FATE

18.

The practice room buzzed with frenetic energy. EN- were in the midst of their world tour preparations. Sweat slicked their brows as they perfected complex dance routines, their synchronized movements a testament to months of grueling training.

Jeong-hyung moved with a focused intensity. His eyes, however, flickered towards Hae-won whenever he could steal a glance. Hae-won, ever the charmer, winked back subtly, a secret smile on his lips. "Alright, water break!" says their leader Hae-won.

"Excuse me, guys," Jeong-hyung said, his voice polite but firm. He grabbed a water bottle and walked towards a secluded corner, a place they'd discovered without cameras. Hae-won followed close behind.

The air crackled with unspoken desire as soon as they were out of sight. Jeong-hyung slammed Hae-won against the wall, his lips finding Hae-won's in a hungry kiss. Hae-won, ever the fire to Jeong-hyung's ice, melted into his touch, a low moan escaping his lips. Their hands explored each other, desperate for a stolen moment of intimacy amidst their whirlwind schedule.

"We don't have much time," Hae-won whispered breathlessly, pulling away reluctantly. Jeong-hyung cupped his face, his thumb brushing away a stray wisp of hair.

"Just a few more minutes," he pleaded, his voice husky. They stole a few more moments, quick, furtive touches that spoke volumes of their suppressed longing. A knock on the door startled them apart.

"Guys? You coming back?" Si-woo's voice cut through the tension. Jeong-hyung straightened Won and his clothes, a practiced smile plastered on his face. "Yeah, just a sec!" he called back. He cast a longing glance at Hae-won, who has the same sentiment.

Back in the practice room, they slipped back into their roles: flawless performers, hiding a secret as big as their dreams.

At the dorm, during late nights when everyone had settled into a quiet lull, Jeong-hyung crept out of his room. He tiptoed across the room. Reaching Hae-won's door, he gently nudged him awake.

"Love," Jeong-hyung whispered, his voice husky with sleep and unspoken desire.

Hae-won, ever in tune with Jeong-hyung, stirred and cracked open an eye. A sleepy smile curved his lips. "Hyung," he rasped, his voice thick with slumber. Their lips met in a soft collision, a stolen moment of affection amidst the chaos. The kiss deepened, a silent conversation of longing and unspoken promises. It wasn't much, but in their world of constant scrutiny, these stolen moments were precious.

They pulled away, both breathless. "We should be careful," Hae-won murmured, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Jeong-hyung's ear. "I know," Jeong-hyung sighed, running a tired hand through his hair. "But being this close to you, I just..."

Hae-won's smile turned playful. "Me too, hyung. Me too." He reached up and cupped Jeong-hyung's face, his thumb gently tracing the high cheekbone.

Suddenly, the doorknob rattled and opened the door. Both of them froze, their hearts pounding like drum solos.   

"Hyungs? Are you guys awake? Just want to say good night." Riki's voice was thick with sleep, he came from the bathroom.

"Just talking," Hae-won said quickly, shoving Jeong-hyung playfully. "Go back to sleep, kiddo." Riki mumbled a goodnight and shuffled back out, leaving Jeong-hyung and Hae-won. Damn it! I forgot to lock the door!

Both stared at each other. The hug deepened, an unspoken language passing between their bodies. Soft kisses were exchanged, hidden beneath the cover of darkness. They moved with a practiced caution, their movements fueled by stolen moments and the thrill of secrecy. The world tour was demanding, but they had each other, a secret shared in stolen moments, a love that thrived in the hidden corners of their hectic lives.