Off-Screen (무대아래에서) | Haobin

Group Meeting (조원들과 회의)

They spend their first precious half-day off moving more fully into their apartment and shopping for necessities. Hanbin's mom and dad move over most of his things from his room since he's so short on time, and Hyung is so polite and quiet when they come over that Hanbin finds his behavior both bizarre and cute. Hyung is usually polite, but rarely so quiet that Hanbin forgets he's there. Hyung thanks Hanbin's mother profusely for the banchan*, and looks overwhelmed -- but in a good way -- when Hanbin's mother makes them all rice and soup to eat dinner together.

After his parents leave, Hanbin texts the other group members to come to their room for a group meeting before bed. They trickle in in pairs over the next hour and pile on their small couch and sit on the floor around the tiny coffee table. Earlier that day, Hanbin and Hyung hung up signed and framed posters of GOT7 (Hyung's favorite group) that their manager gifted to Hyung, so the apartment feels a little less empty. Hanbin's mother also gave him some of his favorite decorations from her cafe that are displayed on the wall and around the kitchen, which makes Hanbin feel a little more at home, as well.

Most of the members are in their sleep clothes already. Gyubin is dozing on Ji-Ung's shoulder. Taerae is yawning, and his yawn spreads to Yujin.

Hanbin is more nervous than he thought he would be, but he's had to do much more frightening things in the past few months. He calls up his courage and straightens his composure.

"Hyung, what is it?" Gunwook asks him with focused attention. He's always been quick to read the room, and Hanbin appreciates that about him a lot. A few of the others stop talking and pay attention to Hanbin at Gunwook's question.

"I wanted to talk with you all about something," Hanbin starts, which pulls a few more of the members out of their conversations. Hyung also stops talking and focuses the members around him on Hanbin.

"Is this your leader speech?" Ji-Ung Hyung asks him. "I think we all already agree that you should be the leader. You don't have to convince us."

Hanbin can't hide his surprise, looking around at the tired faces nodding in confirmation. Hao Hyung is the only one who doesn't nod, looking down at the floor instead. Hanbin notes that and decides to ask him about it later.

"Actually, it's not. But. Wow, thank you. I didn't expect to hear that."

"We can vote if you want, but I'm pretty sure it's unanimous." Matthew glances around the room. "That's really not why you wanted us all to come over?"

"No. I." Hanbin glances at Hao Hyung, who meets his eye now and holds it. He nods, and it gives Hanbin some courage.

"Oh," Ricky says, looking between them. "Oh."

"It's about that." Ji-Ung Hyung looks down at his lap, smiling.

Hanbin clears his throat again, and this time his voice is steady when it comes out.

"I think most of you are already aware that Hao Hyung is special to me." Hanbin looks around the room and catches smiles that are quickly hidden and some nods. Gunwook does the best job of them all at keeping his face straight as he nods. Hanbin feels his ears turn pink. "It wasn't my intention to hide our relationship. I hope it didn't seem that way. But I also don't want you to feel that we give each other special treatment."

"Of course we give each other special treatment, that's kind of the point..." Hao Hyung interjects, a slight smile on his lips. Yujin is the only one who looks confused. Taerae and Ricky hide smiles again, and there's some giggling from Gyubin's direction.

"Hyung." Hanbin feels the pink in his ears travel down his neck. "Not right now."

Hao Hyung smirks a little.