Faded Sun| SunSun

[Chapter 17]

A bell jingled at the push of the door, barely heard over the chatter of the restaurant. It was reasonably busy today, but nothing unbearable. The fresh smell of pizza wafted through the air, pleasantly traveling through nostrils, down to the soul. Anyone would want pizza just from stepping inside, so it was a good thing this was the best pizza place in town.

Jungwon glanced around the room, searching for his partner. His eyes latched onto the hand waving him over, near the back corner of the restaurant. He slid himself into the booth, next to Jay, feeling a hand slink its ways around his waist.

"Are you hungry?" Jay asked, placing soft kisses along the boys shoulder. 

"A little, we could split a pizza." Jungwon suggested.

Jay hummed, nuzzling their head into Jungwon's shoulder. Their boyfriend giggled, pushing their head gently away. "You're very clingy today."

"Why can't I be? You're mine Wonnie."

In the past, he belonged to someone, as an object only. Something possessive, and selfish, lacking true care. But with Jay, it was different. He was theirs, and they were his. Someone to give love to, someone to truly cherish. Jungwon loved hearing Jay say that, because he knew exactly what they meant by it. He wasn't an object to them, he was their love.

Jungwon connected their lips, butterflies erupting in his stomach, as they always did. Such euphoria in their soft lips against his, a wave of warmth washing over him. Memories rushed back to the past, the way Jay's chapped lips caught against his soft pair, in the room just out of sight. His body shuddered being pulled closer, by Jays's strong grip at the back of his neck. 

"Still not opposed to some good old PDA I see."

Jungwon flinched, pulling away shyly. His cheeks turned a rosy shade of pink, unable to make eye contact with the woman who just approached the table. 

"I really don't mind your affection, but remember this is a restaurant. Most people don't want a side order of teenagers making out, with their deep dish pepperoni." Jay's mother chuckled, leaving Jungwon more than embarrassed.

"Sorry mum, Wonnie's just too cute, I can't resist him." Jay replied, receiving a thigh slap from Jungwon.

"Ah you're just like your father. Back when he was actually loyal, and not a waste of space, cheating, scumbag," She flicked her hair over her shoulder. "He couldn't keep his hands off me. Now what can I get you two?" 

"One medium Hawaiian?" Jay said, more as a question. They directed it to Jungwon, who gave a little nod. "And two cokes please."

 "Alrighty, shouldn't be too long." Jay's mother turned on her heals, heading towards the kitchen. 

Jungwon leaned his elbow on the table, resting his head against his hand. He brought his other hand up to Jays hair, tucking a dark strand behind their ear, as they looked at their phone. 

"Woah, did you hear about Jang-Mi from Pendant's dating scandal?"

____

The boys spent hours in that meeting room, listing to the ins and outs of their debut. Things were going to be extremely rushed, but the idea of debuting, made it all worth it. Junseo was currently going through his long spiel, about all of the new rules being put in place for them. The company needed this debut to go smoothly, they couldn't risk anymore scandals. 

"And lastly, you'll be put under a strict dating ban. We use to be more lenient, if we didn't know, then you could date. Unfortunately for you, this policy has been changed. We'll be keeping tabs on where you go, who you meet, and there will even be mandatory phone checks every week."

Sunoo gulped, looking across to Heeseung. The boy looked strangely calm, quite the opposite to Sunoo. He was freaking out, his relationship was on the line. He had originally hoped to just hide it really well, but now, that was impossible.

"I want you to be completely honest with me, if you're dating anyone, tell me now. I won't punish you, but I need to know." 

If he told him, would it stop them breaking up? Not likely. Sunoo battled this thought, his conscience telling him to speak the truth. Yet, that meant losing Sunghoon, something he couldn't do.

"I had a girlfriend in high school." Geonu blurted out.

"But are you still dating?"

"No."

"Then I don't need to hear it." Junseo groaned, rolling his eyes. He placed his hands flat on the table, a serious gaze falling upon the group. "If you're currently dating someone, tell me. If I find out you've withheld this information, it may affect your treatment in the group. Less screen time, lines, participation in promotions. It's in your best interest to speak up now."

It really was a harsh punishment, and devastatingly smart. It was the definition of hitting them where it hurts. Putting them at a disadvantage from the very start of their careers, who knows if it would ever improve. 

Sunoo couldn't take that risk, not after everything he worked for.

"I'm dating someone." Sunoo stated, leaving out the specifics. 

Riki's eyes widened, as he snapped his head towards Sunoo. He couldn't believe what Sunoo just said, knowing what the consequences would be. 

"I appreciate the honesty Sunoo, you have one week to break up with her." Junseo replied casually, jotting something down on the paper in front of him. "Anyone else?"

Tears welled in Sunoo's eyes, reality setting in. This was something he couldn't escape, he had no choice now. He had to do what Junseo told him,

He had to break up with Sunghoon.

The few tears that trickled down his cheeks, were wiped away by his sleeve. His hand was interlocked with Riki's, who gently rubbed the sad boys arm. A silent comfort, as Junseo reiterated his last question. 

"Last chance, is anyone else in a relationship?" He asked, staring out at the six boys. The room remained silent, so he took that as his answer. "Alright, I'll see you all tomorrow."

____

I think I originally said three uploads a week, but I have no idea if I'm actually doing that. So, I'm just gonna upload whenever I want. It'll probably be every other day.

Also, vote please😥