"Oh, I already knew that."
"WHAT." Hansol's jaw practically hit the floor. For a guy who'd been quiet and brooding for weeks, this was the most expression he'd shown his members in forever. Seungcheol let out a loud, amused chuckle, clearly enjoying Hansol's shock.
The older boy, ever the picture of nonchalance, grabbed a hoodie from a random pile of clothes and slung it over himself. "Come on, did you really think I wouldn't catch on after that kiss?" he said, his tone too casual for how much it unsettled Hansol.
Hansol froze, still reeling. "But... what if it was just a spontaneous kiss? What if we were just... caught up in the moment?"
"Please," Seungcheol scoffed, already halfway to sitting on the bed, legs crossed, like he didn't have a care in the world. His lack of urgency in the conversation was throwing Hansol off. If this wasn't serious to Seungcheol, why was it such a mess to him?
"Be real with yourself," Seungcheol added, staring at him with a look that said don't even try.
Hansol sank back into the bed, his disbelief still written across his face. "Wait, how did you even know? Was it Jeonghan?" He asked, an edge of panic creeping into his voice. Jeonghan was the master of gossip, after all.
Seungcheol nearly snorted as he pulled out his phone and started scrolling aimlessly. "Well partly, but it was Jisoo who brought up the suspicion recently. From there all it took was overhearing you and Jiyeon talking a few weeks ago."
Hansol blinked. "Jisoo?" He furrowed his brow. "How did he even—?"
Seungcheol just shrugged, unfazed. "Who knows? And Jihoon had his suspicions too, after your little recording session. And honestly, you can't deny the guy's a know-it-all." Seungcheol's tone had this lazy air to it, like all this new information didn't phase him one bit.
But Hansol couldn't get over it. He was floundering. How many people knew? How many had figured it out without him saying a word? This was all moving way faster than he was comfortable with.
Seungcheol let out a heavy sigh, the kind you give when you're almost sympathetic but not really. "Look, Hansol, most of us either know or we're pretty sure. I hate to break it to you, but you're not as sneaky as you think."
"Damn it," Hansol muttered, rubbing his temples in frustration. This wasn't how he'd imagined things would go. Not like this. He'd wanted to go slow, let things simmer with Nabi, let her adjust to their chaotic lives. Not have the whole group already watching them.
Seungcheol gave him a look, one that was both confused and kind. "Wait—what's wrong? Isn't it a good thing we know? It makes it easier, right?"
Hansol leaned back, trying to process everything Seungcheol was saying, but the words just weren't landing right. He managed a tired smile, trying to get his point across. "I just... wanted to take it slow with Nabi. Give her some time to get used to this... mess we call a life."
Seungcheol's expression softened, and he tossed his phone aside, clearly taking Hansol's feelings seriously for the first time that night. "I get it, and I respect that. That's why I haven't told the manager yet. But we need to be upfront with the company. For your safety, for her safety. If they know, we can keep things under wraps as much as possible."
It wasn't the easiest thing to hear, but it did make him feel a little better. Hansol let out a small breath, finally relaxing just a little. "Thanks," he muttered, almost shyly. "But... aren't you mad? You seemed pretty frustrated in the studio."
Seungcheol's lips curled into a half-smile, dimples making their appearance. "Hell no. Mingyu taught me a lesson about patience. Also, hearing Jihoon wanting me to redo all my lines wasn't exactly thrilling." They both chuckled dryly at the thought, the tension in the room finally dissipating, if only a little.
"Look," Seungcheol said, more seriously now, "we won't tell the others, alright? Even if they're suspicious. We'll leave them to figure it out. I'll talk to the company and see how we can make this work. Just don't stress about it."
Hansol let out a laugh, shaking his head. "You really think the company will just let us hang out in peace?"
Seungcheol's grin turned mischievous. "Well, it's either they agree or we all walk out of HYBE. Their choice."
Hansol couldn't help but laugh as they walked toward the HYBE café, the weight of the conversation still hanging over him.
"I can't believe Josh kept this quiet," he muttered, shaking his head.
Seungcheol snorted. "I know, right? I guess Han's rubbing off on him. About time, if you ask me."
Hansol smirked. "But, you said most people thought I was dating her. What did you mean by that?"
Seungcheol turned to him, as if the answer was obvious. "Dude, you and Nabi were the hot topic at the party last year. It wasn't exactly a secret." He chuckled at Hansol's bewildered face. "Sure, some people forgot, but between the random nights away, the kissing, and you being super awkward about it... come on, it was obvious."
Hansol froze, trying to remember just how obvious it really was. The whole thing felt so messy now, but Seungcheol's teasing was a welcome relief.
Before Hansol could say anything else, his eyes landed on Nabi, sitting at a table near Jiyeon. She was laughing at something Jiyeon had said, and for a moment, Hansol's heart swelled. He stopped in his tracks, unable to look away.
Seungcheol smirked, giving him a playful shove. "I'm happy for you, you know. Just—be careful with her, alright? And start thinking about this year's party, by the way. Hip-hop's handling the decorating."
Hansol shot him a glare. "Who the hell decided that?"
Seungcheol just shrugged, grinning. "Dunno, but I'm off to interrogate the guys. I don't care if it was anonymous—I'm finding out who voted for this."
