FATE

31.

The practice room door clicked shut, and Jeong practically leaped into Won's arms. "Finally! I thought we'd be stuck there forever."

Won chuckled, wrapping his arms around Jeong's waist. "Me too. Now, how about some celebratory cuddles?"

Jeong burrowed his face into Won's shoulder. "The best kind."

Whoa, PDA over here, hey. Stop it we're outside" Riki whispered.

Jeong finally pulled away from Won, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, come on, kiddo. Don't be a drama queen. We're just happy, that's all."

At the dorm, as they settled down for movie night, Won settled himself comfortably on Jeong's lap, resting his head against Jeong's shoulder. Taehyun sprawled on the floor dramatically, couldn't help but mutter, "Single life is a cruel mistress."

His outburst sent the rest of the group into peals of laughter. "Don't be jealous, Tae," Si-woo teased, nudging him with his elbow. "Maybe someone special will come along for you too."

Taehyun scoffed. "Yeah, right. In this world of JeongWon couple goals? No chance."

Jeong, stealing a bite of japchae, countered, "Hey, we're not trying to rub it in, Tae. We're just happy, that's all." Won nodded, his arm wrapped around Jeong's waist. "Besides," he added with a wink, "there are plenty of fish in the sea for you, single pringle."

Taehyun rolled his eyes again, a small smile playing on his lips. "Alright, alright, I'm not the only single here in this room haha" he conceded and glanced at Seo-hoon. "Just promise some public affection-free zones. A guy needs some space to breathe, you know?"

Jeong and Won exchanged a look, then burst out laughing. "Deal," Jeong said, wiping a tear from his eye. "But only sometimes, Tae. We can't promise anything."

Everyone laughed. Eun-hee and Si-woo secretly exchanged glances.

The door of their room clicked shut with a soft sigh, Jeong and Won collapsed onto the plush bed in a tangle of limbs and laughter. The weight of the glittering stage, the strained smiles for cameras – it all melted away the moment they were alone.

Jeong, usually the more reserved one, reached out first, his fingers tracing the line of Won's jaw. "The constant pressure, the fear...but we did it, love," he whispered, a soft smile curling his lips.

They stayed there for a moment, just basking in the quiet understanding that only they shared.

You were incredible on stage," Won murmured, his eyes filled with admiration. "Especially that last song. The one you wrote."

Jeong blushed. "You liked it? I poured everything... us... into that song."

Won gave a sweet kiss to his hyung. Jeong chuckled, swatting playfully at his hand. "You weren't bad yourself, oh mighty leader."

Won feigned hurt. "Is that all the respect you have for your boyfriend, the award-winning leader?"

Jeong's playful demeanor melted into something softer. "My incredibly talented, ridiculously handsome boyfriend," he amended, leaning in for a kiss. It started slowly, a gentle exploration, a whispered promise. Then, as if a dam had broken, it deepened a tangle of tongues and sighs.

They pulled away, breathless and flushed. Jeong rested his forehead against Won's, his voice low. "I'm so glad we have this, Kitty. This little world, just you and me."

Won squeezed his hand. "Me too, love. More than anything." He nuzzled his nose against Jeong's neck, a playful glint back in his eyes. "Now, how about we celebrate our victory... properly?"

Jeong raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk returning to his face. "Oh? Do tell me, what does my lifeline have in mind?"

Won grinned, his voice a teasing whisper. "Let's just say, our performance tonight wasn't the only thing these awards could win us."

Their laughter echoed through the room, a symphony of two hearts finally free to sing their song, a melody only they could hear. Tonight, the world outside ceased to exist. They were Jeong and Won, and in this little world, their love was the only award that mattered.