The F5 (Fraternal Five)

Walk

A/N Cut to 5:12 to watch six seconds of the green carpet walk I'm so obsessed about.

*

The university-hall-turned-red-carpet is already jam-packed when they arrive. Students are screaming their names in high pitch as they jump left and right, trying to get a glimpse of BU's visuals walking down the red carpet. The way the glittering chandelier casts mini diamonds in their faces and the never ending sound of camera snaps serve as a bitter reminder just how untouchable they are.

The plan to make an entrance is a big success, of course. Ten hot, amazing, talented-in-their-own-way guys in neat black suits? Though some of them are obviously taken, the crowd still goes wild fawning over the fine men. It's like they won't go home without sore throats.

Singto and Krist are the first to appear, all wai and 'I love you' hand sign, following Tha, the dean, closely behind. Walking right after, Gun has Off waving to the direction of the camera among the crowd, before the latter turns to help New indulging a very lively Tay behind them. Then there's Bright and Win, strutting slightly apart from each other and a lot calmer compared to the chaotic four, and finally Earth and Mix, holding hands with matching tie-shirt and lovey-dovey air.

Some students from journalism club stop them from entering the grand auditorium.

"P'Singto, would you care to say a few words for our university's YT channel please?"

"Sure, but make it quick. Kit and Bai are opening the award with the music club." Singto says smiling for the camera, hand on Krist's small of back holding him close.

"Good luck! Looking forward to it!" The reporter smiles at Krist, which is immediately returned. "So, P'Sing. The million-dollar question. How's America and how's studying for your master's going?"

"Great for both, I guess. Though I start to feel homesick ...." Singto gives Krist a cheeky lopsided smile.

"That's why you're here with P'Krist tonight, right?"

"Oh, no. We're here as a group," Singto waves to the rest of the guys. "Hence our matching outfits."

"Hello, BU!" Tay waves to the camera. "Everyone's enjoying the night?" The cameraman signals something to Tay. "Oh, it's not a live? OMG, I'm so embarrassed."

"Idiot." New mutters under his breath in amusement, as the rest laughs at his silly act as usual.

"Oh, the famous F5! And," The reporter scans the group, counting quickly, "...their dates, we presume?"

"Just as a group, please." Off smiles politely to her, tone final.

The reporter misses a beat before trying once more, "So are we, uh, F10 now, or ...?"

Bright takes a glance at his watch and cuts her short, "Kit. It's almost time."

"Oh. Right." Krist is unusually quiet from nervousness.

"Then, we'll get going. Enjoy the rest of the event!" Singto ends the interview at once and herds Krist to the backstage, whispering encouraging words to his boyfriend all the while. After bidding goodbye to his nong, Bright follows behind, as the rest of the guys get back to their red carpet walk.

"Wait, P'Gun! Do you mind if we do an exclusive interview, with you?" The reporter's not ready to back down just yet.

Gun stops and glances at a considerably pissed Off beside him, then back to the reporter. "Sure!" He smiles sweetly, pulling Off with him and circling his arm around Off's waist for the camera. "Oh, don't mind Papii. We come as a package."

"So like ... he's your date for tonight?"

"Don't put words into his mouth!" Off snaps. Gun has to stroke his arm comfortingly to calm him down.

"Yeah, Papii's not my date." Gun lets out a soft chuckle. "He's my boyfriend."

"How sweet! We take it that you guys are doing okay?"

"Huh? Just okay? We're doing amazing!" Gun grins widely, side-hugging Off to emphasize.

"So how's dating affecting your work, P'Gun? I heard the fans are splitting into two opposing groups, in response to your new relationship."

Off growls, but Gun quickly intercepts, "Yeah, I guess it's still a long way to earn their acceptance. But it's fine, take your time because we're not going anywhere."

"Aww." The reporter can't help but go soft at Gun's sweet smile. "Then, we won't hold you back any longer. Send our love to the group!"

"Definitely!" Gun waves at them and jogs a little toward Off who went ahead first. As they fall into step with each other he glances sideways and prompts, "Still mad, Papii?"

"Not at you." Off sighs, offering Gun a weak smile. "Just, they really insisted on sqeezing juicy gossip out of us."

"That's how they write news, Papii." Gun shrugs. "Anyway, should I or should I not include you in my vlog? Your call."

"Don't take it wrongly but I really prefer it if you don't give me special treatments throughout the vlog. I don't want to get in the way of your work as she just so kindly reminded us."

"Ouch, Papii! Don't let her get to you, okay? But I respect it." Gun smiles, pulling away gently. "Then, this is where we part. I'll find you some time later, okay? Be good, Papii." He runs to his team waiting at the end of the red carpet Off spots a bit too late.

"Aw." Off sighs in defeat. He glances sadly over his shoulder where Gun's hand formerly was and already, feeling empty from the lack of ... Gun. Shoulders slumped slightly, he heads to the nominees seat section where the rest of the group at.