Sunoo groaned, feeling the familiar tug on his cheeks.
“Ni-ki!” he whined, glaring at the younger member who was now grinning ear to ear, thumbs still firmly pressing into the soft flesh of his face.
“I can’t help it!” Ni-ki exclaimed with faux innocence. “Your cheeks are just so squishy. It’s like they were made for this.”
Sunghoon chuckled from the couch, casually sipping his drink. “He’s not wrong, Sunoo. You’ve got the kind of face people just want to squish.” And before Sunoo could escape, Sunghoon’s hand darted out, pinching his cheek playfully.
Sunoo swatted at him with a huff, retreating to the kitchen. “You guys are so annoying!”
Jay and Jungwon exchanged knowing glances from their spot near the fridge. Sunoo stopped in his tracks when he noticed their mischievous expressions.
“What?” he asked warily, narrowing his eyes.
“Just saying hi,” Jungwon chirped innocently—right before delivering a playful smack to Sunoo’s backside.
“Yah! Jungwon!” Sunoo yelped, spinning around with an accusing glare.
“Sorry, I had to,” Jay added with a not-so-apologetic grin, his own hand landing on the same spot with an audible smack.
“Unbelievable,” Sunoo muttered, cheeks now flushed from embarrassment and mild irritation. “Is it national torment Sunoo day or something?”
Jake, seemingly the only one not participating in the cheek-squishing or butt-spanking chaos, appeared by his side. Sunoo sighed in relief, expecting a reprieve.
But then, Jake’s hand reached out, ruffling Sunoo’s perfectly styled hair.
“Jake!” Sunoo shrieked, frantically patting his head. “You ruined it!”
Jake laughed, throwing an arm around his shoulders. “Aw, come on, Sunny. You’re cute no matter what.”
Sunoo was about to retort when Ni-ki’s voice rang out from the living room.
“Hey, Sunoo! Can I squish your cheeks again?”
Sunoo buried his face in his hands. “I need new friends.” “This is my life now. A living stress ball.”
Ni-ki perked up at the comment. “Wait, are we allowed to call you that now? ‘Stress ball Sunoo’ has a nice ring to it!”
Before Sunoo could protest, Sunghoon leaned over and pinched his cheeks again, this time a little harder.
“Yup, definitely stress-relieving,” Sunghoon said smugly, dodging Sunoo’s flailing hands.
“Sunghoon!” Sunoo whined, standing up and dramatically pointing at all of them. “You’re all banned from touching me!”
The group collectively burst into laughter, and Sunoo felt his resolve falter. He puffed out his cheeks, crossing his arms.
“Aw, come on, Sunoo,” Jake said, sitting down beside him and throwing an arm over his shoulder. He began gently ruffling Sunoo’s hair again, much to Sunoo’s despair.
“Not the hair! I just fixed that!” Sunoo shouted, trying to push Jake away, but Jake only chuckled.
“Relax, you look cute either way,” Jake replied with a grin.
Just as Sunoo was about to retaliate, Jungwon walked by, casually delivering a sharp smack to Sunoo’s butt.
“Seriously, Jungwon?!” Sunoo shrieked, spinning around in disbelief.
