Featuring an asexual and agender reader using she/her pronouns. Eventual polyamory with Mingi, Yunho, and a queerplatonic relationship with Jongho. Fluff and innuendo only, all talk and no action but still regularly NSFW. To comply with Tumblr’s guidelines for sexually suggestive material, I have placed everything in this series under a Mature Community Label.
Also available under the same user name at AO3.
Prologue: She Came on a Red Motorbike
Chapter One: These Breasts Belong In Your Hands
Chapter Two: Makes Your Mouth Water and Fills You Up
Chapter Three: Very Moist
Chapter Four: He Came Inside
Chapter Five: I Love Your Legs, I Love Your Breasts
Chapter Six: Tender On The Inside
Chapter Seven: They Were Roommates
Chapter Eight: Do You Have A Condom?
Chapter Nine: Cock Girl
Chapter Ten: Only In Fanfiction
Chapter Eleven: She Likes To Be On Top
Chapter Twelve: Everything But Juicy Cock
Epilogue: Filled With Pride
Excerpts and plenty of chapters continuing the story under the cut.
Excerpts from above:
That Yunho Shower Scene from Chapter Three
San Offers A Cuddle from Chapter Three
The Time Yeosang Thought He Was Ready For Sex from Chapter Eight
Confessing to Mingi from Chapter Twelve
What ATEEZ Got Up To In Their Hotel Room from the Epilogue
More set in the same world, vaguely in chronological order. Newest marked with an asterisk:
A Date With Wooyoung - Yunho is in this too
Perking Up Hongjoong After Kingdom - All Eight present
Baby Girl - Mingi focused
Our First Time - Mingi x Reader
Yeosang’s Special Ramen Recipe - All Eight present
Mingi Cheated So You Cheated Back - Poly Mingi, Yunho, x Reader
Falling For Yunho - Poly Mingi, Yunho, x Reader
Angel’s Dilemma - Poly Mingi, Yunho, x Reader
Date With A Princess - Poly Mingi, Yunho, x Reader
Yeosang’s Date In The Park - Wooyoung is in this too
San’s Breakup
Dropping In On The Newlyweds - Poly Mingi, Yunho, x Reader
A Good Life Filled With Love - Poly Mingi, Yunho, x Reader
Happy Birthday, Betty - Yeosang prominent, All Eight present
Yunho's Painful Decision - Poly Mingi, Yunho, x Reader
An Interlude With Annie - Mingi x Reader, Mingi & OC
What Could Have Been - Jongho & Reader
Crushing On Mr. Choi - Wooyoung x San, Mingi x Reader
Romanced By Jongho - Jongho & Reader, Mingi x Reader
A Very Queer Relationship - Jongho QP Reader
Jongho’s Beloved - Jongho & Reader in a Queerplatonic Relationship
Mingi Serves His Country - Mingi x Reader, Jongho QP Reader
The ATEEZ Family Grows - Single Parent Yunho
A Weekend With Yeosang - Parent Yeosang & Reader
Sleeping With Seonghwa
Where Mingi Has Never Gone Before - Mingi x Reader
* Yunho Comes Back - Poly Mingi, Yunho, x Reader
And my current masterlist for everything else can be found here.
An ATEEZ fanfic by AbsentCaryatid with Mingi, Yunho, and the reader in a polyfidelitous triad
5.6K words set in the JC world after A Good Life Filled With Love and overlapping with Happy Birthday Betty.
In a poorly timed admission, Yunho breaks news that his romantic partners the reader and her husband Mingi find difficult to deal with.
Content note: so much angst, agender (she/her, comfortably called ‘girl’) and asexual reader, polyamory, homophobia mention, cursing, desire to parent, mention of military conscription
~
You looked over the crowd at Yeosang’s party and saw him on the periphery horsing around with Wooyoung in his arms. Nearby, your husband Mingi was happily playing croquet with a bunch of kids along with Hongjoong and Seonghwa. Terrible at it, Mingi still seemed to be having plenty of fun despite scoring far behind the young people. You suspected the other two adults were faking problems getting balls through the wickets letting the children score their wins.
Yunho’s face was solemn despite the festivities of Yeosang’s marriage to his true love Betty. You sat with your boyfriend at one of the picnic tables as he poked at his cake. “With Seonghwa beginning military service soon after we get back home and Hongjoong to follow months later, it feels like ATEEZ will never be the same again.” Nodding in the direction of the happy couple he added, “I guess the first change was when Yeosang moved out to be with Betty in their Seoul apartment whenever she was in Korea but he still came back to the dorms if she had work to do in the United States. It was more final when Mingi left after you bought your house together.”
Smiling at the recollection, you agreed, “It has been a lot of changes since KQ brought you together all those years ago. I suppose there are some things to look forward to now though. Without touring, the less booked schedules will leave time for other projects. I know Jongho is excited about his next drama. It would not surprise me to hear you have another one lined up yourself.”
Yunho seemed unusually distant as he struggled to keep up conversation. Typically, he loved to discuss what was next for his career and the silence was telling. Something was going on, but you knew he would not talk about it until he was ready. Still, you felt wary about what this could mean. Along with the rest of ATEEZ, Yunho had recently renewed his contract with KQ Entertainment so it was probably not related to work. Not wanting your mind to spiral into baseless concerns for his health, you decided to mingle with Betty’s relatives while you had the opportunity to see them again.
The time spent talking was pleasant enough but you were feeling tired from the long day. So, you let your spouse know you were leaving the party and asked if he wanted to to come back to the hotel with you. Mingi was now playing badminton with the children present and having a great time so he decided he would head back with one of the other ATEEZ members later. Seeing your weariness, he wished he had taken the time to earn a driving license to assist you now. Offering another form of support, Mingi called out to your mutual boyfriend Yunho suggesting he safely take you back down the unfamiliar winding road in your rental car.
With immediate concern for you, Yunho placed his hand on Jongho’s shoulder apologizing for an abrupt exit from their conversation with Betty’s grandparents. Together you said brief goodbyes to the groom then told your other friends you would see them at the hotel later. Yunho then walked you to the parking lot with quick hugs to your friend Betty, now Yeosang’s wife, on the way.
The car left Tilden Park and began the descent down the Berkeley, California hills under Yunho’s careful hands. He was good at driving and usually would have enjoyed the challenge of the switchbacks, but that was clearly not the case today. You wondered if you would come to regret opening this can of worms here and now but the infinite doubts were worse than a concrete problem could be. “You aren’t dying, are you?”
The blunt question startled your boyfriend and he asked incredulously, “What?” Yunho shook his head. “Where did you get that idea?”
“Something felt off at the wedding. You did not seem yourself. I know you just ended a world tour and that can leave you in need of rest but this feels very different. I need to know what is going on with you so I can help if I can.”
“Shit.” Hearing that from him meant something was definitely up and you grew more anxious. “I wanted to wait until we were back home in Korea to give you my news.” Soon Yunho was pulling the rental car off the hillside road to have your discussion safely. The turnout he parked in had a beautiful view of the setting sun but your mind was completely on Yunho and bracing for whatever he was about to say.
Knowing he was about to break your heart and then Mingi’s in turn, he simply turned to you and said, “I am working on having children.”
Gutted, despite always knowing this would happen one day when Yunho found a person to have kids with, it still hurt like nothing else and your response was uncharacteristically hard. “How could you have a new partner when we agreed to keep everyone informed before becoming sexually active with someone else?”
Yunho agitatedly put his head in his hands. “No, no, no, it is not like that at all. I am doing this so badly. Forgive me for letting your mind go there by not explaining things better.” Yunho took a deep breath allowing him to continue the difficult talk. “I have stopped looking for a partner to share a child with. If it happens it happens, but there is no one on the horizon partly because nobody measures up to Mingi or you.” This at least brought a small smile to your face and Yunho was now reassured he could make it through the conversation, however painful it would be all around.
“Lately I have been looking into becoming an adoptive parent instead. This would have to happen after my military service of course, so I have planned to move that up. Once dismissed, I would not return to the dorms but into a place of my own with extra bedrooms. Luckily the agency I talked to is willing to let single people apply and they really seemed attracted to the good publicity my high profile could bring getting more people interested in the important role of adopting. I wanted to run this plan by you and Mingi before I confirmed with the military or made a formal request to KQ Entertainment for the absence.”
“Yunho, that is great. You have wanted this for so long. I understand how important family is to you.” Knowing that this is where his mind was came as a great relief. “Stress is hard to turn off, but you really should not worry about being a good father. I have admired your skill with children for years. Making sure your work schedule accommodates parenthood will be a priority of mine.”
“Please, let me finish.” He looked in physical pain. “You know you once said, ‘Whatever you need from me, whenever, you shall have it.’ It kills me to ask, but what I need is to break up with you and Mingi.” Yunho watched the color drain from your face, even in the dimming evening light it was evident. He made sure you did not seem to have any other physical symptoms before continuing. Yeosang had warned him he’d better plan his delivery well. Having firsthand experience with breaking up despite both parties very much wanting to stay together, Yeosang had advised picking the timing of any discussion wisely and here he was just blurting it out.
Yunho closed his eyes and tried to choose his words carefully. “If I am going to be a single parent I do not want to go through the early childhood years. An older child or two will be a different kind of hard work but I am likely to find someone who needs a father. However, a bachelor sleeping with a married couple is not what they are looking for when placing vulnerable kids. They will investigate my life and I will not lie so I regret that my romantic relationships with you and Mingi have to end to make this dream come true.”
Holding your hands in his as you turned toward each other in the car, Yunho admitted, “My love for you has not changed, and I don’t think it ever will, but my private life has to be morally spotless, especially as a single man looking to adopt children by myself. Our deep, loving relationship would be viewed as participating in an affair and our homophobic society would look even more askance at my love for your husband.
Unbidden, a sob escaped your throat and you took time enough to recover to talk through your tears. “All along you warned us children were in your future and eventually I will be able to be happy for you, Yunho. I see this breakup isn’t something you really want either but I understand your circumstances.”
The relief in his face was clear, this must have been an impossible choice and he had borne the decision making alone apart from a lot of listening and good advice from Wooyoung, San, and Yeosang you would come to learn later. In time you could wish Yunho had found a partner to parent with making everything easier but in the moment your heart was glad you had not been replaced. Fearfully you asked, “Is it already over or can you spend one last weekend with us?”
“You would still have me, even as badly as I have botched this delivery?”
With tear-filled eyes you reassured him, “Always, and no matter how many years it takes for your kids to grow up and you come back to us, I will always welcome you with open arms.” Now it was his turn to tear up at this unexpectedly accepting news. Even at this moment of utter shock your mind turned toward consoling your boyfriend. “How long has this been on your mind?”
“Since the beginning of the tour. I knew I needed to tell you both but wanted to wait till we got back to Korea. I could not risk the success of the concert performances if Mingi did not take it well.”
“Fuck the business.”
He looked up, startled at your response.
“You should never have had to bear the weight of your decision for so long. No wonder you felt distant whenever I called. I had noticed and wondered if you had a potential new partner who would have kids with you on the condition you were monogamous. So being dumped is not completely out of the blue, but for a different reason. Instead of a person, you’re leaving me for somebody else’s misguided sense of propriety.” Heartbroken, you still found sympathy for Yunho. “I am so sorry you were not able to savor what was some of our last time together.”
“It is true,” he sniffled. “Today I sat there watching the lizard on my hand, feeling the way you leaned against me on the picnic bench, hand warm on my thigh. It was a moment to relax and enjoy but all I could think about was how much I would be hurting you with the news once we got back home in a week. I had no idea everything was going to fall apart minutes later. This timing was certainly not planned.”
Reaching toward him in the car, he seemed surprised by your compassion for his position in the midst of your own turmoil. As your hand held his shoulder Yunho despondently blinked away tears. “I wish I had never hoped to have kids.”
“You have a very common, human need. Nobody is at fault here, Yunho. But damn. Fuck the adoption committee that wants to dictate what a moral life looks like.”
“Yeah,” he breathed raggedly. You both broke down sobbing in each other’s arms. It did not solve anything but it helped a little in the moment. Thankfully the pullout was large and the few cars passing on the road were distant enough to not get a good look at your activity. You hated that even at a time like this part of your mind was devoted to defending his image as an idol. But it really wasn’t that you realized, you were protective of your lover having his grief splashed across the tabloids around romantic circumstances he never wished to disclose to public scrutiny.
Recovering somewhat, Yunho said, “I thought by now I would’ve met someone, we could’ve had kids or perhaps they were already a parent and I’d be incorporated into their lives.”
You put a hand in his again consolingly. “Anybody would be lucky to have you as a stepfather or adoptive parent.”
The rest of the short trip back to the hotel was silent apart from sniffling from both you and Yunho. As he drove, you kept looking over to him knowing he would be in your presence far less often from here on out. He was no longer yours, or at least on the brink of that being true, and it was something you did not want to face.
Walking from the lobby to your shared room went quietly. Using humor to deal with pain, your spirits partially recovered to ruefully dig at Yunho, “If you will not be available to me anymore I might just have to see if Jongho can fit me into his busy dating schedule.” Unknowingly overheard, San came out of his room you had just passed with a jacket on and one for Wooyoung as he was about to head back to the party in the park. A thoughtful look was on his face. So, the bombshell of such weighty news had been detonated early. He would be sure to tell Wooyoung so both of them could be available tonight if anyone needed some comforting.
Closing the door to the hotel room shared with Mingi and Yunho, you instantly regretted lashing out with a threat of replacement and apologized at once.
In return Yunho offered his regrets for sharing the news on this otherwise happy day.
“The harm from keeping this to yourself must have been too much to bear. You really are a good actor, I saw so little of your stress until today and as a partner I should have.” Yunho held you through another fit of crying as he stroked your head and rubbed your back. Needing even closer touch, you asked Yunho to shower with you. Things always felt better after a shower, but you had never asked so much of the activity before. The warm water could not fix things but at least you might feel less wrung out.
It helped somewhat, as did drinking plenty of water. Yunho offered a cuddle in bed and you gratefully accepted, eager to get any more time from him you could. With your head on his chest, his heartbeat and warmth soothed you. Still in distress himself, Yunho continued a night of poorly timed admissions saying, “Maybe it would’ve been best if you never had agreed to date me after all.”
“Never,” you said with such vehemence it startled him. “Falling in love not just once but twice was so unexpected. To have been loved by you even if it had to end was worth it at any cost.” He could hear the resignation in your voice as you added, “I did not know it would be so physically painful though.”
“This is your first breakup, isn’t it?” Nodding, you clung to him tighter under the covers. “I don’t know how much comfort I can be when I am the cause,” Yunho added with regret. “Love hurts both when you long for it and when you have to give it up.”
You gasped as tears filled your eyes again, blurring the world. All these years of wiping tears of joy from Yunho’s cheeks and now he was doing the same for you but for an opposite reason. “Now that you know, we can plan how to tell Mingi as gently as possible.”
He saw you furious for the first time in his life. Bolting upright, your voice turned icy. “Don’t you dare underestimate the depth of my love for you.” It came out harder than you expected and you were shaking. “This was no easier for me to hear than it will be for him, even though your relationship is more physical. For so long I thought we had a reprieve once you understood kids can learn about polyamorous families. It seemed like you could have a child with a primary partner and still have room for us in your life. And now to lose that, for the duration of a whole childhood, it’s harder than I ever expected to take.”
“I knew I would fuck this up if I was not prepared for the conversation to happen and I just dumped it on you anyway.” Yunho hung his head, appalled at his sloppy handling of the situation. “You are dealing with this better than I deserve when all I have earned is your rage. Just because I know nobody can soothe our Mingi like you can, not even me, that does not mean I can assign that job to you when there is an equal depth to your grief.”
“Thank you, Yunho. I needed to hear you acknowledge that.” You dressed again and decided to walk off your bitter energy. As you made your way down the hotel hall you heard a muffled sob then a wail through a pillow, the saddest sound you had ever heard in your life, come from the shared room and your own eyes teared up once more. Wanting nothing more than to run back and comfort Yunho, you made the difficult but necessary choice to look after yourself in the moment. Carrying his pain too would only double your own and you needed to pull it together because soon enough you would have your husband to tend to.
Over the walk you began to feel slightly charitable again despite the sudden, crushing news. You were only losing half of your romantic relationships whereas Yunho was losing all of them in one swoop before heading to the military and apart from the team who had been his support for years. Mingi and you would have each other, and Yunho wouldn’t even have a partner to parent with. You were almost back to the room when Yunho’s text came through.
“Mingi knows now but I don’t think it has really hit him yet. Jongho is taking me in for the night but I will not leave Mingi alone until you return. Take all the time you need.”
Three replies were sent to Yunho in quick succession. “Almost there. Please stay.” “I need the comfort of your arms tonight even if it may be for the last time.” “I love you.” Wiping the tear that fell to your screen, you then brought out your keycard and braced to face the aftermath.
~
Needing to begin distancing himself, Yunho shared a room with Jongho at Yosemite’s historic Ahwahnee Hotel instead of with you and Mingi as originally planned. As popular as Jongho was with women, Yunho was unsure if he would be intruding on nights his friend could be spending with dates picked up on vacation.
Jongho was quick to welcome the change. “It will not impact my plans at all. In fact, it will be nice to have you around.” Left unsaid was the benefit he felt Yunho would get from less opportunity to mope around Mingi and yourself. Chuckling, he added, “I suppose I can put my appetites on hold for a week.” With a wry grin Jongho then asked, “What must you think of me?”
Yunho was reassuring that he passed no judgement on the frequency with which Jongho enjoyed a variety of girlfriends, all top-tier K-pop stars and always two at a time. “After all, you have never questioned my choices. When you so easily take advantage of many options it must have looked silly for me to be hung up on a crush for so long even if it did turn out to be reciprocated in the end.”
“You would be surprised how much value I see in what you had.” Jongho’s gaze was distant and Yunho left him to his thoughts as they both unpacked for the week.
The vacation passed in a blur. Years later you couldn’t even be sure you had been to Yosemite National Park if not for the pictures. Yeosang was the only member unaware of the drama in his group which was a good thing because it didn’t put a dampener on his honeymoon with Betty. As the news had filtered through the group the morning after the wedding, Seonghwa wisely had bought out one store’s supply of wrap around sunglasses before boarding the chartered bus to the park. They had served you well over the trip as fans watched your party from a respectful distance.
There was also a lot to be grateful to Yeosang for. Given his history of leaving his carnation shaped birthmark visible as a sign he did not want to be photographed and not available for fan encounters came in handy for the rest of the team who had adopted the look on this vacation. All seven members in need of a flower nature had not provided from birth, in addition to you and Betty, spent the honeymoon trip with an actual carnation tucked behind your ears thanks to a daily supply courtesy of Hongjoong’s thoughtfulness. Everybody who considered themselves ATINY respected the signal of the flower and it made at least one aspect of the final days of your relationship with Yunho easier. Being photographed while going through all these emotions would have been unbearable.
All eyes in your trio were red still when it came time to board the airplane home. Mingi had the window and zoned out most of the lengthy flight before dozing eventually. So trusting in the good of people, he was in denial and thought if it could just be explained how much the three of you were in love it would solve everything. It was obvious to him how good Yunho would be as a parent so he expected it to be just as clear to any selection committee.
Perhaps Mingi understood more that he was letting on though. As your husband slept he kept hold of your hand, squeezing it now and then as if to make sure you were still really there. Wooyoung had the other as you sat between the men. He had made no objection when Yunho asked to switch seats with him moving the younger member into your row. Being one of the confidantes along with Yeosang and San to help Yunho through his decision, he had known the reveal was coming and he was glad the relationship between his teammates had not imploded while still on tour. Still, he had seen the toll the secret had taken. Yunho’s recent performances had not been his best work.
Armrest up, Wooyoung pressed into your side talking quietly, head consolingly on your shoulder and arm entwined with yours. In other circumstances the remaining members might have wondered if this unusual closeness was the start of a new romantic relationship but the scene made sense to San and he used the time apart from his partner to keep an eye on Yunho. With time, everybody fell asleep but it brought you no peace.
~
ATEEZ duties resumed with a flurry of activity wrapping up the final appearances before members would begin serving in the military. Yunho had been able to move up his enlistment and you and Mingi awaited his arrival for a final weekend together as partners, in the short term at least, but possibly forever. With arms around each other in comfort, absorbed in your own thoughts, Yunho had slipped in unnoticed and made his way to the piano to announce his presence with the song you now associated with his visits. At the sound of ‘Summer’ by Joe Hisaishi you raced to his side and hugged him like you would never let go, quickly joined by Mingi. Despite the tight hold, Yunho finished the song before kissing you both. Hesitantly, he asked, “May I keep the piano here until I have an apartment of my own when I get out of the service?”
“Of course. Mingi goofs off on it from time to time and there is really no space to keep it at the dorm. In fact, we can store anything you need while you are away. You don’t need to rent a storage space or leave things with your parents.”
Eyes downcast and grimacing in shame, Yunho replied, “Thank you, you are being too good to me when I have caused so much pain.”
“You once said your visits were like a dream. Now I see what you meant. It does hurt that you want kids more than you want me and Mingi but then you have been honest with us about that from the start. Our future was always uncertain and we hoped you could find a partner to have children with who was comfortable with polyamory so little would change. But, this situation of adopting sounds non-negotiable and I can not blame you for ending things to make your dream come true. Mingi and I can comfort each other but you no longer will have a lover to turn to for consolation.”
“I was not going to while serving the country anyway, even if we had stayed together. But still, this is so awful for you too and I should not downplay that. Here I am dumping you both unexpectedly and meanwhile you are the ones kindly looking after me.”
“The situation is the problem, it is not you at all. My love for you would never change unless you asked me to stop caring, and even then I don’t think I could. May I still write to you at your barracks when you leave for duty?”
“That would mean the world to me.” Yunho caught himself and backpedaled his excitement. “I am not expecting you to, knowing how you fell for Mingi in writing, and you already love me which would undoubtedly show through. Maybe a clean break is needed.” You nodded in understanding even if you did not like the answer. Yunho continued, “I am content to have Jongho give me the news. He is such a good storyteller and has already promised to keep me informed about all the little things I will be missing back home in the dorm.”
Mingi put a hand on your back soothingly and commented, “That’s probably for the best anyway. Even if people know our girl works for KQ, getting frequent letters from the wife of a teammate is a little bit suspicious.”
Nodding, Yunho agreed, “And, as much as I should be able to trust my brothers in arms, there’s always the possibility of the letters being photographed or even stolen to wind up in the tabloids and I do not want that to happen to us no matter how innocent they are.”
Gone in a blink, the weekend soon ended and the last days of your polyfidelitous triad were over. The final goodbye came hard but you managed to wish your lover success in the rest of his life. “Farewell, Yunho.” With a lingering kiss to Mingi and an all too brief group hug as romantic partners, he disengaged himself and walked outside. Without looking back, Yunho waved out the car window as he left.
With that you and Mingi were down to one partner, just right for many and more than others ever got no matter how much they might desire love, but it was less than you were accustomed to. Even without it being a sexual relationship, you felt the loss no less deeply than Mingi and you grieved for what would have been in a more understanding world that would not make Yunho choose between his desires for family in the two different forms.
Mingi saw you going down that well-worn path of regret that you had never wanted kids. Everything would have been solved if you had just decided to have children with Yunho in any form they might have come into your life. “Hey,” Mingi said, caressing a tear from your cheek as one slid down his own. “You know it was right for us to give him the difficult answer that kids are not what we want. Going against our hearts that way would not have ended well and deep down you know it too.”
“True, but knowing it and getting my broken heart to understand are two different things.”
He pulled you close and stroked your hair, calming you somewhat. “Maybe we could use some new surroundings. Annie is always encouraging us to visit the country where she grew up. Shall we see if she will be back home in Brazil anytime soon? I think the change would do us good and with one member gone and Seonghwa soon to follow our schedules are pretty free right now. I can do a V Live from anywhere when needed and your work is often portable too. So, what do you say?”
“Thank you for being my rock, Mingi. I love you for your idea and so much more.” You set your face with not wholly felt certainty. “We will survive this. Yunho is not gone from our lives, just back to being a friend. And we can still see him on breaks from the military when he stays at the ATEEZ dorm or with his parents.”
“Yet I want more.” Your husband buried his head in your shoulder, wetting your neck with his tears.
“Me too. I don’t think I can see Yunho for a while for fear of clinging to him.” You sighed heavily. “Our lives were so much richer with our boyfriend and I would not have had it any other way despite the pain now.” Mingi nodded with nothing to add but his arm around your waist as you walked back into the house beginning several days of intermittent crying on both your parts. You would live, but damn, it hurt.
~
Jeong Aurora and Jeong Nero raced into their father’s bedroom waking him up early by jumping onto the bed. “Slow down, your footed pajamas can be slippery,” he groggily cautioned as he raised the covers making space for his girls on either side.
“Dad, we are adults now. We can take care of ourselves,” his daughter Nero, the elder by three minutes, complained as she and her sister snuggled against their father.
Yunho wrapped an arm around each girl’s shoulder as he sat up in bed. “You will always be my babies. I can’t help but worry about your safety.” Now that he had moved in with Mingi and yourself he spent far less time at the old apartment in Seoul where he had raised his children but they had taken over the lease and their dad remained a frequent guest when he was working in the region. Yunho was older now and showing some gray between dye jobs for ATEEZ duties but being around his kids always made him feel young again, even if they thought he was ancient.
Thrilled to be living with his partners now, he still made sure to come back to the girls’ place for this important day. Accepting Aurora’s invitation, Yunho agreed to let them take him out for their traditional breakfast in honor of Father’s Day. “Though I should be treating you, coming into my life has been a dream come true and my greatest joy.”
The sisters were used to their dad’s sentimentality and secretly loved it but never said so. Yunho could always tell, despite their claims he was being too mushy. His children gave him a sweet and solemn card to celebrate the occasion. Each of the young women had written a heartfelt paragraph attempting to convey even a fraction of how much Yunho meant to them, and as usually happened on this day, he began to tear up. This time his twins did too, having grown as tenderhearted as their father after so long together.
It had been many years since they had entered his life in their early teens and the anniversary of that day held special meaning for the family. All the milestones were commemorated throughout the year- the day they first met when the foster youth group toured KQ, when he applied for adoption, then when they came home for a trial period, and the courthouse date finalizing papers. The last event was the cause for today’s personalized Father’s Day unique to their family. Yunho would always be grateful to Seonghwa and Hongjoong who had convinced him to follow his heart and apply to adopt despite all the challenges of being a single parent to teenagers. All in all, he was exceedingly proud of the way both of his daughters and the rest of his life had turned out.
~
On to An Interlude With Annie which comes next in the series or go straight to Yunho making his dream come true in The ATEEZ Family Grows. His eventual reunion with his partners can be found at Yunho Comes Back.
An ATEEZ fanfic by AbsentCaryatid with Mingi, Yunho, and the reader in a polyfidelitous triad
Takes place in JC world some time after Dropping In On The Newlyweds and before Happy Birthday Betty.
Set at the home of the reader and her husband Mingi with visiting shared boyfriend Yunho, this is more of a catching-up story setting the stage for what comes next in the series. A few things are going on at the house including saving Mingi from an insect and awaiting the arrival of a piano along with a discussion about sexual orientation and becoming a parent.
3.8K words, Content note: agender (she/her, comfortably called ‘girl’) and asexual reader, polyamory, COVID-19 mention, an insect of no further elaboration, anxiety, mental health, mention of wanting children, and some personal griping on the part of the author about recent KQ decisions
~
You felt pride at the way newer employees had no clue that you were married to a member of ATEEZ. Even if told, they could point to no man in the group receiving attention beyond the friendliness you shared with any other employee of KQ Entertainment. This ability to keep your work life and home life separate was vital for not only was Mingi your adored husband but Yunho was also in the relationship, a much loved boyfriend to you both. While your marriage was public knowledge, Yunho’s involvement was known only to the other members and their steady partners. These trusted friends, Betty, a former roommate and now Yeosang’s fiancée, and Annie, Hongjoong and Seonghwa’s model girlfriend were able to keep secrets just as you kept theirs.
As demonstrative as you were at home with your men, any affection stayed there and you three were all business in the office, as it should be. While your spouse Mingi was naturally living with you full time, your shared lover Yunho lived in the ATEEZ dorm with all but Yeosang who shared a home with Betty. You were close to all the men and their partners and in many ways KQ was family to you.
With a different name, your relationship to your uncle the CEO was also something unobservable with your work as KQ Vice President as dedicated and earned as if you were unrelated. You enjoyed the job and had been widely praised for being good at it, even by people outside the company hoping to poach your expertise. Some days you considered it, but not for long. Still, there had been times when you wildly disagreed with the way CEO Kim ran his company.
It was before your time at a decision-making level at KQ Entertainment but you could not help but wish you had been given a say in the subsidiary company Seven Seasons’ bewildering choice to not move heaven and earth to retain all the members of Block B as their contracts came up for renewal. First Zico and now P.O were gone and you could not understand why they had been allowed to slip out of the portfolio of artists. You did not blame the men when you suspected the offers they had been given were nowhere near their worth. Your uncle would probably say you were being too sentimental but this was coming from a business perspective. As a producer Zico could have offered so much guidance to newer talent. P.O’s marketability beyond his singing was also high as an actor and all-around personality.
There were other decisions you had clashed with your uncle over even more strongly. Back in 2022, his decision to go forward with the ATEEZ tour during the COVID-19 omicron variant surge in the United States had almost led to you walking away from the company. The pandemic was serious enough in your own country where San had been infected the year before and you could not understand risking the members being sent to a country far less under control.
Safety assurances from the venues had been made but relying on the assumption local governments would not permit concerts if the conditions were inadvisable was far too trusting. You still recalled how your blood ran cold before the New York concert when you heard Mingi felt a muscle ache and was tested for Covid. Thankfully it came back negative, as Wooyoung mercifully called to tell you the moment the result was in, but your warm relationship with your uncle took a long time to recover. The business decision to tour despite the very real danger of spreading infection to fans and staff had left you fuming.
A soft conversation in the next room brought you back to far more pleasant circumstances in the present. You loved they way the guys were so caring and gentle with each other and you went to see what was going on. It was another break in the schedule permitting Yunho to take a few nights away from the dorm and stay with you. His regular visits were something both you and Mingi cherished and he seamlessly fit into the activity of the household.
“There you go Princess Mingi, I saved you from another dragon,” Yunho said while taking a newly caught bug in a cup to the door.
“Thank you for the rescue, sir knight.”
Grinning at Mingi’s phrasing Yunho joked, “There you go with ‘Sir’ again, are you trying to start something?”
“You know what I mean, Yunho. You help save me from all the dragons, even anxiety.”
Yunho tossed the insect from the cup to a life of outdoor reprieve, washed his hands, and sat down beside his lover snuggling in close and running his hand through Mingi’s hair in a soothing manner. Mingi had been diligent about keeping up therapy appointments begun during his lengthy health break years back. Dealing with anxiety would always be a part of his life but he had developed quite an arsenal of tools to deal with anything that came up. Of all he had learned, Mingi’s favorite would always be cuddling with either of his partners and he visibly relaxed as his boyfriend tended to him.
Yunho was glad to be ‘home for the weekend’ as he liked to call his overnight visits. Other times Mingi left you home alone and slept at his old room in the dorm if ATEEZ had an early call. It gave the boyfriends time together outside your presence while you could bask in the silence of a temporarily empty house. Things were really working well for your polyfidelitous triad. Even when away, Yunho’s presence was felt in the house in his touches of artwork and a few furniture pieces along with a portion of the closets and dressers. With the arrival of his piano today, it warmed your heart to see he was making a life with you, divided as it was between here and the dorm.
The relationship was not settled knowing Yunho still dreamed of having children one day which was incompatible with the lives you and Mingi wanted but that problem lay in the future. At best, he would be able to remain a devoted boyfriend while living with a primary partner he shared a child with but that outcome was not guaranteed. You sensed his desire to parent was stronger than his need for you or Mingi and if he fell for another who required exclusivity he would be lost to you both. Still, you could enjoy what you and Mingi had with Yunho for now, as long as it lasted. As far as you had discussed, he had never even gone on dates in search of this so far mythical mother of his child so things were holding in the present.
Mingi received a ding on his phone from the piano moving company Yunho had hired to get the instrument from his childhood home. The text said they were lost but nearby so Mingi put on a jacket and went looking for them down the street. Feeling much better after the encounter with the insect in his home, he still eyed the area outside the door warily as he left.
You sat on the couch beside Yunho to wait and brought out your own phone to get photos of the piano’s imminent arrival. Noticing you had a message from a friend, you checked out the link. For a few minutes you stared at the article on your phone and Yunho caught your concerned frown. Apologetically you explained, “I am so sorry about this celebrity coverage claiming we hate each other. In the picture I certainly do have a scowl while turned toward you but I think I was frustrated over a pebble in my shoe at the time. My public face is not as practiced as yours.”
“You can see why we liked masks even before they were necessary. Best not to look at it,” Yunho sagely advised. “We have people at KQ to keep tabs on that in case there is something that needs to be addressed. This of course does not. I don’t think they would believe us even if we did announce we were a devoted couple. Perhaps ease up on ignoring me in public a little, though.”
“I am afraid any glance at you is full of adoration without intending to be, I just can’t help it. My thoughts are on projects when I’m at work so it’s not difficult to treat you like everyone else but when we’re out in the world that’s when my mind is free and goes to how much I love you.”
Yunho patted your hand comfortingly. “I know you do and I appreciate all you do to preserve my privacy. As problems go, being so adored is not really a bad one to be had. And really they don’t need any evidence to make up stories about you coming between me and my best friend. Everyone important to us knows it is nothing like that and nobody else really matters.”
“Well, there are the mornings I do crawl in between you from my side of our bed for a snuggle but I’m pretty sure that’s not what they meant.” He pulled you close as you laughed together. “You are so good at taking everything in stride, Yunho. No wonder Seonghwa said you have such a healthy mind.”
He laughed again recalling that radio interview. “That was one of the weirdest compliments I’ve ever gotten though I know he meant it sincerely.”
Looking at him with wonder you asked, “You don’t worry about things do you?”
“Just some things, like if I ever will become a father as I hope to. You also know how long I pined over you. And I think a lot about making sure my performances are my best. But the things out of my control like what people say? That I do not devote time to thinking about.”
Yunho calmed you with both his words and presence. Resting your head on his shoulder you began to run your fingers over his bracelets, the same three he had worn in the ‘If Without You’ music video filmed years ago while in quarantine. Being required to be without contact, the men of ATEEZ had lacked the assistance of wardrobe and makeup so their styles in those Zoom enabled appearances had reflected more of their own tastes than usual.
One bracelet was made from the rainbow colors of the pride flag and the next pink, white, and blue celebrating trans people. Lacking black and grey beads for his jewelry project after making an asexual one for you, his final bracelet was only green and white but you knew it represented agender pride. It had been an amazing gift to see those on him in the video supporting you and countless other fans. You were only friends at the time, and just recently dating Mingi, but Yunho’s subtle but clear public statement helped cement your impression of him as a trusted person in your life. It was the same good feeling generated when San once shared a little video with a face drawn on his hand. The clip was cute enough with his dialog and sweet demeanor but you suspected it was posted as much to show off his bracelet in trans flag colors.
Wanting to return the favor of support you asked Yunho, “I know you are very private, but would you like me to make you a bracelet in blue, purple, and pink for your flag? Nobody would know it is about you.”
He looked at you with confusion in his eyes. “I would wear it to be an ally to friends like Annie and plenty of ATEEZ fans but I’m not bisexual.”
“Good to know. All this time together and I did not know you prefer to use pansexual.”
“Um, actually, not to negate you being agender, but I consider myself straight.”
You waved off Yunho’s concern, “You know I don’t find being gendered important though I recognize it is usually something very important to others.”
“Certainly all the people I feel initially attracted to as I look for someone to have a child with are women.”
With a flash of insight, you conceded, “Well that would make things easier.”
“Oh no, they aren’t all cisgender, just all women. Meeting someone with a child from a previous relationship would be fine or we could adopt a child. Even women who are cis do not know if they are capable of pregnancy until it happens so there is no one I could choose who would be a sure route to genetic parenthood. I am looking for someone to be a co-parent, not breed.” The look of distaste on his face told you how repellent he found the idea of shopping for a gestational carrier as a partner rather than someone for him to love.
“But, I am still confused.” Sitting up fully on the couch you turned toward Yunho. “Not to argue with you, because nobody knows self-assessment is the only thing that matters like aces do, but why use ‘straight’ when you have been in a sexual relationship with a man for years?”
“Well, it is similar to you not being interested in romance but for Mingi and me. Life can surprise you when you don’t let the expectations of your own labels get in the way. I exclusively like women, except for two, well, exceptions being nonbinary you and of course Mingi too. The last two categories might not be mutually exclusive by the way, I don’t think he has given any of it much thought when it comes to gender. He is just our Mingi, and sometimes princess Mingi at that.”
Smiling, you agreed, “With his fondness for the word I have never been sure if he knows it is generally a term for women or he just thinks it is the English word for junior royal person.”
Yunho nodded. “A lot of people seem to pick up on him being a gender unto himself.”
“True, I have seen more than one fan online refer to themselves as ‘Mingi gender.’ Still, attraction to women in general and two other people sounds bi or pan if you wanted to think of yourself that way, the ratio is not important. And, yes, I do know what you mean about exceptions. Sometimes I wonder if I am grey or demiromantic the way I was not looking for any relationships and fell into both by accident. Certainly hesitance about romance is not part of being asexual. But, it is not something I require an answer to anyway. Labels are only there for your own purposes and do not have to remain fixed over time. All I need to know is that I dearly love you and Mingi.”
As if summoned by his name, your husband appeared at the door excited to announce “We have a piano! The movers are coming down the walk now.” While neither you nor Mingi had the talent, it was a pleasure to hear Yunho play around from time to time when the opportunity presented itself. He had not pursued piano for long and his skill had backslid from disuse but he wanted to keep the instrument he had grown up within the family in case any future children might wish to learn.
While he had not planned to take it on so soon in life without a home of his own beside the dorm, he took the piano off his parents’ hands after finding they could not even give it away and it was otherwise headed for the dump. Yunho had been the only one in the family with an interest and with him gone for years they had decided to make a change in furniture, removing what had become a large photo display surface for something more useful. Glad the inconveniently sized instrument could be kept in your home for now, he sat at the bench and began to play once the movers had left.
You were entranced. “You remembered how much I adore that song!” Ever since Yunho had fiddled on the piano on a ‘Fever: Epilogue’ photo shoot you had been in love with his playing. The chance to hear him was rare but now things had changed in your favor. The YouTube video of him at the keys was one you watched often but had never thought to ask the name of the song.
“‘Summer’, by Joe Hisaishi,” Yunho helpfully supplied. “It was one of the things I learned when my parents had me take lessons. Drawn more to dance than music at the time, it seems to have finally come in handy if it makes you swoon like that.”
“Of course, the composer from the ‘Totoro’ soundtrack and other Studio Ghibli films. No wonder it sounds familiar in style to other songs I love. Please, would you play that again for me?”
“For you, anything,” Yunho beamed. “It is a small price to pay for piano storage.”
You closed your eyes and became lost in the tune. Later in the day you would find a notification on your phone that Yunho had bought the song for your music collection and it immediately went into heavy rotation. Every visit thereafter Yunho would slip into your home quietly enough that you would not know of his arrival until the piano began the familiar tune announcing his presence. No matter what you were doing it was immediately dropped to rush to his side.
Such was your love for the song you held back tackling Yunho until he was finished. Then your arms would engulf him still at the piano bench at such a convenient height to hug him from behind and smother his head with kisses. You could hang on him forever like that if he would let you but Yunho had more than one person eager to see their partner again. Mingi would show himself at a more sedate pace and once your greeting was complete they would look at each other tenderly before Mingi could hold back no longer. Their reunion kiss was always passionate and you left the men to their pleasure.
In time Yunho would find you busy in the kitchen and steal a bite of whatever you were preparing for your family of three. Just like your husband Mingi, Yunho was cute enough to get away with anything. In truth, if he was hungry you were happy he was eating and the schedule did not matter.
Time together on these visits was precious. You made sure Yunho got as much attention from Mingi as yourself so found ways to keep your hands busy and off of him, as much as you wanted to hold him constantly. Cooking was one activity but you also enjoyed playing around on your phone. As if your days were not already filled enough with the group at work and home, you had picked up a taste for ATEEZ SuperStar. Coming into the kitchen one afternoon with a question about dinner plans you cut Yunho short. “Can’t talk now, playing your mobile game.”
He peered over your shoulder waiting for the round to finish before speaking further. “Hey, Jongho is your user icon?” Yunho looked at you a little too knowingly at your pick. “It always keeps coming back to Jongho doesn't it?” Shaking his head, he laughed at you kindly.
The familiar teasing made you smile. “I don’t have a thing for him, as far as I know.” Your mouth hung open in surprise as you thought. You were pretty sure about this. “He just looks great here and really, how could I have chosen between my two partners?”
“Better two of us are jealous than one?”
“Something like that. I didn’t want to imply a favorite.” Closing the app to give Yunho your full attention you mused, “KQ needs another type of mobile game, less frantic. I think I will look into the feasibility of a dress-up game where users style the members with favorite outfits and create new clothes.”
“Oh please do that, I would try a Minkiway ATEEZ costuming game.”
Coming into the room Mingi was pleased to hear his popular individual content from YouTube mentioned. “I’d play that. I would love to dress up Yunho, just like you let me do in real life too,” he added while putting an arm around his lover’s waist and coming in for a kiss.
Yunho noted, “Fashion is not my thing, but I know how happy it makes you to pick something for me when we go out together.”
“I know and love that you let me do this with you.” Mingi unnecessarily smoothed the designer jacket Yunho was wearing as his partner glowed from the touch. “Thank you for putting up with it.”
“Putting up is too strong a phrase, I certainly don’t mind the praise and good press we get for KQ. And it makes my partner happy, that means everything to me.” With a smirk and head tilt your way he added, “I also see it as protecting our girl from having to do fashion.”
Looking to you, Mingi said, “Yeah, you let me help here and there but fancy isn’t your style. Cheap comfort is everything to you.” Turning back to Yunho he added, “But we love her as she is don’t we?”
“We do, very much.” He gazed from one of you to to the other fondly then put his free arm around your midsection joining the group as one. “It always makes me laugh when I remember we’re living out the fanfiction dream of a girl with two ATEEZ boyfriends. The fans would go wild if they knew wouldn’t they? Sometimes I think it would be fun to tell just to see their faces but I certainly wouldn’t want to see the pushback.”
Head leaning on his shoulder, you patted Yunho’s chest lovingly and agreed. “No, I think you have always been wise to keep your private life to yourself, and me and Mingi of course.” In this moment you were so happy to have your two men by your side. Like the song though, you knew summer could not last forever. Your carefully balanced relationship was a beautiful, fragile soap bubble that was always capable of bursting and you hoped that day was far off, if it had to be.
~
On to a whole lot of angst with Yunho’s Painful Decision
An ATEEZ Yunho x Reader, Mingi x Yunho, Mingi x Reader Fanfic by AbsentCaryatid
This takes place in the JC Saga world sometime between chapter 12 and the epilogue, follows up on Mingi Cheated, 4K words
Mingi is dating both Yunho and the reader. After years of pining Yunho's crush on the reader is finally reciprocated with some loving help from Mingi and Wooyoung. Lots of warmth, snuggling, and happiness in this one with a touch of insecurities that get resolved.
Content note: fluffy with light angst, asexual and agender reader using she/her pronouns and comfortably called girlfriend, an unintentional ass grab, polyamory, food
~
Seeing Yunho and Mingi in love made your heart warm. Sharing your boyfriend came easily, and the story of how they had gotten together months ago was a favorite moment to remember. You had been in the kitchen of the ATEEZ dorm visiting Mingi while cooking something for a date night at home. Music always made the preparations more fun, so your tablet cycled through a mix of favorites. ‘Trouble Maker’ had begun to play drawing Yunho into the room from his spot on the couch.
“Oh, it is our song,” Yunho joked as he began to dance with Mingi in their routine often performed as fan service. Holding hands, he sunk down Mingi’s leg and posed while crouching. The way Mingi was rutting against his friend always brought Seonghwa hastily separating them when before an audience, but tonight there was only you cheering them on.
“It could be our song.” Mingi gazed down at his friend intently with Yunho returning a shy grin. They looked so happy together. Mingi then looked to you, and at your smiling nod of approval he continued drawing Yunho back up with a hand to his cheek.
Seeing this play out was not a surprise other than being present when it occurred. As you were growing closer, Mingi had always been open about being bisexual, and recently he had mentioned discovering a newfound attraction to Yunho. Conveniently, you had been able to help things along when Mingi had performed Eric Nam’s ‘How’m I Doing’ for a singing review. Seated at Yunho’s side while watching, he had commented afterward, “I saw the love for you in his eyes as he said those words. That was coming from the heart.”
“It is. He has been so proud of developing his singing voice, and Betty helped him with pronouncing the English lyrics.” To Yunho’s surprise, you also let him know Mingi had revealed there were two people the words “I'm tryna be the man you need. I'm tryna keep you next to me. Oh, I'm tryna be the one you call. The one you reach for anything at all” brought to mind and Yunho was the other. “He’s looking at both of us,” you softly disclosed.
“Really?” From his voice you could tell Yunho was not troubled by the idea, just taking in a new piece of information he was not aware of before. The song was a favorite of his and he went over the rest of the lyrics in his head. “So can I be the one you call when you're thinking 'bout nothing? And can I be the one you reach for when you haven't been sleeping at all? Can I be, can I be the one?” He smiled to himself realizing Mingi had once said in an interview Yunho was his destiny. It had always seemed liked destined to meet in high school or be together in ATEEZ, but maybe there was more to it.
Additionally, for some time Mingi had discussed being polyamorous and you approved. As an asexual you were unsure if you would take advantage of the freedom yourself, but you wanted Mingi to have the option of other steady partners, especially for sexual needs you would not be helping him fill. Picking up Yunho’s phone from the table, you took a shot of their cheek to cheek embrace as they continued to dance suggestively. “You might want to remember this moment. I’ll just leave the dinner for you two to enjoy. Goodnight, guys.”
Laughing at the plot twist, you had gone back to your own apartment and made a simpler meal to replace the one you had just lost to the budding romance between your friends. The next day they had been falling all over themselves apologizing for stealing your dinner and date night with Mingi, but you had assured them you had only found the situation funny and endearing. The timing was right, and you were so glad Mingi’s interest had been reciprocated because you had never seen Yunho date anyone other than women, though you were agender yourself and he had been nursing a crush on you for years. To discover he was open to a relationship with Mingi was a welcome development for everyone involved.
The months since had seen Mingi add so much to his happiness and that pleased you immensely. Your boyfriend had as much time for you as ever, just sometimes with Yunho present too, which worked out just fine. The joint picnics with your shared boyfriend had been enjoyable, as were some recent fishing trips.
Other days you were back in the dorm kitchen, now cooking for three or more sometimes. Your job at KQ Entertainment gave you a regular schedule, and at this point early in your career no work to do from home in the evenings. With this freedom your friends did not have given their erratic hours, you often found yourself cooking for the ATEEZ team because you enjoyed it and they did as well. As tasty as it was, no one could live on takeout fried chicken alone.
Happily preparing food for the group, you hummed contentedly while puttering in the kitchen. Used to working around Wooyoung in the limited space, you came to the sink and nudged Yunho aside with your palm at his waist, or so you meant. Out of habit it had been at the height your hand was accustomed to, which would not have been a problem on similar sized members like Yeosang. As you pulled back quickly at the different, shape you belatedly saw you had guided him sideways below the belt rather than on it.
“Well, well, well. Didn’t know you felt that way about me, or anybody really since you are ace,” he needled. “Is this a first for you?”
Turning to see your heated face, Yunho smirked as you attempted an apology. You were mortified, but Yunho said the touch was fine. “We used to hug so closely as friends anyway.” He had not meant to bring up the distance that had grown between you since he had let you know he was interested in dating long ago. Things had felt different since the recent night together, but neither of you had brought up the tenderness shared that morning over Mingi’s sleeping body in the hotel room that had unexpectedly held only one bed.
“It was definitely not intentional to grab your butt, thanks for recognizing it for the accident it was.”
“You have known for years I am interested in more between us. This could be the start of something.” He teased, but you also knew he was being very honest about his feelings for you. Unable to read your reaction, something you were unsure of yourself, he realized humor was not helping the situation so he apologized too and hurriedly left the room.
Mingi laughed as Yunho related the event. “We are not touchy like that ourselves, so yeah, I am sure palming your cute ass was not something she meant to do.” Watching his boyfriend closely, it seemed something about the interaction was still weighing on his friend and Mingi’s tone turned serious. “You seem stressed, no matter her intentions getting groped can still affect a person. What do you need from me?”
Yunho smiled warmly and put a hand on Mingi’s thigh as they sat on the bed side by side. “That is thoughtful for you to worry, but I found it a surprise more than anything else. My mind is actually on what I blurted out afterward.” Yunho’s shoulders drooped and Mingi drew him into a nourishing, enveloping hug. “I remembered how close we had been before, cuddling platonically regularly, and how that abruptly ended after I wanted more. When she fell for you later on it ripped my heart to shreds that I couldn’t have been the one that made her want to date. It has taken me almost as long to realize it was no fault of my own. The timing was not right perhaps, just like we’ve been friends for years now and then suddenly wanted more.”
Mingi tutted thoughtfully at his partner. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. I know that for certain.” Kissing Yunho’s cheeks, the conversation continued in Mingi’s room while you finished preparing dinner for your atypical family.
Hands busy, your mind was free to wander, and you spent a lot of it trying to figure out your heart. Showing love through cooking and other types of caregiving came easily to you. The rest did not, and the weight of all these thoughts was evident on your face. When Yeosang came into the room for a drink he took note of your mood and merely put a gentle hand on your back paired with a sympathetic smile before leaving again.
Soon after, Wooyoung slipped into the kitchen and took a seat at the table. “Yeosang suggested I might be of use. Need another round of my services as an agony aunt? It turned out pretty well last time when you ended up with Mingi.” Gratefully you joined him at the table, thankful for the emotional sensitivity of both friends. Just as before, Wooyoung was an ideal person to sort through feelings with and the discussion helped you come to a life-changing decision.
When dinner was over, you contentedly lay in Mingi’s arms on the couch. Your boyfriend had an important question about Yunho who was currently busy with V Live duties. Looking at you with unusual seriousness he asked, “What do you think of him?”
“I think Yunho makes you very happy.” The way your face relaxed into a fond look revealed there might be something more.
“True, but what are your feelings toward him? Before you tell me what a good friend he is, I will tell you why I ask. He let slip that he is hoping I can help him get over a long-term crush that had come roaring back after too much togetherness. I was just wondering if Yunho does not need to get over it. There are other options. You have always said there is not enough time in the world to snuggle me all you want to. Interested in doubling the amount?” The resulting conversation led to smiles all around, with another person to be included soon after.
Once you had gone home it was Yunho’s turn to be surrounded by the warmth of Mingi’s arms again, this time in bed together while roommate Jongho was conveniently away visiting his parents for the weekend. Idly playing with Yunho’s hair, his lover mentioned, “You know, she and I talk about you regularly.”
Yunho knew exactly who he meant. He looked up into the eyes of his boyfriend and Mingi could see unshed tears. “Does she hate me for having a crush on her?”
Now it was Mingi’s turn to tear up. “Love, nobody could ever hate you,” he gently reassured with a caress to the cheek.
“She grew distant after I admitted it long ago and I should not have brought it up again today. Though she does hide it well if she dislikes me now. We have always been cordial toward each other, and it seems like we have fun on the few dates we have had together with you. Despite the sleepy, early morning moment we shared at the hotel recently, I still worry I make her uncomfortable though.”
“She felt bad she did not see you as a romantic prospect, and feared cuddliness was causing you harm. You are so liked she even struggled with thinking about dating back then just to make you happy.”
“Oh no, I had no idea. I am so glad she did not for both our sakes.”
“Wooyoung gave her good advice about that, and he helped again today. Now she thinks she just wasn’t ready for you yet. My girlfriend cares about you a lot, you know.” Mingi delivered the news with another loving caress.
Loath to break the contact, Yunho still pulled back and propped himself up on an elbow. “I am stuck on what you just said. Are you trying to imply she is ready now?”
Mingi grinned. “Yes, my dear one. And, just like I make sure she understands being polyamorous is for asexuals too, I have to check in with you. As far as we have discussed I am your only romantic partner currently, but if you are truly still willing, I can pass that information along. I am sure I would be very comfortable if my boyfriend gained an agender girlfriend.”
Despite feeling hopeful excitement, Yunho was hesitant. “It feels really weird to have you as a go-between when it seems like I should be talking to her myself.”
“She’s skittish. That’s exactly the word she used with me. There may even be a little jealousy now that we’re together.”
“That’s a bad feeling, like when my mom pays more attention to you than me.” Yunho ruefully laughed at the memory of a recent visit home with Mingi along charming his mother and getting a lot of praise. “I don’t want to get in the way of your relationship. You were hers first before we became lovers and as difficult as it would be I would give you up to preserve that if I had to.”
“Don’t fall on your own sword yet. Such a gentleman,” Mingi cooed while smoothing his boyfriend’s hair. “You misunderstand, the jealousy runs the other way. My girlfriend wants some of what I have with you. Not sex of course, but all the other kinds of loving touches and attention.”
Years of friendship told him that Mingi would never tease about something so serious. Still, feeling this change in your heart was too good to be true despite evidence from the recent overnight together he replied slowly, “Yes, you may tell her my interest is still there no matter how much I tried to put a stop to it.”
“Good. We will talk more tomorrow then.” Mingi sat up and kissed Yunho on the crown of his head.
“You know I love you for you, right? Not just as a stepping stone to your girlfriend.” Yunho looked concerned as he spoke and fiddled with the bedding.
“Yes, of course. You have always made me feel very secure in your affection.” Mingi gazed at his partner appraisingly for some time. “So handsome. For all those years I thought I wanted to look like you. Turns out I wanted to look at you.”
“I prefer my view,” Yunho marveled. “Sometimes I wish for just one moment you could see yourself through my eyes or hers. We both adore you so much. But I suppose it is for the best.” Grinning, he added, “If you truly knew how gorgeous you are you would end up insufferably vain.”
Mingi looked like he was going to throw a pillow in retaliation for that comment, but it was obvious he was touched by the sentiment even if he never could believe it. After a simple goodnight kiss he said, “Sleep well, Yunho.”
“You too.” The couple snuggled deeper under the comforter and spent a peaceful night enjoying the simple pleasure of being side by side, held closely in the small bed barely enough for one man six feet tall much less two.
The next morning you were pleased to get an email from Mingi. Usually you would text each other but longer messages came to your inbox, and you were reminded of the letters in the past that had caused you to fall for him in the first place. Funnily enough this was another note with romantic overtones, but the subject was a different one. Yunho. You were glad Mingi was taking the lead as you contemplated adding another partner. For one thing, you knew you had the approval of your boyfriend, but also he was the best person to help you sort your feelings out now that Wooyoung had done his part.
After a day of contemplation to make sure your decision felt right, you called Mingi in the evening. “I think I can understand very well the heart having room for more than one person romantically. Not so flattering to either of you guys, but the closest I can compare it to is knowing I can love more than one stuffed animal.”
Mingi laughed at the example. “The way you squeeze me like one, I have become resigned to being another of your plushies. If you do date Yunho it would spare me some wear and tear.”
The humor did help lift your mood a little. “I just wish love wasn’t so difficult and confusing sometimes.”
“It is worth it though, right?”
You reached out to him on the screen. “Yes, to be with you has given me more than I ever expected in life. It feels greedy to ask for more.”
Looking at you pointedly Mingi asked, “Do you think of me that way for having two partners?”
“Of course not, it seems quite natural for you to be so loved.”
He smiled at the compliment. “And I want the same for you. If you have to talk yourself into a relationship though it does not sound like the right time.”
“Did you ever hear from Jongho and Wooyoung how much they had to emotionally hand-hold me as I figured out I liked you? I think this is just my style to be so hesitant about new things. I do worry though, what if I try dating Yunho but then want to go back to friendship only?”
“Only you can say if the gamble is worth it to you, but I trust him to take care of himself. Everything has risk. Yunho has been to enough auditions to know you can come back from any loss. And really, my bet is that he would rather give his crush a chance to be reciprocated than be left wondering what could have been.”
“Okay.” You took a steeling breath. “Would you put him on the phone then? I am as ready as I will ever get.” You watched the background change behind Mingi as he traveled from his room to Yunho’s.
“You have a call,” he told his boyfriend in a gentle voice. The smile on Mingi’s face let Yunho know this was everything he had been hoping for after recent talks.
Nervously you blurted out, “Would you go on a date with me? It is only to your dining table and Mingi would cook for us tomorrow night. Would that be okay?”
“A date? You know I have been wishing to for years now. I would like that very much.” All this time you had thought only Mingi could produce a smile so bright and warm. The one Yunho gave was every bit as brilliant. He held himself together as best as he could, but as soon as you hastily hung up Yunho let out a whoop, hopped around, then hugged Mingi. Sleep was hard to come by but the big goofy grin of a person in love was plastered on his face for much of the night.
Somehow they made it through a day of practice, a group appearance, and taping an ANEWZ segment where Yunho was bouncier than ever performing his trademark physical comedy from the anchor chair. Together the pair made a quick run to the grocery store to get ingredients for a simple meal then headed back to the dorm to find you had already arrived. At Yunho’s entrance Seonghwa and San leapt off the couch claiming they suddenly had other places to be while Yeosang also made his way back to his room with a snarky but affectionate trail of “Have fun, lovebirds” in his wake.
“It is just a first date,” Yunho called to the closing door, but nobody in the dorm believed it was just that. Over the years it had filtered down even to often studio-closeted Hongjoong that Yunho had a giant crush on you. Yunho led you to the couch while Mingi worked on dinner. Sitting at your side, he kept a hold on your hand while looking at you affectionately. “This is finally happening, isn’t it?” You could only nod in response. Clearly things were still going to be awkward between you in the short term but for a completely different reason now. Without even thinking about it, you discovered your body had leaned sideways into him and you found your head resting on his shoulder. The joy on both your faces said all that was needed in the moment.
The meal went well for something that had to live up to so much anticipation. Not fully into the role of playing waiter, at one point Mingi leaned down to sneak a kiss from his boyfriend.
“Ahem. Waiter, I am on a first date with my potential girlfriend.”
“Oh, right. Enjoy your meal sir.”
Speaking for the benefit of both men you told Yunho, “You were not wrong when your first impression of Mingi was that he is innocent and cute. He really does radiate adorableness.”
Forgetting completely to act, Mingi blushed and replied, “Uh, I’ll be in my room if you need me, probably thinking how handsome your date is.”
“Exactly what is on my mind.”
Yunho’s ears reddened as he reached for your hand across the table. “Mingi was right, everything feels so different with the new label of dating, even though we eat together all the time. Years ago he and I would go out for hamburgers after dance class and talk for hours, and now we do the same thing while boyfriends and it feels so much more meaningful.” He paused and resumed, “You know, there is something to be said for already knowing the answer to ‘Will this date lead to sex tonight?’”
“Thank you for not having a fantasy that you can make this ace want sex.”
“I respect you too much for that. Besides, if Mingi could not, how could I possibly have more to offer than him?”
“You are both wonderful, differently wonderful, but wonderful nonetheless. How could you think you are any less perfect?” He melted at your words. Yunho had missed your praise since you had consciously backed off once Wooyoung had clued you in about feeding a then unreturned crush.
“Well I can relax and fill my stomach knowing there is no need for athletics tonight.”
“You might need to pry me off you if I end up hugging you too much. There are years of affection to make up for.”
“I have been warned by both of you now, but I am tough and can put up with a lot. And honestly, I do not think you could ever be too much.”
“We will see. I will try not to take it as a challenge.” Meal over, you found yourselves snuggled again on the couch. “I have missed this so. Pulling back on the closeness years ago really left me at a loss.”
Yunho agreed. “I am grateful you did even though it hurt at the time, but I did not have enough self-preservation to see how bad it was to feed a hopeless crush.”
“Guess it was not so hopeless after all. Thank you for being patient with me.”
Yunho kissed your forehead and drew you into a tighter embrace. “If I had pressured you, I would not be worth getting to have you.”
“I would like to see you again for a second date if that works for you.”
“Oh it does,” Yunho gushed, feeling happier than he had in a long time. Cozily entwined, you fell asleep on the couch together. The other members tiptoed by as they moved about the dorm pleased that Yunho’s pining might finally be at an end.
An ATEEZ Mingi, Yunho, and Reader Polyfidelitous Triad fanfic by AbsentCaryatid
This takes place in the JC Saga world sometime between chapter 12 and the epilogue and right after Falling For Yunho. 2.9K words
The reader, Mingi, and Yunho are all dating each other and despite opening with a stressful scene this is mostly domestic fluff and an outdoor adventure about the characters and their developing relationship. Lots of relationship happiness is present.
You had been dating Yunho for a few weeks now and things were going well. Today had been an interesting development in your relationship as you tried something new as a couple. He was hesitant but you were adamant it was something you wanted to do. “It is okay, I am not fragile. You can be rougher with me. I can take it.” Yunho looked unconvinced but at your nod he grabbed you by the shoulders spinning you around then pinned you against the wall. At the sound of a thunk his demeanor changed immediately and you saw his eyes go wide. “I’m fine, keep going, you are doing great,” you whispered before resuming your play.
He looked relieved then his features became harsh again. “Look, I don’t know what you think you saw but you won’t live to tell anybody about it.” He brought up his forearm to your neck and began applying pressure, lips approaching yours. You smiled as if you were enjoying it and he continued. Despite his strength, the effort was visible on his face. Even as it increased your smile remained intact as he looked on in confusion. In a reversal of expectations he began to pant, bowed over with the effort then finally giving up he released you.
“No harm can come to me,” you informed Yunho as he looked up questioningly. “I told you before, I am your guardian angel.”
“Am I done yet?” Everyone turned to Mingi who had spoken from the floor. Breaking character because you found the outburst terribly funny, you had to face the wall to hide your reaction.
“No you are still dead and stop making our girlfriend laugh. I thought you said being laid out like that felt good for your back.” Yunho could not be mad at his boyfriend when everyone knew he was the least skilled actor among the group, even to play a body. They had tried running through the murder scene the angel witnesses at the beginning of the story but Mingi’s attempts to die at the hands of Yunho playing a gangster were far too unbelievable to be anything more than comedy. Mingi was just too honest to be good at lying, even the pretending required of being an actor, and nobody wanted to see him change that very lovable trait.
“Cut,” Wooyoung called as he stopped recording with Yunho’s phone. “Bravo!”
Yunho scanned your face looking for signs of a concussion. “Let me get you an ice pack,” he offered with a worried frown.
“Don’t worry, I am good,” you promised.
“But you hit the wall so hard, we all heard it,” Wooyoung’s concern was evident.
“I do not know what happened. I could never manhandle anyone, even to act, and yet you were flung from my grasp.” Yunho looked physically pained believing he had hurt you.
“Acting,” you grinned. “I propelled myself and then you heard my foot hitting the baseboard. Neat trick, huh?”
Yunho breathed a sigh of relief. “Well despite your assurances that scared the life out of me. My heart stopped to think I’d injured you. I appreciate you being willing to rehearse with me but to keep both of us safe I’m going to stop. When I go over the action scenes with the stunt double for the drama ‘Angel’s Dilemma’ she will have some tips to do this safely.”
“I understand,” you said while putting a hand on his arm comfortingly, “I don’t want you worried.” Jongho and Yeosang clapped as you gave an extravagant bow and you joined them on the dorm couch. “I am still so confused people see that scene as romantic tension building. He was choking her. That works on somebody?”
Smiling at your innocence Yunho explained, “The manga ‘Angel’s Dilemma’ is very popular. Everybody likes the storyline of the guardian angel who did not want to protect the bad guy so she turned him good.”
Hongjoong piped up from the chair nearby. “Your gangster character sounds pretty tough, Yunho. I am very impressed at your acting skills to be picked for the drama when everybody knows you are such a sweetheart.” Looking Yunho over he added, “You are a total cream puff in behavior and appearance. Maybe Jongho can teach you how to look more menacing,” he suggested.
You looked to the youngest member with an assessing eye, “I can’t see you as threatening either Jongho, well most of the time.”
Instantly slipping into a character Jongho asked with an icy voice, “Do you really think I am not intimidating?” He turned a steady gaze on you and you backtracked quickly under the intensity while a chill ran through your body.
“Okay, I take that back.” You rubbed your arms to bring heat back to your limbs. “Still, you have range. You need to be in one of those cozy bake shop mysteries.”
Smiling warmly again he asked, “What are they?”
“Oh it is a whole series by a Korean-British author where Mr. Baker has to solve crimes linked to his customers. You might have heard of their rhyming titles- Mrs. Duffin Bought a Muffin, Mr. Muller Has a Cruller.” Jongho nodded in recognition after your description. He had seen large displays for the British mysteries in the airport shops when touring.
Yeosang said, “My sister loves the book series and was telling me all about them. The translations are pretty popular with the women in her neighborhood of all ages. They would love seeing you in the role as the Korean born Mr. Baker, Jongho. You look charming in comfy sweaters and that is his signature style.”
You promised to ask around to discover if the production you had heard rumors of was ready to begin casting. Jongho really did seem to suit the part with his charisma and romantic ballad image. It would not hurt to have him promoted that way when his active dating life kept taking his idol image in another direction.
Intending to go online for more information about the books Yeosang held aloft his phone displaying the newest photo of Jongho and two gorgeous women from a celebrity news website he had received a notification from. “I thought Wooyoung knew a million people but you may have him beat. You have dated some of the biggest names in K-pop in our age range, like you are some kind of sex god getting all these women interested in you.”
Rather than answer Jongho deflected, “It is not my personality?”
You looked at him. “Of course we like you but how would they get to know you like we do in such a short period of time?” Jongho would only smile because he had secrets to keep and they were not his own.
Work for the day now complete Yunho suggested a familiar movie but you were the only one to take him up on the offer. Topically enough Jongho had yet another date to get ready for and the others drifted away to a variety of tasks or relaxation. Even Mingi gave his two partners time alone to continue deepening the recent bond. Snuggling up to Yunho you reflected on how well the shift from friendship to dating was going. Yunho noted there had been little change in some ways. “I was already getting some of the benefits of a relationship when you would let me join in the things you did for Mingi.”
“Well it was so easy to double what I was doing when making up a foot soak for him, you both are so hard on your feet. Besides, Mingi would sit better for the treatment with you at his side to talk to.”
“Nevertheless, it is not something you had to do. I felt so cared for by your inclusion.”
“I’m glad.” Your attention returned to the film as you nestled against his side on the well-used couch. Mingi passed by taking dinner orders. He was making sandwiches again, just like when he “cooked” the meal for your first date with Yunho. After writing down your preferences he kissed Yunho’s lips then your head before leaving to survey the other members. “I love you so much,” you called out to him and his response was an eager grin then a kiss blown back for each of you.
With your approval Yunho paused the television to talk. “Until you two were dating I never knew what a fantasy of being with an ace could look like. Once it was right in front of me my crush flared up again, stronger than ever. Seeing the way he is besotted with you showed me how happy and full your relationship is.”
“All the touching we do features prominently but also a lot of time together and hearing ‘I love you.’”
“It means so much when I hear that from Mingi too.” He took your hand as his face shone with gratitude. “Thank you for being understanding when he wanted to date me as well.”
“I think we are both able to appreciate the gift of being polyamorous now. Thank you for giving me the space to come to you in my own time.” Leaning into his shoulder you put a hand on his thigh and sat together just happy to be side by side like you used to. The years sharing less affection were not lost ones because the distance had been necessary at the time but you were both glad they were long over. “I have missed hugging you so so much, and our conversations too.”
“It feels good to be wanted for traits other than my body.”
“Hey,” Mingi yelled from down the hall, “I love your personality too!”
Yunho grinned and said “I know. This was others in the past.”
Changing topics you let your date this evening know you were looking into getting an apartment in their building. “Keep an eye out if a single one is available, will you?”
A sly look crossed his face. “Already on it in several ways.” Yunho’s enthusiasm impressed you. You were about to thank him but were interrupted by a loud saxophone coming from nearby. “Yeosang,” he explained in a booming voice that was still difficult to hear over the instrument unaccountably being played in the dorm rather than a far better suited soundproofed practice room at KQ. “Come see,” he said turning the TV off and waving you after him. “He is getting pretty good, sort of. Better than when he started at least.” Nearing the bedroom Yunho began to stomp as he walked and you looked at him questioningly.
“So light on your feet when dancing, why the noise here all of a sudden?”
“On the nose,” he crowed which left you bewildered.
Wearing earplugs you wished you had too, Yeosang proudly showed you a simple tune he had learned that was best described as loud more than musical. He asked Yunho if Mingi had gotten his drum set request approved. "His tootling on the recorder can only do so much.”
“Drums? Mingi?” Your eyes narrowed. “What is going on, guys?”
Catching Seonghwa walking by Yunho raised his hand to get the attention of their senior but before he could say a word Seonghwa responded. “Flat out no, I am not going to take up the trombone, please stop asking me to join in your plot to make the man right below your room move out. I get that his yelling on the phone late into the night bothers you but I do not think retaliating is the answer even if I have been enjoying San’s high-decibel nightly raves in your bedroom.”
“Aha. I get it now. You are ‘helping’ things along in my favor. Why do I think you would suddenly become perfect angels as upstairs neighbors should I rent that room next?”
Seonghwa was moved by this additional information. You two did not interact as much as some of the other members but he still felt very warmly toward you and considered you one of the team in your own way, or at least part of the wider KQ Entertainment family now that your work as their chicken delivery girl had turned into a job with your CEO uncle’s company. “If you lived nearer would that put an end to your sleepovers on the couch? I would miss those after late nights of movies and talking.”
“We could keep those up, I enjoy them too.” It had not escaped your notice how parental Seonghwa was looking after you those nights. You looked forward to his early morning rounds when he would pull the slipped blanket back on to you and your stuffed animal along for the visit. It seemed like you were always too tired to move enough to grab it from the floor but awake enough to feel the absence of the secure weight. After a few sleepovers you realized Seonghwa did not need to be walking through the living room at that hour since a bathroom was off his bedroom and he was not getting a snack. The whole point was to check on you leaving you feeling warm in multiple ways and cared for. You were not about to give that attention up even if you ended up living only one floor below their dorm.
“Okay, I am in then,” Seonghwa decided. “Where do I get a trombone from anyway? Perhaps I could also suggest Hongjoong discover the joys of tuba arrangements for our songs.”
Weeks went by quickly in frequent dates at the ATEEZ dorm around the team’s busy schedule. Privacy was important to Yunho but also simple time spent together at home was what you craved the most from a relationship anyway. As a rare outdoor adventure on the next break between comebacks he decided to schedule a hot springs trip for your little poly group.
The pleasant but lengthy walk was capped by stripping off in the secluded scenic area far from the discovery of most hikers. On other visits the this part of the day usually meant Mingi sandwiched between his lovers as you took in the breathtaking view. In a new twist you eased into the hot water and sat beside Yunho snuggling up against your dear friend and now regular dating partner. A further novelty was asking if it was okay to kiss his shoulder.
“This is new and most welcome. Are you asking for a change in our relationship?” He glowed at your nod.
“I am inexperienced at polyamory but I know I want assurances that any other partners you have are okay with me becoming your girlfriend.”
Thrilled by the words he had longed to hear, he turned to Mingi and went along with your playful request. “You have known for some time that there is someone who I have had a crush on for years. To my great pleasure she's is interested in me romantically now but wants me to check in with you. What do you think? Do you need time to consider it?” The men, your men, grinned.
Mingi put on a thoughtful look. “Well, knowing her as long as I have, and being my girlfriend and all, from close knowledge I can say I think you two are a good match. Go for it if you want.”
“This is real right? I did not fall asleep reading fanfiction about us sharing a girlfriend again?”
Shaking his head at the memory Mingi affirmed, “Yes, this is real you goof. But don’t keep her waiting for your answer.”
“This better not be a dream or I am going to be so upset.” Beaming, Yunho returned his attention to you. “My other partner has no objections to you adding to my happiness.”
“Good.” Wanting to temper his expectations you added, “An update in status really won’t change anything between us physically I don’t think. I am still asexual, it is just a newfound romantic interest in you. Very little will be be different from our dating other than adding the title girlfriend. Maybe joining you in the shower deliberately would be fun though. I could return the favor from years back and help you wash your hair.”
“The change in your heart might not be physical but getting to call you my girlfriend means everything to me. You know how long I have liked you. Loved you, really. May I say that now?”
You smiled with a strong nod of agreement.
“I love you!” He whooped. “I love both of you,” he added taking a hand from each partner. “As close as we have been while having Mingi as our boyfriend in common this means so much more.” A tear of happiness began to slip down his cheek and Mingi would have moved to brush it away but he knew this moment belonged to you. He watched as you lovingly wiped it while holding Yunho’s face then laughing together realizing your wet hands more than undid the gesture. Things would be different for the three of you from this point on but in a good way you would be discovering together.
Takes place in the JC world sometime after the epilogue. 1.5K words and frankly NSFW in words but not action
Content note: polyamory, lactation mention
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Taking note of Yunho’s absence you rolled out of bed beside Mingi with a yawn. Throwing a robe on you headed to the kitchen following the delightful scent of coffee. Yunho’s mug steamed in the dawning light. It was printed with a family portrait drawn by your niece and he valued it highly both for the artist and his own presence at your side in the lineup. This prized possession had a duplicate at home in the ATEEZ dorm and there were multiple backups in case either came to harm.
He smiled to see you up and commented how pleased he was that this now more occasional “whatever we have” was still an option even after your marriage to Mingi. It was true you saw Yunho less than when Mingi still lived with the other members but your deep affection for each other had remained unchanged over the years.
“Lovers, Yunho, even if we don’t have sex. People who are allowed to say smutty things to each other as you once said.”
You both grinned at the memory and he was glad you had long since relaxed your stance on personally dating within the company both for Mingi’s and his own sake.
“Being polyamorous wasn’t going to be just a pre-marriage thing. Kissing still doesn’t make sense to me as an ace so I want Mingi to have access to that and everything else he might desire sexually. Neither of us were about to stop snuggling with you either as long as this is working out for you too.”
“Both of you were very reassuring on that point but still, I could not be certain you would feel the same after the ceremony. This visit convinced me I still have a place here and it means a lot.”
“Yunho.” He heard the love in your voice as you planted a gentle kiss to his forehead before filling your own Pusheen mug, one of the many fat cat items to be found about the home you shared with Mingi. “Speaking of smutty things I have a question for you. Do your nipples work?”
He had a difficult time keeping the coffee in his mouth as he spluttered, “Are you asking me if I lactate? I never know what kind of conversation I am going to get into with you, and this over the breakfast table too,” Yunho laughed. He considered unpredictability one of your charms.
Now it was your turn to be amused. “No, not a milk question although I read cis men have been able to breastfeed with help but that is not what I am asking about. You will admit food is an appropriate dining table conversation though. However, I wanted to know, do you get sensations from your nipples? Mingi said in the past it does not do a thing for him but the experience can vary from person to person.”
“Well, that is not a typical question first thing in the morning, maybe that’s why I like it here so much. Among other reasons,” he added with a hand on yours and a warm glance to the bedroom where your husband still slumbered. “Okay, since you wanted to know….” You listened intently to what he had to say which ended with a question of his own, “So why do you ask?”
“Bodies are funny. It continually startles me what I still have to learn about the world. I was just wondering because it was new to me.”
“Well, well, well. Sounds like you got up to a science experiment.”
“I had no idea know breasts did that.”
“Did what?”
“Had feelings.”
“Oh, that. Sounds like you’re learning quite a few things with Mingi.”
“All this time I thought it’s very easy not to have sex. I was bewildered by those messages at school growing up because it seemed such a simple thing to avoid. Finally realizing I was asexual was a giant aha moment that put my disinterest in perspective. So, now that I have experienced a fraction of what some people feel I understand a little bit. Still no sexual attraction on my part but perhaps I could develop an appreciation for those sensations. No wonder people like touching each other in fanfic.”
Yunho looked at you curiously. “Why else did you think people were all over breasts in the stories?”
“I just never gave it any thought.”
“You are new to the party but in for a treat if you want to try a few things in that direction.” Again he laughed, always from shared happiness rather than mockery. It really happened a lot in your presence and it was a relaxing feeling. Yunho recognized another one of your appealing points was the sense of wonder at learning new things. It could be any topic but watching you figure things out about yourself was particularly charming.
“Someday, maybe. For now though just having that data point about my own body is enough.”
At this point Mingi shuffled into the kitchen in fuzzy bear paw slippers and rocket ship themed pajama pants. “Morning, loves,” he offered with a kiss to the top of your head and a lingering one to Yunho’s lips.
Your heart melted seeing this side of Mingi early in the mornings. As if his smile was in sync with the sun it slowly would grow to full size with the light of day. Even in this waking up condition his natural state of exuberance was barely suppressed but he was toned down just enough to give the day a gentle start.
“So your wife was telling me she learned something new recently….”
Mingi’s grin appeared far faster than usual as he beamed at your new title he would never tire of hearing. He took in the rest of the information along with herbal tea from another copy of the mug bearing his niece’s art.
“I don’t know what I want to do about this piece of knowledge, if anything.”
With a fond look your husband reassured, “You don’t have to know, now or ever.”
Yunho nodded in agreement, “Happy to assist if you do want to learn more but only at your own pace.”
“I appreciate that. You are still on my list of a friend I would comfortably look to if I ever wanted to try anything sexual, just not the only one like I thought then.”
Yunho asked with a wink, “Oh, so Jongho is old enough for you now?”
Your eyes widened and you emphasized your words with a light swat. “Of course I meant Mingi!” Playfully you needled in return, “Are you so tired of me that you are trying to foist Jongho on me after that one spur of the moment conversation ages ago?”
“Tiring of the kisses you plant on my shoulder in passing? Packed lunches complete with loving note inside? Never!” Wistfully he concluded, “I could so easily get used to the life Mingi has with you. I feel so cared for here, it is like a dream sometimes.” The drawing on the mug reminded you both that if not for his interest in having kids of his own he probably would have ended up moving in too. However that was not to be and all three of you had made your peace with it long ago.
Pleased Yunho felt emotionally confident enough these days to tease about a romantic rival you joked, “Jongho might have a chance if he didn’t always have his hands full with so many other partners.” Everyone could tell you said this without real interest in your friend that way. “I think he is more popular than Wooyoung and San together these days.”
Mingi chimed in with the observation that nobody was more popular than San and Wooyoung together if the fanfic pairing was anything to go by.
Giving your own input you mentioned, “Hongjoong and Seonghwa are up there too if my Tumblr dash is a representative sample. Yeosang doesn’t get as much attention in fic now that it is known he is engaged to Betty though there have been a few more Yeosang & Fried Chicken stories lately. Still, the ones I like best are about Mingi and Yunho.”
“Those are my favorites too,” Mingi agreed while reaching for Yunho’s hand. “You see, I told you the wedding would not change anything between us. I love you as much as ever, probably more.”
Yunho hoisted the mug that depicted the three of you holding hands along with your niece, her parents, and Ladybug the goldfish. “You are right. I don’t need a marriage certificate to tell me my place in this family when I have this artwork.”
Seeing the way your guys looked at each other you made sure to mention the breakfast sausage, eggs, and sticky buns would take about half an hour and you would be busy in the kitchen with music on the whole time to give them privacy. “Do with that information what you wish. But, if anybody is taking a shower with room for me please knock on the wall loudly to let me know because I don’t want to miss out on that fun. I just bought a canister of that superhero soap foam spray I used to get as a kid and I want to doodle on your backs and make silly soap hairdos on anybody I can lay hands on.”
About 4.9K fluffy SFW words set in the JC world some time after Yeosang’s Date In The Park. Also references earlier events from They Were Roommates and the epilogue but none are necessary reads to enjoy this story. Apologies and all my love to my favorite Tumblr follower whose life events I have borrowed for this tale.
The birthday of an important member of the ATEEZ family, Yeosang's fiancée Betty, brings the whole team together with friends, family, and lovers after a final world tour stop in San Francisco.
Content Note: polyamory, food, a brief but friendly lizard, alcohol mention
~
Annie is the coolest person you know which is saying something when you have actual idols as friends. In what begun as a chance encounter when she won a trip to the San Francisco opening of your family’s restaurant had led to her becoming a model for your grandmother’s company. Annie had become the face of the vegetarian and vegan line for the store which led to increasingly prestigious other jobs over the years. Quite impressively, she had made the rare leap from commercial work to runway modeling despite her nontraditional attributes like the many piercings. It was a testament to her stunning looks but also intelligence and hard work. There was also the matter of the lucky break when Taehyung of BTS had included a photo of her in a photography exhibition. The sultry portrait of Annie in San’s lap at a party had been quite popular, particularly on Tumblr in use as headers and fanfic inspiration.
In between comebacks Seonghwa and Hongjoong flew out to see their girlfriend regularly and were often photographed on her arms, among her many other lovers. Depending on who you asked, Annie was more popular than her ATEEZ boyfriends these days and the two men did not mind one bit. As a lover of luxury brands your husband Mingi was also seen in her company regularly at the very highest end fashion shows and you were grateful your exceedingly beautiful friend could share that interest with him when you could not.
At best, your style could generously be called comfortable and you relied on Mingi’s more informed input when you had to appear presentable for publicity events related to your work as the Vice President of KQ Entertainment. He had a good eye for fashion but also recognizing what was within your comfort range, both stylistically and accommodating sensory issues, while always making sure you would still feel like yourself.
Though far less necessary, he gave the same assistance to your mutual boyfriend Yunho and the two of them often received glowing coverage from the fashion magazines and websites for their street looks. Annie had even managed to get them a few runway modeling opportunities at some of her charity events making one of Mingi’s lifelong dreams come true. Her friendship had added so much to all of your lives in many ways and it meant a lot she had made time in her demanding schedule to come to San Francisco this week to be with you and Betty in person.
Nominally, it was Betty’s birthday tomorrow that brought Annie to town but if all went well there would be so much more and that is why today’s finalizing meeting to perfect the day was taking place at Greens, your favorite vegetarian restaurant in the Bay Area. As you enjoyed the marina view at Fort Mason Betty went over the schedule. She was the birthday girl but the real guest of honor would be her namesake honorary Great Aunt. At over 100 years old and in recovery from a stroke her attendance was still not a sure thing and the full events planned for the day hinged on her presence. Not even you or Annie knew the entire story of what Betty wanted to accomplish, only her fiancé Yeosang knew the entire schedule of activities.
An onlooker in the restaurant could be forgiven for observing the closeness of your group and thinking you might be sisters. With one Black woman, another both Korean-American and Black, and yourself Korean it was possible you were step-siblings and a shared half-sister but actually you were family in a different way. Annie, Betty, and you had the common bond of being partners to members of ATEEZ and your closeness with Betty predated that when you had originally met as college roommates in Korea years ago. That was what had led to her romance with Yeosang, the first friend in the group you had gotten to know through takeout chicken deliveries working for your family.
Over time you had fallen for Mingi then later Yunho. Annie was the newcomer to your select group of ATEEZ family members after her long-term relationships with both Hongjoong and Seonghwa began the last time they had been on a world tour a few years ago. Since then the group’s popularity had only increased and another tour was coming to a close with their arrival in San Francisco from L.A. a few hours ago. Each of you was looking forward to seeing your loved ones again and sharing some time off in the region. You and the two others had popped in on various points of the world tour but this was the first time all three of you had seen each other lately. Although you frequently were in contact other ways, it had been too long since the pleasure of laughing together in person.
With the last of the preparations assigned among you the birthday party planning work was complete and it was time to make your way to the stadium. There were tender reunions all around backstage and many hugs with the other members after so much time apart. While his hair was being styled Hongjoong made sure to give Annie her latest gift. He was always thinking of her and liked to pick up some jewelry as a memento whenever he traveled. In a tradition begun the day they met he was wearing the latest item on his ear and removed it, setting it in her waiting palm. She decided to place the exquisitely small rose blossom in her nose and smiled at the new look in the mirror.
“I was going to get you the eyebrow version with the stem and leaves but it was a good thing you let me know you were going to let that piercing close up.”
She sighed, “It is for the best, my eyebrows are drawn in a completely different place for each modeling job.” Giving her boyfriend a kiss on the hand to avoid his freshly applied makeup Annie complimented him on his taste. “You made the right choice, you always know what I will like. Thank you.”
“I would do anything to make you happy.”
“That goes for me too!” Seonghwa hustled by on his way to change into the first stage outfit and kissed Annie’s cheek in passing.
Just before he was able to disappear from sight Annie called out, “Thank you also, handsome!”
“I take compliments as well,” San fished from the makeup chair nearby.
Annie laughed. “San, you know I’d have you too if you were available.”
“I know,” he preened, “and it always thrills my heart to hear you say it. Unless anything changes though we just have that portrait to remember each other by.”
Overhearing your friends’ playfulness with each other always made you smile. They joked, but it would not surprise you if some day they did make their joke a reality, even if only for a night. Annie was very popular and her two current ATEEZ men knew she was not interested in settling down any time soon. Like sailors of old, as a model she traveled the world and had partners in every port leaving both men and women wishing for more of her time.
Your own pre-curtain pep talk with Mingi and final hug to Yunho now delivered you made your way to the stadium’s best suite where you and the other KQ family members would watch the show. This tour was unusual in that Yeosang’s parents and his sister had decided to travel overseas and see the final performance. That was part of their reason for the flight to the United States. The other, more important, was the chance to meet Betty’s extended family now that she was engaged to their son. Her parents and grandparents had been taking frequent trips to Korea due to half her relatives, members on both sides, being of Korean descent and the extended Kang family had already grown fond of their new friends.
Tomorrow they would have the honor of an introduction to the famed centenarian Great Aunt Betty, the family friend Yeosang’s Betty had been named for. Tonight though was about ATEEZ and his mother watched enraptured by the spectacle. “He always said they were popular internationally but I really did not comprehend it until now seeing such a large venue completely sold out.” She pursed her lips. “I do think they should be giving Yeosangie more lines. The others are so good but he should be the star of the show.”
“He is doing fine sharing the spotlight. As perfect as our son is, he has been working on his voice and will be given more as he improves. You know they originally hired him more for dancing and his good looks.” Turning to you her husband added, “He got his beautiful face from his mother,” the handsome man deprecatingly complimented as his wife blushed.
Joining the conversation you noted, “I have been pushing my uncle to make more use of Yeosang’s singing these days. Certainly his confidence is way up which coincided with meeting Betty I think.”
“We have noticed that too,” his sister agreed. “I like my future sister-in-law a lot. She really has been good for him.”
“Watching my college roommate get together with Yeosang I have seen how their relationship benefited them both. It is a joy to see them so happy together.” Your words were met with a toast to the engaged couple then attention returned to the spectacular performance.
Later that night as everyone collapsed into their hotel beds it was agreed the tour had been a success. “Tomorrow we picnic in the park with Betty for her birthday and then off to a week in Yosemite National Park the next day. This has been a lovely way to end a trip,” Yunho said with a yawn.
At your other side Mingi was almost too sleepy to comment but he managed to say “I hope we don’t run into any bears.” You smoothed his hair and reminded him even though they lived in the park it was rare to see a bear.
Yunho was reassuring in his own way. “They are only black bears, not grizzlies, and I will protect you, Mingi,” but the younger man was already beginning to snore before the sentence was complete.
“Goodnight Mingi,” you whispered. Then turning to your other partner, “and goodnight Yunho.” You snuggled against his arm and left several little kisses to his shoulder before falling asleep yourself. In no time at all the morning alarm on your phone went off and you squished Mingi a little reaching for it. “Sorry, love.”
With his face buried in the pillow all you heard in reply was “Mrrmph.”
“I have my errands to run but you two get more rest after your workout on stage last night. See you at the party midday!”
Yunho rolled over into the warm section of bedding you had left behind and Mingi’s arm reached out for his boyfriend to pull him even closer. With a smile you silently dressed for the day and left the room. First stop in Oakland was picking up some floral arrangements for the picnic tables and then on to the restaurant Betty’s family owned to place some of the food in your rental car. You would think their two catering vans would have been enough but her family had gone all out in what they saw as not only a birthday party but as a chance to celebrate her engagement to the young man they adored too.
Driving up into the hills of nearby Berkeley you were able to easily follow the directions to the rented picnic area in Tilden Park. “Padre,” you read on the site’s sign. “This is the one,” you said to yourself as you began to unload the items. Annie was already there with Seonghwa and Hongjoong bustling around her. Their mission had been picking up the vegan and alternate birthday cakes. Annie laid out supplemental frosting and other decorating supplies for the guests to participate in the celebration. With all her experience being at events she knew it was a good idea to offer ways people could have their hands busy if they were not as interested or good at making conversation with new people. Art projects always went over well, especially with so many creative people attending on a day like today.
The men opened the sports bag they had brought and began setting up a badminton net then croquet wickets on the lawn. A soccer ball was planted beside the nearby field and then they turned their attention to their girlfriend. Seonghwa let her know their plans, “We are going to make a quick snack run back into to town. Would you like anything from the coffee shop or the bakery we saw beside it?”
Annie declined the offer but you encouraged her to go with them. “Your work schedule is so packed you hardly have time to see your partners. Don’t miss a moment together these rare times you are on the same continent. I will be fine here on my own. Betty and Yeosang will be here soon enough.” She squeezed your hand appreciatively and took off with her two lovers.
You did not have long to be alone as the birthday girl herself pulled into the parking lot followed soon after by the two vans brimming with vegan, vegetarian, and token other foods just as the others were leaving. “It looks great already,” she said approvingly. Yeosang got out of her car on the passenger side and grabbed the bag of crepe paper rolls from the back seat to begin decorating. Soon the setting was complete from decor to food and beverages.
Family, friends, and the remaining members of ATEEZ began to trickle in, loudly in the case of Wooyoung who immediately headed to the soccer field to get some energy out dragging Jongho and San along behind him.
There was a yelp from Mingi and you rushed over to see Yunho calming him at the table where they sat. “You see? This little fellow is harmless.” The three of you watched as the small creature froze on the wooden surface. A young teenager came up, one of Betty’s Korean-American cousins who also had local Ohlone heritage. Recognizing the singers she took a moment to collect herself and hesitated to approach but Yunho welcomed her with a wave toward the table.
She had known Yeosang for a while now on his frequent visits before Betty had moved to Korea but meeting the rest of his idol co-workers was a new experience and like many, Mingi was her favorite ATEEZ member. In Korean she introduced him to the blue bellied lizard as they watched the reptile begin push ups flashing the vibrant namesake underbelly hoping to impress potential mates. “He may look like a little dragon but his teeth and claws are so tiny they can not hurt anything but insects. I see them on the path at my house all the time and they never hurt me even when I was a baby.”
Mingi smiled at the news. “Sometimes bugs scare me even though I am already a grown up.” She looked a little skeptical at this information but he did not notice. Yunho had to suppress a laugh though, it was not the scary bugs portion she seemed to have trouble believing but his adult status. “Anything that eats insects is a friend to me,” Mingi concluded. “Thank you for explaining that.”
The tween beamed in return then asked, “Would you like to play croquet with me? I can teach you how to do it.”
Mingi agreed and Yunho watched them go commenting, “He is so easy to like,” as the young girl began to skip toward the croquet lawn and Mingi joined in immediately. You sat together on the bench sharing your soda watching the large party chat, laugh, play, and fill plates. With one still hand on the picnic table Yunho coaxed the lizard for a walk on his warm palm. Softly you laid your head against his shoulder. Even this quiet time spent in observation was enjoyable simply because you were together.
You looked up to see Betty mingling and receiving birthday wishes while she stood with Yeosang’s arm around her waist. Her Nigerian-born maternal grandfather came up to the couple and after talking briefly a frown crossed her face. Wanting to see if you could help you left Yunho and got a report from Betty. “We really wanted Aunt Betty to be here today but her ride fell through and her aide does not drive. My parents are going to leave and get her but that means an hour each way in traffic and they have not eaten yet.”
“I will grab two sandwiches for them for the road.” She nodded at you gratefully. Job complete you now plated your own lunch from the generous spread. Time passed quickly at the party and you savored your meal seated between Betty’s Korean-born maternal grandmother who was an aerospace engineer and ran her university’s wind tunnel and her Black paternal grandmother who owned the restaurant providing today’s Southern American and Korean dishes. The women were a joy to talk to again, in Korean no less, just as when you had met them visiting Betty in college when you were her roommate years ago.
It made sense for the one from Korea to still have her native language and the other grandmother had gotten to a conversational level from her Korean-American husband who appeared at that moment. You had just learned he had grown all the vegetables the restaurant used including all the excellent food today. His arrival brought the good news that Aunt Betty had now made it after all thanks to his son and daughter-in-law, just far later than originally planned.
Betty relaxed to see her hoped for guest of honor present and she squeezed Yeosang’s hand giving him a knowing glance. He offered a shy smile in return and the comment “Looks like we really are doing this,” before kissing his fiancée’s cheek then going to greet Aunt Betty. As she sat in the car waiting for her wheelchair to emerge from the trunk he offered a kiss to her hand, charming her as always. Once settled in her chair, his future in-laws gently pushed her over to the closest picnic table and Yeosang scurried to fill a plate with her favorite foods.
After enough time for the latecomers to enjoy their food Betty cleared her throat and made a bilingual announcement. “With so many friends and family gathered here today, including Yeosang’s parents and sister who have kindly come from so far away, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about my mother.” The older woman was curious about her daughter’s speech but came forward to where the engaged couple stood side by side. “When Yeosang and I agreed to marry we asked my mother if she would be willing to get an online ordination to be the one to perform our wedding. Last week I set that up with her and we would like to give her this gift in thanks.”
Yeosang passed over a black square and encouraged his future mother-in-law to unfold it. She did and the t-shirt bearing the word MINISTER in white lettering was revealed. “It is what she will wear when she marries us.” You wondered if Yeosang was nervous because he let a signature hehet laugh out at this point. “Would you try it on to see if it fits?” She nodded that she was willing and as she slowly and delicately worked the garment over her hair the onlookers began to murmur.
While her mother was busy, Betty had easily taken off her outer shirt to reveal another below and this white one was printed BRIDE in two languages. The excitement increased as Yeosang unbuttoned his shirt and the word GROOM in both Korean characters and English letters came into view. After working on the cuffs Yeosang now tossed his long sleeve shirt to San then maneuvered Wooyoung to his side as best man. Wooyoung’s eyes went wide and he happily accepted the role with a small jewelry box handed to him.
There were a lot of reactions as the situation dawned on the audience. Mingi’s “No way!” was a common one. By the looks on their faces everyone could tell this was a surprise to all but two, even the newly minted minister who now wearing her shirt had the chance to see the transformation happening before her. Taking it well, she began to laugh. “You mean you want me to do this here, now? I have never even performed a wedding before and I thought I was going to have months to study and practice! You two claimed it was going to be next year.” She shook her head tutting but her grin told the real story of happiness in this moment.
Betty knew her mom was quick-witted enough to roll with this very big shock and soon enough her mother gamely said “Give me a minute then I’ll be ready. I will make something up.”
Jongho thoughtfully stepped forward to take the shirt Betty had removed. He in turn passed it to Yunho leaving his hands free to record the ceremony for sharing in the private ATEEZ family chat. Betty took your hand and asked you to be at her side as matron of honor. “It is very fitting you stand here today. Not only have you been a good friend to both of us, you were also the one that brought us together so many years ago in college.” Almost everyone present knew the story but it was a good one. “As luck would have it my roommate was able to arrange the birthday gift of meeting my favorite idols because you had befriended them through your work. I can not believe how much would be missing from my life if I had been matched with another roommate.”
You both smiled at the memory. “I believe Yeosang wished that night he could have a ‘how we met’ story just as good as your grandparents.”
The about to be groom interjected, “I think I can top that memory with a ‘how we got married’ story today. Shall we?”
Seamlessly switching between the two languages she had grown up with, the bilingual ceremony in English and Korean was short but heartfelt. With mere minutes notice Betty’s mother had taken on the challenge of the first and likely only marriage ceremony she would ever perform. With a simple message of the obvious love and devotion between the two young people before her she then came to the ring exchange with a look to Wooyoung. He produced the box from his pocket handing it back to Yeosang who took out the two rings. Despite the differences both bands were a perfect match for their recipients, much like themselves. The first, a rose gold band with a simple twist engraved in black suitable for full time wear on stage and off was passed to Betty who placed it on his hand with a look of such adoration it brought tears to Yeosang’s eyes.
Her own choice was a stark break from tradition. In a nod to the style of American rappers she arranged collaborations for her ring was a far more dramatic rhinestone studded oval. It also showcased Hello Kitty dressed as a bride in the center. At first sight this ring was the one her mind was set on. On request Yeosang had dutifully purchased it and the band was now shakily being slipped onto her hand. He would have bought her the world if asked but she insisted she would rather spend to her heart’s content later when they would outfit a nursery in their home when they felt ready. At the time he blushed from head to toe but could not help but agree with their shared dream.
The ring was very unusual but also very much Betty as the colorful bargain item now hid her far pricier engagement ring underneath. She did not need to flaunt their wealth from both successful careers but instead reveled in a style that pleased herself, a trait Yeosang had long admired in his fiancée. He corrected his thoughts out loud. “My wife!” They both smiled at his enthusiasm and shared a gentle kiss to end the ceremony.
More than one sniffle was heard from the assembled family and friends, notably San, and possibly Hongjoong or Seonghwa, but also Yeosang’s dad. Everybody clapped and was in awe to remember even Betty’s mother had not been in on the day’s plan. She truly had conducted a wedding on no notice with no prior experience. The sound of popping champagne corks was heard and cake slices began to be passed around.
Not the only one to have trouble comprehending they had just been invited to a birthday party and attended a wedding too, Yeosang’s mother asked “Was that real?”
“Yes,” he joyfully answered and she hugged both her son and new daughter.
His father was just as pleased. “I have another beautiful daughter, sooner than I ever knew it was going to happen.” He looked at Yeosang. “No wonder you were so insistent we come see you on tour for the final city.”
“Thanks for taking the time off your jobs to humor me.”
“Oh I think it was worth it,” his sister said punching his arm.
“We had always planned this to be our wedding,” Betty explained to her in-laws. “Between the two countries we knew Aunt Betty was the least able to travel among our relatives so we decided to marry in the States as you knew.”
“Having her present meant so much to Betty,” Yeosang added, “that we did not want to get married if her health did not permit her to attend today. We would have married before her in a hospital room if that had been needed. So, the birthday today was a cover story and a fallback position if she had not been able to be here and it was a near thing too after her ride did not show up.”
“Thankfully my parents could get her even if they missed much of the party. They gave us such a gift today, we got to go through with the ceremony after all with everyone here.” Betty took her husband’s arm and beamed with giddy excitement. “We did it.”
“We did indeed. Happy birthday… wife.” Yeosang was really enjoying her new title and his heart melted when she called him husband in return.
The newlyweds held hands and stood for group photos with Yeosang’s birthmark on full display reminding guests that none of this was for publication. The wedding was private and the only photo ever to show up in circulation online from that day was a sweet shot taken and posted by you of Yunho charmed by the blue belly lizard on his hand.
As the birthday party turned wedding reception drew to a close Yeosang’s mother spoke up. “I think I have some calls I need to make once Korea is awake. We have a celebration to arrange and I hope your family can make it, Betty.”
“I think they would like that. I think they would like that a lot, mom.”
His sister nodded in approval at the name and plan. Arm in arm with Betty between them the three ladies walked back to the tables to discuss the next party.
Wooyoung waited for a moment to catch his friend alone. “I am impressed you were able to keep a secret from me.”
“I think it is the only secret I have ever fully managed to keep in my life. That and the location of Yosemite for our honeymoon.”
“We are all headed there. Wait! Yeosang, do you know what this means?” Wooyoung startled Yeosang by jumping into his arms. It was only through years of goofing off at dance practices together he was able to be caught by his teammate without warning. Stars in his eyes while held bridal style Wooyoung crowed, “All these years together and I never dreamed I would be honeymooning with you!”
Despite unceremoniously dropping him into the grass at the silly joke, Yeosang was quick to offer Wooyoung a hand up. Wooyoung gathered him into a hug instead. “Seriously, I am so proud of the way you and Betty pulled this off. Congratulations, I know you will always be happy together.” He then added, “If you will be having kids I would be honored to have them named after me. Just kidding, unless you wanted to of course!” Yeosang laughed at the way Wooyoung mimicked the finger pointing emoji and brimming-eyed facial expression with the words.
“We’ll see. But we already have a name picked out.”
“Oh, really?”
“We are hoping we can call our firstborn Betty.”
Wooyoung moaned. “So many good names in the world to pick and it seems like a lot of Bettys.”
“It is a wonderful name.”
“It is indeed.” Lifting his champagne flute from the nearby table Wooyoung toasted his friend. “Happy wedding day, Yeosang.”
An ATEEZ fanfic with Mingi, Yunho, and the reader in a mutual romantic reationship, by AbsentCaryatid
This takes place in the JC Saga world sometime between chapter twelve and the epilogue, 2.9K words, light innuendo and the word naked but SFW I think
Content note- Agender reader using she/her pronouns, polyamory, brief unintentional misgendering, mention of future children, relationship talk, plenty of feelings
~
Moving into the same building as the ATEEZ dorms had been a great idea. The apartment had been difficult to find a tenant for due to their frequent noise from the floor above but it was not something you minded. The proximity allowed you to occasionally join their commute to KQ Entertainment, your uncle’s company where you worked too. More importantly it led to regular meals with your friends, particularly the two you were closest to.
On this day you had your boyfriend Mingi to yourself. After a leisurely breakfast he unexpectedly brought up an emotional topic that had been on his mind. Seated beside you on the couch he took your hand into his lap then began. “You never complain but I want to make sure you know you are enough for me even though you are asexual and we do not have sex. Despite your comfort with polyamory I am not seeking out any other partners. Yunho is a special case.”
“He is for me too. As much as I enjoy hugging and hanging on our friends he is the only one other than you getting naked snuggling from me and I don’t ever see that changing.” It was well known among the three of you that Yunho had the eventual goal of children with a partner but until that person came along it was unknown if he would then choose to limit his romantic affection. Having no role models for what a polyamorous family life would look like he was concerned it would be too confusing for his children.
At least in the present, Mingi’s heart was at ease to know this was still working out for everybody in the relationship. “You know, if we had a home of our own it would make things a little more convenient to be together, and more private than when you visit the dorm. Think about it, would you?”
“My place is not close enough for you? We can always be alone there.” Your laughter subsided. Turning serious you added, “I’d like a home with you eventually, not yet though, but soon. Living together is a certain thing to me, just like knowing you will be my husband one day, when we feel ready. In the meantime, you know you both are welcome at my apartment anytime, even overnight. Also, when I am not there should you two want some time with each other.”
San poked his head out of his doorway to the room shared with Yunho. “That offer good for me too? I could not help but overhear as my door was open and I was intentionally listening.” He flashed a dimpled grin that worked on all but one person. You.
“I don’t want your body, San,” you called back down the hall just as your other boyfriend got back from an early trip to the gym. Yunho was resigned to the chaos of dorm life with his members. Often it was the bewildering conversations he was dropped into midway, like today. Planting a kiss on your head in greeting he then settled on the other side of Mingi to enjoy the show.
San mocked you back, “Everybody else wants my body except the two guys you have entranced with your femin… um, agender wiles!”
“Right, San. I am an ace siren,” you deadpanned. Knowing full well what he was asking and with whom he would be accompanied you added, “Of course you and your whoever of the day are welcome. I’ll text you my door code and you already know the address. Just give out a warning, like Shiber hanging in the bag on a door handle or something like that, okay? Oh, and you better change the sheets afterward!”
“You got it. Thanks, sincerely.” San appreciated your words preserved the fiction of his playboy ways even though everyone close to the members knew he was partnered just as firmly as Yunho, you, and Mingi were. “That settled, I am off to the hairdressers. Be sure to compliment me on my return!”
Chuckling at his roommate and grasping the situation as best as he could, Yunho also expressed gratitude. “Thank you for letting them use your place. When Yeosang is with Betty overnight they can use Wooyoung’s room but other days I have been asked to stay out of my own bedroom. The walls are thin enough as it is and with your apartment directly under my room I do not know if their location will make much of a difference. The floors don’t block enough either.”
You nodded in understanding. “As much as you love each other it must be rough living with your coworkers at times. I’ll ask my uncle what he can do to make it easier until the improved dorms are completed. You have been overdue bigger quarters for years as ATEEZ has racked up the hits. No wonder some of you have developed a preference for socializing in your soundproof studios. In the meantime, have you considered trading roommates around and moving in with each other?”
“We talk about it,” Mingi said looking to Yunho. “But I would really miss Jongho.”
Yunho knew Mingi just was not ready for that step. Accepting that, he never pressed the issue with his boyfriend. “You know,” he laughed, “you would have the same problem if you moved in with our girl.”
“We could always move somewhere with room for Jongho too,” you hinted with a gleam in your eye.
Recalling you found a lot to like about their youngest teammate, Yunho carefully glanced over and confirmed by your face you were indeed teasing. That was a relief. Sometimes he worried your relationship with Mingi that predated his own romantic partnership was all his two loves really needed. Now he recognized with a twinge of fear that he could also be replaced. You caught concern on his face and reached across Mingi to hold Yunho’s hands as well.
“Living without Jongho is a worry for another day,” Mingi reflected. “For now my mind is on our plans for today. After our celebratory lunch I have a date with one of my biggest fans. I was just about to leave her the morning message. She loves waking up to something from one of us.”
Yunho knew exactly who Mingi was talking about, your niece. “I know just how she feels,” he added with a smirk.
A shy smile broke out on Mingi’s face. “Would you like to join me when I pick her up from preschool? Her teacher this year is an ATEEZ fan and I think you are one of her favorites. Wanna make her day?”
“Sure, I’m up for that. Should be fun.”
“Okay.” Mingi dialed your brother’s number and waited for the recording to begin. “Hey Princess, this is Uncle Mingi. Your dads said I could come over to play today. Uncle Yunho and I will walk you home from school and he hopes you have a tiara that will fit him so he can come to one of your tea parties.”
Listening along, Yunho gave Mingi a big double thumbs up and his trademark grin.
“Have a great day at preschool and we will see you later, cuddle bug. I love you!”
These guys of yours. Did they know how attractive they were? Even though through mutual preference you and Mingi were not going to have kids it still worked on you the respect he had for even the youngest child. Kids felt like important people around him and that went straight to your heart as did Yunho demonstrating the same skill. He was going to be an amazing father when the time came.
Afternoon activity settled, talk returned to the plans for your midday meal together. Mingi had promised something impressive in the kitchen for lunch, to which Yunho had asked “Is it just going to be you naked?”
“I had not planned that but it could be,” Mingi teased back with a wink and a blush.
“So perfect,” Yunho marveled. “How did I not know you could cook?”
“I learned recently. Wooyoung taught me a few things.”
“I bet he could,” Yunho offered with a sly look.
“It was only recipes!”
“Sure, handsome. How could Wooyoung ever keep his hands off you?”
“Yunho, his hands are full enough already as you well know.” Mingi’s face softened. “I wanted to do something special for our ‘one year since the first time we kissed’ anniversary. We are working tonight so I decided to make it a lunch.”
“You are so good to me,” Yunho praised as he made a bow of the apron strings at his boyfriend’s back.
“I heard all that, even though I did not want to.” Seonghwa came into view, hands over his ears and head held downward. “I am coming into the kitchen to get snacks for Hongjoong while he is holed up in his studio. Please don’t be naked!”
“It is safe.” Just to make trouble Mingi added, “For now.” With a brief kiss to the lips of his boyfriend, he then opened several cupboards before rattling though the pans while Yunho retreated to the living room and your company. Mingi worked happily and his memories drifted over the past year and all the changes it had brought. Already having one secure romantic attachment with you made him far more capable of pursuing another. He wished he had had this newfound level of confidence years ago.
It was nice to get some time alone with Yunho for conversation. Like Mingi, your mind also was wandering back to earlier times with your friends. “Wooyoung was right years ago, he said I would know when I was ready for a romance, if ever. Did you know he helped me stop trying to talk myself into dating you? I felt so bad turning you down at the time. I was not drawn to a relationship with anybody then, but once I realized you liked me I just wanted to make you happy if I could.”
“That was not a good plan. Wooyoung has been a good friend to all of us. He saved us both some pain, though it hurt like hell at the time when you did not want me the way I wanted you.”
You leaned into him, giving comfort to each other. “Thankfully, it worked out okay for us in the long run.” Your loving gaze went straight to his heart. “I am so much more like Mingi than I ever knew, so often flailing about when it comes to love.”
“It is your big hearts,” Yunho offered after a thoughtful sip of his water bottle. “That’s why I love you both. You seem to have stabilized since then though, must be my good influence.”
“You have been that to me, and so much more than I ever suspected.”
Grinning, Yunho put his arm around you. “Good thing you listened to Wooyoung. If you had forced yourself to date me then we probably would not have gotten together later. You were worth the wait.” He echoed the sentiment with a gentle kiss to the forehead.
You nestled further into his side. Sometimes things were easier to say without looking at each other. “Yunho? You seemed distressed earlier. Do we need to talk?”
“Another day.” Recognizing the need to head off any worrying of your own he added, “I am having a bout of my own insecurities. I love you both as much as I ever have and that is not in danger of changing.”
You took his hands hoping to ease his mind. “After Mingi’s break from performing we have tended to keep an eye out for his well-being. I need to remember it is not a matter of one of you being the strong one and the other the delicate one. You are pretty tender on the inside too. Whatever you need from me, whenever, you shall have it. Defending your privacy from work as an idol has always been important to you but I would hold a press conference to tell the world how much I adore you if that is what you wanted.”
Wrapping your arms around each other in a tight embrace you heard a sniffle emerge from Yunho. Pulling back you could see tears in his eyes. As you wiped away the one that slipped down his cheek he was pleased to report they were caused by happiness. “How did I get so lucky twice over?”
“Just by being yourself,” you praised. “Now how about we get you cleaned up from your workout?” Popping into the kitchen to let Mingi know Yunho was headed down to shower together at your apartment earned a nod of approval, an ETA on the food, and a promise to join in next time.
An hour later your little family was together again upstairs. The lunch Mingi had prepared was truly delicious and so filing it led to a recuperative cuddle pile nap in your apartment’s larger bed. Afterward your two loves headed out to meet your niece while you got some extra work in on your laptop.
The preschool teacher was indeed a Yunho fan but held herself together pretty well as she looked up at their arrival while reading to the class. Mingi motioned to Yunho to sit on the rug at the back of the group of kids as he had been encouraged to do on previous pickups. When it was time for the students to get their backpacks for dismissal the two men were given a personalized tour of the room at the teacher’s prompting.
“And here is a picture I did of my family,” Mingi’s niece in all but name announced while pulling the men proudly to the wall display. “Here’s Daddy and Papa, Ladybug and me, Uncle Mingi and Auntie.” She spoke while pointing everyone out though they were pretty good likenesses and identifiable. Certainly the purple coat with an orange liner made one person easy to recognize, as did his widely drawn smile.
Mingi already knew he was popular with your niece but her self-portrait holding hands with both the pet fish and him confirmed it. Looking the paper over she paused and declared someone was missing. “Sit still Uncle Yunho, I have to draw you. Auntie says you are family too.”
Yunho reeled for a moment, hand to mouth covering his surprised smile. He was deeply touched by her action and your own. This was the very reassurance he had needed that he was just as much your partner as Mingi was. While all the ATEEZ members had been granted the honorific Uncle, it was something very different to be given the same standing as her real aunt and partner Mingi in this work. Perhaps with help future children could understand poly relationships, at their own level of course, and he would not have to give up his current partners when his own kids came along. This new way of thinking pleased him immensely.
“Yes,” he proudly admitted, “I am part of the family.” Taking one of the nearby tiny chairs he sat down and posed as seriously as he would for any professional photo shoot. Mingi was quick to bring out his phone and get a video clip of the artist at work seriously finding just the right light blue marker to match the current shade of Yunho’s hair as she added him to the family lineup.
Sure there were only four hairs on his head, inadvertently matching her age, and everyone including the goldfish looked like a potato with limbs, but Yunho thought the artwork could not be improved upon as he watched his plentifully fingered hand depicted holding yours. He hoped to ask about keeping it for himself once it came home from school. In the meantime it became his lockscreen with permission from the artist.
With the rest of the children matched to their caregivers and families the teacher was now free to come over and watch. “My wife is never going to believe this. She is the one who got me hooked on ATEEZ. She is jealous enough I get to see Mingi in my classroom from time to time but to have met you too now is an additional treat. Your whole group would be welcome of course, but you two are favorites in our household,” she gushed. “You know, Jongho’s bear song is popular with the students and Yeosang would be a hit if he ever wanted to do a science demonstration for the class. The kids love his educational videos.”
The group’s chatter continued but all too soon the drawing was complete and the men said their goodbyes. Yunho mentioned their live television performance scheduled for that night. “If you do watch….”
“Oh we will be,” the teacher promised.
“When you see a finger heart from me tonight on stage know that I will be thinking of you.”
She literally swooned because well, who wouldn’t getting buttered up by Yunho at close range? He knew how to work an audience and loved these unexpected little fan-service opportunities to make someone’s day, or year. With a wink he headed out, Mingi’s niece holding hands with both of her Uncles chatting animatedly about the pretend cakes with extra sprinkles she would serve Ladybug and them at her princess tea party.
