Fate | Jakehoon

chapter 30: you can feel it on the way home

2023
Saitama, Japan
9th of December

"Where's Jay hyung?" it's the first question Jungwon asks when he steps out of their dressing room.

"Over there," Heeseung points to Jay's direction. The latter was stopped by Yunjin a moment ago as he was returning from the bathroom with Sunghoon and Heeseung.

They're at the Belluna Dome in Japan for the KBS Song Festival, which is held both here and in Korea this year. The artists' dressing rooms are located just outside the main arena, close enough to be convenient but still requiring a short bus ride, which KBS has arranged.

"What's so funny?" Sunghoon catches Jungwon  mumble under his breath and glances to see Jay and Yunjin laughing.

"She's not going to steal him from you," Sunghoon utters quietly, trying to contain a chuckle, which causes Jungwon to whip his head around in surprise.

"What?"

"Hey, everyone!" a familiar figure waves, heading towards them while passing right by Jay and Yunjin.

"K hyung!" Heeseung greets their friend, who's brought Nicholas, Taki and Harua with him.

"Hello, Jungwon hyung!" Harua says with enthusiasm, but Jungwon's gaze is locked on Jay.

Sunghoon sighs internally because as Jake had said, Jungwon is probably clueless about his own feelings for Jay. He gently elbows Jungwon to grab his attention.

"Huh?" Jungwon turns to him and finally notices what's going on. "Oh, hi Harua," he greets the younger boy, who smiles widely.

Sunghoon finds it endearing since Harua is a big fan of Jungwon and really admires him. And that means a lot to Jungwon, hence why he has taken Harua out to eat and befriended him.

"How are you guys?" Nicholas asks.

"Excited, but a little tired," Sunghoon replies. He's only gotten a three hours of sleep last night, but at least he'll gain more energy after eating lunch.

"I'm not surprised with your schedules," Taki remarks. "I've texted Ni-Ki a few times to hang out and he's been busy every time," he frowns.

"Yeah, we've had to fly to the U.S. for some of our comeback promotions and then practice for the award shows and festivals," Jungwon says.

"How are you holding up with everything?" K asks.

"It's manageable. We're going to Tokyo tomorrow and we'll have a few days off there," Heeseung smiles.

"That's good," K pats his shoulder.

"Hey there," Jay joins their conversation, shaking hands with all the &Team members. "What's up?"

"Nothing much since we've last talked. Anything up with you?" K raises an eyebrow.

"Not really."

"You seemed chatty with Yunjin-ssi over there," K glances at Yunjin, who's now conversing with her teammate in the same spot.

"She asked me something about the electric guitar since we both play," Jay says.

"Ooo," K and Nicholas taunt him.

"Don't start," Jay shakes his head with a sigh. "She's just a friend."

"Oh? You're friends now?" K looks surprised.

"We've been friends for some time."

"You didn't mention it."

"I didn't think it mattered?"