Chapter Text
He was nervous. More than he thought he would be, if he was being honest with himself. Hongjoong had always been the type of person who lingered on the edge of things. He thrived in situations where he could observe rather than being in the spotlight.
As he walked along the sandy path that curved over the hill towards the meeting area, the sight that greeted him made his stomach drop. There was no one else there.
He was the first.
The empty seating stretched out into a semi-circle of sun bleached wood and cream cushions that glinted under the unforgiving heat. To his right somewhere, he could hear the ocean waves breaking in a way that would have soothed him any other time, but not right now. The cameras that pointed at him made it hard to focus on other things and he tried his hardest not to look in their direction.
Sweat began beading in the palms of his hands and he rapidly wiped them on the business-like trousers he had decided to wear. A rookie mistake, really, as the sun beamed down on his back. The fabric of his white polo shirt clung slightly to his body in the humidity, heat seeping in fast.
He forced himself to breathe, walking forward instead of running away. He had chosen this, was aware of what he'd signed himself up for. And yet, the nerves were getting to him, being left alone with his own thoughts for now.
Hongjoong chose a seat near the middle and clasped his hands loosely together in his lap, eyes drifting towards the hill he'd just come from, half expecting but more so wishing for someone to appear the second he sat down.
Nothing happened, quiet pressing in instead.
Hi. I'm Kim Hongjoong.
I didn't think I'd be this nervous, honestly. I work a lot, too much probably, and I don't usually put myself in situations where I don't have control over the outcome. So this is... out of my comfort zone.
I decided to come here because I've recently realised I've spent most of my life working and I'm ready for something real. I don't really date casually. When I like something, I'm very focused on that one thing and for too long that has been my job.
I guess my dating style is... intentional? I'm not good at juggling feelings so will probably fall for one person deeply. I might not be the loudest person in the room, but I'm serious about the people I choose to be in my space.
So yeah. I'm nervous, but I'm also ready.
The breeze shifted, carrying the scent of salt with it. Hongjoong exhaled slowly as his hand lifted to touch the scent inhibitor on the back of his neck. It felt strange not having the comfort of his own scent wafting around him even just a little.
One week, that was all. Only one week of wearing the patch unless he was lucky enough to go to Utopia. That was manageable.
He rolled his shoulders as if shaking the weight of his own thoughts. Sitting alone felt odd, but it also gave him time to settle and observe the space and cameras. Hongjoong glanced back towards the hill again, heart giving a small, anticipatory kick.
Any second now, someone else would walk over that crest, and everything would change.
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Jongho felt... displaced more than nervous.
He walked up the path, shoes sinking into the sand with his hands tucked into the pocket of his shorts. The heat bothered him more than it should, but the cameras were something he could learn to forget about quickly. If anything, he was aware of the fact he probably looked like someone who'd taken a wrong turn on the way to somewhere else and just decided to roll with it.
As he reached the summit of the small hill, his gaze immediately landed on the lone figure seated in the middle of the semi-circle.
At least he wasn't the first one there.
Jongho slowed slightly, eyes flicking around the space out of habit before continuing down towards the seating area. The wind tugged gently at his short sleeved shirt as he stopped a few steps away from Hongjoong and gave a small, polite bow before straightening.
"Hello," he said, voice steady. "It's nice to meet you. Hopefully you weren't waiting too long for someone to join you."
Hongjoong let out something that sounded suspiciously like a relieved breath, standing briefly to give Jongho a bow in return before settling back into his seat. "It's nice to meet you too," he replied with a small smile. "I was starting to think they'd forgotten about everyone else."
Jongho couldn't help but laugh at that.
He chose a seat a couple of spaces away rather than directly beside the other man, resting his elbows on his knees and looking out towards the ocean.
Silence followed, which he had expected. They were strangers, and Jongho wasn't really the type to make conversation with people he didn't know.
Hi, my name is Choi Jongho.
I'm not really sure why I am here, if I'm being honest. My friends signed me up. I thought they were joking until I got the call.
I don't hate the idea of dating, I just.. never prioritised it. I've always been the third wheel in my friend group, you know? I guess they got tired of seeing that.
My dating style? I don't rush things. I'm not great at flirting, and I don't really know how to sell myself. But when I care about someone, I care properly. I show up. I stay.
I don't know what'll happen here, but I figured I'd at least give it an honest try first.
"Oh, what's your name?" the other man asked, breaking the silence.
"Sorry, my name is Jongho," he replied with a nod.
"Ah, Hongjoong," Hongjoong introduced himself.
Quiet took over again, broken only by the distant crash of waves. Jongho shifted slightly where he sat, fingers interlaced loosely as his gaze drifted back to the other man.
Hongjoong looked different up close compared to how he'd looked from the top of the hill.
There was something precise in his expression, a kindness that asked not to be played with. His posture as straight despite the heat, shoulders squared as if out of habit. His hair was split cleanly down the middle, dark on one side and pale on the other.
He definitely was... interesting, Jongho thought. He looked away before he could be caught staring, attention returning to the ocean instead.
Jongho wondered who the next person to show up would be, and if they too, would be interesting.
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Seonghwa was used to being looked at.
None of this rattled him really. Not the cameras or the heat. And most certainly not the thought of meeting every other contestant here. He moved at an unhurried pace, posture relaxed despite the sun beating down on his shoulders as he crested the hill.
There were only two people already at the seating area. He wouldn't have minded being the first, though being the last, he felt, gave the biggest impression.
His gaze swept over them naturally, assessing them as he continued down the hill. One sat near the middle, expression alert and fingers laced together like he was holding himself in place. The other leaned forward slightly, broader and quieter it seemed, eyes fixed on the ocean as if it was more important than the real reason he was here.
Seonghwa smiled to himself and continued down. When he reached them, he stopped just short of the semi-circle and gave a polite bow to them both.
"Hi," he said, ensuring his voice was warm. "My name is Seonghwa, it is nice to meet you both."
The man with two toned hair stood immediately and returned the bow, the way he wiped his hands on his trousers didn't go unnoticed. "My name is Hongjoong," he said with a smile that was a bit too bright. "Please, choose a seat."
The other man looked up as Hongjoong gestured to the other seats around the semi-circle, he nodded in greeting. "Hello Seonghwa, I am Jongho."
Seonghwa smiled at them and chose the seat next to Hongjoong without much thought, settling in comfortably. There wasn't a true reason yet for sitting next to Hongjoong, other than the fact that he seemed nervous... and he was cute.
Hi, I'm Seonghwa. Park Seonghwa.
I've spent most of my life being seen before being known on a deeper level. People tend to decide who I am within the first few seconds based on my looks alone, and I've learned not to fight that. But I came here because I want something that lasts longer than first impressions.
I don't really believe in chasing sparks, I would much rather have a relationship that stays warm throughout instead of having that brief, initial attraction that eventually fizzles out.
I like taking care of people and being someone they can lean on and... I guess that's the kind of person I am looking to connect with. Someone I can feel like myself around.
He took a deep breath as an awkwardness settled into the space around them, mainly because Jongho had gone back to looking out at the ocean again.
It felt strange not having his scent there to soothe himself, and he wondered to himself whether it was obvious to the others what his sub gender was. Personally, he had no clue what they could have been, based purely on looks alone. Seonghwa guessed that this was the fun of the show, getting to know people before expectations settled in.
Seonghwa didn't have time to dwell on it for too long, however, because somewhere up on that hill, footsteps were already approaching.
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He was used to physical discomfort, put himself through it almost every day of his life since he was a teenager.
Heat, sweat and exertion all came with the territory now, things he understood well. So as he walked along the sandy path, sun blazing down overhead and shirt that he'd already opened by too many buttons perhaps clinging to his skin, it still barely registered as something worth complaining about.
What did register was the weight of being watched by the three other people sitting in that semi-circle as he descended from the hill.
the cameras followed him as he made his way down, lenses tracking the way his shoulders rolled with each step, sand kicking up from his feet onto his bare calves. By the time he reached the other contestants, San felt awkward. He bowed respectfully, ensuring that it was deep enough before he straightened again, taking the time to make eye contact with each person.
"Hello," he said, "My name is San."
A man with two different colours in his hair introduced himself first. "My name is Hongjoong." San couldn't help but think he looked like a squirrel.
The person next to Hongjoong bowed next, a kind smile painted on his face as his shoulder length black hair moved like a curtain with him. "I'm Seonghwa."
San smiled in return before moving his eyes to the last man, who had tore his eyes away from the ocean to greet San. "Jongho," he said with a polite nod, but San could see the way his eyes swept over his body.
It was expected, he knew. There was no way to hide his broad shoulders and strong arms. That was why San ensured he always had a smile on his face, keeping his expression open to make it clear that he wasn't trying to intimidate anyone.
San chose a seat on the outside of the semi-circle, careful not to crowd anyone, and rested his forearms on his thighs as he leaned forward slightly.
Hello, my name is Choi San.
People tend to make assumptions about me when they first seen me and I don't really blame them. I know how I look. But I'm not here to pretend to be anyone else but myself.
I like taking care of people. I like to make everyone feel comfortable and safe. Most of my friends say I'm a hopeless romantic and honestly, I would have to agree with them.
I want something real, someone I can grow with and who makes me a better person. hopefully people here can look past first impressions of me and get to know the real me.
San glanced around the seating area, offering another small smile. "This place is... nicer than I expected," he said lightly in an attempt to ease the tension.
Hongjoong laughed softly at that and San was glad. "Give it time, I'm sure we'll all be fighting to get to Utopia quickly."
"Just to get some air conditioning," Seonghwa chimed in as he used a paper fan to waft cool air in his face.
That comment made everyone laugh and even Jongho let out a little chuckle as their gazes all naturally moved back to the hill in anticipation for the next person.
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Yunho almost jogged up the hill.
He wasn't in a rush, he just had too much energy and nowhere to put it. It was common for him, his friends always told him that when he was nervous he seemed excited instead. The sun didn't bother him too much, and the cameras were barely registered by him at all. And if his smile was a little too wide, well... that was better than looking stiff on television.
As he reached the top of the hill and looked down upon the semi-circle now half filled with people below, he slowed to a walk, eyes lighting up.
There were four people there already?
"Oh, nice," he muttered under his breath. "I'm late but not late-late."
He headed down, long legs making his stride impossibly easy as he lifted a hand in greeting before he even reached them. The reaction was immediate as everyone's attention was drawn solely to him. It wasn't unfamiliar to him, he had always been told he had a way of filling up space without trying to.
"Hi," he said brightly, stopped a few steps in front of everyone and bowing quickly. "Sorry if I interrupted anything. I'm Yunho."
His smile was bright and Yunho watched as everyone else fell for the spell of it, smiling back instantly. He straightened, allowing his eyes to flick between each face as he catalogued them. Already, he was curious about every single person here.
It didn't take long for them all to introduce themselves, and Yunho found it fascinating how different each person was. Hongjoong looked so cool with his two toned hair, Seonghwa was well... beautiful. Yunho couldn't help but laugh at the way it seemed like Jongho didn't really want to be here, and San was big but he smiled lots.
Yunho picked a seat without hesitation, settling in and relaxing instantly as he let his long legs stretch out slightly in front of him as he leaned back on his hands.
"Wow," he said, glancing around. "This is... really happening, huh?"
A few soft laughs followed. Mission accomplished. Yunho loved to make others laugh. It was his speciality, in fact.
Hello! I'm Yunho.
I like being around people. I like to see others having fun because of me. I can have serious conversations... but I like things to be light and happy. I often get called the mood maker among my friends back home.
When I date I try to be all in, although I can get distracted sometimes. I like affection, especially giving it to others.
I came here because.... Well if I'm being honest I'm hoping that I meet someone that can stop me from holding onto something that's never going to happen. It's been too long now. This is like a kick in the ass to move on, ha.
Yunho glanced at each of the other contestants again. "So," he said, leaning forward to clap his hands once. "Any idea how many of us there are supposed to be? Or are we just collecting people as they wander in?"
Seonghwa chuckled as he pointed at the individual cushions left, marking more seats for others. "Well, I'm guessing it's three more now. Since there's only three cushions left."
"Ahhhh, makes sense," Yunho chuckled as Hongjoong nodded at what Seonghwa had said. He didn't even care if he looked a little silly for missing such a noticeable detail, he was just curious to see what other people he would meet here.
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Wooyoung wasn't nervous.
He never was.
Excited, sure. But that was different. Excitement was good, it meant he was alive and about to make that everyone else's problem.
"Do you think they'll like me?" he asked casually, hands tucked into his hoodie pocket as they started up the hill.
Beside him, Yeosang snorted. "You say that every time," he replied, tone flat. "And they always do."
Wooyoung grinned, leaning slightly closer just to bump his shoulder against Yeosang's. "I like reassurance."
"You like attention."
"Obviously," Wooyoung rolled his eyes.
The hill wasn't steep but it was long enough to give them time to breathe, to let the sun warm their skin. Wooyoung glanced sideways at Yeosang, who was walking with his usual calmness, eyes forward and his expression neutral in that way that made most people think he was distant. But really, he just wasn't as loud as Wooyoung.
Eleven years, they had been friends for. And now they had the opportunity to join a dating show together.
This was going to be fun.
At the top, the seating area came into view, already full of people bar three spaces left, it seemed. Wooyoung clapped giddily instantly.
"Ah," he said, slowing just enough to take it in. "We're not the last ones. I hate being the last one, it's so much pressure."
He didn't feel pressured at all though as they started down the other side, sand making it a bit slidey under their feet. Wooyoung lifted his hand first, waving like he already knew everyone. The attention snapped to him immediately and he felt the awareness of eyes and curiosity and interest.
Delicious.
"Hi!" Wooyoung called out as they reached the group. He dipped into a quick bow and then straightened. "I'm Wooyoung," he said with a grin then gestured lazily to Yeosang without even looking at him. "And this is Yeosang."
Yeosang bowed in greeting too, but smaller and less grand than Wooyoung had made it. "Hello everyone, it's nice to meet you."
Wooyoung grinned at the group, eyes already darting from face to face. Tall one with endless energy. Pretty one... Very pretty, wow. The cool looking one with the hair. There was a quiet muscular guy... Woah those muscles. There was also a guy who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.
Oh, yeah. He was excited.
I'm Wooyoung.
I like people, honestly. I love talking and touched and teasing, aha. Life's more fun when it's being shared, right? Anyway, I get told I flirt way too much but I don't see a problem with that. It doesn't always have to mean anything either. Sometimes just making someone flustered is fun.
I came here because I do want to find something real. I'm looking for someone who can laugh with me, but also bring out a serious side to me.
And if I make a few hearts flutter along the way... Well, I won't apologise for that.
They exchanged introductions quickly, names bouncing back and forth and Wooyoung made a point of reacting to every single one.
"Yunho? Wow, that's a main character name," he said immediately, flashing a grin which made Yunho laugh.
"And Seonghwa... Are you allowed to look like that on TV?" he added, tilting his head. "It feels unfair, honestly."
Seonghwa blinked at him and then laughed softly, hand lifting to cover his mouth.
San laughed too, big and warm and Wooyoung gestured to San's whole vibe. "I can't even say anything appropriate about you right now." The blush that came from the big guy in return made Wooyoung smile. So he was soft as well as muscular?
They sat down finally. Wooyoung dropped onto a cushion and immediately leaned back, arm stretched out behind Yeosang's shoulder out of habit. His friend didn't even glance at him as he did so.
Wooyoung crossed one leg over the other and settled in. "So," he said, giddy grin painted onto his face as his gaze drifted to the hill. "We're still waiting for one more piece of eye candy?"
There were a few laughs as Hongjoong nodded. "It would seem so."
As he sat there, engaging in conversation with the other contestants, answering questions he knew would be asked, Wooyoung couldn't help but wonder what was in store for them all.
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Yeosang settled into his seat a little more comfortably, hands resting loosely in his lap. The sun was warm on him, something that he honestly wasn't that used to.
Wooyoung was already in his element, talking easily with everyone as laughter came quick, which always seemed to be the case when Wooyoung was present. Yeosang listened more than he spoke, eyes moving quietly from face to face as he took everyone in properly this time.
Yunho's energy was contagious, bouncing even when he was sitting still. Seonghwa had a calm elegance about him that drew the eye without trying. San was solid yet surprisingly he smiled easily and Yeosang caught the way his attention lingered on people when they spoke, like he was really listening to them. Jongho only added into the conversation when needed, finding a lot more interest in their surroundings than the group of men all sat in this semi-circle.
He couldn't say much though, but he also only nodded along when spoken to, answering questions when they came his way or when Wooyoung injected Yeosang into the conversation purposefully.
At some point, Hongjoong tilted his head slightly, gaze flicking between them. "So," he said, curiosity clear in his tone. "You two came in together. You know each other already?"
Wooyoung answered immediately, not even giving Yeosang the chance to open his mouth. "Yeah," he said brightly, grinning as he looked at Yeosang with twinkling eyes. "We're best friends. Known each other forever."
Yeosang let out a small laugh and nodded. "Eleven years," he added calmly. "We grew up together."
Wooyoung nodded eagerly beside him. "We're basically attached at the hip, sorry guys."
A few reactions followed, some of laughter or shock, a cacophony of wows were murmured. Yeosang didn't miss the way a couple of eyes lingered on them, curiosity sharpening just a little. He was unbothered with it all as he tilted his head, knowing the question already.
"We're just friends," he said with a shrug. "Why else would we both be on a dating show together?"
I'm Yeosang. Kang Yeosang.
I'm not very loud, and I don't think I need to be... I like to listen. I get told I notice things other people maybe don't like how people treat others when they don't think anyone's watching.
I guess I'm the opposite of Wooyoung, which is maybe why our friendship has lasted as long as it has.
I came here because I want to meet someone who feels calm to be around. Maybe someone who can open me up a little bit. And also maybe because I got bullied into this by Wooyoung a little bit too...
Yeosang let the conversation carry on around him as he leaned back slightly, letting the sounds of the ocean and the chatter wash over him. A sound at the top of the hill caught his attention, footsteps. His gaze flickered up as the last person appeared.
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Mingi told himself to walk normally.
Which was stupid because he always walked normally. Long strides, shoulders back. Okay... maybe he could be a little clumsy at times, but at least if he walked with confidence that made people assume he never second-guessed himself. Most of the time, he didn't.
Most of the time.
The hill stretched out in front of him as the sun seared into his back. He wasn't all that used to cameras and had to keep a mental note not to look at them as they followed him.
By the time he reached the top of the hill, he was smiling. The seating area came into view and... Wow, okay. He was the last one to enter.
No pressure.
Mingi slowed instinctively, eyes scanning the group of people below as he made his way down the other side. His confidence didn't falter, or at least, he didn't allow it to show if it did.
Okay, there was a guy with cool hair. A muscular guy and two people who were already sitting very close to each other as if they were comfortable.
Then there was a quiet guy and...
Wait.
Why the fuck was Yunho sitting there?
Yunho with his long legs folded out in front of him. Yunho with his stupidly handsome face. Yunho who was staring at Mingi as if too, was thinking the same thing.
At least the shock was mutual.
Mingi's step faltered for half a second before he caught himself.
Nope, you're fine. This is fine.
Still, his confidence stuttered at seeing his best friend sitting there. Mingi tried his best not to let it show as he bowed quickly and deeply to the group, instinct kicking in.
"Hi," he said, voice deep. "I'm Mingi... Sorry to keep you all waiting."
There were greetings in return as the others bowed, introducing themselves. But Mingi was acutely aware of the two holes Yunho seemed to be burning into him.
Mingi straightened, eyes flicking back to Yunho before he could stop himself, their gazes colliding in a way that made Mingi's stomach flip unpleasantly.
Why are you staring like that?
Do I have something on my face?
He laughed suddenly, filling the space himself. "Wow, okay. It's... intimidating being the last person."
A few chuckles followed as they all stood there for a moment longer. The other contestants seemed to be waiting for something.
Hongjoong was the first to say something, brows knitted as he glanced between Mingi and Yunho. "Uh, that's Yunho...." He trailed off as if he was unsure why Yunho hadn't introduced himself to Mingi.
Mingi let out another shorter, nervous chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck, heat creeping up fast and uninvited. "Yeah," he said, eyes finally leaving Yunho's to look anywhere else. "Yeah, I know that. I, uh, I know him I mean. Just didn't know he'd be here."
What's up? I'm Mingi.
I'm loud... and confident. At least, that's what people think when they first meet me. I take up space and joke. I also flirt... A lot.
My dating style? I don't think I've kept a relationship for longer than a week, aha. What can I say? I get attention. I like attention.
Most people don't know that I overthink too much though. I care more than I let on and sometimes that makes me hesitate instead of just going for it.
I came here to have fun and meet new people. I guess I want to show that I have a serious side to me too.
"Wait... You know him?" San asked and Mingi hated the way he could feel everyone staring at them both.
"Oooooh, have you two dated before?" Wooyoung asked, a sparkly twinkling in his eye.
Before Mingi could reply, Yunho's voice came out sharply. "No." And then, as if he realised how harshly he had said it the first time, softer, he said again, "no. We're best friends... Like you and Yeosang."
A chorus of 'ohs' and 'wooows' filled the air as Mingi dropped onto the last open cushion, heart thudding a little too loudly in his ears. He had had a plan of coming in heavy, flirting with who ever he could but seeing Yunho here had somehow managed to throw him off his tracks.
Okay.
This is bad.
I mean, I lied to Mingi. I told him I was going away for work, not that I was coming on a dating show. But he didn't tell me he applied for one either, so I guess we're even, but still.
I came here to move on.... That was the whole point. And now he's right there.
How am I supposed to focus on not being in love with him when he's sitting ten feet away from me?
This is so fucked.