The atmosphere in the dorm was light and playful as usual. The members were gathered in the living room, laughing at Jay’s lame jokes and teasing Jungwon about his obsession with cleaning. Among the laughter, Heeseung sat on the couch, a little quieter than usual, scrolling aimlessly on his phone.
Sunoo, sitting beside him, noticed immediately. He tilted his head, his teasing smile softening into a look of concern. It wasn’t like Heeseung to be this quiet, especially around him.
“Hyung,” Sunghoon whispered, leaning toward Jake. “Is it just me, or does Heeseung look...off?”
“Not just you,” Jake replied, observing Heeseung. “Something’s definitely up.”
Sunoo, however, already knew. Earlier that day, during a lighthearted conversation, he had teased Heeseung about forgetting his birthday. Instead of saying the correct date, October 15, Sunoo had jokingly said, “Isn’t it September 20? Oh wait, that’s when we got together. I guess your birthday’s not that important to me.”
It had been a harmless tease, or so Sunoo thought. He had laughed it off, but now seeing Heeseung sulking, he realized the joke might’ve hit harder than intended.
The other members, catching on, decided to give the couple some space. “We’re gonna go grab some snacks,” Jungwon announced, dragging the others toward the kitchen.
Once alone, Sunoo nudged Heeseung gently. “Hey Hyung ...are you mad at me?”
Heeseung didn’t look up. “Why would I be mad?” he mumbled, his tone betraying the pout Sunoo knew too well.
Sunoo sighed, shifting closer until their shoulders touched. “You’re sulking. I can tell.”
“I’m not sulking,” Heeseung replied, his lips jutting out further.
“Hyung,” Sunoo said softly, placing a hand on Heeseung’s. “I didn’t mean it. You know your birthday’s important to me, right?”
Heeseung finally looked up, his big, doe-like eyes filled with unspoken emotions. “Then why’d you say that?”
Sunoo bit his lip, guilt bubbling in his chest. “I thought it’d be funny...but I didn’t realize it’d hurt you.” He paused before adding, “You know, I only teased you because I remember every important date about us. Especially your birthday.”
Heeseung’s pout slowly turned into a small smile. “Even September 20?”
“Of course, that’s one of the most important dates to me,” Sunoo admitted. “It’s when I got to call you mine.”
The sincerity in Sunoo’s voice melted Heeseung’s heart. He sighed, shaking his head. “You’re lucky I’m soft for you.”
“I know,” Sunoo said cheekily, leaning in to press a quick kiss to Heeseung’s cheek. “Happy now?”
Heeseung’s ears turned pink as he nodded. “Just don’t tease me like that again.”
Sunoo grinned, pulling Heeseung into a hug. “Deal.”
From the kitchen, the other members peeked around the corner, watching the scene unfold.
“Crisis averted,” Jake whispered with a smirk.
“Barely,” Sunghoon added.
“Lovebirds,” Jungwon muttered, rolling his eyes playfully before leading the group back into the living room.
The teasing was inevitable, but for now, Heeseung didn’t mind. As long as Sunoo was by his side, the dates didn’t matter as much as the moments they shared.
