STRAIGHTIES - a Stray Kids × Ateez fanfic

INTERMISSION IV

in the shared dorm

"Have I told you? I'm dating someone."

"What? Who?" Yeosang paused the game on his phone and focused on Jongho.

"Ok, I'm not supposed to let you know but...it's Bang Chan!" Jongho said excitedly.

"Wha- Bang Chan from Stray Kids? You're joking, right?"

"Why would I be? He's nice and we get along. We even wrote songs together."

"Still, isn't it kind of...weird? Y'know, 'cause we're dormmates?"

"Hey, I didn't literally expose myself just to hear your preaching. I thought you'd be happy for me" Jongho pouted.

"No, I am...But I still think it's weird."

"Pfff, whatever. Go back to your stupid games."

Meanwhile Seonghwa, who only wanted to grab something to eat from the kitchen, had heard the whole conversation. He suddenly felt dizzy, remembering Hongjoong's words about protecting the maknaes, and a bad feeling settled inside his stomach. What would he say when he found out that Jongho was dating a guy three years older than him? Not only that, but the fact that Bang Chan was the leader in his group convinced Seonghwa that he ought to act immediately.

He emerged from the kitchen and walked up to Jongho and Yeosang.

"Hey, Jongho. Come with me. Now"

Jongho was startled.
"Huh? Why?"

"Don't ask questions. Yeosang, stay here"

"What the..." he whispered, pausing the game again. "Where did he even come from?"

Seonghwa grabbed Jongho's arm and forced him out of the dorm, leading him to Hongjoong's room. He knocked twice.

"Come in"

Seonghwa opened the door. Hongjoong looked up and his expression changed from a completely neutral one to a completely terrified one.

"Don't tell me..."

"I'm telling you."

"Fuck...Alright, emergency meeting in two. Bring them here."

"Noted" Seonghwa left the room.

"What is going on? Joong?"

"Jongho, please, sit down. We'll explain everything.

two minutes later, everyone is gathered in Hongjoong's room

Chan looked at his members one by one.
"Why are we here?"

"Long story" Han replied.

"Yep, you're in for a ride now" Minho added in agreement.

"I don't understand, what is the problem?" Jongho asked, scooting a bit closer to Chan.

Sensing how Joong was in no place to answer, Yunho took over his role and stepped in the middle of the circle they had created.

"Let's...make it brief. You two are dating, right?"

Jongho nodded hesitantly.

"Turns out we couldn't protect you, huh? Nevermind, it is what it is now. I'm gonna put it out there: every single person you see here is in a relationship with each other."

"What did you say?"

"Han, is that true?"

"Uh, yes"

"Oh, my god"

"It's ok Chan, you don't have to feel bad about it." Hyunjin patted him on the shoulder. "We all did it knowing the consequences damn well."

Hongjoong spared him a glare but soon relaxed as Felix comforted him.

"Anyway" Yunho continued "what we really want to say to you is...stop laughing, Mingi."

"Sorry" Mingi apologised and stopped poking Minho's butt, who was fuming internally.

"Oh, to hell with it, I'll say it myself"
Hongjoong approached Jongho and Chan.
"Don't reveal this to anyone. Ever"

"E-everyone?" Jongho asked, not daring to raise his eyes.

"Yeah, why?"

Seonghwa suddenly remembered the one thing he had forgot to mention.

"I might've...kinda...told Yeosang earlier."

That was it. Hongjoong went crazy and Minho finally fainted.