, seriously, I don't have time to waste on this—” He's interrupted by the finger pressed against his lips to shush him. “Hear my idea out first, my beloved Hao,” Kuan Jui counters and Zhang Hao only raises an eyebrow at him, urging him to go on. “A rejection booth!”
“We'll host a rejection booth!” He repeats, “In order to help the many people suffering from unrequited love because of you.” Zhang Hao opens his mouth to interject but he's cut off again, “You're graduating next year, so let them move on with a proper rejection.”
“You also have not indulged yourself in any sort of fun ever!” Kuan Jui cries, “All you do is either hog yourself in textbooks, go out to work, or play the violin!”
“You say as if it's a bad thing,” Zhang Hao grumbles, immediately shutting up when Kuan Jui gives him a stern look. “As your best friend, it is my job to ensure that you have some fun every once in a while.”
Zhang Hao knew better than to play coy, it was hard to ignore all the obvious stares and cameras who tried their best to not so discreetly take pictures of him on campus. But it wasn't until Sung Hanbin entered the picture that his fame began to rival his.
The younger boy had a smile that could light up any room, making him an incredible to-die-for beauty. Hao has never seen anyone else with such a cute set of whiskers as him. He always had a way with words that Zhang Hao couldn't resist indulging in, allowing the other boy an easy access to the key of his heart.
But the last thing Zhang Hao would admit is having a crush on Sung Hanbin, first reason being his high pride as a Leo, second being his hectic college life, and third being that Hanbin himself had said that he wasn't interested in anyone, much to Zhang Hao's dismay. Feelings were fleeting and would fade with time.
“Earth to Zhang Hao!” Kuan Jui snaps his fingers, bringing Zhang Hao back to reality. He puts his hands on his hips, looking down at Zhang Hao with a slight frown on his face, “Well, what do you say?”
“Sure.” Zhang Hao found himself agreeing, knowing the other boy would find a way to make him agree no matter what. A small part of Zhang Hao believed that this crazy idea wouldn't get approved, so he clung onto that hope.
“Good choice.” Kuan Jui says with an almost evil-like smile on his face, grabbing the laptop on his bedstand to open up the interest spreadsheet. He quickly fills out a separate form after, elaborating on the concept of this so called ''get-rejected-by-Zhang Hao" booth. Zhang Hao decides this was the least of his worries.
Unfortunately, to Zhang Hao's amazing luck, the crazy idea was approved. He groans, throwing his phone across the room. A yelp was heard and Zhang Hao looks up to identify owner of the voice, “Kim Gyuvin?”
“Hao hyung, you almost murdered me!” Gyuvin cries out in a scandalized tone, grabbing Ricky as a shield for defense. “Sorry, I didn't notice that you came in so I threw my phone in whatever direction.”
“Hao-ge is stressed because the rejection booth idea somehow got approved,” Ricky notes as he stares at Zhang Hao's distressed face. “Bingo,” Zhang Hao confirms as he rearanges himself so he's half hanging off his bed, “Throw my phone back.”
Gyuvin smirks, grabbing the phone throwing it aggressively back at Zhang Hao, almost hitting him in the face. Zhang Hao glares at him and he immediately apologizes, “Sorry.”
“But hyung, there's really nothing wrong with it.” Gyuvin reassures, “I'm sure so many people would be happy enough as to just be able to breathe the same air as you.”
“It's just embarrassing,” Zhang Hao whines, throwing his hands over his face. “You know I like to steer clear of people.”
“It's okay, we'll be helping you out at the booth.” Ricky comforts, and Zhang Hao feels a little better at the thought of his emotional support friends. “I don't think I'll even know or remember the names of anyone.”
Gyuvin lets out a laugh at that, “Too popular for your own good.” Ricky swats at his arm, “Kim Gyuvin, my arm is turning purple from how tightly you're squeezing it.” Gyuvin pouts, only clinging tighter as Ricky makes no attempts of resisting. Zhang Hao rolls his eyes at them, a fond smile overtaking his face.
“Wait, I promised to help out Hanbin hyung at his booth too!” Gyuvin exclaims in a worried tone. Zhang Hao almost falls off his bed at the mention of Hanbin's name. Luckily, no one seems to notice.
“What's Hanbin doing for his booth?” Zhang Hao questions in a rush, hoping his tone doesn't come off as desperate. He sits up, hands in his lap as he waits for Gyuvin to answer. Ricky gives him a knowing look.
“I'm not sure actually,” Gyuvin frowns, scratching the side of his head. Zhang Hao gives him a disappointed look, “I wasn't really paying attention when he was telling me earlier.”
“When do you ever pay attention,” Zhang Hao groans, trying not to sound gloomy at not being able to find out what Hanbin was doing for his booth. “Hao hyung, you sounded so disappointed just now.” Gyuvin tilts his head, shooting him a questioning look.
“I'll text him right now and ask that you're curious—”
“No!” Zhang Hao interjects quickly. Ricky looks at him with wide eyes, “Ge, are you sure you're okay?” Zhang Hao nods, pressing a hand to his forehead and then giving a thumbs up sign after.
“I'll just ask Hanbin myself when I see him.”
Sadly, getting around Hanbin was much harder than he thought. Everyone was so busy coped up with activities for the spring festival that even Zhang Hao hadn't found the right time to make a stop by Hanbin's or even text the younger boy much. Their conversations were cut short whether it was online or in-person.
“Hao-Hao please grab paint brushes from the storage cabinet in the arts faculty room!” Kuan Jui yells, holding a slogan upside down and squinting his eyes while trying to figure out the perfect parameters to cut it at so it was perfect to hang up.
“Ge, grab some pens while you're at it because the ink in these ones are almost up!” Ricky adds, cutting carefully at the outline of roses and violins he drew on pieces of construction paper.
Zhang Hao sighs, putting his iced coffee down before quickly yelling out a “Yes!” He spots Gyuvin in the corner of his eyes bothering Yujin, who was trying to put up some red curtains in peace. The youngest had opted to tag along at the mention of being able to help out his hyungs. This was also a new event for him as a first year so he wanted experience.
They were on school grounds during a Friday afternoon. Everyone was allowed to stay in after school days prior to the festival, in order to work on their stands or booths. It was extremely crowded and full of life almost everyday.
Aside from Zhang Hao's main booth attraction, he had opted to sign up for a violin performance during the music segment of the festival. He would also sing a duet of "Still with You" with star music major, Kim Taerae.
The day he went to sign up, he ran into Hanbin and learned that he and his dance team, which included Kim Jiwoong, Park Gunwook, Han Yujin, Seok Matthew, and Kim Gyuvin, were going to take the stage for a special dance performance at the end.
Zhang Hao was looking forward to their performance, as if he didn’t eye ogle the hell out of Hanbin and Hanbin only anytime he watched their performances. He just possessed a unique quality that set him apart from others, and who was Zhang Hao to ignore it?
Speaking of the devil himself, a hand suddenly grazes over his own and another body loomed suspiciously close behind him while Zhang Hao was busy scurrying through art supplies in a box. He turns around and sees Sung Hanbin, the man he was thinking about a few seconds ago, in the flesh.
“Hyung-ah.” Hanbin breathes out, eyes crinkling into a smile as his signature dimples took form. He had wet paint smudged over his nose, along with pink hearts resting on the high of his cheeks. Zhang Hao's lips quirk up into a smile at the sight, hands instinctively coming to reach up to swipe at the sweat of bead rolling down his forehead. The flush that rises up his cheeks doesn't go unnoticed.
“Hello Hanbin-ah,” Zhang Hao says, twisting his body so that he properly faced him. “How's everything going with your booth?” Hanbin questions, tilting his head while motioning to the art supplies Zhang Hao had just been rummaging through. “It's going well, we're still in the early stages of decorating it since everyone was busy this week.”
Hanbin lets out a hearty laugh at that, “I can tell, I stopped by a few moments ago to find you.” Zhang Hao gives him a curious look, “You were looking for me?”
“I just wanted to see you.” Hanbin says, almost shyly, cheeks tinting an even redder hue than it already was. Similarily, Zhang Hao can feel his face up heating up, “Well, you look like you're super busy with how messy your face is.”
“It would go along faster if Matthew and Jiwoong weren't so busy fooling around,” Hanbin sighs, shaking his head while jutting his lips in a slight pout. Zhang Hao can't help but find the sight cute, “Flirting again?”
Hanbin nods, “They keep messing around with the paint and smudging it on each other.” Hanbin pauses, pointing at his cheeks, “Matthew also got his hands on some heart stamp, and somehow I ended up as a victim of their fighting.” Zhang Hao giggles, he knew that Hanbin had a soft spot for both of them.
“Gunwook is the only one not messing around.” Hanbin adds with a fond smile on his face. “He's always good to us like that,” Zhang Hao says, recalling the times when Gunwook would go out of his way to get them water bottles during study sessions or would treat them to food after exams.
“He is,” Hanbin agrees, extending his fingers to take Zhang Hao's hands and play with them. Zhang Hao lets him, like he always does when Hanbin seeks out affection from him. Zhang Hao can count the number of lashes that fan across Hanbin's eyes when he looks down and plays with his fingers. Upon initially meeting him, he was struck by how long his eyelashes were—something many girls would die to have.
“Kuan Jui told me about your booth, by the way,” Hanbin looks up, a gentle smile on his face. “Your campus crush title should be changed to campus heartbreaker instead.”
Zhang Hao gives him a playful glare. “I didn't even think of it!” He protests, puffing up his cheeks up in irritation. Hanbin lets out an amused laugh, like he hadn't expected Zhang Hao to get defensive over it. He gives their hands a squeeze. “I'm kidding, my whiny hyung. I'm glad you're putting them in their place.” Trailing off near the end, his voice held a hint of darkness that was a contrast to the radiant smile on his face.
Zhang Hao frowns, trying to figure him out. Whenever it came to the topic of other people and confessions regarding Zhang Hao, Hanbin had always grown passive aggressive. He had even taken the initiation to reject someone on behalf of Zhang Hao once, when he was sick. He never understood why Hanbin would go out of his way to do that.
Zhang Hao brushes it off, not wanting to read too much into it. He quickly refocuses his thoughts on the younger boy in front of him, “I heard you're doing a booth too. Mind telling me what it's about?”
“It's a dating booth!” Hanbin beams, squeezing their hands together again. Zhang Hao freezes, not believing his own two ears. “Dating booth?” He sputters in disbelief, a frown overtaking his face. He must have heard wrong. He knew Hanbin was the king of fanservice, but this was going too far.
“It's not as easy as it sounds, there's a lot of fun elements.” Hanbin pauses, tongue peeking out to wet his lips. “You have to win various rounds of different activities, like ring toss, with the difficulty increasing each level.”
“If you successfully complete them all, you get to pick anyone from the dance crew to go on a date with.” Hanbin adds sheepishly, “But of course not Yujin, he's new to all of this and only a first year.”
“The idea was mines for the most,” Hanbin prides himself, eyes boring straight into Zhang Hao's as if to say praise me, please. Zhang Hao would usually give it to him with no doubt, but he was a little shocked. “Wow,” He says, throat feeling dry.
Hanbin pouts at him, “Was it not a brilliant idea?” Zhang Hao furrows his brows slightly, wondering how this concept was even accepted. He believes that none of these booths were properly considered before being put under moderation for approval, and he questioned how many more insane booths were being set up in the open.
Maybe it was because he knew how popular Hanbin was on campus, or maybe it was because the idea seemed reckless and out of his own comfort zone. An unsettling pit settled at the end of his stomach, imagining Hanbin sweetly taking girls out on a date just because they were able to win some stupid games. Or worse, even boys—
As if Hanbin could read his overthinking, he speaks up, “Only three slots per person for a date, I won't go crazy.” Zhang Hao feels a little relieved at that, but he doesn't know why. He'd conclude that it was just because he didn't want Hanbin to bore himself out with taking people out on dates, knowing how many crazy ladies ran after him.
“It's kind of funny right, our booths have the opposite themes?” Hanbin tries to joke, in an attempt to break the awkward atmosphere. “Hanbin-ah seriously, you always manage to go beyond my expectations.” Zhang Hao says after a while, noting the way Hanbin's eyes light up with excitement at the praise.
“You should come by and try the games out,” Hanbin mumbles, averting his gaze to the side. He leaves it there as an open statement, “Free of any charges, because you're our Hao hyung.” He refocuses his gaze to match Zhang Hao's again, smiling. Although, the statement of winning a potential date goes unsaid.
“Maybe I will,” Zhang Hao says quickly, voice unfaltering as he bores his eyes into Hanbin's. Hanbin's eyes widen at his boldness and his breath hitches. The tension grows thick in the air, “Our booth might be a fan favorite.” Hanbin adds, not knowing what reaction he expects out of Zhang Hao from that.
Zhang Hao gives him an eyebrow raise, as if to ask if he's challenging him or to provoke a sense of buried jealousy lingering underneath. He didn't know exactly what type of jealousy he exactly felt, but it was present.
A sudden cough startles them both. Hanbin steps back, letting go of Zhang Hao's hands that he was holding onto the entire time. Zhang Hao looks over to see Kuan Jui looking at them with a mischevious glint.
“No wonder you were taking so long to get some supplies.” Kuan Jui says teasingly, hands on his hips. From behind him, Gyuvin and Yujin appear. “Oh, look it's Hanbin hyung!” Gyuvin shouts, running over to enevelop Hanbin in a hug that almost crushes his bones. Hanbin ruffles his hair, wincing in pain.
He motions for Yujin to come over with his free hand, and gives him a hug. “Practice later at 8 PM, okay?” His leader mode comes on, which instinctively causes Zhang Hao to smile. He was always one to get down to business.
“Sorry, I got caught up with Hanbin.” Zhang Hao apologizes, trying to ignore the suspicious look that Kuan Jui sent him. “It's okay, but we're in serious need of finishing up decorations soon.” Zhang Hao looks away in guilt, quickly turning back to grab the needed supplies he had been requested of twenty minutes ago.
“It's my fault, not Hao hyung's,” Hanbin defends, bowing down and sending Kuan Jui an apologetic look. “I was hoarding him up in here.” Kuan Jui shakes his head, but doesn't further press on.
“It's fine, but let's get going now.” Kuan Jui says, beckoning Zhang Hao to come over along with Gyuvin and Yujin. “Oh wait, I promised to help Hanbin hyung out with his booth too so I'll stay back with him!” Gyuvin ushes, making grabby hands at Yujin who looks at him unfazed.
“I'll come by later, I want to help Hao hyung out more.” Yujin says, waving Gyuvin away and going over to stand by Zhang Hao. Zhang Hao gives Hanbin a look, “Do you need him too?”
Hanbin shakes his head, “No, it's fine. Yujin would probably be a lot more helpful instead of Gyuvin though.” Gyuvin pouts, “Hyung, I promise won't fool around! ” Zhang Hao can't help but laugh, some things never change.
“Well, see you around.” Zhang Hao says, giving Hanbin a pat on the back. When he turns, Hanbin quickly puts a hand on his shoulder, tip-toeing, and leaning in close until his lips softly brush against his ears, “You're still free to come by the booth anytime, by the way, with no charge.”
Sung Hanbin is going to be the death of him.
The week went by like a blur, much faster than Zhang Hao had anticipated. Friday had already come by and Zhang Hao was prepared to face on the ultimate challenge; people in the "get-rejected-by-Zhang-Hao" booth.
The mechanics were as followed:
- Pay a fee and get a paper in the shape of a violin.
- Step inside the booth.
- Have Zhang Hao stamp a huge 'REJECTED' on your paper in bleeding red ink.
- Reclaim your paper and leave the booth.
Optional, but strongly advised as part of the moving-on process:
On the said violin-shaped paper, jot down a note expressing your feelings regarding Zhang Hao.
Be as truthful, detailed, and clear as you can.
Curtains were added in front of Zhang Hao with a pricey Anonymous option in order to entice people who wished to confess while concealing their identity. If the option wasn't selected, the confessor would have to look straight at Zhang Hao when giving their violin-shaped paper after paying the price and entering the booth.
The interior of the booth had a minimalistic design with dark red curtains. There were roses and violins dangling from strings, which were drawn out and painted by Ricky. There were also heart shaped lamps on all four corners of the booth, lighting up the dark inside of the place which set up a "cutesy" and "romantic" mood according to Gyuvin. There was a table with two chairs on opposite ends in the middle, with a huge and newly ordered rubber stamp that displayed 'REJECTED' placed on the table.
There was also a jar filled with candies, which Zhang Hao had brought himself. If he broke hearts then he'd atleast compensate by giving sweets after, as a little apology gift for being disinterested in everyone.
Overall, it looked like his friends had the of a mindset and artisanship skills 5 year old when putting the booth together. But that's an aspect Zhang Hao wouldn't change for the world.
“Hao-Hao, are you ready?” Kuan Jui questions, peeking his head inside the booth with a smile on his face. “There's a long line out there!” Gyuvin pops his out head above, followed by Ricky. “Ge, it's action time!” Yujin peeks his head out at the bottom, making fighting hands before getting tackled by Gyuvin.
Zhang Hao takes one last sip of his milk tea.
“I’m ready!”
“…And so that's why I really like and admire you, Zhang Hao oppa!”
“Zhang Hao sunbae, I'm honored for you to even hear out this confession—”
“It was love at first sight when you sung that song…”
“Ah, really? I'm so happy to hear that,” Zhang Hao says, after hearing the millionth confession. “I'm sorry I can't reciprocate those same feelings, but I'm sure you'll find someone out there for you,” He raises his fists up, trying to give encouragement. He stamps their violin-shaped paper filled right in the middle, watching the red 'REJECTED' ink drip down.
He grabs a few candies from the jar, placing them on top of the paper before sliding them back across. “I'll be performing later, so come by and watch!” He adds, making sure to give himself a free promotion at the end. He watches as both girls and boys squeal before bowing down, holding the paper and candy close to their hearts.
“Lunch break!” Kuan Jui finally calls, after what seems like forever. He can hear girls whining outside about the sudden break, and he indirectly smiles to himself. He didn't expect his rejection booth to be so successful, but here he was.
But if he didn't get a break to recharge soon, his arms might fall off from stamping so many papers. The amount of people had been a lot more than he anticipated, and some had even bawled their eyes out to him. And surprisingly, a lot more people had opted the in-person confession over the anonymous option.
“Hao hyung?” Gyuvin questions, popping his head into the booth. Zhang Hao gestures for him to come in, “What's up?” Gyuvin grins, before entering the booth with two huge cotton candy sticks in his hand. One was shaped like a flower while the other one was shaped like a heart. “Woah,” Zhang Hao says, eyes lighting up in astonishment.
“Hanbin hyung got us all cotton candy, and he wanted me to deliver some to you too.” Gyuvin says, pointing both sticks out in front of Zhang Hao. “Both of them?” Zhang Hao says, a little bewildered at their size. Gyuvin nods, handing them over, “He didn't know which design you'd like, so he brought them both.”
Zhang Hao shakes his head, “He wants me to get diabetes.” Gyuvin giggles, “Only he'd do the most for you, it's so unfair.” Zhang Hao smiles, looking at the cotton candy sticks which were bigger than his own face. He didn't know what to do with Hanbin, really.
“Tell him I'll stop by later, during my second lunch break.” Zhang Hao says, taking a bite out of the cotton candy and being overly consumed with sugar sweetness. It was just what he needed to recharge, sugar in his system.
“Oh, I'm sure he'll stop by as well,” Gyuvin snickers, waving bye and scurrying off before Zhang Hao could question what he meant, “What?”
“Yah, Kim Gyuvin! ” Zhang Hao yells, getting up to chase after him but Gyuvin was already out of distance when he took a peek outside the booth. Ricky gives him a look, from where he was sat down at the paper-violin dispenser. “He ran off as fast as he could,” Ricky says, pointing over to the left.
Zhang Hao sighs, shaking his head.
The second part of the booth was going by like a breeze, but Zhang Hao was starting to grow bored. The repition in people's confessions went along the lines of how hot he was when playing the violin, how inspiring he was as a role model to people pursuing their dreams, or how others would never get sick of hearing his rich and deep honey-laced voice.
Of course, he appreciated each and every one of them. It was clear that he underestimated the amount of people who were heads over heels for him. He never had time to dwell on the matter of love, always having been coped up in his studies and side jobs.
But there was one person who lingered in the back of his mind whenever the topic of love came across his mind. It was none other than Sung Hanbin. But Zhang Hao was a coward, too afraid to confront his own feelings. He knew his feelings towards Hanbin weren't just normal, but he didn't want to ruin the friendship they had going on.
His downfall had occurred when met the younger boy in his Psychology class during his second year of college, in which they had been paired together for a project. From there on, they had instantly clicked together. It was as if they were parallel versions of each other. From similar interests of wanting to have been teachers, to similar clothes sizes, to being the first borns of their family, and to even having the same moon phases when they were born.
Naturally, Zhang Hao was drawn to him and it didn't help that Hanbin always made remarks on they were practically soulmates. It was unfair, really, how he always easily got away with saying those lines without taking Hao's well-being into consideration.
“Um, Zhang Hao sunbae?” A voice piped, which broke Zhang Hao out of the trance he was in. Shit, he wasn't paying attention to the girl confessing to him at all. He gave his signature smile, “I appreciate your confession a lot, and I'll always remember your words. Thank you for always looking up to me.”
“Of course!” She quickly says, bowing her head down before opening her hands to collect her piece of paper back. “Thank you for listening, I hope that whoever you do end up in the future with treats you well.”
“I hope so too.”
One more person, Zhang Hao cheers to himself internally as he rolled his stamp around, one more person before it was breaktime again. He'd go out to check out the other booths this time, curious to see what they were up too.
He doesn't bother looking up when he hears the footsteps of the next person coming in, opting to get straight to the questions, “What's your name?”
“Sung Hanbin,” The other voice chimes, and this time Zhang Hao looks up to see the bane of his love problems standing right in front of him with a smile on his face. Hanbin pulls the opposite chair out, sitting down and sliding his violin-shaped paper across the table.
“Hanbin-ah?” Zhang Hao questions, voice small. “Hao hyung,” Hanbin says, all too seriously. He bites his lip, as if contemplating the right thing to say.
“I like you—No, I love you.” Hanbin blurts in a rush, cheeks painted crimson red. Zhang Hao stares at him with wide eyes, and Hanbin keens, eyes also widening in shock. Zhang Hao can't seem to form a coherent response, all sorts of alarms going off inside of his head, “I don't, I don't understand…”
“Please don't make fun of me for this,” Hanbin says, all anxious and suddenly all too vulnerable as he grabs Zhang Hao's hands with his head down. Zhang Hao hates it, hates the way he looks so vulnerable and small. He resists the urge to scoop the younger boy up in his arms and tell him that there's nothing to be afraid of.
“I know this is all so sudden,” Hanbin pauses, giving their perfect puzzle piece fit hands a squeeze, “But this seemed like the perfect opportunity, I guess?” He gives a small laugh, finding the idea of a rejection booth all too ironic with his timing.
“Hear my confession out first, though.” Hanbin says, a determined look on his face. He looks up at Zhang Hao for approval, and the other boy nods numbly. He looks back down, feeling all too shy with Zhang Hao's gaze fixated on him and no one else present. The only light source in the booth were the heart lamps, illuminating a pretty pink glow in the dark booth.
“I've harbored a crush on you even before we got to knew each other. I couldn't help but notice you around in the halls, or at your violin performances.” Hanbin softly speaks, on-going. “You played so well, and you always spoke so passionately on stage. It meant a lot to me, and I really wanted to get to know you.”
“But there wasn't any chance of doing so, because you always kept your distance from most people despite being so popular.” Hanbin adds, and it tugs on Zhang Hao's heartstrings to hear that. “So during my second year, I was so happy when I saw you in the class register for Psychology. I sat closely near you, to test my chances of getting noticed.”
“But it didn't work,” Hanbin sighs, sulking a little. “But I figured maybe it was because of how crazy my friends were, you didn't seem to surround yourself with people like that.” Zhang Hao giggles a little at that, it was true.
“So when the teacher had announced that she'd pair people together for the research project, I knew there was a chance,” Hanbin presses his lips into a thin line, “Because she paired people up by our grades, and we always went back and forth between having the highest grades.”
“People would even call us rivals, even though we never spoke to each other,” Hanbin teases, and Zhang Hao recalls the memories all too well. “They would.” He could see a small smile form on Hanbin's face at his confirmation.
“When we sat down and had our first ever conversation, it felt as if I was talking to a mirror.” Hanbin laughs a little, “I never thought that someone could be so similiar, yet so different compared to me.”
“I knew that I wouldn't be able to let go of you,” Hanbin says a little sheepishly, “So I was selfish, and didn't. I didn't ever want to let anyone else have you, either.”
“I clung onto you a lot, and I'm sure you even noticed.” The blush on Hanbin's face gets even redder if anything, “But you're already graduating next year, so maybe it's easier to let go and accept my rejection now than later.”
“You were my first love, and I really wanted to get this off my chest.” Hanbin squeezes his eyes shut in relief, proud of having said everything he had been practicing a few days prior. “I love you.” He finally finishes after pouring his whole heart out. He slowly loosens his fingers, taking them back and placing them in his lap.
The anticipation is killing him and Hanbin re-opens his eyes, feeling tears prickle at the corner of his eyes. Zhang Hao is staring at him when he glances up, his eyes glowing with a fondness that for some reason makes his heart hurt.
Hanbin clears his throat, turning his head away in embarrasment. “You love me?” Zhang Hao asks, and Hanbin nearly regrets how long it took him to confess after realizing how awed the older boy sounds. He nods, repeating his words, “I love you.”
He doesn't realize his hands are shaking until Zhang Hao notices and grabs Hanbin's hands in his to hold them. He falters again, “Hyung, I'd really appreciate if you would reject me now— Ah!”
Hanbin lips part in a gasp when he's suddenly pulled up by the wrist, stumbling closer to Zhang Hao until their chests are almost touching. He blinks, looking up a bit to match his eye level with Zhang Hao.
“Hyung?” Hanbin squeaks, biting his lip as a way to conceal his nervousness. His gaze drifts to Zhang Hao's lips, which are so radiant and plump— coated with a glossy shine, as though he had applied a layer of gloss before arriving here today.
Wrong move, he finds out as Zhang Hao immediately surges in to press their lips together, finally closing the distance between them. The contact of lips against his feels strange, although not entirely unwelcome. Hanbin doesn't know what to do though, so he tries to follow his lead.
Hanbin is startled when he feels something warm and moist unexpectedly touch the seam of his lips, mouth parting in surprise. It takes him a second to register that it's just Zhang Hao's tongue before he tilts his head and closes his eyes, letting his tongue slip into his mouth.
Hanbin whimpers, the sound weak and needy, and it is hardly inaudible to his own ears. It seems as though a fire has been sparked inside him when the tips of their tongues touch and begin to circle one another. He tentatively flicks his tongue while gradually gaining confidence, and then he starts licking Zhang Hao in the mouth. He's always picked things up quickly, and this time is no different.
The first thing that comes across Hanbin's head is that it tastes like cotton candy, a sweet and tangy flavor accompanied with the warm reminder that Zhang Hao had been eating the candy floss he had brought him earlier. The second is that Zhang Hao uses his lips just as delicately as he uses his hands. Said hands encircle Hanbin's waist and draw him in closer, as if to eliminate the already non-existent distance between them.
Hanbin's arms wind themselves around Zhang Hao's neck and broad shoulders, and he finds himself gently turned and pushed back a little until his legs are pressed against the table. He gets the signal to jump up in order to sit on the table so Hao can fit himself between, and he does exactly that. Zhang Hao's hands momentarily unwrap from his waist for a second to allow him to do so, before quickly encircling his waist once more.
The third, and last thing he can highlight is how good Zhang Hao is at kissing. Zhang Hao's tongue moves around his mouth, tracing over the tops of his teeth, his gums, and finally the roof of his mouth, as if he wants to memorize him and remember every tiny detail.
His heartbeat is quick yet steady, and there's electricity where Zhang Hao's hands are resting lightly on his waist. Hanbin eventually draws back so he can breathe, giggling at Zhang Hao's attempt at chasing his lips. Zhang Hao's eyes are dark, a desperate look, with swollen scarlet lips.
His fingers move to caress Zhang Hao's cheeks, in awe at how rosy they looked. Zhang Hao buries his head into Hanbin's neck, whining in protest. Hanbin's body vibrates with a chuckle.
Hanbin lightly kisses various parts of his face, beginning with the corners of his mouth and moving down to the mole under his eye, the tip of his nose, and the moles on his forehead and cheekbones. Then, he leans in and presses a soft kiss to his lips.
“You're.” Kiss. “So.” Another kiss. “Spoiled.” A third kiss.
Zhang Hao dives in to try and close the distance between them again, but is stopped by Hanbin putting a finger to his lips. “Not so fast, Hao hyung.” Hanbin warns, and Zhang Hao gives him a puzzled expression.
“Is that a proper response to my confession?” Hanbin questions, fingers playing with hairs on the back of Zhang Hao's neck. Zhang Hao shakes his head, looking at Hanbin with stars in his eyes. “I love you too, Sung Hanbin.”
Hanbin briefly registers Zhang Hao's sly hands sneaking up his shirt, ghosting over the spanse of his skin with cold and delicate fingers. The other boy looks at him with expectant eyes, repeating his words, “I love you so much. Please be my boyfriend?” He gives a cheeky smile.
“I'd love to.” Hanbin returns the smile, pulling him in closer for a hug this time. “I never thought I'd hear those words, much less coming from you.”
“I was too afraid to confront my own feelings, and I didn't think there was any chance of you liking me back.” Zhang Hao sulks, “Then you suddenly confess to me out of the blue, and I don't know what to do.” Cold fingers run up the span of Hanbin's back, and Hanbin shivers.
In all honesty, Zhang Hao was never a strong soldier. Not when Sung Hanbin was added to the equation.
“I've always liked you,” Hanbin confesses again, face turning an even darker shade of ruby. “I know,” Zhang Hao cooes at him and Hanbin hits his shoulders embarrassed.
“When did you start liking me?” Hanbin questions as Zhang Hao's fingers start rubbing circles on his hips. “You really wanna know?” Hanbin nods, curious to know.
“You caught my attention during your first ever dance performance,” Zhang Hao recalls and Hanbin's mouth parts in a gasp. “Hyung, no way!”
Zhang Hao laughs, “Yes way, and your name was the only one I rembered out of everyone's during when you all introduced yourselves.” Hanbin gives him a bewildered look, finding it hard to believe that he had actually caught the attention of Hao's during his freshmen year.
“But I wouldn't say my feelings were romantic until we got to know each other,” Zhang Hao murmurs softly, smile forming on his face. “Sometimes it was hard to ignore how jealous you got over other people.”
Hanbin whines at that, “That's not fair!” Zhang Hao raises an eyebrow at him, grip tightening on his waist, “Aren't you the one going on dates with other people who won some games? Mr. Oh-So-Popular Campus Sweetheart?”
Hanbin looks away to the side, squirming, “No one said they ever stood a chance against you.” Zhang Hao leans in and gives him a kiss on the cheeks, finding him endearing. “I'll let you off the hook since it was prior to us becoming boyfriends.”
“But can't you call the dates off?” Zhang Hao pouts, giving him his best puppy eyes. Hanbin feels weak in the knees, one look at his face and he's all gone. He sighs, nodding with a smile, “Fine, I will. I can't have my baby hyung jealous now, can I?”
Zhang Hao beams at him, “Those dates are all only reserved for me.” Hanbin nods at him, giggling. He reaches his hand out behind to grab the violin-paper he had gotten earlier, “So this means I wasn't rejected?”
Zhang Hao grabs the paper out of his hands, ripping it apart to shreds. “Rejection was never an option with you.” He surges in to press another long, sensual kiss to the younger boy's lips and Hanbin easily succumbs to it.
“Come check out the other booths with me?” Zhang Hao questions after parting, clasping Hanbin's hands in his and pulling him down from the table, “Let's go to yours.”
“I'm too embarrassed to go to mines,” Hanbin pulls their hands up to hide his face, “They all know I came here to get rejected.”
“They did?” Hanbin nods, leaning in to hide his face in Zhang Hao's neck. “I told them all a week prior to the festival,” His words are slightly muffled but Zhang Hao manages to understand them. He recalls Gyuvin snickering earlier, and it all comes together. He knows for a fact that Gyuvin would tell Ricky and Kuan Jui too, there was no way he didn't.
Zhang Hao huffs out a laugh, wrapping an arm around Hanbin's shoulders. “And? Did they think you'd actually get rejected?”
“Maybe, I don't know.” Hanbin ponders, looking up at Zhang Hao. “They all said that I was a hopeless romantic, and that it was time I'd confess already.”
“I'm glad you did.” Zhang Hao leans his head so that it was on top of Hanbin's, “I'm too much of a coward to have confessed.” Hanbin shakes his head, “I know you are.” He swings their arms together.
Zhang Hao grins, pulling Hanbin's free arm to wrap around his own waist.
“Look what we have here!” Matthew cheers as he tugs at Taerae's sleeve, who turns to see Hanbin and Zhang Hao walking up towards them with their hands intertwined in the distance later at sunset after the festival was over. He gapes his mouth open, “You were right, Matthew-ya!”
Kuan Jui had congratulated them on the way, and told them to go on over and have fun at Hanbin's booth while he stayed back to clean up their booth. Zhang Hao thanked him, for both the cleaning and the booth idea.
“Hanbin hyung finally did it!” Gyuvin screeches, grabbing a party popper out from his pocket which he had been saving to use for this exact moment. When they come into frame, Gyuvin blows the popper right in their faces, confetti exploding everywhere.
“Please refrain from attacking my boyfriend face on next time,” Hanbin groans, hands reaching up to pick the confetti stuck in Zhang Hao's hair out. Zhang Hao laughs, leaning his head down to allow him easier access.
“Well, congratulations to the two of you,” Jiwoong pipes as he comes out from the back of the booth, slinging an arm over Matthew's shoulders.
“This is for you guys!” Gunwook says as he brings over a small cake, labeled "Congratulations Hanbin & Zhang Hao" in red icing in the middle with a small hamster and red panda hugging with a heart on top.
“Me and Gunwook hyung baked it together yesterday,” Yujin says, a bright smile on his face as he pops out from behind Gunwook. “Ricky hyung drew the little animals and heart on it.” Ricky emerges from the back with a small lighter, “Right on time.”
He flicks a lighter a few times before bringing it closer to the single candle on the cake, lighting it up. “Make a wish together!”
Hanbin looks at Zhang Hao, who mirrors his same movement. “To a new and happy future together?” Hanbin questions, with a tilt of the head. Zhang Hao nods, clutching his hand tighter. “And to being other halves forever.”
They blow out the candle together at the same time, and everyone cheers.