it's true, he is exhausted. he has spent hours leading into all-nighters preparing for recitals, showcases, competitions, auditions. but never has he done so for days on end, indefinitely, while having his entire being picked apart and reassembled into something closer to perfection like the tortured prototype of an unreleased barbie doll. he loves it, it's clear he does. he was built for it by his own years of dance and ambition, having shaped himself around a dream he thought he'd aged out of years ago.
but his body aches, and he misses his coworkers from the studio, his friends from the club scene, his go-go dancer persona's most adoring regulars. and when jiu points it out with a harmless invitation to drink and sing and be merry, hangyeol swiftly realizes his carefully concocted facade of tireless ease has long since dissipated. he cannot pretend any longer to be so unaffected by the ruthless schedule of an idol trainee, not when one of his closest friends is the one scrutinizing his well-being.
their arms are linked and hangyeol gratefully leans his body weight almost entirely against jiu's, unbothered by the sticky summer air. he is already damp from a post-training shower--at least the scent that wafts off of him as he steams in the humidity is sweet with lilac and faint sandalwood.
"mm," he half-groans, half-hums, still in good humor and good spirits despite his fatigue, resting his temple against jiu's shoulder, "no, they'd probably be thrilled I'm getting more practice in. I'm not exactly lead vocalist material."
his roommate calls him out, and it pulls from hangyeol a sheepish, conceding chuckle. when was the last time he'd done something just for fun?
"fine, but it's been a while. I'm probably a lightweight now, so if you drink me under the table, you have to carry me home."
"oh, and," he glances up to meet the gaze that sits a head taller than his, batting his lashes comically and pursing his lips to match, "you're buying."
"what do you mean? you're main vocalist, lead vocalist, all of the vocalist roles they have. you're probably the most talented person i know." he's exaggerating, but not by much. jiu is an honest person, a kind one, and he's the first in line to hype up his friends whenever possible. he doesn't even mind the way hangyeol leans in against him despite the sticky summer heat; he's just happy to spend time with someone who never fails to make him smile.
going out drinking with hangyeol brings back memories though. how many times have they gotten into some drunken adventure that they probably would have been better off avoiding? jiu grins at the thought. they're a little older now, a little more responsible, and the last thing he wants to do is jeopardize hangyeol's career as an idol. but surely a little fun is allowed, right? no one will kill them for kicking back and putting their feet up and having just one too many drinks instead of several too many. and it's like his friend said, karaoke is good practice!
"lightweight is fine. you're a cheap date," jiu jokes, squeezing their arms together a little tighter for half a second. "we don't have to go crazy if you don't want to."
a silly idea crosses his mind. "should i carry you there to get some practice in?" he jokes, suddenly moving as if to pick hangyeol up right then and there in a haphazard firemen's carry. he doesn't, if only because it'd be uncomfortable for his friend, but it would be funny to carry his buddy around before they get drunk and probably have to do it on the way home anyway.
"well yes, of course, it's my invitation," jiu agrees easily. he doesn't mention that he knows how tight hangyeol's budget is. they're basically married anyway, as far as jiu is concerned. they may as well share finances too. "but that definitely means we can't go too crazy," he half-jokes.
