Off-Screen (무대아래에서) | Haobin

LA

Ricky's in the best mood Hanbin has witnessed from him in the days leading up to their LA trip. He won't stop speaking in English to them, insisting that he's teaching them. They do learn a lot of cute phrases to say to their American fans from him, but it's annoying that they can't understand him half the time, especially when they can only understand him three-quarters of the time when he speaks in Korean. Matthew is a little more subdued, but still in a visibly good mood leading up to their flight to LA. Hao Hyung seems more excited about the Gucci travel clothes they get to wear in the airport than the actual trip. The rest of the members mostly seem nervous to be going to another country again where the language will pose a significant barrier for them. They all know a little English, but not enough to get by if Matthew or Ricky lost them somewhere. Hanbin gets a headache just thinking about trying to navigate both the technical and language barriers of performing at another convention in another country. Japan was exciting as their first performances for a live audience as a group, but also confusing and stressful because they were often left alone without translators. Hanbin suspects LA will be similar as it's the same convention organizers.

He sits between Yujin and Gunwook on the flight to LA. They also flew business class on the way to Japan, but the flight to America is a lot longer, so Hanbin appreciates the pricier seats. When Yujin falls asleep, Gunwook taps Hanbin gently on the knee.

"Did you find out anything?"

"What?" Hanbin just blinks at him.

"About... Matthew," Gunwook whispers. Matthew is sleeping a few seats over next to Gyubin, his head resting on a travel pillow. He's snoring and drooling a little, so Hanbin is certain he's asleep. Yujin is also sleeping soundly with his headphones on, so this is as much privacy as they can expect.

Hanbin leans close to Gunwook and lowers his voice until it's barely audible before he says, "He's not with Ji-Ung Hyung, and he's not interested in Ji-Ung Hyung anymore."

Gunwook's big eyes turn bright and a smile creeps onto his face.

"What about me?"

"Did you... want me to ask about you?" Hanbin blinks at him again in confusion. He's tired, but he's trying to stay awake so he'll actually sleep at night when he gets to LA. He read that's the best way to fend off jetlag when there's a big time difference. "I thought if I asked about you it would give away your feelings for him..."

"Oh, right. But did you find out anything else?"

"He's... not interested in dating anyone older," Hanbin says hesitantly and sighs when he sees Gunwook perk up again. "And if someone likes him -- more than just a crush -- he wants them to tell him. He says he won't act 'weird' about it."

Gunwook sinks back in his chair and just stares ahead of him for a few moments.

"Oh shit. Do I need to tell him?" Gunwook whispers eventually.

"Is it more than a crush?" Hanbin whispers back, resisting the urge to scold him for cursing.

"I think so."

"You still don't have to tell him. If you're worried about your friendship, that's... a real concern." Hanbin pats Gunwook's hand in reassurance. "But, I think he will be understanding if you do decide to tell him. Even if he doesn't return your feelings, I don't think he'll start to act strange around you. Matthew is relaxed about certain things, and this is one of them."

"What would you do?" Gunwook asks him.

Hanbin is exhausted, but he tries to wake his brain up enough so he can answer Gunwook's earnest question with some measure of thoughtfulness.