synopsis: desperate to escape your old apartment, you take over a friend’s lease for a semester. fifteen weeks of living with three guys sounds straight forward enough— except for the fact a certain one happens to be your type. all you need to do is keep your sanity, make rent with your diner job, and definitely not catch feelings. too bad life doesn’t follow the lease agreement.
featuring: fem!reader, rii7e (all members), nct wish (riku), le sserafim (kazuha), ive (liz), and more!
content warning: suggestive, swearing, drinking, smoking. small mentions of financial insecurity, ptsd, claustrophobia, and panic attacks
author’s note: hello :P so excited to write an smau for bb sohee!! hope you’re ready for some chaotic stuff to go down living with him, tonie, and hannie <3 enjoy and make sure to check out the profiles before jumping in!
[ongoing] hardcore in love! — non-idol!au, streamer!jo
being an up-and-coming content creator is exhausting— juggling streams, dodging drama, and hiding your face from the internet. no one understands the pressure better than "jofiii", the faceless minecraft streamer everyone’s obsessed with. so... it definitely sucks when a convincing dating rumor throws both of your lives into hardcore mode... right?
riize.
sungchan jung.
[discontinued] reverb. — college!au, dj!sungchan
in a drunk, heartbroken haze, you anonymously submitted a love song to riize fm— campus’ well-known radio station. never once serious about singing, the last thing you expected was to go viral. now the whole campus is hunting for the mystery artist… and the one getting dangerously close to the truth? sungchan jung. your irritatingly charming project partner and riize fm’s resident dj. the worst part? you might actually be falling for him.
in downtown main avenue, there's one golden rule: never date anyone who works here. the street is all about clubs, drinking, and wild nights—nothing more. your friend can vouch for that. but then, there's him— a charming musician with a knack for playing with heartstrings and somehow always tangled in your friend groups’ drama. despite all the warnings, the chemistry between you two is undeniable, and no matter how hard you try… you can’t seem to stay away.
desperate to escape your old apartment, you take over a friend’s lease for a semester. fifteen weeks of living with three guys sounds straight forward enough— except for the fact a certain one happens to be your type. all you need to do is keep your sanity, make rent with your diner job, and definitely not catch feelings. too bad life doesn’t follow the lease agreement.
anton lee.
[complete] collision. — college!au, swimmer!anton
when the photo and fashion club collide for a style magazine collaboration, your social circle gets a whole lot more interesting with the addition of the cute swimmer who's been flying under your radar. chaos ensues as freshman-year love triangles, secret relationships, and messy exes rise to the surface. let's just say... your junior year of college should be one hell of a ride.
author’s note: and with that, guest check is finished! biggest thank you for reading, i genuinely had so much fun writing this sohee smau and everyone’s comments always had me looking forward to posting <3 look forward to reverb, sungchan’s smau now! feel free to join my taglist for it MWAH MWAH!!!
You attempt to collect yourself before people start coming over. The makeup you’d applied to go out tonight now has streaks, and you hiccup as you sit to calm down and fix it.
All week, your stomach has been dropping lower and lower after every sweet thing Sohee does for you. It’s contradictory saying that— even in your head— but it holds true. It’s tougher to put on a smile in front of him when your mind is cloudy with doubt. Sohee was right; slowly you’ve been pulling away little by little.
It only amplified Sohee’s concern to make you feel better. He’ll bring you the usual things that will put a smile on your face, give you encouragement during the day, and check in with you when you’re busy working, studying, or in class.
Sohee’s way of showing he cares is quite clear: acts of service and gift giving. You usually adore it and don’t mind his way of showing you love except this past week has had you feeling awful about yourself.
To make matters worse, your boyfriend has been patient with your habit of wanting to repay every kind gesture he gives, always so patient. He hasn’t done anything inherently wrong with his ex, Moka, either, making it clear to her that he wasn’t interested and taken now.
Unfortunately, his comment about how he used to be on and off with her for a year was knowledge that haunted you. Your doubts were soaring this week since she re-entered the picture little by little.
There was a good reason both of you established to not discuss exes unless necessary— you both were slightly jealous and heavy over-thinkers.
Adding onto that, you had already put Hee through the ringer before you were together with the Taesan drama. And before your texts thirty minutes ago, you certainly hadn’t wanted to bring up how Moka and her actions upsetting you.
The first time was at Eunseok’s party with the hug and catching her touching him in discussion. Then, it was seeing her at Sohee’s job, chatting to his coworker but eying you and Sohee the whole time.
Next, running into her on campus with high-pitched greetings and side hugs, asking about how you and Sohee were going. Under-the-skin comments that would hint they used to date and be close irked you. You hadn’t told Kazuha, Liz, or Sohee, about what she would actually said because you knew they’d go ballistic.
The final straw was with the sweatshirt. When Liz had texted in the group chat about spotting Moka wearing it, you had quite literally worn it the night before. You and the boys were lounging in the living room, doing work with the first Cars movie in the back. You had gotten chilly and Sohee stripped off his sweatshirt for you to warm up.
Your brain immediately flitted to imagining Hee doing the same for Moka before. You were right in her shoes a year ago, and it bothered you beyond belief that you could paint Sohee as a bad person in your head for treating any of his past partners correctly.
Worst of all, despite you not wanting to bring this topic up to Sohee, you had today over text. You were a coward that couldn’t brave wording your feelings over the phone, let alone in person.
You were emotionally stunted, insecure on how to show your boyfriend you cared as much as he did, scared he would get judged for dating you after everything in the past month, and truthfully? Terrified of what would happen if Sohee realizes all this…
That you’re not enough.
Sniffling, you wipe under your eyes and try to perk up.
Checking your Find My Friends app, you find Hee and Riku about a minute away. Kazuha is already at the festival, preparing to perform with Static Dance Crew. Liz is changing from her shift at Vinyl today, across the hall in Unit 498, and Anton and Seunghan are in your shared apartment now.
You attempt to pack down your overwhelming emotions. Endlessly running your hands down your outfit, you emerge from your bedroom with a smile pasted on your face.
Anton and Seunghan are chatting in the kitchen, on their phones.
Tonie looks up, waving his device. “Riku is here!”
“Let’s scare them.” Hannie grins, already getting up to plot where to hide.
You blow out a breath at their scramble to duck, lost as to where to hide yourself. Anton settles in the spot behind the front door, Hannie past the entryway’s corner into the living room, you following behind him.
Tonie laughs when he points at the reflection in the entryway mirror, both of your guy’s expressions clear.
“I can see you idiots so easily, move!”
Hannie swears loudly, desperately looking around when the front door jiggles, Hee and Riku walking in.
Anton yelps with the average “Boo!” which startles both of the guys. Hannie follows up by crawling on his hands and feet, screaming. You simply do jazz hands, too busy laughing at the way Riku backs up in the corner from Seunghan’s creepy movements.
“Holy shit, you scared the fuck out of us!” Sohee yells, unstable while toeing his shoes off.
You’re distracted from Sohee, moving forward to hug Riku hi after he daps up Tonie and Hannie.
“How was the train ride?”
“Fine. Excited to be there though, it was a long ass trip.” Riku complains, dropping his bags in the living room like the last time he visited.
“You can sleep in my room, man. I told you that in the car, remember?” Sohee mentions, but not before back-tracking to look at you for confirmation.
You had forgotten. You’d agreed you and Sohee could stay in your room while Riku sleeps in Sohee’s. Your boyfriend seems to doubt whether your argument changed that fact.
“Yeah. Riku, stay in Sohee’s room. He can sleep in mine for the weekend.”
Riku looks between you two for a beat before nodding. “Thanks, bro.”
He pats Sohee’s shoulder on the way to his friend’s room, turning to say, “I better not hear anything suspicious. Remember… that used to be my room and we share a wall.”
“Shut up!” You groan, throwing a kick Riku’s way. He dodges it, grinning before beginning to unpack in there.
“Don’t take too long! We’re starting the pregame soon!” Tonie shouts, heading to the kitchen to pull out shot glasses.
“Jesus, we’re pregaming the festival?” Sohee slides a hand down his face.
“We’re not youngsters anymore, you know? I might be asleep by midnight!” Riku adds from the other room.
“Shut up, Riku. You think you’re so much better than us after joining the workforce.” Hannie laughs, following Tonie into the kitchen.
You’re about to follow suit but Sohee grabs you gently by the waist, pulling you to him. Your back makes contact with his chest as he sits on the back of the couch, nosing your neck.
“We’re going to be okay, alright?”
You nod once, lips tucking into your mouth. You squeeze his hand to show you understood— that you still cared. You just couldn’t stomach having to deal with it at this moment.
“You sure you don’t want to talk it out now?” Sohee leans around to steal a glance at your expression.
You turn, scared to show how vulnerable you were. He grabs your chin, spinning you in his hold to look at you properly. Your hands desperately grasp at Hee’s shirt, not giving him a chance to read you as you rest your cheek at his heart.
Warmth envelops your body as Sohee returns the embrace, squeezing you firmly. Your own heartbeat thumps heavily in your chest.
“No? Not now?”
You shake your head. “Later,” You mumble.
“Alright, later,” Sohee kisses the top of your head, stroking your hair. “YN, I—”
“Ugh. Exactly what I feared seeing after giving you two the green light.” Riku emerges from Sohee’s bedroom with a dead face. He continues his trajectory to the kitchen, disgusted.
“Fuck off!” Sohee laughs light-heartedly, tightening his arms around you when you attempt to pull away.
“Hee!”
“What?” Sohee gives a soft smile as he peeks down at you. “I can’t hug my girlfriend? This is my place, mind you. He doesn’t even live here right now.”
You hear Riku complaining about your skinship to the boys in the kitchen, just raising a brow up at Hee.
“Fine,” Sohee confides, releasing his grip on you while sighing. “God forbid I show you some affection… All three of them are like children whenever we do something as little as hold hands.”
You shake your head, entertained as he keeps a palm to your back.
“As a guest for the weekend, I get the dildo shot glass!” Riku snatches the said-cup from the countertop.
You raise your hands. “All you, king. All you.”
“How hard are we going tonight?”
As if on cue, the front door creaks open. Liz’s blonde head pops around the corner, followed by Wonbin.
“Who’s ready to get wasted, losers?”
“Alright…” Hannie mutters, scratching at his hairline.
Tonie beelines for another bottle of vodka in the cabinet. “There’s our answer I guess!”
Easy conversation takes over the atmosphere as you all take time having shots before leaving the apartment. Wonbin suggests taking the next campus shuttle so no one had to be DD. In the span of 45 minutes, everyone is respectfully tipsy, with the exception of Sohee and Riku as per usual.
Sohee stays like glue to your side, and you know it’s because he’s extra concerned after everything earlier. It’s easy distracting yourself while catching up with Riku, Liz bumping in to add funny anecdotes about your friend group in the semester.
Before you know it, your boyfriend leads your gaggle of people to the bus stop right outside your apartment. A lot of students clearly had the same idea as your friend group because multiple peers that live in your building are giggling from being drunk, bumping into one another and laughing while waiting for the shuttle.
It arrives on time and you all shuffle on, wondering amongst yourselves what this year’s spring festival might hold. Eunseok had teased a concert, food vendors from downtown, club tables, performances from the dance crews on campus, and of course, carnival games.
You were a little afraid someone might throw up from eating food, drinking alcohol, and then getting on amusement rides but, maybe you should have a little more faith in your friends.
There’s a decent sized line to check into the event when you hop off the bus. It moves quickly enough, with you all deciding to get into Sungchan’s line. Your friend is spearheading the check-in table today as student government.
The whole festival is set in a large grass field just on the outskirts of campus. The sun is beginning to set as you admire the skyline, multiple colorful lights from the carnival games and stage complimenting the sky.
Channie’s face lights up seeing everyone, easily dapping up Riku with enthusiasm. He checks everyone in, giving wristbands and tickets for food and rides before giving Liz a kiss on her forehead.
“I’ll text you guys later when my shift for tabling ends. It’ll be around when the concert starts.” Sungchan informs, waving.
You all say goodbye, everyone slowing to a stop near the entrance to text their respective friends. You’re heavily amused at Hannie and Tonie immediately dragging a protesting Riku over to the hammer carnival game.
Yunjin, Wonyoung, Intak, and Jiung all come jogging over from a certain direction, greets flying around before the two guys also grab Wonbin over to the hammer machine.
You take Sohee’s arm from behind you, pushing him towards his friends. He only raises his brows, silently asking if you were going to be fine.
“Go, I’ll see you at Static’s stage later.” You roll your eyes, grinning before shooing him off.
You and the girls decide to get in line for the food trucks. As you’re waiting, Liz gives you a small backhug, squeezing your arm.
“You alright?” She whispers, and you nod.
“I’m good! Promise.”
The drunkenness was really kicking in and honestly, you should’ve eaten a little more before taking shots. At least now you were in line to get some food. The girls get different dishes and share in a standing circle, striking up casual conversation when you run into people you know on campus.
You’re a little afraid to see Haewon, especially after Liz spots Taesan and a few of his friends far away. Thankfully, both of them are nowhere to be seen near you.
Eventually, you and Liz’s phones buzz from the “seok fan club” group chat, Taro reminding everyone Static performed in fifteen minutes. You hurry to scarf down your remaining food before heading to the main stage.
Thanks to Intak jumping up and down in the quickly-forming crowd, you find the guys easily enough. There’s more and more of your mutual friends together now, with some-what familiar names and faces floating in your brain.
You don’t see Sohee though. You tap Wonbin on the shoulder to inquire.
“Oh, he got roped into helping Tech Crew. There’s some program for the concert later glitching.”
You make a small noise in understanding, nodding to your friend. Your attention turns to the stage as many people in your group start stomping and cheering at Eunseok getting on stage.
Seok introduces himself as student government president and promptly introduces today’s festivals and events. He thanks everyone’s hard work on putting things together, causing a loud roar in the crowd. The whole student population at the festival is familiar with your mutual friend and seems to adore him.
He introduces Static Dance Crew first in the dance battle for a money prize, and you shout loudly to cheer on your best friend. The guys behind you all are chanting Shotaro’s name and it makes you laugh when Taro dramatically waves like a celebrity. Jiung pretends to faint, leaning against Hannie who almost topples over from his weight.
The performance is spectacular, a combination of hip-hop and pop songs blended together. Taro and Kazuha really shine on the stage with their facial expressions and sharp movements but then again, maybe you were biased.
No one else seems too interested in staying for the other performances, knowing that tomorrow, Static would be announced as winning the prize money. Sungchan ushers everyone to the performance tent to collect your friends and congratulate them.
After giving Kazuha a big sweaty hug, the black-haired girl grabs Yunjin to get a funnel cake she’s been wanting badly. Anton sneakily hands Shotaro a nip of vodka they had snuck in. Everyone soon separates and starts going on carnival rides.
You join the girls in lining up for a scary-looking spinning one, wondering whether Sohee was free from being dragged into helping Tech Crew. You didn’t want to separate with your group to look for him, especially now that the festival was getting more and more packed with people.
The concern about someone throwing up was looming now, especially since Wonyoung had pointed to some guy leaning over a trashcan in the corner. A tight-lipped line crosses her perfect features just as Kazuha and Yunjin meet you all again, sharing their funnel cake.
The amusement ride is all laughs and giggles, and you’re breathless stepping off. You point out Tonie and the guys further out in the line for the same ride. Wonbin and Tonie seem queasy looking at it, and you squeeze your roommate’s shoulder in comfort.
“It isn’t that bad, I promise!”
Jiung shoulders Sungchan beside him. “Sneak us into the front, dude…”
Liz squints before teasing. “He would never…”
Sungchan purses his lips down to his girlfriend before walking to the front of the line to talk to the ride operators. The girls easily line up again for the same ride, Yunjin being dared by Shotaro to keep a straight face on it.
Anton tugs out his phone from his pocket, before grabbing your attention.
“Sohee still with Tech Crew?”
You shrug, unsure. His location says he was behind the stage so you assumed the answer was yes.
You feel bad, especially since Sohee was always roped by someone to help with tech stuff at school events.
“Shall we go find him and set him free?” Anton grins, “Minju says she spots him backstage helping out. She and a few others waiting to meet this mystery artist performing soon.”
You agree, Wonbin sneaking away with you both before he could get roped into actually going on a carnival ride he was scared of.
It takes around five minutes to shuffle around and reach the stage again with the amount of people now. Anton spots Eunseok, walking up to him to talk as your eyes scan the people behind equipment for Sohee.
A few people are causing commotion a little farther away, a phone with flash on taking a picture of a group of people surrounding someone in a flashy outfit.
Your eyes go to Minju first, who’s dressed beautifully next to the artist who’s possibly about to perform at this festival. But then you recognize Sohee in the pack, smiling tightly with no teeth and creases to his eyes. Moka is leaning in close to him, the brightest grin on her face while throwing up a peace sign for the camera. Her hand rests around Sohee’s wrist.
You feel ill.
Turning, you miss your boyfriend flinch at his ex’s touch, pulling away quickly. Your queasy face and unstable feet immediately concern Wonbin, who grabs your elbow.
“YN?”
Anton swears under his breath, an annoyed expression crossing his features as he connects what you just looked at. “YN, wait—”
You only put a hand up, slowly walking away while feeling tears rising in your tear ducts once more.
The boa that had restricted your airways before comes back, tightening around your throat. You can practically feel the pieces of your broken heart clanging around in your ribcage, unable to keep up with your heartbeat battering against your chest.
You needed to get out of here. Once again, you were drunk in public, witnessing shit you didn’t want to see or hear or think about for one night.
You hear a few of your friends’ shouts for you to slow down, your speed in trying to leave increasing.
Sohee’s voice rings louder above everyone else’s. You would know his voice from anywhere.
“YN! Wait!”
Turning, you disappear around a corner before he can see where you went. A sob escapes your dry lips as you hug yourself.
Your negative thoughts come crashing in from earlier in the evening, echoing in your head.
At your straightforward words, Sohee looks up from his phone with his cheeks quickly becoming red. His back is against the wall perpendicular to your bed as he waits, watching you get ready for tonight.
“What?”
You smile, adoring your boyfriend becoming shy at your words. “I said what I said. Ten toes down, you’re hot.”
Sohee tilts his head, squinting like he didn’t quite hear you right. His cap is on backwards now, huffing while tugging himself to the edge of your bed. Sohee places his phone down, freeing his hands to circle your waist.
“Says the drop-dead gorgeous woman before me currently.”
He wanders your sides like they’re something to explore, slowly traveling down to the hem of your dress. Sohee tugs it down a little. You turn to view yourself in the mirror.
“Oh, oops. Thanks, my ass was kind of out.”
“Eh, I like it.”
You meet Sohee’s shit-eating grin in the reflection and slowly face forward to slap his arm.
“Of course you would. You’re not gonna say something cheesy like, ‘But it’s for my eyes only?’” The latter part of the sentence is said in a goofy tone.
“Are you kidding? You can wear what you want, baby, I can fight.”
“... You can’t fight, Hee.”
“Alright, I can threaten. Happy, cutie?”
“Sure,” You pull away from Sohee’s embrace to go spray on perfume. “The song on the story is real subtle by the way.”
Sohee scoffs while leaning back on his elbows, eyes trailing you only. He loves watching you go about your room, doing whatever and being in your element— doing your makeup, your hair, picking an outfit, putting on jewelry. Anything.
“So you can soft launch me on your story with my head in your lap… But I can’t post a picture you took of me in your bedroom?”
You smile over your shoulder, quipping, “You’re right, how hypocritical of me. You’re all mine, that’s all that matters.”
Going back to debating between earrings, you hear Sohee pad up to you. His strong hands glide from your shoulders down to your elbows, before planting a peck to your exposed neck.
“I love when you remind me of that.” Sohee sighs while resting his chin on your head.
“Don’t I know it… You tell me every chance you can.”
Sohee suddenly wraps his arms around you tight, wiggling you around with inhuman noises escaping his mouth.
“Ugh, Hee! Let me go! It’s 9:15 and everyone is already arriving to pregame!”
“Fineee,” He pouts, releasing his tight grip on you to playfully bite your arm. “Only because you begged me so kindly.”
Sohee goes to grab his phone on your sheets, opening your door to leave your bedroom.
“Wait!” You rush over to pull down Sohee’s zip up, exposing his shirt.
Sohee softly grins down at you. “Of course. Got to show off that we’re matching, no?”
He adjusts the navy blue strap to your dress as you pat down a crease on Sohee’s similarly shaded shirt.
“Maybe.” Your cheeky answer says enough.
You pecks his lips. “You’ll be in the kitchen with everyone else?”
He nods, just as the all too familiar sound of Liz and Kazuha’s voices enter the apartment, everyone cheering at their arrival. Sohee knowingly waves a hand before you can say a word.
“I’ll tell them you’re in your room. Go finish getting ready, cutie.”
Sohee predicted your thoughts exactly and you kiss his cheek in response.
The girls race to your door to greet you in a hug, already nursing red Solo cups in their hands. Kazuha immediately raids your closet for a top she decides is good enough while Liz is clearly feeling off, bothered about the reply she had seen on Sungchan’s tweet.
“The upsetting part is that—! Ugh, he does look good with the glasses tonight. I told him once! That I liked how glasses looked on him and suddenly there’s this. That Eunchae girl has somehow allowed her glasses to fit on his big head and now… they’re talking?”
You and Zuha meet eyes at that comment, having a feeling Sungchan was not actually entertaining Eunchae as much as Liz was thinking. You both tug on each of your friend’s arms, pulling her into a seated position on your mattress.
“I mean it, Lizzie! You should consider telling him how you feel tonight or in the next few days. It’s clearly torturing you.”
“Right!” Zuha backs you up with a resolute nod. “You don’t have the right to be upset about Sungchan talking to anybody tonight when you’ve barely given him any clue you feel the same way he does. I love you girl but it’s time to make a move.”
“... I hate when you two gang up on me and talk sense.” Liz crosses her arms.
Kazuha slaps a hand on Liz’s sagged shoulders. “Don’t do anything stupid tonight. Got it?”
Liz does a thumbs up, forcing the corners of her mouth to the corners of her cheeks.
You have a sudden overwhelming bad feeling about it but move on for the sake of finishing getting ready. Pumping each other up with a few cute selfies in the mirror, you all head out your bedroom to join the others.
You hug Wonbin, Shotaro, Sungchan, and Eunseok who’ve been over to help decorate the apartment since an hour ago. Clearly, they had a jump start on the pre-game because Anton is steadying Hannie on the kitchen counter, the latter taping up streamers over the common room entryway.
The doorbell rings and Seok answers the door, ushering in Intak, Yunjin, Jiung, and Eunchae. You hug Yunjin in greeting, happy to see a familiar face while a little nervous on the arrival on Eunchae.
The pretty blonde girl and Sungchan have dapped each other up, making small conversation in the corner as she made a drink for herself. One peek at Liz and you see her tight grip on her own red Solo cup, face blank.
Bad sign.
Making conversation with Yunjin, she gives you a smirk when Sohee passes by you. His hand brushes your waist while moving by to grab scissors for Hannie, still passionately cutting and putting up streamers everywhere.
Your living room is an explosion of orange everywhere and you focus on yelping for Anton to be careful climbing over the couches, ignoring Yunjin’s urge to ask you anything.
The pregame goes over somewhat smoothly, with just the right amount of insane as usual. Taro convinces your roommates to stop stressing over decorations in order for drinking games to begin. All of the boys rock, paper, scissor for the infamous dildo shot glass and Intak wins, becoming a little too giddy about it.
A flip cup game starts after a round of Svedka shots together, competitive natures ramped up with alcohol flowing through everyone’s veins. Sohee invites you to join his team with an encouraging smile, but you blanche, shaking your head no.
Everyone in the first game is heavily fired up and you’re not willing to get into fights this early in the night.
Another ring of the doorbell has Tonie checking his phone and rushing to the door like a madman. A gorgeous girl with pin-straight black hair and a gorgeous smile that suits Anton’s, walks through the door with a few others behind her.
The flip cup game is put on pause as everyone greets one another, clearly all a little acquainted through Seok’s social butterfly network. Even though you’re ready to berate Anton about his mysterious girl, you’re dragged into another round of shots by Eunseok.
You had playfully promised to keep up with his liquor tonight and you’re beginning to be fearful of the promise.
Surprisingly, you see your boyfriend also within the circle to take another shot. His jaw is set tight, seemingly on edge about something but you don’t know what. His eyes keep shifting over to Anton and the group that had just arrived, in the corner concocting their own drinks.
When Seok’s shot glass clinks with yours, you become distracted from asking Sohee easily. You cough, patting Kazuha’s back when she audibly gags around everyone.
“Oh my God, why did no one warn me that it was FireBall?”
“My bad!” Jiung calls outs with his lips tucked in.
Liz takes it like a champ, seemingly steeling her eyes in determination of something. You’re about to ask your best friend to take it easy tonight but don’t have the chance as Hannie bumps up the music on the speakers.
There’s no more doorbell ringing as people start flowing in.
Sohee grabs your elbow, leaning into your ear. “Join the game, baby! Anton dropped out!”
You shake your head, grinning. “I want to go interrogate him! Here!”
Wonbin’s back is turned to you and you grab at the collar of his shirt to drag him over. Your friend subtly chokes at your grip but concedes. You don’t hear Sohee’s sounds of protest, only patting Binnie’s back in understanding of him joining the game before slinking over to Anton.
As you walk over, you can feel a haze sliding over the surface of your brain, warmth creeping into your skin with the effects of alcohol through your system. You subtly bump into your roommate and say hi.
Anton laughs at your attempt to be subtle, introducing you to the pretty black-haired girl with a smile.
“YN, Minju. Minju, YN!”
“Hi, nice to meet you. You’re gorgeous by the way!”
You flush at the compliment, gesturing towards Minju’s outfit. “Are you kidding? You’re a model in comparison!”
She only gives a cute giggle, opening her lips to say more but one of her friend joins in from behind her with a soft smile. She’s shorter, eyes wide but calculated in her moments to interrupt the conversation.
“Ju, me and the girls are gonna go dance, okay? Oh, I’m sorry, I’m Moka.” She brings her hand to her chest in apology.
You wave a hand to swipe away her worry. “Don’t apologize! I’m YN, nice to meet you.”
You don’t register Anton’s worried expression behind you, including Minju’s slight apprehension at her friend’s behavior.
“You’re Sohee’s new girlfriend, no?” The tilt of Moka’s head shows she’s asking in curiosity but you’re overwhelmed with not knowing how to reply.
“Um…” Stilted, you nod. “Yeah, I am. You know him?”
She ignores your question, presumably not hearing you over the blasting bass in the apartment.
“I’m sorry, I’m so nosy. I just heard around campus and was wondering. I’ve known the guys for a while, it’s nice to meet you!” She gives a hug and you return it, a little confused.
It’s brushed off when Kazuha tugs at your elbow, who you didn’t notice was urgently waved over by Anton behind your back.
She convinces you to go to take another shot together, Hannie right behind her in approval. Waving goodbye to your previous conversation, you huddle at the edge of the entryway to the kitchen with a Svedka bottle.
“You two ever heard of pacing yourselves? It’s been only fifteen minutes since our last one together!” You complain.
Hannie gives you a weird look, happily unscrewing the bottle. “I’m about to lose a hundred bucks over this two-month long bet. No thank you.”
Kazuha points a small finger over to the corner, Liz chatting up Yushi, the guy from Jiung’s Valentine’s Day themed party. Sungchan is no longer in the presence of Eunchae, staring heavily at the poor Japanese transfer with murderous intent.
“Hannie, go wrangle Channie in. He looks like he’s about to set this place on fire.” Kazuha nudges your roommate.
“He looks stupid glaring with the glasses on,” You mutter. “What the hell was he doing, entertaining Eunchae in front of our girl’s face? Now she’s doing dumb shit as well.”
Hannie scoffs as he hands you both your respective shot glasses. “His dumbass recruited Eunchae for girl advice. They’re just friends and his plan is backfiring on him now.”
“You’re telling me he wasn’t talking to Eunchae to make Lizzie jealous?” Kazuha raises a perfect brow.
“No. Now, we’re stuck watching their competitive asses have a jealousy contest.”
“If they haven’t already gotten together by now, it’s because they both are dense enough to still be playing games.”
“Don’t do too much now. You and Sohee were not much better.” Kazuha points out.
You wave a hand dismissively, forcing a laugh from Hannie. He’s unsteady in his drunk state, spilling some of his shot.
“Hannie!”
“Oops, cheers!”
You all down your shot. It’s getting easier as the night goes on, which is a sign that it’s good to stop drinking in the next hour before you puke in your waste basket tonight.
As if your friend could read your mind, Eunseok throws an easy arm over you, grin plastered on.
“How many shots in?”
“3! You?”
“5, shawty. C’mon…” He tilts his head teasingly, patting your shoulder in sympathy.
You pout which makes him laugh. You take another shot with a grimace. A bunch of people whoop, gathering many people’s attention as Shotaro climbs your coffee table with a drink in hand, gesturing Eunseok forward.
Kazuha laughs. “Our dance captain, everyone.”
Seunghan has pulled out his phone, Wonbin having on his own device’s flashlight to give Seok some audience hype as they start dancing.
The night is beginning to feel like a blur, running into mutuals and acquaintances all around the apartment. Your brain wanders back to Sohee, afraid that you had ruined things, telling someone you didn’t know, of your relationship.
He had easily accepted another shot earlier as well, never one to drink past one and a beer. You sneak away to wiggle around the packed apartment, eyes on the lookout for your familiar head of thick dark hair.
‘Maybe he’s in the bathroom…’ You think, heading in the direction of your guys’ shared hallway.
It’s hard to walk through so many people, especially with your tipsiness really setting in now with four shots and a drink.
Your breath catches when you finally see who you’re looking for, but not in the company you were expecting.
Sohee is listening intently to Moka, leaning down like he couldn’t believe his ears on what she was saying to him. You remember her words back now.
“I’ve known the guys for a while, it’s nice to meet you!”
They know each other well. Too well because they’re up in each other’s space, her wearing a beautiful fit dress that suits her shape well. Moka’s head is tilted while looking up at your boyfriend, leaning into him like she has the right to do so.
Sohee’s brows are furrowed, almost as if he’s trying to decipher her words, glued to his spot. Your heart cracks when you see the girl grasp onto Sohee’s arm.
“Liz! Are you a witch!?” Shotaro yells, flabbergasted as he looks over to your best friend beside you on the couch.
You start dying of laughter at the guys’ reactions, Anton’s mouth agape from across the room. Eunseok has his head in his hands, the controller loose in his grip as his roommate, Sungchan beside him is frozen in shock.
“I told you guys she was good. You didn’t believe me.” You mutter, covering your grin with your sleeve.
Liz only shrugs, clearly basking in her confidence at Mario Kart.
“You have to be hacking.” Wonbin laughs from the adjacent couch, sipping on his beer and happy to observe. He wasn’t joining the competitive match, just satisfied watching like you.
“This is why I don’t play against her. It’s not even fun, it’s depressing.” You sigh out, stretching against the back cushions as you squeeze Liz’s shoulders in pride.
“Nah, another round. I can’t accept this…” Sungchan says, scoffing lightheartedly. Liz rolls her eyes, locking in another match.
The banter continues and you try to focus in but your stomach grumbles, interrupting your thoughts.
After the Unity House event on campus, everyone decided on going to a restaurant for dinner. Obviously, it would have been awkward being the only one saying no so you went along with it, even if you were hellbent on saving money this semester.
You had ordered an appetizer and called it a day, mainly yapping to avoid anyone’s attention of how you weren’t eating much. After dinner though, you, all the guys, and Seunghan’s “lady friend,” Haewon, headed back to the apartment to hang out.
Liz was finally set free from work and showered quickly before joining as well, arriving only half an hour ago with Kazuha. It was strange how easily your best friends seemed to mesh well with your newfound roommates and their friends— everyone seemed to click easily.
You were initially nervous about going to the Unity House thing without Liz but it was more fun than you’d thought, especially going with your roommates. You’ve grown closer to them this past week after joining their weekly Tuesday dinners and watching a movie together two nights ago.
Slowly but surely, you’re getting to know Seunghan, Anton, and Sohee better. Being the outcast joining their apartment, it’s been equally amusing and bewildering, learning how they coexist as close friends that chose to be housemates.
Observing their dynamic, it’s easy to tell they love each other, no matter the amount of shit they give on a daily basis. You can also tell they’re warming up to the idea of living with you too, which makes you happier than you thought it would.
Obviously, the first person you think in this sense is Sohee. Even as you try not to look over to him now, you get butterflies.
It's a pretty terrifying feeling, seeing how much you yearn to get to know him better. Lee Sohee seems like an enigma that gets sweeter— more thoughtful as you talk to him.
It’s thrilling and scary all at once, especially when you get random bursts of realizations like, “Wow, what the fuck am I doing, falling for someone I live with?”
You’re still denying your feelings, hoping this might be a stupid attention-seeking phase so that you can ignore your reality a little longer. But every time the girls tease you about him discreetly, it becomes all the more real.
It’s also impossible to steer clear of him for long. You find yourself seeking Sohee out more than you’d admit and you weren’t ready to say that aloud yet.
Sohee is laughing along to Taro’s shout about Sungchan being a sore loser, leaning on his friend heavily in humor. His smile is contagious and you find yourself following along infectiously.
“Babe, your stomach is being loud.” Kazuha points out, mentioning the grumbling noises emitting from you.
“I’m gonna go find a snack for us. Be right back.” You mumble, getting up with a groan as Kazuha moves over to the spot you warmed on the couch. She cuddles up to Liz, who’s dead focused on winning over the guys again.
You rummage through your snack cabinet for chips Kazuha left over here the other day, tossing the idea in your head that it should suffice as your second dinner.
Sohee has other plans though, sneaking up on you with his soft voice.
“Hungry?”
You smile sheepishly over your shoulder, a British accent slipping in. “Just a little bit peckish.”
He laughs a little, scratching at the crown of his head as he copies your tone. “British now, are we?”
He silently pads around the kitchen, his hands becoming busy as you try to calm your heartbeat down in his presence.
“You didn’t eat a lot at dinner earlier, did you?”
“You notice that from across our nine-person table?”
“Maybe.”
You roll your eyes at his short answer, leaning your hips against the counter as you fill a cup with tap water behind you. “I didn’t feel like spending an arm and leg for dinner. I’m trying to save money, not to eat out as much, stuff like that.”
“You said yesterday you pay for part of your tuition, right?”
You watch as Sohee slides beside you to fill a pot with water, setting it on a burner.
“Most of it actually. But I’m here on a big scholarship.”
“Really? Do your parents not help pay for school?”
“Um, my mom helps a good amount. I guess it’s more of the apartment and other living stuff I’m expected to pay for.”
Sohee tucks his lips in, eyebrows flicking upwards in surprise. “That sounds like a lot.”
You shrug. “It’s fine. It’s the way it’s always been, I’m not exactly rich. That’s why I work a lot. This room at the apartment is actually more expensive than my last place so, I’m kind of busting my ass to pay for it.”
Sohee tilts his head, confused. He’s waiting for the water to boil, now solely focused on conversing with you which makes your cheeks feel warm.
“Isn’t Riku helping pay for part of your room? That has to help.”
You’re a little embarrassed to admit your financial situation. You thought that you’ve gotten over the fact you’ve never been the most money-secure person growing up— just because that’s been your whole life but, it was still difficult to say aloud to people.
“Yeah but in comparison, my last place was not great. Dirt cheap, yes, but definitely not worth the mold or loud pipes. Neighborhood, etcetera.”
You clear your throat, not wanting to say more. Your last place was still hard to talk about.
“Oh yikes. Well, I hope our place is much better. The noise complaints now are just me gaming, I think. Sorry that we share a wall.”
You scoff, waving a hand. “You’re fine, I sleep like a rock by 3 AM.”
Sohee hums before catching the boiling water and pulling out a packet of ramen.
You find yourself reminded of your hunger, deciding to open Zuha’s bag of chips as you two chat.
“You stay up like me then.” Sohee grins cutely, stirring the noodles. He has a focused expression on, lips pursed as he opens a seasoning packet.
“Yeah, I do homework late at night. Kind of have to, coming home late.”
“Me too! Except, I just try to get super ahead of my classwork, keep up my GPA. I’m trying for my second co-op this summer.”
“That’s really admirable,” You compliment, “You engineering majors are another breed, I swear. I could never!”
He laughs softly, not taking your words genuinely. “Maybe. The guys say I’m a little hard on myself about it but, I just want a good job straight out of school. What do you want to do when you graduate?”
You smack your lips, lolling your head to the side in fake exasperation. Sohee smiles bright at your reaction.
“I know, I know. Every junior’s worst nightmare is to be asked that but I’m curious! I’ve never met a nutrition major before you.”
You like hearing that come from Sohee’s mouth. Even if it wasn’t much to pride yourself over, knowing you were unique in his world.
“Well… I want to be a community nutritionist. Provide people with food education, SNAP benefits, meal programs. Work with food banks, I don’t know.”
Sohee seems to read your mind, seeing you cave in with self-consciousness. “Oh c’mon! I can tell you love what you’re pursuing, unlike me who’s in it for the money. Tell me.”
“Fine, fine,” You pretend to be annoyed, smiling in agreement, “Basically, people in need have a harder time accessing healthy eating and proper nutrition based on their level of income. And I think it’s super important for community programs to provide resources to families like that so! I want to help similar organizations when I graduate. Advocate the way I would have wanted to be advocated for when I was younger.”
At Sohee’s slow nodding and short silence, you get shy.
“That was a lot of rambling, sorry.”
“No, don’t apologize,” Sohee insists, very serious when throwing a look over his shoulder, “You’re passionate about what you do. It’s admirable and not something you should be sorry about.”
You feel slightly scolded but flattered at the same time.
“You’re right. I shouldn’t be.”
“I find what you’re pursuing very cool and nothing to be ashamed about. You’re going to change the world for the better, so that’s something you should be proud of.”
Sohee takes his steaming, delicious-smelling pot off the stove, transferring his food to a bowl. You feebly attempt to cool down your body temperature from Sohee’s sweet words, sipping water desperately to hide your face.
He places the bowl beside you as you turn to see him lean his elbows on the counter. Smoothly, he offers his chopsticks your way.
You point to yourself dumbly, cheeks of water. Sohee smiles at your cute wide eyes.
“Yes, you. Who else is in this kitchen for me to offer to?”
You strongly shake your head, swallowing roughly. “No, no. I’m good, you cooked for yourself. Please, eat.”
“YN.”
Your heart trembles from your name coming from Sohee’s lips sternly.
“I made the ramen for you. Eat.”
“What? No.”
“Yes. I did.”
You stare blankly at that, brain not computing.
“No.”
His twinkling laughter rings out over the multiple voices a room over. “Yes! Stop denying what I did! Eat, I know you’re hungry.”
“Hee, you didn’t have to do that.”
His eyes light up at the nickname, before getting up from leaning on the kitchen surface, eyebrows raised.
“So you had money to buy your best friend flowers, dish sponges for our kitchen, and a shower caddy for our bathroom. But not a full meal out at dinner earlier… You’re not gonna fall into a deep debt over treating yourself sometimes, you know that, right?”
You admit, you recognize the small hypocrisy he’s pointing out.
“Well, you dudes just kept all your shampoos on the edge of the tub. That’s diabolical.”
“Stop changing the subject,” Sohee smiles, grabbing your hand to gently place the chopsticks in your grip, “Just eat before you make me mad.”
You can’t help but grin from his soft touch in combination with his kind actions.
“Fine. But only because we can’t be the next two beefing in this household. Tonie and Hannie are enough of a handful.”
Sohee agrees, happy as you take a big bite of the ramen. It’s undeniably settling your hungry stomach. He seems oddly satisfied to see you eat properly compared to earlier, clearing his throat and looking away.
Seunghan walks in with his feet slowing down, catching you and Sohee already in here before he continues his way to the fridge to grab three beers.
“Hi, you two.” His words come out all-knowing and it makes you nervous.
“Hey, how's Mario Kart going out there?” You ask, Hannie snorting as he cracks a bottle open.
“Dumb question. Liz is absolutely dogging on everyone as predicted. Let me get a bite.”
Hannie’s already walking up to you as he says all this, and you offer your chopsticks over happily. Sohee kicks his best friend on the ass.
“Make your own.”
“YN offered, you asshat!”
“Boo hoo.”
Seunghan looks to you with plain disturbance written on his face, a thumb thrown Sohee’s way. “Do you see this? It’s like I’ve personally offended him!”
“He made it for me.” You giggle as you take another bite of ramen, shoulder shaking in mirth.
His face slides into understanding, giving Sohee a dirty look before snatching the bowl from under you and sipping the broth. You’re desperately trying not to choke at their banter, Sohee’s face twisted with pure disdain.
You wave a hand between the two men to stop their stare down, mouth full.
“Hey, hey. So how are things going with Haewon, huh?”
Hannie pouts his lips, not knowing how to respond. “We’re… going?”
Shaking your head, you roll your eyes. “No, dipshit. Like, do you like her?”
“… I’m feeling interrogated right now.”
“Yeah, because you are being interrogated.” Sohee adds on.
Hannie points a strong finger to his friend’s chest. “You just want to get back at when me and Anton did the same last Sunday.”
“What happened last Sunday?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing.”
You squint at their same exact answers, continuing to chew anyway.
